For the first time since 2017, Alba Berlin is missing in the semi-finals of the Bundesliga playoffs. The dethroned series champion was not up to par in the last game against Ulm either.
Maodo Lo walks on the gums. A little longer. So it was almost symbolic that the German national player of all people missed Alba Berlin’s last throw in the 75th match of this basketball season, the series champion is out, earlier than in six years.
“We had a lot of little problems,” said coach Israel Gonzalez MagentaSport after the 81:83 (51:50) at ratiopharm Ulm, which led to the 1:3 and the associated elimination from the quarter-finals of the Bundesliga.
According to the Spaniard, the wear and tear was the decisive factor for the rapid failure, after all, Ulm “only” had their 59th game of the season. “We didn’t go into the playoffs well physically. We never fully recovered.”
Lo will hardly object. Most recently, the playmaker had in his column sports picture insights shared. “I wake up in the morning with pain. My back hurts when I sit,” wrote Lo, “yes, I know – that’s the price that professional athletes have to pay. Nevertheless: As I feel, one should deal with 30 years don’t feel…”
Alba Berlin was already completely beside himself in game 1
EuroLeague, Bundesliga, Cup. Alba has danced at three weddings for years. Nevertheless, the championship title has always gone to Berlin since 2020, as well as the cup twice. But this season, the team is obviously not coping with the strain like before.
After the start in their own hall (64:88) the alarm bells rang, Alba was completely beside herself. The surprise announced itself and became reality in the fourth game. Berlin is missing for the first time since 2017 in the semifinals.
It was tight in Ulm, Lo could have decided the game with the final siren with a three for Berlin. But the throw was far too difficult and clearly missed the basket. That also fitted into the picture.
The second in the main round made far too many mistakes, supports like Johannes Thiemann and Luke Sikma remained far below their potential. 19 ball losses were in the game report form, Ulm had eight.
Alba coach Gonzalez: “Ulm deservedly won the series”
Alba not only had physical worries, there was also a lack of mental freshness and the ability to act quickly. The opponent usually seemed a little more alert.
“Ulm were physical, they were strong and they deserved to win the series,” said Gonzalez. The 48-year-old did not want to predict whether there will be a change in the capital team: “It’s too early to talk about it.” His contract runs until 2025.
After the belly landing, the albatrosses have a break. If Lo decides to take part in the World Championships (August 25th to September 10th), he will continue with a course in Bonn at the beginning of August. The next cycle begins.
“Recently I was asked how many games I’ve played in total in the last two years,” Lo said in his column, “I didn’t know. But what I do know is that there were too many.”
