La Roca Team prevailed in a thrilling finish, 101 to 92. The Monégasques win the third Betclic Élite in their history.
La Roca Team signs a historic quadruple! After their success, 101 to 92, against Paris in this epic Game 5, La Roca Team wins its fourth trophy of the season. No other team has achieved this feat. An event all the more exceptional, following the tumultuous season experienced in the Principality.
As last year, the Betclic Élite title is decided in Game 5 of the final. Always the same two teams: AS Monaco Basket and Paris Basketball. Monaco came back to tie it 2-2 after Game 4. Tonight, the Adidas Arena crowd hopes for a happy ending, like in 2025. The Roca Boys want to bring a big cold wave, during this period of heat wave.
Mike James is back
La Roca Team must do without Matthew Strazel, suspended after his outburst in Game 3. A key player who will be sorely missed by the Rock team. So, to make up for this absence, the Monégasques can count on an unexpected return. Mike James back on the court, for the first time since May 5, against Olympiacos in the Euroleague. The American starts on the bench.
The start of the match is nightmarish for La Roca Team. After a bad landing, Kelvarius Hayes injures his ankle. He is forced to leave his teammates after 50 seconds of play.
But AS Monaco Basket does not get discouraged. Elie Okobo’s teammates are determined to leave with the trophy. They create many problems for Paris’ defense. The Parisians are sent to the foul line multiple times. Monaco makes 10 of its 15 free throws. To this, the Monégasques add a nice 5/8 from three-point range. A success that allows them to take the lead (27-24).
La Roca Team leading at halftime
The match is balanced in this final. The suspense remains total for the title. After shining from beyond the arc, the Monégasques are in form at the two-point line. Mike James’ teammates display a convincing 10/13 in this area of play. But the Roca Boys create fewer problems for the Parisians.
Paris Basketball’s players are more disciplined in this second half. They committed only four fouls compared to eight in the previous quarter. The Monaco bench is forced to take out Jaron Blossomgame, who has three fouls. La Roca Team keeps the lead as they head to the locker room (55-52).
A difficult third quarter for La Roca Team
The return from halftime is brutal for AS Monaco Basket. The Roca Boys struggle against a Paris defense that has raised its level. Long trailing in the score, the Parisians take the lead. In front of the basket, Nadir Hifi’s teammates are on fire. They display a very high shooting percentage of 78%.
The Monégasques are at lower standards with a 50% shooting rate. The Parisians no longer commit fouls, unlike the Rock players. Paris extends the lead ten minutes from the end (73-81).
La Roca Team writes its name in history with an unprecedented quadruple
La Roca Team is not dead, La Roca Team lives on! In keeping with the season, AS Monaco Basket makes a comeback. The Monégasques score 12 consecutive points and retake the lead (85-81). Mike James wakes up, he who had been very quiet in this match. Elie Okobo is in assist mode, he who beat the record for assists in a final game (13 previously). The Frenchman finishes the match with 15 assists.
After the suspense, after a stunning season, La Roca Team wins the third Betclic Élite in its history (101-92). The Roca Boys avenged last year’s defeat at the same stage of the competition against the same opponent. A title that is part of an unprecedented quadruple. No other team had ever achieved this feat.
The vast majority of the players will leave the Rock after this match. But these men will be forever linked after a heroic season, where each one drew from their deepest reserves.
NicePremium is a free, independent local news outlet.
Help us keep going by supporting our work from €5 per month.
