The Roca Team began their 2025 campaign with a crucial EuroLeague victory, defeating Alba Berlin 90-105 in the Uber Arena. Despite being plagued by injuries and illnesses, the Principality side delivered a dominant first half and weathered a spirited comeback from their German hosts to secure the win.
This victory allows Monaco to maintain its position at the top of the EuroLeague standings, tied with Olympiakos, who also claimed a win in their matchup against Zalgiris Kaunas. As the season intensifies, the EuroLeague promises to remain fiercely competitive.
The game started with Monaco in control, showcasing their offensive prowess. Missing key players like Alpha Diallo, Terry Tarpey, Mam Jaiteh, and Petr Cornelie, coach Vassilis Spanoulis leaned on a core lineup of Mike James, Matthew Strazel, Jordan Loyd, Vitto Brown, and Donatas Motiejunas. The absences didn’t seem to deter the team early on.
Mike James set the tone, orchestrating the offence and opening the scoring. Monaco’s quick transitions and sharp shooting left Alba Berlin struggling to keep up. By the end of the first quarter, the Roca Team held a comfortable 30-21 lead.
The second quarter was even more dominant for Monaco. Matthew Strazel’s precision from beyond the arc, combined with Jordan Loyd’s scoring touch and Donatas Motiejunas’s offensive rebounding, helped extend the lead to 20 points at halftime (55-35).
However, Alba Berlin, led by Luke Wetzell, Johannes Thiemann, and Matteo Spagnolo, roared back in the second half. Fueled by their home crowd, the German side closed the gap to just six points in the fourth quarter. Monaco’s defence faltered at times, but timely three-pointers from Mike James and Strazel steadied the ship. A clutch dunk by Jaron Blossomgame and late free throws sealed the 15-point win.
Vassilis Spanoulis praised his team’s character in securing the victory but acknowledged defensive lapses in the second half. Mike James highlighted the team’s improved chemistry and confidence, while Matthew Strazel emphasised the need to tighten up defensively despite the offensive success.
The Roca Team’s victory in Berlin solidifies their standing as one of the EuroLeague’s top contenders. With injuries testing their depth and resilience, Monaco continues to prove they can adapt and perform under pressure. As the season progresses, every game will be critical in the tightly contested EuroLeague. For now, Monaco can celebrate their first victory of 2025, but the road ahead promises more challenges and opportunities.
