Under new circumstances, the Bayern team meets its trusted rival Alba Berlin on Friday evening: In the third meeting of the two best German teams this season, the Munich team wants to "respond" to their performance in the recent home loss against Bologna, as head coach Gordon Herbert put it. The hosts, on the other hand, can play "freely" in the derby without looking at the standings. Berlin is in 18th place in the European elite league ranking, while FCBB (10th) is fighting for its chances of reaching the Play-Ins in the crowded chasing field.
Maintain Play-In Chances
In the first leg in mid-November (115:88), Bayern delivered an offensive show in Munich against a weakened opponent. In the BBL clash at the start of the year (81:88), after a strong 15 minutes and a 19-point lead, they ran out of energy following their return trip from Madrid. And they were missing Nick Weiler-Babb, who watched the game on TV: "We played great, nothing went wrong in the first half. But then the game slowly slipped away from us," recalls the national player. And he has a clear message:
"We need to take this seriously and not mess it up. If we are ahead, we have to hold on to that lead, and if we are behind, we need to fight. Despite their many problems, they always had good moments during the season and even won unexpectedly at times. It's always tricky against them because they always play better against us. We cannot take this game lightly. This is different from a BBL game, it's a very important match. Because we want to remain in a position to make the Play-Ins or Playoffs in the EuroLeague."
Berlin has only won three EuroLeague games so far (3:19), with the second-to-last place just two games away. Bayern (12:10) are only one game behind third place – and just one ahead of positions eleven and twelve, below the line that determines postseason participation.
Weiler-Babb is in Berlin this time, while the return of captain Vladimir Lucic is expected to happen on Sunday at the BMW Park against Bamberg (3:00 PM). On the opposing side, Hermannsson and Olinde, who missed the game three weeks ago, are now back in action in the league. The Bayern should especially keep an eye on center McCormack (11.6 PPG) and guard Thomas (11.9) after his return, as well as controlling Berlin's pace and their own speed.
This is the 82nd meeting between Bayern and Berlin. The all-time record: 49 wins for FCBB, 31 for Berlin; once it ended in a draw (EuroCup first leg). The records by competition from a Munich perspective: BBL 35:27, EuroLeague 9:1, EuroCup one win and one draw, and in the cup 4:4.
And: The 83rd classic is already in sight: in the easyCredit BBL on Sunday, February 2 (4:30 PM) – the first Bundesliga game of Bayern at the SAP Garden.
The Next Games of FCBB
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Friday, January 24, 8:00 PM: 23rd EuroLeague Game Day, Alba Berlin – FCBB
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Sunday, January 26, 3:00 PM: 15th easyCredit BBL Game Day, FCBB – Bamberg Baskets (BMW Park)
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Thursday, January 30, 7:00 PM: 24th EuroLeague Game Day, Zalgiris Kaunas – FCBB
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Sunday, February 2, 4:30 PM: 16th easyCredit BBL Game Day, FCBB – Alba Berlin (SAP Garden)
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Tuesday, February 4, 8:45 PM: 25th EuroLeague Game Day, FCBB – Armani Olimpia Milan (SAP Garden)
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Thursday, February 6, 8:30 PM: 26th EuroLeague Game Day, FCBB – Asvel Lyon-Villeurbanne (SAP Garden)