Bayreuth made it two wins in a row at the weekend, defeating a floundering Heidelberg team by 85 to 79 at home. The win makes it four consecutive home wins for Bayreuth now, maintaining their position in 10th – just two points behind Gottingen – who occupy the final playoff spot.
For Heidelberg, the loss represents their fourth in a row in the Bundesliga, meaning they slip down into 14th – a dangerous position just four points clear of the Wurzburg in 17th.
TABELLE:
Die @telekombaskets erobern sich durch ihren Auswärtssieg den 2️⃣. Platz zurück, während die @ewebaskets nach langer Zeit die Abstiegsränge verlassen und nun auf dem 16. Platz stehen⬆️Wie ist eure Gemütslage beim Blick auf‘s Tableau?#easycreditbbl #welcometowow pic.twitter.com/Rg7Y8bDche
— easyCredit BBL (@easyCreditBBL) February 13, 2022
The first two quarters mirrored each other almost perfectly; Heidelberg leading the first quarter 16-29, before Bayreuth recovered their deficit in the second quarter by 25-15.
The score heading into the fourth quarter was 61-59, setting up a dramatic ending to the game.
Sacar Anim and Martynas Sajus continued to be the difference-makers. Anim posted a score of 22 points, four rebounds and three assists, whilst Sajus recorded 19 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Their form and continued partnership continues to be the bedrock and foundation from which this Bayreuth side can grind out results.
Cameron Wells and Terry Allen also combined for 29 points – providing a strong offensive performance for the newly-promoted Heidelberg to have to contend with.
Their statistics don’t tell the closeness of the game though, as the head-to-head numbers paint a different picture. Both teams recorded equal field goals made (28), Heidelberg just edged 2-point field goals made (15-16) and Bayreuth edged 3-point field goals made (13-12). The only slight difference was in rebounds: Bayreuth making 32 total rebounds (9 offensive, 23 defensive) to Heidelberg’s 24 total rebounds (6 offensive, 18 defensive).
FINAL SCORE: @medibayreuth dreht das Spiel gegen die @MLP_Academics und fährt zwei wichtige Punkte im Kampf um die Playoffs ein – Endstand: 85:79. 🏀#easyCreditBBL #welcometowow
— easyCredit BBL (@easyCreditBBL) February 12, 2022
“As everyone could see, it was a difficult and hard-earned victory for us. In the first quarter we didn’t have the energy or the focus for the game. In the course of the second quarter, however, we managed to find a way to fight our way into the game.” Remarked Bayreuth Head Coach, Raoul Korner.
“Ultimately, it is now our 10th victory of the season, a beautiful and also very important one.” He said.
Bayreuth will be hoping their home form can translate away, as they take on Oldenberg on Wednesday night.
