For the first time in its history in Euroleague, Asvel won three consecutive victories. After beating FC Barcelona then Partizan Belgrade, the Villeurbannaise team triumphed over Olympiakos Piraeus (77-75), who were second in the standings, Thursday during the 14th day of the regular season. Beyond this superb result, what should also be remembered is that Asvel has recovered a liability of 21 points.
Asvel returns in the last quarter
Having conceded in quick succession three three-point shots from Kostas Sloukas, Isaiah Canaan and Sasha Vezenkov, the team coached by TJ Parker quickly found themselves behind (18-8, 5th). At the break, the Greeks had widened the gap further (47-31), before increasing their maximum lead to 21 units (54-33, 24th).
But patiently Asvel erased its delay. At the end of the third quarter, Olympiakos still had an eleven point lead (61-50). But, from the start of the last quarter, the Villeurbannais, in turn, chained to three points, by Antoine Diot and David Lighty, and the gap melted. One followed mano a mano. And, 1”37 from the buzzer, De Colo made two free throws, which allowed Asvel to lead for the first time of the evening (74-73).
Noua delivers Asvel
Piraeus replied 30 seconds from the end, by Giannoulis Larentzakis (75-74). But a three-point shot from Amine Noua, well served by Nando De Colo, finally gave victory to the Villeurbannaise team. There was 0”1 left to play. In the fourth quarter alone, Asvel will have passed a 27-14 to Olympiacos.
TJ Parker’s players won thanks to their collective (14 points for Jonah Mathews and Charles Kahudi, 13 for Amine Noua and Nando De Colo). Opposite, Sasha Vezenkov was the most productive (16 pts). In the standings, the Greek team has dropped to fourth place, while De Colo and his teammates are 12th. Next Thursday they will challenge Real Madrid.