Ulm shocked FC Bayern Munich as they survived a close-fought battle with the German Cup winners to prevail with an 83-86 OT win in the opening round of the German BBL.
After Bayern made a 23-12 run in the second quarter, Jaka Lakovic’s squad returned from an eight-point deficit (43-35) to secure a huge win in Audi Dome.
Ulm was four points ahead at the beginning of the final minute, until Nick Weiler-Babb shortened the lead from the free throw line and Darrun Hilliard hit a turnaround jumper with four seconds remaining to force OT.
The same sequence happened during the overtime; however, Bayern was unable to force five more extra minutes in the contest.
Ulm fought its way back from an 8-2 run from the Bavarians and took the lead with 84-83. Semaj Christon, who had a huge game, gave a three-point lead (83-86) with a floater, as Ulm survived two missed three-pointers from Darrun Hilliard to win the game.
Semaj Christon was the top performer of the game with an impressive performance, as he led his team with 27 points and 14 assists. Former Bulls’ center Cristiano Felicio followed with 18 points and seven rebounds.
As for Bayern, who played without eight players, Darrun Hilliard had a team-high 26 points, while DeShawn Thomas added 20 and Augustine Rubit scored 18.
Rest of easyCredit BBL Sunday’s action
The Giessen 46ers start the new season with an 86-74 home win against Medi Bayreuth. The home side dominated the fourth quarter with a 25-8 run as Brayon Blake had a great game with 15 points and seven rebounds.
Brose Bamberg avoided a misstep into the new season against BG Göttingen. The visiting side achieved an 82-76 win thanks to Omar Prewitt, who finished the contest with 19 points.
Finally, in a duel between two Spanish coaches, Basketball Lowen Braunschweig came to the top in the game against Fraport Skyliners (76-89).
The winning side had six players in double digits, with Martin Peterka being the leading scorer for Jesus Ramirez’s team with 16 points.
