From BZ/dpa
Alba defeated Bayreuth with renewed strength. And the home win was important for self-confidence. Nevertheless, the Berliners continue to suffer from the high burden.
Relieved and exhausted, the Alba players ended their week of four games in seven days. “We have a really, really difficult situation, but we were able to react. And that wasn’t easy at that moment,” said Coach Israel Gonzalez after the 91:83 victory over medi Bayreuth, which the Berliners secured again with a real effort in the last quarter.
Alba almost always ran behind a deficit, Bayreuth scored almost at will for a long time. “You still mustn’t panic and hope they come back to Earth,” Captain said Luke Sikma.
24 points in a row
And even at the beginning of the last quarter, the Berliners were 15 points behind. But the team pulled themselves out with a 24-0 run. In the end, for the Alba captain, it was “many little things that can make a big difference.”
Fighter Johannes Thiemann (r.): The national player started the game slightly injured and scored six points in 14 minutes Photo: City Press
Alba scraped together the last reserves of energy in the fourth game of the last seven days. And this victory was balm for the soul. “It gives us self-confidence. Especially when you’ve had a few defeats lately,” said Sikma.
A sense of achievement is also helpful for mood. “I hope that this gives us a little boost and that we all get a little closer together again,” said guard Jonas Mattisseck, who celebrated his comeback after an injury break.
Difficult standing: Alba playmaker Maodo Lo only had four points (six assists) Photo: City Press
Because the problems of the Berliners are still big. An infection ran through the team. Christ Koumadje and Gabriele Procida missed the last two games, Louis Olinde at least one game. It hit others too. “We have a lot of disease problems. Johannes Thiemann and Tamir Blatt felt uncomfortable today,” reported Gonzalez.
Alba can’t find the rhythm
So there is still unrest in the squad, with many fluctuations. Alba has problems finding the right rhythm in this phase. “Players are sick, players are injured, players are just coming back. Add to that the many games,” complained Sikma.
And next week, the Berliners can expect a week with three games – including two Euroleague games. On Wednesday at Virtus Bologna, on Friday at AS Monaco.
After the last nine defeats in a row, Alba is already under pressure in the premier class. “Physically and mentally we are in a bad moment. We know that the level in the Euroleague is too high for us right now,” said Gonzalez, “but we have to improve that the Euroleague makes us stronger. But we can only change that by taking small steps.”