AS Monaco Basketball delivered a statement performance on their home court on Tuesday night, defeating Bayern Munich 93-74 in the presence of Prince Albert II. The dominant win, Monaco’s third consecutive EuroLeague triumph, secured the Principality side’s position at the top of the standings, reinforcing their status as a contender for European glory in the 2024/25 season.
The Roca Team showcased their very best basketball against their German rivals on Tuesday 17th December, with eight players posting double-digit efficiency ratings and five scoring 10 or more points.
“We had a slow start and weren’t at the level we expect in the first quarter,” admitted new Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis. “But once the players understood what was needed, they gave everything—offensively and defensively. Everyone played with heart, and we showed why this group is so united.”
Despite the rocky start, AS Monaco Basketball soon surged ahead, with the team’s defensive adjustments and ball movement quickly turning the tide.
Georgios Papagiannis was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 14 points and making history as he crossed the 1,500-point milestone in the EuroLeague. Meanwhile, Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel hit key shots to fuel a 24-5 run that saw Monaco take control of the game.
“Our defense was the difference,” said forward Terry Tarpey. “We locked in after the first quarter, and you could see the results. Offensively, 28 assists show how much we’re sharing the ball. It’s a complete team effort.”
Monaco went into halftime with a 46-40 lead and carried that momentum into the second half.
Dominance in the second half
The Roca Team came out firing in the third quarter, with Mike James leading the charge as Monaco outscored Bayern Munich 31-20. Mam Jaiteh and Donatas Motiejunas dominated inside, while Strazel and Okobo dazzled on the perimeter.
“This is how we want to play every game—tough defense, fast transitions, and unselfish offense,” added Tarpey. “We weren’t great in the first 10 minutes, but the response showed our true identity.”
With a 77-60 lead heading into the fourth quarter, Spanoulis rotated his bench to give valuable minutes to players like Petr Cornelie and Juhann Begarin, much to the delight of the home fans.
Eyes on Real Madrid
With an 11-5 record in EuroLeague play, the Roca Team now looks ahead to their next challenge: an away clash against Real Madrid on Thursday 19th December.
“Every game in this competition is tough, and Real Madrid will be no exception,” Spanoulis cautioned. “We need to recover, stay focused, and be ready for a big battle.”
Monaco’s recent form, fueled by a cohesive team effort and improved defensive intensity, has firmly established them as a title contender in the EuroLeague.
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Photo source: AS Monaco Basketball