The fourth quarter of Game 3 of the semi-final series against Chemnitz resembles a debacle for Alba Berlin. A 17-point lead at one stage was not enough for the capital club to wrap up victory. Instead, the Niners secured their first match point in the best-of-five series.
Bayern Munich has already been confirmed as the first finalist, but things are also looking good for the Niners Chemnitz at the moment. The Saxons are still one win away from winning the semi-final series against Alba Berlin. They won 84:72 (37:29) against the club from the capital on Sunday and now lead the best-of-five series 2:1. The fourth game will also be played in Chemnitz on Tuesday (tip-off: 6:30 p.m.).
Chemnitz, which lost center Kevin Yebo early on due to a disqualification after a foul, trailed until a few minutes before the end. Alba seemed to have the game completely under control for long stretches and maintained a double-digit lead for a long time, which even grew to 17 points midway through the third quarter.
However, that was followed by a major collapse. Thanks to an 11:0 run in the final quarter and strong defending, the home side overcame Alba after all. Chemnitz outclassed Berlin by 31:11 in the fourth quarter. It was not until the score was 67:65 in the fourth quarter that the Niners took the lead for the first time in the game and then pulled away irresistibly
Five Chemnitz players in double digits
The best scorers for the home side, who are aiming for their first appearance in a German league final, were Kaza Kajami-Keane and Jeff Garrett with 15 points each. Aher Uguak (13), Jonas Richter (11) and Wesley van Beck (10) also scored in double figures.
Only three Berliners managed that on the other side. Matt Thomas and Johannes Thiemann were Alba’s top scorers with 13 points each, while Sterling Brown added ten.
Niners Chemnitz – Alba Berlin 84:72 (14:26,15:11,24:24,31:11)
Points for Niners Chemnitz: Garrett 15, Kajami-Keane 15, Uguak 13, Richter 11, Van Beck 10, Krubally 8, Lansdowne 8, Lockhart 2, Yebo 2
Points Alba Berlin: Thiemann 13, Thomas 13, Brown 10, Schneider 9, Delow 7, Olinde 6, Bean 5, Koumadje 4, Wetzell 4, Hermannsson 1
Spectators: 5000
