AS Monaco (12-13) continue their hunt for a playoff spot at the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, defeating the visiting Olympiacos Piraeus (17-9) 92-72 (19-22, 29-9, 23-20, 21-21).
Player of the Game | |
EFF
27
|
|
Mike James | |
Points | 25 |
Accuracy | 7-10 |
Rebounds | 3 |
Assists | 4 |
It was a tight first quarter, but Sasha Vezenkov capped it off with a last-second 3-pointer, giving Olympiacos a three-point lead (22-19). However, Paris Lee led Monaco to a 10-0 run to start the second period (29-22).
Monaco continued lighting it up from deep range, increasing their lead to 19 after the third 3-pointer from Mike James and the second one from Brock Motum (45-26). Monaco made 8 of 10 from distance in the first half, limiting Olympiacos to just nine points in the first half. They had a 17-point advantage going into the break (48-31).
Moustapha Fall and Tyler Dorsey brought Olympiacos back within 10 points at the start of the third (40-50), but Mike James orchestrated an 11-2 run to help Monaco regain a commanding advantage (61-42).
On top of that, Shaquielle McKissic was ejected from the game after being called for two technical fouls. The fourth quarter was just a formality, as Monaco came away with a 20-point victory.
Mike James led Monaco with 25 points (2/3 2PT, 5/7 3PT, 6/7 FT), 4 assists, 3 rebounds, 1 turnover, and 27 PIR.
"We played well, we played hard, played defense," James said post-game. "We moved the ball, shared the ball. And we made a lot of shots. That always helps. Shooting well at home normally leads to victories. I am just glad we won. I think we are finding our groove. Everyone is fitting in their roles nicely, and we are just fighting for the playoffs."
Sasha Vezenkov and Moustapha Fall were the leading scorers for Olympiacos, finishing with 18 points each.
"After the game against Efes, we presented ourselves in the best possible way beating the team that is one of the favorites," coach Obradovic said. "The way we played the game all 40 minutes, with great physicality and energy, not giving their key players any chance to find their rhythm, I can only say I am extremely happy with this win."
Monaco: Mike James 25, Dwayne Bacon 15 (5 REB), Paris Lee 13 (5 AST), Devon Hall 12, Alpha Diallo 9, Brock Motum 8.
Olympiacos: Moustapha Fall 18 (6 REB), Sasha Vezenkov 18, Tyler Dorsey 15, Kostas Sloukas 6, Thomas Walkup 6 (6 REB).
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