«Νeofytos Chandriotis»: Οlympiacos - Μonaco 80-83
Olympiacos was defeated by Monaco in the overtime, 80-83 (regulation: 70-70), in their first preseason friendly at the "Neofytos Chandriotis" tournament.
Our team started the game nervously, shooting just 1/7 from the field in the first six minutes, while missed defensive rebounds gave Monaco second-chance opportunities, allowing them to take an early lead (2-8, 3’). After a nice play, Alec Peters scored Olympiacos’ first basket, followed by two close-range finishes by Thomas Walkup (8-13, 7’), with the quarter ending on a tough mid-range jumper by Keenan Evans to make it 12-18.
Lacking clarity on offense and intensity on defense, Olympiacos found themselves trailing by 9 early in the second quarter. A three-point play by Tyson Ward and a three-pointer from Saben Lee helped shrink the gap (18-25, 12’), but Monaco capitalized on mistakes and missed shots by the 'red & whites' to build a double-digit lead (22-33, 14’). Shaquielle McKissic and Thomas Walkup provided solutions (31-39, 17’), but the Monegasques remained ahead at halftime (34-42).
With better focus and defensive intensity, as well as improved offensive decisions, Olympiacos opened the third quarter on a 7-0 run to close the gap to one point (41-42, 22’). Led by Donta Hall and Evan Fournier, the 'red & whites' tied the game twice (47-47, 25’), but mistakes and poor defensive reactions allowed Monaco to regain control (47-53, 28’). Strong defense by Peters and Koumadje, followed by a dunk from the latter, made it 51-53, but the quarter ended with Monaco still ahead (51-55).
Olympiacos came into the final quarter with the same intensity on both ends, going on a 10-0 run. Donta Hall led the team, Thomas Walkup hit a three-pointer to give Olympiacos the lead (58-55, 32’), and Shaquielle McKissic extended it to +6 (61-55). Monaco responded with a 7-0 run of their own to retake the lead (61-62, 34’), and the game remained tight until the end. Donta Hall tied the game with a dunk (67-67, 39’), and shortly after, Alec Peters converted a three-point play to make it 70-70, the score at the end of the regulation.
In the overtime period, both teams traded baskets, staying close until the final buzzer, with Monaco emerging victorious, 80-83.
The quarters: 12-18, 34-42, 51-55, 70-70 (Final: 80-83)
