BMA365 Bamberg Baskets managed to avoid their premature end to the season by beating ALBA Berlin in the first home game of the semi-final series. The Bamberg team led the match almost throughout its entirety, while the ALBA guards, who had good performances, were not very influential this time. With the victory, Bamberg removed the first of Berlin's match points.
In a fervent atmosphere at the Brose Arena, with 5,700 spectators, the home team started the match defensively, proving much more effective than in previous defeats in Berlin. The offensive, however, took a while to get going, but that quickly changed in the second quarter, where Bamberg started a 15-6 run, establishing the first double-digit lead. Demarcus Demonia was fundamental at this moment, contributing with a triple and a mid-range shot.
ALBA Berlin, in turn, were unable to put their guards, who had been decisive in previous matches, into play. Hermannsson and Kayil made six turnovers between them, the result of defensive pressure from the hosts, who always seemed a step ahead. The first half ended with Bamberg leading comfortably.
After the break, the atmosphere in the arena remained intense, and a treble from Ibi Watson increased the lead to 15 points, making the arena vibrate. However, ALBA responded with determination, and in decisive moments of the third quarter, Bean converted two triples, both assisted by Kayil, reducing the deficit to -7 (63-56).
Tensions rose in the Bamberg stands, with the match swinging from one side to the other but without defining a clear winner. However, the final decision came with a minute left when Ensminger scored a triple that put the score at 81-73. With the victory, Bamberg extended his season, at least by one more game. ALBA Berlin will have another chance to qualify for the BBL final in the next match, scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 pm, at the same location.