AS Monaco have ended their three-game losing streak in the EuroLeague with a morale-boosting win against Virtus Bologna. Despite trailing by 21 points in the second quarter, the Monaco side showed immense character and resilience to overturn the deficit and secure a close but important 86-80 victory.
The Roca Team looked to be in trouble midway through the second quarter, trailing their hosts 18-3, but a sensational comeback led by Mike James saw the visitors fight their way back into the game. Strong contributions from Georgios Papagiannis and Matthew Strazel also helped shift the momentum.
“We showed real character tonight,” said Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis after the game, “but we cannot start games the way we did. The team responded well in the second half and showed what we are capable of.”
AS Monaco Basketball slowly chipped away at Virtus’ lead, reducing the gap to just eight points by halftime (41-49). The second half saw an inspired defensive display from the Roca Team, with Papagiannis and Strazel playing key roles in slowing down the Italian side’s attack. Strazel’s aggressive drives and sharp shooting proved decisive, and with six minutes left to play, the teams were level at 66-66.
With the game still in the balance, James stepped up once again, drilling a crucial three-pointer to put Monaco ahead 73-71. Virtus responded, but Monaco kept their composure in the closing stages. Jaron Blossomgame and Papagiannis were dominant on the boards, and James sealed the win with clutch free throws.
“It’s a great feeling to win here after being down by so much,” said James. “We just stayed focused and believed in ourselves. Now we have to keep pushing forward.”
AS Monaco Basketball will next face Le Mans in an away fixture in the Betclic Elite on 26th January.
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball