Germany Claims ERGO Supercup Title
Hamburg, Germany – The German national team road three straight victories to win the ERGO Supercup, a friendly tournament which served as a warm-up for the upcoming Eurobasket 2015. Germany was put to the test in their final game. They had to claw their way back from a 24-point deficit in order to overcome Turkey, 68-66. Latvia claimed second place after defeating Poland, 81-80.
Turkey seized the initiative early into the game and the hosts were suddenly staring at a 18-8 deficit in the first frame. For most of the first half Germany was reeling from Turkey’s relentless offense. Turkey extended their lead further in the second period and the gap reached as large as 24 points. Heiko Schaffartzik rallied the German squad with some productive shooting from three-point range. Germany, managed to eat away at the Turkey’s lead and cut it to 14, 47-33 at halftime. Heiko’s team needed the extra effort which he delivered, with the team missing Dennis Schroder who was recovering from minor injuries.
The action slowed down after the break, with both teams finding it difficult to get their respective offenses in the right gear. The turning point in the game came when Turkey got in the penalty with half of the third period remaining. Germany capitalized on this and their aggression was rewarded with trips to the free-throw line which they converted into easy points on the board.
Robin Benzing tied up the game at 65-all. Tibor Pleiss surged to the hoop with a go-ahead slam to put Germany ahead 67-65. The rest of the game was resolved via free throws. Heiko split his pair of charities at the line, and Turkey’s Bobby Dixon ended up, making both of his free-throws just before the end of regulation.
Heiko Schaffartzik was the protagonist for Germany in this game, not only did he incite his team to action with the spark of his aggressive play, he also led his team in scoring with 19 points while also handing out seven assists.
Semih Edren and Melih Mahmutoglu scored 17 points apiece for Turkey.