By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Mike James scored 10 over two minutes in the fourth period and finished with 23 points along with six assists to lead AS Monaco past Fenerbahce Beko 76 – 69 at home.
Fener was up 57 – 64 early in the fourth quarter and then James went off with consecutive buckets to single-handedly command a 10 – 2 stretch that gave Monaco a 67 – 66 advantage. That was the hosts’ first lead after the starting minutes.
“We’re trying to build momentum and establish our swag,” James said. “It’s always a big win at home, especially against a playoff team. I think we were in a rush in the first half. We weren’t sharing the ball enough. In the second half, especially in the third quarter, we started moving the ball more and people got involved. When people get involved on offense, they help on the defense too.”
As more Monaco players entered the offensive equation, John Brown led the defense and his team proceeded to go ahead 76 – 67 with 1:34 to play, finishing the double-game week with an important victory.
“I’d say we won this game with a lot of emotion and a lot of heart,” said Monaco coach Sasa Obradovic. “Especially from John Brown. We got an unbelievable kick from him defensively. I’m very happy. Unbelievable win and we continue dreaming big. Game by game we find someone else to help the team and this is the strength of this team.”
Brown also contributed 15 points while Elie Okobo completed the game with 16 points for Monaco that is now 15-10 and flirting with the Top 4 in the standings.
Sertac Sanli (12 points), Johnathan Motley (11 points, seven rebounds) and Scottie Wilbekin (10 points, six assists) were the top contributors from Fenerbahce. The Turkish side held a steady lead following the first five minutes but couldn’t stop James’ eruption in the fourth period and respond to Monaco’s defense down the stretch, collapsing and dropping to 15 – 10.
“We didn’t react at all when Monaco changed the defense and started to play really strong on our guards,” Fener coach Sarunas Jasikevicius said. “Usually there are so many little factors in these games. On rebound there, another over there. I think we were close but obviously not good enough.”