Basketball Löwen Braunschweig nearly let a 17-point lead slip from their grasp. Rostock fought their way back in a dramatic closing phase, but failed to capitalise on their chances to level the score.
Braunschweig dominated the early stages and established a clear lead as early as the first quarter. The Lions consistently attacked the basket, regularly drew fouls and led 30–13 after ten minutes. Rostock initially seemed to lack ideas in attack and struggled to create clear-cut chances.
In the second quarter, the Seawolves stepped up a gear and opened the period with an 8–0 run. As Braunschweig failed to score in the first five minutes, the visitors narrowed the gap to 26–32 with a 13–2 run. The Lions regained their composure, however, and went into the break with a 46–34 lead. Whilst Rostock converted just two of their 14 three-pointers in the first half, Braunschweig’s new signing De’Jour Reaves impressed with 13 points, five rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Rostock mount a comeback – but Braunschweig keep their nerve
After the break, Rostock remained tenacious. Ferdinand Zylka initially halted their comeback with a difficult three-pointer just before the shot clock expired, yet Braunschweig’s lead was down to just nine points heading into the final quarter. TJ Crockett Jr., who had been carrying an injury, returned and led the Seawolves to within 70–72 with seven consecutive points.
The match remained completely open in the closing stages. After Braunschweig’s D.J. Askew had converted two free throws to make it 83–80 with 16 seconds remaining, Artur Konontsuk and Crockett missed two good three-pointers that could have levelled the score. Todd Withers narrowed the gap once more with a tip-in, but time then ran out. Braunschweig won 83–82, led by Askew with 20 points and Reaves with 15 points, five rebounds and five assists.
