Paris (AFP)

Villeurbanne failed to beat AX Milan on Friday, during the second evening of the Euroleague men's basketball, and the final score (87-73) reflects the efficiency gap between strong Italians and clumsy French people.

Led by only three points (20-17) after a first quarter devoted to organizing its defense, Asvel returned to only one point from the restart, but a three-point basket from Rodriguez immediately dampened the enthusiasm of the French, first victims of a scathing 7-2 in two minutes then left behind 31-20 after the next two.

The second quarter was logically weighed down by this failed start but the gap, which briefly reached 12 points, narrowed thanks to a superb three-point basket from William Howard, unopposed.

Then Asvel even came back to four points (40-36) thanks to a good collective streak, finally, concluded by Amine Noua.

Led 45-40 at the break, Asvel was not doing so badly, around a solid Moustapha Fall.

"We must first make efforts in defense," said TJ Parker.

But his players immediately lost attacking balls, continued to miss free throws and were punished, despite the return of Guerschon Yabusele, cured of the coronavirus: 57-45 then 59-47 for Milan (+12) , everything had to be redone.

The gap became reasonable again, 61-54 at the start of the last period, thanks to an encouraging 16-14 in the third quarter.

And Asvel came back to four points (61-57) again thanks to Yabusele, but Milan, carried by Sergio Rodriguez and Luigi Datome, gave a big boost to break away: 78-62 (+16) to four minutes from the buzzer.

This is the second defeat in the Euroleague for the men of TJ Parker, Tony's younger brother, who had narrowly lost in Valencia (65-63).

It also comes after a short loss in Elite (104-102), last Sunday against Bourg-en-Bresse.

Three opportunities to redeem and relaunch will happen very quickly: Sunday in Cholet in Elite, then Tuesday and Thursday at Astroballe, again in Euroleague, against Panathinaikos and Red Star Belgrade.

This is Villeurbanne's second season in a row in the Euroleague and the pace is picking up.

© 2020 AFP