Despite being decimated by injuries, Théo Maledon’s Asvel put up a heroic fight at Olympiakos, only to lose, knocked out in particular by Evan Fournier, to suffer their fifth straight Euroleague defeat (94-92) on Tuesday. The Villeurbannais remain stuck at the bottom of the standings (2 wins to 7 defeats) and continue to lose the benefit of their decent start to the season.

Despite the absence of several major players through injury (De Colo, Sako, Lee, Edwin Jackson, Levin Ajinça), they have bounced back from two home defeats: Buoyed by their 3-point ability (11/21) and Maledon, who scored a Euroleague record 31 points (4/8 from long range, 37 rating), they built up a 14-point lead (63-49, 25th), led from the end of the first minute to the 38th and even had the equalizer at the last second. Sasha Vezenkov (21 pts and 4 assists) missed his two free throws and the chance to tie the game with five seconds to go, but Asvel didn’t take advantage, Maledon’s long pass failing to find Mbaye Ndiaye under the basket.

Fournier goes from strength to strength

Before this cruel end to the game, the Villeurbannais were unable to resist the Greek comeback in the wake of Fournier who, four days after his majestic performance at the home of arch-rivals Panathinaikos (22 pts including 8 in the money-time), confirmed his rise to power.

The international fullback (20 pts and 3 steals) brought his side closer at the end of the third quarter with two primo shots, including one from over eight meters (71-73), before proving decisive once again in the final period. His two free throws with 12 seconds remaining gave his team a crucial five-point lead (94-89).