Despite a limited rotation, the Roca Team delivered a composed performance against Barcelona to secure their EuroLeague play-in spot.
In a EuroLeague battle between two teams fighting for playoff positioning, AS Monaco Basket secured a 93-86 victory over FC Barcelona on Friday 10th April, ensuring the Roca Team’s place in the play-ins.
Both teams arrived with a competitive mindset, ready to take on the challenge. With Daniel Theis back in the lineup and Mike James having only recently returned in Wednesday’s match against ASVEL, cohesion and teamwork would prove essential in finding rhythm against a strong Barcelona squad.
Once again playing with only eight men, Monaco had much to ask of their players in their third game of the week. Despite a scoreless opening few minutes and early struggles from beyond the arc in the first quarter, the team found its rhythm by the second quarter.
An early lead from Barcelona kept them ahead for much of the first half, but Monaco was not allowing them to pull away. Tied at 44-44 with 10 seconds remaining in the first half, Jaron Blossomgame was sent to the free throw line for Monaco. He converted both, giving the Roca Team their first lead heading into halftime.
Monaco responds before halftime
Barcelona responded in kind, refusing to let Monaco extend their lead too far. The teams continued to apply pressure on one another, trading momentum throughout. The third quarter found the teams tied, once again, keeping the energy high inside the arena. Monaco went on a 7-0 run with the fans in Salle Gaston Médecin cheering them on.
AS Monaco Basket played like a unified team in this pivotal matchup of their season. Each player on the court brought immense value to the outcome of the game, whether it be from Mike James’ 16 points, Elie Okobo’s 16 points and 8 assists, or Juhann Begarin’s steal in the second quarter, which shifted the momentum.
What’s next for the Roca Team
After this Sunday’s Betclic Elite match against Bourg-en-Bresse, the team will have some days to recover in preparation for their final regular season match, at home against Hapoel Tel Aviv. A well-earned recovery period for a small roster who have proved their energy and passion can take them far.
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Photo credit: AS Monaco Basket