Play-off sensation rocked by scandal - Basketball player kicks rival during game.
In the first play-off match, the champs of ratiopharm Ulm were defeated by Würzburg Baskets at home with a score of 65:78. It's the Baskets' first quarter-final game ever, and they boast the MVP of the regular season, Otis Livingstone II.
This is the fourth time these two teams clash this season - Ulm claimed victories in the cup round of 16 with 76:72 back in mid-October and in the league match in mid-November with the score 88:83. Then, in mid-March, Ulm had a home win with a score of 87:79.
Pre-game, Dyn pro Akeem Vargas (a professional at Heidelberg) declared, "Ulm could become champions! Especially with this home crowd!"
At eight minutes and 59 seconds before the end of the game, a dramatic moment occurs with Ulm's captain Tommy Klepeizs kicking his opponent Owen Klassen with his left foot while lying down, with the score at 56:58. Klassen had landed on him unhappily after a rebound fight.
Dyn commentator Florian von Stackelberg reacted, "Oh, yes, there's the kick from Klepeisz. Sure, Klassen lands on his leg, stays on it, and that's pretty painful. But the kick from Tommy Klepeisz - uiuiui! If you look at it, I've seen it several times this season, so if there's a kick, it's a disqualifying foul. Not just an unsportsmanlike one. They should look at it!"
Dyn expert Akeem Vargas added, "Oh, oh! Oh, wow! You can see it very clearly! You can clearly see the kick. Even if it's not very strong."
The referees watched the scene several times on the video monitor. One could hear a referee say, "He gets the kick with his foot!" Still, they only classified the action as an unsporting foul. TV man von Stackelberg disagreed, "I still think it's an unsporting foul! Well ..."
Just before the controversial scene, there was a scuffle between some players. Pacome Dadiet from Ulm and Javon Bass from Würzburg were separated by their teammates and referees.
Klepeisz appeared to have harmed himself, making his way off the court to the dressing room, only to return in the game's final minutes.
There's a concern for Würzburg in the final stretch - MVP Otis Livingston II injured his thigh and needed to leave the court. Coach Saša Filipovski said after the game, "We have to see what exactly is wrong with him. But it's doubtful he'll play in the second game in two days."
During a timeout at 25:34 in the second quarter, an odd incident happened on TV. There were issues with the sound - a high-pitched, distorted voice, similar to Mickey Mouse, filled the broadcast.
Zac Seljaas from Würzburg commented on Dyn following the match, "That was really intense! It's a rough atmosphere here. But it was fun."
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Source: symclub.org
