Victory Over The Turks Gives The Roca Team A Strong Finish To Their Prep
The Roca Team is done with its preparation matches. And the general conclusion to be drawn is rather positive. With five wins and two losses, Sasa Obradovic’s troops have worked hard preparing for the start of the season, which is fast approaching. In its last friendly outing, the Monegasques got the better of the Turkish club Bahcesehir of Jerry Boutsiele, former member of the Asemist house, by winning comfortably (76-58).
The Game
In this last friendly match in Turkey near Antalya, Sasa Obradovic decided to start with Mike James, Yakuba Ouattara, Alpha Diallo, John Brown and Dontas Motiejunas.
Bahcesehir started the match well with a lead of 5-0, but the Roca Boys replied immediately with a 6-point spree to take the lead (6-5). Donatas Motiejunas was very active during this first quarter scoring 8 points.
The Monegasque team cohesion gradually came together and John Brown showed great activity in defense. Matthew Strazel took the opportunity to stand out on the last possession of this first quarter with a major acrobatic move resulting in a score of (22-15). Opposite, former ASM player Jerry Boutsiele was valuable for the Turks, especially on the rebound with 5 takes.
Second Quarter
During the second quarter, Monaco strengthened their defence and managed to stifle their opponents. Bahcesehir scored a mere 5 points in the space of 5 minutes and found no more opportunities. On the other side of the court Roca Team took advantage and widened the gap leading (38-20, +18). Yoan Makoundou scored his first 4 points in his new colours, not hesitating to leverage his athletic qualities.
Jaron Blossomgame was sparkling in turn, and showed his fine qualities revealed last year at the end of a huge season for him in the Eurocup. It was Jamar Smith who eventually stopped the bleeding for the Turks and they came back within 11 points from Roca Boys two minutes from the break (40-29).
ASM slowly got their heads together again and Mike James stood out with Donatas Motiejunas to make it (44-29). Yakuba Ouattara being a true leader proved it once again. Even in a friendly, he throws himself on the ball. Not to mention a three point hit. So at the break, the Roca Team was in control and led by 18 points (47-29).
Second Half
Sasa Obradovic decided to return to the court with Mike James, Jordan Loyd, Alpha Diallo, John Brown and Donatas Motiejunas in his five. The Turks fought back well and in the wake of their leader Smith managed to reduce the gap again to (49-38). Donatas Motiejunas then took matters into his own hands. The Lithuanian pivot scored 17 points in this game.
On a basket for three in transition from Mike James, Monaco stands out again comfortably increasing the lead to (60-44). Monegasque pressure in defence never lets up. At the start of the last ten minutes, the Roca Boys maintain a scoring advantage around 17 points ahead (64-47).
Jamar Smith once again shows all his offensive talent. On his own, he hurts the Monegasques and brings his teammates within 10 points (64-54).
Fourth Quarter
From the start of Q4, Monaco quickly cashed in 7 points. Jordan Loyd little successful so far, gets back into the action linking to Mike James. Donta Hall reigns supreme in the air and so the match ends in a win for the Monegasques over the Turks (76-58).
In Antalya, Gloria Sports Arena, AS Monaco beat Bahcesehir 76-58 (22-15, 24-15, 17-18, 12-11)
Monaco: 31 shots out of 67 (6/17 at 3-pts)
Bahcesehir: 19 of 41 shots (9/24 at 3-pts)
