Paris (AFP)
Villeurbanne returned to success by winning in difficulty on the floor of Cholet 82 to 73, Sunday in the middle of the afternoon, on behalf of the 4th day of Elite, in particular thanks to a huge performance by Paul Lacombe.
Asvel traveled to the Meilleraie Choletaise with two fewer players from its squad, tested positive for Covid-19, as did head coach TJ Parker.
It is therefore under the orders of Freddy Fauthoux, deputy of Parker but promoted by the circumstances, that the Villeurbannais have found a little smile, ensuring the essential after two losses in Elite in Dijon (81-74) and Bourg-en-Bresse (104-102 AD).
Fauthoux will be able to thank Paul Lacombe, who saved his team from another defeat in the French Championship.
The former Monegasque ended the game as the top scorer with 21 points and 29 ratings.
It was he who made the crucial counter on Michael Stockton while Cholet had the opportunity to return to a point from Asvel within three minutes (74-71).
And it was he who took the offensive rebound in stride to deliver the assist to Amine Noua at three points (77-71).
The Villeurbannais have two wins and two losses in the league and will now try to win their first victory in the Euroleague (they lost in Valencia and Milan) during the double reception of the Greeks of Panathinaikos on Tuesday and the Serbs of the Red Star of Belgrade Thursday.
With a sword of Damocles above his head: the PCR tests that will be carried out in the coming days.
In Euroleague, if a squad is placed in quarantine, the match is lost 20-0, Euroleague basketball having opted for this solution and not for the postponement of the match.
© 2020 AFP