Boulazac has done it again. The promoted side continues to defy expectations in the French Betclic ÉLITE basketball league, securing a stunning 72-67 victory over powerhouse ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne on Saturday. This marks Boulazac’s third consecutive win and a significant step toward climbing the league standings. The victory, secured after a grueling 2 hours and 10 minutes of play, underscores a remarkable run for the team since the beginning of February, building on a previous upset win against Paris Basketball.
The game was a tightly contested affair, characterized by poor shooting from both sides and a high volume of free throws. However, it was Boulazac’s late-game surge, fueled by the clutch performance of Hugo Robineau and Angelo Warner, that ultimately sealed the deal. The duo proved to be the only consistent offensive threats in a defensive battle, leading their team to a crucial victory.
A Game of Free Throws and Defensive Grit
Boulazac entered the contest already facing challenges with key players unavailable. The situation became more complex early on as Ousman Krubally and Essome Miyem found themselves in early foul trouble. Despite being shorthanded in the frontcourt, Boulazac managed to stay competitive, largely due to ASVEL’s own struggles with efficiency. Lyon-Villeurbanne converted an impressive 24 of 25 free throws, but curiously attempted none in the fourth quarter. Instead, they relied heavily on three-point shooting, which proved largely ineffective, going just 3-for-29 from beyond the arc.
ASVEL’s shooting woes extended to key players like Braian Angola (1-for-6), Zac Seljaas (1-for-7), and Glynn Watson Jr. (1-for-8). Boulazac, while not significantly better from distance, capitalized on ASVEL’s misses and found a rhythm defensively, disrupting the flow of the game and forcing turnovers. Boulazac converted 10 of 19 free throws, a crucial difference in a close contest.
Robineau and Warner Lead the Charge
As the game entered its critical moments, Hugo Robineau stepped up for Boulazac, hitting a crucial shot from the corner. Angelo Warner quickly followed suit, sinking a three-pointer from a similar spot. The duo continued to deliver, extending Boulazac’s lead to nine points (69-60) late in the fourth quarter. This burst of offensive energy proved to be the turning point, as ASVEL struggled to respond.
Despite a late attempt to rally, ASVEL’s shooting woes continued, going 1-for-9 from three-point range in the final quarter, compared to Boulazac’s 4-for-8. The relentless defensive pressure from Boulazac disrupted ASVEL’s offensive rhythm, ultimately leading to their defeat.
La chasse a été bonne ce soir 🦁
Grosse prestation de l’équipe qui s’impose face à l’un des grands noms du championnat 😤
🔜 Direction le Mans samedi prochain ! #GoBBD pic.twitter.com/5OzLRQBWom
— BoulazacBasketD (@BoulazacBasketD) March 14, 2026
This victory is particularly impressive considering ASVEL had recently returned to form with a win against Nancy, following losses to Dijon and Nanterre. However, this loss to Boulazac represents another setback for Pierric Poupet’s team, dropping them to sixth place in the Betclic ÉLITE standings.
What’s Next for Boulazac and ASVEL?
Boulazac’s impressive run continues next Saturday with a road game against Le Mans. The team will look to maintain their momentum and continue their climb up the Betclic ÉLITE standings. For ASVEL, the focus will be on regrouping and addressing their shooting struggles before their next contest. The loss highlights the competitive nature of the Betclic ÉLITE league, where even top teams like ASVEL can be vulnerable on any given night.
The win propels Boulazac closer to the top 10 in the league standings, demonstrating their potential to become a serious contender. Their success is a testament to their team spirit, defensive intensity, and the clutch performances of players like Robineau and Warner. As the season progresses, it will be fascinating to spot if Boulazac can maintain this level of play and continue to surprise the league.
What are your thoughts on Boulazac’s stunning victory? Share your opinions in the comments below!
