On the floor of the red lantern, Alba Berlin, “the Roca Team” led its boat to validate a precious victory (105-90) and retain the lead in the Euroleague after 19 days.
AS Monaco won against Alba Berlin (105-90), the bottom of the Euroleague, on Thursday during the 19th day despite a difficult second period, and remains leader alongside Olympiakos. Largely defeated two weeks ago on the floor of Real Madrid, the Monegasques recovered away from home, buoyed by Mike James’ 23 points, and achieved a second success in a row in the Euroleague.
With 13 victories for 6 defeats, the “Roca Team” remains at the top of the ranking, tied with Olympiakos who also won Thursday against Zalgiris Kaunas (92-85).
Thanks to a diligent game and the three-point skill of Matthew Strazel (5/6) against the Berliners who were imprecise both offensively and defensively, the Monegasques quickly took the lead in the score, leading by 20 points at the break (35- 55). But the attraction of the first period was the first minutes in the Monegasque jersey of Greek Nick Calathes. The 35-year-old leader, star recruit of the offseason, had until then been unavailable, notably due to a knee injury.
James and Strazel at the helm
Silent under the basket (only one shot attempted, three points), the former Fenerbahçe player, on the other hand, provided six assists and brought his experience to the end of the game, which was more competitive than expected. Returning from the locker room, the Alba players put more intensity under the two baskets and came back to nine points, then to six points in the last quarter, carried by the three-point skill of Matt Thomas and Tim Schneider.
But Vassilis Spanoulis’ players were able to keep the lead, in particular thanks to their skill at free throws (18/21) and award-winning shots from Mike James and Strazel (18 pts), author of his Euroleague points record. After a championship match against Chalon-sur-Saône on Sunday and a round of 16 in the Coupe de France in Blois (Pro B), the Monegasques will return to the Euroleague against FC Barcelona next Thursday on the Rock.
