Monaco erase a 20-point deficit to stun Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Marko Metlas/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images Credit Marko Metlas/Euroleague Basketball via Getty Images

AS Monaco (12-12) visited Crvena Zvezda mts Belgrade(8-14) the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, erasing a 20-point deficit and defeating the Serbian team 91-80 (19-30, 23-22, 22-12, 27-16).

Player of the Game EFF 22 Donatas Motiejūnas Points 20 Accuracy 6-10 Rebounds 6 Assists 2

Zvezda's coach Radonjic was awarded a technical foul at the start of the fourth, allowing Monaco to gain their first lead since the first period (65-64).

The game was tied at 13 in the first period, but Zvezda exploded with a 13-0 run, gaining an 11-point advantage after 10 minutes (30-19). Mike James and Donatas Motiejunas nailed two consecutive threes, and Monaco's lead increased to five (73-68).

Dwayne Bacon created two highlight-worthy plays by converting a tough layup and slamming the ball in transition to give the visitors an eight-point advantage (81-73). Motiejunas added a 3-pointer, and Monaco came away with an 11-point victory.

Donatas Motiejunas led Monaco with 20 points (3/7 2OT, 3/3 3PT, 5/7 FT), 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 turnovers, and 20 PIR.

"We started the game pretty bad," Motiejunas admitted. "Our offense actually helped their offense. In the first half, we allowed them to score 50 points and in the second half, we did a way better job defensively that led us to this win. A very important win, a very emotional win for us."

The hosts continued dominating in the second, with Austin Hollins hitting his third 3-pointer to give Zvezda a commanding 20-point lead (45-25). However, Alpha Diallo scored seven straight points, helping Monaco weather the storm and reduce their deficit to 10 going into halftime (42-52). 52 points are Zvezda's season-best in the first half.

Monaco continued their comeback in the third, going on an 8-0 run to reduce Zvezda's lead to four (50-54). The visitors finally tied the game at 64 at the end of the quarter after Danilo Andjusic's free throws.

"First, it is a big win. We still think about and dream about being in the top eight," Monaco coach Obradovic said. "For someone that is starting in the EuroLeague, that would be a great success in the end. We played much better defense [in the second half]. Like I said, I am extremely happy going out of this hot court with the win."

Monaco: Donatas Motiejunas 20 (6 REB), Dwayne Bacon 17, Mike James 10 (6 AST), Alpha Diallo 9 (7 REB), Will Thomas 8, Danilo Andjusic 8, Yakuba Outtara 8.

Crvena Zvezda: Austin Hollins 19, Nikola Ivanovic 15, Ognjen Dobric 13, Ognjen Kuzmic 7, Branko Lazic 7, Nikola Kalinic 7 (5 TO).

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