SG Flensburg-Handewitt has gotten off to a strong start in the Opel HBL and is the only team still undefeated. They’ll look to build on that success tomorrow, Saturday, against FRISCH AUF! Göppingen. Tip-off at the GGW Arena is at 7 p.m.
The SG came through Wednesday night’s international match without any personnel issues. Even those worried about Simon Pytlick following the team’s early exit in Kiel and his 60-minute stint on the bench against Granollers can rest easy. “We’d discussed his role in the second half, but Marko Grgić was really on fire,” explains SG coach Aleš Pajović. “Besides, the seven-on-six worked really well against Granollers’ offensive defense. A player like Simon Pytlick, who loves freedom on the court, isn’t a big fan of that tactic.” It will now be interesting to see how FRISCH AUF! Göppingen lines up defensively. A certain degree of flexibility is evident—and out of necessity: Recently, the South German team has been plagued by major injury concerns and had no pivot available during their decisive loss in Hanover. On several occasions, four backcourt players were on the court.
Special Challenges for the Defense
In recent years, SG Göppingen has often dropped points. Games at home have frequently been difficult, but the team has always come out on top since 2008. Being the favorite again is no guarantee. “Yes, we’re playing at home,” says Aleš Pajović. “But in the Opel HBL, things can always turn out differently than you expect.” It will be important not only for the offense to be effective but also for the defense to play consistently, especially since Göppingen has several players on its roster who are strong in one-on-one situations. “We have to stay compact and work well together,” demands Aleš Pajović. “If we manage that, the shots won’t come from six meters out, but from a greater distance—and then the chances of preventing a goal increase.” A win would put the SG at the top of the standings for at least 20 hours. They lost the top spot on Wednesday because SC Magdeburg defeated THW Kiel in an early match.