The Roca Team imposed itself, 81 to 75, in Game 1 of the Betclic Élite playoff series, against Bourg-en-Bresse. With only seven players used, AS Monaco Basket wins in difficult fashion. The Monégasques can conclude the series in less than 48 hours.
Monaco confirms at home for the start of the playoffs. In this best-of-three series, the Roca Team validates a precious victory on their home court, 81 to 75, against Bourg-en-Bresse. Despite the wastage, it was fighting spirit that allowed the Rock’s players to win.
The Roca Team begins these playoffs this Monday evening, at Gaston Médecin. The Monégasques host Bourg-en-Bresse for this Game 1 of the quarterfinals. The first team to two victories will join the final four of the Betclic Élite. Monaco is not gaining confidence, with only one victory in their last seven games. Furthermore, Matthew Strazel’s teammates come in on three losses to the Bourg team.
A good start despite the absences for the Roca Team
AS Monaco Basket begins the playoffs with many absences. Mike James (suspended for this match), Juhan Begarin (suspended for two matches), Nikola Mirotic, Daniel Theis and Alpha Diallo (all three injured) are not on the game sheet. The Rock’s squad is weakened with only nine players available.
Despite this, Monaco makes a good start to the match. The Principality’s players are dominant. The Monégasques show great accuracy from 2 points (75% shooting). The difference is evident on the scoreboard after ten minutes of play (22-13). As usual, the Roca Team remains dominated on the boards, with only six rebounds against 11 for Bourg-en-Bresse.
More wastage and many whistles
This second quarter is more physical! Both teams invest more in the battles. A change of pace that leads to greater wastage on both sides of the court. Neither team exceeds 40% shooting accuracy in this quarter. The Roca Team is in crisis from beyond the arc, with zero points on six attempts in this second quarter. AS Monaco Basket remains in the lead (37-32).
A second quarter also marked by whistles. No fewer than 13 fouls were called during these ten minutes of play. Some of the decisions were judged unfair by the players, particularly on the Monégasque side. Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel showed some signs of irritation without being sanctioned. The two stars of the Rock will have to be careful in the second half, with an already weakened bench.
The Roca Team stays the course
Of course, with the playoffs here, the content takes a back seat, only the result matters. The Roca Team understood this well. The situation has been complicated for several weeks, but Monaco must stay the course. When returning from the locker room, Elie Okobo’s teammates maintain their lead. The battle is tight, but Monaco stays in control.
From beyond the arc, the evening is a nightmare for Monaco, with a very poor 1/12. Nevertheless, the Monégasques do not panic and remain confident in their strength. The Roca Team uses only seven players over these first three quarters. The Rock’s players, pushed to their limits, hold a seven-point lead with ten minutes remaining (56-49).
A victory built on courage for the Roca Team
In this final quarter, the Roca Team sees Bourg-en-Bresse take the lead back with four minutes remaining (66-69). Only Monaco does not waver and immediately reverses the situation. At the end of the match, it is indeed AS Monaco Basket that wins 81 to 75. Mental strength and fighting spirit allowed the Principality’s men to prevail over their opponent.
Game 2 of the series arrives in 48 hours. The two teams will meet on Bourg-en-Bresse’s court, this Wednesday, May 27. In the event of a Monégasque victory, Matthew Strazel’s teammates will join the final four of the Betclic Élite. Otherwise, the deciding match will take place at Gaston Médecin, Friday, May 29.
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