Monaco is no longer undefeated: the Roca Team was punished on the Barça floor after a second period that was completely irrelevant (86-71).
The Barça had a feverish start to the match before playing against the Roca Team at the Palau Blaugrana. Undefeated after two matches played at home, the Rocher club yo-yoed until the break before sinking in the second period.
Punter twice, the first with the board, Jabari Parker et Nico Laprovittola quickly adjusted their sights behind the line to offer a +10 advantage to FCB (26-16). A hammer blow for Monaco after signing a partial 7-0 (7-2) at the start of the match.
Despite everything, ASM came back, with a thunderous 14-4 (30-30). But didn’t come back. Jan Vesely (32-30) then Dario Brizuela (35-32) always came back from the gap, before regaining a little lead with a 6-0 to reach half-time (47-39).
Mike James (limited to 11 points) started the third quarter by obtaining 3 free throws, all successful (47-42), then Mam Jaiteh added two points to return to -3 (47-45). Then Punter came back on fire: 6 consecutive points (55-44). The Roca Team returned to -7 (55-48)… before Barça picked up the pace (64-48). With a shot from Vezely 5 seconds from the buzzer, the Catalans increased their lead to 17 units (71-54).
This first away match of the Euroleague season turned into a demonstration. Brizuela started the last quarter with a triple (74-54). After two free throwsElie Okobo (best Monegasque of the evening with 13 points, 7 assists, 1 rebound, 1 lost ball and 18 rating), there was still hope with -11 (76-65, 5’03 from the end). Vain hope when Punter, again, sent a warhead into the basket (81-65). The defector from Partisan will finish his match with 20 evaluation (21 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 interceptions, 1 lost ball).
Also very lively, Parker took advantage of the opposing defensive generosity to score a triple in the corner and finish the match with 16 points. Tomas Satoransky had the last ball of the match to put Monaco at 20 points at the buzzer but Jordan Lloyd stole the ball and mitigate the red and white rout (86-71).
In the standings, Barça returns to ASM with 2 victories for 1 defeat. After 3 days, only theRed Star Belgrade remains undefeated.
