A bitter setback for the Niners Chemnitz! After a promising game, they lost control in the final minutes against Manisa Baskets and gave up the victory they thought was certain. This means you have your back to the wall in the coming duel.
The Niners Chemnitz suffered a bitter defeat in the play-ins of the Champions League. There was a very close defeat against the Turkish representative Manisa Baskets 86:87 (41:37). The best scorer on the guests’ side was Jeff Garrett with 20 points, closely followed by Aher Uguak, who contributed 19 points. On the other hand, Saben Lee (20 points) and Hugo Besson were particularly convincing, scoring five of his total of 27 points in the last 33 seconds and thus making a significant contribution to the favorite’s victory.
Strong first half for the Niners
After two League wins As a result and their newfound self-confidence, the Niners got off to a better start and, accompanied by the expectedly atmospheric backdrop, took the lead 7:4 after four minutes. After an even first quarter (18:17), the guests increased their intensity again in the middle of the second half and were able to pull away a little (40:34). Chemnitz particularly impressed with the three-point percentage (45 percent) and the work on the boards (39 to 24) and left their mark on the game. At the beginning of the third quarter, the favorite from Turkey woke up and held on. Driven by their own fans, Manisa won the quarter and went into the final period with a narrow 61:63 deficit.
Chemnitz’s nerves fail
This final quarter could hardly have been more dramatic. First it was the guests who put up a strong performance and took the lead 74:65 after three minutes. They even extended this lead to +13 when they were ahead 86:73 with 2:22 minutes left. But then the Niners’ game thread suddenly broke completely. Several slight ball losses and early shots in the shot clock invited the hosts to make a comeback. A 14-0 run ultimately ensured the Chemnitz knockout in a game that already seemed to have been won.
Now the Saxons are under enormous pressure in the upcoming duel in this best-of-three series on Tuesday (January 14th). Another defeat would end the Champions League chapter prematurely for them.
sbo
