The Roca Team extended their winning streak to nine games across all competitions on the evening of Tuesday, January 13, defeating BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque 101–82 at the Salle Gaston Médecin in Betclic Élite action. Pushed for long stretches by a committed visiting side, the Roca Team ultimately imposed their quality in the final quarter to secure another confidence-boosting victory in front of their home supporters.
With a demanding schedule and a EuroLeague trip to Paris approaching just two days later, Monaco entered the game slightly short-handed but full of momentum. Head coach Vassilis Spanoulis managed his rotation carefully, yet his side quickly established a physical presence, particularly inside, while maintaining their trademark intensity at both ends of the court.
The opening period was tightly contested, with Gravelines-Dunkerque finding success from long range and refusing to allow Monaco to build an early cushion. Monaco responded through strong rebounding and aggressive drives to the basket, gradually edging ahead as Kevarrius Hayes made his presence felt in the paint and Mike James began to assert himself offensively.
Monaco increased the tempo in the second quarter, drawing contributions from across the roster. Alpha Diallo and Jaron Blossomgame provided energy in transition, while Terry Tarpey’s work on both ends helped stabilise the game. Despite a late surge from the visitors, the hosts went into halftime with a slim but controlled advantage.
After the break, Gravelines-Dunkerque continued to apply pressure, tightening defensively and briefly cutting the gap. Monaco’s lead remained under threat through much of the third quarter as the visitors relied on accurate shooting to stay in contention.
The decisive moment came when Mike James took command of the game. The Monaco guard delivered a sustained scoring run, combining difficult mid-range jumpers with sharp playmaking to lift the crowd and create separation. His offensive burst allowed the Roca Team to break clear and shift the balance definitively.
In the final quarter, Monaco built on that momentum. Defensive intensity increased, perimeter shots began to fall, and the lead quickly grew into double figures. Matthew Strazel and Juhann Bégarin added important baskets, while Monaco controlled the closing minutes with maturity and discipline.
The win reinforced Monaco’s strong domestic form and offered an ideal platform ahead of their upcoming EuroLeague challenge in Paris. With confidence high and cohesion evident, the Roca Team continue to demonstrate consistency and resilience as their season gathers pace.
