Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal
Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal
Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal
Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal
Credit: BasketNews/Begum Unal
Zalgiris Kaunas (3-14) came back to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague competition after 25 days break due to game postponements, related to COVID-19 outbreaks in the opponents' squads.
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However, the return was unsuccessful, as FC Bayern Munich (8-10) prevailed the Lithuanian powerhouse 74-65 (16-15, 18-18, 27-21, 13-11) at Audi Dome. Bayern skidded their three-game losing stretch while Zalgiris suffered the fourth blow in a row.
Ognjen Jaramaz, Nick Weiler-Babb, and Augustine Rubit's baskets pushed Bayern's offense at the start of the decisive quarter, organizing an 11-4 run (72-58).
Edgaras Ulanovas tried to get back his team on track (72-62) but Bayern fended off the last effort by Zalgiris, sealing the deal with their glorious defensive performance.
Serbian sharpshooter Jaramaz was the X-factor of Bayern Munich tonight. He posted a career-high 16 points (1/1 2PT, 3/5 3PT, 5/6 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 2 turnovers, 5 drawn fouls, and 20 PIR.
"I'm very happy for my players. It was not an easy period. We're playing with a huge chip on our shoulder. The first half we executed well, we just never made a basket. It was enough to hit a couple of wide-open three-point shots and the game changed," Andrea Trinchieri said.
Josh Nebo was the bright spot of Zalgiris, registering 14 points (6/8 2PT, 2/4 FT), 9 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 turnover, 1 block, 2 drawn fouls, and 22 PIR.
"It was a tough game. We had a chance. We missed some open shots, they scored some tough shots. I had a really good feeling that we could win tonight. But we lost on some small details," Jure Zdovc commented.
Led by Ognjen Jaramaz, Bayern extended their thriving stretch, which lasted from the second period, to 22-6 (45-37).
Bayern maintained their advantage till the third-quarter end and both clubs went into the final 10 minutes while hosts were in front by 7 points (61-54).
Even though Josh Nebo and Tai Webster-led Zalgiris tried to run away from their rivals in the mid-second quarter, arranging a 12-2 spurt (29-21), Bayern responded, closing the first half on a high note and gaining a one-point lead (34-33).
Corey Walden and Vladimir Lucic led the route for the Germans, contributing with successful plays.
Bayern: Ognjen Jaramaz 16 (4 REB), Vladimir Lucic 12, Andreas Obst 11, Augustine Rubit 11 (7 REB).
Zalgiris: Josh Nebo 14 (9 REB), Lukas Lekavicius 10, Tai Webster 10.
Highlights
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