Victor Wembanyama's career night leads ASVEL to win over Zalgiris / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Alius Koroliovas/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Alius Koroliovas/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne (8-17) snapped their eight-game losing skid at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, beating the hosts, Zalgiris Kaunas (7-19) 72-68 (15-17, 18-15, 16-15, 21-23).

Player of the Game EFF 26 Elie Okobo Points 21 Accuracy 7-13 Rebounds 4 Assists 5

Both teams went back and forth in the final quarter, but Victor Wembanyama was racking up block after block while also being efficient on offense. He and Elie Okobo orchestrated an 8-0 run to help ASVEL gain a five-point lead (65-60).

Tyler Cavanaugh and Okobo exchanged 3-pointers, and Cavanaugh made another deep shot to keep Zalgiris alive with 17 seconds remaining (68-70). However, David Lighty nailed both free throws to put the game out of reach, handing Zalgiris their third straight loss.

Victor Wembanyama was spectacular tonight, finishing with 14 points (6/7 2PT, 2/3 FT), 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, 5 blocks, 3 turnovers, and 23 PIR. He exceeded his career-highs in the EuroLeague in scoring, efficiency, blocked shots, assists, steals, and minutes played.

"It was really a collective job," Wembanyama said. "I think it is just the natural course of things. I know it is just the beginning. I am really confident. I know this season hasn't been perfect, there were a lot of things we couldn't control, collectively and individually, but I know it is the natural way of things. It is going to be better and better."

Elie Okobo was also great, ending with 21 points (3/8 2PT, 4/5 3PT, 3/3 FT), 5 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steals, 5 turnovers, and 26 PIR. He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter alone.

Zalgiris came out with a hot 7-0 start, but ASVEL were quick to tie things up (9-9). Chris Jones and Wembanyama played well to give ASVEL a narrow one-point lead going into halftime (33-32).

The visitors went on an 11-0 run at the start of the third period, gaining a double-digit lead (46-34). However, Zalgiris responded with a 13-3 run of their own, coming within two points before the final period.

"They [Okobo and Jones] helped us all season," ASVEL coach T.J. Parker said post-game. "We need them to be good like they were tonight and after that, we still need help from the bench players coming in. [Wembanyama] is getting better every day. He practices well and what he showed on the court, hey, he's got a bright future."

ASVEL: Elie Okobo 21 (5 AST, 4 REB), Chris Jones 16, Victor Wembanyama 14 (5 REB, 5 BLK), Youssoupha Fall 8.

Zalgiris: Edgaras Ulanovas 15 (5 AST), Arturas Milaknis 11, Paulius Jankunas 10, Lukas Lekavicius 10 (5 AST), Tyler Cavanaugh 8.

Victor Wembanyama highlights

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