Euroleague (H/J37): ASVEL once again beaten by Red Star Belgrade.

ASVEL suffers defeat against Red Star Belgrade once again in the Euroleague

ASVEL experienced another defeat in their second-to-last match of the Euroleague season, this time against Red Star Belgrade (93-106).

ASVEL, already guaranteed to finish at the bottom of the Euroleague regular season, suffered their seventh consecutive loss on the continental stage on Friday, facing Red Star Belgrade. Villeurbanne initially led the game by a small margin thanks to Braian Angola’s 22 points. However, the Serbians reacted under Jordan Nwora’s lead (24 points) to establish a 15-2 lead and pull away on the scoreboard. Refusing to give in, ASVEL fought back gradually. Their efforts paid off as they ended the first quarter tied, thanks to a last-minute long-distance shot by Melvin Ajinça (9 points).

ASVEL had hope

However, Pierric Poupet’s players couldn’t sustain the pace. At the start of the second quarter, Red Star Belgrade took control in front of the Astroballe crowd. The gap widened to over ten points in just over four minutes into halftime, with Ebuka Izundu leading (8 points). The Serbians extended their lead to fifteen points before ASVEL reduced it to twelve points at halftime. Remobilized, the Rhodanians showed a different side in the second half. With a strong defense allowing only two points in nearly five minutes, they gradually reduced their deficit led by a spirited Shaquille Harrison (16 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists).

Red Star Belgrade conquers Astroballe

Subsequently, Villeurbanne regained the lead with less than six minutes remaining in the third quarter. After a moment of uncertainty, Red Star Belgrade regained their composure, entering the final ten minutes with a three-point lead. The hope for victory faded for ASVEL as they quickly fell behind by ten points. Despite a resurgence, Pierric Poupet’s players missed their chance. The Serbian team won by thirteen points (93-106) and still has a shot at direct qualification for the playoffs. For ASVEL, hosting a struggling Fenerbahçe team in the final match will be an opportunity to exit the continental stage with a smile.