ASVEL stops Strasbourg and confirms its newfound health

Deprived of its leader Matt Mitchell, out until March, SIG Strasbourg lost this Sunday against ASVEL (67-83). Taking the lead in the break, TJ Parker’s men made the difference in the break, relying on a great night from Amine Noua (20 points and 5 rebounds).

Marcus Keene and the GIS cling to the break

From the beginning of the match, the Alsatians impose an infernal pace to immediately take the lead (10-2, 3′). Under the leadership of the captain DeAndre Lansdowne (12 points and 2 rebounds), SIG Strasbourg posed many problems for TJ Parker’s men. In the hard in these first few minutes, Villeurbannais could count on a Carlo Kahudi energetic (14 points and 5 rebounds) to stay in touch in this first quarter (26-25, 10′). More aggressive from the start of the second quarter, the Rhodaniens regained the lead thanks to an excellent pass from Fall of Youssoupha (12 points and 6 rebounds). Courageous, Luca Banchi’s men relied on the formidable efficiency of Marcus Keen (23 points, 1 rebound and 2 assists) not to fall behind. Guided in scoring after ten minutes of play, ASVEL closed this first act admirably, to the point of entering the locker room leading by 4 points (43-47, 20′).

Amine Noua celebrated against his former club

Upon returning from the changing rooms, the Rhénus crowd witnessed a veritable booing party. In a third quarter shortened by fouls, which angered the Alsatian fans, ASVEL seized the opportunity to take the lead (50-57, 26′). Penalized by fouls, SIG Strasbourg still resisted and was only 6 lengths away with ten minutes to go (55-61, 30′). Led by an excellent New Amen (20 points and 5 rebounds), certainly the author of an excellent week after his siren against Olympiakos, Villeurbannais inflicted a 6-0 on the Alsatians to start the last ten minutes and take off in the best of circumstances. Unplayable, the former Strasbourg player gave no gifts to his former team and allowed ASVEL to continue its good dynamism, validating their fifth victory in nine days. This allows the champion to consider the race to qualify for the Leaders Cup (8v-6d) with a little more serenity, even if nothing is certain with only one defeat less than in the 9a (6v-7d). On the other hand, SIG Strasbourg experienced its first defeat under the Luca Banchi era and above all missed a great opportunity to get closer to Saint-Chamond.