ProA Round 33 (Regular Season): Crailsheim defeat Phoenix Hagen

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in ProA. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Phoenix Hagen (27-6) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by Hakro Merlins (27-6) 93-90. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Phoenix Hagen. It was a key game for the top position in the league. 24 personal fouls committed by Phoenix Hagen helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American point guard Vinnie Shahid (180-1998, college: NDSU) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 4 assists. His fellow American import guard Xavier Johnson (185-2000, college: SIU) contributed with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American guard Marcus Graves (185-1996, college: Sacramento St.) answered with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Phoenix Hagen. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hakro Merlins have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Crailsheim used an opportunity after Phoenix Hagen lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position which they share with defeated Phoenix Hagen. Crailsheim is looking forward to face Goettingen (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Phoenix Hagen will play against Muenster and is hoping to win this game.
Seventh-ranked 46ers (17-16) were very close to win a game against fourth ranked Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (22-11). Eisbaeren Bremerhaven managed to secure only three-point victory 71-68. However their fans expected easier game. Canadian point guard Elijah Miller (183-1997, college: UPEI) stepped up and scored 14 points and 6 assists for the winners and Lorenz Brenneke chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Serbian forward Viktor Kovacevic (203-1999, college: West Liberty, agency: Octagon Europe) with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Bremerhaven maintains fourth place with 22-11 record. Giessen 46ers at the other side keep the seventh position with 16 games lost. Bremerhaven will play against Tuebingen (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Giessen 46ers will play against Koblenz (#14) and hope to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Wolmirstedt between Wolmirstedt and Artland Dragons. Sixteenth ranked Wolmirstedt (12-21) got a very close home victory over higher ranked Artland Dragons (21-12). Wolmirstedt managed to escape with a 1-point win 80-79 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Artland Dragons. Michael Hughes nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side. Buzz Anthony came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists for Artland in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Wolmirstedt. They moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Paderborn. Loser Artland Dragons keeps the fifth position with 12 games lost. Wolmirstedt will meet higher ranked Nuernberg (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Artland will play against Leverkusen (#17) and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 33: Kirchheim smashed Leverkusen on the road 90-70. Goettingen won against Karlsruhe PS on its own court 96-90. Bottom-ranked Muenster unfortunately lost to Bochum in a road game 84-96. Paderborn was rolled over Tuebingen at home 70-105. Bayreuth defeated Koblenz on the opponent's court 89-75. Koeln was beaten by Nuernberg in a home game 71-83.
The most impressive performance of 33th round was 26 points and 5 rebounds by Cedric Russell of Koeln.



Wolmirstedt - Artland 80-79

A very close game took place in Wolmirstedt between Wolmirstedt and Artland Dragons. Sixteenth ranked Wolmirstedt (12-21) got a very close home victory over higher ranked Artland Dragons (21-12). Wolmirstedt managed to escape with a 1-point win 80-79 on Friday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the guest team. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Artland Dragons. Wolmirstedt made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. American center Michael Hughes (203-1998, college: Duquesne) nailed a double-double by scoring 24 points and 13 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import Travis Henson (199-1999, college: CSUB) accounted for 14 points. American point guard Buzz Anthony (180-1998, college: RMC) came up with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists and American-Syrian guard Amir Hinton (196-1997, college: Shaw) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Artland in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. The victory was the third consecutive win for Wolmirstedt. They moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Paderborn. Loser Artland Dragons keeps the fifth position with 12 games lost. Wolmirstedt will meet higher ranked Nuernberg (#9) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Artland will play against Leverkusen (#17) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Artland: A.Hinton 16+7reb+3ast, B.Anthony 12+5reb+10ast, F.Lastring 11+2reb, B.Burnham 9+12reb+2ast, E.Ndi 9+4reb, N.Petrone 8+2reb+1ast
Wolmirstedt: H.Michael 24+13reb+2ast, H.Travis 14+2reb+1ast, P.De'Vondre 12+1reb+2ast, M.Paulauskas 8+7reb+1ast, B.Martin 7+2reb+4ast, C.Alieu 5+4reb

Leverkusen - Kirchheim 70-90

No shocking result in a game when sixth ranked Kirchheim Knights (19-14) crushed on the road 17th ranked Leverkusen (9-24) 90-70 on Saturday. Kirchheim outrebounded Leverkusen 46-33 including 33 on the defensive glass. American forward Tylan Pope (198-2001, college: Texas St.) nailed a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import point guard Phillip Russell (178-1999, college: VCU) accounted for 13 points and 6 assists. American guard Kobe Langley (185-2000, college: UNCG) came up with 12 points and 4 assists and center Dennis Heinzmann (216-1991) added 14 points respectively for Leverkusen in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kirchheim maintains sixth place with 19-14 record. Leverkusen lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the seventeenth position with 24 games lost. Kirchheim will meet at home Koeln (#11) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Leverkusen will play against Artland (#5) in Quakenbrueck and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Leverkusen: D.Heinzmann 14+4reb, K.Langley 12+3reb+4ast, J.Williams 9+3reb+2ast, L.Wur 9+2reb, S.Brach 7+5reb, D.Nicholas 6+7reb+2ast
Kirchheim: P.Tylan 27+11reb+1ast, H.Chuck 13+4reb+2ast, R.Phillip 13+1reb+6ast, J.Aeneas 8+5reb, L.Mayer 8+8reb+2ast, S.Nick 8+4reb+2ast

Goettingen - Karlsruhe PS 96-90

Very expected game when 8th ranked Lions (16-17) lost on the road to third ranked BG Goettingen (23-10) 96-90 on Saturday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. American players dominated the game. Guard Zach Jackson (198-1997, college: Omaha) nailed 25 points for the winning side and forward Wesley Dreamer (201-2000, college: NW Missouri St.) accounted for 19 points and 7 rebounds. point guard Isaiah Rayshaud Hart (180-1999, college: AUM) came up with 26 points and 6 assists and forward David Ejah (201-2000, college: Indianapolis, agency: Players Group) added 19 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Karlsruhe PS in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Goettingen maintains third place with 23-10 record having four points less than leader Phoenix Hagen. Loser Lions keeps the eighth position with 17 games lost. Goettingen will meet league's second-placed Crailsheim on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Karlsruhe PS will play against Paderborn (#16) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Karlsruhe PS: I.Rayshaud Hart 26+2reb+6ast, D.Ejah 19+6reb, T.Williams 16+5reb+1ast, W.Oba 15+7reb+2ast, G.Kuku 8+3reb, M.Dawson 3+1ast
Goettingen: J.Zach 25+4reb+3ast, S.Jordan 21+3reb, D.Wesley 19+7reb+1ast, K.Daniel 12+3reb+10ast, M.Moenninghoff 6+2reb, J.Janis 5+5reb+1ast

Bochum - Muenster 96-84

Very predictable result when tenth ranked SparkassenStars (15-18) won against bottom-ranked Muenster (8-25) in Bochum 96-84 on Saturday. Strangely Muenster outrebounded Bochum 41-29 including 28 on the defensive glass. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. Point guard Niklas Geske (188-1994) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points and 11 assists for the winning side and American point guard Antonio Williams (183-1997, college: Kent St.) accounted for 19 points and 6 assists. SparkassenStars' coach Felix Banobre used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Adam Touray (206-1994) came up with 23 points and 7 rebounds and guard Thore Dilschmann (187-2006) added 13 points and 11 assists respectively for Muenster in the defeat. Four Bochum and five Muenster players scored in double figures. Bochum moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Nuernberg. Muenster lost their fourth game in a row. They stay dead last with 25 lost games. Bochum will meet Bayreuth (#12) on the road in the next round. Muenster will play against the league's leader Phoenix Hagen (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Muenster: A.Touray 23+7reb+2ast, C.Jones 15+7reb+1ast, G.Cosmo 14+6reb+1ast, P.Viefhues 14+1ast, D.Thore 13+2reb+11ast, J.Ani 3+7reb+1ast
Bochum: M.Dravon 23+2reb+1ast, W.Antonio 19+3reb+6ast, G.Niklas 18+3reb+11ast, G.Jonas 10+6reb+2ast, G.Malek 8+6reb+1ast, D.Kilian 7+4reb+2ast

Phoenix Hagen - Crailsheim 90-93

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Phoenix Hagen (27-6) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by Hakro Merlins (27-6) 93-90. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Phoenix Hagen. It was a key game for the top position in the league. 24 personal fouls committed by Phoenix Hagen helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American point guard Vinnie Shahid (180-1998, college: NDSU) who led his team to a victory with 20 points and 4 assists. His fellow American import guard Xavier Johnson (185-2000, college: SIU) contributed with 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. American guard Marcus Graves (185-1996, college: Sacramento St.) answered with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and naturalized American guard Devin Schmidt (193-1994, college: Delta St.) added 17 points and 4 assists in the effort for Phoenix Hagen. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Hakro Merlins have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. Crailsheim used an opportunity after Phoenix Hagen lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position which they share with defeated Phoenix Hagen. Crailsheim is looking forward to face Goettingen (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Phoenix Hagen will play against Muenster and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Phoenix Hagen: M.Graves 24+5reb+4ast, D.Schmidt 17+2reb+4ast, J.Carroll 13+3reb+1ast, F.Bleck 13+5reb+1ast, L.N'Guessan 12+7reb, B.Kraushaar 5+3reb+7ast
Crailsheim: S.Vinnie 20+4ast, G.Anthony 16+2reb+2ast, J.Xavier 12+5reb+5ast, D.Gabriel 11+5reb, O.Gianni 10+3reb+3ast, M.TJ 6+4reb

Paderborn - Tuebingen 70-105

Everything could happen in Paderborn at the game between two tied teams. Both fourteenth ranked Tigers and 15th ranked Uni Baskets had identical 12-20 record. But Uni Baskets were not able to use a home court advantage and were outscored by the opponent from Tuebingen 105-70 on Saturday night. Tuebingen looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American guard Jordan Johnson (180-1995, college: UNLV) nailed a double-double by scoring 11 points and 10 assists for the winning side and forward Melkisedek Moreaux (198-1996, college: Mercyhurst) accounted for 13 points and 7 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). Johnson is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Tigers players scored in double figures. Danish guard Jonathan Klussmann (190-2002) came up with 21 points and 4 assists and Ethiopian-American guard Eyassu Worku (188-1998, college: UC Irvine) added 10 points and 5 assists respectively for Paderborn in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tuebingen (13-20) moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Koblenz. Loser Uni Baskets keeps the fifteenth position with 21 games lost. They share it with Wolmirstedt. Tuebingen will meet at home higher ranked Bremerhaven (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Paderborn will play against Karlsruhe PS (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Paderborn: J.Klussmann 21+2reb+4ast, J.Johnson 12+4reb, E.Worku 10+4reb+5ast, N.Marty-Decker 6+2reb, M.Silic 5+2reb+2ast, K.Aaron 5+7reb
Tuebingen: P.Bernard 17+1reb+1ast, E.Patrick 15+3reb+1ast, M.Melkisedek 13+7reb+2ast, S.Isaiah 11+2reb+1ast, E.Felix 11+4reb+2ast, J.Jordan 11+2reb+10ast

Bremerhaven - Giessen 46ers 71-68

Seventh-ranked 46ers (17-16) were very close to win a game against fourth ranked Eisbaeren Bremerhaven (22-11). Eisbaeren Bremerhaven managed to secure only three-point victory 71-68. However their fans expected easier game. Bremerhaven made 22-of-28 charity shots (78.6 percent) during the game. Giessen 46ers were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. Canadian point guard Elijah Miller (183-1997, college: UPEI) stepped up and scored 14 points and 6 assists for the winners and Lorenz Brenneke (204-2000) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Serbian forward Viktor Kovacevic (203-1999, college: West Liberty, agency: Octagon Europe) with 17 points and 6 rebounds and American guard Kyle Castlin (193-1996, college: Xavier) produced a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Bremerhaven maintains fourth place with 22-11 record. Giessen 46ers at the other side keep the seventh position with 16 games lost. Bremerhaven will play against Tuebingen (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Giessen 46ers will play against Koblenz (#14) and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Giessen 46ers: V.Kovacevic 17+6reb+1ast, R.Benzing 12+1reb+1ast, K.Castlin 10+11reb, D.Norl 9+2reb+1ast, A.Warnholtz 8+1reb, S.Krajcovic 6+3reb+4ast
Bremerhaven: M.Elijah 14+3reb+6ast, B.Jemarl 13+3reb, B.Lorenz 13+5reb, V.Jannis 7+4reb+1ast, B.Adrian 6+5reb, C.Carlos 6+8reb

Koblenz - Bayreuth 75-89

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both thirteenth ranked Bayreuth and 12th ranked Koblenz had identical 13-19 record. But Koblenz was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Bayreuth 89-75 on Sunday night. Bayreuth made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Naturalized American forward Cantia Rahming (201-2001, college: USA) nailed a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds for the winning side and American guard Tehree Horn (193-2001, college: USC Aiken, agency: One Motive Sports) accounted for 23 points. American guard Julian Larry (190, college: Texas) came up with 17 points and 6 assists and Serbian point guard Aleksa Kovacevic (187-2002) added 13 points and 4 assists respectively for Koblenz in the defeat. Five Bayreuth and four Koblenz players scored in double figures. Koblenz's coach Stephan Dohrn rotated eleven players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bayreuth (14-19) moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Koeln. Loser Koblenz dropped to the thirteenth position with 20 games lost. They share it with Tuebingen. Bayreuth will meet at home higher ranked Bochum (#10) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Koblenz will play against Giessen 46ers and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Koblenz: J.Larry 17+6ast, D.McCall 15+5reb+1ast, A.Kovacevic 13+4reb+4ast, D.Jeffries 12+4reb+2ast, B.Buck 8+3reb+2ast, A.Moeller 6+2reb+1ast
Bayreuth: H.Tehree 23+4reb+3ast, L.Lenny 19+2reb, R.Cantia 15+15reb, B.Willem 13+7reb+2ast, A.KeVaughn 12+6reb+1ast, I.Leroy 4+2reb

Koeln - Nuernberg 71-83

Everything could happen in Koeln at the game between two tied teams. Both eleventh ranked Falcons and 10th ranked RheinStars had identical 14-18 record. But RheinStars were not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Nuernberg 83-71 on Sunday night. American guard Evan Taylor (196-1996, college: Nebraska) nailed 16 points and 6 assists for the winning side and forward Tom Stoiber (205-2006) accounted for 15 points and 7 rebounds. Four Falcons players scored in double figures. American guard Cedric Russell (188-1999, college: Ohio St., agency: Olsta) came up with 26 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import guard Mike Miller (193-1997, college: N.Texas) added 19 points and 9 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!) respectively for Koeln in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Nuernberg (15-18) moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Bochum. Loser RheinStars dropped to the eleventh position with 19 games lost. They share it with Bayreuth. Nuernberg will meet at home Wolmirstedt (#15) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Koeln will play against Kirchheim (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Koeln: C.Russell 26+5reb+2ast, M.Mike 19+9reb+3ast, A.Paige 12+5reb+1ast, L.Konstantin 5+3reb, B.Rohwer 4+2reb+1ast, H.Hujic 2+1reb+1ast
Nuernberg: F.Vincent 18+1reb+2ast, T.Evan 16+2reb+6ast, S.Tom 15+7reb, K.Tim 10+2reb+2ast, C.Brandton 10+3reb+1ast, B.Trevor 8+5reb+3ast