Semi-final in Oberwart

Traiskirchen targets the prodigal son

Traiskirchen's Kühteubl against Oberwart's Sebastian Käferle (right).(Bild: urbantschitsch mario)

A whopping 18 points and seven rebounds by a Traiskirchen player. But unfortunately not on the "right" side. Sebastian Käferle played a major part in Oberwart's victory in the first semi-final of the Basketball Super League in his home town. On Tuesday, the team from Traiskirchen will have to draw level in the second game of the best-of-five series in Oberwart - despite all family ties and friendships.

Because it's not an easy duel for Kristijan Nikolic either: Traiskirchen's former player and current youth coach faces his best buddy, Oberwart coach Horst Leitner. "There are no friendships on the pitch," says club boss Paul Handler.

He should know: He played together with Käferle for Traiskirchen up to U19 level before the playmaker moved to Oberwart in 2014. And rose to captain there. "Unfortunately, he settled there," Handler winks, "we tried to bring him back several times anyway."

Full concentration required

On Tuesday, Klosterneuburg must also reclaim the home advantage it lost after the 68:86 defeat to Graz. "Our concentration only lasted one half," said coach Damir Zeleznik, "in Graz we have to play as a team for the entire game."