By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Coming back from a 12-point deficit, FC Bayern Munich prevailed, 62-56, over German rival Alba Berlin at Audi Dome Friday evening.
Serbian forward Vladimir Lucic banked in a game-high 19 points, including a clutch four-point play with 47.8 seconds left in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 23 affair. Nick Weiler-Babb chipped in six points, seven rebounds, six steals, and three assists.
“Our energy was much better. We played more as a team,” pointed out Lucic describing the comeback, “It was really important to confirm our good week tonight. It is always special playing against Alba in the German derby.”
“It took a lot of heart and hard work. A lot of defensive stops as a team. Everybody out there gave 100%,” added Weiler-Babb, “We got a lot of 50-50 balls in the second half that really mattered.”
After picking up an ankle injury a couple of days ago in the rescheduled Round 18 contest versus LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Corey Walden knocked in three triples en route for a nine-point effort. Darrun Hilliard (knee), Paul Zipser (head), and Nihad Djedovic remained sidelined.
Andrea Trinchieri’s side improved to 11-11 with a third consecutive win in EuroLeague and fifth in a row across all competitions. In addition, the fifth victory in as many all-German meetings opposite Alba in Europe’s premier continental club competition.
“What an ugly game but both teams fought to the end. Both teams are dead-tired,” Trinchieri commented on both sides working through a packed schedule the last ten days, “It was like playing in the mud. No energy. But we found the right plays in the end. We found the right guys. It’s a very big win.”
A fast start to the second half earned the team based in Berlin the 12-point advantage, 41-29. Germany’s easyCredit BBL leaders rallying signaled the fourth straight loss in EuroLeague and fifth across all competitions for the team coached by Israel Gonzalez. The updated 6-15 record sits 4.5 wins outside the EuroLeague Playoffs zone.
“I think we did a great effort,” mentioned the losing head coach, “At the end, we couldn’t win the game. We were not fresh enough to compete in the last three minutes.”
Former Bayern player Maodo Lo shared a team-high 13 points with Jaleen Smith. Ben Lammers and Luke Sikma followed with nine and seven points, respectively. Marcus Eriksson (foot) stayed on the injury list.