Liga Endesa Round 4 (Regular Season): Andorra defeats Rio Breogan

This is still too early stage of the Regular Season in Liga Endesa and we should expect many changes in upcoming rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most surprising game was the first loss of Breogan Lugo (3-1) on the court of sixteenth ranked MoraBanc Andorra on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by MoraBanc Andorra 108-102. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Breogan Lugo. Andorra made 28-of-32 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Rio Breogan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Slovakian-American Kyle Kuric (193-1989, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 4 steals. American point guard James Akinjo (185-2000, college: Baylor) contributed with 13 points, 9 assists and 4 steals for the winners. The former international Francis Alonso (191-1996, college: UNCG) replied with 24 points (made all of his eleven free throws !!!) for Rio Breogan. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. MoraBanc Andorra (1-2) left bottom position moving up to twelfth place, which they share with Joventut. Rio Breogan at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Andorra is looking forward to face higher ranked Bilbao (#7) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Rio Breogan will play against Unicaja (#9) and is hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Baskonia (3-1) against ninth ranked Tenerife (3-1) on Sunday night. Visiting Baskonia was defeated by Tenerife in a tough game in Tenerife 77-82. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Baskonia. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American Kyle Guy (188-1997, college: Virginia) who helped to win the game recording 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and Vincent Hunter who added 15 points during the contest. At the losing side Italian guard Matteo Spagnolo (193-2003) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Tenerife have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Baskonia. Tenerife will play against Obradoiro (#3) in Santiago de Compostela in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Baskonia will play on the road against Valencia and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Joventut's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after two consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as they outplayed much higher ranked FC Barcelona (2-2) 113-89 on Sunday. The winners were led by Nicolas Laprovittola who scored that evening 17 points and 8 assists. Even 21 points and 6 rebounds by Tyrese Martin did not help to save the game for Barca. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Joventut (1-2) left bottom position moving up to twelfth place, which they share with Andorra. Loser FC Barcelona dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Joventut will meet higher ranked Girona (#10) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Barca will play against Zaragoza (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Unicaja beat Manresa on the road 84-72. Burgos SP lost to Obradoiro on its own court 72-79. Lleida unfortunately lost to Zaragoza in a road game 98-109. Girona rolled over Coruna at home 110-90. Bilbao lost to undefeated Real Madrid on the opponent's court 84-119. Valencia smashed Murcia in a home game 116-93.
The most impressive performance of 4th round was 19 points and 6 assists by Ricky Rubio of Joventut.



Manresa - Unicaja 72-84:
No shocking result in a game when twelfth ranked Unicaja (2-2) beat on the road bottom-ranked Manresa (0-4) 84-72 on Saturday. Unicaja made 33-of-42 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game, while Manresa only scored twelve points from the stripe. The winners were led by American Cameron Hunt (192-1997, college: Southwestern, KS) who scored that evening 31 points and Canadian-Lithuanian swingman Ignas Brazdeikis (201-1999, college: Michigan) supported him with 12 points and 6 rebounds. Even 17 points and 6 rebounds by the former international power forward Pierre Oriola (208-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) did not help to save the game for Manresa. American guard JD Notae (188-1998, college: Arkansas) added 13 points for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Unicaja moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Manresa still closes the standings with four games lost. Unicaja will meet higher ranked Rio Breogan (#4) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Manresa will play against Burgos SP (#16) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Unicaja: H.Cameron 31+1reb+2ast, B.Ignas 12+6reb+3ast, P.Kendrick 10+2reb+3ast, K.Tyler 8, N.Amine 7+11reb+1ast, P.Melwin 4+4reb+2ast
Manresa: P.Oriola 17+6reb+1ast, J.Notae 13+4reb+2ast, H.Benitez 12+1reb+5ast, C.Agbo Jr. 8+3reb, N.Ongenda 7+7reb, Y.Minchev 5+8reb+1ast

Andorra - Rio Breogan 108-102:
The most surprising game was the first loss of Breogan Lugo (3-1) on the court of sixteenth ranked MoraBanc Andorra on Saturday night. Visitors were defeated by MoraBanc Andorra 108-102. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Breogan Lugo. Andorra made 28-of-32 free shots (87.5 percent) during the game. 24 personal fouls committed by Rio Breogan helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Slovakian-American Kyle Kuric (193-1989, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 4 steals. American point guard James Akinjo (185-2000, college: Baylor) contributed with 13 points, 9 assists and 4 steals for the winners. The former international Francis Alonso (191-1996, college: UNCG) replied with 24 points (made all of his eleven free throws !!!) and American guard Rasir Bolton (190-1999, college: Gonzaga, agency: Octagon Europe) added 19 points and 5 assists in the effort for Rio Breogan. Five Andorra and four Rio Breogan players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. MoraBanc Andorra (1-2) left bottom position moving up to twelfth place, which they share with Joventut. Rio Breogan at the other side still keeps top position with one game lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Andorra is looking forward to face higher ranked Bilbao (#7) on the road in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Rio Breogan will play against Unicaja (#9) and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Andorra: K.Kyle 26+4reb+1ast, B.Aaron 17+4reb+2ast, M.Cameron 16+1reb+1ast, A.James 13+4reb+9ast, P.Artem 11+4reb+1ast, R.Leon 7+3reb
Rio Breogan: F.Alonso 24+1reb+3ast, R.Bolton 19+2reb+5ast, M.Andric 18+4reb, T.Brown 12+1reb+4ast, D.Brankovic 9+5reb, A.Aranitovic 8+3reb+2ast

Burgos SP - Obradoiro 72-79:
Rather expected game when 9th ranked Burgos (1-3) lost at home to seventh ranked Monbus Obradoiro (3-1) 79-72 on Saturday. The winners were led by American guard Alex Barcello (188-1998, college: BYU) who scored that evening 13 points and 6 rebounds and American-Cuban swingman Yunio Barrueta (196-1993, college: Barry, agency: BIG) supported him with 13 points. Even 21 points by American point guard DJ Steward (185-2001, college: Duke) did not help to save the game for Burgos SP. Serbian center Balsa Koprivica (216-2000, college: FSU) added 11 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Obradoiro keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Burgos dropped to the eleventh place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Obradoiro will meet Tenerife (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Burgos SP will play against Manresa and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Obradoiro: B.Yunio 13+2reb+2ast, B.Alex 13+6reb+1ast, A.Efemina 10+2reb, C.Brandon 10+2reb+4ast, S.Joel 7+9reb, M.Leonardo 7+7reb+2ast
Burgos SP: D.Steward 21+3reb+2ast, S.Doumbouya 14+2reb, B.Koprivica 11+6reb+2ast, C.Audige 9+2reb+1ast, C.Sengfelder 4+8reb+3ast, R.Guerrero 4

Zaragoza - Lleida 109-98:
We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when thirteenth ranked Zaragoza (3-1) won against at home 12th ranked Lleida (1-3) 109-98 on Sunday. Zaragoza made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The winners were led by Lithuanian center Laurynas Birutis (213-1997) who scored that evening 18 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) and American guard Justin Jaworski (190-1999, college: Lafayette) supported him with 23 points (made all of his ten free throws !!!). Even a double-double of 17 points and 11 rebounds by French center Zacharie Perrin (207-2004, college: Illinois) did not help to save the game for Lleida. Mikel Sanz (201-1999) added 18 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Zaragoza keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams. Lleida lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Zaragoza will meet Barca (#6) in the next round where they are favorite. Lleida will play against the league's second-placed Real Madrid (#2) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Zaragoza: J.Justin 23+1reb+2ast, B.Laurynas 18+5reb+4ast, B.Trae 16+8ast, V.Guillem 14+1reb+5ast, H.Caleb 11+7reb+1ast, B.Nicolas 9+2reb
Lleida: M.Sanz 18+5reb, Z.Perrin 17+11reb+2ast, M.Hughes 17+4reb+2ast, J.Batemon 16+1reb+5ast, M.Ejim 14+4reb+3ast, D.McGhee 7+4reb+3ast

Girona - Coruna 110-90:
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both seventh ranked Basquet Girona and 14th ranked Coruna had identical 1-2 record. This time Basquet Girona used a home court advantage and outscored the opponent from Coruna 110-90 on Sunday night. Girona made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Coruna turnovers. Girona looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by Dominican swingman Jassel Perez (195-2001) who scored that evening 40 points (!!!) and 4 steals (made all of his seven free throws) and Dutch forward David N'Guessan (206-2000, college: Kansas St.) supported him with 19 points (perfect from the field making all eight shots !!!). Even a double-double of 17 points and 10 rebounds by Lithuanian swingman Lukas Uleckas (199-1999) did not help to save the game for Coruna. American point guard Alonzo Verge Jr (191-1998, college: Nebraska, agency: Octagon Europe) added 12 points and 6 assists (made all of his ten free throws !!!) for lost side. Four Coruna players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Girona (2-2) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Newly promoted Coruna dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Girona will meet at home Joventut (#17) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Coruna will play against Murcia (#15) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Girona: P.Jassel 40+2reb+2ast, N.David 19+4reb+1ast, P.Andrzej 11+3reb+6ast, G.Martinas 9+8reb+1ast, M.Sergi 9+2reb+4ast, S.Dominykas 7+5ast
Coruna: L.Uleckas 17+10reb+2ast, K.Silins 16, A.Verge Jr 12+1reb+6ast, G.Conditt IV 12+5reb, T.Dimsa 10+2ast, D.Radoncic 7+4reb+3ast

Real Madrid - Bilbao 119-84:
Everything went according to plan when top-ranked Real Madrid (4-0) outplayed at home 7th ranked Surne Bilbao (2-2) 119-84 on Sunday. Real Madrid made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Real Madrid outrebounded Bilbao 38-26 including 27 on the defensive glass. Real Madrid looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. The winners were led by French guard Theo Maledon (193-2001) who scored that evening 13 points and 7 rebounds and Dominican guard Andres Feliz (186-1997, college: Illinois) supported him with 14 points and 4 assists. Even 13 points (made all of his seven free throws) by Canadian Nate Darling (196-1998, college: Delaware) did not help to save the game for Bilbao. Lithuanian Margiris Normantas (194-1996) added 12 points for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Real Madrid have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Loser Surne Bilbao dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Real Madrid will meet Lleida (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bilbao will play against Andorra (#12) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Real Madrid: L.Sergio 19+1reb, F.Andres 14+3reb+4ast, J.Damian 13+3reb, M.Theo 13+7reb+3ast, J.Mikael 12+2reb+2ast, S.Olivier 11+1reb+1ast
Bilbao: N.Darling 13+3reb+2ast, M.Normantas 12+1reb+3ast, D.Hilliard 12+2reb+2ast, L.Petrasek 12+4reb, H.Frey 9+2reb+3ast, T.Hlinason 9+3reb+1ast

Valencia - Murcia 116-93:
Everything could happen at the game between two tied teams. Both tenth ranked Valencia and higher ranked UCAM had identical 1-2 record. This time Valencia used a home court advantage and outleveled the opponent from Murcia 116-93 on Sunday night. Valencia dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to UCAM's 32 and made 28-of-37 free shots (75.7 percent) during the game. Valencia looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The winners were led by American guard Armoni Brooks (194-1998, college: Houston) who scored that evening 16 points and American-North Macedonian guard TJ Shorts (175-1997, college: UC Davis) supported him with 16 points and 4 assists. Shorts is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Valencia players scored in double figures. Even 28 points by Canadian-Jamaican guard Dylan Ennis (188-1991, college: Oregon) did not help to save the game for Murcia. American-Guinean guard Souley Boum (190-1999, college: Xavier) added 14 points and 5 assists for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion (2-2) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser UCAM dropped to the eleventh position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Valencia will meet at home league's leader Baskonia in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Murcia will play against Coruna (#13) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Valencia: R.Jasiel 20+2reb+1ast, B.Armoni 16+4reb+3ast, S.TJ 16+3reb+4ast, M.Nikola 15+2reb, S.Neal 12+6reb+1ast, C.Alvaro 12+3reb+4ast
Murcia: D.Ennis 28+2reb, M.Forrest 18+2ast, S.Boum 14+3reb+5ast, W.Falk 7+4reb+1ast, M.Steinbergs 6+2reb, J.Pansa 4+1reb+1ast

Tenerife - Baskonia 82-77:
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Baskonia (3-1) against ninth ranked Tenerife (3-1) on Sunday night. Visiting Baskonia was defeated by Tenerife in a tough game in Tenerife 77-82. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Baskonia. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of American Kyle Guy (188-1997, college: Virginia) who helped to win the game recording 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists and the other American import power forward Vincent Hunter (203-1994, college: UTEP) who added 15 points during the contest. At the losing side Italian guard Matteo Spagnolo (193-2003) responded with 15 points and 6 rebounds and American center Kenneth Faried (203-1989, college: Morehead St.) scored 9 points and 6 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Tenerife have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 4 other teams including defeated Baskonia. Tenerife will play against Obradoiro (#3) in Santiago de Compostela in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Baskonia will play on the road against Valencia and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tenerife: G.Kyle 24+5reb+5ast, H.Vincent 15+4reb+1ast, F.Bruno 8+2reb+2ast, H.Ethan 7+3reb+2ast, V.Wesley 6+2reb, H.Marcelinho 6+2ast
Baskonia: M.Spagnolo 15+6reb+1ast, D.Stewart Jr. 11+1reb, A.Lawson 11+4reb+1ast, K.Faried 9+6reb+1ast, R.Kurucs 9+1reb+1ast, C.Frisch 8+5reb+2ast

Joventut - Barca 113-89:
Joventut's fans can celebrate the first win of their team after two consecutive losses. The victory is especially important as they outplayed much higher ranked FC Barcelona (2-2) 113-89 on Sunday. Joventut shot 62.1 percent from the field. They also forced 20 Barca turnovers. They shot the lights out from three sinking 17 long-distance shots on high 56.7 percentage. Joventut looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The winners were led by Argentinian guard Nicolas Laprovittola (190-1990) who scored that evening 17 points and 8 assists and ex-international point guard Ricky Rubio (192-1990) supported him with 19 points and 6 assists. Five Joventut players scored in double figures. Even 21 points and 6 rebounds by American forward Tyrese Martin (198-1999, college: UConn) did not help to save the game for Barca. Polish center Aleksander Balcerowski (217-2000) added 10 points for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Joventut (1-2) left bottom position moving up to twelfth place, which they share with Andorra. Loser FC Barcelona dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with 4 other teams. Joventut will meet higher ranked Girona (#10) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Barca will play against Zaragoza (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Joventut: R.Ricky 19+3reb+6ast, N.Eli 17+2reb+2ast, L.Nicolas 17+3reb+8ast, S.Emir 16+4reb+1ast, H.Ludvig 10+5ast, R.Alejandro 9+2reb
Barca: T.Martin 21+6reb+1ast, J.Robinson 12+2ast, A.Balcerowski 10+4reb+1ast, T.Evbuomwan 9+1reb+2ast, J.Nebo 9+1reb, S.Umude 9+4reb+1ast