The Roca Team falls to the Israelis of Hapoel Tel-Aviv (77-85). The third Euroleague defeat this season.
This Thursday evening, the Roca Team faced Hapoel Tel-Aviv. A match relocated to Sofia, Bulgaria, due to the geopolitical context. A situation that explains the very calm atmosphere at the Arena 8888 Sofia.
Before this match, AS Monaco Basket was seeking a third consecutive victory in all competitions. After their wins against Valencia and ASVEL, Vassilis Spanoulis’s players were aiming to follow up against the best attack in the competition. A significant challenge given the Monegasque defensive shortcomings since the start of the season.
A predictable start to the match
As expected, from the beginning of the match, Hapoel Tel-Aviv was strong offensively. After two and a half minutes of play, the Israelis took the lead (2-10). Facing this offensive juggernaut, the Monegasques were, once again this season, in great difficulty. Vassilis Spanoulis’s players were overwhelmed and handed too many easy balls to their opponents.
The first quarter saw a lot of points scored. A predictable scenario with the best attack in the Euroleague and a Monegasque team struggling defensively since the start of the season. The Roca Team once again only managed to limit the damage in this first quarter (18-27).
An evenly balanced second quarter
Unlike the first ten minutes, AS Monaco Basket was tougher on defense. A change that balanced the competition in this second quarter. However, the Monegasques were imprecise in front of the basket. A very contested quarter favorable to the Israelis.
The Roca Team needed to be more focused and committed in the game. At halftime, Alpha Diallo stated to the organization’s microphone that “it’s the transition play that needs to accelerate.” More pace in this game: that’s the key to catching up and winning (34-44).
A sharp return from the locker room
Like against ASVEL, after a poor first half, the start of the second half was much better. The Monegasques were imperious on defense in the beginning of the third quarter. This defensive solidity was accompanied by offensive efficiency. The Roca Team showed a completely different side.
The players from the Principality led the score for the first time in the match. A lead they managed to hold until the start of the last ten minutes (63-62). The Monegasques ended this third quarter with ten rebounds against two for the Israelis. An unprecedented dominance in this match illustrating the Monegasque intensity upon returning from the locker room.
The Roca Team only played one quarter
The Monegasques fell back into their flaws! The end of the game was challenging for the Roca Team. Mike James’s teammates continuously attacked without scoring a single basket. Facing them, Hapoel Tel-Aviv remained unfazed and scored consistently. AS Monaco Basket lost (77-85) to the Israelis, marking their third Euroleague defeat, with as many wins.
Now, all eyes turn to the next match for the Roca Team, with the reception of Boulazac, on Sunday, at Gaston Médecin’s court. In the Euroleague, there will be another away game, this time in Greece, for a showdown against Olympiakos.
