By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
A one-sided push after the break propelled TD Systems Baskonia to the key win, 78-71, versus FC Bayern Munich at Fernando Buesa Arena Friday.
Achille Polonara powered a 24-2 run, including a 16-0 sprint to start the second half, with ten points on his way to a total of 15 points. Tonye Jekiri and Rokas Giedraitis shared in on the team-high 15 points.
“I feel great. I think my teammates put me on the spot,” mentioned Jekiri after his team-high 27 PIR, “I am happy for the win, and whatever else came with that, it is great. I wasn’t looking at statistics, I was trying to get a win. It was a fight.”
The team coached by Dusko Ivanovic prevailing in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 29 game improved its home record versus the German visitors at 3-0. Upping its 2020-21 overall record to 15-14 to keep in touch with the spots leading to the playoffs was the main gain.
“I think the key of our victory was in the third quarter,” said the Montenegrin boss, “When we played aggressively on defense, we had easy baskets and fast breaks. When we led by 20 points, some players started to relax. Against a team like Bayern, any EuroLeague team, that is very dangerous. Finally, I think we deserved this win.”
Shooting over 60% from beyond the arc through the first three quarters on the best defense against three-pointers in Europe’s premier club continental competition was a key part of the sixth win in the last seven games.
“I give respect to Bayern, they are not a team that will give in. They fight until the end, and they got some dogs in them,” pointed out Pierria Henry on the back of a nine-point, ten-assist effort, “It is what we play for, it is competitive. You got to play for 40 minutes, there are no shortcuts to getting a victory.”
Andrea Trinchieri’s players cut the deficit to six points in crunch time but the comeback bid falling short forced the team down to 18-11. The three-game winning streak in EuroLeague and six-game across all competitions were snapped.
“This game, I take the responsibility for the loss. I got two technicals in the wrong moment and I cannot hide it, it is my mistake,” said the Italian head coach regarding being ejected down the stretch, “Coming back from 25 down, and having the possession down by 6 to shoot a three-point shot, that we should take but we didn’t. It is not a win but it is close to being a win, mentally.”
Jalen Reynolds scored a game-high 18 points to go along with ten rebounds, seven assists and two steals in the losing effort. Vladimir Lucic followed with 17 points. Wade Baldwin IV got 13 points.
The Spanish outlet continues its quest for a playoff berth visiting Zenit Saint-Petersburg next Thursday after hosting Real Madrid in ACB action on Sunday. The German side will battle red-hot Anadolu Efes at home next Friday.