FC Bayern Munich boosted its postseason hopes on Thursday, January 30, by shutting down Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv in a 79-64 road victory at Menora Mivtachim Arena.
The German side relied on sustained defensive pressure to earn one of its most complete performances of the season and improved to 10-15 overall, including 2-10 away from home.
Bayern allowed just 38 points across the final three quarters, silencing one of the EuroLeague’s most productive offenses.
Hapoel entered the night averaging 87.4 points per contest, but never found offensive rhythm after a strong first quarter.
The hosts controlled most of the opening period and led four times by six points, closing the quarter ahead 26-23 behind Dan Oturu’s 10 early points.
Bayern responded with defensive intensity in the second quarter, conceding only one basket in the first seven minutes and briefly moving ahead.
After Hapoel answered with a 9-0 burst for its largest lead at 37-30, the visitors finished the half on an 11-0 run to take a 43-39 advantage into the break.
The third quarter proved decisive as Bayern held Hapoel scoreless for more than six minutes during a 12-0 stretch.
That surge pushed the margin to 55-41 and forced the hosts into difficult half-court possessions for the rest of the night.
FC Bayern entered the final period up 61-50 and maintained control through disciplined shot selection and rebounding.
Justinian Jessup scored six points during a 10-2 run midway through the fourth quarter, extending the lead to 73-54 and removing any late suspense.
Isiaha Mike led the visitors with 16 points, while Andreas Obst added 13 and Lucic finished with 11 points and six rebounds.
Bayern held Hapoel to 54.1 percent shooting inside the arc and just 16.7 percent from three-point range, well below its season averages.
The win marked Bayern’s fifth victory in the last seven games since Pesic’s return, following a 72-82 home loss to Hapoel in Round 18.
Hapoel dropped to 16-8 with consecutive losses and slipped to second place in the standings, surrendering the top spot to Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul.
Vasilije Micic led the hosts with 13 points and five assists, while head coach Dimitris Itoudis stressed unity despite the setback.
Bayern hosts Paris Basketball next Tuesday, while Hapoel travels to face Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade on the same night.
