Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv continued its EuroLeague surge on Tuesday night by defeating FC Bayern Munich 82–72 at SAP Garden, spoiling both Bayern’s home return and Svetislav Pesic’s first game back on the sideline.
The contest marked Bayern’s first EuroLeague home appearance since November 12 and the start of a new coaching chapter under Pesic. Hapoel showed little sympathy, controlling the game from start to finish to improve to 13–5 in the standings.
The visitors set the tone early with defensive discipline and physicality, building a lead that reached double digits midway through the first half. Bayern struggled to find offensive rhythm as Hapoel dictated pace and spacing on both ends.
Hapoel effectively put the game away during a decisive third-quarter stretch. A 16–0 run over nearly six minutes pushed the margin beyond recovery and underlined why the Israeli club currently sits atop the EuroLeague table.
The lead grew to 25 points early in the fourth quarter before Hapoel eased off. Bayern capitalized late to reduce the deficit, but the outcome was never in doubt.
Elijah Bryant led the way with 18 points, including 16 in the first half that established early control. Dan Oturu added 16 points and seven rebounds, consistently finishing inside and protecting the paint. Antonio Blakeney and Chris Jones chipped in 12 points apiece to balance the scoring load.
For Bayern, the loss extended a difficult stretch to nine consecutive EuroLeague defeats and dropped the team to 5–13. Pesic, coaching his first game with the club since 2016, was blunt in his assessment.
Pesic also made history by becoming the oldest head coach in EuroLeague history at 76 years, three months, and 26 days. All 12 Bayern players saw action as the veteran coach evaluated his roster.
Andreas Obst paced the hosts with 18 points on three made three-pointers, while David McCormack added 12 points off the bench.
Hapoel now returns home at 13–5 to host Zalgiris Kaunas next Tuesday. Bayern, still searching for traction, welcomes Maccabi Rapyd Tel Aviv on Friday as its rebuilding process under Pesic continues.
