Brilliant Reaves leads MBC to dramatic overtime victory against Rostock

Syntainics MBC remain on the fast track in the BBL. The Weißenfels side celebrated their third consecutive Bundesliga victory against the Rostock Seawolves (101–98), climbing to third place in the table for the time being. An outstanding Spencer Reaves emerged as the match-winner, not only forcing a dramatic overtime but also leading all players on the night with 31 points.

Both the MBC and the Rostock Seawolves had been in action in the European Cup earlier in the week. However, there were no signs of fatigue at the start from either team, who were level on 3–2 before the match began. Instead, the 2,276 spectators at the Stadthalle Weißenfels were treated to an attacking opening phase. The visitors, however, emerged as the winners of the first quarter, as Zach Copeland (16 PTS, 5 AST) sank a three-pointer almost on the buzzer (21:23).

The match nevertheless remained a closely fought affair, with the big men in particular making their mark. Collin Welp (13 PTS, 5 REB) opened the second quarter with a three-pointer and immediately followed it up with a lay-up after grabbing his own offensive rebound. Before the half-time break, the Wolves even regained the lead thanks to DeLonnie Hunt (8/6/8). Spencer Reaves (33 PTS, 5/10 three-pointers) sealed the half-time score (48:43) from long range.

For the visitors, it was also a (German) big man who took centre stage. Bent Leuchten (23 PTS, 10 REB), who set a new career-high, scored seven points in the third quarter alone. However, it was the Hanseatic side’s threat from distance that turned the game on its head. Crockett Jr. – who had been very inconspicuous up to that point – hit two three-pointers within a few minutes, plus three free throws following a three-point foul. Suddenly, Rostock had pulled nine points clear.

MBC stages a comeback from a 13-point deficit

In the final quarter, MBC finally shook off their three-point drought: Welp and Reaves scored from downtown, not only bringing their team back from a 13-point deficit but also reigniting the crowd. A thunderous dunk by Anthony Gaines (11 PTS, 15 REB, 9 offensive rebounds) with two minutes to go even cut the deficit to four points (82:86). Reaves then provided the crowning glory to the comeback: with one and a half minutes remaining, the American sank further three-pointers.
His second shot – over the outstretched arms of Philipp Hartwich (2 PTS, 3 REB) – levelled the score and sent the game into overtime (88:88).

Here, the brother of Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves picked up exactly where he’d left off and put his team ahead with a three-pointer. As the hosts controlled the boards in the decisive moments, they were able to extend their lead from the free-throw line. Copeland cut the deficit to -3 once more, but slipped whilst attempting to equalise again. That sealed the result.

The MBC thus climb to third place in the BBL table for the time being, behind only Trier and Bayern. The Seawolves find themselves in seventh place with a 3-3 record.

Both teams now return to the international stage. Weißenfels host Dubrava in the ENBL on Wednesday at 7 pm. Half an hour later, Rostock’s Eurocup away match kicks off in Derthona, Italy.