TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
Ulm Falls to Skyliners at Buzzer!
73 
72
ratiopharm Ulm's Bundesliga debut scripted a magnificent story. Ulm marched into Frankfurt Germany and took command of the game positioning themselves for the classic underdog surprise upset victory. But on this Sunday, it was the host Skyliners who stole the show coming up with biggest suprise at the buzzer.
GREAT EFFORT!
Despite controlling the game and leading for 39 minutes and 59 seconds, ratiopharm Ulm lost their Bundesliga debut at the buzzer to the heavily favored Deutsche Bank Skyliners.
Eric Chatfield scored 5 points in the final 13 seconds including the game winner at the buzzer helping the Deutsche Bank Skyliners survive a season-opening upset bid from "Aufstieger" ratiopharm Ulm. The 73-72 Frankfurt win was a fantastic --- if not bittersweet --- way to start the Bundesliga season in a sold-out Ballsporthalle. Earning respect with their performance, Ulm demonstrated their strong team-oriented style and controlled tempo against their highly anticipated Frankfurt foe. Unfortunately for Ulm, despite their heroic efforts, it was the Skyliners who secured the precious two points.
C Bryan Lucas was effective in the paint and helped Ulm start strong with 8 first quarter points.
Ulm controlled play from the start and led for over 39 minutes in the game. Frankfurt tied the game twice in the second half at 59 and 62 before Ulm put themselves in a position to win. Unforutnately for Ulm, they did not seal the deal. After two Austen Rowland free throws put Ulm up 4 with 13 seconds to play, Frankfurt called timeout to advance the basketball and set up their play. Desgining a top of the key ballscreen for Chatfield, Skyliners looked for a quick two-point score to extend the game. Playing protective and not to foul, the young Ulm team mishandled the ballscreen allowing Chatfield to slice down the lane uncontested for lay-in. Immediately calling timeout, Ulm moved the ball to halfccourt and got organized. Holding a 2 point lead with 8 seconds, Ulm remained in control. Executing their play, Ulm inbounded the ball to Captain Emeka Erege who was fouled with 6 seconds left. Up 2, Erege stepped to the line with 2 shots.
At this point, Skyliners still faced a slim chance to win. Unfortunately, Emeka missed the first foul shot. The energized crowd of 4,570 went crazy. Emeka re-focused and aimed to sink the second. His shot was too strong. In a frenzy, Chatfield grabbed the long rebound and burst up the floor. Ulm maintained their game-long lead at 72-70. Time ticked down...5, 4, 3, 2. Ulm matched up and got hands up. Chatfield dribbled into a pullup three from the left wing. As Chatfield lifted for his shot, Ulm's Austen Rowland deflected the ball. Bobbling the ball, Chatfield somehow collected and shot over the Ulm defender. As the ball sailed through the air, the buzzer sounded. When the ball went through, the only sound was the Skyliner crowd errupting to their fantastic finish.
Captain Emeka Erege played with great hustle and heart leading the team in scoring with 13 points.
Skyliner players rushed the floor like a championship game to celebrate while ratiopharm Ulm players stood in disbelief. Sunday, celebrated as a triumphant return to the Bundesliga turned into a Shakespearean tradegy as Chatfield sank his game winning shot at the buzzer which gave Frankfurt their first lead. But in the end, it was the only lead that counted.
Austen Rowland demonstrated top PG skills in his Ulm debut. Austen organized Ulm's attack well, controlled the tempo effectively and set the table for team success!
Opening the game, Ulm took control. Jumping out to a 12-4 lead, ratiopharm Ulm was focused and forced a fast Frankfurt timeout. Ulm C Bryan Lucas scored 8 points early as Ulm established their inside game. Changing defenses seemed to startle the Skyliners as they suffered several turnovers attacking Ulm's press. PG Austen Rowland penetrated effectively and set up teammates while PF Jeff Gibbs worked effectively inside. Ulm's energy pushed them to a double digit lead 26-16 after the first quarter.
Maksym Shtein finishes one of his two big baskets in the lane during Ulm's second half push. Max was terrific in the paint for Ulm!
In the second, Skyliners attempted to use several different lineups trying to find the right mix. Changing to a 3-2 zone, Frankfurt hoped to change the rhythm of the game. Ulm adapted well and maintained their lead. Konrad Wysocki's active and intelligent movement against the zone was a factor. Key three point shots from Emeka Erege and Jan Sprunken helped Ulm take a 45-36 lead into halftime.
Jonathan Levy gave everything to help his team including two clutch baskets and strong defense.
Ready to make a run, the homestanding Skyliners surged forward in the third. Improved defenive play stymied the Ulm attack and for several possessions the scoreboard stood still. Finally, Frankfurt pulled closer. Ulm subbed Wysocki and Maksym Shtein in and both gave the team a lift. Wysocki slammed home a 3 on 2 break and Shtein wheeled and dealed in the paint. After three, Ulm maintained their 9 point lead at 58-49.
Encouraging to the home team, Frankfurt showed signs of life with defensive stops and strong offensive plays. Particularly, Jimmy McKinney excelled in transition finishing a slashing three point play while skilled big man Tate Decker aggressively attacked the offensive glass for second shots and strong plays inside.
As the final ten minutes began, this season opener shaped up to be a fantastic finish. Frankfurt pulled closer and closer as the clock ticked down. Strong inside play from Decker and Travon Bryant helped trim the Ulm lead. Eventually, fueled by Bryants strength inside, Frankfurt evened the score at 59. Offensively, Maksym Shtein finished two strong post moves and Emeka Erege followed with a big bucket re-establishing Ulm's 67-61 lead. Skyliners stormed back. A clutch Jonathan Levy pullup J kept the Skyliners at bay before the two free throws from Austen Rowland seemed to cement the Ulm advantage. But Frankfurt never quit and the athletic playmaker Eric Chatfield stepped up.
Ulm forward Jeff Gibbs was outstanding in the paint against the Skyliners!
A terrific team effort, ratiopharm Ulm can be proud of their performance. As a young Bundesliga team, the difficult defeat will provide quality learning experience in the process of improvement. Five Ulm players reached double figures in the balanced team effort led by Captain Emeka Erege's 13 point 5 rebound night. Jeff Gibbs powered his way to 12 points 6 boards on 5 of 9 shooting and Maksym Shtein was strong scoring 11 points with 4 boards in the game. Jonathan Levy added 10 points 5 rebounds and Bryan Lucas chipped in 10 points for his team. Austen Rowland was an outstanding floor general finishing with 6 points 6 assists and 5 steals while Konrad Wysocki was effective off the bench with 7 points and solid D. The Ulm team effort combined to outrebound Frankfurt 37-36 including an impressive 14 offensive boards. Ulm also was effective taking care of the basketball with only 13 turnovers while forcing 17 from Frankfurt. Ulm shot 42% from the floor and 62% from the foul line. Click the link to view the box score
BOX SCORE: ratiopharm Ulm @ Deutsche Bank Skyliners
Taking many very positive points from their performance, ratiopharm Ulm will return to the practice court this week with pride in their efforts and teamwork. Again, keeping things in perspective, the heartbreaking loss at the buzzer after controlling the game on the road in a Bundesliga "debut" game against an organization two years removed from the Euroleague shows many positive signs. In ratiopharm Ulm's "Welcome to the Bundesliga" month, the team's next opponent will be storied ALBA Berlin next Saturday October 7th at home.
Sunday's bittersweet beginning is a sure sign of the excitement to come this Bundesliga season!
Click this link for an excellent photo gallery of Ulm at Frankfurt game
*photos in this Gallery from Ulm's Thomas Fritsche!
Follow all the fastbreaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
