The classic slips away in Paris

Published on January 15, 2026

Despite a strong start to the quarter-final, Paris Basketball lost (87-95) in crunch time against Monaco at the adidas arena on the 22nd day of the EuroLeague.

The cream of European basketball was on display on Thursday evening. In the end, the Roca Team came out on top thanks to its experience against a fiery Parisian side.

However, it was Paris who struck first. Momo Faye‘s tom-a-tom set the pace for a strong start for our players. Buoyed by Jared Rhoden‘s 2/2 from behind the arc, Paris Basketball started the game with a big run (8-0). But our number 8 had some serious competition in terms of accuracy, as Mike James scored 17 points in the first quarter. This hot streak allowed Monaco to take the lead, even though our Parisians reacted at the start of the second quarter. Dominating in the paint (12 rebounds to 6 in the quarter), Paris left the three-pointers aside in favour of sharp drives following quick ball movements. The Roca Team was caught off guard (7 fouls) and Francesco Tabellini’s men closed the gap on the scoreboard (27-27). Tabellini recollent au tableau d’affichage (27-27).

However, a final burst of speed from Nikola Mirotic allowed the visitors to pull ahead at half-time (43-52)… which Nadir Hifi reduced to just one point after two big shots from the parking lot in the first possessions of the third quarter (55-56)! With a powerful dunk from Allan Dokossi, Paris Basketball even managed to tie the game again (59-59). However, this huge burst of energy was not enough to contain Monaco, who remained as accurate as ever from the parking lot (14/37 on three-pointers). Once again, it took a BIG start for our Parisians to go from -12 (64-76) to -4 (77-83) in the middle of the fourth quarter. Carried by more than 6,697 supporters, Paris forced the game into crunch time. The two teams traded blows, with the gap stabilising with 50 seconds to go. But it was the Rock club that had the last word (87-95).

Each time, Paris Basketball managed to make the European vice-champions doubt themselves, right up until the final minutes. However, it wasn’t enough to overcome a Monaco side that was more clinical in the moments that mattered.

This week packed with prestigious fixtures at the adidas arena will come to a spectacular conclusion on Sunday against Le Mans at 7pm. To come and support our champions, click here.