By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After trailing by 17, Cholet flipped the script on LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, securing a 93–82 upset to open France’s 2026 Leaders Cup spectacularly on Friday.
The high-stakes tournament opener at Chasseneuil-du-Poitou’s Arena Futuroscope saw Pierric Poupet’s side build a double-digit cushion in the second quarter and nearly repeat the feat in the third. However, a furious rally, highlighted by 11 unanswered points, allowed Cholet to seize momentum and peak with a 12-point advantage late in the fourth quarter.
DeAndre Gholston paved the way for Fabrice Lefrancois’ squad, pouring in a game-high 28 points on efficient 9-of-14 shooting, while Gerald Ayayi added 15 crucial points. In a losing effort for ASVEL, veteran Thomas Heurtel notched 20 points, missing only one of his eight shots from the field and hitting four triples, while also tallying seven assists and five rebounds. Meanwhile, Mbaye Ndiaye and Zac Seljaas were unavailable for the EuroLeague participants.
Rounding out an intense opening day in the eight-team midseason tournament, the action continues as three more quarterfinal matchups are scheduled for later today. AS Monaco and SIG Strasbourg will face off to determine Cholet’s next opponent in the semifinals. Additionally, Nanterre 92 is set to challenge the defending champions, Le Mans, while a powerhouse clash features Paris against JL Bourg.
Leaders Cup
Quarterfinals (20/2)
1. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne – Cholet 82-93
2. AS Monaco – SIG Strasbourg (15:30 CET)
3. Nanterre 92 – Le Mans (18:30 CET)
4. Paris – JL Bourg (21:00 CET)
Semifinals (21/2)
Cholet – Winner 2
Winners 3-4
Final (22/2)
Winners of Semifinals (19:00 CET)