In a thrilling EuroLeague showdown, Monaco returned to form on the European stage, securing a hard-fought 79-74 victory against Partizan Belgrade on their notoriously hostile home court on Wednesday, October 30. This win was crucial for Monaco, bouncing back from their recent loss to Paris with resilience and focus.
EuroLeague games in Belgrade are known for their fierce atmosphere, where passionate fans create a cauldron of energy. But tonight, as Monaco’s disciplined defence gained momentum, the crowd turned on their own team, amplifying the pressure. Monaco’s head coach, Sasa Obradovic, relied on a veteran lineup with only two rookies—Georgios Papagiannis and Vitto Brown—reverting to the formula that has driven Monaco’s success in recent seasons.
The Monegasque defense showed significant improvement, tightening up after conceding high scores in recent games against Paris, Bologna, and Barcelona. Alpha Diallo and Jaron Blossomgame were instrumental in this defensive effort, supported by guard Jordan Loyd, who recorded three crucial steals. Monaco’s careful ball management, with just six turnovers, allowed them to maintain control for much of the game, until Partizan countered after halftime with aggressive, high-pressure defence. This change rattled the Monegasques, who briefly saw their lead slip as Partizan surged back.
In a tense final stretch, Monaco found their footing once again. Star players Elie Okobo and Mike James, each scoring 15 points, took charge in isolation plays to steady their team. While Monaco’s ball movement struggled, Okobo and James secured critical baskets to seal the victory.
“It’s a good away win for us,” Alpha Diallo commented post-game, sharing his satisfaction with Monaco’s resilient defence and timely rebounding. “Our clutch players finished the job…we played with a lot of intensity.” Diallo, who also surprised with an impressive 18 points, highlighted the unity and determination of the squad. Elie Okobo echoed this sentiment, emphasising the team’s “alchemy” and their ability to “fight together and show character.”
With this win, Monaco now holds a 4-2 record, propelling them back into the EuroLeague’s Top 5, a promising position as the season advances.