RheinEnergie Cologne warmed up for their key FIBA EuroCup clash against Maroussi Honda on Tuesday with a crushing 85-60 win over BS|Energy Braunschweig.

The victory was Cologne's eighth in the last nine games with just a last-gasp defeat to Eisbaren Bremerhaven over the festive period blotting the copybook.

Sasa Obradovic's side, who are leading Group J in the EuroCup and are now up to fifth in the Bundesliga, appear to be gathering momentum with every game.

Glen McGowan, who was this week voted Germany's player of the month for December by readers of basketball-bundesliga.de, grabbed 16 points for the home side with Marcin Gortat top-scoring with 18.

Once again, Obradovic was able to rotate his squad with the victory all but secured by the end of the third quarter.

Leading 59-44, Obradovic gave McGowan and a number of other starters a rest, but the usual bench-warmers didn't disappoint as they continued where the rest left off to seal a 25-point win.

"I'm very happy with the result, particularly since I was able to give every player a chance to play," said Obradovic.

ALBA Berlin continue to lead the way in Germany after a 93-74 triumph over WALTER Tigers Tubingen handed them their 13th win in 14 games.

The race behind the leaders is hotting up with GHP Bamberg moving into second with a 71-69 win in Karlsruhe.

They join Bremerhaven, who lost 86-74 to EnBW Ludwigsburg, and EWE Baskets Oldenburg, who were victorious 92-89 at home to Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Cologne are just one win behind in fifth.