Paris (AFP)
Monaco won on the floor of Portel 81 to 71 for their tenth victory in eleven matches and consolidated their position as leader of the French Elite basketball championship, at the start of the 24th day on Friday.
After a delicate start to the match, the Monegasques rose crescendo while the Portellois suddenly experienced an air gap, multiplying losses of balls (seven) and clumsiness in attack.
Monaco took the opportunity to inflict a severe 15-2 on their hosts and conclude the first quarter by 23 to 14.
While they were in distress in the middle of the first period, where they were 15 points behind (21-36, 16'10 "), the Portellois rebelled, taking advantage in turn of the relaxation of the Monegasques to return to -6 at the break (35-41).
The Portuguese improvement continued after returning from the locker room.
More efficient in defense and with an attack found, they managed to pick up again (40-41, 23 ').
The time-out taken by Monaco turned out to be beneficial as the Roca Team then took charge of the match to finally complete the third quarter with a comfortable lead of 15 points (64-49).
The end of the match was a little crazy, the Portellois seeking to avoid humiliation against the Monegasques who continued the game in management mode.
A 3-point shot from Rah on the buzzer made the score less severe (81-71) for ESSM Le Portel.
The Roca Team, while in control, could still count on its leader Dee Bost who distilled caviars and scored baskets that count (20 pts).
He was supported by Mathias Lessort (17 pts) author of an overpowering dunk and Damien Inglis (9 pts).
Le Portel downgraded to 11th place in the Elite Championship standings.
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