Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul delivered another painful reminder to AS Monaco on Friday, December 12, storming back for a 92–86 road win at Salle Gaston Medecin in a rematch of last season’s Championship Game.
The defending champions looked far from sharp early, closing the first quarter with just 14 points after shooting 5-of-20 from the field and 1-of-11 from three while committing six turnovers with only one assist.
Monaco steadily took control as Fenerbahce’s offensive struggles continued, building a commanding 67–50 lead late in the third quarter that appeared to place the Roca Team firmly in control.
The momentum shifted suddenly when Nicolo Melli knocked down a three-pointer that sparked belief on the visiting bench and signaled a turning point in the game.
Talen Horton-Tucker followed with three baskets during a 10–0 run that bridged the end of the third quarter and the start of the fourth, slicing a 17-point deficit down to five in just three minutes.
Fenerbahce’s defense tightened at the same time, disrupting Monaco’s rhythm and forcing tougher possessions as confidence drained from the home side.
Midway through the final period, the Turkish club ripped off a decisive 13–0 run in two and a half minutes to take the lead for the first time since the opening quarter.
There was no letup down the stretch, as another 9–0 burst sealed the outcome during a dominant fourth quarter in which Fenerbahce poured in 32 points.
Horton-Tucker led the comeback with 24 points, while Wade Baldwin added 12 points and seven assists to steady the offense during the closing stretch.
Melli delivered nine points and ten rebounds, and Bonzie Colson chipped in 10 points and five boards, as Fenerbahce finished with a decisive 52–30 rebounding advantage.
Monaco was led by Mike James with 20 points and Alpha Diallo with 18, but the hosts managed only 17 points in the fourth quarter after scoring 69 through three periods.
The loss dropped Monaco to 9–6, while Fenerbahce improved to 9–5 and added another psychological edge over the Roca Team following last season’s title meeting.
Fenerbahce next hosts Panathinaikos before traveling to face EA7 Emporio Armani Milan, while Monaco enters a double week against Baskonia and FC Bayern Munich.
