Monaco gets off to an excellent start against Barcelona
Apr 23, 2025
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve
Terry Tarpey, X-factor for Monaco in EuroLeague playoff opener against Barça
EuroLeague - Coming off the bench, Terry Tarpey greatly contributed to Monaco's victory against Barcelona (97-80) in Game 1 of the EuroLeague playoff quarterfinals. Used at power forward by Vassilis Spanoulis, the French international shone with his energy and defensive impact.
Photo Credit : Miko Missana
For the first time in four EuroLeague playoff campaigns, Monaco won Game 1 of their quarterfinal. Against FC Barcelona this Wednesday, April 23, the Roca Team struck hard at home (97-80). While the trio Mike James – Elie Okobo – Daniel Theis did most of the scoring (63 out of 90 points), another name stood out in this game: Terry Tarpey (1.95 m, 31 years old). Called upon after Alpha Diallo’s foul trouble, the former Le Mans player perfectly seized his opportunity at the power forward position, in an unusual role that he executed brilliantly.
Defensive mission accomplished brilliantly
Entering the game at a key moment in the first half, Terry Tarpey embodied the defensive intensity desired by his coach. Playing at the 4 position, which he never practices in training, the French international finished with modest but impactful stats: 4 points (1/3), 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks in 17 minutes. Two of his blocks were particularly memorable, especially the one on Dario Brizuela, symbolizing Monaco’s tight defense.
Terry TARPEY
4
PTS
6
REB
0
AST
« He was ready, I put him at the 4. He knew all positions, even though he had never played 4 in practice. It’s very important to have this type of player. He gave us a lot of energy, » praised his coach Vassilis Spanoulis in the press conference.
A focused and redemption-seeking Tarpey
Injured at the wrong time last season, Terry Tarpey is finally enjoying the opportunity to fully participate in his first European spring battles. And he doesn’t plan to stop there.
« It’s really good. I do what I can on defense, and the rest is for the others, » he confided, lucidly. The New York native embodies the « glue guy » profile, ready to fill gaps, even if it means stepping out of his initial role.
Barcelona stifled, Monaco confident
After a shaky first quarter defensively (26 points allowed), Monaco gradually took control of Barça. « We controlled their offensive transition well, that’s really the key. Everything started with defense, » analyzed Tarpey, who also emphasized the Gaston-Médecin arena atmosphere: « The crowd support was huge. »
A victory that puts the Roca Team in a strong position before Game 2 this Friday, still at home. But beware of complacency: « It’s just one game. We need to do the same for the rest of the series, » concludes Tarpey.
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