The Roca Team were unable to pull off the upset away to Panathinaikos BC on Tuesday, April 21, going down 79–87 in their play-in clash and missing a first chance to secure a play-off spot. Reduced to eight available players, the visitors started brightly but were gradually overpowered, with T. J. Shorts leading the Greek side’s charge.
Monaco opened with defensive intensity and early control, as Mike James set the tone offensively. But the introduction of Shorts shifted the rhythm. The former Paris guard quickly found his groove, sparking an 8–0 run that swung momentum firmly towards the hosts. Monaco’s early sharpness faded, and missed long-range attempts—six in a row at one stage—combined with growing foul trouble began to take their toll.
Panathinaikos seized control before the end of the first quarter and never fully let go. Their physical dominance became increasingly evident in the second period, where repeated offensive rebounds and efficient finishing stretched the gap into double digits. Monaco struggled to match that intensity, and despite isolated moments of quality, they trailed by 15 at the break.
The pattern continued after half-time. Monaco attempted to respond through Alpha Diallo and Jaron Blossomgame, but every push was met with a composed reply from the home side. Shorts remained the central figure, consistently punishing defensive lapses and controlling the tempo. Key contributions from Kostas Sloukas and Mathias Lessort ensured the gap stayed comfortable.
Monaco did manage to reduce the deficit in the final quarter, tightening defensively and showing more urgency on the boards. A late surge brought them within eight points, raising brief hopes of a turnaround. However, Panathinaikos responded immediately, with Shorts capping a standout display to restore a double-digit cushion and effectively seal the result.
The Greek side now move on to face Valencia in the play-offs, while Monaco are left with no margin for error. They will have one final opportunity to keep their European campaign alive on Friday, when FC Barcelona Bàsquet visit the Salle Gaston Médecin.