Monaco easily wins against European champions Efes Istanbul in Euroleague
Monaco reached a new milestone on Friday evening by outclassing (102-80) the Efes Istanbul of the French Adrien Moerman (5 points, 7 rebounds) and Rodrigue Beaubois (13 points, 4 rebounds), according to an unpredictable scenario before the inter- of them.
The Principality’s men were diminished, without Danilo Andjusic or Leo Westermann. However, they have never been led by the reigning European champion, while the two clubs will engage in a fierce fight at a distance for access to the play-offs.
The ranking, which could be reduced by results against the Russian teams, excluded due to the conflict in Ukraine, will not be validated for two weeks, but the Monegasques had the excellent idea of stealing the point-average from the visitor, which seems yet out of reach (77-98 in the first leg), thanks to three free throws from Mike James during a suspenseful end to the match despite the gap at the scorer’s table. This advantage could prove decisive at the end of the regular season. For now, Monaco has 15 wins for 14 defeats, while Efes has a record just below (14-14).
Mike James and Alpha Diallo leaders of the Monegasques
Dominating the rebound (34-25), more skilful than the Turks, the Monegasques confirmed their status as the best attack (83.4 points) by passing 100 points (their highest score this season excluding overtime), and managed to muzzle superstar Shane Larkin (0 points, 0/5 shooting, never less than 8 points before in Euroleague this season).
Faced with an unrecognizable Efes – defeated in Vitoria three days earlier, 74-87 – the work was collective, but two men showed the way. Mike James had sounded the charge in the first half, showing the way to scoring and aggressiveness (7 fouls caused). Author of some high class shots, he finished with 27 points (7/12) and 6 assists.
Winger Alpha Diallo again impressed with his volume of play, a great man in the second half, as impactful in attack (19 points, 8/12, 6 rebounds, 3 assists) as in defense, where he signed 3 interceptions as well as the block on Vassilije Micic (25 points) allowing the Roca Team to seek the point-average in the last seconds.
Winner of five of its last seven games, Monaco will host Olympiakos on March 23 for the 30th day of the regular season.