AS Monaco Basketball loses at home against Nancy, 86 to 94. Deprived of many key players, the Roca Team completely missed their second quarter. This is the third defeat of the season in Betclic Élite.
A second quarter that costs the Roca Team dearly! The Monégasques lose at Gaston Médecin, 86 to 94, against Nancy. The men from the Principality had a catastrophic second half, which costs them the final victory.
AS Monaco Basketball hosts Nancy this Saturday, March 14, at Gaston Médecin. A match counting for the 22nd day of Betclic Élite. The Roca Team is seeking a fourth consecutive victory, across all competitions. Facing them, the Nancy team comes off a victory against Chalon-sur-Saône, during the last day of the championship.
A successful start despite the absences
Gaston Médecin was not full for this Betclic Élite match. Despite this, the Monégasques start their match well. They inflict a 7-0 run that forces the Nancy coach to take a timeout very early in the match. A nice start to the match despite numerous absences in the Monaco ranks. Mike James, Matthew Strazel, Elie Okobo and Nikola Mitrovic are missing.
The Rock team is led by Alpha Diallo, captain for the evening, and Daniel Theis. Beyond the opening moments, the first quarter is well-executed for the Roca Team. Contrary to their usual style, they dominate outageously on the boards during this first period. The Monégasques recovered 12 rebounds, compared to only four for their opponents this evening. The players from the Principality are ahead on the scoreboard, after ten minutes of play (25-19).
A catastrophic second quarter
After a successful start, the Roca Team completely falls apart against the Nancy team. Monaco’s shooting percentage is appalling, with less than 18% accuracy. AS Monaco Basketball made only three of their 17 attempts. From beyond the arc, the Monégasques are at zero points (for 10 attempts), during this second quarter.
If they did well on the boards in the first quarter, the opposite happens in the second. Alpha Diallo’s teammates get crushed, with eight rebounds for 16 in favor of Nancy. A Lorraine team that is hot from long distance, thanks to Enzo Goudou-Sinha, who scored 16 points at halftime (4/4 from three-point range). Nancy is logically ahead on the scoreboard, as they head to the locker room (37-50).
Nancy’s lack of discipline allows the Roca Team to believe again
Things improve for the Roca Team upon returning from halftime! The Rock club regains some shooting accuracy (50% in the third quarter). AS Monaco Basketball makes several three-pointers, a rare event in the first half. On the boards, the rebounding is more balanced.
Monaco gradually comes back into the game, thanks to free throws (9 of 12). The Monégasques benefit from the Lorraines’ lack of discipline, with eight fouls in the third quarter. They come within eight points, at the start of the final ten minutes of play (65-73). On the Monaco side, Alpha Diallo’s poor shooting costs them dearly (zero points scored in three quarters).
The Roca Team doesn’t reverse the trend and loses
The Monégasques create enormous problems for the Lorraine defense. They force them to commit many fouls. Naturally, Monaco gets, once again, many free throws that it converts. Also more comfortable from long distance, the Roca Team takes back the lead (82-81).
Unfortunately, in the final minutes, the Rock club cracks. They lose 86 to 94, against Nancy. Despite the numerous absences, the Roca Team can have enormous regrets. The Monaco team disappeared during the second quarter. A situation that is likely to infuriate supporters.
A week with two matches on the agenda
The next appointment for the Roca Team will be in the Euroleague. AS Monaco Basketball will travel to Anadolu Efes, on March 19. Monaco’s week will conclude in northern France. The Rock team will face Gravelines-Dunkerque, for the 23rd day of Betclic Élite. A match that will take place on March 21.
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