Ulm, Germany – Ratiopharm Ulm delivered a resounding performance Wednesday, defeating the EWE Baskets Oldenburg 101-72 in a Bundesliga matchup. The victory provides a strong finish before a break in the schedule for the team, as several players prepare for international duty with the German national team.
The win was particularly satisfying for coach Ty Harrelson and his squad, coming ahead of a period with a pause in league play. From March 6th, the team will have a break before facing the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in a derby match at the Ratiopharm Arena. However, the downtime won’t be complete for all players, with some heading to the Pokal Final Four and others joining national team commitments.
Two Ratiopharm Ulm players, Christian Sengfelder and Nelson Weidemann, have been named to the German national team roster for the upcoming World Cup 2027 qualification games. Germany will face Croatia in Zagreb on February 27th and then travel to Bonn on February 29th. The team, currently the reigning World and European champions, is preparing for the second phase of qualification.
Against Oldenburg, Ulm established control early, racing to a 31-8 lead after the first quarter. Despite a strong performance from Oldenburg’s Chris Clemons, who scored 37 points, the home side never relinquished their grip on the game. Ulm’s defensive intensity, limiting Oldenburg – the BBL’s top offensive team – to just 72 points, proved crucial. A dominant rebounding performance, securing 20 offensive rebounds, further fueled their success.
“I’m happy about how we played today. I consider the first quarter was decisive for us,” said Harrelson after the game. “I liked how we moved the ball. That’s how I always wish to play. That’s the result we want.”
Mark Smith led Ulm in scoring with 19 points, also demonstrating the greatest statistical impact on the game with an efficiency rating of 24. Malik Osborne followed closely with 15 points and an efficiency of 18. Joel Soriano added 12 points, while Chris Sengfelder and Tommy Klepeisz each contributed 11 and 10 points, respectively. Justin Simon orchestrated the offense, dishing out seven assists.
Ulm entered halftime with a commanding 52-32 lead. The third quarter saw continued dominance from the home side, with Tommy Klepeisz and Tobias Jensen hitting early three-pointers. Joel Soriano and Mark Smith added points from the free-throw line. Ulm’s consistent rebounding and ball movement stifled Oldenburg’s offensive rhythm, with Clemons remaining the primary scoring threat for the visitors.
The fourth quarter saw Malik Osborne ignite the Ulm offense with a three-pointer and several successful free throws. Oldenburg attempted to mount a comeback, but Ulm’s early lead proved insurmountable. A powerful dunk by Chris Ledlum punctuated the victory, as Ulm extended their advantage to nearly 30 points before securing the 101-72 win.
The victory underscores Ratiopharm Ulm’s offensive capabilities and defensive commitment. The team’s ability to control the boards and move the ball effectively proved to be the key to success against a formidable opponent. This win provides a positive momentum heading into the break, with players now turning their attention to national team duties and preparations for the upcoming derby against Ludwigsburg.
Next up for several Ratiopharm Ulm players is international competition with the German national team. The team will then return to Bundesliga action on March 6th, hosting the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in what promises to be a highly anticipated derby matchup at the Ratiopharm Arena.
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