Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv claimed a 92–84 win over LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne on Thursday night at Menora Mivtachim Arena, riding a career-best performance from Lonnie Walker IV in the club’s first true home game of the season.
Walker delivered 29 points, 9 rebounds, and a performance index rating of 33, setting personal EuroLeague highs and guiding Maccabi to its ninth straight victory over ASVEL.
Roman Sorkin added 26 points, matching Yotam Halperin for the most scored by an Israeli player in EuroLeague competition, as Maccabi improved to 5–10 with its second consecutive win.
ASVEL came out strong behind Nando De Colo, who pushed his team to a 14–7 start before Maccabi responded with a 12–0 run led by Walker’s downhill attacks and Sorkin’s efficiency inside.
The visitors regained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Maccabi 28–26, and the game entered halftime tied.
The third period featured eight lead changes as Maccabi struggled to protect a 14-point cushion it had built earlier.
Walker maintained composure through every swing.
ASVEL stayed close behind De Colo’s 16 points and 7 assists, along with Glynn Watson’s 21 points on 4-of-8 shooting from deep.
De Colo posted a +14 plus/minus in 27 minutes, but ASVEL was outscored by 22 when he sat, underscoring the challenge of managing rotations in a hostile arena.
Maccabi closed the game with defensive stops and late free throws, finishing with 46 rebounds and shooting 64.1% on two-pointers.
Sorkin posted 8-of-13 shooting inside and drew multiple fouls, while Walker attacked the paint relentlessly, making 10 of 11 two-point attempts.
Maccabi now looks ahead to Tuesday’s matchup in Dubai as it continues its climb toward playoff contention.
ASVEL, falling to 3–12, will host FC Bayern Munich next Wednesday in Round 16.
