Bayern Munich reaches BBL Finals
Bayern Munich progressed to the German BBL Finals after crushing EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the decisive game of the semi-finals series. Bayern will meet ALBA Berlin in the finals, and with Brose Baskets Bamberg’s three year BBL reign over there will be a new champion of the German top flight.
Bayern will be eyeing a return to the Euroleague next season after the club impressed many on its way to the Top 16 during this campaign. Success in the BBL finals will be the clubs first championship victory since 1955, although ALBA Berlin will of course stand in the way. The semi-final against EWE Baskets went to a decisive fifth game, but Munich used home court advantage to cruise to an 88-63 win.
Bayern Munich vs. EWE Baskets Oldenburg, 88-63
Bayern started the game well and set a tone in both defence and offense, taking rebounds and using the ball well in key areas. The team would take 43 off the glass throughout the game, including 16 key boards at the offensive end. Oldenburg stayed in touch with 19 points during the first 10 minutes, but the hosts secured 23 points to lead at the first break.
During the second frame Bayern continued to pace well, while EWE Baskets struggled to find a consistent rhythm from two point range. The visitors were also failing from deep, but did manage to haul 14 points through the period. Bayern Munich responded by staying constant at the post and plundering 18 points to hold a solid 41-33 lead heading into the locker room.
Oldenburg’s poor discipline was causing a problem for the team, giving Bayern easy access to free points from the charity strip. Through the game Munich shot down 20 points from the line (87% from 23 attempts) and the bonus points started to show in the third quarter. The home team sent home 26 points during a game defining third stanza, while shutting shop in the defensive arc to hold EWE Baskets to 11 points (67-44).
The third quarter all but wrapped up the series for Bayern Munich, giving the team a 23 point lead to protect heading into the fourth. Credit should be given to the Oldenburg players as they did not wilt and let the game go, but Bayern had too much down the stretch and won the final frame 21-19 to wrap a big win.
Malcom Delaney led a list of standout Americans on the night with 17 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for Bayern. Deon Thompson notched 15 points and 7 boards for the winners.
Julius Jenkins was the games’ high scorer with 20 points for EWE Baskets.