ALBA comeback from down 16, beating Crailsheim Merlins for the German Cup / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Imago Images – Scanpix Credit Imago Images – Scanpix

ALBA Berlin came out victorious in this year's German Cup, taking care of business against Crailsheim Merlins 86-76 (22-15, 24-21, 25-15, 22-18).

3-pointers this season

36%8,9Points made:8,9Accuracy:35,7%Place in standings:7Record max:15Record min:6Most made 3FGs:Marcus ErikssonTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

The Merlins advanced to the final despite only being in the seventh spot at the German Basketball Bundesliga (12 wins and 7 losses).

The underdogs started the game with an impressive 13-4 run, winning the first period by seven (22-15). Merlins increased their advantage to 16 in the second period (37-21), but ALBA finished the quarter well, cutting their deficit to four going into halftime (39-43).

ALBA tied the contest at 43 in the third, finally gaining the lead a few minutes later (53-52). They continued riding the hot streak, going on a 10-0 run in the fourth quarter, sealing a 10-point victory.

Maodo Lo led ALBA with 20 points (1/2 2PT, 3/8 3PT, 9/10 FT), 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 3 turnovers, and 17 PIR.

Oscar da Silva was the most efficient player for the champions, ending with 14 points (5/6 2PT, 4/6 FT), 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, and 23 PIR.

T.J. Shorts was the best player for Merlins, ending with 30 points (12/20 2PT, 1/4 3PT, 3/4 FT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 4 turnovers, and 27 PIR.

ALBA's rivals in the EuroLeague, FC Bayern Munich, were eliminated at the quarterfinals, losing to Chemnitz.

ALBA: Maodo Lo 18, Jaleen Smith 17, Oscar da Silva 14 (8 REB), Jonas Mattisseck 9, Johannes Thiemann 8 (5 REB).

Merlins: T.J. Shorts 30 (4 REB, 4 AST, 4 STL), Maurice Stuckey 14, Bogdan Radosavljevic 9 (9 REB).

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