Bayern loses to favorites from Moscow 89-81

The FC Bayern basketball players fall short of another upset: Only 48 hours after the brilliant away win at Efes Istanbul (who just won 105-77 at Khimki Moscow on Thursday), Bayern couldn't pull off the win, 89-81. It was only the third loss for the FCBB in ten games. The Russian favorites ultimately benefited from the duel on the boards (39-26) where ZSKA managed 17 offensive rebounds and scored a total of 53 points in the second half. The guests also took to the free-throw line 41 times, more than twice as much as the FCBB (20). Wade Baldwin was the top scorer for Bayern with 19 points, who had to do without captain Nihad Djedovic (adductors).

There is no time for the Munich squad to take a deep breath in this crazy week with four games: Already on Sunday (22.11.) the FCBB will welcome the likewise undefeated Ludwigsburgers in the BBL top game (live on MagentaSport starting at 17:45). After a few game-free days, they will then travel to the next EuroLeague game in Athens at Panathinaikos (Friday, 27.11., 20:00.).

Points per quarter Bayern - ZSKA: 17-18, 22-18, 21-28, 21-25.

Stats: Two-point shooting: 53% (FCBB) // 55% (Moscow); three-point shooting: 37% // 23%; free-throw shooting: 80% // 80%; rebounds: 23 // 35; assists: 17 // 16; turnovers: 12 // 12.

Quotes:
FCBB head coach, Andrea Trinchieri: "Congratulations to ZSKA, they played very well. But I also want to congratulate my players, because they fought fantastically. The story of the game is easily told: We were simply bad in rebounding behaviour today, 17 offensive rebounds are just too much for CSKA. That hurt us a lot. We took nine more shots, but only eight threes and we hit very few of them. But I want to be honest: 41 free throws for Moscow, plus 32-18 fouls - it is impossible to win a game with these stats. There were hardly any differences between our game and Moscow's game, so these numbers are very unusual. That's why I have to stand by my players. Moscow was better and won. It is clear that in basketball many mistakes happen. But with these statistics it is not a basketball game, it is not possible".

Paul Zipser: "We made too many small mistakes and gave up easy shots, ZSKA took advantage of that. The energy was not really there today. I'm not worried about Ludwigsburg on Sunday, because we still have a score to settle."

Game recap:
"We give everything, in every game! We are hungry and want to win every game", said captain Djedovic, who was had to rest due to an adductor injury. Wade Baldwin, Vladimir Lucic, Robin Amaize, Malcolm Thomas and Leon Radosevic came out as the starting five. FCBB coach Andrea Trinchieri was initially satisfied with the defensive presence of his team, 4-0 after two minutes. Moscow quickly turned the tide with a few points and took a 7-6 lead. The Munich team had problems under their own basket, because the guests were allowed to pick up too many offensive rebounds. After a 10-2 run by ZSKA, Trinchieri took a time-out (14-8/8th). His team reacted and played much better with a 9.4 run and were only one point behind at the end of the quarter - 18-17.

The FCBB came out running and extended their streak across the quarter to 15-4, time-out ZSKA (23-18/12th). The interruption disrupted the rhythm of the Munich team and Moscow's Mike James brought his team back on track (23-23/14th). A three-point play by Nick Weiler-Babb and a nice hookshot by Jalen Reynolds kept the score tied (34-34/19th). The FCBB stood up to the favorites and even showed off a bit offensively with a fine pass from Siskos to Reynolds who finished with a one-handed Alley-Oop. Bayern was up by three at half,  39-36.

Andrea Trinchieri called for a better 1 on 1 defense at the break. This did not work out well in the first few possessions by the opponent from the Russian capital who tied the game at 43-43 (23rd). The FCBB gave up control of the game and CSKA grabbed the lead (50-47/25th). Coach Trinchieri asked for time out, because he knew that he had to get everything possible out of his team. In short: It succeeded. Zan Mark Sisko finished a 9-2 run of the opponent from the east with a tremendously important three and a then a steal finished with a  lay-up - 52-52. Baldwin and Weiler-Babb kept the FCBB ahead (58-56/28th), but the Russians now showed their class and responded with a lead of their own (61-58/29th).

Turnovers and carelessness on the defensive boards played into Moscow's cards again and again - 64-60 ZSKA starting the fourth quarter. Baldwin's fourth foul put him on the bench and Moscow's James took over the game (68-64/33rd). The Munich team fought for the momentum and against numerous questionable whistles and ZSKA marched on (71-64/34th). Vladimir Lucic shone with a four-point play to bring it to 71-68 (35th). The physical Russians defended on an extremely high level and James delivered in front and initiated another 11-0 run (82-68/38th). Moscow now took time off the clock and did not let the game be contested.

TO THE SCHEDULE

Photo Credit: Eirich & Pahnke