ASVEL Towers Over Gravelines-Dunkerque, Eyes Podium Spot
In a commanding performance, ASVEL Villeurbanne exploited their size advantage to trounce Gravelines-Dunkerque 83-62, bringing them closer to a top-three finish in the Betclic ELITE. The Rhodanians, playing without key players like Thomas Heurtel, Nando De Colo, and Edwin Jackson, relied on their height to outmuscle the hosts and secure a crucial victory.
Glynn Watson Jr. Leads ASVEL’s Early Fightback
“We had to use our size to overcome the impressive Northerners,” said ASVEL coach Pierric Poupet. The match started evenly, with both teams feeling each other out. However, Glynn Watson Jr., the American guard who starred for BCM last season, sparked ASVEL’s offense with 7 points in the first ten minutes, reducing the deficit to a single point (19-18).
🎯 | Glynn Watson Junior adjusts the sights. 👌
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ASVEL’s Big Men Dominate the Paint
Neither team could pull away before halftime, with the score tied at 34-36. Poupet introduced a bigger lineup in the second half, pairing Glynn Watson Jr. with Bodian Massa, Armel Traore, Mbaye Ndiaye, and Adam Atamna. The strategy paid off as ASVEL’s big men used their size to draw defenders and create scoring opportunities for the guards.
😤 | Mbaye Ndiaye on the block, Mbaye Ndiaye on the dunk, the boss in both rackets! ⛔️🔥
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Bastien Vautier made the first significant break for ASVEL after 25 minutes, extending their lead to 49-41. Despite a late rally from Gravelines-Dunkerque, ASVEL held on to win 83-62, thanks in large part to their size advantage.
ASVEL Temporarily Tops the Standings
Zac Seljaas’ three-pointers in the third quarter sealed the victory for ASVEL, who temporarily top the standings with a 5-2 record, level on points with Strasbourg, Nanterre, and Le Mans.
Key Stats:
- ASVEL: Glynn Watson Jr. (17 points), Mbaye Ndiaye (15 points), Zac Seljaas (13 points)
- Gravelines-Dunkerque: Edon Maxhuni (16 points)
What’s Next: ASVEL will look to build on this victory as they face Chalon-Sur-Saône in their next match.