Bayern still unable to break the deadlock in Lyon

German champions and BBL leaders continue to struggle in Europe’s elite competition: For the sixth consecutive EuroLeague away game, Bayern Basketball suffered another avoidable and painful defeat, this time a 74:76 (38:42) loss at bottom side Lyon-Villeurbanne. In front of 8,400 spectators, Bayern led 70:63 but, plagued by turnovers (16), failed once again to close out the contest against the French hosts.

Boxscore

Two quick fouls saw Voigtmann head to the bench early. Bayern looked vulnerable in the paint but made three of their first five three-pointers – Gabriel, who hit the first, also threw down a dunk for the 20:13 (9th minute) lead.

Eleven turnovers before halftime

A series of Munich turnovers allowed Asvel to get out in transition and put FCBB behind 24:26. Bayern managed just two points in the first five minutes of the second quarter (16:27), a clear sign that their offense had lost its rhythm. A da Silva and-one made it 36:31, but the eleventh turnover of the half followed soon after – leaving plenty of room for improvement after the break.

Lucic heads to the locker room

Both teams, searching for confidence, looked to the perimeter for answers. Dinwiddie’s three made it 51:46 for Munich, but Heurtel responded immediately (25th minute). Then Obst’s missed shot, followed by four quick points for a 60:51 lead (27th minute) – was this the emotional breakthrough?

It seemed so: Even without Lucic, who took a blow to his left eye, Bayern’s defense stepped up – winning the quarter 24:9. But closing out the game was clearly a mental challenge, given their recent struggles.

65:54 – the biggest lead (33rd minute)

So, 65:54, but two turnovers and Lyon answered with five points (33rd minute). Jovic made it 70:63, but Lyon cut the deficit against Bayern’s shaky guard defense to 74:73 with two minutes left. With 33 seconds remaining, Voigtmann was clearly fouled after a rebound – but Asvel was awarded possession and scored, making it 76:74. Bayern’s final plays, including layups, failed to deliver the sixth win of the season.

Quotes: 

Gordon Herbert, Head Coach FC Bayern Basketball: “We had a really good third quarter and a terrible fourth. Once again, we committed too many turnovers, just like in the second quarter. Our offense destroyed our defense. (…) Lyon defended well in the last two minutes and hit some big shots. We were unlucky at the end, missed layups, and they grabbed a crucial rebound.”

Oscar da Silva: “We just couldn’t execute in the final quarter, especially on offense. We turned the ball over and couldn’t score. I think defensively we didn’t play a bad game, but offensively we struggled in the last quarter, which allowed them to come back and gain some confidence. Then the ball bounced their way twice, and you end up losing by one or two points again. All we can do now is look ahead and keep going. We have to find a way to fix our mistakes, because there have simply been too many in recent weeks.”