Round 18 of Regular Season

The Regular Season in ABA League just ended. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in Cluj Napoca where host Romanian Cluj Napoca (10-6) beat league's leader Serbian Borac (6-10) 93-87 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Borac CA. They outrebounded Borac 39-23 including a 23-11 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Cluj Napoca made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was American forward Nighael Ceaser (202-2000, college: Texas St.) who scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Australian swingman Mitch Creek (196-1992) chipped in 20 points. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Pavle Nikolic (200-2005, agency: Octagon Europe) who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Despite that victory Cluj Napoca went down to third position due to points difference. Borac at the other side dropped to the fifth place with ten games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Dubai who have the same record.
Top ranked Bosnian Bosna (8-8) recorded its eighth loss in Sarajevo. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Slovenian Ilirija (5-11) 93-78. It was a good game for guard Mark Padjen (196-2006) who led his team to a victory with 21 points and 6 assists. Luka Kures contributed with 16 points for the winners. Estonian forward Janari Joesaar (198-1993, college: UTRGV) replied with 19 points and 8 rebounds for Bosna. Bosna S.'s coach rotated eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Ilirija went down to seventh position due to points difference, which they share with Zadar and Krka. Bosna at the other side dropped to the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Spartak and Igokea.
An interesting game where Croatian Zadar (#4) beat host Austrian Vienna (#3) 86-77 on Friday evening. Borna Kapusta scored 19 points and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Simas Jarumbauskas with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Despite that victory Zadar went down to seventh position due to points difference, which they share with Ilirija and Krka. Vienna lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Split.

Rest of the games of round 18 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Igokea defeated Krka in Aleksandrovac 86-85. Derby was beaten by FMP BG at home 72-73. Spartak won against Mega BG on the opponent's court 94-89. Partizan managed to outperform Dubai in a home game 86-76. Crvena zvezda managed to beat Buducnost on the road 93-80.
The best stats of 18th round was 8 points and 9 assists by Yago Dos Santos of Crvena zvezda.



Vienna - Zadar 77-86

An interesting game where Croatian Zadar (#4) beat host Austrian Vienna (#3) 86-77 on Friday evening. Zadar looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Point guard Borna Kapusta (182-1996) scored 19 points and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Marko Ramljak (201-1993) chipped in 21 points during the contest. Four Zadar players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Lithuanian forward Simas Jarumbauskas (200-2000) with 21 points and 8 rebounds and American-Guinean guard Souley Boum (190-1999, college: Xavier) scored 16 points. Despite that victory Zadar went down to seventh position due to points difference, which they share with Ilirija and Krka. Vienna lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Split.
Top scorers:
Vienna: S.Jarumbauskas 21+8reb+3ast, S.Boum 16+3reb+3ast, L.Runjic 12+5reb+3ast, L.Asceric 9+1reb, S.Hunter 8+5reb+2ast, R.Mahalbasic 7+4reb
Zadar: R.Marko 21+1reb+2ast, K.Borna 19+3reb+9ast, M.Vladimir 15+6reb+1ast, M.Lovro 12+8reb+3ast, Z.Karlo 9+6reb+6ast, T.Boris 7+4reb+3ast

Cluj Napoca - Borac CA 93-87

The biggest surprise took place in Cluj Napoca where host Romanian Cluj Napoca (10-6) beat league's leader Serbian Borac (6-10) 93-87 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Borac CA. They outrebounded Borac 39-23 including a 23-11 advantage in defensive rebounds. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Cluj Napoca made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was American forward Nighael Ceaser (202-2000, college: Texas St.) who scored 18 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Australian swingman Mitch Creek (196-1992) chipped in 20 points. At the other side the best for losing team was swingman Pavle Nikolic (200-2005, agency: Octagon Europe) who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists and Bosnian-Serbian forward Marko Josilo (200-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) added 15 points respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Despite that victory Cluj Napoca went down to third position due to points difference. Borac at the other side dropped to the fifth place with ten games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Dubai who have the same record.
Top scorers:
Borac CA: J.Pierre-Louis 17+2reb+2ast, M.Josilo 15+4reb+2ast, P.Nikolic 13+11reb+4ast, C.Djordje 13+2ast, A.Uskokovic 11+9ast, N.Manojlovic 11+2reb
Cluj Napoca: C.Mitch 20+4reb+2ast, C.Nighael 18+8reb+1ast, M.Dusan 13+7reb+1ast, W.Trey 12+6reb+2ast, R.Patrick 10+4reb+3ast, M.Darius 8+4reb+1ast

Bosna S. - Ilirija 78-93

Top ranked Bosnian Bosna (8-8) recorded its eighth loss in Sarajevo. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Slovenian Ilirija (5-11) 93-78. It was a good game for guard Mark Padjen (196-2006) who led his team to a victory with 21 points and 6 assists. Guard Luka Kures (192-1998, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) contributed with 16 points for the winners. Estonian forward Janari Joesaar (198-1993, college: UTRGV) replied with 19 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Edin Atic (201-1997) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Bosna. Five Ilirija and four Bosna players scored in double figures. Bosna S.'s coach rotated eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Ilirija went down to seventh position due to points difference, which they share with Zadar and Krka. Bosna at the other side dropped to the fourth place with eight games lost. They share the position with Spartak and Igokea.
Top scorers:
Bosna S.: J.Joesaar 19+8reb+2ast, D.Salic 14+3reb+1ast, D.Caruthers 14+2reb+2ast, E.Atic 12+6reb+2ast, M.Young 6+2reb+3ast, A.Plummer 4+3reb+1ast
Ilirija: M.Padjen 21+2reb+6ast, K.Luka 16+4reb+2ast, M.Boban 13+6reb+2ast, T.Tomazic 12+5reb+3ast, J.Robert 10+4reb, T.Vukotic 8+3reb

Krka - Igokea 85-86

There was no surprise in Novo Mesto where 3rd ranked Slovenian Krka (5-11) was edged by first ranked Bosnian Igokea (8-8) 86-85 on Sunday. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 24-22. But Krka won second period 19-18. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Igokea dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Krka's 30. Serbian Dragan Milosavljevic (198-1989) scored 24 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and forward Aleksandar Lazic (203-1996) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Igokea's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was guard Jan Rebec (192-1993, agency: PEPI SPORT) with 25 points (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) and American center Sukhmail Mathon (208-1998, college: Boston U.) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Despite that victory Igokea went down to fourth position due to points difference, which they share with Bosna and Spartak. Loser Krka dropped to the seventh place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Zadar and Ilirija.
Top scorers:
Krka: J.Rebec 25+2reb+1ast, B.Mahkovic 16+2reb+1ast, S.Mathon 13+10reb+2ast, O.Urban 12+1reb+1ast, S.Zak 9+5reb+2ast, K.Helmanis 4+5reb+1ast
Igokea: M.Dragan 24+6reb+1ast, L.Aleksandar 19+6reb, R.Ahmaad 13+5reb+4ast, I.Vojin 11+1reb, M.Jeremic 5, B.Javon 4+4reb+4ast

Derby - FMP BG 72-73

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Podgorica where second ranked Serbian FMP BG (6-10) edged top-ranked Montenegrin Derby (3-13) 73-72 on Sunday. FMP BG made 22-of-27 free shots (81.5 percent) during the game. Swingman Filip Barna (201-1999) scored 30 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Joshua Scott (185-1998, college: Thomas Univ.) chipped in 13 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was Zoran Vuceljic (197-2003) with 20 points and power forward Aleksa Ilic (204-1996) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Despite that victory FMP BG went down to fifth position due to points difference, which they share with Borac and Mega BG. Loser Derby dropped to the ninth place with 13 games lost.
Top scorers:
Derby: V.Zoran 20+4reb+1ast, E.Hadzibegovic 14+2reb+3ast, A.Ilic 12+11reb, D.Johnson 9+7reb+4ast, M.Dreznjak 7+3reb+4ast, N.Pavlicevic 5
FMP BG: B.Filip 30+4reb+4ast, S.Joshua 13+2reb+3ast, D.Radosavljevic 8+3reb+3ast, G.Nikola 6+10reb, F.Rebraca 6+5reb, E.Christyon 5+5reb+3ast

Mega BG - Spartak 89-94

There was a minor upset in Beograd where their close opponent Mega BG (6-10) was defeated by first ranked Spartak (8-8) 94-89 on Sunday. Spartak looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Jamaican center Shevon Thompson (213-1993, college: GMU) scored 19 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Canadian Olivier Hanlan (193-1993, college: Boston Coll.) chipped in 16 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Spartak's coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. The best for the losing side was guard Savo Drezgic (193-2006, college: Georgia) with 31 points (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) and Italian center Luigi Suigo (218-2007) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Despite that victory Spartak went down to fourth position due to points difference, which they share with Bosna and Igokea. Loser Mega BG dropped to the fifth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Borac and FMP BG.
Top scorers:
Mega BG: S.Drezgic 31+3reb+2ast, M.Bogoljub 15+4reb+1ast, A.Djulovic 13+6reb, K.Luc 13+5reb+4ast, L.Suigo 12+11reb+1ast, K.Urban 5+4reb+2ast
Spartak: T.Shevon 19+5reb+1ast, H.Olivier 16+5reb+3ast, M.Stefan 14+2reb+2ast, H.Javontae 14+2reb+2ast, N.Danilo 11+6reb+4ast, D.Igor 10+4reb+8ast

Partizan - Dubai 86-76

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Beograd where second ranked Serbian Partizan (15-1) beat top-ranked UAE Dubai (15-1) 86-76 on Monday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Partizan made 7 blocks. American guard Duane Washington Jr (190-2000, college: Ohio St.) scored 33 points (!!!) to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import Sterling Brown (197-1995, college: SMU) chipped in 12 points and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Canadian center Mfiondu Kabengele (207-1997, college: FSU) with 20 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and American Dwayne Bacon (201-1995, college: FSU) scored 17 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Partizan have an impressive 11-game winning streak. Defending Serbian champion used an opportunity after Dubai lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position which they share with defeated Dubai.
Top scorers:
Dubai: M.Kabengele 20+6reb+2ast, D.Bacon 17+7reb+2ast, M.Wright IV 8+1reb+5ast, F.Petrusev 7+2reb+2ast, K.Kamenjas 6+5reb, J.Anderson 6+3reb+1ast
Partizan: W.Duane 33+2reb+1ast, B.Sterling 12+4reb+4ast, B.Isaac 10+2reb+2ast, C.Nick 8+2reb+7ast, F.Bruno 7+1reb, O.Dylan 6+3reb

Buducnost - Crvena zvezda 80-93

There was a minor upset in Podgorica where their close opponent Montenegrin Buducnost (13-3) was defeated by first ranked Serbian Crvena zvezda (12-4) 93-80 on Monday. Crvena zvezda looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Nigerian-American Jordan Nwora (203-1998, college: Louisville) scored 21 points to lead the charge for the winners and Brazilian point guard Yago Dos Santos (175-1999) chipped in 8 points and 9 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Yogi Ferrell (183-1993, college: Indiana) with 14 points and 7 assists and his fellow American import forward Juwan Morgan (203-1997, college: Indiana) scored 14 points and 5 rebounds. Four Buducnost players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Despite that victory Crvena zvezda went down to eleventh position due to points difference. Defending Montenegrin champion Buducnost dropped to the tenth place with three games lost.
Top scorers:
Buducnost: Y.Ferrell 14+2reb+7ast, J.Morgan 14+5reb+3ast, J.Boutsiele 12+6reb, A.Bouteille 10+1ast, D.Jovanovic 8+1reb, O.Kovliar 6+1reb+3ast
Crvena zvezda: N.Jordan 21+1reb+2ast, M.Donatas 12+4reb+2ast, B.Jared 10+2reb+3ast, I.Ebuka 9+6reb+2ast, K.Nikola 9+4reb+1ast, M.Chima 9+2reb