Berlin (dpa / bb) - Alba Berlin has successfully defended its lead in the Bundesliga. On Saturday evening, the Berliners won in front of 8985 spectators against the Hakro Merlins Crailsheim after a few problems at the start with 100:77 (46:37). For the capital city it was the ninth league win in a row. The best Berlin throwers were Tim Schneider with 14 and Malte Delow with 13 points.

Just 44 hours after the Euroleague defeat by Valencia, coach Israel Gonzalez gave captain Luke Sikma a breather and was without international Maodo Lo with a knee problem. His team didn't find their way into the game at first on the offensive. Crailsheim converted his first five three-point shots, Alba never hit the basket in nine attempts in the first quarter.

Alba was already 10:23 behind at the end of the first quarter. But then the German champion started a race to catch up. The defense was still good, but now the throws were also made in front. And at Crailsheim, the throw rate fell sharply. In the middle of the second quarter, Alba took the lead again (29:27) and extended it until the break.

After the change of sides, the hosts were able to pull away further. At times the lead was 23 points (67:44). Crailsheim fought back afterwards, but Alba had everything under control, didn't let the guests come closer than twelve points and won in the end with ease.

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