Germancupeliteeightdraw0607

ratiopharm Ulm News

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Monday March 5, 2007

Find it Fast!

Rivals to meet in German Cup Elite 8!

German Cup draw sends ratiopharm Ulm to league leading Ludwigsburg!

ratiopharm Ulm discovered their destination and opponent for the German Cup Elite 8 round to be played later this month. Sunday evening at Rheinenergie Dome during halftime of ALBA Berlin-Rheinenergie Koln Live TV game, Bundesliga Commissioner Jan Pommer conducted the random draw to determine the Quarterfinal matchups in the 2007 German Cup. With a bit of luck, the Bundesliga benefitted from outstanding regional rivalries and a must-see collision of top teams as Koln and Berlin will play with a trip to Hamburg's Colorline Arena and the Top Four on the line.

As drawn on Sunday, ratiopharm Ulm will visit Rundesporthalle in Ludwigsburg Wednesday night March 21st for an 8pm tip off against EnBW Ludwigsburg! ratiopharm Ulm and EnBW Ludwigsburg have both enjoyed somewhat surprising and successful seasons. Ulm, as an "Aufsteiger" has established themselves well in their rookie Bundesliga campaign earning a solid 11-12 record. Meanwhile, Ludwigsburg has used the strength of their team play to move up the standings to the top of the league. In fact, at the time of the draw, Head Coach Silvano Poropat has guided his men to an 18-5 mark. Traditionally, Ulm and Ludwigsburg have enjoyed a terrific basketball rivalry and this German Cup Elite 8 duel will write the next chapter!

Janus Fröhlich (li.) und BBL-Chef Jan Pommer bei der Auslosung in Köln.

Bundesliga Commissioner Jan Pommer selects the Elite 8 matchups of the German Cup Sunday evening.

Due to a Ulm's regular season game in Braunschweig scheduled for March 28th, Ulm will travel to Ludwigsburg a week before the other matchups take place. ratiopharm Ulm and EnBW Ludwigsburg will play their quarterfinal game Wednesday the 21st, while the remaining three Elite 8 matchups will take place on or around the next Wednesday March 28th. Winners will book their tickets to the exciting TOP FOUR Tournament at Colorline Arena Saturday/Sunday April 28/29, 2007.

GERMAN CUP ELITE EIGHT MATCHUPS

Wednesday March 28th, 2007

A meeting of two of this seasons top teams and two of the premiere organizations in Bundesliga, this German Cup Quarterfinal features some of the leagues top talent in what could be a playoff preview. After Koln went into Berlin and won, ALBA returned the favor at the Rheinenergie Dome. Not only splitting this seasons games, last season the two teams split the League titles as Koln captured the playoff championship while Berlin took the German Cup. ALBA won the 2006 German Cup with an 85-73 victory over Bamberg at JAKO Arena. Certainly this Elite 8 game at the Rheinenergie Dome in Koln is one that can not be missed!

In a fantastic matchup between two Bundesliga powers on the North coast, Oldenburg and Bremerhaven will add to their outstanding rivalry as the two teams meet with a trip to the Top Four in Hamburg on the line. Bremerhaven and Oldenburg met one time this season with the Thunderbirds taking a slim 62-60 decision over the Eisbaren at Ewe Arena in Oldenburg. Oldenburg Don Beck's experience could also be a factor as he has previously won the German Cup with TBB Trier. Whatever the past, these two powerful teams will provide a fantasticly competitive quarterfinal.

Renewing a north-central regional rivalry, upstart "Aufsteiger" Paderborn Baskets have enjoyed a terrific fist season in the Bundesliga. Meanwhile, just as impressive, Artland Dragons have overcome adversity and injuries to remain a solid 5th in the Bundesliga standings. A strong home court team, Paderborn hopes their home floor can springboard them into the TopFour but Artland has also won challenging road games in Koln and Bamberg. Experience or youthful enthusiasm? This German Cup quarterfinal will be interesting to watch!

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GO ULM!

MIKE T