The Niners Chemnitz remain the measure of all things in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL). In the duel between the leaders and the bottom of the table, the Saxons showed no weaknesses against Hakro Merlins Crailsheim and won comfortably on Boxing Day with 95:67 (48:40). For Chemnitz it was the twelfth league win in a row, while Crailsheim only has two wins in 13 games.
After an even first quarter (26:26), the Niners pulled away, and a difference in class between the two teams became apparent, especially in the third period.
In Chemnitz’s 150th competitive game since promotion in 2020, Kevin Yebo was the most successful thrower, the center collecting 20 points. At Crailsheim, Keandre Cook led the way with 16 points.
Cup winners Bayern Munich also secured a victory over the festive season. Thanks to a 96:74 (46:32) at newly promoted Tigers Tübingen, coach Pablo Laso’s team climbed to third place. The most noticeable professional was Bayern’s point guard Sylvain Francisco with 20 points.
Runner-up Telekom Baskets Bonn had to admit defeat to the strong home Rostock Seawolves with 92:98 (51:51). For the Rhinelanders, who had spent a good eight hours on the motorway the day before for their longest BBL away trip of the season, 22 points from their once again strong playmaker Glynn Watson were not enough.
“I think there couldn’t have been a worse choice for a Boxing Day game than Rostock,” Baskets head coach Roel Moors said in advance. The Champions League winner slipped to ninth place in the table.
Niners Chemnitz – Hakro Merlins Crailsheim 95:67 (48:40). – Best throwers: Yebo (20 points), Garrett (16), Uguak (11), Ongwae (11), Kajami-Keane (10) for Chemnitz – Cook (16), Childress (14), Murray-Boyles (11) for Crailsheim. – Viewers: 4850
Tigers Tübingen – Bayern Munich 74:96 (32:46). – Best throwers: Seric (12 points), Kalaitzakis (11), Boeheim (10), Masters (10) for Tübingen – Francisco (20), Booker (14), Lucic (13), Harris (11), Obst (10 ) for Munich. – Viewers: 3132