After 23 years, BC Marburg is back in the final of the German championship. The people of Central Hesse are clear outsiders against Keltern, but they can be sure of great support.
They have recently become something of a star; the BC Marburg basketball players are constantly being recognized in their hometown, much more often than before. On the street, in the café, at the bakery – often the same picture: congratulations, hymns of praise, motivational speeches. On the one hand for the successes of the season so far, on the other hand as an incentive for what lies ahead, the final of the German championship.
From Friday (6.30 p.m.) the Central Hesse team will face the reigning champions from Keltern in a best-of-5 series. The Baden-Württemberg women had already finished the main round as leaders this season. Ergo: The Blue Dolphins from Marburg, who only came seventh, are the clear outsiders.
The sensation is there, say the players
The team’s hunger for success is still huge, says player Marianna Byvatov and is fittingly in a bakery for the hr-Sport TV shoot. In front of her: specially produced treats with the Blue Dolphins logo on top. “The city is behind us. That’s really cool, an indescribable feeling,” said Byvatov: “We have so much energy and can do something with our great team chemistry.”
The belief in the really big thing, the title, is there. This is noticeable. The Marburgers have really worked their way into the playoffs, first knocking Saarlouis and then the Central German BC out of the championship race with strong playing and fighting performances. Self-confidence has increased almost exponentially. The Marburgers don’t ignore the fact that Keltern is the favorite, but “it starts at 0-0,” said Byvatov. This means: Everything is possible – even sensation.
First home game already sold out
The season for Marburg is already a huge success. In the cup too, they finally made it to the semi-finals and only narrowly failed against Keltern. So now the first final in the league in 23 years. One that has sparked a bit of hype in the central Hesse university town. The Georg-Gaßmann-Halle with its 850 seats has long been sold out for the first BC home game of the final series next week.
The final appointments
Game one: Pressing – Marburg (Friday, April 24th, 6:30 p.m.)
Game two: Pressing – Marburg (Sunday, April 26th, 4 p.m.)
Game three: Marburg – Keltern (Wednesday, April 29th, 8 p.m.)
Game four (if necessary): Marburg – Keltern (Friday, May 1st, 4 p.m.)
Game five (if necessary): Keltern – Marburg (Sunday, May 3rd, 4 p.m.)
