Three games, three wins: EWE Baskets had been unbeaten so far this season, but Oldenburg could only keep up with the heavy favourites from Munich for a short while. FC Bayern, on the other hand, have made an impressive comeback following their latest defeat on the international stage.
FC Bayern Basketball remain unbeaten in the BBL, having comfortably defeated the EWE Baskets Oldenburg – who were themselves unbeaten with three wins from three games – 113–60 at their home ground, the BMW Park. The top scorers in a balanced team performance, in which every player scored, were Duane Washington (19 PTS, 7/11 FG), Oscar da Silva (17 PTS) and Johannes Thiemann (15 PTS). For the visitors, only Zach Ensminger (16 PTS) put in a convincing performance, whilst Jeremy Roach (13 PTS) at least managed a double-figure score.
Following their bitter 84–86 defeat to Partizan Belgrade two days ago, Bayern started the match with a strong defensive focus and repeatedly forced Oldenburg into difficult shots. Offensively, the ball also moved smoothly, led by international player Thiemann, meaning the score was already 14–3 after five minutes. The EWE Baskets, weakened by absences but with new signing and Serbian international Stefan Momirov making his debut, struggled, however, following their 26-point comeback in the 75–74 victory over Veolia Towers Hamburg in their last match.
40 Bayern points in the second quarter
However, Milenko Bogicevic’s side got into the game with a 15–0 run and suddenly found themselves in the lead. Following a three-pointer by Justinian Jessup from the corner, the score stood at 17–18 in Munich’s favour by the end of the first quarter. Bayern, for their part, struck back with an 8–0 run in one and a half minutes. Less than halfway through the second quarter, the hosts were already leading by 17 points again – Washington had already scored eleven points by that stage. Anton Gavel’s side didn’t let up: the half-time score was 57–31, with Munich scoring 40 points in the second quarter.
The EWE Baskets started the second half with six quick points. However, the Bavarian offensive machine continued to run smoothly, with Gavel rotating his squad freely – without any noticeable drop in performance. With around two minutes remaining in the third quarter, Munich took a lead of over 40 points for the first time (85–44).
Bayern face Bologna on Thursday
The final quarter began with the score at 89–49, and the match – long since decided – then petered out as it drew to a close. Da Silva reached the 100-point mark from the free-throw line, whilst his team extended their lead to as many as 53 points.
Munich’s next fixture is on Thursday (8.00 pm) with a EuroLeague home game against Virtus Bologna. Oldenburg, meanwhile, face newly promoted Phoenix Hagen again on Saturday (8.00 pm).
