Manager Gunnar Wöbke explains that this game was different than game one. "We had letdowns on transition defense. We did not get back quick enough on defense. We also didn´t rebound well, even though we had good position. This deficit translates easily to 15-20 points for the opponent."
The first quarter was quite even, until near the end. There GHP Bamberg got hot and finished the quarter leading 25 to 13. Frankfurt did not start the way they wanted to. "We wanted a quick start with effective fast breaks. Chris Ensminger played very tough defense against Chris Williams", explained assistant coach Daphne Bouzikou.
In the second quarter, Frankfurt slowly began to find the rhythm, as they went on a 6 to 0 run, courtesy of two three three-pointers from Jukka Matinen. The second quarter was very tight, but GHP Bamberg entered halftime with a 41 to 35 lead. Now it seemed like the OPEL SKYLINERS would have a good chance to possibly steal a game in Bamberg. But as had been the case so many times during the season and in game two of the playoffs, Frankfurt returned from halftime unfocused. "We are a young team. We often have our thoughts still hanging in the first two quarters. That should not happen. We have to play with the same intensity and concentration at all times", said Daphne Bouzikou. GHP Bamberg led with as much as 16 points in the third quarter and went into the fourth quarter witha 70 to 54 lead.
The fourth quarter was low scoring as GHP Bamberg scored only 12 points, but that was enough as Frankfurt could not find a steady offensive rhythm. Captain Pascal Roller felt the game was also influenced by other factors. "It was a very physical game. GHP Bamberg got the majority of the referees´ decisions. This hurt us especially since we were trailing by so many points."
The OPEL SKYLINERS were led by Americans Tyrone Ellis and Chris Williams who scored 17 points. Williams also had his 24th double double and led Frankfurt with 11 rebounds. The only other player in double figures was Pascal Roller with 10 points and five assists. "We did not shoot well today. We had enough open shots, but I missed too many shots", said Pascal Roller.Jukka Matinen scored nine points, including three three-pointers. GHP Bamberg won the rebounding duel 33 to 28. Frankfurt did not play aggressive enough under the basket allowing many easy baskets. "We did not find the good position under the basket. they had too many offensive rebounds and we got too many fouls called against us", commented Daphne Bouzikou.
GHP Bamberg had five players in double figures. They were led by American center Chris Ensminger with 15 points and six rebounds. Mike Nahar played a great game scoring 14 points and grabbing six rebounds. Stefen Hamann had 13 points and Koko Archibong 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Big guy Uvis Helmanis had eight points and seven rebounds. Even though Chris Ensminger missed most of the third quarter with four fouls, GHP Bamberg had enough roster depth to compensate his absence. "We thought we could profit with Ensminger out, but we didn´t, because Mike Nahar played with a lot of intensity and energy especially on the fastbreak", explained Daphne Bouzikou.
The OPEL SKYLINERS have their back to the wall, as they trail 2 to 1 in the best of five series and must win Tuesday to stay alive. The OPEL SKYLINERS continue to believe in the homecourt advantage. "It will be difficult for Bamberg to win in Frankfurt. They showed weaknesses in game two. We want to prove that we can´t lose at home in the finals", described Pascal Roller. The final series gets even more exciting now, because Frankfurt must show how to tip toe over the thin ice by attaining victories in Frankfurt and Bamberg. Game four is Tuesday June 22, at 19:00 in the Ballsporthalle in Höchst.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber reporting for the OPEL SKYLINERS
