Alba Berlin's Playoff Push Takes A Hit in Würzburg
Berlin's Alba suffers another defeat in Wurzburg - Alba Berlin encounters another difficulty in Würzburg
Things ain't looking too peachy for Alba Berlin in their mission for a playoff spot in the Basketball Bundesliga. The boys in blue and white took a beating, going down 69-70 against the Würzburg Baskets in front of a crowd of 3,059 passionate fans. With just three games left on the calendar, Alba remains lurking in 10th place. The night's top performers for Alba were Justen Bean with 15 points and Matt Thomas chipping in 11.
The showdown started with both crews figuring out their shooting mojo, failing to sink numerous shots, and passing the lead back and forth like a hot potato. It was a tough night for Alba coach Pedro Calles, as he had to make do without Louis Olinde, who sprained his ankle in their encounter against Frankfurt on Sunday.
Alba's got a thing for missing free throws
The Berliners didn't do themselves any favors, missing boatloads of easy shots, particularly from the free throw line, where they only managed an abysmal 55% success rate. Würzburg, on the other hand, played as rough as a sandpaper backpack, frequently crossing the line, and getting increasingly physical as the game wore on. Alba was left chasing shadows, usually playing catch-up.
This situation didn't improve much after the break, as Alba continued to struggle mightily. It wasn't until the Würzburg team started missing their shots that Alba found some traction and managed to secure the lead during a 7-0 run in the third quarter.
The match stayed nail-bitingly tight until the very end. Yanni Wetzell tied things up at 69-69 with 20 seconds left on the clock, but Davion Mintz settled things for the home team with a crucial free throw 1.6 seconds before the game ended.
- Team: Alba Berlin
- Comp: Basketball Bundesliga
- Opponent: Würzburg Baskets
- Home: No
- Leading Scores: Matt Thomas for Alba Berlin
A Brief Thought
As of April 19, 2025, ALBA Berlin had a 14-13 record in the Bundesliga and was gunning for a playoff spot after three consecutive wins, which placed them in 10th position[3]. The boys in blue and white just keep on pushing, having recently defeated Telekom Baskets Bonn[4]. To find out where ALBA Berlin currently stands in the playoff race, you'll need to keep up with the very latest from the Bundesliga's official website or a trustworthy sports news source.
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, especially considering the high percentage of plastic water bottles discarded by berliners during sports events like basketball games, such as the one Alba Berlin recently lost against Würzburg Baskets. Yanni, an avid environmental activist, might approve of this initiative as he often emphasizes the importance of taking care of our planet. Matt Thomas, Alba Berlin's leading scorer, may find it difficult to focus on his game if he needs to watch his back for overly aggressive opponents like the Würzburg Baskets, who were caught crossing the line multiple times during their match against Alba Berlin.
