Jaleen Smith's clutch three-point fervor pushes ALBA Berlin past Ludwigsburg / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: ALBA BERLIN /Twitter Credit ALBA BERLIN /Twitter

ALBA Berlin needed two consecutive three-point shots from Jaleen Smith and an all-round game from Luke Sikma to overcome guests MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg 89-84 (25-24, 20-19, 25-23, 19-18) at the O2 Arena and get the lead in the German BBL semifinals series.

3-pointers this season

37%9,2Points made:9,2Accuracy:36,6%Place in standings:4Record max:15Record min:5Most made 3FGs:Maodo LoTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Despite their obvious shooting slump (4/14 at half-time), ALBA Berlin were able to take a slight edge (45-43) against a rival who was heavily counting on James Woodard and Jordan Hulls.

Jaleen Smith gave ALBA some room to breathe (86-81) with two straight three-point shots. Tremmell Darden wasted a couple of free-throws to cut down the deficit and Tamir Blatt scored again from distance off a Luke Sikma assist to finish the game.

Smith scored 18 points, but Maodo Lo was the winners' first scorer with 20 points. Oscar da Silva added 13 and Luke Sikma provided everything - 8 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists.

Hulls and Woodard combined for 50 points (putting up 26 and 24 respectively), Tremmell Darden scored another 15, but Ludwigsburg couldn't make any defensive stops down the stretch.

ALBA Berlin: Maodo Lo 20 (7/14 FG, 5/5 FT, 3 REB, 4 AST), Jaleen Smith 18 (5/12 FG, 4/4 FT, 6 REB), Oscar da Silva 13 (5/8 FG, 2/2 FT, 5 REB), Tamir Blatt 8, Luke Sikma 8 (15 REB, 5 AST).

Ludwigsburg: Jordan Hulls 26 (4/6 2PT SHOTS, 6/9 3PT SHOTS, 0/1 FT), James Woodard 24 (3/4 2PT SHOTS, 6/8 3PT SHOTS, 5 AST), Tremmell Darden 15 (6/13 FG, 1/4 FT, 5 REB), Jonah Radebaugh 7.

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