Away victories in the EuroLeague remain a real challenge: The Bayern basketball team lost their second game in Italy this week as well, this time 62:76 (27:34) in Milan. The Munich team couldn't reach the convincing level they displayed in the duel against the second-placed Bologna (83:85) and dropped to 8:11 in the rankings.
Olimpia drew level and also secured the direct comparison. There was still hope until 50:50 after 31 minutes to snatch the momentum from the Milanese - but the game completely shifted in the opposite direction, while the guest's three-point percentage landed at 22 percent.
Armani Milan - FC Bayern Basketball 76:62 (34:27)
FCBB
Serge Ibaka (16 Points), Carsen Edwards (10), Leandro Bolmaro (9), Vladimir Lucic (7), Sylvain Francisco (6), Isaac Bonga (4), Andreas Obst (3), Devin Booker (3), Nick Weiler-Babb (2), Danko Brankovic (2), Niels Giffey
Topscorer Milan
Devon Hall (19 Points)
Referee
Emin Mogulkoc, Tomislav Hordov, Carlos Cortes.
Attendance
10573
Already on Sunday in Rostock
The FCBB now faces the obligation to bounce back on Sunday (3:30 PM) against the strong Rostock team in the BBL.
Just 48 hours after Bologna, the Munich team appeared disorganized and fatigued; there was too much unrest in the offense, except for the focused force of Ibaka (16 points). At 22:32 (16th minute), they were double-digits behind, and the narrow halftime score was still the best they could manage at the break.
50:50 - and then 0:11
However, every time Bayern approached, Milan's VIPs like Melli or Hall would shoot a three-pointer from outside. Italy's champion did not shine, there was a long stretch where nothing was out of reach, especially not at 43:45 (29th minute). Even the 47:47 was achieved before the final pause; the old strength of rebounding came to the fore in this phase.
However, after Edwards had again equalized to 50:50 with a three-pointer, they conceded a 0:11 - it was over, as on this evening, there was a lack of energy and intensity in too many sequences for another comeback.
The Voices
Pablo Laso, Head Coach FC Bayern Munich: "Milan deserved the victory from the beginning. It was tough for us to get into the game; we only had ten to 15 good minutes. Against a team like Milan, you need 40 minutes. I am not very happy with our performance. Yes, we played 48 hours ago, and we lacked the energy. But mentally, we need to be much more prepared against a team like Olimpia. The turnover in the first play was the beginning of losing control. (...) That's it; we have another game over the weekend and then another double week. (...) Respect for Milan, how they played in the past weeks despite injuries. It was a tough evening for us."