In a week of mixed fortunes for Monaco’s mainstream sports teams, the Roca Team clinched a notable victory against ASVEL but stumbled against Paris, while the AS Monaco football team suffered a defeat to Toulouse FC in the Stade Louis II.
The week began for AS Monaco Basket on Tuesday 13th February with a match-up against ASVEL in the Coupe de France. Played at the Salle Gaston Médecin, it was a strong game at each end of the court, but Monaco ultimately came out victorious with a 92-82 win.
This victory, the team’s ninth consecutive win against ASVEL, advances the Roca Team into the competition’s Top 8. Coach Sasa Obradovic remarked on the Monegasque side’s success, saying, “We played one of our best games.”
The momentum carried on into the Leaders Cup quarter-finals against Le Mans on Friday 16th February at the Stade Marie-Marvingt, where the Rouges et Blancs clinched an 81-94 victory.
Mam Jaiteh, who made a significant return to the team during the game, reflected on AS Monaco Basket’s powerful collective mindset: “Right from the start, everyone was all in… We knew we had to show a different face.”
The Roca Team’s winning streak came to a sorrowful end, however, the next night in Paris at the LNB Pro A Leaders Cup semi-final where the Monegasques succumbed 98-93.
After a well-earned break, the side will next play an away Leaders Cup game against Nanterre on Wednesday 28th February.
AS Monaco also ended the week on a low, after a Ligue 1 match against Toulouse FC on Sunday 18th February ended with defeat. Despite their home advantage in the Stade Louis II and with a recent win against local rivals OGC Nice under their belts, the Rouges et Blancs were caught off guard by Toulouse: 1-2.
Still, AS Monaco coach Adi Hütter seemed optimistic about the team’s potential for a strong comeback post-game as he emphasised the need for focused training and resilience.
“Our defence against set pieces will be a key focus in training this week. We have the talent and the spirit to turn things around,” he told the gathered press.
Looking ahead, AS Monaco’s resolve will be tested again as they aim to recover from this setback and prepare for the next challenge against RC Lens on Sunday 25th February in Northern France.
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Main photo credit: AS Monaco Basket