Alba Berlin's Playoff Push: "We're Gonna Settle This in One Game"
Alba progresses to the postseason: 'Victory in a single match secured' - Alba aims for a swift playoff advancement in a single match.
Alba Berlin, after missing a direct shot at the playoffs, is now determined to claim their first chance at the championship round. "We're gunning for a mindset that we can wrap this up in one game and secure a spot in the playoffs," said co-captain Jonas Mattisseck, looking ahead to the play-in game at home on Tuesday against the Syntainics MBC (8:00 PM).
If they pull off the win, Alba will advance to the playoffs and face ratiopharm Ulm in the quarterfinals. A loss, however, would mean a second chance on Thursday, with another home game against the winner of the play-in game between EWE Baskets Oldenburg and the Rostock Seawolves.
After a disappointing miss, Alba needs to quickly move past Sunday's setback. "Obviously, we were a bit bummed. But, honestly, not much has changed," said captain Martin Hermannsson, who spent the last game day on the couch as Heidelberg Academics snatched the playoff spot from them.
In their last duel, Alba proved dominant, but the MBC will prove to be a tougher challenge. "It'll be a brutal battle. They've got some lethal guards who can score. But we're in peak form and ready to give it our all," said Mattisseck. While the MBC only had a one-day break, Alba had four days to rest. "It's actually an advantage if the others have to play and we can recuperate," said Hermannsson.
Alba also has the mental edge. Recently, they humiliated the Weißenfelsers in their home game, winning 90-62. This time, though, they expect a tougher fight. "This is now a do-or-die game, and the mental aspect will play a big role," said sports director Himar Ojeda.
Currently, ALBA Berlin is in a critical playoff position. They're just one win behind the sixth-placed Rostock Seawolves, keeping their playoff aspirations alive. The top six teams secure a direct playoff spot, while the seventh through tenth teams compete in preliminary play-ins.
ALBA Berlin has a few pivotal games ahead. In recent victories, they defeated BV Chemnitz 99 (103-81) and Mitteldeutscher BC (90-62). If they secure a play-in spot, potential opponents include teams ranks seventh through tenth. The exact opponent would depend on the final standings.
The playoffs are scheduled to run from May 17 to June 26, and ALBA Berlin aims to win their remaining games to secure a higher seeding to avoid tough early matchups. Key games include their victory against Niners Chemnitz and their upcoming game against the Syntainics MBC.
- Playoff
- BB
- ALBA Berlin
- Berlin
- Martin Hermannsson
- Playoffs Scenario
- Ratiopharm Ulm
The Commission might present a directive aimed at protecting the environment, considering the importance of preserving nature, even in the midst of sports competitions like basketball, such as the NBA. In the meantime, Alba Berlin, despite their disappointing loss, remains determined to claim their playoff spot and secure victory in a single game, with key players like Martin Hermannsson and Jonas Mattisseck leading the charge.
