The Bavarian basketball team had a masterful first appearance in front of a home crowd: Despite some personnel worries, head coach Andrea Trinchieri's team reached the final at the premiere of the "MagentaSport Cup". In front of a good 1,000 enthusiastic fans in the Audi Dome as the Italian champions Virtus Bologna were clearly defeated 90-66.
The final will be played against Red Star Belgrade on Sunday (18:00), with Virtus and Panathinaikos Athens playing for third place.
"That was a good step forward after we didn't look good in the last preseason game, hopefully it continues," Darrun Hilliard (15 points) said. "If our defense stands up, we have a lot of options on offense." National player Obst, who had 18 points as the top scorer, added with satisfaction, "We have a great rotation and everyone has a certain role."
Bayern - still without Othello Hunter, Nihad Djedovic, Leon Radosevic, Corey Walden, Joshua Obiesie and Paul Zipser - trailed 9-2 after just under three minutes. Two clean Lucic threes at made it 11-10 and another long-range bucket by youngster Jason George gave them their first lead (13-11/5th). Virtus (without Milos Teodosic) countered Munich with success on the insides but Bayern led after one, 25-21.
The second opened with two threes from Andreas Obst (two) and Ognjen Jaramaz and brought the first double-digit lead (34-21/22.). But Virtus around former NBA ace Marco Belinelli (17) turned up and got to within one 37-36. Bayern had some issues at the center position but at the break FCBB was ahead, 43-37.
After eight minutes in the third quarter, the robust FCBB team had pulled away again to 61-51 thanks a lot to Darrun Hilliard. In the end, the host conserved the lead despite intense resistance, after Obst drilled onther three (three on the night) - 82-61 (37th), the match was ended early.
"This was a good step forward after we didn't look good in the last preparation game, hopefully it continues like this"
Darrun Hilliard about the game against Virtus Bologna
FCBB gegen Virtus: Nick Weiler-Babb, Deshaun Thomas 11, Ognjen Jaramaz 9, Vladimir Lucic 14/5 Steals/5 Assists, Jason George 3, Andreas Obst 18/60% 3PTS, Mohamed Sillah, Augustine Rubit 2, Marvin Ogunsipe, Zan Mark Sisko 10/4 Steals/4 Assists, Darrun Hilliard 15, Gavin Schilling 8/8 Rebounds.
Red Star clearly defeats Panathinaikos 83:55
In the first game, Red Star Belgrade somewhat surprisingly won in a route against Panathinaikos Athens with a final score of 83-55. The duel was overshadowed by the serious injury in the 28th minute of Belgrade's forward Aaron White in an unsportsmanlike foul. The American had to be hospitalized with a laceration and suspected hand fracture.
At this point, the Adriatic champion had already taken a big lead at 56-43 with its scoring guards around additions Nikola Kalinic (13 points) and Nikola Ivanovic (12). The best scorer for Athens, with top scorer Nemanja Nedovic taking a break, was Keoenidas Kaselakis (13). Center Maik Zirbes, who is currently a training guest of coach Dejan Radonjic at Red Star, made a comeback at the Audi Dome. Both celebrated the championship in Munich in 2018, Zirbes was also part of the Cup victory.
Photos: Eirich & Stickel
