Monaco overthrows CSKA Moscow in exceptional second period
Monaco has taken another step forward by winning against CSKA Moscow (97-80), a very large in Europe, on Friday evening during the 7th day of the Euroleague, following an exceptional second period.
There were two Monaco against CSKA Moscow. Before the break, Zvezdan Mitrovic’s men, paralyzed by the issue, like Mike James, were overwhelmed.
Then, again like the American leader on his basket offering +14 to Monaco (90-76, 39th), they were perfect in fighting spirit to end the meeting with the biggest gap of the match (+17).
From -22 to +17, Monaco made a big difference, like that, emotional, of the audience of the Salle Gaston-Médecin.
With this victory against a big European, the most beautiful in the history of the club at home, Monaco (4 wins, 3 losses) passes his opponent in the standings and settles in the Top 8 of the Euroleague, at the 7th place.
The start of the meeting was however nightmarish for the Monegasques. Quickly led 0-6, Monaco took three minutes to register their first points.
Despite the entry of Mike James, captain for one night, Monaco continued to sink to accumulate a deficit of 18 points (7-25, 9th). Fortunately, two three-point baskets from the brand new recruit, Dwayne Bacon, and Rob Gray, on the wire, kept in touch at the end of the first quarter (13-25).
Despite this reaction, the start of the second quarter looked like a punishment. Winger Will Clyburn (15 points at halftime) and his sidekick Shved (9 points) were dominant.
After being led by 22 units (13-35, 14th), the + Roca Boys + have recovered again through Donta Hall, fighter (15th).
As in Madrid where the Monegasques had taken 51 points in the first period, they were overwhelmed by the Muscovites (52 points at the break).
In a game that was supposed to be his against the team that fired last season, Mike James struggled to exist in the first half.
After giving the hug to his ex-coach, Dimitri Itoudis, before the match, he seemed disturbed before registering his first two points on an interception in the 17th minute, after missing two free throws (12th).
Still, the break changed everything. Under the impetus of Hall and Bacon, with indisputable physical power, Mitrovic’s men turned the table. And James, authors beautiful penetrations, got into tune.
After conceding a 14-0 (26th), the Muscovites gave up. And as against ASVEL two days ago, bowed to a French floor.