Basketball Löwen Braunschweig booked their spot in the Round of 16 of the BBL Cup with a hard-fought 80-70 victory at Science City Jena with club owner and world champion Dennis Schröder in the house - and celebrating his birthday. Braunschweig appeared to take control of the game with a 28-2 run to lead by 24 points in the second quarter. Jena fought back within six points, but it wasn’t enough. Luka Scuka led the way for Braunschweig with 15 points and Arnas Velicka added 11 points and 8 assists. Zach Cooks was the top scorer for the ProA team from Jena with 20 points. Braunschweig will play their BBL Cup Round of 16 game at home against RASTA Vechta on October 12 or 13.
Game Summary: Four early turnovers for the hosts resulted in a 10-3 Braunschweig lead. Jena answered with the next nine points to move ahead but TJ Crockett and Benny Schröder combined for 10 points in Braunschweig’s 12-2 close to the first quarter for a 22-14 advantage. Braunschweig's surge continued in the second period with a 16-0 run to start the quarter for a 24-point cushion - 38-14. Jena did not score until 3:48 minutes left in the first half. But basketball is a game of runs and the hosts reeled off a 15-4 spurt to trail 42-29 at halftime.
Braunschweig tried to regain control of the game in the second half and two three-pointers from Luka Scuka pushed the cushion back to 21 points - 56-35. Jena refused to go away and were down 61-45 after 30 minutes. Another Scuka triple had the guests up 66-48. Zach Cooks and Chris Carter carried Jena back into the game with Lorenz Bank’s long jumper making it 74-66. But Crockett hit a big jumper and Arnas Velicka’s free throws with 25 seconds iced the game.
Numbers Please: Jena struggled massively from long range, hitting just 8 of 34 three-pointers for 24 percent and 37 percent from the field. Braunschweig made just 29 percent on three-pointers but the guests converted 68 percent on two-pointers.
Player of the Game: Luka Scuka hit three big three-pointers and tallied 15 points and TJ Crockett added 13 points but it was Arnas Velicka who led Braunschweig to the win. The Lithuanian converted just 1-of-7 three-pointers but he hit all six of his free throws and scored 11 points while dishing out 8 assists to go with 2 steals.
The Germans: Braunschweig had strong production from their German core. Ferdinand Zylka collected 11 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals while Gavin Schilling had 8 points and 6 rebounds and Benny Schröder picked up 4 points and 4 rebounds in his first professional game. Robin Christen was Jena's leader for most of the game with all of his experience as the former easyCredit BBL champion tallied 15 points with 3 three-pointers, 7 rebounds and 2 assists. Lorenz Bank chipped in 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals, Kristofer Krause had 5 points and Robin Lodders added 4 points and 6 rebounds.
Also Newsworthy Part 1: Braunschweig club owner Dennis Schröder was in the crowd in Jena to celebrate the victory - a perfect present for the world champion's 31st birthday. Hat's off to the NBA superstar for taking so much of his time during the game for the fans who wanted to take selfies with him or get an autograph.
Also Newsworthy Part 2: Much was made of the return to Germany of former Bundesliga MVP Raymar Morgan for Jena, but the 36-year-old is still finding his fitness and form. Morgan collected 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist and 1 steal in 10 minutes in the loss.
What's Up Next: Jena will tip off their ProA season on Saturday September 21 with a road game at Phoenix Hagen. Braunschweig meanwhile will also be away for their season opener in the easyCredit BBL as they play at Bamberg Baskets on Sunday, September 22.
Video: Highlights of this game will be available soon on Dyn's website or here on Dyn's YouTube channel.
Anmerkung: In der Saison 2024/25 werden wie hier auch gelegentlich Nachberichte in englischer Sprache verfasst.
Note: During the 2024-25 season, there will occasionally be game reports published in English.
