This game carries a different weight than most. When Phoenix Hagen hosts Gießen 46ers on Saturday at 7 p.m. In the Ischelandhalle, it’s a contest with significant implications for the promotion race in the 2. Basketball-Bundesliga ProA. However, it’s also about managing emotions in a rivalry that has spanned decades and frequently reached its boiling point.
Phoenix Managing Director Martin Schmidt has directly addressed the fans in an open letter, urging respectful conduct while firmly stating, “Don’t let yourself be carried away into anything rash. Don’t let yourself be provoked. But don’t be provoked either. Be clever.”
Open Letter Before an Emotionally Charged Duel
Such statements aren’t made without reason. Matches between Hagen and Gießen are the most intense in the league. These tensions have often spilled over, manifesting in verbal provocations, insults, and a heated atmosphere in the stands, sometimes extending to vandalism in the halls, including defacing guest areas with stickers, and graffiti.
Both clubs have responded by strengthening their security measures. The open letter is an additional attempt to proactively address potential issues. Schmidt calls for passion tempered with moderation: “Show that our strength lies not only in the volume, but also in our attitude. We want to keep the focus – on our huge goal: the BBL. No additional construction sites, no distractions. That’s what we’ve done, that’s what you’ve achieved so far. Our support, at home and away, is extraordinary. We hear respect and gratitude everywhere for what you’ve achieved. Let’s preserve exactly that.”
Two Promotion Contenders
Sportingly, the two teams enter the match with shared ambitions – a return to the Basketball Bundesliga. However, only Phoenix Hagen has consistently demonstrated its commitment to this goal. Currently leading the table with 24 wins from 28 games, they have already secured home-court advantage for the playoffs with a 92-91 away win in Cologne on Monday.
Gießen, currently sits in seventh place with a 16-12 record, experiencing a turbulent season. While the team hasn’t fully lived up to its promotion aspirations, off-court issues have added to the challenges. Following defeats, frustration from fans and coaches was directed towards head coach Branislav “Frenki” Ignjatovic, prompting public support from shareholder Christiane Roth, who denounced hurtful attacks. Personnel decisions, such as the abrupt termination of Abu Kigab’s contract, also caused disruption. These sporting fluctuations and atmospheric unrest have reinforced each other.
The situation has stabilized somewhat in recent weeks, with seven wins in their last ten games suggesting Gießen is regaining momentum. However, a recent 79-89 loss in Bayreuth served as a setback.
A Reminder of the First Leg
The first leg between Gießen and Hagen was particularly memorable. In Gießen, the 46ers led 65-51 before Phoenix mounted a remarkable comeback. Led by Marcus Graves, who scored 25 points and made seven three-pointers, Hagen went on a 21-0 run to secure a 92-77 victory – a turnaround that stunned the Gießen fans.
Phoenix coach Chris Harris recognizes the unique nature of this rivalry: “The appeal of a game between Phoenix and Gießen cannot be determined by who is where in the table.” His team will need to be patient against an opponent known for its defensive stability and strong individual players.
The availability of captain Dennis Nawrocki (ankle injury), Ryan Schwieger (head injury), and Lucas N’Guessan (knee injury) remains uncertain, with a decision to be made on match day.
Related reading