ASVEL suffers another heartbreaking defeat in Munich after losing Bastien Vautier to injury
Bayern Munich overcomes 3rd quarter difficulties to defeat ASVEL Photo Credit: EuroLeague
Just two days after a heartbreaking defeat in Belgrade decided by two free throws in the final seconds, ASVEL experienced a similar nightmare in Munich. The French side held their own for 38 minutes before Bayern pulled away definitively with a 84-81 lead, eventually winning 93-83.
Led by Armel Traoré‘s 16 points and Thomas Heurtel‘s double-double of 13 points and 10 assists, ASVEL matched their opponents for most of the contest. However, a devastating 9-0 run in the final 120 seconds sealed their fate once again.
Vautier’s injury changes everything
The turning point came with Bastien Vautier‘s injury late in the third quarter. The former Lille Métropole Basket center appeared to suffer a right knee injury after contact with Wenyen Gabriel, forcing him to leave the game. His absence proved crucial for ASVEL, who had been benefiting greatly from his efficient performance – 10 points on perfect shooting, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in just 13 minutes.
« We knew it would be a tough game, » said coach Pierric Poupet in the post-game press conference. « We played well for 33-34 minutes but unfortunately, we lost a big man during the game. That didn’t help us maintain the athletic dimension that was necessary. We gave up some offensive rebounds at the end. Tonight, we lose against a better team. But at least, we fought and showed good things that we’ll need to build on. »
The defeat represents another missed opportunity for ASVEL, who failed to capitalize on Vitoria‘s loss the previous day. They remain firmly rooted at the bottom of the EuroLeague standings, still searching for their first victory of the campaign.
With a quick turnaround ahead, ASVEL faces an immediate challenge as they travel to Cholet on Saturday night. The big question remains whether Bastien Vautier will be available for his return to La Meilleraie, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already difficult season for the Villeurbanne-based club.
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