Bayern Munich suffers first season defeat in BBL. Underdog Berlin chases deficit for long time.
Alba Berlin won the thrilling 75th duel against FC Bayern and handed the champions their first season defeat in the Basketball Bundesliga (BBL).
The team of coach Pedro Calles prevailed in the Uber Arena with 67:61 (35:38), the Berlin record is now balanced (2:2). Despite the defeat in the classic, Munich (3:1) is still in better position.
Bayern still without star addition Dinwiddie
The guests had to do without star addition Spencer Dinwiddie in Berlin. The longtime NBA professional (621 games) had signed a contract with the defending champions until the end of the season during the week, but was not scheduled to arrive in Munich until the weekend.
Underdog Berlin mostly chased a deficit, but kept the game open. Martin Hermannsson provided the first lead after a long time with about four and a half minutes remaining (56:55). Newcomer Jack Kayil hit a three-pointer to make it 61:58 in the last minute, national team colleague Malte Delow increased shortly after with a layup to 63:58.
Kayil made it 65:61 from the free throw line with 24 seconds remaining, after which Bayern could no longer come back. Hermannsson, Kayil and J’wan Roberts each scored twelve points for Alba. Best scorer for the guests was Justinian Jessup (16).