Serbia’s Crvena Zvezda delivered a dominant 103–73 victory over Bayern Munich in the EuroLeague on Thursday, October 29, with former NBA center Christian Koloko producing five blocks in just his second appearance for the Belgrade club.
The 30-point victory at Belgrade Arena gave Zvezda its sixth win in nine EuroLeague games this season.
Chima Moneke led the Serbian team with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jordan Nwora and Tyson Carter contributed 14 points each.
However, Koloko’s performance attracted particular attention. The Cameroonian center scored 12 points and recorded five blocks in approximately 14 minutes.
His five blocks equaled the EuroLeague season high.
Zvezda Takes Control With Dominant Defense
Crvena Zvezda opened the game with a 19–15 lead before taking complete control in the second quarter.
The hosts outscored Bayern 29–16 during that period, building a 48–31 halftime advantage.
Their momentum continued after the break.
Zvezda scored 31 points in the third quarter and entered the final period leading 79–54.
Bayern struggled to respond to the home team’s defensive pressure and physical presence near the basket.
The Serbian club eventually reached 103 points, completing one of its most convincing performances of the season.
Duane Washington Jr. led Bayern with 16 points, while Miles Norris added 14.
Former Serbian national team captain Vladimir Lučić contributed 12 points for the German side.
The defeat left Bayern with two victories after nine EuroLeague rounds.
Former NBA Player Makes Immediate Impact
Koloko’s arrival has added a new defensive dimension to Crvena Zvezda.
The 26-year-old center entered the NBA in 2022 when the Toronto Raptors selected him with the 33rd overall pick.
He later played for the Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies and Atlanta Hawks.
His NBA experience has made him an important addition to Zvezda’s frontcourt.
Head coach Ibon Navarro praised the center’s contribution after the Bayern victory.
Navarro explained that the team had already developed its playing style before Koloko arrived and successfully incorporated him into the rotation.
Moneke also praised the performance, describing it as the team’s best game since he joined the club.
The victory completed a successful EuroLeague double-game week for Zvezda.
Just two days earlier, the Serbian team defeated Maccabi Tel Aviv 100–78.
Those consecutive wins have strengthened Zvezda’s position in the early EuroLeague standings.
The Belgrade club will next face Olympiacos in Athens, where Koloko and his teammates will look to continue their winning form.
For Serbian basketball supporters, the emphatic result offers another encouraging sign of Zvezda’s growing confidence in Europe’s premier club competition.
