Tie Basketball games are about as uncommon as pro Basketball players trying their hand at professional Baseball like Michael Jordan (199-F-63, college: N.Carolina) did in 1994, but since the overtime period is deleted from Euro challenge play, a tie can happen and did in the Frankfurt-Antalya game as it ended 60-60. For some players like Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.), it was the first time for a tie, but for guys like Titus Ivory (193-G-79, college: Penn St.) it was the second. 'This was more of a win for them since the game was played in Frankfurt. But this special game has 80 minutes and we have to start from scratch again in Antalya. Its never over until the last second. Some years ago, my team won the first game by 30 points, but lost the return game by 34 points, so anything is possible'. Antalya American Michael Green (185-G-85, college: Towson) was prepared to play five more minutes, but soon realized the game was over.'It was really weird when King scored. He ripped his shirt off, because he knew the game was over, but I had no clue since I am still a rookie with no European experience in these kind of things'. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS had the game in their hands, but let it slip away in the fourth quarter. 'This was not a pretty game. They hit really important three pointers at the end. It is never easy to win, when you cant put the opponent away. It was a game of runs and suddenly the game was over', described a sad Ilian Evtimov.

Coach Murat Didin is known for having tricks up his sleeve as well as making unorthadox decisions by not starting captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76). Both teams started with a lot of nervousness and this would carry out through out the game. Antalya found their rhythm quickly by going on a 11-2 run. American Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Providence) was making the zone his own playground and hauling down offensive rebounds and picking Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) apart. He scored four quick points, while the Frankfurt offense was sputtering and trying to find a groove. Frankfurt finally blasted off going on a 8-1 run. American Titus Ivory came in scored and stole the ball and fed Evtimov for two points. Ilian Evtimov then stepped outside and drilled home a three pointer. Antalya had phases where they had little concentration, which led to costly turnovers. Frankfurt closed out the scoring in the first quarter, with an Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) Dunk, who retrieved a De Mello no look pass. Antalya led 13-12, but both teams were shooting very poorly that even Skyliner mascot Dunking Kong could of made a difference with his shooting, because any help could have been useful at that time.

The second quarter continued with wild play and weak shooting as it seemed like the teams were thinking too much, rather than just playing. The three point line seemed as foreign to both teams as does the subject of geography for some Americans. Both teams kept trying their luck from the parking lot, but with little success. After missing most of the first quarter, American Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) found some daylight scoring in the zone and on the fast break to give Frankfurt its first lead 16 to 15. Now the game became a game of mini runs as Antalya responded with a 4-0 run with hoops from King and Green, who finished with his left hand on a penetration move in zone. This was also a very strong phase by Antalya, who were playing strong defense registering blocks or denying rebounds. With Antalya leading 19-16, Pascal Roller silenced Antalya with his forceful three pointer. It was 19 all, but Antalya went on another 4-0 mini run with hoops from Nedim Yucel (203-F-79) and Victor King (196-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Texas A&M) (196-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Texas A&M) (196-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Texas A&M) on a catch and pop. Without the two Pascal Roller three pointers, Frankfurt would have been down by 10 points. At halftime, Antalya led 27 to 23, which looked more like a NBA score after one quarter. The fans may have been waiting for some desert like offerings, but instead were getting fed with nasty leftovers with numerous turnovers. At haltime, both teams had a combined 25 turnovers. Both teams were shooting a combined 39% from three point land, Frankfurt was doing a better job securing the rebounds 22 to 18.

THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS had the better start in the third quarter going on a 6-0 run and showing that they still did possess discipline and intelligence on the court. Titus Ivory scored, then Derrick Allen made his mini hook shot giving Frankfurt the lead back 28 to 27 and Ivory followed with a swift move in the zone. Frankfurt led 30 to 27, but the nervousness of both teams remained as four turnovers resulted in about 30 seconds of play showing that even Basketball players can be human. American Michael Green responded with a three pointer knotting the sore at 30. Frankfurt now caught Antalya off guard and experienced their strongest few minutes of the game going on a 13-0 run and taking a 43 to 30 lead. Titus Ivory scored from outside, Anthony King with a pretty post move, Derrick Allen with a mid distance jumper and Pascal Roller with a three pointer. Frankfurt was the more awake team in this phase, while Antalya was missing too many shots and not showing enough intensity. However down the stretch, Antalya was able to squirt out a bit more energy as they ended the quarter on a 4-0 run with a beautiful spin move by Marcus Melvin (203-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) and a Victor King shot in the zone after a cute feed from Michael Green. Frankfurt still led 43 to 37. Nothing besides the rebounds(35-25 advantage for Frankfurt) resembled anything like the Mona Lisa in Frankfurts play. Both teams were still shooting a combined 39% from outside and the combined turnovers were now at 33.

The game of runs continued, but THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS could not bring the energy of the third quarter into the fourth as Antalya ran away on a 10-0 run to take the 47 to 43 lead. Even though American Marcus Douthit was on the bench with four fouls and little of a factor in the game for Antalya, it was the other Americans that kept the team in the game. Michael Green hit a three pointer, Victor King in the zone, Marcus Melvin from outside and Victor King stole the ball and drove coast to coast with the hoop. Antalya had the lead back at 47 to 43 and most Skyliner fans wre wondering if it was already April and everything just a cruel April Fools joke. Now the game got very exciting, but Antalya couldnt run away with game as Frankfurt stayed on their backs with hoops from Ivory and Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton). Antalya led 50 to 49, but sudden defensive lapses still plagued Frankfurt as a totally open Michael Green tip toed into the zone the same way Jerry does when escaping Tom the cat. Antalya led again 52 to 49. However Frankfurt found the free throw line and Adam Emmenecker hit two to tie the score at 52. Victor King hit an outside jumper and Antalya led 54 to 52, but American Titus Ivory is showing more and more that he wants to share crunch time shooting with Pascal Roller as he drilled a big three pointer after stealing the ball and Frankfurt led again 55 to 54. 'I was always a scorer in highschool and college and the first years as a pro, but in the last years as I started winning championships, I havent scored as much anymore, but I have learned to make sacrifices and help out the team on defense and hitting my open shots', commented Titus Ivory . Derrick Allen added to the lead with a mid distance jumper and Frankfurt led 57 to 54. However Antalya struck back with little used 33 year old Mustafa Bitim (206-F-75), who hit a three pointer. With the score tied 57 all, Pascal Roller was fouled behind the three point line and he sunk all three. With 4,0 seconds to play, Frankfurt was unable to foul Victor King, who got open and hit an off balance three pointer as the buzzer sounded.

THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS were led by American Titus Ivory with 17 points, six rebounds, five assists and three steals. Captain Pascal Roller added 12 points and four rebounds. Derrick Allen contributed with ten points and six rebounds. American Victor King added 21 points. American Michael Green added 13 points and eight rebounds. American Marcus Melvin had 11 points and seven rebounds.

From the statistics standpoint, this is a game that both teams want to quickly forget. Both teams shot under 30% from the field and both teams had 41 turnovers combined. The only bright spot for THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS were the 41 rebounds that they secured. Antalya has the upper hand now, with the home court advantage, while Frankfurt will have to go on a journey to Turkey and find a way to win against the opponent as well as blocking out the hostile fans. 'Now we have to win on the road. We will prepare well and give a team effort in Turkey', warned Ilian Evtimov. Frankfurt already showed a lot of character and heart pulling out a miraculous win in Nordlingen and will need to play with that kind of energy in Antalya, especially down the stretch, where every little thing could decide the outcome of a close game. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS host TBB Trier on Saturday November 8 and then travel to Antalya, Turkey for the return Euro challenge game on Novemer 11th.

This season I have decided to travel to all EreDivisie teams home games and evaluate the fans and the ENERGY they bring to these high level games. This evaluation is based after attending 3 games each during the current season. Fans are most important to clubs as well as players so hopefully fans will come out and support their home team.

Hanzevast Capitals - Although Groningen is considered a university city, they have the best crowd attendance so far in the league. It's a rare occassion that Hanzevast (winning or losing) that Martinplaza is not packed. Their fans are loyal to the death. I know that coaches and players are grateful for fans like this and makes them play hard every night. Keep up the good work.

EiffelTowers Den Bosch - Since Eiffel (Head Sponsor) left Nijmegen in 2004 Den Bosch fans have grown to new levels. De Maasaport sporthal is filled from top to bottom on weekend games as well as Eurochallenge games. To win in that environment of fans is an accomplishment within itself. Also, Den Bosch fans are more family oriented and provides a positive atmosphere for basketball fans around.

Magixx Matrixx Nimegen - Even after the departure of their head sponsor Eiffel in 2004, the managing staff brushed off the loss of Eiffel and welcomed Matrixx with open arms. I must say when you go to a Magixx Matrixx game, make sure you bring your party shoes because with this crowd of fans, it more like a party instead of a game. These fans really get the players hyped and ready for the game. I dont know if I want to watch the game or get on the dance floor!

EclipseJet/MyGuide Amsterdam - Sporthallen Zuid is the home arena of the most prominent club in Dutch basketball. Every year this club is winning or competing for every cup in the Dutch league and Europe. Many fans come to support EJMG even with the size of their sporthal (5000 capacity) they still have a great attendance level. In May when the playoffs begin, the crowd grows. Although it is early in the season, to see Sporthallen Zuid filled from all sides is something to see.

Z&Z Leiden - Since their return to EreDivisie in 2006, the Leiden Devils has put a curse on VijfMeihal and the crowd fills up the small spothal every night. One tough place to play when you have the crowd right on the floor and it makes it a tougher place to win when the crowd energy can be heard around the block. LEIDUUUUH!!!!

Upstairs Weert - Another small sporthal with loyal dedicated fans is the old Boshoven gym that Weert plays. Weert supporters get into the games of the club and are right on the floor at games just like Matrixx, West Brabant, and Leiden. The Upstairs crowd is very loud and bring everything to the gym from drums to horns to distract any visiting team. After the games they are the friendliest people you can ever meet. They ride and die with their team!

West-Brabant Giants - The Giants has a crowd that is like no other. West-Brabant players and coaches welcome the fans with open arms. The fans feel like they are a part of the team. Once again the smaller halls makes the most noise and packs the house. If the Giants continue to win, they may have to get a bigger sporthal!

Den Helder Seals - After a one year hiatus from the league, the small town of Den Helder has kept a loyal support of fans and support. From De Slenk sporthal to the new SportCenter Den Helder, the Seals have a comfortable size of supporters which is more of the people's team like no other. Keep up the good work!

Landstede Zwolle - ZBC sprothal is a fairly sizeable sporthal and the fans energy balances with the heart that the players give every night. Landstede is the only team in EreDivisie that is affiliated with another top sport (Volleyball) and I consider the best education team on the top level. The fans know the Landstede name and the energy is getting better. Go Hammers!

Aris Leeuwarden - Although Aris has a small sporthal which could give the players a boost in playing. Last season the fans energy were almost non-existent. However, after some key wins at home and on the road, the fans energy has boosted overnight and it looks like it is there to stay. Its a 360 from last seasons team which the energy was gone due to some many changes during the season. To the Aris fans, be with your team through the good times and the bad. The players and management appreciate it to the fullest.

Rotterdam Challengers - With new ownership, the Challengers have turned the club around from its years of barely staying in the league or even exisiting. TopSportCentrum is one of the best designed sporthals in Holland. . The Challengers are doing everything to encourage fans that there's another top sport than Rotterdam Feijnoord Football and it is working. The fans are supporting Challengers basketball and they bring great energy at games. Keep on supporting because things are going great.