The Niners Chemnitz basket hunters are headed for play-in in the Bundesliga. Although the Saxons initially lost a big lead against a weakened Frankfurt team, they held their nerve in the end.
At the start of the penultimate Bundesliga matchday, the Niners Chemnitz basketball players underlined their ambitions to reach the play-ins. Coach Rodrigo Pastore’s team defeated the Skyliners Frankfurt on Thursday evening with 86:82 (71:71, 46:31) after overtime. In front of 4,473 spectators, Kevin Yebo was the Niners’ best scorer with 22 points, who secured tenth place with a score of 32:34 thanks to their eleventh home win of the season.
Chemnitz starts with concentration
The Chemnitz team quickly found their offensive rhythm, but initially lacked intensity in defense. With a 9-0 run, they converted a deficit until the first quarter break into a 24:18 lead. Although the weakened Frankfurt team reduced the score to one point by the middle of the second quarter, the hosts subsequently ran hot from the three-point line and led by double digits for the first time at 40:28 (17th minute).
Frankfurt’s vain attempt to catch up
In the second half, the enthusiasm on the offensive decreased significantly. Frankfurt sensed their chance and fought their way ever closer against erratic hosts. With four free throw points, 19-year-old Ivan Crnjac made it 71:71 and forced overtime. The Niners had more trouble there and ultimately deserved to win.
SpiO/dpa
