Alba Berlin seemed the underdog coming into the game, but demonstrated their vast playoff experience that they have collected in the last nine years. "The series is only one to one. We are happy that we were able to play better and more aggressive today and that has to continue in the next games. We matched well against Frankfurt and we have to take the series step by step", said an overjoyed manager of Alba Berlin, Henning Harnisch. Forward Ibrahim Diarra was not surprised by the rapid turnaround of Alba Berlin. "We felt good coming into the game, but we knew it would be a tough game. It was a do-or-die situation for them and they took advantage of it. They had more intensity then us."
The game started on a sour note for Frankfurt, as they fell behind quickly 6 to 0, but then suddenly went on a 10 to 0 run on a three-pointer by Tyrone Ellis. The OPEL SKYLINERS continued to play good, taking a 21 to 14 lead, but then let up a bit towards the end of the first quarter, as the first quarter ended 26 to 26. But in the second quarter, Frankfurt fell apart and was outscored 21 to 12. From this point on, Alba Berlin controlled the game. "We came in more focused today, got more defensive stops and were able to slow down the Bermuda triangle a little", said guard Gerald Brown. Alba Berlin played tough defense and Frankfurt had problems finding the open shots. "Even though we played great defense today, it took a lot of energy playing defense like that", added guard Mithat Demirel.
Alba Berlin won the third quarter 25 to 22, but Frankfurt won the fourth quarter 25 to 22. One difference to game one was the shooting. "They hit their shots today and we let them play their game plan. They were able to to kick it inside or outside without problems", expressed forward Ibrahim Diarra. Alba Berlin shot 54% from the field and that was the difference in the end.
The Bermuda triangle dominated the game again for Frankfurt, scoring 60 of 85 points, but the difference today was that they needed support from the other players, but got little. American Chris Williams scored 22 points, had eight rebounds and three steals. Captain Pascal Roller also had 22 points, including three three-pointers and a season best nine assists. Roller thought that mentally the team had problems today. "We were blocked a bit mentally and had a lot of pressure in game two. We never thought that we would win so easily in Berlin and after that game, everyone said we would win easily in game two". American Tyrone Ellis added 16 points with three three-pointers and three rebounds. But there were no other players in double figures in scoring besides center Malick Badiane, who contributed 11 points.
Alba Berlin played very physical and it was difficult for Frankfurt´s centers inside. Bernd Kruel played only seven minutes and scored no points. American Tyrone Ellis knows that one of the recipes for success is when Frankfurt dominates the boards. "Whenever Malick and Bernd don´t play well, then we lose. If they play well, then we usually win. Stanojevic is a big bully and he bullied and dominated our big guys today ." Alba Berlin outrebounded Frankfurt 36 to 27. "They were very physical and aggressive and we did not match that. They scored too much inside and got too many offensive rebounds. We have to keep the focus on team play and everyone has to do his job better", said a disappointed assistant coach Simon Cote.
Alba Berlin was led by a hot Matej Mamic, who reminded a bit of Marko Bulic, because it seemed like he hit every shot. He ended up scoring 25 points, hitting five three-pointers and grabbing eight rebounds. "Mamic is a great shooter. He had so many open looks today and he hit them and that is what he does best", said Chris Williams. Alba Berlin had a total of six players in double figures. American Gerald Brown had 15 points, two rebounds and one assist. Szymon Szewczyk had 13 points and five rebounds. The other big guy Jovo Stanojevic contributed 12 points and hauled down six rebounds. The two gaurds Stefano Garris and Mithat Demirel rounded out the scoring with 11 and 10 points.
There was another factor in game two that seemed to annoy the players as well as the fans in the Ballsporthalle. There were many crucial close calls that seemed to favor the guests from Berlin more than the home team. "If there is a close call, then the home team should get it, but that didn´t happen today. There were some obvious fouls that weren´t called in our favor. I grabbed a rebound, stumbled over an Alba Berlin player and was called for traveling. Instead of getting mad, we tried to patronize the referees. But the referees didn´t lose the game, we did", said guard Tyrone Ellis.
The Series is tied now 1 to 1 and now it becomes a three game series. It could be possible that the two teams will play three games in five days. Captain Pascal Roller is confident about the chances of his team. "We know where we are now. We proved we could win in Berlin. Now the pressure is on them again, because they are the favorite, this may help us." The OPEL SKYLINERS know what to expect from Alba Berlin and it is only a matter of how they defend them. "Alba Berlin has 12 to 15 sets. They run those in every game and they really don´t change them or adjust them. If we can play them aggressive and take them out of their plays, then they score 64 points, but if we don´t fight through screens or talk on defense, then they score 94 points", warned Simon Cote.
If Frankfurt can play similar to their game one performance, then a victory should be possible on Sunday . The first two games were decided by 16 and 9 points, but Chris Williams thinks this series could take a rapid turn. "Game three will be a good game. Both teams are adjusted to each other and I believe the game will be closer and the series could be similar to our Artland series." It is the turn of the OPEL SKYLINERS to win on Sunday, so they can return on Tuesday and take advantage of their home court. Game three is Sunday at 17:15 in the Max-Schmelling-Halle in Berlin.
Miles Schmidt-Scheuber reporting for the OPEL SKYLINERS
