FC Bayern Munich has reached the playoff final for the German basketball championship against Alba Berlin by winning the decider at Telekom Baskets Bonn. The Munich team won the fifth duel against the Rhinelanders on Wednesday evening with 87:74 (42:44) and won the best-of-five series 3:2. The Berliners had already reached the final in three games against Ludwigsburg last Friday.
The first of five possible finals will take place in Berlin on Friday. Unlike the previous rounds, the series will be played in constant alternation between home and away games. At the latest with the fifth match on June 22, the new title holder will be determined.
In front of the eyes of Bavaria’s Honorary President Uli Hoeneß, the Munich team started dominantly in Bonn. After eight minutes, coach Andrea Trinchieri’s team was 22:8 ahead. The hosts needed a superb Peter Jackson-Cartwright to get back in the game. The American, voted the best professional in the league, turned the game around with 20 points before the break. Defensive specialist Karsten Tadda even ensured the narrow 44:42 lead after 20 minutes with two successful long-range shots.
After the break, Bayern got off to a better start. After five minutes in the third round, the Euroleague quarter-finalists led 56:51 and, after a 7-0 run, went into the final quarter with an eight-point lead.
