Proliga Round 9 (Second Stage): Illiabum edges Maia Basket by three points

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 9 in the Proliga took place in Ilhavo. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 4th placed Maia Basket (3-5) to fifth ranked Illiabum (4-5) 72-69 in the game for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Maia Basket. The best player for the winners was Angolan forward Helder Neto (198-2001) who scored 23 points and 8 rebounds. point guard Joao Martinho (188-1997) chipped in 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Illiabum's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Curt Heinz (203, college: Maine Maritime) who recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds. Illiabum moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Benfica U23 and Santo Andre. Maia Basket at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Casino. Illiabum is looking forward to face league's second-placed Povoa on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maia Basket will play against Casino and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Leader Portimonense delivered the seventh victory. This time they beat 8th ranked Olhanense (1-7) 90-83. It was a good game for Canadian guard Jayden Grewal (191-1999, agency: Promo Sport ID) who led his team to a victory with 23 points and 7 assists. Frank Staine contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Canadian guard Dontae Mitchell (193-1997, college: St.Mary's) answered with 18 points and 4 assists for Olhanense. Portimonense maintains first place with 7-2 record, which they share with Povoa. Olhanense lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with seven games lost. Portimonense will play against CAB Madeira (#3) in Funchal in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Olhanense will play at home against Imortal U23 (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Albufeira supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Povoa (7-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Imortal U23 (3-6). Povoa smashed Imortal U23 90-69 on Sunday. James Okemirie stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. The best for the losing side was Miguel Baker with 9 points and 11 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Povoa keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Portimonense. Imortal U23 lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh place with six games lost. They share the position with Sampaense and Academica. Povoa will meet at home Illiabum (#4) in the next round. Imortal U23 will play against Olhanense and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games of round 9 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Academica was defeated by Galomar in a road game 85-75. Lusitania smashed Sangalhos at home 89-69. Queluz won against Santo Andre on the opponent's court 73-72. Casino unfortunately lost to CAB Madeira in a home game 86-95. Benfica U23 managed to beat Sampaense on the road 77-67.
The best stats of 9th round was 15 points by Victor Banaru of Sampaense.



Galomar - Academica 85-75

There was no surprise when 15th ranked Academica (3-6) was defeated on the road by tenth ranked Galomar (6-3) 85-75 on Saturday. Galomar looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American forward Latreavin Black (196-2000, college: S.Arkansas, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 12 points, 19 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and his fellow American import point guard Ronnie Rousseau III (175-1995, college: Antelope Valley) chipped in 23 points. Black is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The best for the losing side was American Julian Powell (206-1996, college: Lincoln) with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds and Brazilian Matheus Santana (204-1996) produced a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Galomar have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain tenth place with 6-3 record. Loser Academica dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. They share it with Sampaense and Imortal U23. Galomar will meet Queluz (#11) on the road in the next round. Academica will play against Sangalhos (#16) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Academica: N.Alexandre 15+5reb+2ast, J.Powell 15+14reb+3ast, M.Santana 13+10reb+3ast, W.Manir 13+4reb+4ast, S.Miguel 10+5reb+3ast, B.Nuno 7+1reb+1ast
Galomar: R.Ronnie 23+2reb+3ast, G.Afonso 17+3reb+2ast, S.Helder 13+8reb+1ast, B.Latreavin 12+19reb+6ast, C.Jaques 10+3reb+7ast, R.Soares 9+6reb+2ast

Lusitania - Sangalhos 89-69

No shocking result in a game in Angra where leader Lusitania (9-0) smashed bottom-ranked Sangalhos (2-7) 89-69 on Sunday. Lusitania dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Sangalhos' 26. They outrebounded Sangalhos 39-26 including a 29-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Lusitania looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American-Nigerian forward Obinna Ugwuakazi (198-2002, college: Charleston, agency: Promo Sport ID) stepped up and scored 27 points and 9 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) for the winners and American-Nigerian power forward Onyinyechi Eyisi (206-1999, college: CSUN, agency: Helping Ballers) chipped in 23 points and 8 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Slovenian power forward Nikolas Susa (200-1999, agency: Dagger Basket) with 18 points and 4 assists and point guard Goncalo Madureira (185-1998) scored 10 points and 4 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lusitania have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. They maintain ninth place with 9-0 record. Loser Sangalhos stay at the bottom position with seven games lost. Lusitania will meet at home Sampaense (#14) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Sangalhos will play against Academica in Coimbra and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sangalhos: N.Susa 18+3reb+4ast, M.Goncalo 10+3reb+4ast, J.Boban 10+1reb, I.Sassinda 9+3reb, V.Laurynas 8+3reb+1ast, D.Manhanga 8+7reb+2ast
Lusitania: U.Obinna 27+9reb+3ast, E.Onyinyechi 23+8reb+1ast, K.Cipalla 18+3reb+4ast, D.Tavares 8+2reb+3ast, J.Neves 6+10reb, S.Sergio 5+3reb+9ast

Olhanense - Portimonense 83-90

Leader Portimonense delivered the seventh victory. This time they beat 8th ranked Olhanense (1-7) 90-83. Olhanense was plagued by 27 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for Canadian guard Jayden Grewal (191-1999, agency: Promo Sport ID) who led his team to a victory with 23 points and 7 assists. Belizean guard Frank Staine (198-2001, college: SF Austin) contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Canadian guard Dontae Mitchell (193-1997, college: St.Mary's) answered with 18 points and 4 assists and forward Joao Serra (196-2004, college: Tabor) added 14 points and 5 assists in the effort for Olhanense. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Portimonense maintains first place with 7-2 record, which they share with Povoa. Olhanense lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with seven games lost. Portimonense will play against CAB Madeira (#3) in Funchal in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Olhanense will play at home against Imortal U23 (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Olhanense: D.Mitchell 18+3reb+4ast, R.Mendes 16+4reb+2ast, S.Joao 14+3reb+5ast, H.Emerson 11+8reb, R.Wildner 7+3reb+1ast, M.Goncalo 7+3reb+2ast
Portimonense: G.Jayden 23+3reb+7ast, S.Frank 20+7reb+2ast, D.Fragoso 14+2reb, F.Cheikh 11+5reb+2ast, G.Santinhos 10+7reb+1ast, J.Mota 9+7reb+3ast

Imortal U23 - Povoa 69-90

The game in Albufeira supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Povoa (7-2) played at the court of 6th ranked Imortal U23 (3-6). Povoa smashed Imortal U23 90-69 on Sunday. Povoa dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Imortal U23's 22. Povoa forced 23 Imortal U23 turnovers and outrebounded them 43-30 including a 21-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. Nigerian forward James Okemirie (201-2004) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 13 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners and point guard Joao Costa (180-2001) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds. Four Povoa players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was center Miguel Baker (196-2004) with 9 points and 11 rebounds and guard Lucas Barreira (181-2007) scored 9 points and 5 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Povoa keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Portimonense. Imortal U23 lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh place with six games lost. They share the position with Sampaense and Academica. Povoa will meet at home Illiabum (#4) in the next round. Imortal U23 will play against Olhanense and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Imortal U23: C.Mwayi 11+1reb+1ast, M.Baker 9+11reb+3ast, B.Lucas 9+2reb+5ast, R.Miguel 9+4reb, M.Goncalo 8+2reb, R.Gustavo 7+2reb+3ast
Povoa: J.Costa 19+6reb, J.Okemirie 17+13reb+1ast, S.Suggs 12+9reb+1ast, J.Rodrigues 11+1reb+3ast, L.Matic 8+6reb+6ast, K.Francois 8+1ast

Santo Andre - Queluz 72-73

Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both twelfth ranked Queluz and 11th ranked Santo Andre had identical 4-4 record. But Santo Andre was not able to use a home court advantage and was edged by the opponent from Queluz 73-72 on Saturday night. Queluz forced 21 Santo Andre turnovers. Strangely Santo Andre outrebounded Queluz 43-31 including 28 on the defensive glass. American forward Brennen Newsom (206-2001, college: E.Oregon) stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners and Tomas Martins (185-2000) chipped in 12 points and 4 assists. Five Queluz players scored in double figures. Queluz's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was American forward Alston Andrews (208, college: Delaware St., agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds and the other American import guard Marque Maultsby (190, college: NCCU) scored 21 points. Queluz have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to eleventh place. Santo Andre lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. They share it with Illiabum and Benfica U23. Queluz will meet at home higher ranked Galomar (#10) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Santo Andre will play against Benfica U23 (#12) in Lisbon and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Santo Andre: M.Maultsby 21+3reb+3ast, A.Andrews 18+16reb+2ast, G.Saiote 9+5reb+1ast, F.Pedro 8+3reb+3ast, C.Baer 8+11reb+1ast, A.Cleiton 5+3reb+1ast
Queluz: N.Brennen 19+6reb, W.Daniel 14+4reb+1ast, D.Silva 12+1reb+5ast, T.Martins 12+4reb+4ast, M.Carmine 10+1reb+1ast, A.Candeias 4+6reb

Casino - CAB Madeira 86-95

Rather predictable result in Figueira da Foz where third ranked CAB Madeira (6-2) beat 5th ranked Casino (3-5) 95-86 on Saturday. CAB Madeira made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Guard Bernardo Ferreira (173-2002) stepped up and scored 18 points and 8 assists for the winners and forward Jorge Embalo (195-1999, agency: Promo Sport ID) chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American guard Joshua McClary (188, college: Roanoke) with 29 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and the other American import guard Akoi Akoi (198, college: Augustana) scored 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five CAB Madeira and four Casino players scored in double figures. CAB Madeira have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain third place with 6-2 record having four points less than leader Portimonense. Loser Casino keeps the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Maia Basket. CAB Madeira will meet at home league's leader Portimonense in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Casino will play against Maia Basket (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Casino: M.Joshua 29+5reb+2ast, A.Akoi 24+5reb+4ast, N.Bernardo 15+2reb+2ast, A.Howell 10+2reb+2ast, M.Andre 6+6reb+2ast, B.Goncalo 2+1reb
CAB Madeira: E.Tyler 23+3reb+2ast, B.Ferreira 18+4reb+8ast, E.Jorge 17+9reb+2ast, B.Vinny 16+3reb+1ast, N.Max 10+7reb+1ast, G.Joao 4+3reb+1ast

Illiabum - Maia Basket 72-69

The most exciting game of round 9 in the Proliga took place in Ilhavo. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 4th placed Maia Basket (3-5) to fifth ranked Illiabum (4-5) 72-69 in the game for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Maia Basket. The best player for the winners was Angolan forward Helder Neto (198-2001) who scored 23 points and 8 rebounds. point guard Joao Martinho (188-1997) chipped in 9 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Illiabum's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was American center Curt Heinz (203, college: Maine Maritime) who recorded a double-double by scoring 16 points and 13 rebounds and Canadian point guard Miguel Tomley (191-2000, college: Weber St.) added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Illiabum moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Benfica U23 and Santo Andre. Maia Basket at the other side dropped to the fifth position with five games lost. They share it with Casino. Illiabum is looking forward to face league's second-placed Povoa on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Maia Basket will play against Casino and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Maia Basket: M.Tomley 17+6reb+5ast, C.Heinz 16+13reb+1ast, G.Skoric 10+8reb, C.Fabrizio 7+3reb, G.Joao 7+3reb+1ast, O.Santiago 6+3reb
Illiabum: N.Helder 23+8reb+1ast, M.RayQuawndis 15+1reb+2ast, J.Martinho 9+7reb+5ast, P.Costa 7+5reb+2ast, F.Nunes 6+4reb+1ast, D.Alves 5+1reb+1ast

Sampaense - Benfica U23 67-77

Everything could happen in Coimbra at the game between two tied teams. Both fourteenth ranked Benfica U23 and 13th ranked Sampaense had identical 3-5 record. But Sampaense was not able to use a home court advantage and was defeated by the opponent from Lisbon 77-67 on Saturday night. Angolan center Agostinho Alberto (203-2003) stepped up and scored 7 points and 15 rebounds for the winners and power forward Tiago Filipe (201-2005) chipped in 18 points. Benfica U23's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. The best for the losing side was American guard Markus Terry (188-1995, college: USC Aiken) with 18 points and 5 assists and Moldovan point guard Victor Banaru (175-2003) scored 15 points. Benfica U23 (4-5) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Illiabum and Santo Andre. Sampaense lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with six games lost. They share it with Academica and Imortal U23. Benfica U23 will meet at home Santo Andre (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sampaense will play against Lusitania (#9) in Angra and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Sampaense: T.Markus 18+2reb+5ast, G.Diogo 15+3reb+1ast, V.Banaru 15+4reb+3ast, D.Mor 7+4reb, A.Dusels 7+5reb+2ast, Q.Solano 5+4reb+1ast
Benfica U23: T.Filipe 18+2reb, J.Andrade 16+1reb+3ast, A.Martins 11+4reb, F.Simes 7+2reb+5ast, A.Alberto 7+15reb, J.Mendes 5+1ast