GHP Bamberg 69 Polonia Warbud 59

In a decisive game for the FIBA Europe League play-off berths GHP Bamberg beat Polonia Warbud Warszawa 69 – 59 thanks to a 19-5 run in the 3rd quarter.  The win gives Bamberg an almost certain spot in the post season, while it looks like Polonia will have to wait another season to achieve their European ambitions.

The visitors actually had the better start and some nice offense proved difficult for the Germans to handle. But the entry of the “Latvian Bear”, otherwise known as 6th-man Ulvis Helmanis, turned the game. Helmanis scored 9 consecutive points for his team, and Bamberg recovered to take a 20:18 lead after the first period.
 
Bamberg continued their strong play into the 2nd period, and a 3-pointer from Helmanis gave the Germans a 32:24 lead, the biggest of the game.

Polonia were far from vanquished however and Jeff Nordgaard and Michail Hlebowicki picked up their games for the visitors. A 9:0 run saw Pololnia grab the lead at 32:33.

Bamberg struck back to take a 37:33 lead into halftime and the break seemed to do them good. The home team really stepped up their defense, holding Polonia to just five 3rd quarter points. The strong defense led to fast break opportunities and in the halfcourt Estonian sharpshooter Gert Kullamae controlled the offense with 10 points.

Polonia kept their hopes alive through Rolandas Jarutis, but Bamberg center supplied his usual presence on the boards (he leads the competition in rebounding), while Rick Stafford provided the offense (11 points), and Bamberg held on for victory.