The Roca Team delivered a commanding performance on Tuesday, December 17, overpowering Bayern Munich 93-74 in the 16th round of the Euroleague. Following their emphatic victory over Fenerbahçe last week, the Monegasques continued their impressive form, solidifying their status as one of the competition’s front-runners.
The matchup, billed as a clash of the Euroleague contenders, showcased Monaco’s dominance in both offense and defence. The victory temporarily propelled them to the top of the standings, alongside Paris Basketball, pending the outcome of the Parisians’ game later in the week. Playing in the Principality’s Salle Gaston-Médecin, Monaco displayed the hallmarks of head coach Vassilis Spanoulis’ philosophy: collective effort, aggressive defence, and fluid teamwork.
Monaco started strong but faced a brief setback early in the second quarter when Bayern surged ahead, establishing an 11-point lead (18-29, 11th minute). However, the hosts quickly regrouped with a 17-5 run, turning the tide and reclaiming the advantage (35-34, 16th minute). From that moment, Monaco never looked back. Star guard Mike James, contributing 13 points, led a balanced attack that steadily built momentum through the game.
Terry Tarpey emerged as a standout performer, epitomising Monaco’s resilience and tactical discipline. Tarpey’s all-around contributions (8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 steals) highlighted the team’s renewed intensity under Spanoulis’ leadership. His relentless energy on both ends of the court symbolised the cohesion and depth that have become hallmarks of Monaco’s style.
By halftime, Monaco held a narrow lead (46-40), which they expanded decisively with a dominant third quarter (31-20). Effective rotations and unselfish play were key, with Monaco tallying an impressive 28 assists. Five players scored in double figures, underscoring the team’s depth and balanced offensive output.
The win marked Monaco’s third consecutive Euroleague victory, a streak that began with their resounding 99-69 triumph over Fenerbahçe just days earlier. The team’s aggressive, high-paced approach has made them a formidable force, intent on seizing every opportunity to assert their dominance.
Monaco now turns its attention to a challenging away game against Real Madrid on Thursday, December 19, a critical test to conclude the first leg of the Euroleague regular season. With momentum on their side and a renewed sense of purpose, the Monegasques appear ready to take on the competition’s elite.
