By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Paris limited AS Monaco to 12 points over the last ten minutes and advanced to the Final of France’s Leaders Cup for the first time in team history.
Piling up 25 points, T.J. Shorts II was the driving force in the win, 98-93, in Arena Saint-Etienne Metropole on Saturday. The explosive guard is no stranger to unprecedented success, especially after leading Telekom Baskets Bonn to the Basketball Champions League championship last season.
The team coached by Tuomas Iisalo trailed by a margin of 12 points during the second quarter of the semifinal contest. After coming back, falling into a nine-point hole described the next challenge. Dominating the fourth period signaled the triumph versus the reigning champions of Betclic Elite.
On the losing end of the battle, Mike James drew a team-high 18 points. Elie Okobo and Alpha Diallo ended up with 15 and 13 points, respectively. Kemba Walker and Donatas Motiejunas did not suit up for the team coached by Sasa Obradovic.
Earlier, Nanterre 92 went from eliminating LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne to storming back in the fourth quarter and defeating JL Bourg, 100-95, in Saint-Chamond. A second berth in the championship game across team history.
Ibrahima Fall Faye posted a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double. Juhann Begarin, stashed in France by the Boston Celtics, followed with 22 points and Justin Bibbins added 18 points. On the losing end, Isiaha Mike set the game-high at 26 points.
Completing the eight-team tournament, the Final will be held tomorrow, Sunday.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net