To the cheers of local fans, the first home game of the year came to a successful close for Monaco’s Roca Team, who secured a decisive win against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz in a crucial play-off positioning match.  

Tuesday 9th January saw AS Monaco Basket return to their home court in the Salle Gaston Médecin for a EuroLeague pitting against Spanish side Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.  

After a sorry start to their European ambitions in 2024, which saw the Monegasque side lose 75-73 to Olympiacos Piraeus in Greece last week, the team rebounded with strength once back on familiar ground in the Principality. 

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Mike James was instrumental for AS Monaco, contributing a robust 26 points and seven assists. His performance was complemented by Donatas Motiejunas, who added 13 points. Monaco’s defence played a pivotal role, committing a mere six turnovers while forcing Baskonia into 19.  

The game commenced with both teams closely matched and the first quarter ended with Monaco trailing slightly at 21-22. Howard’s successive three-pointers initially gave Baskonia a lead, but AS Monaco responded vigorously, especially in the second quarter, by forcing turnovers and embarking on a 12-0 run. 

The third quarter saw AS Monaco further consolidate their lead with an 11-1 run, ending the quarter with a 71-59 advantage. The final quarter remained tense, with Baskonia narrowing the gap to a mere three points at one point, but the Roca Team managed to maintain their lead and close out the game victoriously. 

The next EuroLeague pitting will be an away game against Panathinaikos BC Aktor on Thursday 11th January. The next home game, which sees AS Monaco come up against Real Madrid, will take place on Friday 19th January.  

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Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket