TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
106 
83
Lucas, Bench Key Victory in Karlsruhe!
ratiopharm Ulm bounced back from Sunday's loss against Bamberg in a big way by beating BG Karlsruhe 106-83 Wednesday night at Europahalle in Karlsruhe, Germany. Center Bryan Lucas was in top form hitting a league best 12 of 13 field goal attempts for a strong 27 point 10 rebound effort. But Lucas was not alone. Ulm's team victory resulted from quality production from the entire unit including the infamous "Bench Mob" of Florian Mobius, Jan Sprunken, Konrad Wysocki, Christian Grosse and Martin Thuesen who made excellent contributions within their important rolls on the team. Most effective of the "Mobbers", Mobius and Wysocki filled in admirably for missing big man Maksym Shtein who did not travel with the team due to the flu. Ulm teamwork synergized for 59% shooting, 19 assists and a game breaking 30-16 third quarter.
Ulm C Bryan Lucas was outstanding scoring 27 points with 10 rebounds on a sharp 12 of 13 shooting.
At the tip, both teams opened with uptempo attacks running the floor with prolific offensive production. Teams exchanged runs at each other. Ulm opened 8-2 with inside finishes from Bryan Lucas. BG Karlsruhe featured a talented perimeter with Narcisse Ewodo, combo guard Dominic Jones and quick playmaker David Fergerson. Together, these three pushed the tempo and looked for quick offense in transition and one on one against Ulm. Karlsruhe climbed even. Meanwhile, Ulm ran right back at Karlsruhe. The mix resulted in an exciting up and down end to end offensive first quarter. With 2 minutes remaining in the first quarter, Ulm's bench made its initial impression when Konrad Wysocki sank a three from the top of the key. Capitalizing on the momentum, Ulm opened a 25-15 lead. At the end of the first quarter, Ulm held a 27-20 advantage.
click here for complete Ulm @ Karlsruhe box score
Ulm's Jonathan Levy finishes this halfcourt alley oop from Austen Rowland Wednesday at Europahalle in Karlsruhe. Levy scored 14 points with 4 boards in the win.
Karlsruhe made a strong 10-0 run starting the second quarter to briefly take a lead at 29-28. Ulm pushed forward as Lucas continued his offensive clinic in the paint. Several exciting plays highlighted the first half for Ulm. First, Jeff Gibbs delivered a "Magic Johnson" full-court-fast-break-on-the-run-one-hand-bounce-pass splitting defenders on the money to a streaking Bryan Lucas. Next, Austen Rowland glided a beautiful halfcourt lob pass to Jonathan Levy who two-handed the alley oop home! But, ratiopharm Ulm was working through difficult foul challenges as Jeff Gibbs, Konrad Wysocki and Austen Rowland were all stuck with two fouls in the first half. Florian Mobius filled in the post minutes while Jan Sprunken, Martin Thuesen and Christian Grosse made key contributions to the backcourt. Lucas remained perfect (6 for 6) from the floor in the first half, Ulm survived the foul trouble and held a 45-39 lead at the half. Ulm shot 63% from the floor (19-30) and 100% (6-6) from the foul line in the first half. After the exciting end to end offensive twenty minutes, the key for victory was within defense --- specifically, the team that locked down and established itself defensively would likely earn the win.
ratiopharm Ulm's Konrad Wysocki gave his team a big lift with 14 points and energy as he helped fill in for ill Maksym Shtein.
At the half ratiopharm Ulm stayed committed to their offensive game plan, but discussed several adjustments that would hopefully help them to finish the game. With strong leadership from captain Emeka Erege and committment from the total team, Ulm returned to the floor ready to make the next step.
Ulm Jeff Gibbs powered his way to 13 points 9 boards in the win.
Wednesday's game was mental for both teams. Karlsruhe played in northern Germany losing to Bremerhaven Sunday and traveling home with short preparation for this midweek matchup. Meanwhile, Ulm fell to favored brose Baskets Bamberg Sunday in Ulm. Refusing to accept fatigue, hungry for victory, ratiopharm Ulm aimed for a strong third quarter.
That's exactly what they got. Changing defenses effectively, Ulm outscored Karlsruhe 30-16 in the third breaking open the game and positioning themselves for a solid road win. Point guard Austen Rowland jump-started the attack with outstanding play in transition and money three point shooting (3 for 3). Bryan Lucas continued his post-play display and Ulm's starting five ignited a 14-0 run that energized the team. Confused by the changing defenses and zone, Karlsruhe's fastbreak attack slowed. Meanwhile, triggered by the defensive stops, ratiopharm Ulm was able to create offense from their defense. Thriving on the energy from the run, Ulm built a commanding 67-45 lead. Ulm had outscored Karlsruhe 22-6 in the first 7 minutes of the second half. At the end of three, the scoreboard at Europahalle read Ulm 75-55.
Ulm's PG Austen Rowland errupted in the second half for 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists as he helped break the game open in transition.
Karlsruhe's Narcisse Ewodo hit two threes in the early 4th and Dominic Jones continued to attack, but starting guard David Fergerson was out of action due to a hand injury. Ulm rotated the bench with continued production. Jan Sprunken and Christian Grosse drilled threes in the final quarter. Ulm continued to demonstrate their team concept and everyone in Europahalle could visibly see how much fun the team was having together. Ulm outscored Karlsruhe 31-28 in the 4th quarter to earn their 4th win, a 106-83 "auswartsiege gegen Karlsruhe".
Forever teammates: Ulm's Jan Sprunken and Karlsruhe's Ryan Bond (former teammates in Schwelm) greet one another post game.
ratiopharm Ulm shot an impressive 59% (42-71) for the game and 76% from the foul line (13-17), dished out 19 assists with only 12 turnovers and outrebounded Karlsruhe 40-29. Bryan Lucas owned the paint with 27 points 10 rebounds while Jeff Gibbs contributed 13 points 9 boards to the win. Austen Rowland produced 16 points 7 assists and Jonathan Levy added 14 points 4 rebounds. From the bench, Konrad Wysocki was key with 14 points leading the "Bench Mob". Karlsruhe, now 2-4, was led by Narcisse Ewodo's 21 point effort. Domonic Jones added 14 points and Stefan Svitek 13 in the loss.
ratiopharm Ulm enjoys the win with their fans!
ratiopharm Ulm now looks ahead to the second half of "Rivalry Week" when the team travels to Rundesporthalle in Ludwigsburg to meet regional rival and unbeaten league leading EnBW Ludwigsburg for a 7:30pm Saturday night tip. Follow all the fastbreaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
