TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
100 
90
COMEBACK KIDS!
Trailing by 21 points early in the second quarter, ratiopharm Ulm seemed reeling following Trier's amazing first quarter shooting. After a 39 point explosion which saw Trier sink 15 of 18 for 83% from the floor in the first ten minutes, Ulm re-grouped behind a fantastic team effort for a 100-90 comeback win Saturday night at Trier Arena. Captain Emeka Erege was outstanding on both ends of the floor for Ulm scoring a game high 24 points on 9 for 12 shooting and giving great defensive effort. But Erege was not alone. Point guard Austen Rowland distributed an amazing 18 assists, Shooting Guard Jonathan Levy hit 4 of 5 threes for 21 points, Center Bryan Lucas scored 15 points with 8 boards and hit clutch free throws down the stretch and power forward Jeff Gibbs produced another 13 point 10 rebound double-double along with a highlight hammer-dunk over Trier's Detlef Musch. While the pre-game ceremony provided a special moment, Saturday nights team effort resulted something special for ratiopharm Ulm --- a comeback win!
ratiopharm Ulm captain Emeka Erege scores two of his game high 24 points in Saturday's comeback win. Erege was outstanding on both ends of the floor for Ulm.
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Saturday night started with a special moment for a German Basketball legend. Big man Detlef Musch who has enjoyed a fantastic playing career for several teams in Germany, was honored by TBB Trier, fans and the Bundesliga before tipoff. For Musch, who is retiring, the game was his final home game of the season and he along with Patrick Palzer were honored on the evening. It was a special event for ratiopharm Ulm too as Musch played two game for Ulm in 2003-2004 during Mike Taylor's first season as head coach in the 2.Bundesliga South. Like Ulm's Emeka Erege, Detlef is also a Davidson College Alumnus. A popular personality and outstanding teammate and has been a winner. A highlight of Detlef's fantastic career came in July 1994 when he played with the German National team against Dream Team II and scored 14 points against Shaquille O'neal. Detlef played for five Bundesliga teams including Leverkusen, Rhoendorf, Bonn, Giessen and Trier. Musch plaued in Italy with Reggio Calabria and in France with Entente Orleans. A German National team member from 1993 to 2000 Detlef played 48 games for his country including 1994 World Championships in Canada and EURO 1995 in Greece. Certainly, with such a memorable pre-game ceremony, Saturday night at Trier Arena was special.
Ulm PG Austen Rowland dished out a Bundesliga best 18 assists in the comeback win Saturday night!
As wit all emotional send-off, Trier teammates wanted to make Saturday's home finale a special memory for Musch and Palzer. And from the opening tip, their emotional wave helped them play into intoxication. Simply put, motivated by the moment, Trier was unstoppable. Hitting 15 of their first 18 shots from the floor, Trier raced out to an early lead. Then, behind athletic scoring wing Brandon Gay, they never looked back. Playing a small lineup, Trier turned the game toward their advantage early. Even an Ulm timeout seemed futile. Before Ulm could look up, the game was out of hand at 23-6. Gay hit a perfect 6 of 6 from the floor for 14 first quarter points. Their team sank 5 of 7 threes. Trier's sizzling 83% floor shooting burned Ulm's defense and the hosts were poised for a special performance on Musch and Palzer's special night. But despite their 39-23 deficit, signs of life were apparent with Ulm. Captain Emeka Erege found his rhythm early scoring 12 first quarter points. The uptempo flow of the game set the table for a comeback.
Jonathan Levy buried 4 of 5 threes on his way to 21 points 5 rebounds for Ulm. Trailing by 21 points with just over 8 minutes left in the second quarter, it was this Levy three which brought the Ulm attack to life.
After the stunning first quarter, ratiopharm Ulm huddled to emphasize their defensive flaws. Aiming for better play, Ulm refocused possession by possession and hoped to cut the lead before half. But Trier continued to build their lead. Just 2 minutes into the second quarter, Ulm's Saturday night hit the low point as the team trailed by 21 points 44-23. Trier's Brandon Gay picked up his third foul on an early second quarter loose ball. Finally, the Ulm attack got a jumpstart. A Jonathan Levy three gave the Ulm offense a pulse. Then power forward Jeff Gibbs made his presence felt scoring 8 points including a highlight hammer dunk over pre-game honoree Detleft Musch. The momentum carried over as Ulm defense recorded stops and caused turnovers. Getting easy baskets in transition, Ulm began to chip away at the lead. Maksym Shtein gave Ulm a lift off the bench with 6 important points and strong play in the lane. With 2 minutes remaining in the first half, Ulm trailed by ten 51-41. There was hope. Behind outstanding playmaking from point guard Austen Rowland, Ulm carved away at the lead further. Rowland made several beautiful passes on his way to an impressive ten first half assists. After being blitzed early and falling behind by as many as 21 points, heading into halftime trailing 54-50 was right where they wanted to be.
Maksym Shtein gave Ulm a big lift off the bench scoring 12 points including 6 in the strong second quarter comeback.
At the half, Ulm could regroup and refocus making several adjustments while knowing they had weathered a tremendous Trier storm. The uptempo flow of the game was exciting entertainment for fans and much fun for the players. Ulm's defensive play guarding shooters and offensively executing for quality shot selection would be key.
EJ Gallup gave Ulm excellent minutes scoring 5 straight points helping his team re-gain the lead late in the third quarter.
Opening action in the third, end to end, uptempo basketball was on display. Players from both teams took turns making plays. Soon, Ulm's Jonathan Levy buried his third three of the game to tie the score at 61. Minutes later with 2 minutes remaining in the third, Ulm took their first lead of the game 68-67. But Trier fought right back. Marcus Taylor scored and Trier regained their lead 73-70. An Ernest Scott three doubled the Trier advantage at 76-70. Maksym Shtein answered immediately with an AND 1 three point play in the paint off a beautiful pass from Rowland. At 76-73, the teams exchanged plays. Providing an excellent spark for Ulm, guard EJ Gallup scored five straight points including a right wing three to re-gain the lead for Ulm at 78-76. Trier replied and the game progressed. With Trier ahead 80-78, Jeff Gibbs tied the game with a strong power move. Then, Captain Emeka Erege gave Ulm the lead with an open jumper in transition from the right wing. It was Ernest Scott again burying a key three for Trier as they regained the lead 83-82.
Down the stretch, Ulm's Austen Rowland took the game into his hands. Penetrating and creating, Rowland also hit an important three and set up easy baskets for teammates Jeff Gibbs and Bryan Lucas. Needing an important possession, a high ball screen provided Rowland opportunity to get into the lane and finish at the rim extending Ulm's advantage. Strong defensive play and rebounding keyed Ulm's 30-17 fourth quarter. Ulm C Bryan Lucas helped Ulm seal the comeback win with clutch free throw shooting down the stretch. Emeka Erege capped the victory with a transition layup in the final seconds. At the final buzzer, Ulm could feel great about their hardwork in earning the 100-90 road win which evened their record at 16-16.
Power forward Jeff Gibbs produced a strong 13 point 10 rebound double-double and a highlight from the night with a thunder-dunk over Trier defender.
After the hot-shooting start for Trier, Ulm players kept their composure extremely well and demonstrated excellent heart in competition. None was a better example than Ulm captain Emeka Erege who played well on both ends of the floor finishing with a game high 24 points on 9 for 12 shooting. Also in outstanding form, Austen Rowland bettered his own Bundesliga best assist mark with an amazing 18 on the evening. Jonathan Levy sank 4 of 5 threes on his way to 21 points with 5 rebounds. Bryan Lucas chipped in 15 points 8 boards and cool 5 for 5 free throw shooting while Jeff Gibbs produced a 13 point 10 rebound double double. Off the bench Maksym Shtein was strong with 12 points EJ Gallup added 7 points in quality minutes. As a team, Ulm shot 52% from the floor and outrebounded Trier 36-29. Ulm dished out 26 assists with only 7 turnovers. Marcus Taylor led Trier with 17 points while Brandon Gay added 16 with 8 rebounds and Josh Almanson contributed 15 in the loss.
Bundesliga Commissioner Jan Pommer (left) and Trier GM Lothar Hermeling honor Patrick Palzer and Detlef Musch (right) in their final home game at Trier Saturday night.
Now 16-16, ratiopharm Ulm returns to action Saturday May 5 with a road trip to Quackenbruck for a tip off against the Artland Dragons. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga basketball all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
