The Roca Team falls once again in the EuroLeague, losing to Dubai 91 to 101. A defeat that puts the Monegasque team in a very delicate situation in the standings. Three games remain to clinch a play-in spot.
The task is getting more complicated in the EuroLeague for Monaco! The Rock’s club could not avoid the defeat against Dubai (91 to 101). A setback that puts the Roca Team in great difficulty in the standings. This match could be fatal for the future of the team in the European competition.
AS Monaco travels to Dubai for the 35th day of the EuroLeague. The game was relocated to the Zetra Arena in Sarajevo due to the conflict in the Middle East. The Monegasque team, positioned as the last participant in the play-in before the match, comes from a loss in the last round against Panathinaikos. On the other hand, the Dubai team has suffered two consecutive defeats in the competition.
A timid start for the Roca Team
The start of the game is competitive. Both teams are trading blows. In a very discreet and calm atmosphere, the Roca Team struggles to pace the match. Elie Okobo’s teammates are in difficulty beyond the arc (1/4 in this first quarter).
Monaco is less accurate in front of the basket than their opponents. The Monegasques have a 35% success rate compared to 58% for the Dubai team. The Rock’s players are not making a difference on the floor. They eventually concede ground to their opponent towards the end of this first period. Monaco finishes the first quarter trailing by six points on the scoreboard (18-24).
A Roca Team in mixed form
The Roca Team struggles to get its head above water. The club from the Principality falls behind and sees Dubai pulling ahead. Jurica Golamec’s men have a 12-point lead (23-35). Kelvarius Hayes’s teammates have to brace themselves and redouble their efforts to get back into the game.
Gradually, Monaco turns the tide. The Monegasques are sharper and put the Dubai team in trouble with their shooting. Thanks to an excellent second part of the second quarter, the Roca Team ties the score (47-47). It’s Elie Okobo, with a superb three-pointer, who allows them to go into the locker room on equal terms.
A completely undecided match
It feels like deja vu! The start of the second half strangely resembles the beginning of the second quarter. Once again, it’s the Dubai team that takes the lead. Monaco finds itself nine points behind (61-70). The rebounding duels are in favor of Dubai. The Monegasques are in difficulty, as has often been the case this season.
AS Monaco Basket makes, once again, a comeback. More precise, more clinical, the Rock’s players narrow the gap and come within two points at the dawn of the last quarter (71-73). Everything is still to play for in these last ten minutes.
A loss that could be very costly
As in the last two acts, the Roca Team starts poorly in its quarter. The Monegasques are too imprecise in front of the basket. They are also permeable in defense. Inevitably, the situation becomes more complicated. With less than three minutes to go, the Principality team is up against the wall (83-91).
Not surprisingly, the Monegasque team fails to reverse the trend. Monaco falls in Bosnia-Herzegovina against Dubai (91-101). A logical defeat for a Monegasque team which was only reactive. This loss, against a direct competitor (just one victory ahead in favor of Monaco), puts the Rock club in difficulty in the race for the play-in.
The final stretch in EuroLeague
The Monegasque week will end at home, with the visit of Dijon (April 5). This match will count for the 25th day of the Betclic Élite. In the EuroLeague, only three games remain on the schedule. The home games against ASVEL (April 8) and FC Barcelona (April 10). The regular phase will conclude away against Hapoel Tel-Aviv (April 17).
