French clubs are rolling into Europe. Second in the Euroleague behind Paris before the game, Monaco corrected (93-74) Bayern Munich, direct competitor for the podium, Tuesday evening in its Gaston-Médecin hall, signing its eleventh victory in 16 days. This fourth success in five Euroleague days since the arrival of Vassilis Spanoulis at the head of the team on November 26 was built, under the eyes of Prince Albert, during an excellent match: 28-16 during the second quarter, 31-20 during the third, where Monaco put in place a quality collective game.
After a first quarter started well (9-4, 4th) but ended very poorly (18-24) with Mike James barely in sight at long distance (1/4), just like his teammates (1/9), the Monegasques were therefore more collective and above all much better defensively afterwards.
However, Bayern, where TJ Parker is now assistant coach, has in its ranks Carsen Edwards, the current top scorer in the Euroleague (20.7 points on average per game). If the American buffalo from Houston (1.80 m, 93 kg) didn’t give up anything (17 points in total), he only had an illusion for a moment.
Real Madrid to come
After the break, the collective game inspired by Spanoulis finally took place. The 13 assists in the third quarter (compared to 11 during the entire first period) are proof of this. In these conditions, eleven Monegasques scored during the match, including five with more than ten points (14 for Papagiannis, 13 for James, 11 for Loyd and Strazel, 10 for Okobo).
Terry Tarpey, symbol of this new Monaco, multiplied the good defensive actions and interceptions. Monaco quickly flew away. In the 33rd minute, the two free throws from the ex-Manceau gave a 20-point lead (82-62). In the 36th minute, Jordan Loyd’s first success closed the game (91-65). Spanoulis took the opportunity to spin because from Thursday, Monaco will have to be competitive again: the Roca Team travels to Madrid to challenge Real, a European giant in difficulty.
