AS Monaco Basket’s fairy-tale run in the EuroLeague came to a bittersweet end on Sunday 25th May, as the Roca Team were defeated 81-70 by Fenerbahçe in their first-ever championship final. Despite a commanding start and a valiant effort throughout, Monaco were ultimately outpaced by the Turkish side’s second-half surge, led by Final Four MVP Nigel Hayes-Davis.
In front of a packed Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, Monaco burst out of the gates with a 13-4 lead, fuelled by Alpha Diallo’s relentless energy and Mike James’ early offensive spark. The Roca Boys dominated the first half, at one point stretching the advantage to nine points. However, Fenerbahçe clawed back with a 12-1 run before halftime, entering the break ahead 35-33.
The momentum shift proved decisive. Monaco struggled to regain their rhythm in the third quarter, while Fenerbahçe tightened their defence and capitalised on second-chance opportunities. Hayes-Davis, who finished with 23 points and nine rebounds, was clinical from the free-throw line, converting all 14 attempts. Devon Hall and Wade Baldwin added crucial baskets as the Turkish side pulled away in the final quarter.
Monaco’s captain Mike James, despite his leadership, found himself heavily guarded and was unable to turn the tide. Alpha Diallo’s standout performance, including 17 points, kept the Roca Team within reach, but Fenerbahçe’s composure under pressure sealed their second EuroLeague title, following their 2017 triumph.
Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis, in his debut season, reflected on the narrow defeat: “We fought for 40 minutes. The difference came down to turnovers. We started well, but their defence and offence were better in the end. Congratulations to Fenerbahçe.”
Despite the loss, Monaco’s journey to the final marks a historic achievement for French basketball, becoming the first French side to reach the EuroLeague final since Limoges in 1993. The Roca Team will now regroup as they prepare for the Betclic Elite quarter-finals against Le Mans on Wednesday.
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball