FC Barcelona extended its EuroLeague playoff run by defeating AS Monaco 79-72 at Palau Blaugrana on Friday night, tying the best-of-five series at 2-2.
Jabari Parker led the hosts with 22 points, while Dario Brizuela added 17 in a high-stakes Game 4 that shifts momentum back to the Spanish side.
The Catalans stormed out to a 15-3 lead after a 12-0 run sparked by Parker’s early three-pointers and fast-paced scoring from Kevin Punter and Justin Anderson.
Despite an early struggle, Monaco trimmed the gap behind Jordan Loyd’s outside shooting and Matthew Strazel’s bench production, closing the first half with a 38-35 lead.
Mike James had 16 points for the visitors, who saw a double-digit early deficit erased with a 12-0 second-quarter run punctuated by Alpha Diallo’s transition bucket.
Barcelona regained control in the third quarter with balanced scoring from Parker, Brizuela, and Punter, tying the game at 58-58 heading into the final period.
Elie Okobo briefly put Monaco ahead early in the fourth, but Brizuela responded with a three-point play and Parker added another crucial triple to keep Barca ahead.
Diallo’s late surge, including a powerful dunk and a three-point play, brought Monaco within a single point, but Barcelona closed the game with timely execution.
Punter’s free throws with 14.9 seconds left gave the hosts a five-point cushion, and Joel Parra sealed the win from the line to force a deciding Game 5.
Barcelona dominated the free-throw line, converting 24-of-25 attempts (96%), while holding Monaco to 21.9% from beyond the arc.
Brizuela’s performance off the bench and Parker’s efficiency from deep (4-of-8 3PT) proved decisive as the Blaugrana overcame a 0-2 series deficit.
Monaco will host the series decider at Salle Gaston Médecin on Tuesday, with a Final Four berth on the line.
