Bayern Munich vs. CSKA: 77-84 (+7)
Bayern: Koponen (12 + 3 rb + 2 as), Monroe (20 + 10 rb + 3 to + 4 pf), Lucic (17 + 3 rb + 2 as), Djedovic (4 + 8 as), Huestis (17 + 4 rb + 2 st) – start; Lo (0), Zipser (4), Flaccadori (DNP), Barthel (3 rb), Lessort (0), Sisko (3 + 3 as), Radosevic (0)…
CSKA: James (27 + 5 rb + 7 as), Voigtmann (4 + 6 rb + 3 as + 4 pf), Hilliard (20 + 7 rb + 2 as + 3 to), Kurbanov (3 + 2 as), Hines (12 + 8 rb + 2 bs + 4 to) – start; Bolomboy (2 + 7 rb + 2 bs), Ukhov (DNP), Antonov (4 + 4 rb), Vorontsevich (5), Kulagin (DNP), Koufos (4), Baker (3)…
Dimitris Itoudis, CSKA head coach:
First of all, I would like to wish Happy New Year to each and everyone, your families and everybody who has been following us in the whole world, of course. Regarding our game, I think we were dominant in the first half. We managed to bring a big margin for such a game: I think it was plus-20 for us. But then Bayern reacted pretty well. With all due respect to Bayern, we were giving them a lot of things, especially spot-up shots that they were looking for and making: big shots, in pick-and-pop actions, or drive-and-kick. We didn’t manage this well but I have to congratulate, and I do it with big pleasure, to my players. We came over here with, let’s say, a short rotation of the guards. We have a lot of injuries and managed to keep our composure in the clutch moments. It is very important at this stage to collect wins. We gave up 52 points in the second half and 27 in the third quarter. Let’s not forget that 25 was the total points Bayern had in the first half. We did a great job in the first half but, as I said, we found the way. [Bayern] wanted to react as well; they wanted to compete as a team. They recently had some changes so it was something to expect. My closure would be that it was good for us to get a good lesson over here. We have to a tough double week ahead of us and have to work on each and every detail. We cannot give up 52 points in the second half, it is something that we need to study, work and be better at. Congratulations to Bayern, it is always great to play in Munich. The fans created a great atmosphere. Congratulations to them.
