By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
ALBA Berlin prevailed against the Bakken Bears, 84-75, in its preseason opener held at MBS Arena of Oranienburg, Germany.
Luke Sikma led the way with 19 points in Sunday’s friendly fixture. Johannes Thiemann followed with 16 points coming off the bench. Injured players Christ Koumadje, Ben Lammers, and Kresimir Nikic were out along with Louis Olinde.
Sikma, 32, started alongside Maodo Lo, Jaleen Smith, Yovel Zoosman, and youngster Christoph Tilly. The German team with Israel Gonzalez replacing Aito Garcia Reneses at the head coach position recently completed its 2021-22 roster with the addition of easyCredit BBL MVP Smith. Zoosman also came in.
Coming up next weekend for ALBA, the Paris European Games. Fellow Turkish Airlines EuroLeague participants, LDLC ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne and AX Armani Exchange Olimpia Milano will also extend their preparations for the 2021-22 season in France’s capital.
The first official game is scheduled to take place on September 23. Following a couple of domestic league fixtures, ALBA will face FC Barcelona on the road to start its campaign in the 2021-22 edition of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague. The opener is scheduled to take place on October 1. ASVEL, Fenerbahce Beko, and Baskonia will be visiting Berlin over the next three rounds.
The Danish champs will be facing the winner of the clash between De’Longhi Treviso and the London Lions in the second qualifying round of the Basketball Champions League. A potential win would lead to a meeting with Tsmoki-Minsk, ZZ Leiden, or Belfius Mons-Hainaut for a Regular Season berth.