Liga Nationala Round 17 (Regular Season): Galati still unable to win any game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Bottom-ranked Galati (0-15) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 90-80 loss to second ranked Voluntari (12-4) in Voluntari on Sunday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. The game was mostly controlled by Voluntari. Galati managed to win second period 26-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was naturalized Hungarian point guard Laszlo Polyak (191-1993) who scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. American point guard Mike Caffey (183-1993, college: LBSU, agency: Players Group) chipped in 8 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Voluntari's coach Dan Ioan used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lithuanian forward Martynas Arlauskas (203-2000, college: Gonzaga) produced 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the guests. Voluntari maintains second place with 12-4 record behind leader Cluj Napoca. Galati at the other side still closes the standings with 15 games lost. Voluntari are looking forward to face Targu Jiu (#14) in Rovinari in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Galati will play at home against Brasov and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Important game to mention about took place in Bucuresti. Thirteenth ranked Sibiu (7-9) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging higher ranked Rapid (8-8) 98-97 on Friday evening. American power forward Anthony Smith (203-1997, college: Murray St., agency: Rep 3Sixty) saved the victory by scoring 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). Tavon King contributed with 17 points and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Lewis Sullivan (201-1995, college: UAB, agency: BIG) answered with 17 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) for Rapid. Rapid's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sibiu moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Steaua and Brasov. Rapid lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. They share it with Targu Mures. Sibiu will play against higher ranked Craiova (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Rapid's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Bucuresti to the arena Steaua.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Ramnicu Valcea. Local Valcea (9-6) beat 14th ranked Targu Jiu (1-15) 89-78 on Friday night. Rares Uta stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Marcus Evans responded with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Valcea have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 9-6 record. Targu Jiu lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourteenth position with 15 games lost. Valcea will meet at home higher ranked Craiova (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Targu Jiu will play against the league's second-placed Voluntari (#2) and hope to win that game.

Other games of round 17 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Targu Mures were defeated by Craiova in a road game 95-89. Pitesti beat Steaua at home 76-72. Ploiesti CSM lost to Timisoara on the opponent's court 100-107. Brasov unfortunately lost to Dinamo in a home game 72-81.



Valcea - Targu Jiu 89-78

The game with biggest result difference took place in Ramnicu Valcea. Local Valcea (9-6) beat 14th ranked Targu Jiu (1-15) 89-78 on Friday night. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 29-13 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Valcea looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The former international center Rares Uta (211-1997, agency: BIG) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds for the winners and American guard Terrell Harris (191-1993, college: Georgia Coll., agency: Players Group) chipped in 23 points and 5 assists. Four Valcea players scored in double figures. American guard Marcus Evans (188-1996, college: VCU, agency: Olsta) responded with a double-double by scoring 32 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import power forward Lewis Djonkam (206-1997, college: Morgan St., agency: Olsta) scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Valcea have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 9-6 record. Targu Jiu lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourteenth position with 15 games lost. Valcea will meet at home higher ranked Craiova (#4) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Targu Jiu will play against the league's second-placed Voluntari (#2) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Targu Jiu: M.Evans 32+12reb+5ast, C.Cooper 14+1reb+2ast, L.Djonkam 13+8reb+2ast, C.Mihai-Nicolae 8+4reb, L.Carstea 4+3reb+4ast, C.Christos 3+1reb
Valcea: H.Terrell 23+2reb+5ast, U.Rares 21+10reb+1ast, G.Kenny 13+6reb+1ast, L.Tohatan 10+2reb+9ast, M.Patrick 10+7reb, C.Amedeo 8+7reb+3ast

Craiova - Targu Mures 95-89

There was no surprise when 8th ranked Targu Mures (8-8) were defeated on the road by fourth ranked Craiova (10-5) 95-89 on Friday. However just six-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Targu Mures trailed by 11 points after 3 quarters before a 22-17 run in the last quarter cut the deficit to 89-95 at the end of the game. Craiova made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. American point guard Sam Sessoms (182-1999, college: Coppin St.) stepped up and scored 28 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) for the winners and his fellow American import guard Ishmael Leggett (190, college: Pittsburgh) chipped in 23 points and 4 assists. Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (187-1987, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) responded with 21 points and 6 assists and center Szabolcs Santa (208-1987) scored 14 points and 8 rebounds. Five Targu Mures players scored in double figures. Craiova maintains fourth place with 10-5 record. Loser Targu Mures keep the eighth position with eight games lost. They share it with Rapid. Craiova will meet Sibiu (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Targu Mures will play against Timisoara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Targu Mures: G.Martinic 21+4reb+6ast, S.Santa 14+8reb+2ast, T.Diggs 13+1reb+1ast, P.Reljic 13+3reb+5ast, M.Mikovic 12+5reb, M.Scott 10+1ast
Craiova: S.Sam 28+5reb+8ast, L.Ishmael 23+4reb+4ast, R.Kendall 18+4reb+1ast, S.Puscasu 9+2reb+1ast, N.Vlad 5+1reb, V.David 5+5reb

Rapid - Sibiu 97-98

Important game to mention about took place in Bucuresti. Thirteenth ranked Sibiu (7-9) saved a 1-point victory on the road edging higher ranked Rapid (8-8) 98-97 on Friday evening. Rapid was ahead by 11 points after three quarters before a 27-15 charge of Sibiu, which allowed them to win the game. Strangely Rapid outrebounded Sibiu 32-20. American power forward Anthony Smith (203-1997, college: Murray St., agency: Rep 3Sixty) saved the victory by scoring 24 points and 7 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). His fellow American import point guard Tavon King (180-1997, college: Cumberland) contributed with 17 points and 7 assists for the winners. American forward Lewis Sullivan (201-1995, college: UAB, agency: BIG) answered with 17 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and Ukrainian Oleksandr Lypovyy (203-1991) added 15 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Rapid. Four Sibiu and five Rapid players scored in double figures. Rapid's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sibiu moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Steaua and Brasov. Rapid lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. They share it with Targu Mures. Sibiu will play against higher ranked Craiova (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Rapid's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Bucuresti to the arena Steaua.
Top scorers:
Rapid: L.Sullivan 17+6reb+3ast, O.Lypovyy 15+6reb+1ast, E.Petrescu 11+4reb+1ast, N.Jevtovic 11+4reb, R.Penn 11+5reb+5ast, T.Fometescu 10+3reb+2ast
Sibiu: S.Anthony 24+7reb, K.Tavon 17+7ast, S.Keith 12+3reb, B.Andreas 12+2reb, R.MJ 11+2reb+3ast, P.Monyea 9+1reb+4ast

Pitesti - Steaua B. 76-72

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Pitesti (11-5) defeated at home 11th ranked Steaua (7-9) 76-72 on Saturday. However just four-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 26-17. But Steaua won third quarter 16-8. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Pitesti dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Steaua B.'s 22. American forward Kendall Lewis (203, college: Illinois St.) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for the winners and the former international center Catalin Baciu (214-1988, college: Clemson) chipped in 11 points and 9 rebounds. Four Pitesti players scored in double figures. American forward Juwan Gray (203-1996, college: Towson, agency: Blacktop Management) responded with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import forward Dame Adelekun (203-2001, college: Loyola, IL) scored 9 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Pitesti moved-up to third place. Loser Steaua B. dropped to the tenth position with nine games lost. They share it with Sibiu and Brasov. Pitesti will meet Dinamo (#6) in the next round. Steaua's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Bucuresti Rapid.
Top scorers:
Steaua B.: J.Gray 30+12reb+2ast, B.McKissic 9+3reb+3ast, D.Adelekun 9+11reb+5ast, K.Dye 7+3reb+1ast, S.Albert-Mark 6+5reb+1ast, A.Andries 5+3reb+3ast
Pitesti: L.Kendall 16+12reb+1ast, T.Marcus 12+1reb+5ast, J.Elijah 12+6reb+2ast, B.Catalin 11+9reb+1ast, D.Radovan 7+1reb+1ast, S.Tudor 5+2reb+1ast

Timisoara - Ploiesti CSM 107-100

Very expected game when 13th ranked Ploiesti CSM (6-9) was defeated on the road by seventh ranked Timisoara (9-7) 107-100 on Saturday. Ploiesti CSM was trailing by 2 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 20-18 charge of Timisoara, which allowed them to win the game. They made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American point guard Devon Thomas (183-1994, college: Texas Tech) stepped up and scored 23 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners and George Blaj-Voinescu (202-2000, college: UMC, agency: BIG) chipped in 20 points. American DeVante Brooks (198, college: S.Arkansas, agency: Players Group) responded with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds and Serbian center Veljko Brkic (206-1995) scored 19 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Timisoara have a solid series of three victories in a row. They moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Dinamo. Loser Ploiesti CSM keeps the thirteenth position with nine games lost. Timisoara will meet Targu Mures (#9) on the road in the next round. Ploiesti CSM will play against the league's leader Oradea (#1) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Ploiesti CSM: V.Brkic 19+6reb, K.Cooper 18+1reb+5ast, D.Brooks 13+12reb+1ast, J.Febres 13+4reb+3ast, J.Andre 13+4reb+1ast, D.Codrut-Alexander 11+4reb+4ast
Timisoara: T.Devon 23+5reb+8ast, B.George 20+4reb+1ast, V.Bogic 14+3reb+5ast, N.Jalen 13+7reb+4ast, R.Schipor 11+3reb+2ast, M.Adam 9+2reb

Voluntari - Galati 90-80

Bottom-ranked Galati (0-15) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 90-80 loss to second ranked Voluntari (12-4) in Voluntari on Sunday evening. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. The game was mostly controlled by Voluntari. Galati managed to win second period 26-24. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was naturalized Hungarian point guard Laszlo Polyak (191-1993) who scored 16 points and 5 rebounds. American point guard Mike Caffey (183-1993, college: LBSU, agency: Players Group) chipped in 8 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. Voluntari's coach Dan Ioan used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lithuanian forward Martynas Arlauskas (203-2000, college: Gonzaga) produced 19 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and Serbian point guard Mihailo Jovicic (190-1999, agency: BIG) added 16 points respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Voluntari maintains second place with 12-4 record behind leader Cluj Napoca. Galati at the other side still closes the standings with 15 games lost. Voluntari are looking forward to face Targu Jiu (#14) in Rovinari in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Galati will play at home against Brasov and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Galati: M.Arlauskas 19+8reb+6ast, M.Jovicic 16+3reb+2ast, M.Vlaicu 11+5reb, N.Ciuca 11+9reb, D.Axinte 9+1reb+2ast, P.Ianis 7
Voluntari: P.Laszlo 16+5reb+1ast, J.Kodi 14+4reb+3ast, Y.Solomon 11+4reb, B.Mouhamed 10+10reb+1ast, W.Giordan 10+1reb+1ast, G.Tudor 9+4reb

Brasov - Dinamo B. 72-81

Rather predictable result when seventh ranked Dinamo (9-7) beat on the road 10th ranked Brasov (7-9) 81-72 on Monday. The guests trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 41-26 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. American guard Derrick Marks (191-1993, college: Boise St., agency: Players Group) stepped up and scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and the former international Nandor Kuti (196-1997) chipped in 13 points and 4 assists. Four Dinamo B. players scored in double figures. American power forward Tyrell Johnson (203-1997, college: App State) responded with 20 points and 6 rebounds and Andrei Petica (192-1993, agency: One Motive Sports) scored 17 points. Brasov's coach Florin Nini tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Dinamo moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Timisoara. Loser Brasov keeps the tenth position with nine games lost. They share it with Sibiu and Steaua. Dinamo will meet at home higher ranked Pitesti (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Brasov will play against Galati (#15) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Brasov: T.Johnson 20+6reb+1ast, A.Petica 17+3reb+3ast, D.Lapuste 9+4reb+2ast, M.Tutu 8+5reb+4ast, C.Williamson 6+2reb, D.Antonescu 5+6reb
Dinamo B.: S.Jonathan 15+2reb+1ast, L.Marcus 14+3reb+1ast, K.Nandor 13+2reb+4ast, M.Derrick 13+6reb+5ast, V.Radu 8+3reb, D.Ousmane 6+11reb+1ast