In a stunning showdown, the Hamburg Towers shocked the basketball world by toppling the German vice-champions, Alba Berlin, with an electrifying 97:80 victory. The season opener of the Basketball Bundesliga was nothing short of exhilarating, as the Towers danced their way into the new season at the Island Park Arena, igniting roars of excitement from the 3,400 fans in attendance. The spotlight was firmly on Jordan Barnett in the opening moments. The 28-year-old sharpshooter from Missouri, who joined the Towers from Hungary this summer, kicked off the proceedings with an impressive display of tenacity and skill. He first teamed up with Kur Kuath to deny Alba a single point, then deftly secured an offensive rebound before launching a three-pointer that sent the scoreboard racing to a 9:2 lead. The arena erupted in jubilation as the Towers seized control early on, a whirlwind of energy that foreshadowed the exciting battle ahead. New national coach Alex Mumbru looked on as the Towers showcased a masterclass in discipline and aggression, weaving through their plays with speed and precision. Their confidence from beyond the arc was palpable, culminating in a solid 13 for 32 shooting performance from three-point range. On one pivotal possession, Keondre Kennedy drained a three-pointer that ballooned the Towers’ advantage to 21:10, exploiting Alba’s sluggish start resulting from their packed European tournament schedule. Despite the initial surge, Alba Berlin fought back valiantly, reclaiming the lead twice during the game. Yet, the Towers proved relentless, maintaining their composure as Osaro Rich secured a crucial turnover and converted it into two points, extending the lead to 74:69 with just eight minutes remaining. That moment electrified the crowd, with energy levels soaring to new heights — “It felt like the roof was going to blow off the arena!” screamed the ecstatic fans, a sentiment echoed by coach Benka Barloschky, who reveled in the magnificent atmosphere. As the final quarter rolled in, the Towers’ momentum was unstoppable. They surged ahead, commanded by Jaizec Lottie, who dazzled the crowd with arrogance as he executed a no-look pass during one of the many commendable fast breaks. The scoreboard painted a vivid picture: 88 to 71, with the Towers firmly in control and determination etched on every player’s face. “We played with tremendous discipline and strong defense,” Barloschky proudly noted, reflecting on the path to victory. A momentary lapse in the third quarter disappeared as the team regained focus and struck back with impressive resilience. Among the standout performances, Brae Ivey shone brightly, contributing 22 decisive points, while Kur Kuath and Kenneth Ogbe added 15 and 13 points, respectively. Ogbe emphasized the importance of unity during critical phases, displaying firm resolve when the Berliners surged to the front: “We stuck to our game plan. This was a powerful statement as we move forward.” The victorious Towers will quicken their pace, as their next battle awaits just around the corner — they are set to face the French team JL Bourg on Tuesday at 7:30 PM, determined to keep the momentum alive in their inaugural Eurocup clash.
Original Source: www.mopo.de
