Saint-Quentin starts the French league with a big win over Monaco

The team of super prospect Nolan Traore managed to beat EuroLeague contender Monaco in the opening game of the French Betclic Elite

By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net

The season of the domestic leagues in Europe started with a bang. Newcomers in the French top division Saint-Quentin survived the test and beat the defending champions Monaco 68-66 in the opening game of the season.

The guests are still playing without Mike James who had back surgery during the summer and needs time to return to action, however, established stars like Elie Okobo (15 p.) and newcomers Giorgos Papagiannis (12 p. 8 r.) and Nick Calathes (5 p. 7 r.) couldn’t save the day.

Monaco was trailing for most of the game even by 15 points and tried to react in the last period, ultimately without success.

The winning side got 15 points from Jerome Robinson which got its first top-division win after 31 years.

Teenager Nolan Traore (photo) who is expected to be a Top5 pick in the next NBA draft and the French big hope for the point guard position had an off-game with two points (1/9 FG), four turnovers, and three assists.  Still, his team got the win.

Photo credit: FIBA