On the fourth day of Euroleague play, Bayern were hoping for their first win – and it seemed to be within reach, but in the end it was the visitors from Milan who rejoiced, winning 83-81.
In the end, the first home win in the Euroleague in the new season came to nothing, although it was definitely within the realm of possibility in front of 5483 spectators. Against the Italian champion Emporio Armani Milan, the Munich team was even 14 points ahead at one point – and still lost 81:83 (43:37) in the end.
The Bavarians started the game well, scored at a high percentage and forced their opponents to lose the ball. The reward: Head coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team led 40:26 after 15 minutes, but then the home side slackened off a little, while Milan stepped up and reduced the gap to six points at the break.
The Bavarians were still ahead by nine points in the third quarter despite personnel problems – Augustine Rubit was completely absent, while Othello Hunter left midway through the second quarter – and the accompanying size problems, but Milan came back thanks to an interim 17:5 run and even pulled ahead. The FCB held on, though, and produced a dramatic finish that was hard to beat in terms of suspense.
Weiler-Babb shows nerves – Zipser unlucky
First guard Billy Baron gave Milan an 83-81 lead with a three-pointer with 21.3 seconds left, but Nick Weiler-Babb was fouled on the counterattack. The 26-year-old had two free throws with three seconds left on the clock and thus the victory or at least overtime in his hands, but the national player missed both throws and sealed the bitter defeat, also because Zipser’s throw with the final siren from his own half just missed its target.
“In between, we proved what we can do,” Paul Zipser pointed out to “MagentaSport” after the game, but also admitted: “It was bitter, but still good.” Zipser himself is on his way back to old form after his serious brain surgery, he finished with 13 points. “It’s getting better and better with me.”
With 20 points, Cassius Winston was the best thrower for Bayern, who are now looking for their first Euroleague win at Red Star Belgrade next Friday. Nicolo Melli was the top scorer for the Italians (17 points), while German national centre Johannes Voigtmann got little playing time, scoring two points and grabbing two rebounds in just seven minutes.
Bayern Munich – Armani Milan 81:83 (43:37)
Best scorers Bayern Munich: Winston (20), Zipser (13), Obst (12), Jaramaz (10).
Armani Milan: Melli (17), Davies (14), Pangos (13), Hines (10)
Spectators: 5483