Bayern hold Efes to 7 points in the fourth to win behind a double-double from Lucic / News - Basketnews.com

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Two teams in the middle of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings faced off in Germany, with FC Bayern Munich (7-7) taking down Anadolu Efes Istanbul (6-8) 83-71 (27-23, 17-15, 22-26, 17-7).

3-pointers this season

36%8,4Points made:8,4Accuracy:36,1%Place in standings:11Record max:14Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Darrun HilliardTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Deshaun Thomas and Augustin Rubit extended Bayern's advantage to seven in the fourth (73-66). Thomas continued asserting himself on offense, giving the hosts a 10-point lead (77-67). Bayern stayed firm, only allowing Efes to score seven points in the fourth and win by 12.

"Congratulations to Bayern because they fought really well, especially their bigs, who found 46 points and had high percentages," Efes coach Ataman said post-game. "We were only able to stay close with Larkin and Beaubois in the beginning of the fourth period. For us, this basketball that we played tonight is shameful."

Augustin Rubit gave Bayern an early 10-4 lead in the first, but Efes responded with an 8-0 run to gain the upper hand (12-10). However, Rubit scored his 10th point to finish the period by putting the hosts up by four (27-23).

Vasilije Micic helped Efes regain a one-point advantage in the second quarter (30-29), but Bayern finished the half with a 10-4 spurt, gaining a six-point lead going into the break (44-38).

Deshaun Thomas extended Bayern's lead to double digits (49-39), but Bryant Dunston scored six quick points on the other end, Rodrigue Beaubois added a 3-pointer, and Efes were up by one (56-55). The teams went back and forth for the remainder of the third period, with Bayern holding a two-point advantage going into the fourth (66-64).

Vladimir Lucic led Bayern with 18 points (3/5 2PT, 2/6 3PT, 6/6 FT), 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 29 PIR.

"It's a huge win," Lucic said post-game. "Playing against the EuroLeague champions is always a big challenge for us. They are a great team. We try to enjoy games like these. We had a pretty good game - one of the smartest on offense but also on defense. We did exactly what we wanted and deserved this win. So, I am happy."

Bayern: Vladimir Lucic 18 (12 REB), Deshaun Thomas 18 (5 REB), Augustin Rubit 18, Othello Hunter 10 (7 REB), Ognjen Jaramaz 9.

Efes: Shane Larkin 18 (4 AST), Rodrigue Beaubois 18, Bryant Dunston 13 (5 REB), Vasilije Micic 12, Tibor Pleiss 7.

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