German Basketball League - Alba Berlin compels the fifth game against Chemnitz.
Alba Berlin's basketball team successfully evaded potential elimination in the semi-finals of the German Championship, resulting in a fifth playoff game. With a spirited win over the Niners Chemnitz in front of 5,000 cheering fans, the scoreboard read 96:85 (43:51) in favor of the Berliners.
With the series now tied 2-2, the crucial game for securing a final spot is set to take place this Thursday in the heart of Berlin. Star players Sterling Brown and Martin Hermannsson shone brightest, scoring 25 and 19 points respectively.
Throughout the game, the intensity raged. Yet, the visiting team made a series of costly errors, allowing Berlin to seize the first advantage (24:22) towards the end of the first quarter.
But the Niners fought back resolutely, leaving the Berliners in a spot of trouble. Brown single-handedly kept his team afloat in the first half with crucial points, but Berlin's flawed game setups continued to haunt. The Niners seized this opportunity to surge ahead by three points just before the midway point.
However, Berlin didn't give up and made a thrilling comeback during the final stages, taking the lead for the first time in 43 minutes (77:75) and then dominating the final phase with a 12-1 run, ultimately securing victory.
The winning team on Thursday will advance to face FC Bayern Munich in the grand finale.
