SLUC Nancy, a French basketball club, has returned to European competition after a long absence. The team, which last appeared in European competitions a decade ago and won the Korac Cup in 1999, now participates in the FIBA Europe Cup for the 2026/27 season. This marks a new phase in the club’s revival, which began when it re-entered the elite of French basketball in 2022. On Tuesday, October 6, the Lorraine-based team opened the group phase with a hard-fought 66-65 victory over the Austrian team BC Vienne at the Palais des Sports Jean-Weille. The return to continental competition was a long-awaited milestone for SLUC Nancy fans, but it came with challenges. The match against BC Vienne was tightly contested, with SLUC leading by as much as 19 points in the first half. However, the Austrian team fought back, and the game became a tense battle in the final moments. Coach Sylvain Lautié’s team eventually held on for a narrow one-point win, securing a strong start to their European campaign. The game was marked by defensive intensity from both sides, with SLUC struggling to find offensive success. Their shooting percentage was only 35%, a result of strong defense that limited access to the basket. The first half saw a tightly contested battle, with each possession proving critical. In the second half, BC Vienne pushed SLUC back, but the French team’s defensive effort and key stops in the paint helped them maintain their slim lead. Coach Sylvain Lautié acknowledged areas for improvement after the match, noting that the team had reduced turnovers compared to a previous loss. However, he expressed concerns about defensive rebounds, which were slightly worse than BC Vienne’s. The absence of point guard Michael Weathers, who was present in the stands and appeared fit, was felt, but the team was well-supported by Marcus Hammond, a new recruit who contributed 19 points. This victory, though not a dominant performance, is crucial for SLUC Nancy as they face a competitive group with six teams vying for two qualification spots. The club’s leadership has emphasized this European campaign as a key part of their long-term ambitions. With a strong start, SLUC Nancy now looks ahead to their first away game in European competition.