The Roca Team suffers a second consecutive defeat in the EuroLeague.

The Roca Team suffered an 85 to 73 defeat against Baskonia on Wednesday night. Vassilis Spanoulis’ men trailed the score throughout the game. 

AS Monaco Basket fell for the second time in two Euroleague matches. A defeat on the court of the Buesa Arena, 85 to 73, against the Basques of Baskonia. The Spaniards achieved their sixth consecutive home victory in the Euroleague. 

Following the frustrating defeat against Fenerbahce on the last day, AS Monaco Basket needs to restore positive momentum in the Euroleague during this 16^th day. The Monegasques travel to the Basque Country against Baskonia. The Spaniards have a negative record with five wins and ten losses. 

From the start of the game, Vassilis Spanoulis’ men face difficulties. The players from the Principality are too imprecise, barely exceeding a 33% shooting success rate during the first half. The Basques, backed by their audience, muzzle the Monegasque offensives. The players from the Principality show a poor 1/8 in three-point shooting. The Spaniards take the lead and finish the first half ahead in the score (43-34). 

A lonely Mike James and a disappointing Roca Team 

Returning from the locker room, the Roca Team tries to recover. Through Mike James and his 20 points for the evening, AS Monaco Basket slightly makes up for the delay, winning the third quarter (62-55). The Roca Team had a 16-point deficit during this quarter. The Monegasques manage not to fall behind thanks to free throws (21/23 throughout the game) as well as rebounds. Contrary to their usual performance, AS Monaco Basket doesn’t suffer in the paint tonight. 

An individual performance from Mike James that is not enough to catch up. The playmaker felt isolated tonight, with Daniel Theis being the second top scorer of the match with only 10 points. On the opposing side, the Basques have four players with 12 points or more. This collective strength allows Baskonia to win 85 to 73. The Spaniards achieve their sixth consecutive victory in their Euroleague home. 

The Roca Team needs to quickly regroup. The Monegasques will host Bayern Munich at Gaston Médecin on Friday night. They will follow up with a Betclic Élite match against Nanterre 92 this Sunday.