After playing three games in one week, the OPEL SKYLINERS have a nine day break before their next game against WALTER Tigers Tübingen. "This is a long week, but it will give us time to mentally reenergize ourselves and just recharge our batteries", said assistant coach Simon Cote. Frankfurt had a last second win in Würzburg against an opponent nowhere near a playoff position and will have to be on top of their game to defeat Tübingen. Even though Tübingen is at #12 in the standings and in reach of a playoff spot, the OPEL SKYLINERS should not underestimate them. "Tübingen isn´t much different than Würzburg. They still have a chance to reach the playoffs. They play with a lot of spirit and are coached well", said a cautious Simon Cote.
The OPEL SKYLINERS won the first meeting of the year in Tübingen 87 to 81 and hope to sweep the season series in the Ballsporthalle. In the first game, captain Pascal Roller scored 19 points and secured the win in the closing stages with some free throws. Scoring more points than the other team is the norm, but being tougher mentally can often change the outcome of a game. "Against Würzburg we made them mentally strong by letting them have a good start. We need a good start against Tübingen and not let them believe in their strengths and not let them think they can beat us. That will be the key to victory", said captain Pascal Roller.
WALTER Tigers Tübingen are one of the best rebounding teams in the BBL with an average of 37.4 rebounds per game. Opponents also have difficulties with the strong defense of Tübingen. Tübingen has a really strong center duo of Nigerian Reggie Okosa (2.08m, 7.9 rebounds) and German veteran Tim Nees(2.09m, 4.5 rebounds). Frankfurt´s centers will have to play at an extremely high level, in order to be able to withstand the dominant play of Tübingen`s centers. Against Würzburg, captain Pascal Roller pulled down an incredible nine rebounds. Frankfurt´s centers Badiane and Kruel had a combined eight rebounds. "Rebounding is 90% effort. For a Pascal Roller to grab nine rebounds means either that the opponent is taking a lot of three point shots or our big men are not making the effort to get the rebounds. When we show great effort, then we can beat anyone. But if we don`t show effort, then we can lose to anyone", said Simon Cote. "The centers are doing their jobs. Malick Badiane played well against Würzburg and the centers are getting the rhythm. I think the centers will have good games against Tübingen", said a very confident captain Pascal Roller.
The center position is not the only thing that Frankfurt needs to be aware of, but the strong guards. Tübingen has two impressive American guards with Brian Jones who is averaging 18.1 points per game and Kevin Burleson who is averaging 14.4 points.
If the two Americans have off days, then the opponent often has a good chance to win. "Tübingen relies on the output of Brian Jones and Kevin Burleson to be successful. We need to make a physical presence right away on our homecourt", said Pascal Roller.
There are only six games left in the regular season and the OPEL SKYLINERS are fighting for homecourt advantage in the playoffs.Every game now is very important and Frankfurt needs to show that they are worthy of defending their BBL title. "We are excited because almost every top team lost last weekend, except ALBA Berlin. We know that if we can finish strong, then we can position ourselves at #3, #2 or even at #1", said Simon Cote. The OPEL SKYLINERS have been nearly perfect at home, but they have had their problems on the road. "We have a lot of confidence now especially at home. We need to be better on the road and better withstand the physical pressure against the opponents", said Pascal Roller. Frankfurt still needs to prove on the road that they can win on a regular basis. First, they have to take care of business on Easter Monday against Tübingen at home. The OPEL SKYLINERS are looking to win their 11th game at home and with an enthusiastic crowd standing behind them and with the Easter bunny somewhere crossing its fingers, a victory should be attainable.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber reporting for the OPEL SKYLINERS
