Barça collapses in Monaco

BarcelonaBarça suffered a very painful defeat on the court of Monaco (92-79). The Blaugrana team, who were clearly outclassed by a rival as good as Marroller, are one defeat away from elimination (2-0) and will have to win three games in a row if they do not want to see the final four Through television. The home team knew how to toughen up a tense match.

Mam Jaiteh, who looked like the reincarnation of Hakeem Olajuwon, and Alpha Diallo accentuated the defensive shortcomings of a soulless Barça that gradually faded away as the minutes passed.

Alpha Diallo scored 15 points in just 9 minutes. AS Monaco capitalized on his efficiency to build a 10-point lead (29-19). The home team took advantage of the referee's permissiveness to stiffen their defense and prevent the Catalan side from speeding up their game. Jordan Loyd drove Jabari Parker crazy. Jaron Blossomgame also contributed to the visitors' tension, who went into the break with a nine-point deficit (49-40).

Jan Vesely, with back discomfort, was unable to play the second half. The home team's deficit grew to 14 points (60-46). When Barça tried to raise the physical level of the game, their players were loaded with personal fouls. In defense, the Blaugrana team was too soft. Their problems limiting direct blocking situations became a burden. In offense, they relied on the individual talent of players like Parker.

The match was halted due to a scuffle with 13:16 left. The home side provoked the opposition. The visitors spurred the attack. Justin Anderson, Kevin Punter, Jaron Blossomgame, and Alpha Diallo were all penalized in a virtuoso decision that satisfied no one. When the match went downhill, Monaco felt more comfortable (74-57). Mam Jaiteh exposed Barça's inside players (80-64).

Outmatched both mentally and basketball-wise, Barça lost all hope of victory at the start of the final quarter (86-67). The Blaugrana team piled up errors and never gave the impression of being able to recover. The final stretch was a penance for a Catalan team that will be looking for a miracle at the Palau Blaugrana next week.

Without Josep Cubells

Josep Cubells, the director in charge of Barça's basketball team, did not attend the match, as he traveled to Seville to attend the Copa del Rey final. Ricky Rubio and Cory Higgins, on the other hand, did travel to the Salle Gaston Médecin, where they cheered on their former team.