Walden-Hunter-Rubit trio combines for 51 points, fuels Bayern past struggling Baskonia / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Aitor Arrizabalaga - Getty Images Credit Aitor Arrizabalaga - Getty Images

In a battle between two teams trying to reach the upper half of the standings,FC Bayern Munich (9-11) prevailed Bitci Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz(7-13) 84-77 (16-17, 26-16, 19-22, 23-22) at Fernando Buesa Arena.

Player of the Game EFF 23 Corey Walden Points 17 Accuracy 5-7 Rebounds 0 Assists 6

Baskonia came within 6 points (55-61) throughout the third quarter but Corey Walden's two straight treys increased Bayern's advantage to double-digits (67-57) once more at the start of the fourth quarter.

However, Lamar Peters and Wade Baldwin organized a 9-0 spurt and cut Baskonia's deficit to only two points (71-73) with 3:20 to go. Othello Hunter scored four points in a row, letting Bayern breathe easier (77-71).

On the other end, Baldwin nailed a jump shot (73-77) but Corey Walden hit a crucial dagger from deep (80-73) with 48 seconds to play to seal the deal. Both clubs were trading free throws at the end and Bayern celebrated the win.

Othello Hunter, Augustine Rubit, and Corey Walden were the main contributors for Bayern, scoring 17 points each. Walden added 6 assists to his performance while Hunter and Rubit shone in the boards' department (8 and 7 rebounds respectively).

"I feel good. We played a great game tonight. We executed and did what we needed to do to get the win. It is the second half of the season. We have to get wins, every game counts. We showed tonight that we have heart. We will keep pushing, executing plays, and getting stops to win. I was trying to play as hard as I could - anything for the team to win," Hunter said post-game.

"This is, for me, the toughest court in the entire EuroLeague. I played many games here and did not get many wins, so this was a very important game for us," added Andrea Trinchieri.

Former Bayern player Wade Baldwin was very effective for Baskonia, posting 23 points (7/8 2PT, 0/2 3PT, 9/9 FT), 2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 4 turnovers, 8 drawn fouls, and a game-high 30 PIR.

2-pointers this season

51%18,8Points made:18,8Accuracy:51,0%Place in standings:12Record max:27Record min:10Most made 2FGs:Wade BaldwinTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

"I think that if we played the first half like we played the second half, we had more chances to win the game. I have to give credit to Bayern, they played an excellent game. I like how our players fought in the second half," told Neven Spahija.

Even though Tadas Sedekerskis-led Baskonia were in front by 9 points (15-6) in the mid-first quarter, Bayern managed to respond. They erased their deficit to a minimal (16-17) before the second period and were not ready to stop.

Andrea Trinchieri's men arranged a massive 17-0 run, creating a 12-point advantage (36-24). Corey Walden and Augustine Rubit were the main go-to guys during the successful stretch. The German powerhouse maintained its substantial lead and both squads went into the locker room with Bayern being in front by 9 points (42-33).

Baskonia's forward Alec Peters missed the game due to COVID-19. Before the duel, the Basques officially announced that his test came with a positive result.

Bayern: Othello Hunter 17 (8 REB, 22 PIR), Corey Walden 17 (6 AST, 23 PIR), Augustine Rubit 17 (7 REB, 16 PIR), Deshaun Thomas 13.

Baskonia: Wade Baldwin 23 (4 AST), Simone Fontecchio 12 (5 REB), Matthew Costello 12, Tadas Sedekreskis 11 (8 REB, 4 AST, 21 PIR).

Highlights

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