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.
Monaco beats Strasbourg after drama
Monaco became the second semifinalist in the Leaders Cup after defeating Strasbourg with a score of 90-89 in a spectacular match.
Although Strasbourg started the game better, the Euroleague member turned the second quarter in their favor with 35-15, and it seemed that they would easily win. However, the opponent made a comeback, taking the lead in the final moments (87-89), but Mirotic’s three points decided the fate for the underdog.
Mirotic was the top scorer with 17 points, while Elie Okobo added 15. On the other side, Marcus Keene scored 26 points, and Mike Davis added 24.
Le Mans Advances to the Semifinals
Le Mans is the new semifinalist in the Leaders Cup, having defeated Nanterre 82-67.
Johnny Berhanemeskel scored 16 points, TaShawn Thomas had 14, and Trevor Hudgins added 12.
On the other side, Zakai Zeigler scored 17 points with eight assists, while Roko Prkacin contributed 11 points and ten rebounds.
JL Bourg knocks out Paris
JL Bourg has secured the last spot in the semifinals, pulling off a slight upset by defeating Paris 78-74.
Ricardo Lindo was the best for his team with 16 points and 10 rebounds, Kevin Kokila scored 13, while Darius McGhee also recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists.
For Paris, Nadir Hifi had 17 points, while Amath M’Baye scored 13.
Leaders Cup
Quarterfinals (20/2)
1. LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne – Cholet 82-93
2. AS Monaco – SIG Strasbourg 90-89
3. Nanterre 92 – Le Mans 67-82
4. Paris – JL Bourg 74-78
Semifinals (21/2)
Cholet – AS Monaco (18:30 CET)
Le Mans – JL Bourg (21:00 CET)
Final (22/2)
Winners of Semifinals (19:00 CET)