Bundesliga season opens with ALBA giving up a 9-0 end of game run to lose against Bonn / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Imago – Scanpix Credit Imago – Scanpix

The new German Basketball Bundesliga season opened with ALBA Berlin (0-1) losing a close game against Telekom Baskets Bonn (1-0) 86-88 (25-12, 23-29, 24-28, 14-19).

ALBA kicked off to an early 12-2 advantage and finished the quarter with a solid 13-point advantage.

Bonn started chipping away at their deficit in the second and came back within a single point after a 3-pointer by Skyler Bowlin (34-33). However, ALBA didn't let go of their advantage. On the contrary, the German champions finished the half well and held a seven-point lead (48-41).

Bonn continued to stay close in the third period and even managed to gain a one-point advantage with 1:39 remaining. But Yovel Zoosman and Jonas Mattisseck closed the quarter strong, putting ALBA back up by three (72-69).

Both teams continued trading buckets in the fourth, and while ALBA held the lead, they couldn't pull away comfortably. Justin Gorham hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 79, but Marcus Eriksson scored five-straight, Malte Delow added two more, and ALBA was up by seven again (86-79).

Bonn were not willing to roll over and mustered a quick 8-0 run of their own to get back up by one with 2:23 remaining (86-87). Neither team was able to score for the next two minutes. ALBA had a chance to re-take the lead but couldn't get a shot up before the shot clock expired. Bonn converted one free throw on the other end and won the game by two.

Christ Koumadje, Kreso Nikic, and Johannes Thiemann did not play for ALBA due to injuries. However, Ben Lammers recovered and helped his team tonight, scoring 2 points and grabbing 2 rebounds.

ALBA: Marcus Eriksson 16, Yovel Zoosman 14, Luke Sikma 13 (7 REB, 6 AST), Tim Schneider 12, Malte Delow 8, Louis Olinde 8, Maodo Lo 7, Tamir Blatt 3,Jonas Mattisseck 3, Ben Lammers 2.

Bonn: Parker Jackson-Cartwright 24 (6 AST, 5 REB, 6 STL), Tyson Ward 15 (7 REB, 3 STL), Skyler Bowlin 11, Saulius Kulvietis 11 (6 REB), Jeremy Morgan 10, Justin Gorham 8.

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