Villeurbanne (AFP)
Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne conceded Thursday in their hall at Astroballe de Villeurbanne their first defeat of the season against Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv (93-85) after a match on the 4th day of Euroleague during which the champions of France have almost always been led.
The Villeurbannais, who had achieved the feat of beating Efes Istanbul, European champion (75-73), on Tuesday, remained on a series of six straight wins, three in the French championship and as many in European competition.
With this record, they nevertheless remain at the forefront of the ranking (3rd).
For its part, the Maccabi, who had won entry into the Euroleague, returned to success after losing twice in a row.
Still deprived of David Lighty and Antoine Diot, even if the latter was on the scoresheet without entering, Villeurbanne never gave up, even winning the last quarter (23-18) and lost to an opponent who was superior to him on Tuesday.
The Rhone have thus led only twice 2-0 then 19-18 in the 9th minute despite the performances of Elie Okobo (23 points) and Chris Jones (14).
They were never able to solve the problems posed by James Nunnally (25 points including 17 after half-time, best player of the match).
With him, Jalen Reynolds (17), Scottie Wilbekin (13) or Keenan Evans (13), the Israeli team mastered the meeting.
She even extended her lead to +14 (64-50, 26th) with in particular a higher record on shots (75% against 57.1%) and on the contribution of his sideline compared to the five major while Asvel was slightly above three points and free throws (83.3% against 60%).
Statistics insufficient to allow the Villeurbanne to completely overcome their handicap as they had been able to do against Efes Istanbul by recovering a deficit of 19 points before winning on the wire.
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