ABA League Round 4 of Regular Season

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Second defeat of league's leader Serbian Mega BG (1-2) against third ranked Slovenian Ilirija (1-2) 96-62 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Ilirija dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Mega BG's 32. They outrebounded Mega BG 40-21 including a 29-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Cameron Shelton (188-1999, college: LMU) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field). Serbian forward Stefan Todorovic (203-2002, college: Pepperdine) contributed with 24 points for the winners. Center Pavle Backo (211-2007) replied with 13 points and 6 rebounds for Mega BG. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ilirija keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Mega BG. Mega BG will play next round against league's leader Vienna trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Ilirija will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Zadar on the road.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked UAE Dubai as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Dubai defeated one of their biggest challengers Montenegrin Derby at home 108-90. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Dwayne Bacon (204-1995, college: FSU) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 6 rebounds and Mfiondu Kabengele who added 15 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) during the contest. At the losing side Serbian point guard Aleksa Uskokovic (190-1999) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Dubai have a solid three-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Partizan and Siroki. Derby at the other side still keeps top with three games lost. They share the position with Cibona and Krka. Derby will play next round against league's leader Cluj Napoca trying to get back on the winning streak. Dubai will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Bosna at Sarajevo.
The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Croatian Cibona (0-3) in Zagreb on Friday night. Hosts were edged by Serbian Borac (2-1) 95-94. The winners were led by Anthony Roy who scored that evening 32 points. Borac CA's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even 15 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists by Rickey McGill did not help to save the game for Cibona. Borac keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 6 other teams. Defending Croatian champion Cibona still keeps top with three games lost. They share the position with Krka and Derby. Borac will meet at home league's leader FMP BG in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cibona will play against the league's leader Krka and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Siroki beat FMP BG on the road 78-66. Buducnost won against Slovan on its own court 82-70. Cedevita Ol. managed to outperform Igokea in Ljubljana 93-81. Winless Krka was rolled over Crvena zvezda at home 78-97. Zadar was defeated by Vienna on the opponent's court 78-63. Bosna lost to undefeated Partizan in a home game 84-89. Cluj Napoca lost to Spartak on the road 75-89.
The most impressive performance of 4th round was 20 points and 7 assists by Diante Baldwin of Krka.

Group A

Cibona - Borac CA 94-95:
The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of Croatian Cibona (0-3) in Zagreb on Friday night. Hosts were edged by Serbian Borac (2-1) 95-94. Borac made 18-of-21 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American guard Anthony Roy (196-2001, college: OK State) who scored that evening 32 points and the other American import Kahliel Spear (200-2000, college: RMU) supported him with 25 points and 5 rebounds (made all of his seven free throws). Borac CA's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even 15 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists by American guard Rickey McGill (188-1997, college: Iona) did not help to save the game for Cibona. Roko Badzim (194-1997) added 21 points and 7 assists for lost side. Four Borac and five Cibona players scored in double figures. Borac keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 6 other teams. Defending Croatian champion Cibona still keeps top with three games lost. They share the position with Krka and Derby. Borac will meet at home league's leader FMP BG in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cibona will play against the league's leader Krka and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Borac CA: R.Anthony 32, S.Kahliel 25+5reb+1ast, N.Jovan 11+2reb+12ast, S.Ranko 11+7reb, C.Uros 7+1reb+2ast, M.Mihailo 4+5reb
Cibona: R.Badzim 21+1reb+7ast, T.Mitchell 15+6reb, R.McGill 15+5reb+9ast, K.Hepa 12+1reb+1ast, A.Sikiric 11+1reb, L.Mazalin 10+3reb+9ast

FMP BG - Siroki 66-78:
Everything could happen in Belgrade at the game between two tied teams. Both top-ranked Bosnian Siroki and top-ranked Serbian FMP BG had identical 2-0 record. But FMP BG was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Siroki Brijeg 78-66 on Saturday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Siroki looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American guard Tayler Persons (191-1995, college: Ball St., agency: Players Group) who scored that evening 17 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and Croatian power forward Karlo Zganec (206-1995) supported him with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Five Siroki players scored in double figures. Siroki's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists by American swingman Jamiya Neal (196-2003, college: Creighton) did not help to save the game for FMP BG. Swingman Marko Kovacevic (202-1999) added 15 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Siroki have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Partizan and Dubai. Loser FMP BG still keeps top place with one game lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Siroki will meet at home league's leader Slovan in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. FMP BG will play against the league's second-placed Borac in Cacak and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Siroki: P.Tayler 17+5reb+7ast, L.Chavaughn 17+2reb+3ast, B.Matej 13+4reb+2ast, Z.Karlo 12+10reb+7ast, O.Joshua 10+9reb, Z.Jure 6+3reb
FMP BG: B.Rush 16+4ast, M.Kovacevic 15+8reb, J.Neal 12+7reb+6ast, N.Rebic 7+2reb+1ast, M.Belic 6+3reb, N.Gasic 4+10reb

Buducnost - Slovan 82-70:
Everything could happen in Podgorica at the game between two tied teams. Both first ranked Montenegrin Buducnost and their close opponent Slovakian Slovan had identical 1-1 record. This time Buducnost used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from Bratislava 82-70 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Buducnost looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American Justin Smith (201-1999, college: Arkansas) who scored that evening 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import Fletcher Magee (193-1996, college: Wofford, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 16 points. Four Buducnost players scored in double figures. Even 18 points by American guard Tray Buchanan (187-1998, college: Emporia St.) did not help to save the game for Slovan. Montenegrin center Zoran Nikolic (212-1996) added 8 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending Montenegrin champion maintains first position with 2-1 record, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Slovan still keeps top place with two games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Buducnost will meet league's leader Cedevita Ol. in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Slovan will play against the league's leader Siroki in Siroki Brijeg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Buducnost: M.Fletcher 16+1reb+3ast, S.Justin 15+5reb+4ast, B.Axel 12+4reb, S.Marial 11+3reb+2ast, J.Djordje 8+2reb, D.Stefan 6+5reb
Slovan: T.Buchanan 18+3reb, Z.Nikolic 8+9reb, D.Buie 7+4reb+4ast, B.Skeens 7+6reb+1ast, T.Bluiett 7+1reb, N.Bacvic 7+2reb+6ast

Igokea - Cedevita Ol. 81-93:
Everything could happen in Aleksandrovac at the game between two tied teams. Both first ranked Slovenian Cedevita Ol. and their close opponent Bosnian Igokea had identical 1-1 record. But Igokea was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Ljubljana 93-81 on Saturday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The winners were led by American point guard Anthony Cowan Jr (183-1997, college: Maryland, agency: Octagon Europe) who scored that evening 21 points and 4 assists and the other American import guard Jordan Gainey (190-2002, college: Tennessee) supported him with 16 points and 5 assists. Even 23 points and 9 rebounds by Serbian forward Petar Kovacevic (203-2002) did not help to save the game for Igokea. Serbian guard Lazar Stefanovic (201-2002, college: UCLA, agency: Octagon Europe) added 17 points and 5 assists for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending Slovenian champion maintains first position with 2-1 record, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Igokea still keeps top place with two games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Cedevita Ol. will meet at home league's leader Buducnost in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Igokea will play against the league's leader Crvena zvezda and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cedevita Ol.: C.Anthony 21+4reb+4ast, G.Jordan 16+4reb+5ast, K.Urban 10+1reb, C.Miha 9+5reb, H.Matt 9+2reb+1ast, L.Rihards 9+1reb+3ast
Igokea: P.Kovacevic 23+9reb+1ast, L.Stefanovic 17+3reb+5ast, J.Armotrading 13+8reb, N.Manojlovic 7+6reb, N.Pierre-Louis 7+1reb+3ast, R.Penn 6+2reb+6ast

Krka - Crvena zvezda 78-97:
There was a minor upset when their close opponent Slovenian Krka (0-3) was outscored by first ranked Serbian Crvena zvezda (2-1) in Novo Mesto 97-78 on Sunday. Crvena zvezda made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. American players dominated the game. The winners were led by guard Jared Butler (191-1999, college: Baylor) who scored that evening 21 points and swingman Patrick Baldwin Jr (206-2002, college: Milwaukee) supported him with 8 points and 7 rebounds. Even 20 points and 7 assists by point guard Diante Baldwin (182-1994, college: UNCG, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Krka. Power forward Galin Smith (206-1998, college: Maryland) added 14 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Four Krka players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Crvena zvezda maintains first position with 2-1 record, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Krka still keeps top with three games lost. They share the position with Cibona and Derby. Crvena zvezda will meet league's leader Igokea in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Krka will play against the league's leader Cibona in Zagreb and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Crvena zvezda: B.Jared 21+2reb+1ast, M.Vojin 13+2reb, K.David 13+1reb, J.Chris 9+1reb+5ast, B.Patrick 8+7reb+1ast, N.Jordan 8+3reb
Krka: D.Baldwin 20+3reb+7ast, G.Smith 14+8reb, B.Mahkovic 13+1ast, J.Klobucar 10+3reb, J.Rebec 5+1reb, J.Kroselj 4+3reb

Group B

Vienna - Zadar 78-63:
There was a small surprise when first ranked Austrian BC Vienna (1-2) defeated at home their close opponent Croatian Zadar (1-2) 78-63 on Friday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Vienna made 18-of-22 free shots (81.8 percent) during the game. Vienna had a 29-13 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by Serbian Aleksandar Langovic (204-2001) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 rebounds and American swingman RJ Gunn (201-1999, college: Duquesne, agency: Players Group) supported him with 14 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Even 15 points and 5 rebounds by power forward Lovro Buljevic (210-1998) did not help to save the game for Zadar. Bosnian-Croatian forward Dario Dreznjak (204-1998) added 12 points for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. BC Vienna maintains first position with 1-2 record, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Zadar. Vienna will meet at home league's second-placed Mega BG in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Zadar will play against the league's leader Ilirija and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Vienna: S.Grant 17+1reb, G.RJ 14+4reb+1ast, L.Aleksandar 11+10reb, R.Kresimir 9+1reb+7ast, B.Zimonjic 6+1reb+1ast, K.Luka 5+3reb+3ast
Zadar: L.Buljevic 15+5reb+3ast, D.Dreznjak 12+4reb+1ast, K.Klarica 11+3reb+1ast, R.Williams 7+3reb+4ast, N.Sare 6+4reb+4ast, M.Ogden 5+4reb+1ast

Bosna - Partizan 84-89:
Everything could happen in Sarajevo at the game between two tied teams. Both top-ranked Serbian Partizan and top-ranked Bosnian Bosna had identical 2-0 record. But Bosna was not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Belgrade 89-84 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Partizan looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by forward Nikola Tanaskovic (205-1997) who scored that evening 18 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Argentinian-Italian guard Luca Vildoza (191-1995, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 15 points and 4 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots). Even a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Reggie Perry (208-2000, college: MSU) did not help to save the game for Bosna. Guard Darko Talic (186-1998, agency: Olsta) added 13 points and 7 assists for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Partizan have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Siroki and Dubai. Defending Bosnian champion Bosna still keeps top place with one game lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Partizan will meet league's leader Spartak in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Bosna will play against the league's leader Dubai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Partizan: T.Nikola 18+7reb+3ast, V.Luca 15+4reb+4ast, H.Kevarrius 11+7reb+1ast, S.Lamar 11+5reb, J.Carlik 9+1reb+2ast, P.Alessandro 8+2reb+2ast
Bosna: R.Perry 21+12reb+1ast, D.Talic 13+2reb+7ast, D.Gholston 13+1reb+1ast, P.Pipes 11+2reb+1ast, R.Hawkins 9+3reb+1ast, M.Domask 6+2reb+1ast

Ilirija - Mega BG 96-62:
Second defeat of league's leader Serbian Mega BG (1-2) against third ranked Slovenian Ilirija (1-2) 96-62 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Ilirija dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Mega BG's 32. They outrebounded Mega BG 40-21 including a 29-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Cameron Shelton (188-1999, college: LMU) who helped to win the game recording 25 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists (on 11-of-12 shooting from the field). Serbian forward Stefan Todorovic (203-2002, college: Pepperdine) contributed with 24 points for the winners. Center Pavle Backo (211-2007) replied with 13 points and 6 rebounds and power forward Mihailo Boskovic (208-2002, college: BYU) added 10 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Mega BG. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Ilirija keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 6 other teams including defeated Mega BG. Mega BG will play next round against league's leader Vienna trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Ilirija will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Zadar on the road.
Top scorers:
Ilirija: S.Cameron 25+8reb+4ast, T.Stefan 24+4reb+3ast, H.Cole 10+6reb, H.Vit 9+3reb, B.Lian 8+7reb+1ast, D.Hunter 6+6reb
Mega BG: P.Backo 13+6reb, L.Nzambi 10+2reb+2ast, M.Boskovic 10+5reb+3ast, A.Lucic 8, U.Suput 8+2reb, T.Hrelja 5+3reb

Spartak - Cluj Napoca 89-75:
Everything could happen in Subotica at the game between two tied teams. Both first ranked Serbian Spartak and their close opponent Romanian Cluj Napoca had identical 1-1 record. This time Spartak used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Cluj Napoca 89-75 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Spartak made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. The winners were led by Bosnian-Serbian forward Dalibor Ilic (202-2000, agency: Octagon Europe) who scored that evening 23 points and 9 rebounds and Montenegrin power forward Danilo Nikolic (206-1993) supported him with 9 points and 9 rebounds. Even 17 points and 7 assists by American JaVonte Smart (193-1999, college: LSU, agency: Diamond Sports) did not help to save the game for Cluj Napoca. Serbian center Uros Plavsic (213-1998, college: Tennessee) added 9 points and 12 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending Serbian champion maintains first position with 2-1 record, which they share with 6 other teams. Defending Romanian champion Cluj Napoca still keeps top place with two games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Spartak will meet at home league's second-placed Partizan in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cluj Napoca will play against Derby in Podgorica and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Spartak: I.Dalibor 23+9reb, P.Jalon 12+3ast, C.Luka 10+3reb+6ast, G.Amar 9+1ast, N.Danilo 9+9reb+1ast, O.Alen 8+4reb+1ast
Cluj Napoca: J.McCreary 19+2reb+1ast, J.Smart 17+2reb+7ast, C.Bishop 14+3reb+2ast, U.Plavsic 9+12reb+2ast, K.Kullamaee 8+5reb+2ast, B.Nicolescu 6+4reb

Dubai - Derby 108-90:
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked UAE Dubai as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Dubai defeated one of their biggest challengers Montenegrin Derby at home 108-90. Dubai shot 63.5 percent from the field and made 16-of-21 charity shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Dubai outrebounded Derby 34-18 including a 23-10 advantage in defensive rebounds. Dubai players were unselfish on offense dishing 31 assists comparing to just 17 passes made by Derby's players. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Dwayne Bacon (204-1995, college: FSU) who helped to win the game recording 14 points and 6 rebounds and Canadian center Mfiondu Kabengele (208-1997, college: FSU) who added 15 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots) during the contest. Five Dubai players scored in double figures. At the losing side Serbian point guard Aleksa Uskokovic (190-1999) responded with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 assists and Serbian center Marko Pavicevic (209-2001, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 16 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Dubai have a solid three-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Partizan and Siroki. Derby at the other side still keeps top with three games lost. They share the position with Cibona and Krka. Derby will play next round against league's leader Cluj Napoca trying to get back on the winning streak. Dubai will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Bosna at Sarajevo.
Top scorers:
Dubai: K.Mfiondu 15+5reb+1ast, K.Kosta 14+1reb+3ast, B.Dwayne 14+6reb+3ast, P.Filip 13+4reb+1ast, D.Mamadi 10+1reb, K.Kenan 10+5reb+3ast
Derby: A.Uskokovic 22+2reb+10ast, M.Pavicevic 16+3reb, A.Jordano 14+1reb+1ast, N.Pavlicevic 8+3ast, A.Wesson 7+1reb+1ast, N.Saranovic 6+5reb