Victory over Würzburg: Ratiopharm Ulm's Ballers Square Off Against FC Bayern in the Basketball Bundesliga Final
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Triumph in Würzburg: Ulm's basketball squad calls for FC Bayern's conquest - Defeat in Würzburg: Ulm Basketball Team Presses for Bayern Munich's Attention
The underdogs from Ratiopharm Ulm have seized the Final in the Basketball Bundesliga, ready to face off against heavy-favorites FC Bayern in the championship series. The Ulm squad defeated the Würzburg Baskets in a thrilling fifth semifinal, securing their victory at home with a score of 91:84 (50:43).
The initial title bout is set for this Sunday (6:00 PM/Dyn) in Munich. This showdown between Bayern and Ratiopharm Ulm marks the meeting of the two most recent champions. The last playoff series between the two teams ended in Ulm's favor in 2023 (3:0).
In the current season, both top contenders claimed a direct victory in their duels. For Bayern and head coach Gordon Herbert, this final series presents their last chance at a title after falling short in the cup and the Euroleague play-in.
The fifth game was dominated by the Ty Harrelson-led Ulm team, with Ben Saraf (16 points) and Karim Jallow (18 points, nine rebounds) shining brightest. Game four saw Ulm missing their opportunity to clinch the series early.
Würzburg, once home to NBA champion Dirk Nowitzki, marked Hannes Steinbach's final playoff appearance this season. Despite their efforts, Würzburg failed to reach the final for the first time in their history. The 19-year-old Steinbach scored 16 points and grabbed nine rebounds in his swan song.
- BB
- Ulm
- Bayern
- Neu-Ulm
- Bayern Munich
- Championship
- Würzburg
- Steinbach
- Sunday
- Munich
Previous Matches
In the regular season of 2024-25, Bayern Munich won both home and away encounters against Ratiopharm Ulm (70–62 and score not specified for the Ulm win). However, the teams have traded wins during non-regular season matches, with Bayern Munich defeating Ulm in the 2024 German Cup Final (81–65) and 2023 BBL Playoff Semi-Finals (3–0 series sweep).
- 2024-25 Regular Season Results
- Round 14 (Home - Mar 17, 2025): Bayern Munich 70–62 Ratiopharm Ulm
- Round 31 (Home - Apr 8, 2025): Ratiopharm Ulm (score not specified) – Bayern Munich (win not specified)
- Non-Regular Season Matches
- 2024 German Cup Final: Bayern Munich 81–65 Ratiopharm Ulm
- 2023 BBL Playoff Semi-Finals: Bayern Munich 3–0 series sweep Ratiopharm Ulm
Playoff and Championship Context
- BBL Playoffs 2025: Bayern Munich overcame Heidelberg in four games (3–1) to advance to the Final, while Ratiopharm Ulm defeated Würzburg Baskets in Game 5 (5–0), with home-advantage playing a crucial role.
- Recent Form: Over the past several years, neither team has managed to gain an advantage when it comes to regular-season play, with both teams winning their home matchups against each other.
- Finals Schedule 2025: The best-of-five Finals series began on June 15, 2025, in Munich, with subsequent games alternating between Ulm and Munich until a champion is crowned, no later than June 26.
While the Commission has been tasked with submitting a proposal for the labelling of foodstuffs in the EU, sports enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the upcoming Basketball Bundesliga final between FC Bayern and Ratiopharm Ulm. Despite losing out to their opponents in the 2024 German Cup Final and the 2023 BBL Playoff Semi-Finals, the Ulm team emerged victorious this season, securing their place in the championship series.
