The Bayern basketball team narrowly missed a valuable away victory in the EuroLeague: Munich led for a long time in the noisy arena of Red Star Belgrade but had to accept their fourth defeat with a 68-74 (35-33) score after a thriller in the weaker final quarter. FCBB collected 40 rebounds, and with 70 seconds left, it was tied at 68-68, but the final actions did not succeed in front of approximately 18,000 fans.
In the BBL, Bayern must play in Braunschweig on Sunday (5:00 PM/DYN).
Red Star Belgrade - FC Bayern Basketball 74:68 (33:35)
- FCBB:Carsen Edwards (16 Points, 3 Rebounds, 3 Assists), Leandro Bolmaro (12, 6 Rebounds, 4 Assists), Isaac Bonga (12, 6 Rebounds, 3 Assists), Serge Ibaka (10, 5 Rebounds, 4 Assist), Devin Booker (5, 9 Rebounds), Nick Weiler-Babb (5), Sylvain Francisco (5), Andreas Obst (3), Niels Giffey, Elias Harris, Danko Brankovic, Freddie Gillespie
- Topscorer Red Star:Teodosic (16 points)
- RefereeEmilio Perez, Michele Rossi, Sergio Silva
- Attendance18.000
Nine points in the last quarter
Despite enduring the initial frenzy with seven turnovers in the first quarter, Munich started strongly with Edwards contributing ten of his 16 points, leading 19-12 (10). Belgrade's ninth three-point attempt was successful, making it even more challenging for the hosts. However, the turnovers continued to be a major issue, totaling 17, which allowed the opponent to catch up, resulting in a score of 27-24 (16).
Leading 52:38 at one point
Initially, the Bayern team could rely on their three-pointers, leading 35:26, and after Bonga's shot and Edwards' And-One, it was even 52:38 (25). However, turnovers continued to be a problem, which Red Star took advantage of, bringing the score to just 56:53 (30).
In the last quarter, it became a nerve-wracking game, with the outstanding playmaker Teodosic tying the game at 59:59 (31). With only one point in five minutes, the lost offensive momentum was evident, and a calm head was needed (60:65). Bolmaro managed to tie the game once more, but a three-pointer from Belgrade dashed Munich's hopes.
Quotes
Pablo Laso, Head Coach of FC Bayern Basketball: "Congratulations to Red Star for the win. They showed great character because we controlled the game in many situations. But they fought back. In the first half, we had many silly turnovers, and they grabbed even more rebounds, which prevented us from having a bigger lead. Our best moments came in the third quarter when we moved the ball very well and had a lead. However, in the fourth, we didn't make such good decisions, and they came back, with the help of the fans. In the last quarter, they were better and deserved the win. (…) Teodosic is a great player, a creative one, and a good shooter. He means a lot to the club and helps develop younger players. (…) Lucic is getting better; he trained yesterday. But I think he still needs a few weeks. With him, we will be a different team, even if he doesn't score. We have young point guards, but that's definitely not an excuse. But of course, Lucic is very important."
Isaac Bonga: "We lost the game due to small things. The coach mentioned it at halftime and again after the game. We just need to get better in the small details: play better over 40 minutes, grab more offensive rebounds, and avoid turnovers. In the EuroLeague, you can't beat teams at this level if you make these mistakes. It's not easy to play in front of a crowd like here in the Stark Arena, but most of us are familiar with it. I personally try to block it out, but of course, it's an advantage for the home team to have such a crowd behind them."