After a victory with a score of 94 to 77, Monaco ties its semi-final against ASVEL. Vassilis Spanoulis’ men relied on very good defense to counter the Lyon team’s ambitions.
Second semi-final between ASVEL and the Roca Team. This match was already decisive as Lyon won the first game. The Monegasques needed to respond this Thursday evening to avoid heading to the Principality trailing 2-0 in the series (best of five games). Matthew Strazel, Georgios Papagiannis, Elie Okobo, Jaron Blossomgame, and Alpha Diallo formed the starting five for Monaco. Mike James is still suspended by his club.
Solid first half by Monaco
Unlike the first match, Monaco got into their game immediately. What’s also different in these first minutes is ASVEL’s assertiveness: less success for Pierric Poupet’s men, who are otherwise present in the duel. The Roca Team could count on a determined Papagiannis, helping his team. Eight points for the Greek after six minutes of play.
In the final minutes of the first quarter, the Monegasques gained the upper hand. Twelve points ahead for Vassilis Spanoulis’ men 7-19. ASVEL is stifled by the activity in the heart of the game by Monaco. The Roca Team finishes the first quarter leading (21-12).
The Roca Team starts the second quarter with the same tempo. After one minute of play, fifteen points ahead 27-12. The Lyon attack is silent. Strazel and his crew continue to attack. And it works. They take advantage of the defensive weaknesses of ASVEL. 39-22 for Monaco with less than three minutes to the half-time. Lyon can’t find a solution to the Roca’s onslaughts. Elie Okobo concludes the first half at the buzzer with a three-point shot. (47-28) for the Monegasques. Calm.
ASVEL’s comeback?
From the first seconds, ASVEL increases the intensity. Especially in running. Eight points in a row were scored by the Lyonnais, coming back to eleven points.
ASVEL continues to push to come back but struggles against a compact Monegasque block. They regain a few points of advantage. There is no respite. Lyon is forced to concede fouls. Gradually, Théo Maledon’s teammates come back to ten points. Lyon-Villeurbanne started the third quarter much better than Monaco. In the final minutes, Monaco slightly decreases the intensity. Ten minutes before the end of the game, Monaco still leads (52-66), but Lyon has started to regain strength.
Monaco calm
In the last quarter, Monaco continues to manage its lead. At the same time, ASVEL loses many balls. The Roca Team even manages to widen the gap. Three minutes before the end, Spanoulis’ players have a twenty-point lead.
The last seconds of the match are very calm. The Roca Team wins (94-77). “We came here with the goal to defend very well today,” said Georgios Papagiannis. “We were determined to do better for all those who support this club. We had offensive rhythm by defending well. That’s very good,” Matthew Strazel expressed his satisfaction.
Next match on Sunday afternoon at 4:30 PM, this time in the Gaston Médecin stadium in Monaco. Game 3 already looks decisive in this semi-final.
