Alba Berlin’s Cup Dream Dashed: A Stunning Collapse Leads to Final Four Heartbreak
Alba Berlin’s women’s basketball team suffered a devastating defeat in the Pokal Final Four, squandering a commanding 17-point halftime lead to fall 67-72 against the Saarlouis Royals in front of 1850 disappointed fans at their home court, the Sömmeringhalle. The loss shattered Alba’s hopes of competing for the coveted cup title and relegated them to the third-place game on Sunday against the loser of the second semifinal between Rutronik Stars Keltern and Eigner Angels Nördlingen. The match is scheduled to begin at 13:00 local time and will be available via rbb Livestream.
The game unfolded as a tale of two halves, a stark contrast that ultimately sealed Alba’s fate. In the first half, the Berlin squad appeared unstoppable, showcasing a combination of tenacious defense and efficient offense that left the Royals reeling. However, a dramatic shift occurred after the break, as Saarlouis found their rhythm and capitalized on Alba’s faltering performance, completing a remarkable comeback that left the home crowd stunned.
Marie Berthold emerged as Alba’s leading scorer with 14 points, followed closely by Deeshyra Thomas, who contributed 13. However, their individual efforts were not enough to overcome the team’s collective struggles in the second half, highlighting the importance of consistent performance throughout the entire game.
Alba began the game with an electrifying start, unleashing an 8-0 run that immediately put Saarlouis on the back foot. The team’s defense was particularly impressive, suffocating the Royals’ offensive efforts and preventing them from finding any early momentum. Saarlouis struggled immensely, failing to convert their shot attempts and managing a mere four points in the entire first quarter. Alba capitalized on their opponent’s struggles, establishing a double-digit lead that reflected their dominance on both ends of the court.
The second quarter saw a slight shift in momentum, as Saarlouis intensified their defensive pressure and began to find their shooting touch. They started aggressively challenging every drive and contesting every shot, making it difficult for Alba’s players to find clear looks at the basket. Alba, in turn, began to concede too many offensive rebounds, allowing Saarlouis multiple opportunities to score. This allowed the Royals to slowly chip away at Alba’s lead, reducing the deficit to 18:11. However, Alba managed to regain their composure before halftime, responding with a timely 9-0 run to restore their comfortable advantage and head into the break with a seemingly insurmountable 40-23 lead. At this point, few could have predicted the dramatic turn of events that would unfold in the second half.
Following the halftime break, the Royals emerged with renewed determination and a significantly improved offensive game plan. They began to connect on nearly every shot attempt, showcasing a level of efficiency that was absent in the first half. Conversely, Alba struggled to maintain their offensive flow, facing increased defensive pressure and failing to find the open looks they had enjoyed earlier in the game. The momentum swung decisively in favor of Saarlouis as they relentlessly attacked the basket and capitalized on Alba’s defensive lapses.
With just four and a half minutes remaining in the game, the Royals completed their remarkable comeback, erasing Alba’s 17-point halftime advantage and taking the lead for the first time at 59-60. The sudden shift in momentum left Alba visibly shaken, and they struggled to regain their composure. Their offensive execution faltered, and they were unable to contain Saarlouis’s relentless attacks.
The decisive moment arrived with 48.9 seconds left on the clock, when Saarlouis converted a crucial basket to extend their lead to 69-64. Alba, now facing a significant deficit and dwindling time, were unable to mount a successful response. The Royals’ defense held firm, preventing Alba from finding any easy scoring opportunities, and ultimately secured the victory.
The loss represents a bitter disappointment for Alba Berlin, who had entered the Final Four with high hopes of competing for the Pokal title. The team’s inability to maintain their first-half dominance and their struggles to respond to Saarlouis’s second-half surge proved to be their undoing.
While the defeat is undoubtedly painful, Alba Berlin will have an opportunity to salvage some pride in the third-place game on Sunday. They will face the losing team from the second semifinal between Rutronik Stars Keltern and Eigner Angels Nördlingen, and will be aiming to finish the tournament on a positive note. The team will need to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and refocus their efforts on finishing the season strong. The coaching staff will undoubtedly analyze the game film and identify areas for improvement, with a focus on maintaining consistent performance throughout the entire game and responding effectively to changes in momentum. The players will also need to work on their mental toughness, ensuring that they can remain composed and focused even when facing adversity. The third-place game offers an opportunity to demonstrate resilience and showcase the team’s potential for future success.
