HAKRO Merlins Crailsheim collected an important victory in their fight to move away from the relegation zone by defeating MLP Academics Heidelberg 102-93 at home. Myles Stephens poured in 24 points for Crailsheim’s second straight win after a four-game losing streak to improve to 5-10. Edon Maxhuni made five of Crailsheim's 16 three-pointers for 21 points in helping the hosts take over the game in the second quarter. Heidelberg have dropped five straight for a 4-10 record despite Eric Washington picking up a double-double.
Game Summary: Crailsheim knocked down four three-pointers in the first 6 minutes and led 17-14 - with the lead changing hands six times. The hosts pushed the advantage to 23-16 but Heidelberg charged to within 23-21 after 10 minutes. It took Heidelberg nearly 2 minutes to score in the second quarter by which time Crailsheim had upped the lead to 30-21. The hosts built the first double digit lead 35-25 only to see Heidelberg answer with a 10-3 surge to pull within three points. Crailsheim punched back with four triples and led 56-42 with the score being 56-44 at the break.
Crailsheim came out of the locker room looking to finish off the game with two triples by Edon Maxhuni giving the hosts a 69-48 lead. The margin grew to 23 points and Crailsheim were up 87-67 after three quarters. Crailsheim still led by 18 points with 3 minutes to play before Heidelberg made the home crowd sweat with eight straight points for a 10-point game with 89 seconds remaining. But the deficit was too large.
Numbers Please: Crailsheim were white-hot from long range, hitting 16-of-30 for 53.3 percent as the team made 53.5 percent for the game. The hosts committed only 11 turnovers while holding Heidelberg to just 31.3 percent on three-pointers.
Player of the Game: Myles Stephens poured in a game-high 24 points - hitting 10-of-11 shots - to go with 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals for Crailsheim.
The Germans: Crailsheim received some welcome support from big man Boggy Radosavljevic as he scored a season high 13 points along with 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Maurice Stuckey chipped in 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in the win. The German veteran joined the 2,500-point club in the easyCredit BBL as well as eclipsing the 500 three-pointer mark. Max Ugrai tallied 11 points in the loss for Heidelberg.
Also Newsworthy: Eric Washington continued his outstanding season for Heidelberg wtih 18 points, 5 rebounds , 10 assists and 2 steals. It was Washington's third double-double this season in the easyCredit BBL.
What's up next: Crailsheim’s next game inn Germany will be on Sunday January 15 at FRAPORT SKYLINERS. Before that they will play at Turkish side Gaziantep on Wednesday January 11 in the FIBA Europe Cup. Heidelberg for their part next play at home on Sunday January 15 against medi bayreuth.
Video: Highlights for this game available in the upper right under the tab "Video" or here at MAGENTA SPORT.
Anmerkung: In der Saison 2022/23 werden wie hier auch gelegentlich Nachberichte in englischer Sprache verfasst.
Note: During the 2022-23 season, there will occasionally be game reports published in English.
