By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a close game throughout all forty minutes, Bitci Baskonia managed to come out on top against LDLC ASVEL with 72-69 on the scoreboard.
With this outcome, Baskonia improved to 9-15 in the Euroleague standings, two wins behind the eighth spot without the Russian teams involved, while ASVEL follows with a 7-16 record.
Alex Peters scored 17 points for the winning side before fouling out in the final minute. Matthew Costello had 13 points, eight rebounds, three blocks while Simone Fonntechio put on an all-around display with 12 points, nine boards, six assists.
On the opposing team, Paul Lacombe logged 16 and David Lighty 11 points.
Baskonia had an upper hand most of the game but ASVEL stayed close and had a chance to turn the tables completely. The French were up 64-61 with a bit over two minutes left, however, Baskonia went on a 7-0 run including a dagger three-pointer by Giedraitis.
ASVEL still put on a big fight to try and make the impossible happen but the Spaniards stayed composed, avoiding turnovers and closing the game from the free-throw line.
Coach Neven Spahija recognized the effort the opposing team but was far more impressed with the character of his own team.
“The character and personality of our players – this is our fifth game in 10 days – I just want to congratulate them for the amazing effort. I know we didn’t play our best basketball. But I saw a lot of personality today… To win here is not easy. I want to give credit to coach Parker for the preparation for the game, which bothered us a lot. In the end, we had more luck and we won the game,” he said.
On the other side, TJ Parker is well aware of the mistakes that need to be fixed and has no doubt. Next time, ASVEL will be victorious.
“Not enough, but we thought it was a good fight. We have to control certain things defensively that we didn’t control. We know what it is. We have to work on that. And the next game will be a win,” the coach said.