EuroLeague: AS Monaco Eliminates Barcelona, Secures Playoffs Matchup vs. Olympiacos (79-70)

MONACO. AS Monaco defeated FC Barcelona 79-70 in the EuroLeague Play-In and secured their spot in the quarterfinals, where they will face Olympiacos. The Principality side dominated from start to finish, led by Daniel Theis (16 points), Elie Okobo (14), and a decisive Mike James, who recorded 13 points and 10 assists.

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The game started with AS Monaco playing solid basketball on both ends of the floor. The home team set the pace from the opening tip, controlling the boards and punishing every Barcelona mistake. Their offensive flow generated constant advantages, while Mike James orchestrated with precision to build a lead on the scoreboard.

FC Barcelona tried to stay competitive thanks to Jan Vesely's interior work and Will Clyburn's scoring, but the Monaco squad maintained control throughout. With few defensive lapses, Monaco kept extending their lead, reaching their largest margin at the start of the third quarter at 53-35, a +18 advantage that appeared decisive.

However, Barcelona responded in the middle stretch of the second half. Drawing on experience and competitive pride, the Blaugrana cut the deficit to five points. Tornike Shengelia took on offensive responsibility with 14 points, and Dario Brizuela contributed 10 to add tension to the finish. They even had a possession to get within one possession, but poor shooting halted the comeback.

At the crucial moment, local talent emerged again. Mike James orchestrated the offense once more, Okobo punished from beyond the arc, and Daniel Theis closed out important plays near the basket to secure the AS Monaco victory. Jaron Blossomgame's work was also key, recording 11 points and 10 rebounds.

With this win, AS Monaco completes the EuroLeague playoff bracket and arrives in strong form for their series against Olympiacos. FC Barcelona, meanwhile, is eliminated after failing to complete their comeback in a game where they trailed throughout.

The series between AS Monaco and Olympiacos will begin next week in Athens, with the first two games on Greek home court.