The Roca Team responded in emphatic fashion on the domestic stage, brushing aside SIG Strasbourg 88–74 in a Betclic Elite clash that underlined the Roca Team’s collective strength. Still smarting from their EuroLeague defeat to Fenerbahçe earlier in the week, Vassilis Spanoulis’ side delivered a controlled and convincing performance to consolidate their place near the top of the table.
Depleted by absences — with Mike James suspended, Nemanja Nedovic and David Michineau injured, and Cory Joseph unavailable — Monaco relied on balance rather than star power. The starting line-up of Elie Okobo, Juhann Begarin, Alpha Diallo, Yoan Makoundou and Daniel Theis set the tone early, matching Strasbourg’s intensity before gradually taking charge.
The opening exchanges were tight, with Strasbourg briefly edging ahead through Ndoye and Keene. Monaco steadied themselves behind Daniel Theis’ early scoring and a growing defensive grip. A strong spell late in the first quarter, capped by Nikola Mirotic and Jaron Blossomgame, swung momentum decisively in the hosts’ favour and gave them a narrow lead at the first break.
The second quarter proved pivotal. Mirotic caught fire from long range, while Matthew Strazel and Elie Okobo orchestrated play with authority. Monaco’s defence forced turnovers and limited Strasbourg’s options, allowing the lead to stretch into double figures. By halftime, the Roca Team had built a 14-point cushion and were firmly in control.
Monaco maintained the pressure after the interval, with Makoundou opening the half from beyond the arc as the hosts pushed their advantage towards 20 points. Strasbourg attempted to rally, trimming the deficit through outside shooting and trips to the free-throw line, but never fully threatened to overturn the balance.
The contest grew increasingly physical in the final quarter, with tensions boiling over and both sides affected by foul trouble and ejections. Despite the disruptions, Monaco remained composed. Key plays in transition and continued defensive discipline ensured the gap stayed comfortable, with Blossomgame and Strazel sealing the outcome in the closing minutes.
The win not only delivered a timely response after European disappointment but also reinforced Monaco’s credentials as a title contender in the Betclic Elite. Attention now turns back to the EuroLeague, with a demanding double-header looming away to Baskonia before Bayern Munich visit the Principality.
