Eurocup: Ratiopharm Ulm makes Last 32

The final round of Regular Season action tipped off in the Eurocup on Tuesday with two contests on the night, one in Group C and one in Group D.

In Group C there was still something to play for as Ratiopharm Ulm traveled to Nancy and left France with the win it needed to reach the Eurocup Last 32. In Group D there were no qualification places left to decide, but Aris Thessaloniki did make sure it will top the standings after a home cruise over Banvit Bandirma.

Group C
Ratiopharm Ulm punched its ticket to the Last 32 of the Eurocup and in the process closed the door in Group C, with all qualification places now locked. The German team took out SLUC Nancy 76-80 on the road to send the French team crashing out of the competition.

Nancy started the game in good condition, pacing to a 21-12 lead after ten minutes on the floor. Ratiopharm Ulm hit back with an impressive offensive rally in the second frame, using a 15-27 surge to take a 36-39 lead at halftime, the game wide open. The French hosts regained the momentum in the third quarter and carved a 60-49 advantage through thirty minutes and opened to 13 points early in the fourth. Down and out seemingly, Ratiopharm Ulm surged with a 0-16 run in the fourth that turned the tide and handed the guests a win and continued their Eurocup story this season.

Da’Sean Butler led the winners with 13 points, followed by Chris Babb, Augustine Rubit, and Taylor Braun with 12 points each.

James Bell logged 18 points for Nancy, while Derwin Kitchen doubled up with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Also on 13 points was Randal Falker, with Benjamin Sene and Andy Panko grabbing 10 points each, with Panko adding 7 boards to his haul.

Group D
Aris Thessaloniki pushed aside Banvit Bandirma 72-53 at home in a contest between two clubs already assured of a spot in the Last 32. There was still something at stake though and with this success the Greeks of Thessaloniki ensured that they will claim first place in Group D.

Both teams started slow, but as the first stanza progressed the scoring picked up and after trading buckets Banvit edged the opening term 16-17. The visitors could not hold the lead as Aris stayed consistent in the second frame and heading into the long break the home team claimed a 33-29 lead. The hosts pulled away from there, edging the third 18-17 before killing the game in the fourth with an impressive 21-7 run.

Jerel McNeal topped Aris with 20 points and Okaro White tabbed 12 points and 9 rebounds.

Dominique Johnson was the only doubled digit scorer for Banvit as he claimed 20 points.