FC Bayern Munich's basketball won their third game in Europe's premier class against the French champion Asvel Villeurbanne, who had been previously undefeated, after an outstanding and rousing team performance - 104-63. The Bavarians showed a strong reaction to the German Cup loss against Bonn three days ago and won with ease in front of 5,318 spectators in the Audi Dome. For the German Champion it was the second biggest victory ever in the EuroLeague after a 116-70 win a year ago over Darussafaka Istanbul. The Bavarians dominated the boards (35-17) and up to the fourth quarter had a 100 percent hit rate from three (at the end 10 of 12). All Bayern pros scored, the top scorer was once again point guard Maodo Lo with 19 points.
On Sunday (October 20th, 18:00. / MagentaSport) the BBL game in Oldenburg is on the agenda, before Khimki Moscow - with Devin Booker - will visit on Thursday (October 24th, 20:30 CEST.) (Stefan Jovic is injured).
Points per quarter Bayern - Villeurbanne: 30-13, 27-22, 26-16, 21-12.
Facts & Figures - Two-point percentage: 56% (FCBB) / 45% (Villeurbanne); Three-point percentage: 83% / 42%; Rebounds: 35 / 17; Offensive rebounds: 12 / 6; Assists: 24 / 16; Turnovers: 8 / 16. - Injuries: TJ Bray (foot surgery), Josh Huestis (knee).
FCBB stats: Maodo Lo (19 points/4 threes), Nihad Djedovic (14), Vladimir Lucic (12), Paul Zipser (12/5 rebounds), Mathias Lessort (10), Petteri Koponen (8/5 assists), Greg Monroe (8/6 rebounds), Danilo Barthel (6/5 rebounds), Diego Flaccadori (6), DeMarcus Nelson (5/6 rebounds), Alex King (2) and Leon Radosevic (2).
Quotes:
FCBB head coach, Dejan Radonjic: "That was a good performance, a very good reaction of the team after our Cup game. We improved some things, especially on the defensive, which was necessary and very important. On the offense we made some fast break points from the good defense and of course we had an excellent percentage from three. It's a good victory for us after the game against Bonn, but now we have to think quickly about the next game in Oldenburg on Sunday".
Zvezdan Mitrovic, head coach Villeurbanne: "Congratulations to the Bavarians, they played a great game, especially after the Cup game three days ago. They showed a reaction, played outstanding and dominantly. I think in one phase they hit ten threes in a row, so it became an obvious win. At the boards and in all other areas they were very strong, we had no chance."
Paul Zipser: "We had to show a reaction, so it was very good that we came out strong in the first minute and continued like that in the second half. Many things worked well today and this time we also took a big step forward in the EuroLeague".
1st quarter
FCBB coach Radonjic started the important game against the French EuroLeague newcomer with Maodo Lo, Nihad Djedovic, Vladimir Lucic, Danilo Barthel and Greg Monroe. Vladimir Lucic used the first possession to put the ball in the basket for the first goal of the evening. The German champion found their rhythm very fast and surprised the visitors with a 9-0 run and after a little more than two minutes the French already took a time-out. FCBB captain Barthel fought his way to the basket and finished with a slam takeing the first double-digit lead at 12-2. Lo confirmed his current form with his second three and had scored already ten points in the quarter. Mathias Lessort perfectly played the pick-and-roll with DeMarcus Nelson and dunked the ball. The Munich team played brilliantly togeter and did not let the opponent come into play, after ten minutes the Reds were comfortably 30-13 in front.
2nd quarter
Villeurbanne improved a bit on offense but Big Men Monroe and Barthel scored at will under the basket. After a time-out the Bavarians went on a 10-2 run for a 48-30 lead. Lo came back on the floor and scored right away for a 51-33 advantage. Lo scored 16 points before half and led his team to a huge lead- 57:35 at the break.
3rd quarter
To start the second half, Bayern seemed to have slowed down a bit but a 6-0 run brought control back to the Bayern side. Munich not only shone offensively but alsoe worked hard on defense. Zipser scored Bayern's ninth three to take a 27-point lead. Villeurbanne showed the first signs of disintegrationas the Munich team consistently and mercilessly extended their lead - 83-51 after the third quarter.
4th quarter
The most remarkable event at the beginning of the final quarter was Munich's first three but the loss of concentration for the French team was understandable given the score. The defense played hard and were left with no baskets for more than four minutes. Meanwhile Zipser increased the lead to 40 points. Villeurbanne tried to pull themselves out of the affair with decency but at t end the fans rose and celebrated the very clear and impressive victory for Bavaria.
Upcoming games for Bayern
Photo credit: Stickel, Rauchensteiner, Eirich & EuroLeague