The BMA365 Bamberg Baskets have forced a decisive game. With an 81-67 home win against Alba Berlin, Anton Gavel’s team tied the semifinal series at 2-2. This means the decision on who advances to the finals will be made on Tuesday in Berlin.
The game started evenly, with Alba initially getting off to the better start. Jonas Mattisseck hit an early three-pointer, after the Berliners had struggled from long range in Game 3. However, after building an 18-12 lead, Alba lost its rhythm somewhat, allowing Bamberg to close out the first quarter 20-19 despite trailing.
The contest remained tight in the second quarter as well. The intensity was high, with frequent arguments and niggly fouls on the court. Mattisseck was called for a technical foul. At halftime, however, neither team had managed to pull away decisively; with the score tied at 36-36, the game was wide open.
After the break, Bamberg increasingly took control. Led by Demarcus Demonia, who provided highlights with several spectacular dunks, the hosts extended their lead to 56-48. Alba fought back through Michael Rataj, who scored five straight points to cut the deficit and keep Berlin in the game.
Bamberg’s defense throws Alba off its rhythm
Nevertheless, the visitors found it increasingly difficult to create scoring opportunities against Bamberg’s aggressive defense. The Berliners struggled to find open spaces, while their struggles at the free-throw line continued (13/26). At the same time, Ibi Watson hit a difficult three-pointer to give Bamberg a 65-56 lead, before Austin Crowley followed up with another long-range shot.
In the final quarter, Berlin’s offense finally collapsed completely. Crowley made four of his five three-pointers and delivered the decisive blow with another shot from the left wing to make it 76-61. Bamberg won the second half 45-31 and celebrated a well-deserved 81-67 victory. Crowley led the hosts with 17 points, while Rataj was Berlin’s top scorer with 18 points.
