Monaco put an end to Olympiacos’ undefeated record

Olympiacos stayed away from his usual performing standards and lost at the Peace and Friendship Stadium to Monaco 76-81, hence suffering his first loss for the season.

The guests’ pressing defense caused serious offensive problems for Olympiacos, that however, did not allow for the score difference to open up (16-17 at 10’), mainly relying on his also good defensive game. For as long Monaco was dominating rebounding (grabbed 22 in the first half against 11 of the ‘red & whites’), the game was a derby (28-29 at 15’). But when Bartzokas’ players put more pressure on the ball and Shaquielle McKissic found open court in the fast break, they took control in their own hands and closed the first half at +4 (37-33).

With a mini 4-0 streak Olympiacos got to lead by 8 for the first time (41-33 at 22’), but Monaco succeeded, initially with Lloyd and Okobo, to balancing the game and then running a partial 15-5 to get a +12 lead (54-66 at 32’). Our team closed in 66-72 at 36’ with shooting from the perimeter, but was not able to turn things around. Olympiacos practically offensively collapsed and Monaco running a partial 8-2 (68-80 at 39’), eventually sealed victory. The ‘red & whites’ nevertheless refused to throw in the towel. They fought to shrink the difference dropping it to 5p. (76-81).  

The quarters: 16-17, 37-33, 51-56, 76-81.

ΟLYMPIACOS

AS MONACO