AS Monaco Basket emerged victorious tonight in the Betclic Élite clash against Paris Basketball (99-94). A win secured thanks to a strong collective first half and an excellent performance by Elie Okobo in the second half.
The time for revenge has come! This Sunday evening, AS Monaco Basket traveled to face Paris Basketball. In their last encounter in June, Paris was crowned French champion.
The team led by Vassilis Spanoulis wanted to take their revenge and avoid a second defeat in three Betclic Élite games. For that, the Monegasques would need to demonstrate consistency in their defensive efforts. This Thursday against Milan, the Roca Team showed, at times, excellent defensive solidity.
Two disastrous first minutes and a sensational comeback
Monaco supporters must have broken into a cold sweat during the opening moments of this match. Once again this season, the Roca Team did not start the game in the best way, by conceding an 8-0 run right out of the gate. Behind in the duels, the players from the Principality were shaken during the first two minutes of this clash.
However, Matthew Strazel’s teammates did not panic and quickly got back into the game. Thanks to the French international, AS Monaco Basket unfolds its basketball and now dominates the Parisians. A scenario that completely reversed, with the Parisians muzzled and pushed into making mistakes.
In this first quarter, the capital’s club committed seven personal fouls, compared to only three for the team from the rock. These fouls are coupled with five Parisian turnovers, symbolizing Monaco’s defensive discipline. AS Monaco Basket concluded the first quarter with a nine-point lead (24-15).
A very tense second quarter
In line with the first act, the Parisians continued to be extremely aggressive on this Monaco team. An aggressiveness that often leads to fouls and offers numerous free throws to the Roca Team, 14 in this quarter. Beyond the fouls committed, tension rose on the court at the Adidas Arena.
The second quarter of this match is extremely fragmented. To play these ten minutes of game time, it took more than 32 minutes. Naturally, fatigue sets in and clarity fades. Alpha Diallo receives a first technical foul after expressing his dissatisfaction to the referee.
The Malian remained upset and continued his protests in a second instance. He receives a second technical, meaning definitive ejection for the forward, who heads to the locker room.
This second quarter was much more contested between the two teams. Defenses were challenged, but the Monegasques remained ahead on the scoreboard and maintained a good lead (55-45).
A challenging return from the locker room for the Roca Team
AS Monaco Basket did not return from the locker room with the same intentions as Paris Basketball. The capital city’s players imposed an 11-3 run in less than two minutes and twenty seconds (58-56). A scenario similar to the start of the match. Only this time, the Parisians held firm and came back to a tie (61-61).
The Monegasques were in difficulty and had to rely on individual performances. This time it’s Elie Okobo who prevents them from falling apart. In the final moments of this third quarter, he scored five points, including a magnificent lay-up, and delivered an assist.
A strong moment for the French shooting guard, allowing the Roca Team to start the final quarter with a five-point lead, despite the challenges faced during these last ten minutes (72-77).
The Roca Team secures victory thanks to a tremendous Elie Okobo
This match lived up to its promise right to the end! This final act was extremely close. Nadir Hifi, on the Parisian side, was on fire tonight with 24 points, one rebound, and five assists. An excellent performance that won’t prevent the Monegasques from winning.
Indeed, the Roca Team wins this clash and hands the Parisians their second defeat of the season (99-92). The players from the Principality showed more composure than their opponents in this match’s final moments. Elie Okobo was decisive in the important moments of this game, finishing with 23 points, one rebound, and five assists.
However, they will need to monitor Mike James’ condition in the coming hours. The American point guard complained about pain in the upper left ankle. He was able to return to the court but was still limping.
3 games in 7 days for the Roca Team
The week’s schedule is packed for the Monaco club with three games in seven days. Two EuroLeague games to start, with a trip to Bologna on Wednesday night and hosting Valencia on Friday night.
The week will conclude on the court of Lyon-Villeurbanne, Sunday in the early evening, for the fourth day of Betclic Élite.
