The Roca Team falls at home against Chalon-sur-Saône (99-104). The first defeat in Betclic Élite, the second in all competitions. A logical setback, given Chalon’s overwhelming domination in the paint.
AS Monaco Basket hosted Chalon-sur-Saône on their court. In a rather empty Gaston Médecin stadium, the Monegasques wanted to confirm their victory last weekend, at Portel (84-63). On the other hand, Chalon was defeated at home by Nanterre (78-86).
During the week, Vassilis Spanoulis’s men launched their EuroLeague campaign, with one win and one loss. Two games with more than 80 points conceded, far too many for Mike James’s teammates, who need to be more solid in defense.
An unfortunate habit for the Roca Team
The Monegasques are beginning to develop an unfortunate habit early in the season. Vassilis Spanoulis’s men do not start their games in the best way. Once again, the Rock players miss the start of this game.
Yet, the first five minutes were not alarming on the Monegasque side. The Roca Team, trailing 12 points to 10, had pushed Chalon-sur-Saône into penalty trouble early on. The game start, while not perfect, was better than previous ones. However, old demons resurfaced.
The Monegasques found themselves easily outmatched in defense, the major weakness at this season’s start. Chalon did not force their basketball and was content to move the ball around, waiting for an open space. In the Monegasque paint, the Chalon players dominated the rebounds. During the first quarter, Éric Delord’s men grabbed nine offensive rebounds against two defensive rebounds for AS Monaco Basket. An overwhelming domination that allowed the visitors to take the lead (20-31).
The Roca Team limits the damage at halftime
The Monegasque issues remain the same in this second quarter. They are largely dominated in their own paint, which allows Chalon-sur-Saône to multiply their shot attempts. The Rock players do not find the solution. The Chalon players take a 17-point lead in the game (24-41).
This situation provokes the anger of coach Vassilis Spanoulis. The Greek technician does not hide his dissatisfaction and tries to wake his men up. During a timeout, he reproached his players for lacking physical impact and concentration.
The stark reality is evident on the Gaston Médecin court. The Chalon players connect effortlessly, moving the ball from hand to hand. On their side, the Monegasques seem to force all their plays. They are forced to rely on their individual talents, like Elie Okobo and Mike James, who scored 13 and 11 points respectively in the first half. The Roca Team heads to the locker room with a ten-point deficit (41-51).
No reaction after halftime
After this very difficult first half, Mike James’s teammates needed to react to get back into the game. A comeback that never materializes, with the Monegasque ailments remaining similar to those in the first half.
One sequence illustrates this defensive passivity on the Monegasque side. On a second free throw, Zachary Cuthbertson grabs the rebound and scores a new basket, drawing the foul. A terrible lack of impact on the part of the Roca Team’s pivot, Kevarrius Hayes.
The Chalon players extend their lead to over 18 points on the scoreboard. The Roca Team brings the deficit back to 13 points, with ten minutes remaining in the game (62-75).
A thrilling final quarter, but insufficient
At their own pace, the Monegasques reduce the deficit and come within 6 points of their opponent, with less than four minutes remaining in the game. The momentum shifted, but the Rock players do not capitalize on it. Matthew Strazel commits a foul while his team is already in penalty trouble.
Frustrated, he becomes agitated and earns a technical foul. The Monegasque bench also receives a technical foul. As a result, Chalon-sur-Saône obtains four free throws and makes three of them. A costly sequence in this end of the game, where every single point matters.
In the final moments, Chalon’s inexperience almost played against them. Their significant lead throughout the game nevertheless allowed them to emerge victorious on the Gaston Médecin court (99-104). Once again, AS Monaco Basket concedes far too many points and will have to quickly find solutions in their defensive sector.
The next game for the Roca Team is Thursday night, on Milan’s court, for the third day of the EuroLeague. The Rock players will travel on Sunday to face Paris Basketball.
