Monaco offers itself the champion!

On the occasion of the 2nd day of the Euroleague, Monaco dominated Anadolu Efes Istanbul after extra time with the score of 95-92, with in particular 19 points from its star Mike James.

Such an accomplishment! It used to appear absolutely unthinkable for a French Championship squad to defeat a Euroleague champion. Monaco, who finished in the quarterfinals the previous season, is now thought to be a title contender. And on Thursday, the Roca Team proved it by defeating the double-defending champion Anadolu Efes Istanbul in its brand-new Gaston-Médecin room! At the conclusion of a very tense and close game, the Monegasques prevailed with a score of 95-92 after extra time.

The fourth quarter was exciting.

The Turks (where the two French players Rodrigue Beaubois and Amath M'Baye, who contributed 10 and 13 points on Thursday, respectively, play) had the greatest start to the game, taking a 6-15 lead after five minutes and a 12-20 edge at the end. from the first period. However, the Monegasques eventually started to play better, took the lead in the 13th minute (23-22), and held onto their slim lead until halftime (36-35). Six points were then on Mike James' counter. The two teams traded leads at the beginning of the third quarter (47-48, 26th) before Monaco signed an 8-0 to widen a narrow margin. But in the end, the Istanbulites returned (58-60, 30th).

The Roca Team had a maximum lead of four points (75-71, in the third quarter), but the final minutes were utterly chaotic, with the two teams trading three-point shots (Clyburn, Moerman, and M'baye), until Mike James, who had 13 points, forced overtime (82-82), with Micic and James each missing the game-winning shots in the final 29 seconds.

Monaco effectively handles the extension.

It was consequently essential to play for a further five minutes, and during this extra period, Monaco never fell behind. The vice-champions of France led 88-84, but Efes rallied to make it 88-88. Mike James, who finished with 19 units, added two more points as Monaco won 7-4. The Roca Team, who claimed victory at the Virtus Bologna opener, verifies in the most lovely way by claiming victory and addressing the opposition. Monaco will travel there the following week, beginning with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Markers for Monaco: Strazel (2), Hall (9), James, Brown (4), Okobo (9), Loyd (3), Blossomgame (6), Diallo (15), Moerman (14), Motiejunas (14). (19)

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