With 13 victories, Monaco, which remains in the Top 8 and virtually qualified, can no longer be joined by its evening opponent.

Now, there are two matches left for Sasa Obradovic's team to qualify: the first in Milan on March 31, then at home against Berlin on April 8.

The "Roca Team", which was up to 21 points ahead of Vitoria in the middle of the 3rd quarter before getting a few scares, once again showed a level worthy of the best European teams.

After beating the Greeks of Olympiakos (92-72) on Wednesday, it therefore concluded its European week perfectly.

And 24 hours later, she was to challenge Bourg in the quarter-finals of the Coupe de France...

From the start, three points from Donatas Motiejunas could have set the tone.

But Vitoria was not staying on four consecutive victories in the competition for nothing.

Under the impetus of Alec Peters and Simone Fontecchio, the Basques offered a very solid first quarter (19-18), before Donta Hall went wild.

Hall's Big Half

The American pivot (2.06m) started the second quarter with a superb counter (12th), before being dominant on the offensive rebounds, as on his furious dunk (33-27, 16th).

He ended the first period with top-flight statistics (10 points, 7 rebounds and one block at the break) and allowed Monaco to pass in front.

Especially since Paris Lee (7 points at half-time) and Leo Westermann (2 points, three assists but also three personal fouls at the break) were able to perfectly replace Mike James, very quickly out, after two quick personal fouls , and whose first three points only came very late (38-31, 18th).

After widening the gap in the 2nd quarter (24-13 over the period), the "Roca Team" focused on a very aggressive defense after the break.

And as James returned to business, the upturn continued.

Monaco even led by 21 points following an award-winning shot from Dwayne Bacon (57-36, 26th).

Did the Monegasques then believe victory was assured?

Still, Vitoria, Peters in the lead, did not give up.

And gradually, with perseverance, the team of Croatian coach Neven Spahija came back to within 7 points of their opponent.

Between the 33rd and 37th minutes, the two teams responded tit-au-tac.

But Monaco remained in control of its nerves.

Westermann's three points were precious (72-62, 37th).

And the Monegasques won (78-68) in Europe, once again.

© 2022 AFP