Basketball: Roca Team is struggling / Basketball: Roca Team can’t get out of it

Struggling with difficulties, the Roca Team welcomed Paris Basketball to Gaston‑Médecin in Betclic Élite. With a largely depleted squad, Monaco did not show up in this match and suffered their third defeat in four games (123‑95).

The two teams had already faced each other four times this season, and Monaco had always had the last word until now. The last confrontation dated back to mid‑January in the EuroLeague, where ASM won in Paris (87‑95), marking their tenth consecutive victory across all competitions.

This time, with only five professional players on the game sheet, the Roca Team logically fell at home against Paris. Mike James (suspended), Alpha Diallo, Daniel Theis, Nikola Mirotic (injuries) and Élie Okobo were absent from the Monaco side. The case of Élie Okobo actually made headlines before the match. Awaiting payment of a salary arrears spanning several months, the international point guard (28 years old, 52 caps) decided not to play. This remains linked to the non‑payment of certain compensation, including April’s salary which has reportedly not yet been paid. He had already considered not playing in the EuroLeague quarterfinal lost this week to Olympiacos, before changing his mind at his teammates’ request. This time, with his future being discussed toward Dubai, he decided not to participate in the match. Paris Basketball, still able to compete for first place with Monaco, thus faced a revamped Monaco team more focused on its young players.

The Roca Team’s youth brigade was not up to the task

From the start, the Monégasques were not really there. Not sharp enough on defense, the Principality players did not show up in this match. Kept at a distance on the scoreboard from the opening minutes, the Roca Team played catch-up throughout the game. Only consolation, Matthew Strazel finished as the game’s leading scorer with 34 points, but was forced to leave in the final minutes, apparently injured in the back. Another blow for the Roca Team, which really doesn’t need this. Behind him, only Kevarrius Hayes provided some relief at times to guide AS Monaco Basket’s youth brigade. Worth noting are the solid performances by Yssam Mongalla (15 points, three rebounds, one assist) and Kyllian Michée (13 points, three assists) on offense. As for the rest, what about Jarron Blossomgame, seemingly unconcerned with the game, or Nemanja Nedovic, starting tonight and invisible.

Result: the Roca Team suffered a heavy and logical defeat against a Parisian team that showed more desire, as evidenced by Sebastian Herrera and Yakuba Ouattara. Final score: 123‑95. From now on, Monaco must travel to Boulazac with the firm intention to win and maintain their position as leaders of the Betclic Élite. The appointment is set for the final day of the regular season, next Saturday at 7 p.m.