TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
98 
95 OT
DERBY DRAMA!
ULM FALLS TO TUBINGEN IN EXCITING OVERTIME GAME!
ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen have a long history of fantastic games in their Baden Wurtemburg Derby. Saturday night's 98-95 overtime win for Tubingen at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm added the next exciting story to the traditional South German rivalry. ratiopharm Ulm's strong second quarter sparked by Sebastian Betz' energizing threes pushed the hosts to a halftime lead before Tubingen's second half comeback slowly trimmed the margin as Tiger big men Michael Haynes and Rasko Katic keyed the Tubingen attack. With 29 seconds remaining and the Derby even at 77, Ulm used their final timeout to set their strategy for the last play. A big Jeff Gibbs bucket gave Ulm a 79-77 lead with 7 seconds on the clock, but Tubingen's Branislav Ratkovica raced the length of the floor and slipped a crafty pass to Katic who tied the score just before the buzzer. In overtime, big baskets from Haynes and Tiger point guard Jermaine Anderson pushed Tubingen to a 91-84 advantage before Ulm stormed back behind scores from Jeff Gibbs, Keith Triplett and Dan Fitzgerald. A Lee Humphrey three point shot pulled Ulm within one at 95-94 with 42 seconds to play, but in the end Ulm's comeback attempt came up short. The exciting 98-95 overtime game was a fantastic example of the classic Baden Wurtemburg Derby and featured outstanding effort from both teams. Ulm was in position to win but it was Tubingen who took the intense overtime victory in a game filled with thrilling Derby Drama!
ratiopharm Ulm All-Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs was outstanding Saturday night leading his teams attack with a physical 26 point 12 rebound performance.
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Ulm fans were filled with energy and tremendous support as Sportszentrum Kuhberg hosted the traditional rivalry between Ulm and Tubingen. Posting signs, dressed in orange and alive with chants and cheers, the Ulmer fan block was once again in top form helping their team.
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ratiopharm Ulm defensive stopper Keith Triplett enjoyed another terrific effort finishing with 9 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Keith also scored several key baskets down the stretch in regulation and in overtime.
For ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen, every meeting is special. Fans from both teams bring tremendous energy to the game. Players from both sides quickly understand the feeling that these games are different. As with every excellent rivalry, records or standings or statistics are meaningless --- all that matters is the intense competition against the opponent. Winning the last three meetings, ratiopharm Ulm has celebrated recent victories over rival Walter Tigers Tubingen. Entering Saturday's game at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm, ratiopharm Ulm was poised to take their playoff spot while delivering a damaging blow to the Tubingen playoff hopes. But Saturday's story would add to the long line of drama between Ulm and Tubingen in the Baden Wurtemburg Derby.
ratiopharm Ulm rookie forward Dan Fitzgerald drilled two first half threes and played a key role in overtime Saturday night.
At tip off, both Ulm and Tubingen were ready. Both teams were focused and locked into the high intensity level of the game. ratiopharm Ulm opened the game with 21 year old point guard Per Gunther starting his 3rd game of the season as floor general Dru Joyce missed the game with an ankle sprain. Responding to the challenge, Per attacked the fullcourt Tubingen ballpressure early and set the tone for the game. The Tigers came out in a rage as Jermaine Anderson and Michael Haynes hit threes building an early 13-4 lead. Ulm's Jeff Gibbs powered his way to six straight points bringing Ulm back to 13-10 and both teams settled into the flow of the rivalry. Dan Fitzgerald gave Ulm a boost off the bench burying a deep top of the key three and Romeo Travis finished in the lane to help Ulm establish the paint. At the end of the first quarter, Tubingen held a 20-17 lead.
ratiopharm Ulm guard Sebastian Betz energized Sportszentrum Kuhberg with a second quarter shooting display that pushed Ulm to a 14 point lead.
Ulm's offense continued to find its rhythm in the second quarter. With defensive stops, Ulm attacked in transition. Working in the bench, Ulm's Sebastian Betz brought energy to the floor. After a terrific road trip to Berlin and Koln last week, Basti caught fire in the second quarter igniting and Ulm rally with his perimeter shooting. Betz scored 13 points in the run as Ulm opened a double digit lead turning the tide of momentum completely toward Ulm. Captain Emeka Erege came off the bench to further help the Ulm run with excellent defense and a clutch baseline jumper to beat the shot clock late in the half.
ratiopharm Ulm forward Romeo Travis was extremely productive totaling 16 points, 8 rebounds 4 assists in the Derby game against Walter Tigers Tubingen Saturday night.
Ulm's second quarter surge filled Sportszentrum Kuhberg with pure emotion as the orange clad Ulm fans went crazy celebrating the teams run. The energizing threes from Basti Betz brought Kuhberg to a new emotional high and forced a Tubingen timeout. Keith Triplett's steal and breakaway layup added to the energy and Ulm had control of the momentum in the game. The 23-12 second quarter helped Ulm take a 40-32 halftime lead.
ratiopharm Ulm rookie point guard Per Gunther stepped into the starting lineup for injured floor general Dru Joyce and was excellent finishing with 7 points 4 assists in 36 minutes of action.
At the half, Ulm felt great about their performance including the explosive second quarter run. Sebastian Betz hit 5 of 6 first half shots including 3 of 4 threes totaling 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists in his 8 minutes on court. Basti's energy and excellent play was exactly what makes rivlaries special. Jeff Gibbs powered his way to an 8 point 8 rebound first half and Ulm hit 47% from the floor making 5 of 9 from three (56%) and 7 of 8 free throws (88%). Tubingen shot 43% in the first half making 3 of 8 threes (38%) and 5 of 7 free throws (71%). Rebounds were even at 16 in the physical game.
ratiopharm Ulm center Sean Finn finishes inside against Tubingen defender Ken Williams in Saturday nights action.
In the halftime lockerroom, Ulm discussed their defensive game plan and emphasized the importance of winning the battle on the backboards against the Tigers. Refocusing the offensive attack with several adjustments against the Tubingen ballpressure, Ulm returned to the floor aiming to build on their 8 point halftime lead.
Ulm forward Romeo Travis hammers a dunk in the first half against Tubingen.
As the second half opened, Ulm's momentum and lead began to evaporate. With each passing minute of game action, more and more drama appeared. While Rasko Katic began to physically establish the paint for Tubingen, Ulm's attack maintained their cushion with several important baskets including a Per Gunther right wing three pushing Ulm's lead to ten at 50-40 at the midpoint of the third quarter. Tubingen turned to forward Michael Haynes who reeled off 8 straight points to help the Tigers retake a 58-56 lead with one minute remaining in the third. But Ulm's Romeo Travis responded with big baskets regaining the lead for Ulm at 62-58 after three. Ulm's offense continued to produce, but Tubingen's third quarter comeback foreshadowed the drama to come later in the Derby. Ulm's
one on one post defense against Rasko Katic and one on one defense against Michael Haynes on the perimeter allowed both players to get their rhythm in the third quarter and the two Tigers scratched and clawed possession by possession until Tubingen took the lead. The fourth quarter was setting up to add another fantastic story to the traditional Baden Wurtemburg Derby between Ulm and Tubingen.
Ulm guard Sebastian Betz working against Tiger defender Richard Chaney.
Early in the fourth, Ulm tried to open their lead, but Tubingen took momentum. Ulm edged ahead but the Tigers would not go away. With five minutes to play, Ulm held a tight 68-66 lead. Ulm did not stop Rasko Katic on the block. The veteran Tiger post player established the post scoring against a variety of Ulm matchups and making plays through an Ulm post double team. Katic's bucket evened the game at 68 with under five to play. After an Ulm basket, Tubingen point guard Jermaine Anderson buried a three giving the Tigers a 71-70 lead. Lee Humphrey cooly sank two free throws and Romeo Travis converted one of two foul shots helping Ulm regain a 73-71 lead. But Katic came through again scoring inside to even the game at 73. Ulm's Keith Triplett buried a clutch pullup J pushing Ulm back ahead 75-73 with under two minutes to play. Tubingen's Branislav Ratkovica drew an Ulm foul but made only one of two free throws and Ulm clung to a tight 75-74 lead. On Ulm's next critical possession, Jeff Gibbs powered his way to two points in the lane giving Ulm a 77-74 lead. Michael Haynes stuck a tough pullup jumper in the lane pulling Tubingen back within one at 77-76 with under one minute to play. Ulm's next possession resulted in a turnover as Keith Triplett drove into the lane and was tied up with 36 seconds to play. Ulm fouled Rasko Katic with 29 seconds remaining and the Tubingen center stood at the foul line with two shots training by one. Missing his first, Katic sank the second evening the score at 77 with 29 seconds left. Ulm called for timeout. Setting their strategy on the game's important possession, Ulm prepared to execute for the game-deciding basket. After inbounding the basketball to rookie point guard Per Gunther, Ulm milked the clock running the shot clock down to ten and the game clock down to 19 seconds before initiating their quick-hitting action. The ball found Jeff Gibbs who layed in the important two points and Ulm held a 79-77 lead with seven seconds to play. Immediately, Tubingen inbounded the basketball to Tiger guard Branislav Ratkovica who pushed the ball up the floor. Racing against the clock in a rush, Ratkovica drove hard into the lane where he ran over Ulm guard Lee Humphrey who attempted to draw a charge. Prior to the contact, Ratkovica craftily slid the basketball to center Rasko Katic who quickly scored before the buzzer evening the scoreboard at 79-79 at the end of regulation. As expected, yet another Ulm-Tubingen game would require the drama of overtime.
ratiopharm Ulm All Star power forward Jeff Gibbs rises up above the crowd of Tiger defenders to extend for this finish in the first half.
In the overtime, it was Tubingen who started strong. The Tigers used big baskets from Katic, Haynes and another clutch three pointer from point guard Jermaine Anderson to build a 91-84 lead with just over two minutes to play. Ulm did manage to foul Katic out during the stretch but also lost Romeo Travis to a fifth foul on a charge call and saw a Jeff Gibbs dunk attempt rim out bouncing off the back rim. Mometum was with Tubingen and Ulm was running out of time. Out of timeouts, Ulm did not panic. A Jeff Gibbs three point play was followed by a baseline drive from Dan Fitzgerald and Keith Triplett free throws. When Ulm's Lee Humphrey buried a clutch right wing three with 42 seconds to play, Ulm had pulled within one at 95-94. Needing one defensive stop, Ulm switched the defensive matchups assinging defensive stopper Keith Triplett to cover Tiger forward Michael Haynes for the critical moments of the fourth. Unfortunately, the change in matchups also affected the teams backside rotations in team defense against the ballscreens. In the games most important possessions, the Ulm defense broke down allowing Tubingen center Ken Williams to roll free to the basket out of the ballscreen. Fortunately for Ulm, Dan Fitzgerald saved them one time with an outstanding shot block and on another occassion Williams was fouled and promptly missed two free throws. Unfortunately, though, down 95-94, Williams rolled to the basket and finished a leaning left handed layup between two Ulm defenders attempting to foul him to send him to the line. Trailing 97-94, Ulm's Per Gunther attacked the basket and drew a foul with 14 seconds to play. The heartfilled young German guard made one of his two free throws pulling Ulm within two at 97-95 and Ulm immediately fouled Tubingen's Jay Thomas on the rebound. Thomas cooly made one of two free throws giving Ulm a chance trailing by three 98-95 with 13 seconds remaining. Executing a quick transition three point play, Gunther slipped a pass to a cutting Lee Humphrey who had a deep look from the top of the key. Unfortunately for Ulm, Lee's three point attempt rimmed out and Tubingen took down the rebound with 1.9 seconds to play. Tubingen big man Ken Williams missed both free throws giving Ulm one last desperation attempt but Keith Triplett's three quarter court heave was just off to the right and the basketball thumped off the backboard bouncing off as the final buzzer sounded.
Ulm's Keith Triplett pressuring the basketball full court.
An excellent basketball game, Saturday nights Baden Wurtemburg Derby between ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen showcased the traditional rivalry and added to the rich tradition between the two teams. The outstanding performances of Michael Haynes (32 points 3 for 4 threes and 11 for 13 free throws) and Rasko Katic (26 points 5 rebounds) made the difference in the game as Tubingen shot 56% for the game and 9 of 18 from three (50%) along with 15 of 22 from the foul line (68%) in the win. Ulm outrebounded the Tigers 35-34 and shot 40% from the field making 8 of 22 threes (36%) along with 21 of 28 free throws (75%) in the exciting overtime game. Jeff Gibbs led the Ulm attack with a 26 point 12 rebound double double and Romeo Travis produced a strong 16 point 8 rebound 4 assist performance while Sebastian Betz was excellent off the Ulm bench with 13 points in the game. Dan Fitzgerald added 10 points while Keith Triplett and Lee Humphrey chipped in 9 points apiece.
In Saturday nights game, ratiopharm Ulm set a Bundesliga season high for Under 24 players minutes played as Per Gunther and Sebastian Betz combined for 53 minutes.
ratiopharm Ulm played without injured floor general Dru Joyce who missed the game due to an ankle injury, but the positive developments that came out of Dru's injury were the excellent games from young German guards Per Gunther and Sebastian Betz. Both Per and Basti continue to develop well throughout the season and the two combined to play a Bundesliga high 53 minutes for players under the age of 24. The exciting aspect for ratiopharm Ulm is that both Per and Basti played quality minutes and continue to gain confidence and experience as they play their roles within the Ulm team. Certainly Saturday nights Derby game against Tubingen is a performance both Per and Basti can build upon with confidence.
The exciting 98-95 overtime game saw ratiopharm Ulm put themselves in a position to win at the end of regulation, only to see Tubingen take the game in overtime. As with any traditional rivalry, the difference between winning and losing is often very small details. For Ulm, those details could be found in one on one post defense and a few more defensive stops on the perimeter. Pleased with the teams effort and energy, ratiopharm Ulm will return to the practice court with focus for next weekends challenging road game against MEG Goettingen Saturday night April 11th at Lokhalle in Goettingen.
Now 18-10, ratiopharm Ulm remains in fifth place in the Bundesliga standings with 6 games left in the regular season. Focused to finish the season strong and earn their first Bundesliga playoff spot, ratiopharm Ulm takes many positives from Saturday nights Baden Wurtemburg Derby. Unfortunately for Ulm, amidst all the thrilling Derby drama, Tubingen took the tight win. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
