Alba actually got off to a good start in the Principality. Winger Yovel Zoosman started with two threes within the first minute of the game, before Johannes Thiemann promptly followed up. Also with a three and two successful free throws, the German national player gave Alba an 11:8 lead after three and a half minutes of play.
A duel developed so early in which both teams knew how to convince with a lot of rhythm and accuracy in their attacks. A circumstance that made the game a respectable and close one: The 26:22 lead of the hosts from Monaco at the end of the opening quarter was also the highest in the same quarter.
A brawny Lithuanian causes problems
In the second quarter, something happened to Alba that has rarely been the case with the Berliners, who have been so strong on the European stage in recent weeks: the team of coach Israel Gonzalez Nunez is falling behind bit by bit. Also due to the strong defensive of the Monegasques trained by ex-Alba trainer Sasa Obradovic, Alba now scored significantly worse. Monaco, on the other hand, maintained their offensive flow and thus pulled away to 16 points in the meantime. The hosts were led by NBA-experienced center Donatas Motiejunas, whom Alba didn’t really get under control defensively for a long time.
The beefy Lithuanian caused Alba a headache at the beginning of the second half with his footwork that was as good as it was fast and his touch around the ring. Motiejunas collected six quick points at the beginning of the third quarter, while Alba continued to struggle offensively. While build-up player Maodo Lo made the next good game in his outstanding Euroleague season, Luke Sikma, for example, was unable to continue his sometimes extraordinary performances of the past few months after his corona illness. Winger Louis Olinde, on the other hand, played well after injuring his finger and reduced Alba’s deficit to eight points with an offensive rebound three minutes from the end of the third quarter.
However, the Berliners did not come any closer as a result. Also because the three at Alba absolutely didn’t want to fall (27 percent hit rate), but above all because Monaco’s offensive continued to run smoothly. The hosts around top scorer Dwayne Bacon always had the right answers ready and didn’t let Alba’s otherwise good and secure defensive look too good. So the Monegasques extended their lead in the final quarter instead of giving it up and thus secured the well-deserved 91:74 win against Alba.
Established in the Euroleague
Nevertheless, the defeat at the end of the European season will not hide the strong season that Alba’s players and managers have had on the international stage. Including the axed results against the suspended Russian teams, Alba has won 14 Euroleague games this season – the most since returning to the Euroleague in summer 2019. And that against top clubs like Fenerbahce Istanbul or Armani Milan.
This is also remarkable given the circumstances under which Alba managed to do this: with one of the smallest budgets in the league and despite many injuries. Again and again, coach Israel Gonzalez had to do without several of his top performers. “We had a lot of problems this season,” said the Spaniard after the game in Monaco, adding: “But we kept going, had a great team spirit and I’m very happy with how we played this Euroleague season.” A Euroleague season in which Alba finally established itself in the Belletage of European basketball as eleventh in the table.
Broadcast: rbb24 Inforadio, April 8th, 2022, 11:15 p.m
Source: rbb