On Thursday, June 9, Sasa Obradovic’s AS Monaco faced, for the fourth time in these playoffs, the team of Elan Béarnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez coached by Frenchman Éric Bartecheky. Before this match, the Monegasque team led the semifinal series 2-1.
AS Monaco emerged victorious from the Palais des Sports in Pau after winning this last match with a score of 83 to 85. The team from the Principality thus qualifies for the Betclic Elite Finals against ASVEL, which has, in turn, largely dominated JDA Dijon in the semifinals (3-0).
AS Monaco narrowly secured victory away from home despite an excellent performance from Brandon Jefferson (34 points – 5 assists – 30 efficiency rating) supported by his American teammate Justin Bibbins (16 points). Nonetheless, the two playmakers from Pau were not enough to topple the team from the Rock, led by American center Donta Hall (12 points – 7 rebounds – 22 efficiency rating) who ended as the MVP of the match. AS Monaco was also able to count on two other American players: point guard Mike James (21 points) and power forward Will Thomas (15 points). Special mention to Léo Westermann (12 points), who also contributed significantly despite being ejected after two unsportsmanlike fouls.
AS Monaco is now indeed in the Betclic Elite final against its main competitor: ASVEL. The first match of this series will take place at the Astroballe on Wednesday, June 15, at 8:30 PM. The Monegasque team will need to redouble its efforts if it wishes to succeed away from home against a Lyon-Villeurbanne team in great form despite the absence of French players Charles Kahudi and Victor Wembanyama due to injuries.
