Bonn’s Triumph: McGhee Leads Baskets to Victory Over AEK Athens

The Telekom Baskets Bonn have celebrated their first win of the Champions League season, defeating the Greek powerhouse AEK Athens. A significant contribution came from playmaker Darius McGhee, who was instrumental in the team’s success.

The final score of 93-74 showcased Bonn’s resilience, especially after their initial loss in Riga. This victory keeps the Baskets’ hopes of securing the top spot in their group alive, which would allow them direct qualification for the knockout phase of the tournament. The teams finishing in second and third place will have to enter a play-in tournament.

A Strong Start for Bonn

Bonn burst into the match with energy, displaying vigilant defense and precise shooting. Within three minutes, Sam Griesel nailed a three-pointer to secure a 10-2 lead for the home side, prompting AEK to call for an early timeout. Bonn’s offensive momentum continued, highlighted by two back-to-back three-pointers from Bodie Hume and Darius McGhee, stretching the lead to 18-6.

However, AEK reminded everyone why they are a top-tier team in Greece, battling back with the help of former BBL player Prentiss Hubb and C.J. Bryce, who narrowed the gap to just five points at 22-17. Yet, McGhee and Jonathan Baehre’s efforts restored Bonn’s edge to 26-17 by the end of the quarter.

Bonn’s Darius McGhee was the standout performer of the match.

Bonn’s Narrow Lead

The halftime break proved beneficial for the Baskets. Shortly after play resumed, the home team re-established a small buffer, with Baehre stealing the ball from Mindaugas Kuzminskas and scoring to make it 44-38. The match turned into a tightly contested affair; Bonn fought hard to maintain their slim lead into the final quarter.

Suddenly, AEK seized the momentum. RaiQuan Gray gave them their first lead of the game with a layup at 55-56, followed by Kuzminskas extending it to 55-59 with a three-pointer. But McGhee responded strongly, scoring four consecutive points to level the game at 59-59 as the third quarter came to a close.

McGhee Takes Charge

In the final quarter, Darius McGhee stepped up in a big way. He delivered a three-pointer while being fouled, using his non-dominant left hand to convert the play. With about six minutes left, he hit another shot from outside to push Bonn ahead by double digits at 71-61. Then, from nearly nine meters out, McGhee knocked down a key three-pointer to extend the lead to 82-68, conclusively tipping the scale in Bonn’s favor.

Defensively, Bonn tightened the reins in the final stretch, pressuring AEK into making tough shots. The final whistle blew, sealing a deserved home victory for the Rhinelanders.

The Baskets look ahead now to their next challenge this Sunday, when they face off in the Basketball Bundesliga against Heidelberg. They are also scheduled to play the Israeli team Maccabi Ironi Ramat Gan in the Champions League on October 30.

Conclusion

This decisive win not only boosts Bonn’s standings but also highlights Darius McGhee’s vital role as a playmaker. As the season progresses, fans can only hope that the Baskets will continue to build on this momentum and clinch their spot in the knockout rounds.

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