Monaco’s worst defeat in its home arena since the Roca Team played in the Euroleague: Friday evening the Italians from Bologna won by 24 points in the Principality (59-83), after having dominated the entire match counting for the 2nd day.
Sasa Obradovic’s men, who had to react after their opening defeat in Valencia (70-65), largely lost the four periods (15-23, 18-25, 15-22, 11-13). Monaco was never able to counter the physical rebounding power of its opponent, as well as the three-point skill of Marco Belinelli and Jaleen Smith. And it is again without Jordan Loyd, nor Kemba Walker, that the French champions will have to know how to relaunch themselves on October 18, in the boiling Stark Arena in Belgrade, against Red Star.
Despite a good start to the game from Mike James, altruistic, defender and author of 8 points in the first quarter, the collective defensive strength of the Virtus Bologna team, superior in rebounds, quickly hurt the Roca very badly. Team.
Like the two express fouls from its best defender, John Brown III, recalled to the bench by Sasa Obradovic in the 2nd minute, the French champions were outclassed. After 10 minutes, the Italians, with ex-Antibois Isaïa Cordinier in their ranks, led by eight points (15-23). Then ten, from the start of the second quarter (15-25, 11th), and even 13, following two winning shots from the very skillful Jaleen Smith (23-36, 15th).
In difficulty, Monaco continued to suffer. Alpha Diallo, with three fouls (including one unsportsmanlike) in one minute and his attempt blocked by Smith (17th), was the symbol of the Monegasque shipwreck. At the break, looking at the 48 points conceded, the delay seemed abysmal (33-48), even if, shortly before, it climbed to 19 points (26-45, 18th). It really became so during a third quarter, where the Monegasques did not play at the level required for a competition like the Euroleague and where they accepted defeat, like never before. the previous two seasons.