After the controversy surrounding the rejected request to postpone the game, Syntainics MBC lost to EWE Baskets Oldenburg in the Basketball Bundesliga. The Niners fell behind after a strong start in Frankfurt, but fought their way back strongly. In the end, a spectacular shot decided the game.
MBC winless again
The visitors from Weißenfels suffered their fifth defeat in a row on Saturday evening, losing 84-91, while Oldenburg celebrated their fifth consecutive victory.
Due to the weather conditions in northern Germany, MBC had applied to the BBL to postpone the game – in vain. “It was only under protest and contrary to its sense of responsibility towards its players, coaches, and trainers that Syntainics MBC embarked on the 430-kilometer journey to Oldenburg,” the cup winner announced on Friday. According to the club, 285 kilometers of the route led through an area “for which the German Weather Service had issued a red storm warning.”
The game took place, the MBC kept it open and fought back after problems in the third quarter (17:24). In the final phase, the Wolves, led by their top scorer Spencer Reaves (27 points), came within three points (80:83/38th minute), but Oldenburg brought home the victory. Before tip-off, Oldenburg announced that guard James Woodard, who was signed a few days before the start of the season, will remain with the team until the end of the season. “James has made an excellent impression from the start, plays with quality on offense and defense, and is also an important player for the team off the court,” said Srdjan Klaric, managing director of sports at EWE Baskets.
Swope spectacular in Frankfurt victory
The Niners Chemnitz basketball team narrowly missed out on their first Bundesliga victory of the new year. Coach Rodrigo Pastore’s team lost 86:89 (45:49) to the Frankfurt Skyliners. With the final buzzer, Isaiah Swope converted a difficult three-point shot to secure victory for the hosts. Kevin Yebo was the Niners’ top scorer with 25 points, leaving them with a record of 14:16. Three days after their 78:70 victory in the Eurocup in London, Chemnitz started confidently and took a 28:22 lead after ten minutes with a varied attacking game. However, the visitors’ play became increasingly static as the game progressed. Frankfurt took control and, led by national player Till Pape, pulled ahead 56-49 in the 26th minute. But the Niners did not give up, found their rhythm on offense again and tied the score at 84-84 with 48 seconds left on the clock thanks to Yebo. After free throws on both sides, Frankfurt had 3.9 seconds left for the final shot. Despite heavy pressure, Swope scored off the backboard to make it 89-86.
