Okobo's clutch free throws help ASVEL escape with a win over Le Mans / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AFP Scanpix Credit AFP Scanpix

LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne (9-6) continue fighting for the top of the French LNB Pro A league standing, defeating Sarthe Basket Le Mans (9-6) at their home floor 81-80 (23-23, 26-22, 13-17, 19-18).

3-pointers this season

35%6,9Points made:6,9Accuracy:35,4%Place in standings:17Record max:12Record min:1Most made 3FGs:Elie OkoboTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

ASVEL accumulated a seven-point cushion early in the fourth quarter (71-64), but Le Mans didn't give up, cutting into their lead. Kaza Kajami-Keane converted a clutch layup with 13 seconds remaining to give Le Mans a one-point lead (80-79).

However, Elie Okobo drew a foul with one second left on the clock, draining both free throws and winning the game by one for ASVEL.

Okobo was the leading scorer for the visitors, finishing with 13 points (3/4 2PT, 1/4 3PT, 4/5 FT), 7 assists, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, and 17 PIR.

Le Mans started the game well and quickly gained a 21-10 advantage. However, ASVEL fought back, tying it at 23 after the first quarter concluded. The visitors carried the momentum over to the second period, leading for most of the way.

ASVEL had a four-point lead going into halftime (49-45) and extended their lead to eight in the third (58-50). But Le Mans responded with a 12-4 run to close out the period and tie the match at 62.

ASVEL: Elie Okobo 13 (7 AST), Chris Jones 12, James Gist 10 (5 REB), Marcos Knight 9 (5 REB), Youssoupha Fall 8 (7 REB), Charles Kahudi 8.

Le Mans: Dante Cunningham 15, Kaza Kajami-Keane 13 (7 AST), TaShawn Thomas 12, Williams Narace 11 (5 REB), Scott Bamforth 10, Terry Tarpey 10 (6 REB).

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