Alba Berlin Bask in Victory, Embark on International Break with Growing Confidence
Alba Berlin’s basketball team heads into the international break on a positive note after securing a crucial away victory over the Rostock Seawolves in the Bundesliga. The hard-fought 78:71 triumph marks a significant milestone for the Berliners, as it is their first victory against a team currently ranked higher than them in the league standings.
"This is the first time this season that we’ve won on the road against a team above us in the table," said Alba’s sporting director, Himar Ojeda. "That will hopefully help us, and any boost to our confidence is always welcome."
The victory lifted Alba back into 11th place, just one position shy of the play-in spots. The team’s form has been on an upward trajectory lately, and their resilience shone through against Rostock, particularly in the second half when their previously vulnerable defense held strong.
"We closed out our basket and played strong defense," Ojeda praised his team’s improvement. "We now have more options. If one player is not performing well, another can step up."
With the international break approaching, Alba will have a 14-day hiatus from competitive fixtures. This would normally be an ideal opportunity for the team to focus on training and improve their cohesion, especially considering the demanding schedule they have faced. However, that plan has hit a snag, as seven Alba players have been called up to their respective national teams for the break.
Martin Hermannsson (Iceland), Matteo Spagnolo, Gabriele Procida (both Italy), Malte Delow, Jonas Mattisseck, Tim Schneider, and Louis Olinde (all Germany) have all received call-ups. The availability of Hermannsson (who is nursing an injury) and Procida (who has recently been sidelined) is still uncertain.
Despite the potential absence of several key players, Ojeda remains optimistic. "This time will still be helpful for us," he said. "The players will get to play with their national teams, which will give them valuable minutes and experience."
Once the international break concludes, Alba will face a daunting schedule. They will begin with a Euroleague game on February 28th before turning their attention to the German Cup Final Four. While Alba failed to qualify for the Final Four, they will still be keen to maintain their momentum and finish the season on a high note.
With a number of talented players in their ranks and a growing sense of belief, Alba Berlin has the potential to make a strong push for the playoffs. The international break may disrupt their training plans, but it also provides an opportunity for their players to gain valuable experience and return with a renewed sense of purpose.
