The MLP Academics Heidelberg concluded their pre-season preparations with an 82:82 draw against SKYLINERS Frankfurt, capped by a frantic fourth-quarter comeback. According to match reports from the Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung and official club coverage published by MLP Academics Heidelberg, both teams agreed to forgo an overtime period after four fiercely contested quarters brought the score level.
A Game of Momentum Shifts in Frankfurt
Playing without the injured Osun Osunniyi, the visitors from the Neckar valley started brightly, establishing an early 7:2 lead behind high defensive intensity at both ends of the floor. However, Frankfurt soon found an offensive rhythm, carving out open looks and converting them at a high percentage to capture the lead by the end of the opening frame, which finished 26:18 in favor of the hosts.
The second quarter followed a similar tactical pattern. An 8:2 run by Heidelberg prompted a timeout from the Frankfurt bench as the Academics forced crucial turnovers and translated them into fast-break points. Yet, the momentum swung violently before halftime, as Frankfurt answered with an 11:0 run to stretch their advantage. At the half, the Hessen side held a 48:37 cushion.
Fourth-Quarter Surge Secures Draw
The visitors outscored Frankfurt 24:16 in the fourth, raising their defensive physicality and vocal intensity on the floor. With three minutes remaining on the clock, Marcel Keßen drilled a three-pointer to trigger a lead change ahead of a tense crunchtime.
Frankfurt responded by converting from the free-throw line, while William Christmas hit a clutch three-pointer with mere seconds remaining to equalize at 82:82. Following a Heidelberg timeout, a final game-winning shot attempt by Mike Flowers missed its mark. Both teams agreed to forgo an extra five-minute period.
Standout Scorers and Regular-Season Horizon
Michael Flowers, Marcel Keßen, and Michael Weathers paced the Academics’ offense as joint topscorers, with each player pouring in 12 points. The final quarter splits (Q1 26:18, Q2 22:19, Q3 18:21, Q4 16:24) underscored a game defined by contrasting halves and successful adjustments down the stretch.
With pre-season testing officially complete, the squad turns its full attention toward the official league opener. The MLP Academics Heidelberg will travel to face RASTA Vechta on Saturday, Sept. 27, with tip-off scheduled for 18:30 local time.
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