Eurocup: Galatasaray first to Final Four
After losing 99-89 on the road in Germany last week in Game 1 of the Eurocup Quarterfinals, Galatasaray had an uphill battle on its hands back in Istanbul.
However, the Turkish team is always capable in front of the heated droves who pack into the Abdi Ipecki arena in the caldron of Istanbul. During a remarkable game, Galatasaray swamped Bayern Munich and overturned a ten point losing first leg and run away with Game 2 to become the first team through to the Eurocup Final Four this season.
Galatasaray vs. Bayern Munich, 72-59 (161-158)
Galatasaray dominated large spells of this Eurocup encounter and run away with the win, but thanks to Bayern’s sizeable win in Bavaria last week, the final aggregate score was tight. That meant despite Galatasaray’s formidable display, it was still a nervy close to the game and the tie could have gone either way.
Starting 10 points short of the German guests, Galatasaray exploded from the tip-off and through the first quarter all but wiped out the deficit, winning the frame 23-14 to make it 112-113 on aggregate. The hosts were flying and carried the momentum into an excellent second period which resulted in a 20-11 streaking. Through the long break the Turkish club was leading 43-25 and had control over the tie. Bayern Munich reversed the second quarter in the third act, rallying behind an 11-20 streak to make it 54-45 through thirty minutes.
The aggregate ticker read 143-144 in favor of the visitors and Bayern had somehow got itself in contention with that classy third quarter. However, German hopes were dashed in the fourth as Galatasaray found another gear to regain the advantage and hold on at the death against a Bayern team throwing everything but the kitchen sink at the bucket.
Errick McCollum led the winners through the nets with 15 points, while Chuck Davis added 14 points and Vladimir Vicov added 12 points. Blake Schlib had a rounded contest with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists.
Deon Thompson paced the losing effort with 14 points and 5 boards, followed by Alex Renfroe with 12 points and 6 rebounds.