The Roca Team’s EuroLeague dreams are hanging by a thread after a 79-72 defeat to FC Barcelona on Friday, May 2. The loss in Catalonia levels the quarterfinal series at 2-2 and forces a decisive fifth game in Monaco on Tuesday, May 6. A spot in the Final Four in Abu Dhabi (May 23–25) is still within reach, but the Roca Team will need a far sharper showing on home court to get there.
Monaco came into the match with a 2-0 cushion in the best-of-five series, but for the second game running, they were overwhelmed from the tip-off. A dismal start saw them trail 15-3 within five minutes and 21-6 by the eighth, echoing their flat-footed opening in Game 3.
To their credit, the Monegasques clawed their way back into the contest. Boosted by the unexpected but energetic contributions of Matthew Strazel and Vitto Brown—rarely seen all season—Monaco found a rhythm. They edged ahead 38-35 by half-time and even opened up a 52-46 lead midway through the third quarter, with Alpha Diallo and Mike James once again leading the charge.
But the momentum didn’t hold. Sloppy ball handling (19 turnovers in total) and poor decision-making down the stretch allowed Barcelona to seize control. Jabari Parker punished the visitors at the line, finishing with 22 points, while Monaco’s offence sputtered in the fourth quarter.
Coach Vassilis Spanoulis offered a pointed comment after the match: “We fought well, but in the second period it wasn’t the same criteria,” hinting at displeasure with the officiating.
Statistically, the usual suspects showed up—James (16 pts), Diallo (13 pts), and Strazel (10 pts)—but they were largely left to battle alone. Daniel Theis and Mam Jaiteh were outmuscled in the paint, and the backcourt duo of Elie Okobo and Jordan Loyd had nights to forget, combining for just 13 points and six turnovers with woeful accuracy from deep.
With a Final Four place on the line and little margin for error, Monaco will need to rediscover their edge—fast. One more chance awaits at home. Fail there, and the dream ends.
