This is what the protagonists had to say after the Round 28 showdown between FC Barcelona and AS Monaco.
Post-game quotes: Barcelona vs. Monaco
FC Barcelona head coach Sarunas Jasikevicius:
"We relaxed when we went up 12-13. We cannot let these guys get going. They are incredibly talented offensive players and some of them, like Bacon, like Mike [James], they change the game by themselves sometimes. I am glad we gathered ourselves and pulled it out. But let's not forget, this team has won eight of its last 10 games, so they are on a roll, playing very good basketball. They are very, very talented. The next game is our mentality. We will play 15-16 games in the next month, the schedule is like this. We just have to move on to the next one and try to survive... I wanted to say thanks to our fans and wanted to congratulate them and our players on a great win."
AS Monaco head coach Sasa Obradovic:
"We fought, and this is what is most important for me. In the end, we maybe paid the price of our lack of experience, because in the end, we made so many mistakes. Against someone like Barcelona at home, it is very hard to catch them, even be in a closer situation to win.
"Congrats to Barcelona, they deserved to win. We had our chance - maybe some lack of experience in the end. We maybe made terrible decisions that cost us the win. In the end, we played very good. I think we deserved the chance and had one, but so many small mistakes or, like I said, our lack of experience decided the winner. We have to believe, you have to play until the end. This is how we behave. Actually, we have a lot of talent in the team. For us, it is pretty easy and fast to get in a situation to turn the game in our direction."
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FC Barcelona guard Nick Calathes:
"We knew coming into the game they have been very hot. Like Coach said, they won eight of their last 10 and with the new coach, they are very motivated. They have a lot of talented players that can change the game. Obviously, Mike [James] is one of the best players in the EuroLeague. It is always difficult to go against him. We grinded it out and it is a good win at home. I have been very blessed to have the coaches I have had and the teammates that I have had, so it goes to them, also, for making the game easy for me on the court. Obviously, it is a great honor and I am happy."
FC Barcelona guard Dante Exum:
"We knew it was going to be a tough match even when we got up a little early. But they fought back and I am glad we were able to get the win. I am glad I decided to stay here. They have been lovely to me, so I would love to stay here and win some more of these games like this."