Europe 1 with AFP 00:31, January 11, 2023

Monaco won in fine fashion but on the wire against the Greeks of Olympiakos (64-60) during the 18th day of the Euroleague, Tuesday evening at home, and thus doubled its opponent at the forefront.

Monaco thus signs its twelfth victory of the season in European competition.

Monaco won on the wire against Olympiakos (64-60) during the 18th day of the Euroleague basketball, Tuesday evening in its Gaston-Médecin hall, and dislodged the Greeks from the head of the competition.

This victory allows the "Roca Team" to afford a twelfth victory of the season in the competition and to settle in the lead with Real Madrid.

In the absence of Jordan Loyd, injured, and Adrien Moerman, removed from the group, the men of Sasa Obradovic revolted after a poor first quarter under the impulse of Mike James.

In his wake, the French Elie Okobo, a real attacking lieutenant, Yakuba Ouattara, an impeccable defender, and above all the young pivot Yoan Makoundou, 22, revelation of the match, were at the level of a meeting at the top of the table of Euroleague.

This victory allows the Roca Team, which now has 12 wins and 6 losses in the competition and which travels to Belgrade on Thursday to face Red Star in a room on fire, to mark the spirits a little more.

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Tight all the way

However, the first quarter (8-20) was only a long nightmare for the Monegasques, quickly led by nine points (2-11, 5th).

Thanks to their iron defense, the Greeks hurt when they deployed their collective game.

And when they relied on their French pivot Moustapha Fall, whose first 7 points cast doubt.

The rage of Monegasque pivot Donta Hall, author of two magnificent counterattacks (8th and 10th), was not enough.

It took 14 units behind (10-24, 13th) for Mike James to finally get out of his box.

Well supported by Elie Okobo, he offered a three-point recital in the second quarter.

To his four award-winning shots, he added two more points and an assist for Okobo.

As a good lieutenant, the Frenchman accompanied the American star.

And Monaco reached the break having reduced the gap to three small points (31-34, 20th).

Captain Ouattara and his men then did not let go defensively.

They took the lead for the first time in the match after a three-point shot from Ouattara (37-34, 22nd) to hold on to this advantage.

Despite a seven-point lead at the start of the 4th quarter (52-45, 33rd), Monaco saw a great team return, led by a good Sloukas.

Joined (59-59) 1 minute 40 seconds from the end of the meeting, James (four points) and Alpha Diallo (a free throw) then made the job, giving Monaco a precious victory.