By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne snapped back from Wednesday’s defeat against Barcelona and prevailed over ALBA Berlin with a 93-81 victory in Round 15 of Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
David Lighty stepped up in the final period with a total of 14 points, three rebounds and two assists, leading the winning side. At the same time, Adreian Payne and Charles Kahudi played their own part in this victory, with 12 points each.
Martin Hermansson exited the court with a game-high performance of 17 points, five assists.
Third-quarter surge pushes ASVEL the victory
The hosts outrun ALBA in the third period with perfect offensive execution and managed to lead 67-52 after 30 minutes of action. “We controlled the game in the fourth, 10-12 points, and I think we absolutely deserve this win. Adreian Payne helped us, like all the guys in the team. He helped us, especially without Jekiri, in the offensive part of the game”, mentioned Zvezdan Mitrovic.
The Germans had a short outbreak at the start of the fourth period (12-9) and kept putting pressure on the hosts, though ASVEL’s depth and productivity turned out to be decisive in this victory.
“There is an explanation for us. It’s more difficult to play well when you have key players injured. it’s very difficult to play in the BBL, the Cup, and EuroLeague, with all the traveling with just a few players. We will use this situation to improve”, said ALBA coach Aito Garcia Reneses after the game.
The aftermath:
ASVEL improved to a 7-8 record, while ALBA ends this week in EuroLeague with two defeats and a 4-11 record.
Photo: EuroLeague