The Bavarian basketball team managed to win their first league game as favourites – even if it was a shaky one. In addition to the sport, the focus was also on the hall floor in the evening.
Leaded by world champions Andreas Obst and Isaac Bonga, FC Bayern narrowly won their opening game in the BBL. The Munich team celebrated a 96:87 (50:40) victory over Syntainics MBC on Friday. The two German internationals each contributed 15 points to the success, which was still in danger in the closing minutes. The top scorer was newcomer Leandro Bolmaro (16).
In addition to the basket players of the new Bayern coach Pablo Laso, the focus was on the LED hall floor: the lines and court markings were digitally displayed on the high-tech surface. During the breaks and half-time, the 6,500 spectators in the sold-out hall were treated to party graphics.
In sporting terms, the title favourites from Bavaria needed a few minutes to find their rhythm – only towards the end of the first half did the hosts play their way into a lead. Especially precision shooter Obst, who had stunned the basketball world in the breathtaking semi-final against the USA at the World Championships, caused excitement in BMW Park with his threes.
Obst’s DBB teammate Dennis Schröder had earlier in the evening watched Löwen Braunschweig’s surprising 91-86 victory over EWE Baskets Oldenburg as a spectator. The NBA pro, who was voted the most valuable player of the World Cup, is the owner of the Braunschweig club.
Missing playing practice to be seen with Ibaka
Long-time NBA star Serge Ibaka, who had come to the Bundesliga as the most spectacular new signing this summer, was noticeably lacking match practice in some scenes. Bayern captain Vladimir Lucic was absent due to injury. Towards the end, the Laso team suddenly let the guests from Saxony-Anhalt come close again and had to tremble for the victory.
After the start in the championship, the Munich team will also start in the Euroleague next Thursday in the German duel against Alba Berlin. Until then, the LED glass floor will be dismantled again after the one-time test run.