The Bayern basketball team lost 72-62 to the twelve-time Greek champions Olympiakos Piräus in the EuroLeague. In front of 5,953 spectators in the Audi Dome, the fans experienced a game characterized by intensive defense and three even quarters in which the guests in the last quarter by their guards Vassilis Spanoulis and Janis Strelnieks pulled away from the German squad. The Munich still has three victories in Europe's premier league in the 2018 season. Stefan Jovic was not used because of a foot injury suffered in the game on Sunday against Weißenfels. Vladimir Lucic and Derrick Williams were the top scorers with 15 points each.
The Bavarians hardly have time to catch their breath: 48 hours after the game they have a matchup against another EuroLeague opponent (Thursday, 22.11.) before third-place Giessen will compete in the top BBL game in the Audi Dome on Sunday, 25.11 at 18:30.
Points per quarter Bayern-Piraus: 15:15, 12:16, 16:14, 19:27.
FCBB Stats: Vladimir Lucic (15 points/5 rebounds), Derrick Williams (15), Petteri Koponen (9), Maodo Lo (6), Devin Booker (6/5 rebounds), Danilo Barthel (4), Braydon Hobbs (3), Nemanja Dangubic (2), Nihad Djedovic (2), Leon Radosevic, Alex King and Robin Amaize.
Quotes:
Dejan Radonjic, FCBB head coach: "Congratulations to the opponent on the victory. It was a tight game for 35 minutes. But that was not enough in the end against a team like Olympiakos. We played good defense down to the last quarter. But that's not enough against such an excellent team with a strong offense. From Wednesday we have to concentrate on Gran Canaria. On offense we have to get significantly better in order to survive in the EuroLeague."
David Blatt, Coach Olympiakos Piräus: "It was a very, very hard and intense game - not nice, but it was a real basketball fight. Bayern has played a good season so far and is the dominant team in the strong German league. In the EuroLeague they have already surprised and shown that you have to reckon with them. That's why I'm very happy that we won here in this great hall with a great atmosphere."
1st quarter:
FCBB coach Dejan Radonjic built on the starting five Maodo Lo, Nihad Djedovic, Vladimir Lucic, Danilo Barthel and Devin Booker. The Greeks got off to a better start into the game and Bayern was confronted with a very strong defense and an aggressive attack until the visitors had a quick 10-4 lead. Coach Dejan Radonjic took a time-out to help his team into the rhythm but to the regret of the fans, the Bayern engine continued to bump: The front was too timid, Piraus were allowed too many second chances by offensive rebounds and the their lead increased. The turning point for the Bavarians was Derrick Williams - with fresh energy and seven points in a row, he provided the first lead for Bayern at 15-12. Olympiakos at the same time due to an improved FCBB defense went on a shooting slump of their own. The Greek legend Vassilis Spanoulis equalled the score with a three to tie things at 15-15 after the first quarter.
2nd quarter:
Both teams continued to miss their shots, after three minutes in the second quarter both Bayern and Piraeus had each made only a three at. Braydon Hobbs provided fresh input and scored his first shot, a three for the 21-20 lead. Hobbs played very well in relief for Jovic and shined as a distributor and shooter. Olympiakos turned the tide with a 7-0 run and went into the locker room with a lead - 27:31.
3rd quarter:
Devin Booker brought the Germans closer with four points in a row to but a three by Olympiakos' Nikola Milutinov destroyed the hopes of the fans for a change of lead. After a strong phase for Bayern with a 6-0 run, FCBB took the lead at 39-38 with four minutes left in the quarter - time-out Piraeus. The break worked for David Blatt, the Greek coach: The Bayern rhythm was totally blown off course and the lead changed again. But the home team showed character and fought, Petteri Koponen's jump shot made the fans go crazy as again the Reds led 43-42. But the last word was had yet again by the Greeks who took the lead back at 45-43.
4th quarter:
Petteri Koponen hit a difficult shot to open the quarter and things were again all tied up. Suddenly the visitors started to score with ease and the game developed into an open exchange of offensive blows.The former Bamberger Janis Strelnieks converted four points straight and forced the Bavarians to take a time-out. Bayern was confronted with a team that was getting stronger and who promptly went on a 9-0 run to take a double digit lead at 65-53. Vladimir Lucic once again took over for Bayern with five points but another three for Strelniek with 80 seconds to play put end to all doubts as the Greeks cruised to a victory 70-58.
(Foto-Credit: Rauchensteiner & Stickel)
