The course of the game reflected exactly that. In the first quarter, we kept pace, heading into the first break trailing 12–19—not an ideal start, but a deficit we could work with. In the second quarter, we really turned it on and scored 24 points—our best quarter of the day—but we had to watch as Göttingen also stepped up their game, and the deficit grew to 36–42 by halftime. After that, we visibly ran out of steam: In the third quarter, we managed only 10 points, while the home team pulled away with 21. The fourth quarter followed a similar pattern at 12–21—the outcome had long since been decided, but we kept working until the final buzzer.

Two players stood out for us: Jada Smith and Elza Bieriņa each scored 21 points, accounting for more than two-thirds of our total scoring, and both played the full 40 minutes. Both also hit three three-pointers each—a true ray of hope on an otherwise difficult afternoon. Lisa Hoppe, our young player from Chemnitz, also made a strong impression in her just over twelve minutes on the court: 9 points on 60 percent shooting from the field, plus a perfect free-throw percentage.

Overall, we made only 26 percent of our field goals—against a Göttingen team that, even at 40 percent, wasn’t shooting exceptionally well but remained significantly more consistent. Our 74 percent free-throw percentage, on the other hand, was a real bright spot and shows that the fundamentals are there. There was clearly room for improvement on the boards: With 45 rebounds total, we trailed significantly behind the hosts’ 56, 18 of which were offensive rebounds that created second-chance opportunities for them. Our 17 turnovers also didn’t help in a game that was already physically demanding.

But we’re putting all of this into perspective: Every beginning is difficult, and after just one week of training together with a largely new roster, this result was to be expected. The positive signs—especially the strong second quarter and the performances by Smith, Bieriņa, and Hoppe—show what we can build on.

There’s hardly any time to catch our breath: Our preseason continues as early as Wednesday, when we’ll be visiting Medikamente per Klick Bamberg Baskets. Until then, our focus is on continuing to train, getting the two injured players back to health, and gradually getting into shape for the start of the new 2nd DBBL South season.

Minutes and points at a glance: Inga Ruppe 11:04 minutes, 0 points; Elza Bieriņa 40:00 minutes, 21 points; Jenna Rosanke 12:52 minutes, 0 points; Jada Smith 40:00 minutes, 21 points; Hannah Biwersi 30:35 minutes, 5 points, Lisa Hoppe 12:28 minutes, 9 points, Stella Nwaobi 18:45 minutes, 0 points, Laura Thiele 36:25 minutes, 2 points.

A lot has changed for us since last season, but the core of the team remains together. Seven players have stayed on: Annika Schwarz, Annika Heck, Laura Thiele, Alicia Rosanke, Jenna Rosanke, Stella Nwaobi, and Inga Ruppe. Building on this foundation, we want to integrate the new players—Jada Smith, Elza Bieriņa, and Hannah Biwersi—into the team and gradually get ourselves in shape for the start of the season. In addition, young player Lisa Hoppe from Chemnitz has recently joined us: She will train and play both in the Oberliga with our partner club Paradise City Jena and on our second-division roster.

There have also been changes at Göttingen. The new head coach is Francesca Dotto. She was an Italian national team player herself and won multiple Italian championships with Lucca and Schio. After her playing career, she transitioned into coaching; she works in Padua and serves as assistant coach of the Italian U20 national team.

In the Veilchen Ladies’ roster, too, some things have remained the same: Six players from last season are back, including captain Lena Wenke, Alice Bremer, and leading scorer Teresa Faustino. New additions include Sonia Sato, a forward who most recently played at Saint Francis University in the U.S., returning player Lea Nguyen, and 19-year-old Nastassia Selivon from Belarus, who, at 1.90 meters tall, brings a lot of presence under the basket.

For us, the game in Göttingen is a good opportunity to test where we stand against a team that’s also been rebuilt. We’re looking forward to the game and are eager to see where we stand after a week of training together.

If you can’t be there in person, you can watch the game via livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/4JDxXNsoDRc?si=muuI0ytTqVo45Lev

The focus was on an initial discussion of what lies ahead in the coming months. Pre-season schedules were presented, as were the points of contact the players can turn to with questions about training and organization. The team and staff also jointly established the rules and procedures for training sessions and game days to ensure clarity from the start.

The atmosphere at the meeting was positive. Everyone was clearly looking forward to the new season and left the meeting feeling motivated. A team that’s just coming together doesn’t bond on its own—so a meeting like this is exactly the right starting point.

The only question that remains is who will be the team captain. The team will decide who will take on this role over the course of the coming week.

We’re looking forward to what lies ahead and are excited about this team’s first season together.

In the coming season, she wants to work on her contact scoring—that is, scoring reliably even when facing physical contact. It’s a goal that fits her playing style: whoever sets the pace will inevitably find herself in situations where the path to the basket isn’t clear.

Behind the jerseys: JShnack, Mamba Shnackums, Deuce

If you only know Jada Smith by her first name, you don’t really know her yet. On the team, she goes by three nicknames. JShnack and Deuce are the shorter versions, but the nickname with the richest history is Mamba Shnackums—a clear reference to Kobe Bryant, the “Black Mamba.” Bryant is her role model in basketball, as he is for many players of her generation, and the nickname has carried that reference ever since.

The name has since become her life motto: “Good Shnackums, Live while you’re Living.” It’s an attitude that aligns with the three words she uses to describe herself: passionate, cheerful, resilient. On the court, this shows in her determination; off the court, in a composure that’s exactly what you want in tight game situations.

No one in her family had to look far for basketball. Born on April 18, 1997, in Birmingham, Alabama, Smith grew up with four older siblings, all of whom already played the game. The ball was simply always there, right from the start. After stints that most recently took her to Aþena Basketball in Iceland, where she spent the past two seasons, her journey now continues to Germany. She celebrated her greatest athletic success to date in 2020, when she and her team defeated their rivals in the Conference Championship—a victory she still hasn’t forgotten.

Off the court, there’s little sign of that intensity—or maybe there is, just directed elsewhere. Jada enjoys watching TV shows, hanging out with friends to play games, and is constantly on the lookout for new cafés and places she hasn’t visited yet. When it comes to food, she’s easygoing and anything but picky; her playlist features a mix of pop, rap, and soul.

The VIMODROM Baskets Jena are thrilled to sign Jada Smith, a player who knows how to lead a game without making it obvious. Welcome to Jena, Jada.

As a point guard, Laila organized our team’s offense without putting herself in the spotlight. She kept her composure during heated moments, looked for open teammates, and still drove to the basket herself when the situation called for it. It was precisely this balance of team spirit and personal determination that made her a reliable presence in our backcourt.

In the 2025–26 season, Laila averaged 35:22 minutes per game, scoring 11.64 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game—plus 2.4 steals, which demonstrate just how much defensive work went into her game. She delivered one of her strongest performances in a VIMODROM Baskets jersey during the 73–48 victory over the Bamberg Baskets in January 2026, when she recorded a double-double with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.

We want to thank her for her dedication in every practice, for her composure in close games, and for the way she fit into our team. We wish Laila all the best from the bottom of our hearts as she moves forward, both in her athletic career and in her personal life.

All the best, Laila—and thank you for everything!

The Milon circuit is particularly convenient. This computer-controlled training system adapts individually to each person and enables an efficient full-body workout in a short amount of time—ideal for anyone who already has a full schedule juggling school, college, or work. After intense training sessions or games, the outdoor sauna is also available—a true unique selling point of the facility. We’ve long valued the benefits of recovery in the fresh air immediately following a workout.

Those looking for support beyond basic strength training can also take advantage of personal training with experienced trainers and personalized nutrition counseling at Sportpark Lobeda. The offerings are complemented by a deliberately compact class program for strength and endurance, a sauna area with a wellness section, and on-site dining options. The Life CLUB app helps you keep track of your own training.

We’d like to thank Sportpark Lobeda for their continued excellent collaboration, and we’re looking forward to the new season with optimism, backed by this additional training opportunity.

Sportpark Lobeda, Alfred-Diener-Straße 2, 07747 Jena. Hours: Mon/Wed 8:00 a.m.–9:30 p.m., Tue/Thu/Fri 8:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m., Sat 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., Sun closed. Phone: 03641-6359662, Email: info@fitness-jena.de, www.fitness-jena.de

For us as a club, this partnership means one thing above all else: more capacity where it’s urgently needed. Sponsorship and partner management require time, contacts, and negotiation skills—resources that are often in short supply in the day-to-day operations of a club, since training, organization, and game operations also demand attention. With dreistrom.land by our side, we can maintain existing partnerships and simultaneously attract new sponsors without neglecting other areas. This provides planning certainty for the upcoming season and gives us the breathing room to focus on what matters on the court.

It’s not a given that a Jena-based company would support women’s basketball in Jena. We truly appreciate this and look forward to our collaboration, to joint projects, and to working with dreistrom.land to attract more strong partners for the VIMODROM Baskets Jena. Bring on the new season!

The 24-year-old wing player is the latest addition to the VIMODROM Baskets Jena roster for the 2026–27 season. Her jersey number is still to be determined, but her playing style has long been established: Elsa, as everyone calls her, is known as a player who really comes into her own in tight situations.

Her story doesn’t begin on the court, but simply with a ball in her hand—almost always, even as a child. Because it came so naturally to her, basketball wasn’t a conscious decision but rather the most obvious path of all. She was born on April 15, 2002, in Talsi, Latvia, where she still holds citizenship today.

What has become of her can be seen in her career milestones, which are remarkable even for a 24-year-old. At RSU, Rīgas Stradiņš University, she led her team to third place in the Baltic Women’s League and second place in the Latvian First League. She also played for the Latvian U23 national team in 3x3 basketball. After a stint with the Bad Homburg Falcons in Germany, her path has now led her to Jena, where she will continue to play in the 2nd DBBL.

Standing 1.80 meters tall, the right-hander covers a wide range of positions: she’s comfortable playing positions 2, 3, and 4, but feels most at home at the 3, the small forward. When asked about her greatest strength, she describes herself in three words: relentless, passionate, loving. These are words that fit her style of play—she actively seeks out clutch moments, never gives up hope in any situation, and manages to have an amazing amount of fun while doing it. For the upcoming season, she has set out to take on more of a leadership role and play with greater individual aggression.

Off the court, Elza explores new cafés, keeps a journal, and reads a lot—a reflection of someone who is constantly working on herself. When it comes to music, she lets her mood guide her; when it comes to food, she stays true to two classics: a good Smash Burger and sushi. Her athletic role model is Luka Dončić.

The VIMODROM Baskets Jena are looking forward to a player who takes the initiative rather than waiting on the sidelines—and to the 2026–27 season together.

As a shooting guard, the American brought exactly what the VIMODROM Baskets Jena needed at this stage of the 2025–26 season. With her height of 1.83 m, her experience, and her ability to fit into existing structures without making a big fuss, she quickly became an integral part of our roster—a piece of the puzzle that fit into the right place at exactly the right time.

Now her time with the VIMODROM Baskets Jena has come to an end. We’d like to thank Taylor for her professionalism, her team spirit, and the energy she brought to our club. We wish her all the best and every success in her future endeavors—whether on or off the court.

We’d also like to thank our fans: Thank you for supporting Taylor both on and off the court. It’s exactly this kind of support that defines our club.

All the best, Taylor—and thank you for everything!

As soon as it’s clear who wins in Round 1, we’ll know more about our opponent in Round 2. TuS Neukölln is entered as a regional association representative from the Regionalliga, while the ChemCats Chemnitz are competing in the 2nd DBBL North—two very different starting points that make the matchup interesting. For us, another advantage of the bye outweighs everything else: it gives us an extra week to prepare before the start of our upcoming second Toyota DBBL season.

As soon as our opponent is determined, we’ll announce all further details regarding the date, venue, and tickets. We’re looking forward to an exciting start to this year’s cup season.

Click here for the draw.

With TS Jahn Munich and the Rhein-Main Baskets, two teams from the regional leagues have been promoted to the South Division and are now part of our league for the first time. Both teams bring a breath of fresh air to the division and set the stage for new, as-yet-unknown matchups—we’re excited to see how they’ll fare against the established teams.

The Rhein-Main Baskets and Jahn Munich play a special role in this regard. Although both are, on paper, promoted from the regional leagues, they are by no means newcomers to the 2nd DBBL.

The Munich team has previously competed in the second-highest division, and the Rhein-Main Baskets were also a fixture there for many years. The Hessian team, which can even look back on several years of top-division experience, has now immediately rebounded from last year’s surprising relegation to the Regional League with an immediate return to the second division.

Ultimately, then, it’s not a pair of inexperienced league newcomers joining the field, but rather two established programs. With their valuable second-division and top-division experience, they’re now returning to where they’ve been at home for years.

Grünberg is moving from the North to join us

Another change concerns the Bender Baskets Grünberg: The club from Central Hesse is moving from the North Division to the South Division for the upcoming season and will thus face Jena for the first time. So this isn’t a promotion or relegation, but a re-division—presumably because Grünberg is geographically closer to many teams in the South than to its previous opponents in the North, resulting in shorter travel distances. This reasoning hasn’t been officially confirmed, but it seems plausible. One thing is certain: We’ll face the Grünberg women’s team twice—on October 17, 2026, at our home court in Lobeda West, and in the return match on February 21, 2027, in Grünberg.

In addition to the two promoted teams and the league newcomer from Grünberg, the Falcons Bad Homburg, Eisvögel USC Freiburg 2, Lou’s Foodtruck MTV Stuttgart, Medikamente per Klick Bamberg Baskets, USC BasCats Heidelberg, TSV 1880 Wasserburg, the QOOL Sharks Würzburg, and ASC Theresianum Mainz round out the field of participants in the South Division.

We look forward to seeing you

A new season means new opponents, new stories, and hopefully many more exciting games in Jena. We’d like to cordially invite all fans right now to come out and get the arena fired up for our home opener on October 3 against Heidelberg. Please note: The listed tip-off times, especially in the home game schedule, are subject to change—we’ll provide a separate update as soon as everything is finalized. Until then: get ready, get excited—and count down the days until tip-off.

As usual, the complete schedule is available at basketballinjena.de/spielplan.

Hannah was born on January 4, 2007, in Esslingen. She holds both German and Swedish citizenship—a connection that has also shaped her career to date. She was introduced to basketball at the age of six when a basketball club visited her elementary school: That very same day, Hannah stepped onto the practice court for the first time, and she’s been hooked on the sport ever since.

Her career to date has taken her from Södertälje BBK in Sweden and the Saarlouis Royals to the VIMODROM Baskets in Jena. On the court, the 1.80-meter-tall right-hander already has quite a few achievements under her belt: In 2023, she won the youth championship with the Swedish U19 national team. She has also already logged her first minutes of playing time in the 1. DBBL and the EuroCup—valuable experience that she now brings with her to Jena.

On the court, Hannah describes herself as a true all-around player: “I’m an all-around player and will always contribute on both offense and defense.” As a two-way player, she takes on responsibility in both offense and defense—a quality that makes her a versatile asset to the team. For the upcoming season, she’s set out to make her finishing game even more versatile and to continue growing in her decision-making on the court.

Off the court, Hannah enjoys reading, listening to music—from current pop to tunes from the ’70s and ’80s—and going for walks. Her athletic role model is Satou Sabally, and her personal motto is: “Hard work pays off.” She best describes herself with the three words dedicated, energetic, and smart.

The entire club warmly welcomes Hannah to Jena and looks forward to a successful 2026–27 season together.
 

The VIMODROM Baskets Jena would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere gratitude to everyone involved for their dedicated and professional support of Alicia’s recovery.

Encouraging
Progress The past few months have shown that hard work pays off—Alicia’s rehab is making noticeable progress. A specific date for her return to the court has not yet been set; the rehabilitation process following a cruciate ligament tear is individualized and takes time. But one thing is clear: Alicia is pursuing this path with full commitment and great determination.

Support from the basketball community
Alicia received encouragement right from the start, even beyond the boundaries of her own club. Immediately after her injury in March, Olaf Müller from Lou’s Foodtruck MTV Stuttgart Women’s Basketball posted these encouraging words under our post at the time: “Alicia! Come back stronger.”
A short message that shows the sense of unity basketball fosters across club lines—and one that continues to accompany Alicia on her journey to this day.

We wish Alicia continued strength, patience, and perseverance—and look forward to the day she steps back onto the court in her VIMODROM jersey.

The numbers speak for themselves: Averaging 14.6 points and 11.0 rebounds means that week after week, Cianna Gloster came within a hair’s breadth of a double-double—one of the most challenging milestones in basketball, achieved only by players who dominate a game in two categories simultaneously. On top of that, she averaged 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks per game, as well as 1.4 assists—statistics that prove she not only grabbed rebounds but also made an impact on defense and helped shape her teammates’ play. All in all, this paints the picture of a player who was the cornerstone of the team’s interior defense throughout the entire season.

More Than Just Statistics
But what made Cianna Gloster special cannot be captured by numbers alone. It was the consistency with which she fought for every ball night after night, the presence she exuded under the baskets, and the reliability her teammates could count on in crucial moments. Gloster was a player who not only fulfilled her role but shaped it—and in doing so, became a respected figure within the team even off the court.

A Message of Thanks from the Club
For her one—but all the more impressive—season in the #20 jersey, the club and all the fans of the VIMODROM Baskets Jena extend their heartfelt thanks. Cianna Gloster brought stability to the team under the baskets and gave the fans in the arena moments they’ll remember for a long time to come.

The club wishes her all the very best for her future—whether on or off the court. Stay just as you’ve been: strong, reliable, and with the heart of a fighter.

Thank you, Cianna. And all the best!

The handover of the vehicle was also in good hands: Mercedes-Benz Auto-Scholz-AVS Sulza handled all the logistics surrounding the vehicle handover, thereby playing a key role in ensuring that everything went smoothly.

With the new bus, the players will now travel to their away games in greater comfort and with improved focus—a boost in comfort that directly impacts their focus and energy on game day.

The club is proud to have partners at its side who let their actions—not just their words—speak for themselves. Together, the VIMODROM Baskets Jena are making women’s basketball in Jena more visible, stronger, and more professional—now with their own shuttle as well.

More Than Just a Player: Mentor and Spokesperson

For the VIMODROM Baskets, Marta was far more than “just” an outstanding basketball player. She was a central figure, an indispensable pillar both on and off the court. During her two years with us, she not only impressed with her athletic achievements but also played a vital role as a mentor to younger players.

As captain, she was the perfect link—a vital voice between the coaching staff and the team. With her experience and empathetic nature, she always had an open ear and contributed significantly to the team spirit.

Professionalism at Every Level

What set Marta apart was her absolute professionalism. Whether we were fighting for promotion in the regional league or holding our own in the 2nd Women’s Basketball Bundesliga (2. DBBL)—Marta always led the way. Her dedication, attitude, and determination served as a role model for everyone in every practice and every game. She demonstrated what it means to be fully committed to a team with all her heart.

A Logical Step Up the Career Ladder

When a player possesses such athletic talent and such a positive presence, it naturally doesn’t go unnoticed by other clubs. It was only a matter of time before offers from bigger clubs would come in. Now, unfortunately, that time has come. As much as we regret her departure, we understand this move as a logical consequence of her strong performances.

All the best for the future, Marta!

We wholeheartedly wish Marta Miscenko all the very best for her athletic and personal future. May she be just as successful at her new club and win over as many hearts there as she did here in Jena.

The doors of the VIMODROM Baskets will always be open to her. Of course, we very much hope to welcome her back here in Jena someday—whether as a guest or perhaps even in another role.

Thanks for everything, Cap!

The first quarter began at a blistering pace, but contrary to the hopes of the boisterous home crowd, the Baskets immediately found their offensive rhythm to make up for the deficit from the first game. Annika Heck (12 pts.) and Taylor Brooke Robertson (10 pts.) hit early shots from beyond the arc, while Marta Miscenko (18 pts.) found openings at the basket. Through focused passing and strong finishes, the Thuringian team built a well-deserved 17–11 lead at one point. Göttingen countered with a fast transition game and fought their way back, but after the first ten minutes, Jena held a narrow 21–20 lead.

A Neck-and-Neck Race Before the Break

The second half developed into a thrilling neck-and-neck race. Neither team gave an inch in the paint. Cianna Gloster (7 points) worked tirelessly under the baskets, grabbing crucial rebounds and making a defensive impact with blocks. On the wing, Laila Walker (20 pts.) remained a constant threat and hit a crucial three-pointer just before halftime off an assist from Laura Thiele (0 pts.). As the final buzzer sounded for the second quarter, the VIMODROM Baskets held on to a razor-thin 43–42 halftime lead after an intense stretch of play.

Annika Schwarz’s Three-Point Barrage

After the break, the crowd initially witnessed a dominant stretch by the visitors. Annika Schwarz (14 points) was now really on fire: With three thunderous three-pointers in a row, she single-handedly shifted the momentum in the Baskets’ favor and gave Jena a promising 60–53 lead—a score that would have been enough to secure a spot in the Final4. But Göttingen countered resolutely. The game increasingly turned into a heated defensive battle, marked by foul trouble on Jena’s side. During this critical phase, players like Inga Ruppe (0 pts.), Jenna Rosanke (0 pts.), Elisaweta Petrukhnova (0 pts.), and Stella Nwaobi (0 pts.) unfortunately did not see any playing time, but they tirelessly and vociferously cheered on their team from the bench. A run by Göttingen just before the buzzer tied the game, sending it into the all-deciding final quarter with the score tied at 62–62.

Virtually in the Final4, but luck eluded them in crunch time

In the fourth quarter, the tension reached its absolute boiling point—the arena was on fire. It turned into the expected nail-biter, with the lead changing hands several times. Then came the magical moment: Robertson drained a three-pointer to put Jena ahead 72–67. Exactly the +5 margin needed to secure a spot in the Final4! A sensation was in the air. But in the absolute crunch time, events unfolded rapidly. Göttingen struck back. When Miscenko secured the 76–75 lead shortly afterward, the Baskets knew: a one-point lead wouldn’t be enough in the end. Forced to take every risk to get back to a +5 lead, they failed to make key defensive stops. Late foul calls against Miscenko, Robertson, and Walker sent the ice-cold home team to the line time and again. A final three-pointer by Miscenko to make it 79–82 offered a glimmer of hope, but their shooting luck and the clock had run out—81–86.

Atmosphere: A cauldron of excitement at Felix-Klein-Gymnasium

The Felix-Klein-Gymnasium was packed with 520 vocal spectators and provided a fantastic setting with a great atmosphere on both sides—exactly as it should be for a true do-or-die game. The deafening atmosphere was like a veritable cauldron, spurring both teams on in the closing minutes. In a thrilling showdown between two teams of absolutely equal strength, tiny nuances ultimately decided who would advance—sporting details that the Thuringian women fought bravely for until the very last second, though ultimately to no avail.

Laila Walker (20 points), Marta Miscenko (18), Annika Schwarz (14), Annika Heck (12), Taylor Brooke Robertson (10), Cianna Gloster (7), Inga Ruppe (0), Jenna Rosanke (0), Laura Thiele (0), Elisaweta Petrukhnova (0), Stella Nwaobi (0).

The situation: Mission +5 and the key to success

The four-point deficit (65–69) from Game 1 is painful, but absolutely surmountable. Since, in this playoff format, the cumulative point differential decides the series in the event of a tie, the math is simple: If we win by a five-point margin, we’re in the Final 4.

Tactically, the game plan for Sunday is clearly defined. In the first game, we missed an unusually high number of good scoring opportunities. A significant improvement in our shooting percentage back to our normal season level is the basic prerequisite for a comeback. At the same time, the team needs to speed up the game. If we dictate the pace, aggressively push the ball forward in transition, and force Göttingen’s defense to run, we’ll create exactly the open looks our shooters need.

Focus on the Opponent

In the first game, the Veilchen Ladies proved why top-tier women’s basketball has a long tradition in Göttingen. They knew how to slow down the tempo at times and force us into an energy-sapping half-court game. Playing in front of their home crowd at the Felix-Klein-Gymnasium, they’ll try to replicate that same defensive compactness and stop our fast breaks. We have to be ready for a physical battle from the very first second!

Roster Update: Who’s out, who’s in?

The focus this week has been entirely on recovery and fine-tuning. After such an intense first leg, there are always minor injuries, but for a do-or-die game, every player is gritting her teeth. Our medical staff has done a fantastic job, so the coaching staff can draw from the full roster for “Mission +5” and field the best possible lineup. Everyone is fired up for this final!

Live on TV & Stream: Here’s How to Watch

We need every single one of you on Sunday—whether cheering loudly in the arena or watching from home! If you’re making the trip to Lower Saxony, you’ll find the most important details here. For everyone staying home, the DBBL livestream is the perfect place to watch.

• Tip-off: Sunday, April 26, 2026, 4:00 p.m.
• Venue: Felix-Klein-Gymnasium (Böttingerstr. 17, 37083 Göttingen)
• Tickets in Göttingen: Secure your seats in advance at events.vereinsticket.de/veilchen-ladies
• Broadcast: Live and in full on the DBBL livestream at youtube.com/@dbblbasketball

Support us on our journey to the Final 4! Share this preview, tag your friends, pack your jerseys, and let’s create the miracle of Göttingen together. Follow us on our social media channels (Instagram/Facebook) for exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses of game day. Let’s go, Baskets!

Das Duell in unserem heimischen meTecno Court begann als absolute Defense-Schlacht. Beide Teams schenkten sich in der Zone keinen Zentimeter, harte Box-outs und physische Ball-Denials prägten die ersten zehn Minuten. Unsere Mädels hatten in der Anfangsphase sichtbare Probleme, offensiv in ihren Rhythmus zu finden. Zu oft endete das Pick-and-Roll in der gut gestaffelten Help-Defense der Gäste aus Niedersachsen.

Im zweiten Viertel drohte das Spiel frühzeitig abzugleiten. Während bei Göttingen nun die Würfe fielen, klebte auf unserem Korb ein unsichtbarer Deckel. Auch wenn Vanessa Kajan (2 Pkt.) sich wichtige Rebounds sicherte und wertvolle Second-Chance-Possessions kreierte, reichte es zur Pause nur für magere 20 Zähler auf dem Scoreboard (20:29). Die harte Arbeit abseits des Balles von Annika Heck hielt uns zumindest in Schlagdistanz. Auch Laura Thiele ackerte in ihren Minuten unermüdlich in der Transition-Defense, blieb offensiv aber an diesem Tag ohne das nötige Wurfglück.

Die furiose Aufholjagd (Q3 & Q4)

Wer dachte, die Partie sei zur Halbzeit gelaufen, wurde im dritten Viertel eines Besseren belehrt. Unsere VIMODROM Baskets kamen wie ausgewechselt aus der Kabine! Plötzlich klickte das Transition-Game. Angeführt von einer überragenden Cianna Gloster (17 Pkt.), die in der Zone immer wieder Mismatches attackierte und unaufhaltsam zog, schmolz der Vorsprung der Veilchen Ladies. Taylor Robertson (13 Pkt.) ließ unsere Halle explodieren, als sie im dritten Viertel zwei stark herausgespielte Catch-and-Shoot-Dreier versenkte.

Im Schlussabschnitt verwandelte sich der meTecno Court endgültig in einen Hexenkessel. Marta Miscenko (12 Pkt.) dominierte nun die Bretter und Annika Schwarz (12 Pkt.) bewies Nerven aus Stahl, als sie mit wichtigen Punkten in der heißen Phase unsere Aufholjagd befeuerte. Laila Walker (9 Pkt.) durchbrach mit ihrem explosiven First Step immer wieder die erste Verteidigungslinie der Gäste.

Crunchtime und ein bitteres Ende

Die letzten zwei Minuten waren an Dramatik kaum zu überbieten. Bei ohrenbetäubendem Lärm von euch 274 grandiosen Zuschauern peitschtet ihr unser Team nach vorne. Das Momentum schien komplett auf unserer Seite zu liegen. In der entscheidenden Phase fehlte beim Kampf um den Defensiv-Rebound jedoch das letzte Quäntchen Glück. Göttingen nutzte in der Folge ihre Chancen an der Freiwurflinie eiskalt und rettete den knappen Vorsprung über die Zeit. Am Ende stand ein so bitteres wie denkbar knappes 65:69 auf der Anzeigetafel.

Ausblick & Aufruf ans Team!

Trotz der Niederlage können wir unglaublich viel Positives aus dieser spektakulären zweiten Halbzeit ziehen. Da die Serie im Best-of-Two-Modus entschieden wird, ist für das Rückspiel noch alles drin! Wir nehmen lediglich einen knappen Rückstand von vier Punkten (-4) mit in die entscheidende Partie nach Göttingen.

Die Rechnung für das kommende Wochenende ist simpel: Ein Sieg mit fünf Punkten Vorsprung (+5) reicht, um das Ticket für das Final4 zu lösen! Wir werden im Training weiter hart arbeiten und an den entscheidenden Details feilen. Und wir brauchen EUCH! Lasst uns die unglaubliche Energie aus der zweiten Halbzeit gemeinsam mit nach Göttingen nehmen. Auf geht's Jena, gemeinsam ins Final4!

A “Blind Date” on the Hardwood

The matchup against the Veilchen Ladies holds special significance: It’s the first direct showdown between the two teams this season. Past experience? None to speak of. It’s hard to identify a clear trend or a favorite heading into the game. It will be crucial which team finds its rhythm faster and can impose its will on the opponent.

Battle of the Systems: Rebound Power vs. Offensive Fireworks

A look at the regular-season statistics promises a highly thrilling duel between two distinct playing philosophies. The visitors from Lower Saxony arrive with an extremely dangerous offensive machine. Göttingen averages nearly 82 points per game and shines with excellent ball movement (over 17 assists) and a deadly three-point shooting rate (9 three-pointers made per game).

The VIMODROM Baskets’ response? Absolute dominance under the baskets! Jena averages an outstanding 49.6 rebounds per game (Göttingen: 44.4). Especially on the offensive glass (18.4 offensive rebounds!), the Jena players consistently create important second-chance opportunities. If the team can capitalize on this physical superiority in the paint, control the tempo, and prevent the visitors’ dangerous long-range shooters from getting into their rhythm, the key to success is right there.

Last Dance at the mTC: The Fans as the Sixth Man

This quarterfinal also has a very special element: It’s definitely the VIMODROM Baskets’ last home game of the season at the meTecno Court. Before the series moves to Göttingen next week for Game 2, the team is determined to get off to a strong start in front of its home crowd.

To do that, the team needs the support of the Jena basketball family more than ever! Come to the arena, bring the noise, and let’s turn the mTC into an impregnable fortress one last time this season.

Tip-off is on Sunday at 4:00 p.m. at the meTecno Court (Keßlerstraße 28). Let’s lay the foundation for the semifinals together!