Basket/Betclic Elite. The Momentum to leave or double face in Monaco
“Even if there was better in match 2, we are still at -10, 12-, -16, we are reaching full limits”, analyzes Éric Bartecheky. The report presented to Palois in terms of talent, power and sporting qualities is not likely to be reversed and there is no indication that Yakuba Ouattara will stop harassing Brandon Jefferson in the first two rounds. The Elan scorer was thus limited to 5 points in game 2. “When Yakuba defends like that, it’s difficult for Brandon and when Mike James is concerned in defense, that the others cut the passing lines, it’s difficult for Brandon. It’s complicated for everyone, admits the Pau coach.
The law of the jungle
So, should the Momentum resign itself to undergoing a “sweep”, to be swept away in three straight rounds? “No, replies Bartecheky. We are back to the wall, we know that if we don’t take match 3 it’s over, but we have already seen turnarounds in the play-offs when a team was engaged 0-2 (Asvel in final against Strasbourg in 2016, Ed). If we get there, it will be a sacred performance, and if we lose again, I don’t think anyone will blame us. »
Because the key to this match 3 is still in the hands of the Monegasques. “What I fear, as usual, is ourselves, the way we are going to present ourselves,” admits Sasha Obradovic. If they decide, they will still hover above the Élan, but if they relax like Saturday at the end of the match, when they let the Pau come back from -18 to -6, they could see their access in staggered final. “After Strasbourg (Monaco twice came very close to elimination in the quarter, editor’s note), necessarily, this end of the match gives a sting, slips Yakuba Ouattara. And if we haven’t understood it, rest assured, the coach is there to put a second one. »