The AS Monaco Roca Team will confront Ulm Tuesday, November 20th at home in EuroCup play. The Roca Team is playing to secure a spot in the Top 16 of the tournament.
AS Monaco is coming off of a disappointing overtime loss to Levallois in the JEEP Elite league. Fortunately, they will have more weapons on the floor tonight against Ratiopharm Ulm as Yakuba Ouattara (out with a thigh injury Saturday) will return to action.
The “math” to victory
With a victory against German side Ratiopharm Ulm, the Roca Boys would secure a slot in the Top 16 of the EuroCup tournament. They would also remain atop Group A. Ulm is also playing for entry into the Top 16. A victory against Monaco would give them control of their destiny. Monaco has performed admirably in EuroCup play this season, winning 4 of its last 5 matches, even though they are just 1-1 at home. Ulm has won 2 out of its last 3 games but has struggled on the road (13 losses since October 2016).
The two teams last met on the German side’s home court. Monaco won that game 75-65. Strong performances came from Yakuba Ouattara (15 points) and Ian Hummer (double-double, 13 points – 10 rebounds). Hummer formerly played for Ulm.
Strategy on the floor
In order to have a better chance of winning, Monaco will have to improve its rebounding, which has been lackluster in EuroCup play. This is especially true against Ulm, as the team has excelled on the boards, bringing down 13.7 offensive boards per game. Whoever controls the paint will control the match.
Both teams have dynamic swing players who can cover the floor and get to the basket. Look for Yak Ouattara to impose himself off a restful last few days. For the German side, Javonte Green has been in fine form, averaging 14.7 points and 6 rebounds per game.
Coach Sasa Filipovski issued this statement (FR) about the upcoming face-off: “Ratiopharm Ulm is a balanced team with strengths at every position. They play tough defense both at half and full-court, which earns them a lot of easy baskets. They are solid in their 1-on-1’s and run good pick & rolls. Ulm has an athletic profile on the wings, and they are very good at grabbing offensive rebounds.”