Liga Nationala Round 24 (Regular Season): Voluntari lose to Pitesti

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most important game in the last round took place in Voluntari between second ranked Voluntari (17-5) and fifth ranked Pitesti (14-8) on Saturday night. Voluntari was defeated by Pitesti in a tough game at home 80-89. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Voluntari. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Pitesti dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Voluntari's 32. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for forward Dimitrius Underwood (193-1998, college: Charleston, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Marcus Thornton (193-1993, college: William & Mary) contributed with 14 points and 7 assists for the winners. point guard Mike Caffey (183-1993, college: LBSU, agency: Players Group) replied with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for Voluntari. Voluntari's coach Dan Ioan rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Pitesti moved-up to fourth place. Voluntari at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. Pitesti are looking forward to face Brasov (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Voluntari will play against Rapid (#8) in Bucuresti and is hoping to win this game.
Liga Nationala top team - Oradea (18-3) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat fifth ranked Craiova (13-9) 98-83. Worth to mention a quality performance of Liberian-American guard Thomas Bropleh (196-1991, college: Boise St.) who helped to win the game recording 30 points and Jaizec Lottie who added 15 points and 8 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Sam Sessoms (182-1999, college: Coppin St.) with 20 points and 8 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Oradea maintains first position with 18-3 record. Craiova at the other side keeps the fifth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Timisoara and Valcea. Oradea will play against Timisoara (#5) on the road in the next round. Craiova will play against Valcea and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Bottom-ranked Galati is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 22th consecutive match to ninth ranked Sibiu (12-11) 98-79 on Friday evening. The winners were led by Anthony Smith who scored that evening 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). Even 12 points and 9 rebounds by Robert Stan did not help to save the game for Galati. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sibiu maintains ninth position with 12-11 record. Loser Galati still closes the standings with 22 games lost. Sibiu will meet at home Targu Jiu (#14) in the next round where they are favorite. Galati will play against Steaua in Bucuresti and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 24: Steaua was beaten by Dinamo on the road 81-80. Ploiesti CSM was destroyed by Brasov on its own court 69-89. Rapid managed to outperform Valcea in Bucuresti 87-84. Targu Jiu managed to beat Targu Mures at home 82-78.
The most impressive performance of 24th round was 14 points and 12 rebounds by Lewis Djonkam of Targu Jiu.



Dinamo B. - Steaua B. 81-80

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Dinamo (16-7) edged 11th ranked Steaua (10-13) in Bucuresti 81-80 on Friday. However just one-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Dinamo made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American guard Jonathan Stark (184-1995, college: Murray St., agency: Pensack Sports) who scored that evening 21 points and 8 assists and the former international forward Radu Virna (190-1997, agency: BIG) supported him with 23 points and 5 rebounds (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). Even 26 points and 6 rebounds by American forward Juwan Gray (203-1996, college: Towson, agency: Blacktop Management) did not help to save the game for Steaua. His fellow American import forward Dame Adelekun (203-2001, college: Loyola, IL) added 15 points and 12 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Steaua B.'s coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Dinamo have an impressive nine-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 16-7 record despite having the same number of points like the leader Cluj Napoca. Loser Steaua B. dropped to the twelfth place with 13 games lost. Dinamo will meet at home Ploiesti CSM (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Steaua will play against Galati and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Dinamo B.: V.Radu 23+5reb, S.Jonathan 21+4reb+8ast, B.Viacheslav 15+9reb+2ast, M.Derrick 15+4reb+1ast, G.Stefan 3+2reb, L.Marcus 2+1ast
Steaua B.: J.Gray 26+6reb+3ast, D.Adelekun 15+12reb+1ast, K.Dye 15+4reb+6ast, B.McKissic 13+2reb+2ast, S.Albert-Mark 9+3reb+2ast, A.Andries 2+3reb+1ast

Craiova - Oradea 83-98

Liga Nationala top team - Oradea (18-3) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat fifth ranked Craiova (13-9) 98-83. It looked good early as Craiova took a 3-point small lead at the end of first quarter. But then Oradea had a 26-15 second period charge getting the lead and Craiova was not able to take back game control losing it eventually 83-98. Oradea made 16-of-18 charity shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three nailing 12 long-distance shots on high 52.2 percentage. Oradea players were unselfish on offense dishing 30 assists comparing to just 15 passes made by Craiova's players. Worth to mention a quality performance of Liberian-American guard Thomas Bropleh (196-1991, college: Boise St.) who helped to win the game recording 30 points and American point guard Jaizec Lottie (188-1998, college: Flagler) who added 15 points and 8 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) during the contest. Four Oradea players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American point guard Sam Sessoms (182-1999, college: Coppin St.) with 20 points and 8 assists and his fellow American import guard Ishmael Leggett (190, college: Pittsburgh) scored 21 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Oradea maintains first position with 18-3 record. Craiova at the other side keeps the fifth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Timisoara and Valcea. Oradea will play against Timisoara (#5) on the road in the next round. Craiova will play against Valcea and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Oradea: B.Thomas 30+2reb+2ast, L.Jaizec 15+1reb+8ast, N.Emmanuel 13+1reb+1ast, Y.Kalif 12+6reb+1ast, T.Rolland 7+3reb, N.Luca 6+4reb
Craiova: I.Leggett 21+5reb+3ast, S.Sessoms 20+2reb+8ast, D.Dishman 10+7reb+1ast, B.Tibirna 9, P.Serban-Paul 9+2reb+2ast, K.Robinson 7+4reb

Galati - Sibiu 79-98

Bottom-ranked Galati is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 22th consecutive match to ninth ranked Sibiu (12-11) 98-79 on Friday evening. The game was mostly controlled by Sibiu. Galati managed to win second period 22-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Sibiu dominated down low during the game scoring 64 of its points in the paint compared to Galati's 40. Sibiu forced 20 Galati turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American power forward Anthony Smith (203-1997, college: Murray St.) who scored that evening 17 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) and the other American import guard MJ Randolph (193-1999, college: FAMU) supported him with 18 points. Randolph is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Even 12 points and 9 rebounds by center Robert Stan (204-1999) did not help to save the game for Galati. Guard Mihnea Vlaicu (178-2006, agency: One Motive Sports) added 15 points and 5 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Sibiu maintains ninth position with 12-11 record. Loser Galati still closes the standings with 22 games lost. Sibiu will meet at home Targu Jiu (#14) in the next round where they are favorite. Galati will play against Steaua in Bucuresti and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Sibiu: R.MJ 18+3reb+3ast, S.Anthony 17+6reb+2ast, K.Tavon 16+2reb+1ast, B.Andreas 11+2reb+5ast, P.Monyea 8+3reb+3ast, A.Filip 8+3reb+5ast
Galati: M.Vlaicu 15+1reb+5ast, T.Wilcox 15+1reb+1ast, M.Jovicic 13+6reb+1ast, S.Robert 12+9reb, D.Axinte 9+3reb+1ast, M.Arlauskas 4+3reb+4ast

Ploiesti CSM - Brasov 69-89

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 13th ranked Ploiesti CSM's (6-16) home loss to twelfth ranked Brasov (10-12) 69-89 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 8 points after first quarter, but they stormed back getting tie in the second period and winning the second half and won the game by 20 points. Brasov outrebounded Ploiesti CSM 43-30 including 17 on the offensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Brasov made 9 blocks. The winners were led by American power forward Tyrell Johnson (203-1997, college: App State) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points, 17 rebounds and 6 blocks and Canadian point guard Munis Tutu (183-1996, college: Carleton, agency: Inception Sports) supported him with 12 points, 10 assists and 4 steals. Five Brasov players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 4 assists by the former international point guard Codrut-Alexander Dinu (187-2007) did not help to save the game for Ploiesti CSM. Serbian center Veljko Brkic (206-1995) added 14 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Brasov moved-up to eleventh place. Ploiesti CSM lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth position with 16 games lost. Brasov will meet higher ranked Pitesti (#4) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Ploiesti CSM will play against Dinamo (#3) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Brasov: H.Trendon 16+1reb, J.Tyrell 14+17reb, M.Mihai 13+3reb+1ast, T.Munis 12+4reb+10ast, N.Dimitrije 10+3reb, D.Omer 7+4reb+2ast
Ploiesti CSM: D.Codrut-Alexander 18+3reb+4ast, V.Brkic 14+4reb+3ast, D.Brooks 10+9reb+1ast, J.Febres 9+2reb, J.Andre 6+3reb, K.Cooper 5+2reb+1ast

Voluntari - Pitesti 80-89

The most important game in the last round took place in Voluntari between second ranked Voluntari (17-5) and fifth ranked Pitesti (14-8) on Saturday night. Voluntari was defeated by Pitesti in a tough game at home 80-89. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Voluntari. The guests were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. Pitesti dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Voluntari's 32. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for forward Dimitrius Underwood (193-1998, college: Charleston, agency: Octagon Europe) who led his team to a victory with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Marcus Thornton (193-1993, college: William & Mary) contributed with 14 points and 7 assists for the winners. point guard Mike Caffey (183-1993, college: LBSU, agency: Players Group) replied with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and swingman Sacar Anim (196-1997, college: Marquette) added 16 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Voluntari. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Voluntari's coach Dan Ioan rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Pitesti moved-up to fourth place. Voluntari at the other side keeps the second position with five games lost. Pitesti are looking forward to face Brasov (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Voluntari will play against Rapid (#8) in Bucuresti and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Pitesti: U.Dimitrius 19+9reb+4ast, L.Kendall 14+4reb+2ast, T.Marcus 14+2reb+7ast, M.Evan 11+4reb+2ast, B.Catalin 10+3reb, S.Tudor 8+1reb+1ast
Voluntari: M.Caffey 20+6reb+6ast, S.Young 17+3reb+1ast, S.Anim 16+5reb+1ast, L.Polyak 10+2reb, T.Girbea 7+4reb+4ast, G.Watson 5+1reb+2ast

Valcea - Rapid 84-87

There was a surprise result when ninth ranked Rapid (12-10) edged higher ranked Valcea (13-9) in Ramnicu Valcea 87-84 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they rallied back to get the 4-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-84. Rapid looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by Serbian center Nikola Jevtovic (209-1989, agency: 011 Sports) who scored that evening 28 points and 5 rebounds (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) and Canadian guard Isiah Osborne (198-1996, college: Carleton, agency: One Motive Sports) supported him with 17 points. Even 17 points and 4 assists by the former international point guard Lucas Tohatan (187-1999) did not help to save the game for Valcea. American forward DeAndre Pinckney (203-2000, college: Southern Miss) added 10 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Rapid have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to eighth place. Loser Valcea dropped to the fifth position with nine games lost. They share it with Timisoara and Craiova. Rapid will meet at home league's second-placed Voluntari in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Valcea will play against Craiova and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Rapid: J.Nikola 28+5reb+2ast, O.Isiah 17+1reb+2ast, S.Lewis 10+3reb, L.Oleksandr 8+3reb, G.Aurelian 6+3reb+3ast, N.Markovic 5+6reb+2ast
Valcea: T.Lucas 17+2reb+4ast, B.Forbes 14+1reb+3ast, P.McCaffery 12+1reb+1ast, D.Pinckney 10+9reb, E.Lecomte 9+5reb+4ast, R.Uta 9+8reb

Targu Jiu - Targu Mures 82-78

There was an upset when higher ranked Targu Mures (11-12) lost to fourteenth ranked Targu Jiu (2-21) in Rovinari 78-82 on Saturday. Targu Mures were tied after three quarters but could not keep up in the last quarter eventually losing the game. The winners were led by American power forward Lewis Djonkam (206-1997, college: Morgan St., agency: Olsta) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 14 points and 12 rebounds and forward Luca Carstea (198-2004, agency: One Motive Sports) supported him with 20 points and 8 rebounds. Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds by center Szabolcs Santa (208-1987) did not help to save the game for Targu Mures. American point guard Michaelyn Scott (182-1993, college: Idaho, agency: Interperformances) added 20 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Newly promoted Targu Jiu maintains fourteenth position with 2-21 record. Loser Targu Mures keep the tenth place with 12 games lost. Targu Jiu will meet higher ranked Sibiu (#9) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Targu Mures will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Targu Jiu: E.Marcus 22+1reb+3ast, C.Luca 20+8reb, D.Lewis 14+12reb+3ast, C.Collin 12+2reb+4ast, G.Stefan 8+6reb+1ast, M.Rob 6+3reb+1ast
Targu Mures: M.Scott 20+2reb, S.Santa 14+11reb+1ast, V.Corpodean 13+4reb+1ast, T.Diggs 10+3reb+2ast, P.Reljic 8+4reb+2ast, G.Martinic 7+4reb+5ast