Besiktas JK Istanbul Survives Fourth-Quarter Rally to Edge Ratiopharm Ulm 101-99

Date

2025-10-21

Venue

Round

Round 4

Attendance

4069

Team Leaders

Dramatic Victory Extends Besiktas' Winning Streak

In a thrilling EuroCup Round 4 encounter, Besiktas JK Istanbul escaped Ulm with a nail-biting 101-99 victory over ratiopharm ulm on October 21st. Before a passionate crowd of 4,069 at the German venue, the Turkish side demonstrated remarkable resilience to maintain their impressive form and secure their fourth consecutive victory in the competition.

The contest proved to be a tale of two halves, with Besiktas building a commanding lead through three quarters before Ulm mounted a furious fourth-quarter comeback that nearly snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. The home team's desperate rally in the final period, outscoring the visitors 30-16, set up a dramatic finish that had fans on the edge of their seats until the final buzzer.

Balanced Attack Powers Besiktas to Victory

Anthony Brown led the way for Besiktas JK Istanbul with a game-high 19 points, showcasing his long-range shooting prowess by connecting on five three-pointers from eleven attempts. Brown's efficiency rating of 19 reflected his all-around contribution, as he also grabbed five rebounds, dished out four assists, and recorded a block while playing over 29 minutes. His ability to stretch the floor proved crucial in keeping Ulm's defense honest throughout the contest.

Conor Morgan provided vital support with 15 points on an efficient 4-of-6 shooting performance, including four three-pointers from five attempts. The Canadian forward's plus-17 rating was the highest among all players, indicating his positive impact during his time on the court. Morgan's contribution came in just over 15 minutes of action, demonstrating his ability to provide an instant offensive spark off the bench.

The frontcourt duo of Ismael Kamagate and Ante Zizic combined for 24 points and 12 rebounds, providing the inside presence that Besiktas needed to complement their perimeter shooting. Kamagate was particularly efficient, shooting 5-of-6 from the field and adding two blocks on the defensive end. His efficiency rating of 23 was among the highest in the game, highlighting his impact in limited minutes.

Ledlum's Heroic Effort Falls Just Short

Christopher Ledlum delivered a stellar performance for ratiopharm ulm, recording a team-high 25 points along with seven rebounds and five assists. The American forward was a workhorse, playing all but three minutes of the contest and posting an impressive efficiency rating of 30. Ledlum attacked the basket relentlessly, converting 5-of-11 two-point attempts while also knocking down three three-pointers. His ability to get to the free-throw line proved valuable, as he converted six of nine attempts from the charity stripe.

Christian Sengfelder provided crucial scoring punch off the bench, tallying 14 points on an ultra-efficient 6-of-8 shooting performance. The German forward connected on both of his three-point attempts and added two steals, finishing with a plus-12 rating that highlighted his positive impact during his 22 minutes of playing time. Sengfelder's energy and production from the second unit kept Ulm competitive when starters needed rest.

Tobias Jensen flirted with a double-double, contributing 14 points and nine rebounds while playing all 33 minutes. The Danish forward's versatility was on full display as he grabbed four offensive rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded two steals. Jensen's efficiency rating of 22 reflected his well-rounded performance, though it ultimately wasn't enough to secure victory for the home side.

First Half Dominance Sets the Stage

Besiktas established control early, edging the first quarter 30-29 before extending their advantage slightly with a 24-25 second quarter performance. The visitors' ability to match Ulm's intensity while maintaining their composure allowed them to take a narrow lead into halftime. The opening half featured high-level offensive execution from both sides, with minimal separation on the scoreboard suggesting the competitive nature of the matchup.

The third quarter proved decisive, as Besiktas dominated the period 29-17 to build what appeared to be a commanding double-digit advantage. The Turkish side's defensive intensity elevated during this stretch, forcing Ulm into difficult shots while converting their own opportunities in transition. This period showcased Besiktas at their best, with ball movement leading to quality looks and aggressive defense creating turnovers.

Devon Dotson provided valuable minutes off the bench for Besiktas during this crucial stretch, contributing 12 points on 6-of-13 shooting. His ability to penetrate and create scoring opportunities helped maintain the visitors' momentum. Dotson also added four rebounds, four assists, and two steals, demonstrating his value as a two-way contributor in nearly 26 minutes of action.

Ulm's Furious Fourth-Quarter Rally

The final quarter belonged to ratiopharm ulm, as the German squad mounted an impressive comeback attempt. Outscoring Besiktas 30-16 in the fourth period, Ulm erased what had been a comfortable deficit and put themselves in position to steal the victory. The home team's defensive adjustments and renewed offensive aggression caught Besiktas off guard, creating a frantic finish that had the outcome in doubt until the final possession.

Mark Smith played heavy minutes for Ulm, logging over 28 minutes while contributing 12 points. However, his minus-13 plus-minus rating suggested that the American guard struggled to impact winning despite his scoring output. Smith's 4-of-13 shooting performance, including an 0-for-3 showing from beyond the arc, highlighted the offensive struggles that plagued Ulm at critical moments.

The home team's inability to convert key possessions down the stretch ultimately proved costly. Despite generating quality looks and getting to the free-throw line, Ulm couldn't quite complete the comeback. The two-point margin reflected how close they came to erasing their third-quarter deficit and claiming a dramatic home victory.

Bench Production Makes the Difference

Besiktas received significant contributions from their reserves, with Brynton Lemar providing steady play during his 22 minutes on the floor. Lemar's plus-10 rating in limited scoring opportunities (five points) demonstrated his ability to impact the game through defense and hustle plays. His presence helped maintain defensive intensity when starters rested.

Berk Ugurlu orchestrated the offense effectively for Besiktas, dishing out six assists while adding seven points. The Turkish guard's court vision and decision-making helped the visitors maintain their offensive flow, particularly during the crucial third-quarter surge. His ability to find open shooters and create scoring opportunities for teammates proved invaluable.

For Ulm, Nelson Weidemann contributed seven points and five assists in 16 minutes off the bench, providing quality backup point guard minutes. Bryce Brown added eight points on 3-of-5 shooting, though his minus-7 rating indicated the team struggled during some of his minutes on the court.