Brose Baskets Bamberg wins German BBL

Brose Baskets Bamberg defeated Bayern Munich in the deciding fifth game of the German BBL championship series to be crowned the league winners. The victory continued the clubs’ recent dominance of the Bundesliga, although Brose Baskets had to overcome defending champs Bayern Munich to ensure a fifth title in six seasons.

Bamberg’s sixth title means the club will once again feature in the Euroleague through the 2015/2016 season thanks to an 88-84 home win. Bayern had tied the series in Munich in Game 4, but with home court advantage Brose Baskets Bamberg looked comfortable throughout, although the hosts did have to contend with a late Bayern Munich rally.

Brose Baskets started hot and controlled the hardwood during the first frame to ensure a 26-19 lead at the opening split. The home team continued to dictate in the second quarter and used a 23-17 score to hold a 49-36 lead through the long break. Bayern tightened up in the third period, but the guests could still only tie the quarter 14-14 to allow Brose Baskets Bamberg a 13 points lead through thirty minutes (64-51). Bayern finally opened up in a thrilling fourth quarter, streaming 34 points during the final act, although the hosts managed 25 points of their own to hold on for the win. Munich had been plagued by personal fouls, the Bavaria club committing 25 in all, something Bamberg punished by shooting 79.2% (19 of 24) from the charity strip.

Trevor Mbakwe led the winning effort with 20 points and 13 rebounds in a double-double game, while Darius Miller notched 12 points for the new champs. Janis Strelnieks scored 11 points for the victors, followed by Ryan Thompson and Daniel Theis with 10 points apiece.

John Bryant topped Bayern Munich with 16 points, with Bryce Taylor and Paul Zipser scoring 11 points each.