TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
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DERBY DRAMA!
What goes into a rivalry often brings the best out of those involved in it. For ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen, the next chapter of their fantastic basketball battle unfolded on the floor of Sportszentrum Kuhberg Saturday night and the events could be just as easily played out in a movie script. Fighting through adversity, deadlocked at 52, the rival Tigers made a run late in the third quarter before Ulm's sixth man, the Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd, made their presence felt. Later, it was Konrad Wysocki's heroic return and buzzer beating bank shot that played the leading role. Supporting actors for Ulm included rookie PG Dru Joyce who was outstanding in his first Bundesliga start producing 17 points with 6 assist while Jeff Gibbs powered his way for a 17 point 10 rebound double double to help give the Ulm story a happy ending. Ulm's 84-78 home win played out as a beautiful basketball drama well deserving to be the script in the next chapter of the intense Ulm-Tubingen rivalry.
Rookie PG Dru Joyce was outstanding in his first Bundesliga start scoring 17 points with 6 assists as he helped his team ratiopharm Ulm to a hardfought 84-78 derby win over Walter Tigers Tubingen Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
As with any traditional rivalry, the history between the two Badem-Wurtenburg teams ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen is filled with memorable games and fantastic individual performances. Rivals bring out the best in one another and create the stage for athletic drama at its best. Saturday nights game at Sportszentrum Kuhberg unfolded into the next exciting chapter in the traditional Schwabish Duel between Ulm and Tubingen. While the stakes were not as high as the 2003-2004 2.Bundesliga South thrillers, both teams entered Saturday's game with determination and desire for victory --- it meant much more than simply bragging rights. What does a rivalry need to be considered special? Filled with intensity, action, controversy and fantastic individual efforts, Sportszentrum Kuhberg was a showcase for then next Ulm-Tubingen classic.
Ulm's Jeff Gibbs was a force on the floor and above the rim Saturday night in Ulm's win over rival Walter Tigers Tubingen. Jeff powered his way to 17 points with 10 boards including these two from a dropstep two hand hammer dunk!
After opening the season 4-1, injuries and other problems plagued Tubingen as the Tigers slumped to 1 win in their last 8 games. Before Christmas Tubingen had parted ways with Head Coach Aaron McCarthy and promoted Rainer Kloss to interim boss. An interesting storyline to Saturday's derby was Kloss' basketball background --- a young player on the earlier Ulm teams, Kloss was an Ulm teammate with historical Ulm names such as Jarvis Walker in the mid-1990s. Inheriting difficult circumstances of a team with high expectations, Kloss was excited to coach his first Bundesliga game at Sportszentrum Kuhberg and help bring the Tigers out of their tailspin.
However Tubingen was not the only team facing some challenges. ratiopharm Ulm caught a tough break when starting point guard Kyle Bailey fractured his thumb in a post Christmas practice session forcing him to miss several weeks. Using the week to prepare to play without their starting quarterback, ratiopharm Ulm prepped rookie PG Dru Joyce for his first Bundesliga start. The Ulm staff and teammates were completely confident in the young Akron playmaker but also were aware Joyce had big shoes to fill and added responsibility of entering the starting five. With experience of playing without captain Emeka Erege from earlier in the season, Ulm players aimed for cooperative elevation from everyone to cover for the large absence of Bailey.
Ulm All star forward Konrad Wysocki proved an inspirational figure Saturday night helping to spark the comeback win. After leaving in the early first quarter with a back injury, Wysocki returned to the game in the fourth quarter and playing a key role in ratiopharm Ulm's rally!
As fans anticipated the first game of 2008 at Sportszentrum Kuhberg, questions revolved around both teams. How would Tubingen play in their first game without former Head Coach Aaron McCarthy and how would Rainer Kloss do as an interim coach? What affect would recently added point guard Patrick Sparks have on the Tiger attack? Would the Tigers come together as a team to maximize their talent with all the changes over break? And how would Dru Joyce handle the playmaking reponsibilities for ratiopharm Ulm? The traditional Ulm-Tubingen Derby was overflowing with enticing storylines.
Soldout and packed, Sportszentrum Kuhberg was a spectacle of orange and black Ulm fans and a section of enthusiastic green and yellow Tubingen supporters --- flags, scarfs, beating drums, chants and cheers filled the stands with intensity and energy. The Kuhberg crowd completely understood the tradition and rivalry and were immediately prepared for the intense action.
Ulm post man Bryan Lucas was strong in the lane against the physical and tough Tiger D. Bryan finished with a quality 14 point 8 rebound effort in the win.
As the game tipped off, action had a different feel --- more physical, more intense and more of an edge than simply a regular game on the schedule. Like any worthwhile rivalry, records could be thrown out the window because of this extreme competitive intensity. With all of the storylines surrounding the game, this extreme edge to action was the wildcard that fueled the events that unfolded. Aggressive defense, physical contact, quick plays both teams were at a maximum with effort and focus. However, early action also revealed the Christmas break. While teams competed and played hard, both squads were not sharp and showed their rust. Teams settled into the atmosphere and Dru Joyce established himself into the game early with several nice passes and strong defense. Konrad Wysocki also emerged as a playmaker tallying 8 points and 6 rebounds in the first part of the first quarter.
Unfortunately, midway through the opening frame, Konrad came off the floor wincing in pain asking for attention from the Ulm medical staff. Immediately, team physio Andi Lacher and Dr Buch escorted the Ulm energizer to the lockerroom. Already playing without starting point guard, Ulm was shorthanded even more losing their all star small forward early in the game. The thunderbolt struck but the Ulm team kept pushing and finished the first quarter leading 20-18. A strong run of action extended the lead to 27-22 and 32-25 as Dru Joyce led the attack with two first half threes. Big man Sean Finn came off the Ulm bench to play strong post defense and give his team a lift with physical defense and a couple buckets on the offenseive end. This chapter of the Ulm-Tubingen derby was shaping up to be the next memorable matchup. All it needed was a little controversy!
Ulm's C Sean Finn also played a key role protecting the paint scoring 5 points off the bench with strong defense. Here, Finn blocks Tubingen's Ryan DeMichael.
Tubingen responded with a run. An Ulm timeout brought both teams to their benches. Fans looked to the Sportszentrum Kuhberg scoreboard as it read Tubingen 33 Ulm 32. However, after the timeout ended and teams returned to the floor lining up in free throw formation, the scoreboard showed Ulm 32 Tubingen 31. Tiger forward Ray Nixon immediately questioned the score and made the Tubingen bench aware of the discrepancy. During the timeout, the Technical commissioner had checked the official scoresheet and made the adjustment. However, several reporters agreed with the 33-32 Tubingen lead. As play continued Bingo Merriex sank two free throws which were countered by two foul shots from Dru Joyce. The Ulm scoreboard now displayed a 34-33 Ulm lead. During Joyce's free throws, Tubingen interim coach Rainer Kloss complained at the scorers table to the technical commissioner. For fans, the evening was now complete --- Tubingen put in a protest later in the game adding the controversy to the mix. The first half ended with tremendous intensity and competitive spirit on the floor. Ulm held a 38-37 lead behind the strong inside play of Jeff Gibbs and Bryan Lucas but Tubingen replied and the teams entered halftime where they began, deadlocked at 42.
Ulm sharpshooter EJ Gallup was a key factor in the win burying two big threes down the stretch including a ridiculous 30 footer from the left wing as the shot clock ran down.
On the way into the halftime lockerroom, Ulm players passed their injured teammate Konrad Wysocki lying on a training table groaning as he received medical attention from Andi Lacher and Dr Buch. In the lockerroom, Ulm focused their discussions on their defensive effort and the many easy baskets they surrendered in transition and from allowing offensive rebounds. The Tigers shot 48% from the floor and 4 of 6 from three while outrebounding Ulm 17-15 in the first 20 minutes. Positively, Ulm's Dru Joyce answered the bell immediately leading his team with 12 first half points and the Ulmers shot 51% along with a perfect 8 for 8 from the foul line. The rebounds, easy baskets and Ulm's 2 for 11 mark from three point range in the first half gave them clear confidence the second half would turn their way. Meanwhile, already without Kyle Bailey, losing Wysocki for the game would be a major blow. After examination and work, the medical team informed Ulm coaches that Konrad would be unavailable for the second half and Mike Taylor and assistant Rainer Bauer planned their rotation without their All Star 3man. As the teams returned to the floor, amidst all of the excitement and events, the game was exactly what a derby should be --- tied score at 42.
Ulm captain Emeka Erege gave his team great defensive effort and added 6 points with 2 boards in the win. Emeka knows the Ulm-Tubingen rivalry well and played with great passion Saturday.
Opening the third quarter, Tubingen demonstrated clear confidence of their own. After all their issues over break, a new coach, a new point guard, several losses weighing on them, the even score and strong first half performance solidified their teams effort and resolve. In place of the injured Wysocki, Ulm captain Emeka Erege started the second half. Four minutes into the second half, the teams battled to 52-52. Physical and intense, the third quarter turned a bit sloppy as loose balls and hustle plays filled the floor. During this phase, Ulm suffered several turnovers and empty possessions --- despite terrifice effort, Ulm looked like they had not played in a month. Tubingen capitalized on Ulm's sloppiness. A Bingo Merriex three pointer followed by a Patrick Sparks score gave the Tigers energy and a 57-52 lead forcing an Ulm timeout. At this point the Ulm sixth man became a factor. Recognizing the Ulm team needed a lift, as the team emerged from their huddle, the intelligent Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd rose with them and supported their squad with a standing ovation. With the crowd support, Ulm withstood the Tubingen rally cutting the Tiger lead from 7 to three, 61-58 at the end of three.
Led by Captain Emeka Erege, Ulm players thank the fans who provided the team with tremendous support at key moments in the second half!
What happened next is straight out of a movie. With the Ulm team in a mid-quarter huddle, Konrad Wysocki appeared from the lockerroom. Sensing something special, a buzz came over the crowd. While the fourth quarter began, Konrad stretched and prepared on the bench. Then moments into the action, Wysocki amazingly re-entered the game. Konrad's heroic return sent the Kuhberg crowd into a crazy frenzy and gave Ulm players a lift. The emotion sparked a 10-0 Ulm run with Bryan Lucas and EJ Gallup keying the action. But Tubingen was not dead yet. As with every intense rivalry, expect a 40 minute game. Three straight threes from Ray Nixon kept Tubingen in the game and creeping closer. With 3 minutes remaining, Ulm held a tight 72-70 lead over the Tigers. Ulm probed the Tubingen defense on a key possession. The physical Tigers prevented everything easy. Ulm reversed the ball and worked for an open look. None could be found. With the shot clock winding down the ball found Wysocki at the left wing. Dribbling toward the top of the key, the amazing story continud as Konrad hoisted a desperation three. For Wysocki, the bank was open. Konrad's fantastic effort to overcome injury and play through pain was rewarded with a critical banked in three from the top of the key. Sportszentrum Kuhberg nearly lost the roof from the explosion of noise from the crowd. Ulm led 75-70. Inspired by the crazy crowd, Ulm responded with a key defensive stop. Again, Tubingen defense rose to the occassion. This time with the shot clock running down the ball found Ulm's EJ Gallup on the left wing. The Ulm sharpshooter recognized the situation and set his sights on a 30 footer. Swish! Kuhberg errupted again. With just over one minute remaining, Ulm took command 78-70. Desperately working for an answer, both Bingo Merriex and Ray Nixon buried clutch threes, but Ulm's Jeff Gibbs sealed the game with two clutch free throws to give Ulm the emotional hardfought 84-78 win.
ratiopharm Ulm players and fans share a salute following the big derby win over Walter Tigers Tubingen Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
Of the many intriguing stories arising from the game, Konrad Wysocki's heroic return to help his team to win will be a memorable addition to the classic Ulm-Tubingen rivalry. Also not to be overlooked is the 17 point 6 assist performance from rookie Dru Joyce who was a terrific floor general in the midst of the intense basketball battle. Ulm's Jeff Gibbs always-present power led to a strong 17 point 10 rebound double-double and the blue collar contributions from Bryan Lucas were critical to success. EJ Gallup's 14 points and clutch threes brought the crowd to their feet while the hardworking contribution of Ulm players Emeka Erege (6 points 2 boards), Sean Finn (5 points), Florian Mobius, Jan Sprunken and Sebastian Betz will go down as a terrific team effort that responded to earn a tough win through adversity. Tubingen's Ray Nixon was excellent for the Tigers drilling 4 of 8 threes on his way to 19 points 5rebounds in the win. Rasko Katic gave his team a strong game as well producing 19 points 7 rebounds. Bingo Merriex added 17 points 9 boards and Igor Perovic chipped in 10 points 5 rebounds 4 assists. Recently signed Patrick Sparks scored 2 points with 3 assists and 2 steals. As a team, Ulm outrebounded the Tigers 37-34, and finished 20 of 23 from the foul line for 85%. Tubingen shot well from beyond the arc making 10 of 20 for 50%. In the end, the Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd gave their team a big assist resulting in the decisive 26-17 fourth quarter and bragging rights from the win. As for the controversy from the second quarter, Tubingen officials entered an official protest for the game, but the matter was properly handled by the technical commissioner at the game and will likely follow the path of past protest. Had there been a one or two point difference, then a strong arguement could be made, but he 6 point victory margin for Ulm likely renders the protest meaningless. It becomes hard to challenge any result when the Tigers took a 7 point lead in the third quarter well after the alleged missing two points before Ulm's energizer Konrad Wysocki and crowd inspired the comeback.
For basketball fans in Germany, there was no better way to tip off the 2008 than with such an intense derby like Ulm-Tubingen. What no one could have predicted is how the game would unfold. Complete with the action, suspense, controversy and heroic performances, Saturdays rivalry game at Sportszentrum Kuhberg can proudly claim the next chapter in the intense basketball battle between ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
