Zenit – Monaco 77-86: Bacon and James keep the Monegasque on course

Monaco stayed in the octave lane 86-77 after a difficult win over Zenit in Russia for tthe 22nd game of the EuroLeague. The visitors were in control for most of the game, and with their leaders Motiejounas and James, they withstood the hosts’ outbursts to celebrate their 10th tournament win. The game was tough but the Monegasques had to endure solutions and force the Russians to their seventh defeat.

Former Lavrio player Tyson Carter also made his debut in the tournament for Zenit, recording 2 points with 2 assists. The first scorer for the hosts was Mickey with 18 points, while for Monaco the standouts were Bacon with 20 points and Motiejounas and James with 16 and 20 points respectively.

The race

With Motiegounas making the difference, Monaco’s attacking start in the game was better, although Zenit’s defense was strong. Despite the fact that Monaco were double digits ahead and Motiegounas was in a terrible situation having 10 points in 6 minutes, Zenit found a way to come back with a streak of 8-0 and equalize with 15 points. With another 9-1 series early in the second quarter, Monaco regained the lead, with Zenit’s defense gradually straining and getting back into the game. Kuzminskas’ continuous threesome propelled the hosts forward and stirred up the Russian crowd. Mickey’s defense was the one that made the difference, putting both teams in the dressing room 4 points clear.

Monaco regained control but Kulagin had the opportunity to keep the hosts close with his own 9-0 streak. The game gained interesting rigor as both teams battled defensively in a very physical game. The visitors were undeterred and opened the difference, putting Zenit in a difficult position, again trailing by double figures. The visitors fought hard in the end, but the Monegasque laid the foundation and won the game.

THE REFEREES: Javor, Balak, Obrnezevic

THE TEN MINUTES: 17-18, 32-36, 50-57, 77-86

ZENIT: Carter 2, Lloyd 9 (1), Karachev 10 (2), Kulagin 12 (4/4 two points), Baron 2, Pushkov 2, Kuzminskas 12 (2), Zumbkov, Poithres 4, Ponitka 6 (3/6 two ). Points), Mickey 18 (1/2 three points, 5 caps).

MONACO: Li 3 (1), Bacon 20 (6/12 two points, 6 rebounds), Thomas 8 (4 assists), Motum, Diallo 5 (1), Motiejunas 16 (6/9 two points, 8 rebounds), Watara 4 , Faye , Andjusic 9 (1), James 21 (8/14 two points, 5 assists).

Group Stats – Zenith: 18/35 two points, 7/24 three points, 20/24 shots, 27 rebounds (20+7), 18 assists, 5 steals, 12 errors, 5 blocks.

Group Stats – Monaco: 26/48 two points, 7/16 three points, 13/20 shots, 33 rebounds (24+9), 15 assists, 7 steals, 9 errors, 3 blocks

The following duties of the teams: In the 23rd game of the tournament, Zenit meet Efes at home (27/1, 19:00 CET), while Monaco play Real Madrid at home (28/1, 20:00 CET).