As part of the Betclic Élite, the match between AS Monaco Basket and Le Mans Sarthe Basket held particular importance. Le Mans aimed for a sixth place directly qualifying for the playoffs, while the Roca Team sought to secure a lasting position at the top of the standings to approach the final phase in the best conditions.
The Roca Team generally controlled the game thanks to solid defense and great transition efficiency. After a serious start, the Monégasques widened the gap over the quarters to reach up to a twenty-point lead. Despite a response from Le Mans in the second half and a lapse towards the end, the Principality’s players managed to maintain control. Supported by several offensive leaders, they answered in key moments. A logical victory built on consistency and collective mastery.
1st Quarter
The start clearly favored the Monégasques. Serious and focused, they immediately imposed their defensive intensity while smoothly executing their offensive play.
Le Mans attempted to respond with their usual strengths, notably through Trevor Hudgins and an intensity consistent with their identity. However, several turnovers slowed their momentum, immediately exploited by Monaco, who were formidable in transition.
Taking advantage of these situations, the players from the Principality quickly widened the gap, taking up to a twelve-point lead (22-10). Solid until the end of the quarter, they mastered this first period and concluded these first ten minutes ahead, 26 to 16.
2nd Quarter
Monaco returned with the same intentions: maintain high intensity and continue to dictate the pace. Despite issues inside — Nikola Mirotic quickly penalized with three personal fouls and Daniel Theis’s injury — the Monégasques did not ease up.
Opposite, Le Mans tried to find solutions, especially in transition, to bypass a particularly impressive placed Monaco defense tonight. But Le Mans struggled to exist, often lagging and forced to chase after the ball.
Offensively, Monaco rolled on. Elie Okobo sank baskets to keep his team on track, while Terry Tarpey stood out with several valuable steals. The outside shooting was also very damaging: Juan Begarin and Jaron Blossomgame punished with three-pointers, while Alpha Diallo also contributed to the score.
The gap climbed to twenty points and stabilized. At halftime, Monaco led comfortably 53-33.
3rd Quarter
The third quarter began with a choppy pace, where Le Mans tried to impose a false tempo to destabilize Monaco. This strategy worked in sequences: the players from Le Mans, led by Trevor Hudgins, managed to score a few baskets and slightly reduce the gap.
But the Roca Team retained control. Elie Okobo took charge to stop the opposing momentum and maintain a comfortable lead.
In the final minutes of the quarter, Jaron Blossomgame and Elie Okobo allowed the Monégasques to widen the gap once more and press their opponents further. With ten minutes remaining, the game already seemed sealed.
4th Quarter
The start of the final quarter was marked by a turning point: Elie Okobo contested refereeing decisions and then provoked Hugo Dumbia, earning two technical fouls and an ejection.
Le Mans took advantage to bounce back. Led by Trevor Hudgins, they hit consecutive long-distance shots and closed in to eight points, taking advantage of a faux rhythm from the Monégasques.
In this delicate moment, Matthew Strazel took charge. He reignited the intensity, secured the defense, and led several effective fast plays. Monaco then regained control and definitively sealed the match.
In the end, despite a few minutes of wavering, the Roca Team logically won (99-85). A controlled victory that confirms the ambitions of the Principality’s club, both in the championship and on the European stage.
