Monaco’s Roca Team kicked off their Euroleague campaign with a solid start, securing their second win in as many games with an 85-79 victory over Maccabi Tel-Aviv. It was a hard-fought contest, with the game’s tide turning only in the second half. Mike James and Elie Okobo led the way, each scoring 17 points and delivering stellar performances down the stretch.
The Build-Up
Monaco entered the game looking to build on their first Euroleague win against Milan. Facing a revamped Maccabi Tel-Aviv side, led by former Monaco favorite Jordan Loyd, the Roca Team had a lot to prove, particularly after a humbling domestic defeat to Villeurbanne in Betclic Elite. With key players like Nick Calathes and Furkan Korkmaz out due to injuries, the team was forced to dig deep.
The Early Struggle
The opening minutes were marked by mistakes on both sides, with turnovers and missed shots setting the tone. Maccabi Tel-Aviv took advantage early, putting the pressure on Monaco and building a small lead. Monaco’s struggles were compounded by ball-handling errors and foul trouble, falling behind 9-14 midway through the first quarter. But Mike James stepped up to steady the ship, scoring crucial points and keeping Monaco in the game.
Maccabi Pushes Ahead
In the second quarter, Maccabi’s physical play and sharp shooting—particularly from Jordan Loyd—kept Monaco on the back foot. Loyd drained a three-pointer that pushed Maccabi’s lead to 10 points, forcing Monaco coach Sasa Obradovic to call a timeout. Out of the break, Monaco responded with a strong run led by James and Lithuanian center Donatas Motiejunas, who finally found his rhythm, helping close the gap to 41-46 at halftime.
The Turnaround
Monaco came out of the locker room reenergized. Elie Okobo ignited the comeback, hitting key shots to reduce the deficit. Motiejunas took control under the basket, racking up 9 points and pulling in rebounds that shifted momentum in Monaco’s favor. By the middle of the third quarter, the Roca Team had clawed their way back, taking a 55-54 lead for the first time since the opening minutes.
Strong Finish
The final quarter saw Monaco impose their will defensively, with Alpha Diallo and Georgios Papagiannis making crucial stops. Papagiannis, in particular, delivered a game-defining moment with a block on Maccabi’s Blatt, followed by a fast-break dunk that sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Elie Okobo’s long-range shooting put the game out of reach, sealing Monaco’s 85-79 win.
Second consecutive success in Euroleague for Monaco who maintains its place at the top of the ranking.
Off the Court
In a heartwarming gesture, the club used the evening to highlight its partnership with the Flavien Foundation, which fights pediatric cancers. A family from the foundation was honoured during the game, with their children meeting Roca Team stars like Mike James and Donatas Motiejunas.
What’s Next?
With two consecutive Euroleague wins under their belt, Monaco looks ahead to their next challenge: a Betclic Elite clash against Stade Rochelais on Sunday. As the Roca Team continues to find its rhythm, fans are eager to see if they can maintain their strong form both domestically and in Europe.
