Betclic ELITE Playoffs: Blossomgame and Hayes Lead Monaco Past Bourg-en-Bresse in Playoff Thriller game 1

The pressure was mounting. With four minutes to play, Bourg-en-Bresse had clawed their way back into contention, taking the lead at the Salle Gaston-Médecin. Everything felt precarious—the kind of moment where a season can slip away in the playoff furnace. But Monaco had other ideas. Behind Jaron Blossomgame and Kevarrius Hayes, La Roca Team buckled down and held firm, emerging with a 81-75 victory in Game 1 of the Betclic Élite quarterfinals on May 25.

For Blossomgame, every possession matters now. The American forward, in what he has confirmed will be his final season with Monaco before his contract expires in June, delivered exactly when the moment demanded it. Playing 34 minutes, he finished with 20 points on a crisp 8-of-15 shooting (53.3%), adding 5 rebounds and 2 assists. It wasn’t a dominant display, but it was a measured, professional one—the kind of output that closes out a tight game. Blossomgame had publicly stated he wants to « finish strong » in these playoffs, and Game 1 showed he meant it.

That’s Playoffs energy!! 😤⚡️

Even @mtwbucket32 got scared for a moment 😂#RocaTeam #BetclicELITE pic.twitter.com/vT9dIusuV5

— AS Monaco Basket 🇲🇨 (@ASMonaco_Basket) May 25, 2026

Hayes, the other half of Monaco‘s American contingent, complemented the script perfectly. His shooting was explosive: 17 points on 70 percent accuracy from the floor, 6-of-9 from three-point range (66.7%). In just 25 minutes off the bench, Hayes provided the floor-spacing and efficiency that stretched Bourg-en-Bresse‘s defense when Monaco needed breathing room. Like Blossomgame, Hayes could depart in the offseason, adding emotional weight to this playoff run.

The supporting cast held the structure together. Matthew Strazel contributed 16 points with 5 assists, running the offense with steady hands over 36 minutes. Élie Okobo, despite modest scoring (11 points on 3-of-7 shooting), managed 8 assists and 3 rebounds, controlling tempo when Bourg pressed. Off the bench, Yoan Makoundou offered meaningful production—11 points on 4-of-6 shooting and 5 rebounds in 20 minutes.

Monaco‘s offensive efficiency was the story. The Roca Team shot 50.8 percent from the field and a remarkable 61.7 percent from three-point range (29-of-47), while converting 70.8 percent at the free-throw line (17-of-24). This efficiency—not volume—proved decisive against a resilient opponent who refused to go away quietly.

Bourg-en-Bresse‘s comeback bid was real. They fought to take the lead in the final four minutes, mounting enough pressure to make Monaco‘s fans uncomfortable. But Blossomgame and Hayes had seen enough; they tightened defensively, forced turnovers, and closed the series’ opening game with composure.

Game 1 now belongs to Monaco. In a best-of-series, this is currency—a win on home floor with the psychological advantage heading into Game 2. For Blossomgame, it is another step toward the final chapter he wants to write in principality colors. For Hayes, it is a statement of availability when the stakes rise. And for Monaco, it is proof that they can withstand pressure when it matters most.