Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.
The most exciting game of round 8 in the Liga Endesa took place in Barcelona. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers Valencia (5-2) to seventh ranked FC Barcelona (5-3) 102-99 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Valencia. Barca made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American Jabari Parker (203-1995, college: Duke) who scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. American-Serbian Kevin Punter (193-1993, college: Tennessee) chipped in 24 points. Nigerian-American Semi Ojeleye (201-1994, college: SMU) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Barca moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Murcia and Gran Canaria. Valencia at the other side keeps the fourth position with two games lost. Barca is looking forward to face Manresa (#9) on the road in the next round. Valencia will play against Baskonia (#13) in Vitoria and is hoping to win this game.
Bottom-ranked Coviran Granada managed to get a second victory, breaking the four-game losing streak. This time they edged fifteenth-ranked Coruna 80-77. French Amine Noua (202-1997) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points. Jonathan Rousselle contributed with 6 points and 9 assists for the winners. American-Cuban swingman Yunio Barrueta (196-1993, college: Barry, agency: BIG) replied with 18 points for Coruna. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Granada (2-6) moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Coruna. Coruna lost third consecutive game. Granada will play against bottom-ranked Rio Breogan (#18) in Lugo in the next round. Coruna will play on the road against Lleida and hopes to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Zaragoza between Zaragoza and Baskonia. Eleventh ranked Zaragoza (4-4) got a very close home victory over 13th ranked Baskonia (3-5). Zaragoza managed to escape with a 1-point win 86-85 on Sunday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Bojan Dubljevic who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 5 rebounds. Trent Forrest responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Zaragoza moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Joventut and Manresa. Loser Baskonia dropped to the eleventh position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Zaragoza will meet at home Bilbao (#12) in the next round. Baskonia will play against Valencia and hope to secure a win.
Rest of the games of round 8 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Rio Breogan was defeated by Murcia in a road game 79-63. Tenerife beat Manresa at home 94-86. Lleida lost to Real Madrid on the opponent’s court 78-85. Gran Canaria managed to outperform Girona in a home game 89-84. Joventut managed to beat Bilbao on the road 95-79. Andorra was defeated by Unicaja on its own court 89-106. Zaragoza was smashed by Valencia in a road game 111-82.
The best stats of 8th round was 15 points and 5 rebounds by Xabier Lopez-Arostegui of Valencia.
Granada – Coruna 80-77
Bottom-ranked Coviran Granada managed to get a second victory, breaking the four-game losing streak. This time they edged fifteenth-ranked Coruna 80-77. Granada dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Coruna‘s 26. French Amine Noua (202-1997) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points. French point guard Jonathan Rousselle (192-1990) contributed with 6 points and 9 assists for the winners. American-Cuban swingman Yunio Barrueta (196-1993, college: Barry, agency: BIG) replied with 18 points and American point guard Brandon Taylor (178-1994, college: Utah, agency: Pensack Sports) added 10 points and 8 assists in the effort for Coruna. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Granada (2-6) moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Coruna. Coruna lost third consecutive game. Granada will play against bottom-ranked Rio Breogan (#18) in Lugo in the next round. Coruna will play on the road against Lleida and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Granada: A.Noua 18+1reb+1ast, J.Wiley 12+3reb, S.Bamforth 11+1reb+4ast, G.Clavell 8+2reb+3ast, E.Valtonen 8+4reb, A.Ubal 7+3reb
Coruna: Y.Barrueta 18+1reb, T.Thompkins 11+3reb+1ast, B.Taylor 10+1reb+8ast, L.Figueroa 9+3reb, I.Jakovics 9+1ast, A.Lima 6+7reb
gschID: 1186763
Murcia – Rio Breogan 79-63
There was no surprise in Murcia where 17th ranked Breogan Lugo (2-6) was defeated by seventh ranked UCAM (5-3) 79-63 on Saturday. Murcia looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Swedish center Simon Birgander (209-1997) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and Canadian-Jamaican guard Dylan Ennis (188-1991, college: Oregon) who added 12 points during the contest. UCAM’s coach Sito Alonso used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Charlie Moore (183-1998, college: Miami, FL) responded with 16 points and 4 assists and his fellow American import Darrun Hilliard (198-1993, college: Villanova) scored 12 points. Murcia moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Barca and Gran Canaria. Loser Breogan Lugo dropped to the bottom position with six games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Murcia will meet at home Gran Canaria (#6) in the next round. Rio Breogan will play against Granada (#17) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Murcia: S.Birgander 18+12reb+1ast, D.Ennis 12+2reb+3ast, R.Kurucs 11+2reb+3ast, D.Garcia 8+3reb+2ast, N.Radovic 8+2reb, A.Kurucs 6+1reb
Rio Breogan: C.Moore 16+2reb+4ast, D.Hilliard 12+4reb+2ast, J.Sakho 10+6reb, E.Vila 8+7reb+1ast, J.Davis 5+4reb+1ast, E.Atic 4+8reb+1ast
gschID: 1186764
Zaragoza – Baskonia 86-85
A very close game took place in Zaragoza between Zaragoza and Baskonia. Eleventh ranked Zaragoza (4-4) got a very close home victory over 13th ranked Baskonia (3-5). Zaragoza managed to escape with a 1-point win 86-85 on Sunday evening. Strangely Baskonia outrebounded Zaragoza 37-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of Montenegrin center Bojan Dubljevic (205-1991) who helped to win the game recording 17 points and 5 rebounds and Angolan center Jilson Bango (208-1999) who added 17 points during the contest. American guard Trent Forrest (194-1998, college: FSU) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Lithuanian forward Tadas Sedekerskis (206-1998) scored 11 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Zaragoza and four Baskonia players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Zaragoza moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Joventut and Manresa. Loser Baskonia dropped to the eleventh position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Zaragoza will meet at home Bilbao (#12) in the next round. Baskonia will play against Valencia and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Zaragoza: J.Bango 17+3reb+1ast, B.Dubljevic 17+5reb+1ast, S.Yusta 13+4reb+1ast, T.Bell-Haynes 12+1reb+3ast, A.Slaughter 11+1reb+1ast, Y.Mencia 7+4reb
Baskonia: T.Forrest 17+6reb+4ast, M.Howard 12+3ast, C.Moneke 12+5reb+7ast, T.Luwawu-Cabarrot 12+4reb+2ast, T.Sedekerskis 11+9reb+4ast, D.Hall 8+8reb+1ast
gschID: 1186765
Tenerife – Manresa 94-86
No shocking result in a game when second ranked Tenerife (6-1) defeated at home 6th ranked BAXI Manresa (4-4) 94-86 on Saturday. Tenerife made 30-of-34 free shots (88.2 percent) during the game, while Manresa only scored fourteen points from the stripe. Tenerife looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Brazilian-Italian point guard Marcelinho Huertas (191-1983) who helped to win the game recording 20 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Georgian center Giorgi Shermadini (217-1989, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 17 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) during the contest. Belgian-Nigerian guard Retin Obasohan (191-1993, college: Alabama) responded with 19 points and swingman Mario Saint-Supery (194-2006) scored 15 points. Five Tenerife and four Manresa players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tenerife have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 6-1 record behind leader Unicaja. Loser BAXI Manresa dropped to the eighth place with four games lost. They share the position with Joventut and Zaragoza. Tenerife will meet league’s leader Unicaja in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Manresa will play against Barca (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tenerife: M.Huertas 20+7reb+5ast, G.Shermadini 17+4reb+1ast, B.Fitipaldo 12+7ast, F.Guerra 10+6reb+5ast, A.Doornekamp 10+2reb, T.Abromaitis 10+2reb
Manresa: R.Obasohan 19+2reb+1ast, M.Saint-Supery 15+3reb+3ast, B.Massa 12+7reb+1ast, D.Alston Jr. 11+3reb+4ast, M.Steinbergs 10+7reb, D.Perez 8+1reb+9ast
gschID: 1186766
Real Madrid – Lleida 85-78
Very expected game when 12th ranked Lleida (3-5) was defeated on the road by fourth ranked Real Madrid (6-2) 85-78 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of Argentinian point guard Facundo Campazzo (181-1991) who helped to win the game recording 11 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international power forward Serge Ibaka (207-1989) who added 15 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Four Real Madrid players scored in double figures. American guard Kenny Hasbrouck (191-1986, college: Siena, agency: Interperformances) responded with 15 points and 4 assists and Liberian-American guard Thomas Bropleh (196-1991, college: Boise St.) scored 18 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Real Madrid have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to third place. Newly promoted Lleida dropped to the eleventh position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Real Madrid will meet Joventut (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Lleida will play against Coruna and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Real Madrid: X.Rathan-Mayes 16+2ast, S.Ibaka 15+6reb+1ast, A.Abalde 12+3reb, F.Campazzo 11+6reb+5ast, H.Gonzalez 7+1reb+1ast, M.Hezonja 7+7reb+2ast
Lleida: T.Bropleh 18+2reb+1ast, K.Hasbrouck 15+2reb+4ast, P.Oriola 12+9reb, E.Muric 8+4reb+1ast, O.Pauli 8+2reb+2ast, C.Walden 5+1reb+1ast
gschID: 1186767
Gran Canaria – Girona 89-84
Very predictable result in Las Palmas where seventh ranked Gran Canaria (5-3) beat 15th ranked Basquet Girona (2-6) 89-84 on Sunday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Worth to mention a great performance of Argentinian Nicolas Brussino (205-1993) who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and American swingman Caleb Homesley (198-1996, college: Liberty) who added 14 points during the contest. Nigerian point guard Ike Iroegbu (188-1995, college: WSU) responded with 21 points and 5 rebounds and French forward William Howard (203-1993) scored 16 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Gran Canaria moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Barca and Murcia. Loser Basquet Girona keeps the fifteenth position with six games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Gran Canaria will meet Murcia (#7) on the road in the next round. Girona will play against Andorra (#14) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gran Canaria: N.Brussino 18+6reb+6ast, C.Homesley 14+2reb+3ast, C.Alocen 13+1reb+3ast, G.Conditt IV 9+2reb, A.Albicy 8+2reb+1ast, J.Shurna 7+3reb
Girona: I.Iroegbu 21+5reb+2ast, W.Howard 16+3reb+3ast, M.Fjellerup 10+5reb, A.Durham 8+3reb+4ast, J.Nnaji 7+6reb, N.Sibande 7+2reb+1ast
gschID: 1186768
Bilbao – Joventut 79-95
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both tenth ranked Joventut and 12th ranked Surne Bilbao had identical 3-4 record. But Surne Bilbao was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Badalona 95-79 on Sunday night. Joventut looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Bilbao‘s players. Worth to mention a great performance of Croatian center Ante Tomic (217-1987, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 10 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and Ukrainian center Artem Pustovyi (219-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 15 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Five Joventut players scored in double figures. Norwegian point guard Harald Frey (188-1997, college: Montana St.) responded with 18 points and Icelandic center Tryggvi Hlinason (215-1997) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Joventut (4-4) moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Manresa and Zaragoza. Loser Surne Bilbao dropped to the eleventh position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Joventut will meet at home higher ranked Real Madrid (#3) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Bilbao will play against Zaragoza (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Joventut: K.Robertson 15+4reb+3ast, A.Pustovyi 15+7reb+1ast, S.Dekker 14+2reb+1ast, J.Busquets 11+4reb+3ast, A.Tomic 10+10reb+6ast, Y.Kraag 8+3reb+2ast
Bilbao: H.Frey 18+2reb+3ast, T.Hlinason 14+8reb, Z.Dragic 12+3reb+5ast, M.Abdur-Rahkman 8+2reb, T.Gielo 7+7reb+1ast, M.Pantzar 7+1reb+1ast
gschID: 1186769
Andorra – Unicaja 89-106
Everything went according to plan when second ranked Unicaja (7-1) won against on the road 9th ranked MoraBanc Andorra (3-5) 106-89 on Sunday. Unicaja made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. Strangely Andorra outrebounded Unicaja 38-24 including a 12-0 advantage in offensive rebounds. Unicaja shot the lights out from three sinking 16 long-distance shots on high 53.3 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Andorra‘s players. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Tyson Carter (193-1998, college: MSU) who helped to win the game recording 25 points and 4 assists (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) and the other American import swingman Kameron Taylor (198-1994, college: Seton Hill) who added 12 points and 4 assists during the contest. American-Guinean point guard Shannon Evans II (185-1994, college: Arizona St.) responded with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and Guinean-French Sekou Doumbouya (206-2000) scored 12 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Unicaja keeps a position of league leader. Andorra lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with five games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Unicaja will meet at home league’s second-placed Tenerife in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Andorra will play against Girona (#16) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Unicaja: T.Carter 25+2reb+4ast, K.Taylor 12+2reb+4ast, D.Osetkowski 11+2reb+1ast, K.Tillie 11+4reb+1ast, D.Kravish 9+3reb+2ast, K.Perry 8+8ast
Andorra: S.Evans II 18+6reb+7ast, J.Harding 12+1reb, S.Doumbouya 12+4reb+1ast, S.Okoye 10+2reb, K.Kuric 9+2reb+1ast, F.Dos Anjos 8+5reb
gschID: 1186770
Barca – Valencia 102-99
The most exciting game of round 8 in the Liga Endesa took place in Barcelona. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers Valencia (5-2) to seventh ranked FC Barcelona (5-3) 102-99 on Sunday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Valencia. Barca made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American Jabari Parker (203-1995, college: Duke) who scored 18 points and 6 rebounds. American-Serbian Kevin Punter (193-1993, college: Tennessee) chipped in 24 points. Nigerian-American Semi Ojeleye (201-1994, college: SMU) produced 19 points and 5 rebounds and Armenian-American guard Chris Jones (188-1993, college: Angelo St.) added 16 points respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Barca moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Murcia and Gran Canaria. Valencia at the other side keeps the fourth position with two games lost. Barca is looking forward to face Manresa (#9) on the road in the next round. Valencia will play against Baskonia (#13) in Vitoria and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Barca: K.Punter 24+2ast, J.Parker 18+6reb+3ast, W.Hernangomez 13+3reb+1ast, J.Vesely 12+10reb+3ast, J.Anderson 8+3reb+1ast, J.Nunez 8+4reb+6ast
Valencia: S.Ojeleye 19+5reb, C.Jones 16+2reb+3ast, N.Reuvers 14+2reb, J.Montero 11+3reb+6ast, J.Puerto 10+2reb, J.Pradilla 7+6reb+2ast
gschID: 1186771
Round 7
Valencia – Zaragoza 111-82
There was no surprise when 11th ranked Zaragoza (4-4) was crushed on the road by fourth ranked Valencia (5-2) 111-82 on Friday. Valencia looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of Nigerian-American Semi Ojeleye (201-1994, college: SMU) who helped to win the game recording 18 points and 6 rebounds and the former international Xabier Lopez-Arostegui (200-1997) who added 15 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Five Valencia players scored in double figures. Angolan center Jilson Bango (208-1999) responded with 18 points and Montenegrin center Bojan Dubljevic (205-1991) scored 14 points and 7 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Valencia have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 5-2 record. Loser Zaragoza dropped to the eighth place with four games lost. They share the position with Joventut and Manresa. Valencia will meet Baskonia (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Zaragoza will play against Bilbao (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Valencia: S.Ojeleye 18+6reb, N.Sestina 17+3reb, X.Lopez-Arostegui 15+5reb+1ast, J.Puerto 14+3reb, C.Jones 12+3reb+5ast, B.Badio 10+1reb+2ast
Zaragoza: J.Bango 18+4reb+2ast, B.Dubljevic 14+7reb, T.Bell-Haynes 8+1reb+4ast, S.Yusta 8+3reb+2ast, A.Slaughter 8+2reb+2ast, J.Rodriguez 7+2reb+1ast
gschID: 1238997
