Review of Round 4 of Regular Season

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

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Spanish Basquet Girona (3-1) on the court of fourth ranked Hungarian Szolnok on Wednesday night. Visitors were edged by Szolnok 81-79. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Basquet Girona. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Khalil Brantley (180-2001, college: OK State, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Guard Botond Cseh (198) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Dominican swingman Jassel Perez (195-2001) replied with 12 points and 4 assists for Girona. Basquet Girona's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Szolnok (2-2) moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams. Girona at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with 12 other teams. Szolnok is looking forward to face Oostende (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Girona will play against Levice and is hoping to win this game.
Another exciting game for Slovakian Levice (2-2) which played in Bucuresti against Romanian Dinamo (1-3). Fifth ranked Levice eked out just a narrow 2-points road win over Dinamo 78-76. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Tony Hicks (189-1994, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 5 assists and Jalen Brooks who added 13 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Guinean-American power forward Ousmane Drame (206-1993, college: Quinnipiac) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds. Dinamo's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Defending Slovakian champion moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams. Dinamo at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 9 other teams. Levice will play against league's leader Girona on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Dinamo will play against the league's second-placed Zastal in Zielona Gora and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Turkish Denizli Basket (2-2) against sixth ranked Azerbaijani Lions (1-3) on Wednesday night. Visiting Denizli Basket was defeated by Lions in a tough game in Baku 86-94. The winners were led by JJ Frazier Jr who scored that evening 41 points (!!!), 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Even 30 points by Jhonathan Dunn did not help to save the game for Denizli. Denizli Basket's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Lions left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 9 other teams. Loser Denizli Basket dropped to the second position with two games lost. They share it with 14 other teams. Lions will meet league's leader Benfica in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Denizli will play against the league's second-placed Bakken Bears and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Bakken Bears beat Prievidza on the road 83-78. Winless MZT Skopje lost to Cypriot defending champion AEK Larnaca on its own court 69-85. Keravnos managed to outperform Vienna in Nicosia 85-83. Winless Neftci recorded a loss to Oradea at home 83-99. Trepca crushed Batumi on the opponent's court 91-70. Kolossos lost to undefeated Erokspor in a home game 69-71. Fribourg lost to Lokomotiv Pl. on the road 83-95. Blue Wings managed to outperform Parnu on its own court 82-80. Trier rolled over Opava in a road game 103-80. Craiova defeated Rilski at home 103-86. Iraklis were beaten by Tartu on the opponent's court 101-100. Valmiera Glass lost to Glint Korfez in a home game 85-87. Mykonos managed to outperform VEF Riga on the road 91-88. Zastal managed to beat Oostende on its own court 80-77. Chalon/Saone crushed Bashkimi in a road game 94-66. Split beat Promitheas at home 88-82. Dziki was destroyed by Wuerzburg on the opponent's court 91-62. Manchester managed to outperform Bigbank/Kalev in a home game 89-85. Nancy recorded a loss to King on the road 90-87. Geneve defeated Benfica on its own court 93-90. Sporting was beaten by Gence in Ganja 69-67.
The most impressive performance of 4th round was 11 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists by Latavious Mitchell of Gence.



Dinamo - Levice 76-78:
Another exciting game for Slovakian Levice (2-2) which played in Bucuresti against Romanian Dinamo (1-3). Fifth ranked Levice eked out just a narrow 2-points road win over Dinamo 78-76. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Tony Hicks (189-1994, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 5 assists and the other American import forward Jalen Brooks (196-1999, college: LSUS, agency: Players Group) who added 13 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Guinean-American power forward Ousmane Drame (206-1993, college: Quinnipiac) responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 10 rebounds and American guard Derrick Marks (191-1993, college: Boise St., agency: Players Group) scored 18 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Dinamo's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Defending Slovakian champion moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams. Dinamo at the other side dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 9 other teams. Levice will play against league's leader Girona on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Dinamo will play against the league's second-placed Zastal in Zielona Gora and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Levice: H.Tony 21+4reb+5ast, C.Tahlik 15+3reb, D.Gabe 14+5reb+1ast, B.Jalen 13+7reb, O.Chuba 5+3reb+6ast, B.Boris 4+4reb+2ast
Dinamo: D.Marks 18+3reb+2ast, O.Drame 15+10reb, J.Stark 11+5reb+5ast, R.Novitskyi 11+7reb, D.Burns 8+7reb+3ast, N.Kuti 7+1reb+3ast

Prievidza - Bakken Bears 78-83:
No shocking result in a game when second ranked Danish Bakken Bears (3-1) beat on the road 5th ranked Slovakian Prievidza (1-3) 83-78 on Tuesday. Bakken Bears outrebounded Prievidza 47-35 including 33 on the defensive glass. Bakken Bears looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by French forward Djahi Binet (201-2000, college: Southern Miss) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 blocks and American guard Quinton Mincey (201-2002, college: UMass Lowell) supported him with 16 points. Even 33 points (!!!) by American guard Christyon Eugene (190-2001, college: Troy, agency: 011 Sports) did not help to save the game for Prievidza. His fellow American import forward Frankie Policelli (206-2000, college: Charleston, agency: One Motive Sports) added 9 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Bakken Bears have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending Danish champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 12 other teams. Loser Prievidza dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with 9 other teams. Bakken Bears will meet Denizli (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Prievidza will play against Geneve and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Bakken Bears: B.Djahi 16+13reb+5ast, M.Quinton 16+4reb+2ast, J.Oscar 11+5reb, R.Shaquille 9+8reb, P.Sylvester 8+5reb+1ast, C.Myles 8+2reb+6ast
Prievidza: C.Eugene 33+3reb+3ast, F.Policelli 9+7reb, J.Massie 7+3reb+3ast, A.Muhammad 6+2reb+4ast, H.Dalibor 6+1reb, M.Hronsky 6+5reb+1ast

MZT Skopje - AEK Larnaca 69-85:
Very expected game when bottom-ranked North Macedonian MZT Skopje (0-4) lost at home to second ranked Cypriot AEK Larnaca (3-1) 85-69 on Tuesday. The winners were led by American point guard Myles Tate (183, college: App State) who scored that evening 22 points and 5 assists and the other American import forward Jayveous McKinnis (201-1999, college: Ole Miss) supported him with 11 points and 12 rebounds. Even a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds by Bosnian center Emir Krajinic (208-2002) did not help to save the game for MZT Skopje. American guard Noah Farrakhan (185-2000, college: Hampton) added 14 points and 4 assists for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending Cypriot champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 12 other teams. Defending North Macedonian champion MZT Skopje still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Batumi and Neftci. AEK Larnaca will meet Iraklis (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. MZT Skopje will play against the league's leader Dziki in Warszawa and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
AEK Larnaca: T.Myles 22+3reb+5ast, D.Anthony 17+4reb+3ast, M.Jayveous 11+12reb+2ast, M.Panagiotis 9+5reb, D.Jamar 9+1reb+1ast, M.Isaiah 8+3reb
MZT Skopje: E.Krajinic 17+12reb, N.Farrakhan 14+1reb+4ast, L.Varner Jr 10+2reb, L.Stojanovski 9+1reb+1ast, A.Andrej 6+6reb+2ast, P.Boshaleski 5+1reb

Vienna - Keravnos 83-85:
Rather predictable result when third ranked Cypriot Keravnos (3-1) edged on the road 6th ranked Austrian BC Vienna (1-3) 85-83 on Tuesday. Keravnos looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American forward Jeffrey Crockett (201-1991, college: Texas Tech) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import forward Tyrn Flowers (206-1998, college: LIU Brooklyn) supported him with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Keravnos' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even 17 points and 5 rebounds by Serbian Aleksandar Langovic (204-2001) did not help to save the game for Vienna. American guard Grant Sherfield (188-1999, college: Oklahoma, agency: Octagon Europe) added 19 points for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Keravnos keep a position of league leader, which they share with 12 other teams. Loser BC Vienna dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with 9 other teams. Keravnos will meet league's second-placed Nancy on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Vienna will play against Blue Wings in Nitra and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Keravnos: F.Tyrn 19+6reb+3ast, T.Stefanos 18+1reb, C.Jeffrey 16+12reb+2ast, G.Nate 11+7reb+2ast, G.Shamar 8+4reb+10ast, S.Michail 6+5ast
Vienna: G.Sherfield 19+1reb+1ast, A.Langovic 17+5reb, A.Novakovic 13+2reb+3ast, N.Jovanovic 10+6reb, C.Lukas 6+2reb, A.Stazic 5+4reb

Neftci - Oradea 83-99:
Not a big story in a game when bottom-ranked Azerbaijani Neftci (0-4) lost to second ranked Romanian Oradea (3-1) in Baku 83-99 on Wednesday. Oradea made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. Oradea outrebounded Neftci 33-22 including a 27-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. The winners were led by Ivorian-Canadian forward Quincy Guerrier (203-1999, college: Illinois) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds and American point guard David Nichols (183-1996, college: FSU) supported him with 23 points. Oradea's coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 24 points and 8 rebounds by Serbian Aleksa Stepanovic (206-1998, agency: 011 Sports) did not help to save the game for Neftci. Canadian guard Shakael Pryce (188, college: Cape Breton) added 15 points and 8 assists for lost side. Five Oradea and four Neftci players scored in double figures. Oradea keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 12 other teams. Loser Neftci still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with MZT Skopje and Batumi. Oradea will meet league's leader Mykonos on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Neftci will play against Lokomotiv Pl. (#4) in Plovdiv and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Oradea: N.David 23+3reb+1ast, H.Bodie 15+2reb+3ast, O.Malik 15+4reb+1ast, G.Quincy 13+12reb+2ast, R.Kris 13+1reb+4ast, J.Josh 9+3ast
Neftci: A.Stepanovic 24+8reb+2ast, T.Ulas 19+2reb+1ast, S.Pryce 15+1reb+8ast, M.Starovlah 11+3reb+3ast, J.Akbarov 7+1ast, Z.Hicks 3+4reb+4ast

Batumi - Trepca 70-91:
Everything went according to plan when second ranked Kosovan Trepca (3-1) outplayed on the road bottom-ranked Georgian Batumi (0-4) 91-70 on Wednesday. Trepca forced 21 Batumi turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 32 assists comparing to just 16 passes made by Batumi's players. The winners were led by Drilon Hajrizi (203-1991) who scored that evening 20 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and American-Kosovan Shawn Jones (203-1992, college: MTSU) supported him with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Four Trepca players scored in double figures. Even 21 points and 4 assists by point guard Giorgi Ochkhikidze (190-2004) did not help to save the game for Batumi. Swingman Saba Saladze (196-2005) added 12 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Trepca have a solid three-game winning streak. Defending Kosovan champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 12 other teams. Defending Georgian champion Batumi still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with MZT Skopje and Neftci. Trepca will meet league's leader Trier on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Batumi will play against Split (#3) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Trepca: D.Hajrizi 20+8reb+7ast, H.Kenny 17+2reb+4ast, J.Shawn 17+12reb+3ast, T.Mikaile 13+4reb+2ast, K.Dardan 7+2reb, G.James 6+8reb+2ast
Batumi: G.Ochkhikidze 21+3reb+4ast, M.Warren 13+1reb+3ast, S.Saba 12+5reb, H.Larry 8+5reb+1ast, V.Zephir 5+1reb+2ast, T.Valerian 5+5reb+1ast

Kolossos - Erokspor 69-71:
There was no surprise when one of their biggest challengers Greek Kolossos (2-2) were edged by top-ranked Turkish Erokspor (4-0) in Rodou 71-69 on Wednesday. Erokspor made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American guard Errick McCollum (188-1988, college: Goshen) who scored that evening 22 points and 4 assists and Mali center Amadou Sow (206-1998, college: UCSB) supported him with 11 points and 9 rebounds. Even 14 points by American guard Payton Willis (193-1998, college: Minnesota) did not help to save the game for Kolossos. point guard Zois Karampelas (186-2001) added 15 points (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Erokspor have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Trier and Mykonos. Loser Kolossos dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with 14 other teams. Erokspor will meet at home league's second-placed Sporting in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Kolossos will play against Rilski in Samokov and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Erokspor: M.Errick 22+4reb+4ast, Y.Kevin 11+7reb, S.Amadou 11+9reb, U.Jordan 7+1reb, V.Keye 6+2reb+1ast, T.Melih 5+2reb
Kolossos: Z.Karampelas 15+1reb+3ast, P.Willis 14+4reb+2ast, E.Manjon 9+3reb+3ast, G.Kamperidis 8+3reb, J.Barnett 5+4reb+1ast, C.Harris 5+3reb+2ast

Lions - Denizli 94-86:
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Turkish Denizli Basket (2-2) against sixth ranked Azerbaijani Lions (1-3) on Wednesday night. Visiting Denizli Basket was defeated by Lions in a tough game in Baku 86-94. Lions made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Lions made 7 blocks. The winners were led by American point guard JJ Frazier Jr (178-1995, college: Georgia) who scored that evening 41 points (!!!), 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals and the other American import forward Edward Polite Jr. (196-1997, college: Radford) supported him with 11 points and 15 rebounds. Even 30 points by Mexican-American point guard Jhonathan Dunn (193-1998, college: S.Nazarene) did not help to save the game for Denizli. American Victor Bailey Jr (193-1998, college: GMU) added 17 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Denizli Basket's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Lions left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 9 other teams. Loser Denizli Basket dropped to the second position with two games lost. They share it with 14 other teams. Lions will meet league's leader Benfica in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Denizli will play against the league's second-placed Bakken Bears and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lions: F.JJ 41+9reb+7ast, J.De'Ondre 13+4reb+3ast, O.Gediminas 11+2reb+4ast, P.Edward 11+15reb, P.Jordan 8+2reb+4ast, S.Arnas 8+12reb+1ast
Denizli: J.Dunn 30+3reb+1ast, V.Bailey Jr 17+8reb+3ast, J.Meeks 10+3reb+1ast, B.Ivey 10+4reb+2ast, M.Amzil 7+3reb+2ast, E.Gazi 4+1ast

Lokomotiv Pl. - Fribourg 95-83:
Everything could happen in Plovdiv at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Bulgarian Lokomotiv Pl. and 5th ranked Swiss Fribourg had identical 1-2 record. This time Lokomotiv Pl. used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Fribourg 95-83 on Wednesday night. Lokomotiv Pl. dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Fribourg's 32 and made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Lokomotiv Pl. looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The winners were led by American guard Jomaru Brown (188-1999, college: Coastal) who scored that evening 29 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and the other American import guard Devearl Ramsey (180-1997, college: UCSB) supported him with 23 points and 9 assists. Four Lokomotiv Pl. players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 20 points and 14 rebounds by French Adrien Moerman (202-1988) did not help to save the game for Fribourg. American point guard Chris Lykes (169-1998, college: Arkansas) added 22 points for lost side. Fribourg's coach gave the chance to play for twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Lokomotiv Pl. (2-2) moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams. Defending Swiss champion Fribourg dropped to the fourth position with three games lost. They share it with 9 other teams. Lokomotiv Pl. will meet at home Neftci (#6) in the next round. Fribourg will play against VEF Riga and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Lokomotiv Pl.: B.Jomaru 29+6reb+4ast, M.Tomislav 24+5reb, R.Devearl 23+4reb+9ast, D.Jordan 12+8reb+1ast, J.Saiquan 3+4reb+1ast, K.Georgi 2+4reb+3ast
Fribourg: C.Lykes 22+1reb+3ast, A.Moerman 20+14reb, B.Colon 15+4ast, A.Cotture 9+5reb+2ast, M.Dell'Acqua 8, B.Mbala 5+5reb+5ast

Blue Wings - Parnu 82-80:
We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when one of their biggest challengers Estonian Parnu (1-3) was edged by fifth ranked Slovakian Blue Wings (1-3) in Nitra 82-80 on Wednesday. The winners were led by American guard Dale Bonner (188-2000, college: Ohio St.) who scored that evening 19 points and the other American import forward Tristan Ikpe (198-1999, college: SHSU) supported him with 7 points and 12 rebounds. Bonner is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds by Mihkel Kirves (200-1996) did not help to save the game for Parnu. Latvian point guard Renars Birkans (186-1997) added 13 points and 10 assists for lost side. Five Parnu players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Blue Wings left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 9 other teams including defeated Parnu. Blue Wings will meet at home Vienna (#6) in the next round. Parnu will play against the league's leader King and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Blue Wings: B.Dale 19+2reb+2ast, H.Javaunte 16+2reb+2ast, K.Peter 9+1ast, M.Simko 8+1ast, F.Michael 8+7reb, S.Morgan 8+4reb
Parnu: K.Dubults 14+6reb+2ast, M.Kirves 14+14reb, H.Eelmae 13+2ast, R.Birkans 13+4reb+10ast, T.Tsartsidze 11+7reb+2ast, J.Heinonen 11+2reb

Opava - Trier 80-103:
Rather predictable result when top-ranked German Gladiators (4-0) rolled over on the road 5th ranked Czech Opava (1-3) 103-80 on Wednesday. Trier forced 21 Opava turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American guard Austin Crowley (196-2000, college: Southern Miss) who scored that evening 19 points and 7 rebounds and the other American import point guard Jordan Roland (185-1997, college: Northeastern, agency: Diamond Sports) supported him with 8 points and 5 assists. Even 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) by American forward Elijah Tucker (203-2003, college: Longwood) did not help to save the game for Opava. point guard Radovan Kouril (185-1995) added 11 points and 4 assists 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. Gladiators have a solid four-game winning streak. Trier maintains first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Mykonos and Erokspor. Loser Opava dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with 9 other teams. Trier will meet at home league's second-placed Trepca in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Opava will play against Promitheas in Patras and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Trier: C.Austin 19+7reb+3ast, B.Eli 14+1ast, K.Moritz 12+1reb+1ast, Y.Behnam 11+3reb+3ast, H.Marco 9+4reb+2ast, R.Jordan 8+4reb+5ast
Opava: E.Tucker 22+7reb+1ast, R.Kouril 11+1reb+4ast, J.Montgomery 10+2reb+1ast, K.Kavan 9+1reb+2ast, S.Pursl 9+4reb+2ast, Z.Filip 7

Craiova - Rilski 103-86:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with bottom-ranked Bulgarian Rilski's (0-3) road loss to fifth ranked Romanian Craiova (1-3) 86-103 on Wednesday. Craiova made 20-of-24 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American guard Ronald Polite (188-2002, college: UNCG) who scored that evening 31 points and 4 assists (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and the other American import forward Demetrius Davis (203-2001, college: UNCG, agency: Olsta) supported him with 17 points and 9 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Four Craiova players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds by American forward Isaiah Richards (208-2001, college: Gardner-Webb, agency: Players Group) did not help to save the game for Rilski. Chavdar Kostov (196-1988, agency: BIG) added 17 points for lost side. Rilski's coach gave the chance to play for eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Craiova left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with 9 other teams. It was Rilski's third loss in a row. They still close the standings with three games lost. Craiova will meet at home Gence (#4) in the next round. Rilski will play against Kolossos and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Craiova: P.Ronald 31+3reb+4ast, D.Demetrius 17+2reb+9ast, N.Vlad 15+1reb+2ast, G.Justin 13+3reb+1ast, M.Toma 9, M.Cristian 8+4reb
Rilski: C.Kostov 17+3reb+1ast, I.Richards 16+10reb+1ast, M.Johnson 10+8ast, J.Stormo 8+6reb+1ast, A.Yanev 8+1reb+1ast, K.Petrov 8+1reb+1ast

Szolnok - Girona 81-79:
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Spanish Basquet Girona (3-1) on the court of fourth ranked Hungarian Szolnok on Wednesday night. Visitors were edged by Szolnok 81-79. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Basquet Girona. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American point guard Khalil Brantley (180-2001, college: OK State, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Guard Botond Cseh (198) contributed with 18 points for the winners. Four Szolnok players scored in double figures. Dominican swingman Jassel Perez (195-2001) replied with 12 points and 4 assists and American point guard Stanley Whittaker (183-1994, college: Keiser) added 16 points in the effort for Girona. Basquet Girona's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Szolnok (2-2) moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams. Girona at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with 12 other teams. Szolnok is looking forward to face Oostende (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Girona will play against Levice and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Szolnok: B.Khalil 21+5reb+3ast, B.Cseh 18+2reb+1ast, B.Auston 14+1reb+2ast, K.Boris 10+1reb+7ast, M.Alexander 8+5reb, G.Chevez 6+10reb+1ast
Girona: S.Whittaker 16+1reb, J.Perez 12+2reb+4ast, D.N'Guessan 10+5reb+1ast, A.Kunc 9+5reb, G.Glas 9+4reb+1ast, D.Stenionis 6+2reb+1ast

Tartu - Iraklis 101-100:
We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fourth ranked Estonian Tartu (2-2) edged at home one of their biggest challengers Greek Iraklis (2-2) 101-100 on Wednesday. Tartu looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American guard Mack Smith-McEwen (191-1998, college: W.Michigan) who scored that evening 18 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists and Egyptian forward Omar El-Sheikh (205-1999, college: Arkansas St.) supported him with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Even 22 points and 5 assists by American-Mali guard Hassan Diarra (188-2001, college: UConn) did not help to save the game for Iraklis. American forward Cleveland Melvin (203-1991, college: DePaul) added 21 points for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Iraklis' coach gave the chance to play for ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Defending Estonian champion moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams including defeated Iraklis. Tartu will meet Wuerzburg (#5) on the road in the next round. Iraklis will play against the league's second-placed AEK Larnaca and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tartu: E.Omar 20+10reb, R.Mart 19+1reb+7ast, S.Mack 18+5reb+9ast, P.Keith 15, M.Chris 12+5reb+2ast, V.Robert 12+2reb
Iraklis: H.Diarra 22+3reb+5ast, C.Melvin 21+4reb+3ast, N.Horchler 15+5reb, D.Styles 15+6reb+2ast, T.Cook 11+3reb+3ast, C.Syllas 11+10reb+1ast

Valmiera Glass - Glint Korfez 85-87:
There was no surprise when 6th ranked Latvian Valmiera Glass (1-3) were edged at home by first ranked Turkish Glint Korfez (3-1) 87-85 on Wednesday. Glint Korfez looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American point guard Boo Buie (183-2000, college: Northwestern) who scored that evening 29 points and Australian center Oscar Cluff (211-2001, college: Purdue) supported him with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Glint Korfez's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even a double-double of 25 points and 10 assists by American guard Bryce McBride (188-2000, college: YSU) did not help to save the game for Valmiera Glass. His fellow American import guard Jake Heidbreder (196-2003, college: Fresno St.) added 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 6 steals for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Glint Korfez have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 3-1 record, which they share with 12 other teams. Defending Latvian champion Valmiera Glass dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with 9 other teams. Glint Korfez will meet at home Bashkimi (#5) in the next round. Valmiera Glass will play against Manchester and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Glint Korfez: B.Boo 29+3ast, D.Jonathan 16+1reb+2ast, C.Oscar 13+13reb+1ast, M.Matt 11+1ast, B.Filip 6+2reb+3ast, D.Paulius 4+4reb+3ast
Valmiera Glass: B.McBride 25+4reb+10ast, J.Heidbreder 20+7reb+4ast, V.Kohs 12+7reb+1ast, A.Mohammed 11+8reb+4ast, D.Ozers 9+2reb, P.Dziuba 8+1reb+1ast

VEF Riga - Mykonos 88-91:
No shocking result in a game when top-ranked Greek Mykonos (4-0) edged on the road one of their biggest challengers Latvian VEF Riga (2-2) 91-88 on Wednesday. The winners were led by American guard Jermaine Love (191-1989, college: UIS) who scored that evening 19 points and 6 assists and American-Lebanese forward DJ Funderburk (208-1997, college: NC State) supported him with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Mykonos' coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Even a double-double of 14 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 6 steals by guard Aigars Skele (193-1992) did not help to save the game for VEF Riga. Panamanian guard Luis Rodriguez (198-1999, college: UNLV) added 19 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Four Mykonos and five VEF Riga players scored in double figures. Mykonos have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record, which they share with Trier and Erokspor. Loser VEF Riga dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with 14 other teams. Mykonos will meet at home league's second-placed Oradea in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. VEF Riga will play against Fribourg and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Mykonos: L.Jermaine 19+4reb+6ast, C.Devin 17+2reb, F.DJ 11+10reb, H.Ronnie 11+4reb+1ast, S.Dionysis 9+2reb+2ast, A.Tyree 9+2reb+7ast
VEF Riga: L.Rodriguez 19+5reb, M.Rogers 16+6reb+1ast, A.Skele 14+6reb+11ast, J.Sears 14+3reb+7ast, M.Mejeris 11+4reb+2ast, C.Asberry 8+2reb+5ast

Zastal - Oostende 80-77:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with one of their biggest challengers Belgian Oostende's (2-2) road loss to second ranked Polish Zastal (2-2) in Zielona Gora 77-80 on Wednesday. Zastal made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The winners were led by American Lewis Beech (203-1994, college: UNF) who scored that evening 21 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Serbian center Veljko Brkic (206-1995) supported him with 11 points and 6 rebounds. Four Zastal players scored in double figures. Even 14 points and 6 rebounds by American guard Adam Miller (190-2002, college: Gonzaga) did not help to save the game for Oostende. Bulgarian-Spanish forward Kostas Kostadinov (206-2003) added 12 points and 8 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Zastal maintains second position with 2-2 record having just two points less than leader Mykonos, which they share with 14 other teams including defeated Oostende. Zastal will meet at home Dinamo (#6) in the next round. Oostende will play against Szolnok (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Zastal: B.Lewis 21+1reb, W.Trazarien 13+2reb+1ast, D.Gauthier 12+2reb+2ast, B.Veljko 11+6reb+3ast, S.Krzysztof 6+4reb+1ast, G.Conley 5+6reb+7ast
Oostende: S.Buysse 15+2reb+1ast, A.Miller 14+6reb+3ast, K.Kostadinov 12+8reb+1ast, P.Gillet 9+1reb+3ast, M.Noterman 5+3reb, D.Leffew 5+2reb+5ast

Bashkimi - Chalon/Saone 66-94:
Rather predictable result when second ranked French Chalon/Saor (3-1) rolled over 5th ranked Kosovan Bashkimi (1-2) in Prizren 94-66 on Wednesday. Chalon/Saone forced 20 Bashkimi turnovers and outrebounded them 35-24 including 23 on the defensive glass. Chalon/Saone looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by Carl Ponsar (203-1997) who scored that evening 17 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American center Grant Golden (208-1998, college: Richmond) supported him with 8 points and 9 rebounds. Even 13 points by Puerto Rican Gian Clavell (193-1993, college: Colorado St.) did not help to save the game for Bashkimi. American-Kosovan point guard Divine Myles (180-1996, college: Stetson) added 11 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. Chalon/Saone keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 12 other teams. Loser Bashkimi dropped to the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with Manchester and Gence. Chalon/Saone will meet at home Bigbank/Kalev (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Bashkimi will play against the league's leader Glint Korfez in Koaceli and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Chalon/Saone: P.Carl 17+4reb+2ast, K.Noa 12+4reb+2ast, G.Jacob 12+1reb+1ast, H.Jeremiah 11+1reb+4ast, H.Jeriah 11+5reb, U.Aher 8+2reb+1ast
Bashkimi: G.Clavell 13+1reb+1ast, D.Myles 11+1reb+2ast, S.Shorter 9+1ast, V.Kakruki 7+5reb+1ast, A.Azemi 7+3reb+4ast, G.Veton 6+6reb+1ast

Split - Promitheas 88-82:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with one of their biggest challengers Greek Promitheas' (2-2) road loss to third ranked Croatian Split (2-2) 82-88 on Wednesday. Split made 26-of-28 free shots (92.9 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The winners were led by Slovenian point guard Matic Rebec (183-1995) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points, 5 rebounds and 11 assists (made all of his eight free throws) and American guard Nick Johnson (191-1992, college: Arizona) supported him with 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 18 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists by American guard New Williams (185-1996, college: Fresno St.) did not help to save the game for Promitheas. Guard Nikos Diplaros (190-1997) added 13 points and 6 assists for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Split moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams including defeated Promitheas. Split will meet Batumi (#6) on the road in the next round. Promitheas will play against Opava (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Split: K.Mindaugas 23+4reb, R.Matic 18+5reb+11ast, J.Nick 14+9reb+5ast, M.Trenton 10+1reb+2ast, R.Lovre 8+5reb+1ast, V.Tonko 7+2reb+3ast
Promitheas: N.Williams 18+5reb+8ast, G.Kalaitzakis 15+2reb, N.Diplaros 13+2reb+6ast, A.Arms 11+3reb+1ast, K.Coleman 8+5reb+3ast, J.Forrester 7+3reb

Wuerzburg - Dziki 91-62:
There was a surprise result when fifth ranked German s Oliver Baskets (2-2) outplayed top-ranked Polish Dziki (3-1) in Wuerzburg 91-62 on Wednesday. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Wuerzburg made 19-of-20 free shots (95.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Dziki turnovers. The winners were led by point guard Lukas Herzog (186-2001, agency: LHZ Sport Agency) who scored that evening 14 points and 5 rebounds and American point guard Kenny Dye (183-2000, college: Queens, NC) supported him with 12 points. Four s Oliver Baskets players scored in double figures. Even 14 points by center Lukasz Frackiewicz (205-1996) did not help to save the game for Dziki. American guard Austin Luke (191-1994, college: Belmont) added 14 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. Wuerzburg moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams. Loser Dziki still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with 12 other teams. Wuerzburg will meet at home Tartu (#4) in the next round. Dziki will play against MZT Skopje and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Wuerzburg: C.Eddie 17+2reb, H.Lukas 14+5reb+3ast, D.Kenny 12+4reb+3ast, W.Calvin 11+3reb+4ast, T.Brandon 9+3reb+1ast, J.Max 7+5reb+2ast
Dziki: L.Frackiewicz 14+4reb+2ast, A.Luke 14+3reb+2ast, O.Osunniyi 10+5reb+1ast, T.Adetukasi 7+2reb+1ast, M.Ashton-Langford 6+4reb+4ast, M.Krasuski 5+3reb+1ast

Manchester - Bigbank/Kalev 89-85:
We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 3rd ranked Estonian Bigbank/Kalev (2-2) lost on the road to fourth ranked British Manchester (1-2) 89-85 on Wednesday. Manchester made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Bigbank/Kalev turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Manchester made 7 blocks. The winners were led by American guard Keon Thompson (185-2003, college: SF Austin) who scored that evening 24 points and 5 rebounds and guard Luke Nelson (191-1995, college: UC Irvine) supported him with 15 points and 8 assists. Even a double-double of 10 points and 16 rebounds by American forward Damian Forrest (206-2001, college: N.Alabama, agency: Players Group) did not help to save the game for Bigbank/Kalev. His fellow American import guard KeVaughn Allen (188-1995, college: Florida) added 23 points and 4 assists for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Manchester maintains fourth position with 1-2 record, which they share with Bashkimi and Gence. Loser Bigbank/Kalev dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with 14 other teams. Manchester will meet Valmiera Glass (#6) on the road in the next round. Bigbank/Kalev will play against the league's second-placed Chalon/Saone (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Manchester: T.Keon 24+5reb+2ast, P.Chandler 16+2reb+2ast, N.Luke 15+2reb+8ast, B.Jonathan 14+3reb+1ast, M.Brandon 12+5reb+1ast, S.Duke 6+2reb+2ast
Bigbank/Kalev: K.Allen 23+4ast, H.Toom 18+3reb+2ast, O.McCormack 17+3reb+1ast, J.Falko 11+2reb+8ast, D.Forrest 10+16reb+2ast, C.Jurgens 3+1ast

King - Nancy 90-87:
The game between closely ranked teams ended with first ranked Polish Wilki Morskie's (3-1) home victory over their biggest opponent French Sluc Nancy (3-1) in Szczecin 90-87 on Wednesday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. King made 21-of-24 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. The winners were led by forward Tomasz Gielo (205-1993, college: Ole Miss) who scored that evening 22 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Zahir Porter (198-2000, college: Weber St.) supported him with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 18 points by Stephane Gombauld (205-1997) did not help to save the game for Nancy. point guard Enzo Goudou-Sinha (183-1998) added 12 points and 4 assists (made all of his nine free throws !!!) for lost side. Five King and four Nancy players scored in double figures. King maintains first position with 3-1 record, which they share with 12 other teams including defeated Nancy. King will meet Parnu (#4) on the road in the next round. Nancy will play against Keravnos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
King: G.Tomasz 22+6reb+2ast, Z.Przemyslaw 13+2reb+6ast, P.Zahir 12+6reb+4ast, S.Ondrej 12+2reb+3ast, C.Alexandre 11+6reb+2ast, W.Mikolaj 8+7reb+1ast
Nancy: S.Gombauld 18+4reb, M.Hammond 14+1reb+2ast, K.Marsillon-Noleo 13+3reb, E.Goudou-Sinha 12+3reb+4ast, M.Amini 10+4reb+1ast, B.Eyaga 6+4reb+1ast

Geneve - Benfica 93-90:
There was a minor upset when top-ranked Portuguese Benfica (3-1) was edged on the road by fourth ranked Swiss Geneve (2-2) 93-90 on Wednesday. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Geneve made 29-of-31 free shots (93.5 percent) during the game. Strangely Benfica outrebounded Geneve 41-29 including 19 on the offensive glass. The winners were led by American swingman Corey Floyd Jr (193-2004, college: Providence) who scored that evening 21 points and the other American import guard Ty Johnson (191-2003, college: UC Davis) supported him with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Even 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists by American guard Geno Crandall (191-1996, college: Gonzaga) did not help to save the game for Benfica. Polish power forward Aleksander Dziewa (207-1997) added 19 points for lost side. Four Geneve and five Benfica players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Geneve moved-up to second place, which they share with 14 other teams. Loser Benfica still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with 12 other teams. Geneve will meet at home Prievidza (#5) in the next round. Benfica will play against Lions (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Geneve: F.Corey 21+4reb+3ast, K.Kevin 18+5reb, J.Ty 15+5reb+5ast, K.Dimitrios 14+6reb+3ast, M.Chabouh 7, A.Noe 6+3reb
Benfica: A.Dziewa 19+3reb+1ast, A.Broussard 17+3reb, G.Crandall 17+6reb+5ast, B.Slater 14+4reb, L.Barrett 11+6reb+2ast, O.Okeke 6+3reb

Gence - Sporting 69-67:
There was a small surprise when fourth ranked Azerbaijani Gence (1-2) edged much higher ranked Portuguese Sporting (3-1) in Ganja 69-67 on Thursday. Gence looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American forward Latavious Mitchell (203-2002, college: FMU) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points, 17 rebounds and 7 assists and American-Mali guard Bakary Camara (198-1998, college: Bridgeport, agency: One Motive Sports) supported him with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Four Gence players scored in double figures. Even 20 points and 6 rebounds by American forward Javian Davis (206-1999, college: UAB, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) did not help to save the game for Sporting. His fellow American import guard Gabe Kalscheur (193-1999, college: Iowa St.) added 18 points for lost side. Sporting's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Gence maintains fourth position with 1-2 record, which they share with Manchester and Bashkimi. Loser Sporting still keeps top place with one game lost. They share the position with 12 other teams. Gence will meet Craiova (#5) on the road in the next round. Sporting will play against the league's leader Erokspor (#1) in Istanbul and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gence: R.Xavier 18+5reb+5ast, C.Bakary 18+10reb+2ast, M.Kobe 15+6reb+1ast, M.Latavious 11+17reb+7ast, G.Jarvis 5+1reb+7ast, T.Yusifzade 2
Sporting: J.Davis 20+6reb, G.Kalscheur 18+3reb, L.O'Reilly 10+5reb+2ast, J.Embalo 7+3reb+1ast, D.Ventura 7+1reb+4ast, J.Fernandes 3+5reb