Paris (AFP)
First part of the contract fulfilled for Asvel.
Villeurbanne, in search of a national double, began by pocketing the Coupe de France after its 77-61 success against Dijon in the final Saturday at Paris-Bercy.
The JDA was no match for the Villeurbanese workforce built for the Euroleague.
Totally focused on winning French trophies since the end of his European campaign two weeks ago, Tony Parker's club did not fail during his first meeting on Saturday.
Asvel made the gap shortly before half-time (41-31) on Joan of Arc - the name behind the initials JDA - which found itself without a solution in the face of the defensive aggressiveness of the men by TJ Parker.
After having drawn little at the start of the game, the Dijonnais then often forced their attempts for a poor success (34%).
A consequence of the intractable defense of Villeurbanne - like the four blocks of Moustapha Fall - which in addition was not clumsy against the basket.
Evidenced by the magnificent launch of Paul Lacombe succeeded from mid-field in the third quarter (53-42).
Yes, Dijon had won its two Championship games this season against Asvel, the last of which was less than two months ago at Astroballe (84-76).
Yes, the Burgundians were the last winners of a trophy in France, the Leaders Cup, 14 months ago against Asvel (77-69).
But this time, the villeurbannais collective confirmed on the floor, the imbalance of the poster in the balance sheets (EUR 11.8 million against 4.5).
Asvel's growth goes through undisputed supremacy in France before aiming higher in the Euroleague with which it has an agreement in principle for a license guaranteeing a place in the premier basketball competition in Europe for ten years.
It remains now for Villeurbanne, fourth in the Championship, to secure a place for the Final 8 of the Elite.
The last part of the contract.
© 2021 AFP