It's 2:45 p.m., and the Dresden Titans players aren't just active on the floor; their energy is literally palpable. They pass, they throw, and the high-fives clap through the hall. But the guests from Hamburg, the Veolia Towers, are also in top form, not only with their throws, but also with their vocal cords.
The hall announcer heats up the atmosphere: "History will be made today!" It's 2:55 p.m., and the speakers are vibrating as the Titans enter the arena to the sounds of "Thunder." A sea of applause and cheers greets them.
3 p.m. sharp - the ball is in the air. Tip-off.
The first few minutes are a neck-and-neck race. Sometimes Dresden is in front, sometimes Hamburg, and only with a difference of one point. The Titans from the second division show that they can more than keep up against the first division giants from Hamburg.
But then, in the second half of the first quarter, the Towers step up a gear and pull away with seven points - 11:18 is on the scoreboard. But the Titans don't let it get them down. Their defense holds and thwarts two Hamburg attacks. A three-pointer by number 6 brings Dresden back into the game - 18:20.
The clock is ticking, the last minute of the first quarter is running, and when the siren sounds, the score is 20:24.
The second quarter is underway, and the Towers have found their rhythm. They lead with 22:29.
The Titans fight valiantly, but against the unerring threes of Hamburg and their impenetrable defense, they do not come. Shortly before the halftime whistle, the score is 39:50 for Hamburg. But 11 points can be made up. The hall announcer gives it his all once again, and Titanius, the mascot, cheers on the crowd. One last three-pointer for Hamburg, and the first half is history.
The second half begins, and Margon Arena is a witch's cauldron. The Titans start with an energy that makes the hall shake. Within the first four minutes, they cut the deficit to 54:56. Every Dresden attack is accompanied by a thunderous applause.
Then the equalizer - 63:63. Tanner Graham (12) sinks a three-pointer, just 90 seconds before the end of the third quarter. When the siren sounds, the score is 66:66. The Titans have proven that they can more than keep up. The air crackles with tension.
The last quarter begins, and Dresden leads 75:70. The sensation is in the air. The Hamburgers show nerves, unnecessary fouls and ball losses pile up. 5:40 minutes left on the clock. Hamburg shortens the lead to 75:72 after two free throws, but Dresden immediately counters with two double points. The adrenaline is palpable. 3:30 minutes to go until the final whistle. The lead melts away, it is 79:78. Two minutes to play. A three-pointer from Hamburg, and they lead again 79:81.
Timeout. Take a breath.
Then the action resumes. Tanner Graham equalizes again with a three-pointer, but Hamburg counters immediately. The game goes back and forth at a breathtaking pace. Another three-pointer from Graham. But in the end, Hamburg has the upper hand. They foul less, get the decisive points and win the cup opener in Dresden. But the Titans proved to be worthy opponents. The audience rises and celebrates the team despite the narrow 85:88 defeat.
This cup game will be remembered as one of the most exciting in the history of the Dresden Titans. A true thriller until the last second.
