FC Bayern Munich advances to the BBL playoff final thanks to a 94-82 victory in Game 4 in Heidelberg. The defending champions from Munich got off to a slow start but gradually fought their way back and were more dominant in overtime than the surprise team of the season from Heidelberg.
MLP Academics Heidelberg started the decisive playoff game with plenty of energy. DJ Horne (17 points) was the dominant player in the first quarter, scoring 11 points as the hosts took a strong 28-14 lead. A 10-0 run at the start put Bayern under considerable pressure, with the visitors struggling in both attack and defense. The Munich team couldn’t hit their three-pointers or make an impact defensively, while Heidelberg impressed in all areas of the game with Michael Weathers (16 points, 6 rebounds) once again in strong form.
But the defending champions reacted and showed a significant improvement in the second quarter. The intensity was now much higher, especially in defense. Munich took advantage of the home team’s mistakes and got back into the game. In the end, they won the quarter 22-13 and reduced the deficit to five points. At halftime, Heidelberg led 41-36, but Bayern was back in the game.
Pure excitement – Heidelberg maintains its lead
The third quarter began fiercely contested. Munich continued to press, but Heidelberg refused to be shaken off. A spectacular buzzer beater by DJ Horne, who scored a three-pointer over Nick Weiler-Babb, brought the arena to a boil. But Bayern also had its highlights: A monster block by Devin Booker followed and Ryan Mikesell (10, 12 rebounds) added another strong three-pointer. The quarter ended with a narrow 62-58 lead for Heidelberg.