Asvel Villeurbanne 80-68 Barça: End of the winning streak

After winning eight games in a row, Barça lost 80-68 to Asvel Villeurbanne, their second European defeat of the season. Mirotic, with 14 points, was the top scorer for the Catalans.

An unfavourable start

The French side set the pace from the start, dominating at the basket throughout and gaining a commanding lead by the end of the first 20 minutes: 45-36. Asvel Villeurbanne didn't let up in the second quarter, and though Roland Smits contributed a quick-fire six points for Barça, the visitors had their backs against the wall for the most part. Even when they had the chance to cut the deficit further, Bako stood tall for the hosts, blocking three certain baskets. 

Unable to reverse the trend

Jasikevičius' side began to sparkle in the third quarter and were much more intense in their play. Thanks in the main to Abrines' ability to recover the ball, Barça moved to within five points. The comeback didn't last long, however, with Asvel Villeurbanne easing through the gears to post a 16-point lead after 38 minutes (65-49).

Despite Mirotic's best efforts, the hosts held on and by the end of play were 12 points ahead (80-68). It was a bitter result for a team that hadn't lost since October 27, but the blaugranes will now need to dust themselves down and get ready for the visit of Valencia Basket to the Palau Blaugrana (Tuesday 1 December, 9.15pm CET).

MATCH DETAILS

Asvel Villeurbanne, 80
Barça, 68

Asvel Villeurbanne: Diot (3), Freeman (12), Moustapha Fall (6), Lighty (17) and Yabusele () -starters- Kahudi (10), Lacombe (-), Noua (3), Bako (8), Cole (14) and Hayes (-). 
Barça: Calathes (12), Higgins (9), Abrines (2), Mirotic (14) and Pustovyi (4) -starters- Davies (6), Hanga (-), Bolmaro (4), Oriola (4), Smits (6), Heurtel (3) and Kuric (4). 

Breakdown: 25-19; 20-17 // 20-17; 15-15

Officials: Robert Lottermoser, Fernando Rocha and Eduard Udyanskyy.