Throughout the first three quarters, the game was on an even level with the lead changing rapidly and the fans were getting a very exciting and emotional-driven game. At half time the OPEL SKYLINERS led 45 to 44 and after three quarters they led 67 to 66. However, towards the end of the game is where Gießen capitalized on Frankfurt`s mistakes and were able to prevail. "Towards the end, we just made more shots and were able to stop them, but our fans deserve a lot of credit for motivating us", said a happy Chuck Eidson after the game.
Eidson led all scorers with 30 Points, managed 12 rebounds and was on fire in the closing minutes as he made some key baskets. Pascal Roller led the OPEL SKYLINERS with 25 points and had six rebounds. The loss did not discourage Roller`s optimism. "We need to give the big guys (Maras, Badiane) some time to get back into gameshape. It was a tough loss but I hope this loss will make us stronger for the next games." Forward Chris Williams chipped in with 17 points and 12 rebounds and has the utmost respect for Gießen after their performance. "Gießen has a good team and if they can display that sort of energy every night then they can beat anyone."
In the fourth quarter, with the score tied at 77-77 and the adrenalin boiling in the Ballsporthalle, the game was quickly decided on a 7-0 run by the Gießens 46ers. "We had defensive breakdowns, they outrebounded us and it really is not so typical that we give up so many offensive rebounds and we did not play smart offensively", said a disappointed assistant coach Simon Cote after the game. The OPEL SKYLINERS shot 51% from the floor, just as did Gießen, but the deciding factor was that the important shots did not fall for Frankfurt down the stretch. Gießen also dominated underneath the basket, outrebounding Frankfurt 39 to 30.
In the wanning seconds, there seemed to be some controversy as Pascal Roller was stalling to take some seconds off the clock. Coach Didin was thinking about the standings and wanted to at least win the direct comparison against Gießen. Unfortunately, this backfired, as Gießen received the ball one more time and Louis Campbell was able to hit a three pointer and win the direct comparison for Gießen.
Alex King received a nice birthday gift from Coach Didin by getting the nod to start. King played very aggressively and was able to keep Gießen` s hot scorer Chuck Eidson in check early on, but fouled out in the third quarter. "We need to forget this game and focus on the next one. I forgot my birthday during the game and was totally focused on Gießen", said Alex King.
This game is history and the OPEL SKYLINERS need to focus on winning the next game against Schwelm. The team now has 5 days to recuperate, get ready for Schwelm and time for some of the injured to get back into playing shape. "Every coach´s biggest obstacle is for a team not to make the same mistakes again. We need to work on basics, concentrate on focusing better and eliminate making the same mistakes", said assistant coach Simon Cote. The OPEL SKYLINERS are currently in sixth place and need to find a winning groove in the next weeks. The next game is in Schwelm on Febuary 26th and this could be a good test for them, because Schwelm has been playing opponents very tough recently.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber reporting for the OPEL SKYLINERS
