Ulm Triumphs in Thrilling Season Opener Against Trefl Sopot

Date: September 25, 2024
Ulm’s basketball team, ratiopharm Ulm, kicked off their Eurocup season with a nail-biting victory over the Polish champions, Trefl Sopot, winning 96 to 93 after an exhilarating overtime finish.

Coach Ty Harrelson reflects on a hard-fought game.

Early Challenges for Ulm

In the initial moments of the game, it was Philipp Herkenhoff who emerged as a key player for Ulm, netting six points right out of the gate. Alongside him, Justinian Jessup matched the intensity with two quick three-pointers. However, despite their efforts, Ulm’s performance was hampered by the physical defense deployed by Trefl Sopot. The Polish team dominated the court, taking an early lead of 32-23 by the end of the first quarter, leaving Ulm scrambling for answers.

A Tidal Shift in Second Quarter

As the second quarter unfolded, Ulm continued to struggle defensively, as they allowed Trefl to move the ball swiftly across the court. Coach Harrelson called for a time-out as frustrations mounted, but his strategy started to pay off as Ulm reduced the deficit to just three points by halftime, trailing 41-38. The turning point hinged on tightening their defense and finding the rhythm that had eluded them in the first quarter.

Resurgence in the Second Half

The second half began with the teams trading baskets, but eventually, Ulm managed to close the gap, especially in a moment that showcased their potential—a stunning assist from Ben Saraf to Isaiah Roby who executed an explosive dunk. With a three-pointer from Alfonso Plummer, Ulm was within one point at 48-47. However, lacking the composure and experience needed to seize the lead—elements crucially missing from the absence of players like Klepeisz and Jallow—Ulm found themselves trailing again, ending the third quarter at 62-55 in favor of the Poles.

The intensity of Eurocup competition soars in the new season.

Fighting Spirit Leads to Overtime

The final quarter looked grim for Ulm as they fell behind, but in typical sports fashion, they clawed their way back into contention. Noa Essengue dazzled with his individual efforts, leading to a critical equalizer courtesy of Ben Saraf, just before the final buzzer, triggering an unexpected overtime with the scoreboard at 81-81.

The Deciding Moments in Overtime

Overtime brought a climactic finish that had the audience on the edge of their seats. Both teams battled fiercely, and as the minutes chipped away, the score stood level at 93-93 with only a minute left. It was Jessup, the standout performer for Ulm with 20 points, who took matters into his own hands, sinking a decisive shot that clinched the victory two seconds before the end.

The next challenge awaits Ulm as they gear up to face Joventut Badalona in their home arena. The match promises excitement as Ulm looks to build on this thrilling start to their Eurocup campaign.

Looking Ahead

Following this thrilling debut, the Ulm squad will prepare for their next match on October 1, facing the formidable Joventut Badalona. With a mix of determination and strategic adjustments, Coach Ty Harrelson and his team are eager to make a strong statement in their Eurocup journey.

As the Eurocup unfolds, the atmosphere in Ulm is electric, and fans are undoubtedly looking forward to what lies ahead for this promising team.