A second straight big game from Isiaha Mike helped spark his team to a perfect week
Magic Mike dominates Dinwiddie debut as Bayern beats Virtus
Game Report
3 Mins read
Regular Season
Round 8 of 38
Regular Season
FC Bayern MunichBAY
8670
Virtus BolognaVIR
Overview
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Isiaha Mike put the cherry on top of an excellent week with his second consecutive stellar performance on Thursday night as FC Bayern Munich completed a successful two-game week with an 86-70 victory over Virtus Bologna.
Following an impressive victory over Real Madrid just two days prior, Bayern rode the wave of momentum into this one. Playing the team's fourth game in just seven days, the Bavarians managed to overcome understandable dips in energy to earn the convincing win at SAP Garden.
“We found energy in the last 15 minutes of the basketball game,” head coach Gordon Herbert said. “We were down with 15 minutes to go and we found some energy. I think (Justinian Jessup) came in and gave us huge minutes. He didn’t play for 25 minutes, then came on and changed the game, unbelievable performance.”
Late-game difference maker Jessup was joined by sharpshooting Andreas Obst down the stretch, who scored 11 points in the final 5 minutes to widen the margin, despite Virtus's continued effort. However, the headline performer for the second EuroLeague game in a row was Mike. The Canadian forward put in another well-rounded performance, adding 4 boards and 2 dishes to his 17-point scoring performance. After the game, he was quick to praise his team for battling throughout.
“We went into halftime to regroup, then we forced a lot of turnovers in the third quarter, went on a run, and if we can make that our identity, to be really good defensively, get out in transition, we’re going to be a really tough team to beat,” Mike stated.
Another positive for Munich was the introduction of Spencer Dinwiddie, who entered the game after just 5 minutes, after signing last week. The seasoned American guard enjoyed mixed results in his first EuroLeague minutes. A scoreless first half and some early foul trouble meant that he finished with just 6 points and shot 0-for-4 from beyond the arc.
After over a decade in the NBA, Dinwiddie still has to get his bearings and his coach is confident he will do that.
“It’s going to be a transition,” Herbert explained. “It’s a different kind of game for him, with the spacing. The floor is not as big as the NBA, the spacing is a little bit different, but he’ll adjust.”
Bayern came into the game week off the back of consecutive EuroLeague losses, so these bounce-back performances will be a welcome development. Following up a statement win over Real Madrid by taking care of business and making no schedule excuses is impressive. Now that Dinwiddie has a chance to integrate ahead of next week’s clash with Paris Basketball, things are looking up for the German champions.
The result brings Bayern to 3-3 for the season, while Virtus lost its winning record, moving to 4-4. Dusko Ivanovic’s men will have their shot a week from today, when they face Baskonia Vitoria-Gasteiz.
