LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne ended a four-game skid with a thrilling 88-87 home win over Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade on Friday at Astroballe. The French side improved to 3-8 as Glynn Watson and veteran David Lighty delivered in the clutch.
ASVEL surged to a 16-2 lead early, forcing turnovers and setting the tone, but Partizan, missing big man Tyrique Jones, adjusted and battled back.
The Serbian side recovered, with Sterling Brown contributing 20 points and Duane Washington adding 19 to keep Partizan in contention through the fourth quarter.
Watson’s three-pointer with 23 seconds left gave ASVEL an 83-79 advantage, and Lighty, 37, sealed the outcome with a pair of late free throws. Head coach Pierric Poupet lauded his captain’s impact both on and off the floor.
Zachary Seljaas led the scoring with 18 points, while Lighty added 16. Watson and Shaquille Harrison, returning from injury with 12 points, also contributed key performances. Seljaas highlighted the team’s resilience and credited Watson for delivering under pressure.
Hundreds of traveling Partizan supporters were vocal throughout, but the Astroballe crowd celebrated ASVEL’s comeback. The win gives the French team momentum heading into Thursday’s home game against Monaco, while Partizan prepares to host Fenerbahce next Friday.
