Runner-up Alba Berlin just can’t find its rhythm in the BBL. The Albatrosses already conceded the fourth defeat of the season at the crisis-ridden Bamberg Baskets.
Alba Berlin have suffered their next defeat in the German Basketball League and, after their fourth loss in six games, are still surprisingly languishing in the bottom half of the table. Alba lost 82:87 (34:39) on Sunday at Bamberg Baskets in front of 5,117 spectators. The best Berlin scorers were Martin Hermannsson with 28 and Louis Olinde with 15 points.
Coach Israel Gonzalez was able to call on home-grown players Malte Delow (concussion) and Jonas Mattisseck (back), who had been out with injuries of late. However, Berlin had a difficult start to the game. Many shots were missed and, three days after their Euroleague defeat against Anadolu Efes, they lacked rhythm. But since Bamberg also had problems, the game remained evenly poised.
In the second period, the home side then improved in offense, whereas Alba continued to miss too many shots – especially from beyond the arc. After briefly leading 22:20, the game turned and the visitors were now trailing. At times, the deficit was six points (31:37). However, Alba stayed in contention.
The game became more heated after the break, with Berlin even briefly retaking the lead midway through the third period (46:45). Yet Alba was unable to capitalize on the momentum and also missed too many free throws. As a result, Bamberg struck back and Alba was again trailing. They were then unable to turn that around (82:89).
FC Bayern wins clearly in Braunschweig
FC Bayern Munich celebrated a commanding victory at Basketball Lions Braunschweig. Two days after the Euroleague success at Asvel Villeurbanne, the team of head coach Gordon Herbert won 90:72 (41:35) in Lower Saxony. The top scorer for last season’s double winners was Carsen Edwards with 20 points.