2010-2011

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TAYLORHOOPS.COM ULM UPDATE

VSWALTER Tigers Tübingen Logo - Saison 2008

THE DERBY!

ratiopharm Ulm vs Walter Tigers Tubingen

Saturday February 26th, 2011  7pm

Sportszentrum Kuhberg     Ulm, Germany

ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen share one of the best rivalries in Beko Bundesliga basketball. Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm, the two teams meet for the next chapter of their exciting Derby. With ratiopharm Arena under construction, Saturday could possibly be Sportszentrum Kuhberg's final Baden-Wurtemburg Derby.  A special game filled with emotion and intensity, both ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen will be ready for Saturday nights meaningful game.

ratiopharm Ulm is focused for Saturday night's Baden Wurtemburg Derby against rival Walter Tigers Tubingen.

click here for regio-tv preview!

Every game against a rival is something special.  No matter the league, the records or the roster changes, rivalries bring out the best from one another.  Sharing the same German State of Baden-Wurtemburg and seperated by less than one hours drive, the rivalry between Ulm and Tubingen has developed over decades and now stands as one of the best rivalries in the Bundesliga. As with every 'Derby', Saturday nights game is a big game for both teams and is a special game anticipated by fans from both sides.  Every game against a rival is something special.  No game between rivals is ordinary. That means something extra-ordinary every time Ulm and Tubingen meet!

ratiopharm Ulm management Andreas Oettel and Thomas Stoll pose with Liqui Moly chief Ernst Prost and Marketing director Peter Baumann at a Wednesday press conference in Ulm announcing Liqui Moly as a new sponsor.

click here for regio-tv report from Liqui Moly Press Conference

ratiopharm Ulm received outstanding news earlier this week as the team added a new sponsor in Liqui Moly.  With positive support and energy from the new sponsor, ratiopharm Ulm will bear the Liqui Moly logo on their jersey's for the first time Saturday night against Tubingen.  Ulm received another positive as playmaking guard Rocky Trice was cleared to resume practice Thursday after his hit to the head Sunday in Göttingen. 

Basketball Bundesliga Ratiopharm Ulm gegen die  Walter Tigers Tübingen. Die Ulmer holten sich den 80:79 Derbysieg in den letzten Sekunden. Nach Benzings Dreier beginnt die Kuhberg-Party.

ratiopharm Ulm forward Coleman Collins shoots over Tubingen forward Dane Watts in last seasons Derby matchup at Sportszentrum Kuhberg

Tubingen's 2010-2011 season started off at 2-2 before the first Derby matchup, a 100-83 loss to rival ratiopharm Ulm Saturday night October 30th at Paul Horn Arena in Tubingen.  Although the Tigers bounced back the next week with a road win in Dusseldorf, Tubingen went through a 2-7 stretch falling to 5-10.  Tubingen posted back to back home wins over strong teams ALBA Berlin and Telekom Baskets Bonn before dropping two straight to fall to 7-12.  But four consecutive wins 82-70 in Bonn January 30th, 95-80 over rival EnBW Ludwigsburg February 5th, 70-68 on the road in Bayreuth February 12th and 93-89 against Oldenburg at home last weekend.  On a four game win streak, Tubingen brings tremendous momentum into Saturday's rematch at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.

Basketball Bundesliga Ratiopharm Ulm gegen die  Walter Tigers Tübingen. Die Ulmer holten sich den 80:79 Derbysieg in den letzten Sekunden. Nach Benzings Dreier beginnt die Kuhberg-Party.

ratiopharm Ulm point guard Per Gunther makes a pass in transition against Tubingen in 2010!

Tubingen's roster features experienced Bundesliga talent and quality players.  Head coach Igor Perovic, a former Tiger point guard, guided Tubingen to a successful year in his first season and has reloaded the roster to make the next steps.  The team is currently playing their best basketball of the season and bring tremendous momentum into Saturday nights Derby rematch.  Veteran point guard Branislav Ratkovica leads the Tigers attack setting the table for his teammates.  Ratkovica averages 12.8ppg 3.5reb 7.9ast while hitting 28% threes this season. Forward Chris Oliver is a key for the team in scoring 13.8ppg with 6.1reb as an energizing presence.  Center Anatoly Kashirov has been a force in the paint giving the Tigers a strong 11.9ppg 4.8reb in the pivot.  Sharpshooting postman Dane Watts has been outstanding this season and currently leads Tubingen in scoring at 14.6ppg with 7.8reb hitting 41% from three.  Shooting guards Radovan Markovic (8.3ppg 38%threes) and Joe Herber (6.9ppg 35%threes) give the team quality skills on the perimeter and veteran backup guard Clifford Crawford was recently added to provide athleticism on the perimeter and depth.  Veteran guard Jay Thomas is a solid team player and hardworking defender for Tubingen.  Unfortunately for the Tigers, hardworking post man Ken Williams was recently sent home to the USA due to a health issue involving his lung.  A key part of the teams depth in the front court, all wish Ken well and a healthy recovery.  Nicolai Simon contributes as a young guard in the rotation for Tubingen. Ruben Spoeden and Akeem Vargas round out the Tigers roster. 

ratiopharm Ulm center John Bryant works against Tubingen center Anatoly Kashirov!

Earlier this season, in the first Baden Wurtemburg Derby, ratiopharm Ulm and fans were ready for Saturday nights October 30th,2010 Baden Wurtemburg Derby against rival Walter Tigers Tubingen.  After a strong team effort that put five players in double figures, ratiopharm Ulm and fans celebrated an intense 100-83 road win at Paul Horn Arena in Tubingen.  Lee Humphrey sparked a second quarter run hitting a perfect four of four from three point range in the first half as Ulm built a 54-42 advantage at the half.  Robin Benzing led the Ulm attack with 16 points 5 rebounds, Coleman Collins added 15 points 8 boards, John Bryant powered his way to a 14 point 10 rebound double double, Lee Humphrey finished with 13 points and Per Gunther added 12 points 3 assists in the win.  Earning their fourth victory over rival Tubingen in five trips to Paul Horn Arena, ratiopharm Ulm and fans celebrated this chapter of the intense rivalry as 'Derby Sieger!'

click for complete 10-30-10 Baden Wurtemburg Derby Game Summary!

ratiopharm Ulm celebrated an intense Derby win over rival Walter Tigers Tubingen Saturday night October 30th 2010 at Paul Horn Arena in Tubingen.

click here for 10-30-10 Box score

click here for photo gallery from Ulm @ Tubingen

click here for Tubingen photo gallery from Ulm @ Tubingen

click here for Orange Zone from Derby!

click here for Tigers TV report

click here for post game Press Conference

Ulm and Tubingen split a pair of exciting games in the Baden Wurtemburg Derby matchups in 2009-2010.  In the season finale for both teams,

ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen have arguably the best rivalry in the Beko Basketball Bundesliga and Saturday nights season finale scripted the next fantastic chapter in the Baden Wurtemburg Derby.  After former Ulm forward Romeo Travis finished his baseline basket cut with a strong 'And1' three point play, Tubingen positioned themselves for a win leading 79-77 with 10 seconds remaining.  But ratiopharm Ulm saved their best for last as Robin Benzing sank the game-winning three pointer with 1.3 seconds to play sending Sportszentrum Kuhberg into celebration! Hitting a tough shot from the right wing, Robin put the perfect finishing touch to the 2009-2010 ratiopharm Ulm season --- an 80-79 last second win over rivals Tubingen.

click for 5-1-10 Ulm v Tubingen Baden Wurtemburg Derby Summary!

ratiopharm Ulm's Robin Benzing hit the game winning three pointer with 1.3 seconds to play lifing his team to an exciting 80-79 home win over rival Walter Tigers Tubingein in the season-finale Baden Wurtemburg Derby.

click here for May 1, 2010 Box score

click here for Sudwest Presse photo gallery from Ulm v Tubingen

click here for photo gallery from Ulm v Tubingen

click here for regio-tv report

After three straight road wins in Paul Horn Arena, ratiopharm Ulm came up short in the heated Baden Wurtemburg Derby earlier last season against rival Walter Tigers Tubingen Wednesday night December 30th, 2009.  Starting strong, Ulm held a 17-16 lead after one quarter, but a second quarter Tiger run gave the hosts a 44-34 halftime advantage.  Ulm trimmed the gap early in the second half, but a key Tubingen run helped the Tigers take control of the game late in the third. Christian Burns led Ulm's attack with 21 points 7 rebounds while Robin Benzing added 16.  Tubingen protected their home court as the Tigers clawed Ulm. 

click for 12-30-09 Ulm @ Tubingen Baden Wurtemburg Derby Summary!

ratiopharm Ulm's Austen Rowland draws contact from Walter Tiger Tubingen post player Dane Watts in the Baden Wurtemburg Derby December 30th, 2009.

Per Gunther drives to the basket in the December 30th, 2009 road game at Paul Horn Arena against Walter Tigers Tubingen.

ratiopharm Ulm post man Coleman Collins works in the paint against Tubingen defenders Romeo Travis and Alexsander Nadjfeji in the December 30th, 2009 Baden Wurtemburg Derby.

In 2008-2009, Ulm and Tubingen split Derby games with each team winning on the opponents home floor.  ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen have a long history of fantastic games in their Baden Wurtemburg Derby.  Saturday night April 4, 2009 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!

click for 4-4-09 Ulm v Tubingen Baden Wurtemburg Derby Game Summary!

Basketball Bundesliga Ratiopharm Ulm gegen die  Walter Tigers Tübingen. Die Ulmer holten sich den 80:79 Derbysieg in den letzten Sekunden. Nach Benzings Dreier beginnt die Kuhberg-Party.

ratiopharm Ulm's Lee Humphrey in action against Tubingen at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in 2009-2010!

ratiopharm Ulm won for the third straight season in Tubingen Arena, beating Walter Tigers Tubingen 84-77 Saturday night November 29th, 2008 in this seasons first edition of the Baden-Wurtemburg Derby.  Powered by 400 loud orange-vested fans, Ulm overcame the loss of center Sean Finn to an early ankle injury with a strong team effort.  Point guard Dru Joyce topscored with a season-best 25 point performance while Lee Humphrey drilled 5 three pointers on his way to 22 and Romeo Travis added a solid 21 point 11 rebound double double including a cool 9 of 10 from the foul line. While the team production on the floor was excellent, ratiopharm Ulm fans helped energize their team with tremendous enthusiasm inspiring the team to celebrate with the fans after the final buzzer.  Earning their third straight win, ratiopharm Ulm's exciting road win over rival Tubingen was simply FAN-tastic!

Click for 11-29-08 Ulm @ Tubingen Baden-Wurtemburg Derby Game Summary!

ratiopharm Ulm storms the stands taking their 'Baden-Wurtemburg Derby' victory celebration to the fans Saturday night November 29th, 2008 at Tubingen Arena.

In the 2007-2008 season ratiopharm Ulm beat Tubingen twice in Bundesliga play.  Ulm understood the meaning of Wednesday night April 23rd, 2008 Baden-Wurtemburg Derby against rival Walter Tigers Tubingen. Focused like the eye of the tiger, ratiopharm Ulm opened the first quarter on fire hitting 5 three pointers and used excellent transition basketball to build a 41-25 first half lead.  But as with any excellent rivalry between archenemies, winning requires a complete 40 minute game.  After a strong Tubingen comeback and 63-61 Tiger lead with seven minutes to play, ratiopharm Ulm responded to finish the game on a 17-7 run with big baskets from Jeff Gibbs, Dru Joyce and EJ Gallup to seal the win. 

Click for complete Ulm @ Tubingen 4-23-08 Game Summary!

Basketball Bundesliga Ratiopharm Ulm gegen die  Walter Tigers Tübingen. Die Ulmer holten sich den 80:79 Derbysieg in den letzten Sekunden. Nach Benzings Dreier beginnt die Kuhberg-Party.

ratiopharm Ulm fans celebrate Robin Benzing's game winning three point shot against Tubingen in 2010!

January 5th, 2008 Walter Tigers Tubingen pushed to a 57-52 lead before finishing the third quarter up 61-58.  A 10-0 Ulm run sparked by Bryan Lucas and EJ Gallup turned momentum in the fourth, but as with any great rivalry, Tubingen battled to the end.  Ulm's All Star small forward Konrad Wysocki left the game due to a back injury in the first quarter but returned to inspire his team down the stretch in a special moment at Sportszentrum Kuhberg.  Ulm's emotional win was celebrated by fans enthusiastically. 

Click for Ulm v Tubingen Game Summary from January 5, 2008

Tracking the Ulm-Tubingen rivalry, recent games since 2003-2004 season have added to the competitive history between the two teams.  Ulm and Tubingen split their first two official games since both teams returned to the Bundesliga.  Both teams won on their opponents home floor in 2006-2007.  In the final game of last season, Ulm's Bryan Lucas led the way with 16 points while EJ Gallup drilled 5 of 9 threes to drop 15 points.  Jeff Gibbs added 10 points 12 rebounds 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.  Click the links below for Game Summaries from recent Ulm v Tubingen rivalry games:

2007-2008 Preseason Fritz & Macziol Cup

2006-2007 May 12th Game Summary

2006-2007 January 14th Game Summary

In 2004-2005 Tubingen played in the Bundesliga while Ulm remained in the 2.Bundesliga South.  The two teams met only in the preseason at Ulm's Fritz & Macziol Classic.  In 2005-2006, ratiopharm Ulm enjoyed their 2.Bundesliga South Championship season while Tubingen battled in the Bundesliga.  Again, the two teams met only in the preseason at Ulm's Fritz & Macziol Cup.  For the record, the Tigers captured the Ulm tournament title both preseasons.

2003-2004 saw the two teams battle head-to-head throughout the 2.Bundesliga South season as both chased the league championship.  Tubingen was the favorite and the early season Double-overtime win in Ulm gave them the upper hand of playing the season in the lead.  Meanwhile, ratiopharm Ulm hunted Tubingen for the remainder of the season and set up a second season-definining game in Tubingen in early March.  Again, as that game tipped off, a second instant classic was born.  After terrific resiliency in coming back twice, it was ratiopharm Ulm who had a chance to steal a win on the road.  Tied 70-70 with last seconds ticking down, Ulm captain Emeka Erege found himself open on the right wing.  Unfortunately, Emeka's three point look went halfway in and rimmed out sending the game to over time --- fitting for the season after their October Double-OT duel. Tubingen surged ahead early in the extra session before another outstanding Ulm comeback.  Finally, in overtime, tied 84-84, Ulm executed an endline inbound play to score with under ten seconds to play.  A defelected pass resulted in a loose ball scramble which led to officials calling Erege for his 5th foul.  Emeka became Ulm's tragic hero --- scoring 30 points in an unbelieveable effort, the team saw the first glimpse of their captain's "Warriors heart".  But Ulm was forced to watch Tubingen's Sebastian Maio walk the entire length of the floor to the foul line for two winning free throws with 2 seconds left in overtime. The 86-84 road loss was the second heartbreaker for the young Ulm team against Tubingen.  The scars of 2003-2004 became 5 points and three overtimes.  These classic games added to the tremendous history of the Ulm-Tubingen rivalry. 

ratiopharm Ulm guard Rocky Trice!

As with every excellent rivalry, there is no love lost on or off the floor.  Click on the following two links for clips from the Tubingen fan block chanting against Ulm:

click here Tubingen fan block video

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=oyIhJySvE-w

http://de.youtube.com/watch?v=mLZqxFuaKqA

Certainly, both teams are ready.  And so are the fans! The Baden Wurtemburg Derby Atmosphere between ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen is extra special because of the intensity from the fans!

Every Baden Wurtemburg Derby between ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen is special. The Beko Bundesliga features several excellent rivalries, but the Derby between Ulm and Tubingen ranks among the top.  Not only are the games important for the teams and fans, but both cities take pride in beating each other.  As with every great rivalry, games between ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen are more about emotion and intensity and less about records or statistics.  Everyone involved will give their all and games are a complete 40 minute basketball battle that often have a tendancy to go unsettled without overtime. 

ratiopharm Ulm sets their sights on the next challenge in the Baden Wurtemburg Derby against rival Walter Tigers Tubingen.  Certainly, Saturday nights Derby is a highlight of the season for both ratiopharm Ulm and Walter Tigers Tubingen. For basketball fans in the region, it's not only a Derby --- Ulm against Tubingen is THE DERBY!  And as both teams are prepared to fight for bragging rights.  Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm Bundesliga Basketball action this season on Taylorhoops.com! 

GO ULM!

MIKE T

TAYLORHOOPS.COM GAME NOTES

Ulm Roster

Lee Humphrey: captain ready for next Derby v Tubingen

Rocky Trice: Ulm impact player cleared after hit to head v Göttingen

Sean Sonderleiter: hardworking post man focused for Derby

Coleman Collins: important matchup with Watts and Tiger big men

Robin Benzing: ready for next Baden Wurtemburg Derby!

John Bryant: excellent matchup against Anatoly Kashirov

Travis Walton: ready for challenge v Tiger PGs

Sebastian Betz: has played in seven Derby games v Tubingen

Per Gunther: focused for next game against rival Tigers

Michael Wenzl: young post man focused for Derby v Tigers!

Head Coach: Mike Taylor

Asst Coach : Tunde Adekola

 

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Location: Tubingen, Germany

Main Sponsor:  Walter

Home Court:  Paul Horn Arena

website:  www.walter-tigers.de

2007-2008: 10-24 15th place Bundesliga

2008-2009: 14-20 14th place Bundesliga

2009-2010: 16-18 12th place Bundesliga

Offense: Tubingen has excellent inside-outside balance with Anatoly Kashirov providing quality on the block and three point shooting from power forward Dane Watts.  Point guard Branislav Ratkovica directs the Tiger attack and excells in transition and ballscreens.  Talented wing Chris Oliver leads the Tigers in scoring and the team features several good role players on the bench.

Defense: Tubingen enjoys physical post players with good size and experienced team defenders.  More experienced than last seasons Tubingen team, this years Tiger squad plays a tough man to man defense and will mix in zones, presses and random traps into their game plan. 

GM:   Robert Wintermantel

Head Coach:  Igor Perovic

Players:

Branislav Ratkovica: hardworking PG enjoying strong season

Ken Williams: athletic lefty post sent home with health problem (lung)

Chris Oliver: athletic forward a versatile key for Tigers success

Dane Watts: 3pt shooting post making a difference for Tigers

Jay Thomas: excellent perimeter D/team player

Anatoly Kashirov: excellent center/great matchup v John Bryant

Radovan Markovic: 3pt shooter and talented wing player

Clifford Crawford:  veteran athletic G recently added to backcourt

Joe Herber: smart, talented G has worked his way back from injury

Nicolai Simon: hardworking young G/solid role player for Tigers

 

 

 

 
 
 

 
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