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Jonathan Maier and the Gießen 46ers easily outshine the competition with their current run. Photo: Schepp © Schepp
Pouring (sks). The euphoria after the strong win against Phoenix Hagen could still be felt days later in Giessen. The Gießen 46ers convincingly had the upper hand 87:68 in front of almost 3,000 spectators in the East Hall. This powerful experience was talked about everywhere. The city finally seems to have realized what a sensational season the 46ers are currently playing.
VfL Bochum – Gießen 46ers (Saturday, 7 p.m.)
Despite the massive win against a direct competitor, home advantage in the first round of the playoffs is still not secured. Considering the fact that the Giesseners have already achieved two more wins two game days before the end of the main round in the 2nd Basketball Bundesliga ProA than last year, when they came fourth, this is somewhat unbelievable. The tight ranking makes it possible that hardly any team above or below is playing for the golden pineapple in the proverbial no-man’s land of the table. »We have to give everything as long as we have the chance of the home advantage. That’s a huge advantage, especially in the first round,” says head coach “Frenki” Ignjatovic, who also warns against opponents VfL Bochum: “The fact that it’s a final game for them doesn’t make our job any easier.”
Table picture for framing
With 46 points, the Gießen 46ers are currently in third place and tied with Frankfurt, against whom they lost the direct comparison. For statistics fans, it should be briefly noted that the 46ers have never in their history had the symbolically beautiful 46 on their points account. But: In the successful 1960s and 70s, the league was divided into seasons. There were fewer games. Nevertheless, it will take 48 points to secure home advantage in the quarter-finals. On the 33rd matchday there will be a direct clash between Giessen’s closest pursuers from Jena and Hagen. So one team won’t score points, which is why a win in Bochum would be enough. At the same time, Frankfurt is also playing against the sixth place in the ProA, Kirchheim, who will do everything they can to win in order to reach fourth place. If the Skyliners make a mistake in two Giessen victories, second place would even be possible for the 46ers.
Bochum at the other end of the field is in a long-distance duel with Düsseldorf and Quakenbrück in the fight to stay in the league. Everything is currently being mobilized at VfL. The circular sports hall will be packed full. “You have to celebrate the festivals as they come,” says Ignjatovic, who feels sorry for his opponent’s situation, “but in this situation only has one’s own goals in mind.” That’s how the many fans from Gießen will also see it make your way to the Pott by bus. Both teams have nothing to give away.
Memories of 2015
It seems a little bit around the 46ers that after the Hagen victory, many people are really starting to believe in the possible promotion to the BBL. »The second half against Hagen was close to being perfect defensively. That was outstanding. And that’s how it should stay,” says the coach, praising the sporty aspect. At the beginning of the week, the club submitted the license application on time. “We did our homework,” reminds Jonathan Kollmar of the last few busy weeks at management level. Another reason for optimism is the fact that the team is currently in good health. Captain Robin Benzing put in his best performance of the season against Hagen despite his injured finger. And center Stefan Fundic’s knee problems have improved, as Ignjatovic reports.
At the same time, the squad is thin. Not like nine years ago, when a lot of new signings were made in the winter under the then coach Denis Wucherer. Ignjatovic has never made a secret of the fact that he would have liked to hit the transfer market again this year. »That would have improved our plans, but I understood those responsible. And there are no guarantees. We have good guys. They deserve to stay healthy.” A loss like that of Fundic, who would automatically have a one-year contract if he were promoted, could hardly be compensated for in the last playoffs. But Ignjatovic reminds us of Giessen’s greatest strength: “We have no pressure!” Promotion was never the goal of the season, but it would be a nice-to-have: “The way I am and the way the team is, we want to achieve everything now . That’s undisputed.”
So what could be the key to success? For Ignjatovics it is clear: »Bochum has often shown that they can win at home against big teams like Trier or Hagen. They had a lot of narrow defeats.” Coach Felix Banobre has been shaping the same style for many years: “Quick, lots of threes.” Almost every second throw from Raynere Thornton, Niklas Geske, David Cohn and Co. comes from a distance. »So the shooting rate will be decisive. The key to victory is a controlled style of play and strong defense. Bochum’s squad is actually the ultimate defensive test before the playoffs.”
2024-04-18 09:33:00
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