Three days after parting ways with head coach Sasa Obradovic, the Roca Team responded to mounting pressure with a commanding EuroLeague victory on Thursday. Facing domestic rivals ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne—a team that had already defeated them in the French championship earlier this season—the Roca Team earned a decisive 103-92 win, avenging their October loss and easing concerns about their form.
ASVEL, whose 3-10 EuroLeague record belies their stronger performances this season, started the game aggressively. Led by Théo Maledon’s dynamic play, ASVEL jumped to an early 8-19 lead, with Monaco struggling to find their rhythm. Despite their difficulties, Monaco managed to close the gap late in the first quarter (20-25) and remained within striking distance at halftime, trailing by just two points (38-40).
The game shifted dramatically in the third quarter. With Mike James regaining form and Monaco increasing their intensity, the Roca Team launched a 10-0 run, taking control at 48-40. While ASVEL relied on their leaders Nando De Colo and Joffrey Lauvergne to keep the contest competitive, Monaco’s offensive firepower surged, building an 11-point lead by the end of the third quarter (75-64).
In the fourth quarter, Monaco’s Elie Okobo delivered a standout performance, extending the lead to 92-74 and effectively sealing the game. Despite a late push by ASVEL, the Monegasques maintained their composure to secure a crucial win.
Interim coach Manuchar Markoishvili oversaw the victory, which was highlighted by Okobo’s stellar 27-point, six-assist effort. The result not only keeps Monaco within reach of the EuroLeague’s top six but also staves off a potential crisis for the reigning French champions.
For ASVEL, the loss marked their eighth defeat of the season, leaving them entrenched at the bottom of the standings despite strong performances from Maledon (22 points, 8 assists) and Mbaye Ndiaye (18 points, 3 rebounds). The Villeurbanne squad’s inability to sustain their first-half momentum ultimately proved costly, as they were overpowered by Monaco’s second-half resurgence.
