Chemnitz, Germany – The Niners Chemnitz secured their first Bundesliga victory of 2026, overcoming a resilient Syntainics MBC in a tightly contested East German derby. The final score of 79-75, played before a vocal crowd of 4,833 spectators, marks a crucial turning point for Rodrigo Pastore’s squad, improving their league record to 16 wins against 22 losses.
The game began with a blistering pace set by the Niners, who quickly established a commanding 17-4 lead within the first eight minutes. This early surge was fueled by aggressive play and a clear intent to dominate the opening exchanges. However, the Weißenfels-based MBC, currently struggling in the league standings with a record of 14 wins and 24 losses, refused to yield. Their initial struggles from beyond the arc – missing their first eight three-point attempts – were gradually overcome as they found their rhythm in the second quarter.
A key factor in MBC’s comeback was the performance of Jure Planinic, who asserted himself under the basket, and an improved shooting percentage from long range. Capitalizing on the Niners’ momentary lapse in concentration, the visitors embarked on a 9-0 run, seizing the lead for the first time mid-way through the second quarter, establishing a 30-27 advantage. This shift in momentum forced Pastore to reassess his strategy during the halftime break.
The third quarter witnessed a renewed intensity from Chemnitz, particularly on the defensive end. The Niners tightened their marking, forcing MBC into a series of turnovers and disrupting their offensive flow. A 15-4 run propelled Chemnitz to a 67-59 lead, seemingly putting them in control of the contest. However, MBC demonstrated commendable resilience, refusing to be completely outmatched.
Despite the Niners’ efforts to extend their lead, MBC continued to battle, showcasing a determined spirit. With just 90 seconds remaining, they managed to regain the lead, edging ahead 75-74, setting the stage for a dramatic finish. It was in these crucial final moments that the Niners displayed composure and clutch performance.
Kevin Yebo emerged as the hero for Chemnitz, calmly converting free throws in the closing seconds to seal the victory. Yebo finished as the game’s leading scorer with 19 points, proving instrumental in securing the much-needed win for his team. His performance underscored his importance to the Niners’ offensive capabilities.
The victory comes just days after the Niners’ impressive run to the EuroCup eighth-finals, where they defeated Trento 81-67 in a hard-fought home game on . This latest Bundesliga win provides further momentum as they navigate a demanding schedule that includes both domestic and European commitments.
For MBC, the defeat extends their losing streak to nine consecutive games, deepening their crisis. Despite a solid performance from captain Charles Callison, who contributed 15 points, interim coach Silvano Poropat’s team struggled to overcome their defensive vulnerabilities and maintain consistency throughout the game. The team’s ongoing struggles raise concerns about their ability to climb out of their current predicament.
The Niners’ win is a testament to their ability to respond to adversity and execute under pressure. While the season has been marked by inconsistency, this victory provides a foundation for a potential late-season push. The team will need to maintain this level of intensity and focus as they face upcoming challenges in both the Bundesliga and the EuroCup.
Looking ahead, the Niners will aim to build on this positive result and continue their climb in the Bundesliga standings. The MBC, will be desperate to break their losing streak and regain their competitive edge. The East German derby proved to be a captivating contest, highlighting the passion and intensity of German basketball.
