The clash between the two French Euroleague teams turned in favor of AS Monaco during the money time (79-87) in a sort of appetizer of the season and while they have not yet turned to full throttle.
The Roca Team, which showed great serenity, is still the bane of the Villeurbanne residents. This while the Monegasques were not in an ideal configuration since in addition to Kemba Walker and Jordan Loyd, injured, Yakuba Ouattara was missing on paternity leave. But not only does the Principality team have some gems – Mike James (21 points) and Elie Okobo (19) were the top scorers, but Donatas Motiejunas, Alpha Diallo and John Brown did a huge job – but the assembly is more convincing than ever.
The Monegasques led during the first exchanges (0-3, 4-10) before ASVEL took control (19-16) on a 2+1 full of mischief from Nando De Colo followed by a sort of arm roll . The Roca Team suffered a certain excitement, particularly on the free-throw line (3/8). The impact of Joffrey Lauvergne (9 points and 4 rebounds) was obvious, as was that of Mbaye Ndiaye in defense on Mike James.
Both teams deployed their numbers to full strength and multiplied their defensive prowess, as when, after having the ball stolen by Paris Lee, Mike James came back at full speed to defend to counter his compatriot. But it was Nando De Colo who was the MVP of this first half, and ASVEL made a first gap (27-19) then a second (42-35) on a 3+1 from the international leader followed by A long pass to Joffrey Lauvergne.
In a very calm Astroball, Monaco was tracking ASVEL. The third quarter was devoid of flashes except those of Elie Okobo, who made a short pass to Donta Hall for a dunk after a superb jump, and who concluded this ten-minute period with one of his magical left-handed shots of which he has the secret (60-61). In short, we had to rely on the last quarter to know the outcome of the play.
ASVEL owed a lot to a striking Joffrey Lauvergne (21 points) to keep up the pace. For a long time, the two teams went blow for blow like Paris Lee who responded to a three-pointer from Mike James in the same way. But Monaco knew how to step up the pace like this three-pointer from Mike James face-to-face with Lauvergne, 1’10 from the end which, to use the established formula, killed the match (74-81).
The boxscore is HERE.
Photo : Mike James (Euroleague)
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2023-10-01 19:21:35
#Monaco #brings #ASVEL #ground
