The Roca Team closed last week with back-to-back victories in the Salle Gaston Médecin that helped the side regain some traction in the EuroLeague and cement its status at the top of the Betclic Elite standings.  

Just days after an away win against Paris, AS Monaco Basket were back on their home court in the Salle Gaston Médecin on 19th January for a battle against Real Madrid, a side that had, until that point, only lost two EuroLeague games in the entire season. 

The hype before the game was worth it and fans on both sides were gripped from the very start, but it was the Roca Team who were clearly the best team on the court. They served up an “XXL performance” that ended with the scorecard reading 98-74. 

“It’s one of our best matches we’ve had this season,” said AS Monaco manager Sasa Obradovic post-game. “Everyone as a team participated in this success. As soon as I called players to the bench, they were ready. I am really happy with this tremendous collective victory. The support of the supporters counted and it did us good. Mike James is having the best season of his life. He is currently the best in the EuroLeague at his position.” 

The praise for James was well-deserved; the American point guard contributed 15 points, six rebounds and 12 assists alone.  

REIGNING SUPREME IN THE BETCLIC ELITE

Two days later and on the same home court, AS Monaco returned with the same power and energy to take a second win (78-74), this time against Le Mans.  

The victory was part luck and the home side did come close to defeat on a number of occasions.

In the end, it came down to the very last minute and the recently reinstated Élie Okobo, who helped Monaco on their way to the victory as the fans counted down. 

See more: Basketball: Élie Okobo reinstated ahead of EuroLeague game against Real Madrid

“There were some wasted shots,” said Okobo post-game, “but we knew how to stay focused when we needed to. It wasn’t easy. Defensively we did a good job in the last quarter, Terry [Tarpey] was able to finish the job with this last interception. This balance between the Betclic Elite and EuroLeague matches is never easy, but we must remember the victory, that is the most important thing.” 

The team now have almost a full week to recover ahead of games against Anadolu Efes S.K. in Instabul on 26th January and then French side Élan Chalon at home on 28th January.  

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Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket