AS Monaco retained a share of second place by outlasting host LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, 75-84, in Thursday night’s French League derby. ASVEL has now lost five in a row to drop to 3-8, while Monaco improved to 8-3.
Monaco powers past ASVEL, 75-84

An extremely close game remarkably saw the first three quarters all end with the game tied: 20-20, 45-45 and 60-60. But the visiting team found consistency in the final period to pull clear. Donatas Motiejunas led the victors with 17 points and 6 rebounds, with Mike James also scoring 17 for Monaco, which grabbed 17 offensive rebounds. ASVEL, which committed 21 turnovers, was paced by 13 points apiece from Retin Obasohan and David Lighty.
Game Videos
James scored three early baskets but ASVEL had three-point plays from Parker Jackson-Cartwright and Jonah Mathews for a 13-10 lead. Motiejunas scored three times under the basket to keep it tied, 20-20, after 10 minutes. Motiejunas and Alex Tyus both scored three baskets as it stayed close, 33-33, and the scoring remained evenly shared as the interval arrived level, 45-45.