This Tuesday evening, Monaco won game 4 against ASVEL (91-86). After several weak moments, Vassilis Spanoulis’s men delivered a phenomenal finish to overturn Lyon-Villeurbanne. They will face Paris in the grand Betclic Elite final on Sunday.
Fourth game between the Roca Team and ASVEL. A match that promised to be decisive for both teams: if Monaco won this match, they would advance to the Betclic Elite final. Matthew Strazel, Elie Okobo, Jaron Blossomgame, Georgios Papagiannis, and Alpha Diallo made up the starting lineup for Monaco. Under the watchful eyes of Prince Albert, present in the stands.
A high-speed game
ASVEL starts strong at Gaston Médecin. Pierric Poupet‘s men go on the attack. They have no choice: winning is essential after losing game 3. The Roca Team is also focused on an offensive strategy. The two teams trade blows in this first quarter. After more than five minutes of play, Lyon leads (13-15). The pace is enormous in this first quarter. The score is (21-24) in favor of ASVEL at the end of the first ten minutes.
The pace does not let up at the beginning of the second quarter. ASVEL continues to lead, aided by the Monegasques’ lack of precision, especially on three-point shots. (21-32) for Lyon, propelled by a very good Paris Lee. ASVEL also dominates Monaco on rebounds. After 15 minutes of play, Lyon-Villeurbanne leads by fourteen points (23-37). Matthew Strazel‘s teammates are in great difficulty. Vassilis Spanoulis calls a timeout.
Roca Team’s Response
Spanoulis’s players respond after this timeout. More vivacity, defensive fighting, and importantly, recoveries. They come back to within three points of ASVEL in two minutes (39-42). A whole new game begins. In this late second quarter, Lyon is also in penalty.
Elie Okobo continues to bring Monaco up to ASVEL’s level. The Frenchman is everywhere. He scored eighteen points in the first half alone. The two teams head to the locker rooms with only one point separating them: (50-51) in favor of Lyon-Villeurbanne.
An Electrifying Third Quarter to ASVEL’s Advantage
In the third quarter, ASVEL comes out strong again. Monaco struggles once more. After five minutes, the Lyonnais regain a ten-point lead. The Monégasques can count on the perfect precision of Elie Okobo on three-point shots. The Roca Team persists thanks to its French guard.
Everything is on a razor’s edge. Both teams lose the ball, score fantastic points. But Monaco is always kept at a distance by ASVEL. The Lyonnais clearly take the lead in the final seconds. Monaco is hampered by an inconsistent defense. ASVEL leads by twelve points at the end of the third quarter.
Crazy Money Time
The Monégasques don’t start the last quarter well. The players are too alone on rebounds. ASVEL takes a significant lead: thirteen points ahead with seven minutes left in the game. Lyon-Villeurbanne seems set to force a fifth game. Théo Maledon forces a Monaco timeout with five minutes remaining (71-86).
But Monaco doesn’t give up. Matthew Strazel returns to the court and everything changes. With less than two minutes left, only five points separate the two teams. Each possession is crucial. ASVEL is in danger. Three-point difference with 1’24 remaining. Matthew Strazel is the free spirit. He slices through Lyon’s defense, scores two points, and earns a free throw (86-86). Phenomenal money time. Elie Okobo then draws the foul with 0’24 to go. The stadium stands. The Frenchman sinks his free throws and gives his teammates a two-point lead.
ASVEL’s last shot is missed. Monaco recovers and Elie Okobo makes one last three-point basket at the buzzer. Lyon-Villeurbanne falls with arms in hand. Final score (91-86) after an astonishing comeback.
“We stayed focused, we had pride. Now, there’s another big game to come“, said a pragmatic Elie Okobo (26 points). The appointment is set. Monaco will meet Paris in the final. Game 1 will take place on Sunday, June 15 at 4:30 pm at the Adidas Arena in Paris.
