BBC Coburg reach the quarter-finals for the first time
BBC Coburg have also won Game 2 of the Round of 16 series and, following a truly nail-biting finale at the Shooters Dome, have reached the ProB quarter-finals for the first time. In a highly dramatic match, the team from Veststadt prevailed 77:75, sealing an early series victory with a 2:0 lead. In the next round, Head Coach Patrick Seidel’s team will face the youth squad of EWE Baskets Oldenburg.
The BBC’s top scorer was Darius Dawson with 17 points and 9 rebounds, closely followed by Dylan Fasoyiro (16 points, 9 rebounds). Finn Döntgens (14) and Felix Egger (10) also scored in double figures. Reaching the quarter-finals marks a first for the BBC – never before has a Coburg team made it past the first round of the play-offs. Coach Seidel was understandably proud after the match, praising in particular his team’s defensive performance and commitment.
Unlike in Game 1, the hosts got off to a better start and took an early lead. However, Coburg found their way into the game through sheer commitment and energy – particularly from Ćosić – and took the lead before the end of the first quarter. The BBC maintained this lead in the second quarter, extending their advantage to ten points at times, and went into the half-time break with a 40-33 lead.
After the break, an intense and scrappy playoff battle ensued. Neustadt fought their way back at times, but Coburg retained the upper hand going into the final quarter with a 57–52 lead. The final quarter then became incredibly tense: The Shooters levelled the score at 71-71 with 77 seconds remaining, but technical fouls against Neustadt gave the BBC crucial free throws to make it 75-71. Despite further chances, the hosts were unable to turn the game around. As the final seconds ticked away, Coburg secured the away win and with it a place in the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-finals, the BBC will now face Baskets Juniors TSG Westerstede, who also won their round of 16 tie 2-0. Game 1 of the series takes place on Thursday, 23 April, at 7.30 pm in the HUK-COBURG arena.