The overwhelming strength of Olympiakos, a squad trained to peak performance and backed by seasoned experience, overwhelmed the individual talents of the Monaco roster. Although Mike James, Jordan Loyd, and Elie Okobo stood out for Monaco, the outcome was decided in the semifinals with Olympiakos advancing to the final after a 76-62 victory. The Greek club, which finished first in the regular season standings, earned its place in the title game scheduled for Sunday and pressed toward a fourth crown with disciplined defense and relentless pressure.
Monaco entered the semifinal with a player who could catalyze the game in an instant. James is known for his playmaking ability and for forcing opponents to adjust on the fly. He made an early impact, scoring in the first quarter to trim the gap and remind everyone that the match could swing on a single moment of brilliance. Yet Olympiakos answered with composure, counterpunching with a defense that stifled the Principality at crucial moments and kept the pace under control as the first period closed with the scoreboard showing a narrow deficit for the visitors.
Behind the scenes, Olympiakos displayed a blend of veteran savvy and strategic execution. The team moved with purpose, rebounding insistently and contesting every entry pass. Monaco attempted to seize momentum, but the defense stood tall, forcing difficult looks and denying easy transitions. As the second quarter unfolded, the pace shifted in favor of the Greek side, which used disciplined rotations and timely switches to blunt Monaco’s early energy. The Prince’s team fought hard, but the work required to erase the deficit proved too much, and halftime found the scoreboard reflecting a comfortable cushion for Olympiakos.
When the second half began, Olympiakos intensified its attack. The team’s offense clicked into a higher gear, and a combination of precise outside shooting and aggressive interior play widened the margin. Monaco showed flashes of resilience, but the collective strength of Olympiakos—deep benches, sharp ball movement, and tenacious defense—kept the pressure constant. Midway through the third quarter the game swung decisively, as Olympiakos unleashed a sustained run that shifted the tone and left Monaco scrambling to regain footing.
The defense of Olympiakos remained a constant problem for Monaco throughout the night. The Greek club shut down several Monaco possessions by pressuring the ball handler, denying clean looks, and forcing turnovers. The ensuing fastbreak points and second-chance opportunities built a rhythm that the Monaco group could not disrupt. The increasingly confident home team extended its lead, and the crowd’s energy grew as the margin widened and the final quarter approached with Olympiakos well in command.
In the closing minutes, Olympiakos maintained its focus and executed with poise. The effort paid off as the final score settled at 76-62 in favor of Olympiakos, confirming their spot in the championship game and their status as a dominant force in the competition. Monaco, led by James and Loyd, fought with pride until the end, but the night belonged to the consistent, organized, and disciplined approach of the Greek club.
Olympiacos: Walkup, Canaan, Papanikolau, Vezenkov, Autumn — top five, with Lountzis, Larentzakis, Sloukas, Bolomboy, Peters, Black, McKissic contributing throughout the game. The team posted strong numbers across categories, including three-point success and disciplined rebounding, matching a solid all-around performance. The trio of Vezenkov, Pananikolau, and their teammates combined for multiple baskets that underscored the team’s versatility and depth.
Monaco: James, Loyd, Outtara, Brown, Motiejunas — top five, with Okobo, Moneke, Diallo, Hall also contributing. The side showed competitive spark at times but could not sustain that level against Olympiakos’ sustained defensive pressure and efficient ball movement. The final box score reflected Monaco’s balanced contributions and the challenges of containing a well-prepared opponent over four quarters.
The semifinal delivered drama, intensity, and a clear message: Olympiakos arrived with a plan and executed it with precision, earning the right to play for the crown as the competition moves toward its climactic finish.