By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
In a low-scoring game, which has been quite characteristical for Crvena Zvezda this season, the Serbian team actually got outplayed by LDLC ASVEL which put on a comeback and secured a close 69-67 home win.
Paul Lacombe and Chris Jones led the winning effort with 17 points each while James Gist added nine. For Zvezda, Ognjen Dobric banked in game-high 20 points while Aaron White scored 12.
ASVEL improved to 9-11 in the standings while Zvezda now holds a 7-12 record, with an inconsistent schedule in the competition recently due to COVID-19 outbreaks.
ASVEL couldn’t count on Elie Okobo (shoulder injury) and that made their offensive tasks harder against the always overwhelming defensive pressure by Zvezda as the guests had a 35-22 lead near the end of the first half.
However, the stubborn French squad, led by Lacombe, Jones, and Gist recovered and, in a close finish, completed the comeback. Jones hit the game-winning two-pointer while Dobric couldn’t answer with a three-pointer on the other side.
The guys fought, it’s not easy
“I’m just happy that we got the win at home after the disappointing loss we had a couple of days ago. We didn’t have our top scorer Elie but we found a way to win. We had guys like Paul step up. It was really just a team effort. We got stops that we needed down the stretch and we made shots. I’m just happy that we got the win,” Jones said.
Coach TJ Parker was happy with how his guys fought back up to the win but would like his team to start the game much better.
“The guys fought. We got our defense up and that’s how we found some easy baskets. It was way better in the second half. But we have to start the game differently. It’s not easy. We’ve been through a lot of things – guys coming in and out. Sometimes you have to readjust every time. Today we had Charles [Kahudi] at the three – he hasn’t played the three all season. We just have to adapt and win games.”