The “Roca Team” had missed its entry a week ago by losing at home (91-95), before recovering two days later by snatching a victory 93 to 88. It fell again against Fener in the boiling Ulker Sports Arena in Istanbul. The Istanbulites will have home advantage on Friday during the fourth round.
Coming out in the lead in the first quarter (19-21), the Monegasques took on water in the second, reaching half-time seven lengths behind (47-40) over the more realistic Turks.
The Istanbulites, carried by their public and their experienced Greek leader Nick Calathes (13 pts, 2nd best scorer for Fener and 3rd best scorer of the match), inflicted a 7-0 on Monaco in the third quarter, bringing their lead to 11 points (69-58) at the start of the last period.
Coming back to four points in the middle of the fourth quarter after having inflicted a 7-0 on Fener, the Monegasques found some oxygen thanks to several free throws and baskets from Alpha Diallo (23 pts, top scorer Match).
But the Roca Team ran out of time and success to reverse the situation, while the Turks, in their deafening lair, scored a series of three-point baskets, sealing a logical victory.
The teammates of Mike James, author of a lackluster third round, now have the difficult task of winning two matches in a row against the Istanbulites to see the last four of the C1 for the second time in their history.