Munich holds its own against Braunschweig, Berlin prevails against Ludwigsburg despite a small rotation: After being knocked out of the Euroleague, the two teams can focus on the national championship
The FC Bayern Munich basketball team have defended the top spot in the Bundesliga with aplomb. Two days after being knocked out of the Euroleague, the German cup winners dominated their home duel against Basketball Löwen Braunschweig by 91:61 (44:31) on Sunday to stay ahead of Niners Chemnitz, who had beaten Bonn in furious fashion on Saturday. Prior to that, third-placed Alba Berlin had won 100:91 (55:44) against Riesen Ludwigsburg to record its ninth BBL victory in a row. The team of Head Coach Israel Gonzalez had failed early on on the international stage.
At BMW Park, Munich – where former NBA player Serge Ibaka was given a break – took control from the outset and never allowed the Lions to get past – there was no sign of frustration at FCBB shortly after the 75:82 win over Athens, which ended all play-in dreams in the Euroleague. Whenever Braunschweig fought its way closer, the team of Head Coach Pablo Laso stepped on the gas a little more. The game was characterized by numerous interruptions. In the final quarter, for example, the technical equipment failed and play could only be resumed after a lengthy break. Bayern then embarked on a 13-point run and extended its lead to 31 points at one stage.
Sylvain Francisco was the top club’s most successful scorer with 19 points. Youngster Ivan Kharchenkov chalked up seven points. Only Brandon Tischler and Barra Njie scored in double figures for the Lions with eleven points apiece.
“We played really well in defense in particular and also did a lot of things right in the final quarter,” said Francisco. “We didn’t always manage that in the Euroleague. We still have one more game to play there, but our focus is now clearly on the German league. “
In front of 7,446 spectators in the Uber Arena, Berlin was able to pull away slightly after a tight first period and, despite a weak shooting percentage of just 28 percent, kept the visitors at arm’s length until the end. They stretched their lead to 17 points at one stage – and that despite eight injured players, just a few days after the 83:94 loss to Partizan Belgrade in the Euroleague. Alba’s top scorers were Sterling Brown with 21 points and Yanni Wetzell with 18. “I’m very happy for my players, because they really deserved this win. The fact that we put up such a fight today with a decimated squad is unbelievable – and that just three days after the game against Partizan,” said Head Coach Israel Gonzalez.
Jayvon Graves (24) and Silas Melson (23) stood out for Ludwigsburg. New signing Ariel Hukporti was not yet in the Giants’ squad.
The Würzburg Baskets also remain on course for success. The club in fourth place in the table won 75:67 in Göttingen and set a new club record with its tenth away win – despite trailing 30:34 at the break. The best scorer for the club from Lower Franconia was point guard Otis Livingston II with 30 points.
