AS Monaco Basketball delivered a commanding performance against Nancy over the weekend, securing a 117-96 victory at the Salle Gaston Médecin that takes the Roca Team within touching distance of the Top 3 in the Betclic Elite. The Monaco side showcased their depth and offensive prowess, with every player contributing to a well-controlled game that will no doubt have given the players a morale boost after their defeat to Red Star Belgrade.
Nancy started strong on Sunday 19th January and took an early lead, but Monaco quickly responded through Terry Tarpey, Mike James and Nick Calathes. A buzzer-beating three-pointer from Matthew Strazel closed the first quarter with Monaco ahead 30-25.
Juhann Begarin then made a significant impact off the bench, hitting four three-pointers to help his team establish a comfortable 58-46 lead at halftime.
Despite a spirited effort from Nancy’s Walker and Thompson, Monaco maintained control and surpassed the 100-point mark in the final quarter, sealing the win in front of an ecstatic home crowd.
Reflecting on the victory, Begarin highlighted the team’s determination to bounce back from its recent defeats in the EuroLeague, saying, “It was a revengeful Monaco today. After a tough week with two EuroLeague defeats, we wanted to return to our standards and show Nancy it wouldn’t be easy. We shot with confidence and capitalised on their defensive gaps. The coach stresses the importance of the collective, and having such depth is crucial in a long season.”
Just days earlier, on Friday 17th January, AS Monaco Basketball had played Red Star Belgrade at their home court in the Serbian capital.
Despite leading for much of the game and having a chance to win in regulation, the Roca Team failed to make the most of their final possession, echoing a previous loss to Bayern Munich in mid-January.
Jaron Blossomgame and Donatas Motiejunas led Monaco’s efforts, but defensive lapses and a costly scoring drought in the second quarter allowed Red Star to take control. Mike James briefly put Monaco ahead in the closing seconds, but the hosts forced overtime and ultimately sealed their 88-82 victory.
The team will next play Virtus Segafredo Bologna away on Thursday 23rd January.
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball