TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE
Bundesliga Playoffs 2009
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HEARTBREAKER AT HOME
BONN HOLDS OFF ULM COMEBACK IN GAME 2!
Trailing Telekom Baskets Bonn by 17 points 67-50 with 7:34 remaining in the fourth quarter, ratiopharm Ulm huddled in a timeout facing an 0-2 deficit in their best-of-five Bundesliga quarterfinal series. With their backs against the wall, Ulm rallied together for a tremendous comeback outscoring Bonn 15-0 down the stretch pulling within one 70-69. Unfortunately for Ulm, the storybook ending was not to be. After a defensive stop gave Ulm the ball down one with 18 seconds to play, an errant pass turnover gave the ball back to Bonn. Following Bonn foul shots, Ulm had the ball down two 71-69 with 2.7 seconds to play. Inbounding the ball to point guard Dru Joyce, Ulm's floor general raced the length of the floor for a desperation runner just inside the top of the key. As the ball banked off the back of the rim, Ulm's stunning comeback fell just short. Ulm's first home playoff game in ten years, fell just short of a Sportszentrum Kuhberg classic as ratiopharm Ulm's comeback fell just short at the final buzzer. Down 0-2 in the series, ratiopharm Ulm looks to stay alive with a Game 3 road win over Bonn at Telekom Dome Sunday.
ratiopharm Ulm players Sean Finn (54), Jeff Gibbs and teammates gave everything they had in the heartbreaking 71-69 Game 2 home loss to Telekom Baskets Bonn Thursday at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm.
Click here for Ulm v Bonn Game 2 Box Score
click here for Ulm v Bonn photo gallery
Thursday May 21, 2009 will go down as a special day in Ulm basketball history. After ten years, playoff basketball returned to Sportszentrum Kuhberg as ratiopharm Ulm hosted their first playoff game of the 2009 Bundesliga best-of-five quarterfinal series against Telekom Baskets Bonn. While the game alone would be important enough, events around the on-court action generated tremendous positive energy. First, a new-east bleacher and foye was unveiled at Sportszentrum Kuhberg. Next, Thursday was 'ratiopharm day' as the teams main sponsor was celebrated tipping off the playoffs. And finally, prior to tip-off, ratiopharm Ulm rookie point guard Per Gunther was honored by the Bundesliga as vice-president Jens Braemer presented the 21 year old PG with Bundesliga Rookie of the Year ring. As if these special storylines were not enough, Thursday's Game 2 fell on the German holiday of Father's Day. With all of these exciting stories adding up, a sold-out Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd was on fire for Game 2 action!
Per Gunther shows off his Bundesliga Rookie of the Year ring presented to him pre-game by Bundesliga Vice-President Jens Braemer.
CEO Oliver Windholz addresses Sportszentrum Kuhberg on 'ratiopharm day' saluting main sponsor ratiopharm Thursday evening.
At tip off, ratiopharm Ulm aimed to capitalize on all of the positive energy surrounding the game as they worked to protect their homecourt and even the playoff series at 1-1. But Telekom Bonn came to play. After Ulm scored the opening basket of the game, Bonn charged to a 9-0 run early in the game. Racing to a 9-2 lead, Bonn hit several tough shots early as they found their rhythm. Working hard to establish the post, Ulm center Sean Finn reeled off 6 straight points pulling ratiopharm Ulm back within one at 9-8. Ulm answered the early Bonn run with an 11-0 run of their own. After entering the game and providing instant energy with attacking dribble drives, Ulm guard Keith Triplett gave his team their first lead with a follow up of his own miss in the lane. As Ulm held a 10-9 lead, both teams felt early game nerves as missed shots and turnovers filled the next few possessions before Ulm pushed to a 13-11 lead at the end of the first quarter.
ratiopharm Ulm Sebastian Betz drives the heart of the Bonn defense in first half action of Game 2 Thursday at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.
After the first ten minutes of Game 2, Ulm had hit 6 of their 12 shots with center Sean Finn a perfect 4 for 4 scoring 8 of his teams 13 first quarter points. Ulm outrebounded Bonn 9-4 but suffered 6 turnovers in the first ten minutes. Bonn hit 5 of their 12 shots (42%) including 1 of 6 threes in the first ten minutes. Holding their 13-11 lead, ratiopharm Ulm aimed for another run.
ratiopharm Ulm floor general Dru Joyce attacks the Bonn defense in a pick and roll with center Sean Finn. Dru gave tremendous effort for Ulm scoring 15 points with 7 assists in Game 2.
While the first quarter saw both teams working to find their rhythm resulting in a cautious flow to the game, quarter two opened up as both Ulm and Bonn got out in transition. The game tightened. Sean Finn continued his strong first half with two more baskets and Dru Joyce buried a top of the key three off an endline inbound play against the Bonn 2-3 zone. Ulm edged ahead, but Bonn battled back. Five minutes into the second quarter, the game was even at 22. Bonn responded with a run of their own opening a lead on the strength of five consecutive three point shots. Alex King hit a right wing three, JJ Strasser hit back to back threes and Brandon Bowman buried three of his four threes in the first half. After a timeout helped Ulm re-group, the hosts fought back to tie the game at 38 at the half.
ratiopharm Ulm center Sean Finn powered the attack topscoring with 18 points 8 rebounds in a terrific Game 2 effort. Sean hit 8 of 9 shots against the tough Bonn D.
Even at halftime, Ulm and Bonn were locked in a possession by possession duel. Ulm sank 58% of their shots in the first half including making 4 of their 6 threes and 4 of 6 free throws. Bonn shot 48% from the floor in the first half making 6 of their 13 threes and 4 of 6 free throws. Ulm outrebounded Bonn 16-10. With twenty minutes to play, even at 38, ratiopharm Ulm aimed to be the team that made the run with a strong start to the second half.
ratiopharm Ulm All Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs works in the post against Bonn forward Vincent Yarbrough Thursday night in Game 2. Jeff produced a hard-earned 12 point 11 rebound double double, his second of the playoffs.
Unfortunately for Ulm, as the second half started, the men in magenta dictated the game. The first five minutes of the third quarter remained tight, possession by possession action as Bonn held a 46-44 lead. But Ulm's offense sputtered over the final five minutes of the third. In fact, ratiopharm Ulm was outscored 19-7 in the third quarter producing 3 points in the final 6 minutes and 40 seconds of the third. Tenacious Bonn defense and shots that rimmed out contributed to the Ulm dry spell. At the end of three, Ulm faced a 57-45 deficit. Already trailing 1-0 in the best of five series, needing to protect home court and get the win in Game 2, ratiopharm Ulm was on the ropes.
ratiopharm Ulm sharpshooter Lee Humphrey drilled a clutch late three from the right corner as a key part of Ulm's thrilling comeback effort.
In the fourth, the hole deepened. After point guard EJ Rowland drilled a tough contested left wing three, Bonn held a commanding 17 point lead 67-50 with 7:34 to play. Bonn seemed in complete control ready to coast to a 2-0 series lead. But ratiopharm Ulm huddled in a timeout. With their backs against the wall facing a 17 point deficit, ratiopharm Ulm returned to the floor with determination and will. Ulm rallied. It started with an athletic Jeff Gibbs scoop shot through a Bonn foul. Although Jeff was unable to complete the three point play, Ulm's Romeo Travis snuck between Bonn blockouts to tip home the miss giving Ulm a fast four points and a 67-54 game. After a defensive stop, Gibbs swooped down the lane for an athletic finger roll pulling Ulm within 67-56. Another defensive stop led to a strong Dru Joyce drive and finish through a Bonn foul. Ulm's deficit was less than ten as Dru stepped to the foul line. While Dru rimmed out his foul shot, Ulm's Jeff Gibbs relentlessly rebounded the loose ball and scored on a stickback pulling Ulm to 67-60 with 3:58 to play. Another defensive stop gave Ulm the ball and this time Joyce zipped a perfect bounce pass to a cutting Gibbs who slipped a screen on the right side. Fouled going up for the slam, Jeff cooly sank both free throws and Ulm was within 5 at 67-62. But a shot clock violation and Bonn block snuffed Ulm's next two offensive possessions preventing them from pulling closer. On the other end, Bonn's Brandon Bowman came up empty on two foul shots and Ulm's defense continued to rise to the occassion. Finally with just over two minutes to play and the shot clock running down, ratiopharm Ulm sharpshooter ran a baseline cut on a sideline inbound play moving into the right corner. Quickly turning to beat the shotclock, Lee buried a huge three point shot pulling Ulm within two 67-65. Sportszentrum Kuhberg had never been louder. Fouling Bowman once again, the former Georgetown Hoya converted one of two and Bonn led 68-65 with 1:48 to play. Ulm's next possession went through All Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs who attacked the basket with a strong drive. After Jeff's shot rimmedout, the loose ball scramble saw seven players hustle for the rebound and the ball tipped twice. An alert Bowman outraced Ulm's Lee Humphrey for the basketball and the lucky bounce led talented Bonn forward to finish a breakaway slam. Ulm called their final timeout with 1:38 to play trailing 70-65.
Setting strategy for the next possession and remainder of the game, ratiopharm Ulm worked for a quick basket and prepared for the fouling game. Out of the midcourt sideline play, Ulm's set was covered and point guard Dru Joyce organized one of the team's quick hitter ballscreen plays. Creating an advantage, Ulm moved the basketball with penetration breaking down the defense before sharpshooter Lee Humphrey was open once again on the right win. With a clean look in rhythm, Lee's three just rimmed out. Intelligently, Gibbs immediately fouled Bonn's Bowman. Needing one more foul, a sideline inbound pass found Bonn's EJ Rowland where Ulm's Joyce quickly fouled him for the fifth team foul. Sportszentrum Kuhberg roared. Rowland came up empty. On the other end, Sean Finn slid along the baseline under the rim for a skillful reverse layup bringing Ulm within 70-67. In a one possession game, Ulm did not foul choosing to pressure Bonn fullcourt. The team defense paid off as Bowman traveled at midcourt. Down three with 46 seconds to play, Ulm had their first chance to tie. Floor general Dru Joyce attacked the basket driving hard to the right. Extending his play along the baseline looking for an open teammate, Dru was fouled by Bonn forward Vincent Yarbrough. Stepping to the line with 37 seconds to play, Dru cooly sank both free throws and Ulm was within one 70-69. The miraculous comeback was nearly complete. Playing for a defensive stop, with tremendous energy from the loud Sportszentrum Kuhberg crowd, Ulm's team D stepped up. Sean Finn challenged a midlane EJ Rowland finish and Dru Joyce grabbed the rebound with 18 seconds to play. Pushing the ball up the floor in transition, the game was on the line. Sportszentrum Kuhberg fans were on their feet. Joyce zipped a ballahead pass to Humphrey who quickly moved the ball to Romeo Travis in the right corner. Without an advantage and with no numbers, Travis returned the basketball to Humphrey on the right wing and the former Florida Gator dribbled to the right corner. Travis popped to the right wing replacing Humphrey and Lee reversed the basketball. Point guard Dru Joyce stood at the top calling for the ball. But Travis spotted Jeff Gibbs open along the baseline and tried to slip a bounce pass to the All Star power forward. Alertly, Bonn's Bowman tipped the ball away and forward Vincent Yarbrough came up with the loose ball steal. The turnover with 4.7 seconds was followed with an immediate foul. Yarbrough had two shots.
Ulm and Bonn hustled with great effort and intensity in the competitive Game 2. Here Sean Finn wrestles for the basketball with Bonn's John Bowler and Alex King (top).
ratiopharm Ulm fans were on their feet and screaming at the top of their lungs as the former Denver Nugget stepped to the foul line. Kuhberg went crazy. Out of timeouts, Ulm players communicated their game plan. With two makes, Bonn would have a three point lead and Ulm was ready for the situation needing a two or a three. Ulm's players checked their blockout assignments as Yarbrough released his first foul shot. It caromed hard off the basket. Kuhberg errupted with energy. 70-69 on the scoreboard, Ulm needed only a basket to tie if Yarbrough's second shot was good. It was not. The ball bounced off the rim once again. This time, into the mix of athletes in the lane. Through two Ulm defenders, Bonn's Brandon Bowman once again poked the ball loose. This time, Bowman tipped the ball away from Ulm rebounders and Yarbrough snatched the floating basketball from mid-air. Failing to secure the rebound, Ulm was forced to foul once again. Losing 2 precious seconds, Ulm was left with 2.7 seconds to work with. Yarbough would once again be on the line for two shots with a 70-69 lead. At most Ulm would be down three. Again, the Kuhberg crowd did everything possible to disupt Yarbrough --- and the talented Bonn forward missed his third straight! But calmly collecting himself, Vincent stepped up and sank the second shot giving Bonn a 71-69 lead with 2.7 seconds left. Ulm inbounded the ball to point guard Dru Joyce and the former Akron Zip demonstrated his speed in an exciting full court dribble-sprint racing against the clock. With the fans on their feet and the game on the line, Dru was determined to put the finishing touches on Ulm's fantastic comeback effort and force overtime with a game tying basket. As the clock ticked away, Dru released his runner from just inside the top of the key. Unfortunately for ratiopharm Ulm, the clock struck twelve on their storybook ending as Dru's shot bounced hard off the back of the rim and back into the lane at the buzzer. Bonn errupted in pink celebration while the air came out of Sportszentrum Kuhberg. Trailing by 17 points with 7:36 to play, ratiopharm Ulm stormed back with a heart-filled 15-0 late fourth quarter run only to be heartbroken at the buzzer in their 71-69 home loss.
ratiopharm Ulm forward Romeo Travis delivers a pass against Bonn's Vincent Yarbrough.
Sean Finn led the Ulm attack with a strong 18 point 8 rebound effort while Jeff Gibbs posted a 12 point 11 rebound double double and Dru Joyce added 15 points 7 assists in the loss. Romeo Travis totaled 10 points 8 boards 4 assists for Ulm who shot 45% for the game hitting 5 of 16 threes (31%) and 12 of 20 free throws (60%). Bonn was led by Brandon Bowman's 20 points as the lone double digit scorer. Bonn shot 52% as a team hittng 7 of 18 threes (39%) and 8 of 19 free throws (42%). Ulm outrebounded Bonn 36-28.
Trailing Bonn 0-2 in the Best of Five Series, ratiopharm Ulm faces elimination in Sunday evenings Game 4 at Telekom Dome in Bonn. The game can be seen live all over the world on BBL.TV by www.sportdigital.tv tipping off at 5pm central European time and 11am eastern time. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com!
GO ULM!
MIKE T
