VIT-CONCEPT Gladiators Trier remained perfect in the 2025-26 season by completing a perfect double-round week with a thrilling 92-87 overtime victory over BMA365 Bamberg Baskets - their first win over Bamberg in nearly 22 years. Trier wasted a 12-point fourth quarter lead but held on thanks to Eli Brooks (24 points) and Jordan Roland (18) combining for 42 points. With the win, Trier snapped a 23-game losing streak against Bamberg, dating back to 2003. Bamberg lost their first game of the season despite Ibi Watson scoring 26 points.
Game Summary: Trier started ahead 5-2 but went scoreless for nearly 3 minutes and watched Ibi Watson help Bamberg surge to a 11-5 lead. Trier knocked down three three-pointers to pull within 15-14 and Nolan Adekunle’s three-point play had the hosts up 22-19. Trier finished the first quarter with a 24-22 lead. The first half of the second quarter was tight with four points being the biggest lead until Trier tallied six straight points for a 40-33 advantage. The hosts extended the cushion to 45-37 and went into the locker rooms with a 47-42 cushion.
Trier twice had seven-point leads and watched as Bamberg twice pulled within one point. Trier punched back with two triples to make it 63-54 and a second three from Evans Rapieque put the hosts up 69-58 after three quarters. Bamberg started the final frame strong and were down just 69-64. Trier answered with a 9-2 surge for a 78-66 advantage with 6 minutes to play. Bamberg were not ready to go away and pulled within 80-75 with 79 seconds left. The push continued with a Watson steal and dunk to make it 80-79 with 24 seconds to go. Trier’s Jordan Roland could only split two free throws, allowing Ojiofor Onu to hit two foul shots to tie the game 81-81 with 2.6 seconds to play, sending the game to overtime. The hosts failed to score in the first 3 minutes of the extra session and fell behind 85-81. Trier dug deep and got a three-pointer from Roland and an Eli Brooks three-point play to go up 89-85 with 27 seconds to go. After a Bamberg score, Brooks managed just one free throw but Bamberg could not convert to decide the game.
Numbers Please: Trier shot 57 percent on two-pointers while Bamberg struggled from the outside, hitting just 5 of 24 three-pointers for 21 percent.
Player of the Game: Eli Brooks scored a team-high 24 points, making 9 of 15 shots and 4 of 5 free throws. The guard converted a big and-one with 27 seconds to play in overtime. He also collected 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Germans: Marten Linßen poured in 10 points to go with 5 rebounds, 3 steals and 4 blocks while Nolan Adekunle had 10 points 5 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal. Evans Rapieque made two big three-pointers in the third quarter for 6 points; Marco Hollersbacher chipped in 3 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist; and Maik Zirbes contributed 2 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal. Zach Ensminger tallied 8 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals for Bamberg and Patrick Heckmann added 4 points and 3 rebounds.
Trier still perfect: Don't look now but the promoted side from Trier have not lost this season. They beat Tigers Tübingen in the German Cup and then knocked off ROSTOCK SEAWOLVES and ALBA BERLIN in the German league - the win over Berlin coming on Friday. Trier are now 3-0 in the Bundesliga while Bamberg fell to 1-1.
Trier end 22 year drought versus Bamberg: Trier and Bamberg faced off for the 65th time and Bamberg have dominated the proceedings with 54 victories coming into the game. This matchup however was the first since February 15, 2015, which Bamberg won 84-40. Bamberg won the last 23 games dating back to December 28, 2003 - a 100-87 home Trier win - and 28 of the last 29 games since May 11, 2001.
What's Up Next: Trier will remain at home for their next game with Basketball Löwen Braunschweig coming to town on Sunday October 12. Bamberg meanwhile will have another road game as they travel south to face FC Bayern Munich on Sunday October 12.
Video: Highlights of this game will be available soon on Dyn's website or here on Dyn's YouTube channel.
Anmerkung: In der Saison 2025/26 werden wie hier auch gelegentlich Nachberichte in englischer Sprache verfasst.
Note: During the 2025-26 season, there will occasionally be game reports published in English.
