Licher basketball player before a hot duel: victory or crisis in Karlsruhe?

Licher basketball player before a hot duel: victory or crisis in Karlsruhe?

Next Saturday, November 9th, 2025, the Licher basketball players face a groundbreaking duel against the Karlsruhe Lions II. After a disappointing series of three defeats in a row and only one win from six games in the 1st Regionalliga Southwest, coach Lucas Lasev's squad is under pressure. With a points ratio that puts both teams tied at the bottom of the table, you can speak of a real “four-point game”. A win is urgently needed for Lich in order not to fall further behind in the fight to stay in the league, as the [Giessener Allgemeine](https://www.giessener- Allgemeine.de/sport/lokalsport/licher-basketballer-kaempfen-nach-ausfaellen-um-sieg-in-karlsruhe-94025266.html) highlights.

But the signs are anything but favorable. Lich has to contend with several injury absences: Kevin Hoxhallari, Phillip Flowers and Hanno Kotulla will not be in the squad. Hoxhallari is out until the end of the year with a knee injury, while Flowers and Kotulla are also suffering from similar problems. Lucas Lasev himself was also unsure whether he would be able to coach the team on Saturday due to an infection. Such challenges test the entire team dynamic and can directly impact game performance.

Competition from Karlsruhe

The Karlsruhe Lions II, who are promoted from the 2nd regional league, are also struggling with their own difficulties. After a promising start to the season, which began with a win, the promoted team also suffered five defeats in a row. While the Licher team have to deal with injuries, the team from Karlsruhe will try to stop their negative run. The team's best thrower, Linus Ihle, averages 15 points per game, which represents a noticeable challenge for Lich.

Important ups and downs

The current situation of both teams illustrates the fight to stay in this highly competitive league. Previous games have already shown that injuries can have a decisive influence on sporting success. An analysis by the German Sport University Cologne shows that teams with injury problems often have to reckon with negative financial and sporting consequences. The VBG points out that injuries can have long-term consequences for both the club and the players, as every injured player results in a loss of points and therefore also of income.

On Saturday, the Licher basketball players will head to Karlsruhe, and coach Lasev will do everything in his power to motivate his team to perform together. A win would not only be important for self-confidence, but could also help break the negative streak and bring a breath of fresh air into the team. It remains to be seen how this emotional and sporting challenge will unfold. In any case, for the Lichers it is: fight and win!