Liga I Round 3 (Regular Season): Laguna S. ease past Rm Valcea 2

It's still too early stage of the Regular Season in Liga I, but even now we can clearly see the difference between stronger teams and outsiders. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Laguna S. smashed Rm Valcea 2 in Bucuresti 97-56. Laguna S. dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Rm Valcea 2's 32 and had 24 for 36 from the free-throw line, while Rm Valcea 2 only scored six points from the stripe. Laguna S. forced 31 Rm Valcea 2 turnovers and outrebounded them 44-29 including 17 on the offensive glass. Laguna S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. The best player for the winners was forward Matei Constantinescu (188-2004) who scored 13 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 steals. Ukrainian Oleh Bondarenko (191-1999) chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Sebastian-Iulian Boghean (193-2008) who recorded 19 points and 6 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. Rm Valcea 2 will play next round against Politehnica Iasi trying to get back on the winning streak. Laguna S. will try to continue on its current victory against Ploiesti CSM 2 on the road.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of CSU Galati (1-1) at the home court. Hosts were defeated by Steaua CSA (2-0) 85-71. Steaua CSA will play against Focsani at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. CSU Galati will play against Ploiesti CSU and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game where Ploiesti CSU (#6) beat host Voluntari 2 (#7) with 15-point difference 89-74 on Sunday evening. It was a great evening for Matei-Serban Mesina who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 18 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Matei Visan with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ploiesti CSU will meet at home CSU Galati (#4) in the next round. Voluntari 2 will play against Stars 2012 in Iasi and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Other games of round 3 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Targoviste defeated Politehnica Iasi in a road game 83-75. Winless Oradea 2 was beaten by Craiova 2 at home 71-83. Targu Mures 2 lost to undefeated Targu Jiu on the opponent's court 63-72. Cluj CSU lost to undefeated Targu Jiu in a home game 61-97. Winless Stars 2012 lost to undefeated Agronomia on the road 36-134. Prahova was crushed by Cluj CSU on its own court 61-99. Sibiu 2 smashed Gheorgheni in a road game 83-59. Winless Leii lost to ACS Bucuresti at home 56-71. Winless Braila lost to undefeated Focsani on the opponent's court 39-89. Cluj CSU rolled over Craiova 2 in a home game 88-58.
The best stats of 3rd round was 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists by Mihnea-Tudor Brie of Cluj CSU.



CSU Galati - Steaua CSA 71-85

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of CSU Galati (1-1) at the home court. Hosts were defeated by Steaua CSA (2-0) 85-71. Steaua CSA will play against Focsani at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. CSU Galati will play against Ploiesti CSU and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Laguna S. - Rm Valcea 2 97-56

Laguna S. smashed Rm Valcea 2 in Bucuresti 97-56. Laguna S. dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Rm Valcea 2's 32 and had 24 for 36 from the free-throw line, while Rm Valcea 2 only scored six points from the stripe. Laguna S. forced 31 Rm Valcea 2 turnovers and outrebounded them 44-29 including 17 on the offensive glass. Laguna S. looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. The best player for the winners was forward Matei Constantinescu (188-2004) who scored 13 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists and 5 steals. Ukrainian Oleh Bondarenko (191-1999) chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Laguna S. players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Sebastian-Iulian Boghean (193-2008) who recorded 19 points and 6 assists and Raul Hurdubelea (-2007) added 12 points and 6 assists respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Rm Valcea 2 will play next round against Politehnica Iasi trying to get back on the winning streak. Laguna S. will try to continue on its current victory against Ploiesti CSM 2 on the road.
Top scorers:
Laguna S.: W.Brosser 16+2reb+3ast, O.Bondarenko 13+5reb+4ast, A.Vizitiu 13+7reb+1ast, M.Constantinescu 13+9reb+9ast, M.Anin 11+2reb, T.Davis 11+6reb+1ast
Rm Valcea 2: S.Boghean 19+4reb+6ast, R.Hurdubelea 12+2reb+6ast, R.Duca 9+4reb+3ast, A.Sandor 7+4reb+2ast, A.Teaca 5+6reb, D.Constantinescu 2+4reb

Politehnica Iasi - Targoviste 75-83

There was a minor upset when Politehnica Iasi (1-2) was defeated at home by Targoviste (1-2) 83-75 on Monday. Targoviste made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. It was a great evening for guard Iannis Paduraru (189-2004, agency: BIG) who led his team to a victory scoring 39 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Guard Robert Papuc (185-2005, agency: VM Hoops Agency) helped adding 21 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists. The best for the losing side was point guard Liviu Rotariu (192-1993) with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Horia Dragoslav (-2002) scored 13 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Politehnica Iasi players scored in double figures. Politehnica Iasi's coach Gabriel Clapon rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Targoviste will meet at home Leii (#9) in the next round. Politehnica Iasi will play against Rm Valcea 2 in Ramnicu Valcea and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Targoviste: I.Paduraru 39+5reb, R.Papuc 21+6reb+8ast, S.Tanase 9+8reb+1ast, I.Rizescu 8+3reb+1ast, R.Turbatu 5+1reb, M.Draghici 1+11reb+3ast
Politehnica Iasi: R.Dan 17+4reb+3ast, L.Rotariu 16+12reb+5ast, A.Padineanu 15+2ast, H.Dragoslav 13+7reb+5ast, M.Stanescu 8+2reb, S.Buiciuc 4+6reb+2ast

Oradea 2 - Craiova 2 71-83

The game between closely ranked teams ended with Craiova 2's (1-2) road victory over Oradea 2 (0-2) 83-71 on Monday. Craiova 2 forced 26 Oradea 2 turnovers and outrebounded them 48-30 including a 19-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Gabriel Nasta (-2005) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists. Leonardo Mariescu (-2005) helped adding 23 points and 12 rebounds. Four Craiova 2 players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was center Marian Schmidt (205-2004) with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and Patrick Groza (-2007) scored 17 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Craiova 2 will meet at home Gheorgheni (#7) in the next round. Oradea 2 will play against Cluj CSU in Cluj Napoca and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Craiova 2: L.Mariescu 23+12reb+1ast, G.Nasta 17+15reb+5ast, C.Draghici 17+4reb+3ast, R.Licurici 13+3reb+4ast, E.Lapadat 8+11reb+1ast, M.Ilie 3
Oradea 2: M.Schmidt 23+11reb+3ast, P.Groza 17+2reb, S.Secman 12+4reb, E.Serbescu 7+4reb+2ast, A.Ignat 6+2reb+3ast, D.Baran 2

Targu Jiu - Targu Mures 2 72-63

Targu Jiu used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from Targu Mures 72-63 on Monday night. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Targu Jiu made 12 blocks. It was a great evening for American power forward Khydarius Smith (203-2001, college: UMBC) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 9 blocks. His fellow American import point guard Kaleb Higgins (178-2001, college: CSUB, agency: MSG) helped adding 19 points and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Robert Bot (-2004) with 22 points and Zsolt Szekely (-2008) scored 10 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Targu Jiu will meet Sibiu 2 on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Targu Mures 2 will play against Prahova and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Targu Jiu: K.Higgins 19+3reb+5ast, K.Smith 18+13reb+2ast, A.Baragan 11+6reb+4ast, F.Toropu 6+4reb, A.Mitu 6+2reb+2ast, L.Carstea 5+4reb+1ast
Targu Mures 2: R.Bot 22+3reb+1ast, Z.Szekely 10+8reb+3ast, Z.Kovacs 9+5reb+1ast, Z.Nagy 9+6reb+3ast, B.Szilveszter 6+8reb, D.Smeu 5+3reb

Cluj CSU - Targu Jiu 61-97

Rather predictable result in Cluj Napoca where Targu Jiu (2-0) outscored Cluj CSU (2-1) 97-61 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Targu Jiu. Cluj CSU managed to win fourth quarter 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Targu Jiu forced 25 Cluj CSU turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a great evening for American point guard Kaleb Higgins (178-2001, college: CSUB, agency: MSG) who led his team to a victory scoring 19 points and 7 assists. His fellow American import power forward Khydarius Smith (203-2001, college: UMBC) helped adding 17 points and 8 rebounds. Five Targu Jiu players scored in double figures. Targu Jiu's coach Ioannis Damalis felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was center Mihnea-Tudor Brie (196-2001) with 15 points and 8 rebounds and Eduard Apostol (-2004) scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Targu Jiu will meet Sibiu 2 on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Cluj CSU will play against Oradea 2 and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Targu Jiu: K.Higgins 19+3reb+7ast, K.Smith 17+8reb+1ast, C.Berculescu-Rovinaru 14+6reb+1ast, L.Carstea 12+5reb+2ast, M.Diaby 12+6reb, A.Baragan 10+3reb+5ast
Cluj CSU: M.Brie 15+8reb+1ast, E.Apostol 14+6reb+4ast, D.Coste 11+6reb+1ast, T.Zaharie 7+3reb+1ast, A.Sichet 6+1reb, V.Godeanu 4+2reb

Agronomia - Stars 2012 134-36

Not a big story in a game in Bucuresti where Stars 2012 (0-2) was outplayed by Agronomia (2-0) 134-36 on Sunday. The game without a history. Agronomia led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Stars 2012 to just 6 points in third quarter. Agronomia held Stars 2012 to an opponent 21.4 percent shooting from the field compared to 51.4 percent accuracy of the winners. Agronomia forced 43 Stars 2012 turnovers and outrebounded them 65-31 including a 29-10 advantage in offensive rebounds. Agronomia looked well-organized offensively handing out 41 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Stars 2012's players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Agronomia made 7 blocks. It was a great evening for guard David Fometescu (182-2008) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists and 6 steals. The former international George-Cristian Cotoara (207-2002) helped adding 12 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals. Five Agronomia players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Sebastian Anghel (-2007) with 16 points and 6 rebounds and Alexandru Anghel (-2007) scored 6 points and 5 rebounds. 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. Agronomia will meet Braila (#6) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Stars 2012 will play against Voluntari 2 and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Agronomia: D.Fometescu 20+5reb+10ast, M.Buligescu 17+1reb+7ast, G.Vlad 17+5reb+5ast, B.Andronic 15+5reb, D.Potcoava 15+7reb, A.Morosanu 12+9reb+3ast
Stars 2012: S.Anghel 16+6reb+2ast, A.Anghel 6+5reb+1ast, A.Susu 5+7reb, M.Diaconu 4+1reb, F.Iriciuc 4+1reb, D.Vasilache 1+1reb+1ast

Prahova - Cluj CSU 61-99

There was a small surprise in Ploiesti where Cluj CSU (2-1) outleveled Prahova (1-1) 99-61 on Sunday. The game without a history. Cluj CSU led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Prahova to just 6 points in first quarter. Cluj CSU dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Prahova's 28. They outrebounded Prahova 56-19 including a 18-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for center Mihnea-Tudor Brie (196-2001) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 15 rebounds. Tudor Zaharie (-2003) helped adding 11 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Cluj CSU players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Vlad Otelea (-2005) with 9 points and 5 rebounds and Matei Vasile (-2005) scored 6 points and 6 assists. 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. Cluj CSU will meet at home Oradea 2 (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Prahova will play against Targu Mures 2 (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cluj CSU: M.Brie 24+15reb+3ast, T.Valeanu 17+4reb+3ast, D.Coste 11+11reb+1ast, T.Zaharie 11+13reb+5ast, A.Both 8+2reb+2ast, T.Laslo 7+2reb+1ast
Prahova: S.Mincu 11, V.Otelea 9+5reb+1ast, D.Serban 9+1reb+1ast, I.Puiulet 6+3reb, M.Vasile 6+6ast, S.Petrea 5

Voluntari 2 - Ploiesti CSU 74-89

An interesting game where Ploiesti CSU (#6) beat host Voluntari 2 (#7) with 15-point difference 89-74 on Sunday evening. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Ploiesti CSU forced 21 Voluntari 2 turnovers. It was a great evening for forward Matei-Serban Mesina (196-2001) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 27 points and 18 rebounds. Alexandru Chirila (-2003) helped adding 21 points and 5 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Matei Visan (-2006) with 24 points and 9 rebounds and Daniel Ionut Voicu (189-2003) scored 12 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ploiesti CSU will meet at home CSU Galati (#4) in the next round. Voluntari 2 will play against Stars 2012 in Iasi and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Ploiesti CSU: M.Mesina 27+18reb+3ast, A.Chirila 21+5reb+3ast, A.Badicioiu 20+2reb, D.Dusescu 9+3reb+3ast, C.Remes 4+9reb+2ast, T.Barbuceanu 3+1reb
Voluntari 2: M.Visan 24+9reb+2ast, S.Herea 16+2reb+3ast, D.Ionut Voicu 12+7reb+5ast, A.Ghenciu 8+4reb+5ast, R.Ene 5+5reb, T.Duicu 4+2reb

Gheorgheni - Sibiu 2 59-83

There was no surprise when Gheorgheni (0-2) was crushed at home by Sibiu 2 (2-0) 83-59 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Sibiu 2. Gheorgheni managed to win third quarter 24-19. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. It was a great evening for naturalized Greek swingman Anastasios Zetos (198-2002, college: RWU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. Center Mihai Banciu (206-1998) helped adding 20 points and 13 rebounds. Four Sibiu 2 players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Slovenian point guard Matevz Magusar (185-1989) with 19 points and 4 assists and guard Matyas Lokody (190-1987) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 13 rebounds. Gheorgheni's coach Zoltan Kercso gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Sibiu 2 will meet at home Targu Jiu in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Gheorgheni will play against Craiova 2 (#6) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Sibiu 2: A.Zetos 20+13reb+3ast, M.Banciu 20+13reb+1ast, E.Dragan 18+4reb, G.Radu 12+4reb, R.Popa 8+1reb+1ast, I.Alexandru Vulc 3+3reb
Gheorgheni: M.Magusar 19+3reb+4ast, M.Lokody 12+13reb+1ast, E.Csillag 11+2reb+1ast, A.Lenart 8+2reb+2ast, N.Lungu 5+3reb+1ast, T.Laszlo 2

Leii - ACS Bucuresti 56-71

But Leii was not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Bucuresti 71-56 on Saturday night. The game was mostly controlled by ACS Bucuresti. Leii managed to win fourth quarter 19-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They outrebounded Leii 59-40 including a 41-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Nigerian center Emmanuel Umoffia (213, college: Queens, NY) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 23 rebounds. Forward Razvan Ancuta (195-2007) helped adding 6 points and 13 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Ukrainian forward Vladyslav Mustiatsa (196-2002) with 30 points and 8 rebounds and Teodor Telegariu (-2005) scored 7 points and 10 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. ACS Bucuresti will meet at home Stiinta (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Leii will play against Targoviste (#6) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
ACS Bucuresti: E.Umoffia 30+23reb, S.Ciobu 11+6reb+4ast, M.McDonald 7+2reb+2ast, R.Ancuta 6+13reb+3ast, V.Tudose 5+2reb+3ast, P.Rosca 5+1reb
Leii: V.Mustiatsa 30+8reb, A.Niculescu 9+4reb, T.Telegariu 7+10reb+1ast, C.Unitu 4+4reb, A.Soit 2+2reb, V.Ichim 2+2ast

Focsani - Braila 89-39

Rather expected game when Braila (0-2) was rolled over on the road by Focsani (2-0) 89-39 on Saturday. The game without a history. Focsani led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Braila to just 6 points in second quarter and to 13 points in first half. Focsani held Braila to an opponent 22.2 percent shooting from the field compared to 42.1 percent accuracy of the winners. Focsani forced 28 Braila turnovers and outrebounded them 55-43 including 18 on the offensive glass. Focsani looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Braila's players. It was a great evening for forward Victor Georgescu (186-2002) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists and 6 steals. Center Lucian Tibirna (208-1995, agency: BIG) helped adding 15 points and 12 rebounds. Four Focsani players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was guard Mario Anghel (182-2006) with 9 points and 5 steals and Constantin Celnicu scored 8 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Focsani will meet Steaua CSA (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Braila will play against Agronomia and looks forward to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Focsani: V.Georgescu 20+12reb+8ast, L.Tibirna 15+12reb+1ast, V.Georgescu 14+4reb+1ast, M.Necula 12+9reb+2ast, S.Mihai 11+1reb+3ast, C.Popa 9+7reb+1ast
Braila: M.Anghel 9+4reb+1ast, C.Celnicu 8+4reb, D.Grozea 4+3reb, A.Moraru 4+2reb+1ast, A.Ene 3+6reb, R.Milcu 2+1reb

Cluj CSU - Craiova 2 88-58

Cluj CSU used a home court advantage and outscored the opponent from Craiova 88-58 on Tuesday night. Cluj CSU outrebounded Craiova 2 58-27 including a 25-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for center Mihnea-Tudor Brie (196-2001) who led his team to a victory scoring 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Forward Darius Coste (196-2003) helped adding 13 points and 13 rebounds. Four Cluj CSU players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Casian Draghici (-2004) with 12 points and 4 assists and Mihai Kindris (-2007) scored 11 points and 5 rebounds. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Cluj CSU will meet at home Oradea 2 (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Craiova 2 will play against Gheorgheni and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Cluj CSU: M.Brie 23+9reb+5ast, R.Mihasan 15+2reb+1ast, D.Coste 13+13reb+2ast, T.Laslo 12+5reb, T.Zaharie 6+7reb+3ast, A.Both 6+2reb+1ast
Craiova 2: C.Draghici 12+3reb+4ast, M.Kindris 11+5reb+1ast, M.Paunescu 9+1reb, M.Ilie 8+3reb+1ast, L.Mariescu 8+5reb, E.Radau 5+4reb