This is something that very few people expected: Bayern lost their first home game in the playoffs against Ludwigsburg. Würzburg also prevailed in Ulm
Bayern are the clear favorites in the quarter-final series against Ludwigsburg and a hot contender for the BBL title. But Pablo Laso’s team did not live up to this role in the first game. But first things first.
Initially, everything actually went according to plan, with Munich leading 65:55 after three quarters. Before the final period, it therefore seemed to be a formality for the home side to bring this game home in front of its own fans. However, things turned out differently. In the final period, Ludwigsburg, who finished eighth in the main round and was clearly the underdog, went into a frenzy.
The visitors were five points in front with a good 20 seconds to go. But then came the USA’s terror Andreas Obst, who cut the deficit to 87:89. The visitors then only made one free throw and were three points in front with just a few seconds remaining. But instead of fouling, the Giants allowed Bayern another three-pointer. And – of course – Obst took it. Perhaps the best shooter in Europe hit the board and sent the game into overtime.
Once again, there was a lot to be said in favor of Bayern, who surprised Ludwigsburg again and prevailed 12:8 in the five extra minutes to steal Game 1 in Munich (102:98). The outstanding man for the Giants was Silas Melson with 33 points
Ulm loses first home game
German champions ratiopharm Ulm have meanwhile conceded a home defeat to kick off the playoffs. In the first quarter-final game on Saturday evening, the club from the south-west deservedly lost to Würzburg Baskets by 65:78 (38:40). Otis Livingston II, the most valuable professional in the BBL main round, was the best scorer for the strong visitors with 22 points. The second game is scheduled for Monday (7 p.m./Dyn) and the third on Wednesday (8:30 p.m.).
Ulm finished the main round in fourth place, with Würzburg one place behind. The first quarter was appropriately even. However, Bayern had a slight advantage. And that continued throughout the game. The champions equalized in the third period to make it 56:56, but the strong MVP Livingston played a key role in restoring Würzburg’s lead
FC Bayern Munich – MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg 98:102 n.V. (26:18,17:22,22:15,25:35,8:12)
Points FC Bayern Munich: Edwards 25, Booker 16, Obst 16, Francisco 8, Harris 8, Bolmaro 7, Ibaka 7, Lucic 6, Bonga 5 MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg: Melson 33, Buie 20, Roberson 15, Lewis 11, Bähre 9, Bartolo 7, Edigin 7
Spectators: 6324
ratiopharm Ulm – Würzburg Baskets 65:78 (20:23,18:17,18:18,9:20)
Points ratiopharm Ulm: Jessup 11, De Paula 10, Dadiet 9, Nunez 9, Figueroa 8, Williams 7, Herkenhoff 3, Jallow 3, Klepeisz 3, Bretzel 2 Würzburg Baskets: Livingston II 22, Seljaas 17, Washington 14, Bess 11, Klassen 5, Perry 5, Welp 4
Spectators: 6000
