Reigning French League champs LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne got off on the wrong foot in their attempt to defend their title, as guests Cholet Basket forced them to a surprising defeat by 70-74 (22-13, 21-19, 15-20, 12-22).
The hosts got the upper hand in the first quarter and by the end of the first half, TJ Parker's squad was enjoying a double-digit lead (43-32). However, everything changed in the second part, when Cholet made a comeback.
ASVEL went 6/23 from distance, while the guests got contribution from a lot of players. DJ Hogg scored 16, Dominic Artis added 14 and Yoan Makoundou another 10. Only Elie Okobo was in double digits for Villeurbanne, who now need a win in Cholet next Friday to avoid the early elimination.
Makoundou was the one who essentially sealed the outcome with a huge block on Chris Jones eight seconds before the end.
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne: Elie Okobo 19 (7/12 FG, 1/1 FT, 5 REB), Chris Jones 9, (3 REB, 4 AST), Paul Lacombe 7, David Lighty 7, Charles Kahudi 7, Marcos Knight 7.
Cholet: DJ Hogg 16 (5/9 FG, 2/2 FT, 5 REB), Dominic Artis 14 (5/17 FG, 2/2 FT), Yoan Makoundou 10, Darrin Govens 9.
