The Niners Chemnitz narrowly missed an upset in their Basketball-Bundesliga season opener, falling 89-82 to reigning champions Alba Berlin on Friday night after a decisive late-game surge by the hosts. Playing before an attendance of 9,050 spectators in the German capital, the Saxony side held the upper hand for long stretches of the contest before a 13-0 run spanning the third and fourth quarters tipped the balance, according to match reports.
Stefan Smith led Chemnitz offensively with 19 points, while teammate Cobe Williams contributed 18 points. Despite the strong scoring output and an aggressive start that kept the visitors ahead through much of the first three quarters, the late defensive collapse proved decisive as Alba secured the opening-match victory.
High-Intensity Start and First-Half Lead
Alba Berlin opened the evening by celebrating their championship title from the previous season in front of their home crowd. Unfazed by the pre-game festivities, Chemnitz launched into the match with high intensity. The visitors were determined to spoil the celebration and played on even terms throughout the opening period, though they struggled early with defensive rebounding. Alba failed to fully capitalize on those second-chance opportunities, while Chemnitz missed several field goal attempts, leaving the score tight.
The visitors found their rhythm early in the second quarter, utilizing effective fastbreaks to claim a 26-21 advantage. The lead continued to swing back and forth as the half wore on. By halftime, Chemnitz had carved out a narrow 43-41 lead, showcasing strong execution in transition while exploiting occasional defensive lapses from the reigning champions.
Alba Berlin Turns the Tide in the Fourth Quarter
The physical battle continued after the halftime break, with Chemnitz maintaining a slim edge due to persistent offensive miscues from Alba. However, the momentum shifted dramatically late in the third stanza. The hosts caught fire, mounting a game-changing 13-0 run that stretched across the quarter break and flipped the scoreboard to 78-68 in favor of Berlin.
While Chemnitz battled until the final buzzer to close the gap, the deficit proved too steep to overcome. New signing Mateo Seric noted that the team’s performance displayed considerable potential despite the loss, emphasizing that the squad is moving in the right direction for the demanding league campaign ahead.
Standout Performers and Match Statistics
- Final Score: Alba Berlin 89, Niners Chemnitz 82
- Halftime Score: Chemnitz 43, Alba 41
- Attendance: 9,050 spectators
- Top Scorers for Chemnitz: Stefan Smith (19 points), Cobe Williams (18 points)
- Key Turning Point: A 13-0 run by Alba Berlin spanning the third and fourth quarters.
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