There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in FIBA Europe Cup. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
Second defeat of Slovakian Levice (3-2) against second ranked Spanish Zaragoza (4-1) 92-71 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Zaragoza dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Levice‘s 30. Zaragoza had a 31-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. Santiago Yusta (200-1997) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 7 rebounds. Montenegrin center Bojan Dubljevic (205-1991) contributed with 9 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Zaragoza’s coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Ty Nichols (190-1996, college: Keene St., agency: Diamond Sports) answered with 18 points and 5 assists for Levice. Zaragoza have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Defending Slovakian champion Levice dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Bilbao. Levice will play next round against strong Bursaspor trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Zaragoza will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Anorthosis in Nicosia.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Portuguese FC Porto as it allowed them to take a leadership position. FC Porto smashed leader Greek PAOK at home 99-64. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of PAOK. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American Max Landis (188-1993, college: PFW, agency: Promo Sport ID) stepped up and scored 27 points for the winners and Phil Fayne II chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Frank Bartley IV (191-1994, college: Louisiana) responded with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. FC Porto have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated PAOK. PAOK will play next round against strong Szolnok trying to get back on the winning streak. FC Porto will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Limburg on the road.
An interesting game was also a 24-point home defeat of 3rd ranked Hungarian Alba in a game in Szekesfehervar versus French Le Portel (#2) 104-80. Kristers Zoriks nailed 22 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winning side. Coach ‘s team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Jeriah Horne came up with 31 points and 6 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) for Alba in the defeat. Le Portel maintains second place with 3-2 record having just eight point less than leader Bilbao, which they share with 6 other teams. Alba at the other side dropped to the second position with three games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Le Portel will meet at home Rilski (#4) in the next round. Alba will play against the league’s leader Kalev/Cramo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: winless Trepca was smashed by Ludwigsburg on the road 87-54. Limburg won against Szolnok on its own court 77-74. Spojnia unfortunately lost to Pitesti in a road game 63-77. Kalev/Cramo managed to beat Rilski at home 88-76. Parnu lost to undefeated Oradea on the opponent’s court 67-85. Tofas smashed AEK Larnaca in a home game 93-61. Bursaspor won against Anorthosis on the road 81-66. Prievidza outscored Balkan on its own court 83-59. Fribourg rolled over Constanta in a road game 104-77. Maroussi defeated Sabah at home 82-71. Keravnos were beaten by Braunschweig on the opponent’s court 80-71. Bilbao destroyed Kutaisi in a home game 91-63. Antwerp lost to undefeated Cholet on the road 77-90. Dijon rolled over Caledonia on its own court 102-62. Norrkoping lost to undefeated Charleroi in a road game 86-93. Anwil lost to undefeated Sassari at home 83-86.
Ludwigsburg – Trepca 87-54
No shocking result in a game when first ranked German EnBW Ludwigsburg (4-1) crushed at home 4th placed Kosovan Trepca (0-5) 87-54 on Tuesday. Ludwigsburg dominated down low during the game scoring 38 of its points in the paint compared to Trepca‘s 14 and made 28-of-37 free shots (75.7 percent) during the game, while Trepca only scored ten points from the stripe. Ludwigsburg forced 19 Trepca turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American players dominated the game. Point guard Ezra Manjon (183-2000, college: Vanderbilt) nailed 9 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists for the winning side and forward Joel Scott (201-2001, college: Colorado St., agency: Pensack Sports) accounted for 16 points and 6 rebounds. EnBW Ludwigsburg’s coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. Point guard Larry Thomas (188-1993, college: BSC) came up with 21 points and point guard Malik Johnson (178-1997, college: Canisius) added 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for Trepca in the defeat. Ludwigsburg maintains first place with 4-1 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Defending Kosovan champion Trepca still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Ludwigsburg will meet league’s second-placed Dijon on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Trepca will play against Caledonia in Glasgow and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Trepca: L.Thomas 21+3reb+2ast, M.Tmusic 14+3reb+1ast, M.Johnson 9+7reb+4ast, B.Tuna 4+3reb, M.Barro 3+2reb+1ast, S.Hunter 3+2reb+2ast
Ludwigsburg: J.Simon 17+3reb+1ast, J.Scott 16+6reb, E.Manjon 9+5reb+8ast, B.Tischler 9+3reb, A.Pacher 7+2reb+3ast, K.Grady 6+1reb+1ast
gschID: 1213403
Limburg – Szolnok 77-74
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 4th placed Hungarian Szolnok‘s (0-5) road loss to third ranked Belgian Limburg United (2-3) 74-77 on Tuesday. Limburg forced 19 Szolnok turnovers. It was a great shooting night for Limburg especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 57.1 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American swingman Elijah Pemberton (196-1997, college: Hofstra) nailed 11 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import guard Jaren Holmes (193-1998, college: Iowa St., agency: One Motive Sports) accounted for 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Canadian forward Fardaws Aimaq (211-1999, college: California) came up with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 15 rebounds and Montenegrin forward Bojan Subotic (203-1990) added 18 points respectively for Szolnok in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Limburg moved-up to second place, which they share with 6 other teams. Szolnok at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Limburg will meet at home league’s leader FC Porto in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Szolnok will play against the league’s second-placed PAOK and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Szolnok: B.Subotic 18+4reb+2ast, F.Aimaq 13+15reb+3ast, S.Jovanovic 11+7ast, G.Rudner 11+3reb+2ast, N.Lukacs 8+1reb+1ast, B.Krnjajski 7+2reb+6ast
Limburg: O.Giltay 14+4reb, J.Holmes 12+5reb+5ast, T.Vanderhaegen 12+1reb+1ast, E.Pemberton 11+6reb+5ast, Q.Serron 10+1reb+3ast, J.Ogunyemi 9+4reb+2ast
gschID: 1213404
Alba – Le Portel 80-104
An interesting game was also a 24-point home defeat of 3rd ranked Hungarian Alba in a game in Szekesfehervar versus French Le Portel (#2) 104-80. Le Portel forced 20 Alba turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Alba‘s players. Latvian point guard Kristers Zoriks (193-1998, college: SMC) nailed 22 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winning side and forward Ivan Fevrier (202-1999) accounted for 19 points. Coach ‘s team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Jeriah Horne (201-1998, college: Tulsa) came up with 31 points and 6 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and the other American import point guard David Nichols (183-1996, college: FSU) added 17 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Alba in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Le Portel maintains second place with 3-2 record having just eight point less than leader Bilbao, which they share with 6 other teams. Alba at the other side dropped to the second position with three games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Le Portel will meet at home Rilski (#4) in the next round. Alba will play against the league’s leader Kalev/Cramo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Alba: J.Horne 31+6reb, D.Nichols 17+7reb+6ast, T.Thomas 16+3reb+2ast, M.Filipovity 13+5reb, M.Krivacevic 3+4reb+1ast, M.Parkanyi 0
Le Portel: K.Zoriks 22+1reb+3ast, I.Fevrier 19+3reb+2ast, J.Nunge 12+6reb+2ast, E.Diawara 12+4reb+3ast, D.Gholston 11+2ast, C.Kelly 8+2reb+4ast
gschID: 1213405
Pitesti – Spojnia 77-63
There was a small surprise when fourth ranked Romanian Pitesti (2-3) won against at home second-ranked Polish Spojnia (2-3) 77-63 on Wednesday. Pitesti made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Pitesti outrebounded Spojnia 34-18 including a 28-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. American guard Corey Allen-Williams (188-1998, college: Georgia St.) nailed 15 points and 7 assists for the winning side and Serbian guard Radovan Djokovic (198-1996) accounted for 18 points. Five Pitesti players scored in double figures. American guard Luther Muhammad (191-1999, college: Arizona St.) came up with 15 points and the other American import power forward Wesley Gordon (205-1994, college: Colorado) added 10 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Spojnia in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Pitesti moved-up to second place, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Spojnia. Pitesti will meet at home league’s leader Oradea in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Spojnia will play against Parnu and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Spojnia: L.Muhammad 15+4reb+2ast, T.Cooper 11+1reb+4ast, W.Gordon 10+6reb+2ast, J.Martinez 6+1reb+1ast, P.Kikowski 5, Y.Yam 5+2ast
Pitesti: R.Djokovic 18+1reb, C.Allen-Williams 15+3reb+7ast, A.Price 12+4reb+1ast, K.Hill 11+7reb, Z.Smith 11+6reb, C.Jones 4+10reb+3ast
gschID: 1213407
Kalev/Cramo – Rilski 88-76
Not a big story in a game when 4th placed Bulgarian Rilski (0-5) lost to leader Estonian Kalev/Cramo (5-0) in Tallinn 76-88 on Wednesday. Kalev/Cramo made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Hugo Toom (200-2002) nailed 18 points and 5 assists for the winning side and guard Kasper Suurorg (200-2002, college: SFC) accounted for 20 points and 5 assists (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). American guard LaQuincy Rideau (185-1996, college: S.Florida) came up with 12 points and 6 assists and forward Aleks Simeonov (200-1993) added 13 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) respectively for Rilski in the defeat. Four Kalev/Cramo and five Rilski players scored in double figures. Rilski’s coach rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn’t help. Kalev/Cramo have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending Estonian champion maintains first place with 5-0 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Defending Bulgarian champion Rilski still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Kalev/Cramo will meet Alba (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Rilski will play against the league’s second-placed Le Portel and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Rilski: A.Simeonov 13+4reb, L.Rideau 12+3reb+6ast, J.Planinic 11+4reb+1ast, D.Karamfilov 10+1ast, A.Arnett 10+1reb+1ast, K.Petrov 6+1ast
Kalev/Cramo: K.Suurorg 20+2reb+5ast, H.Toom 18+4reb+5ast, S.Vaaks 12+1reb+2ast, G.Kuuba 12+5reb+1ast, K.Hermet 8+5reb+1ast, L.Bockler 7+2reb+3ast
gschID: 1213408
Oradea – Parnu 85-67
Everything went according to plan when leader Romanian Oradea (5-0) defeated at home 3rd placed Estonian Parnu (1-4) 85-67 on Wednesday. Oradea dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Parnu‘s 24. They outrebounded Parnu 44-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. Lithuanian power forward Paulius Petrilevicius (204-1991) nailed 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and Canadian center Kalif Young (206-1997, college: Providence) accounted for 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Four Oradea players scored in double figures. Oradea’s coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Robert Valge (192-1997) came up with 18 points and Ivo-Van Tamm (202-1996) added 11 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Parnu in the defeat. Oradea have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Parnu keeps the third position with four games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Oradea will meet league’s second-placed Pitesti on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Parnu will play against Spojnia in Stargard and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Parnu: R.Valge 18+1reb+1ast, O.Jarvi 13+1reb+1ast, I.Tamm 11+7reb+1ast, A.Ogemuno-Johnson 8+9reb+2ast, L.Stankovic 5+2reb, O.Suurorg 5+3reb+3ast
Oradea: K.Young 17+6reb, P.Petrilevicius 16+7reb+2ast, B.Brown 11+7reb+5ast, S.Pridgett 10+3reb+5ast, T.Williams 9+7reb+2ast, R.Torok 9+4reb+1ast
gschID: 1213409
Tofas – AEK Larnaca 93-61
There was no surprise when 3rd placed Cypriot AEK Larnaca (1-4) was outleveled by leader Turkish Tofas (5-0) in Bursa 93-61 on Wednesday. Tofas dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to AEK Larnaca‘s 30. Tofas looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Mexican-American point guard Alexander Perez-Kaufmann (191-1993) nailed a double-double by scoring 12 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists for the winning side and American center Kris Bankston (206-1999, college: Norfolk St.) accounted for 17 points and 7 rebounds. Four Tofas players scored in double figures. American power forward Brison Gresham (201-1998, college: Texas Southern) came up with 16 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import guard Taveion Hollingsworth (188-1999, college: WKU) added 14 points and 5 assists respectively for AEK Larnaca in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Tofas have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser AEK Larnaca keeps the third position with four games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Tofas will meet league’s second-placed Braunschweig on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. AEK Larnaca will play against Keravnos in Nicosia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
AEK Larnaca: B.Gresham 16+8reb+2ast, T.Hollingsworth 14+4reb+5ast, R.Nottage 8+6reb+4ast, A.Sizopoulos 6+1reb, I.Giannaras 6+1reb+2ast, K.Simitzis 6+2reb+1ast
Tofas: K.Bankston 17+7reb, M.Reed 12+1reb+2ast, A.Perez-Kaufmann 12+6reb+11ast, J.O’Brien 11+1reb+1ast, B.Demir 9+11reb+1ast, C.Kucukozkan 7
gschID: 1213410
Anorthosis – Bursaspor 66-81
The game between closely ranked teams ended with third ranked Turkish Bursaspor‘s (3-2) road victory over 4th placed Cypriot Anorthosis (0-5) in Nicosia 81-66 on Wednesday. Bursaspor looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American-British center Josh Sharma (213-1995, college: Stanford) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side and French point guard David Michineau (191-1994) accounted for 17 points and 4 assists. Four Bursaspor players scored in double figures. Bahamas forward Kentwan Smith (203-1991, college: Stetson) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and British Jordan Williams (203-1995) added 14 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Anorthosis in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Bursaspor moved-up to second place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Anorthosis still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Bursaspor will meet at home Levice (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Anorthosis will play against the league’s leader Zaragoza and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Anorthosis: D.Sanadze 17+2reb+1ast, J.Williams 14+6reb+1ast, K.Smith 14+12reb+1ast, J.Garrett 7+2reb+5ast, G.Williams Jr. 6+1reb, V.Ieronymidis 4+3reb+1ast
Bursaspor: J.Sharma 18+13reb+2ast, D.Michineau 17+2reb+4ast, D.Grantham 11+2reb+1ast, B.Candan 11+7reb+1ast, D.Mutaf 9+3reb+4ast, A.Gavrilovic 4
gschID: 1213411
Prievidza – Balkan 83-59
Rather expected game when 4th placed Bulgarian Balkan (0-5) was smashed on the road by second ranked Slovakian Prievidza (4-1) 83-59 on Wednesday. American guard Daishon Smith (185-1995, college: ULM) nailed a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals for the winning side and his fellow American import Keith Jordan (198-1998, college: SHU) accounted for 18 points and 9 rebounds. American center Tyere Marshall (206-1997, college: Rider) came up with 8 points and 11 rebounds and forward Georgi Boyanov (200-1993, college: USA) added 6 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Balkan in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Prievidza keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Balkan still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Prievidza will meet league’s leader Bilbao on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Balkan will play against Kutaisi and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Balkan: N.Grozev 12+1reb, C.Jones 9+3reb, T.Marshall 8+11reb+1ast, K.Toshkov 6+3reb+8ast, G.Boyanov 6+10reb+2ast, A.Ivanov 6+2reb+2ast
Prievidza: D.Smith 27+10reb+4ast, K.Jordan 18+9reb+2ast, C.Jackson 15+1reb+6ast, H.Dean 8+9reb+1ast, R.Raitanen 6+4reb+1ast, D.Krestinin 3+6reb+1ast
gschID: 1213412
Constanta – Fribourg 77-104
Rather predictable result when second ranked Swiss Fribourg (3-2) rolled over on the road 4th placed Romanian Constanta (0-5) 104-77 on Wednesday. Fribourg shot 61.7 percent from the field and made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Fribourg forced 23 Constanta turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American point guard Eric Nottage (187-1994, college: FIU) nailed 19 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 7 steals for the winning side and American-Nigerian forward Mezie Offurum (203-2000, college: JMU) accounted for 17 points and 5 rebounds. Nottage is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Five Fribourg players scored in double figures. American guard KeVaughn Allen (188-1995, college: Florida) came up with 17 points and 6 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and the other American import Tyler Stevenson (206-2002, college: MSU) added 17 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) respectively for Constanta in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Defending Swiss champion maintains second place with 3-2 record having just eight point less than leader Bilbao, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Constanta still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Fribourg will meet at home Antwerp (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Constanta will play against the league’s leader Cholet and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Constanta: T.Stevenson 17+4reb, K.Allen 17+1reb+6ast, M.Pratt 9+4reb+5ast, I.Philmore 9+1reb, A.Oprean 7+1reb+1ast, D.Jorden Randell 7+5reb+3ast
Fribourg: E.Nottage 19+5reb+9ast, M.Offurum 17+5reb+3ast, J.Kazadi 14+1reb+6ast, N.Jurkovitz 12+4reb+2ast, A.Cotture 12+5reb+4ast, R.Williams 11+3reb+1ast
gschID: 1213413
Maroussi – Sabah 82-71
Not a big story in a game when 4th placed Azerbaijani Sabah (0-5) lost to second ranked Greek Maroussi (3-2) in Athens 71-82 on Wednesday. Maroussi outrebounded Sabah 49-37 including 18 on the offensive glass. American Cameron Reynolds (201-1995, college: Tulane) nailed 21 points for the winning side and center Georgios Tanoulis (210-2002) accounted for 11 points and 11 rebounds. Maroussi’s coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. American guard Hassani Gravett (188-1996, college: S.Carolina) came up with 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and Latvian center Klavs Cavars (208-1996) added 9 points, 13 rebounds and 8 blocks respectively for Sabah in the defeat. Maroussi maintains second place with 3-2 record having just eight point less than leader Bilbao, which they share with 6 other teams. Defending Azerbaijani champion Sabah still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Maroussi will meet at home league’s leader Charleroi in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Sabah will play against Norrkoping and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Sabah: K.Blue 15+2reb+1ast, T.Duval 15+4reb+3ast, H.Gravett 14+8reb+6ast, K.Cavars 9+13reb+1ast, A.Voinalovych 8+5reb+1ast, M.Holton Jr. 8+2reb+1ast
Maroussi: C.Reynolds 21+4reb+1ast, G.Tanoulis 11+11reb+1ast, C.Langevine 11+7reb+1ast, E.Fridriksson 8+4reb+2ast, I.Karakostas 8+3reb+2ast, L.Mantzoukas 7+6reb+1ast
gschID: 1213414
Zaragoza – Levice 92-71
FIBA Europe Cup round 5 caused change at the leadership position. Second defeat of league’s leader Slovakian Levice (3-2) against second ranked Spanish Zaragoza (4-1) 92-71 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Zaragoza dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Levice‘s 30. Zaragoza had a 31-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. Santiago Yusta (200-1997) orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points and 7 rebounds. Montenegrin center Bojan Dubljevic (205-1991) contributed with 9 points and 13 rebounds for the winners. Four Zaragoza players scored in double figures. Zaragoza’s coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Ty Nichols (190-1996, college: Keene St., agency: Diamond Sports) answered with 18 points and 5 assists and David Abraham (193-1996) added 11 points in the effort for Levice. Zaragoza have a solid series of three victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Defending Slovakian champion Levice dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Bilbao. Levice will play next round against strong Bursaspor trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Zaragoza will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Anorthosis in Nicosia.
Top scorers:
Levice: T.Nichols 18+1reb+5ast, A.Kivimaki 12+1reb+2ast, D.Abrham 11+3reb+2ast, B.Bojanovsky 8+6reb+1ast, F.Terins 8+3reb+4ast, A.Krajcovic 7+1reb
Zaragoza: S.Yusta 19+7reb+3ast, T.Bell-Haynes 15+1reb+3ast, Y.Mencia 15+6reb+2ast, J.Bango 12+1reb+1ast, J.Rodriguez 12+5reb+4ast, B.Dubljevic 9+13reb+3ast
gschID: 1213415
Braunschweig – Keravnos 80-71
The game between closely ranked teams ended with second ranked German Braunschweig‘s (3-2) home victory over 3rd placed Cypriot Keravnos (1-4) 80-71 on Wednesday. Braunschweig outrebounded Keravnos 33-22 including 22 on the defensive glass. Ferdinand Zylka (191-1998) nailed 18 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and forward Sananda Fru (209-2003) accounted for 18 points and 6 rebounds. Braunschweig’s coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Greek-Cypriot point guard Filippos Tigkas (184-2002) came up with 23 points and 6 assists and American forward Jeffrey Crockett (201-1991, college: Texas Tech) added 15 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Keravnos in the defeat. Braunschweig maintains second place with 3-2 record having just eight point less than leader Bilbao, which they share with 6 other teams. Keravnos lost third consecutive game. Defending Cypriot champion keep the third position with four games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Braunschweig will meet at home league’s leader Tofas in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Keravnos will play against AEK Larnaca and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Keravnos: F.Tigkas 23+2reb+6ast, L.Horton 18+1reb+5ast, J.Crockett 15+9reb+2ast, N.Stylianou 8+1reb, S.Tigkas 3, T.Taylor 2+5reb+2ast
Braunschweig: S.Fru 18+6reb+1ast, F.Zylka 18+5reb+3ast, B.Njie 10+3reb+4ast, T.Mitchell 9+5reb+1ast, A.Velicka 8+1reb+8ast, G.Schilling 6+1reb
gschID: 1213416
Bilbao – Kutaisi 91-63
There was no surprise when 3rd placed Georgian Kutaisi (1-4) was outleveled on the road by leader Spanish Surne Bilbao (5-0) 91-63 on Wednesday. Bilbao dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Kutaisi‘s 34. Bilbao forced 21 Kutaisi turnovers and outrebounded them 40-29 including 27 on the defensive glass. Bilbao looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Kutaisi‘s players. Swedish point guard Melwin Pantzar (190-2000) nailed 12 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side and Ruben Dominguez (197-2003) accounted for 15 points. Five Surne Bilbao players scored in double figures. American guard Elijah Joiner (190-1999, college: Iona) came up with 12 points and power forward Giorgi Korsantia (207-1998, agency: BIG) added 7 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Kutaisi in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Surne Bilbao have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Defending Georgian champion Kutaisi keeps the third position with four games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Bilbao will meet at home league’s second-placed Prievidza in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kutaisi will play against Balkan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kutaisi: E.Joiner 12+4reb+2ast, M.Smith 11+1reb+2ast, A.Dvalishvili 9+4reb+2ast, B.Berekashvili 8+4reb, G.Korsantia 7+7reb+3ast, G.Ochkhikidze 7+2reb
Bilbao: R.Dominguez 15+3reb+3ast, M.Jones 12+5reb+2ast, M.Pantzar 12+6reb+7ast, T.Hlinason 12+4reb+2ast, K.Kullamaee 11+6reb+2ast, T.de Ridder 9+5reb+3ast
gschID: 1213417
Cholet – Antwerp 90-77
No shocking result in a game when leader French Cholet Basket (5-0) beat at home 3rd placed Belgian Antwerp Giants (2-3) 90-77 on Wednesday. Cholet dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Antwerp Giants‘s 14. Cholet forced 23 Antwerp turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Center Bastien Vautier (210-1998) nailed 17 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and American center Jamuni McNeace (208-1996, college: Oklahoma) accounted for 13 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Four Cholet Basket players scored in double figures. Cholet Basket’s coach used entire bench and allowed the starting five to get some rest. American guard Michael Flowers (185-1999, college: WSU) came up with 27 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals and the other American import Mike Moore (203-1994, college: Mount Olive) added 22 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Antwerp in the defeat. Cholet Basket have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Antwerp Giants dropped to the second position with three games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Cholet will meet Constanta (#4) on the road in the next round. Antwerp will play against the league’s second-placed Fribourg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Antwerp: M.Flowers 27+5reb+5ast, M.Moore 22+7reb+3ast, K.Foster 7+3reb+1ast, Y.Schoepen 6+1reb, E.Lasisi 6+2reb+2ast, I.Alipiev 6+4reb+1ast
Cholet: B.Vautier 17+8reb+1ast, S.Smith 15+2reb+4ast, J.McNeace 13+7reb+2ast, N.De Sousa 11+3reb+7ast, G.Ayayi 9+2reb+7ast, C.Melvin 8+3reb+2ast
gschID: 1213418
Dijon – Caledonia G. 102-62
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 3rd placed British Gladiators‘ (2-3) road loss to second ranked French JDA Dijon (4-1) 62-102 on Wednesday. Dijon dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Gladiators‘s 34. Dijon looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Caledonia‘s players. American swingman Kyle Edwards (193-1999, college: Houston) nailed 20 points and 4 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import power forward Gavin Ware (206-1993, college: MSU) accounted for 19 points. Four JDA Dijon players scored in double figures. JDA Dijon’s coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to get some rest. American power forward Trevond Barnes (206-1997, college: Hampton, agency: One Motive Sports) came up with 27 points and 8 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) and guard Patrick Whelan (195-1996, college: William Jewell) added 7 points and 4 assists respectively for Caledonia in the defeat. Dijon keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Gladiators dropped to the second place with three games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Dijon will meet at home league’s leader Ludwigsburg in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Caledonia will play against Trepca and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Caledonia G.: T.Barnes 27+8reb+1ast, K.Jimenez 8+2reb+4ast, T.Stuckman 7+1reb+3ast, P.Whelan 7+4reb+4ast, F.Malcolm 5+2reb, F.Alihodzic 4+3reb+1ast
Dijon: K.Edwards 20+2reb+4ast, G.Ware 19+3reb+1ast, C.Sengfelder 19+3reb, R.Ducote 11+1ast, A.Dokossi 10+7reb+5ast, D.Holston 9+5ast
gschID: 1213419
Charleroi – Norrkoping 93-86
Rather predictable result when leader Belgian Spirou Charleroi (5-0) won against at home 3rd placed Swedish Norrkoping (2-3) 93-86 on Wednesday. Charleroi made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. Guard Quinten Smout (193-2002) nailed a double-double by scoring 25 points and 12 assists for the winning side and Bulgarian forward Yordan Minchev (202-1998) accounted for 17 points and 6 rebounds. Five Spirou Charleroi players scored in double figures. American guard Marcus Tyus (185-1994, college: Omaha) came up with 29 points and the other American import guard Devonte Green (190-1997, college: Indiana) added 16 points and 4 assists respectively for Norrkoping in the defeat. Spirou Charleroi have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Defending Swedish champion Norrkoping dropped to the second position with three games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Charleroi will meet league’s second-placed Maroussi in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Norrkoping will play against Sabah and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Norrkoping: M.Tyus 29+4reb+1ast, D.Green 16+1reb+4ast, S.Hunter 8+9reb, K.Cole 8+1reb, P.Hampton 8+4reb, D.Love 8+1reb+1ast
Charleroi: Q.Smout 25+4reb+12ast, X.Pintelon 18+3reb+1ast, Y.Minchev 17+6reb+1ast, G.Knudsen 16+4reb, A.Polet 10+1ast, W.Brandwijk 5+2reb
gschID: 1213420
FC Porto – PAOK 99-64
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Portuguese FC Porto as it allowed them to take a leadership position. FC Porto smashed leader Greek PAOK at home 99-64. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of PAOK. It was a key game for the top position in the league. FC Porto made 22-of-28 charity shots (78.6 percent) during the game. FC Porto had a 32-15 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. PAOK was plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American Max Landis (188-1993, college: PFW, agency: Promo Sport ID) stepped up and scored 27 points for the winners and American-Belizean power forward Phil Fayne II (206-1997, college: Illinois St.) chipped in 11 points and 8 rebounds. Five FC Porto players scored in double figures. American guard Frank Bartley IV (191-1994, college: Louisiana) responded with 8 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import center Devonte Upson (206-1993, college: SE Louisiana) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. FC Porto have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 5 other teams including defeated PAOK. PAOK will play next round against strong Szolnok trying to get back on the winning streak. FC Porto will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Limburg on the road.
Top scorers:
PAOK: S.Reynolds Jr. 13+2reb+2ast, D.Katsivelis 12+4reb+1ast, D.Upson 12+5reb, C.Henderson Jr. 8+3reb+1ast, F.Bartley IV 8+7reb+5ast, J.Forrester 5+6reb
FC Porto: M.Landis 27+4reb+1ast, D.Marble 15+3reb+1ast, X.Williams 13+5reb+2ast, P.Fayne II 11+8reb+3ast, T.Douglas 10+2reb+6ast, W.Washpun 9+3reb+2ast
gschID: 1213422
Anwil – Sassari 83-86
The game between closely ranked teams ended with second-ranked Polish Anwil‘s (3-2) home loss to leader Italian Sassari (6-0) in Wloclawek 83-86 on Wednesday. Sassari have an impressive series of six victories in a row. They maintain first place with 6-0 record. Loser Anwil keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Sassari will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Anwil will play against Sporting in Lisbon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
gschID: 1238769
