Baskonia continued their excellent performances under the leadership of Dusko Ivanovic. The team from Vitoria defeated Asvel 88-81 in the ninth round of the EuroLeague.
Asvel had a better start to the game, creating a double-digit lead thanks to good energy on both ends of the court and effective three-point shooting. In the closing moments of the first quarter, Baskonia found a slightly better rhythm, but after ten minutes, the score was 30-20 in favor of the French team.
At the beginning of the second quarter, the home team looked impressive, extending their lead to 16 points. With a 15-4 run, the guests closed the gap and narrowed it down to a five-point difference. At halftime, Asvel led 49-42.
In the continuation of the match, Baskonia displayed much better gameplay. Thanks to an excellent defensive effort, the team from Vitoria leveled the score. Markus Howard’s impressive performance led the guests to a comeback. In the closing moments of the third quarter, Gianmarco Pozzecco received his second technical foul and was ejected.
The last ten minutes witnessed a fierce battle, and the question of the winner was decided in a suspenseful finish. The team from Vitoria remained calmer and found more effective solutions, securing the win.
Markus Howard finished the game with 35 points, while on the other side, Mike Scott contributed with 22.
Asvel remained at two victories and will face Bayern in the next round. Baskonia, playing with only nine players in rotation, secured their fifth triumph. Their next opponent will be Monaco.
ASVEL – BASKONIA 81:88 (30:20, 19:22, 16:31, 16:15)
Arena: L’Astrobale, Lyon
Referees: Pastusiak, Panther, Porobic
Asvel: Scott 22, Lee 12, Kahudi 2, Lauvergne 16, Luwawu-Cabarrot 10, Dallo 0, Jackson 0, Egbunu 4, Fall 6, Lighty 6, Ndiaye 0, Yaacov 3
Baskonia: Howard 35, Mannion 0, Raieste 4. Chiozza 2, Miller-Mcintyre 2, Diez 6, Kotsar 4, Costello 16, Moneke 19