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Germany Isn’t Rewarded With Furious Comeback as Lithuania Hold On To Win 82-75 To Reach Semis at 2026 U-16 Euro

pic credit: FIBA

Lithuania came into the 2026 U-16 Euro unbeaten with an immaculate 4-0 record. They disposed of Serbia by 16 points and Poland by 16 points while beating Romania and Italy by 8 points a piece. They were a potent offensive team averaging 83 points per game. Germany definitely had no cake walk ahead of them after winning a real nail bitter against Israel in the round of 16. Germany had to find a way to slow down their shooters while trying to be the more aggressive and physical team on the boards. Germany gave a good fight, but allowed Lithuania to control the game from the second quarter until the middle part of the fourth quarter. Germany then made a big comeback, but lost steam in the last two minutes losing 82-75. “Despite the loss, I am very proud of how the team played”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliners JBBL head coach Lukas Scherer. Germany knew that this quarterfinal game wouldn´t be easy and they got off to that desired start giving the word inside out a new definition. They got their 3 ball going getting three´s from Ulm guards Justus Reintjes and Marko Volf while also getting Hamburg´s big man Johan Meinberg involved as Germany had to take advantage of his height advantage down low leading 10-5. However Lithuania also got their offense going getting buckets from Zalgiris Kaunas guard Danielius Jasikevicius (178-G-2010) who is the son of legend Sarunas. The 178cm guard added 7 points keeping Lithuania in striking distance as Germany led 12-10. His aggressive play led to a drive and pretty floater for his team. Lithuania remained aggressive and took the 15-14 lead as they had done a good job getting to the free throw line as 8 of their 15 points were free points. It wasn´t only Jasikevicius who could score in bunches but so could Lukas Andrulis of Siauliu KA Saule ASKA U16 team who scored 7 consecutive points foiling Germany with a trey and lay in for the 17-14 lead as Lithuania had gotten their first momentum of the game. Germany stayed on Lithuania´s tail getting a pretty floater from Reintjes to trail 17-16 with 2,01 to play. Andrulis continued to be a thorn in Germany´s side as he scored his 9th point in a row for the 19-16 advantage. But Germany continued to pressure Lithuania with their slick guard play as Volf added a jumper to trail 19-18. Arnas Ramanauskas of V.Knasiaus KM Klaipeda added a clutch trey with 9 seconds to play as Lithuania led 23-18 after 10 minutes. Lithuania shot 46% from the field and 40% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 2 turnovers while Germany shot 41% from the field and 25% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 2 turnovers.

In the second quarter Lithuania kept up their precise offensive execution keeping Germany guessing as their inside out game was fluid as Rapolas Klisauskas of Sostines KM Vilniaus finished nicely while Andrulis kept his scoring rampage alive with another trey while Jasikevicius made a free throw for the 29-22 Lithuanian lead. Elvinas Bajus of Sostines KM Vilniaus added free throws and Jasikevicius made a lay in as Lithuania had totally broken open the game with the 33-22 advantage as Germany took a time out at the 5,59 minute mark. Lithuania continued to make smart decisions on offense and got great support from their bench while Germany didn´t move the ball well and had problems on the glass securing defensive rebounds. However after the time out, Germany´s shots continued not to fall and Lithuania punished them with a Jonas Birzinis of Sostines KM Vilniaus lay in and Jasikevicius hit a trey for the commanding 38-22 advantage. Volf stopped the run with free throws, but Lithuania always had an answer and punched back with 5 consecutive points as Kostas Korsakovas of Vilniaus Rytas-MRU hit a trey while Jasikevicius made a lay in for the 43-23 advantage. Lithuania continued to have so many weapons especially from the bench which Germany couldn´t present yet in the game. Germany couldn´t muster much but did get some free throws from Lino Schenk of Hamburg and a lay in by Reintjes to trail 43-27. Lithuania closed out the first quarter strong getting a lay in from Korsakovas and free throws from Klisauskas for the 46-29 half time lead. Even if Lino Schnek delivered a thunderous dunk, all in all Germany was too harmless at both ends and were getting hammered on the boards. Plus Meinberg had been hit with 3 fouls and played only 6,53 which hurt Germany´s play on the glass. “His foul trouble was bitter. He had dominated, but Linus Schenk played very well and had a big part in our strong moral performance”, stated Lukas Scherer. Lithuania shot 43% from the field and 41% from the three point line and had 24 rebounds and 4 turnovers while Germany shot 36% from the field and 16% from the three point line and had 11 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

In the third quarter Lithuania continued to manage the lead well and led 66-48 after 30 minutes. Germany came out refreshed getting a lay in from Elija Pohlack of Alba Berlin, but couldn´t contain Lithuania and string along a row of stops as their offensive machine continued to execute well. Lithuania received a lay in from Raigardas Ciunys of Rytas Vilnius and a three point play by Adas Kernagis of Vilkaviskio Perlas (NKL) to lead 51-32. Germany executed here and there getting baskets from their guard duo of Volf and Pohlack and a trey from Papez to trail 51-39, but they just couldn´t get over the hump. Germany couldn´t execute that big run to get back into the game, but instead gave up a 8-2 run to trail 59-41. In the run, Lithuania got 4 points from Ciunys and a lay in from Andrulis while Jasikevicius hit free throws. Lithuania punished Germany time in and time out again with their penetration which Germany had no solution for. Both teams traded baskets until the end as Danny Egbe of Hamburg added 5 points and Berin Nurkic of FC Bayern Munich added a floater while Lithuania got production from Klisauskas and a trey from the top of the key from Andrulis as Lithuania led comfortably 66-48 after 30 minutes. Lithuania shot 42% from the field and 31% from the parking lot and had 34 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Germany shot 40% from the field and 25% from the parking lot and had 20 rebounds and 12 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Germany began spirited going on a 10-5 run led by Johan Meinberg who had been hampered with foul trouble, but showed just how lethal he can be as he added 7 points dominating the paint and added a dime to Lukas Schmidt f Porsche BBA Ludwigsburg who drilled home a trey as Germany trailed 72-58. Lithuania took a time out at 6,25, but that didn´t faze Germany as now their big run was finally alive. They continued their offensive romp after the time out rattling off 5 points off in a row as Justus Reintjes showed his scoring in bunches talent. Germany´s intensity had risen at both ends and suddenly Germany trailed only 72-63. Germany defended more aggressively and got more confidence stringing along stop after stop. The pressure was getting to Lithuania as Korsakovas missed 2 free throws and Reintjes continued his offensive rout with 2 free throws as Germany was chipping away play by play and trailed 72-64 with 5,25 to play and Germany had the momentum. The Volf and Reintjes show continued as Volf did good of his turnover getting a steal and dishing to Reintjes for the next trey as Germany trailed 72-67 with 4,13 to play. The incredible Germany come back continued as Pohlack made a steal which led to a Volf transition bucket 72-69 with 3,45 to play. Lithuania couldn´t come to terms with Germany´s aggressive defense and made the next turnover which led to a Schenk dunk as Germany trailed 72-71 with 3,05 to play. “Once again the guys showed incredible moral fighting back. I´m sure everyone out there didn´t believe in us, but we all knew we had a chance to come back. The loss hurts so much more now since we didn´t get the win”, said Lukas Scherer. After more than 4,00 minutes of no points, Ignas Martinkus of BC Telsiai (Lithuania-NKL) finally made free throws for the 74-71 advantage with 3 minutes to play. Raigardas Ciunys then made a clutch trey with 2,35 to play as Lithuania led 77-72 as Germany took a time out. However Germany wouldn´t be rewarded with their comeback as Lithuania kept their cool in crunch-time and buckled down on defense to force 2 airballs and a turnover. Free throws by Martinkus and Ciunys secured the 82-75 win. “Unfortunately the momentum didn´t go in our direction. I was sure that we would turn the game down 1 point. We couldn´t get the momentum back, because when we made a mistake, they capitualized on it and we got unneeded fouls called against us. They got nervous at the end and we had a chance for the semi-final, but in games like this, it is the little things that decide the game and today the little things didn´t go well for us. But tomorrow we will concentrate on 5th place and in 2 weeks, we will all be proud of our performance”, warned Lukas Scherer. Lithuanian was led by Danielius Jasikevicius and Lukas Andrulis with 17 points a piece while Germany was led by Marko Volf and Justus Reintjes with 16 points a piece. Lithuania shot 41% from the field and 33% from outside and had 45 rebounds and 18 turnovers while Germany shot 42% form the field and 30% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 15 turnovers.

Germany Stop Last Israeli Possession Staying Alive To Win 78-75 And Gain A Quarterfinal Ticket Against Lithuania At U-16 Euro

Pic credit FIBA

After a day of rest, recuperation and preparation for the next opponent, Germany was back at it facing Israel in the round of 16. Germany entered the game having had a 1-2 record losing badly to Slovenia and France while Israel came into the match with a 2-1 record. Israel had disposed of Georgia easily while winning a nail bitter over Greece and then got crushed by Spain 101-62. Germany led for most parts of the game, but could never shake Israel and had to watch the game come down to a last possession, but they stayed strong getting the stop and 78-75 victory over Israel to reach a quarterfinal clash against Lithuania. “This was an unbelievable important and big win for us. We have been working for this goal the last 7 weeks and the boys really worked hard for the win. It was a deserving win and I´m really proud of the team”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliner JBBL (U-16) coach Lukas Scherer. After sustaining some really poor starts, Germany didn´t let that happen this time against Israel as they exploded for a 9-0 run to start. Germany´s three point percentage had been terrible in the first games, but they let it rain three´s right away with two from Bonn guard Oliver Papez and one form Hakro Merlins Crailsheim guard Linus Ohr. Big Man Johan Meinberg was a rock under the basket getting the defensive rebounds off the first two misses of Israel. Marko Volf (185-PG-2009) who had missed the last game hit his first jump shot as Germany led 11-1. Israel then called a time out at the 7.11 minute mark. However that things can go so fast in basketball is no secret as the next time out came at the 5,03 minute mark by Germany as Israel suddenly had punched back scoring 11 unanswered points to trail 15-11. In the run Israel was carried by David Rotem of Maccabi Tel Aviv who added 8 points including 2 three´s. Maor Sela of Hapoel Tel Aviv also added a lay in on transition as the game had become an even affair. After the time out Germany still wasn´t able to get Rotem under control as he scored his 10th point on a jump shot. Germany finally ended the 13-0 Israeli run as Marko Volf got going scoring 6 points and giving Germany the 23-16 lead. Volf is so important for Germany as he is the leader and a player that just lives by carrying his team in crucial situations. However Israel didn´t let loose, If Germany had their Marko Volf, then they had their David Rotem. He was on fire and connected on two more three´s to have 16 points on 6/7 shooting as Germany led only 23-21. Israel also got good support from Itay Kedem of Maccabi Tel Aviv who scored twice to keep Israel close traling 24-23 in a very high scoring first quarter. Germany kept attacking getting a lay in from Hamburg´s Danny Egbe and a trey from Ulm´s Justus Reintjes as Germany led 29-25. Germany shot an incredible 66% from the field and 57% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 3 turnovers while Israel shot 67% form the field and 50% from outside and had 7 rebounds and 4 turnovers.

In the second quarter both teams continued to execute well, but Germany had the slim 45-40 lead at half time.. Volf continued to be aggressive and scored on transition after making a steal and made two free throws while Meinberg also scored being 2/2 in the game from the field. His scoring game continues to suffer with the German guard attack doing a big part of the scoring. Israel got buckets from Kedem and a trey from Omer Zvi of Maccabi Tel Aviv to stay on Germany´s back door trailing 34-30. Israel continued to chip away and got huge support from their bench as Yanai Lachmanovich of Hapoel Emek Hefer gave the team great energy with 2 steals and transition baskets that gave them the 35-34 advantage and Germany took a time out at the 5,02 minute mark. The game in the last minutes continued to be a tight affair as Israel had the slim 38-37 advantage as Yanai Lachmanovich had the hot hand and carried his team. Germany was defending solidly, but having difficulty on the offensive execution as good looks and misses and missed free throws kept them from taking the lead. The game was tight and it was time for Marko Volf to step up as he added 3 points and Meinberg continued to be super efficient scoring in the paint and Reintjes ended the first half with a steal and transition basket for the 45-40 Germany lead. Germany shot 61% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 8 turnovers while Israel shot 47% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 15 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

In the third quarter Germany was able to keep the lead as whenever Israel scored, Germany was able to punch back. Germany began very well continuing to keep Johan Meinberg involved in the paint with touches. He continued to make buckets as his teammates found him for two easy lay in´s. Germany continued to mix it up well keeping their guard terror in tact as Papez and Volf scored to keep Germany up with the comfortable 60-50 advantage. Israel had to play catch up basketball and Germany did a good job keeping David Rotem in check. He had only mustered 2 points since his 16 points in the first quarter. Israel couldn´t muster much offense as Yanai Lachmanovich was the only real bright spot scoring 4 points and keeping Israel from not totally losing control of the game. Israel also got baskets from Ilay Serruya from Maccabi tel Aviv and Ido Ziv from Maccabi Tel Aviv, but trailed 60-53 with 3,16 to play in the third quarter. Israel continued to be aggressive at both ends and kept fighting not allowing Germany to get away and decide the game early. Down the stretch, Israel got good support from Lachmanovich and Kedem with lay in´s as Germany led 65-59 after 30 minutes. Germany shot 58% from the field and only 28% from the parking lot as shots weren´t falling as well anymore and had 28 rebounds and 13 turnovers while Israel shot 42% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 23 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Germany didn´t waste anytime jumping all over Israel starting with a 7-0 run to lead 71-59. Instrumental in the run was Jaroslaw Zinn of Frankfurt steering 5 points. After scoring 9 points in the first game against Belgium, he hadn´t been a factor in the last 2 games, so getting this incredible push from the bench from him must have had Dirk Bauermann smiling on the bench. “I´m really proud of him. Of course I spoke a lot with him since his situation isn´t that easy. I always told him to stay ready, because he could become very important for us. In a tournament like this, you need everyone. What really stands out for him is that he is never shy of big moments and is a big competitor. When we needed him, he was ready to help us”, stated Lukas Scherer. While Germany continued to have major difficulty hitting the trey and executing on offense, they were able to keep the 74-64 lead through strong defense. There was no clear path to the basket for Israel as there was always a German big standing ready to swat the ball away. Reintjes like Volf is another guy that loves the big moments as his lay in with 3,48 to play caused Israel to call a time out. They came back strong with Kedem free throws and a Ziv trey to trail 75-69. Germany called a time out and regrouped as Egbe hit a trey, but Germany just couldn´t shake Israel as they got 2 buckets form Rotem and Kedem to trail 77-73 with 1,41 to play. Germany had problems closing out the game as Marko Volf missed 2 free throws which led to Rotem free throws with 42 seconds to go to trail 78-75. Egbe hurled up an airball with 21 seconds to go and Israel had one last chance to send the game into overtime, but a last heave by Rotem missed giving Germany the exciting 78-75 win. “Key at the end was that we fought until the end and gave all we had on defense. We led the whole game, but we knew that they would never give up and fight until the end. We held our nerves and deserved to win the game. I think that the guys will first realize what they have achieved in two weeks. We have a lot of self-confidence now. We aren´t at the end yet. Lithuania is a big basketball nation, but if we play good team defense and believe in ourselves and invest all we have then we have a good chance. We want to reach the semi-final”, warned Lukas Scherer. Germany was led by Marko Volf with 20 points while Johan Meinberg produced a 12/12 game while Israel was led by David Rotem with 22 points while Yanai Lachmanovic added 15 points. Germany shot 54% from the field and 30% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 17 turnovers while Israel shot 35% from the field and 22% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 11 turnovers.

France Tear Apart Germany 87-58 To Reach The Round Of 16 At The 2026 U-16 Euro

Pic credit: FIBA

Germany wanted to bounce back after their brutal loss to Slovenia which put them at 1-1 in the U-16 Euro competition. However in their third game, they definitely had no cake walk as they had to encounter 2-0 France who had defeated their first 2 foes Slovenia and Belgium by an average amount of 24 points. Germany had to clean up their team defense against France, improve their three point shooting and have less turnovers. But for the second day in a row, Germany was outclassed losing 87-58 to France. Germany was pounded on the boards and their three didn´t fall. On top of that, they were without Marko Volf. “We knew what we were up against, but still were unable to match their unbelievable athleticism and physicality. We had a bad start and had no solution for their aggressive defense. But like in the games before, we showed that we had a lot of moral and character. We never gave up and kept fighting. Other teams would have given up and hung their heads. We fought back and were able to have a more even second half against France. They can be really proud of that”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliners JBBL coach Lukas Scherer. France wasted no time attacking Germany and before anyone knew what was, France led 10-0 and soon after 17-2 as Germany had experienced the worst case scenario for a start. Germany began with little energy and let France get out on transition and take advantage of their early turnovers. Emmanuel Destom of FC Barcelona Lassa 2nd team (Spain-Tercera FEB) scored 6 of France´s first 8 points as he electrified the crowd with a dunk and two lay in´s. France was playing unselfish ball from the get go spreading the love around as Liham Eleka of BCM Gravelines Dunkerque Grand L. U21 team (ProA U21) also scored twice on transition while Liam Kabeya of Pole France Paris (NM1) hit a trey to show that France wasn´t only potent on the drive. Germany was down by 15 points with 5,46 to play and they had already suffered 4 turnovers. Germany´s only bright spot was a lay in by Hamburg´s Danny Egbe. Hamburg´s Lino Schenk then responded with a lay in, but Germany was too inconsistent on offensive execution as France struck again for it´s next run going on 9 consecutive points to lead 26-4. In the run, France mostly attacked the rim with success as Taïg Nonga Drieux of Pole France Paris (NM1) scored 6 points and Deston dropped a trey. Germany didn´t have the needed defensive intensity and made it very easy for France to get easy looks and baskets. The whole first quarter wasn´t a washout for Germany as they closed out the first quarter with a 11-6 run to trail 32-15. Oliver Papez of Bonn scored 6 points showing his inside out game and Johan Meinberg was aggressive inside getting 2 buckets.

In the second quarter Germany took the momentum of the last quarter and allowed only 15 points being more aggressive on the defensive end, but had little solutions on the offensive end scoring only 11 points to trail 47-26 at the break. Germany defended better in the second quarter, but also had some fortune that France missed some key free throws, but still were getting beaten on the boards as offensive rebounds led to easy baskets like for Taïg Nonga Drieux who scored twice as well as Livio Mendes who gave good support from the bench with 5 points including a three pointer as France still had the commanding and overwhelming 41-21 advantage. Germany couldn´t muster much offense except for a Justus Reintjes lay in on transition and 4 points from Lukas Schmidt of Porsche BBA / BSG Basket Ludwigsburg. Germany didn´t have the needed aggressiveness as the absence of Marko Volf really hurt the German offense. ”Losing your best player hurts a lot. Mark´s good experience and qualities would have helped us a lot against them. But other guys stepped up and took more responsibility. Guys like Linus Ohr and Oliver Papez did a good job taking responsibility with scoring”, stated Lukas Scherer. Linus Ohr of the HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim gave the team good energy in the last minutes with 5 points, but all in all Germany was facing a massive uphill battle against a hungry and athletic French side who had total control of the game. France shot 54% from the field and 30% from outside and had 24 rebounds and 5 turnovers while Germany shot 34% from the field and 15% from outside and had 12 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

In the third quarter France was in the drivers seat with a big lead and continued to manage the lead well and won the quarter 22-17 to lead comfortably 69-43 after 30 minutes. Liham Eleka found his spots well and made a jump shot to get France on the board first in the second half, but then came another strong phase by Germany as they rushed out on a 8-2 run to trail only 51-34 as there was a little hope again for Germany, but they were still a long way from being near France. In the run, Germany found some aggressiveness again attacking the rim the way a Volf would of as 4 different guys scored with Meinberg, Schenk, Pohlack of Alba Berlin and Egbe. However that basketball is a game of runs is no secret as Germany couldn´t hold the momentum and allowed France to go on a 11-2 run to up their lead to 62-36. In the run, France was led by Messie-Guethan Iwani of PFYM INSEP Paris U18 team with 4 points while Isaac Ramphort (186-PG-2010) of Olympique Antibes Juan Les Pins U18 team gave good energy from the bench with 5 points. France continued to show their bench worth as they always had guys stepping up. Germany got a few buckets in the last minutes with a lay in from Papez, a lay up from Jaron Braun of Braunschweig and a trey from Berin Nurkic from FC Bayern Munich, but Germany was already in such a big hole that they now needed a major miracle in the fourth quarter. France shot 50% from the field and 23% from the three point line and had 35 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Germany shot 38% from the field and 18% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

That miracle didn´t occur in the fourth quarter as France managed their big lead well defending well allowing 15 points while adding 18 points to close out the simple victory. Germany begam with a bang as Oliver Papez hit for 5 unanswered points to trail 69-48. However that didn´t faze France as they demonstrated just how strong they could be as they punched back rattling off 11 points in a row to up their lead up again to 80-48. They had been pretty quiet with their three ball, but now decided to let it rain three´s as they connected for 3 as Iwani, Ilian Toholin of Pole France Paris (NM1) and Laynce Mendy of Pole France Paris (NM1) all connected from the parking lot. That was the final dagger in the heart of Germany as the game was a real rout with 4,52 to play. Germany closed out the game well outscoring France as Egbe scored on a lay up, Schenk scored twice including a dunk and Reintjes made a lay in. For the second day in a row, Germany was schooled by a very good team that attacked from the get go and never stopped until the final buzzer. “Now the tournament really starts. France is simply better at this age. But we know that we can beat every other team if we can play our game for 40 minutes. We have shown character, never given up and always believe in ourselves. Now we have a day to rest and prepare for Israel”, added Lukas Scherer. France was led by Nonga Drieux with 16 points while Isaac Ramphort added 15 points while Germany was led by Oliver Papez with 13 points. France shot 47% from the field and 35% from the parking lot and had 47 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Germany shot 38% from the field and 19% from the parking lot and had 32 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Slovenia Take Total Control In The Third Quarter Overpowering Germany To 93-70 Win At The U-16 Euro

Pic credit FIBA

Germany came into game 2 at the U-16 Euro against Slovenia with the needed extra self confidence having disposed easily of Belgium 82-60. After winning a Bronze medal at the 2025 U-16 Euro, Slovenia began their quest for the next medal with a brutal 93-68 loss to France. Slovenia was hammered on the glass and suffered 27 turnovers while shooting only a dismal 25% from the parking lot. Slovenia obviously needed a win against Germany and Germany had to be careful not to go into the game underestimating the Slovenian side. However a slow start by Germany and an unforgettable third quarter by Germany paved the way for Slovenia winning 93-70. “Congrats to Slovenia. That is a real good team that will surely play for a medal. We began bad into the game with no concentration and weren´t ready to defend. But we fought back and showed moral. We stayed together as a team and fought. But in the end, Slovenia was clearly better, fitter and played with more intensity on defense”, stressed Frankfurt Skyliner JBBL (U-16) head coach Lukas Scherer. Germany began the game with an aggressive mind set on the defensive end getting back to back steals from Elija Pohlack of Alba Berlin and Johan Meinberg of Hamburg that led to easy transition baskets and the early 4-2 advantage. However Slovenia found an offensive groove that was led by 211cm athletic big man Tim Hegic who added 8 points as he really unraveled everything from his trick basket making lay ups, a dunk and pretty hook shot. Tobias Blazic of Avantgard Radovljica added a dunk on transition for the 16-9 lead as Slovenia´s rapid 14-5 run at the 4,11 minute mark led to a Germany time out. Slovenia´s scrappy play led to Germany turnovers as they were reeling to find a smooth offensive rhythm. Germany was unable to capitalize after the timeout as Slovenia heightened their lead to 19-9 following a Zan Terbovc of KK Zlatorog Lasko lay in on transition. Germany had enormous difficulty taking care of the ball as Danny Egbe coughed up the ball that led to free throws by Blazic as the run continued and Slovenia led 21-9. Germany was in an annoying hole in Romania. Germany was far from a rhythm, but at least got on the board again getting free throws from Bonn guard Oliver Papez and Ulm´s Marko Volf to trail 23-12. Germany connected on their first trey from Linus Ohr of Crailsheim, but they couldn´t get consecutive stops allowing Jure Cvelbarof KK Krka Novo Mesto 4 points as Slovenia led 27-15. Head coach Dirk Bauermann who has been known as having good defensive teams couldn´t have been happy with his kids defensive mindset and execution in the first 10 minutes. Germany got a key trey from Mr reliable Oliver Papez at the end, but trailed 29-19 after one quarter. Slovenia shot 69% from the field, but 0% from outside and had 8 boards and 5 turnovers while Germany shot 40% from the field and 33% from outside and had 6 boards and 8 turnovers.

In the second quarter, Germany began continuing to have problems controlling the ball as Egbe and Ohr had turnovers, but Slovenia couldn´t capitalize from it. However Germany was good for a run and finally achieved it with a 8-2 run to trail only 31-27. The turning point was Danny Egbe drawing a foul form behind the 3 line and connecting on all. Ohr added a trey and Volf 2 free throws. Germany defended better and Meinberg swatted away a ball getting that big play feeling to Germany. Slovenia called a timeout and needed a solution to break Germany´s offensive rhythm. But Germany kept the momentum as Linus Ohr made a steal which led to a trey by him and suddenly Germany was back in the game trailing 31-30. After another Slovenia turn over, Marko Volf gave Germany the 32-31 advantage with a pull up jumper. The game was an even affair now and Germany got a clutch trey from FC Bayern Munich player Berin Nurkic, but Slovenia kept the slim 39-35 lead as they also got key production form their bench as Maj Tomsic Vujkovic of GIBB Ilirija Ljubljana added 4 points with a lay in and free throws with 3,19 to play in the first half. But Germany stuck together as Egbe had that clutch moment again and displayed his scoring in bunches with 2 buckets and a free throw to give Germany the 41-39 lead with 2,21 to play. But that flash of brilliance by Egbe didn´t faze Slovenia as they ended the second quarter strong with a 7-2 run to lead 46-43 at the break. Key in the run were lay in´s by Vujkovic and Terbovc and Dos Santos drilled home a key three pointer to end the first half. Slovenia continued to shoot well from the field and 55% and 25% from the three point line and had 16 rebounds and 9 turnovers while Germany shot 40% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 12 turnovers. Slovenia did a good job containing Marko Volf to only 6 points on 1/7 shooting.

In the third quarter Slovenia kept their momentum from the last 2 minutes of the second quarter and began with a 8-2 run to lead 54-45. In the run Slovenia received baskets from four different players as Terbovc made a floater, Roman Kolka of Cedevita Olimpija Ljubljana made a lay in and Blazic and Vujkovic made free throws. However Germany had an answer for that run with a 5-0 run to trail only 54-49 as Volf was finidng his spots better and made his second basket of the second half and Nurkic answered again with a three pointer. But Germany just couldn´t find an answer to stop Slovenia´s offense as they retaliated with a lethal 11-0 run to lead 65-49. Slovenia had so many weapons as Jure Cvelbar of KK Krka Novo Mesto scored inside and Anze Auer of FC Barcelona made a pull up jumper. Slovenia also remained witty getting to the free throw line as Terbovc and Kolka scored. Germany got some much needed offensive support down the stretch with another Ohr trey and Papez and Meinberg lay in´s, but all in all, their execution wasn´t satisfactory as they trailed 72-57 after 30 minutes to play. “We fought back strong before the break and led and wanted to keep that up in the third quarter. But Slovenia did a good job adding a gear up on defense and made life difficult for us and always kept forcing us to easy turnovers. We also invited them too many easy baskets. We couldn´t match their intensity on the defensive end”, added Luaks Scherer. Slovenia had overpowered Germany in the third quarter and Germany was looking up a steep hill to get out of this hole. Slovenia shot Slovenia shot 55% from the field and 20% from the parking lot and had 28 rebounds and 12 turnovers while Germany shot 38% from the field and 27% from the parking lot and had 26 rebounds and 17 turnovers.

In the fourth quarter Slovenia did a great job of managing the lead and despite some early solid execution from Germany, then never lost focus, but closed out the game well defending until the end and winning easily 93-70. In the first minutes, Germany got some vital support from Berin Nurkic who added 7 points with a trey, floater and free throws to trail 84-67. Slovenia understood to use their whole bench as Ziga Podgornik of KK Maribor mladi also got into the scoring attack with 5 points including a trey. However Germany never found a clear path on the defensive end and continued to trade buckets with Slovenia as that made it impossible for them to come back. With 4.22to play, time was running out and Germany had simply ran out of gas. They got some added points from Lucas Schmidt of Porsche BBA / BSG Ludwigsburg and free throws from Jaron Braun of Braunschweig, but it was too little to late for team Germany. “We were often a step to slow and not clever enough with drawing fouls. We have to do a better job with the 50/50 balls. We had too little of them today. We will learn from this game and tomorrow against France, it will get a bit harder and it will be a real moral test for the boys”, warned Lukas Scherer. Slovenia had 4 guys score in double figures led by Maj Vujkovic (190-PG-2010) with 16 points while Zan Terbovc added 14 points and Roman Kolka 13 points while Germany was led by Berin Nurkic and Linus Ohr with 12 points a piece. Slovenia shot 53% from the field and 40% from outside and had 38 rebounds and 16 turnovers while Germany shot 36% from the field and 25% from outside and had 33 rebounds and 23 turnovers.

Mike Mitchell Jr Powers The CATL Basketball Lowen In Crunch-Time Over The Skyliners Juniors 86-82 As A Little Bit Of Larry Bird Spirit Is In The Air

How different the season of the Skyliners Juniors could have been had they not had had injury woes in the first month and they had found a way to win games at home better (1-4). But that is all in the past as the team simply needs wins to get up higher into the standings as they were resting in 11th place. They met last placed Basketball Lowen Erfurt who were sitting in the Pro B cellar. Sometimes records do disguise certain things as this seemingly lowly team were first in points scored and rebounds, but that didn´t get them a medal as they allowed 93 points per game and were second in turnovers in the Pro B south. The team featured the always potent Paul Albrecht and talented German Musa Abra and work horse Noah Kamdem. The Skyliners Juniors came into the game with a 3 game losing streak and last weekend had found no offensive rhythm losing 70-61 against Langen. They were facing a must win in their own living room. Despite an incredible shooting clinic with 10 three´s and 35 points by the universal genius Ivan Crnjac, the Skyliners Juniors weren´t able to secure the win as the CATL Basketball Lowen won 86-82. Frankfurt had to put up with the strong big man duo of Albrecht and Kamdem and with Abra and Mitchell at the guard position and in the end it was Mitchell who made the game winner and free throws. “I felt like we played well as a team and hustled well. However our defense wasn´t always awake. It was tough defending against 2 dominant bigs and 2 talented guards. They showed what they could do on the court”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. They combined for 66 of the 86 team points. The CATL Basketball Lowen needed a win so badly and fought until the end with the great support of their fans who made the long trip. “It was an even game for the most part. Even when Frankfurt got a good lead in the third quarter, we never gave up. I think that we had the better energy at the end and were more active on the defensive end. Our fans were also a big help”, stressed Erfurt guard Musa Abra.

Samuel Nellessen with the runner

The Skyliners Juniors found their offensive rhythm quickly taking the quick 8-3 lead as Ivan Crnjac got going right away netting 5 points and getting a great feel for the rim. Frankfurt was sharing the ball nicely early. However it didn´t take the CATL Basketball Lowen long to punch back as American Mike Mitchell Jr. (188-G-2002, college: Minnesota) and veteran Noah Kamdem nailed three´s dead locking the game 10-10. A 9-0 Erfurt run gave them the 14-10 advantage as Frankfurt was reeling for something positive. The Frankfurt 1-1 defense was weak as they allowed way too many easy baskets. Frankfurt took a time out and struck back letting it rain three´s as Crnjac was in the zone as he knocked down 2 more three´s while Mr Energizer Dusan Nikolic also hit from outside as did Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak as Frankfurt had the 22-16 advantage. Frankfurt couldn´t hold the momentum as Erfurt struck back with a 7-0 run as young German Jordan Brand connected for a trey and Mitchell scored back to back mid range shots for the 23-22 lead. Frankfurt had one more chance before the quarter ended and Skyliner Junior Alvin Oniya literally pulled a Larry Bird. Back in a pre season game in 1986, Larry Bird hit a shot from behind the basket against the Houston Rockets in Hartford. Onyia did the same thing and saw nothing but net. “Fabrice Heberer made a shot like that this season in the Regionalliga. Kids don´t usually practice that shot at least I hope they don´t. You try a shot like that in the game of horse. A shot like that can always help push a team”, said Skyliners NBBL coach Thore Bethke. A big focus in the game was to control the boards and Frankfurt did that 12-10 while shooting47% from the field and 43% from outside while the guests shot 50% from the field and 44% from outside. The Skyliners Juniors had 4 turnovers and Erfurt 0. “The Skyliners Juniors didn´t have it easy without Joscha Zentgraf and Marvin Esser under the boards, but they did a pretty good job as a team. It was difficult containing Mitchell and Abra. We gave up too many easy baskets”, stressed Thore Bethke

Jamie Edoka from outside

The second quarter remained tight as both clubs continued to punch back and forth, but in the last minutes before the break, the CATL Basketball Lowen got away and led 50-45. The CATL Basketball Lowen did a good job closing down the lane and gave the Skyliners Juniors the three pointer and they responded. Crnjac continued to fire away making another while Nikolic and Jamie Edoka did as well, but the guests always had an answer getting a trey from Mitchell who was always aggressive and lay in´s from Abra and ex Rhondorf forward Samuel Nellessen to dead lock the game at 35-35. After Edoka and Mitchell traded three´s, it was the guests that took the lead as Germans Paul Albrecht who once notched a triple double against Lok Bernau and Luca Forster made lay in´s for the 43-40 Erfurt advantage. Frankfurt continued to have problems with their defensive intensity allowing easy buckets. Frankfurt kept battling back getting free throws from ex Neustadt forward Leif Zentgraf and a trey from Maxi Peters tying the game at 45-45. Erfurt punched back one last time closing out the second quarter with a 5-0 run as Abra hit a trey and Luca Forster made an off balance jumper with 0,8 seconds at the buzzer. “We had problems getting consistent stops. They continued to get easy baskets especially on Transition. Mitchell did a good job always pushing the ball”, said Thore Bethke. The CATL Basketball Lowen shot 47% from the field and 40% from the three point line and had 20 rebounds and 2 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 48% from the field and 42% from the three point line and had 21 rebounds and 9 turnovers.

Musa Abra at the FT line

The Skyliners Juniors picked up their game at both ends of the court in the third quarter and led by as much as 8 points, but Erfurt fought back and trailed only by 1 point after 3 quarters. The Skyliners Juniors exploded to begin the second half going on a 11-2 run as Ivan Crnjac continued to have the hot hand nailing 2 three´s while Leif Zentgraf also dropped a trey and Crnjac also displayed his fine passing skills throwing up the perfect alley-oop lob pass for Jamie Edoka with the massive throw down and 56-52 lead. “They were giving the Skyliners the three. It was nice to see Ivan hit three´s again. It was a good omen for the game, because whenever he is on, Frankfurt has good chances to win”, stated Thore Bethke. After Mitchell found Forster for the back door bullet pass and lay in, it was Ivan Crnjac again who continued his superb shooting nailing 2 more three´s for the 62-54 advantage. However Frankfurt was unable to keep the momentum allowing a 9-2 run to end the third quarter and led only 64-63. Frankfurt had some annoying turnovers which led to easy transition buckets from Abra and Nellessen. Kamdem also made a difficult turn around shot while super role player Luca Forster connected on a clutch three pointer. “They had some nice highlight plays like that Edoka alley-oop dunk, but we executed well on offense and fought back to stay close”, commented Musa Abra. “We began well and hit the three well, but we had too many leek outs on defense and allowed easy baskets”, said Ivan Crnjac. The Skyliners Juniors shot 45% from the field and 43% from the parking lotr and had 32 rebounds and 13 turnovers while the CATL Basketball Lowen shot 41% from the field and 32% from the parking lot and had 35 rebounds and 8 turnovers.

Ivan Crnjac from downtown

The fourth quarter was a real dog fight as there were 9 lead changes as no team could get away form the other. Ex Skyliners Junior Noah Kamdem is always motivated to play his ex team and twice gave his team the 2 point lead with a trey and runner 70-68. Crnjac continued to be aggressive netting his 9th and 10th three pointers of the game giving his team the 74-73 lead. He finished the game with 35 points on 12/20 shooting. “The first ones felt good. It was good to get out of my shooting slump. We had an advantage because they gave us the three´s”, expressed Ivan Crnjac. After a Kamdem trey, it was Smazak that connected from outside for the 77-76 lead. Young German Musa Abra who has improved his play each season in the last 3 in the NBBL and Pro B has become a real go to guy and showed it in crunch time with a trey and lay in for the 81-79 Erfurt lead. “I showed responsibility. My drive was working well. My team has a lot of confidence in my game. My confidence keeps growing from game to game”, said Musa Abra. Smazak continued to be aggressive and confident in his shot as he hit a trey to tie the game at 82-82. Mitchell then punched back with a 20 footer for the 84-82 lead with 36 seconds to play. Erfurt then stopped Crnjac and Mitchell clinched the win with free throws. “We were very aggressive and had more energy. We were all active on defense and had good pick and roll defense”, stressed Musa Abra. “We could have had better looks at the end. We aren´t that good yet at closing out games. We are a young team. We have to work on that”, stressed Ivan Crnjac. The CATL Basketball Lowen were led by Musa Abra with 21 points. Mike Mitchell Jr. added 17 points and Noah Kamdem had 15 points while the Skyliners Juniors were led by Ivan Crnjac with 35 points while Jamie Edoka added 10 points. The CATL Basketball Lowen shot 41% from the field and 33% from outside and had 51 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 42% from the field and 37% from outside and had 41 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Versatile Rasheed Bello(Antwerp Giants) Prides His Game On Being Effective At Both Ends Of The Court

Pic credit: Antwerp Giants

Rasheed Bello (183-PG, college: PFW) is a 183cm guard from Chicago playing his rookie season overseas with the Antwerp Giants(Belgium-Pro Basketball League). He began his basketball career at DePaul College Prep and then played 2 seasons at the University of Wisconsin Parkside (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 70.0% and 17.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.5apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 75.9%. He then finished at Purdue University Fort Wayne (NCAA) averaging 14.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 77.3% and as a senior averaged16.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 87.1%. He spoke to eurobasket before a Fiba Europe Cup game against the Rostock Seawolves.

Thanks Rasheed for talking to eurobasket.com. Your playing your rookie season overseas with the Windrose Giants Antwerp (Belgium-Pro Basketball League)? You were involved in school with something went viral as yu blocked a shot with your shoe. Did people hear about overseas or has it been somewhat off the radar?

Not really only heard once from our team manager Andre he brought it up to me. So somewhat off the radar

What kind of an experience has it been playing with the Windrose Giants Antwerp (Belgium-Pro Basketball League). What have you enjoyed most about the experience?

The experience has been great all the way from the staff to the players it’s been great feels like home.

You hail from Chicago and how live in a historic city Antwerpen. What have you began to like most about the culture in Belgium?

The culture so far here has been welcoming getting recognized through the city (Also driving around with a big giants logo on my car)

You’re a rookie and are playing in 2 competitions with the Belgium Pro Basketball League and ENBL. Do you feel any kind of pressure leading the team to success?

No pressure we will be prepared and succeed

It isn´t always easy being a rookie overseas. What has it been like sharing the back court with fellow rookie Enoch Cheeks? How do you guys support each other best on and off the court since your both in the same boat?

We keep it real with each other and hang out off the court to bring the chemistry to the court works out great.

What was your wake up call overseas to being a rookie where you knew that you were far away from home?

The different foods and seasonings and just certain products that your used to in the states won’t see that often out here.

Let´s talk about your game? You’re a point guard that fills the stat sheet well. Your 10cm smaller than Russell Westbrook, but to what NBA player would you compare your game to?

DeAaron Fox and Davion Mitchell

You fill the stat sheet with ease. How big is versatility a staple in your game?

Versatility is a big staple in my game being able to be effective on both sides of the court I take pride in.

You were a good playmaker in the NCAA 2 and NCAA, but now are playing a different style overseas. What steps do you want to make as a playmaker overseas?

Just being able to make.5 decisions smaller window due to the shot clock change and just reading the game and making it more simple.

You shot over 40% from outside in the NCAA 2 and NCAA, What are your major goals with your 3 point shot as a rookie?

Goal is to stay in that range

You were an excellent defender in the NCAA 2 and NCAA. What kind of a defender are you at the moment and into what kind of a defender do you want to grow into in the next years?

There is always room for growth defensively especially on and off the ball. Just being able to disturb the opposing teams point guard as much as possible and just read when to steal the ball and blow up ball screens and off ball screens

On what areas of your game are you working on now so you can keep improving as a player?

Finishing at the rim/ passing and decision making and off the dribble jumpers

You played 2 seasons at the the University of Wisconsin Parkside (NCAA2) averaging 9.1ppg, 3.5rpg, 2.1apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.4%, 3PT: 39.6%, FT: 70.0% and 17.9ppg, 5.1rpg, 4.5apg, 2.5spg, FGP: 47.3%, 3PT: 43.0%, FT: 75.9%. You made huge strides in your game in your second season. How did your game grow there under Luke Reigel?

Coach Reigel just believed in me to make the right play at the right time and also gave me freedom to lead the team

You had so many great games there including an explosive 36/4/8/6 game in a win over GVSU and also reached the NCAA 2 tournament. What was your fondest moment there?

My fondest moment would be winning the regular season title defeating Saginaw Valley at home to secure it

You then made the jump to Purdue University Fort Wayne (NCAA) averaging 14.9ppg, 2.9rpg, 4.3apg, 1.9spg, FGP: 50.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 77.3% and 16.0ppg, 2.4rpg, 4.2apg, 1.8spg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 42.6%, FT: 87.1%. You needed no adjustment period in the NCAA. What was your secret to playing so well and how did your game grow in those 2 years?

The coaching staff and teammates just believing me and giving me freedom and a lot off season work and in season work goes into that.

In your first season was the famous shoe block game in the win against Southern Indiana. What memories do you have of that game. Why did you hold the shoe in your hand? Was that just instincts?

As a team we started that game off pretty rough so we were fighting to get back in the game. My shoe came off and I went to grab it even though Coach specifically says if your shoe falls off stop and put them on for injury reasons, but instincts just took over late shot clock and I just blocked it with my shoes

Over time what do you remember being the coolest or funniest remark you got about this incredible show block?

Seeing how viral it went didn’t think it was that big of a deal at the moment

You had so many memorable games at Purdue like scoring 31 points against BCU or 26 points against Detroit. You also had an incredible 27 points in a 120-113 win over Wright State where you played 48 minutes. What was your most memorable game there?

Probably that Wright State, because game it was intense and it was fun everyone was getting buckets.

How did head coach Jon Coffman groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

He always wanted us to operate like pros off the court and on the court and here I am.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Quinton Morton-Robertson?

Quinton is up on the score in our 1 on 1 battles I won’t troll

Who is the toughest player that you ever faced in your life that reached the NBA?

No one that reached there

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Tray Croft, Ty Johnson, Quinton Morton, Josiah Palmer, Raheem Anthony

Please list your NBA Mount Rushmore?

Lebron James, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Nikola Jokic

Who is your Goat?

Lebron James

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I didn´t watch the sequel.

Thanks Rasheed for the chat.

Tim Smith Jr Leads The EPG Baskets Koblenz In Crunch-Time To Grind Out 81-69 Win Over The Uni Baskets Munster

It was the hour of truth for the EPG Baskets Koblenz as they returned back to their living room to battle Pro A team Munster. Both clubs actually came into the contest boasting a poor 2-5 record. Both teams have been a firing range as opponents for both clubs have scored, scored and scored at ease. Both teams arrived into the game with 3 game losing streaks while the EPG Baskets allowed 101 points in the last 3 games and Munster 90 points. It was a phase now where the EPG Baskets Koblenz would meet some teams in the middle of the standings and these were golden opportunities for them to get some wins. It was a must win for the EPG Baskets Koblenz. On a drowsy cool Monday evening, fans didn´t see a pretty game, but at least it wasn´t a blow out as both teams battled back and forth for 37 minutes until the EPG Baskets totally put the lid on the team´s first home win of the season with a brutal 14-2 run to end the game 81-67. “We gave a great defensive effort. We held them to 69 points. We didn´t have a great scoring night, but important was that our defense was good. Important was that we did a good job limiting their guards”, stressed Ohio native and EPG Baskets forward Tim Smith Jr. The Uni Baskets Munster had their ups and downs and unfortunately for them, the last punch of the game came from Koblenz. “We showed spurts of great defense and ball movement. We have to learn to put it together for 40 minutes. We are still learning each other and need better maturity”, stressed Uni Baskets Munster guard Bo Dukes. It was a tough game to follow for EPG Baskets Koblenz sport director Thomas Klein as he had a massive sigh of relief when the buzzer sounded. “It wasn´t pretty, but the most important thing was that we won. We had good phases at the end of offense and defense. 2 minutes was enough to win the game”, stressed Thomas Klein.

Alex Moeller at the FT line

The EPG Baskets Koblenz wanted to make a statement in this game, but instead stunk up their own living room early as the Uni Baskets Munster escaped out on a 12-2 lead. Ex Georgia State (NCAA) forward Nicholas McMullen got going early scoring 3 buckets as his 1-1 skills were unmatched as he wheeled and dealed on his first shot with a few spins. Munster also got a trey from ex Paderborn guard Neil Masnic and a lay in from ex Butler (NCAA) guard Bo Dukes. The guests were aggressive and executing well while on at the other end playing good 1-1 defense as the EPG Baskets Koblenz weren´t being aggressive or physical, but just hurling up bricks from the parking lot. The EPG Baskets Koblenz finally found to their game when German Alex Moeller and American DJ Jeffries were inserted. Both were aggressive driving to the hoop and were rewarded with baskets. Moeller scored twice and Jeffries was a real work horse scoring three times including a big dunk to trail 17-15 after 10 minutes. The UNI Baskets Munster played solid team ball in the first 5 minutes with a little of isolation added in, but in the latter half were more passive and playing too much hero ball. “We weren´t aggressive or physical in the first half of the first quarter. We then played better 1-1 defense and just found to our game while attacking the rim more”, said Thomas Klein.

Julian Larry at the FT line

In the second quarter both teams were at eye level, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz had the slim 37-33 advantage at the break. Both teams executed well on offense as Koblenz had their own version of a microwave Vinnie Johnson as Garrett Hicks (183-PG-2001, college: Samford) stepped up netting 7 points, but they couldn´t get away from the guests as they received input from McMullen with a lay in and dime from ex Heidelberg guard Andrew O´Brien and the latter then connected on a trey to dead lock the game at 25-25. The game stayed a game of little runs as Koblenz got 5 unanswered points from Marco Bacak who stepped out to drill home a trey and free throws to lead 30-25, but Munster struck back with a 6-0 run as ex Indiana State (NCAA) guard Julian Larry made back to back jumpers and ex Campbell (NCAA) guard Caleb Zurliene made a floater to steal back the lead at 31-30. But the runs didn´t stop there as the EPG Baskets punched back with a lethal 7-2 run to lead by 4 points going into half-time. Key in the run again was ex G-League player DJ Jeffries who connected on a turn around shot and went coast to coast for a lay in. Ex Leipzig forward Jonas Niedermanner closed out the second quarter with a lay in. “I was very happy to be up by 4 points. Both teams demonstrated 1-1 play. We were better on the close outs and rebounded better”, stated Thomas Klein. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 45% from the field and 25% from outside and had 17 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Uni Baskets Munster shot 50% from the field and 30% from outside and had 14 rebounds and 10 turnovers.

Marko Bacak from downtown

Despite a slow start into the third quarter by the EPG Baskets Koblenz who lost the lead again, they were able to claw back and get the lead back and lead 54-53 after 30 minutes. Once again the Uni Baskets Munster caught Koblenz napping like in the first quarter as they went out on a 12-2 run to regain the lead again at 45-39. In the run, the Uni Baskets Munster were led by Julian Larry who once again had the hot hand as he added 7 points showing his 3 level scoring while McMullen also added a steal and transition bucket while German Paul Viefhues added a clutch three pointer. Munster came out playing a type of run and gun which Koblenz couldn´t adjust to. Koblenz also was tame and not aggressive getting to the rim like they did better in the second quarter. Koblenz didn´t start the second half with Americans Jeffries and Hicks, but when they were inserted after the guests big run, things changed. They led their team on a 9-3 run as the team followed Jeffries game and got more aggressive again. Jeffries was aggressive on the glass getting a tip in on the third try while Bacak attacked the basket scoring twice. Hicks added a trey which gave Koblenz the 48-47 lead again. Then the game went back and forth as there were 4 lead changes. The EPG Baskets Koblenz remained aggressive as bigs Bacak and Moeller scored while the guests got free throws from Mcmullen and a lay in by Zurliene. However DJ Jeffries had the last laugh closing out the third quarter with an off balance jumper to lead by 1 point. “We had a lack of focus to start, but we didn´t give up and stayed with it and got the lead back”, commented Tim Smith Jr. “We showed flashes of many things in the run. But we weren´t able to show it for the whole quarter”, stated Bo Hodges. “We saw wild west basketball. There was absolute no control from both teams. It was 1-1 basketball from both teams”, said Thomas Klein.

Paul Viefhues from outside

The Uni Baskets punched first leading by as much as 5 points, but the EPG Baskets Koblenz wanted that first home win and punched last to win the game. Ex Trier forward Jannis Sonnefeld began the fourth quarter with free throws and the 56-53 lead, but Koblenz then had 2 minutes of a real lack of concentration as Munster went on a 8-0 run to lead 61-56. In the run they got back to back three´s from Germans Thore Dilschman and Masnic while Mcmullen added an old school hook shot. Koblenz didn´t defend smartly and had some bad turnovers as Badu Buck made the wrong decision of throwing up an alley op pass when he should of just finished the transition play himself. After a Smith Jr lay in, Mcmullen added another lay in for the 63-58 lead. The game remained a game of runs as Koblenz added 5 unanswered points as Niedermanner hit a trey and Hicks made a lay in on transition to tie the game at 63-63 as the arena was cooking. Both teams punched back a few times as no team could get away as the game was dead locked at 67-67. But then came the turning point of the game and the last punch by the EPG Baskets Koblenz as they offered a 14-2 run to end the game. In the run, Tim Smith Jr was instrumentel adding 7 points showing his 3 level scoring and Marco Bacak added a three pointer bank shot that had some cringing while others shedding a smile as everything came together for Koblenz in crunch-time. “I didn´t shoot much in the first half, but I knew that my time would come. I just let the game come to me”, expressed Tim Smith Jr. NIedermanner and Hicks also added baskets. “We drove to the basket, found the teammates, rebounded well and had good 1-1 defense”, smiled Thomas Klein. “We had too many communication problems. They also had too many offensive rebounds. We have to be better down the stretch”, warned Bo Hodges. “We played really good defense. We knew that we had to invest 10% more. We were flying around and getting into the passing lanes well”, added Tim Smith Jr. The EPG Baskets Koblenz were led by DJ Jeffries and Garrett Hicks with 15 points a piece while Tim Smith Jr had 12 points and Marko Bacak 10 points while the Uni Baskets Munster were led by Nicholas McMullen with 22 points and Julian Larry added 18 points. The EPG Baskets Koblenz shot 44% from the field and 31% from the three point line and had 38 rebound and 9 turnovers while the Uni Baskets Munster shot 44% from the field and 28% from the three point line and had 35 rebounds and 20 turnovers.

Saben Lee Will Never Forget Playing Were Going To Make 10 In A Row On Game Days With Kevin Durant

Pic credit: Vanderbilt University

Saben Lee (188-SG-1999, college: Vanderbilt) is a 26 year old 188cm shooting guard from Tempe, Arizona that will suit up in 2026-2027 for B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania-LKL) and played his 6th professional season and second with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL) winning the Super Cup averaging 10.2ppg
, 1.7rpg, 2.9apg FGP: 72.5%, 3PT: 33.3%, FT: 77.3%; and in the Euroleague averaged 3.4ppg
, 1.4apg. In December 2025 he moved to Anadolu Efes Istanbul (Turkey-BSL) averaging 11.3ppg
, 1.7rpg,  3.1apg FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 27.9%, FT: 75.0% .In the 2024-2025 season he split time with Maccabi Playtika Tel-Aviv (Israel-Winner League) playing 8 Euroleague games averaging 12.0ppg, 2.1rpg, 2.5apg, 1.3spg, 2FGP: 47.6%, 3FGP: 31.6%, FT: 76.0%, then moved to Manisa Basket (Turkey-BSL) averaging 18.7ppg, 3.8rpg, 6.0apg, 1.0spg, 2FGP: 61.0%, 3PT: 29.5%, FT: 77.3%; and finished with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL) averaging 6.0ppg, 1.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 73.3%, 3PT: 29.4%, FT: 55.0%. He played his first 4 pro seasons in the NBA with Detroit, Philadelphia and Phoenix playing a total of 134 NBA games. He began his basketball career at Corona del Sol high school and then played at Vanderbilt University (NCAA) from 2017-2020 playing a total of 95 NCAA games and as a senior averaged 18.6ppg, 3.5rpg, 4.2apg, 1.5spg, FGP: 54.9%, 3PT: 32.2%, FT: 75.2%. He spoke to germanhoops.com about basketball.

Thanks Saben for talking to germanhoops.com. Your played your second pro season overseas and second with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL). What kind of an experience was it playing for this historic team?

It has been great being able to play with so many highly talented individuals. You have no choice, but to get better and playing in front of our fans has been awesome.

How big were the expectations for this club? Your defending champions in Greece, won the cup last in 2024 and Euroleague in 2013. Is it a different kind of expectation compared to how NBA teams are run?

The expectations for this club are very high. We always want to win. We want to win at every level with the Greek League and Euroleague. The expectations are a little different than in the NBA. They emphasis more on winning overseas and I think there is more passion playing for the various countries.

In the Euroleague teams are stacked with many nationalities whereas in the NBA it is a lot less. You already played Euroleague last season. How has your game improved in your short time in Europe?

I feel like my game has definitely adjusted to the European tendencies. There is more team basketball here whereas in the NBA more isolation and a lot more shots

How would you classify your role with Olympiacos S.F.P. Piraeus (Greece-GBL)? You don´t have that scoring role that you had in Turkey last season?

My role is just to help the team win in any way I can. I don´t have that scoring role like I had in the past, but here is to manage the game and get the ball to where it needs to be. I just do whatever the team needs to me to do so it is successful.

How vital was teammate Tyler Dorsey since you arrived last season? He is a real Euroleague veteran and has seen it all overseas.

He is a great player and I feel like he is underrated. He can score the ball in a variety of ways and is a great shooter. He is a Euroleague veteran and I have been able to see the kind of work that he has put in to be successful. He has had many good games.

Last season you split time in Israel, Turkey and came in Feb to Greece and prompt won the league title. How tough was it coming from Turkey playing and scoring so much to having a different role in Greece?

It wasn´t too tough changing my role from scoring. Obviously I feel like I can score the ball in a variety of ways and at a big clip, but it is just an adjustment that Olympiacos wants me to take and I´m all for it. Winning for me is more important than scoring.

In warm Israel everything seems top with the food and weather, but still did you have a wake up call to being overseas where you knew that you were far away from the States?

I actually never went to Israel, because we were staying in Belgrade on account of the war there. My wake up call was the living conditions, because it was very different to the States.

You played your rookie season with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) playing 48 games averaging 5.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 3.6apg, FGP: 48.7%, 3PT: 34.8%, FT: 68.5%. What kind of an experience was it for you?

It was a great experience being able to play with some of my friends like Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey and Killian Hayes. We had a good rookie class and I have a lot of good memories. We obviously weren´t winning as much, but we were definitely building something.

How valuable was it having a veteran like Canadian Cory Joseph in Detroit? What could you soak up most from him?

He is a good friend of mine and a real mentor that I looked up to and still do. He was a great player. I think his winning qualities and how he carried himself day to day really helped my development in Detroit.

In your third pro season you played a few NBA games with Philadelphia, played for 2 G-League teams and finished the season playing with the Suns. How tough was all the moving around and what did you learn about the NBA?

It´s not to tough moving around in the NBA. guys get traded, waived and have to learn new sets. I learned that you have to adapt on the fly and still have to be bale to play at a high level.

In the 2023-2024 season you played your last season in the NBA with the Phoenix Suns (NBA) playing 24 games averaging 3.0ppg, 1.3rpg, 1.3apg. You were teammates with Kevin Durant. What kind of an experience was that? What was your best Durant story?

Just working out with him. I would work out with him during every game day in the mornings. The first time that I worked out with him just us 2, the first thing he said was we will make 10 in a row. Doing that catch and shoot is already tough, but then he said we will do 10 in a row with a variety of shots. Just being able to lock in and see the talent that he has and his work ethic showed me where he is.

You played against so many NBA superstars. What was your fondest memory from a game playing against a Lebron, Doncic or Giannis?

I don´t really have a fond memory playing against them. My memories are more just being out on the floor with them and just competing. That was enough for me.

Is the NBA still a reality for you or is Europe 100% on your menu now?

I don´t know what my future is now, but just worry about where I am now.

You played at Vanderbilt University (NCAA) from 2017-2020. Your game made big strides there. How did your game grow especially in your 2 last seasons?

My game really grew from watching the collegiate game and just watching a lot of film. That really helped my game improve.

You always gave Kentucky a good game, but never beat them in the NCAA. What do you remember from that grind out 56-47 loss?

Playing against Kentucky was always a lot of fun especially playing in Rupp arena and playing against many high level guys with lottery picks and future NBA players. I was always ready for those games. NBA scouts were always there as well.

How did head coach Bryce Drew and Jerry Stackhouse groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I was really grateful to have 2 NBA guys as coaches. They were able to tell me their process and gave me their words of wisdom and tell me what it takes to get to the highest level.

Who won a 1-1 in practice you or Darius Garland?

I never got to play against him as he was hurt. He came in as a highly touted freshman. He is a really good player and I´m happy for where he is now.

Who was the toughest player that you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

Shai Gillgeous-Alexander

Please name your 5 best teammates of all-time?

Isaiah Stewart, Saddiq Bey, Corey Joseph, Josh Okogie, Nassir Little

Who is your GOAT?

My dad

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming To America? Shouldn´t they have left it alone?

I did not see the classic Coming To America.

Thanks Saben for the chat.

Jarrod Uthoff(Pallacanestro Trieste) May Have Had A Longer NBA Career Had Covid Not Happened

Jarrod Uthoff Dolomiti Energia Trentino Trento – Pallacanestro Trieste LBA FrecciaRossa Final Eight 2025 – Semifinali LBA Legabasket Serie A Unipol 2024-25 Torino, 15/02/2025 Foto AlessiaDoniselli // CIAMILLO-CASTORIA

Jarrod Uthoff (206-PF-1993, college: Iowa) is a 32 year old 206cm forward from Iowa playing his 10th professional season and second with Pallacanestro Trieste (Italy-Serie A). He began his career at Jefferson High School and then played at the University of Iowa (NCAA) from 2012-2016.He has G-Leaguee xpereince and played NBA games with Dallas and Memphis. Overseas he has played in countries like Russia and Japan. He spoke to germanhoops.com before a Basketball Champions League game against German team Wurzburg.

Thanks Jarrod for talking to germanhoops.com. You’re playing your second season with Pallacanestro Trieste (Italy–Serie A) and this is the first time overseas that you return to the same club for a second year. Has Allianz Pallacanestro Trieste become like a second home for you?

Uh, we came back here because we felt really comfortable. We like the city. It’s a good situation for us. So yeah, absolutely.

This is your second time overseas that you will play internationally in the Basketball Champions League, after playing in the EuroCup in 2018. How excited are you for this competition that you have never played in before?

Jarrod: I’m very excited. I’m really looking forward to it. I’m glad we got in and get to experience different cultures, play in different areas, and play really high-level basketball. So really, really, really excited.

How talented is this season’s Pallacanestro Trieste (Italy–Serie A) team? You and Jeffrey Brooks are massive veterans. What do you believe this team is capable of after reaching the playoffs last season, losing to Brescia?

You know, I think we were talented last year, and we’re talented this year. We have a chance to win a lot of games, and we’re going to win as many games as we can.

Let’s go back to the early part of your career. You played at Iowa from 2013–2016 and reached three NCAA tournaments, losing to Tennessee and Gonzaga. What do you remember most vividly from these two once-in-a-lifetime experiences?

Yeah, all three years. Very cool experience. Most people dream of playing in the college tournament, playing in the NBA, playing in your league or EuroCup or Champions League, and playing at the highest level possible of professional basketball. I consider myself incredibly blessed to be able to play at high levels throughout my career.

You beat North Carolina 60–55, a team that had eight future NBA players. You had 8 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks. Was that one of your most memorable games in the NCAA?

I’ve had a lot of memorable moments. That I definitely remember. It was really cool to be able to go to UNC and win at their place, in a cool environment.

How did head coach Fran McCaffery groom and prepare you best for a professional career?

I don’t know how to answer that. Next question.

Who won a 1-on-1 in practice, you or Aaron White?

I never lost to him.

You played your rookie season with three G-League teams and then reached the NBA thanks to a 10-day contract with the Dallas Mavericks. What do you remember as your wakeup call to being an NBA player? Did you have to do any special duties, and how did the Mavs players view a 10-day contract player?

Yeah, I played my rookie season with two G-League teams, got a call-up to the Dallas Mavericks, and then played for their G-League team when I was called up and signed. You know, you get an opportunity to basically present yourself. You put your best foot forward, and they’re evaluating you—studying your movements, how you interact, how you are on the court, how you move, everything. They just give you an opportunity. You do lots of workouts; you’re the first guy there and the last guy there.

What was it like being teammates with the legend Dirk Nowitzki? You only hear positive stories about him and how he treated everyone equally. Do you remember having a meaningful conversation with him?

It was a very cool experience because I grew up really liking Dirk as a player. It was amazing. Yeah, he gave me a ride to the airport once when we had to leave for a road trip. We were chatting—it was a cool experience.

In your second pro season, you played with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants (NBA GLeague), averaging 16.4 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.1 bpg, FGP: 50.2%, 3PT: 38.9%, FT: 82.0%. You had a very consistent season. Did you ever feel like you were close to an NBA call-up?

Oh, absolutely. I turned down multiple NBA two-way contracts—that was the first year two-ways were a thing. I wanted a standard NBA contract. But yes, I could have been called up at any time. That was basically an opportunity for a call-up.

You went overseas for the first time in the 2018–2019 season playing with Zenit Saint Petersburg (Russia–VTB United League), averaging 6.0 ppg, 3.3 rpg, FGP: 42.3%, 3PT: 43.2%, FT: 88.9%; and in the EuroCup averaging 7.2 ppg, 3.4 rpg, FGP: 48.8%, 3PT: 44.2%, FT: 88.9%. What do you remember as your wake-up call to being overseas in Russia, when you realized you were far away from home?

One of the first days in training camp, my head coach, who was Russian, wrote on a chalkboard: “May I call you ‘Oot’?” He was trying to figure out an easy way to say my name, Y–T, so he just called me “Oot”. Yeah. We were in Russia. Yep.

What memories do you have of the tough playoff loss to CSKA Moscow, losing games 2 and 3 by not more than three points combined? How tough was it trying to keep Kyle Hines out of the zone?

Yeah, that was a really cool experience playing them because CSKA was, at that time, one of the best teams in Europe. Very cool experience. They had a lot of good players, and obviously we were pretty good too. So yeah, it was really cool.

In the 2019–2020 season, you went back to the NBA, playing four games with Memphis and three games with Washington, while also playing with the Memphis Hustle (NBA GLeague), averaging 18.6 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.3 spg, 1.0 bpg, FGP: 56.0%, 3PT: 36.6%, FT: 79.0%. How tough was this season? You dominated in the G-League but only got seven NBA games out of it.

Yeah, I played really well, we had an incredible team. We set a G-League record for winning the first 13 games, I think. I was a huge part of that. Then COVID happened, and that’s why I got only seven games.

You had German teammates Moritz Wagner and Isaac Bonga. Germany is one of the top basketball countries in the world now. How do you remember them as players back then? Does it surprise you that they are now main contributors to Germany’s national team?

The NBA bubble was a unique experience for all of us. We had a month and a half just us, we were all trying to break to the next level of our career or solidify our spot in the theam. It was a unique time. I enjoyed both of them. Both were good players, and I’m really happy to see their success with the German national team and in their careers.

In the 2020–2021 season, you played with the Erie BayHawks (NBA G-League), averaging 14.8 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 2.8 apg, FGP: 62.7%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 73.7%. That was your last season in the G-League. Why do you feel NBA teams didn’t give you more of a chance and allow you to have a longer NBA career?

Hmm, well, part of this was COVID, and part of it was I had proven I was good enough multiple times. I was good enough. For various reasons, it didn’t come—one being COVID. Then I decided, okay, I’ve got to go to make money ‘because I’m having a baby coming; it’s time to take the next step.

You then went to Japan with three teams. The B1 League has grown in recent years. What kind of experience was Japan, and how do you feel your game grew there?

That wasn’t my calling; otherwise, I wouldn’t be here. I would still be in Japan. It was a unique experience. I enjoyed my year in Kyoto, had a great time there. The other two teams were harder to adjust to, harder situations. I learned a lot about myself. I don’t know if my game grew because it wasn’t quite the level of European basketball or the NBA.

You played a lot of games there, 167 in total. What is your general opinion of the back-to-back games that you experienced for three years, and how quickly did you get used to it?

Tough. It’s a tough schedule—60 games a year, back-to-back every weekend. Very tough to manage.

Who was the toughest player you ever faced in the NCAA that reached the NBA?

I’ve got no idea.

Please name your five best teammates of all time.

Boy… JJ Barea, best point guard I played with. Shooting guard, JJ Redick. Best three-man, DeMar DeRozan. Best four-man, Dirk Nowitzki. Zion isn’t a five, but Zion Williamson has got to be in there.

Please list your personal NBA Mount Rushmore.

Michael Jordan, LeBron, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell. You can’t leave out Kobe, and I’ll say Shaq because he was the most dominant player other than of Wilt.

Who’s your GOAT?

Michael Jordan.

Did you see the sequel to the classic Coming to America? Shouldn’t they have left it alone?

I did not. Sometimes sequels ruin the first one, so I stay away from sequels most of the time.

Thanks Jarrod for the chat.

Nik Schlipf Leads The Fellbach Flashers To Ugly 84-83 Grind Out Win Over The Skyliners Juniors

After a long summer, the Skyliners Juniors were back home again for the start of the 2025-206 Pro B season. They had begun the season on the road in Leitershofen and suffered a tough 90-79 loss. Frankfurt was battling sicknesses and injuries and had to play with a 7 man rotation. Their next opponent were the Fellbach Flashers who won the Pro B title in 2023 and have played 2 solid seasons in the Pro B. Fellbach may have been without ex easyCredit BBL slam dunk contest winner Brian Butler who doesn´t play all games, but were with Kris Borisov´s biggest catch of his coaching career with Joanic Gruettner who had just been reeled in. He played 5 seasons in the BBL with BG Goettingen, Bayreuth and Bamberg and was a major attraction for the Pro B. He did score 13 points, but the big attraction was rising Pro B player Nik Schlipf (196-G-2002, college: Alliance) who led the Flashers to the 84-83 win scoring 23 points. It wasn´t a beautiful game, but games like these can always occur at the start of a season. “It was an ugly win. The important thing was that we always stayed together when it mattered most. We kept encouraging each other through every slump in the game. We didn´t shoot well, but kept attacking the paint. We were aggressive minded the whole game and moved the ball well”, stressed Fellbach Flasher Tysem Lyles. The Skyliners Juniors had a lot deeper roster than in Leitershofen, but believed in a 9 man rotation despite being without youngsters Ivan Crnjac, Max Peters and Dusan Nikolic. The Skyliners Juniors fought until the end and had a lot of misfortune at the end, but they should have won the game in other areas. “We made a lot of mistakes and allowed too many fast break points in the first half. It wasn´t our best defensive game. We did a good job on the offensive glass. You don´t see that all the time”, stressed Skyliner Junior Marvin Esser.

Florian Dietrich at the FT line

The Fellbach Flashers got off to a rapid start to lead 8-2 as ex Alliance (NCAA2) forward Nik Schlipf got the hot hand early dropping 2 three pointers for the 8-2 advantage. Ex Nurnberg center Nelson Okafor also got going being aggressive inside getting a lay in and dunk. Alvin Oniya got hot early with a trey and heads up play sneaking in for an offensive rebound and put back as Frankfurt trailed 12-8. Fellbach continued to keep the lead as Schlifp continued to wreck havoc with a 20 footer and alley op pass for the Okafor dunk as Frankfurt trailed 16-10. The game was of a high tempo and many turnovers as both teams remained aggressive on the defensive end. Frankfurt had to play pick up basketball, but always had an answer as German Jamie Edoka hit a trey as Frankfurt trailed 18-16. Fellbach kept the lead as they continued to get easy buckets inside from crafty Gruettner and flashy diminutive guard Travis Davis for the 22-17 advantage. Frankfurt continued to have answers as they also liked to attack the paint as Oniya and German Julius Messer scored for the 23-22 lead and first Frankfurt lead. However it didn´t remain long as Griettner scored at the buzzer for the 24-23 Fellbach lead. “We had good mental concentration. We were never to high or too low. We began well. I was happy for Nik Schlipf who was coming out of a shooting slump. He will have his break through season”, stressed New York native Tyseem Lyles. The Fellbach Flashers shot 55% from the field and 29% from outside and had 8 rebounds and 6 turnovers while the Skyliners Junioers shot 43% from the field and 50% from outside and had 10 rebounds and 6 turnovers.

Mateus Rodriguez from outside

The second quarter was the quarter of the runs that looked like this. 6-2 run for Fellbach, 7-0 Frankfurt run, 4-0 Fellbach run, 5-0 Frankfurt run and 8-0 Fellbach run. Both teams were up and down as day and night. Schlipf and Gruettner scored inside on the first run while Frankfurt countered with ex Kronberg big man Florian Dietrich and and a trey by Czech Republic guard Lukas Smazak to dead lock the game at 32-32. Frankfurt then had a lull again as Fellbach took advantage of it with a Mateus Rodriguez floater and Schlipf lay in for the 36-32 lead. Frankfurt struck back with a run as Leif Zentgraf made a trey as Smazak made a behind the back acrobatic pass and he then made a jumper as Frankfurt found themselves leading again 37-36. However Fellbach also always had an answer and struck back with a 8-0 run to lead 44-37 as Schlipf contributed 5 points and Rodriguez a three pointer. Frankfurt stopped the Flashers run with a Messer tip in to trail 44-39, but they were unable to get over the hump as Gruettner scored as did German Thomas Billinger. However Frankfurt got some key production from undersized German big man Marvin Esser who scored twice in the last minute as Frankfurt trailed 50-46 at the break. “That quarter was full of runs. We remained focused and together. Frankfurt responded always being able to find an answer and start a run. My shot wasn´t falling at all in the first half. I stayed part of the team and did other things to help the team”, stated Tysem Lyles. The Fellbach Flashers shot 56% from the field and 33% from the three point line and had 14 rebounds and 11 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 48% from the field and 43% from the three point line and had 18 rebounds and 14 turnovers.

Lukas Smazak jumper

In the third quarter the Skyliners Juniors continued to have bad phases, but never allowed the Fellbach Flashers to get away. Frankfurt continued to fight and stay with Fellbach trailing by 3 points after 30 minutes. The Skyliners Juniors got off to a slow start offensively getting stopped 6 times, but defended solidly allowing only 5 points as Lyles made free throws and Schlipf drilled home another trey for the 55-46 lead. The Flashers played high intensity defense getting blocks from Micky De Souza and Lyles. The Skyliners Juniors finally got on the board on their 7th possession as Dietrich had a clear route to the rim and made a thunderous left handed dunk to trail 55-48. Frankfurt went on a 8-2 run to trail 57-55 as Oniya made another big play making a tip in while Smazak hit a three pointer. But the Skyliners Juniors continued to have difficulty slowing down the drive as Mark Golder and Jonathan Gerlinger scored for the 63-57 advantage. The Skyliners Juniors kept fighting, but just couldn´t get over the hump. Leif Zentgraf made a lay in to trail 63-60, Messer a lay in to trail 65-62 and Esser and lay in on transition to trail 67-64. Fellbach continued to execute well offensively and led 69-66 after 3 quarters. “Frankfurt did a good job getting out on transition. We didn´t do a good job on transition defense. We allowed way too many offensive rebounds”, said Tysem Lyles. “We came out fighting and stayed close. We never gave up. We are young and hungry. Our offensive rebounds helped us stay in the game”, said Marvin Esser. The Fellbach Flashers shot 53% from the field and 28% from the parking lot and had 24 rebounds and 15 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 46% from the field and 33% from the parking lot and had 29 rebounds and 16 turnovers.

Tysem Lylles at the FT line

In the fourth quarter the game remained tight until the end as Fellbach always had the lead except for once early and the Skyliners Juniors had the opportunity to win it on the last possession. Gerlinger and Dietrich traded baskets in the first minute as Fellbach led 71-68. Fellbach remained aggressive as Swiss guard Rodriguez got to the free throw line twice and scored 4 points, but Frankfurt remained alert and let it rain three´s as Leif Zentgraf and Lukas Smazak hit three´s for the 75-74 Skyliners Juniors lead. However the Skyliners Juniors were never able to take that key run when they had the lead. Instead Fellbach fired with a 9-0 run to lead 83-75 as crunch time appeared. The Flashers were led by clutch Lyles and Schlipf three´s. It looked like this may have been the moment where the Skyliners Juniors would cave in for good, but they didn´t. Frankfurt buckled down on defense and got consecutive stops while Leif Zentgraf scored 5 points including a trey to trail Fellbach 83-80. Okafor then made 1 of 2 free throws for the 84-80 Flashers lead The Skyliners Juniors continued to get stops and 3 free throws by Messer to trail 84-83 with 50 seconds to play. “Frankfurt came back giving us different looks on defense. They got mulitiple defensive rotations which gave them open looks”, commented Tysem Lyles. The Juniors then stopped Schilpf and had the ball with 24 seconds to go. The Skyliners Juniors had fate in their own hands and didn´t get any support from the basketball God. Frankfurt got 3 offensive rebounds and Joscha Zentgraf got fouled with 3,2 seconds remaining. He had fate in his hands, but missed both free throws. He got the offensive rebound and then traveled. Gruettner did lose the ball to Dietrich at center court, but his last second shot only hit the back board ending the contest. “I was still calm when he missed first free throw. My heart sank when he missed the second and had the offensive rebound. But we grinded out the win and a win is a win”, stressed Tyseem Llyles. “We can´t be in a situation like we were at the end. We have to find a way to win the game earlier”, commented Marvin Esser. The Fellbach Flashers were led by Nik Schlipf with 23 points while Mateus Rodriguez added 19 points while the Skyliners Junioers were led by Leif Zengraf with 18 points while Lukas Smazak and Alvin Oniya added 14 points a piece. The Fellbach Flashers shot 49% from the field and 30% from outside and had 29 rebounds and 17 turnovers while the Skyliners Juniors shot 40% from the field and 30% from outside and had 48 rebounds and 23 turnovers.