ASVEL wins the Ain Star Game with a 45-point victory against Bourg

ASVEL reclaimed the Pierre Murtin Trophy with a decisive victory against Bourg-en-Bresse (92-57) in the Ain Star Game final. A clear-cut win that confirms the rising momentum of Pierrick Poupet’s squad before the season starts.

AIN STAR GAME 2025 WINNERS ✅

Très belle prestation de nos Villeurbannais qui s’imposent très largement face aux voisins de Bourg et remportent ce tournoi de pré-saison !#LDLCASVEL pic.twitter.com/xRN8oYotMZ

— LDLC ASVEL (@LDLCASVEL) September 7, 2025

Villeurbanne’s dominance from the start

The opening moments immediately set the tone for this final. Ajinça and Seljaas scored the first points for Villeurbanne, while Vautier already dominated the rebounds. Against an EuroLeague team, Bourg-en-Bresse quickly felt the difference in physical intensity and pace.

Despite a more visible performance from Darius McGhee compared to his previous game, the Bresse point guard couldn’t lead his team into real opposition. ASVEL took the lead in the first quarter (26-16) and was never threatened afterward.

Villeurbanne’s experience makes the difference

The rebounding battle quickly turned in Villeurbanne’s favor, significantly hampering Bresse’s ambitions. On ASVEL’s court, Traoré, Noua, De Colo, and N’Diaye showed their perfect understanding of each other’s game, finding each other blindfolded.

This chemistry was sorely missing from Bourg-en-Bresse, who couldn’t rediscover their quick and fluid game that was their strength in earlier outings. After 30 minutes of play, Bresse had only scored 46 points compared to ASVEL’s 72.

Coach Lecrosnier continued his learning process by giving playing time to young Juwan Ekanga-Ehawa in place of Darius McGhee, but the gap was already too wide. The end of the game proceeded without drama, with ASVEL cruising against an energy-depleted Bresse team.

This defeat, although heavy, isn’t alarming for Bourg-en-Bresse according to the staff’s analysis: preseason is meant for this type of learning. The Bresse team, who had held the trophy for two years, must now focus on their next European test scheduled in Germany next weekend.