ASVEL – Monaco
84-82
It is after an unimaginable suspense that Asvel, the most successful club in France (21), added a new trophy in its window, this Saturday at the Astroballe.
Well launched by the Okobo-Knight duo (3/3 to three points in 3 minutes), Asvel counted up to 17 lengths ahead in the first quarter (24-7, 8th).
After letting the storm pass, Monaco recovered through the defense, intensifying their defensive pressure, especially on the comebacks (10 villeurbannaise losses at the break).
Ten minutes of great galley
This is how the Roca Team, however clumsy (9/30) and beaten in rebounds (18 to 12), nibbled away (37-32, 18th). But a few brilliant actions from Okobo and an award-winning shot from Osetkowski, at the end of the second period, gave Asvel a little air before returning to the locker room (43-33, 20th).
Limited to 11 points in the third period, the Villeurbannais saw the Monegasques swoop down on them. Without success (3/11) and jostled under the panels (7 rebounds to 12), Asvel lived ten minutes of great difficulty (54-53, 30th).
An unbreathable money-time
What followed became a nightmare for the Rhodanians through the fault of Mike James, who scored eight points in a row (including two shots from behind the arc) to allow Monaco to take their ease in the game (55-61).
Six points behind as money-time approached, Asvel relied on a three-point arrow from Lighty and an interception from Howard (67-68, 38th) to put the Astroballe into a trance.
It was standing that the public followed the last possessions: Jones, who took responsibility, converted only one of his two attempts and let Monaco keep the lead. After 3/4 successful throws from Diallo, Asvel had returned to two units (73 75) when Okobo scored on a double step and got the foul. At 75 everywhere, the rear (17 pts) could offer the title to Tony Parker’s club, but the ball rolled around the circle.
In extra time, a three-pointer from Howard, a penetration from Okobo and two lost balls from Monaco (re)put Lyon-Villeurbanne on the path to success (80-75, 43rd). But there were still forces for the visitors to reverse the trend (80-81.44th). There were also some left in Howard’s arm from afar, to counter Lee and steal one last ball… for eternity!
Datasheet
At the Astroballe (Villeurbanne),
(26-13, 17-20, 11-20, 21-22,
Referees: Messrs. Diffalah, Bissang and Thepenier.
Asvel: Okobo, Knight, Lighty, Howard, Fall, Jones, Osetkowsli, Strazel, Gist, Lacombe
Monaco: James, Ouattara, Diallo, Thomas, Boutsiele, then Lee, Bacon, Westermann,