Vladimir Garkov and Saint-Nazaire recorded their 13th loss of the season, this time as guests against the last-placed team, Ajaccio, who prevailed after a dramatic tie-break.
The match ended: Ajaccio – Saint-Nazaire 3:2 (25:22, 19:25, 25:20, 24:26, 19:17) in two hours and seven minutes of play.
The visitors managed to equalize after the hosts took a 2:1 lead, and in the fourth set, Saint-Nazaire showed character and forced the match into a decisive fifth set. However, Garkov's team missed an excellent opportunity to leave with the win after the tie-break went into extended play.
A key factor in the final set proved to be the block, which tipped the scales in favor of Ajaccio and brought the Corsicans valuable two points. Despite the success, they remain last, three points behind Chaumont.
Vladimir Garkov's performance
The Bulgarian international finished with:
11 points
+8 efficiency
1 block
77% attack efficiency
Garkov made episodic appearances in the first three sets but remained on the court during the fourth and the tie-break when Saint-Nazaire was looking for a comeback.
Three of the visitors' players finished with double-digit points, but it wasn't enough against Ajaccio's inspired leader.
Martins Da Pinto was outstanding for the winners, exploding with 31 points.
After the defeat, Saint-Nazaire remains 11th with 19 points, the same as 12th-placed Paris.
On February 14, Vladimir Garkov's team hosts Sète in an attempt to get back on the winning track.
Ajaccio, in turn, recorded a valuable victory but continues to be last, albeit with hope of escaping the bottom.
