The Roca Team’s difficult run in the EuroLeague stretched to a fifth consecutive loss on the evening of Thursday, February 5, as Monaco were beaten 91–82 away by FC Bayern Munich at the SAP Garden. The result completed a frustrating double-header on the road, following defeat earlier in the week in Kaunas.
Despite a determined late push and a standout individual performance from Mike James, who finished with 30 points, Monaco were unable to overturn a deficit built during a costly second quarter. The Bavarian side, currently battling in the lower half of the standings, controlled the tempo for long stretches and held firm when the pressure mounted.
The opening exchanges were scrappy, with both teams struggling for rhythm. Monaco’s defence kept things tight early on, while James, Alpha Diallo and Elie Okobo helped the visitors stay level through ball movement and quick decision-making. The first quarter ended at a high pace, with Monaco narrowly trailing 24–23.
Bayern began to assert themselves in the second period, combining accurate perimeter shooting with unexpected dominance on the boards. Monaco found answers through Nikola Mirotic and Nemanja Nedovic, but defensive lapses allowed the hosts to stretch their lead before the break. By halftime, Bayern had established a 48–39 advantage.
After the restart, Monaco showed renewed intent. A shooting run midway through the third quarter brought the Roca Team back within striking distance, briefly cutting the gap to three points. However, each surge was met by a response from the home side, and a late basket ensured Bayern entered the final quarter with a 68–63 lead.
The hosts regained control early in the fourth, pushing the margin back into double figures. Monaco continued to fight, leaning heavily on James and Okobo to generate offence. Two deep three-pointers from James offered a final glimmer of hope, but Bayern’s composure in the closing minutes ensured the outcome was never truly in doubt.
The defeat leaves Monaco searching for solutions in Europe, as pressure mounts ahead of the closing stages of the regular season. Attention now turns back to domestic action, with Vassilis Spanoulis and his squad aiming to respond in Betclic ELITE away to Chalon-sur-Saône this Sunday.