AS Monaco Basket have earned a high-scoring EuroLeague win over Lyon’s ASVEL in the team’s first game without former head coach Sasa Obradovic.
Fuelled by a standout performance from Elie Okobo and an epic second-half surge in points, AS Monaco Basket secured an important win against their longtime rivals LDLC ASVEL on Thursday 21st November.
The game was the Roca Team’s first since the news broke that Sasa Obradovic would be stepping down as head coach. Assistant coach Manuchar Markoishvili has taken on the role in the interim.
Speaking after the game, Markoishvili said, “These last few days have not been easy for the group… The players showed incredible consistency and concentration tonight. They played together and fought together, and that collective effort was key.”
Okobo delivered an impressive performance at the EuroLeague fixture, which took place at home in the Salle Gaston Médecin at the Stade Louis II. The French player finished as the game’s top scorer with 27 points, six assists and three steals.
“Tonight, we found that collective spirit again,” he said. “We showed that we were happy to be on the court and fought together for the club. Personally, I felt great—I had energy and fire in my legs.”
Okobo’s offensive surge, particularly in the second half, was instrumental in securing the win. His efforts were complemented by a solid defensive display led by Matthew Strazel, whose high-pressure play disrupted ASVEL’s rhythm.
“We raised our defensive intensity, and that made the difference,” said Strazel. “We fought from start to finish and played with heart.”
The second half also saw Mike James and Alpha Diallo contribute key points, while Jaron Blossomgame’s defensive interceptions kept ASVEL at bay.
AS Monaco’s next EuroLeague challenge comes on 29th November as they face Panathinaikos in Athens.
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basket