La Roca Team secured a victory at home against FC Barcelona, 79 to 70. The Monegasques qualify for the next stage of the competition. Mike James’ teammates made a difference right from the start of the match.
La Roca Team is still alive in the Euroleague! The Monegasques have qualified for the playoffs after their victory over FC Barcelona (79-70). From the outset, Manuchar Markoishvili’s men were more aggressive.
AS Monaco Basket is playing for its future in the Euroleague this Friday night at Gaston Médecin. The Roca Team hosts FC Barcelona for the final play-in match. At stake is a playoff qualification to face Olympiakos. The Monegasques come into this game after a loss in Greece against Panathinaikos. In contrast, the Barcelona team claimed victory over Red Star Belgrade.
A perfect start for the Roca Team
Monaco wants to continue in the Euroleague! Manuchar Markoishvili’s men start this game ideally. They can rely on the returns of Terry Tarpey and Nemanja Nedovic. Two players providing a real boost to the team in rotation. Facing the basket, the Roca Team is precise in this first act, with more than 66% success rate. The Catalans, meanwhile, struggle in this sector of the game (36% success rate).
However, it is in the rebounding that the Monegasques dominate outrageously. The Rocher players double their opponent’s rebounds (12 against six for Barcelona). The entire Monaco squad is involved tonight. Daniel Theis (six points and three rebounds) and Jarron Blossomgame (six points and five rebounds) stand out slightly. The Roca Team dominates this first quarter significantly (26-14).
The Roca Team in an excellent position at halftime
AS Monaco Basket poses enormous problems for the Barcelona team. The Catalans committed seven turnovers in this quarter. A proof of the effectiveness of the Monegasque intensity. Despite this, the rebound duel balanced out during this second act. The Roca Team is now more imprecise but maintains the intensity of the first quarter. The Principality’s players slightly increase their lead as they head to the locker rooms (49-35).
Terry Tarpey delivers an exceptional first half. The Frenchman played only five minutes (the least game time on the Monaco side), but he impresses on the court. He scored seven points and made seven rebounds. Beyond this individual performance, the entire team has a single goal: qualification!
A challenging return from halftime for the Roca Team
After a perfect first half, the Roca Team is in trouble. The third quarter does not favor the Monegasques. They are experiencing a shooting crisis in front of the basket. Manuchar Markoishvili’s players show a low 22% success rate in shooting, including 0/5 from three-point range.
Though not spectacular, Barça gets back into the game and reduces the gap. The fear of a catastrophic scenario invades Gaston Médecin. Monaco lost six balls in these last ten minutes. A total that is too high. FC Barcelona is now only five points behind (58-53).
The Roca Team clinches the last ticket for the playoffs
The Roca Team does not panic! Despite the Catalan comeback, the Monegasques do not lose hope. They have their destiny in their hands. The players of the Rocher recover their shooting accuracy. Mike James, who announced his departure at the end of the season, enlivens Gaston Médecin. In the final moments, AS Monaco Basket makes the difference.
The Roca Team wins, 79 to 70, against FC Barcelona. Mike James’ teammates made a difference in the first half. Despite a small scare, it is indeed the Rocher men who qualify. The Monegasques secure the last ticket for the Euroleague playoffs.
Less than 24 hours of rest before the French Cup final
Rest will be very short for the Roca Team! The Monegasques are competing in the French Cup final tomorrow (April 25), at 6:30 PM against Le Mans. A final that will take place at the Accor Arena in Paris. In the Euroleague, the quarter-final against Olympiakos will begin on Tuesday, April 28, in Athens.
