FC Bayern Basketball has suffered a bitter defeat on its return to the EuroLeague. Without newcomer Derrick Williams, the reigning German champion lost to the Turkish top club Anadolu Istanbul at the start of the new season after a long disappointing performance 71:90 (37:44).
The long-time NBA professional Williams, who was only signed in the previous week, did not belong to the line-up of the Bavarians, who last competed in the European premier class in the 2015/16 season. The American still needs some time to get used to. Best thrower of the hosts was Nihad Djedovic with 17 points.
After a good start, the Bavarians gave up the game in the second quarter (18:26). “We played very good basketball for 15 minutes and then opened the door a bit,” said sports director Marko Pesic during the break at Telekom Sport: “That can’t happen to you at this level.”
After the change of sides it didn’t get any better against the Turkish team around international Tibor Pleiß – quite the opposite. FC Bayern will continue in the EuroLeague next Tuesday (20.30 in the LIVETICKER) with another home game.
The Greek record champion Panathinaikos Athens joins the Audi Dome. Before that, the Munich team will compete in the Bundesliga on Sunday with the Löwen Braunschweig.