By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Last year’s German Cup winner, FC Bayern Munich will not be part of the next Final Four after the loss, 85-80, to Niners Chemnitz on Sunday.
Andreas Obst connecting 6/7 three-pointers for 18 points was not enough. Darrun Hilliard and Vladimir Lucic both netted 14 points, while Augustine Rubit ended up with 13 points. Deshaun Thomas, Ognjen Jaramaz, Paul Zipser, Zan Mark Sisko, and Leon Radosevic were the players either resting or out injured.
Former Virginia standout, Darion Atkins led the way for the Niners with 21 points, seven rebounds, four assists, and three steals. Gerald Robinson and Frantz Massenat, and Isiaha Mike added 16 points each.
The hosts were down 32-21, early in the second period but turned the quarterfinal fixture around to shape a big lead peaking at 19 points in the third quarter. The ensuing comeback fell slightly short with the advantage cut to one point down the stretch.
The team led by Andrea Trinchieri must regroup with Fenerbahce Beko and Panathinaikos OPAP scheduled to visit the Audi Dome on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. Currently, at 3-6 in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, the two-game week matchups have the looks of must-win situations.
In the remaining German cup action, Hakro Merlins Crailsheim held on to beat s.Oliver Wurzburg, 82-79, on Sunday. ALBA Berlin and Basketball Lowen Braunschweig had progressed to the Final Four on Saturday. The four surviving teams colliding on 19-20 February will crown the new German Cup champion.
Quarterfinals:
Basketball Lowen Braunschweig – Fraport Skyliners 86-65
medi Bayreuth – ALBA Berlin 57-84
Niners Chemnitz – FC Bayern Munich 85-80
Hakro Merlins Crailsheim – s.Oliver Wurzburg 82-79