Alba’s Luke Sikma posted a rare triple double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists Photo: City Press GmbH
From BZ/dpa
Alba Berlin remains undefeated in the basketball Bundesliga. The German champion defeated pursuers MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg at home on Sunday with 99:91 (45:44). After the last three defeats in the Euroleague, Alba gained new self-confidence.
The best thrower was Christ Koumadje with 17 points. Captain Luke Sikma pulled off a rare double-digit triple double in three statistical categories with 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists. Isaiah Whitehead scored best for Ludwigsburg with 21 points.
Tamir Blatt concentrates on a free throw Photo: City Press GmbH
As expected, the game was intense and physical from the start. Both teams showed a good offensive rhythm. The guests from Ludwigsburg scored well from distance and went into the second quarter with a narrow 24:23 lead. Here their hit rate dropped a bit. So the Berliners led 45:44 at the break.
Alba was initially able to gain a double-digit lead thanks to superiority in the rebound and under the basket. But the strong guests didn’t let themselves be shaken off and were able to shorten the lead to 69:72 before the final section.
Johannes Thiemann fools you Photo: City Press GmbH
The hosts fell behind early in the fourth quarter, but held back. In the tight final phase it went back and forth. A three by Jaleen Smith to 94:88 in the final minute brought the decision in Alba’s favour.