Play-off showdown on Wednesday: Coburg under pressure

BBC Coburg failed to capitalise on the chance to secure an early place in the play-off semi-finals of the 2nd Basketball Bundesliga ProB. Following their home win in the first game of the quarter-final series, coach Patrick Seidel’s team suffered a heavy 74-94 defeat at TSG Westerstede on Sunday. The best-of-three series is now tied at 1-1 – the decider takes place on Wednesday at the HUK-COBURG arena.

In the home hall of Oldenburg’s Bundesliga youth team, the match initially developed into a closely contested affair. Westerstede started with determination, but the BBC held their own and went into the second quarter level at 19-19. There, however, the hosts took control. Led by a high-pressure offensive game, the “Thunderbirds” pulled away bit by bit and built up a 49-35 lead by half-time.

After the break, Coburg tried to keep in touch. Dylan Fasoyiro, in particular, fought against the home side’s momentum and brought his team closer once again. But Westerstede responded decisively, upped the tempo once more and extended their lead to 73–56 by the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, the BBC showed their spirit once again. With six minutes remaining, the visitors fought their way back to 75–66, briefly raising hopes. But in the decisive phase, the hosts showed nerves of steel – particularly from beyond the three-point line. With an outstanding Simon Kohlhoff, Westerstede left no doubt as to the outcome of the match and cruised to a clear 94–74 victory.

The quarter-final series will therefore be decided in the third game on Wednesday, 29 April, at 7.30 pm. In front of their home crowd, BBC Coburg are looking to seal their place in the semi-finals, whilst Westerstede travel to Coburg with their heads held high following their convincing performance.