ratiopharm Ulm (2-2) will welcome Joventut Badalona (3-1) on Wednesday in a Group A showdown that will be the second duel ever in the 7DAYS EuroCup between these two teams. In their first and only previous encounter, last season, Ulm upset Joventut in the single-game elimination eighthfinals round 73-79. Ulm comes from a huge road win in Round 4 at Frutti Extra Bursaspor, 86-90, in which Yago Dos Santos led the way with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Joventut comes off a home win over Prometey Slobozhanske, 82-77, in which Henry Ellenson scored 13 points.
Ulm, Joventut meet in rematch of last season's eighthfinals
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Regular Season
Round 5 of 18
Regular Season
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ratiopharm UlmULM
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Joventut BadalonaCJB
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Overview
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Ulm and Joventut rank seventh (84.3 ppg.) and eighth (83.5 ppg.), respectively, in points per game, so one could expect a close encounter. The visitors are fourth best in the league in average PIR (99.8) and are also the best team in shooting from beyond the arc (46.5%). Ulm has the upper hand in offensive rebounds going into the game.
The hosts will have to push hard in defense, as Joventut is the second-worst team in the league in turnovers (16.8) but also the second-best in assists (20.3), so the work put in by the hosts behind will have a huge impact in the final outcome. Joventut shoots better from all ranges, but will have to watch for Ulm's athleticism under the boards (2.8 bpg.). It will all come down to small details, as both teams come from respective wins and will want to stay that way. Ulm has morale through the roof after defeating the last season's runners-up on the road, but Joventut is looking to establish dominion early and avenge last season's sour upset.