ratiopharm Ulm 73–72 London Lions: Late heartbreak for London in EuroCup classic

London Lions 71–73 ratiopharm Ulm: Late heartbreak in EuroCup classic

In a EuroCup contest defined by momentum swings and late drama, London Lions suffered a crushing 73–72 defeat to ratiopharm Ulm at the Copper Box, with the visitors scoring the decisive basket with one second remaining.

With playoff positioning at stake, the intensity was evident from the opening tip. London struck first, forcing an early foul before Deane Williams drilled a three-pointer inside two minutes to give the hosts early control. Ulm responded through Tobias Jensen and steadily asserted themselves inside, levelling the score at 12–12 midway through the first quarter before edging ahead 19–18 at the break.

Ulm carried that momentum into the second period, increasing the tempo and testing London in transition. The Lions briefly lifted the crowd through a key turnover and fast-break finish from Chaundee Brown Jr., but Ulm’s defensive discipline and efficiency ensured they maintained a narrow advantage heading into halftime.

London’s response came after the break. Defensive intensity rose, perimeter looks were limited, and belief began to grow. Tarik Phillip ignited the arena midway through the third quarter, first knocking down a three before throwing down a powerful game-tying dunk to make it 42–42 — a moment that swung the energy decisively.

The fourth quarter unfolded in chaos. Williams attacked relentlessly early, scoring six quick points to level the game, while improved rebounding allowed London to reclaim the lead for the first time since the opening period. Phillip continued to deliver in pressure moments, draining a huge three with 11 seconds left that appeared to put the Lions on the brink.

Ulm, however, refused to break. After a tense sequence of fouls and stoppages, the German side executed in the final possession, scoring with a second on the clock to steal the game and silence the Copper Box.

For London, it was a brutal ending to one of their most complete and spirited EuroCup performances of the season — a night that showcased growth, resilience, and late-game courage, even as the result slipped away at the very last moment.