Phoenix Hagen produced a cup upset on October 18, defeating Ratiopharm Ulm 107-98 in the German Basketball Cup. The visitors’ sharp shooting and composure in the fourth quarter ended Ulm’s hopes of advancing in the knockout competition.

Cup tie overview

Hagen started aggressively and led 28-22 after the first quarter. Ulm responded in the second period, using a run of its own to cut into the deficit, but Hagen still held a 52-49 advantage at halftime.

The third quarter proved decisive. Hagen outscored Ulm 30-25 to stretch the lead to 82-74, and although Ulm made a late charge in the fourth, the visitors had the answers. Hagen’s free-throw shooting and shot-making in the final minutes closed out the nine-point win.

Key moments

• First quarter: Hagen opened with a 10-0 run and forced Ulm into early turnovers.
• Third quarter: A 9-2 burst midway through the period pushed Hagen’s lead into double digits.
• Fourth quarter: Ulm cut the gap to three, but Hagen responded with a 7-0 run.
• Final minute: Hagen converted key free throws to secure the cup upset.

Tactical story: three-point shooting and second chances

Hagen’s perimeter shooting stretched Ulm’s defense and created driving lanes. The visitors also won important offensive rebounds, extending possessions and punishing Ulm for late rotations. In a single-elimination cup game, those extra possessions made a significant difference.

Ulm’s offense found rhythm in spurts, but turnovers and missed free throws prevented a full comeback. The home side struggled to contain Hagen’s guards off the dribble and often arrived late to close out on shooters. Hagen’s defensive pressure in the final five minutes forced Ulm into difficult shots.

Standout performers

Hagen’s backcourt controlled the pace and delivered timely baskets, while the wings knocked down open looks from beyond the arc. Ulm’s rally was powered by its interior scoring and transition play, but the home side could not sustain that level on the defensive end.

What the result means

For Hagen, this is a signature cup win. Knocking out Ratiopharm Ulm on the road gives the club confidence and a place in the next round of the German Basketball Cup. The performance showed Hagen can compete with higher-profile opposition when its shooting and defense hold up.

Ulm’s cup campaign ends earlier than expected. The focus now shifts back to league play, where the team must address its late-game defense and turnover issues. Cup basketball offers little margin for error, and Hagen took full advantage.