The Roca Team was defeated on their home court by ASVEL (83 to 87). The team from Monaco, significantly weakened, could not hold on despite a very good first half. The ejection of Mike James early in the game was costly for the club from the Rock.
The Roca Team held on longer than expected! On the match sheet, five professional players combined with three young players to face ASVEL. After an excellent first half, the Roca Team failed to defy the odds, physically worn out.
AS Monaco Basket faced ASVEL to close the 27th day of Betclic Élite. An opponent that has been favorable to the Monégasques, as they are coming off seven consecutive victories against the Lyonnais. The team from the Rock wishes to continue their series of six victories. The most recent win was against Hapoel Tel-Aviv, on Friday night. Tony Parker’s team is doubtful, with only two victories in the last nine matches.
A weakened but not resigned Roca Team
The Roca Team is weakened tonight, with the absence of Nikola Mirotic, Terry Tarpey, and Nemanja Nedovic, all injured. Juhann Begarin is also absent following his seven-week suspension, following his altercation during the match against Dijon. Sergii Gladyr, coach of the Roca Team in Betclic Élite, relies on young players like Yssam Moungalla, during this first quarter.
The Monégasques started well in this game. The players from the Principality are dominant on the rebound. They force the Rhodanian team into errors. They convert free throws (6/7 in this quarter). Logically, they finish the first ten minutes leading the scoreboard (20-14).
Mike James sees red
This might be the turning point of this game! After two minutes and 20 seconds of play in this second quarter, Mike James receives a first technical foul. A gesture of frustration not tolerated by the referees. The American does not stop and shows vehement behavior. Unsurprisingly, he is ejected after receiving a second technical foul in just a few seconds. The point guard was very much involved in this game with six points, two rebounds, and an assist.
The agitation does not subside on the Monégasque side. Jaron Blossomgame also receives a technical foul. The tension is at its peak at Gaston Médecin. The contest remains balanced. Despite being significantly weakened, the Roca Team maintains their course. The Monégasques hold onto a six-point lead (40-34) as they head into halftime.
The lack of bench depth costs the Roca Team dearly
With Mike James’ ejection, only seven players remain available to Sergii Gladyr. A delicate situation that weighs on the Monégasques in the third quarter, who do not give up. The club from the Rock lacks accuracy beyond the arc in this third act (1/6).
In contrast, the Lyon team is successful in this area (5/9). Little by little, AS Monaco Basket sees their lead slip away. For the first time in the game, ASVEL takes the lead (60-61). Ten minutes from the end of the game, the Roca Team is still in the fight.
The Roca Team cracked
Despite an excellent performance from Matthew Strazel towards the end of the match, the Roca Team lost on their home court 83 to 87. The Monégasque team fell apart physically in the second half. A logical result given the weakness of the Monégasque bench. Mike James’ ejection will leave regrets for the men from the Principality. This defeat will not have a huge impact, as the Roca Team remains at the top of the standings with three days left before the end of the regular season.
A crucial week for the Roca Team
A decisive week awaits the Monégasques. Starting Tuesday, April 21, AS Monaco Basket will play their play-in match in the EuroLeague. A matchup against Panathinaikos, in Athens. In case of defeat, the Roca Team will face the winner of the match between FC Barcelona and Red Star Belgrade, on Thursday, April 23. In case of victory, it’s onward to the playoffs for the team from the Rock.
The week is not over! On Saturday, April 25, Monaco will play the French Cup final against Le Mans. A busy schedule and a week that could be a real turning point for the end of the season on the side of the Principality.
