AS Monaco handed Valencia Basket just its second home loss of the EuroLeague season with a 101-92 victory at Roig Arena on Thursday. The result extended Monaco’s streak and halted Valencia’s run as one of the competition’s highest-scoring teams.
The game began at breakneck speed and the teams were locked at 14-14 midway through the first quarter. Valencia could not sustain the offensive efficiency it had shown all season when Monaco tightened its defense in the second period.
Monaco turned the contest in the second quarter, holding the hosts to 14 points while forcing eight turnovers in under seven minutes. That swing produced a lead Monaco defended for the remainder of the night.
Valencia’s top scorers were Kameron Taylor with 18 points, Darius Thompson with 17 and Jean Montero with 15.
For the visitors, Alpha Diallo paced Monaco with 17 points. Nemanja Nedovic added 16 and Kevarrius Hayes finished with 15 points and a team-high six rebounds.
Mike James produced a 14-point, 10-assist double-double that kept Monaco in control and set the tempo. Nikola Mirotic chipped in 13 points while Jarron Blossomgame contributed 14 in support.
Monaco shot efficiently, converting 26 of 40 two-point attempts and 11 of 23 from three, while Valencia made 26 of 42 two-pointers but managed only 8 of 25 from deep.
Valencia won the rebound battle 32-26 but committed 15 turnovers to Monaco’s 14, a factor that helped swing second-quarter momentum.
Monaco improves to 14-7 and heads to Paris Basketball next Thursday. Valencia falls to 14-7 and will travel to Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul next Friday.
