French Cup (Mens): Monaco crowned against Le Mans

The Roca Team wins a second French Cup after 2023. Monaco dominated Le Mans in a lively game with a dramatic twist (87-83). It was not for the faint-hearted in the stands of the Accor Arena this Saturday. 24 hours after their success in the Euroleague play-in against Barcelona, the Principality club was in Paris to play a French Cup final. A spirit of revenge loomed between the Roca Team and the people of Le Mans, as they had defeated Mike James’ teammates in the semi-finals last season. This Saturday, it was thought that Monaco had done the hardest by leading by 16 points at halftime (45-29). Led by Matthew Strazel’s 13 points – the match MVP – in the first half (19 points and 9 assists in the match), Monaco punished MSB with a 17-3 run at the end of the second quarter. Despite fatigue, the lead was significant enough to hope for the title. But the Sarthois did not give up to turn the game around.

A thrilling end to the match From the beginning of the third quarter, Le Mans imposed themselves in the battle to reverse the situation. As a result, an 11-2 lead inflicted on the Roca Team (47-42, 24th minute). Shawn Thomas (18 points, 12 rebounds) was one of the main contributors to this comeback. His American colleague Trevor Hudgins (22 points, leading scorer of the match) also troubled the Monegasque team. Below their usual standards, the Roca Team suffered from Le Mans’ accuracy: 75% shooting, including 3/4 from three-point range in the third quarter. Perhaps worn out from their match against the Catalans, Monaco resisted, but saw Le Mans take the lead on the scoreboard (70-69) for the first time since the first basket of the match.

The two teams engaged in an unbearable showdown in the final minutes. Wilfried Yeguete gave Le Mans a three-point lead, only for Mike James to equalize moments later (74-74). Le Mans regained the lead, but a foul by Johnny Berhanemeskel on a three-point shot would almost seal the end of the game. With 17 seconds left, Alpha Diallo (21 points, 5 rebounds) gave his team a two-point lead and MSB lost the final possession. In an uncertain finish, Monaco eventually emerged victorious to claim their fifth win over Le Mans in the 2025-2026 season, including three finals (Supercup, Leader Cup, and French Cup).