Ulm loses a close Eurocup game against Podgorica and is in danger of missing the play-offs. It got hectic towards the end.
The ratiopharm Ulm basketball team has suffered a major setback in the fight for a place in the knockout round of the Eurocup. The 2023 German champions were beaten 82:85 by Buducnost Podgorica from Montenegro after a thrilling final phase. It was the third defeat in a row in European competition.
After Ulm had been in the running for direct qualification for the quarterfinals for a long time, it now even threatens to miss the round of 16 after losing to a direct competitor. Only the first six teams reach the playoffs; Ulm is currently still fifth with nine wins from 16 games. On the last two matchdays, it will play against the top teams in Group A.
Strong comeback not rewarded
Ulm had started excellently in its own arena. However, the team from Swabia made more and more mistakes in the opening quarter, and so it went into the break trailing by 15 points.
The second half began as the first had done, with a strong spell by Ulm. The club from Swabia did not let up and was able to reduce the deficit further and further. With four minutes remaining, Ulm even took the lead. However, the visitors did not give up and turned the game around.
The outstanding man on court for Podgorica was Rasheed Sulaimon. The US player scored the last four points for the visitors and finished as their top scorer with 27 points. The best performer for Ulm was Frenchman Noa Essengue, who scored 19 points.
