Top of the table

Olympiacos defeated ASVEL Villeurbanne in Lyon 82–74 for the 35th round of the EuroLeague and “climbed” to the top of the standings.

Although Sasha Vezenkov and Tyler Dorsey were in great scoring form (the former with 12 and the latter with 10 points, combining for 22 of the team’s 25 total points in the first quarter), Olympiacos failed to impose their rhythm during that period, due to defensive gaps, turnovers, and missed free throws, which allowed the French side to stay within striking distance (24–25).

With a 3-pointer by Shaquille Harrison, ASVEL took the lead for the first time in the game (27–25, 11'), but Olympiacos responded immediately. They increased defensive pressure, Donta Hall dominated under the rim, and together with Alec Peters played a major role in extending the lead to +11 (34–45 in the 18th minute) with a 20–7 run.

Villeurbanne cut the deficit to 8 points (39–47) at halftime, but with a 5–0 run at the start of the 3rd quarter, Olympiacos pushed the lead to 13p. for the first time (39–52). However, the strong start was left at that. The 'red & whites' lost their rhythm again, and Villeurbanne took advantage of defensive weaknesses in the paint as well as Melvin Ajinça’s perimeter shooting, closing the gap to 3 points (58–61 at 30').

With solid defense and key scoring from Vezenkov and Hall, Olympiacos regained control (58–70, 33'). However, once again, a poor stretch allowed ASVEL to believe in a comeback. Using their 3-point prowess and dominance in offensive rebounds, they reduced the deficit to 5 points (70–75, 3:38 remaining). That was as far as they got. Coach Giorgos Bartzokas’ players refocused, applied defensive pressure, and secured a relatively comfortable final victory.

The quarters: 24–25, 39–47, 58–61, 74–82