Led 8-20 at the end of the first quarter, Monaco finally won 64-60 against Olympiacos and found themselves second in the Euroleague.
For four games, Monaco has been on a “home win, away loss” rhythm, and the fifth game was no exception to the rule. Opposed to Olympiacos at Gaston-Médecin, the Roca Team won 64-60. But what it was hard against the Greek formation, which remained on two victories against badly classified. The team of French international Moustapha Fall (9pts, 7rbds) has indeed pushed the Monegasques to their limits, thanks in particular to a great start to the match and a good return in money-time. The Greeks indeed signed an improbable 8-20 in the first quarter, against particularly clumsy Monegasques, like Mike James who missed his four shots and lost three balls during the first minutes before going to sit on the bench. But the Roca Team woke up in the second quarter, and it hurt Olympiacos a lot! Mike James ended up getting his first shot of the match in the 14th (13-24), and that unlocked everything. He chained three more long-range shots, then a two-point shot, and Monaco came back to 31-34 at halftime.
James and Makoundou carry Monaco
Finally launched, the Roca Team equalized in the 32nd on a free throw by Yoan Makoundou (34-34) then was no longer behind during this match. She took a five-point lead in the third quarter (45-40) then seven at the start of the last (52-45). There were then 7’34 to play and the Greeks gave everything to come back and succeeded, equalizing at 53-53 at 3’24 from the buzzer. A 3-point shot from Alpha Diallo then another from Makoundou breathed new life into the Monegasques (59-53). But Shaquielle McKissic equalized in turn for the Greek club (59-59) 1’50 from the end. James then Diallo put Monaco at +3 (62-59) then Kostas Sloukas missed one of his two shots (62-60) and it was finally Mike James who sealed his team’s victory at the buzzer (64 -60). It was difficult, but the twelfth victory of the season is guaranteed for Monaco, thanks in particular to 19 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds from Mike James, while Elie Okobo admittedly scored only 6 points (2/6 to shooting) but added 6 rebounds and 7 assists. The Roca Team is now co-leader of the Euroleague (where it is guaranteed to play again next season, according to information from The team) before moving to L’Etoile Rouge de Belgrade (10th) on Thursday. For a new away defeat or an end to the series?
Monegasque markers: Brown (2), Okobo (6), Blossomgame (1), Makoundou (9), Diallo (16), Motiejunas (6), Ouattara (3), Hall (2), James (19)
