While Bonn consolidated its top position in the Basketball Bundesliga with a win in the top game against Ludwigsburg, Bayern Munich conceded an expected defeat in Oldenburg without numerous regulars.
Nearly 24 hours after making the EuroLeague play-offs, Bayern Munich’s basketball players conceded an expected defeat without a host of rested professionals and head coach Andrea Trinchieri. The second-placed team in the Bundesliga lost 75-106 (30-49) at EWE Baskets Oldenburg.
“In view of this unprecedented schedule and the short rotation we have had to play with for some time now, we are facing completely new load management challenges,” said sport director Daniele Baiesi, explaining the decision. Among others, three talents from the second team were brought into the line-up.
Nihad Djedovic could live with the defeat. “Honestly, we are not disappointed,” said the captain. “We knew it would be difficult with the team here. Luckily the young players got some minutes and played well.”
FC Bayern remain second with 38:14 points, Oldenburg (20:36) led by top scorer Max Heidegger (31 points) gained some breathing space in the relegation battle and benefited from the fact that second-bottom JobStairs Giessen 46ers (12:38) lost 81:95 (40:44) at MLP Academics Heidelberg. Telekom Baskets Bonn consolidated first place with a 97-88 (62-49) win over MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg.
The Munich-based team had qualified for the EuroLeague quarter-finals for the second time in a row on Friday evening with a clear victory over Red Star Belgrade (82:57). The programme remains tough. Bayern play at Fenerbahce Istanbul on Monday, at Anadolu Istanbul on Wednesday, at Real Madrid on Friday and in Giessen on Sunday.
