FC Bayern’s basketball team have bounced back on the international stage following three consecutive defeats. At the start of their away trip to Istanbul, the runners-up showed a marked improvement in attack, but ultimately made things more tense than necessary.
Both teams got off to a flying start and demonstrated their accuracy, particularly from distance: Efes’ late signing Cameron Payne, brought in to replace the long-term injured Mike James, slammed three three-pointers past the Munich side in the opening minutes alone. But Andreas Obst (20 PTS, 4/7 three-pointers) also showed a hot hand and responded with two successful three-pointers of his own.
Following the first rotation, Duane Washington (21 PTS, 8/12) confirmed his excellent form of recent weeks and converted his first six shots in a row for a total of 14 points in the first half. A three-pointer a minute before the half-time break gave Munich their biggest lead of the game so far (40–52). However, as coach Anton Gavel’s team committed a number of unnecessary turnovers during the final possessions of the first half, Efes were able to cut the deficit to six points at one stage (46–52).
Jokubaitis seals the victory
However, the Turkish side struggled to create much from open play even after the break, partly due to Munich’s very alert defence. For the first time, Gavel’s plan seemed to be working: applying pressure to one side of the half-court at a time and thus forcing the opposition into difficult decisions. In the second half of the third quarter, however, errors began to creep back into Bayern’s game. They recorded a total of 16 turnovers by the end of the match (Efes committed as many as 20).
In the final quarter, Efes remained within striking distance. Former NBA player Saric (21 PTS, 6 REB) made it 72–77 at the start of the quarter. Obst had a crucial response from distance at just the right moment. But Efes found another chance for a comeback down the line after Payne and Jordan Loyd (10 PTS, 3 AST) brought the deficit back to five (85–90). It was Rokas Jokubaitis (9 PTS, 5 AST) – of all people – who sealed the deal, despite having had a difficult start to the season. Following a missed shot by Saric, the Lithuanian first scored with a lay-up – skilfully leaving his opponent in the lurch with a feint – and then with a three-pointer (85:95).
Following their three most recent EuroLeague defeats, Munich are thus celebrating an enormously important away victory in Istanbul, where their next test is already on the agenda in two days’ time. At the same venue, EuroLeague newcomers Besiktas will host Munich on Friday (7.00 pm). As early as Sunday, FCBB will be in action in Hamburg for the Cup round of 16.
In the table, the victory lifts Bayern out of the bottom third and into the middle of the table. For Efes, however, it is their fourth defeat in five games.
