Lyon-Asvel champion of France for the second time

Four years later, Asvel returns to the throne of the Women’s Basketball League. Already crowned in 2019, Marine Johannès and Sandrine Gruda’s teammates were crowned champions of France on Monday May 22 by overcoming Villeneuve d’Ascq (74-68) in match 3 of the finals. This is the second title for the Lyonnaises, led by a very great Gruda (18 points).

At home, at the Astroballe, David Gautier’s players negotiated well the final match against the MVP of the season, Kennedy Burke (15 points), and thus offered themselves an unprecedented brace with the Eurocup, won a little later from a month ago . The consecration finally for Tony Parker’s club chasing a new national title. In the meantime, failures had multiplied, such as the Coupe de France final lost against Basket Landes last month or the Women’s League final won by Bourges last year.

The recruitment of Blues captain Sandrine Gruda in the offseason was inspired: “We have many experienced players, they came to win and we did it.”, greeted “TP” on the microphone of Sport in France. Soon to turn 36 next month, the Tokyo bronze medalist signed a double-double (18 points 10 rebounds) on Monday. Furthermore, he turned the match around in the decisive moments. “It was hard, you have no idea”, blew up the huge interior (1.97m). “It’s beautiful, that’s why I came, to win titles.”

“We’ve been waiting for this for a few years”

In support of Gruda, between Julie Allemand and Marine Johannès (3/6 with three points and 3/8 on Monday), Asvel has two heights of the address, which have left the floor with 11 and 16 points. “I’ve been since the beginning of Asvel’s history, it’s great to go and win this title a second time,” savored Belgian Julie Allemand. We’ve been waiting for it for a few years. We knew it would take time to create our identity.” Marine Johannès, whose participation in the next Eurobasket (June 15-25) remains uncertain due to a possible express return trip to the WNBA, appeared very moved. “I’ll talk about it later”she escaped. “Here, I want to enjoy!”