After its demonstration against Fenerbahce a few days ago, the Roca Team easily beat the Munich team this Tuesday evening in the Euroleague.
Monaco, 2nd in the Euroleague Basketball before the match, 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. “I did not recognize our team, the real Monaco during the first quartera souligné Spanoulis. The players understood it. Then for 30 minutes, they gave everything.”
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 (1.80m, 93kg) didn’t give up (17 points in total), he only had a temporary illusion.
28 assists and “team victory”
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) were proof of this. In these conditions, eleven Monegasques scored, including five with ten points or more (14 for Papagiannis, 13 for James, 11 for Loyd and Strazel, 10 for Okobo).
Terry Tarpey, symbol of this new Monaco, has multiplied the good defenses 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 long-range success sealed the game (91-65). “Our 28 assists are proof of our new style of play which was expressed this eveningcommented Tarpey. It’s a team victory.”
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. It will be as a leader, thanks to this success combined with the defeat of Paris Basketball against Real, later in the evening (85-96). “We will prepare well for this matchconcluded by Spanoulis. You have to stay humble and continue to work. But this group responds very well. It’s a pleasure to coach them.”
