AS Monaco Basketball have begun an important run of EuroLeague games with a solid 96-86 triumph over Zalgiris Kaunas. Despite trailing for much of the game, the Roca Team showed resilience and character, with strong performances coming from captain Mike James, Elie Okobo, Jaron Blossomgame and recent signing Daniel Theis.
The game on Tuesday 25th March, represented an important opportunity for AS Monaco Basketball to shore up their status in the Euroleague rankings and keep the team’s eyes on a Top 4 finish.
The Lithuanians took an early lead, but Monaco rallied in the second quarter, with Daniel Theis and Matthew Strazel helping to close the gap to 44-48 as the teams broke for halftime.
The game remained tight in the second half, with Zalgiris holding a 58-65 lead at the end of the third quarter, but the Roca Team once again fought back in the final period, with Mam Jaiteh playing a key role. A crucial three-pointer from James tied the game at 78-78, and a pair of free throws from Theis tied it again at 80-80, sending the game into overtime.
Here, Monaco dominated, with James leading the charge and Okobo contributing an additional seven points. AS Monaco Basketball ultimately sealed the victory at the Salle Gaston Médecin with a dominant 16-6 extra period. The final result was 96-86 in Monaco’s favour.
“It was a big game tonight,” said Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis after the game. “We didn’t have the right approach at the beginning with many small mistakes, but in the end, the important thing is the victory. We were only down by four points at halftime, then in the second half, we improved defensively and were really above during overtime. It was a very physical game, and the entire team responded, especially mentally—they didn’t give up. We were rushing at times, heading in headfirst, but in the key moments, the players didn’t panic. I believe in this team and the players who make it up.”
The result was a welcome return to form after Sunday 23rd March’s game against ASVEL in the Betclic Elite, which saw the Roca Team’s impressive 10-game winning streak in the French league come to an end.
The Lyon side confidently beat AS Monaco 94-86, making it the first home defeat for Monaco against Lyon-Villeurbanne since the 2022 Finals.
“The defense wasn’t up to par, especially against ASVEL’s shooting,” said Coach Spanoulis post-game. “We were too slow. Maybe the team was already thinking about the upcoming EuroLeague double week, with four crucial games. ASVEL brought the energy, and I’m not surprised.”
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basket