By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Mike James scored 15 out of his 24 points in the last six minutes and AS Monaco beat Virtus Bologna 86 – 80 on the road after a comeback from down 21 points in the first half. This was the first win for the Monegasque side after three straight losses.
“We had two people out tonight,” James said, referring to the absences of Jordan Loyd and Elie Okobo for Monaco. “That was big for us, to step up on the road without two of our key players. Just happy to finally get a road win, especially after last week.”
James hit two straight triples to tie the score at 66 and then scored six consecutive points to put Monaco up 71 – 73 with 3:16 to play. Marco Belinelli regained thelad for Virtus but Monaco made a 2 – 9 as the reigning MVP drained key free throws to help his team secure the win.
Tornike Shengelia had 15 points and five rebounds for Virtus that went off to a superb 39 – 18 start behind a 13 – 0 run and was leading 49 – 41 at halftime. Monaco’s reaction wasn’t enough until the last period and James’ outburst that gave the visiting side an important victory.
Matthew Strazel had a key contribution for Monaco with 14 points, including a 3-point play for the 74 – 78. Alessandro Pajola scored 14 for Virtus.
With this win Monaco jumped to 14 – 9. Virtus fell to 7 – 16.