MLP Academics Heidelberg upset NINERS Chemnitz 93-90 in Game 1 of the BBL playoff quarterfinals on May 17, 2025, at the Chemnitz Arena, taking a 1-0 series lead. Heidelberg surged to a 29-20 lead in the first quarter, but Chemnitz battled back in the second (24-17) to trail 46-44 at halftime. The third quarter saw Heidelberg pull ahead (27-24), and they held off a late Chemnitz rally in the fourth (22-20) to secure the road victory. This win marks Heidelberg’s first playoff appearance since 1977/78—a 46-year wait, the longest among current playoff teams—while Chemnitz, despite a fourth-place finish (18-14), now faces early series pressure after a late-season slump (three straight losses before a surge, per prior web results).
Heidelberg’s victory defied expectations of a defensive battle, turning into an offensive showdown where anticipated difference-maker DJ Horne struggled (0 points, 4 fouls), yet the team thrived collectively. Chemnitz’s German stars shone, with Kevin Yebo scoring 17 points and grabbing 6 rebounds, and Mateo Seric adding 13 points and 6 rebounds, but the home advantage didn’t deliver the win. Niklas Würzner marked his 100th BBL game, a fitting milestone for Heidelberg’s historic playoff return, as noted in prior web results about their season (e.g., a 90-93 win over Bamberg). Heidelberg’s resilience on the road, despite Horne’s off-night, showcased their depth, a trait that carried them through the regular season.
The series now shifts to the SNP Dome in Heidelberg for Game 2 on Tuesday, with Game 3 returning to Chemnitz, setting up a critical stretch for both teams. Chemnitz, who secured a direct playoff spot as the first team this season (per prior web results), must regroup to avoid falling 2-0 behind, while Heidelberg aims to capitalize on their momentum and home crowd to inch closer to the semifinals. This matchup underscores the unpredictability of the playoffs, with Heidelberg proving they’re more than a nostalgic returnee.
