Villeurbanne (AFP)
Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne, who led 52-43 at halftime, disappointed greatly by losing 95-89 to German club Alba Berlin, Thursday in their hall at Astroballe, at the end of a match of the 29th day that he looked like he had to win.
The Villeurbanese club, which had already lost pitifully by a point in the first leg, in the very last seconds (76-75), conceded its third defeat in a row in European competition (17 in total for 12 successes), four if we add that lost at home against Dijon on Tuesday in the French league.
If Asvel (13th) can no longer hope to reach the Top 8 and qualify for the play-offs, the end of the season has at least a financial interest, even if it is limited.
From the 14th rank, each club receives a bonus of 150,000 euros to which can also be added 50,000 euros per place won in the Top 14.
Berlin, 15th in the standings (11 wins, 18 defeats) found it very difficult to exist in the face of the physical density of Asvel in the first half.
But the Villeurbanne, less invested in the defensive phase after the break, let go from the third quarter lost time 27-21.
They revived their opponents led by Peyton Siva (21 points) who notably allowed his team to take the advantage in the 26th minute on a three-point shot (63-62).
For its part, Asvel, deprived of his master to play David Lighty, suffering and remained on the bench, managed to return to the 77-77 mark seven minutes from the end and especially by Norris Cole with a shot to two points, one minute 15 seconds from the siren, but nothing could turn the situation around.
And this despite the performances of Guerschon Yabusele (20 pts), William Howard (15 pts), Norris Cole (12 pts) and Ismaël Bako (12 pts).
© 2021 AFP