Maodo Lo is happy. Alba won the first playoff game against Bamberg Photo: city press
From BZ/dpa
Alba Berlin has successfully started the playoffs of the basketball Bundesliga. On Friday evening, the defending champion won the first quarterfinal game at home in front of 5765 spectators against Brose Bamberg with 114:89 (61:45).
In the best-of-five series, Alba now leads 1-0 before the second game on Sunday. The best Berlin throwers were Johannes Thiemann with 19 and Jaleen Smith with 16 points.
Coach Israel Gonzalez was able to use the injured center Christ Koumadje again, but his colleague Ben Lammers had to sit out due to a muscular problem. In addition, 18-year-old Elias Rapique celebrated his professional debut. The hosts started surprisingly nervous and needed a few minutes to find their rhythm. The first quarter was still balanced.
Johannes Thiemann was Alba’s best pitcher Photo: city press
At the beginning of the second period Alba went to work with more intensity. Malte Delow immediately converted the first two distance shots and ensured the first two-digit lead (31:20). The hosts got into a frenzy at times and pulled away (46:26). Bamberg stayed in the game thanks to a good shooting rate.
Even after the change of sides, both teams showed their offensive qualities. The Bamberg defense often had little to counter the Berlin attack. At times they were presented by the hosts.
In the middle of the third quarter, the lead was again 22 points for the capital club (78:56). Alba brought the lead home confidently.
