Villeneuve d’Ascq’s farewell to Rachid Meziane

It was expected, after its big victory in the first leg, the ESBVA qualified for the round of 16 of the women’s Eurocup this Wednesday, December 18 against the Romanians of Constanta (91-71). Beyond the success, it was above all the last of coach Rachid Meziane at the Palacium before his departure for the WNBA.

After a frank hug with his faithful assistant Antonio de Barros – who will remain with his successor Maxime Bézin – and a tour of the room after the final buzzer, the Clermontois, in post for 5 seasons at Villeneuve d’Ascq, bid farewell to his audience at the microphone.

« Here I experienced the best moments of my career. I saw talents blossom. I saw Jo Gomis retire. I will take with me many memories, many moments and your echoes will resonate in my heart for a long time. Thank you for welcoming me as I was, I will continue to support the Guerrières,” said the technician before shedding a few tears, like reported by France 3 Regions.

He will have one last French championship match at Lattes-Montpellier this Saturday, November 21 before handing over.

…And those from Lyon to Mado-Bonnet

In Lyon, the sporting challenge took precedence over the emotion of the last one at Mado-Bonnet – half garnished. Returning from Vilnius with a draw (85-85), ASVEL absolutely had to win to validate its place in the round of 16 of the women’s Eurocup.

Dominique Malonga’s teammates (18 points at 5/13 on shots, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks for 21 rating) came very close to elimination, still being behind in the moneytime, but Julie Wojta (5 points, 10 rebounds) delivered his partners 9 seconds from the end. The last shot from the Lithuanians gave the Lyon supporters a cold sweat but qualification was finally assured with forceps (69-67).

« It didn’t turn out very well but it’s good to have won because we would have been left feeling unfinished. The team fought hard until the end. Vilnius led longer than us and mentally it wasn’t easy playing every possession with pressure. But I am satisfied with the qualification because in 2025, we will still be racing in all three competitions », indicated coach Yoann Cabioc’h to Progress.

ASVEL will meet Galatasaray – the same poster as the final in 2023 – in the round of 16 on Wednesday January 8 and 15, with the return to the Palais des Sports in Gerland.

Lattes-Montpellier passes, Charnay and Tarbes break

In the other matches, Lattes-Montpellier qualified by winning again in Klaipeda (65-55), after its +36 in the first leg.

However, it is over for Charnay, for his first European adventure, who was unable to overcome the San Sebastian obstacle. After an eventful trip – their Lyon-Biarritz flight canceled and replaced by 8 hours of train and bus – the Pinkies lost in Spain (66-73) after the first leg’s draw (68-68).

Same finality for Tarbes, who hoped to reverse the trend at home after their defeat in Germany against Keltern (45-60). But, without its captain Camille Droguet, ill, the TGB did not resist (50-71) and was therefore eliminated.

That makes 3/5 for French clubs in the women’s Eurocup, pending Angers. This Thursday, December 19, the Angevines of the UFAB travel to Sosnowiec, in Poland, to complete their qualification, with a lead of 26 points acquired in the first leg (86-60).

The results