Euroleague: Monaco in Milan to secure its place in the top 8
After three victories in a row at home, the Roca Team, which is entering the money time of his European season, travels this Thursday to Italy to challenge Armani Milan, on behalf of the penultimate match of the regular season.
The Roca Team is almost there. Currently 7th in the standings with a balance sheet – 13 wins for as many defeats – the club from the Principality is looking forward to the playoffs from its first participation in the most prestigious of European competitions. Sasa Obradovic’s men, who end the regular season in a cannonball with 7 wins in the last 9 games, have their destiny in their hands.
To continue the adventure in the top 8, it is necessary to fully understand the last two meetings of the season, starting with this trip to Italian soil, against Milan. The Lombard club (18 wins for 8 losses), is already qualified for the rest of the competition. The men of legendary coach Ettore Messina, winner of the Euroleague 4 times and with 2 different clubs, beat Munich the day before yesterday (84-77).
In the first leg at Gaston Médecin, the Roca Team lost 65-71 despite a good comeback at the end of the match. Experimentation Spanish leader Sergio Rodriguez and American pivot Kyle Hines had been the two main architects of the Italian victory in the Principality. They will be ones to watch closely tomorrow night along with Italian winger Nicolo Melli (8.2 points and 6.4 rebounds on average per game this season) as well as Danish winger Shavon Shields (12.3 points and 2.9 assists). For its part, AS Monaco will be able to rely on its number 1 weapon, Mike James (16.4 points and 5.7 assists), he who wore the Milan club’s jersey during the 2018-2019 season.
“The two remaining games are like two finals. Will we need two wins or just one to get to the playoffs? I do not know. There are so many calculations. We have a good chance of qualifying. Whatever happens, we will not be able to choose our opponent in the playoffs. It makes more sense to stay focused and give your all,” says Sasa Obradovic.
Photo: Yakuba Ouattara (Thomas Savoja)