Skyliners Frankfurt caused a stir against ratiopharm Ulm: In the Monday game of the 12th matchday, the promoted team dramatically defeated the favorites 87:85.
The last game before Christmas in the German Basketball League was a thriller in which the ratiopharm Ulm basketball team ultimately missed out on a dramatic return to the top of the table.
On the day before Christmas Eve, the former champions conceded their fourth defeat of the season after a wild final phase, losing 85:87 (42:40) at Skyliners Frankfurt and slipping to fourth place. On Sunday, Bayern Munich took the top spot with a win against EWE Baskets Oldenburg (89:75).
From the outset, the Skyliners put up a good fight against favored Ulm, taking a 25:21 lead after the first period. The encounter became increasingly tense as time went on, with the visitors usually leading by a few points. Up until the final minute, Frankfurt trailed by 83:85, but managed to equalize thanks to two free throws.
But it got even better from the home side’s perspective: With six consecutive defeats in the league behind him, booker Coplin scored with an unconventional shot from the corner at the last second to give Frankfurt its fourth win of the season. Malik Parsons and Jordan Thedore scored the most points for the promoted side (both 18). Isaiah Roby, the top scorer for Ulm (19), was unable to prevent the setback.
Match statistics
Skyliners Frankfurt – ratiopharm Ulm 87:85 (40:42)
Top scorers for Frankfurt: Theodore (18), Parsons (18), Coplin (14), Tubutis (12), Muenkat (11)
Top scorers for Ulm: Roby (19), Saraf (13), Jallow (13), Essengue (11)
Spectators: 5000