Paris (AFP)
The Lyonnaises de l'Asvel, victorious over Prague USK 85 to 74, advanced to the quarterfinals of the Euroleague on Thursday during the 5th day, while Bourges, who achieved the feat of beating Galatasaray 87 to 80, remains in the race.
The Lyonnaises ensured their qualification after a match mastered from start to finish in the health bubble installed in Prague.
Carried by a well-oiled collective with four players over 10 points, ASVEL was not worried by Czechs whose leaders Candice Dupree and Katerina Elhotova were not up to the event.
Only Maria Condé (18 points) and Marija Rezan (16 points) survived.
Asvel was able to count on his pivot Helena Ciak, author of 15 points and 6 rebounds, Sara Chevaugeon (13 points) and interior Aleksandra Crvendakic (15 points).
Their solid contribution kept the French champions out of the hands of the Pragoises.
If the victory of the players of Valery Demory is not surprising, the exploit of the day is to the credit of Bourges who beat to the general surprise the Turks of Galatasaray.
This Bourges-Galatasaray counting for the third day had been postponed, the Turkish team deploring many cases of covid-19.
This is the first victory for the French in Group D.
The Tango, which played its survival in the competition, thus relaunched in the race for qualification, after three initial defeats.
Isabelle Yacoubou's teammates (17 points, 4 rebounds and 23 ratings) still occupy the last place in the group with 5 points, tied with Basket Landes.
They will have to fill up on points to hope to reach the quarters.
Starting with the reunion with Galatasaray on Friday evening, before a last match against Basket Landes of the emblematic Céline Dumerc on Sunday.
In the other posters, Ekaterinburg beat Girona 90-83, Izmit was dominated by Kursk (61-65), while Riga lost to Schio (68-78).
© 2021 AFP