RheinStars Köln won a fast-paced 2. Basketball Bundesliga ProA contest 105-98 against Medi Bayreuth on October 26, 2026, using a decisive third-quarter run and clutch fourth-quarter execution to protect their home court.

The game was everything a ProA matchup promises: high tempo, heavy three-point volume, and multiple momentum swings. Bayreuth matched Köln basket for basket in the first half, but the RheinStars found another gear after the break and held off a late comeback attempt.

Match overview

Köln opened with an aggressive transition game and led 26-24 after the first quarter. Bayreuth responded in the second period, using efficient perimeter shooting to level the scores at 51-51 by halftime. Neither team could establish a meaningful lead in the opening 20 minutes.

• 1st quarter: RheinStars Köln 26, Medi Bayreuth 24
• 2nd quarter: RheinStars Köln 25, Medi Bayreuth 27
• 3rd quarter: RheinStars Köln 28, Medi Bayreuth 22
• 4th quarter: RheinStars Köln 26, Medi Bayreuth 25

The third quarter changed the game. Köln outscored Bayreuth 28-22 in the period, building a 79-73 lead heading into the final ten minutes. The RheinStars attacked the rim with purpose and converted several second-chance opportunities, while Bayreuth’s offense cooled after a strong first half.

Key moments

Bayreuth refused to go away quietly. A quick 8-0 run early in the fourth quarter cut the deficit to 95-93 and silenced the home crowd. Köln answered with a composed 10-3 burst of their own, highlighted by a transition dunk and a deep three-pointer from the top of the key.

The visitors had one final chance to make it a one-possession game in the last minute, but Köln forced a contested three-pointer that rimmed out. The RheinStars secured the rebound and sealed the win at the free-throw line.

Tactical story

Köln’s offensive rebounding was a major difference. The RheinStars generated 14 second-chance points and repeatedly extended possessions at critical moments. Their guards also pushed the pace effectively, forcing Bayreuth into early defensive rotations and creating open catch-and-shoot opportunities.

Bayreuth used a zone defense in the second quarter to slow Köln down, and it worked for a stretch. But Köln adjusted after halftime by placing shooters in the corners and attacking the middle of the zone. That tactical shift helped them regain control of the game.

Standout players

Köln guard Malik Johnson was the engine of the offense, finishing with 29 points and nine assists. He repeatedly broke down Bayreuth’s defense in pick-and-roll situations and made the right pass when the help defense arrived. Big man Leonhard Weber added 22 points and 13 rebounds, dominating the paint in the second half.

For Medi Bayreuth, DeAndre Harris scored 31 points and kept his team in the game with a series of tough shot-making displays. Jonas Krüger chipped in with 17 points, but Bayreuth could not find enough stops during Köln’s decisive third-quarter run.

Season impact

The win gives RheinStars Köln a valuable home result in the ProA standings and strengthens their position in the early playoff race. High-scoring wins of this kind can build confidence, especially when they involve closing out a tight fourth quarter against a quality opponent.

Medi Bayreuth leave with a frustrating loss but plenty of positives from their offensive performance. In a league where point differential and road form often shape the table, both teams will know this was a result that could matter later in the season.