The play-in games have been played and the BBL play-offs kicked off on Friday. Alba got off to a good start against Bonn, while Chemnitz beat Rasta Vechta in the evening
Alba Berlin and the Niners Chemnitz got off to a successful start in the German Basketball League play-offs. Berlin won its first quarter-final game at home against Telekom Baskets Bonn by a clear 94:68 (41:31) in front of 7071 spectators on Friday evening. Chemnitz prevailed against Rasta Vechta by 83:77 (42:34).
Alba and Chemnitz thus lead the best-of-five series by 1:0. The next games between the two teams are on Sunday. Berlin and Chemnitz have home court again before traveling to Bonn and Vechta respectively in the third game next Tuesday.
The game in Berlin got off to a very disjointed start and there was no real rhythm at first. The defensive lines dominated on both sides. The home side conceded too many turnovers at the start and missed too many shots. However, a 10:0 run right before half-time gave Alba a double-digit lead at the break
The home side picked up where it left off seamlessly after the break. Bonn continued to defend with a lot of physicality, but Berlin was able to extend its lead. Alba finished the game in commanding fashion and was even able to spare some of its regular players. The best scorers were Matt Thomas from Berlin with 18 points and Bonn’s Noah Kirkwood (14).
Chemnitz pulls away in the third quarter
The two surprise teams Chemnitz and Vechta initially fought a duel at eye level. However, Europe Cup winners Chemnitz had the better defense and were also superior to newly promoted Vechta in finishing. As a result, the Saxons pulled away in the third period. However, Vechta never gave up and produced a strong final quarter. In the end, the Niners salvaged victory. The best scorers were Deandre Lansdowne (Chemnitz/22) and Tommy Kuhse (Vechta/18).
Alba Berlin – Telekom Baskets Bonn 94:68 (17:14,24:17,27:20,26:17)
Points Alba Berlin: Thomas 18, Thiemann 12, Brown 10, Hermannsson 10, Mattisseck 8, Delow 7, Wetzell 7, Rapieque 6, Schneider 5, Nikic 4, Olinde 4, Koumadje 3
Telekom Baskets Bonn: Kirkwood 14, Watson Jr. 12, Pape 11, Kennedy 9, Fobbs 8, Frey 7, Sengfelder 4, Flagg 3
Spectators: 7071
Niners Chemnitz – Rasta Vechta 83:77 (19:16,23:18,24:13,17:30)
Points Niners Chemnitz: Lansdowne 22, Van Beck 17, Krubally 11, Uguak 8, Garrett 7, Richter 7, Yebo 5, Lockhart 4, Ongwae 2
Rasta Vechta: Kuhse 18, Flanigan 10, Ferner 9, Schwieger 9, Aminu 8, Grünloh 8, Reaves 8, Iwundu 5, Aririguzoh 2
Spectators: 4284
