MONACO – AS Monaco narrowly defeated Olimpia Milano 90-85 in a tightly contested EuroLeague matchup on Monday, March 24, 2026, at the Salle Gaston Médecin in Monaco. Despite a strong performance for much of the game, Milano faltered down the stretch, unable to withstand Monaco’s late surge. The game saw several lead changes and featured strong individual performances from both sides, but Monaco’s physicality and late-game execution proved to be the difference.
The contest mirrored a familiar pattern for Olimpia Milano, a team capable of dominating stretches of play but prone to offensive struggles when faced with increased defensive pressure. Milano built leads of up to 12 points on multiple occasions, including a basket by captain Giampaolo Ricci in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t close out the victory. The inability to maintain offensive rhythm against a physical Monaco defense proved costly.
First Half Fireworks, Okobo Leads Monaco Charge
The opening quarter saw Milano jump out to an early lead, fueled by a 12-0 run that included three-pointers from Shavon Shields and Malcolm LeDay. Josh Nebo picked up two early fouls, forcing an early substitution. Ricci contributed with a rebound, helping Milano establish a 27-15 advantage at the end of the first period. Yet, Monaco responded in the second quarter, largely thanks to the brilliance of Elie Okobo.
Okobo’s relentless scoring, including a series of mid-range jumpers and a three-point play, brought Monaco back into the game. He finished the first half with 16 points, consistently challenging Milano’s defense. While Milano’s Shields and Guduric attempted to counter, Monaco managed to take a 35-34 lead. A late surge, punctuated by baskets from LeDay, Bolmaro, and Shields, allowed Milano to regain the upper hand and enter halftime with a 48-45 lead.
Milano’s Third-Quarter Push, Monaco’s Fourth-Quarter Finish
The third quarter saw Milano extend its lead, with LeDay continuing his strong performance and Nebo contributing key baskets. Shields added to the offensive output, and a basket by Booker helped push the lead to 73-63 heading into the final period. Ricci’s opportunistic basket early in the fourth quarter briefly restored a 12-point advantage.
However, Monaco refused to yield. Nedovic sparked a comeback with five quick points, and Hayes’s physical presence inside began to disrupt Milano’s offense. A 7-0 run by Monaco, aided by a technical foul called on Milano, brought the game back within reach. After a timeout called by Coach Poeta, Shields briefly stemmed the tide with a hook shot, but Monaco continued to apply pressure. Diallo’s three-pointer, followed by a Theis rebound and a Strazel drive, ultimately sealed the victory for Monaco, 90-85.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Elie Okobo led Monaco with a dominant performance, finishing with a game-high point total (specific number not available in sources). Diallo’s athleticism and late-game heroics were also crucial for Monaco. For Olimpia Milano, Malcolm LeDay was a consistent offensive force, while Shields and Ricci provided valuable contributions. However, Milano’s inability to protect the ball and convert on key possessions in the fourth quarter proved to be their downfall.
A turning point in the game was Monaco’s relentless defensive pressure in the fourth quarter. They successfully disrupted Milano’s offensive flow, forcing turnovers and contested shots. The technical foul awarded to Monaco also shifted the momentum, allowing them to close the gap and ultimately take control of the game.
Ricci Extends Contract with Olimpia Milano
Despite the loss, news emerged prior to the game that Olimpia Milano has extended the contract of team captain Giampaolo Ricci until 2027. Ricci, who has been with the team since 2021, is a key leader both on and off the court. He has won four Italian League championships with Olimpia Milano (2021-2024) and two Italian Cups (2019, 2022). The extension signifies the team’s commitment to Ricci’s leadership, and experience.
What’s Next for Olimpia Milano?
Olimpia Milano will look to rebound from this defeat as they continue their EuroLeague campaign. Their next game is scheduled for [Date and Time to be determined – not available in sources], against [Opponent to be determined – not available in sources]. The team will need to address its late-game execution and defensive vulnerabilities to regain its winning form. Fans can follow the team’s progress and receive updates on their official website: https://www.olimpiamilano.com/en/
The loss to Monaco underscores the competitive nature of the EuroLeague and the challenges Olimpia Milano faces as they strive for championship contention. The team’s ability to learn from this defeat and make necessary adjustments will be crucial as they navigate the remainder of the season.
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