Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv suffered its first loss of the young EuroLeague season on Wednesday, when a hard-fought battle in Monaco ended with a 79-85 defeat. Led by Jordan Loyd (16 points) and Jaylen Hoard (13 and 7 rebounds), the yellows stayed close to the hosts, but a big second half be Elie Okobo proved too much.

Still without center Wenyen Gabriel, Maccabi led for most of the first half, even stretching the cushion to as many as 10 points. Loyd, in his first game against his former team, was determined to make his mark and Oded Kattash’s men took a lead into the locker rooms.

But after a scoreless first half, Okobo erupted for 17 points in the second, turning the tide in Monaco’s favor. Along with Mike James, who also scored 17, the team from Monte Carlo handled Maccabi’s comeback attempts late and held on to go 2-0. The Israeli champs are now 1-1, with a double week in Belgrade coming up against Anadulo Efes and Partizan.

But before that, Maccabi has a “home” game against Ness Ziona on Sunday, to be played in Beer Sheba due to an arena ban for fans misconduct last season.