The final arrow of the sniper Andreas Obst, decried at 9 meters six tenths from the buzzer, will have given some cold sweats to the Gaston-Médecin room. Bayern Munich had returned to breathe on the necks of Monaco (79-80). A bit too late for the heist though. Still just as unpredictable, after its unfinished comeback on Tuesday against Fenerbahçe (from -19 to -3 in the last quarter, defeat 93-96), Monaco still ended up winning on its Gaston-Médecin floor. (80-79), Friday as part of the 10th day of Euroleague.

Held in respect until the start of the last quarter (53-50, 30th), the Roca Team had nevertheless made the break by relying on Alpha Diallo (13 points), Mike James (13 points 6 assists), and especially his leader-back Elie Okobo. The MVP of the Betclic Elite final (then with Asvel) unlocked the debates offensively, totaling 14 points in the 2nd half, including 9 in the last period, allowing his team a spectacular “step-back” , widen the gap (67-57, 35th).

Record for Obst

Monaco could have made the task easier by capitalizing on a great start to the match. Sasa Obradrovic’s men had imposed mad pressure on the Bavarians (15-4, 6th). No doubt believing they were heading for a quiet evening, the Monegasques fell into a false rhythm. After a technical foul from their coach Andrea Trinchieri, Bayern took the upper hand in the fight, racking up nine offensive rebounds before the break. Augustine Rubit (14 points) and Ognjen Jaramaz (10) momentarily put theirs in charge (33-29, 18th), before Andreas Obst ignited in the last moments -18 points, Euroleague record, 15 in the last quarter-, to no avail.

Monaco joins the group of second (7 wins-3 losses, with Olympiakos and Real Madrid, Barcelona can join the party in case of success against Vitoria), behind the untouchable Fenerbahçe (9-1), winner Thursday in Milan (82-72).