CATL Basketball Lions Erfurt Suffer Late Collapse in Pro B Süd Matchup
A heartbreaking late-game collapse dashed the hopes of the CATL Basketball Lions Erfurt on Saturday evening, as they fell to Speyer 84-69 in a Pro B Süd contest. Despite a promising start and competitive play through three quarters, a decisive run by Speyer proved too much for the young Erfurt team to overcome.
The Lions demonstrated early offensive versatility and defensive focus, establishing an 18-11 lead within the first six minutes of play. They maintained a striking distance at halftime, trailing 42-36, and further narrowed the gap with a strong third quarter performance, outscoring Speyer 23-20.
The Erfurt squad remained within reach of their first season win until the final six minutes, but a familiar pattern of late-game struggles resurfaced. “Unfortunately we collapsed a lot and Speyer overran us,” a team spokesperson lamented, echoing frustrations from previous defeats.
The turning point came in a devastating three-and-a-half-minute stretch where Speyer unleashed a 15-0 run, extending their lead from 69-63 to a commanding 84-63. This surge effectively sealed the Lions’ fate, leaving them unable to recover.
Despite the loss, the Erfurt team showcased balanced scoring, with all nine players contributing to the point total. Noah Kamdem led the charge with 18 points, followed by Paul Albrecht and Musa Abra with 15 points each, and Samuel Nellessen adding 10. However, the collective effort wasn’t enough to withstand Speyer’s late-game dominance.
The defeat underscores the challenges facing this predominantly young Erfurt team, highlighting a need for improved composure and resilience in crucial moments. The Lions will look to address these issues as they continue their Pro B Süd campaign.
