There are 81 kilometers as the crow flies between Ludwigsburg and Ulm. 81 kilometers or less than two hours by car. And yet there is much more in the air than just a mileage.
On Saturday (8:30 p.m.) the MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg will welcome the ratiopharm Ulm team to the first of a maximum of five playoff quarter-final games. Everything is open in the Swabian derby.
“It’s going to be a very hot series.”
Source: Giant trainer John Patrick on the duel with Ulm.
The giants from Ludwigsburg were last because of the Champions League final four heavily burdened and only closed the main round last Wednesday with a win against Heidelberg. This secured the team fourth place in the league and thus the home advantage in the playoffs against Ulm, which ended the main round in fifth place. “It will be a very hot series,” promises giant coach John Patrick, who has already set the route: “If we play against Ulm, the defense comes first. But if we find our rhythm, then we can score 100 points. “
With Simon, Ludwigsburg has the best defender of the year
In addition, the Giants have a special defensive ace up their sleeve in Justin Simon. Simon was recently named best defender of the year. The 26-year-old impresses with his enormous athleticism and is the second-best scorer in his team. Only Jonah Radebaugh scores more often. The American set a new personal best in the game against Heidelberg with 30 points.
The Ludwigsburg coach is certain: “We grew together at the right time, especially on defense. We are ready.”
Ulm is to be expected despite injury worries
The people of Ulm are also ready and eager for the derby. “We’ve made a big step forward this season and developed well, even though we’ve had a lot of injuries,” Ulm coach Jaka Lakovič summed up in an interview with the “Südwest Presse”.
The people of Ulm have been plagued by major personnel concerns for weeks. With Cristiano Felicio (ankle injury), Philipp Herkenhoff (cruciate ligament rupture) and Karim Jallow (dislocated shoulder), three regular players are missing. However, the team does not have to hide. What Justin Simon is for Ludwigsburg, Jaron Blossomgame is for Ulm. The 28-year-old regularly provides spectacular highlights and is Ulm’s top scorer with 15.2 points per game.
Ulm veteran Günther before the end of his career
Per Günther will probably not play a top scorer role. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old is facing a special series. The Ulm veteran, whose green shoes became his trademark, ends his career after this season. “I’m definitely happy that my career ends in the playoffs,” Günther told the basketball magazine “Big”. This phase of the season has always suited the playmaker. The duels with Ludwigsburg should not be his last appearances.
“We can perform well against good teams.”
Source: Ulm coach Jaka Lakovič
The ambitions of Ulm are high. The coach speaks of a “matter of attitude”. The right attitude is to be expected from both teams in this derby series.
In the end, does the home advantage decide?
Exciting duels await basketball fans. Both teams have won their home games this season. If that stays the case, Ludwigsburg will ultimately have the lead in the series – even if the two teams are actually only 81 kilometers apart as the crow flies.
Source: SWR