By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Crvena Zvezda achieved an important victory in the 11th round of the EuroLeague, defeating Monaco in front of their fans with a score of 91-79.
Ognjen Dobric was outstanding in the red-and-white jersey, finishing the match with 22 points. Jared Butler scored 20, coming alive in the final moments to secure the win for the Serbian team.
Additionally, Semi Ojeleye scored 14 points, and Codi Miller-McIntyre added 12 points and ten assists. On the other side, Mike James scored 18 points, two more than Elie Okobo.
Still, the hosts were missing Ebuka Izundu, Chima Moneke, Jordan Nwora, Devonte’ Graham, plus Tyson Carter (pulmonary embolism recovery), Jasiel Rivero (foot fracture rehab), Isaiah Canaan (knee surgery rehab), and Joel Bolomboy (foot surgery rehab), who are out for the long term, making coach Sasa Obradovic admit: “My players were heroes”.
A great match was played in Belgrade, and Monaco will not remember their visit to the Serbian capital fondly, as they were defeated by Partizan just two days earlier.
The guests had the advantage in the first half, and it seemed they might leave Serbia with a victory. However, Zvezda found their game, started hitting shots, and in the end, Jared Butler showcased his class with a series of points to bring the victory to the hosts.
Crvena Zvezda now stands at an 8-3 record after 11 games, leading the EuroLeague standings, and will visit Valencia in the next round. On the other hand, Monaco has a 6-5 record and will visit ASVEL in the next round.