Basket/Betclic Elite. Elan wasted two match points in Monaco
From the start, Pau shows great things with a first against Oniangue, concluded in stride by the winger (0-4, 1re). But the Roca Team will quickly wake up and reverse the trend (7-4) with a three-pointer from Motiejunas. The Principality club chained the baskets to more than 6.75 m while the Béarnais struggled in the offensive sector (15-6, 6e). Without James, replaced by Okobo, Monaco in turn lacks solutions against a solid zone defense. Elan is back in the race and worries the Roca Team (17-16, 8e). But in the last moments of the first quarter, the ASM imposes its rhythm again (25-20, 10th).
Eye-catching Pau
From the start of the second quarter, Ayayi set the record straight and put his people in contact with the Azureans with an impeccable three-pointer (26-23). The two formations occur blow for blow. Pau still lacks reactivity on the rebounds to make the difference (40-33). But Stockton plays with the opposing defense and in turn scores a three-point basket, under the amused gaze of Prince Albert (40-36). At the break, Elan is only three lengths behind Monaco (45-42)
Returning from the locker room, Pau continues on his delivery and returns to a length of ASM thanks to Cummings (45-44). Without solutions, Monaco suffers but the Palois do not take advantage of it and four times miss the chance to take the advantage. It is ultimately this same Cummings who will give Eric Bartecheky’s proteges a point ahead (47-48, 24e). Elie Okobo still puts on a show and hurts his old club. It allows the Roca Team to stay in contact (52-52, 25e). Monaco seizes and plays more adequately. Three-point Strazel breathes new life into the rock club (59-54). Elan reduced the mark and was still three points behind at the end of the third quarter (61-58, 30th).
Missed opportunities
At the start of the last quarter, Pau has not said his last word and knows that the feat is not far away. But the ASM does not let it go (66-58, 32e). Sim brings Pau to three points (75-72, 37e). Monaco is shaken, the Elan does the job. At 77 everywhere in the last seconds, Chikoko then Stockton miss their free throws. Despite this, the Elan is a last opportunity to equalize but loses the ball. The championship leader no longer misses and wins by six lengths in the end (83-77).
The Pau service is obviously recommended for the rest. Next match for the Elan, Sunday January 15 in Blois, a decisive duel for the maintenance.