NBL Round 4 (Regular Season): Spartak Pleven defeats Cherno More

There were just four rounds played in Regular Season of NBL and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Cherno More (3-1) in Varna on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by fifth ranked Spartak Pleven (3-1) 80-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Cherno More. Spartak Pleven made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Rollie Worster (193-2000, college: Nebraska) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Swingman Aleksandar Matushev (197-2000) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Spartak Pleven's coach Zeljko Lukajic used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international power forward Tsvetomir Chernokojev (205-2000, agency: BIG) replied with 18 points for Cherno More. Spartak Pleven have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Cherno More. Spartak Pleven is looking forward to face league's leader Balkan in Botevgrad in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cherno More will play on the road against Lokomotiv Pl. in Plovdiv and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Lokomotiv Pl. (3-1) against eighth ranked Rilski (3-1) on Saturday night. Visiting Lokomotiv Pl. was defeated by Rilski in a tough game in Samokov 79-88. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Lokomotiv Pl.. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Hristo Bachkov (200-2004, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and Deyan Karamfilov who added 13 points and 7 assists during the contest. At the losing side American guard Jomaru Brown (188-1999, college: Coastal) responded with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Rilski moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Lokomotiv Pl.. Rilski will play against bottom-ranked Polytechnica (#14) in Dupnitsa in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Lokomotiv Pl. will play at home against Cherno More (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Beroe's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Polytechnica (0-4) 99-58 on Saturday. The winners were led by Daniel Saylor who scored that evening 19 points and 9 rebounds. Even a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds by Majok Gum did not help to save the game for Polytechnica. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Beroe (1-3) left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with CSKA. It was Polytechnica's fourth loss in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Levski and Botev. Beroe will meet Botev (#12) in the next round. Polytechnica will play against Rilski and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. CSKA lost to undefeated Balkan on the road 65-94. Akademik destroyed Levski on its own court 91-65. Winless Botev lost to undefeated Minyor 2015 in Pernik 82-110.



Balkan - CSKA 94-65:
No shocking result in a game when top-ranked Balkan (4-0) crushed 9th ranked CSKA (1-3) in Botevgrad 94-65 on Friday. Balkan dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to CSKA's 30. They outrebounded CSKA 43-25 including a 31-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. Balkan looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Balkan made 8 blocks. The winners were led by international Aleksandar Stoimenov (198-2001, college: Collin CC, agency: Octagon Europe) who scored that evening 19 points and Mexican swingman Yahir Bonilla (204-2003) supported him with 14 points and 6 rebounds. Even 22 points by the former international guard Martin Rusev (193-2004) did not help to save the game for CSKA. Ghanian-American Nana Antwi-Boasiako (206-2002, college: SF Austin) added 14 points and 10 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Balkan have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Minyor 2015. CSKA lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the ninth place with three games lost. They share the position with Beroe. Balkan will meet Spartak Pleven (#4) on the road in the next round. CSKA will play against Shumen (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Balkan: S.Aleksandar 19+3reb+2ast, B.Yahir 14+6reb, M.Javante 12+2reb+4ast, D.Dimitar 10+6reb, O.David 9+6reb+3ast, T.Konstantin 6+4reb+6ast
CSKA: M.Rusev 22+2reb+3ast, N.Antwi-Boasiako 14+10reb, B.Kyosev 13+4reb+1ast, I.Dimitrov 10+3reb+4ast, K.Kamenski 2+1reb, G.Dimov 2

Akademik P. - Levski 91-65:
Very expected game when bottom-ranked Levski (0-4) was smashed by seventh ranked Akademik (3-1) in Plovdiv 91-65 on Friday. Akademik outrebounded Levski 43-23 including a 28-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Akademik looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by American forward Sean Moore (201-2002, college: UNCW) who scored that evening 21 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) and ex-international Nikolay Mihaylov (204-2000, agency: BIG) supported him with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Akademik P. players scored in double figures. Even 13 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists by swingman Maxim Bochev (200-2005, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Levski. Guard Georgi Georgiev (185-2008) added 15 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Akademik moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams. Levski at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Polytechnica and Botev. Akademik will meet Yambol (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Levski will play against the league's second-placed Minyor 2015 and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Akademik P.: M.Sean 21+6reb+2ast, S.Dimitar 13+7reb, C.Maksim 11+4reb+3ast, S.Radosav 10+6reb+1ast, M.Nikolay 10+10reb+5ast, N.DQ 9+5reb+4ast
Levski: G.Georgi 15+3reb, M.Bochev 13+8reb+4ast, S.Kaynarov 11+1reb, M.Boyanov 8+1ast, V.Ivo 6+3ast, D.Hinkov 5+4reb

Cherno More - Spartak Pleven 74-80:
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Cherno More (3-1) in Varna on Saturday night. Hosts were defeated by fifth ranked Spartak Pleven (3-1) 80-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Cherno More. Spartak Pleven made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Rollie Worster (193-2000, college: Nebraska) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Swingman Aleksandar Matushev (197-2000) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Five Spartak Pleven players scored in double figures. Spartak Pleven's coach Zeljko Lukajic used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international power forward Tsvetomir Chernokojev (205-2000, agency: BIG) replied with 18 points and American guard Remy Abell (193-1992, college: Xavier, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) added 15 points and 6 assists in the effort for Cherno More. Spartak Pleven have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Cherno More. Spartak Pleven is looking forward to face league's leader Balkan in Botevgrad in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cherno More will play on the road against Lokomotiv Pl. in Plovdiv and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Spartak Pleven: M.Aleksandar 17+2reb, W.Rollie 17+11reb+2ast, D.Aleksandar 15+3reb, M.Jalan 14+1reb+2ast, S.Aleks 10+4reb+3ast, W.Tre 4+2reb
Cherno More: T.Chernokojev 18+3reb+2ast, R.Abell 15+2reb+6ast, C.Jones 12+2reb+2ast, N.Stoyanov 10+3reb+2ast, Z.Knowles 9+6reb, A.Ivanov 6+14reb+2ast

Minyor 2015 - Botev 110-82:
Very predictable result when top-ranked Minyor 2015 (4-0) rolled over bottom-ranked Botev (0-4) in Pernik 110-82 on Monday. Minyor 2015 made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 21 Botev turnovers. Minyor 2015 looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American point guard Jermaine Head (186-1997, college: WILMU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 27 points, 6 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals and ex-international swingman Lachezar Toshkov (187-2002, agency: BIG) supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 14 points and 8 rebounds by Armenian power forward Yura Melikyan (205-2005) did not help to save the game for Botev. Forward Kristiyan Vasilev (201-2006, college: Mobile, AL) added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for lost side. Five Minyor 2015 and four Botev players scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Minyor 2015 have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Balkan. Botev at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Levski and Polytechnica. Minyor 2015 will meet Levski (#13) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Botev will play against Beroe and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Minyor 2015: H.Jermaine 27+6reb+10ast, O.Alex 19+5reb+1ast, T.Lachezar 17+5reb+4ast, D.Malisic 14+4reb, K.Igor 12+3reb+1ast, D.Erik 9+1reb+1ast
Botev: I.Hristov 17+2reb+2ast, Y.Melikyan 14+8reb+3ast, M.Vodenicharski 13+1reb+1ast, K.Vasilev 11+6reb+6ast, M.Freeman 10+3reb+6ast, D.Haughton 8+6reb+1ast

Rilski - Lokomotiv Pl. 88-79:
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Lokomotiv Pl. (3-1) against eighth ranked Rilski (3-1) on Saturday night. Visiting Lokomotiv Pl. was defeated by Rilski in a tough game in Samokov 79-88. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Lokomotiv Pl.. Rilski dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Lokomotiv Pl.'s 34. Worth to mention a great performance of international forward Hristo Bachkov (200-2004, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and ex-international point guard Deyan Karamfilov (180-1994, agency: BIG) who added 13 points and 7 assists during the contest. Four Rilski players scored in double figures. At the losing side American guard Jomaru Brown (188-1999, college: Coastal) responded with 26 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Devearl Ramsey (180-1997, college: UCSB) scored 19 points and 6 assists. Rilski moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Lokomotiv Pl.. Rilski will play against bottom-ranked Polytechnica (#14) in Dupnitsa in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Lokomotiv Pl. will play at home against Cherno More (#6) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Rilski: B.Hristo 23+11reb+2ast, A.Alan 17+3reb+2ast, J.Malik 14+3ast, K.Deyan 13+4reb+7ast, S.Jackson 8+9reb, R.Isaiah 7+4reb+1ast
Lokomotiv Pl.: J.Brown 26+6reb+2ast, D.Ramsey 19+1reb+6ast, J.Dallas 11+2reb, T.Minkov 9+4reb+1ast, I.Kikrilis 9+3reb, S.Jamison 5+6reb

Beroe - Polytechnica 99-58:
Beroe's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after three consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Polytechnica (0-4) 99-58 on Saturday. Beroe dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Polytechnica's 38 and made 23-of-28 free shots (82.1 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Polytechnica 44-31 including 29 on the defensive glass. Beroe looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Beroe made 7 blocks. The winners were led by American center Daniel Saylor (211-2001, college: UAH) who scored that evening 19 points and 9 rebounds and Canadian-Haitian forward Patrick Emilien (201-1999, college: Maryland) supported him with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Beroe players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds by Canadian center Majok Gum (206-2000, agency: Starting 5) did not help to save the game for Polytechnica. Montenegrin forward Filip Boskovic (206-2004, college: Campbell) added 11 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Beroe (1-3) left bottom position moving up to ninth place, which they share with CSKA. It was Polytechnica's fourth loss in a row. Newly promoted team still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Levski and Botev. Beroe will meet Botev (#12) in the next round. Polytechnica will play against Rilski and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Beroe: S.Daniel 19+9reb+2ast, Z.Milen 14+7reb+1ast, E.Patrick 14+9reb+5ast, R.Chris 12+3reb+1ast, M.Krastomir 11+2reb+3ast, R.Jordan 11+3reb+6ast
Polytechnica: M.Gum 11+10reb, F.Boskovic 11+6reb, V.Popov 9+3reb+3ast, N.Jekov 8+3reb+5ast, I.Korestilov 7+2reb+1ast, S.Dimitrov 6+2reb