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they weren’t supposed to have a chance, and they seized it!
FC Bayern Basketball delivered a stunning upset in the EuroLeague, defeating league-leading Hapoel Tel Aviv 79-64 on February 25th in a dominant performance. the victory, a true David-versus-Goliath moment, has injected new life into Bayern’s playoff aspirations.
Head coach Svetislav Pesic set the tone before the game, stating, “Who would think we could win today? Nobody! But that’s not vital. What’s critically important is that we believe.”
His players clearly took that message to heart, matching Hapoel stride for stride from the opening tip. After the first quarter, the score was a tight 26-23 in favor of the hosts. In the second quarter, Bayern embarked on a 9-0 run, but Hapoel responded. Bayern entered halftime with a strong showing,leading 43-39 after their own 11-0 run – a testament to the German champions’ resilience.
EuroLeague newcomer Hapoel featured two former Bayern players in their starting lineup: Vasilije Micic (2014/15) and Yam Madar (2024). Collin Malcolm (2022/23 Telekom Baskets Bonn) and Ishmail Wainright (2020/21 Rasta Vechta) also started for Hapoel, adding to the familiar faces on the court.
Bayern Basketball Demolishes Hapoel Tel Aviv in EuroLeague Away game
the second half saw a dramatic shift, with both teams struggling to find their shooting touch. The Israelis, in particular, endured a scoring drought, managing just six points – four for Munich, two for Tel Aviv – in a five-minute stretch. Bayern seized control of the third quarter with an 18-11 advantage, laying the foundation for their improbable victory.
“Perhaps that was the best defensive quarter the Munich team has played all season,” commented Magenta-Kommentator Sebastian Ulrich.The fourth quarter only amplified Bayern’s dominance,as they extended their lead to 19 points at one stage,delivering a resounding statement against the league leaders. The home crowd, visibly frustrated, began to voice their displeasure. Isiaha Mike led all scorers with 16 points, followed by Andreas Obst and Hapoel’s Micic with 13 points apiece.Mike, reflecting on the win, said, “The shots fell today, and we played some really, really good defense.”
Foto: BILD
Considering their lopsided loss to Tel Aviv just before Christmas (72-82) and a dismal away record of one win in eleven games, this victory was truly unexpected. Only coach Pesic and his players believed! The Serbian coach proudly stated, “To win here, we needed a perfect balance between offense and defense.Our strong defense gave our offense extra confidence. Congratulations to my players.”
Tel Aviv relinquishes first place to Fenerbahce, while Bayern (currently 15th) secures their tenth win and keeps their playoff hopes alive, with the playoff picture beginning at tenth place.
