More drama is not possible, much more unfortunate it can't get: The Bayern basketball team failed to secure the much-needed victory for the standings in the EuroLeague against the top team Fenerbahce Istanbul, ending with a score of 91:98 (39:38) after overtime against the Turkish champions. A missed three-pointer and a turnover just before the end of regular play prevented the well-deserved surprise and thus the third away victory for Munich.
Bayern had to do without Ibaka (wrist) only 45 hours after the Real Madrid home game. Francisco was the top scorer with 21 points. On Sunday (3:30 PM), FCBB will host the old rival Bamberg for the BBL derby at the sold-out BMW Park.
Fenerbahce - FC Bayern Basketball 98:91 (81:81, 38:39)
- FCBBSylvain Francisco (21 Points, 5 Assists), Devin Booker (16, 5 Rebounds), Andreas Obst (15), Vladimir Lucic (11, 6 Rebounds), Elias Harris (8, 4 Rebounds), Carsen Edwards (7), Isaac Bonga (4), Danko Brankovic (4), Nick Weiler-Babb (3), Leandro Bolmaro (2, 6 Assists, 3 Steals), Niels Giffey, Dino Radoncic
- Topscorer Fenerbahce:Scottie Wilbekin (30 points)
- RefereeJuan Carlos Garcia, Carlos Peruga, Eduard Udyanskyy
12:22 after seven minutes and five turnovers. Obst and Francisco dispelled the nervousness with their three-pointers - with a 12-0 run, they took the lead for the first time after the quarter break (24:22/12th minute). Decent shooting percentages and good rebounding allowed for an open game against the favorites, the defense played physically - and Edwards' buzzer-beating three-pointer put the guests ahead 39:38, temporarily cooling down the audience.
81:81, eight seconds to go
The usual noise in the Ulker Arena increased in the middle of the third quarter because Fenerbahce couldn't pull away - tied at 48:48 after Lucic's three-pointer (25th minute). Only top scorer Wilbekin (30 points) needed better control. With a Munich lead of 59:57, it went into the final ten minutes, but Istanbul's aggressiveness now threatened to have a decisive impact. What helped? Twice Obst from the outside, 67:66, six minutes to go.
The rest was not for the faint-hearted: Dorsey on the other side, Francisco's answer, then Obst again in Wilkekin's face, the lead had changed 25 times already: 76:75, 76:76, 78:76, 78:78, Booker's turnover, Wilbekin's three-pointer, nine seconds to go, three free throws by Francisco for 81:81, after eight and a half - overtime. However, in these five minutes, the away team noticeably lacked the strength.
Quotes:
Pablo Laso, Headcoach FC Bayern Basketball: "Congratulations to Fenerbahce on the win. It was probably more enjoyable to watch the game than the coaches think. There was a bit of a lack of physical and mental energy because we've had a crazy schedule since Christmas. We played defensively solid minutes. Offensively, we started poorly but then found our rhythm. In the end, they have very experienced players who made big shots. We didn't execute our plays as well towards the end. That's where a team like Fenerbahce makes the difference. We look forward; the next game is on Sunday. (...) We knew these weeks would be tough: Two away games in Italy, then Real, then Fenerbahce. I think we deserved a win."
Andreas Obst: "I think we had a bad start, weren't intense enough on defense, and not focused enough on offense. However, we managed to turn it around, fought back well, but such a start hurts – it shouldn't happen. Then, over long stretches, we played a good game, and in the end, Fenerbahce made some very strong shots, but we also made some small mistakes. We learned against Madrid that these mistakes are harshly punished, and that was the case today as well. It's about eliminating these details and playing smarter."