


AS Monaco controlled the battle of turnovers against Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz and that led to a 93-83 victory to earn a season sweep over the Spanish side.
In a game that had major playoff implications, Monaco committed only 6 turnovers - 3.6 fewer than its league-best rate of 9.6 per game to improve to 11-9 and drop Baskonia to 10-10.
Monaco not only took care of the ball but Sasa Obradovic’s team also caused problems for Baskonia’s offense, which suffered through 19 turnovers, having committed only 12.6 miscues per game coming into the contest.
And the home side really made Baskonia pay for those mistakes with a 32-6 advantage in points off turnovers.
Monaco dominated the game on the offensive glass in the first half with 8 offensive rebounds and that helped set the tone even though the rebounding was much more even by the end of the game.
In addition to getting the points off turnovers, Monaco also did a good job making its three-pointers, knocking down 11-of-24 from long range for 45.8%, up from 36.5% for the season. Mike James and Yakuba Ouattara both drilled 4 triples and three other Monaco players connected at least once from deep.
Monaco also needed the scoring prowess of James, who poured in 26 points in a bounce-back game after he had just 10 points against Olympiacos last week.
“We’re just trying to build some continuity, some kind of consistency. Just happy we could protect home and get a win today,” said James, who has scored in double figures in 20 straight games.
Monaco needed the victory as it was a showdown of two of four teams that entered Round 20 with 10-9 records in the fight for the playoffs. Monaco had won 73-75 in Spain and this victory gave Sasa Obradovic’s squad a season sweep of Baskonia.
“It was a must for us - for them too - but good thing we came out with the W,” added John Brown, who chipped in 4 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.
Much of Brown’s biggest value came at the defensive end, where Monaco really won the game with the turnovers.