Liga Nationala Round 27 (Regular Season): Sibiu defeat Oradea

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Oradea (20-4) on the court of ninth ranked Sibiu on Thursday night. Visitors were edged by Sibiu 77-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Oradea. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. It was a good game for American guard MJ Randolph (193-1999, college: FAMU) who saved his team from a defeat with 24 points and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Monyea Pratt (196-1985, college: Stillman) contributed with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. The former international point guard Kris Richard (195-1989, college: Tulane) answered with 14 points for Oradea. Oradea's coach Cristian Achim rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sibiu maintains ninth place with 13-12 record. Oradea at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. Sibiu are looking forward to face higher ranked Valcea (#8) in Ramnicu Valcea in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Oradea will play at home against Steaua (#10) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Voluntari (18-7) against eighth ranked Timisoara (14-11) on Thursday night. Visiting Voluntari was crushed by Timisoara in Timisoara 89-55. It was a great evening for Serbian-Austrian guard Bogic Vujosevic (190-1992) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points and 6 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). George Blaj-Voinescu helped adding 11 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American swingman Sacar Anim (196-1997, college: Marquette) with 14 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Timisoara moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Craiova and Valcea. Voluntari at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. Timisoara will play against Brasov (#12) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Voluntari will play against Targu Mures (#11) 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 25th consecutive match to thirteenth ranked Ploiesti CSM (7-18) 90-88 on Thursday evening. It was an exceptional evening for Veljko Brkic who led the winners and scored 20 points. Ploiesti CSM's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Tedrick Wilcox came up with 21 points for Galati in the defeat. Ploiesti CSM maintains thirteenth place with 7-18 record. Loser Galati still closes the standings with 25 games lost. Ploiesti CSM will meet at home higher ranked Rapid (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Galati will play against Targu Jiu (#14) in Rovinari and hopes to get finally their first victory.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 27: Targu Jiu was smashed by Dinamo on the road 99-71. Targu Mures won against Valcea on its own court 102-84. Brasov managed to outperform Craiova in a road game 104-94. Rapid managed to beat Pitesti at home 82-77.
The most impressive performance of 27th round was 26 points and 9 rebounds by Nikola Jevtovic of Rapid.



Galati - Ploiesti CSM 88-90

Bottom-ranked Galati is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their 25th consecutive match to thirteenth ranked Ploiesti CSM (7-18) 90-88 on Thursday evening. The guests trailed by 10 points at the halftime before their 24-9 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. It was an exceptional evening for Serbian center Veljko Brkic (206-1995) who led the winners and scored 20 points. American DeVante Brooks (198, college: S.Arkansas, agency: Players Group) accounted for 15 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Ploiesti CSM's coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. American guard Tedrick Wilcox (198, college: Hampton) came up with 21 points and American-Jamaican center Nate Johnson (206-2000, college: SEMO) added 15 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) respectively for Galati in the defeat. Four Ploiesti CSM and five Galati players scored in double figures. Ploiesti CSM maintains thirteenth place with 7-18 record. Loser Galati still closes the standings with 25 games lost. Ploiesti CSM will meet at home higher ranked Rapid (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Galati will play against Targu Jiu (#14) in Rovinari and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Ploiesti CSM: B.Veljko 20+4reb, A.Jones 15+3reb+2ast, B.DeVante 15+5reb+2ast, C.Dinu 11+3reb+2ast, D.Rasoga 9+3reb+2ast, G.Angelian 7+1ast
Galati: T.Wilcox 21+3reb+3ast, N.Johnson 15+8reb, M.Jovicic 11+5reb+4ast, M.Vlaicu 10+2reb+3ast, M.Arlauskas 10+3reb+2ast, S.Robert 9+3reb+1ast

Dinamo B. - Targu Jiu 99-71

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Dinamo (19-7) crushed 14th ranked Targu Jiu (3-23) in Bucuresti 99-71 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 9 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 28 points. Dinamo made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American guard Marcus Lewis (196-1992, college: EKU) who led the winners and scored 26 points and 5 assists. His fellow American import guard Jonathan Stark (184-1995, college: Murray St., agency: Pensack Sports) accounted for 20 points and 4 assists for the winning side. American guard Collin Cooper (188-2001, college: EKU) came up with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Stefan Gribinic (194-2002, agency: One Motive Sports) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Targu Jiu in the defeat. 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. Dinamo have an impressive series of twelve victories in a row. They moved-up to second place. Newly promoted Targu Jiu keeps the fourteenth position with 23 games lost. Dinamo's supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Bucuresti .
Top scorers:
Dinamo B.: L.Marcus 26+4reb+5ast, S.Jonathan 20+3reb+4ast, V.Radu 12+1reb+1ast, B.Viacheslav 9+8reb+2ast, M.Derrick 8+2reb+1ast, L.Mario 7+4reb
Targu Jiu: C.Cooper 25+5reb+4ast, R.Montgomery Jr. 13+6reb, S.Gribinic 12+8reb+1ast, M.Evans 6+1reb+2ast, C.Mihai-Nicolae 4+5reb+2ast, L.Djonkam 4+6reb+1ast

Sibiu - Oradea 77-76

The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Oradea (20-4) on the court of ninth ranked Sibiu on Thursday night. Visitors were edged by Sibiu 77-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Oradea. The hosts were tied at the half but managed to speed up in last two quarters eventually winning the game. It was a good game for American guard MJ Randolph (193-1999, college: FAMU) who saved his team from a defeat with 24 points and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Monyea Pratt (196-1985, college: Stillman) contributed with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Randolph is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. The former international point guard Kris Richard (195-1989, college: Tulane) answered with 14 points and Dutch power forward Emmanuel Nzekwesi (203-1997, college: ORU) added 11 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Oradea. Four Sibiu and five Oradea players scored in double figures. Oradea's coach Cristian Achim rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Sibiu maintains ninth place with 13-12 record. Oradea at the other side still keeps top position with four games lost. Sibiu are looking forward to face higher ranked Valcea (#8) in Ramnicu Valcea in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Oradea will play at home against Steaua (#10) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Sibiu: R.MJ 24+2reb+4ast, S.Anthony 12+7reb+2ast, P.Monyea 11+8reb+4ast, K.Tavon 10+1reb+2ast, B.Andreas 7+1reb, R.Eduard 6+4reb
Oradea: K.Richard 14+2reb+2ast, J.Lottie 11+2reb+4ast, E.Nzekwesi 11+5reb+1ast, N.Nicolescu 11+3reb+2ast, T.Bropleh 11+5reb, R.Torok 10+2reb

Targu Mures - Valcea 102-84

There was an upset when higher ranked Valcea (14-11) lost on the road to eleventh ranked Targu Mures (12-13) 102-84 on Thursday. The game without a history. Targu Mures led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was an exceptional evening for Montenegrin point guard Goran Martinic (187-1987, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) who led the winners and scored 28 points and 4 assists. American swingman Trey Diggs (198-1999, college: BGSU) accounted for 21 points for the winning side. Targu Mures' coach Peter Farago allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Belgian point guard Emmanuel Lecomte (180-1995, college: Baylor, agency: Players Group) came up with 17 points and 6 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American guard Bryn Forbes (190-1993, college: Michigan St.) added 18 points and 4 assists respectively for Valcea in the defeat. Five Targu Mures and four Valcea players scored in double figures. Targu Mures moved-up to tenth place, which they share with Steaua. Loser Valcea dropped to the sixth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Timisoara and Craiova. Targu Mures will meet higher ranked Voluntari (#3) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Valcea will play against Sibiu and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Targu Mures: M.Goran 28+4reb+4ast, D.Trey 21+4reb+1ast, P.Bogdan 16+5reb, S.Michaelyn 13+5reb+4ast, R.Pavle 13+2reb+9ast, C.Vlad 5+2reb
Valcea: B.Forbes 18+1reb+4ast, E.Lecomte 17+3reb+6ast, R.Uta 15+6reb+2ast, D.Pinckney 14+3reb, K.Gabriel 7+3reb+1ast, T.Lucas 4+3reb+6ast

Timisoara - Voluntari 89-55

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Voluntari (18-7) against eighth ranked Timisoara (14-11) on Thursday night. Visiting Voluntari was crushed by Timisoara in Timisoara 89-55. The game without a history. Timisoara led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 21-of-22 charity shots (95.5 percent) during the game. Timisoara had a 32-20 advantage in offensive rebounds. It was a great evening for Serbian-Austrian guard Bogic Vujosevic (190-1992) who led his team to a victory scoring 22 points and 6 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!). George Blaj-Voinescu (202-2000, college: UMC, agency: BIG) helped adding 11 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was American swingman Sacar Anim (196-1997, college: Marquette) with 14 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) and the other American import guard Kodi Justice (199-1995, college: Arizona St.) scored 7 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Timisoara moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Craiova and Valcea. Voluntari at the other side keeps the third position with seven games lost. Timisoara will play against Brasov (#12) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Voluntari will play against Targu Mures (#11) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Timisoara: V.Bogic 22+2reb+6ast, B.George 11+9reb, T.Devon 11+3reb+5ast, M.Adam 10+3reb, N.Jalen 9+6reb+1ast, B.Sasa 9+8reb+1ast
Voluntari: S.Anim 14+2reb, L.Skinner 8+2reb, K.Justice 7+3reb+3ast, M.Barro 6+5reb, T.Girbea 5+3reb+1ast, S.Young 4+3reb+2ast

Craiova - Brasov 94-104 OT

There was a surprise result when twelfth ranked Brasov (11-14) won against on the road higher ranked Craiova (14-11) 104-94 on Thursday. The game was mostly controlled by Brasov. Craiova managed to win fourth quarter 25-16. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening, at least not yet. The game turned upside-down in the last quarter, where Craiova used huge pressure winning it 25-16 getting a tie at the end of regular time. They lost eventually overtime period 6-16. Brasov shot 25 for 35 from the free-throw line, while Craiova only scored nine points from the stripe. Brasov looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American guard CJ Williamson (196-2000, college: UAH) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. David Lapuste (185-2004, agency: 011 Sports) accounted for 17 points and 10 assists for the winning side. Five Brasov players scored in double figures. American point guard Sam Sessoms (182-1999, college: Coppin St., agency: SLN) came up with 34 points (!!!) and 5 assists and Bahamas forward Kentwan Smith (203-1991, college: Stetson) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Craiova in the defeat. Craiova's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Brasov maintains twelfth place with 11-14 record. Loser Craiova dropped to the sixth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Timisoara and Valcea. Brasov will meet at home higher ranked Timisoara (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Craiova will play against Pitesti where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Brasov: W.CJ 25+11reb+3ast, N.Dimitrije 22+4reb+3ast, L.David 17+3reb+10ast, J.Tyrell 14+10reb+2ast, S.Grant 11+5reb, D.Omer 10+2reb+3ast
Craiova: S.Sessoms 34+1reb+5ast, I.Leggett 17+2reb+2ast, K.Smith 17+6reb+2ast, D.Dishman 7+7reb+1ast, K.Robinson 6+7reb+2ast, D.Vida 5+5reb+1ast

Rapid - Pitesti 82-77

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when 4th placed Pitesti (16-9) lost to fifth ranked Rapid (15-10) in Bucuresti 77-82 on Thursday. The hosts trailed by 6 points at the halftime before their 46-35 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Rapid made 22-of-26 free shots (84.6 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for Serbian center Nikola Jevtovic (209-1989, agency: 011 Sports) who led the winners and scored 26 points and 9 rebounds. American point guard Roman Penn (182-1997, college: Drake) accounted for 9 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals for the winning side. American forward Dimitrius Underwood (193-1998, college: Charleston, agency: Octagon Europe) came up with a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and the other American import guard Marcus Thornton (193-1993, college: William & Mary) added 18 points and 6 assists respectively for Pitesti in the defeat. Pitesti's coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Rapid have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain fifth place with 15-10 record. Loser Pitesti keeps the fourth position with nine games lost. Rapid will meet Ploiesti CSM (#13) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Pitesti will play against Craiova (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Rapid: J.Nikola 26+9reb+2ast, L.Oleksandr 14+3reb+3ast, P.Roman 9+8reb+8ast, O.Isiah 9+4reb+2ast, F.Tudor 8+3reb, G.Aurelian 8+8reb
Pitesti: D.Underwood 20+10reb+6ast, M.Thornton 18+2reb+6ast, C.Baciu 15+5reb+2ast, R.Djokovic 9+5reb, K.Lewis 8+5reb+2ast, E.Maxwell 2+1reb