Yanni Wetzell was the best Berlin thrower with nine points Photo: picture alliance/ press photo Baumann
By Nicolas Sowa
The basketball players from Alba Berlin missed an away coup in the Euroleague. On Thursday evening, the Berliners lost 56:72 (35:34) to the Spanish top team FC Barcelona despite a strong first half.
After the 23rd defeat in the 31st game, Alba remains second to bottom in the table. The playoffs were no longer within reach. Best Berlin pitcher was Yanni Wetzell with nine points.
A fast-paced game developed from the start. Alba was absolutely equal to the Spanish runner-up, who still has a chance for first place. Barcelona took a 15:9 lead in the middle of the first quarter, but the Berliners stayed calm and on target.
The defense worked attentively and offensively the ball ran well through their own ranks, so that they always found open throwing positions. The guests showed themselves to be very accurate, especially with the long-distance throws.
At the beginning of the second period they were suddenly 27:21 ahead. Only towards the end of the first half did Alba leave too much behind. Winger Louis Olinde even managed the feat of putting the ball in his own basket when trying to rebound.
Shortly before the break, the Catalans took the lead again (34:33), but Malte Delow responded with a buzzerbeater.
But after the change of sides, Alba lost a bit of luck. Dunks and layups were missed several times. Only seven points came in the third quarter. Although Barcelona also had problems, they were able to pull away to 50:42.
The hosts played their advantage under the basket to the full. Alba’s strength dwindled two days after the bankruptcy at Baskonia Vitoria and they had – especially physically – nothing to oppose.