Away victories in the EuroLeague remain a real challenge: The Bayern basketball team lost their second game in Italy this week as well, this time 62:76 (27:34) in Milan. The Munich team couldn't reach the convincing level they displayed in the duel against the second-placed Bologna (83:85) and dropped to 8:11 in the rankings.
Olimpia drew level and also secured the direct comparison. There was still hope until 50:50 after 31 minutes to snatch the momentum from the Milanese - but the game completely shifted in the opposite direction, while the guest's three-point percentage landed at 22 percent.
Armani Milan - FC Bayern Basketball 76:62 (34:27)
- FCBBSerge Ibaka (16 Points), Carsen Edwards (10), Leandro Bolmaro (9), Vladimir Lucic (7), Sylvain Francisco (6), Isaac Bonga (4), Andreas Obst (3), Devin Booker (3), Nick Weiler-Babb (2), Danko Brankovic (2), Niels Giffey
- Topscorer MilanDevon Hall (19 Points)
- RefereeEmin Mogulkoc, Tomislav Hordov, Carlos Cortes.
- Attendance10573
Already on Sunday in Rostock
The FCBB now faces the obligation to bounce back on Sunday (3:30 PM) against the strong Rostock team in the BBL.
Just 48 hours after Bologna, the Munich team appeared disorganized and fatigued; there was too much unrest in the offense, except for the focused force of Ibaka (16 points). At 22:32 (16th minute), they were double-digits behind, and the narrow halftime score was still the best they could manage at the break.
50:50 - and then 0:11
However, every time Bayern approached, Milan's VIPs like Melli or Hall would shoot a three-pointer from outside. Italy's champion did not shine, there was a long stretch where nothing was out of reach, especially not at 43:45 (29th minute). Even the 47:47 was achieved before the final pause; the old strength of rebounding came to the fore in this phase.
However, after Edwards had again equalized to 50:50 with a three-pointer, they conceded a 0:11 - it was over, as on this evening, there was a lack of energy and intensity in too many sequences for another comeback.
The Voices
Pablo Laso, Head Coach FC Bayern Munich: "Milan deserved the victory from the beginning. It was tough for us to get into the game; we only had ten to 15 good minutes. Against a team like Milan, you need 40 minutes. I am not very happy with our performance. Yes, we played 48 hours ago, and we lacked the energy. But mentally, we need to be much more prepared against a team like Olimpia. The turnover in the first play was the beginning of losing control. (...) That's it; we have another game over the weekend and then another double week. (...) Respect for Milan, how they played in the past weeks despite injuries. It was a tough evening for us."