A depleted but defiant Roca Team booked its place in the Betclic Elite semi-finals after defeating JL Bourg 114-103 at a packed Ekinox arena on Wednesday, May 27, sealing the quarter-final series 2-0 despite travelling with only seven professional players available.
Monaco produced one of its most resilient performances of the season, overcoming injuries and absences with an explosive attacking display led by Elie Okobo, Matthew Strazel, Jaron Blossomgame and Yoan Makoundou, who combined for 85 points.
Okobo once again underlined his importance to the side with a dominant double-double of 21 points and 11 assists, while Strazel and Blossomgame each added 22 points. Makoundou delivered one of his finest games in Monaco colours with 20 points, while Terry Tarpey made a huge impact across the floor with 11 points and 13 rebounds.
The Principality club started aggressively and quickly imposed its rhythm on the game. Monaco’s ball movement and transition play repeatedly exposed Bourg’s defence during the opening quarter, allowing the visitors to build an early double-digit advantage.
Despite a spirited response from Bourg, Monaco maintained control for much of the first half through efficient shooting and relentless offensive rebounding. Strazel and Okobo dictated the tempo, while Blossomgame continued to punish Bourg inside the paint and on second-chance opportunities.
The Roca Team led 65-49 at half-time after shooting with remarkable efficiency and limiting Bourg’s opportunities in transition.
The home side mounted a strong comeback after the interval, cutting the deficit to single digits early in the third quarter thanks to increased defensive pressure and improved intensity around the basket. Bourg repeatedly threatened to shift the momentum, but Monaco responded each time through clutch scoring from Okobo and Strazel.
As the atmosphere intensified in the final quarter, Monaco’s short-handed squad showed remarkable composure. Tarpey’s rebounding work proved vital in limiting Bourg’s second opportunities, while Okobo continued to punish the defence with difficult perimeter shooting.
Strazel eventually delivered the decisive blow with a late three-pointer that effectively ended Bourg’s hopes of extending the series.
The victory sends Monaco into the French championship semi-finals, where the Roca Team will face Nanterre. The opening game of the series is scheduled for Monday evening at Salle Gaston Médecin.
Monaco remain in contention to complete another domestic double after already lifting the Leaders Cup earlier this season, and their latest performance demonstrated the depth of character within the squad despite a difficult and injury-hit campaign.