AS Monaco Basketball delivered a powerful team performance on Friday at the Salle Gaston Médecin to secure a hard-fought victory over European giants Real Madrid. The team, led by impressive performances from Nick Calathes and Petr Cornelie, held their nerve in the high-stakes and often tense game to earn a 77-73 win in front of a fired-up home crowd.
Back on home soil after three straight away games, Monaco wasted no time setting the tone at the Salle Gaston Médecin. Calathes struck early with two three-pointers, while the team’s aggressive defence stifled Real Madrid’s offence. By the end of the first quarter, the Roca Team had carved out a seven-point lead (20-13), driven by the intensity of Georgios Papagiannis and the shot-making of Matthew Strazel.
Monaco continued to impress in the second quarter, extending their lead to 13 points, but Real Madrid fought back, capitalising on a lapse in concentration from the hosts. A 9-0 run from the visitors saw them claw back into contention, and by half-time, the Spanish side had taken a 39-36 lead.
Determined to regain control, the Roca Team returned from the break with renewed energy. Calathes and Mike James orchestrated the offence, while Cornelie made his presence felt at both ends of the floor. A three-pointer from Terry Tarpey helped Monaco reclaim the lead, and Mam Jaiteh’s inside presence ensured they maintained momentum. By the end of the third quarter, the hosts were back in front (59-56), with every player contributing to the team’s success.
The final quarter was a test of nerves, and Monaco held theirs. Strazel and Calathes stepped up in key moments, while Hezonja’s ejection for a second technical foul weakened Madrid’s fightback. A 13-3 run in the closing minutes gave the Roca Team breathing space, and despite a late Madrid surge, Monaco saw out the game with composure.
Collective effort seals crucial win
The victory was built on teamwork, with all 10 Monaco players who stepped on the court getting on the scoresheet. Calathes recorded a double-double (12 points, 10 assists), while Strazel (13 points) and James (nine points) provided crucial contributions. Cornelie’s all-around impact further strengthened the Roca Team’s grip on the game.
Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis praised his squad’s commitment in his post-game comments, saying, “Everyone gave their maximum tonight. We had a rough stretch in the second quarter, but the team responded. That’s what being a team is about.”
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball