ASVEL open Betclic Elite with win in Parker's debut

ASVEL began its Betclic Elite campaign with a victory at Cholet, giving Tony Parker a successful first league game on the bench. The result places Villeurbanne among the early winners after the opening round and extends the momentum from its EuroLeague success against Maccabi Tel Aviv.

The visitors took control early and led by three points after the first quarter. Their advantage grew beyond 10 points during the second period before Cholet reduced the gap to 13 at half-time. The hosts responded again after the interval, moving within four points in the third quarter, but ASVEL carried an 11-point lead into the final period. Cholet briefly closed to five before an 8-0 run restored control for the visitors.

ASVEL finished with a 97-85 win. Patty Mills led the way with 17 points, while Tremont Waters added 16 points and five assists. Hugo Besson scored 13, and Both Gach contributed 17 points and five rebounds. Cholet’s leading scorer was Aaron Towo-Nansi with 19 points, while Miralem Halilovic and Mohamed Diarra each added six. The victory gives Parker and ASVEL an immediate positive start in the domestic championship.