Liga Nationala Round 18 (Regular Season): Pitesti lose to Dinamo

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most important game in the last round took place in Bucuresti between third ranked Pitesti (11-6) and sixth ranked Dinamo (10-7) on Friday night. Pitesti was defeated by Dinamo in a tough game on the road 74-78. Pitesti was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 22-12 charge of Dinamo, which allowed them to win the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Pitesti helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Guinean-American power forward Ousmane Drame (206-1993, college: Quinnipiac) who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Marcus Lewis (196-1992, college: EKU) contributed with 14 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American guard Marcus Thornton (193-1993, college: William & Mary) replied with 14 points and 5 assists for Pitesti. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Dinamo have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Pitesti at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. Dinamo's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Bucuresti to the arena Rapid.
Liga Nationala top team - Oradea (14-1) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat thirteenth ranked Ploiesti CSM (6-10) 89-77. American-Cambodian guard Sayeed Pridgett (196-1998, college: Montana, agency: Diamond Sports) scored 14 points and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Luca Nastrut chipped in 14 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Kenny Cooper (183-1998, college: Tennessee St.) with 21 points and 5 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Oradea have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 14-1 record. Ploiesti CSM at the other side keeps the thirteenth place with ten games lost. Oradea will play against Valcea (#6) in Ramnicu Valcea in the next round where they are favorite. Ploiesti CSM will play on the road against Targu Mures (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Galati is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 16th consecutive match to tenth ranked Brasov (8-9) 88-75 on Friday evening. Munis Tutu notched 25 points and 7 assists to lead the effort. Brasov's coach Florin Nini used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals by Martynas Arlauskas did not help to save the game for Galati. Brasov moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Galati still closes the standings with 16 games lost. Brasov will meet at home Targu Jiu (#14) in the next round where they are favorite. Galati will play against Pitesti and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 18: Timisoara was beaten by Targu Mures on the road 115-113. Targu Jiu was destroyed by Voluntari on its own court 78-109. Craiova unfortunately lost to Sibiu in a road game 87-91. Steaua managed to beat Rapid at home 80-66.
The most impressive performance of 18th round was 26 points, 9 assists and 5 steals by Michaelyn Scott of Targu Mures.



Targu Mures - Timisoara 115-113 OT

There was a small surprise when ninth ranked Targu Mures (9-8) edged at home 7th ranked Timisoara (9-8) 115-113 on Friday. Timisoara was trailing by 9 points at halftime but managed to get 5-point lead after three quarters before a 29-24 charge of Targu Mures, which allowed them to tie the game at the end of regular time. They were better in overtime eventually winning that period 17-15. Targu Mures looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. American point guard Michaelyn Scott (182-1993, college: Idaho, agency: Interperformances) notched 26 points, 9 assists and 5 steals to lead the effort and Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (187-1987, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) supported him with 20 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Even 43 points (!!!) (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) by Serbian-Austrian guard Bogic Vujosevic (190-1992) did not help to save the game for Timisoara. American Jalen Nesbitt (198-1993, college: UNF) added 16 points. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Timisoara's coach Dragan Petricevic tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Targu Mures moved-up to seventh place, which they share with defeated Timisoara. Targu Mures will meet at home Ploiesti CSM (#13) in the next round where they are favorite. Timisoara will play against Sibiu (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Targu Mures: S.Michaelyn 26+3reb+9ast, M.Goran 20+9reb+7ast, D.Trey 20+5reb+2ast, C.Vlad 14+5reb+5ast, R.Pavle 13+1ast, S.Szabolcs 10+8reb+1ast
Timisoara: B.Vujosevic 43+2reb+3ast, J.Nesbitt 16+4reb+1ast, S.Robert 13+1reb+1ast, D.Bjelic 11+7reb, D.Thomas 10+2reb+7ast, S.Borovnjak 10+1reb+1ast

Ploiesti CSM - Oradea 77-89

Liga Nationala top team - Oradea (14-1) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat thirteenth ranked Ploiesti CSM (6-10) 89-77. The game was mostly controlled by Oradea. Ploiesti CSM was better in fourth quarter 32-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American-Cambodian guard Sayeed Pridgett (196-1998, college: Montana, agency: Diamond Sports) scored 14 points and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Luca Nastrut (193-2003, agency: BIG) chipped in 14 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Kenny Cooper (183-1998, college: Tennessee St.) with 21 points and 5 assists (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and American-Puerto Rican guard Jase Febres (196-1999, college: Texas) scored 13 points and 8 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Oradea have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 14-1 record. Ploiesti CSM at the other side keeps the thirteenth place with ten games lost. Oradea will play against Valcea (#6) in Ramnicu Valcea in the next round where they are favorite. Ploiesti CSM will play on the road against Targu Mures (#7) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Oradea: N.Luca 14+3reb+1ast, S.Bandja 14+2reb, P.Sayeed 14+3reb+6ast, N.Nicolae-Bogdan 12+3reb, B.Thomas 10+4reb+3ast, Y.Kalif 8+7reb
Ploiesti CSM: K.Cooper 21+4reb+5ast, V.Brkic 14+4reb+3ast, J.Febres 13+8reb+2ast, D.Brooks 11+6reb+1ast, A.Calenic 9+4reb, R.David-Loan 5+1reb+2ast

Targu Jiu - Voluntari 78-109

Very expected game when 14th ranked Targu Jiu (1-16) was smashed by second ranked Voluntari (13-4) in Rovinari 109-78 on Friday. Voluntari shot 63.3 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 54.8 percentage. American players dominated the game. Guard Kodi Justice (199-1995, college: Arizona St.) notched 30 points to lead the effort and point guard Mike Caffey (183-1993, college: LBSU, agency: Players Group) supported him with 26 points and 4 assists. Five Voluntari players scored in double figures. Even 34 points (!!!) by guard Marcus Evans (188-1996, college: VCU, agency: Olsta) did not help to save the game for Targu Jiu. Power forward Lewis Djonkam (206-1997, college: Morgan St., agency: Olsta) added 20 points and 7 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. Voluntari maintains second position with 13-4 record behind leader Cluj Napoca. Targu Jiu lost fourth consecutive game. Newly promoted team keeps the fourteenth place with 16 games lost. Voluntari will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Targu Jiu will play against Brasov (#9) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Voluntari: J.Kodi 30+2reb+2ast, C.Mike 26+2reb+4ast, P.Laszlo 22+1reb, W.Giordan 13+2reb+5ast, M.Mihail 10+5reb+2ast, B.Mouhamed 4+9reb
Targu Jiu: M.Evans 34+3reb+1ast, L.Djonkam 20+7reb, L.Carstea 8+2reb+1ast, C.Christos 6, C.Cooper 5+2reb+4ast, C.Mihai-Nicolae 3+3reb

Galati - Brasov 75-88

Bottom-ranked Galati is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 16th consecutive match to tenth ranked Brasov (8-9) 88-75 on Friday evening. The game was mostly controlled by Brasov. Galati managed to win second period 24-21. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Canadian point guard Munis Tutu (183-1996, college: Carleton, agency: Inception Sports) notched 25 points and 7 assists to lead the effort and American power forward Tyrell Johnson (203-1997, college: App State) supported him with 26 points and 8 rebounds. Brasov's coach Florin Nini used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals by Lithuanian forward Martynas Arlauskas (203-2000, college: Gonzaga) did not help to save the game for Galati. American-Jamaican center Nate Johnson (206-2000, college: SEMO) added 12 points and 11 rebounds (perfect from the field making all six shots). Brasov moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Galati still closes the standings with 16 games lost. Brasov will meet at home Targu Jiu (#14) in the next round where they are favorite. Galati will play against Pitesti and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Brasov: J.Tyrell 26+8reb+2ast, T.Munis 25+4reb+7ast, N.Dimitrije 12+10reb+2ast, W.CJ 9+5reb+3ast, P.Andrei 5+3reb+1ast, M.Mihai 5+3reb
Galati: M.Arlauskas 22+7reb+4ast, D.Axinte 17+4reb, N.Johnson 12+11reb, P.Ianis 9, M.Vlaicu 7+4reb+5ast, N.Ciuca 4+5reb

Sibiu - Craiova 91-87

There was a surprise result when eleventh ranked Sibiu (8-9) won against at home higher ranked Craiova (10-6) 91-87 on Friday. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Craiova won third quarter 22-16. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American players dominated the game. Power forward Anthony Smith (203-1997, college: Murray St.) notched 25 points and 5 rebounds (on 11-of-13 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and guard MJ Randolph (193-1999, college: FAMU) supported him with 22 points and 4 assists. Randolph is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even 33 points (!!!) by point guard Sam Sessoms (182-1999, college: Coppin St.) did not help to save the game for Craiova. Guard Ishmael Leggett (190, college: Pittsburgh) added 19 points. Sibiu have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Craiova keeps the fourth position with six games lost. Sibiu will meet higher ranked Timisoara (#8) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Craiova will play against Steaua (#11) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sibiu: S.Anthony 25+5reb+3ast, R.MJ 22+2reb+4ast, S.Keith 14+3reb, R.Eduard 8+4reb+1ast, K.Tavon 8+1reb+2ast, P.Monyea 6+6reb+4ast
Craiova: S.Sessoms 33+1reb+1ast, I.Leggett 19+2reb+1ast, D.Dishman 11+2reb+2ast, K.Robinson 9+2reb+2ast, J.Skipper-Brown 5+6reb, P.Serban-Paul 5+4reb+1ast

Dinamo B. - Pitesti 78-74

The most important game in the last round took place in Bucuresti between third ranked Pitesti (11-6) and sixth ranked Dinamo (10-7) on Friday night. Pitesti was defeated by Dinamo in a tough game on the road 74-78. Pitesti was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 22-12 charge of Dinamo, which allowed them to win the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Pitesti helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for Guinean-American power forward Ousmane Drame (206-1993, college: Quinnipiac) who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 8 rebounds. American guard Marcus Lewis (196-1992, college: EKU) contributed with 14 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American guard Marcus Thornton (193-1993, college: William & Mary) replied with 14 points and 5 assists and his fellow American import forward Kendall Lewis (203, college: Illinois St.) added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Pitesti. Four Pitesti players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Dinamo have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place. Pitesti at the other side keeps the third position with six games lost. Dinamo's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will travel locally in Bucuresti to the arena Rapid.
Top scorers:
Dinamo B.: L.Marcus 14+5reb+1ast, D.Ousmane 12+8reb+2ast, G.Stefan 12+3reb+2ast, M.Derrick 9+2reb+4ast, S.Jonathan 9+1reb+2ast, V.Radu 8+3reb
Pitesti: M.Thornton 14+2reb+5ast, R.Djokovic 12+2reb+2ast, K.Lewis 12+6reb+2ast, C.Baciu 11+6reb, T.Somacescu 9+3reb+1ast, Z.Smith 7+1reb

Steaua B. - Rapid 80-66

There was a minor upset when 9th ranked Rapid (8-9) lost to twelfth ranked Steaua (8-9) in Bucuresti 66-80 on Friday. The game was mostly controlled by Steaua. Rapid managed to win third quarter 18-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. American point guard Kenny Dye (183-2000, college: Queens, NC) notched 22 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists to lead the effort and the other American import forward Juwan Gray (203-1996, college: Towson, agency: Blacktop Management) supported him with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Even 14 points and 6 rebounds by the former international point guard Tudor Fometescu (192-1999, agency: 011 Sports) did not help to save the game for Rapid. American point guard Roman Penn (182-1997, college: Drake) added 12 points and 4 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Steaua moved-up to ninth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Rapid. Rapid lost fifth consecutive game. Steaua will meet higher ranked Craiova (#4) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Rapid's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Bucuresti Dinamo.
Top scorers:
Steaua B.: D.Kenny 22+5reb+5ast, G.Juwan 19+5reb+1ast, M.Brandon 13+3reb+4ast, A.Dame 9+8reb+1ast, A.Stan 8, V.Balan 4+8reb
Rapid: T.Fometescu 14+6reb+2ast, N.Jevtovic 12+6reb, R.Penn 12+3reb+4ast, L.Sullivan 9+6reb, O.Lypovyy 6+2reb+1ast, M.Nikola 5+1reb