Europe 1 with AFP 00:33, January 12, 2023

Villeurbanne lost to Barcelona (82-75) on Wednesday after a match that was nevertheless hung in its Astroballe room for the 18th day of the Euroleague basketball, a result which relegates Asvel to last place in the ranking.

Diminished by the absences of Nando De Colo and David Lighty, Asvel held off at FC Barcelona but lost on Wednesday at home (82-75), during the 18th day of the Euroleague.

This is the fourth consecutive defeat on the European scene for TJ Parker's men, who now occupy the bottom of the standings tied with Milan, Panathinaikos and Alba Berlin with only 6 wins for 12 defeats.

On the other hand, Barcelona, ​​who lost against Virtus Bologna (75-83) on the last day, regained the top of the standings alongside Monaco and Real Madrid.

Applied in defense, Asvel nevertheless first stood up to the clumsy Barcelonans in the first quarter (15-11), despite the absence of the backs Nando De Colo and David Lighty and the pivot Alex Tyus on the Villeurbannais side.

Then the Catalans gradually found the target, notably at three points, in the second quarter (33-42).

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Final failed

Upon returning from the locker room, Asvel restarted with a bang, inflicting a 12-0 on their opponents, who then struggled to regain the upper hand in the third quarter (63-60).

The last period started with a good start from Asvel, who came back in front after 3.30 minutes on a basket from their captain Charles Kahudi (64-63).

Then the two teams went blow for blow until money time, better negotiated by the Barcelonans.

In the end, despite the efforts of Jonah Mathews (17 points), and Youssoupha Fall (23 pts), the Villeurbannais were too clumsy at three points (2 out of 18 at 11.1%) and in the transmission of the ball (12 lost balls) to hope to repeat their exploit of the first leg (74-73 victory in Barcelona).

On the side of the Catalans, it was Nikola Mirotic (19 pts), well supported by Rokas Jokubaitis (13) and Alex Abrines (14) who led the debates before the rigor of Barcelona got the better of Villeurbannais hopes at the end of the match .