Euroleague: Vitoria, another turning point for Monaco
Another capital encounter for the Roca Team in the Euroleague. This time against the Spaniards of Baskonia Vitoria, this Friday at Gaston-Médecin. Victory is mandatory to maintain rank in the top 8.
10th in the standings, the Basque team has had a mixed season. The Spaniards have 11 wins for 15 losses with only two games remaining before the end of their regular season. In the first leg in Spain, the Roca Boys lost 78-66.
Nevertheless, the players of the Croatian coach Neven Spahija remain on 4 consecutive victories and in particular a last success, the day before last at home against Fenerbahce, 77 to 62. MVP of this meeting with 25 of evaluation, Wade Baldwin IV scored 24 points, issued 6 passes and intercepted 2 balls. The 25-year-old American point guard is overall the Spaniard’s leading scorer with an average of 14.3 points per game.
Carried by a fiery attack, a stifling defense and a room in fusion, the Roca Team outclassed Olympiakos Piraeus, 3rd in the Euroleague, on Wednesday. Sasa Obradovic’s men won in style 92 to 72 and remain firmly in their 8th place. The Roca Boys took the upper hand in the second quarter, after a 26-4 run that got the better of the Greeks. Mike James, at the top of his game, finished with 25 points in the bag. Dwayne Bacon and Will Thomas also enjoyed under the hoop with 5 rebounds each (33 in total).
“The players experience their full potential and give everything for the collective. Playing as a team was the only way to beat such a formation, our defense was very good. It would be a shame if we couldn’t qualify for the Top 8. We have to stay focused on what’s next, Baskonia are a very good team, but I believe in my players,” said Monaco coach Sasa Obradovic. , after the reception of Olympiakos.
Photo: Will Thomas (Euroleague)