So close: FC Bayern Basketball suffered an unfortunate 92-97 (37-51) defeat in their clash with rivals Efes Istanbul. With this win, the visitors (15-14) gained valuable ground on the EuroLeague surprise team (17-12). In front of 11,200 fans, Bayern’s injury-depleted squad struggled for a long time to contain Efes' star-studded backcourt but fought their way into the lead after halftime, scoring a total of 53 second-half points—only to be undone by poor shooting luck in the final minute.
Next week, Bayern continues their EuroLeague campaign at Baskonia Vitoria. Meanwhile, the BBL top-of-the-table clash is set for next Monday at 8 PM in the BMW Park (live on Dyn).
FC Bayern Basketball - Anadolu Efes Istanbul 92:97 (37:51)
FCBB:
Nick Weiler-Babb (18 Points, 6 Rebounds), Carsen Edwards (18, 7 Assists) Johannes Voigtmann (16, 7 Rebounds), Elias Harris (15), Andreas Obst (9), Shabazz Napier (8), Niels Giffey (5), Vladimir Lucic (3, 6 Rebounds), Danko Brankovic, Ivan Kharchenkov, Onuralp Bitim, Ivan Volf
Topscorer Anadolu Efes:
Shane Larkin (25 Points)
Referee
Ilija Belosevic, Carmelo Paternico, Marcin Kowalski
Attendance
11.200 (sold out)
Strong start, big deficit
Bayern got off to a promising start, leading 12-4 after five minutes. Efes relied on their talent rather than physicality early on. However, Beaubois was unstoppable, and three Bayern turnovers helped the visitors go on a 22-2 run, turning the game around at 14-26 (10’).
The first to respond was Weiler-Babb, who fearlessly knocked down shots as Bayern clawed back to 31-35, igniting a playoff-like atmosphere (15’). But Beaubois – with 21 of his 23 points before halftime – remained ice-cold and nearly flawless. Efes answered with another run (31-45, 18’), fueled by blocks and nine three-pointers (9/18).
Larkin has the last word
Game over? Not quite. Two quick threes and Harris’ and-one dunk sparked a Bayern comeback, closing the gap to 48-51 (23’). However, Efes’ individual brilliance once again broke Bayern’s momentum.
Bayern’s defense reached another level, rebounds stayed in Munich’s hands, and Napier remained cool at the line—giving Bayern a 62-60 lead (29’). Obst’s three-pointers extended the advantage to 78-73, but Efes struck back through Larkin’s drives (83-84, 36’).
Larkin’s clutch three-pointer for 93-90 and a costly Bayern turnover with 49 seconds remaining made the comeback too difficult. Too difficult.
Quotes:
Gordon Herbert, Head Coach FC Bayern Basketball: "Congratulations to Efes. We were too passive in the first half, not aggressive enough. We didn’t take them out of their comfort zone; we let them play. In the third quarter, we were much more aggressive on defense and never gave up after that first half. We were up by five, but in the end, it just wasn’t enough. Larkin made some big plays at the end with six points and the stop against Carsen. (…) Without Booker and da Silva, we struggled with their size and physicality, especially in the first half. But they are a very talented offensive team, and everyone saw that. This game could have put us in a pretty good position, but it is what it is. We move on."
Johannes Voigtmann: "The first half wasn’t good enough; we were too soft. Against a team like Anadolu, you can’t play that soft, and that’s why we paid the price today. In the first half, they hit way too many threes. We don’t give up and always have our moments. In the end, we were right there and had the chance to win, but we just didn’t make the open shots. But in the end, our defense wasn’t tough enough, and that’s why we wouldn’t have deserved the win."