Villeurbanne sticks its head out of the water. After a series of four defeats and at the end of an unbreathable match, Asvel won 84 to 82 against Fenerbahçe on the occasion of the 17th day of Euroleague, Thursday 23 December. Faced with a Istanbul team diminished by several injuries in the middle of the game, TJ Parker’s men fought to the end for the victory. It is the eighth success of the Villeurbanne in the event this season for nine defeats.
A Christmas present in advance ?! Les Villeurbannais offers it to you, emotions included! #LDLCASVEL #EuroLeague pic.twitter.com/wP19mvzSUj
– LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) December 23, 2021
The Asvel was notably carried by an excellent Chris Jones, top scorer of the meeting (27 points to 9 out of 12 on shots). Elie Okobo, uncertain before the meeting, also played an important role in scoring 14 points. William Howard (12 pts, 2/3 at 3 pts and 5 rebounds) and James Gist (10 pts) were also decisive. With this victory, Asvel goes back to 9th place and is relaunched in the race for the playoffs.
The start of the third quarter was very important with an 11-0 in favor of Asvel who was able to recover a score against them at half-time (43-46) to lead by eight points, their biggest gap, 54-46 in the 24th minute by being efficient in particular on outside shots and free throws. From then on, the Fenerbahçe, superior to the rebound and on the inside shots, chased the score, managing to equalize at 70-70 in the 35th on a three-point basket from the excellent Achille Polonara (23 points and 11 rebounds) then to take the advantage on two free throws from Dyshawn Pierre (75-74, 36th).
But the Turkish club finally had to bow despite a suspenseful end to the game after having again equalized 81-81 with 49 seconds remaining. It was a final outside shot from Jones which gave Asvel sufficient margin (84-81) to finally sign a valuable success.
Once again, TJ Parker’s team were hampered by the absences of several players like Kostas Antetokounmpo, David Lighty, Victor Wembanyama and Raymar Morgan.
For its part, the Istanbul club, which ranks 10th, was also severely penalized during the game. In question, the exits of two of his major players: that on an injury to the left wrist of the French international Nando de Colo and that of the Czech Jan Vesely, affected in the right ankle.