2.BBL: BBC Scores Big Points in Playoff Race

In the tight race for the ProB South playoff spots, BBC Coburg secured an important victory against a direct competitor, the SKYLINERS Juniors from Frankfurt. The Vestestadt team deservedly defeated Frankfurt 76:88, moving past the Hessians in the standings. The head-to-head comparison between the two teams also goes to BBC. The best Coburg scorer was center Ben Diederichs with 24 points. He was supported by Tobias Rotegaard, who scored 21 points, and Zach Hinton, who recorded his seventh double-double of the season with eleven points and 13 rebounds.

The first quarter was evenly matched. While the SKYLINERS mainly scored near the basket, Coburg started to make some early outside shots. However, the Frankfurt concept initially proved to be more effective, as the hosts managed to keep BBC at a slight distance. The young Frankfurt team couldn't extend the lead beyond five points. From the middle of the second quarter, Coburg not only implemented their coach's tactical adjustments in defense with flying colors but also found their rhythm offensively. With a 9:0 run, BBC took the lead. Particularly, Coburg's Norwegian sharpshooter Tobias Rotegaard had his sights set accurately, sinking three three-pointers in the second quarter, ensuring his team went into the locker room with a five-point lead (43:48).

However, the SKYLINERS came out of halftime stronger. A quick 8:0 run forced BBC head coach Patrick Seidel to call an early timeout. The response from his team could hardly have been better. A 12:0 run led by captain Nico Wenzl, who hit two three-pointers during this phase, followed. On the defensive end, forward Sean Ludwig, who received more playing time that afternoon, showed his potential. He repeatedly kept Frankfurt's Finnish top scorer Chrysostom Chukwuma in check, forcing him into difficult shots. From that point on, BBC had control of the game. This didn't change in the final quarter. Coburg displayed some impressive ball movement and didn't allow the SKYLINERS to get close again. On the contrary, the Vestestadt team extended their lead and ultimately won 76:88 in the Main metropolis. This marked the team's sixth away win and tenth victory of the season.

The freshly gained confidence from the away win is something Coburg wants to carry into their next away game. Next Saturday (08.03.), they will face the current fourth-placed team, Ahorn Camp Baskets Speyer, one of the best home teams in the league. Tip-off is at 19:30.