ALBA Berlin edges Bayern Muenchen, 83-80

The 2015 German Supercup winners ALBA Berlin continue their impressive run this 2014/15 season. They recently locked horns with FC Bayern Muenchen, another strong team in Germany’s Bundesliga. ALBA Berlin managed to hold off the visiting club, 83-80, to remain perfect with a 6-0 record. The last time ALBA Berlin claimed a German Bundesliga championship trophy was way back in 2008. They did manage to make it as far as the Finals in 2013 and 2014. Hopefully, this 2015 they can capture the gold once again. So far, so good as their 2014/15 campaign is off to a roaring start. This was an important victory for the Berlin franchise, because it showed that they can handle tough competition from other league heavyweights.

ALBA Berlin’s aggressiveness paid off for them in this encounter. They continually attacked the basket and were active in the low post. They outrebounded their guests 38-27. 17 of those boards came on the offensive side of the court, translating to some valuable second-chance points. Both teams kept the game close throughout most of the contest. ALBA Berlin emerged with a seven-point advantage at the end of the first half, 47-40. In the second half their defense was what kept Bayern Muenchen in check and prevented them from mounting in any dangerous rallies to challenge their control.

ALBA Berlin’s duo of Reggie Redding and Jamel McLean did most of the damage for the club. They each scored 23 points for the team. McLean’s assertiveness landed him several trips to the free-throw line. He made the most of his free-throws making 11-of-13 of his shots. Clifford Hammonds was the only other player from ALBA Berlin to score in double figures with 13 points.

Bayern Muenchen got a lift from Nihad Djedovic who had a team-high 18 points off the bench. John Bryant led his fellow starters in scoring with 13 points and six rebounds.