The Roca Team took a major step towards securing first place in the Betclic Élite regular season after edging SIG Strasbourg 118-114 after overtime in a frantic and physically draining encounter at the Rhénus.
The timing was far from ideal for Monaco. With Game 3 of their EuroLeague playoff series against Olympiacos B.C. just 48 hours away, the Roca Team arrived in Strasbourg short-handed and visibly stretched. Injuries to Nikola Mirotić, Daniel Theis and Alpha Diallo, combined with the suspension of Juhann Begarin, forced assistant coach Sergii Gladyr to rely on a reduced professional rotation supplemented by young prospects.
Despite the circumstances, Monaco started brightly. Matthew Strazel quickly found his range from three-point territory, while Kevarrius Hayes caused problems around the basket with his athletic presence inside. Monaco’s ball movement looked sharp early on, and contributions from Jaron Blossomgame and Mike James helped the visitors establish an early advantage.
Strasbourg, however, continually found a way back into the game. Ndoye kept the home side afloat during the opening half with aggressive scoring in transition and from long range, while Davis Jr and Keene punished Monaco whenever defensive intensity dipped. Although the Roca Team reached half-time with a solid 53-45 lead, the hosts had already shown enough attacking firepower to suggest the contest was far from over.
That proved true immediately after the break. Monaco briefly pushed the lead back into double digits through the scoring of Nemanja Nedović and Hayes, but Strasbourg responded once again through a barrage of outside shooting. Davis Jr repeatedly connected from deep as the gap disappeared almost as quickly as Monaco created it.
The fourth quarter became an all-out offensive duel. Elie Okobo delivered several crucial baskets to steady Monaco, while Terry Tarpey’s relentless work on the boards and defensive energy gave the visitors extra possessions during key moments. Nedović also produced his most convincing display since returning from injury, combining important scoring with defensive intensity as Monaco attempted to regain control.
Still, Strasbourg refused to fold. Keene erupted late in regulation, knocking down consecutive three-pointers to tie the game at 103-103 with just 22 seconds remaining. Monaco had the chance to win it in the final possession, but a turnover from Hayes handed Strasbourg one last opportunity. Keene then attempted a dramatic winner at the buzzer, only to miss and send the game into overtime.
Even in extra time, the momentum continued to swing wildly. Strasbourg suffered a major blow when both Ndoye and Davis Jr fouled out, but Keene continued to carry the home side offensively. Monaco eventually found the composure that had escaped them late in regulation. James calmly converted three free throws after drawing contact beyond the arc, before Strazel took control in the closing moments with a lay-up and a huge basket that effectively settled the contest.
After the game, Strazel admitted Monaco had been pushed to the limit in a venue where victories rarely come easily, but praised the team’s decision-making in overtime. Okobo acknowledged the physical toll of Monaco’s relentless schedule, describing the squad as being in survival mode while insisting it was vital to keep finding ways to win.
The victory leaves Monaco within touching distance of finishing top of the regular-season standings. More immediately, though, attention will turn to whether the Roca Team can recover physically before Olympiacos arrive in the Principality for a pivotal EuroLeague showdown.
