Monaco won its third consecutive victory in the Euroleague on Wednesday evening against Partizan Belgrade (85-70), direct opponent for qualification for the play-offs, and thus consolidated its place in the top 6 of the competition. With 14 victories for 10 defeats, the Monegasques are only one victory behind Fenerbahçe Istanbul, currently 4th, which they will host on Friday, for a new meeting at the summit.
This victory against Partizan was also historic for Mike James, who with 19 points equaled Nando De Colo’s number of points in the competition (4383). The two men are the second highest scorers in Euroleague history, behind Greek Vasilios Spanoulis (4,455).
During a physically intense match played in front of 500 Partizan supporters, the Monegasques suffered to overcome Kevin Punter (28 points) and his team. After leading by eight points during the second half following a basket from Elie Okobo (56-48, 26th), the Roca Team has never been able to make a more significant difference. If Jordan Loyd’s sequence, at the start of the fourth quarter (4 points, 1 interception, 1 foul), allowed the Monegasques to regain an eight-unit lead (69-61, 31st), the basket signed by Mike James at the end of the possession and from the central circle (72-61, 34th) sealed the match.
Despite a good start to the match, Monaco, carried by six points from Mam Jaiteh (8-2, 4th), suffered at the end of the first quarter, ending it two points behind following the long distance basket by Kevin Punter (14-16). Comfortable at long distance and galvanized by their 500 supporters present, the Belgraders continued their successful long shots at the start of the second quarter. After another basket from Aleska Avramovic, Partizan even had a four-unit lead at the heart of this first period (26-22, 13th).
But the Monegasque captains took matters into their own hands. In defense, first of all, where the aggressiveness of John Brown III was crucial. And in attack, obviously where Mike James was a passer, notably for Jaron Blossomgame (9 points at the break), and scorer. At halftime, he compiled eight points and four assists, while Monaco led, despite a new and final winning basket from Punter (44-38). At the end of the match, he became a little more legendary in the competition.
