Asvel defeated Milano in Villeurbanne by 81:77 in the EuroLeague Round 27.
The Italian team, despite numerous injury problems, played this game with only 10 players in the roster. Missing from the lineup were Billy Baron, Nikola Mirotic, Shabazz Napier, Guglielmo Caruso, Diego Flaccadori, and Stefano Tonut. Asvel also did not have Youssoupha Fall.
Asvel started the game much better than their opponents. Nando De Colo was hitting shots and orchestrating plays, and with his nine points in the first quarter, the French team took a lead of 22:13.
Milano struggled throughout the game, and we didn’t have the chance to witness an overly beautiful match. Joffrey Lauvergne found a good rhythm for the home team, while Maodo Lo and Rodney McGruger were the only ones trying to get Milano back into an offensive groove. At halftime, Asvel deservedly led 39:35.
The absence of playmakers, as well as Nikola Mirotic, affected Milano’s ability to organize their offense. Although they reduced the deficit to just one point at one point, De Colo hit two three-pointers to give Asvel a seven-point lead. They maintained their lead at 62:56 going into the fourth quarter.
When the home team took a double-digit lead at the start of the final period, 69:59, it was clear that Milano would struggle to find a good response. A 14:0 run was the key as Asvel extended their lead to 17 points, only to endure a dramatic ending when Milano closed the gap to just one possession (80:77). Maodo Lo missed a three-pointer to tie the game just seconds before the end, allowing Asvel to break a streak of three consecutive losses and secure their sixth victory in the Euroleague this season.
The most deserving of the win was Joffrey Lauvergne with 17 points and four rebounds on just one missed field goal (7/8). Nando De Colo contributed 13 points, four assists, and four steals. For Milano, Devon Hall stood out as the leading scorer with 19 points, while Maodo Lo scored 15.
In the next round of the Euroleague, Asvel will visit Panathinaikos. On the other hand, Milano will face Partizan in Italy.
ASVEL – MILANO 81:77 (22:13, 17:22, 23:21, 19:21)
Arena: “LDLC Arena”, Lyon
Refeeres: Rocha, Perez, Panther
Asvel: Scott 12, Thomas, Lee 5, Kahudi 4, Lauvergne 17, Luwawu-Cabarrot 7, Jackson 2, De Colo 13, Lighty 3, Ndiaye 9, Yaacov 9.
Milano: Lo 15, McGruger 9, Poythress, Bortolani, Melli 4, Ricci 4, Hall 19, Shields 9, Hines 11, Voigtmann 6.