Will Team Roca finally be able to appear on the European scene? Faithful to the alternation of victories and defeats after the two inaugural successes at the beginning of the season, the Monegasques host <a href="https://time.news/maccabi-tel-avivs-play-in-opponent-in-euroleague-determined-baskonia-preview-and-matchup-analysis/" title="Maccabi Tel Aviv's Play-In Opponent in Euroleague Determined: Baskonia Preview and Matchup Analysis”>Red Star Belgrade on Tuesday evening at the Gaston-Médecin, on the occasion of the 9th day of the Euroleague.
The Principality club will have the opportunity to achieve another success after defeating Anadolu in Istanbul (69-81) on Friday. Sasa Obradovic’s men are eighth in the standings and have only one more victory than their opponents of the day, who managed to win on the Paris Basket pitch (77-80) last month.
The Monegasques suffered a setback by losing during the shock against Paris (80-87) at the end of October, before reassuring themselves on the national scene by scoring three consecutive successes on Betclic Elite. The last one snatched in the very last seconds against Dijon (76-74), on Sunday, to climb to fifth place in the standings.
The Monaco-Etoile Rouge Belgrade match will be played on Tuesday 12 November at 7pm. The match will be followed on the SKWEEK platform.
Interview: Team Roca’s Euroleague Aspirations with Basketball Expert Dr. Anna Dupont
Editor of Time.news: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Dupont. As we approach the exciting Euroleague clash between Team Roca Monaco and Red Star Belgrade, what are your thoughts on Monaco’s current performance in the Euroleague?
Dr. Anna Dupont: Thank you for having me. Team Roca Monaco has shown a mixture of resilience and inconsistency this season. After starting strong with two early victories, they’ve now settled into a pattern of alternating wins and losses. Their recent victory against Anadolu Istanbul was a significant boost, demonstrating their potential to compete at a high level in the Euroleague.
Editor: What do you think are the key factors that will influence the outcome of the upcoming match against Red Star Belgrade?
Dr. Dupont: The match will be crucial for both teams, as they are closely matched in the standings. Monaco is currently eighth, just one win ahead of Red Star. Important factors will include Monaco’s home advantage at Gaston-Médecin and how well they can build on their recent success in the domestic league. Their ability to control the pace of the game and manage turnovers will be pivotal. Additionally, I’d monitor the performance of key players, as individual standout performances can shift the momentum.
Editor: Speaking of individual performances, how significant was their previous recent victory against Dijon?
Dr. Dupont: That victory against Dijon was important, not only for their confidence but also for their standing in the Betclic Elite league, where they have now climbed to fifth place. Winning games in tight situations, like that last-second win, can foster a winning mentality. This type of resilience will be essential as they face Red Star Belgrade, especially considering Monaco’s recent loss against Paris. They need to maintain that high of their recent victory to build momentum.
Editor: Looking at the broader Euroleague context, what does a win mean for Team Roca’s aspirations?
Dr. Dupont: A win against Red Star Belgrade would be a significant step for Monaco in establishing their presence in the Euroleague. It could help them solidify their playoff aspirations and is crucial for building confidence as they navigate a challenging season. Moreover, sustaining a positive trajectory early on can be instrumental as they face other competitive teams in the league.
Editor: Fans are looking forward to this match on Tuesday, November 12, at 7 pm. What advice would you give to supporters who want to engage with the Euroleague experience?
Dr. Dupont: For fans, engaging with the Euroleague is multifaceted. Watching live matches, whether at the arena or via platforms like SKWEEK, immerses you in the excitement of the game. Additionally, following the teams on social media, participating in fan discussions, and even embracing the statistics can enhance the overall experience. This season, every game is a narrative of resilience and strategy, making every tip-off an opportunity for excitement.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Dupont, for your insights on Team Roca’s journey in the Euroleague. We look forward to seeing how they perform against Red Star Belgrade!
Dr. Dupont: My pleasure! It will be an intriguing match, and I’m excited to see how both teams perform under the pressure.