Mike James, Monaco stun Olympiacos and book two games at home / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Panagiotis Moschandreou/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

After a dominant defensive performance in Game 1,Olympiacos Piraeussaw the true face ofAS Monacoin the second match of the series.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Danilo Andjusic Points 19 Accuracy 5-7 Rebounds 5 Assists 1

The Roca Team played a spectacular second quarter, which powered them to a 96-72 (10-16, 30-12, 29-23, 27-21) victory over the Greek powerhouse at Peace and Friendship Stadium. With this win, Monaco stole the home-court advantage from Oly.

Moreover, it was the biggest home loss for Olympiacos in the playoffs stage.

Despite being down by 6 points after the first quarter (10-16), Monaco went on a mission in the second.

Propelled by Dwayne Bacon, Danilo Andjusic, and Yakuba Outtara's buckets, Monaco arranged a 20-0 run and gained a 14-point advantage (35-21). Their 20-0 push is the 2nd-highest run this season. Both clubs went into the break with Monaco leading the way by 12 points (40-28).

Mike James sank two straight 3-pointers in the span of 23 seconds and increased his team's lead to 52-34 at the start of the third period. He continued his show, scoring 16 points in the third, including four triples. Led by James, Monaco were up 69-51 before the last 10 minutes of the match.

The same Mike James and Dwayne Bacon got the job done in the last quarter and Monaco got away with a comfortable W.

Mike James exploded for 23 points (3/7 2PT, 5/8 3PT, 2/2 FT), 1 rebound, 3 assists, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, and 21 PIR.

"I think we were completely mentally different and ready for this game. From the first minute, we knew what we wanted and found good mismatches. We defended much better, and that gives us an opportunity to run and have a high-scoring game," Sasa Obradovic spoke post-game.

Danilo Andjusic had 19 points (2/3 2PT, 3/4 3PT, 6/6 FT), 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and a game-high 23 PIR.

Sasha Vezenkov led the route for Olympiacos, accumulating 14 points (3/4 2PT, 2/4 3PT, 2/4 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 1 turnover, and 19 PIR.

"It wasn't our night. They made a lot of tough shots at the end of the shot clock. We got nervous because of this but we are going to come back. We are going to be better in the next game," Georgios Bartzokas looked into the future.

Monaco: Mike James 23, Danilo Andjusic 19 (5 REB), Dwayne Bacon 17 (6 REB).

Olympiacos: Sasha Vezenkov 14, Tyler Dorsey 12, Kostas Papanikolaou 12 (6 REB), Shaquielle McKissic 10.

Highlights

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