The Roca Team produced a thrilling performance at the Salle Gaston Médecin on the evening of Thursday, March 12, edging Olympiacos 81–80 in a dramatic EuroLeague clash that keeps the Roca Team firmly in the race for the playoffs.
In front of a packed home crowd, Monaco delivered one of its most determined displays of the season, overcoming both a late comeback from the Greek side and a turbulent week off the court. With former head coach Vassilis Spanoulis having stepped down, assistant coaches Manuchar Markoishvili and Sergii Gladyr were once again in charge on the sidelines, guiding the team through a high-pressure encounter.
Monaco began the game with remarkable intensity, quickly establishing control through aggressive defense and fast-paced offense. Led by captain Mike James, the Roca Team built an early advantage, while contributions from Matthew Strazel and Jaron Blossomgame helped energise the home crowd. Terry Tarpey also made a strong impact, combining defensive pressure with key points as Monaco pushed its lead into double digits during the second quarter.
Olympiacos gradually responded, however, narrowing the gap before halftime with outside shooting and physical play in the paint. Monaco still held a slender lead at the break, but the momentum began to shift after the interval.
The Greek side came out firing in the third quarter, with Tyler Dorsey finding his rhythm from beyond the arc. Olympiacos briefly seized the lead for the first time in the game as the contest turned into a tense back-and-forth battle between two EuroLeague heavyweights.
The final quarter unfolded in dramatic fashion. Both teams traded baskets as the intensity inside the Gaston Médecin arena reached its peak. With the score level in the closing moments and Mike James forced off the court with a thigh injury, Monaco needed a decisive play.
That moment came in the final possession. French guard Matthew Strazel calmly drove to the basket and converted a crucial layup, putting Monaco ahead with only seconds remaining. Olympiacos attempted one last shot at the buzzer, but it fell short, triggering celebrations among the home fans.
The narrow victory not only showcased Monaco’s resilience but also reignited the club’s hopes of securing a place in the EuroLeague playoffs. In a season marked by both challenges and high expectations, the Roca Team demonstrated that it still has the fight and determination needed to compete at Europe’s highest level.