Asvel still beaten, Monaco goes on
The French champion Lyon-Villeurbanne fell in Blois (86-82), unlike his vice-champion Monaco winner of the other promoted, Nancy (89-76) during the 2nd day of Elite. Surprised by Cholet on Sunday (91-89), Asvel fell again, despite a double double from its rookie Joffrey Lauvergne (10 points, 10 rebounds). Led by twelve points, the band of Nando De Colo (11 points and 4 assists) came back within reach (82-80) at the edge of the last minute, without being able to reverse the match.
His Monegasque rivals dominated Nancy, even without Elie Okobo or Mike James, present in Paris for the launch of the streaming platform launched by Fedcom to broadcast the Euroleague in particular. In their absence, American rookie Jaron Blossomgame flourished (20 points). The inside shooter (4/5 at three points) arrived from Ulm in Germany demonstrated how he had invited himself to the five major Eurocup last season.
As for Boulogne-Levallois, the Metropolitans 92, led by Vincent Collet, rebounded against Pau-Orthez (82-59) after his missed debut at Gravelines-Dunkerque, atomized Tuesday by Roanne (111-70). This time, under the eyes of Boris Diaw, Victor Wembanyama did not compile 23 points as in the North but still ten (in addition to 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks). While he played little, only four minutes in the first half after quickly collecting three fouls (20 minutes in total).
In one of the posters of this second day, Le Mans lost another setback at Limoges (69-62) at Beaublanc thanks to its Cameroonian pivot Williams Narace (16 points, 5 rebounds) back from suspension. The hero of the Euro, Terry Tarpey was particularly reported by 7 assists. Like Asvel, Paris is still looking for a first success. After losing to Bourg-en-Bresse in extra time (102-99), Axel Toupane’s team folded (97-83) at its neighbor Nanterre carried by the captain of Bosnia and Herzegovina Miralem Halilovic (23 points, 8 rebounds and three blocks).