Monaco took a 1-0 lead in the EuroLeague quarterfinals with a dominant 97-80 home win over Barcelona.
The hosts were without Juharin Begarin, while Chimezie Metu, Nicolas Laprovittola, Juan Nunez, and Dame Sarr were sidelined for the visitors.
Kevin Punter opened the game on fire with three early threes, supported by Justin Anderson and Jabari Parker, giving Barcelona a 16-11 lead. The first quarter ended 25-21 for the visitors. But Monaco responded with a huge 20-2 run in the second quarter, capitalizing on Punter’s rest to grab control.
Defense leads to offense! 🔥@ASMonaco_Basket on the fastbreak, wait for the reaction! 👏 pic.twitter.com/DI13UB0jPS
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) April 23, 2025
Playoff Mike is here y’all 👀😤@MrNatural_05 @ASMonaco_Basket pic.twitter.com/KjK6OKdBWg
— Turkish Airlines EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) April 23, 2025
Daniel Theis and Elie Okobo led the charge, while Terry Tarpey anchored the defense. Youssoupha Fall helped Barcelona stay close with 9 points and 9 rebounds by halftime (44-42).
In the third, Theis hit from deep to spark Monaco’s long-range barrage. Tarpey continued to shine defensively, and Mike James took over late in the quarter, pushing Monaco to a 76-59 lead.
Frustration boiled over for Barcelona as Tomas Satoransky elbowed Matthew Strazel, leading to his ejection. James received an unsportsmanlike foul for his reaction. Punter also picked up a technical in the fourth quarter, but by then the game was out of reach.
Theis and James led Monaco with 22 points each. Punter scored 16 for Barcelona, mostly early and late when the outcome was already decided.
Game 2 is set for Friday at 19:00 in Monaco.
Playoffs got that tension at 100! 😮💨
— SKWEEK (@skweektv) April 23, 2025
Satoransky’s foul was too much, and MJ came flying in to stand up for his teammate. Benches buzzed, refs reacted, and Sato was sent packing! ❌ pic.twitter.com/ccxOQChNzO
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