The basketball players of FC Bayern Munich lost 76-68 on the road against Vitoria-Gasteiz on the 22nd gameday of the EuroLeague. In front of 11,854 spectators, it was a balanced game from tip-off which the Munich team finally lost due in large part to poor shooting from beyond the arc (4/25). The Basques take a close win after the narrow victory for the Bavarians in the first matchup (77-71) but the German champions remain in the playoff ranks for the time being. Derrick Williams was the top scorer for the visitors - who missed Stefan Jovic due to muscular problems - with 18 points.
Already on Sunday, February 10th at 15:00 Bayern hits the court in the BBL. On the family gameday, BG Göttingen will visit the Audi Dome. Next Thursday, Februar 14th at 18:30 the German champion will visit Oldenburg for another top BBL game.
Points per quarter Bayern - Baskonia: 16-19, 21-19, 16-21, 15-17.
FCBB Stats: Derrick Williams (18 points), Danilo Barthel (11), Vladimir Lucic (8/7 rebounds), Nihad Djedovic (8), Petteri Koponen (7), Leon Radosevic (6/5), Maodo Lo (5/6), Braydon Hobbs (3), Nemanja Dangubic (2), Alex King, Marvin Ogunsipe, Robin Amaize.
Quotes:
FCBB head coach, Dejan Radonjic: "To win here you have to play better on offense. Defensively it was okay, despite some mistakes but on offense we had problems in the organization and our three-point percentage was unfortunately the worst of the season so far. But we've got eight games left and we'll see what we can do."
Derrick Williams: "The difference today was that in the end they made a few more stops and hit the important shots they needed. Of course we're all very disappointed now, but we're looking forward. The next game is the next chance for us."
1st quarter
Bayern started the game with Maodo Lo, Nihad Djedovic, Vladimir Lucic, Danilo Barthel and Leon Radosevic. More than two minutes had been played before Danilo Barthel scored the first points with a floater to take an early lead. As expected, the opponent started the game neck and neck with the German club hoping to make the EuroLeague playoffs. To start the game the visitors only found success close to the basket, Spain's runner-up, however, steered the first two of their deep shots into the basket. Bayern's weakness from deep was the main reason for the early deficit which fell to 19-11 shortly before the break. Captain Barthel's three was able to loosen the knots from a distance and was a big boost to end the first quarter with a score of 19-16.
2nd quarter
At the beginning of the second quarter Bayern allowed the hosts to finish at will under the basket, but fortunately for Munich the Amaize/Williams due provided the first big highlight with a monster Alley-Oop that tied the game at 27. Both teams continued their success especially inside (60.0 % Baskonia, 69.3 % FCBB), but the German Champions continued to have a hard time shooting the three-ball (2/11). Maodo Lo was clutch from the free-throw line and took the first Bayern lead since the first minute of the game at 35-33. Jo Voigtman - after offensive rebound - hit a shot before the buzzer to retake the lead for the Spanish club, 38-37.
3rd quarter
After 80 seconds Dejan Radonjic had to take a time-out after Baskonia started the half with a 6-0 run, thanks to three Munich turnovers in a row. Defensively the FCBB stabilized quickly, but offensively the Munich players found it difficult to find their rhythm and the Spaniards held a small lead, 44-41. It was only due to Braydon Hobbs and Petteri Koponen hitting a few deep balls that the Bavarians stayed within striking distance. Two unnecessary turnovers and a resulting unsportsmanlike foul caused a six-point deficit before the final quarter, 59-53.
4th quarter
Vitoria Gasteiz started with a three and extended the lead to nine points. As so often has happedn this season, Munich had an answer. Derrick Williams once again put the offense on his back and brought the team within two thanks to seven straight points. Baskonia took time-out and also the momentum from Bayern after drilling two straight threes and taking an eight-point lead, 70-62.. The Germans tried to force their luck from distance but without success. Despite the blatant weakness from three, Bayern fought for a comeback even until the final seconds, but Braydon Hobbs missed a shot from almost seven meters and in the end Bayern missed a chance to split the season series.
(Photo-Credit: Arrizabalaga (EuroLeague) & Stickel)
