The Bamberg Baskets have won the fourth game of the BBL final series against Alba Berlin 81:67, leveling the best-of-five series at 2:2. The decisive fifth game will take place on Tuesday in Berlin.
Bamberg, 07 June 2026
The Bamberg Baskets won the fourth game of the Basketball Bundesliga final series against Alba Berlin on Saturday evening 81:67 (36:36), leveling the best-of-five series at 2:2.
From Berlin's perspective, the game began promisingly: Alba did get off to the better start at 6:2, but Bamberg countered immediately. With two successful three-pointers and better free-throw shooting, the Franconians turned the game around in the first quarter. The Bamberg side led for almost the entire quarter because they committed fewer turnovers than the visitors. That made the opening phase an early signal that the home team would not hand anything over in this decisive matchup.
In the second period, Berlin's deficit grew to as much as six points at one stage. At 25:31 midway through the second quarter, Alba appeared to be increasingly losing the thread. But the visitors fought their way back, and Alba's Martin Hermannsson tied the game again with two seconds left before the break. The teams headed to the locker rooms at 36:36, further heightening the tension ahead of the third quarter.
Game Flow: Berlin Comeback Before the Break
After the change of ends, Bamberg showed why the team is in the title mix in this final series. The hosts pulled ahead to 71:56 with five and a half minutes remaining and clearly controlled the closing stages. Bamberg defended better and repeatedly forced the visitors into desperation shots, which was clearly reflected in the shooting statistics and the scoring distribution.
For Berlin, Michael Rataj was the game's top scorer with 18 points. For Bamberg, Austin Crowley had 17 and was the home team's leading scorer. The balance of both squads was also reflected in the fact that several players were able to put their names on the scoresheet without any single player deciding the game on his own.
Statistics: Rataj and Crowley as Top Scorers
With the 81:67 win, the Bamberg side fended off Berlin's second match point in the final series and forced the maximum number of games in this format. The best-of-five format requires a team to win three games to claim the title. After the 2:2 tie, there is no margin for error: every game is a final.
Attention now turns to Tuesday. Then comes the showdown in the capital, where the fifth and decisive game of the series will be played in Berlin. Alba Berlin thus enjoys home court advantage in the all-important duel, which slightly improves Berlin's outlook. Bamberg travels as the away team, but has regained the psychological advantage of not having lost the series through the equalizer.
Outlook: Showdown on Tuesday in Berlin
From Berlin's perspective, the regular season and the run to the final series were successful enough to secure home court advantage in the decisive game. The team coached by Israel González had proven during the current season that it can also hold its own in tight games. The fact that Hermannsson, of all players, scored the tying basket shortly before halftime showed that Berlin's fighting spirit has never wavered in this final series.
At Bamberg, coached by former national team coach Gordon Herbert, Trey Woodmore was an important pillar alongside Crowley. On the defensive end, it was a collective effort that stood out, keeping the Berlin attack away from the basket for long stretches of the game. The Franconians' dominance in the second half was due above all to that defensive stability.
Series in Context: Best-of-Five at Maximum
For the Basketball Bundesliga, the setup means a high-class season finale. A best-of-five series going into the fifth game at 2:2 is the maximum tension such a format can produce. Spectators in the arena and in front of screens can expect an evenly matched duel on Tuesday.
Statistically, it is notable that the game was tied at halftime and that Bamberg essentially earned the win in the second half. The 15-point lead in the closing stages (71:56) underscores that the Franconians were the better team in the decisive phase of the game. Alba will need to start on Tuesday the way it began game four, when it took a 6:2 lead.
Injuries or other incidents beyond the sporting action were not reported from the game report. Both teams will take the court on Tuesday with the squads at their disposal. Should there be any personnel changes, they would likely not be communicated until game day.
The situation heading into the decisive game is wide open: Bamberg has managed the equalizer and has the momentum on its side. Alba Berlin has home court advantage and the support of its own fans in the capital. In the final series so far, both teams have shown they are capable of playing at the highest level.
Mood Ahead of the Decisive Game
The fact that the series is now going the full distance of five games speaks to the balance between the two finalists. In the history of the Basketball Bundesliga, such series are rather rare, because usually one team pulls away early. The fact that every game here is hard-fought increases the entertainment value for fans and neutral observers alike.
On Tuesday evening, the decision will fall in the capital. If Alba Berlin wins game five, the title will be in Berlin. If Bamberg wins, the Franconians would take the title in the capital and spring a surprise. The signs point to an exciting game.
For the players on both teams, Tuesday is about the biggest success of the club season. The Basketball Bundesliga is the top competition in German club basketball, and a title holds a special place in every player's career. The tension ahead of the decisive game is accordingly high.
Questions & Answers
Who was the top scorer in the fourth game of the BBL final series?
For Alba Berlin, Michael Rataj was the game's top scorer with 18 points. For the Bamberg Baskets, Austin Crowley had 17 and was the home team's leading scorer.
When and where is the decisive fifth game being played?
The fifth and decisive game of the best-of-five series is scheduled for Tuesday in Berlin. Alba Berlin thus has home court advantage in the all-important duel.
How was Bamberg able to turn game four after the tied halftime score?
After the 36:36 halftime score, the Bamberg side dominated the second half, pulled ahead to 71:56 at one stage, and forced Alba Berlin into desperation shots time and again with better defense. In the end, the result was a clear 81:67 win for the Franconians.
