LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne pulled off one of the most dramatic wins of its season on Tuesday night, stunning Anadolu Efes Istanbul 103–99 in double overtime at LDLC Arena behind a career night from Bastien Vautier.
The 27-year-old center delivered a performance few could have predicted, scoring a game-high 28 points in just 26 minutes to lift ASVEL to a statement victory in Round 18 of the EuroLeague.
Vautier entered the night averaging 4.6 points and 2.5 rebounds while playing fewer than 13 minutes per game, and he had reached double figures only once all season. Against Efes, he turned the interior battle on its head with relentless efficiency and poise under pressure.
He finished 10-of-13 on two-point attempts, added four rebounds, and repeatedly punished mismatches as the game tightened late. The contest never saw a double-digit lead, though ASVEL trailed by as many as nine points several times in the third quarter.
The turning point came in the first overtime, where Vautier authored a stretch that defined the night. He assisted Mbaye Ndiaye on an alley-oop before scoring 10 straight ASVEL points, including two free throws with 9.9 seconds left to force a second extra period at 92–92.
The second overtime belonged to Thomas Heurtel, who delivered timely baskets to preserve ASVEL’s slim advantage. The 36-year-old guard, facing his former club, closed with 17 points, eight assists, and six rebounds in one of his most complete performances since returning to the EuroLeague.
ASVEL’s collective effort matched its star turns. Mbaye Ndiaye added 13 points and eight rebounds, while Glyn Watson contributed 18 points as the hosts leaned on depth and composure deep into the night.
After the final buzzer, the emotion inside LDLC Arena reflected how significant the result felt for a team still fighting uphill in the standings.
For Efes, the loss was costly after controlling large stretches and receiving balanced scoring. Rodrigue Beaubois and Isaia Cordinier scored 20 points each, while Vincent Poirier added 17 points and eight rebounds in a strong interior showing.
Despite shooting 40 percent from three-point range, the Turkish side could not close either overtime as ASVEL repeatedly answered every surge.
The victory moved ASVEL to 5–13 overall and 5–3 at home, offering hope after a difficult start to the campaign. Anadolu Efes slipped to 6–12 and now faces renewed pressure heading into the second half of the season.
ASVEL hosts Paris Basketball next Tuesday, while Efes returns home to face Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade on Friday.
