Thanks to a strong second half, Trier defeated Weißenfels. The promoted team made it into the play-ins in its first Bundesliga season after ten years.
The Gladiators completely missed the start of the game. In some places they were behind by 16 points. Trier hit badly. Weißenfels was even better and was superior in rebounding. After halftime, an exciting fight developed in which the Gladiators only took the lead for the first time in the last quarter and ultimately won 85:78.
Steven Ashworth (Gladiators Trier) throws against Charles Callison (MBC Syntainics).
Half time one – “free” seemed to be what Gladiators coach Jacques Schneider told his team during the break. The Gladiators go into the second half trailing 35:42.
Trier is now scoring better and fighting its way into the game. A thrilling fight develops. Seconds before the end of the third quarter, the equalizer came and the 5,400 spectators in the sold-out Trier Arena went wild.
Trier’s first lead in the final quarter
At 64:62 in the final quarter, Trier is ahead for the first time. Thanks to hard defensive work and significantly better shooting rates, the Gladiators played like a substitute and suddenly led by seven points. The team didn’t let this lead be taken away and won 85:78.
Jordan Roland (Gladiators Trier) under the basket in the fully booked SWT Arena.
Gladiators Trier in the play-ins
After the final siren, the hall in Trier is upside down. The 5,400 fans celebrate their team for minutes. Because of the victory, the Gladiators made it into the play-ins straight away in their first Bundesliga season after ten years in the second division.
Who would have thought?
Jacques Schneider, coach of Gladiators Trier
As eighth in the table, the Gladiators will play seventh in the BBL final table in Vechta next Tuesday. The winner is automatically in the playoffs, i.e. the championship round of the best teams.
ALBA Berlin will be waiting there from Saturday. “Who would have thought it? We worked hard for this. The last few weeks were difficult for us. That wasn’t good. But we fought out as a team and can be proud,” said Gladiators coach Jacques Schneider after the victory.
Done! Months of hard work are rewarded. For coach Jacques Schneider and his assistant coach Kevin Oberlack, the season continues in the play-ins.
The loser of the Vechta game against Trier gets a second chance and plays at home on Thursday against the loser of the Rostock game against Ludwigsburg. The winner still slips into the playoffs. In the first round the opponent is the reigning German champions Bayern Munich.
