OCS Swans Gmunden 34 points, Superliga champions BC Vienna 34 – the last round of the “regular season” served today (5.30 p.m.) in the Raiffeisen-Sportpark in the direct duel for first place, the home advantage up to a possible play-off final guaranteed. “The fact that there is such a showdown is great for all basketball fans. Our hall will be full,” says Gmunden Managing Director Richard Poiger, looking forward to the summit meeting.
The strange thing about the starting position: in the previous three season meetings between the two top clubs, the away team always had the upper hand. The Swans won away (the Supercup) 95:92 and the most recent game 80:79, in the arena above Lake Traunsee the Viennese triumphed with 95:82. “We’re expecting an opponent who will play aggressively and physically. We have to counter that,” said Toni Blazan.
Camouflage and deception tend to be the motto in today’s showdown between the fifth St. Pölten and the fourth-placed Raiffeisen Flyers Wels. Since the positions are related and both meet in the best-of-5 quarterfinals, they will not put their cards on the table.
