Luke Sikma was the second-best thrower in Berlin with 15 points Photo: City Press GmbH
By Nicolas Sowa
Alba Berlin has successfully started the new Euroleague season. The basketball Bundesliga team won on Friday at home in front of 11,173 spectators against league newcomer Partizan Belgrade thanks to a strong first half with a clear 100:84 (61:43).
The best Berlin throwers were Tamir Blatt with 16 and Luke Sikma with 15 points.
Coach Israel Gonzalez had to do without the long-term absentee Marcus Eriksson, as well as Yanni Wetzell and Ben Lammers, who were ill.
There was a lot of atmosphere in the hall right from the start – that was mainly due to the numerous Partizan supporters. However, the hosts were unimpressed and quickly took the lead 8:2.
Around 2500 Partizan fans are said to have been in the MB Arena – and they made a lot of noise Photo: City Press GmbH
But Partizan initially held back well. Towards the end of the first quarter, however, Alba started rolling. In the first section it was in two digits for the first time (28:18). And the hosts started the second quarter with a 16:2 run. After almost 14 minutes, the Berliners were already ahead with 26 points (46:20). They had great advantages, especially in the rebound.
Johannes Thiemann fools you Photo: City Press GmbH
After the change of sides, Partizan increased the intensity on the defensive. And Alba started having problems. The Serbs came back to within ten points (64:54). Alba countered and was able to pull away again at the end of the third quarter (77:61).
The guests came back to ten points in the last section, but Alba kept a cool head and won confidently in the end.