Sentinels Edge Vipers 98-95 in Riveting Pro League Opener; Diaz Delivers
Diaz Leads Paris in Nail-Biter, Sentinels Stun Vipers
By Sarah Davies
PARIS – The Paris Sentinels kicked off their Pro League campaign with a hard-fought 98-95 victory over the Los Angeles Vipers tonight at the sold-out Parc des Princes Arena. A clutch late-game performance from Luna Diaz and crucial defensive stops in the final minute secured the win, setting an electric tone for the season.
The Vipers came out with aggressive offensive intent, with Zara Ali and Kenzo Okada trading early buckets. However, the Sentinels answered back, with Diaz orchestrating the offense and finding her rhythm. A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Diaz drained a key three-pointer, igniting the home crowd and giving Paris a slim lead they wouldn’t relinquish easily.
Los Angeles mounted a furious comeback in the fourth quarter, powered by Léa Roux’s scoring and Kenzo Okada’s relentless rebounding. With under two minutes remaining, the Vipers closed the gap to a single point. But the Sentinels’ defense, anchored by strong rebounding from Liam O’Sullivan, forced a crucial turnover. Caleb Singh then converted a vital free throw, pushing the lead to two possessions.
“This was a statement win for us,” said Sentinels Head Coach Antoine Dubois. “The Vipers are a talented team, and to come out with a win like this shows the heart and determination of our players.”
Diaz, who finished with a game-high 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, emphasized teamwork. “We stayed composed, trusted each other, and executed when it mattered most. Everyone contributed.”
Key Notes:
- Paris Sentinels shot 82.8% from the free-throw line (24/29).
- Los Angeles Vipers recorded 9 blocks in the contest.
- Liam O’Sullivan (PAR) led all players with 10 rebounds.
- The Sentinels held a 2.0 Assist/Turnover ratio (18 assists, 9 turnovers).