The basketball players of FC Bayern Munich won a home game against a potential opponent in the first playoff round, Löwen Braunschweig by a final score of 84-73 and thus clinched their top position in the Bundeliga. 5,006 spectators experienced an entertaining game in the AUDI dome and the German defending champs took a big lead in the second but let thing become interesting again after a week third. Devin Booker, Robin Amaize and Petteri Koponen rested due to minor injuries. Danilo Barthel was the top scorer for Bayern with 22 points.
The next home game will take place on Easter Sunday (April 21t): The Crailsheim Merlins will play in the Audi Dome (15:00) before two top games as the playoffs approach, one in Berlin (April 28, 18:00) and finally in front of their home crowd against Bamberg (April 30, 20:30).
Points per quarter Bayern - Braunschweig: 17:-17, 31-19, 17-21, 19-17.
FCBB Stats: Danilo Barthel (22 points/3 threes/6 rebounds), Derrick Williams (11), Vladimir Lucic (9), Leon Radosevic (8), Alex King (7), Nemanja Dangubic (6), Stefan Jovic (6), Braydon Hobbs (5), Maodo Lo (5), Nihad Djedovic (5), and Marvin Ogunsipe.
Quotes:
FCBB head coach, Dejan Radonjic: "I am very satisfied with the game, except for a few minutes at the beginning of the first and second half. Now we have time to rest which is important for us, physically as well as mentally. Next week we'll only have one game before the final phase of the regular season when will have the same hard rhythm as the whole year. “
Steven Clauss, Coach Braunschweig: "We can go home satisfied. With the possibilities we had we tried to keep the game tight. If we deliver a very, very good game, maybe we can annoy Munich, but that's unrealistic if you compare the quality of the squad. Munich is the best German team and very strong in depth. We had our bright moments when we played very well and showed that we are a play-off candidate."
1st quarter
FCBB coach Radonjic relied on the starters Stefan Jovic, Nihad Djedovic, Vladimir Lucic, Derrick Williams and Leon Radosevic. The play-off aspirants from Braunschweig initially caught the Bavarians on the wrong foot and took the lead, in a fast-paced, but sometimes wild quarter which led to a 11-2 lead for the guests after four minute. Radonjic recognized this as a good time for a time-out. The coach's speech was fruitful, the defense tighted and the offense more focused and the big league shrunk to three-points. Barthel tied things up from the charity stipe at 17-17 and this would end up being the final score of the first quarter.
2nd quarter
The Munich team captured the lead for the first time with a quick 5-0 run at the start of the second quarter. Nemanja Dangubic thrilled with his second three to take a 30-24 lead for the standings leader. Alex King provided both defense and offense with two successful free throws to take a double-digit lead for Bayern. The Lions had their difficulties with the speed of the Bavarians and they began to fall out of the game. Before halftime, however, the pesky underdogs stayed in the game but were down by 12 at the half, 48-36.
3rd quarter
Barthel, who is in high form with the playoffs in sight, steered another three nto the basket for a 51-38 lead. The Munich team seemingly had the matter well under control, but the supposed safety is poison in the minds of basketball players. DeAndre Lansdowne and Brayon Blake kept the game within reach with a few threes to get back ti within ten points. FCBB director Stefan Jovic gave the game the peace and quiet it deserved and provided important leadersip to regain control. The Bavarians hobbled to the final quarter ahead 65-56.
4th quarter
A little more than a minute was played, when Radonjic took a time-out since the Lions shortened the Bayern lead to five points at 65-60. Derrick Williams scored twice in a row and the fans could take a deep breath. Vladimir Lucic wasn't hindered by a foul as he finished at the rim and completed the three-point play. The Bavarians left nothing to chance and made sure to put the game away safely and Barthel wrapped things up with free-throws amidst thunderous applause from the Audi Dome crowd.
Upcoming games:
Thur 19.4, 15:00.: FCBB - Crailsheim (BBL)
Sun, 28.4, 18:00.: Berlin - FCBB (BBL)
Tue, 30.4., 20:30: FCBB - Bamberg (BBL)
So., 5.5., 15:00: Casting - FCBB (BBL)
Fri, 10.5., 20:30: FCBB - Ulm (BBL)
Sun, 12.5, 18:00.: Bonn - FCBB (BBL)
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Playoffs 2019: start Saturday, May 18th
Photo credit: Stickel and Eirich