The Rostock Seawolves have become the first Bundesliga team to be knocked out of the BBL Cup. The new coach, Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz, was really annoyed after the 77:79 defeat at HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim
“We lost the game in the first quarter. We looked like zombies at times,” said the Pole angrily. “It looked like we didn’t expect a tough game.”
Crailsheim put the Seawolves to the sword with its pace in the first half and the home side snapped up 15 offensive rebounds. It helped that Rostock’s center Godwin Omenaka was only on court for eleven minutes and fouled out in the third quarter.
Yet it seemed as if Rostock had caught up after the break. A three by Robin Amaize gave the visitors the lead, while the Wizards were unable to score a single field goal for 6:30 minutes. However, Omenaka then fouled out and Rostock switched to small ball for large parts of the fourth quarter, giving Crailsheim some open routes to the basket.
“Not usual in basketball”: Crailsheim celebrates
Despite the better second half, coach Frasunkiewicz criticized the team’s commitment in particular. “They were better at things that have nothing to do with talent. I don’t mean that they don’t have talent, but they fought.” According to him, his team was not mentally prepared for this game that evening.
So Crailsheim prevailed, despite sinking just three of its 31 threes. “We did things that aren’t usual in basketball,” said a delighted Merlins’ Head Coach David McCray. “We fought hard and for every ball, played well in defense and gave our all. I’m proud of my team. It’s a very good start to the season for us.”
The BBL relegated club can now look forward to a clash with Alba Berlin on October 12 or 13 as a reward. Rostock, on the other hand, can concentrate fully on the league, with the Seawolves kicking off the new season next Saturday with an away game at the Syntainics MBC.