After opening the season in the EuroCup with a win, Ulm defeated Alba Berlin in the third round of the Bundesliga on Saturday by 100:88.
Both teams played at a fast pace at the start of the game. Ulm’s players tired out first, and Alba scored six consecutive points from fast breaks at the end of the first quarter, taking a lead of 27:20.
Dakota Mathias from Ulm continued his good form from the second half of the game against Trento in the EuroCup and reduced the deficit to 31:36. However, Israel Gonzalez’s team stopped Ulm’s run with two three-pointers scored by Jonas Mattisseck. In general, Berlin’s players were very accurate from long range (7/11 three-pointers in the first half). The guests controlled the game, but only went into halftime with a +3 lead. The defending champions made a 10:2 run and reduced the score to 49:52.”
After a break, the intensity of the game increased, but Alba’s players remained composed and temporarily held the lead. However, as it happened at the end of the second quarter, Ulm’s players took control at the end of the third quarter and with an 11:0 run, they took the lead at 68:66 for the first time in the match.
At the start of the fourth quarter, Ulm increased their lead to five points, but thanks to more aggressive defense and excellent play from Matt Thomas, Berlin’s team got back into the game. In the final moments, Juan Nunez from Ulm took responsibility, scoring two consecutive baskets with two minutes left in the game to give Ulm an 89:82 lead. Ulm forced the visitors into four turnovers in the final moments and sealed the victory with an 11:0 run.
For the home team, Karim Jallow was the top scorer with 18 points, while Juan Nunez had a double-double with 17 points and 10 assists. In Alba’s team, Johannes Thiemann had 19 points, and Matt Thomas contributed 18 points.