Lyon-Villeurbanne 75–80 Cholet: Visitors Stun ASVEL on Home Floor in Pro A Thriller

In a gripping Ligue Nationale de Basket Pro A encounter on 31 May 2026, Cholet produced a composed road performance to defeat Lyon-Villeurbanne (ASVEL) 80–75 at the Astroballe. The result not only snapped ASVEL’s four-game winning streak at home but also gave Cholet a crucial boost in the tightly packed mid‑table battle.

Match Overview

From the opening tip, both teams showed high intensity. ASVEL leaned on their size advantage inside, while Cholet relied on perimeter shooting and transition plays. The first quarter ended 22–20 in favour of the visitors, setting the tone for a back‑and‑forth affair. Cholet’s discipline at the free‑throw line and ability to slow down ASVEL’s star guards proved decisive in the final period.

Key Moments

• First half control: Cholet opened a 46–38 lead by halftime, capitalizing on eight ASVEL turnovers. Their bench outscored the hosts’ reserves 15–6 in the first two quarters.
• Third‑quarter ASVEL surge: Lyon‑Villeurbanne came out fired up, cutting the deficit to 60–57 by the end of the third. A 10‑2 run early in the period brought the home crowd to life.
• Fourth‑quarter composure: Cholet answered every ASVEL rally. With the score tied at 72‑72 and three minutes left, the visitors scored eight of the next eleven points, including a clutch three‑pointer from guard Lucas Dussoulier with 1:20 to go.
• Free‑throw excellence: Cholet converted 18 of 20 free throws (90%), while ASVEL managed only 12 of 18 (66.7%), a disparity that ultimately decided the contest.

Standout Players

• Cholet – Luka Rupnik (18 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds): The Slovenian guard orchestrated the offense brilliantly, hitting key shots and setting up teammates. His leadership in the clutch moments was invaluable.
• ASVEL – David Lighty (15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals): The veteran forward was a force on both ends, but his scoring dried up in the fourth quarter as Cholet sent double‑teams his way.
• Cholet – Neal Sako (14 points, 11 rebounds, 2 blocks): The French center dominated the glass and altered several shots inside, helping to neutralize ASVEL’s frontcourt.

Tactical Story

Cholet’s game plan revolved around spacing the floor and forcing ASVEL’s big men to defend on the perimeter. By hitting six three‑pointers in the first half, they stretched the defense and created driving lanes. Defensively, they sagged off ASVEL’s weaker shooters and packed the paint, daring the hosts to beat them from outside. Lyon‑Villeurbanne shot just 6‑of‑22 from beyond the arc, a statistic that highlighted the visitors’ strategic success.

ASVEL coach Pierric Poupet tried to counter by switching to a zone defense in the third quarter, which initially slowed Cholet’s rhythm. However, fatigue and foul trouble in the final four minutes allowed Cholet to execute their half‑court sets with precision, earning high‑percentage looks and timely free‑throw opportunities.

Season and Standings Impact

The win moved Cholet to 15–12 on the season, keeping them in the hunt for a playoff berth in a crowded middle of the Pro A table. For ASVEL (18–9), the loss was a missed opportunity to close the gap on league leaders Monaco and Boulogne‑Levallois. The defeat also dented their home‑court advantage momentum as the regular season enters its final stretch.

Next up for both teams: Cholet hosts Le Portel on 3 June, while Lyon‑Villeurbanne travels to face Limoges CSP in a crucial road test.