The whistles make Barça, with their thousand lives, sick.

BarcelonaA bitter night at the Palau Blaugrana. The Barça of a thousand lives couldn't mount a comeback against an AS Monaco side with far more firepower, who knew how to capitalize on their large early lead (74-90). Indignant with the referees who drove him crazy, Xavi Pascual was ejected with fifteen minutes remaining, and the 7,212 spectators, the second-highest attendance of the season, erupted in fury.

Darío Brizuela (25 points) was the top scorer for a Barça team overwhelmed by a very solid opposing defense. Struggling with his shooting, Kevin Punter took 25 minutes to score the first of his only two baskets of the game. Jan Vesely reappeared, but only played six minutes and ten seconds.

Barça didn't start the game well. The Blaugrana missed 10 of their first 12 shots and accumulated an eleven-point deficit against a highly offensive opponent (6-17). The visitors' lead reached 21 points in a second quarter where the Catalan team struggled (26-47). Without assists or outside shooting, the home team's game became too vulnerable. The scoreboard reflected the Catalans' scoring problems, as they only managed 30 points in 20 minutes (30-47).

Pascual tried to include Youssoupha Fall in the rotation. After a non-existent foul called by Sasa Pukl, the coach from Gavà forced his ejection with two consecutive technical fouls with 15 minutes still to play (42-57). Minutes later, Iñigo Zorzano, his assistant, was also given a technical foul. Some of the Barcelona fans reacted with insults directed at the EuroLeague.

Barça sought a comeback with moments of brilliance, but lacked the consistency needed to surprise a very solid Monaco side. The Blaugrana reduced the deficit and added excitement in the final stretch.

Defeats for Manresa and Peña

Baxi Manresa suffered a Eurocup defeat against Hapoel Midtown Jerusalem (105-69). Joventut, meanwhile, lost their Liga Endesa match against Unicaja (105-83).