it was not AS Monaco’s evening, defenseless against Barça

Bad times for Monaco. Leaders in the Euroleague standings before the 20th day, tied with Olympiakos, the Monegasques took the heat against Barcelona (84-98) this Friday, at Gaston-Médecin. Trailing throughout the first period, they took the lead in the third quarter, notably under the leadership of Matthew Strazel (15 pts) in good form.

Alas, it would have taken more to overcome this Barcelona team, which regained an 18-length lead in the fourth quarter (65-83). Irresistible Barça, driven by an insolent skill (52% at 3 pts) and with five players at 10 points or more, including the incandescent Dario Brizuela (27 pts), but also Kevin Punter (14), Chimezie Metu (13), Jabari Parker (12) and Alex Abrines (11).

“Unacceptable” for Spanoulis

Wassilis Spanoulis? Not happy, but then not at all… “We didn’t defend. There are bad habits with this defense… Without defense, we won’t go anywhere. 98 points conceded with us, we give them confidence and afterwards, they have the talent, they can achieve anything. What do you want me to say. This is unacceptable», rails the Greek technician from AS Monaco, on Succeed. The walls of Gaston-Médecin’s locker room must have shook…

Note that Mike James took his team on his shoulders at the end of the game. Enough to bring the Roca Team to -7 (78-85), with just under five minutes to play. Never closer… 23 points and 8 assists for the American star of AS Monaco, who has a record of 13 wins and 7 losses and who could therefore be overtaken by Olympiakos (13 wins, 6 losses), who will face Bayern, in Greece, Friday. Finally, let us point out that Asvel will travel to Anadolu Efes on Friday (6:30 p.m.), in Turkey, while Paris will challenge Red Star, in Belgrade (8 p.m.).