The Roca Team wrapped up its Betclic Elite regular season with a 92-74 defeat away to Boulazac on the evening of Saturday, May 16, as a heavily rotated Roca Team side struggled to contain the hosts ahead of the upcoming French championship playoffs.
Missing several key senior players, Monaco travelled with a youthful and reshuffled squad under the guidance of Sergii Gladyr, giving valuable minutes to a number of younger talents alongside experienced figures such as Terry Tarpey and Kevarrius Hayes.
Despite the defeat, the match offered encouraging moments for some of Monaco’s emerging players, particularly Kyllian Michee, who impressed throughout the evening with confident shooting and attacking intent. The young guard kept Monaco within touching distance during a competitive opening half, knocking down several three-pointers as the visitors tried to respond to Boulazac’s growing momentum.
The opening quarter remained closely contested, with both sides trading baskets at a high tempo. Monaco briefly gained the upper hand through Tarpey and Yoan Makoundou, but Boulazac gradually began to exploit turnovers and defensive lapses to seize control.
A decisive spell in the second quarter saw the home side pull away with an 11-0 run, capitalising on Monaco’s struggles in possession and their mounting foul count. By halftime, the Roca Team trailed 49-38.
Monaco attempted to respond after the break through the physical presence of Hayes and Makoundou inside the paint, briefly reducing the deficit. But Boulazac maintained its intensity, dominating the offensive rebounds and repeatedly punishing Monaco from second-chance opportunities.
With the outside shooting drying up for the visitors and the hosts continuing to dictate the rhythm, the gap stretched beyond 15 points entering the final quarter. The closing stages ultimately served more as preparation and rotation management ahead of the postseason than a genuine comeback attempt.
While the result ends Monaco’s regular season on a losing note, attention now shifts firmly toward the playoffs, where the Principality club will begin its pursuit of another French title after a week focused on recovery and preparation.