ABA League Round 6 (Regular Season): FMP BG loses to Cedevita Ol.

The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Round 6 in ABA League means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Ljubljana where host Slovenian Cedevita Ol. (3-2) beat league's leader Serbian FMP BG (2-3) 96-87 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. 24 personal fouls committed by FMP BG helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American point guard Anthony Cowan Jr (183-1997, college: Maryland, agency: Octagon Europe) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 assists. Croatian David Skara (203-1995, college: Clemson) chipped in 9 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Brandon Rush (193-2001, college: YSU, agency: Olsta) who recorded 19 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending Slovenian champion maintains first position with 3-2 record, which they share with 5 other teams. FMP BG lost third consecutive game. They still keep top place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Vienna. FMP BG will play next round against league's leader Buducnost trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Cedevita Ol. will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Borac in Cacak.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked UAE Dubai as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Dubai defeated top-ranked Croatian Zadar at home 89-75. It was a good game for Canadian center Mfiondu Kabengele (208-1997, college: FSU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds. Tornike Shengelia contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. point guard Niko Sare (197-2005) replied with 16 points and 4 assists for Zadar. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Undefeated Dubai (5-0) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Partizan. Zadar at the other side still keeps top place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Zadar will play next round against league's leader Spartak trying to get back on the winning streak. Dubai will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Mega BG at Belgrade.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Croatian Cibona (1-4) in Zagreb on Friday night. Hosts were rolled over by Bosnian Igokea (2-3) 89-69. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Lazar Stefanovic scored 16 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. The best for the losing side was Rickey McGill with 12 points and 7 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Igokea maintains first position with 2-3 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Defending Croatian champion Cibona still keeps top place with four games lost. They share the position with Vienna. Igokea will meet league's leader Krka in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cibona will play against the league's leader Siroki in Siroki Brijeg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 6 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Borac was crushed by Buducnost in Podgorica 105-72. Slovan beat Krka at home 66-64. Siroki lost to Crvena zvezda on the opponent's court 82-100. Partizan outscored Cluj Napoca in a home game 97-77. Ilirija managed to beat Derby on the road 84-82. Mega BG lost to Serbian defending champion Spartak on its own court 104-109. Bosna beat Vienna in Sarajevo 88-81.

Group A

Cibona - Igokea 69-89:
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Croatian Cibona (1-4) in Zagreb on Friday night. Hosts were rolled over by Bosnian Igokea (2-3) 89-69. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Igokea shot 62.1 percent from the field. Serbian guard Lazar Stefanovic (201-2002, college: UCLA, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 16 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Serbian forward Petar Kovacevic (203-2002) chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was American guard Rickey McGill (188-1997, college: Iona) with 12 points and 7 assists and Lovro Mazalin (204-1997) scored 10 points and 5 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Igokea maintains first position with 2-3 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Defending Croatian champion Cibona still keeps top place with four games lost. They share the position with Vienna. Igokea will meet league's leader Krka in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cibona will play against the league's leader Siroki in Siroki Brijeg and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cibona: R.McGill 12+7ast, R.Badzim 11+1reb+2ast, L.Mazalin 10+5reb+3ast, T.Mitchell 10+4reb+2ast, A.Sikiric 9+5reb, K.Hepa 8+4reb+1ast
Igokea: S.Lazar 16+5reb+2ast, K.Petar 15+5reb+3ast, P.Roman 13+1reb+4ast, D.Haris 12+1reb, T.Djordje 10+1ast, P.Nate 7+3reb+1ast

Buducnost - Borac CA 105-72:
Everything could happen in Podgorica at the game between two tied teams. Both first ranked Montenegrin Buducnost and second-best Serbian Borac had identical 3-1 record. This time Buducnost used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from Cacak 105-72 on Saturday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Buducnost made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Borac turnovers. Buducnost shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 60.9 percentage. American Fletcher Magee (193-1996, college: Wofford, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Serbian center Stefan Djordjevic (206-1998) chipped in 19 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. Five Buducnost players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Anthony Roy (196-2001, college: OK State) with 22 points and center Mihailo Musikic (213-2002) scored 6 points and 9 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. Buducnost have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending Montenegrin champion maintains first position with 4-1 record, which they share with Crvena zvezda. Loser Borac CA still keeps top place with two games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Buducnost will meet league's second-placed FMP BG in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Borac will play against the league's leader Cedevita Ol. and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Borac CA: A.Roy 22+1reb+2ast, M.Radovanovic 10+3reb+1ast, C.Djordje 9+2reb+2ast, K.Spear 8+2reb+1ast, B.Zivanovic 7+1reb+2ast, M.Musikic 6+9reb
Buducnost: M.Fletcher 22+6reb+4ast, D.Stefan 19+5reb, K.Oleksandr 17+2reb+5ast, S.Justin 16+5reb+1ast, M.Iverson 16+2reb+3ast, S.Marial 6+2reb+1ast

Cedevita Ol. - FMP BG 96-87:
Round 6 in ABA League means a new league leader. The biggest surprise took place in Ljubljana where host Slovenian Cedevita Ol. (3-2) beat league's leader Serbian FMP BG (2-3) 96-87 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. 24 personal fouls committed by FMP BG helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American point guard Anthony Cowan Jr (183-1997, college: Maryland, agency: Octagon Europe) who had a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 assists. Croatian David Skara (203-1995, college: Clemson) chipped in 9 points and 9 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Brandon Rush (193-2001, college: YSU, agency: Olsta) who recorded 19 points and center Nikola Gasic (212-2001) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively. Five FMP BG players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending Slovenian champion maintains first position with 3-2 record, which they share with 5 other teams. FMP BG lost third consecutive game. They still keep top place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. They were replaced at the leadership position by Vienna. FMP BG will play next round against league's leader Buducnost trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Cedevita Ol. will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Borac in Cacak.
Top scorers:
FMP BG: B.Rush 19+1reb+2ast, M.Kovacevic 16+2reb+1ast, A.Stanojevic 13+1reb+2ast, N.Gasic 13+8reb+1ast, N.Rebic 10+1reb+6ast, F.Rebraca 8+7reb
Cedevita Ol.: G.Jordan 17+1reb+1ast, H.Matt 14+1reb+1ast, C.Anthony 14+2reb+11ast, L.Rihards 9+1ast, S.David 9+9reb+2ast, K.Noah 8+2reb+1ast

Slovan - Krka 66-64:
There was a small surprise in Bratislava where first ranked Slovakian Slovan (3-2) edged their close opponent Slovenian Krka (0-5) 66-64 on Sunday. Slovan outrebounded Krka 36-23 including a 29-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Slovenian point guard Niko Bacvic (191-1997) scored 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Quincy Ford (203-1993, college: Northeastern, agency: Diamond Sports) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was forward Blaz Mahkovic (201-1990, agency: Interperformances) with 17 points and guard Jan Rebec (192-1993) scored 7 points and 4 steals. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Slovan maintains first position with 3-2 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Krka still keeps top with five games lost. They share the position with Derby. Slovan will meet league's leader Crvena zvezda in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Krka will play against the league's leader Igokea and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Krka: B.Mahkovic 17+2reb+1ast, G.Smith 8+1reb+1ast, D.Bozic 7+1ast, J.Rebec 7+3reb+3ast, D.Baldwin 6+2reb+1ast, J.Dolnicar 6+1ast
Slovan: F.Quincy 14+6reb+1ast, B.Niko 13+5reb+5ast, B.Trevon 13+6reb+1ast, D.Mateo 7+3reb+3ast, S.Brady 5+6reb+1ast, N.Zoran 4+4reb+2ast

Crvena zvezda - Siroki 100-82:
Everything could happen in Belgrade at the game between two tied teams. Both first ranked Serbian Crvena zvezda and their close opponent Bosnian Siroki had identical 3-1 record. This time Crvena zvezda used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Siroki Brijeg 100-82 on Sunday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Crvena zvezda shot 62.9 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. American guard Jared Butler (191-1999, college: Baylor) scored 17 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and power forward Vojin Medarevic (208-2002) chipped in 16 points (perfect from the field making all six shots) during the contest. The best for the losing side was American swingman Chavaughn Lewis (194-1993, college: Marist) with 22 points and 4 assists and his fellow American import forward Joshua Ola-Joseph (201-2003, college: Loyola, IL) scored 20 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Crvena zvezda have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-1 record, which they share with Buducnost. Loser Siroki still keeps top place with two games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Crvena zvezda will meet at home league's leader Slovan in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Siroki will play against the league's leader Cibona and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Siroki: C.Lewis 22+1reb+4ast, J.Ola-Joseph 20+4reb, M.Bosnjak 12+5reb+1ast, J.Zubac 10+5reb+1ast, T.Persons 7+2reb+4ast, K.Zganec 6+4reb+3ast
Crvena zvezda: D.Ognjen 17+1reb+1ast, B.Jared 17+3reb+1ast, M.Vojin 16+4reb+1ast, N.Jordan 10+2reb+2ast, J.Chris 9+3reb+6ast, B.Patrick 8+2reb+1ast

Group B

Partizan - Cluj Napoca 97-77:
We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Belgrade where top-ranked Serbian Partizan (5-0) outscored top-ranked Romanian Cluj Napoca (2-3) 97-77 on Monday. Partizan looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. South Sudanese-American guard Carlik Jones (183-1997, college: Louisville) scored 16 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Central African-American center Kevarrius Hayes (206-1997, college: Florida) chipped in 12 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American JaVonte Smart (193-1999, college: LSU, agency: Diamond Sports) with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import point guard Otis Livingston II (180-1996, college: GMU) scored 14 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Partizan have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Dubai. Defending Romanian champion Cluj Napoca still keeps top place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Partizan will meet at home league's leader Derby in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cluj Napoca will play against the league's leader Bosna and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cluj Napoca: J.Smart 15+5reb+4ast, O.Livingston II 14+2reb+7ast, U.Plavsic 13+6reb+3ast, J.McCreary 13+6reb, C.Bishop 9+3reb, K.Kullamaee 5+4reb+2ast
Partizan: J.Carlik 16+4reb+4ast, T.Ethan 14+3reb+1ast, T.Nikola 13+1reb, H.Kevarrius 12+5reb+1ast, R.Antonio 11+3reb+3ast, N.Mario 8+2reb+2ast

Dubai - Zadar 89-75:
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked UAE Dubai as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Dubai defeated top-ranked Croatian Zadar at home 89-75. Dubai players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Zadar was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for Canadian center Mfiondu Kabengele (208-1997, college: FSU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds. Georgian Tornike Shengelia (206-1991, agency: Octagon Europe) contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. point guard Niko Sare (197-2005) replied with 16 points and 4 assists and swingman Marko Ramljak (201-1993) added 9 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Zadar. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dubai (5-0) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Partizan. Zadar at the other side still keeps top place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Zadar will play next round against league's leader Spartak trying to get back on the winning streak. Dubai will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Mega BG at Belgrade.
Top scorers:
Zadar: N.Sare 16+1reb+4ast, R.Williams 11+2reb+1ast, I.Vranes 10+4reb, M.Ramljak 9+6reb+2ast, L.Buljevic 9+1reb+1ast, M.Ogden 7+7reb+2ast
Dubai: K.Mfiondu 21+11reb+1ast, S.Tornike 20+7reb+3ast, M.Dzanan 14+5reb+1ast, D.Nemanja 9+1reb, M.Davion 8+4reb+8ast, B.Jaron 5+3ast

Derby - Ilirija 82-84:
There was a minor upset in Podgorica where their close opponent Montenegrin Derby (0-5) was edged by first ranked Slovenian Ilirija (2-3) 84-82 on Sunday. Serbian forward Stefan Todorovic (203-2002, college: Pepperdine) scored 21 points to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Cameron Shelton (188-1999, college: LMU) chipped in 8 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Croatian guard Antonio Jordano (191-1999) with 20 points and Serbian point guard Aleksa Uskokovic (190-1999) scored 14 points and 6 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Ilirija maintains first position with 2-3 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Derby still keeps top with five games lost. They share the position with Krka. Ilirija will meet at home league's leader Vienna in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Derby will play against the league's second-placed Partizan in Belgrade and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Derby: A.Jordano 20+3reb+1ast, A.Uskokovic 14+4reb+6ast, M.Pavicevic 11+10reb, N.Pavlicevic 8+1reb+4ast, F.Andjusic 7+5reb, E.Penn 7+2reb+1ast
Ilirija: T.Stefan 21+4reb+3ast, M.Edo 20+3reb, H.Vit 10+3reb+1ast, S.Cameron 8+10reb+6ast, D.Hunter 8+9reb+2ast, B.Lian 7+3reb+1ast

Mega BG - Spartak 104-109:
Everything could happen in Belgrade at the game between two tied teams. Both first ranked Spartak and second-best Mega BG had identical 2-2 record. But Mega BG was not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Subotica 109-104 on Monday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Spartak outrebounded Mega BG 35-21 including a 25-14 advantage in defensive rebounds. Montenegrin point guard Igor Drobnjak (188-2000) scored 19 points and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Luka Cerovina (201-2000) chipped in 16 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was guard Andrej Lucic (188-2007) with 20 points and 8 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and swingman Aleksandar Vojinovic (197-2006) scored 17 points and 6 assists. Five Spartak and four Mega BG players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Defending Serbian champion maintains first position with 3-2 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser Mega BG still keeps top place with three games lost. They share the position with 5 other teams. Spartak will meet at home league's leader Zadar in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Mega BG will play against the league's leader Dubai and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mega BG: A.Lucic 20+8ast, A.Vojinovic 17+2reb+6ast, L.Paunov 14+2reb, P.Backo 13+1reb+1ast, O.Nikolic 13+3reb+1ast, O.Srzentic 9+7reb+3ast
Spartak: D.Igor 19+2reb+9ast, P.Jalon 17, C.Luka 16+6reb+3ast, O.Alen 13+7reb+1ast, N.Danilo 12+4reb+1ast, I.Dalibor 10+6reb+1ast

Vienna - Bosna 81-88:
There was a minor upset when their close opponent Austrian BC Vienna (1-4) was defeated at home by first ranked Bosnian Bosna (3-2) 88-81 on Friday. Bosna looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American forward Reggie Perry (208-2000, college: MSU) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and swingman Edin Atic (201-1997) chipped in 11 points and 4 assists during the contest. Five Bosna players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Croatian point guard Kresimir Radovcic (195-1997) with 13 points and 7 assists and Serbian Aleksandar Langovic (204-2001) scored 17 points (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending Bosnian champion maintains first position with 3-2 record, which they share with 5 other teams. Loser BC Vienna still keeps top place with four games lost. They share the position with Cibona. Bosna will meet league's leader Cluj Napoca on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Vienna will play against the league's second-placed Ilirija in Ljubljana and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Vienna: A.Langovic 17+2reb, G.Sherfield 13+1reb+1ast, K.Radovcic 13+3reb+7ast, N.Jovanovic 8+2reb+1ast, A.Novakovic 7+9reb, J.Muila 7+9reb
Bosna: P.PJ 15+1reb+1ast, D.Marcus 11+6reb+1ast, P.Nikola 11+7reb, A.Edin 11+4reb+4ast, P.Reggie 10+8reb+2ast, G.DeAndre 8+2reb+2ast