AS Monaco’s Roca Team overcame significant roster challenges to dominate Dijon, fielding only seven professional players. Initial financial difficulties at the season’s outset had already thinned the squad, and recent injuries and absences further depleted the team.
Star guard Mike James, who sustained a hamstring injury on March 12 and sought treatment in the United States, was back in Monaco but observed the game from the stands. German international Daniel Theis has been unavailable for several matches due to unspecified family reasons, while Nemanja Nedovic, injured last Thursday during the game in Sarajevo against Dubai, is expected to be out for a month, prompting the team to search for a medical replacement. Terry Tarpey was also not listed on the match sheet against Dijon.
Despite these critical absences, the seven available professionals – Elie Okobo, Alpha Diallo, Kevarrius Hayes, Matthew Strazel, Nikola Mirotic, Juhann Begarin, and Jaron Blossomgame – bore a heavy workload, supported by promising youth players Kyllian Michee and Maxim Klitschko. Under the guidance of Ukrainian coach Sergii Gladyr in the championship, Monaco quickly took control of the game, building a 17-point lead (55-38) by halftime.
Although JDA Dijon attempted a comeback, narrowing the deficit at times (86-73, then 93-86 with 5 minutes and 16 seconds remaining), Monaco never seemed truly in danger. Elie Okobo delivered an outstanding performance, scoring 23 points on an efficient 9/10 from the field, accumulating a remarkable evaluation rating of 33.
The game concluded with an unfortunate incident. Juhann Begarin landed a violent blow on Dijon’s Quentin Losser, leaving him with a bloody face. Tensions quickly escalated, and while Losser was restrained by his teammates and Kevarrius Hayes, both Begarin and Losser (who had already returned to the locker room) were disqualified. Suspensions are anticipated, which could deprive Monaco of a key rotation player for the remainder of the regular season.
