A great opportunity for a road win in Munich was lost
Olympiacos lost to Bayern in Munich 82-85 (for the 9th day of the Euroleague), despite having controlled the game up to middle of the fourth quarter.
Olympiacos began the game with a 4-0 partial, but it wasn’t easy afterwards… The Germans put pressure in the defense, led the ‘reds’ to back to back turnovers (a total of 10 in the first half), took advantage of our problems with defense and led by Monroe and Lo turned the game around (running a partial 17-2) making the score 17-6 at 6’). Reed’s entrance visibly contained Bayern’s activity inside the post, while at the same time, Baldwin and Rochestie helped Olympiacos to balance the situation (33-31). The hosts steadily maintained the lead up to 17’ (39-35), however, Spanoulis’ return on the floor reversed roles. With a three and 2/2 free throws by the captain, our team went ahead 39-40 (at 38’) and finished the first half leading by 1 (43-44) mainly relying on Giorgos Printezis’ inspiration.
Kemzura’s players made an even stronger start in the second half… They were excellent with their defensive duties, Milutinov and Baldwin were making a difference in offense, “building” a +11 lead (50-61 at 27’). The Germans reacted and closed in at 7p. (54-61 at 29’), however, Printezis and Rubit took the difference to +12 (55-67). However, somewhere there the switch turned off… Bayern played some very aggressive defense that caused Olympiacos to collapse offensively, when at the same time, the hosts lead by Lo and running a partial 22-5, succeeded in getting ahead with +5 (77-72 at 38’). With a bucket and one, Milutinov closed in 77-74 for Olympiacos, however, Lo’s three made the score 80-75 giving a major blow to our team, that never managed to overcome its offensive problems. The final 85-82 was written at the buzzer with a three by Baldwin, after everything was decided.
* The Olympiacos’ owner, Mr. Giorgos Angelopoulos watched the game at the AUDI DOME.
The quarters: 23-17, 43-44, 55-63, 85-82.
Bayern Munich (Radonic): King, Koponen, Monroe 15, Lucic 13(1), Lo 19 (4), Zipser 13, Nelson, Flaccadori 2, Barthel 18(1), Lessort 5, Radosevic
Οlympiacos (Kemzura): Rochestie 9 (6 as), Baldwin 19 (2), Paul 3 (1), Κoniaris, Spanoulis 6 (1), Μilutinov 14, Printezis 12, Papanikolaou 10 (1 3p, 4 reb., 2 as, 2 st., 1 bl.), Rubit 7 (6 reb.), Reed 2
Our team’s coach, Kestutis Kemzura, commented: “It was a closed and tough game. It’s a pity we lost. Congratulations to Bayern for the victory, they played an excellent fourth quarter. First of all, they got to stop us with their defense, hence we weren’t as effective when attacking. We weren’t as aggressive and smart. They also made some big threes, they run a good streak and got the victory at the end. It’s bad for us. We made a bad start in the game, had a good 3rd quarter defense wise and a good margin in our favor. It’s a real shame we couldn’t control the game to the end”.
Wade Baldwin’s comments: “It was a weird time for me, but everyone was here to support me. The team showed they believe in me, they gave me a second chance and I want to make good on it. We are a good team and I hope victories are coming soon. Tonight we had control in our hands, however, our opponent made some big plays at the end mainly with Lo and turned the game”.