Villeurbanne (AFP)
Despite a completely failed start to the match, Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne, led by sixteen points in the first half, won 90 to 84 on Friday in their room at the Astroballe in Villeurbanne at the expense of Russian club Khimki Moscow on behalf of the 15th day of Euroleague basketball.
This is the second consecutive victory for the Rhone team after that obtained Wednesday against Maccabi Tel Aviv, still at home (84-81), the fifth since the start of the competition.
Asvel, who will host the leader, CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, ranks 15th in the standings including Khimki, who has won only twice, remains last despite his 25 million euros budget, the 4th in the Euroleague, double that of Villeurbanne.
Weak in defense, the Villeurbannes, with only three interceptions in the first twenty minutes, eight lost balls and a weak 4/11 three-point (36.4%), left the Moscow team to impose its rhythm and take control of the part.
The Khimki, ahead of the score at the end of the first quarter time (29-20), even led by 16 points (41-25, 16th) in the second quarter, however won by Villeurbanne (23-22) who thus returned at -8 at halftime (51-43).
But the face of TJ Parker's team changed dramatically in the second half of the game with a vigorous reaction.
With an aggressiveness finally found leaving only two three-point baskets to Khimki, the Rhone managed to return to one point twice in the 23rd and 26th minutes (55-56 then 63-64) before finally taking the advantage ( 64-66, 26th) on a three-point throw from Guerschon Yabusele, sparkling author of 20 points.
The French international Mustapha Fall (16 pts) and the American David Lighty (14 pts), determining, were the other strong men of Asvel, superior to the rebound (33 against 29) while posting a good percentage at two points (22/39, 56.4%) but also a decisive efficiency in free throws (22/27, 81.5%).
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