Motiejunas leads shorthanded Monaco over Orleans despite an 18-0 run / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: imago images/kolbert-press - Scanpix Credit imago images/kolbert-press - Scanpix

After losing to Nanterre at the French LNB Pro A last week, AS Monaco (11-5) bounced back and, despite playing without five key players, won an away contest against Loiret Basket Orleans (6-10) 74-61 (19-10, 17-24, 16-14, 22-13).

Free throws this season

71%13,0Points made:13,0Accuracy:70,9%Place in standings:6Record max:18Record min:5Most made FTs:Mike JamesTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Orleans cut Monaco's advantage to two in the fourth (54-56), but that was the closest they could get. Monaco finished the game strong, gaining a double-digit lead and winning by 13.

Donatas Motiejunas continues his dominant streak, finishing this game with 20 points (9/12 2PT, 0/1 3PT, 2/3 FT), 10 rebounds, 4 turnovers, and 21 PIR. He achieved a double-double in just 17 minutes of action.

Motiejunas helped Monaco gain the early 10-1 lead to start the game, as the visitors were up by nine after one (19-10). They went on an impressive 13-0 run in the second, gaining a commanding 20-point advantage (36-16).

However, Orleans didn't give up and ended the first half on an incredible 18-0 spurt, not allowing Monaco to score for the last 2:45 of the second. The hosts were right back in the game at halftime (34-36).

Monaco played tonight without Mike James, Will Thomas, Donta Hall, Brock Motum, and Leo Westermann.

Monaco: Donatas Motiejunas 20 (10 REB), Alpha Diallo 17, Dwayne Bacon 10 (5 REB), Rob Gray 7,Jerry Boutsiele 6 (9 REB), Paris Lee 6 (5 AST).

Orleans:Malela Mutuale 15 (5 AST), Youssou Ndoye 14 (9 REB), Jean-Philippe Dally 10, Chris Warren 8, LaMonte Ulmer 8 (6 REB).

Thank you for being with us! Subscribe to BN+ and browse ad-free.