Under the lights of the Accor Arena in Paris Bercy, with 6,000 fans roaring and red and white flags waving, the Monaco Basket Association (MBA) stepped onto the court with fire in their eyes and silverware on their minds. But by the end of the night, it was the underdogs from Normandy, Rouen Bihorel, who walked away with the Coupe de France Trophy.
A Royal Crowd, a Rough Night
The Friday night showdown was virtually billed as Monaco’s coronation. After all, the club had lifted this trophy twice in the last eight years and came in as favourites. Stéphane Valeri, Deputy Chairman of Monte-Carlo SBM, looked on with pride and, later, dismay. Over 150 loyal Monegasque fans made the trip, dreaming of champagne celebrations. Instead, they witnessed a 60-52 heartbreak.
Early Punches and Rebounding Rumbles
From tip-off, Rouen came out swinging. Their energy on the offensive kept Monaco scrambling. Still, thanks to a rock-solid double-double from Julie Tétart (10 points, 10 rebounds), MBA clawed their way to a 34-30 halftime lead, even as their perimeter shooting looked like it had taken an early vacation.
Third Quarter: Normandy Strikes Back
After the break, Rouen found their range — and their rhythm. Jenny Fouasseau and Lya Farcy ignited a run, flipping the scoreboard and sending a shiver through the Monegasque bench. Despite the hustle from Tétart, Amina Traoré, and Kimsy Demontoux, the third quarter ended with Monaco trailing 45-47 — the tension now thick enough to cut with a rebound.
The Fall (and Fall) in the Final Frame
Enter Maty Fall, Rouen’s silent assassin, who turned the final quarter into her personal stage. With 9 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals, she earned the MVP crown and quite possibly nightmares in Monaco for the next week. MBA tried to mount a comeback, with Emma Piotin and Demontoux firing what shots they had left — but foul trouble and cold shooting sealed their fate.
When the buzzer rang, it was 60-52 for Rouen Bihorel — their first-ever national title — and utter jubilation for the Normandy side.
Monaco’s Next Chapter: Redemption in Cognac?
Back-to-back finals disappointments don’t sit easy in the Principality. But this isn’t the end for the Red and Whites — not by a long shot. MBA’s dominance in NF1 Group A this season has already punched their ticket to Ligue 2, and there’s another title up for grabs.
On May 17 in Cognac, the Monegasques face Champagne Basket for the NF1 crown. And if there’s one thing they’ve proven time and again — they don’t stay down for long. Here’s hoping their next match is a slam dunk!
