The way the Alba Berlin Deutsche Bank Skyliners beko BBL semi final series had ended in the first two games  couldn´t have been more dramatic or unbelievable than if Lebron James had lost a game on  a tip in on his own basket, Boston Red Sox slugger David Ortiz winning a playoff game against the hated New York Yankees with a suicide squeeze bunt or Boston bruins goalie Tim Thomas winning a playoff game with a full ice flick of the wrist shot that would beat Tampa bay Lightening goalie Mike Smith by accident the same way FC Schalke  goalie Manuel Neuer has been prone to allowing goals, or Skyliner assistant coach Klaus Prewas who is usually reserved in the same way after games if the team won by one point or 35 points, but after the game two shock win looked like he had just survived the torture chamber of Hannibal Lector in the Silence of the Lambs. “You never know what is going to happen in the playoffs. I remember that in 2008 we did the same against Oldenburg where all teams won their away games. I was a little surprised how Frankfurt won game two not allowing Alba Berlin to score for eight minutes. Something like that usually doesn´t happen to Alba Berlin”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch. “The most important thing in the playoffs is always the fighting mentality, playing with heart and getting the rebounds. My most crazy playoffs was when we were down 1-2 in games to Braunschweig and we came back to win 3-2. We had many injuries and played with lesser means. We played fought and played with heart and that is how we were able to get the win”,  stressed”, added Alba Berlin sport director Mithat Demirel.
With the surprise effects that had happened in the first two games, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners didn´t want to exit the court again after game three with another insane ending that could of added some extra forehead wrinkles or a few more grey hairs above the brow so the gang of Gordon Herbert entered the game wanting to be as alert as Dirk Nowitzki has been in the current playoffs leading his team to success, as Ashton Kutcher will have to be serving in the role of Charlie Sheen and not getting caught in his pitfalls or how 8 time Grand Slam winner Ivan Lendl winning against Michael Chang again at a Frankfurt exhibition match last weekend and getting revenge after losing to the then 17 year old American who was suffering from cramps and had to serve under hand 22 years ago at Roland ´Garros in Paris, but every effort The Deutsche Bank Skyliners did wasn´t rewarded as Alba Berlin played sensational team basketball defense pounding Frankfurt 68-52 and taking a 2-1 lead in the best of five beko BBL semi finals series. “We couldn´t make a shot. I think we were a little tired. Alba Berlin was able to keep throwing fresh new guys at us and they had a deeper rotation tonight. They just wore us down tonight”, stressed ex NBA player Roger Powell. Despite the bitter loss in game two at home, Alba Berlin looked fresh and ready to go in game three.

“This was such an important game and we were confident that we could execute. These games really don´t have to do with the x and o´s, but just about playing together. We were feeding off each others energy and when that happens, good things usually happen”, added Alba Berlin American Bryce Taylor. “We had no energy tonight. It seemed like with every missed shot at the start, it went downhill from there. Alba Berlin played very aggressive and perhaps because we didn´t hit right away, it might of effected us mentally”, expressed Skyliner forward Kimmo Muurinen. “Alba Berlin kept Frankfurt insecure on offense with their aggressive defense. The first 20 minutes was enough for Frankfurt a sthey were dead. Alba Berlin did a good job with their pick and role defense, got into their sets and controlled Dashaun Wood well”, stressed Giessen 46er Jannik Freese. “We didn´t make our free throws at the start which got us out of the game and we couldn´t get easy buckets”, added Quantez Robertson.
Before the game in the shoot around, German national team hopefuls Dominik Bahiense De Mello and Yassin Idbihi had a pleasant greeting as both were being watched from German national coach Dirk Bauermann. Ex Skyliner Derrick Allen received some positive shouts from fans as he marched on the court. Also in attendance were Telekom Baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch, Giessen 46er center Jannik Freese and ex German national player Henning Harnsich. The Skyliner living room Ballsporthalle was as good as sold out as 5,002 people wanted to see the basketball clash. Alba Berlin got off to the quick start leading 4-0 as they displayed quick ball movement and ex BG Goettingen guard Taylor Rochestie nailed a pull up jumper which was followed by a baby hook shot from Derrick Allen. Alba Berlin quickly put a stamp on the court with their pesky defense as Frankfurt missed their first four shots and needed three minutes until Marius Nolte put Frankfurt on the board. Idbihi excelled on defense stopping Nolte and then not allowing Powell to dunk. The first quarter dragged on as it was very low scoring and the game resembled more like a high scoring NHL game. Frankfurt might have been able to get the lead, but their poor free throw shooting prevented them from. Frankfurt tied the score at 6-6, but that was as close as they would get as Alba Berlin broke away going on a 9-0 run to lead 15-6. German national player Heiko Schaffartzik was instrumental in this run scoring six points as he scored once inside and nailed a three pointer. Alba Berlin continued to do a super job on defense forcing Frankfurt to take tough shots. Wood scored his first field goal of the game, but Alba Berlin led 17-10 after one quarter. “It was important that Alba Berlin came out with their aggressive defense right away. Frankfurt also shot very bad. Alba Berlin did a good job defending the Frankfurt pick and role and showed that they had prepared well for Dashaun Wood”, stressed Telekom baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch. “We defended well and attacked Frankfurt hard. However we let up too many offensive rebounds”, stressed ex German national player Mithat Demirel. Alba Berlin was shooting 46% from the field and 33% from outside while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 13% from the field and 14% from outside. Frankfurt had the comfortable 15-7 rebound edge, but three turnovers while Alba Berlin only had one turnover.
The Alba Berlin shock treatment against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued in the second quarter as the 8 time beko BBl champion jumped out on a 13-2 run to lead 30-12. Miroslav Raduljica started off the second quarter with a hook shot over Nolte and Quantez Robertson countered with a typical athletic  leap to the hoop and got some help as the ball decided to trickle in. Alba Berlin then was able to slowly extend their lead as Frankfurt was unable to keep pace too often getting fancy and throwing up wild shots instead of trying to look for  open shots. Alba Berlin also forced Frankfurt to their fourth shot clock violation turnover. Alba Berlin was clicking on offense mixing it up as Immanuel Mcelroy hit a turn around shot, Tadija Dragcevic a three pointer and Idbihi a mini hook shot. In the second half of the second quarter, both teams scored only six points a piece as Alba Berlin got a little careless on offense, but not on defense as Frankfurt was unable to capitalize on offense. The most spectacular play of the game occurred as Wood found Super Tez for an ally-op dunk. As Wood does so often, he let his mind digi cam make a quick shot of the American running in and out of teh corner of his eye lofted a pass up to the hoop as Robertson stuffed it home.

Idbihi as solid as ever kept the Alba Berlin high hitting a jumper. Wood closed out the second quarter with  a lay up from his left hand. Alba Berlin led with comfort 36-18 at halftime. “The ball just didn´t want to go in for Frankfurt. Alba Berlin kept defending well and on offense having good ball movement and never keeping the ball on one side too long. They also attacked the basket well keeping the pressure on with Idbihi and Raduljica. all in all good inside/out basketball”, stressed Telekom Baskets Bonn coach Michael Koch. “We had our rhythm on offense in the second quarter. We found our big men under the basket. Heiko Schaffartzik also brought a lot of energy to the court. Our luxury is that we don´t rely on one player, but have many that help out”, added Alba Berlin sport director Mithat Demirel. Alba Berlin was shooting 52% from the field and 25% from the three point line while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 19% from the field and 8% from the three point line. Frankfurt had the 20-16 rebound edge, but six turnovers while Alba Berlin had four turnovers.
Everyone was awaiting to see what magical words Skyliner coach Gordon Herbert had found during the halftime to get the players back on track, but instead of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners starting a furious comeback, Alba Berlin was able to extend their lead going on a 7-0 run to start the third quarter to lead 43-18 and the Ballsporthalle was fighting to stay loud as fans just seemed shocked at what was happening. Dragcevic got the ball rolling with free throws and a three pointer and Idbihi scored inside. “It was tough under the hoop against Idbihi, but sometimes one has to deal with what you got”, stressed Roger Powell. Frankfurt then found a little life in their game going on a 7-2 run to trail Alba Berlin only 45-25. Frankfurt who had had much misfortune in game two with loose balls, didn´t have better luck in game three either, but Robertson finally found some luck getting a loose ball and getting a lay up. Wood then found some daylight hitting a three point pull up jumper and then feeding Nolte for a lay up. This was the first time in the game where Wood was able to penetrate and make that extra pass for the basket. Alba Berlin ahd the big lead and here and there missed some shots while Frankfurt couldn´t find that consistent vibe on offense as they continued to miss shots and also throw air balls. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller and Yassin Idbihi traded baskets at the end, but Alba Berlin still had the huge 50-28 lead. “Alba Berlin continued to play very aggressive defense and limit us to one shot. We were unable to adjust to their defense”, said Skyliner guard Quantez Robertson. Alba Berlin was shooting 49% from the field and 23% from the parking lot while The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were shooting 22% from the field and 13% from the parking lot. Frankfurt had the slight 28-26 rebound edge, but 10 turnovers while Frankfurt had eight turnovers.
In every quarter, Alba Berlin had quickly jumped on the Deutsche Bank Skyliners the same way Tom the cat tries to on Jerry the mouse, but misses and it wasn´t any different in this the fourth quarter as Alba Berlin started off on a mini 4-0 run to lead 54-28 as Immanuel Mcelroy scored inside and Derrick Allen also made a hoop inside. Frankfurt couldn´t get consistent stops and just seemed discouraged on offense as they were searching for ways to penetrate the Alba Berlin defense, but remained unlucky. Wood found some space once in a while as he set up Nolte with a bounce pass, but then again got killed by the Alba Berlin version of Super Tez as energy bundle Bryce Taylor snuck inside and some how soared over way taller players for an offensive rebound and put back and then found a loose ball and finished with a dunk. In between Taylor was stripping balls and forcing Frankfurt to cough up the ball. “I haven´t been shooting the ball well, so I try to bring different aspects to the game like my defense”, said Bryce Taylor.  Nothing changed much in the score as Alba Berlin led 60-35. With five minutes to go, there seemed little hope for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners to stage some kind of miraculous comeback simply because a Jordan, Lebron or Kobe were not on the court. Frankfurt did get stronger closing out the game on a 17-8 run, but it was too late too little and Alba Berlin might have shifted down a gear or two as well. After Taylor Rochestie dropped a three pointer fro the 63-37 lead, there was no stopping the Alba Berlin bench from smiling or Henning Harnisch to show some teeth in the stands behind their bench. Down the stretch, Kimmo Muurinen scored and Canadian national player Jevohn Shepherd found the free throw line and also did a monster block on Bryce Taylor, but time was running out as Frankfurt trailed 65-47. Heiko Schaffartzik then nailed another three pointer as Alba Berlin led 68-47 and were also looking ahead in their minds to game four in Berlin Sunday. Frankfurt has Dashaun Wood and Alba Berlin 12 players. “You have to give  a lot of credit to the guys from the bench. Lucca Staiger and Heiko Schaffartzik changed the intensity of the game as did Julius Jenkins even though you don´t think of him as a bench player”, joked Bryce Taylor. Kimmo Muurinen scored inside and Shepherd ended the game with a three pointer as Alba Berlin won 68-52. “It was simply one of those days where nothing went right. We all tried. I don´t know if it had to do with our preparation or if we just weren´t loose enough. We lacked that one player to be the spark that we needed to come back”, stressed Kimmo Muurinen. “Alba Berlin did a good job making the extra pass. They played well together giving them the extra push”, commented ex Braunschweig center Jannik Freese.

Alba Berlin was led by Yassin Idbihi with 14 points and five rebounds. Tadija Dragcevic contributed 10 points and five rebounds. Heiko Schaffartzik added nine points, three rebounds and three assists. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Dashaun Wood with 10 points and four assists and Marius Nolte had 10 points and three rebounds. Frankfurt had done a good job in game two with the size difference making up with their quickness, but had problems in game three with the size. “Yassin Idbihi was huge for us. He played great and gives us the confidence that when we put the ball inside that something good will happen. Raduljica is a beast. Having them both at the five position is a tough combination for the opponent”, stressed Bryce Taylor. Frankfurt shot only 25% from the field and 14% from outside as Alba Berlin was able to play consistent aggressive defense limiting Dashaun Wood, but not really changing anything in their defense. “Wood can´t be a Superman every night. They locked him up well and never let him in his comfort zone”, stressed Kimmo Muurinen. “We didn´t really change anything on defense. It really had to do with effort. We know that Wood is their motor and we made them work for everything”, commented Bryce Taylor. “Alba Belrin didn´t do anything different on defense. They played hard, but we just couldn´t make shots. I had open looks, but sometimes you have days like that. Wood is tired. He just needs rest. His energy for us is being fast”, added Roger Powell. “If Wood is defended well then it will be tough for Frankfurt to win. Wood is Frankfurt this season”, warned Jannik Freese. “Alba Belrin threw different defensive sets at him. He was pressured all night long and made him make tough shots”, warned Quantez Robertson.
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners now have their backs to the wall in a do or die game four in Berlin on Sunday. Alba Berlin has the momentum again, but that should be no problem as they were faced with that before in game two. “Anything is possible. We need some rest now. We had momentum going into game three and they won. They have the momentum going into game four and now it should be our tuen to win again”, warned Roger Powell. “Game four has to do with being mentally focused and knowing our opponent”, added Bryce Taylor. “Frankfurt will have to play with foam in their mouths form the first minute. This will be a very difficult task for Frankfurt. The whole team will have to play together”, warned Jannik Freese. “I hope that this was not my last game in the Ballsporthalle. I want to play in game five and then in the final games. Alba Berlin was the aggressor in game three. We waited to long to see what they would do. This can´t happen in game four. We will have to be the aggressor in game four”, warned Pascal Roller. Alba Berlin host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in game four May 29th at 18:00.