FC Bayern Munich picked up its first victory of the season in winning a back-and-forth battle with Anadolu Efes Istanbul at home. The game featured 14 lead changes and 9 ties before Bayern prevailed 81-78 to improve to 1-5.
Bayern prevails in back-and-forth battle, 81-78, over Efes for first win
Cassius Winston led the way with 16 points to go with 4 rebounds and 7 assists while Isaac Bonga had 12 points and Elias Harris pitched in 10 points. Vasilije Micic had 24 points and Will Clyburn scored 21 points for Efes, which has dropped four of its last five games to fall to 2-4.
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The first quarter went back and forth with five lead changes and six ties - one of them being 18-18 after 10 minutes. Bayern took the biggest lead of the first half at 36-32, but it was still close with six more lead changes in the second quarter. Efes led 38-39 at halftime. The visitors controlled the third quarter and led 47-55 before Bayern drained 3 straight triples to lead 57-55 and it was 62-61 after 30 minutes. Two early three-pointers increased the Bayern lead to 7 and Bayern had wrestled control to open a 77-67 cushion. Efes fought back within 2 points, but it was not enough.