In a thrilling Basketball Bundesliga encounter, Ratiopharm Ulm edged out Jena 93-90 in a high-scoring affair that went down to the wire. The match, tipped off at 1:30 AM local time at Ulm's home arena, was a showcase of offensive firepower, ultimately decided by clutch plays in the final minute. This result is crucial for Ulm's playoff positioning in Germany's top-tier league, as they held off a resilient Jena side fighting to climb the standings. The game was a back-and-forth battle from the opening tip. Ulm established an early lead with efficient perimeter shooting, but Jena's disciplined offense kept them within striking distance throughout the first half. The third quarter saw Jena mount a significant run, briefly taking the lead and silencing the home crowd. However, Ulm's experience shone through in the final period. With the score tied in the last two minutes, a critical steal and fast-break layup gave Ulm a lead they would not relinquish, sealed by a pair of pressure free throws in the dying seconds. The focus point was Ulm's defensive intensity in the final possessions, forcing Jena into two contested three-point attempts that missed the mark. For Jena, their center delivered a standout performance with a double-double, but it wasn't enough to secure the road victory. This win provides a vital two points for Ratiopharm Ulm as they solidify their place in the upper half of the Bundesliga table. For Jena, the narrow loss, while disappointing, earns them a point and demonstrates their capability to compete with the league's established teams. Ulm's head coach praised his team's composure, stating, "We showed great heart to close that out. It wasn't pretty at times, but we found a way when it mattered most." Jena's manager reflected on the fine margins, saying, "We executed our game plan well for 38 minutes. One or two possessions go differently and we're leaving here with a win. We'll learn from this."