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BAYREUTH EFFORT SNAPS ULM STREAK BBC Bayreuth started and finished the game strong earning an 83-68 win over ratiopharm Ulm at Bayreuth's Oberfrankenhalle Wednesday night in 2.Bundesliga South basketball action. A strong rebounding and aggressive defensive effort typified Bayreuth's performance in a game they dictated tempo from tip to buzzer.
Ulm Head Coach Mike Taylor watches Bayreuth dictate early action. Coming off back to back big wins over Heidelberg and Nurnberg, Ulm started slowly as Bayreuth jumped out to a 7-0 lead. Hungry for a big win, 3rd place Bayreuth put immediate pressure on Ulm with hardworking defense and active offensive rebounding. Maksym Shtein finally cracked the scoring column for Ulm Bayreuth extended the first quarter run to 12-4 before Ulm began to battle back. Ulm suffered from several mental mistakes and game plan errors during their "sleepwalking" stretch to open the game. Bayreuth players outworked Ulm on the boards and scored easy baskets off back cuts. Although Bayreuth was quicker to loose balls and long rebounds, Ulm players bobbled boards out of bounds and mishandled possible recoveries adding to their slow start. Trimming the deficit, Ulm climbed back into the game ending the first quarter down 3, 22-19. Early three point shots from Kenny Price and Peter Heizer contributed to Ulm's comeback. Considering the startling start, Ulm felt good about the small three point margin.
Ulm discusses strategy during a first half timeout Opening the second quarter on a roll, Ulm overcame the early deficit gaining the lead for the first time in the game 23-22 with 7 minutes remaining in the first half. Center Maksym Shtein emerged as the main offensive weapon for Ulm but Bayreuth center Brandon Griffin seemed to match him play for play --- the athletic big man from Southeast Missouri State who has developed into one of the most productive pivot players in the league, rebounded relentlessly and scored effectively regaining momentum for Bayreuth. Kenny Price and Christian Grosse buried big three pointers to recapture the lead for Ulm and a late second quarter run gave Ulm command at 37-31 with three minutes in the first half. Drawing closer as the half closed, Bayreuth battled back behind Griffin. By the halftime buzzer, Ulm held a one point 38-37 lead. All things considered, the Ulm locker room was positive despite the slow start. Although the team fell behind and were outworked early, Ulm hit important shots and bounced back to take the lead in the game. Focusing on better blockouts, improved defense and consistent energy level, the Ulm team felt good about their position --- with improved play, the game would be in their hands.
Bayreuth defenders trap Emeka Erege's drive in the second half. True to form when 2nd place visits 3rd, both teams worked through a tight third quarter. Ulm started slowly with several uncharacteristic turnovers and simple missed shots. Bayreuth used good backcourt play from point guard Dominic Zimmermann and shooting guard LyRyan Russell to complement big man Griffin inside. Ulm regained their form as Kenny Price stroked three pointers from the perimeter. Forward Christoph Tetzner's three ball from the left corner cooled an Ulm run and Bayreuth gained confidence as their crowd got into the game. Ulm's offense seemed to slow in the late third quarter as Bayreuth used an energized tempo control press retreating into a simple 2-3 zone. Bayreuth extended their lead to six toward the end of the 3rd. Unfortunately, Ulm's zone attack looked like they had never played against a zone before. Rather than push the ball and attack in transition, Ulm slowly advanced the ball playing into the hands of aggressive Bayreuth defenders. Although the momentum swung back to Bayreuth, Ulm remained right in the game through a 16-14 third period which saw Bayreuth lead 53-52 heading into the 4th.
Ulm's Shaheen Holloway defends Bayreuth's LyRyan Russell in transition Unfortunately for Ulm, their inconsistent play caught up with them in the final ten minutes. Bayreuth guards Russell and Zimmermann continued their solid play as Russell weaved his way to the basket in transition and Zimmermann sank big threes down the stretch. Ulm had chances to regain momentum but missed shots dropped them off pace. Midway through the fourth quarter, playing uphill against Bayreuth momentum, Ulm attempted to turn the tide by inserting a small lineup and opening the court with full court pressing. Emphasizing attacking offensive play and pressing D, Ulm turned the tempo up --- but Bayreuth answered. Unable to cut into the lead, Ulm players simply went cold as several open shots rimmed out and point blank finishes rolled off the rim. Bayreuth plugged away pulling big baskets from their possessions. None was bigger than Dominic Zimmermann's shot clock buzzer beating NBA three from the right wing. After a second timeout of the quarter (with 3 minutes to play), Ulm turned to tactical fouls attempting to lengthen the game and shorten the lead. On this night, Bayreuth hit their shots down the stretch. Of note, Griffin sank 11 of 12 free throws and Tetzner added a perfect 5 for 5 from the stripe. As Bayreuth extended their advantage, Ulm again fell off pace as Peter Heizer's baseline reverse layup was too hard and Kenny Price and Christian Grosse missed open threes. Playing under the weather, point guard Shaheen Holloway simply could not get his legs in the second half missing all four of his three point attempts in the game. Bayreuth fans sensed their big win with about one minute remaining. In unison, the inspired crowd rose to their feet and began chanting "Seig, Seig, Seig!" (win, win,win). Truly one of the positive stories of the 2.Bundesliga South this season, Marco Amelow and his Bayreuth team have risen from the pack to claim big wins and take control of third place. On this night, the Bayreuth energy level was better than Ulm jolting them to a good win for their organization. On the other bench, Ulm simply did not bring the same winning form that helped them to important wins at Heidelberg and over Nurnberg the last two weeks.
Ulm center Maksym Shtein skip passes out of the post against Bayreuth's zone. Maksym Shtein led Ulm with 17 points while Kenny Price added 16 including 4 of 6 from three. Forward Florian Mobius and Peter Heizer added 10 apiece. Providing a clear picture of the evening, Ulm was outrebounded by Bayreuth 34-22 allowing 11 offensive boards. Bayreuth shot 23 of 32 from the foul line compared with 11 of 17 for Ulm and Ulm suffered 16 turnovers to 8 assists in the game. After several positive steps forward on the road, Ulm clearly could not duplicate the fine form they recently enjoyed. Bayreuth center Brandon Griffin starred on his way to a 25 point 12 rebound double double. Point guard Dominic Zimmermann also played one of his best games of the season scoring 18 points hitting 4 three pointers in the win. LyRyan Russell (14), Christoph Tetzner (12) and Sebastian Schoch (11) all reached double figures in the win. After a 4 day break, Ulm gets back to the practice court Monday March 15th as they prepare to host a hot Jena team Saturday night March 19th at Sportzentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Follow all the fast breaking ratiopharm Ulm basketball action all season long on Taylorhoops.com! GO ULM! MIKE T
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