When Fenerbahce Istanbul comes to Munich to visit, i.e. the basketball players, you can hardly understand your own words in the Audi Dome. The supporters of the Turks, who every year are among the favorites in the fight for the most coveted club title in Europe, are considered to be quite hot-blooded, they spread football atmosphere in the basketball hall. It was the same on Thursday evening when both clubs made their first Euroleague appearance this season. Acoustically, the Arena am Westpark was firmly in Turkish hands. And the people of Munich were impressed by the backdrop, but also by Istanbul’s hands-on style of play.
Well-reputed professionals such as US guard Scottie Wilbekin and Greek international Nick Calathes, who was Barcelona’s best assist provider in the Euroleague last season, are under contract there. Calathes (12 points) and Wilbekin (6) didn’t even have to shine to beat FC Bayern 74:62 (40:34). And that in a fractious game in which both clubs showed that they still need time to get to their best form.
The game was a rollercoaster ride, and Istanbul didn’t score much for a while either
Fenerbahce quickly took a 7-0 lead and extended their lead, while Bayern came back (19:21), but only briefly: They gave Istanbul too much space and were clearly behind again in the middle of the second quarter: 23:36. “They are loaded with talent, each of them can score,” Bayern coach Andrea Trinchieri enthused about the opponent before the game. But it was fitting for the ups and downs in the first half that Istanbul no longer used their chances. Bayern came up again. And if everyone had fought against the favorites from Turkey that evening like Othello Hunter (18 points), it would have been difficult for Istanbul.
But their additions, such as the Americans Cassius Winston and Freddie Gillespie, still have to grow into the Euroleague. In the third quarter, Istanbul pulled away, also because of the many ball losses from Munich. “It was our first appearance in the Euroleague and we had a very weak day,” said Bayern coach Trinchieri, who complained about the lack of concentration and that his team was not physically and mentally ready for this major task on the international stage.
This defeat should not make FC Bayern too nervous. They can equalize their points tally in Bologna next Thursday, and within 48 hours Trinchieri’s team will host FC Barcelona (October 18) and Olimpia Milan (October 20). First of all, everyday league life returns to Munich on Sunday – with the Niners from Chemnitz.
