Newsletters
Fenerbahce Beko strengthened its position at the top of the EuroLeague standings after defeating Monaco 88-70 in Round 30, securing its 22nd victory of the season and stretching its winning streak to nine games.
Despite having played one fewer match than several rivals, the Istanbul-based team continues to hold the lead in Europe’s top-tier club basketball competition.
Fenerbahce Beko, one of Türkiye’s leading basketball clubs, started the contest with a confident rhythm and quickly imposed its pace on Monaco. Early contributions from Jantunen and Tarik Biberovic helped the home side move ahead 14-8 within the first five minutes.
Although both teams traded baskets around the rim in the remaining minutes of the quarter, Fenerbahce Beko managed to maintain control of the tempo and closed the opening period with a 20-15 advantage.
The second quarter began with both teams tightening up defensively, which limited scoring opportunities on each end of the court. During the first three minutes, the two sides combined for just four points.
Fenerbahce Beko gradually broke the deadlock as Boston and Silva knocked down consecutive baskets to push the score to 28-20. Monaco attempted to respond through Begarin and Blossomgame, prompting Fenerbahce head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius to call a timeout to reorganize his side.
The pause proved effective, as Silva and Colson helped stretch the gap into double digits at 34-24. Fenerbahce Beko carried that momentum into halftime and headed to the locker room with a 44-36 lead.
After the break, the game resumed with both teams continuing to trade points. Monaco’s Mike James emerged as the French side’s primary scoring option, while Wade Baldwin led the offensive effort for Fenerbahce Beko.
The Istanbul team gradually widened the gap once again when Talen Horton-Tucker produced consecutive baskets that lifted the lead to 13 points at 59-46. Fenerbahce Beko also began to find success from long range during this stretch, allowing the team to close the third quarter ahead 66-52.
Monaco attempted to stage a comeback early in the final quarter. Hayes and James sparked a 10-3 run, aided by accurate three-point shooting, which briefly cut the deficit to 69-62.
However, Horton-Tucker quickly halted Monaco’s momentum by scoring four points in two consecutive possessions. With five minutes remaining, his baskets restored a double-digit cushion at 75-64.
Fenerbahce Beko remained composed in the closing minutes and prevented Monaco from narrowing the gap again, ultimately securing an 88-70 victory.
The result marked Fenerbahce Beko’s ninth straight EuroLeague win and brought the team’s overall record to 22 victories in 29 games.
Monaco, meanwhile, suffered its 14th loss of the season after playing its 30th match in the competition.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
3 min read
