The Roca Team once again underlined their authority on the domestic stage with a controlled 93–79 victory away to Nancy on Saturday, January 10, rounding off a flawless week. Focused, disciplined and collective, the Roca Team overcame a stubborn and well-supported home side to maintain their position at the top of the standings, confirming their current status as the team to beat in France.
The match, played in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 6,000 at the Palais des Sports de Gentilly, presented a demanding test for Monaco, who arrived in Lorraine determined to back up their recent EuroLeague successes against Partizan at home and Valencia away. Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis had to cope without Yoan Makoundou and Daniel Theis, both injured, while Mike James was rested. He opted to start with David Michineau, Elie Okobo, Alpha Diallo, Nikola Mirotic and Kevarrius Hayes.
The opening minutes were evenly contested, with both teams exchanging baskets in a lively atmosphere. Former Monaco player Amini was prominent early for Nancy, while Okobo, Diallo and Mirotic provided Monaco’s initial scoring. After the hosts briefly edged in front, Michineau brought Monaco level in transition, before Mirotic began to assert himself, converting efficiently to give the visitors a first cushion. Elie Okobo set the tempo, combining aggressive drives with precise passing, notably finding Hayes inside, as Monaco finished the first quarter six points ahead.
Nancy initially struggled from long range but gradually found solutions, staying in touch through offensive rebounds and second-chance points. Monaco continued to move the ball well and maintained their composure, with Juhann Begarin knocking down a timely three-pointer and Jaron Blossomgame contributing at both ends of the floor. Despite another scoring burst from Mirotic, the hosts refused to fade, closing the gap before the break and sending Monaco into halftime with a narrow 42–41 advantage.
Monaco returned from the locker room with renewed intensity and the same starting five, quickly looking to re-establish control. Okobo and Michineau pushed the pace, while Mirotic delivered a key three-point play and Michineau added a long-range shot to restore a small lead. Nancy continued to apply pressure, cutting the deficit back to a single possession, but Monaco responded through strong defensive sequences and a spectacular dunk from Kevarrius Hayes, set up by Okobo, which reignited their momentum.
That sequence sparked a decisive run, with Monaco stringing together a 9–0 spell to push the advantage into double figures. Nemanja Nedović added valuable points in transition, while Okobo, in full control, twice found the target from beyond the arc. By the end of the third quarter, Monaco had built an 11-point lead and were firmly dictating the rhythm of the contest.
Nancy mounted one last push at the start of the final period, briefly reducing the gap to four points on the back of confident outside shooting. Monaco, however, showed their experience and composure at a key moment. Michineau continued to attack the rim effectively, and Juhann Begarin delivered a timely and-one to steady the visitors. With Nancy entering the penalty, Monaco managed the closing minutes intelligently from the free-throw line and tightened their defence to close out the game.
The final score of 93–79 reflected Monaco’s overall control and depth, as they secured an eighth consecutive victory in all competitions. Confident in their collective strength and consistency, the Roca Team continue to set the benchmark in Betclic Elite, reinforcing their ambitions at both domestic and European level.
