Jaleen Smith (left, here against Bayern’s Andreas Obst) was Alba’s outstanding player in the semifinals. But even his 31 points were not enough to win Photo: picture alliance / Eibner-Presse
From BZ/dpa
The first track is gone! Alba lost the cup semi-final at the final tournament in Oldenburg against big rival Bayern Munich 77:83 (38:40).
The outstanding performance of Jaleen Smith, who scored a strong 31 points for the Berliners, did not help. The best pitcher at Bayern was Cassius Winston with 21 points.
In a hard-fought but rarely top-class duel, Bayern seemed superior before the break and drew up to ten points ahead. In Vladimir Lucic and Corey Walden, two top performers who were missing from the last time were back.
Alba’s captain Luke Sikma throws himself into the fray Photo: picture alliance / Eibner-Presse
The people of Munich were unrecognizable compared to the embarrassment against the Towers Hamburg in the league on Tuesday. But Alba wasn’t impressed and fought his way up to two points before the break.
However, the Berliners were no longer able to turn the tide. Last year’s double winner looked tired, top performers like Maodo Lo, Luke Sikma and Johannes Thiemann were far below their potential.
Alba’s national player Johannes Thiemann tries to position himself against Bayern’s Augustine Rubit with his back to the basket Photo: picture alliance / Eibner-Presse
The outstanding Smith was not enough for Alba. Whenever the Berliners had reduced the gap again, Bayern had a suitable answer ready.
In the final on Sunday (3 p.m.), Bayern will meet hosts Oldenburg, who beat Ludwigsburg 92:86 in the first semi-final in the afternoon.