CSU Asesoft brought hoops euphoria to the Romanian city of Ploiesti with a treble-winning campaign last year.

They have ridden the momentum into the new season by claiming a 75-66 victory over Cholet in their first EuroCup Group A clash.

Asesoft got 23 points from the Romanian league's top player in 2004-05, Catalin Burlacu, and 18 from Serbo-Montenegrin guard Sasa Ocokoljic.

Asesoft got their noses in front and led Cholet 19-17 after the opening quarter.

They stretched that to 41-34 by half-time.

While Cholet did not allow their hosts to pull away, the French outfit were also unable to claw their way back.

Ivan Krasic weighed in with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Asesoft, who also got a double-double - 11 points and 11 rebonds - from Julius Nwosu, a Nigerian international who has given the team a big body underneath the basket.

Nwosu is a journeyman but he has big tournament experience, be it for club or country. Last year, he averaged 16 minutes per game for French giants Pau Orthez in the Euroleague.

Hopes are high for the Romanians, who won a domestic league and cup, and the FIBA Europe Cup competitions last season.