Proliga Round 8 (Second Stage): #1 Portimonense is defeated by Casino

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Portimonense (6-2) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by seventh ranked Casino (3-4) 91-89. Casino looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Joshua McClary (188, college: Roanoke) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 9 assists and power forward Goncalo Barbosa (198-1998) who added 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Canadian guard Jayden Grewal (191-1999, agency: Promo Sport ID) responded with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists. Casino moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Maia Basket. Portimonense at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Povoa. Casino is looking forward to face higher ranked CAB Madeira (#3) in Funchal in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Portimonense will play against Olhanense and is hoping to win this game.
Imortal U23 (#4) was upset in Maia by seventh ranked Maia Basket 84-49. The winners were led by American power forward Greg Skoric (211-2000, college: Skidmore) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds and Miguel Tomley supported him with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Even 21 points and 9 rebounds by guard Lucas Barreira (181-2007) did not help to save the game for Imortal U23. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Maia Basket (3-4) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Casino. Imortal U23 at the other side dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Maia Basket will play against Illiabum (#7) in Ilhavo in the next round. Imortal U23 will play at home against the league's second-placed Povoa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Twelfth-ranked Benfica U23 (3-5) gave a tough game to top-ranked Lusitania (8-0) in Lisbon on Saturday. The visitors from Angra managed to secure only two-point victory 88-86. However their fans expected easier game. The best player for the winners was Kai Cipalla who scored 28 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Tiago Filipe produced 21 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Benfica U23's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Undefeated Lusitania have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain ninth position with 8-0 record. Benfica U23 lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Lusitania will meet at home bottom-ranked Sangalhos (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Benfica U23 will play against Sampaense (#13) in Coimbra and hope to secure a win.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: Sampaense lost to Queluz on the opponent's court 59-76. Bottom-ranked Sangalhos were outscored by Galomar in a home game 76-101. Illiabum recorded a loss to CAB Madeira on the road 68-64. Academica defeated Santo Andre on its own court 68-63. Olhanense was smashed by Povoa in a road game 94-58. Sampaense lost to undefeated Lusitania at home 71-99. Academica unfortunately lost to Queluz on the opponent's court 49-52.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 10 points and 9 rebounds by Daniel Westbrook of Queluz.



Queluz - Sampaense 76-59

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both thirteenth ranked Queluz and their close opponent Sampaense had identical 3-4 record. This time Queluz used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Coimbra 76-59 on Saturday night. The best player for the winners was American forward Brennen Newsom (206-2001, college: E.Oregon) who scored 15 points and 7 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Guard Miguel Carmine (182-1999) chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Queluz players scored in double figures. American guard Markus Terry (188-1995, college: USC Aiken) produced 23 points and 6 rebounds and forward Solano Quissanga (194-2000) added 8 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Queluz (4-4) moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Santo Andre. Sampaense lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Queluz will meet Santo Andre (#11) in the next round. Sampaense will play against Benfica U23 (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Queluz: N.Brennen 15+7reb+2ast, T.Martins 13+1reb+4ast, M.Carmine 13+5reb+4ast, G.Gogua 11+5reb, W.Daniel 11+6reb+1ast, D.Silva 7+2reb+6ast
Sampaense: T.Markus 23+6reb, G.Diogo 9+6reb+2ast, A.Dusels 9+2reb, Q.Solano 8+10reb+1ast, V.Banaru 6+2reb+2ast, M.Bastos 4+4reb

Sangalhos - Galomar 76-101

Very predictable result when tenth ranked Galomar (5-3) smashed on the road bottom-ranked Sangalhos (2-6) 101-76 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American forward Latreavin Black (196-2000, college: S.Arkansas, agency: Interperformances) who scored 22 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). The other American import point guard Ronnie Rousseau III (175-1995, college: Antelope Valley) chipped in 20 points. Black is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Slovenian power forward Nikolas Susa (200-1999, agency: Dagger Basket) produced 17 points and 7 rebounds and Mozambican forward Dario Manhanga (193-1999) added 15 points respectively for the hosts. Five Galomar and four Sangalhos players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Galomar have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain tenth position with 5-3 record. Loser Sangalhos stay at the bottom place with six games lost. Galomar will meet at home Academica (#15) in the next round where they are favorite. Sangalhos will play against Lusitania in Angra and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Galomar: B.Latreavin 22+8reb+4ast, R.Ronnie 20+3reb+2ast, G.Afonso 18+5reb+1ast, R.Soares 15+2reb+5ast, S.Helder 12+8reb+1ast, C.Jaques 8+5reb
Sangalhos: N.Susa 17+7reb+1ast, D.Manhanga 15+4reb+3ast, J.Boban 12+1reb+1ast, V.Laurynas 12+5reb+2ast, I.Sassinda 9+5reb+1ast, C.Ruben 6+1reb+4ast

Maia Basket - Imortal U23 84-49

Imortal U23 (#4) was upset in Maia by seventh ranked Maia Basket 84-49. Maia Basket made 16-of-19 charity shots (84.2 percent) during the game. They also forced 21 Imortal U23 turnovers and outrebounded them 52-29 including a 18-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Maia Basket players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The winners were led by American power forward Greg Skoric (211-2000, college: Skidmore) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points and 13 rebounds and Canadian point guard Miguel Tomley (191-2000, college: Weber St.) supported him with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Four Maia Basket players scored in double figures. Even 21 points and 9 rebounds by guard Lucas Barreira (181-2007) did not help to save the game for Imortal U23. Center Miguel Baker (196-2004) added 4 points and 6 rebounds 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. Maia Basket (3-4) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Casino. Imortal U23 at the other side dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Maia Basket will play against Illiabum (#7) in Ilhavo in the next round. Imortal U23 will play at home against the league's second-placed Povoa and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Maia Basket: T.Miguel 22+8reb, S.Greg 15+13reb+3ast, L.Santos 10+4reb+2ast, H.Curt 10+13reb+7ast, F.Caetano 6+7reb+1ast, A.Valgode 6+1reb+3ast
Imortal U23: B.Lucas 21+9reb+2ast, D.Pinheiro 8+2reb+1ast, C.Mwayi 5+2reb+2ast, M.Baker 4+6reb+1ast, R.Miguel 4+2reb, R.Gustavo 3+1reb+5ast

Portimonense - Casino 89-91

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Portimonense (6-2) at the home court on Saturday night. Hosts were edged by seventh ranked Casino (3-4) 91-89. Casino looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Joshua McClary (188, college: Roanoke) who helped to win the game recording 28 points and 9 assists and power forward Goncalo Barbosa (198-1998) who added 8 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Canadian guard Jayden Grewal (191-1999, agency: Promo Sport ID) responded with 30 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists and Belizean guard Frank Staine (198-2001, college: SF Austin) scored 20 points. Casino moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Maia Basket. Portimonense at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with Povoa. Casino is looking forward to face higher ranked CAB Madeira (#3) in Funchal in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Portimonense will play against Olhanense and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Casino: J.McClary 28+4reb+9ast, A.Akoi 13+3reb+2ast, B.Neves 10+3reb+2ast, F.Ernesto 9+2reb+1ast, H.Anthony 9+6reb+4ast, A.Mendes 9+1reb+2ast
Portimonense: J.Grewal 30+9reb+9ast, F.Staine 20+4reb+2ast, C.Fall 15+4reb+3ast, F.Dulcinio 7+3reb+7ast, P.Afonso 5+3reb, M.Joao 5+3reb+3ast

CAB Madeira - Illiabum 68-64

Not a big story in a game in Funchal where 5th ranked Illiabum (3-5) was defeated by third ranked CAB Madeira (5-2) 68-64 on Saturday. The best player for the winners was American forward Tyler Eberhart (201, college: Nova SE) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds. Forward Jorge Embalo (195-1999, agency: Promo Sport ID) chipped in 19 points and 6 assists. Four CAB Madeira players scored in double figures. Angolan forward Helder Neto (198-2001) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds and Nigerian forward Tope Arikawe (203-1995, college: N.Texas) added 17 points respectively for the guests. Illiabum's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. CAB Madeira have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 5-2 record having four points less than leader Portimonense. Loser Illiabum dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. CAB Madeira will meet Casino (#5) in the next round. Illiabum will play against Maia Basket and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
CAB Madeira: E.Jorge 19+3reb+6ast, E.Tyler 17+13reb+1ast, N.Max 10+10reb+1ast, B.Ferreira 10+4reb+3ast, G.Joao 8+1reb, B.Vinny 2+1reb+1ast
Illiabum: T.Arikawe 17+4reb+1ast, H.Neto 12+11reb+2ast, R.Mitchell 10+3reb, R.Cristo 7+2reb+1ast, C.Pedro 7+2reb+4ast, M.Joao 6+3reb+2ast

Academica - Santo Andre 68-63

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Coimbra where twelfth ranked Academica (3-5) beat 11th ranked Santo Andre (4-4) 68-63 on Saturday. Strangely Santo Andre outrebounded Academica 52-33 including a 17-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was guard Alexandre Naia (189-2006) who scored 15 points and 7 rebounds. American Julian Powell (206-1996, college: Lincoln) chipped in a double-double by scoring 10 points and 11 rebounds. Five Academica players scored in double figures. American forward Cody Baer (208-2001, college: Eureka) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Alston Andrews (208, college: Delaware St., agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) added 8 points and 17 rebounds respectively for the guests. Academica moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Santo Andre keeps the eleventh position with four games lost. They share it with Queluz. Academica will meet Galomar (#10) in the next round. Santo Andre will play against Queluz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Academica: A.Naia 15+7reb+2ast, M.Silva 13+2reb+3ast, S.Matheus 12+11reb, N.Brito 10+1reb+3ast, P.Julian 10+11reb+2ast, M.Waller 6+1reb+4ast
Santo Andre: C.Baer 18+12reb+2ast, M.Maultsby 14+8reb, G.Saiote 8+5reb+4ast, A.Andrews 8+17reb+1ast, M.Francisco 7+6reb+2ast, A.Cleiton 5+1reb

Benfica U23 - Lusitania 86-88

Twelfth-ranked Benfica U23 (3-5) gave a tough game to top-ranked Lusitania (8-0) in Lisbon on Saturday. The visitors from Angra managed to secure only two-point victory 88-86. However their fans expected easier game. The best player for the winners was American forward Kai Cipalla (193-2003, college: York, PA) who scored 28 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. American-Nigerian forward Obinna Ugwuakazi (198-2002, college: Charleston, agency: Promo Sport ID) chipped in a double-double by scoring 22 points and 10 rebounds. Power forward Tiago Filipe (201-2005) produced 21 points and 9 rebounds and Venezuelan point guard Jhonathan Andrade (184-2006) added 21 points respectively for the hosts. Four Benfica U23 players scored in double figures. Benfica U23's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Lusitania have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain ninth position with 8-0 record. Benfica U23 lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Lusitania will meet at home bottom-ranked Sangalhos (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Benfica U23 will play against Sampaense (#13) in Coimbra and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lusitania: K.Cipalla 28+9reb+5ast, U.Obinna 22+10reb+1ast, D.Tavares 18+6reb+5ast, E.Onyinyechi 9+5reb, B.Almeida 5+5reb, J.Neves 4+8reb+2ast
Benfica U23: F.Tiago 21+9reb+3ast, A.Jhonathan 21+1reb+2ast, M.Arlindo 13+5reb, M.Joao 11+2reb+2ast, S.Tomas 7+2reb+1ast, G.Martim 4+3reb

Povoa - Olhanense 94-58

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Olhanense (1-6) was outplayed on the road by third ranked Povoa (6-2) 94-58 on Saturday. Povoa dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Olhanense's 28. Povoa forced 23 Olhanense turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Olhanense's players. The best player for the winners was Nigerian forward James Okemirie (201-2004) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. American swingman Scott Suggs (197-1989, college: Washington) chipped in 18 points and 5 rebounds. Four Povoa players scored in double figures. Povoa's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American center Emerson Halbleib (206-2000, college: BSU) produced 7 points and 11 rebounds and forward Joao Serra (196-2004, college: Tabor) added 8 points and 8 rebounds respectively for the guests. Povoa used an opportunity after Portimonense lost their game and moved up joining them at the top position. Olhanense lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with six games lost. Povoa will meet Imortal U23 (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Olhanense will play against the league's leader Portimonense and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Povoa: J.Okemirie 18+10reb+2ast, S.Suggs 18+5reb+1ast, L.Matic 10+6reb+3ast, G.Manjate 10+8reb+2ast, J.Costa 9+1reb+2ast, M.Rodrigues 8+2reb
Olhanense: T.Mauro 12+1reb+3ast, R.Mendes 11+4reb, D.Mitchell 10+4reb+3ast, M.Goncalo 10+4reb+1ast, S.Joao 8+8reb+2ast, H.Emerson 7+11reb+3ast

Sampaense - Lusitania 71-99

No shocking result in a game in Coimbra where top-ranked Lusitania (8-0) outleveled 13th ranked Sampaense (3-5) 99-71 on Sunday. Lusitania dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Sampaense's 30. The best player for the winners was American-Nigerian forward Obinna Ugwuakazi (198-2002, college: Charleston, agency: Promo Sport ID) who scored 32 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). American forward Kai Cipalla (193-2003, college: York, PA) chipped in 25 points and 5 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field). American guard Markus Terry (188-1995, college: USC Aiken) produced 21 points and power forward Diogo Goncalves (200-1987) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sampaense's coach gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Lusitania have an impressive eight-game winning streak. They maintain ninth position with 8-0 record. Sampaense lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth place with five games lost. They share the position with 4 other teams. Lusitania will meet at home bottom-ranked Sangalhos (#16) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sampaense will play against Benfica U23 (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Lusitania: U.Obinna 32+5reb+4ast, K.Cipalla 25+5reb+3ast, E.Onyinyechi 12+6reb, B.Almeida 11+1reb+1ast, D.Tavares 10+3reb+2ast, J.Neves 6+6reb+1ast
Sampaense: T.Markus 21+1reb+2ast, V.Banaru 15+1reb+1ast, G.Diogo 12+6reb+1ast, Q.Solano 12+3reb+1ast, M.Bastos 9+5reb+1ast, A.Dusels 2+4reb+3ast

Queluz - Academica 52-49

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both thirteenth ranked Queluz and 12th ranked Academica had identical 3-4 record. This time Queluz used a home court advantage and edged the opponent from Coimbra 52-49 on Sunday night. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Queluz made 11 blocks. The best player for the winners was point guard David Silva (175-2000) who scored 13 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Tomas Martins (185-2000) chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. American Julian Powell (206-1996, college: Lincoln) produced 9 points and 18 rebounds and Brazilian Matheus Santana (204-1996) added 6 points and 12 rebounds respectively for the guests. Queluz (4-4) moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Santo Andre. Loser Academica dropped to the sixth position with five games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Queluz will meet Santo Andre (#11) in the next round. Academica will play against Galomar (#10) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Queluz: D.Silva 13+5reb+6ast, T.Martins 12+6reb+4ast, W.Daniel 10+9reb+1ast, G.Gogua 9+4reb, N.Brennen 6+6reb, A.Candeias 2+4reb
Academica: W.Manir 12+3reb+1ast, B.Nuno 11+3reb+1ast, J.Powell 9+18reb+1ast, M.Santana 6+12reb, S.Miguel 6+1reb, N.Alexandre 5+7reb+1ast