The FC Bayern basketball team showed a reaction in the EuroLeague after their embarrassing defeat against Zalgiris Kaunas. Against Milan and former Munich player Devin Booker, they once again failed to shine offensively, but were able to make their mark defensively.
After a disappointing first half with only 28 points and eleven rebounds under their own board, Bayern showed improvement after the break. Milan struggled significantly more in the half court and ultimately lost touch. FCBB captain Vladimir Lucic became the match winner with 13 points.
Munich had had a difficult few days. They had suffered a heavy defeat against Zalgiris Kaunas just four days earlier, and on Sunday Stefan Jovic, their next point guard, was injured. Bayern’s reaction was therefore eagerly awaited. There was to be no offensive fireworks against Emporio Milan either. Nevertheless, the ball moved much better through their own ranks this time than in the days before. But they couldn’t quite reward themselves. The good news, however, was that the same was true for the visitors from Italy. Seconds before the end of the first half, Niels Giffey (8, 4/7) put Munich four points ahead (16:12) with a mid-range shot.
Improved performance after the break
The visitors got off to a better start in the second quarter. Mannion first tied the score, then the strong Brooks put his team in front (16:19). Bayern continued to struggle offensively, but was able to rely on returnee Wenyen Gabriel several times defensively. The center, who was making his comeback after a short injury, dueled several times under the board with former Munich player Devin Booker (11 points, 12 rebounds) during this phase. However, the latter made clever use of his physical advantage. Shortly before the break, the 34-year-old increased Milan’s lead to +4. The teams ultimately went into the locker rooms with a +5 lead.
After the break, it initially looked as if Bayern would continue to pose little offensive threat. However, a three-pointer by Andi Obst (14 points, 3/10) after three minutes was to mark the turning point. A quick 7-0 run initially brought the score level (35-35). Kamar Baldwin even regained the lead shortly afterwards. Nothing seemed to be working for Milan anymore. The Italians ended the third quarter with only seven points. In the final quarter, the game went back and forth, with Bayern managing to defend their narrow lead.
Munich will be back in action on Thursday when they visit EuroLeague title holders Fenerbahce Istanbul. However, the Turks are in a huge crisis. They have won only one of their first four games in the top flight, most recently suffering a heavy defeat against Dubai.