ASVEL Returns to Winning Ways Against Paris Basketball in Euroleague

ASVEL has rediscovered victory. After two consecutive losses to strong opponents last week, the team from Villeurbanne triumphed on the road against Paris Basketball on Wednesday, with a final score of 98-96. This result moves them provisionally into 9th place in the standings.

Tony Parker's squad benefited from strong team play, featuring five players who scored over 10 points: Patty Mills, Tremont Waters, Both Gach, Hugo Besson, and Jae Crowder. For Paris, Nadir Hifi and Tyson Etienne put up significant efforts with 30 and 27 points respectively, but Paris couldn't replicate their Sunday success against Le Mans.

Nadir Hifi vs. Patty Mills Duel

Paris started the game with high intensity, mirroring Terry Tarpey's impactful plays early on. The home team applied immense pressure, forcing ASVEL into 9 turnovers in the first quarter. Nadir Hifi led the charge offensively, scoring the first five points for Paris and helping them build an early lead (15-6, 4th minute). Despite a brief ASVEL resurgence, their ball-handling issues persisted, ending the quarter with another turnover that allowed Joël Ayayi to extend the lead in transition (19-14, 10th minute).

Although Nadir Hifi continued his strong performance (16 points by halftime), ASVEL stayed within striking distance, drawing strength from their veteran players. Jae Crowder and Patty Mills led the scoring for the visitors, combining for 21 points at the half and hitting crucial shots. A three-pointer from Mills gave ASVEL their first lead of the game (42-45, 20th minute). This offensive efficiency extended to their teammates, who proved lethal from long range, shooting 8 out of 12 by halftime, including accurate contributions from Tremont Waters (2/2).

Scoring Barrage from Both Sides

The second half turned into a scoring contest. After Hifi opened the scoring (51-49, 22nd minute), ASVEL responded through Both Gach, who hit three consecutive shots (62-65, 26th minute). Fueled by an exceptional performance from point guard Tyson Etienne, who scored 17 points including four three-pointers in the third quarter, Paris matched ASVEL's long-range shooting, hitting nine threes in the period. A final deep shot from Ayayi at the buzzer sent the Adidas Arena into a frenzy (77-74, 30th minute).

This momentum carried into the final quarter, with Paris holding an advantage (87-82, 33rd minute). However, ASVEL refused to back down. Tremont Waters, with 8 points in 3 minutes, kept them within reach (89-87, 35th minute). The visitors evened the score with less than five minutes remaining (91-91, 36th minute), and the tie held until the final moments (95-95, 39th minute). Hifi regained the lead for Paris after a tough possession secured by two offensive rebounds from Allan Dokossi (96-95, 39th minute).

Paris Fades in the Closing Moments

A crucial turnover by Paris shifted the game's momentum again (96-98, 40th minute). The final play rested on the shoulders of the French international. Like on Sunday against Le Mans, he attempted a signature step-back three-pointer, but the shot rimmed out, sealing the capital club's defeat. Paris will have a chance to rebound on Sunday against SIG Strasbourg. ASVEL aims to build on this victory when they face Roanne on Sunday before playing Crvena Zvezda on Tuesday.