By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Alba Berlin bounced back in impressive fashion on Sunday, defeating Bayern Munich 79-86 on the road to level the German Finals at 1-1.
Bayern appeared to be in control for much of the contest, taking a 45-40 lead into halftime behind another strong offensive performance from Neno Dimitrijevic. The North Macedonian guard finished as the game’s leading scorer with 20 points and helped the hosts dictate the tempo during the opening two quarters.
The momentum shifted after the break, however, as Alba Berlin gradually took control of the game. The visitors tightened up defensively and found greater rhythm on offense, turning what had been a Bayern-controlled contest into a tightly contested battle.
Even late in the fourth quarter, Bayern looked well positioned to protect its home court. Holding a narrow 76-74 advantage, the defending champions appeared to have the game under control heading into the closing minutes.
Instead, Alba delivered a decisive finish. The visitors dominated the final stretch on both ends of the floor, outplaying Bayern when it mattered most and turning a two-point deficit into a seven-point victory.
Jack Kayil led Alba Berlin’s scoring effort with 16 points, providing key baskets during the comeback and helping his team seize momentum in the series.
The 79-86 victory gives Alba Berlin a crucial road win and ties the championship series at one game apiece, setting up an intriguing battle as the finals move forward. Bayern Munich, despite Dimitrijevic’s 20-point performance and a halftime lead, was unable to maintain control in the second half and now finds itself facing a renewed challenge from a confident Alba side.
easyCredit BBL Playoffs
Quarterfinals
- Bayern Munich 3-0 Gladiators Trier (101-80, 92-65, 62-99)
- Telekom Baskets Bonn 3-2 Würzburg Baskets (54-69, 88-81, 76-80, 82-70, 66-63)
- ALBA Berlin 3-2 Rasta Vechta (89-103, 90-85, 91-82, 79-85, 98-89)
- Bamberg Baskets 3-0 ratiopharm Ulm (80-74, 90-87, 87-96)
Semifinals
- Bayern Munich 3-0 Telekom Baskets Bonn (83-78, 91-69, 57-77)
- ALBA Berlin 3-2 Bamberg Baskets (105-86, 85-71, 81-73, 81-67, 97-66)
Finals
- Bayern Munich 1 – 1 ALBA Berlin (100-94, 79-86)
Make