Basketball: Roca Team plays overtime in the final

AS Monaco dominated Paris Basketball (96-84) in Game 4 of the Betclic Elite final. The Principality team regained control and consistency to come back level at 2-2. The title will be decided Tuesday at the Adidas Arena.

This fourth match was shaping up as a must-win for AS Monaco, forced to win to stay alive in this Betclic Elite final. The loss in Game 3, conceded in the final minutes, had left its mark on the court and in the minds of the players. The team needed to refocus, regain consistency and rely on the Gaston-Médecin crowd, expected to be an essential driving force for this final outing of the season on the Rock.

AS Monaco approached this fourth match with a clear determination: to regain control of the series and impose a constant pace. The first quarter quickly set the tone. Nemanja Nedovic, in the starting lineup, launched the opening offensive sequences with seven points, while Nadir Hifi responded with eight points to keep Paris close. The Roca Team found solutions near the basket and closed the period with a clear advantage (27-16).

The second quarter was a turning point. Kevarrius Hayes provided a continuous presence in the paint, with ten points, including a decisive spell that pushed the lead to 41-21 at the 15-minute mark. His alley-oop finished after a pass from Matthew Strazel illustrated the team’s ability to create openings near the basket. Jaron Blossomgame added 16 points over the entire match, with regular activity in the paint. Halftime was reached with a large lead (54-33), with 13 assists, as many as in the entire previous match.

Matthew Strazel guides the Roca Team and seals the gap

The third quarter confirmed Monaco’s momentum. Matthew Strazel took over with a complete performance: 20 points and nine assists. His three-pointer from the corner pushed the lead to 83-55, sealing a match that was largely under control. The pace management allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead, with rotations that brought continuity. Nine players finished between 5 and 20 points, a sign of balanced offensive distribution.

Paris attempted to close the gap by regaining shooting accuracy after the break. The Île-de-France team, limited to 1/10 from three in the first half, made four three-pointers to come back to 58-42 at the 22-minute mark. Nadir Hifi finished with 20 points, including 17 before halftime, but 15 turnovers and limited outside shooting (24%) hindered any comeback attempt. Lamar Stevens, who had 24 points in Game 3, was held to nine points.

The end of the match confirmed Monaco’s control. The key players were able to be rested, a sign that the lead was sufficient to avoid a tense finish. The Gaston-Médecin crowd accompanied this final home outing of the season, before a decisive trip to Paris.

Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday in Paris will decide the French champion. The Adidas Arena will host a match where each possession will carry particular weight. The Roca Team has not said its last word and will arrive with a solid collective performance, while Paris will have the home court advantage to try to regain control.