Syntainics MBC lost the last home game of the season against Bamberg. But relegation had already been secured. And for managing director Martin Geissler it was a very special evening.
The MBC Syntainics basketball players have run out of steam this season. The Weißenfels team lost their last home game this season against BMA 365 Baskets Bamberg 82:99 (47:57). Austin Crowley (21), Cobe Williams (18), Demarcus Demonia, Moritz Krimmer (12 each) and Ejiofur Onu (10) played the largest role in the Upper Franconians’ success. Spencer Reaves (17), Charles Callison (15), Jure Planinic (13), Khyri Thomas (12) and Nemnja Djurisic (10) scored double figures for the home team.
After a good start, MBC quickly fell behind
The hosts got off to a perfect start and led 20:12 after six minutes. But Bamberg initiated a turnaround in the first quarter. With a 23:6 run, the guests moved ahead to 35:26 (10th). The hosts couldn’t get closer than three points (35:38, 14th). The Weißenfels team could only hope for a turnaround by 67:71 (29th minute), but the catch-up effort failed primarily due to the weak three-point rate. Of 20 attempts, only six landed in the Bamberg basket. The guests, on the other hand, were able to successfully convert twelve of their 24 attempts from beyond the three-point line.
Jure Planinic (MBC, 44), Richard Balint (Bamberg, 11) and Spencer Reaves (MBC, 31)
Martin Geissler’s last appearance in the Wolf’s Den
It was a special evening for MBC managing director Martin Geissler. The 41-year-old was in this role for the last time in the hall and will leave the club after 24 years at the end of the season. “It wasn’t my idea that things would go like this for 24 years. That’s why I’m very grateful and humbled for the trust I’ve been given,” said an emotional Geissler after the game. He assessed the past season positively: “It was a great season. We reached the Final Four in European competition. We managed to stay in the league very confidently and are going into the tenth BBL season in a row.” But he’s not completely gone yet. First of all, he wants to prepare for the new season with sports director Silvano Poropat in the next few weeks. The first task is to find a new head coach. Then it’s time to go into the sun.
Martin Geissler (MBC, manager) wipes away tears as he says goodbye.
SpiO/dpa
