In this pivotal match, Monaco found themselves in need of a comeback. After two losses in the Principality, Dijon received the Roca team at home this Thursday to try to stay alive in this playoff semi-final. With the help of an energetic home crowd, the locals looked like they might take game three until falling short at the wire (78-81). This third consecutive defeat that seals their fate and propels Monaco in the Jeep Elite final for the second year in a row.<\/p>\n
Despite finishing poorly, the JDA opened the game with an 18-point first quarter. But after being led for 30 minutes, the Monegasques raised their level of play on defense. Their strongest point this season allowed them to pass in front on the scoreboard at the beginning of the last quarter. Usually intractable on their hardwood, however, Dijon remained close behind. But an outside shot by Yakuba Ouattara (15 points), the team’s best player since the start of the playoffs, and an offensive rebound by Paul Lacombe finally sealed the result. Other solid performances on the Monegasque side came from Elmedin Kikanovic (15 points) and American duo Dee Bost and Lazeric Jones (14 and 13 points respectively). Not to mention the golden goose recruited in the offseason, the Ukrainian Seryi Gladyr (13 points).<\/p>\n
After finishing in first place over the previous three regular seasons, second this year, the Monegasques won by three points (81-78) and will return to the final against Nanterre or ASVEL (which leads 2-0) beginning on June 15th for a five-game series.<\/p>\n