Premijer Liga Round 32 (Regular Season): Cibona beat Cedevita Jr. in a derby game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Zagreb: Cibona (#3) and Cedevita Jr. (#8). Cedevita Jr. was defeated at home 74-84 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Cedevita Jr.. They outrebounded Cedevita Jr. 41-30 including 27 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American forward Kamaka Hepa (208-2000, college: Hawaii) who scored 21 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import guard Justin Roberson (187-1993, college: ULM) chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. Cibona's coach Ivan Rudez used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Jordan Gainey (190-2002, college: Tennessee) produced 20 points for the hosts. Cibona (24-8) have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Split. Cedevita Jr. at the other side keeps the eighth position with 20 games lost. They share it with Kvarner and Alkar. Cibona is looking forward to face Kvarner (#8) in Rijeka in the next round where they are favorite. Cedevita Jr. will play on the road against Split and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Zadar. First ranked Zadar faced second-ranked Split. Host Zadar (28-4) smashed guests from Split (24-8) 90-67. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Split. Montenegrin point guard Vladimir Mihailovic (193-1990) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 6 assists. Boris Tisma contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. American guard Teyvon Myers (188-1994, college: WVU) replied with 17 points and 6 assists for Split. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion maintains first position with 28-4 record. Split at the other side keeps the second place with eight games lost. They share the position with Cibona. Zadar will play against bottom-ranked Sibenka (#12) in Sibenik in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Split will play at home against Cedevita Jr. (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Samobor. First ranked Zadar faced 4th ranked Samobor. Guests from Zadar (28-4) defeated host Samobor (17-15) 88-84. Worth to mention a great performance of Marko Ramljak who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Glen Burns responded with 25 points and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Defending champion maintains first position with 28-4 record. Newly promoted Samobor keeps the fourth place with 15 games lost. Zadar will meet at home bottom-ranked Sibenka (#12) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Samobor will play against Dinamo (#11) and hope to secure a win.

Rest of the games of round 32 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Dubrovnik defeated Dinamo in a road game 97-82. Dubrava was beaten by Samobor at home 66-76. Alkar lost to Sibenka on the opponent's court 88-91. Kvarner outscored Zabok in a home game 94-75. Split managed to beat Dinamo on the road 96-89.



Cedevita Jr. - Cibona 74-84

The most interesting game was a derby match between two local teams from Zagreb: Cibona (#3) and Cedevita Jr. (#8). Cedevita Jr. was defeated at home 74-84 and even the fact of playing on their own court did not help. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Cedevita Jr.. They outrebounded Cedevita Jr. 41-30 including 27 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American forward Kamaka Hepa (208-2000, college: Hawaii) who scored 21 points and 7 rebounds. The other American import guard Justin Roberson (187-1993, college: ULM) chipped in 13 points and 5 assists. Cibona's coach Ivan Rudez used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Jordan Gainey (190-2002, college: Tennessee) produced 20 points and the former international Mate Kalajzic (189-1998) added 13 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Cibona (24-8) have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Split. Cedevita Jr. at the other side keeps the eighth position with 20 games lost. They share it with Kvarner and Alkar. Cibona is looking forward to face Kvarner (#8) in Rijeka in the next round where they are favorite. Cedevita Jr. will play on the road against Split and is hoping to prove to their fans that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Cedevita Jr.: J.Gainey 20+1reb+2ast, M.Kalajzic 13+5reb+2ast, L.Buljevic 10+6reb+2ast, N.Sare 9+3reb+1ast, S.Carry 8+2reb+2ast, L.Pesic 6+4reb
Cibona: H.Kamaka 21+7reb+1ast, R.Justin 13+3reb+5ast, R.Kresimir 11+3reb+3ast, P.Jan 9+5reb+2ast, M.Zan 8+6reb+4ast, B.Vigo 7+2reb+2ast

Dinamo - Dubrovnik 82-97

There was no surprise in Zagreb where 11th ranked Dinamo (10-22) was defeated by fifth ranked Dubrovnik (16-16) 97-82 on Sunday. Dubrovnik looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Jamari Wheeler (185-1997, college: Ohio St.) who helped to win the game recording 23 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and Petar Dubelj (196-1997, agency: Players Group) who added 20 points and 6 assists during the contest. Five Dubrovnik players scored in double figures. Power forward Filip Kraljevic (213-1989) responded with 20 points and 9 rebounds and Bosnian center Imran Polutak (209-1996) scored 14 points. Dinamo's coach Damir Mulaomerovic rotated ten players and allowed the starting five to rest. Dubrovnik have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fifth position with 16-16 record. Dinamo lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 22 games lost. Dubrovnik will meet at home Alkar (#10) in the next round where they are favorite. Dinamo will play against Samobor and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Dinamo: F.Kraljevic 20+9reb+2ast, I.Polutak 14+4reb, E.Savic 12+2reb+1ast, D.Hunt 8+2reb+4ast, P.Filip 7+4reb+2ast, L.Avdalovic 6
Dubrovnik: W.Jamari 23+5reb+6ast, D.Petar 20+3reb+6ast, A.Luksa 17+7reb+3ast, L.Marko 12+5reb+1ast, G.Ivan 11+5reb+1ast, I.Vodopija 7+1reb+2ast

Dubrava - Samobor 66-76

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Samobor's (17-15) road victory over 5th ranked Dubrava (15-17) 76-66 on Saturday. Samobor looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward JaKobe Coles (203-2001, college: GCU, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording 22 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import guard Glen Burns (191-1995, college: Chicago St.) who added 11 points and 10 assists during the contest. The former international guard Lovro Gnjidic (197-2001) responded with 14 points and 5 rebounds and naturalized French guard Stellan Rajaofera (196-2004) scored 11 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Newly promoted Samobor maintains fourth position with 17-15 record. Loser Dubrava dropped to the sixth place with 17 games lost. Samobor will meet at home Dinamo (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Dubrava will play against Zabok (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Dubrava: L.Gnjidic 14+5reb+3ast, S.Rajaofera 11+6reb+5ast, J.Skific 11+2reb+2ast, D.Vukovic 9+6reb+1ast, J.Wright 7+2reb+4ast, M.Colak 5+3reb+2ast
Samobor: C.JaKobe 22+7reb+3ast, C.Dino 12+5reb+3ast, B.Glen 11+1reb+10ast, M.Andro 9+3reb+2ast, B.Luka 9+5reb+4ast, B.Levanic-Kutin 7+7reb+2ast

Sibenka - Alkar 91-88

There was a minor upset in Sibenik where 9th ranked Alkar (12-20) was edged by bottom-ranked Sibenka (8-24) 91-88 on Friday. Sibenka made 24-of-30 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Vincent Golson Jr (173-1994, college: CSUDH, agency: Diamond Sports) who helped to win the game recording 21 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists and the other American import guard Antwan Scott (185-1992, college: Colorado St., agency: Olsta) who added 22 points during the contest. Four Sibenka players scored in double figures. American forward DeAntoni Gordon (203-2000, college: Southern Miss, agency: BIG) responded with 29 points and 9 rebounds and forward Mirko Jukic (198-2003) scored 17 points and 7 rebounds. Alkar's coach Damir Milacic rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sibenka maintains twelfth position with 8-24 record. Loser Alkar dropped to the eighth place with 20 games lost. They share the position with Kvarner and Cedevita Jr.. Sibenka will meet league's leader Zadar on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Alkar will play against Dubrovnik (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Alkar: D.Gordon 29+9reb+3ast, J.Mirko 17+7reb+1ast, C.Luka 16+3reb+5ast, F.Sisko 7+2reb+1ast, P.Marcinkovic 6+3reb+1ast, M.Kresic 6+9reb+4ast
Sibenka: S.Antwan 22+3reb+3ast, G.Vincent 21+6reb+8ast, P.Darko 18+3reb+1ast, J.Zeljak 10+4reb+1ast, K.Antonio 6+5reb+3ast, S.Viktor 6+5reb+1ast

Kvarner - Zabok 94-75

There was a small surprise in Rijeka where tenth ranked Kvarner (12-20) outscored 7th ranked Zabok (14-18) 94-75 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of swingman Josip Barnjak (193-1998, agency: Dagger Basket) who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 7 assists and 6 steals and guard Petar Ogrizovic (182-1999, agency: Players Group) who added 23 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) during the contest. Forward Henrik Sirko (199-1993) responded with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals and the former international Karlo Uljarevic (190-1998, agency: AltusBasket) scored 21 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Kvarner moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Alkar and Cedevita Jr. Zabok lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the seventh position with 18 games lost. Kvarner will meet league's second-placed Cibona in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Zabok will play against Dubrava (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Zabok: K.Uljarevic 21+1reb+2ast, B.Bubalo 15+2reb, H.Sirko 14+5reb+6ast, S.Knezevic 10+6reb+1ast, P.Paic 7+9reb+2ast, C.Antonio 4+2reb+1ast
Kvarner: O.Petar 23+3reb+2ast, B.Josip 22+4reb+7ast, V.Ivan 15+7reb+5ast, M.Ivan 10+4reb, B.Lovre 9+2reb+5ast, J.Josip 7+2reb

Zadar - Split 90-67

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Zadar. First ranked Zadar faced second-ranked Split. Host Zadar (28-4) smashed guests from Split (24-8) 90-67. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Split. Zadar made 16-of-20 charity shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Split 35-20 including 26 on the defensive glass. Zadar players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. Split was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Montenegrin point guard Vladimir Mihailovic (193-1990) orchestrated the victory by scoring 21 points and 6 assists. The former international forward Boris Tisma (205-2002) contributed with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Five Zadar players scored in double figures. American guard Teyvon Myers (188-1994, college: WVU) replied with 17 points and 6 assists and the former international guard Antonio Jordano (191-1999) added 14 points in the effort for Split. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion maintains first position with 28-4 record. Split at the other side keeps the second place with eight games lost. They share the position with Cibona. Zadar will play against bottom-ranked Sibenka (#12) in Sibenik in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Split will play at home against Cedevita Jr. (#9) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Split: M.Teyvon 17+2reb+6ast, A.Jordano 14+1reb, G.Cosey 9+2reb, D.Wiggins 8+4reb+1ast, D.Dreznjak 8+5reb+1ast, G.Anticevich 4+2reb+1ast
Zadar: M.Vladimir 21+4reb+6ast, Z.Karlo 15+3reb+3ast, R.Marko 14+5reb+2ast, T.Boris 14+6reb+3ast, K.Krsevan 10+8reb+1ast, B.Lovro 9+3reb+2ast

Dinamo - Split 89-96

Not a big story in a game in Zagreb where 11th ranked Dinamo (10-22) was defeated by second ranked Split (24-8) 96-89 on Wednesday. Split shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Jake Stephens (213-1999, college: Chattanooga) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 9 rebounds and international forward Dario Dreznjak (204-1998) who added 17 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. Split's coach Miodrag Rajkovic allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Guard Mateo Vidovic (193-1999) responded with 21 points and 5 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and forward Hrvoje Garafolic (196-1990) scored 23 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Split maintains second position with 24-8 record having four points less than leader Zadar, which they share with Cibona. Dinamo lost ninth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 22 games lost. Split will meet at home Cedevita Jr. (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Dinamo will play against Samobor and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Dinamo: G.Hrvoje 23+4reb+2ast, M.Vidovic 21+4reb+5ast, F.Kraljevic 17+8reb+3ast, I.Polutak 12+4reb+1ast, I.Novacic 7+3reb, E.Savic 3+1ast
Split: S.Jake 19+9reb+1ast, D.Dario 17+9reb+2ast, C.Glenn 15+4reb+4ast, J.Antonio 13+6reb+1ast, S.Noa 10+2reb+2ast, S.Antonio 9+3reb+3ast

Samobor - Zadar 84-88

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Samobor. First ranked Zadar faced 4th ranked Samobor. Guests from Zadar (28-4) defeated host Samobor (17-15) 88-84. Zadar made 30-of-39 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game, while Samobor only scored thirteen points from the stripe. They outrebounded Samobor 38-27 including 25 on the defensive glass. Zadar looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international swingman Marko Ramljak (201-1993) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international Lovro Mazalin (204-1997) who added 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four Zadar players scored in double figures. American guard Glen Burns (191-1995, college: Chicago St.) responded with 25 points and 6 assists and his fellow American import forward JaKobe Coles (203-2001, college: GCU, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Defending champion maintains first position with 28-4 record. Newly promoted Samobor keeps the fourth place with 15 games lost. Zadar will meet at home bottom-ranked Sibenka (#12) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Samobor will play against Dinamo (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Samobor: G.Burns 25+4reb+6ast, J.Coles 16+8reb+1ast, M.Kos 14+4reb, L.Babic 9+1reb, D.Cinac 7+2reb, L.Mandalinic 6+2reb+1ast
Zadar: M.Lovro 22+7reb+4ast, Z.Karlo 19+4reb+3ast, R.Marko 18+12reb+5ast, T.Boris 10+8reb+3ast, K.Krsevan 8+4reb+1ast, K.Borna 8+2ast