Good operation in the race for the play-offs for Monaco which continues against Vitoria in the Euroleague

Deprived of its star player, Mike James, injured with the index finger of the right hand, Monaco came to win on the floor of Vitoria (102-93), this Friday during the 28th day of Euroleague. A very important success away from home, since the Monegasques consolidated their 4th place in the standings. The play-offs are getting closer for the Roca Team.

In a close end to the meeting, Sasa Obradovic’s training relied on Elie Okobo (18 points), but above all on a very strong Jordan Loyd. The 29-year-old American scored 19 points and was imperial in the final moments.

However, Monaco first suffered in the first ten minutes. Faced with the pace and intensity imposed by Vitoria, they had difficulty getting into their meeting. The Spaniards’ quick game in transition, coupled with a very good long-distance address (6/9 from three points) forced Sasa Obradovic to take a timeout after 6 minutes of play, when a first gap was created (19- 12). Despite everything, Monaco limited the damage and were only five points behind at the end of the first quarter (28-23).

A controlled second quarter

Put in difficulty by the speed of the Spanish game at the start of the match, the Roca Team decided to slow it down by playing more slowly through placed attacks and penetrations into the racket. A choice that paid off since she was able to afford easy baskets, cause faults and limited quick transitions to take the lead at halftime (52-47).

Neck and neck for the rest of the game, the two teams offered themselves a breathless money time, finally won by the players of the Rock. A prestigious victory, especially since Vitoria had so far with Maccabi Tel-Aviv the best record in the Euroleague at home (11 wins – 2 losses before this match). For the next two Euroleague matches, Monaco will host Bologna (March 16) then Valencia (March 24).