Kotsar and Raieste were again in Baskonia’s starting five, and the start of the match was fast for our men, who scored the first eight points of the Spanish set (Kotsar six, Raieste two). It is true that Raeste, who missed two three-point shots as well as two hits, was taken to the bench by Baskonia coach Duško Ivanovic after four and a half minutes of play, and never returned to the field. However, at the end of the first quarter, Kotsar collected eight points, four rebounds and an efficiency rating of 11. Baskonia led 22:21 at the beginning of the short intermission.
Kotsar remains on the bench for the entire second quarter and Baskonia’s match begins to heat up. The lines were plagued with turnovers, the opponents were able to dominate the offensive table and when Monaco organized a 12:0 at half-time, the home team led for 41:35. At the end of the first half, the Munich had a lead of 43:39.
In the third quarter Kotsar is also back on the field, but Baskonia is still in the chasing role. The score was tied twice, but at the end of the quarter Monaco again made a mini-sprint (10:1) and before the last quarter broke the gap to 71:59.
Baskonia tried desperately to close the gap in the fourth quarter, but Monaco had an answer up their sleeve for virtually every success they had. 3:18 before the end of regular time Baskonia achieved the difference by another three points after a free throw by Chima Moneke (81: 84), but during the remaining time only two more points could be scored and so at the end of the match I Monaco’s winning numbers were 93:83 on the scoreboard.
Baskonia committed 19 turnovers compared to Monaco’s six. Baskonia also shot unacceptably poorly on free throws – 11/19, while Monaco achieved this figure of 8/11.
In the end, Kotsari had 11 points (5/8 doubles, 1/5 free throws), 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocks in 23 minutes. The Estonian’s efficiency index was 17, the same as Monekel. Only Markus Howard had more (25) for Baskonia, who emerged as the top scorer with 33 points. Monaco’s best was Mike James with 26 points.
In the standings, Monaco now has 11 wins and 9 losses, while Baskonia has 10 wins and 10 losses. If Monaco is in eighth place with this record, Baskonia is in 11th, so for now they wouldn’t make it either play‘I.
However, home team Estonia will have the opportunity to correct their mistakes next Friday when they host Olympiacos Piraeus at home. Even before that, the big Greek club, which will meet Barcelona on Wednesday, is in sixth place with 11 wins and 8 defeats.
2024-01-09 20:23:00
kotsar-and-raieste-get-off-to-a-great-start-but-baskonia-loses-to-a-close-rival-in-the-euroleague
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