Euroleague: Monaco overthrows Red Star Belgrade and returns to the top 8
After being up to 20 points behind in the second quarter, AS Monaco overthrew Red Star in Belgrade on Thursday evening (80-91). A valuable away victory that allows the Roca Team to return to the top 8, synonymous with potential playoffs.
It’s a perfect European week for Monaco. Two trips, two stunning victories, and a return to the top 8 for Sasa Obradovic’s team. Despite a failed first half (52-42), the Roca Team got the better of Red Star Belgrade on Thursday night for the 25th day of the Euroleague. What balance his record (12 wins, 12 losses).
Like Tuesday night against Panathinaikos, the Roca Team missed the start of the match with a calamitous first half defensively. In total: 52 points conceded at the break and in particular an 8/14 from 3-pointers on the Serbian side – Red Star’s best offensive period since the start of the season – proving that the Monegasque formation still had progress to make in defense . At halftime, the gap was 10 points, a few minutes after counting 20 (45-25, 16th).
The Roca Team raised their voices in defense
It is clear that Sasa Obradovic’s speech at the break must have found an echo since Monaco did much better in the second half with only 28 points conceded (80-91). Offensively, talent did the rest. Donatas Motiejunas led his team (20 points and 6 rebounds), helped by the isolation talent of Dwayne Bacon (17 points), the vista of Mike James (10 points, 6 assists) and the activity of Alpha Diallo (9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals).
The Principality team will host Gravelines-Dunkerque in Betclic Elite this Sunday (5 p.m.) before a few days of rest, then the reception of the Euroleague red lantern, Zalgiris Kaunas next Thursday.
Reactions to come.
Boxscore Red Star – Monaco / Euroleague ranking
Photo: Donatas Motiejunas (Euroleague)