On the evening of October 21, the Roca Team were hosted by EuroCup Group C Rivals Virtus Segafredo Bologna at their home court in Bologna. Up until the buzzer, both teams remained unbeaten on the back of three consecutive wins each since the start of the European tournament. The clash between the two titans delivered a close competition and the hardest challenge so far for the boys in red and white in the 2020/21 European season.
AS Monaco began the game without their usual defensive guard Khadeen Carrington, as a result of an injury which was sustained during a regular season fixture. Nevertheless, the red and whites did well to grab an early lead from the tip-off as they lead 8-14 in the first minutes. However, Virtus pushed back and after a back and forth fight throughout the first half, the scoreline stood at an equal 41-41.
Monaco continued their offensive composure into the second half as Darral Willis drained a triple for an almost comfortable 43-49 gap, but this successful sequence was quickly equalled by the hosts who were then overtaken again at the end of the third quarter. A scoring pattern which continued until the closing moments. The Monegasque guests just about maintained their lead only for Virtus to rise above with a clean scoring streak lasting until the buzzer for a colossal 94-85 scoreline.
Monaco now continue their European campaign with a 3-1 record after their blunder in Bologna but will no doubt be looking to redeem themselves in their next EuroCup matchup. On October 28, the Roca Team will host Lokomotiv Kuban Krasnodar at their home court of the Salle Gaston Medecin in front of their home supporters. To join the red and white fans, buy tickets here.
