Euroleague (J38): Monaco finishes 8th, will face Panathinaikos and will have two chances to qualify

Large winner (105-85) on Friday during the 38th and final day of the Euroleague of a team from Hapoel Tel Aviv already qualified for the quarterfinals, Monaco finishes 8th in the standings and will have two chances of qualification, starting from Tuesday in a play-in against Panathinaikos. Paris, already eliminated, however ended the season with a new defeat on the court of Zalgiris Kaunas (85-79).

Monaco, two chances instead of one. Finalist of the last edition, the Monegasque club knew before even receiving Hapoel Tel Aviv on its court at the Gaston-Médecin arena, this Friday during the 38th and final day of the Euroleague, that this time it would have to go through the play-ins to have the chance to continue the competition, to defend its chances again in the quarterfinals, and maybe do better than in the last season, by putting its name on the competition’s record for the first time.

The “Roca Team” is still far from it. Firstly, the outgoing European runner-up will have to reach the quarterfinals. For that, the current leader of Betclic Elite will have two chances.

Friday night, Monaco, beaten in the first leg by Hapoel last October, took revenge by winning very convincingly (105-85) – 22nd victory this season for the players of the Principality – against the Israelis who were 6th in the standings and assured of playing in the quarters even before this final outing.

A very important success as it allows Jarom Blossomgame, author of a monumental match (30 points), Mike James, also excellent (20 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds) and the “Roca Boys” reduced to eight elements on Friday and who chained a third success to finish this regular season in 8th place (Panathinaikos, finishing 7th, then won against Anadolu Efes) and therefore offer themselves two possibilities to reach the next round.

Paris, a final defeat, like a symbol…

Next Tuesday, if Monaco were to burn a first match by not beating Panathinaikos in the play-in between the 7th and 8th, they would still have a second chance two days later. However, provided they do not lose again, against the winner of the play-off between the 9th (Barcelona) and the 10th (Red Star Belgrade). The mission will be anything but simple for the Monegasques, who nevertheless avoid this dreaded do-or-die match.

Paris, on the other hand, is on vacation. Like a symbol of this very disappointing season for the quarterfinalists of the last edition (for their debut in the competition), the Parisians, despite a very good Justin Robinson (17 points, 8 assists), ended the season with another defeat (the 23rd of the season) – 85-79 – on the court of Zalgiris Kaunas (5th and also qualified for the quarters before this final match) of Sylvain Francisco (21 points, 5 assists, 2 rebounds) and former… Parisian Maodo Lo (also 21 points).

A season to quickly forget for the men from the capital. Just like this last evening.