In an electrifying display of basketball, Baskonia defeated Bayern Munich with a resounding score of 112-89 at the Buesa Arena on March 20, 2025. The victory marked the team's thirteenth win in the Turkish Airlines Euroleague and showcased their formidable offensive prowess, especially from beyond the arc.
Led by the exceptional performance of Markus Howard, who scored 27 points and became the game's MVP, Baskonia demonstrated their skill and teamwork. This match also marked Howard's 100th game in the Euroleague, a milestone that he celebrated with a standout performance, hitting six three-pointers.
As the game kicked off, both teams exchanged baskets, but Baskonia quickly established control, leading by four points after the first quarter, finishing at 25-21. Despite being without key players like Kamar Baldwin and Chima Moneke, the home team found strength in their depth. Trent Forrest also shone brightly, contributing a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists.
The first half saw Baskonia leading narrowly at halftime, with a score of 50-48. The competitive nature of the match continued as Bayern Munich made a strong effort to keep pace, but fell short of exhibiting their best form on the road.
Following the break, Baskonia ignited with a 16-2 run, pushing their lead to 66-51 within the third quarter. Howard's return to form, alongside timely contributions from Trent Forrest, who assisted various plays, allowed Baskonia to dominate the scoring, posting 33 points in the third quarter. The team reached the final quarter ahead by 12 points, at 83-71.
As the final quarter unfolded, Baskonia continued to apply pressure. They demonstrated impressive ball movement and defense, taking advantage of Bayern's weaknesses. A late-game surge saw the lead extend to 20 points, rising to 96-76, effectively sealing the game. Coach Pablo Laso utilized the opportunity to give playing time to younger players like Joseba Querejeta and Pavel Savkov, marking Querejeta's debut in the Euroleague.
The success against Bayern Munich was also a historic moment as it propelled Baskonia's hopes for a potential playoff spot, despite their current ranking in the Euroleague table. Their record now stands at 13-17 compared to Bayern's 17-13, earmarking a competitive end to the season.
Looking ahead, Baskonia is set to face Baxi Manresa next in the Liga ACB on March 22, 2025, as they aim to continue their winning streak and improve their standing in both domestic and European competitions.
In conclusion, Baskonia's victory against Bayern not only showcased their offensive capabilities but also highlighted the depth and resilience of the team as they navigate through the challenging Euroleague season.
