Liga Nationala Round 26 (Regular Season): Valcea edge Timisoara by three points

The Regular Season in Liga Nationala is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 4 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 26 in the Liga Nationala took place in Ramnicu Valcea. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Timisoara (13-11) to eighth ranked Valcea (14-10) 88-85 on Sunday evening. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 21-10 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Valcea made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American guard Donovan Ivory (198-2001, college: Southern Miss) who scored 19 points and 8 rebounds. The former international point guard Lucas Tohatan (187-1999) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists. Serbian-Austrian guard Bogic Vujosevic (190-1992) produced 15 points and 9 assists for the guests. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Valcea moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Craiova and Rapid. Timisoara at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 11 games lost. Valcea is looking forward to face Targu Mures (#11) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Timisoara will play against the league's second-placed Voluntari and is hoping to win this game.
Leader Oradea delivered the twentieth victory. This time they beat 11th ranked Targu Mures (11-13) 93-85. Dutch power forward Emmanuel Nzekwesi (203-1997, college: ORU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Kalif Young contributed with 13 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Oradea's coach Cristian Achim used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (187-1987, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) replied with 26 points for Targu Mures. Oradea have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-3 record. Targu Mures at the other side keep the eleventh place with 13 games lost. Oradea will play against Sibiu (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Targu Mures will play against Valcea and hope to get back on the winning track.
Bottom-ranked Galati (0-24) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 88-74 loss to third ranked Dinamo (18-7) in Galati on Sunday evening. Jonathan Stark scored 14 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners. Dinamo B.'s coach Zydrunas Urbonas used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Nate Johnson responded with 17 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Dinamo have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 18-7 record despite having the same number of points like the leader Cluj Napoca. Loser Galati still closes the standings with 24 games lost. Dinamo will meet at home Targu Jiu (#14) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Galati will play against Ploiesti CSM and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Rest of the games of round 26 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Pitesti defeated Ploiesti CSM in a road game 85-83. Targu Jiu was beaten by Steaua at home 63-76. Rapid won against Brasov on the opponent's court 92-81. Voluntari managed to outperform Craiova in a home game 101-90.



Ploiesti CSM - Pitesti 83-85

There was no surprise when 13th ranked Ploiesti CSM (6-18) was edged at home by fourth ranked Pitesti (16-8) 85-83 on Sunday. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 43-38 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. American forward Dimitrius Underwood (193-1998, college: Charleston, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import guard Marcus Thornton (193-1993, college: William & Mary) chipped in 20 points and 8 assists during the contest. Serbian center Veljko Brkic (206-1995) responded with 22 points and 6 rebounds and American-Slovakian guard Andre Jones (191-1990, college: Winthrop) scored 17 points. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Pitesti have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 16-8 record. Ploiesti CSM lost tenth consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with 18 games lost. Pitesti will meet Rapid (#6) in the next round. Ploiesti CSM will play against Galati (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Pitesti: T.Marcus 20+3reb+8ast, B.Catalin 20+10reb+1ast, U.Dimitrius 19+6reb+6ast, L.Kendall 17+6reb, C.Marius 7+1reb+1ast, S.Tudor 2+1ast
Ploiesti CSM: V.Brkic 22+6reb+3ast, J.Andre 17+4reb+3ast, D.Codrut-Alexander 16+3reb+5ast, R.David-Loan 11+2reb+2ast, D.Brooks 8+6reb+1ast, J.Febres 3+4reb+1ast

Valcea - Timisoara 88-85

The most exciting game of round 26 in the Liga Nationala took place in Ramnicu Valcea. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of 6th ranked Timisoara (13-11) to eighth ranked Valcea (14-10) 88-85 on Sunday evening. The hosts trailed by 2 points at the halftime before their 21-10 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Valcea made 17-of-22 free shots (77.3 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American guard Donovan Ivory (198-2001, college: Southern Miss) who scored 19 points and 8 rebounds. The former international point guard Lucas Tohatan (187-1999) chipped in 14 points and 4 assists. Serbian-Austrian guard Bogic Vujosevic (190-1992) produced 15 points and 9 assists and American Jalen Nesbitt (198-1993, college: UNF) added 12 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists respectively for the guests. Five Valcea and four Timisoara players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Valcea moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Craiova and Rapid. Timisoara at the other side dropped to the eighth position with 11 games lost. Valcea is looking forward to face Targu Mures (#11) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Timisoara will play against the league's second-placed Voluntari and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Valcea: I.Donovan 19+8reb+3ast, L.Tohatan 14+3reb+4ast, U.Rares 13+6reb, G.Kenny 12+6reb+2ast, L.Emmanuel 10+3ast, F.Bryn 7+2reb+1ast
Timisoara: B.Vujosevic 15+3reb+9ast, D.Thomas 15+2reb+1ast, J.Nesbitt 12+6reb+4ast, G.Blaj-Voinescu 11+3reb, S.Borovnjak 10+2reb+1ast, L.Lazar 8+6reb+1ast

Galati - Dinamo B. 74-88

Bottom-ranked Galati (0-24) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 88-74 loss to third ranked Dinamo (18-7) in Galati on Sunday evening. Galati was trailing by 3 points at halftime but managed to get 2-point lead after three quarters before a 30-14 charge of Dinamo, which allowed them to win the game. They made 27-of-30 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game, while Galati only scored four points from the stripe. American guard Jonathan Stark (184-1995, college: Murray St., agency: Pensack Sports) scored 14 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Ukrainian forward Vyacheslav Bobrov (203-1992) chipped in 10 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. Dinamo B.'s coach Zydrunas Urbonas used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American-Jamaican center Nate Johnson (206-2000, college: SEMO) responded with 17 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and Serbian point guard Mihailo Jovicic (190-1999, agency: BIG) scored 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Dinamo have an impressive 11-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 18-7 record despite having the same number of points like the leader Cluj Napoca. Loser Galati still closes the standings with 24 games lost. Dinamo will meet at home Targu Jiu (#14) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Galati will play against Ploiesti CSM and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Dinamo B.: R.Mandisodza 15+2reb, S.Jonathan 14+4reb+4ast, B.Viacheslav 10+8reb, V.Radu 10+1reb+1ast, L.Marcus 9+3reb+2ast, G.Stefan 9+7reb+1ast
Galati: N.Johnson 17+5reb+2ast, T.Wilcox 14+2reb+1ast, M.Jovicic 13+6reb+4ast, S.Robert 7+4reb+1ast, M.Arlauskas 7+3reb+2ast, P.Ianis 7+2ast

Targu Jiu - Steaua B. 63-76

No shocking result in a game in Rovinari where eleventh ranked Steaua (12-13) defeated 14th ranked Targu Jiu (3-22) 76-63 on Sunday. The guests trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 13 points. The game was dominated by American players. Forward Juwan Gray (203-1996, college: Towson, agency: Blacktop Management) scored 21 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and forward Dame Adelekun (203-2001, college: Loyola, IL) chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Four Steaua B. players scored in double figures. Steaua B.'s coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Guard Marcus Evans (188-1996, college: VCU, agency: Olsta) responded with 23 points and 6 rebounds and forward Rob Montgomery Jr (198-1997, college: CMU) scored 6 points and 11 rebounds. Steaua moved-up to tenth place. Newly promoted Targu Jiu keeps the fourteenth position with 22 games lost. Steaua will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Targu Jiu will play against Dinamo (#3) in Bucuresti and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Steaua B.: G.Juwan 21+9reb, A.Stan 17+2reb+2ast, D.Kenny 16+6reb+1ast, A.Dame 13+10reb+1ast, V.Balan 7+3reb+1ast, A.Alin 2+3reb
Targu Jiu: M.Evans 23+6reb+3ast, C.Cooper 13+4reb+1ast, C.Mihai-Nicolae 7+3reb, L.Djonkam 6+6reb+2ast, R.Montgomery Jr. 6+11reb+2ast, S.Gribinic 5+1reb+1ast

Brasov - Rapid 81-92

Very expected game when 12th ranked Brasov (10-14) was defeated at home by seventh ranked Rapid (14-10) 92-81 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Rapid. Brasov managed to win second period 21-20. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Rapid made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. American point guard Roman Penn (182-1997, college: Drake) scored 29 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Serbian center Nikola Jevtovic (209-1989, agency: 011 Sports) chipped in 13 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. American power forward Tyrell Johnson (203-1997, college: App State) responded with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and his fellow American import guard CJ Williamson (196-2000, college: UAH) scored 8 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Rapid have an impressive six-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Craiova and Valcea. Loser Brasov keeps the twelfth position with 14 games lost. Rapid will meet at home higher ranked Pitesti (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Brasov will play against Craiova (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Rapid: P.Roman 29+2reb+4ast, J.Nikola 13+6reb+2ast, F.Tudor 12+1reb+1ast, S.Lewis 11+1reb, G.Aurelian 8+6reb+3ast, O.Isiah 8+3reb
Brasov: T.Johnson 18+10reb, D.Nikolic 13+2reb, D.Antonescu 13+1reb+1ast, D.Lapuste 11+1reb+3ast, O.Dragushanckie 8+3reb+3ast, C.Williamson 8+6reb+2ast

Voluntari - Craiova 101-90

Rather predictable result when third ranked Voluntari (18-6) beat at home 5th ranked Craiova (14-10) 101-90 on Sunday. The game was mostly controlled by Voluntari. Craiova managed to win fourth quarter 24-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Voluntari made 18-of-18 free shots (100 percent !!!) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 19 long-distance shots on high 54.3 percentage. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Kodi Justice (199-1995, college: Arizona St.) scored 26 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Lee Skinner (198-1992, college: Wofford) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) during the contest. Guard Ishmael Leggett (190, college: Pittsburgh) responded with 20 points and point guard Sam Sessoms (182-1999, college: Coppin St., agency: SLN) scored 16 points and 6 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players saving starting five for next games. Voluntari moved-up to second place. Loser Craiova keeps the fifth position with ten games lost. They share it with Valcea and Rapid. Voluntari will meet Timisoara (#8) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Craiova will play against Brasov and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Voluntari: J.Kodi 26+6reb+6ast, Y.Solomon 24+2reb+1ast, S.Lee 22+7reb, W.Giordan 8+1reb+5ast, G.Tudor 6+2reb+1ast, A.Sacar 4+2reb+5ast
Craiova: K.Robinson 20+2reb, I.Leggett 20+4reb+2ast, S.Sessoms 16+2reb+6ast, K.Smith 9+3reb, P.Serban-Paul 8+4reb+3ast, D.Vida 7+2reb

Oradea - Targu Mures 93-85

Leader Oradea delivered the twentieth victory. This time they beat 11th ranked Targu Mures (11-13) 93-85. It looked good early as Targu Mures took a 1-point small lead at the end of first quarter. But then Oradea had a 24-17 second period charge getting the lead and Targu Mures were not able to take back game control losing it eventually 85-93. They outrebounded Targu Mures 44-23 including a 30-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Dutch power forward Emmanuel Nzekwesi (203-1997, college: ORU) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Canadian center Kalif Young (206-1997, college: Providence) contributed with 13 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Oradea's coach Cristian Achim used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (187-1987, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) replied with 26 points and American swingman Trey Diggs (198-1999, college: BGSU) added 17 points in the effort for Targu Mures. Five Targu Mures players scored in double figures. Oradea have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 20-3 record. Targu Mures at the other side keep the eleventh place with 13 games lost. Oradea will play against Sibiu (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Targu Mures will play against Valcea and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Oradea: N.Emmanuel 15+11reb+1ast, B.Thomas 14+2reb+3ast, Y.Kalif 13+6reb, N.Nicolae-Bogdan 9+1reb+2ast, N.Luca 8+4reb+2ast, R.Kris 7+2reb+6ast
Targu Mures: G.Martinic 26+1reb+3ast, T.Diggs 17+4reb+1ast, P.Reljic 13+1reb+3ast, I.Borsa 11+7reb, M.Scott 10+3reb+4ast, B.Popa 5+4reb+1ast