EuroLeague: AS Monaco Withstands ASVEL Comeback, Stays in Playoff Hunt (81-76)

MONACO — AS Monaco defeated LDLC ASVEL 81-76 in EuroLeague action, a crucial victory that keeps the Monegasque side in contention for the play-in tournament with real playoff hopes. Matthew Strazel, Elie Okobo, and Nikola Mirotic led the home offense in a game where Okobo's clutch three-pointer sealed the win.

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The game started with AS Monaco looking to impose its offensive pace from the opening minutes against an LDLC ASVEL side trying to keep the contest competitive through defensive intensity. The home team found solutions in ball movement and perimeter shooting, with Matthew Strazel taking charge from beyond the arc and setting the offensive tone for Monaco.

As the minutes progressed, AS Monaco extended its lead thanks to superior offensive flow. Elie Okobo and Nikola Mirotic contributed crucial points to maintain the scoring pace, while the Principality-based squad opened up a significant gap on the scoreboard. Just before the end of the third quarter, the home team reached its largest lead at 64-49, a fifteen-point advantage that appeared to have settled the EuroLeague matchup.

However, LDLC ASVEL refused to quit. The visiting squad mounted a comeback in the final stretch of the third period and managed to cut the deficit to 64-54 entering the fourth quarter. From there, the French team began to believe in the comeback, fueled by the accuracy of Bryan Angola and Shaquille Harrison, who kept their squad alive during the decisive minutes.

ASVEL's pressure continued to build, turning the game into a tense finish. With 31 seconds remaining, the visitors managed to get within 78-76, putting AS Monaco's victory in serious jeopardy in this EuroLeague contest.

That's when Elie Okobo delivered the game-deciding play. The French point guard hit a crucial long three-pointer that finally broke LDLC ASVEL's resistance and secured the victory for AS Monaco, which managed to withstand the late comeback attempt.

On an individual level, Matthew Strazel was AS Monaco's leading scorer with 22 points, followed by Elie Okobo, who contributed 16, and Nikola Mirotic, who added 14. Additionally, Mike James returned to action and contributed 5 points and 5 assists in 25 minutes of play.

For LDLC ASVEL, the standouts were Bryan Angola with 26 points and Shaquille Harrison, who added 22 in an effort that kept his team alive until the final seconds.

With this EuroLeague victory, AS Monaco improves to 20-16, maintaining its position among play-in contenders and still harboring playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, LDLC ASVEL falls to 8-28 and remains in last place in the EuroLeague standings.