Alba Berlin has forced a decisive Game 5 in Munich in the BBL Finals. The team from the capital defeated FC Bayern Basketball 71-61. The series is tied 2-2 after four games.
The Albatrosses were already trailing by ten points in the third quarter, but a 26–2 run by the hosts completely turned the game around and put Alba on the path to victory. Justin Bean (17 points, 5-for-10 from three-point range, 9 rebounds) played a key role with his three-pointers, and Malte Delow (11 points, 8 rebounds), J’Wan Roberts (8, 7 rebounds), and .
Bayern, on the other hand, were completely out of sync offensively after halftime and missed out on clinching their third consecutive championship early in Game 4. Nenad Dimitrijevic (14) and Andi Obst (9, 3-for-7 from three) were the best performers on a weak Munich team.
With their backs against the wall, Berlin got off to a lively start. Norris Agbakoko was found under the basket, and the first three-pointers fell. Bayern, however, was more dominant on the boards and picked up some easy points. Neither team was able to establish a real advantage, though, as the game went back and forth at a brisk pace. Alba shot a tad better (57 percent FG) and led 26–23 after the first quarter.
Berlin picks up the pace toward the end of the third quarter
Berlin now had some momentum, but Bayern mercilessly punished the hosts’ mistakes. First, Dimitrijevic hit a three-pointer, and shortly after, Obst connected from beyond the arc on a fast break (35–37). Alba’s shooting percentages began to plummet; Bayern’s defense was now much more focused, and Obst quickly followed up with his third three-pointer. Alba went on a 0–11 run over three minutes; it wasn’t until Justin Bean hit a corner three-pointer that they stemmed the bleeding. However, a block by J’Wan Roberts and a buzzer-beating tip-in by Malte Delow gave Alba some hope heading into halftime (42–45).
After the break, the momentum was initially gone—on both sides. Bayern regained their composure faster and capitalized on several turnovers by Berlin. It wasn’t until 4:30 into the half that Michael Rataj scored Alba’s first points of the second half on an and-1. Nevertheless, it remained a tight game; Bayern, too, were now struggling again and went four minutes without scoring before Vladimir Lucic sank a short jumper. It was a brief flash in the pan. An and-1 by Kayil, plus three-pointers from Bean and Delow. The arena was electric, and Alba suddenly led 58–54 after three quarters.
Bayern off their game after the break
Berlin was always quicker to the ball, grabbing numerous offensive rebounds. Without Obst and Dimitrijevic, Bayern couldn’t find a rhythm; with nine minutes left, Svetislav Pesic brought his stars back in. It didn’t matter—Roberts scored from close range, then Bean was there to follow up. Spanning two quarters, Berlin went on a 23–2 run, giving Alba its first double-digit lead. (65–54).
And little changed. Wenyen Gabriel fouled out, and Kayil extended the lead to 14 points from the line with four minutes remaining. That was a huge margin, especially for a Bayern team that played without a real offensive plan and ultimately resigned itself to its fate. There was no real suspense left; rather, it was a huge celebration for the Alba fans.
Berlin has thus postponed the decision, but it will definitely be decided in Game 5 in Munich. On Sunday, the two teams will face off one last time this season at the SAP Garden.
