Chemnitz Niners Unleash FIBA Europe Cup Dominance
With a thunderous opening act, the Chemnitz Niners left an indelible mark on the FIBA Europe Cup, crushing Italian first-division club Itelyum Varese 109-85 at home. In a testament to their unrelenting form, Rodrigo Pastore's squad extended their winning streak to a jaw-dropping 17 matches across all competitions.
Six Niners players reached double-digits, led by Kevin Yebo's explosive 27 points, Jeffery Garrett's 20, and Ousman Krubally's 14. Meanwhile, Olivier Hanlan (28), Tomas Woldetensae (15), Vincent Shahid, and Gabe Brown (13 each) fueled Varese's scoring efforts.
The Niners stormed out of the gates, leading 46-25 after the first quarter, setting an ominous tone. Despite a valiant comeback attempt by Varese, narrowing the gap to 74-82 mid-third quarter, the home team retaliated with an exhilarating surge. They sealed the deal at 92-75, leaving no doubt about their victory.
The Niners' dominance was underscored by their impressive rebounding game, hauling in 46 boards compared to Varese's 28.
Eyeing future victories, the Niners aim to maintain this momentum in their forthcoming matches, seeking further glory in the FIBA Europe Cup.
Insights
Following their victory over MLP Academics Heidelberg (72-65, February 11, 2025), heads turned towards Rodrigo Pastore, the Niners' head coach. Renowned for his remarkable achievements, he has attracted significant attention from Saxony-Anhalt's Bundesliga clubs, especially after securing a crucial 72-65 success against Heidelberg, where the team nearly squandered a 15-point advantage but ultimately held off their opponents.
In the recent Bundesliga outing, star player Olivier Nkamhoua led the charge with 16 points, while Jeff Garrett delivered a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds. This recent victory propelled the team to an 11-8 record, bolstering their position in the league after securing five triumphs in their last seven games.
Thriving in the FIBA Europe Cup, the Niners have also earned plaudits for their strong performances. Taveion Hollingsworth has been a shining light in the competition, showcasing his exceptional talents. The team's consistent performance across both domestic and international competitions bodes well for their future, cementing their status as a team to reckon with in European basketball.
