Miraculous scenes in Monaco: Howard’s half-court buzzer-beater gifts the win for ASVEL / News - Basketnews.com

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ASVEL LDCL Villeurbanne(7-5) edged out AS Monaco (5-7) 85-84 (22-21, 26-19, 14-22, 23-22) in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague game between domestic rivals. William Howard had a night to never forget.

Player of the Game EFF 33 William Howard Points 23 Accuracy 8-10 Rebounds 10 Assists 2

Mike James missed the shot while Chris Jones turned the ball over on the other end with 23.6 seconds on the clock. Will Thomas got the offensive rebound and scored a duo, after Mike James' miss, putting Monaco in front by one (83-82) with 17.8 seconds to go.

Mike James sprained his ankle after the unsuccessful shot, landing on Charles Kahudi's foot. He left the court with the help of teammates.

Yakuba Ouattara read the ASVEL's crucial play and stole the ball. Paris Lee was fouled and converted only one shot from the line with 2.9 seconds to play (84-82).

ASVEL inbounded the ball and Paris Lee deflected the basketball. However, William Howard created the movie scenario and connected from half-court, hitting the miraculous three just before the buzzer.

For the winners, William Howard was outstanding, posting 23 points (3/5 2PT, 5/5 3PT, 2/4 FT), 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 1 turnover, 4 drawn fouls, and 33 PIR.

"I knew the shot was good at the end of the game. I almost lost the ball, but I fixed my mistake right after. I'm really happy because it's a tough situation for us with all the injuries we have and the missing guys, so I'm glad we fought until the end and got the win," said the match hero post-game.

"I think we changed some stuff. The two days off helped us a lot. We got to sit down and talk among ourselves because we know we have players out for a long time, but we've still got to play our basketball, our identity, be physical on defense.

The guys made a great effort tonight. Crazy end, but when you see it, the ball leaves his hand before the shot clock is over, so it counts. We'll take anything," told TJ Parker.

Monaco Basket / Schedule

Monaco Basket LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne84-85 Fenerbahce Istanbul Monaco BasketThu17:45

Monaco were led by Paris Lee who had a career night, accumulating 20 points (2/3 2PT, 5/8 3PT, 1/2 FT), 2 assists, 3 steals, 2 turnovers, 3 drawn fouls, and 20 PIR.

Mike James added 18 points (5/11 2PT, 0/6 3PT, 8/10 FT), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 9 drawn fouls, and 16 PIR.

William Howard grabbed an offensive rebound and drained a long three-pointer to create a 5-point lead for ASVEL (71-66) as four minutes were gone in the fourth.

Nevertheless, Paris Lee fired up his team and Monaco spurted 9-0 (75-71). The roller coaster continued while William Howard responded with his great stretch to put his team up by one (76-75) with 3:38 to go.

Paris Lee and James Gist exchanged with successful attacks and the game was tied at 78. Mike James completed the 3-point play (81-78) with 1:28 to play. However, Charles Kahudi and Chris Jones put their club in front again (82-81). 56 seconds were left on the clock.

After Will Thomas' three-pointer and a couple of Mike James twos, Monaco erased their 8 points deficit and tied the game at 62 before the decisive 10 minutes of the match.

ASVEL jumped out on a 13-4 start as Chris Jones, William Howard, and Elie Okobo were pouring points. Though, it was a temporary success because Monaco answered with a 15-2 run to create 4 points advantage (19-15) at the end of the first quarter. Alpha Diallo and Donta Hall led the way.

Later, the game went neck to neck but ASVEL managed to close the first half on a high note, arranging a successful 15-8 stretch to lead by 8 points (48-40).

10 ASVEL players were registered for the game as Marcos Knight, Dylan Osetkowski, Raymar Morgan, Victor Wembanyama, David Lighty, and Antoine Diot missed the duel.

ASVEL: William Howard 23 (10 REB), Charles Kahudi 15, James Gist 13, Elie Okobo 11 (6 AST, 6 TO), Chris Jones 10 (6 AST, 5 REB, 5 TO).

Monaco: Paris Lee 20, Mike James 18 (4 AST), Alpha Diallo 15, Donta Hall 12 (6 REB).

Highlights

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