AS Monaco Basket triumphed on FC Barcelona’s court, 90 to 74. The Monégasques showed consistency on both sides of the court. An excellent way to conclude the calendar year.
The Roca Team secures a fifth consecutive victory. A win achieved in Catalonia, 90 to 74 against Barcelona. Dominant throughout the game, the Rocher players could rely on an immense Kelvarius Hayes.
AS Monaco Basket concludes its year 2025 on FC Barcelona’s court. A final EuroLeague clash, marking the 19th day. The Monégasques arrived with confidence in Catalonia, after their victory over Real Madrid, last Friday in the final game at Gaston Médecin.
Facing them, the Barcelonians have been rejuvenated since the appointment of their new coach, Xavi Pascual. Since his arrival, the Blaugranas have achieved 10 victories in 12 matches. They narrowly lost by one point on Fenerbahce’s court, during the last EuroLeague day.
The first minutes of this match are low in terms of scoring. In a very intense match, particularly in the duels, the Roca Team takes the lead. By the end of the quarter, baskets come more easily, and the Principality’s club is still ahead in the score (22-13). Vassilis Spanoulis’ men are led by an excellent Mike James (8 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist) in this first act.
The Roca Team crushes Barça
The players from the Principality continue their momentum and crush their evening opponent. Monaco widens the gap on the scoreboard thanks to a well-oiled team. Mike James’ teammates are performing well on both sides of the court. A complete performance reflected in the score (47-30).
AS Monaco Basket is very effective, especially in defense during this first half. Vassilis Spanoulis’ players have distinguished themselves defensively, with no fewer than five steals. They forced their opponent into eight turnovers and kept them under the 40% shooting success mark.
Officiating sends Barça over the edge
Returning from the locker room, the Roca Team is no longer as dominant, and the Catalans take advantage of this to catch up a bit (54-42). The Monégasques seem more fragile. Fortunately for them, Mike James steps up once again as the savior. He scores a three-pointer and draws a foul. A refereeing decision that sends the Spanish coach over the edge. Xavi Pascual is outraged and gets ejected.
Following this episode, refereeing controversies continue. Many actions are reviewed on video. The Barcelonians continue to contest the referees’ decisions of the evening, and the bench receives a second technical foul. This third act is extremely disjointed. The Roca Team stays focused and doesn’t lose track. The Monégasques maintain their lead with ten minutes remaining in the game (69-53).
An important victory with an immense Hayes
The last quarter is a formality for Vassilis Spanoulis’ men. AS Monaco Basket wins on Barcelona’s court, 90 to 74. A high-level performance with an immense Kelvarius Hayes. The American was omnipresent on the court this evening. He ends the game with 15 points (6/7 shooting), 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.
To start the new year, the Roca Team has a EuroLeague appointment with the reception of Partizan Belgrade (January 6), before an away game in Valencia (January 8). They will return to the Betclic Elite on January 10, facing Nancy.
