On Friday, October 9, the third day of the ÉLITE 2 basketball league confirmed the emerging trends at both ends of the rankings. After a night filled with suspense, the standings took on a highly symbolic shape: Denain Voltaire and ALM Évreux secured the top positions, each with three victories in three matches. This is particularly notable for Évreux, a Norman club that defied expectations despite having the smallest budget and lowest payroll in the division. Évreux's success is a strong story for the start of the season. On the road against JA Vichy, who were missing key player Elian Benitez, Évreux delivered a decisive victory (81-93). The team's performance was highlighted by a strong transition game, effective ball control (24 decisive passes for 12 turnovers), and an impressive three-point shooting performance (10/22, or 45%). They overcame a poor start to the match and confirmed their status as a surprise contender, proving that financial resources do not always dictate success on the court. Denain Voltaire, who remain in first place, continued their undefeated streak with a hard-fought win over Levallois (78-71). The northern club relied on their experience in the final quarter, with Oscar Wembanyama delivering his best professional performance (17 points and 5 rebounds, for 23 points of evaluation). This followed his 16-point game in the Coupe de France a few days earlier. Caen, the third undefeated team in the league (3-0), secured a 90-77 victory over Hyères-Toulon. With the third-highest payroll in ÉLITE 2, the Norman club is currently outperforming last season's results and completing the podium. Meanwhile, Châlons-Reims (5th) bounced back from a -25 loss to Denain last week, defeating Aix-Maurienne decisively (87-59, +28). Valentin Vitale-Boiteux contributed significantly with 21 points and 25 points of evaluation, possibly seeking revenge against his former club. Poitiers (12th) also had a strong performance, defeating Nantes (90-73) in a rematch of last year's playoff semifinal, despite missing their captain Kevin Harley. Norman clubs are clearly having a good season, while Antibes is playing the role of the troublemaker. In the match between promoted teams, Le Havre (4th) emerged as a solid winner at home against Fos Provence Basket (94-79), thanks to a dominant physical presence in the paint (36 rebounds to 28, 35/50 to 2-points). Fos Provence Basket, however, is currently last with a 0-3 record, partly due to the Monaco saga that affected their draft at the end of August. Saint-Chamond (14th) won its match at La Rochelle (81-84) thanks to its three-point shooting accuracy in the final quarter (8/10). The Rochelais are still weakened by injuries, including Bensley Joseph, who is out with an adductor injury, and Jase Townsend, whose pigiste (a player who fills in for a regular player) has not yet arrived. In other results, Rouen (17th) tied with their opponent, Blois, after a tactical duel (85-78). Antibes (6th) also emerged victorious in a close match against Orléans (89-85). The Sharks, whose roster was rebuilt to 80% this summer, aim to be the troublemaker and a good surprise of the league, as stated by coach JD Jackson in an interview with Ici Azur. The only match remaining is between Quimper and the ASA, scheduled for tomorrow at 8:00 p.m.