By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Barcelona didn’t want the season to end with Monaco getting a third straight win, and managed to stay alive.
The Catalans got the 100-89 win after losing the first two games of the series on the road.
The hosts had four players in double digits, with Willy Hernangomez leading the way with 19 points, missing just one shot, and grabbing 10 rebounds.
Jabari Parker scored 16, Dario Brizuela added 14 points, and Kevin Panter also had 14.
“We improved our energy and our rhythm and our defensive situations [in the second quarter], and I think we deserved to win the game,” Coach Penarroya said after the game. “It is a good result, but the most important thing for us tonight is to rest well and prepare for the next game. The playoffs are finished when a team reaches three wins.”
On the other side, Mika James had 20 points and 12 assists, Elie Okobo scored 19, Alpha Diallo added 16 points, and Jaron Blossomgame had 12.
A great second quarter
Monaco managed to close the first period up by three (27-24) thanks to a big shot by Matthew Strazel, after leading by six (24-18) a little earlier.
However, Barcelona dominated the second quarter, for a partial score of 27-12. The hosts led by 14 (41-27) and took a 51-39 halftime advantage.
Monaco tried to mount a comeback in the third period with James scoring already 20 points and dishing 10 assists, however, Barcelona entered the last quarter up by eight (74-66).
Monaco continued the push, but with six minutes left, Hernangomez made the score 83-73, keeping the distance.
With Daniel Theis making two free throws, Monaco trimmed the lead to five (85-80) one minute later, but still they couldn’t get closer than that.
Photo credit: EuroLeague