The Roca Team will need to produce a dramatic response to keep its title hopes alive after suffering a damaging home defeat to Paris Basketball in Game 3 of the Betclic Élite Finals on the evening of Friday, June 19.
Backed by a packed Gaston Médecin arena, Monaco appeared on course for a crucial victory after leading for much of the evening. However, a dominant final quarter from the visitors turned the contest on its head, handing Paris an 88-77 win and a commanding advantage in the championship series.
The Roca Team made an energetic start, with Elie Okobo and Alpha Diallo driving the early momentum. Monaco quickly established control, combining defensive intensity with efficient scoring to build a first-quarter lead.
The hosts maintained their advantage throughout the opening half. Contributions came from across the roster, with Terry Tarpey, Jaron Blossomgame and Matthew Strazel all helping Monaco dictate the pace. A spectacular long-range basket from Okobo shortly before the interval ensured the Principality side headed into the locker room with a four-point cushion.
Monaco continued to battle after the break in what became an increasingly physical encounter. Defensive plays from Diallo, Tarpey and Kevarrius Hayes helped keep Paris at bay, while Serbian guard Nemanja Nedovic provided a timely scoring burst to restore breathing room midway through the third quarter.
Despite entering the final period with a narrow lead, Monaco was unable to withstand Paris’ late surge.
The visitors gradually seized momentum during the closing stages, capitalising on Monaco’s offensive struggles and defensive lapses. As frustration mounted, the Roca Team lost key contributors through foul trouble, allowing Paris to pull away and silence the home crowd.
Paris was led by strong performances from Nadir Hifi and Tyson Ward Stevens, who combined to drive the comeback and secure a victory that places their team within touching distance of the French championship.
For Monaco, Okobo finished as the team’s leading scorer with 15 points, while Nedovic added 11 and both Blossomgame and Tarpey contributed 10 points apiece.
The defeat leaves the Roca Team facing a must-win situation in the next game. Another loss would end Monaco’s title challenge, while victory would force a decisive fifth and final showdown in Paris.
After the match, winger Terry Tarpey expressed his frustration with the team’s inability to maintain control when it mattered most.
“We beat ourselves tonight, as we’ve done too often,” he said.
Monaco will now look to regroup quickly as it prepares for a pivotal encounter that could determine the outcome of its season.
