EuroLeague: AS Monaco Stuns Anadolu Efes on the Road (93-98) With Only Nine Players and Decisive Fourth-Quarter Comeback

ISTANBUL — AS Monaco secured an impressive EuroLeague victory over Anadolu Efes 93-98, overcoming significant roster constraints that forced the Monegasque side to compete with just nine players. A decisive fourth-quarter rally proved decisive and strengthens their playoff positioning.

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The team led from the sidelines by head coach Manuchar Markoishvili, operating in a challenging context following the departure of Vassilis Spanoulis and dealing with significant absences including Mike James and Nikola Mirotic, once again demonstrated competitive character in a demanding arena. The previous week they had defeated Olympiacos, and on this occasion they confirmed their resilience under adverse conditions.

The game's progression put AS Monaco in a precarious position down the stretch. Anadolu Efes held a commanding 73-83 lead in the fourth quarter, controlling the pace and the scoreboard. However, the visiting team responded with a devastating 14-2 run that completely shifted the game's momentum, turning the score around in the decisive minutes.

From that point forward, Anadolu Efes attempted to regain the initiative but failed to reclaim the lead. AS Monaco maintained their advantage in the final stretch with solid execution to secure a hard-fought victory on one of the competition's most demanding courts.

On the individual front, Jaron Blossomgame, Alpha Diallo, and Matthew Strazel led AS Monaco's scoring with 17 points each. Juhann Begarin contributed 12 points, while Elie Okobo and Daniel Theis added 10 points apiece to complete a crucial collective effort.

For Anadolu Efes, Sehmus Hazer was the game's leading scorer with 26 points. Saben Lee added 13 points, Rolands Smits finished with 12, while Cole Swider and Isaia Cordinier each scored 11 points, with Jordan Loyd contributing 10 points.

With this result, AS Monaco improves their record to 18-14 in the EuroLeague, solidifying their position in the race for playoff qualification during a crucial stretch of the season.

The Monegasque side thus confirms their competitive trend despite the difficulties, securing a statement victory in Istanbul that reinforces their candidacy in the competition's final phase.