Asvel conceded its fifth defeat in as many matches in the Euroleague on Friday, beaten by Virtus Bologna (87-84) for the first for its new coach Gianmarco Pozzecco. In their Astroballe room, the Villeurbannais, who were waiting for an electric shock since the appointment of the Italian on Wednesday, however put up a good resistance to the current third in the continental elite and gave a glimpse of great promises.
In one match they showed more heart than they have shown since the start of the season, with more defensive intensity and offensive aggressiveness which delighted Tony Parker as an attentive observer from his president-owner's box. . After a relatively balanced first quarter but ended to the visitors' advantage with a winning shot from Ognien Dobric (21-18), Pozzecco's men started the second quarter with a severe 12-4 in four minutes to go ahead on the scoreboard (30-25).
Despite an alert from the indestructible Marco Bellineli (37 years old), author of two winning shots which allowed the Italians to get back on track, it was Asvel who returned to the locker room with an overall deserved advantage (42-39 MT) on three successful throws by Paris Lee, very active.
The former team of Antoine Rigaudeau, who had slapped Monaco two weeks ago (83-59) on the Rock, dominated the second half in the wake of Jordan Mickey author in quick succession of three shots behind the arc which caused a serious blow to the morale of the Villeurbanne residents.
Jordan Mickey's strong defense on Nando De Colo at the end of the match, combined with the vision of French fullback Isaïa Cordinier, top scorer of the match (20 pts at 5/6 shooting) and the experience of Tornike Shengellia, author of decisive baskets in “money time” (18 pts, in total), made the difference (87-84). However, former assistant to the legendary Ettore Messina's team in Milan had the equalizing ball in the hands of Mike Scott, but he only sent a rushed shot six seconds from the buzzer that sealed the comes out of this match.
Lacking results since the start of the season, Tony Parker's franchise must ride on the fighting values seen in this meeting to regain its former glory, starting by taking points in Elite during the reception in Strasbourg on Sunday.