ALBA Berlin — Chemnitz 99 Niners: 89:82, BBL

ALBA Berlin saw off Chemnitz 99ers 99 to 82 in the BBL on Thursday evening in Berlin. The hosts controlled proceedings from the opening minutes and never looked threatened after establishing an early lead. Chemnitz could find no rhythm against a Berlin side that played with purpose and precision throughout.

And here's the thing about the first quarter — Berlin made the difference immediately. They shot with confidence and Chemnitz struggled to answer back. By then it was clear this would be one-sided, though the visitors kept trying to hang in there until the gap became unmanageable.

We had called for a home victory with 59 per cent confidence before the game, and that prediction came through without fuss. Berlin deserved their margin, especially after Chemnitz failed to match their intensity when it mattered most. The visitors simply could not find the answers.

The statistics tell the fuller story. Berlin recorded 32 successful field goals from 75 attempts while Chemnitz managed 29 from 67. The hosts also dominated on the boards with 48 rebounds compared to 31, and their 8 three-pointers were twice as many as Chemnitz's 4. That difference in shooting efficiency decided the contest.

To be fair, Chemnitz showed some spirit in the second half. They made 20 successful free throws against 17 for Berlin and recorded 11 steals to 8. But those efforts came too late, and the damage had already been done by the halfway point of the game.

By then Berlin had built enough of a cushion to see out the result comfortably. This was a fourth straight victory for the hosts in their recent run, and they now sit firmly in control of their own destiny. Chemnitz's struggles continue, and they cannot afford another slip if they want to climb the table.