Löwen Fall to Bayern Despite Second-Half Fight

MUNICH – The Basketball Löwen Braunschweig suffered a 98-80 defeat against league-leading and defending champion FC Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening, continuing their struggles without key scorer and rebounder Simi Shittu. The team committed 14 turnovers in the first half and struggled to control the offensive rebounds, ultimately falling short despite a spirited third quarter and a brief lead. Bayern, led by Andi Obst’s 21 points, pulled away decisively in the final period. Ferdi Zylka led Braunschweig with 16 points.

The Löwen face a crucial matchup this Sunday, March 15th, in a doubleheader with Eintracht Braunschweig LionPride at the Volkswagen Halle as they continue their fight to avoid relegation. Tickets are available through the Löwen Onlineshop, at the Konzertkasse Schloss-Arkaden, and via the Löwen Tickethotline at 040 319 747 69 52. A single ticket grants access to both games, with pricing consistent with standard Löwen home game rates. Students receive a discounted rate of 5 Euros for tickets in categories 4 through 6.

Slow Start Dooms Braunschweig

Braunschweig struggled to match Bayern’s intensity from the opening tip. “We were too hesitant,” said Zylka after the game, echoing Head Coach Ramón Díaz’s assessment that the team lacked the physicality needed to compete with the German champions. Bayern quickly established control, capitalizing on early Braunschweig turnovers and dominating the offensive glass. A quick 17-5 run forced Díaz to call a timeout just five minutes into the game, urging his team to play with more aggression.

The Löwen responded by reducing their turnovers and finding some offensive rhythm, aided by some early three-point shooting. A 15-6 run brought the game back within reach at 23-20 midway through the first quarter. However, Braunschweig’s momentum was short-lived. More turnovers allowed Bayern to regain control, and the hosts’ ability to generate second-chance points proved decisive.

Bayern’s Offensive Rebounding a Key Factor

Bayern entered halftime with a comfortable 50-37 lead, fueled by 13 fastbreak points and a staggering 12 offensive rebounds. Braunschweig’s 14 first-half turnovers contributed significantly to Bayern’s advantage. Whereas the Löwen’s field goal percentage was comparable to Bayern’s, the German champions had 16 more shot attempts due to their dominance on the boards and Braunschweig’s miscues.

Braunschweig emerged from the break with renewed energy and a more aggressive defensive approach. Led by captain Chip Flanigan and Luka Ščuka, the Löwen disrupted Bayern’s offense and improved their own rebounding. This sparked an 11-0 run, narrowing the gap to 50-48. “The first five or six minutes (of the second half) were perhaps the best the team has played in the last three weeks,” Díaz commented. Ščuka’s increased presence on both ends of the court helped Braunschweig briefly capture the lead at 56-54 in the 26th minute.

Bayern Responds, Braunschweig Fades

The game remained tight until the 28th minute, with Braunschweig still within striking distance at 62-61. However, Bayern responded with a surge of their own, forcing Braunschweig turnovers and converting them into quick points. Niels Giffey, in particular, proved instrumental in Bayern’s late-game push, scoring several key baskets as the lead quickly ballooned. The Löwen struggled to find consistent offense, with their three-point shots failing to fall and their shots in the paint repeatedly blocked.

Bayern extended their lead to 22 points, effectively sealing the victory. Meanwhile, other teams battling for survival in the league standings secured important wins: MLP Academics Heidelberg defeated Trier, and Science City Jena won at Hamburg Towers. Despite the loss, Braunschweig remains four points away from a non-relegation spot.

Coach’s Comments

Ramón Díaz (Basketball Löwen Braunschweig): “We didn’t have the necessary physicality at the beginning to play against the best team in Germany. In the first quarter, it was clear that Munich dominated everything – they scored easily, had open three-pointers, and also nine offensive rebounds. In the second half, we tried to completely change our defense. The first five or six minutes were perhaps the best the team has played in the last three weeks. But against a team like Munich, that’s not enough. You have to be focused for 40 minutes if you want a chance to win. I’m taking the positive things from this game with me, because on Sunday we have a kind of final against Trier at home – it’s a game we have to win.”

Svetislav Pesic (FC Bayern München): “Once again, we saw that especially at home in the BBL, we suppose that we just have to come to the hall and the game is done. The Bundesliga is very dangerous, we saw that in the third quarter – an 11-0 run and they were leading by two points. That shows that we demand to play better defense and organize ourselves better in offense. For me, it’s not enough just to win, but more importantly, how you win. So we have to discuss that again factually. Braunschweig played very well, it’s a different team compared to the away game with a new coach and some new players. For a moment in the third quarter, we didn’t know whether we were here or in Braunschweig. I can understand that we have a tough game against Efes in two days. But our priority is the Bundesliga, we have to prepare better for that. I don’t like this arrogance.”

Box Score

Basketball Löwen: Worthy, N’Guessan 10 (7 Rebounds), Schröder 2, Hawley 5 (6 Rebounds), Ščuka 8 (6 Rebounds, 5 Assists), Zylka 16, Ewelt, Obiesie 7, Kajami-Keane 12 (7 Assists), Sherfield 10, Flanigan 10, Edigin.

FC Bayern München: Dimitrijevic 4 (4 Assists), da Silva 4, Rathan-Mayes 16 (4 Assists), Giffey 16 (5 Rebounds), Voigtmann 10, Jessup 6, Obst 21 (4 Assists), Hollatz 2 (6 Rebounds), Mike 12 (5 Rebounds), Gabriel 2, McCormack 4, Jerkic 1.

The Löwen will need a strong performance on Sunday against Trier to bolster their chances of avoiding relegation. The game represents a critical juncture in their season, and a victory would be a significant step towards securing their place in the league.