ratiopharm Ulm clinched a gripping 81-79 victory over FC Bayern München in Game 3 of the easyCredit BBL Finals on June 21, 2025, at the SAP Garden, propelling them to a 2-1 series lead and securing a match ball for the German championship.
The game unfolded as a rollercoaster, with Justinian Jessup emerging as the standout performer, dropping 22 points—including a decisive three-pointer with seconds remaining—to seal the win. This triumph sets up a potential title clincher in Game 4, shifting the pressure back to Ulm as they head home. The victory echoes the competitive spirit seen across this postseason, where resilience has defined both teams amidst a bustling transfer market.
Jessup’s Clutch Performance Turns the Tide
The game began with Bayern asserting early dominance, thanks to Devin Booker’s initial six points, a reminder of his recent 14.9-point EuroLeague season that led him to EA7 Milan. However, Ulm quickly adapted, leveraging Karim Jallow’s aggressive drives to the basket to counter Bayern’s start, sparking a 10-0 run that forced coach Gordon Herbert’s first timeout at 6-11.
The momentum swung wildly, with Bayern’s second unit responding with a 10-0 surge to lead 20-17 after the first quarter. The second half saw tempers flare and tactical shifts, notably after a 9-0 Ulm run closed the gap to 42-37 at halftime. The turning point came in the final 2.5 minutes, where Jessup’s heroics—two three-pointers and a pair of free throws—erased a 77-77 tie, outshining Bayern’s 34% three-point shooting. His 10-point outburst in crunch time showcased a poise that could define Ulm’s championship aspirations.
Tactical Battles and Statistical Insights
The interior duel was a focal point, exacerbated by Bayern’s early foul trouble with Booker and Johannes Voigtmann, both key figures whose limited impact opened doors for Ulm’s rebounding edge. Despite Oscar da Silva’s availability—a new addition to Bayern’s roster this postseason—the team collectively grabbed at least two rebounds each, narrowing the gap but not overcoming Ulm’s dominance on the boards, led by Marcio’s four.
Turnovers, a preseason concern, were minimized to 10 for Ulm and 14 for Bayern, reflecting improved ball security. However, three-point shooting remained inconsistent, with Ulm hitting 39% compared to Bayern’s 34%, a disparity Jessup exploited late. Niels Giffey’s 16 points and Voigtmann’s 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists kept Bayern competitive, but Ulm’s balanced attack—bolstered by Jallow’s nine points—proved decisive. This game’s intensity mirrors the league’s offseason moves, like Carsen Edwards’ impending Bayern return and Wenyen Gabriel’s negotiations, hinting at roster evolution.
Road to the Championship and Broader Context
Game 4 looms large on Tuesday at 20:00 CET in the ratiopharm Arena, where Ulm can end Bayern’s title hopes and claim their first championship since 2023.
Posted on: 21 June 2025, 23:00 CET
