LDLC ASVEL Loses to Valencia 105-92 After Blowing Lead

LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne squandered an 18-point lead and collapsed in the second half to lose 105-92 against Valencia Basket on Friday at the Arena de Décines-Charpieu in the EuroLeague regular season. The French club surrendered 100 points or more for the second European match, falling to a 1-2 record in continental play following an opening-week victory. The match was played in a gloomy atmosphere due to a heavy defeat against Panathinaikos and a recruitment ban threatening the club.

A Historic First Half That Evaporated After the Break

Villeurbanne controlled the tempo early, surging to a 60-42 advantage by the 18th minute. Powered by Australian Patty Mills—who poured in 26 points in 24 minutes—and Hugo Besson, who added 19 points, the hosts shot nearly 58 percent overall and 67 percent from beyond the arc in the first two periods. ASVEL set a scoring record for a single half with 61 points, taking a 61-50 cushion into the locker room at halftime. Nate Reuvers and Josep Puerto briefly tried to sustain scoring for the visitors with a 3/3 shooting performance behind the arc, but Waters extended the advantage to 18 points before the 15th mark with a three-pointer.

That momentum vanished immediately upon the resumption of play. Valence, which reached the EuroLeague Final Four last season, responded with a blistering 15-3 run across less than five minutes of the third quarter to snatch a 65-64 lead. The French defense grew porous and unable to contain the Spanish club’s interior attack and physical pressure.

Valence Dominates Rebounds to Beat ASVEL

The visitors capitalized on a decisive 44-33 advantage in total rebounds. Nikola Mirotic led the Spanish charge with 22 points, while TJ Shorts contributed 17 points and six assists. Kameron Taylor sealed the outcome with a critical jump shot entering the final 90 seconds, stretching the margin to 98-89 and keeping Valence unbeaten at the top of the standings. Neal Sako also fought under the basket to keep the visitors afloat near money time.

ASVEL managed only 31 points in the entire second half. Turnovers mounted while shooting percentages plummeted, leaving the team unable to respond when the defensive intensity spiked.

Tony Parker Points to Fatigue and Defensive Lapses

Tony Parker addressed the media following the loss, acknowledging the difficulty of the collapse while praising the opposition. “It’s a hard defeat to swallow, but you have to give credit to Valence,” Parker said, pointing to “a little fatigue” and defensive breakdowns that allowed easy baskets. He noted that the team could have passed the ball better when Valence ramped up its defense, intensity, and energy.

Parker emphasized that his squad must improve its collective effort on the boards, particularly with Mathis Dossou-Yovo—measuring 2.08 m—sidelined by injury until November.

Upcoming Domestic and European Fixtures

Villeurbanne returns to domestic play on Sunday with a road trip to face Gravelines in the championship. The team then travels to Paris next Wednesday to face a club holding an identical 1-2 record in EuroLeague competition.