AS Monaco triumphed this Thursday, January 8, 2026, against Valencia Basket (101-92), after a generally well-managed match. Serious from the start, the Monégasques built their success during a solid first half before containing the Spanish comeback in the second half.
In a match pitting two teams with nearly identical records — 26 wins in 36 games for AS Monaco, 27 victories in 35 matches for Valencia — the club from the Principality responded collectively and authoritatively. Valencia, known for its fast play based on ball movement and offensive transitions, scores nearly 90 points per game, compared to Monaco’s 91. A context that promised a balanced contest. Unsurprisingly, the audience was not disappointed.
A committed yet balanced start
The Monégasques began the match seriously. From the first possessions, AS Monaco imposed a physical presence in rebounding and remained active in the interior game. The Spanish side quickly found their way to the basket while the Monégasques replied with effective outside shooting.
The start, however, remained scrappy for Monaco, with several turnovers immediately punished on the fast break. Six of the first eleven points conceded came from these situations.
In the final seconds of the first quarter, the Spaniards took advantage of their dominance in rebounds to score two important baskets. AS Monaco reacted immediately with a three-pointer, but Valencia Basket held a slight lead after ten minutes (28-26), benefiting from their opponent’s turnovers.
Monaco accelerates before the break
The second quarter marked a real turning point. Defensively, the team from the Principality significantly raised their level, showing intensity worthy of the best EuroLeague teams.
The Roca Team locked down the paint, limited open shots, and found more success from behind the arc (42% on three-pointers), bringing their overall shooting percentage to 41%, compared to 34% for Valencia. At the free-throw line, the Monégasques also secured their shots.
A beautiful team play concluded near the basket allowed Monaco to take up to an eleven-point lead (51-40), while Valencia was already in the penalty. The Spaniards multiplied errors with 11 turnovers.
By halftime, AS Monaco logically led 53-42.
A more contested third quarter
The intensity didn’t drop. The Monégasques continued their offensive work, alternating between inside play and outside shooting, while Valencia tried to stay in touch with its long-distance shooting.
The Spaniards found some success behind the arc, immediately countered by the Monégasques, who methodically responded. Despite Valencia’s more aggressive defense and several double-teams on the ball handler, Monaco managed to maintain their lead.
At the end of the third quarter, AS Monaco was still ahead (76-70). The statistics illustrated a highly contested match: 12 turnovers on the Monégasque side, 13 for Valencia, but especially 22 assists for Monaco, revealing a well-oiled team effort.
A controlled end of the match
In the fourth quarter, the Monégasques definitively took control of the game. Mike James continued to distribute, Alpha Diallo continued his work, and Kevarius Hayes delivered the final blow from the free-throw line. AS Monaco quickly scored the first points of the period, extending the gap to more than 12 points and nearly crossing the 90-point mark.
Despite some spectacular shots from the Spaniards, Valencia Basket couldn’t reverse the momentum. A succession of offensive fouls and poorly negotiated actions ended Spanish hopes definitively.
With 50 seconds left, the gap remained comfortable. AS Monaco then crossed the symbolic 100-point mark, sealing the match definitively.
AS Monaco wins (101-92) and continues a seventh consecutive victory across all competitions, including a fifth in the EuroLeague. Serious, collective, and efficient, the club from the Principality secured a victory against a direct competitor.
The week will continue with a Betclic Élite championship game in Nancy, this Saturday, January 10. Kick-off at 8:30 PM.
