Science City Jena celebrated their first win of the new BBL season at the third attempt. The Thuringians prevailed 79–71 against Rasta Vechta in the rescheduled match from the first matchday.
There was already a lot at stake for both teams as the third matchday drew to a close. Science City Jena had lost their first two matches away at MBC and in Trier, whilst RASTA Vechta were also still waiting for their first win following defeats against Bamberg and Frankfurt. Whilst the Thuringians were still without their injured captain Robin Christen, the visitors were missing three point guards in Tommy Kuhse, D’Mitrik Trice and Kihei Clark. Lamin Sabally was also unavailable.
Under these circumstances, ball control was one of the key factors. Vechta had averaged 24.5 turnovers in their first two BBL matches, whilst Jena had also been vulnerable in this area. In fact, the hosts committed 19 turnovers this time, but made up for them with significantly higher shooting efficiency.
Jena got off to a better start – Vechta closed the gap by half-time
Jena got off to the better start. Tanner Stuckman scored the first five points, and Terrence Edwards Jr. (17 points) extended the lead to 7–2 shortly afterwards. Although Vechta got into the game through Justin Edler-Davis (20, 8 rebounds) and Armaan Franklin, they remained too error-prone in attack for a long time. Edwards Jr. ensured, with two baskets in the final minute, that the hosts won the first quarter 18–11.
In the second quarter, Jena’s lead grew to 22–11 following points from Kristofer Krause and a dunk by Ira Lee (16). Vechta then found their way back into the game through Edler-Davis: The forward scored two three-pointers in quick succession, setting the stage for a comeback. Franklin narrowed the gap to 28–34 with a dunk, before Edler-Davis sank two free throws just before the break. Jena went into the half with only a 36–32 lead.
Edwards Jr. thwarts Vechta’s comeback
After the break, an open, back-and-forth battle ensued. Vechta levelled the score at 39–39 with a dunk from Tibor Pleiß (6, 8 REB) and even took the lead shortly afterwards. At the other end, Baker Jr. (14), Lorenz Bank and Krause held their ground with crucial three-pointers. Nelson Weidemann (12) briefly put the Lower Saxony side back in front, but Lee and Baker Jr. ensured that Jena went into the final quarter with a narrow 62–60 lead.
There, Jena pulled away. Edwards Jr. scored six of Thuringia’s first eight points to make it 70–63. Vechta struggled to score from distance; although the visitors closed the gap to 71–78 through Weidemann and Pleiss, they were unable to turn the game around. Isaiah Moses converted a free throw 18 seconds from the end to seal a 79–71 victory.
Jena won’t have much time to celebrate. As early as Sunday, 4 October, the Thuringians will host the Niners Chemnitz at 4.30 pm. Vechta will have their next chance at a first BBL win on Monday evening, facing Basketball Löwen Braunschweig at the Rasta Dome from 8 pm.