By Semih Tuna/ info@eurohoops.net
The final score was 83-74 for the Turks behind 21 points and 11 assists by Jordan Theodore, 16 by Gintaras Orelik and 13 by Furkan Korkmaz.
Monaco made a lot of sloppy plays in the closing minutes and a total of 20 points by Jamal Shuler couldn’t save the day. Still the first half belonged to the French team, which build a nine points lead at the end of the first period (23-14) and kept it during the first 20 minutes of action (45-37) with Shuler scoring 12 points.
Theodore and Gaspar Vidmar kept Banvit close, scoring 13 and 10 points respectively in the first half and thanks to their defense in the third period, which had a 18-8 partial score in favor of them, the Turks turned things around and got a 55-53 lead.
The score was tied at 69 with four minutes left and Orelik with a goal-foul gave a crucial 72-69 lead to Banvit. Monaco couldn’t score in the next four possessions, Theodore made the score 76-69 with four straight points and Furkan sealed the deal with a three (80-74).