Munich win the top duel in the German Basketball League. Alba Berlin struggles to a working victory at Mitteldeutscher BC
The FC Bayern Munich basketball team have consolidated their lead at the top of the Bundesliga. The cup winners won the top game at fourth-placed Würzburg Baskets by 90:82 (45:36) on Sunday evening. That snapped the Franconians’ home streak after nine wins in a row. Prior to that, third-placed Alba Berlin had secured a working victory by 76:67 (38:37) at Mitteldeutscher BC.
A heated game quickly developed in front of 3,140 spectators in the almost sold-out Arena Würzburg, in which the visitors were already 19 points ahead in the third period. However, Munich let the home side close the gap several times through carelessness and made the encounter tense again.
A lead of just six points remained with one-and-a-half minutes to go. However, Würzburg was not able to reduce the deficit any further. Otis Livingston led the scoring with an outstanding 31 points, while Munich’s Leandro Bolmaro chalked up 16 points
In front of 2,750 spectators in the Stadthalle Weißenfels, the home side got off to the better start against Alba Berlin and won the first quarter 22:16. However, after conceding several turnovers and missed threes, the favorites turned on the heat and snatched the half-time lead. The home side stayed in contention and pushed ahead once more. The formation of Alba’s Head Coach Israel González showed better nerves in the final quarter, pulled away and took a double-digit lead for the first time in the final minute. The top scorers were Matt Thomas for Berlin and Johnathan Stove for the MBC with 16 points each.
