Bayern Munich won the deciding game at Telekom Baskets Bonn in the BBL semi-finals thanks to their strong nerves and will play for the championship title against Alba Berlin as they did last year.
The Munich team won the fifth duel with 87:74 (42:44) at the Rhinelanders on Wednesday evening and decided the best-of-five series with 3:2 in their favour. The Berliners had already reached the final in three games against Ludwigsburg last Friday
The first of five possible finals will take place in Berlin on Friday. The series, unlike the previous rounds, will alternate between home and away matches. The new title holder will be determined by the fifth match on 22 June at the latest.
Edelfan Hoeneß sees strong start
In front of the eyes of Bavaria’s honorary president Uli Hoeneß, the Munich team got off to a dominant start in Bonn. After eight minutes, coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team was 22:8 ahead. The hosts needed an outstanding Peter Jackson-Cartwright to get back into the game. The US American, voted the best professional in the league, turned the game around with 20 points by the break. Defensive specialist Karsten Tadda even ensured a close 44:42 after 20 minutes with two successful distance throws.
After the change of ends, the Bavarians got off to the better start. After five minutes in the third period, the Euroleague quarter-finalists led 56:51 and went into the final quarter with an eight-point advantage after a 7:0 run.
As the Munich team was superior in rebounding and got a better and better grip on Jackson-Cartwright, Bonn did not manage to get back into the game. Six minutes before the end, Trinchieri’s team led 79-67 and despite a hectic final phase did not get into trouble again. Jackson-Cartwright was the best scorer with 25 points. Nick Weiler-Babb (18 points) was the Bavarians’ most successful scorer.