Bacon-James combo propels Monaco to a 2-1 series lead over ASVEL / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: AS Monaco- Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali Credit AS Monaco- Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

AS Monaco recovered after a heavy loss in Game 2, winning the third match of the final best-of-five series at home, 83-80 (20-16, 13-23, 23-20, 24-24), and taking the 2-1 lead.

Free throws this season

75%13,8Points made:13,8Accuracy:75,2%Place in standings:4Record max:21Record min:4Most made FTs:Mike JamesTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The do-or-die Game 4 for LDCL ASVEL Villeurbanne is scheduled for June 22 in Monaco.

After losing the first quarter by a 4-point margin (16-20), Paris Lee and Dwayne Bacon-led Monaco pushed the accelerator pedal in the second. They organized a 15-2 run and had plus 10 (37-27) with 2:49 to play in the quarter.

However, ASVEL played a better stretch at the end of the tally and cut their deficit to 6 at halftime (33-39). Powered by Elie Okobo, ASVEL closed the gap to 3 points (56-59) before the last 10 minutes of the duel.

Though, Monaco's Mike James and Dwayne Bacon created a tangible advantage once more in the mid-fourth period (73-65). Elie Okobo and Chris Jones tried to rescue their team by draining one shot after another. James Gist poured in a triple with 7 seconds left and ASVEL were only two points behind (78-80).

Paris Lee converted only one shot from the line on the other end while Elie Okobo cut ASVEL's deficit to minimal (80-81) with 3 seconds to play. Will Thomas answered with two successful free throws (83-80) and William Howard's last shot from deep was off the mark.

Dwayne Bacon led the scoring race for the winners with 19 points (7/11 2PT, 1/2 3PT, 2/3 FT), 3 rebounds, and 12 PIR.

Mike James posted a double-double with 16 points (4/10 2PT, 1/7 3PT, 5/6 FT), 6 rebounds, 10 assists, and 17 PIR.

Monaco: Dwayne Bacon 19, Mike James 16 (6 REB, 10 AST), Paris Lee 15, Donatas Motiejunas 12, Will Thomas 11 (6 REB).

ASVEL: Elie Okobo 25, Youssoupha Fall 16 (5 REB), Chris Jones 15, David Lighty 12 (5 REB).

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