TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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SLOW START IN FAST LANE!
In the fast lane it can be difficult to overcome a slow start. ratiopharm Ulm's cruise-control first quarter proved to be the difference in Sunday's race, the Baden-Wurtemberg Derby against rival EnBW Ludwigsburg. Jeff Gibbs' relentless 20 point 16 rebound effort and 19 points from Konrad Wysocki powered the Ulm attack, but racing from behind, Ulm's efforts ran out of gas. Overcoming the deficit to battle back into the game, Ulm shifted gears to trim an 18 point second half deficit to 7 in the mid-fourth quarter, but Brandon Woudstra's back to back clutch threes sealed the hardfought 95-84 win for Ludwigsburg helping them take the checkered flag. Sunday, it was a speedy victory for Ludwigsburg at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart.
ratiopharm Ulm's Konrad Wysocki scores inside against tough Ludwigsburg defense. The Ulm "Energizer" scored 19 points with 5 rebounds Sunday at Porsche Arena!
Click here for Ulm v Ludwigsburg Photo Gallery!
Entering Sunday's rivalry game, ratiopharm Ulm held bragging rights from the last meeting, an exciting overtime win at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. Both teams held momentum from German Cup wins late last week but both squads were focused for a victory after losses in last weekends Bundesliga games. Ulm fell to Braunschweig at home while Ludwigsburg lost in Koln. Certainly, the rivalry and events surrounding the game added to the anticipation for tipoff.
Ulm floor general Kyle Bailey was back in action against Ludwigsburg Sunday at Porsche Arena in Stuttgart!
Making Sunday's game extra special, EnBW Ludwigsburg moved the game to beautiful Porsche Arena in nearby Stuttgart, Germany. A fantastic facility, both visiting Ulm fans and homestanding Ludwigsburg supporters could enjoy their favorite teams in a first class facility. For Sunday's Baden Wurtemburg Derby, 4,500 fans filled Porsche Arena ready for the exciting rivalry game!
While Ulm welcomed back starting point guard Kyle Bailey to the lineup, recently signed wing Vincent Yarbrough was not present at Porsche Arena Sunday as he suffered from the flu. Excited about their new signing, Ludwigsburg fans would have to wait until next weekend for the home debut of the former NBA sharpshooter and University of Tennessee star.
Ulm's Dru Joyce goes strong to the basket against Ludwigsburg big man Coleman Collins Sunday aat Porsche Arena in Stuttgart!
Beginning the action, Ulm missed several open shots in their first few possessions. Bryan Lucas grabbed an offensive rebound and finished strong inside drawing a foul for Ulm's first basket. But plays later, Ludwigsburg surge ahead. Nate Harris sank an uncharacteristic three from the left wing giving Ludwigsburg momentum. Jason Dourisseau drove baseline for a powerful two hand slam and then hammered home an alley oop dunk in transition bringing the home crowd to their feet. Trailing 12-4, Ulm huddled in their first time out aiming to take better care of the basketball and establish the paint. Out of the timeout, the run continued as big man Michel Nascimento scored inside pushing the game to 16-4. Captain Emeka Erege scored in transition and finished a putback in the paint sparking life into Ulm cutting the game to 20-11. But as the first quarter entered the final minutes, Brandon Woudstra buried his first three pointer and Coleman Collins converted from the foul line. At the horn, Ulm trailed 27-15.
Ulm Captain Emeka Erege defends Ludwigsburg guard Brandon Woudstra Sunday at Porsche Arena. Erege was excellent scoring 14 points for Ulm but Woudstra's 24 points and two big threes would be key!
Between quarters, Ulm adjusted several aspects of their defensive game plan and reinforced the offensive attack. But several turnovers plagued Ulm's play in the early possessions of quarter two. Ludwigsburg did a fantastic job pressuring Ulm's players all over the floor and forced back to back turnovers on simple pass and catch plays. Ludwigsburg capitalized on these opportunities and pushed their lead to 37-21. After a second first half timeout, ratiopharm Ulm began to get their game together. All Star small forward Konrad Wysocki scored 6 straight points and Ulm trimmed the margin to 41-32. With hardwork and improved defensive play, Ulm continued their comeback. EJ Gallup sank a left corner three and Emeka Erege added another basket bringing Ulm back. The scoreboard read 48-42 in the last minutes of the first half. But a 6-0 finish to the second quarter helped Ludwigsburg rebuild their cushion and take a 54-42 lead into the halftime lockerroom.
Ulm's Jeff Gibbs blocks Ronald Ross' attempt in the second half. Mr Incredible scored 20 points and grabbed 16 rebounds in a fantastic effort Sunday at Porsche Arena.
At the half, Ulm aimed to use their second twenty minutes better than their first. Unfortunately for Ulm, starting slowly against the energized Ludwigsburg team forced them into playing "catchup". Unfortunately for Ulm, their 2 for 14 first half three point shooting and 10 first half turnovers set their attack back. Focusing on strengthening their defense and eliminating their turnovers, Ulm returned to the floor for the second half with comeback in mind.
Ulm post man Bryan Lucas finishes strong inside in Sundays game at Porsche Arena!
Ulm and Ludwigsburg exchanged baskets and stops for much of the third quarter with the margin remaining around double digits. As Jeff Gibbs drew a double team, the Ulm All Star power forward dropped off the ball to a cutting Konrad Wysocki and the Ulm All Star small forward slammed home an emphatic two. Wysocki dunked again after a quality basket cut post up, post move scene. But big man Coleman Collins scored 5 consecutive points igniting a 9-0 Ludwigsburg run that extended their advantage to 69-51 late in the third. Playing with momentum, Ludwigsburg also capitalized on an open court unsportsmanlike foul whislted on Ulm's Dru Joyce who made a play on the basketball in attempting to stop a Ronald Ross fast break. Ulm weathered the storm and bounced back with a mini run to finish the third trailing by 15, 79-64.
Porsche Arena provided a first class facility as the Baden-Wurtemburg derby moved into the fast lane!
With ten minutes to play, Ulm pulled out all the stops. Mixing defenses between man, a variety of zones and some junk defense, Ulm changed the flow of the game and sparked a 9-2 run. Ludwigsburg's attack slowed and seemed unsure against the changing Ulm defense and with every defensive rebound, Ulm energy grew. Unfortunately, during a key phase of fourth quarter defensive stops, Ulm suffered several costly turnovers which stymied their attack. Kyle Bailey hit a skillful midlane finish and drilled a pullup jumper while Jeff Gibbs powered his way to baskets from offensive rebounds in the paint. With the score 81-73, Ulm showed signs of life. But back to back Brandon Woudstra three pointers in the clutch regained the cushion for Ludwigsburg. Time was running short on their comeback and with just under 4 minutes to play, Ulm trailed 89-75. Demonstratiing relentless effort and determination, Ulm kept working. Trailing 89-76, ratiopharm Ulm responded with a 6-0 run pulling back within 7, 89-82. Forced into the fouling game, Ulm sent Ludwigsburg to the line in the last minute and could not make up the ground. Ulm's comeback effort ran out of gas and the big back to back three pointers from Brandon Woudstra proved to be just enough to keep Ulm at bay. In the end, the 95-84 result was a product of Ludwigsburg gaining control of the game early and playing well with the lead. Ludwigsburg hit the fast lane early and never looked back.
Ulm Captain Emeka Erege gave his team fantastic effort and production scoring 14 points on 5 of 6 floor shooting!
For the game, Ulm's hardwork and effort was clear as indicated by the teams performance on the boards outrebounding Ludwigsburg 41-27 in the game. Ulm shot 46% from the floor but made only 5 of 24 from three (20%) and 13 of 22 (59%) from the foul line. The 20 turnovers also proved costly to Ulm's offense. Ludwigsburg shot 48% from the floor, made 9 of 23 (39%) and sank 28 of 35 (80%) from the line. Jeff Gibbs was outstanding in the game leading Ulm's production with a strong 20 point 16 rebound double double. Konrad Wysocki added 19 points 5 rebounds while EJ Gallup (4 threes) and Emeka Erege (5 for 6 shooting) scored 14 points apiece. Brandon Woudstra led Ludwigsburg with 24 points including 4 for 6 from three and Coleman Collins chipped in 15 points 8 rebounds in the win. Ronald Ross and Nate Harris scored 14 points apiece and Michel Nascimento reached double figures with 11 points for Ludwigsburg.
Porsche Arena as teams warmup for the Baden-Wurtemburg Derby!
Now 9-9, ratiopharm Ulm looks to get back on track when they host league leading Artland Dragons next Saturday for a 3pm tip at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
