Alba Berlin's Heartbreaking End to Regular Season: Heading to Play-Ins
Berlin's Alba team moves to the Play-Ins: "Such is life" - Berlin's Alba team needs to compete in the play-ins: "That's just how it goes"
In a bitter twist, reigning champions Alba Berlin have been knocked out of the playoff spots in the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga. The last game day of the season brought a harsh reality for the Berliners, who will now resort to the Play-Ins. "We had a good run, but in the end, it's what it is. We've at least made it to the Play-Ins," said sports director Himar Ojeda.
With a free game day, Alba could only watch as Heidelberg Academics clinched a victory over Frankfurt Skyliners 84:75 in overtime, earning the spot that had been in Alba's grasp. In the end, the battle for positions four to seven ended in a tie, with Alba losing out due to a worse record in head-to-head matches, securing seventh place.
A Do-or-Die Match Against MBC
Next up for Alba is the Play-In match against Syntainics MBC, set to take place on Tuesday. Ojeda is optimistic, "They've had a good season, but they've been struggling lately." Preceding this matchup, Alba demonstrated their dominance, defeating the Weißenfels team 90:62. However, with everything resting on this game, it promises to be a completely different affair. The mental aspects will play a crucial role, according to Ojeda.
If Alba emerges victorious, they will secure a spot in the playoffs, squaring off against ratiopharm Ulm. A loss would necessitate a second chance on Thursday, against the loser of the other Play-In match between EWE Baskets Oldenburg and Rostock Seawolves.
At a Glance:
- Alba Berlin fell short of playoff spots, resulting in a Play-In game against Syntainics MBC.
- Should they win, Alba would face ratiopharm Ulm in the playoffs.
- In case of a loss, Alba would have a second chance against the loser of Oldenburg vs. Rostock Seawolves.
- Enrichment Data:
- Matchup Details: On May 13, 2025, Alba Berlin is scheduled to play Syntainics MBC in a Play-In game for the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga Play-Ins.
- Performance: Alba Berlin currently holds the 7th position with a 56% win rate, having won 18 games out of 32. Syntainics MBC ranks 8th with a 53% win rate, securing 17 victories out of 32 matches.
- Recent Form: Alba Berlin has won 6 out of their last 7 games, averaging 87.03 points per game. They possess a strong home-game performance against Syntainics MBC.
The Commission has also been consulted on the draft regulation regarding the upcoming play-in match between Alba Berlin and Syntainics MBC, as the stakes are high for both teams, with basketball being the sport in question, particularly in the NBA context. The outcome of this match will influence their position in the easyCredit Basketball Bundesliga, as Alba Berlin aims to secure a place in the playoffs and potentially face ratiopharm Ulm.
