TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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ULM FALLS IN FINALE!
Center court at Sportszentrum Kuhberg was once again a fun spot for fans following ratiopharm Ulm's season finale Saturday night. Despite the 93-79 setback to rival Walter Tigers Tubingen, ratiopharm Ulm team members and fans enjoyed a moment to celebrate their successful season together before officially closing the book on Ulm's first year back in the Bundesliga. On the court, Tubingen made the big shots when needed while Ulm's slow start and late offensive fade sealed the season-ending result. As with any rivalry game, both teams competed well in an entertaining game as Bryan Lucas (16 points) and EJ Gallup (15 points) were in excellent form for Ulm.
Ulm's Jeff Gibbs scored 10 points with 12 rebounds despite double teaming Tubingen defense.
click here for Box Score Ulm vs Tubingen
Ulm C Bryan Lucas topscored with 16 points in the season finale.
Starting the game without injured captain Emeka Erege, ratiopharm Ulm inserted energizer Konrad Wysocki into the starting five. A top sixth man who brings excellent energy to the floor, Konrad's presence was a comfortable fit for his teammates in Emeka's absence. Unfortunately, tipping off the game, it was clear to see Erege's presence was missed. The determined Tiger team tore to a 14-0 lead before an Ulm timeout regrouped the team. Ulm's offensive attack missed several layups and the transition defense allowed Tubingen several easy baskets. Out of the timeout, Ulm snapped out of their funk as EJ Gallup entered the game and sunk two threes igniting his team's offense and bringing the Ulm crowd into the game. After an Austen Rowland fast-break lob dunk to Jonathan Levy, it was Tubingen's turn to take a timeout with the score 14-8. Emphasizing composure and recognizing the game was long, Ulm chipped away at the lead in the first quarter eventually closing the gap. Bryan Lucas started strong hitting open jumpshots when Tubingen post players packed the paint to double-team. Climbing their way back into the game, Ulm recovered from their slow start and when Jeff Gibbs powered his way to the basket in the closing seconds of the first quarter, his basket at the buzzer brought Ulm trailing 22-18.
Ulm PG Austen Rowland finished the season as the Bundesliga Assist King.
As the second quarter developed, both teams found ways to score. Tubingen discovered little resistance in the Ulm interior defense as big man Rasko Katic put on a clinic with points in the paint. Athletic wing AJ Moye also made his presence felt with one on one play hitting tough shots. In general, Ulm seemed content to trade baskets with Tubingen. An 8-2 run to start the second quarter gave the guests a 30-20 lead. Ulm answered with a 13-4 burst to pull within one at 34-33 forcing a second Tubingen timeout. Their answer was in the form of a 6-1 run to regain a 40-34 advantage. With a perimeter oriented shot selection, Ulm hoisted 15 threes in the first half alone while only getting to the foul line for 4 attempts. But the major issue for Ulm was their difficulties finishing in the lane as several players saw their point-blank opportunities rim out. In contrast, Tubingen attempted only 2 triples and converted 15 of 20 attempts in the lane led by Katic who hit a perfect 8 for 8 in the paint for 19 points 7 boards in the games first 20 minutes. Ulm packed up their physical post defense and put it away for the summer as the team allowed Tubingen big men several uncontested points at the rim. At the half, Tubingen had built a nine point lead, 44-35.
EJ Gallup sank 5 of 9 three pointers in the game to finish with 15 points for Ulm.
At the half, Ulm examined their defensive performance while adjusting to several aspects of the Tubingen defensive game plan. Most importantly, finishing plays in the paint and inside-out shot selection were points of emphasis. Establishing the post on offense with quality floor spacing and active cutting was the game plan. Combine this with improved defensive work and Ulm had confidence they could come back.
Ulm C Maksym Shtein was solid inside against Tubingen.
As the third quarter opened, Jeff Gibbs blocked two shots and Bryan Lucas buried a deep three to bring the Ulm crowd alive. But right when Ulm seemed poised to make a run, AJ Moye and power forward Jamaal Davis stepped up for the Tigers. Davis buried two important three pointers late in shot clocks which helped build a 50-38 Tiger lead. Fouls impacted both teams with Katic picking up his second and third and Ulm capitalizing on an intentional foul call to spark a run. But another Davis three kept them at bay 62-52 with three minutes in the third to play. Again, it was Ulm's newest guard EJ Gallup who rose to the occassion drilling another three pulling the home team to 64-58. But like before, when Tubingen needed a big basket they got it --- this time, after Gallup's three, AJ Moye drilled a right wing three ball. At the end of three, Ulm trailed 69-62.
Tubingen's Jamaal Davis (9) and Rasko Katic defend Ulm's Jeff Gibbs while Ray Nixon (7) and Bryan Lucas (55) look on.
Opening the final quarter of the season with a fast 5-0 run, Ulm exploded back into the game. Jeff Gibbs powered in two points in the paint and Jonathan Levy stole the ball from Moye leading to another breakaway bucket. As Ulm pulled within two, trailing 69-67, Sportszentrum Kuhberg's roof nearly came off. But on this night, Tubingen found an answer. Hardworking wing Jay Thomas sank his first three pointer of the season from the left corner and AJ Moye buried a tough baseline fadeaway over a challenge from Jonathan Levy. Tubingen edged ahead to 76-71. Suddenly, after two empty possessions on offense, Ulm found themselves in need of a defensive stop. But a Jay Thomas free throw followed by a deep-late clock top of the key three from Moye cemented the Tubingen advantage 80-71. Ulm's attack had several excellent opportunities that simply rimmed out. Then, with 4 minutes to play, Ulm's topscorer on the night, Bryan Lucas, fouled out. Tubingen slowly milked the clock and eventually found themselves leading 86-74. On a day their offense simply was not in top form, Ulm could not convert several open looks down the stretch and as time ticked down both teams emptied their bench.
Jonathan Levy hammered this two hand slam to finish a first half fast break. Levy scored 14 points in Saturday's game.
When the seasons last second ticked away, Tubingen could enjoy their 93-79 road win over rival ratiopharm Ulm, but the loss would not deter Ulm fans from celebrating their successful first Bundesliga season. Finishing with a solid 16-18 record, Ulm is no longer an "Aufsteiger" and can look back on a fun season which saw the team make many positive steps forward.
Immediately after the game, a table was placed mid-court where all of the ratiopharm Ulm players and staff were available for autographs or pictures. Fans of all ages enjoyed the interaction with plenty of signatures and autographs on posters and team cards. Several players gave young fans their shoes which quickly became filled with signatures. For fans, the time was a great opportunity to spend with their favorite players and for the Ulm team, it was a terrific way to give back to their faithful fans. Both sides seemed to say "Thanks".
Ulm F Konrad Wysocki was in the starting five filling in for Captain Emeka Erege. Here, Konrad finishes a first half transition opportunity over Rasko Katic.
Statistically, in the season finale, Ulm's Bryan Lucas led the way with 16 points while EJ Gallup drilled 5 of 9 threes to drop 15 points. Jonathan Levy added 14 points and Jeff Gibbs added 10 points 12 rebounds. Austen Rowland also reached double figures with 10 points for Ulm. Overall, Ulm shot 42% from the floor, 52% (12-23) from the foul line and 32% (9-28) from three. For Tubingen, AJ Moye topscored with 30 points while C Rasko Katic added 22 points 15 rebounds. As a team Tubingen hit 58% from the floor, and (54%) 7-13 from three. A key factor for the Tigers was their offensive production in the paint where they made 67% of their shots 23-34. Interestingly, Ulm also had 34 attempts in the lane but converted 18 (53%). Tubingen also outrebounded Ulm 44-35.
Ulm fans of all ages enjoyed the post-game autograph session and some came away with a special gift!
Individually, Ulm's Austen Rowland finished as the Bundesliga's assist leader while Jeff Gibbs won the Rebound Crown. Collectively, ratiopharm Ulm's 16-18 record firmly establishes the team in Germany's elite basketball league. Some of the seasons highlights give fans special memories from the 2006-2007 season and provide the team something to build on heading into 2007-2008.
Thank you to all the ratiopharm Ulm fans all over the world!
THANK YOU for follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga basketball all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
