Liga Endesa Round 20 (Regular Season): Top-ranked Real Madrid wins another game

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Liga Endesa top team - Real Madrid (18-2) added another victory to their record on Sunday. This time they beat fifth ranked Unicaja (13-7) in Malaga 96-92. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Unicaja. Real Madrid dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Unicaja's 30 and made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Croatian forward Mario Hezonja (202-1995) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds. Canadian power forward Trey Lyles (206-1995, college: Kentucky) contributed with 9 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Bosnian-Finnish power forward Emir Sulejmanovic (205-1995) replied with 18 points for Unicaja. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Real Madrid have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 18-2 record. Unicaja at the other side dropped to the sixth place with seven games lost. Real Madrid are looking forward to face Gran Canaria (#14) in Las Palmas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Unicaja will play on the road against Girona (#10) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Fourteenth-ranked Gran Canaria (7-13) used its home court advantage to challenge ninth ranked Surne Bilbao (12-9) in Las Palmas. The visitors from Bilbao managed to secure only one-point victory 98-97. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of Swedish point guard Melwin Pantzar (190-2000) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 9 assists (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) and Luke Petrasek who added 20 points during the contest. French power forward Pierre Pelos (205-1992) responded with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Bilbao maintains ninth position with 12-9 record. Gran Canaria at the other side keeps the fourteenth place with 13 games lost. Bilbao will play against Burgos SP (#17) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gran Canaria will play against the league's leader Real Madrid and will have a slim chance for a victory.
The game between fourth ranked FC Barcelona (14-6) and 11th ranked BAXI Manresa (8-12) in Barcelona on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. FC Barcelona outscored guests from Manresa 97-60. The winners were led by Joel Parra who scored that evening 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 10 points and 9 rebounds by Alejandro Reyes did not help to save the game for Manresa. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Barca moved-up to third place, which they share with Murcia. Loser BAXI Manresa keeps the eleventh position with 12 games lost. They share it with Rio Breogan and Lleida. Barca will meet Rio Breogan (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Manresa will play against Tenerife and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 20: Joventut beat Zaragoza on the road 79-67. Bilbao lost to Baskonia on its own court 69-76. Girona managed to outperform Lleida in a road game 93-81. Bottom-ranked Granada recorded a loss to Gran Canaria at home 83-90. Valencia crushed Andorra on the opponent's court 107-75. Murcia smashed Burgos SP in a home game 101-82. Rio Breogan lost to Tenerife on the road 81-90.



Barca - Manresa 97-60

The game between fourth ranked FC Barcelona (14-6) and 11th ranked BAXI Manresa (8-12) in Barcelona on Sunday ended with biggest points difference. FC Barcelona outscored guests from Manresa 97-60. Barca dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to BAXI Manresa's 26 and made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Manresa 51-31 including a 35-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. The winners were led by the former international forward Joel Parra (202-2000) who scored that evening 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Senegalese-French center Youssoupha Fall (221-1995) supported him with 8 points and 12 rebounds. Even 10 points and 9 rebounds by international forward Alejandro Reyes (202-1993) did not help to save the game for Manresa. The former international point guard Ferran Bassas (181-1992) added 7 points and 4 assists for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Barca moved-up to third place, which they share with Murcia. Loser BAXI Manresa keeps the eleventh position with 12 games lost. They share it with Rio Breogan and Lleida. Barca will meet Rio Breogan (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Manresa will play against Tenerife and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Barca: C.Will 14+4reb, C.Myles 13, B.Dario 12+4reb, L.Nicolas 12+1reb+4ast, P.Joel 9+9reb+4ast, F.Youssoupha 8+12reb+1ast
Manresa: A.Ubal 10+1reb, A.Reyes 10+9reb, M.Steinbergs 8+1reb, F.Bassas 7+1reb+4ast, E.Brooks 7+3reb+2ast, P.Oriola 6+4reb+2ast

Zaragoza - Joventut 67-79

No shocking result in a game when seventh ranked Joventut (12-8) beat on the road 14th ranked Zaragoza (6-13) 79-67 on Saturday. Joventut made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American Cameron Hunt (192-1997, college: Southwestern, KS) who scored that evening 20 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and Croatian center Ante Tomic (217-1987) supported him with 13 points and 5 rebounds. Even a double-double of 16 points and 12 rebounds by American forward Devin Robinson (203-1995, college: Florida) did not help to save the game for Zaragoza. The former international Santiago Yusta (200-1997) added 12 points and 6 assists for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Joventut maintains seventh position with 12-8 record, which they share with Tenerife. Zaragoza lost fifth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth place with 13 games lost. Joventut will meet at home bottom-ranked Granada (#18) in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Zaragoza will play against Andorra and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Joventut: H.Cameron 20+3ast, T.Ante 13+5reb+2ast, R.Ricky 12+4reb+3ast, H.Adam 10+3reb+2ast, B.Simon 8+6reb+1ast, H.Ludvig 6+3reb+4ast
Zaragoza: D.Robinson 16+12reb, S.Yusta 12+2reb+6ast, B.Dubljevic 11+7reb+1ast, J.Richardson 11+1reb+2ast, K.Koumadje 8+4reb, M.Spissu 4+1reb+1ast

Bilbao - Baskonia 69-76

Rather expected game when 9th ranked Surne Bilbao (12-9) lost at home to sixth ranked Baskonia (13-6) 76-69 on Sunday. Baskonia forced 19 Bilbao turnovers. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Baskonia made 7 blocks. The winners were led by American point guard Trent Forrest (194-1998, college: FSU) who scored that evening 12 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists and Canadian-Nigerian forward Eugene Omoruyi (198-1997, college: Oregon) supported him with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Five Baskonia players scored in double figures. Even 16 points and 5 rebounds (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field) by Slovenian Martin Krampelj (206-1995, college: Creighton) did not help to save the game for Bilbao. Swedish point guard Melwin Pantzar (190-2000) added 9 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Baskonia moved-up to fifth place. Loser Surne Bilbao keeps the ninth position with nine games lost. Baskonia will meet at home Lleida (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Bilbao will play against Burgos SP and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Baskonia: O.Eugene 15+5reb+4ast, D.Mamadi 12+6reb+1ast, F.Trent 12+8reb+5ast, R.Gytis 11+6reb+1ast, S.Matteo 11+2reb+2ast, K.Rodions 9+1reb+2ast
Bilbao: M.Krampelj 16+5reb+1ast, A.Font 15+5reb, T.Hlinason 10+6reb+1ast, M.Pantzar 9+9reb+4ast, L.Petrasek 7+5reb+2ast, M.Normantas 5+1reb+1ast

Lleida - Girona 81-93

Rather predictable result when tenth ranked Basquet Girona (10-10) won against on the road 12th ranked Lleida (8-12) 93-81 on Sunday. Girona looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. The winners were led by the former international swingman Josep Busquets (201-1999) who scored that evening 17 points and Bosnian forward Nikola Maric (207-1998, college: UALR) supported him with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Four Basquet Girona players scored in double figures. Even 6 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists by American center Cameron Krutwig (206-1998, college: Loyola, IL) did not help to save the game for Lleida. Millan Jimenez (199-2002) added 16 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Girona maintains tenth position with 10-10 record. Lleida lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eleventh place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Rio Breogan and Manresa. Girona will meet at home higher ranked Unicaja (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Lleida will play against Baskonia (#5) in Vitoria and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Girona: B.Josep 17+3reb+2ast, H.Mark 14+2reb+3ast, M.Nikola 12+7reb+1ast, N.Derek 11+3reb+3ast, G.Martinas 8+3reb+2ast, S.Mindaugas 7+5reb+4ast
Lleida: J.Millan 16+5reb+1ast, C.Agada 15+3reb+1ast, J.Batemon 10+6ast, M.Sanz 9+2reb+3ast, O.Pauli 7+2reb+3ast, C.Krutwig 6+12reb+5ast

Granada - Gran Canaria 83-90

Not a big story in a game when 18th ranked Coviran Granada (1-19) lost at home to fourteenth ranked Gran Canaria (7-13) 90-83 on Saturday. Gran Canaria dominated down low during the game scoring 48 of its points in the paint compared to Coviran Granada's 24. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Gran Canaria made 7 blocks. The winners were led by Argentinian Nicolas Brussino (205-1993) who scored that evening 24 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and South Sudanese-American power forward Kur Kuath (208-1998, college: Marquette) supported him with 22 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Even 17 points and 5 assists by French point guard Jonathan Rousselle (192-1990) did not help to save the game for Granada. Bosnian-Italian Amar Alibegovic (206-1995, college: St.John's) added 18 points for the hosts. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Gran Canaria maintains fourteenth position with 7-13 record. Granada lost fourteenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 19 lost games. Gran Canaria will meet at home league's leader Real Madrid in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Granada will play against Joventut (#7) in Badalona and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Gran Canaria: B.Nicolas 24+7reb+4ast, K.Kur 22+9reb+2ast, R.Kassius 14+1reb+3ast, P.Pierre 10+7reb, W.Isaiah 9+1reb+2ast, A.Andrew 6+3reb+1ast
Granada: A.Alibegovic 18+4reb, J.Rousselle 17+1reb+5ast, M.Ngouama 13+2reb+3ast, L.Bozic 10+3reb+2ast, J.Perez 8+1ast, A.Brimah 6+3reb+1ast

Andorra - Valencia 75-107

Everything went according to plan when third ranked Valencia (14-5) outplayed on the road 16th ranked MoraBanc Andorra (5-15) 107-75 on Sunday. Valencia made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Valencia outrebounded Andorra 40-27 including 29 on the defensive glass. Valencia looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The winners were led by American Kameron Taylor (198-1994, college: Seton Hill) who scored that evening 22 points and international Sergio de Larrea (198-2005) supported him with 17 points. Even 25 points by Slovakian-American Kyle Kuric (193-1989, college: Louisville) did not help to save the game for Andorra. Naturalized Brazilian point guard Rafael Luz (188-1992, agency: Interperformances) added 4 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists for the hosts. 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. Valencia moved-up to second place. Loser MoraBanc Andorra keeps the sixteenth position with 15 games lost. Valencia will meet at home Murcia (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Andorra will play against Zaragoza (#15) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Valencia: T.Kameron 22+1reb+1ast, d.Sergio 17+4reb+3ast, M.Omari 13+4reb+6ast, P.Jaime 9+4reb+4ast, K.Braxton 9+4reb, P.Josep 9+3reb
Andorra: K.Kuric 25+1reb, Y.Pons 11+1reb, S.Evans II 10+1reb+3ast, A.Pustovyi 9+3reb+2ast, S.Okoye 7+4reb+2ast, R.Luz 4+5reb+5ast

Murcia - Burgos SP 101-82

There was no surprise when 17th ranked Burgos (4-16) was outleveled by fourth ranked UCAM (14-6) in Murcia 101-82 on Saturday. Murcia made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American-Jamaican Devontae Cacok (201-1996, college: UNCW) who scored that evening 21 points and 7 rebounds and Canadian-Jamaican guard Dylan Ennis (188-1991, college: Oregon) supported him with 19 points and 7 assists. Five UCAM players scored in double figures. Even 18 points and 4 assists by Panamanian-Puerto Rican point guard Jhivvan Jackson (182-1998, college: UTSA) did not help to save the game for Burgos SP. Argentinian swingman Gonzalo Corbalan (193-2002, college: LCU) added 18 points and 5 rebounds for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. UCAM have a solid three-game winning streak. Murcia moved-up to third place, which they share with Barca. Newly promoted Burgos SP keeps the seventeenth position with 16 games lost. Murcia will meet league's second-placed Valencia on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Burgos SP will play against Bilbao (#9) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Murcia: C.Devontae 21+7reb+1ast, E.Dylan 19+7ast, F.Michael 14+4ast, S.Howard 12+6reb+1ast, D.David 12+1reb+4ast, M.Kelan 10+3reb+1ast
Burgos SP: J.Jackson 18+4reb+4ast, C.Gonzalo 18+5reb, J.Samuels Jr. 10+2reb, E.Happ 10+11reb+1ast, R.Neto 8+3reb+2ast, L.Meindl 5+1ast

Tenerife - Rio Breogan 90-81

No shocking result in a game when ninth ranked Tenerife (12-8) beat at home 13th ranked Breogan Lugo (8-12) 90-81 on Saturday. The winners were led by Uruguayan point guard Bruno Fitipaldo (183-1991) who scored that evening 23 points and 6 assists and Canadian-Dutch forward Aaron Doornekamp (201-1985, college: Carleton, agency: Octagon Europe) supported him with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Four Tenerife players scored in double figures. Even 16 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!) by the former international Francis Alonso (191-1996, college: UNCG) did not help to save the game for Rio Breogan. American point guard DeWayne Russell (180-1994, college: GCU) added 17 points for the guests. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Tenerife moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Joventut. Loser Breogan Lugo dropped to the eleventh position with 12 games lost. They share it with Manresa and Lleida. Tenerife will meet Manresa (#11) on the road in the next round. Rio Breogan will play against Barca and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tenerife: F.Bruno 23+6ast, S.Giorgi 18+5reb, F.Jaime 16+2reb+1ast, D.Aaron 14+10reb, V.Wesley 8+3reb, S.Thomas 4+4reb+4ast
Rio Breogan: D.Russell 17+3ast, F.Alonso 16+5reb+2ast, D.Mavra 11+5ast, J.Sakho 9+6reb, K.Cook 6+6reb+1ast, A.Dragan 6+1reb

Unicaja - Real Madrid 92-96

Liga Endesa top team - Real Madrid (18-2) added another victory to their record on Sunday. This time they beat fifth ranked Unicaja (13-7) in Malaga 96-92. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Unicaja. Real Madrid dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Unicaja's 30 and made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. Croatian forward Mario Hezonja (202-1995) orchestrated the victory by scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds. Canadian power forward Trey Lyles (206-1995, college: Kentucky) contributed with 9 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Bosnian-Finnish power forward Emir Sulejmanovic (205-1995) replied with 18 points and American-Montenegrin guard Justin Cobbs (191-1991, college: California, agency: Octagon Europe) added 13 points in the effort for Unicaja. Four Unicaja players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Real Madrid have an impressive six-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 18-2 record. Unicaja at the other side dropped to the sixth place with seven games lost. Real Madrid are looking forward to face Gran Canaria (#14) in Las Palmas in the next round which should be an easy win for them. Unicaja will play on the road against Girona (#10) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Real Madrid: H.Mario 26+9reb+2ast, M.Theo 10+2reb+2ast, L.Trey 9+5reb+2ast, O.Chuma 9+3reb+1ast, T.Walter 9+5reb, G.Usman 7+1reb
Unicaja: E.Sulejmanovic 18+3reb+2ast, J.Cobbs 13+1reb+3ast, C.Duarte 11+1reb+4ast, J.Webb III 10+2reb+1ast, K.Perry 9+2reb+5ast, A.Balcerowski 9+2reb

Gran Canaria - Bilbao 97-98

Fourteenth-ranked Gran Canaria (7-13) used its home court advantage to challenge ninth ranked Surne Bilbao (12-9) in Las Palmas. The visitors from Bilbao managed to secure only one-point victory 98-97. However their fans expected much easier game. Bilbao made 30-of-35 charity shots (85.7 percent) during the game. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Gran Canaria was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Swedish point guard Melwin Pantzar (190-2000) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 9 assists (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) and American-Polish Luke Petrasek (206-1995, college: Columbia) who added 20 points during the contest. French power forward Pierre Pelos (205-1992) responded with 20 points and 5 rebounds and American Isaiah Wong (193-2001, college: Miami, FL) scored 23 points. Five Bilbao and four Gran Canaria players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Bilbao maintains ninth position with 12-9 record. Gran Canaria at the other side keeps the fourteenth place with 13 games lost. Bilbao will play against Burgos SP (#17) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Gran Canaria will play against the league's leader Real Madrid and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Bilbao: P.Luke 20+3reb+1ast, H.Tryggvi 16+5reb+2ast, P.Melwin 13+4reb+9ast, N.Margiris 13+1reb+2ast, J.Justin 11+2reb+1ast, H.Darrun 10+4reb+3ast
Gran Canaria: I.Wong 23+2ast, P.Pelos 20+5reb, K.Robertson 18+4reb+2ast, M.Tobey 12+12reb, E.Vila 7+3reb, L.Maniema 6+2reb