ASVEL opens French Pro A title defense with win

The French Pro A league, named the Jeep Elite Pro A this season, tipped off the 2019-20 season this week (Sept. 20). All eyes were one game in particular in Round 1 and that was between ASVEL Lyon Villeurbanne and Limoges CSP Elite.

ASVEL are the defending Pro A champions. They defeated AS Monaco 3-2 in the finals series in 2018-19. They have a target on their backs with 17 other teams gunning for their gold trophy. The rest of the league will be in for a challenge though, as the reigning champs are hard-set on defending their title.

ASVEL ushered in the 2019-20 season on the right foot on Sunday with an impressive 94-84 win over Limoges.

Jean-Charles Livio and Edwin Jackson scored 19 and 17 points, respectively to pace ASVEL and their combined efforts were enough to stave off the 22-point performance put up by Limoges’ Brian Conklin.

Ball movement and was key for ASVEL in this game, they took their time and stuck to an unselfish style of play to keep their offense churning. They collected 29 assists, compared to 18 by Limoges.

The champs look sharp and are already showing some strength to open the season. Will they be able to hold onto their crown? We will see.