FC Bayern Munich has taken another step toward defending its title. In Game 3 of the Basketball Bundesliga semifinals, the Munich team defeated MLP Academics Heidelberg 98-68 and now leads the series 2-1.
In the end, it was very clear. With just under two minutes to go in the third quarter, the visitors were trailing by three points (57-54), but Bayern then went on a 23-2 run to seal the game. Heidelberg was visibly tired with its short rotation and couldn’t get a handle on the rebounds.
Andreas Obst (15 points, 4/14 three-pointers), who had struggled for a long time, started the run with two three-pointers in a row, while Devin Booker and Nick Weiler-Babb (8 points, 8 assists) were also successful from distance. Heidelberg had nothing left to offer and ultimately surrendered to its fate. The visitors had put up a fight in the first half, and even a double-digit deficit did not demoralize Coach Danny Jansson’s team.
Heidelberg runs out of steam
Once again, Heidelberg only fielded eight players before garbage time, and once again it was the trio of D.J. Horne (16), Ryan Mikesell (13) and Michael Weathers (16) who carried the offensive load. Things were different for Bayern. Shabazz Napier (18, 5/8) played an outstanding first half, and after the break, Obst, Justus Hollatz (10, 5 assists) and Devin Booker (10) also distinguished themselves.
There is now every indication that Bayern will reach the final again. In Game 4 on Tuesday, Munich can seal their place in the next round.
