Despite a very good first half, ASVEL again lost (89-85) on Friday evening at the Astroballe during the 32nd day of the Euroleague against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, whom they haven’t beaten at home for six years. Villeurbanne remains at the bottom of the standings.
It was almost too good to last. Despite a very good period that suggested ASVEL would finally achieve success against Maccabi Tel-Aviv, they were once again defeated (89-85) by the Israelis on Friday night at the Astroballe in the 32nd day of the Euroleague.
For the last-placed team, who were previously beaten in Israel (92-84) by Jaylen Hoard’s teammates (8 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists), to finally overcome their black beast in the competition (only 2 wins out of 13 defeats since 2000), Pierric Poupet’s players needed to continue their first 24-minute festival after the break (52-38 for ASVEL).
The euphoria, especially from long range thanks to Glynn Watson being nearly 100% behind the line (3 out of 5), in the first half unfortunately gave way to a slight return to form for the Rhodanians after the break, suddenly lacking accuracy and unable to regain their tempo from the first half.
Roman Sorkin, shining with 23 points, and Maccabi took advantage to come back within a few lengths and then take the lead for the first time in the game against an ASVEL team that was unrecognizable compared to the first half.
Fortunately for Pierric Poupet and his men, Villeurbanne regained their momentum in the final quarter, paradoxically without their best player Watson, who was forced to leave due to injury. This allowed them to stay in the game and keep hope of winning until the end despite the incredible finish by Tamir Blatt (14 points, 13 assists), who was ruthless with long shots and playmaking.
Trailing by three points with 20 seconds left, ASVEL ultimately lost after Edwin Jackson (4 points, 2 assists) missed a crucial free throw. It seemed that Maccabi would once again play a nasty trick on their favorite victim in the Euroleague.
