ASVEL open with win as Paris suffer EuroLeague defeat

ASVEL have given Tony Parker a winning start to his EuroLeague coaching career, while Paris face an immediate setback in the competition. The contrasting results are notable after ASVEL’s early exit from the Super Cup and defeats in all their preparation games, compared with Paris winning that trophy last weekend under new coach Maxime Lefèvre.

ASVEL defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 84-74 at home, after the opening quarter ended level at 19-19. They led 42-32 at half-time and built a maximum advantage of 15 points, but Maccabi recovered strongly before the French side restored control late in the game. Jay Crowder led all scorers with 19 points, while Patty Mills added 15 and Marc-Owen Dada-Fodzo contributed 14 points and five assists on his EuroLeague debut. Jaylen Hoard scored 15 for Maccabi and collected six rebounds.

Paris were beaten 91-72 away by Panathinaikos in the opening round. The Greek team established a 31-17 lead in the first quarter and extended it with a 27-13 third period. Sylvain Francisco scored 18 points for the winners, with Mathias Lessort adding 15 points and nine rebounds and Guerschon Yabusele 13 points. Tyson Etienne led Paris with 17 points, but their late response could not change the outcome.