The basketball hit between the third-placed Raiffeisen Flyers Wels and the reigning champions and second in the Superliga BC Vienna heralds the second half of the placement round today (7 p.m.).
“It’s a highlight that will push the entire team to the limit,” emphasized Wels captain Christian von Fintel before the fourth duel of the season with the Viennese. It is quite possible that more will follow. Because measured by the current positions, there could be a reunion in the play-off semifinals. But until then it is still a long way.
First of all, the Flyers will have to maintain a top-four position in the remaining five rounds until the knockout stage in order to enjoy home advantage in the quarterfinals.
A win over BC Vienna would be pretty helpful. “They’re no longer coming to Wels as leaders, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still the best team in the league,” says coach Sebastian Waser, showing respect for the financially strong opponents from the capital.
Insiders expect a hard-fought game that will live from the physique. The 2.03 meter tall Lithuanian Arvydas Gydra, who picked no fewer than 15 balls under the basket in the most recent 72:61 victory for the Wels team in Oberwart, could become a key player.
However, the Viennese have won the previous three encounters with the Flyers in 2022/23 – 101:91 and 104:72 at home, 81:78 away.
Already on Saturday (5.30 p.m.) the people of Messestadt will once again enjoy home advantage. Then the explosive derby against the OCS Swans Gmunden, who will have 24 hours less time to catch their breath in the preparation.
The leader from Traunsee will not meet the Oberwart Gunners until tomorrow (7 p.m.) in the local Raiffeisen sports park. Mind you as a clear favorite.
Source: Nachrichten
