AS Monaco survived a turbulent second half of the season and punched its ticket to the EuroLeague playoffs with a 79-70 win over FC Barcelona in the final play-in game on Friday night at Salle Gaston Medecin. The victory sent Monaco into the postseason for a fifth straight year and set up a playoff series against Olympiacos Piraeus.
Monaco entered the game after losing seven of its previous eight, a slide that included off-court issues and the earlier departure of head coach Vassilis Spanoulis. But the hosts responded with their sixth consecutive home win and carried a 49-35 lead into halftime after an 11-0 burst in the first quarter.
Barcelona, packed with veteran talent, made it a game again after the break. Xavi Pascual’s team outscored Monaco 18-9 in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 56-49, but Monaco’s defense tightened from there and the offense found the answers late.
Mike James and Jaron Blossomgame delivered key baskets down the stretch, while Daniel Theis led Monaco with 16 points. Elie Okobo added 14 and James finished with 13 as Monaco shot 23-of-38 on two-point attempts and forced 13 Barcelona turnovers.
Barcelona never found enough offensive rhythm, shooting 7-for-28 from 3-point range and finishing with 70 points, one of only three times this season Monaco held an opponent below that mark. Will Clyburn led Barcelona with 16 points, while Toko Shengelia added 14 and Jan Vesely scored 12.
Now Monaco turns to Olympiacos, a familiar rival with plenty of history in the competition.
