By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A couple of three-pointers sank by Jaleen Smith opened a late two-possession lead and were instrumental in Alba Berlin securing the 89-84 victory versus MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg Friday night.
Smith, 27, ended up with 18 points facing his former team in Game 1 of the best-of-five series. Maodo Lo drew up a team-high 20 points to start the Semifinals of Germany’s easyCredit BBL. Oscar da Silva went for 13 points. Luke Sikma chipped in eight points, 15 rebounds, and five assists for the top-seeded team in the playoff bracket.
Tamir Blatt got eight more points, including a late dagger to complement Smith and complete the key 9-2 run for the 89-81 lead heading into the final minute of action in the tight affair. The team based in Berlin, led by Spanish tactician Israel Gonzalez, previously dropped a nine-point lead trailing early in the fourth quarter but recovered to protect the home-court advantage. Marcus Eriksson (foot) remained on the injury list.
Jordan Hulls pouring 26 points, a game-high and personal-best for the 2021-22 season, went to waste for the team coached by John Patrick. James Woodard tallied 24 points in the losing effort. Veteran Tremmell Darden registered 15 points. Ethan Happ was not available.
The series will stay in Berlin for Sunday’s Game 2. Second-seeded Telekom Baskets Bonn and third-seeded FC Bayern Munich are set to tip-off their Semifinals series tomorrow, Saturday. On to the next round and a new best-of-five series between the surviving sides will determine the 2021-22 champion.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net