TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
87 
86
ULM EDGES PADERBORN!
ratiopharm Ulm built a 17 point fourth quarter lead before holding on at the buzzer for an 87-86 home win over Paderborn Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg at Ulm. Making their win more difficult than necessary, Ulm fought off the Paderborn comeback and survived two last second attempts from Paderborn before the final horn to take the win. Robin Benzing topscored with 20 points 4 rebounds 3 assists while Christian Burns added 19 points and Rocky Trice chipped in 13 points 11 boards to the Ulm win.
ratiopharm Ulm's Robin Benzing attacks Paderborn defenders in transition Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
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ratiopharm Ulm guard Rocky Trice finishes this fast break against Paderborn with a two hand dunk Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
After a disappointing performance in Paderborn back in November, ratiopharm Ulm aimed for much improved defensive intensity in the rematch at Sportszentrum Kuhberg Saturday night. Ulm worked through a challenging practice week losing Sebastian Betz for the season and Coleman Collins for the game as injuries became a factor for Ulm. Lee Humphrey flew home for personal reasons mid-week but returned in time for Friday's practice and was ready for action. As fans filled Sportszentrum Kuhberg for Saturday's game, expectations were high for a convincing Ulm home win against last placed Paderborn.
ratiopharm Ulm's Austen Rowland drives strong in the lane against Paderborn Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
While ratiopharm Ulm prepared for a better performance against Paderborn, the guests were in a fight to stay in the Bundesliga and avoid relegation. Paderborn had done everything possible to put themselves in position for the 'Klassenerhalt' including changing coaches, changing players and doing whatever it takes. With that in mind, ratiopharm Ulm knew Paderborn would do everything possible to win Saturday's game at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
ratiopharm Ulm's Christian Burns finishes a beautiful one hand alley oop slam against Paderborn.
At tip off, Ulm's first offensive possession started strong with center Kevin Martin finishing in the paint for two. But the points in the paint disguised sloppy execution as Ulm made several mental errors early in the game. Rocky Trice started the game strong helping Ulm overcome several execution mistakes. Paderborn was up 10-8 and five minutes into game, the teams were even at 10. Ulm's 6-0 run pushed the hosts up 14-10 before Paderborn capitalized on Ulm defensive breakdowns to take a 21-18 lead late in the quarter. A breakaway layup from Lee Humphrey and a two free throws from Christian Burns pushed Ulm's offense. Ulm finished the first ten minutes making key plays and Rocky Trice drilled a three to tie the score at 23 before poking loose a steal that led to a breakaway slam lifting Ulm to a 25-23 lead after one quarter. Ulm's 18-4 advantage of points in the paint helped the team overcome their first quarter mistakes. Rocky's 11 point 4 rebound 2 steal first quarter single-handidly helped Ulm into the lead.
ratiopharm Ulm's Rocky Trice crosses over his Paderborn defender going behind his back Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
Quarter two opened with Ulm edging ahead. At the midpoint of the second quarter, Ulm held a 37-31 lead. Part of a 9-0 run, Ulm extended their cushion to 40-31 as Christian Burns scored six straight points and Robin Benzing buried a three. Paderborn struck back from behind the three point line cutting the deficit to 42-39 but ratiopharm Ulm finished the first half with back to back baskets taking a 46-40 lead into the halftime lockerroom.
ratiopharm Ulm's Per Gunther pressures Paderborn's Nicolai Simon.
At the half, Ulm overcame sloppy offensive execution and several defensive breakdowns to hold their 46-40 lead. As a team, Ulm hit 55% from the floor but only 2 of 10 threes. Ulm converted 10 of 11 first half free throws. On the other end, Paderborn sank 50% of their shots and drilled 8 of 14 threes (57%) and 60% from the foul line while outrebounding Ulm 14-11. Although Ulm was in front, the team discussed their mental mistakes and defensive breakdowns from the first half and refocused for improved concentration and mistake-free execution on both ends of the floor for the second half.
ratiopharm Ulm captain Lee Humphrey dribbles past Paderborn's DeAndre Haynes in Saturday nights action.
As the second half opened, Ulm picked up their play. With more intensity on the defensive end and concentration on offense, Ulm began to build on their lead. Robin Benzing effectively attacked Paderborn in transition and in the halfcourt for scores or drawing fouls helping jump-start the Ulm offense. Up 51-47 five minutes into the third, Ulm put together an 11-0 run spanning the end of the third quarter into the early fourth. A highlight from the surge included a beautiful one hand alley oop slam by Christian Burns finishing a fast break that sparked Ulm to a 68-56 lead after three.
ratiopharm Ulm rookie forward Robin Benzing finishing a transition two hand slam.
In the fourth, Ulm took control of the game. Building a lead as large as 17 points, Ulm was up 77-60 with six minutes remaining in the game. Unfortunately for Ulm, a lack in concentration on the defensive end combined with several empty offensive possesions opened the door for the Paderborn comeback. Back to back threes from Kevin Langford and Malik Moore trimmed the margin to 79-71 with a full five minutes to play. As Ulm worked against the wave of Paderborn momentum, the team found it difficult to regain control of the game as Paderborn played for their Bundesliga survival. Ulm went with a small lineup featuring Christian Burns, Robin Benzing, Rocky Trice, Lee Humphrey and Per Gunther in an attempt to defend the Paderborn attack and seal the win. But with 3:23 to play, Paderborn's Sefton Barrett cut the score to one possession as Ulm led 80-77. Christian Burns scored an important basket in the paint lifting Ulm to 82-77 but Paderborn's DeAndre Haynes answered with three free throws pulling Paderborn back even closer at 82-80.
ratiopharm Ulm center Kevin Martin posts up strong against Paderborn's Kevin Langford Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
In crunchtime, Ulm did everything they possibly could to make the game as close as possible. Turnovers, missed shots, missed free throws, allowing offensive rebounds, Ulm had plenty of opportunity to make positive plays toward sealing the win. But every turnover, missed free throw or late-game mistake gave Paderborn a chance. After a backcourt turnover and Paderborn basket cut the score to 87-86 with 30 seconds to play, Ulm used their final timeout to advance the ball and set their strategy. Out of the timeout, Ulm ran their play to put the ball in the hands of Rocky Trice who dashed off screens into the backcourt to receive the ball. Paderborn immediately fouled Rocky sending him to the line. Unfortunately for Ulm, Rocky rimmed out both free throws giving Paderborn a chance for the win. Paderborn pushed the ball up the floor as the game clock ticked down. Sportszentrum Kuhberg filled with suspense. Could Ulm really lose a game where they led by 17 points with 6 minutes to play? Could Paderborn really complete their amazing comeback as they fought for their Bundesliga lives in the absteigskampf?
ratiopharm Ulm forward John Bryant challenges Paderborn's Daniel Lieneke in Saturday's action.
Ulm defended the Paderborn drive but shot floated toward the rim with the game on the line. It rimmed out. A wild scramble for the rebound took place under the backboard. Ulm's Robin Benzing grabbed the ball with two hands and had control. But the hungry Paderborn players raced in and grabbed at the basketball tying him up. Benzing tumbled to the floor. Action stopped. Paderborn's Sefton Barrett ripped loose the basketball and hurridly forced up a second shot attempt. As the ball bounced off the rim, ricocheting midlane, the game clock ticked to zero and the final horn sounded. More than winning, Ulm had survived. The 87-86 home win was more difficult than necessary but was filled with suspense and excitement. Ulm's young team overcame their mistake-filled first half to build a 17 point lead only to see it evaporate in the wave of Paderborn's effort-filled comeback.
ratiopharm Ulm's Robin Benzing finishes a strong drive in the first half of Saturday's game against Paderborn.
As a team, Ulm shot 53% for the game making 5 of 19 threes (26%) and 26 of 35 free throws (74%) while outrebounding Paderborn 28-27. Meanwhile, Paderborn converted 46% of their shots making 13 of 26 threes and 21 of 27 free throws (78%).
ratiopharm Ulm was led by rookie forward Robin Benzing who topscored with 20 points 4 rebounds 3 assists in the win. Christian Burns added 19 points and Rocky Trice chipped in 13 points 11 boards for Ulm. Kevin Martin also scored 13 points on 4 of 4 shooting and 5 of 6 from the foul line and Lee Humphrey drilled three threes on his way to 11 points in the game. DeAndre Haynes and Kevin Langford shared topscoring honors with 17 points for Paderborn in the loss.
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GO ULM!
MIKE T
