The SG Flensburg-Handewitt enjoyed a successful Sunday evening. After beating Rhein-Neckar Löwen 33:29 (15:15), they finished the first half of the DAIKIN HBL season in second place. The SG's top scorers were Simon Pytlick (8) and Emil Jakobsen (8/2).
Benjamin Burić made the first save, Simon Pytlick scored the first SG goal - the first small signs of success inspired confidence in "Hell North". However, the next few minutes had a few setbacks in store. Both defense and offense did not reach their normal level of performance. Aleš Pajović called his first team timeout when a passive play led to a lightning-quick Lion counterattack and a 4:8 deficit. The visitors operated with great pace. The SG had conceded ten goals after just 13 minutes. The low point: The score was 9:14 after 17 minutes. There was some unrest, but there was no hangover mood. The SG's 6:0 defense was now very stable - the chase to catch up could begin. Simon Pytlick scored to make it 12:14, although he had to be treated. The two left-handed players Niclas Kirkeløkke and Kent Robin Tønnesen played together for a few attacks. Emil Jakobsen, who played his 200th competitive game for the SG, finished off a counter-attack to make it 15:15. It was the first equalizer since 2:2.
Always in the lead from 17:16 onwards
Everything was back on level terms at the restart. A standing ovation accompanied the first attacks of the second half. But it was not until almost everyone had sat down again that the first lead of the day was scored: 17:16 by Marko Grgić. Most of the fans were now standing again and witnessed how Domen Novak scored the next counter-attack and increased the lead further. "Hell North" was raging. A problem with the time display led to a slightly longer interruption. Immediately afterwards, Simon Pytlick demonstrated his determination and scored to make it 20:17. The Rhein-Neckar Lions responded with a timeout. However, the SG had caught a small wave: Marko Grgić made it 22:18 and then the next two advances by the visitors bounced off Benjamin Burić. Tender chants of victory broke out, but the SG was not able to extend its lead. On the contrary: Six goalless minutes frayed the nerves. The Rhine-Neckar Lions closed the gap to 23:22. Fortunately, Benjamin Burić was now clearly in charge in the goalkeeper duel. Frenetic jubilation broke out when he saved a seven-meter penalty. Johannes Golla and Domen Novak followed up in the frenzy of this daring act. The SG had pulled away to 29:24 - the preliminary decision. Despite the few good opening spells, the SG was able to keep Baden under the 30 mark. Benjamin Burić saved his second penalty throw a few seconds before the end. The cheers turned into the final applause.
