Europe 1 with AFP 00:12, March 03, 2023

Monaco revived in the Euroleague thanks to its victory against Maccabi Tel-Aviv (86-67) in its Gaston-Médecin room, Thursday during the 26th day of the competition, and thus remains well attached to the Top 5. The Monegasques regain fourth place in the standings.

Monaco regained the taste of victory after their victory in the Euroleague against Maccabi Tel-Aviv (86-67) at home.

This victory, following a completely mastered fourth quarter (28-8), allows Sasa Obradovic's men, with now 16 wins and 10 losses on the clock, to push their evening opponents to three wins (13-13).

The Monegasques, who will host Panathinaikos Athens next Wednesday, were also able to commune with their public after their last failed outings.

The players, and in particular Mike James (12 pts), who indeed had a lot to be forgiven for after their elimination against Bourg-en-Bresse in the Leaders Cup, and their defeat in the Euroleague in Barcelona (70-80), started strong in front of a distinguished guest: Tony Parker.

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Air pocket

By a nice 9-0 entry, collective on the offensive level, disciplined on the defensive level (3rd), which climbed to +14 (21-7, 7th), to stabilize at +13 (30-17) , at the end of the first quarter.

It didn't hold.

Inevitably, Maccabi closed ranks and without Mike James, Monaco did not score a single point for six minutes.

As his coach laments, the Roca Team then lost confidence, missed everything and was dominated on the rebound.

This long air hole allowed Tel Aviv to come back to the mark (32-30, 16th) and even equalize (36-36, 19th) despite the return of James.

The American still served Jordan Loyd impeccably at three points, to allow his team to lead at the break (39-36).

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Donta Electric Hall

Still just as clumsy in their outside shots and delicate on the rebound, Monaco only owed their survival in the game to a very mediocre overall level of the game.

The two teams stuck together.

But the inability to score winning baskets (2/13 after 30 minutes) hurt the Monegasques.

After a first quarter of fire (10 points, 2 assists) James, meanwhile, was then too neutral.

Tel-Aviv therefore logically took the advantage for the first time in the match (50-52, 28th), to lead at the start of the home stretch (58-59) despite seven points from Chima Moneke, the replacement by Adrien Moerman, in the third quarter.

As often in Euroleague, the end of the meeting was physical.

With James on the bench, Jordan Loyd in charge and Elie Okobo finally skilful with two close baskets behind the arc (33rd and 35th), Monaco regained color, aggressive in defense like a fabulous counter from Donta Lobby (36th).

The + Roca Boys + offered themselves a new series (15-0) to lead 73-59 (36th).

The time for Odded Kattash, the Israeli coach, to be expelled after his second technical foul (36th) and Monaco, where Loyd was a positive leader and where Hall, electric, made his power speak at the end of the game, the took away.