Bayern beat champions Fenerbahçe

Another magical night at the SAP Garden: In their final EuroLeague home game of the season, Bayern pulled off a genuine coup with an 85:76 (43:30) win over Turkish champions Fenerbahçe Istanbul. In front of 11.500 spectators, including around 2.000 away fans, the German champions delivered a thrilling first half and, with superb team resolve in the final quarter, repelled the titleholders and league leaders’ energetic takeover attempt. The dagger came in the closing minute from Jessup (16) with his fifth three-pointer, while Dimitrijevic poured in 22 points in Bayern’s 15th victory of the season.

22 points from Dimitrijevic

Bayern were without captain Lucic, who sat out with minor leg issues and is expected back next game. Mike returned to the starting five in his place, and his three sparked an 8:2 start. Munich dominated the boards and hunted early threes - twice from Obst - to make it 25:10 (9).

After the first quarter break, Fenerbahçe settled, and through the rotation Bayern lost a bit of defensive physicality. They weathered the spell, though, and Jessup pushed it to 33:16 from the corner. The offense dazzled - Jessup’s next triple made it a stunning 41:20 (17) - and even Ben buried one from halfcourt during a timeout. But before the interval, the visitors made it clear this game was far from over.

Fener cut it to three

The favorites quickly clawed back to 41:48, ramping up the physicality - and after steady minutes, Biberovic hit three from deep to make it just 65:60 (29).

One quarter to go, and Bayern kept their composure through Dimitrijevic despite a few turnovers. Both centers were on four fouls; McCormack picked up an eyebrow-raising fifth, but it was still 74:63 heading into the final five minutes. Bayern wobbled - until Jessup buried a triple for 79:70 (1:59). He then delivered the decisive blow at 76:73 as well, a signature JJ from the corner with 24 seconds on the clock. That sealed it.

Quotes:

Svetislav Pesic, head coach, FC Bayern Basketball: “It may not have been our best game of the season, but we led the whole way, and that’s not easy against such a well-organized, aggressive defensive team like Fener. They certainly didn’t play like they usually do in the first quarter, but once we showed a good rhythm, they started defending. I’m happy because we never lost our game plan: first, to allow as few fast breaks as possible for easy points. I think we showed a good game and deserved to win; only 76 points, even though they pretty much had everyone available. We played excellent defense on Baldwin and Horton. This game should be especially useful for the Bundesliga. (…) We talked before the game about it being the last EuroLeague home game of the season. The players really wanted to give everything once more for the fans, to sacrifice and take that last step. (…) Our inside players really gave everything on defense. You can’t beat a team like Fener if you don’t give it your all.”

Justinian Jessup: “It was a very good game. They’re the best team in the EuroLeague, so it was great to beat them here and protect our home. We’ve done that well all year — a great win. (…) Andi got us going with his 11 points. We also had a strong defensive quarter, a good team performance. (…) I think for my development as a player and person, this is a good place. We want to become German champions and be better in the EuroLeague next year when everyone’s healthy. (…) Coach Pesic has a lot of experience; it’s good for me that he pushes me every day. He’s intense, and that’s made me better.”

Oscar Da Silva: “We wanted to attack the last home game with full gusto. We knew one of Europe’s best teams and a great atmosphere awaited us - these are the games you play basketball for. (…) Our plan was mainly to run against them, and when we got stops, we managed to turn those into easy points. (…) We want to give the coach and ourselves a title. It wasn’t talked about a lot, but the signs were there. We hope we can send him into retirement with a championship.”

Neno Dimitrijevic: “We were very happy about the win, showed the fans another big fight against the reigning champions, and showed them what we can do. We have three games left - hopefully we can keep this energy. (…) There are no easy games in the EuroLeague. They’re a big team, well coached. We believed in ourselves, hit important shots, and got the win in the end.”