EuroBasket 2015 – 2nd Qualifying Round 2014

Game Report

An explosive second half propelled Germany to an impressive 118-66 triumph over Luxembourg on the road in the final day of action in EuroBasket 2015 2nd Qualifying Round Group C.

Depending on the result in the clash between Poland and Austria the Germans will finish either first or second in the group but have either way secured their participation at the EuroBasket following Romania's loss in Group F action earlier on the day.

Luxembourg were in combative mood during the first half and followed their guets from close distance, trailing only 43-40 at the half-time break.

Everything changed however when the two teams returned to the floor for the second half.

The Germans kicked off proceedings on a quick-fire 8-0 run as Robin Benzing hit a triple with 8:55 remaining in the third to give the guests their first double-digit lead, 51-40.

Christopher Jones reduced the gap to 59-46 midway through the third but Andreas Seiferth, with a lay-up 1:34 from the end of the period, concluded a stunning 20-0 run for Germany to give them a 79-46 lead and put the result beyond doubt.

Germany kept their foot on the gas until the final buzzer and the gap ballooned to the eventual 52-point margin.

All 12 German players wrote their name on the scoreboard with Daniel Theis leading all scorers on a game-high 17 points, while Seiferth and Benzing added 14 points apiece.

For Luxembourg, Patrick Arbaut finished with 16 points in a losing effort.

Quotes Luxembourg – Germany

Emir Mutapcic, Germany Head Coach

"In the first half we were, during five minutes, without any concentration and we offered Luxembourg too many open shots and gave them the chance to come back to within three points. During the half-time break in the locker room we were convincing the team and came back stronger and better. We made a 20-0 scoring run and finished very strong."

Andreas Seiferth, Germany

"During the first half we slept and played not as we wanted to play. The second half was much better. We are happy for the qualification."

Jérôme Altmann, Luxembourg Assistant Coach

"Excellent first half. Germany was physically too strong for our team after the half-time break. But we can build up on the first half. Congratulations to my team but also to the winner Germany."

Bob Melcher, Luxembourg

"The first half was the best we played in this campaign. But Germany's reaction was very strong in the second half and we had no chance afterwards."

* * * * * *

Klarer Sieg gegen Luxemburg

Basketballer qualifizieren sich für die EM

Mit einem klaren Sieg über Luxemburg haben die deutschen Basketballer das Ticket für die Europameisterschaft gelöst.

NEUER ABSCHNITT

Durch den 118:66-Sieg machte das Team von Bundestrainer Emir Mutapcic erst zum Abschluss der Qualifikation alles klar. Erst während des Spiels erhielten die mitgereisten Verantwortlichen in Luxemburg die Nachricht, dass ein Sieg reichen würde, um zumindest zu den besten sechs von insgesamt sieben Gruppenzweiten zu gehören. Der Gruppensieg und die damit verbundene direkte Qualifikation war zwar theoretisch noch möglich, aber unrealistisch. Es ging also nur darum, den zweiten Platz hinter den führenden Polen sichern. Doch selbst mit dem kleinen Nachbarland hatte die deutsche Mannschaft Probleme. Anders als im einseitigen Hinspiel (109:49) hielten die Amateurspieler aus Luxemburg mit und verkürzten vor der Pause mit einem 15:3-Lauf auf drei Punkte. Erst nach der Rückkehr aus der Kabine lief es besser, das DBB-Team setzte sich innerhalb von wenigen Minuten deutlich ab (66:46/25. Minute).

 Source: ARD (INTERNET)