The Roca Team continued their strong domestic run on the evening of Saturday, January 17, overcoming CSP Limoges 99–88 at the Salle Gaston Médecin to remain at the summit of the Betclic Elite standings. After a hesitant opening quarter, the Roca Team gradually imposed their rhythm and built a commanding lead before managing a late Limoges comeback attempt.
Coming off two demanding victories earlier in the week—one in the league and another on the road in the EuroLeague—the players of AS Monaco Basket were determined to extend a winning streak that has carried them to the top of French basketball. Coach Vassilis Spanoulis rotated his squad, resting Alpha Diallo, but still fielded a competitive starting five led by Mike James, Terry Tarpey and Daniel Theis.
Limoges, however, made it clear from the outset that they had not come to simply make up the numbers. The visitors started with intensity and cohesion, finding success early through sharp ball movement and efficient shooting. Monaco struggled defensively in the opening minutes and were quickly sent into the penalty situation, allowing Limoges CSP to take control of the scoreboard and close the first quarter with a narrow advantage.
Monaco began to settle in the second period, cutting down turnovers and finding more fluidity in attack. Elie Okobo and Matthew Strazel injected pace and accuracy from the perimeter, while Nikola Mirotic’s shooting helped swing the momentum. A series of quick transitions and improved defensive pressure allowed the Roca Team to edge ahead before the break, turning a difficult start into a nine-point halftime lead.
The third quarter proved decisive. Monaco returned from the locker room with renewed intensity, launching an early scoring run that stretched the gap into double digits within minutes. Ball movement became sharper, defensive rotations cleaner, and Limoges struggled to contain the wave of attacks. The lead ballooned past 20 points as the home side dominated both ends of the floor, seemingly putting the contest beyond doubt.
A lapse in concentration midway through the final quarter briefly reopened the game, as Limoges capitalised on missed assignments and reduced the deficit to single figures. Monaco responded calmly, reasserting control with timely baskets and defensive stops to close out the game without further alarm.
The victory keeps Monaco firmly on course at the top of the Betclic Elite and caps another productive week. Attention now turns back to Europe, with the Roca Team preparing for a demanding EuroLeague double-header against Red Star Belgrade at home before a trip to face Real Madrid.
Speaking after the game, Terry Tarpey highlighted the team’s resilience through a congested schedule, noting that while starts can be slow, Monaco’s ability to adapt and keep winning remains the priority as a busy stretch of the season continues.
