Monaco, despite its new status as Europe’s third team, launched its new Euroleague campaign with a loss to Valencia (70-65) on Friday.
Mike James, masterful (21 points), was not enough. Faced with Valencians unable to qualify for the play-offs last year, success seemed within the Principality’s reach. Apart from the Monegasque star also brilliant in passing (7) and rebounding (7), the Roca Team lacked luster.
Largely dominated in rebounding (38 against 29), the French champions did not compensate with their shooting skill (only 40% success). “We haven’t found the solutions to play in attack,” noted, at the microphone of Skweek, the Blue of America Terry Tarpey who was playing his first C1 match.
They, who are aiming for the top 4 of the regular season at the end of the 34 days, – a guarantee of home advantage in the final phase – let slip a success which seemed to be taking shape when Mike James returned a desperate shot at the end of possession to go in front (63-61).
But ex-Asvel Chris Jones (14 points) responded to his compatriot shortly after to give Valencia the lead (66-63). Like an echo of last year, when Jones already, with 27 points, turned into the executioner of Monaco (89-84). Precious behind the arc (4/7), Elie Okobo lost several balls (4) including the one condemning ASM to (66-63) by slipping and giving Valencia possession of the break.
“Of course we didn’t want to start the Euroleague season with a defeat but it will perhaps be a motivation for the future,” said Tarpey, who arrived on the Rock this summer.
Received five out of five in the French Championship, which they dominate, Sasa Obradovic’s men must negotiate a detour to Cholet on Sunday before returning to the European scene next Friday with the reception of Virtus Bologna.