Without four players Bayern's offense falters against Partizan

This task was too much: The Bayern Basketball team is still waiting for its tenth EuroLeague win after an 82-71 loss against Partizan Belgrade. In front of a sold-out crowd, including 2,000 enthusiastic Partizan fans, the team struggled to score from the end of the second quarter onwards, especially due to an injured quartet.

Hunter and Winston out

This was not entirely unexpected, as the injury situation was unfavorable despite the long-awaited comeback of Obst after two months of absence. In addition to the long-injured Lucic and Harris, Hunter and Winston (both back problems) had to also sit.

The FCBB defended well for a chunk of the game but they were not able to find a rhythm on offense. They fell to 13-5 early  but Bayern found their scoring and took the lead (26-23/14th). Over the distance, however, they could not hit their threes (3/13 at the break, 28% in the end). A deficit of 62-45 at the beginning of the last quarter could not be erased and the crazy Partizan fans celebrated a big win.

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Quotes:

Munich head coach, Andrea Trinchieri: "Congratulations to Partizan. We played against the team that is currently in the best shape in the EuroLeague. I would say that the last 1:40 minutes of the first half and the third quarter were the key factors of this defeat. It was 33-33, then we committed four offensive fouls and gave them six free throws. In the third quarter they were better and we couldn't find a way to play offense. I could say I was missing four, five players. But even if you are missing 25 players, you can't make so many fouls. We had a good month, now we're fouling little; that's part of the insane game plan. But if you're not able to use fouls early before the bonus to help your defense, whose rotation is short and missing big guys and wings, then it's impossible to play. That's the only thing I have to say to my team. The rest was part of a tough game against a very good opponent. (...)

We played at Partizan in front of 17,000 fans in Stark Arena. I don't think we were surprised this time. Because it is always like this when Partizan plays somewhere. They have the best fans in the world."

Andreas Obst: "For now, I'm glad to be back. I only trained a little with the team, but I'm glad that I was able to prepare like this and that I'm physically able to help the team again. It's hard to keep finding new rosters and roles. It would be nice if we could get healthier. But we have to make the best of it. Of course, the playoffs will be a monster task. But we're looking from game to game now and want to win each of them and get better. Then we will see where we stand."

Partizan coach, Zeljko Obradovic: "We had some problems before the game: it wasn't possible for Papapetrou to come with us. Then last night we were able to prepare with only ten players. Because Zach LeDay, Smailagic and Trifunovic felt ill and stayed in the hotel. That's why I want to thank all these players for finding the energy and strength to play today and help the team. I think we played a very good game, especially at the end of the second and third quarter. On the other hand, it is also important to mention that Bayern played without four important players. When I mention that it is already difficult for me to have to miss a game without a player, I can imagine how it must be for Andrea Trinchieri to play many games without so many key players. That's why I'm very happy that we took the win tonight. Of course, I also have to mention the incredible support. It was a nice atmosphere here again and I thank the people of Bayern for the hospitality before the game and during."