Alba Berlin got off to a good start in the EuroLeague. In the home game against the Serbian record champions Partizan Belgrade, the team of coach Israel Gonzalez prevailed surprisingly clearly and played particularly well in the first half.
Alba Berlin has successfully started the new Euroleague season. The Bundesliga basketball team won at home in front of 11,173 spectators against league newcomer Partizan Belgrade thanks to a strong first half with a clear 100:84 (61:43). Five players scored double digits for the double winner, including German EM star Maodo Lo (11). Top scorer at Alba was the Israeli Tamir Blatt with 16 points. For Partizan, 22 points from long-time NBA pro Dante Exum were not enough.
In addition to the long-term injured Marcus Eriksson, coach Israel Gonzalez also had to do without the sick Yanni Wetzell and Ben Lammers for a short time. There was a lot of atmosphere in the hall right from the start – that was mainly due to the numerous Partizan supporters. However, the hosts were unimpressed and quickly took the lead 8:2.
But Partizan initially held back well. Towards the end of the first quarter, however, Alba started rolling. In the first section it was in two digits for the first time (28:18). And the hosts started the second quarter with a 16:2 run. After almost 14 minutes, the Berliners were already ahead with 26 points (46:20). They had great advantages, especially in the rebound.
After the change of sides, Partizan increased the intensity on the defensive. And Alba started having problems. The Serbs came back to within ten points (64:54). Alba countered and was able to pull away again at the end of the third quarter (77:61). The guests came back to ten points in the last section, but Alba kept a cool head and won confidently in the end.
Last year’s quarter-finalists Bayern Munich lost their opening game on Thursday against Turkish champions Fenerbahce Istanbul 62:74 (34:40).
