Paris (AFP)
Cholet Basket created a sensation by winning 97 to 76 on the floor of leader Monaco, in a late match of the 25th day of the French Elite basketball championship, Monday.
In the Principality, the men of Zvezdan Mitrovic, who outrageously dominate the Elite championship, fell from the top.
They who had lost only one match in twelve Elite outings since September 20.
The Choletais, very aggressive in the first period, logically joined the locker room with an advantage at the scorer's table (44-42).
Ian Miller, very skilful on the free throw line (19 points, including 9/10 on throws) and Aaron Jones carried the visitors, surprisingly more biting than in the first leg won by Roca Team 87-76 on March 20 at the Meilleraie.
On the momentum of a well-controlled first period, Erman Kunter's men passed an insolent 10-3 to lead 54-45 (22nd) after a long-distance shot from Yoan Makoungou.
Despite a start from the Monegasques, back to -5 (62-67, 28th), the visitors investigated baskets on baskets to complete the third quarter with a more substantial advantage (77-66).
American full-back Michael Stockton, the son of legendary Jazz leader John, contributed with a 3-point shot that turned the third quarter won 33 to 24.
Defensively, Chris Hurton also contributed with 12 rebounds with 10 points.
Match to be forgotten, on the other hand, for the Monegasques, whose impressive series of eleven consecutive victories in the league came to an abrupt end, facing a Choletaise team touched by grace.
They will have to bounce back this Wednesday for the beauty against the Montenegrins of Buducnost Podgorica to seek a place in the semi-finals of the Eurocup.
© 2021 AFP