By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Overcoming a sluggish start and a late furious comeback bid, ALBA Berlin held on to defeat Niners Chemnitz, 76-70, Tuesday.
The rescheduled easyCredit BBL Regular Season Round 12 fixture marked the fifth game in nine days, all wins for the Berlin outfit. Playing time naturally spreading to avoid additional fatigue, Louis Olinde contributed 17 points and Jonas Mattisseck followed packing 14 points. The top performer for the hosts, Arnas Velicka scored 20 points.
Among the teams out of the hunt for a ticket to the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Playoffs, the Albatrosse fell into an early double-digit hole but turned the game around in the second quarter. Eventually looking comfortable to start the fourth quarter, ALBA finally delivered the knockout blow with Jaleen Smith sinking a couple of free throws after the lead to four points down the stretch.
The reigning champions of Germany were coming off four wins in as many outings since 2 April, including prevailing over Panathinaikos in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season Round 33. With a sixth game over 11 days, they will wrap up the continental schedule by welcoming LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne in Mercedes-Benz Arena Thursday before focusing solely on the domestic league.
ALBA tops the standings
Tamir Blatt (thumb), Marcus Eriksson (foot), and Christ Koumadje (knee) all stayed on the injury list for the team coached by Israel Gonzalez for the visit to Chemnitz. Landing the win to jump to 26-2 shaped a slim lead over Telekom Basket Bonn that sits second on the Germany standings with a 25-2 W-L tally. At 21-6, FC Bayern Munich ranks third with the Playoffs inching closer.
In Round 22 action, BG Gottingen outlasted EWE Baskets Oldenburg, 106-97, in overtime. Upping the record to 15-11, the team coached by Roel Moors forced the visitors into a tie with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg at 16-11 and fourth place in the standings.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net