BBC without a chance at Phönix Hagen

In its final game of the season in the BARMER 2nd German Basketball League Pro A, BBC Bayreuth lost by a clear 63:87 at Phönix Hagen after a weak second half.

The BBC began the game at the playoff contender from Westphalia with Moritz Plescher, Lenny Liedtke, Selim Fofana, Aaron Carver and Esa Ahmad. Bayreuth was able to field its best line-up apart from the long-term injury to Marios Giotis and the ailing captain Philip Jalalpoor.

Hagen got off to a strong start with an 8:2 lead after three minutes, before Moritz Plescher cut the deficit to 5:8 with Bayreuth's first three. Bayreuth then had a good run and cut the deficit to 15:16 through Esa Ahmad. The home side was 28:20 in front after the first quarter, with Bjarne Kraushaar draining another three for Phönix at the buzzer.

Hagen maintained its lead. Despite switching to zone defense in the meantime, Bayreuth was initially unable to close the gap and Hagen was 37:30 ahead after 16 minutes. However, Bayreuth now played with concentration and calmly. After two free throws by Selim Fofana, the home side was only 39:37 ahead. However, Hagen had stretched the gap slightly to 45:39 by half-time after a buzzer-beater by Dennis Nawrocki.

Marco Rahn opened the third period for the BBC with a three to make it 42:45. Devonte McCall's points stretched Hagen's lead back to 57:46 and so the gap was now in double digits. Bayreuth now lost touch. The home side led by 22 points at 68:46. With Hagen 68:48 ahead, the game was virtually decided going into the final period. The home side had closed the third quarter with 23:9.

The game rippled towards its end in the final period. Esa Ahmad cut the deficit to 54:75 again with two free throws and shortly afterwards Phoenix went 81:54 in front. Bayreuth then closed the gap to 58:81 with two minutes remaining. The BBC ultimately lost 63:87 and ended the Pro A season in eleventh place in the table with 30 points from 34 games.

Esa Ahmad was BBC Bayreuth's top scorer with twelve points, while Aaron Carver chalked up ten. Moritz Plescher and Aaron Carver were the visitors' top rebounders with six points each.