James posts an all-around performance as Monaco make it 1-0 over ASVEL / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com-SCANPIX Credit ZUMAPRESS.com-SCANPIX

AS Monaco kicked off the French League finals on a high note by taking down the hosts LDCL ASVEL Villeurbanne 82-74 (29-17, 20-19, 16-18, 17-20) and getting in front in the best-of-five series 1-0.

2-pointers this season

53%21,4Points made:21,4Accuracy:52,7%Place in standings:2Record max:28Record min:14Most made 2FGs:Chris JonesTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Game 2 of the LNB Pro A finals is scheduled for Friday (June 17) at 20:30 CEST in Villeurbanne.

The mighty trio of Alpha Diallo, Mike James, and Dwayne Bacon were pouring one shot after another in the first quarter. The visitors closed the tally with a 17-5 run and had plus 12 (29-17) after 10 playing minutes.

Monaco spurted once again in the mid-second quarter (8-0) and created a 19-point advantage (44-25). Though, ASVEL played a better stretch at the end of the period, cutting the deficit to 13 points (36-49) at halftime.

Youssoupha Fall, William Howard, and Chris Jones extended ASVEL's come-back efforts with a 9-0 push at the start of the third quarter (45-49). Nevertheless, Alpha Diallo and Paris Lee-led Monaco responded with an 11-0 run to give their team a 15-point cushion once again (60-45).

Although ASVEL pushed the gas pedal one more time (54-63), the Roca Team had its own answer. Sasa Obradovic's men arranged a 7-0 spurt at the start of the last quarter and from that point never looked back (72-57).

Mike James registered 17 points (5/10 2PT, 1/8 3PT, 4/6 FT), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 13 PIR for the winners.

Will Thomas had 12 points (3/6 2PT, 2/2 3PT) and 7 rebounds for a team-high 15 PIR.

Monaco: Mike James 17 (6 REB, 5 AST), Alpha Diallo 16, Dwayne Bacon 13 (5 REB), Will Thomas 12 (7 REB).

ASVEL: Elie Okobo 17 (6 REB, 20 PIR), David Lighty 13, Chris Jones 12, William Howard 10.

Full game highlights

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