The Niners Chemnitz have fond memories of the hailed New Year’s Eve after the defeat against Alba Berlin. It was one of the few low points. The high-flyers want to take revenge on Sunday.
The season of the basketball giants Niners Chemnitz reads like a fairytale. The Saxons have won 20 of 24 league games, are in the top spot and are on a par with the best of the best this season. This traditionally also includes Alba Berlin. On Sunday (March 24th) there will be a duel between the giants in Chemnitz.
Sold out house in the first leg in Berlin. Image rights: IMAGO/camera4+
The Niners have a score to settle. In the first leg, the dream series ended abruptly after twelve victorious games. On New Year’s Eve of all days, the Niners lost 90:101 in Berlin. Four Chemnitzers had to take a shower early with five fouls. “Berlin is very clever at drawing fouls. That posed problems for us,” remembers Jonas Richter. The 2.07 meter tall winger is convinced that his team will be more ripped off this time. “We want to do better, the last few games have shown a good trend,” said the world champion.
Alba knocked out after two defeats
While the Chemnitz team can go into the first versus third duel rested, Alba gave up and suffered two defeats in the Euroleague during the week. “You can see that as an advantage for us. Away games in particular are more demanding on the body,” said Richter. The Berliners are performing well in the league, but are a distant last in the Euroleague. Traveling across Europe is currently more of a burden than a pleasure. “We just have to see how much energy is still there. They’ve been waiting for us all week and can prepare,” said Alba sports director Himar Ojeda.
In the final spurt of the main round it is also about a good starting position for the playoffs. The first one has the easiest ticket in terms of paper form. However, the last season shows that this does not always have to be the case. “The playoff phase is what defines basketball. Ulm became champions in seventh place. That shows that anything can happen. Here too, no matter where we come in, we have to continue playing with full focus,” Richter looks ahead.
Being there to the point is what defines the team in this outstanding season. Richter raves about the “team composition,” which is strong this year. “Everyone knows their role and knows what to do. Everyone takes a step back and plays for the team. It’s our mentality that makes us what we are,” says the homegrown player, or as Kevin Yebo calls him: “Captain Chemnitz.”
Basketball worker Yebo in the form of his life
Yebo was the best player in Chemnitz recently, is in outstanding form and is hard to stop. “He’s crazy,” enthuses Richter. Nothing was given to Yebo, his path to the Bundesliga was difficult and rocky. “A hard worker, plays with full energy, has carried us through a game or two. I hope he does the same against Alba.” 28-year-old Yebo is in the form of his life. He’s eager for revenge: “We want to show that we don’t have to hide against the top teams.”
Yebo – “Have the best fans”
The fans, whom Yebo calls “the best in the league,” receive special praise. “They give us a lot of energy. They are always behind us. No matter whether we are first or fighting for the playoffs. Such a fan base is the best thing for a basketball player.”
The Niners are the first in the Bundesliga, but are also convincing internationally. In the Europe Cup, the team achieved its goal of making it into the top 4. “Now we want to win this thing too.” The journey on the European stage continues on Wednesday (March 27th) in Blibao. It’s logical that the Niners would like to go on the road with a win against Alba under their belt.
More about the Niners Chemnitz
This topic in the program:MDR TELEVISION | MDR CURRENT | March 21, 2024 | 19:30 o’clock
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2024-03-22 12:21:13
#Basketball #Duel #giants #Niners #Chemnitz #revenge #Alba #Berlin
