GER – Germany goes to a decider as Skyliners hold off battling Bamberg

FRANKFURT (Beko Basketball Bundesliga) - Deutsche Bank Skyliners forced a deciding fifth game in the Beko Basketball Bundesliga play-off finals with a 69-56 home triumph over Brose Baskets Bamberg on Tuesday night.

Playing before a sellout crowd of 5,002 in Frankfurt, Skyliners got 19 points from Derrick Allen as they hit back from Sunday’s Game 4 mauling in Bamberg when Brose Baskets had rolled to a 97-52 win.

Gordon Herbert, the Skyliners coach, is optimistic heading into the pivotal clash.

"The pressure was on us, but my players have met the challenge and our focus and intensity were much better,” he said.

"In Bamberg, anything is possible.

"We believe in ourselves."

Bamberg boss Chris Fleming could only cringe as his men misfired on offense on Tuesday night, hitting just 19 of their 52 shots from the floor.

They were six of 23 from behind the arc.

"We seemed to be nervous and forced too many shots," he said.

Bamberg even struggled at the free-throw line, making a mere 12 of their 22 (54.5%) attempts.

Despite having a rough night shooting the ball, Bamberg still the made Skyliners and their fans sweat it out until the final minute.

The game was knotted at 28-28 when Skyliners outscored Bamberg 7-2 over the last 2:37 of the second quarter to take the lead for good.

Everything went according to plan for Herbert’s team in the third quarter, with the advantage ballooning to 53-39 by the end of the frame on a basket by Deutsche Bank's impressive Seth Doliboa.

Then, without warning, things changed.

For the first six minutes of the final period, Deutsche Bank scored just two points.

Meanwhile, Brian Roberts sparked Bamberg with eight, including the last five in a 14-2 run that reduced the arrears to 55-53 with 4:00 remaining.

Former Germany international Pascal Roller came to the rescue with a basket for Deutsche Bank.

Aubrey Reese followed with two free throws and another bucket for a 61-53 lead with 2:20 to go.

Allen scored next to take the lead to 63-53 and Skyliners held on.

Roller admitted Deutsche Bank had been in trouble and felt the home crowd had made the difference.

"Thanks to the fans for this wonderful support," Roller said.

"I hope that as many as possible will come and back us in Bamberg and help us claim another victory."

FIBA