Faced with Real Madrid, one of the heavyweights of the Euroleague, Asvel fought, but finally gave in (87-74) on Tuesday during the 10th day of the regular season. The Villeurbanese team now has six wins and four defeats in its 2021-2022 campaign. Against Real, it paid each time a failed start to the period.
From the first minutes, Asvel was indeed left behind (15-3, 3rd) by Real Madrid where Fabien Causeur was already emerging (10 points in five minutes). But the players coached by TJ Parker were courageous and, as the break approached, they were only six points behind (48-42, 18th).
Up to 21 points behind
Upon returning from the locker room, the Spaniards however moved forward and quickly widened the gap (62-47, 25th). And, at the start of the fourth and last quarter, they had a lead of up to 21 units (75-54, 32nd). But, once again, Asvel has not abdicated. In two minutes, driven in particular by the three-point success of Osetkowski, Lacombe and Strazel, she inflicted a 16-3 to Real (78-70, 34th) and thus regained hope.
Two three-point shots from Rudy Fernandez, however, gave the air to Madrid (84-72, 38th), and this time the Villeurbanne were not able to react. Elie Okobo was the most prominent within Asvel, with his 26 points, also well supported by Dylan Osetkowski (14 pts) and Chris Jones (12).
The French at Real shone. Fabien Causeur finished the match with 25 points (in just 18 minutes), followed by Guerschon Yabusele (18 pts). Vincent Poirier (six points, three rebounds) and Thomas Heurtel (two points) were more discreet.