Basketball: Coburg narrowly defeated by Dragons

BBC Coburg lost 96:92 at league leaders Rhöndorf after winning three straight games. Coburg, who was without a number of key players in this game, produced a spirited performance, as in the first leg, but was not rewarded in the end. The BBC's best scorer was big man Danas Kazakevicius with 25 points, who also set a new personal career high in the professional game.

Head Coach Patrick Seidel was satisfied with his team despite the narrow defeat: "We had to rotate our squad completely differently today because we had a number of injured players and an absence for personal reasons. As a result, we naturally had to try out a few things that we don't normally do and the rotation was therefore very short. But our youth players integrated really well and got stuck in, so in terms of energy it was very good today. With 29 assists, we also showed very good team basketball again. Unfortunately, we were inferior in rebounding due to our deficiencies, which really hurt us. It's a shame, we could have won, but given the circumstances, I'm still satisfied and proud of the team."

The club from Coburg traveled to the Rhineland without Adrian Worthy, David Gerhard, Abdul Karioui and Kristian Ortelli. Nevertheless, Coburg came out boldly and resolutely and posed the first-placed team in the ProB South table considerable problems. After an evenly poised first period, it was the BBC that went in at half-time with a deserved 44:50 lead, thanks in particular to Nico Höllerl and the outstanding Danas Kazakevicius.

However, the Dragons showed a different face after the break. A 17:2 run put the home side back in front. Yet the young Coburg side did not give up and remained within striking distance. It was captain Sven Lorber who pulled his side back to within one point at 88:87 with three minutes remaining. However, Coburg did not get any closer to Rhöndorf. The Dragons did not show any weakness at the free throw line and so captured another home victory.

BBC Coburg moves on to next Sunday, March 10, with a home game against FRAPORT SKYLINERS Juniors. Coburg wants to get back on the road to success with a win there.