**This Sunday, June 8, Monaco won against ASVEL with a score of (74-64), during game 3 of the Betclic Elite semi-finals. The Monegasques dominated the proceedings and took advantage of the defensive shortcomings of the Lyon team to prevail. They lead 2-1 in this semi-final.**
**Third match between the Roca Team and ASVEL** at Gaston Médecin. An already **decisive** encounter to take the upper hand in these semi-finals. The keys to this confrontation: **impact** and **influence** in **the heart of the game** and **defensive solidity**. Georgios **Papagiannis**, Matthew **Strazel**, Eli **Okobo**, Alpha **Diallo**, and Jaron **Blossomgame** started the game for the Roca Team.
## **Monaco in Defensive Trouble**
[Relying on a **solid defense** as in the second match](https://www.nicepremium.fr/sports/playoffs-betclic-elite-la-roca-team-egalise-en-demi-finale-contre-lasvel/), that’s what Monaco needed to do to take the lead over ASVEL in the early moments. And the **Roca Team couldn’t do it**. They were immediately **down (2-6)** after four minutes. ASVEL challenged the Monegasque defenders. Some players from the principality **did not execute the necessary defensive retreat**. Midway through the quarter, **Spanoulis already takes his first timeout**: **Monaco is down by eight points**. An alert for the Monegasques who must regain control.
## **Immediate Reaction**
The Monegasque reaction was swift. Just seconds after the timeout, **Matthew Strazel’s teammates adjusted their placements** on the court. Solution found. The **Lyon players are overwhelmed**. **(14-12) three minutes before the end of the first quarter**. Lyon no longer has the means to counter Monaco’s offenses. **Ten consecutive points** for the Roca.
**ASVEL complicates matters** with difficult shots. Like Shaquille Harrison who attempts a three-pointer, in vain. Monaco regains the upper hand. **(19-12)**, the gap widens further in favor of the Principality’s players. **Alpha Diallo** is **heroic** in defense. At the end of these first ten minutes, the **Roca Team leads by four points (19-15)**. Both teams had their moments of dominance in this first quarter.
## **Balanced Debates**
In the second quarter, both teams **exchange blow for blow**. Only two points separate them after five minutes of play. Lyon has refocused on defense to counter Monaco’s attacks. **Fouls are multiplying** on both sides. At **halftime, Monaco still leads**, but by the narrowest margin. **Two points ahead (34-32)**.
Upon returning from the locker room, **nobody stands out** either. ASVEL continues to cling to Monaco. It’s a match that becomes **physical and mental**. The winning team will take a big step towards qualifying for the final. Throughout the quarter, **there’s never more than a three-point difference between each team**.
Monaco is present in the duels, rebounds, and defensively. [Spanoulis’s men are everywhere](https://www.lequipe.fr/Basket/Actualites/-quand-monaco-joue-comme-ca-pierric-poupet-entraineur-de-l-asvel-apres-la-defaite-contre-monaco/1568047). Yet, **ASVEL resists**. Determined. The last minutes of the third quarter are crucial. The Roca Team manages to gain a **seven-point lead**. A gap is created. At the whistle, there are **seven points separating Monaco from ASVEL**. **Roca Team advantage (55-48)**.
## **Decisive Final Quarter**
The Monegasques start the final quarter better. The entry of **Nick Calathes** is invaluable. The Greek is important in the heart of the game. **Eight points ahead for Monaco (59-51) after two minutes of play**. The Roca Team is sharp. **Georgios Papagiannis** also allows his team to secure rebounds. But ASVEL remains close, only **two possessions behind (six points)**.
In the money time, Monaco continues to distance itself. **Jordan Loyd** and **Elie Okobo** score **back-to-back three-pointers**. **Pierric Poupet takes a timeout** for Lyon. The Roca Team’s lead is **fourteen points**. There are **less than three minutes left to play**.
Monaco **manages** the final minutes of the game. ASVEL doesn’t give up but it’s already too late. The **difference was made in the middle of the last quarter**. Vassilis Spanoulis’s men **win with a score of (74-64)**. “Defending is still the key for us, we did it well today. And we were present offensively in the second half. I tried to help as best as I could in this match and it paid off,” said **Nick Calathes** after the victory. **Matthew Strazel** remained calmer. “We are capable of **relaxing too easily** so we need to be careful. We are not in the final yet,” he stated.
The Monegasques **lead 2-1 in the series**. They can **reach the final** of these playoffs if they **win game 4 on Tuesday, June 10 (9 PM)**.
