MLP Academics Heidelberg sent a strong signal in the decisive Champions League duel against Promitheas Patras. With a convincing performance, Danny Jansson’s team secured the chance to reach the next round on the last match day on its own merits.
Heidelberg got off to a flying start in front of their home crowd: Marcus Weathers opened with a three-pointer, and a 7-0 run forced Patras to react early. Despite a 9-0 run by the visitors and early turnovers (already eleven in the second quarter), the Academics remained stable, led 21-17 after ten minutes and went into the break with a 38-37 lead for the first time this BCL season.
After the break, Heidelberg consistently exploited Patras’ rebounding weaknesses and went on a 10-2 run to take a 48-39 lead. The arena went wild when Marcel Kessen hit two three-pointers in a row and Weathers spectacularly blocked a shot into the stands. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by McClain to make it 61-52 after the third quarter provided additional momentum. In the final quarter, a thunderous dunk by Osun Osunniyi provided another early energy boost, before Williamson made it 74-56 with two consecutive three-pointers, effectively sealing the game.
In the end, the score was a clear 82-62, with Kessen the top scorer with 17 points and eight rebounds. Thanks to their head-to-head victory over Patras, Heidelberg now has everything in its own hands on the last matchday of the group stage when it comes to advancing to the next round.