SG Flensburg-Handewitt is back at the top of the Opel HBL—at least for one night. On Saturday evening, the team defeated FRISCH AUF! Göppingen 32–27 (18–17). The SG’s top scorers were Simon Pytlick (8) and Emil Jakobsen (6/4).
“Stand up if you’re from Flensburg!” The atmosphere in “Hölle Nord” was electric right from the start. The game initially followed a certain rhythm: The SG took the lead, and Göppingen caught up. It was Aymeric Minne who literally broke this “opening-minutes pattern” and scored the 5:3. In fact, the offense was incredibly efficient at the start. Niclas Kirkeløkke extended the lead to 9–6. Not even ten minutes had been played. But then a few technical errors crept in. The traditional club from “Kempa City” shone with a Kempa trick and tied the score at 10–10. Both teams set a fast pace, which initially resulted in a rapid succession of goals—up to 17–16. Then “Hell of the North” fell into a five-minute scoring drought on both sides. Emotions ran high, however, when Simon Möller—who had come on as a substitute—saved a seven-meter throw. Emil Bergholt broke through at the circle and scored to make it 18–17 at halftime.
SG Holds the Edge in the Goalkeeper Showdown
The teams entered the second half with an extremely slim lead. The SG brought in fresh backcourt reinforcements: Marko Grgić scored the first goal for his club on the second attack. Lasse Møller also got in on the action—in his 200th appearance for the SG. It remained a nail-biter. At least Simon Möller provided a saving edge during this phase. Aksel Horgen scored from the right wing to make it 23–20. The home team couldn’t really pull away. At 24:23, the visitors were back in the game. The stands erupted in emotional support: “Flensburg, Handewitt!” Fortunately, Simon Möller came through once again. Aksel Horgen was also on a roll, scoring his fourth goal to make it 26–23. The SG now had the upper hand. Simon Pytlick was back, charging through the defense and scoring to make it 30–26. His passionate exchange with the North Stand heightened the celebratory mood. In short: the two points were in the bag. Shortly afterward, the crowd chanted: “Leaders! Leaders!”
