By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Monaco players picked themselves up after a slow start, turned the game around, defeated Le Mans 87-78 and booked a place in the French Cup final for the second time in history (first since 1983).
Sasa Obradovic’s team previously defeated Pao Orthez in the semifinal, and will play against LDLC ASVEL, as the defending French champions defeated SIG Strasbourg 85-69 in other semifinal match.
Jordan Loyd led Monaco with 17 points, six rebounds and assists for a PIR of 18.
Yoan Makoundou n’est pas humain 🤯💥
Quel dunk @ym2p3 x @ASMonaco_Basket 🥵#CDFBasket pic.twitter.com/3ZO9Pb8r7W
— Fédération Française de BasketBall (@ffbasketball) March 19, 2023
Matthew Strazel also added 17 points, while Chima Moneke and Elie Okobo scored 11 points each.
Matt Morgan was dominating for Le Mans, finishing the match with 34 points, including a buzzer-beater at the end of the second period from his half. Bul Kuol added 11 points for the losing side.
Le Panier complètement fou de Matt Morgan au buzzer de la mi-temps 🤯 pic.twitter.com/b8ggCC5ane
— Basket France Actu ⛹️♂️ (@ActualiteLNB) March 19, 2023
ASVEL survives Strasbourg’s push and made it to the final
In the other semifinal duel, ASVEL started on the right foot, gaining a 30-17 lead after ten minutes, but Strasbourg pushed and made it within just a point before halftime.
But that was it for Luca Banchi’s team, as Asvel cruised to the 85-69 victory in the second half.
Youssoupha Fall had a double-double for T.J. Parker’s team, with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
De Bost followed him with 13 points, while Amine Noua added 12, and Jonah Mathews 11 points. Antoine Diot and David Lighty scored 10 each.
Marcus Keene led Strasbourg with 20 points, while Rodions Kuruc added 16 points. Paul Lacombe added 11, and Deandre Lansdowne 10 points.
France Cup Semifinals (Arena Loire):
AS Monaco – Le Mans 87-78
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne – SIG Strasbourg 85-69
Final: 21/4