De Colo misses game-winner, Cholet upset ASVEL in French league opener / News - Basketnews.com

Nando De Colo had the chance to save the day for reigning French champs ASVEL Villeurbanne, but couldn't ultimately prevent the loss to Cholet.

Credit: LNB Credit LNB

Having won three consecutive French league titles, LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne entered their LNB maiden game for the 2022-23 season as the clear favorites.

The team coached by TJ Parker won their 21st LBN trophy overall three months ago, but Cholet posed a serious threat for them in the playoff quarter-finals before being beaten by 2-1.

On Sunday night, Cholet confirmed their status beating ASVEL 91-89 despite being down 2-15 after only three minutes of play. However, it didn't take too long for the hosts to enter the game mentally and bounce back.

Kim Tillie, through his experience and sense of rebound, put Cholet back in place. Then, it was Hugo Robineau, who ignited the public with an extraordinary dunk and a nice move against Nando De Colo. The spark was there and Cholet came back in the game (36-42) at halftime.

In the third quarter, Dominic Artis took matters into his own hands with 15 points. De Colo answered with two three-pointers, but a buzzer shot from Boris Dallo even brought Cholet down by three.

TJ Campbell allowed his team to come closer (85-86) and stole the ball in stride from Nando de Colo. Dallo took off in the dunk, and Cholet took the lead for the first time in the game (87-86) with two minutes left.

Nando De Colo responded with a three-point dagger (89-90), but Artis made it 90-89, with 48 seconds to play. Sako's turnover would offer ASVEL a final possession. De Colo took responsibility but missed his jump-shot.

Cholet Basket: Dominic Artis 20, Gaylor Curier 15, Boris Dallo 13, Hugo Robineau 13.

ASVEL Villeurbanne: Nando De Colo 21, Yousoupha Fall 16, Jonah Mathews 15, Jackson-Cartwright 12, Joffrey Lauvergne 11.

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