Review of Round 5 of Regular Season

FIBA Europe Cup is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 5 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Portuguese Benfica as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Benfica smashed 6th ranked Azerbaijani Lions in Lisbon 97-76. Benfica outrebounded Lions 38-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. Benfica looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard Geno Crandall (191-1996, college: Gonzaga) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 assists for the winners and swingman Luke Barrett (198-2001, college: SMC) chipped in 24 points. Benfica's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Edward Polite Jr (196-1997, college: Radford) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 6 other teams. Lions at the other side dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Lions will play next round against strong Geneve trying to get back on the winning streak. Benfica will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Bakken Bears in Aarhus.
Very significant was Austrian Vienna's (#6) 84-80 road victory against 5th ranked Slovakian Blue Wings. Serbian forward Aleksa Novakovic (200-1996, college: EIU) nailed 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and Nikola Jovanovic accounted for 17 points. American guard Tamario Adley (185-2004, college: CMU) came up with 23 points and 5 rebounds for Blue Wings in the defeat. Vienna (2-3) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Blue Wings at the other side keep the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Vienna will play against league's second-placed Nancy at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Blue Wings will play against the league's leader King to get more than just one victory in their record.
A very close game took place in Zielona Gora between Polish Zastal and Romanian Dinamo. Second ranked Zastal (3-2) got a very close home victory over 6th ranked Dinamo (1-4). Zastal managed to escape with a 2-point win 95-93 on Wednesday evening. The best player for the winners was Lewis Beech who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Anthony Roberts produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. Dinamo's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Zastal maintains second place with 3-2 record having just two points less than leader Mykonos, which they share with 16 other teams. Dinamo lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Zastal will meet at home Szolnok (#4) in the next round. Dinamo will play against the league's leader Girona and hope to win that game.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 5: Tartu was destroyed by Wuerzburg on the opponent's court 113-79. Rilski was outscored by Kolossos in a home game 70-92. Bakken Bears managed to beat Denizli on the road 80-76. Mykonos defeated Oradea on its own court 89-79. Levice was smashed by Girona in a road game 90-66. Nancy won against Keravnos at home 86-73. Sporting lost to undefeated Erokspor on the opponent's court 70-106. Glint Korfez managed to beat Bashkimi in a home game 72-62. Winless Neftci was defeated by Lokomotiv Pl. on the road 76-72. Parnu was beaten by King on its own court 69-82. Opava was destroyed by Promitheas in Patras 112-92. Craiova managed to outperform Gence at home 105-96. Manchester recorded a loss to Valmiera Glass on the opponent's court 80-74. Iraklis defeated AEK Larnaca in a home game 81-64. Split smashed Batumi on the road 97-77. Dziki destroyed MZT Skopje on its own court 89-66. Bigbank/Kalev managed to outperform Chalon/Saone in Tallinn 74-68. Fribourg was rolled over VEF Riga at home 65-97. Trepca lost to undefeated Trier on the opponent's court 59-96. Geneve beat Prievidza in a home game 97-96. Szolnok lost to Oostende on the road 77-86.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 12 points and 4 assists by Pierre-Antoine Gillet of Oostende.



Wuerzburg - Tartu 113-79:
Everything could happen in Wuerzburg at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked German s Oliver Baskets and 4th placed Estonian Tartu had identical 2-2 record. This time s Oliver Baskets used a home court advantage and crushed the opponent from Tartu 113-79 on Monday night. Wuerzburg made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Tartu turnovers and outrebounded them 41-24 including 26 on the defensive glass. The best player for the winners was American guard Sam Griffin (192-2001, college: Wyoming) who scored 21 points. His fellow American import guard Max Jones (193-2002, college: Kansas St., agency: Diamond Sports) chipped in 19 points. Four s Oliver Baskets players scored in double figures. Coach 's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American guard Mack Smith-McEwen (191-1998, college: W.Michigan) produced 15 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Mart Rosenthal (196-1999) added 11 points and 7 assists respectively for the guests. s Oliver Baskets have a solid series of three victories in a row. Wuerzburg (3-2) moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams. Defending Estonian champion Tartu keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Wuerzburg will meet at home AEK Larnaca (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Tartu will play against the league's leader Dziki in Warszawa and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Wuerzburg: G.Sam 21+2reb+2ast, J.Max 19+3reb+3ast, T.Brandon 17+5reb, D.Kenny 10+4reb+4ast, T.Charles 9+9reb, C.Eddie 8+2reb
Tartu: M.Smith-McEwen 15+5reb+3ast, O.El-Sheikh 14+4reb, M.Rosenthal 11+1reb+7ast, C.Maidoh 9+3reb+4ast, K.Palek 9+1reb, R.Valge 8+1reb+1ast

Rilski - Kolossos 70-92:
Rather predictable result in Samokov where third ranked Greek Kolossos (3-2) smashed bottom-ranked Bulgarian Rilski (0-4) 92-70 on Tuesday. Kolossos shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 62.5 percentage. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. The best player for the winners was Tyler Stevenson (206-2002, college: MSU) who scored 12 points and 6 rebounds. Forward Jordan Barnett (201-1995, college: Missouri) chipped in 9 points and 8 rebounds. Power forward Jackson Stormo (206-1999, college: Siena) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds and point guard Malik Johnson (178-1997, college: Canisius, agency: Slash Sports) added 14 points and 5 assists respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Kolossos moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams. Loser Rilski still closes the standings with four games lost. Kolossos will meet Craiova (#4) on the road in the next round. Rilski will play against the league's second-placed Sporting and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Kolossos: S.Tyler 12+6reb, K.Georgios 11+2reb, T.Nikos 9+3reb+4ast, M.Ezra 9+4reb+4ast, K.Jackson 9+6reb+2ast, B.Jordan 9+8reb
Rilski: M.Johnson 14+2reb+5ast, A.Arnett 13+1reb, J.Stormo 10+10reb+1ast, K.Petrov 9+2reb, H.Bachkov 8+4reb, M.Yordanov 8+4reb+1ast

Denizli - Bakken Bears 76-80:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 3rd placed Turkish Denizli Basket's (2-3) home loss to second ranked Danish Bakken Bears (4-1) 76-80 on Tuesday. Bakken Bears forced 20 Denizli turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Ian DuBose (193-1999, college: Wake Forest) who scored 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Forward Sylvester Pedersen (201-1998) chipped in 11 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Four Bakken Bears players scored in double figures. American John Meeks (197-1999, college: Charleston) produced 13 points and 7 rebounds and Mexican-American point guard Jhonathan Dunn (193-1998, college: S.Nazarene) added 17 points respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Bakken Bears have a solid series of four victories in a row. Defending Danish champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Denizli Basket dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Bakken Bears will meet league's leader Benfica in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Denizli will play against Prievidza and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bakken Bears: D.Ian 17+5reb+4ast, B.Djahi 15+5reb+1ast, P.Sylvester 11+6reb+4ast, M.Quinton 10+2reb+2ast, M.Magnus 9+2reb+1ast, C.Myles 6+5reb+7ast
Denizli: J.Dunn 17+2reb, V.Bailey Jr 13+3reb, J.Meeks 13+7reb+1ast, E.Guven 8+6reb+1ast, B.Ivey 6+2reb+6ast, M.Amzil 6+7reb

Mykonos - Oradea 89-79:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with leader Greek Mykonos' (5-0) home victory over second-ranked Romanian Oradea (3-2) 89-79 on Tuesday. Mykonos made 25-of-29 free shots (86.2 percent) during the game. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. The best player for the winners was guard Devin Cannady (188-1996, college: Princeton) who scored 21 points. Ronnie Harrell Jr (201-1996, college: Denver) chipped in 17 points. Guard Josh Jefferson (188-1998, college: MTSU) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 assists and point guard David Nichols (183-1996, college: FSU) added 11 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Mykonos have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with Trier and Erokspor. Loser Oradea keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with 16 other teams. Mykonos will meet Neftci (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Oradea will play against Fribourg (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Mykonos: C.Devin 21+4reb+1ast, H.Ronnie 17+4reb+3ast, L.Jermaine 17+2reb+4ast, A.Tyree 11+3reb+7ast, T.Filippos 8+2reb+1ast, C.Elijah 7+4reb+1ast
Oradea: J.Jefferson 16+2reb+10ast, D.Akin 13+7reb+2ast, B.Hume 12+6reb+1ast, D.Nichols 11+6reb+5ast, Q.Guerrier 10+1reb, M.Osborne 9+7reb

Girona - Levice 90-66:
There was no surprise when 5th ranked Slovakian Levice (2-3) was outplayed on the road by first ranked Spanish Basquet Girona (4-1) 90-66 on Tuesday. Girona outrebounded Levice 45-24 including a 31-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. Girona looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The best player for the winners was Dutch forward David NGuessan (206-2000, college: Kansas St.) who had a double-double by scoring 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Lithuanian center Martinas Geben (208-1994, college: Notre Dame, agency: LHZ Sport Agency) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. American forward Jalen Brooks (196-1999, college: LSUS, agency: Players Group) produced 17 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import guard Tony Hicks (189-1994, college: Louisville) added 10 points and 6 assists respectively for the guests. 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. Girona maintains first place with 4-1 record, which they share with 6 other teams. Defending Slovakian champion Levice dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Girona will meet Dinamo (#6) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Levice will play against Oostende and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Girona: M.Mac 18+2reb+2ast, G.Martinas 13+10reb+1ast, N.David 12+10reb+4ast, W.Stanley 11+3reb+9ast, S.Dominykas 9+3reb+4ast, G.Gregor 7+5reb
Levice: J.Brooks 17+7reb+1ast, T.Chavez 11+3reb+2ast, T.Hicks 10+3reb+6ast, G.Dorsey 10+1reb+3ast, P.Pazicky 9+3reb+2ast, S.Solcansky 5

Nancy - Keravnos 86-73:
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both second ranked French Sluc Nancy and 3rd placed Cypriot Keravnos had identical 3-1 record. This time Sluc Nancy used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Nicosia 86-73 on Tuesday night. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Nancy made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was swingman Kevin Marsillon-Noleo (200-2002) who scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Carlos Marshall Jr. (198-1999, college: Santa Clara) chipped in 19 points. Four Sluc Nancy players scored in double figures. American forward Tyrn Flowers (206-1998, college: LIU Brooklyn) produced 18 points and 6 rebounds and the other American import forward Nate Grimes (202-1996, college: Fresno St., agency: SLN) added 16 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Nancy (4-1) keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Keravnos dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with 16 other teams. Nancy will meet Vienna (#4) on the road in the next round. Keravnos will play against Parnu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Nancy: M.Carlos 19+2reb+1ast, G.Enzo 14+2reb+3ast, M.Kevin 12+8reb+3ast, G.Stephane 11+8reb+3ast, W.Michael 8+3reb+1ast, H.Marcus 8+5reb+2ast
Keravnos: T.Flowers 18+6reb+1ast, N.Grimes 16+8reb+1ast, J.Crockett 14+9reb+2ast, S.Tigkas 6+1reb, S.Michail 3+2reb+5ast, N.Stylianou 2

Erokspor - Sporting 106-70:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with second-ranked Portuguese Sporting's (3-2) road loss to leader Turkish Erokspor (5-0) 70-106 on Wednesday. Erokspor dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Sporting's 22 and made 33-of-36 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game, while Sporting only scored twelve points from the stripe. Erokspor forced 24 Sporting turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 37 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Sporting's players. The best player for the winners was American guard Errick McCollum (188-1988, college: Goshen) who scored 16 points and 7 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Mali center Amadou Sow (206-1998, college: UCSB) chipped in 17 points and 4 assists. American guard Liam OReilly (188-1996, college: Gardner-Webb) produced 15 points and point guard Diogo Ventura (195-1994, agency: Promo Sport ID) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Erokspor have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 5-0 record, which they share with Trier and Mykonos. Loser Sporting keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with 16 other teams. Erokspor will meet Gence (#5) in the next round. Sporting will play against Rilski in Samokov and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Erokspor: S.Amadou 17+4reb+4ast, T.Melih 16+2reb+2ast, M.Errick 16+2reb+7ast, D.Mike 10+3reb+4ast, W.James 9+1reb+1ast, Y.Muhsin 9+3reb
Sporting: L.O'Reilly 15+4reb+2ast, G.Kalscheur 14+1ast, D.Ventura 11+5reb+4ast, J.Embalo 6+1reb+1ast, F.Amarante 5+2reb+1ast, M.Bowman 4+5reb

Glint Korfez - Bashkimi 72-62:
Rather predictable result in Koaceli where first ranked Turkish Glint Korfez (4-1) defeated 5th ranked Kosovan Bashkimi (1-3) 72-62 on Wednesday. Glint Korfez outrebounded Bashkimi 42-28 including a 33-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American forward Alex Reese (206-1999, college: Alabama) who scored 18 points and 9 rebounds. His fellow American import point guard Boo Buie (183-2000, college: Northwestern) chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Glint Korfez players scored in double figures. Glint Korfez's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American swingman Adrio Bailey (197-1997, college: Arkansas) produced 18 points and 7 rebounds and Puerto Rican Gian Clavell (193-1993, college: Colorado St.) added 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Glint Korfez have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 4-1 record, which they share with 6 other teams. Bashkimi lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with Manchester and Gence. Glint Korfez will meet at home league's second-placed Bigbank/Kalev in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Bashkimi will play against Valmiera Glass and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Glint Korfez: R.Alex 18+9reb+2ast, B.Boo 12+6reb+5ast, C.Oscar 11+7reb, D.Paulius 10+7reb, M.Matt 10+2reb, A.Can 4+6reb+3ast
Bashkimi: A.Bailey 18+7reb+1ast, G.Clavell 13+5reb+5ast, L.Zekjiri 7+7reb+2ast, D.Myles 7+3reb+2ast, V.Bunjaku 5+1reb, S.Shorter 4+1reb

Lokomotiv Pl. - Neftci 76-72:
Not a big story in a game in Plovdiv where bottom-ranked Azerbaijani Neftci (0-5) was defeated by fourth ranked Bulgarian Lokomotiv Pl. (3-2) 76-72 on Wednesday. The best player for the winners was American guard Jomaru Brown (188-1999, college: Coastal) who scored 27 points and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Isaiah Thompson (198-2003, college: Winona St., agency: Starting 5) chipped in 14 points and 8 rebounds. Serbian Aleksa Stepanovic (206-1998, agency: 011 Sports) produced 23 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists and Canadian guard Shakael Pryce (188, college: Cape Breton) added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Lokomotiv Pl. moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams. Loser Neftci still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with MZT Skopje and Batumi. Lokomotiv Pl. will meet at home league's second-placed VEF Riga in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Neftci will play against the league's leader Mykonos (#1) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Lokomotiv Pl.: B.Jomaru 27+3reb+4ast, T.Isaiah 14+8reb+1ast, R.Devearl 13+4reb+5ast, J.Saiquan 12+9reb, M.Tomislav 7+5reb+1ast, D.Jordan 3+3reb
Neftci: A.Stepanovic 23+9reb+6ast, Z.Hicks 17+10reb+2ast, S.Pryce 15+5reb+9ast, T.Ulas 10+1reb+1ast, M.Starovlah 7+3reb+2ast, A.Agha 0

Blue Wings - Vienna 80-84:
Very significant was Austrian Vienna's (#6) 84-80 road victory against 5th ranked Slovakian Blue Wings. Serbian forward Aleksa Novakovic (200-1996, college: EIU) nailed 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and Serbian power forward Nikola Jovanovic (211-1994, college: USC) accounted for 17 points. American guard Tamario Adley (185-2004, college: CMU) came up with 23 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import forward Tristan Ikpe (198-1999, college: SHSU) added 18 points and 4 steals respectively for Blue Wings in the defeat. Vienna (2-3) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Blue Wings at the other side keep the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Vienna will play against league's second-placed Nancy at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Blue Wings will play against the league's leader King to get more than just one victory in their record.
Top scorers:
Vienna: N.Aleksa 18+7reb+3ast, J.Nikola 17+1reb+1ast, N.Barra 8+3reb+5ast, K.Luka 7, M.JD 6+5reb+1ast, S.Aron 2+5reb
Blue Wings: T.Adley 23+5reb+1ast, T.Ikpe 18+4reb+1ast, D.Bonner 13+3reb+7ast, M.Safford 6+2reb, M.Fusek 2+4reb, S.Maros 2+2reb

Parnu - King 69-82:
Everything went according to plan when second ranked Polish Wilki Morskie (4-1) beat on the road 4th placed Estonian Parnu (1-4) 82-69 on Wednesday. King looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The best player for the winners was Czech point guard Ondrej Sehnal (191-1997) who scored 14 points and 9 assists. Forward Tomasz Gielo (205-1993, college: Ole Miss) chipped in 18 points. Latvian center Klavs Dubults (206-1996) produced 15 points and 6 rebounds and Finnish point guard Joona Heinonen (189-2004) added 15 points and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Wilki Morskie have a solid series of three victories in a row. King keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Parnu dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. King will meet Blue Wings (#5) in the next round. Parnu will play against Keravnos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
King: G.Tomasz 18+4reb+2ast, S.Ondrej 14+2reb+9ast, Z.Przemyslaw 10+4reb+2ast, K.Mateusz 8+2reb, R.Noah 8+2reb+3ast, W.Mikolaj 8+8reb
Parnu: K.Dubults 15+6reb+1ast, J.Heinonen 15+4ast, H.Eelmae 8+2reb+4ast, M.Kirves 8+5reb+1ast, T.Tsartsidze 7+4reb, J.Jones 6+3ast

Promitheas - Opava 112-92:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Czech Opava's (1-4) road loss to fourth ranked Greek Promitheas (3-2) 92-112 on Wednesday. Promitheas looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Nikos Diplaros (190-1997) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 assists. American guard New Williams (185-1996, college: Fresno St.) chipped in 26 points and 5 assists. Promitheas' coach let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American forward Ethan Chargois (205-1999, college: Oklahoma) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists and forward Jan Svandrlik (201-1994, college: Iona, agency: Octagon Europe) added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Promitheas moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams. Opava lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Promitheas will meet at home Trepca (#4) in the next round. Opava will play against Split and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Promitheas: W.New 26+2reb+5ast, D.Nikos 20+3reb+14ast, K.Arnoldas 18+7reb, C.Kendal 16+10reb+1ast, C.Zac 15+2reb+2ast, K.Georgios 7+3reb+3ast
Opava: J.Svandrlik 18+5reb+1ast, S.Pursl 13+2reb+1ast, J.Sirina 13+2reb+7ast, J.Montgomery 13+3reb+6ast, E.Chargois 13+11reb+8ast, E.Tucker 9+7reb

Craiova - Gence 105-96:
We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Romanian Craiova (2-3) won against at home 4th placed Azerbaijani Gence (1-3) 105-96 on Wednesday. Craiova looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. The best player for the winners was guard Ronald Polite (188-2002, college: UNCG) who scored 20 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Demetrius Davis (203-2001, college: UNCG, agency: Olsta) chipped in 20 points and 6 rebounds. Guard Kobe Magee (196-2003, college: FSU, agency: Diamond Sports) produced 25 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Latavious Mitchell (203-2002, college: FMU) added 24 points and 9 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Craiova moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Gence dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with Manchester and Bashkimi. Craiova will meet at home higher ranked Kolossos (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gence will play against the league's leader Erokspor and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Craiova: D.Demetrius 20+6reb+3ast, P.Ronald 20+7reb+8ast, L.Kino 18+2reb+3ast, G.Justin 17+1reb+3ast, N.Vlad 15+2reb+4ast, D.Michael 12+9reb+3ast
Gence: K.Magee 25+7reb+5ast, L.Mitchell 24+9reb+3ast, X.Rhodes 17+6reb+11ast, M.Murphy 17+2reb+1ast, B.Camara 10+7reb+4ast, M.Alibey 3

Valmiera Glass - Manchester 80-74:
There was a minor upset when 4th placed British Manchester (1-3) was defeated on the road by sixth ranked Latvian Valmiera Glass (2-3) 80-74 on Wednesday. Valmiera Glass made 17-of-19 free shots (89.5 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American guard Bryce McBride (188-2000, college: YSU) who scored 28 points and 5 assists. Nigerian guard Aminu Mohammed (196-2001, college: Georgetown) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 13 rebounds. Guard Luke Nelson (191-1995, college: UC Irvine) produced 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and American guard Keon Thompson (185-2003, college: SF Austin) added 18 points respectively for the guests. Manchester's coach rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Defending Latvian champion moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 6 other teams. Loser Manchester dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. They share it with Bashkimi and Gence. Valmiera Glass will meet at home Bashkimi (#6) in the next round. Manchester will play against Chalon/Saone and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Valmiera Glass: M.Bryce 28+2reb+5ast, M.Aminu 14+13reb+3ast, D.Giddens 13+9reb+1ast, K.Verners 9+5reb+1ast, A.Artis 9+2reb+1ast, H.Jake 7+1reb+4ast
Manchester: L.Nelson 19+5reb+6ast, K.Thompson 18+3reb+1ast, K.Cleary 10, C.Sandy 7+5reb, B.Mitchell-Day 6+6reb, J.Brown 5+2reb

Iraklis - AEK Larnaca 81-64:
There was a small surprise in Thessaloniki where fourth ranked Greek Iraklis (3-2) defeated second-ranked Cypriot AEK Larnaca (3-2) 81-64 on Wednesday. Iraklis outrebounded AEK Larnaca 40-29 including 18 on the offensive glass. The best player for the winners was American-Mali guard Hassan Diarra (188-2001, college: UConn) who had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 assists. American center Jacob Hutson (211-2002, college: UNI) chipped in 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Iraklis players scored in double figures. Iraklis' coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American point guard Myles Tate (183, college: App State) produced 23 points and 5 rebounds and Australian forward Jesse Hunt (203-1997, college: EWU) added 13 points and 11 rebounds respectively for the guests. Iraklis moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams including defeated AEK Larnaca. Iraklis will meet at home MZT Skopje (#6) in the next round. AEK Larnaca will play against Wuerzburg (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Iraklis: D.Hassan 19+4reb+10ast, H.Jacob 13+6reb+4ast, M.Cleveland 12+4reb+1ast, S.Dontrez 11+7reb, S.Cole 11+5reb+1ast, L.Jalen 8+2reb+2ast
AEK Larnaca: M.Tate 23+5reb+1ast, J.Hunt 13+11reb+2ast, A.Durham 13+3reb+2ast, I.Mucius 7+4reb+1ast, P.Pavlidis 3+4reb, I.Giannaras 3+1ast

Zastal - Dinamo 95-93:
A very close game took place in Zielona Gora between Polish Zastal and Romanian Dinamo. Second ranked Zastal (3-2) got a very close home victory over 6th ranked Dinamo (1-4). Zastal managed to escape with a 2-point win 95-93 on Wednesday evening. Zastal made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American Lewis Beech (203-1994, college: UNF) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. French Gauthier Denis (198) chipped in 16 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists. American guard Anthony Roberts (196-2001, college: PFW) produced 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import guard Jonathan Stark (184-1995, college: Murray St., agency: Pensack Sports) added 18 points and 5 assists respectively for the guests. Five Zastal and four Dinamo players scored in double figures. Dinamo's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Zastal maintains second place with 3-2 record having just two points less than leader Mykonos, which they share with 16 other teams. Dinamo lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Zastal will meet at home Szolnok (#4) in the next round. Dinamo will play against the league's leader Girona and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Zastal: D.Gauthier 16+5reb+7ast, B.Lewis 16+10reb+3ast, G.Conley 14+1reb+8ast, B.Veljko 13+5reb, W.Trazarien 12+5reb+1ast, M.Filip 11+5reb+1ast
Dinamo: A.Roberts 20+6reb+5ast, J.Stark 18+4reb+5ast, O.Drame 14+12reb, R.Novitskyi 11+6reb+1ast, D.Burns 9+4reb+2ast, S.Grasu 7+3reb

Batumi - Split 77-97:
Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Georgian Batumi (0-5) was rolled over at home by third ranked Croatian Split (3-2) 97-77 on Wednesday. Split shot 20 for 29 from the free-throw line, while Batumi only scored two points from the stripe. They outrebounded Batumi 48-28 including a 15-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. Split looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Vito Kucic (190-2002) who scored 22 points. Power forward Darko Bajo (205-1999) chipped in a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. American guard Larry Howell (198, college: Fayetteville St.) produced 23 points and 5 rebounds and point guard Giorgi Ochkhikidze (190-2004) added 7 points and 14 assists respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Split moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams. Defending Georgian champion Batumi still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with MZT Skopje and Neftci. Split will meet at home Opava (#5) in the next round. Batumi will play against the league's leader Trier and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Split: K.Vito 22+4reb+2ast, J.Nick 13+3reb+5ast, B.Darko 13+10reb+1ast, K.Mindaugas 11+8reb+4ast, M.Trenton 7+8reb+1ast, G.Ivan 7+2reb
Batumi: H.Larry 23+5reb+3ast, V.Zephir 13+1reb, B.Levan 10+3reb+3ast, C.Basham 10+7reb+1ast, S.Saba 7, G.Ochkhikidze 7+4reb+14ast

Dziki - MZT Skopje 89-66:
Everything went according to plan in Warszawa where first ranked Polish Dziki (4-1) outscored bottom-ranked North Macedonian MZT Skopje (0-5) 89-66 on Wednesday. Dziki forced 19 MZT Skopje turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Dziki made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was American guard Joseph Girard III (185-2000, college: Clemson) who scored 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import guard Austin Luke (191-1994, college: Belmont) chipped in 15 points and 5 assists. Swingman Adem Mekic (197-1995, agency: 011 Sports) produced 11 points and American guard Noah Farrakhan (185-2000, college: Hampton) added 9 points respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dziki maintains first place with 4-1 record, which they share with 6 other teams. Defending North Macedonian champion MZT Skopje still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with Batumi and Neftci. Dziki will meet at home Tartu (#5) in the next round. MZT Skopje will play against the league's second-placed Iraklis in Thessaloniki and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Dziki: K.Krzysztof 19+5reb, G.Joseph 18+6reb+4ast, L.Austin 15+4reb+5ast, A.Tim 8+2reb+1ast, F.Lukasz 7+6reb+4ast, A.Makai 6+1reb+3ast
MZT Skopje: A.Mekic 11+2reb+3ast, E.Krajinic 9+5reb+2ast, N.Farrakhan 9+4reb+3ast, N.Vasilevski 8+2reb+2ast, T.Tadic 6+5reb+2ast, L.Varner Jr 6+2reb

Benfica - Lions 97-76:
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Portuguese Benfica as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Benfica smashed 6th ranked Azerbaijani Lions in Lisbon 97-76. Benfica outrebounded Lions 38-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. Benfica looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. Guard Geno Crandall (191-1996, college: Gonzaga) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 assists for the winners and swingman Luke Barrett (198-2001, college: SMC) chipped in 24 points. Benfica's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Forward Edward Polite Jr (196-1997, college: Radford) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and guard Jordan Perkins (187-1998, college: Longwood, agency: YoungGroup Unlimited) produced a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 assists. Five Benfica and four Lions players scored in double figures. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 6 other teams. Lions at the other side dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with 6 other teams. Lions will play next round against strong Geneve trying to get back on the winning streak. Benfica will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Bakken Bears in Aarhus.
Top scorers:
Benfica: B.Luke 24+4reb, C.Geno 20+4reb+11ast, M.Luther 15+5reb+5ast, S.Brandon 10+4reb+1ast, D.Aleksander 10+6reb+1ast, B.Aaron 8+3reb+3ast
Lions: A.Sakenis 18+7reb+1ast, E.Polite Jr. 18+10reb+2ast, J.Perkins 16+1reb+11ast, D.Jackson 11+5reb+1ast, G.Orelik 4+1reb+2ast, I.Abdullayev 4+1reb

Chalon/Saone - Bigbank/Kalev 68-74:
We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when second-ranked French Chalon/Saor (3-2) was defeated at home by third ranked Estonian Bigbank/Kalev (3-2) 74-68 on Wednesday. Bigbank/Kalev made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Bigbank/Kalev had a 30-19 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Hugo Toom (200-2002) who scored 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. American forward Damian Forrest (206-2001, college: N.Alabama, agency: Players Group) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds. Four Bigbank/Kalev players scored in double figures. American center Grant Golden (208-1998, college: Richmond) produced 17 points and 9 rebounds and Carl Ponsar (203-1997) added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Bigbank/Kalev moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams including defeated Chalon/Saone. Bigbank/Kalev will meet league's leader Glint Korfez in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Chalon/Saone will play against Manchester and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Bigbank/Kalev: T.Hugo 19+8reb+4ast, F.Jacob 14+4reb+4ast, F.Damian 11+11reb+1ast, M.Owen 10+6reb+2ast, A.KeVaughn 9+6ast, V.Rasmus 5+1reb
Chalon/Saone: G.Golden 17+9reb+1ast, J.Grandison 10+1reb+2ast, M.Leray 10+4reb+3ast, J.Hill 9+2reb+2ast, C.Ponsar 9+6reb+3ast, C.Nadolny 8+4reb+4ast

Fribourg - VEF Riga 65-97:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Latvian VEF Riga's (3-2) road victory over 5th ranked Swiss Fribourg (1-4) 97-65 on Wednesday. VEF Riga dominated down low during the game scoring 46 of its points in the paint compared to Fribourg's 26. They outrebounded Fribourg 47-30 including a 33-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American guard Caleb Asberry (191-2000, college: OK State) who scored 9 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. His fellow American import point guard Jordan Sears (180-2001, college: LSU) chipped in 18 points. Four VEF Riga players scored in double figures. American point guard Chris Lykes (169-1998, college: Arkansas) produced 17 points and 5 assists and French Adrien Moerman (202-1988) added 11 points respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. VEF Riga moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams. Defending Swiss champion Fribourg keeps the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. VEF Riga will meet Lokomotiv Pl. (#4) in the next round. Fribourg will play against Oradea and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
VEF Riga: S.Jordan 18+4reb+3ast, S.Ojars 14+5reb+1ast, M.Mareks 14+8reb, S.Aigars 13+1reb+6ast, R.Matt 10+10reb+3ast, A.Caleb 9+9reb+7ast
Fribourg: C.Lykes 17+3reb+5ast, A.Moerman 11+4reb+3ast, M.Dell'Acqua 9, A.Cotture 8+7reb+1ast, I.Le Meut 6+6reb+1ast, B.Mbala 6+4reb

Trier - Trepca 96-59:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with second-ranked Kosovan Trepca's (3-2) road loss to leader German Gladiators (5-0) 59-96 on Wednesday. Trier made 27-of-30 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game, while Trepca only scored four points from the stripe. They outrebounded Trepca 45-29 including a 35-23 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American guard Terrell Harris (191-1993, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Players Group) who scored 15 points and 4 assists. Forward Marten Linssen (203-1998, college: St.Louis, agency: LUMANI 10.7) chipped in 14 points and 6 rebounds. American forward JP Tokoto (201-1993, college: UNC) produced 7 points and Montenegrin-Kosovan Mikaile Tmusic (189-1993) added 8 points and 4 steals respectively for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gladiators have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Trier maintains first place with 5-0 record, which they share with Mykonos and Erokspor. Defending Kosovan champion Trepca keeps the second position with two games lost. They share it with 16 other teams. Trier will meet Batumi (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Trepca will play against the league's second-placed Promitheas (#2) in Patras and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trier: H.Terrell 15+3reb+4ast, L.Marten 14+6reb+1ast, R.Jordan 13+2reb+2ast, H.Marco 9+4reb, C.Austin 9+7reb+3ast, B.Eli 8+2reb+2ast
Trepca: J.Payne 10, M.Tmusic 8+4reb+1ast, J.Tokoto 7+3reb+3ast, H.Drilon 6+2reb+2ast, D.Kapiti 6+5reb, A.Thelwell 6+3reb+1ast

Geneve - Prievidza 97-96:
Rather predictable result when third ranked Swiss Geneve (3-2) edged at home 5th ranked Slovakian Prievidza (1-4) 97-96 on Wednesday. Geneve made 22-of-24 free shots (91.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was American swingman Corey Floyd Jr (193-2004, college: Providence) who scored 28 points. Greek forward Dimitrios Klonaras (198, college: CS East Bay) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. American guard Aamer Muhammad (185-2001, college: Troy) produced 26 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import guard Christyon Eugene (190-2001, college: Troy, agency: 011 Sports) added 12 points and 6 assists respectively for the guests. Four Prievidza players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Geneve moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams. Prievidza lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth position with four games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Geneve will meet at home Lions (#6) in the next round. Prievidza will play against Denizli and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Geneve: F.Corey 28+4reb+3ast, K.Dimitrios 19+10reb+3ast, J.Ty 15+1reb+4ast, S.Yuri 9+3reb+2ast, W.Isaiah 8+4ast, K.Kevin 8+4reb
Prievidza: A.Muhammad 26+5reb+5ast, J.Smith 13+3reb+2ast, C.Eugene 12+3reb+6ast, M.Hronsky 11+2reb+3ast, J.Mokran 11+4reb+1ast, J.Massie 8+1reb+1ast

Oostende - Szolnok 86-77:
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both third ranked Belgian Oostende and 4th placed Hungarian Szolnok had identical 2-2 record. This time Oostende used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Szolnok 86-77 on Wednesday night. Oostende looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was guard Stephan Swenson (188-2002, college: UCSB) who scored 23 points and 7 rebounds. Power forward Pierre-Antoine Gillet (201-1991) chipped in 12 points and 4 assists. Oostende's coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Serbian-Hungarian guard Boris Krnjajski (193-1998) produced 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and American center Chevez Goodwin (204-1998, college: USC) added 11 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Defending Belgian champion (3-2) moved-up to second place, which they share with 16 other teams. Loser Szolnok keeps the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 6 other teams. Oostende will meet at home Levice (#5) in the next round. Szolnok will play against the league's second-placed Zastal in Zielona Gora and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Oostende: S.Stephan 23+7reb+2ast, K.Kostas 13+2reb+1ast, M.Adam 12+2reb+3ast, G.Pierre-Antoine 12+4reb+4ast, B.Skye 11+1reb+2ast, C.AJ 6+6reb+2ast
Szolnok: B.Krnjajski 15+5reb+4ast, T.Pallai 14+2reb+2ast, A.Barnes 11+3reb+1ast, C.Goodwin 11+10reb, C.Botond 10+5reb, K.Brantley 9+1reb+4ast