By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Behind a safe lead most of the way, AS Monaco prevailed, 72-59, against Limoges CSP in Palais des Sports de Beaublanc on Saturday.
Launching the 2023-24 campaign, Elie Okobo drew up a game-high 16 points with 6/12 from the field in Round 1 of France’s Betclic Elite LNB Pro A Regular Season. Jaron Blossomgame added 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists en route for a game-high efficiency rating of 22.
Kemba Walker, the biggest move of the summer, did not suit up for the opener. Combining injuries with restrictions on foreign players in the lineup and fatigue from competing in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Jordan Loyd, Mouhammadou Jaiteh, Donatas Motiejunas, and Donta Hall were out as well.
The team coached by Sasa Obradovic, defending champion in France, is set for four more domestic contests, before visiting Valencia in Round 1 of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, on October 6.
Frank Mason III jumps in with 22 points
The biggest highlight among the remaining games of the opening day was former Kansas standout Frank Mason III pairing 22 points with six assists. He powered SLUC Nancy to the win, 92-83, over Elan Chalon.
Canadian forward Isiaha Mike poured in 21 points behind 9/10 field goals as JL Bourg blew out Le Portel, 99-66, in Le Chaudron.
In his first official game in Europe, Robert Woodard II fired in 20 points for ADA Blois in the 81-73 victory opposite BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque.
Elsewhere, Cholet topped Roanne, 90-86. and Saint-Quentin BB used a late rally to beat Metropolitans 92, 73-69.
Betclic Elite Round 1
Cholet – Roanne 90-86
SLUC Nancy – Elan Chalon 92-83
ESSM Le Portel – JL Bourg 66-99
Metropolitans 92 – Saint-Quentin BB 69-73
ADA Blois – BCM Gravelines-Dunkerque 81-73
Limoges CSP – AS Monaco 59-72
Paris – JDA Dijon (17/9)
SIG Strasbourg – Nanterre 92 (17/9)
LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne – Le Mans (17/9)
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net