A ninth consecutive victory for Monaco! With their win against Portel, the Roca Team has breached the top three of the Jeep Elite for the first time this season.
Who will stop the Roca Team? Not many can, judging by their most recent Jeep Elite exploits. This Tuesday, two days after their victory against Bourg-en-Bresse, Sasa Obradovic’s team registered yet another home victory against Le Portel (90-85). With the result, the Roca Boys chain together their ninth win in a row and remain undefeated in their return matches. After a mixed start to the season, which cost former coach Sasa Filipovski his job, all the frustration feels long forgotten. With their collective game working well and newfound offensive efficiency, the Roca Team looks unbeatable. The proof, the team’s drive to the top of the Jeep Elite, their goal from the start of the season.
Top 3 status achieved
Yesterday, after a balanced first quarter (21-22), the Roca Team pushed the pace and left Portel in the dust. At half-time (46-38), the Principality’s team stifled their opponent by pressing high and defending well.
However, Le Portel, who continued their streak of nine away losses, did not give up. The visitors clung to the strategy and responded to Monaco’s early attacking bursts with a competent three-point shooting. But despite slacking late in the game – a bad Monegasque habit – the Roca Boys imposed themselves without too much effort, thanks to the activity of their interior players, the Bosnian Elmedin Kikanovic (16 points) and the American Eric Buckner (13 points), as well as a fine night from Paul Lacombe (13 points, 6 rebounds).
Nanterre having lost at home, this ninth successive victory puts Monaco back on the Jeep Elite podium. Having regained the collective form of previous seasons, the team now looks towards the top of the standings with an upcoming away match at Dijon next Sunday.
*Article originally published on the French edition of the Monaco Tribune.