We can choose the first European final in its history to afford the most insane points difference of its season. Lyon Asvel Féminin indeed corrected Galatasaray, a big name in basketball, by 39 points on Wednesday. Yes yes, thirty-nine points (95-56)! From kick-off to the mind-blowing nightclub atmosphere after the final whistle, with Gala and Magic System shots, the Lyonnaises reigned supreme in this Eurocup final first leg. Transcended by this meeting, exceptionally disputed at the Astroballe, which showed a hell of a crowd for the occasion (4,425 spectators), the players of David Gautier martyred the Turkish ogre in the first half (50-28, 20th ).
“I could never have imagined that, savored the Asvel coach after this crazy evening. The girls have been fantastic. We had targeted our opponent on aggression. » Embodied by the drives confusing with a Gabby Williams on fire (20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists) and the heroic defense of Sandrine Gruda on Teaira McCowan (2.01 m), this aggressiveness was the key factor in this “team victory “, Associated with a diabolical address (58.3%, including a superb 13/27 at three points).
“It was even better than a dream”
“We didn’t expect to win by 39 points, but it’s deserved, underlined the tricolor international Gabby Williams on Skweek after the meeting. We also want to win the second match to prove that we are the best team in the Eurocup. This success and that against Bourges on Sunday (90-76) show that we can play against these big teams and return to the Euroleague. “If this Asvel has made an appointment for next season with the most prestigious European event (after a quarter-final in 2021 in the event), it will validate next Wednesday (7 p.m.) in Istanbul, in a crazy atmosphere. (about 15,000 Turkish supporters) his first European title, given the gap in this first leg.
“It was even better than a dream but we do not get carried away, tried to qualify the deputy president of the club Marie-Sophie Obama. We were real lionesses on the pitch, taking Galatasaray by the throat, but this team did not play at their level and have a lot of resources. “To the point of interrupting the crazy series of 19 consecutive successes of Lyonnaises aiming for a hat-trick (championship-Coupe de France-Eurocoupe), and this with a gap of 40 bridges? We dare not consider such a comeback, also given the sparkling form of Marine Johannès (25 points at 8/17 on shots Wednesday). “We have had difficulties in recent years, recalled the spectacular rear of Les Bleues. But now we have a group that lives well together off the pitch, and it shows on the floor. It was a crazy match. “A year after the success of Bourges against Venice, the Eurocup is almost certain to remain French this season.