MONACO – AS Monaco continued its impressive run against Le Mans Sarthe Basket, securing a 99-85 victory in the closing game of the 24th round of the Betclic Elite basketball league on Sunday, March 29, 2026. This win marks the fourth meeting between the two teams this season, with Monaco consistently proving to be a difficult matchup for Le Mans.
The “Roca Team” has already defeated Le Mans in the SuperCup final, the Leaders Cup final, and the first league match of the season, establishing a clear advantage. While Le Mans started strong with a three-pointer from Travante Williams, Monaco quickly took control of the game. A 14-2 run allowed them to build a double-digit lead before the end of the first quarter, capped off by a basket from Juhann Begarin.
Monaco Maintains Control Throughout
Le Mans briefly reduced the deficit at the start of the second quarter, but Monaco responded with increased intensity on their home court at Salle Gaston-Médecin. Terry Tarpey scored his only basket of the night, extending Monaco’s lead to 17 points. Nemanja Nadovic then hit a long-distance three-pointer, pushing the advantage to 19 points at halftime. Early in the third quarter, a 7-0 run, finished by Matthew Strazel, extended the lead beyond 20 points.
The teams traded baskets throughout the third, and Monaco head coach Sasa Obradovic introduced Maxim Klitschko, son of former boxing champion and current Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko, into the game. This provided a fresh spark as Monaco approached the final ten minutes with a comfortable lead.
Tempers Flare as Monaco Closes Out the Victory
The fourth quarter began with a heated exchange involving Elie Okobo. An altercation with Ugo Doumbia led to Okobo’s ejection from the game. Despite a late push from Le Mans to narrow the gap, Monaco regained composure and extended their lead to secure a 14-point victory. This result was Monaco’s 20th win of the season.
The loss drops Le Mans out of the top six in the Betclic Elite standings, following their second defeat in three games. However, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Coupe de France final on April 25th at the Accor Arena in Paris-Bercy, where Monaco and Le Mans will meet for the fifth time this season. This upcoming match provides Le Mans with an opportunity for redemption, though they face a team that has consistently proven to be their kryptonite.
Matthew Strazel finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists for Monaco, while Nemanja Nadovic contributed 13 points and 7 assists. For Le Mans, Travante Williams led the scoring with 12 points.
The consistent success of Monaco against Le Mans this season highlights the Roca Team’s strength and tactical prowess. For fans following the Betclic Elite, the rivalry between these two teams is quickly becoming one of the most compelling storylines of the season. The Coupe de France final promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to claim the championship title.
The win solidifies Monaco’s position as a top contender in the league, while Le Mans will need to regroup and refocus as they navigate the remainder of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs. The team’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain their composure, even after losing a key player like Okobo, demonstrates their resilience and determination.
Looking ahead, Monaco will aim to continue their winning streak and maintain their position at the top of the Betclic Elite standings. Le Mans, will be looking to bounce back from this defeat and regain their momentum as they strive to secure a favorable playoff seed.
The next confirmed checkpoint for both teams is the Coupe de France final on April 25th at the Accor Arena in Paris-Bercy. Fans can stay updated on the latest news and scores by visiting the official Betclic Elite website.
What are your thoughts on Monaco’s dominance over Le Mans? Share your predictions for the Coupe de France final in the comments below!
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