Alba Berlin and the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg have reached the playoff semi-finals of the basketball Bundesliga with clear victories and meet in the round of the last four.
The champions from the capital won the third of five possible quarter-finals at Brose Bamberg with 103:70 (61:36) and won the best-of-five series 3-0.
Ludwigsburg went undefeated into the next round with an equally clear 97:79 (58:35) at ratiopharm Ulm. “It will be a very difficult semi-final,” announced Alba playmaker Maodo Lo at Magentasport.
Alba sovereign in Bamberg
Alba Berlin demonstrated its strength with the former series champion Bamberg from the start and already distanced the Upper Franconians to 25 points at the break. The third success in the third game for the Berliners was never in danger. Best shooter for the defending champion was Oscar da Silva with 14 points. Six other Alba professionals also got double-digit points. “We found our rhythm on offense and were strong on defense,” said Lo.
Ludwigsburg also had no trouble against Ulm after two narrow home wins. After two quarters, coach John Patrick’s team was already 23 points ahead and easily defended the lead over time. Justin Simon scored 20 points for the guests.
For Ulms Per Günther, the playoff exit in his 500th league game also meant the end of his active career. The former international had announced this long before. The 34-year-old playmaker, who moved to Ulm in 2008, scored ten points against Ludwigsburg. The visibly moved Günther was celebrated with ovations when he was last substituted.