Liga Endesa Round 34 (Regular Season): Leader Real Madrid loses to Manresa

The Regular Season in Liga Endesa just ended. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Real Madrid (26-8) recorded its eighth loss on the court of eleventh ranked BAXI Manresa on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by BAXI Manresa 94-87. 24 personal fouls committed by Real Madrid helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international power forward Pierre Oriola (208-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) fired a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Belgian-Nigerian guard Retin Obasohan (191-1993, college: Alabama) chipped in 14 points. Croatian forward Mario Hezonja (202-1995) produced 32 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BAXI Manresa have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to tenth place. Real Madrid lost fifth consecutive game. Defending champion still keeps top position with eight games lost.
Ninth-ranked Unicaja (17-17) made lots of trouble for second ranked Baskonia (25-9) in Vitoria. Baskonia managed to secure only three-point victory 92-89. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of Guinean forward Mamadi Diakite (206-1997, college: Virginia, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 7 rebounds. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot contributed with 22 points for the winners. American power forward Augustine Rubit (203-1989, college: USA) replied with 17 points for Unicaja. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Baskonia have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 25-9 record behind leader Real Madrid, which they share with Murcia. Unicaja at the other side keeps the ninth place with 17 games lost.
An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Madrid. Second ranked Baskonia faced top-ranked Real Madrid. Guests from Vitoria (25-9) defeated host Real Madrid (26-8) 88-83. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot scored 21 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Mario Hezonja responded with 21 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Baskonia have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 25-9 record behind leader Real Madrid, which they share with Murcia. Real Madrid lost fifth consecutive game. Defending champion still keeps top place with eight games lost.

Rest of the games of round 34 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Joventut was defeated by Girona in a road game 82-77. Rio Breogan was beaten by Zaragoza at home 94-95. Barca won against Andorra on the opponent's court 100-95. Murcia outscored Lleida in a home game 116-95. Bottom-ranked Granada recorded a loss to Burgos SP on the road 110-105. Tenerife lost to defending champion Bilbao on its own court 82-87. Gran Canaria was smashed by Valencia in a road game 81-105. Zaragoza lost to Valencia at home 86-98. Valencia outscored Barca on the opponent's court 102-77. Joventut rolled over Unicaja in a home game 95-74.
The best stats of 34th round was 17 points by Jabari Parker of Joventut.



Baskonia - Unicaja 92-89

Ninth-ranked Unicaja (17-17) made lots of trouble for second ranked Baskonia (25-9) in Vitoria. Baskonia managed to secure only three-point victory 92-89. However their fans expected much easier game. Baskonia made 26-of-31 charity shots (83.9 percent) during the game. Unicaja was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of Guinean forward Mamadi Diakite (206-1997, college: Virginia, agency: Octagon Europe) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and 7 rebounds. French swingman Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (198-1995) contributed with 22 points for the winners. American power forward Augustine Rubit (203-1989, college: USA) replied with 17 points and American-Montenegrin point guard Kendrick Perry (183-1992, college: YSU) added 6 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists in the effort for Unicaja. Four Unicaja players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Baskonia have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 25-9 record behind leader Real Madrid, which they share with Murcia. Unicaja at the other side keeps the ninth place with 17 games lost.
Top scorers:
Baskonia: L.Timothe 22+3reb, D.Mamadi 20+7reb+2ast, S.Kobi 17+1reb+5ast, S.Matteo 9+3reb, O.Eugene 7+2reb+1ast, K.Rodions 6+6reb
Unicaja: A.Rubit 17+4reb+2ast, K.Tillie 14+7reb, A.Balcerowski 13+5reb+1ast, C.Audige 10+3reb+1ast, T.Kalinoski 7+2reb+3ast, D.Kravish 7+5reb

Girona - Joventut 82-77

There was an upset when higher ranked Joventut (22-12) was defeated on the road by twelfth ranked Basquet Girona (14-20) 82-77 on Friday. Montenegrin-American point guard Derek Needham (180-1990, college: Fairfield) scored 17 points to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Mark Hughes (195-1997, college: Wright St.) chipped in 16 points during the contest. At the losing side American Jabari Parker (203-1995, college: Duke) responded with 19 points and Dutch forward Yannick Kraag (202-2002, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 11 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Girona maintains twelfth position with 14-20 record. Loser Joventut keeps the sixth place with 12 games lost.
Top scorers:
Girona: N.Derek 17+3ast, H.Mark 16+2reb+1ast, S.Mindaugas 11+6reb+1ast, H.Cameron 10+2reb, L.Otis 9+2reb+4ast, B.Josep 5+7reb+2ast
Joventut: J.Parker 19+3reb+2ast, Y.Kraag 11+7reb+1ast, L.Hakanson 10+1reb, G.Vives 9+1reb+5ast, A.Hanga 9+3reb+4ast, M.Ruzic 8+4reb

Rio Breogan - Zaragoza 94-95

There was a surprise result when seventeenth ranked Zaragoza (10-24) edged on the road higher ranked Breogan Lugo (15-19) 95-94 on Friday. Zaragoza looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Italian point guard Marco Spissu (184-1995) scored 20 points and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Devin Robinson (203-1995, college: Florida) chipped in 12 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. Five Zaragoza players scored in double figures. At the losing side the former international Francis Alonso (191-1996, college: UNCG) responded with 33 points (!!!) and American point guard DeWayne Russell (180-1994, college: GCU) scored 19 points and 6 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Zaragoza moved-up to fifteenth place, which they share with Andorra and Gran Canaria. Loser Breogan Lugo dropped to the eleventh position with 19 games lost.
Top scorers:
Zaragoza: S.Marco 20+3reb+9ast, B.Trae 15+2reb+4ast, Y.Santiago 14+1reb+1ast, W.Justin 13+2reb+1ast, R.Devin 12+10reb+1ast, O.Gabriel 10+4reb
Rio Breogan: F.Alonso 33+3reb+2ast, D.Russell 19+3reb+6ast, B.Dibba 10+3reb, D.Mavra 9+5ast, A.Dragan 8+3reb, D.Brankovic 8+4reb

Manresa - Real Madrid 94-87

Top ranked Real Madrid (26-8) recorded its eighth loss on the court of eleventh ranked BAXI Manresa on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by BAXI Manresa 94-87. 24 personal fouls committed by Real Madrid helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The former international power forward Pierre Oriola (208-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) fired a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Belgian-Nigerian guard Retin Obasohan (191-1993, college: Alabama) chipped in 14 points. Four BAXI Manresa players scored in double figures. Croatian forward Mario Hezonja (202-1995) produced 32 points and 6 rebounds and the former international swingman Alberto Abalde (202-1995) added 9 points and 5 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. BAXI Manresa have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to tenth place. Real Madrid lost fifth consecutive game. Defending champion still keeps top position with eight games lost.
Top scorers:
Manresa: U.Agustin 16+3reb, O.Retin 14+4reb+1ast, B.Ferran 14+2reb+3ast, O.Pierre 13+12reb+2ast, R.Alejandro 10+4reb, A.Kaodirichi 8+3reb+1ast
Real Madrid: M.Hezonja 32+6reb, I.Almansa 12+4reb+1ast, D.Kramer 10+2reb, A.Abalde 9+5reb+3ast, O.Yurtseven 8+2reb, A.Feliz 6+2reb+6ast

Andorra - Barca 95-100

Very expected game when 16th ranked MoraBanc Andorra (10-24) was defeated at home by fourth ranked FC Barcelona (24-10) 100-95 on Friday. Barca made 25-of-31 free shots (80.6 percent) during the game. They also forced 20 Andorra turnovers. American-Serbian Kevin Punter (193-1993, college: Tennessee) scored 26 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Georgian Tornike Shengelia (206-1991, agency: Octagon Europe) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American-Guinean point guard Shannon Evans II (185-1994, college: Arizona St.) responded with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists and Slovakian-American Kyle Kuric (193-1989, college: Louisville) scored 16 points (made all of his eight free throws). Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. FC Barcelona have an impressive six-game winning streak. Despite that victory Barca went down to fifth position due to points difference. Loser MoraBanc Andorra dropped to the fifteenth place with 24 games lost. They share the position with Gran Canaria and Zaragoza.
Top scorers:
Barca: P.Kevin 26+4reb+4ast, S.Tornike 15+7reb+1ast, V.Jan 12+2reb+1ast, B.Dario 11+2reb+2ast, L.Nicolas 8+2ast, H.Willy 8+2reb+1ast
Andorra: S.Evans II 16+8reb+6ast, K.Kuric 16+3reb+1ast, S.Rice 13+2ast, S.Okoye 10+3reb, A.Pustovyi 10+7reb, Y.Pons 7+4reb

Murcia - Lleida 116-95

Very predictable result in Murcia where third ranked UCAM (25-9) outscored 13th ranked Lleida (12-22) 116-95 on Friday. Murcia made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. American-Slovakian point guard David DeJulius (183-1999, college: Cincinnati) scored 27 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American Michael Forrest (185-1999, college: FAU) chipped in 22 points and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side the former international swingman Oriol Pauli (201-1994) responded with 13 points and 6 rebounds and Millan Jimenez (199-2002) scored 12 points and 5 rebounds. Five Murcia and four Lleida players 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. UCAM have a solid three-game winning streak. Murcia moved-up to second place, which they share with Baskonia. Loser Lleida keeps the thirteenth position with 22 games lost. They share it with Burgos SP.
Top scorers:
Murcia: D.David 27+1reb+4ast, F.Michael 22+6ast, C.Devontae 13+9reb+1ast, R.Jonah 13+2reb+3ast, H.Jaylen 11+3reb, F.Wilhelm 10+8reb+1ast
Lleida: G.Goloman 13+1reb+1ast, O.Pauli 13+6reb+2ast, J.Millan 12+5reb+2ast, D.Atoumane 10+3reb, J.Batemon 10+1ast, J.Shurna 10+1reb+1ast

Burgos SP - Granada 110-105

Not a big story in a game when 18th ranked Coviran Granada (6-28) was defeated on the road by fourteenth ranked Burgos (12-22) 110-105 on Friday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Burgos SP outrebounded Granada 35-23 including 21 on the defensive glass. Burgos SP shot the lights out from three sinking 15 long-distance shots on high 53.6 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. American-Israeli point guard Max Heidegger (191-1997, college: UCSB) scored 22 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Brazilian point guard Raul Neto (185-1992) chipped in 16 points and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side Croatian Luka Bozic (200-1996) responded with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and Dominican swingman Jassel Perez (195-2001) scored 20 points and 4 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Burgos SP moved-up to thirteenth place, which they share with Lleida. Granada lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 28 lost games.
Top scorers:
Burgos SP: M.Heidegger 22+4ast, N.Raul 16+1reb+6ast, R.Juan 14+2reb+1ast, D.Daniel 11+4reb+3ast, G.Corbalan 10+5reb+1ast, H.Ethan 10+7reb+5ast
Granada: J.Perez 20+3reb+4ast, A.Alibegovic 17+1reb+1ast, L.Bozic 17+6reb+7ast, E.Valtonen 14+3reb+1ast, B.Olumuyiwa 10+4reb+1ast, J.Rousselle 9+2reb+3ast

Tenerife - Bilbao 82-87

The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Surne Bilbao's (20-15) road victory over 8th ranked Tenerife (18-16) 87-82 on Friday. Bilbao made 27-of-32 free shots (84.4 percent) during the game. Icelandic center Tryggvi Hlinason (215-1997) had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and Swedish point guard Melwin Pantzar (190-2000) chipped in 15 points during the contest. Four Surne Bilbao players scored in double figures. At the losing side international point guard Jaime Fernandez (186-1993) responded with 15 points and American forward Tim Abromaitis (203-1989, college: Notre Dame) scored 10 points and 5 rebounds. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Defending champion maintains seventh position with 20-15 record. Loser Tenerife keeps the eighth place with 16 games lost.
Top scorers:
Bilbao: H.Tryggvi 20+11reb+2ast, P.Melwin 15+4reb+3ast, J.Justin 12+1reb, H.Darrun 10+3ast, P.Luke 9+2reb+1ast, N.Margiris 8+2reb+2ast
Tenerife: J.Fernandez 15+3reb+3ast, P.Mills 13+3ast, T.Abromaitis 10+5reb+2ast, A.Doornekamp 10+1reb, E.Fridriksson 7+1reb+2ast, M.Huertas 6+2reb+4ast

Valencia - Gran Canaria 105-81

There was no surprise when 15th ranked Gran Canaria (10-24) was crushed on the road by fifth ranked Valencia (24-9) 105-81 on Friday. Valencia dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Gran Canaria's 38. American-North Macedonian Omari Moore (198-2000, college: SJSU) scored 21 points and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Senegalese guard Brancou Badio (191-1999) chipped in 18 points during the contest. At the losing side Argentinian Nicolas Brussino (205-1993) responded with 16 points and Nigerian-American power forward Chimezie Metu (208-1997, college: USC) scored 15 points. Four Gran Canaria players 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. Valencia have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Gran Canaria lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifteenth position with 24 games lost. They share it with Andorra and Zaragoza.
Top scorers:
Valencia: M.Omari 21+1reb+4ast, B.Brancou 18+2reb+1ast, T.Kameron 10+2reb+1ast, S.Neal 10+6reb, M.Jean 9+3reb+3ast, S.Yankuba 9+3reb
Gran Canaria: N.Brussino 16+4reb+2ast, C.Metu 15+3reb, I.Wong 14+1reb+2ast, M.Tobey 10+6reb+1ast, P.Pelos 9+6reb, Z.Samar 7+1reb

Zaragoza - Valencia 86-98

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Valencia (24-9) defeated on the road 17th ranked Zaragoza (10-24) 98-86 on Tuesday. Valencia looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American Kameron Taylor (198-1994, college: Seton Hill) scored 18 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Dominican point guard Jean Montero (188-2003) chipped in 13 points and 6 assists during the contest. At the losing side British center Gabriel Olaseni (208-1991, college: Iowa) responded with 25 points and 7 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and the former international Santiago Yusta (200-1997) scored 13 points. Five Valencia and four Zaragoza players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Valencia have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Zaragoza lost sixth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifteenth position with 24 games lost. They share it with Andorra and Gran Canaria.
Top scorers:
Valencia: T.Kameron 18+6reb+4ast, d.Sergio 16+4reb+2ast, M.Jean 13+4reb+6ast, P.Jaime 11+7reb+2ast, B.Brancou 11+2reb+2ast, M.Omari 10+2reb+4ast
Zaragoza: G.Olaseni 25+7reb, S.Yusta 13+2reb+3ast, F.Jaime 12+4reb, D.Robinson 11+3reb+2ast, T.Bell-Haynes 8+3reb+2ast, M.Spissu 7+1reb+3ast

Real Madrid - Baskonia 83-88

An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Madrid. Second ranked Baskonia faced top-ranked Real Madrid. Guests from Vitoria (25-9) defeated host Real Madrid (26-8) 88-83. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Baskonia made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. French swingman Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (198-1995) scored 21 points and 5 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and American point guard Trent Forrest (194-1998, college: FSU) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Croatian forward Mario Hezonja (202-1995) responded with 21 points and 7 rebounds and Argentinian point guard Facundo Campazzo (181-1991) scored 8 points and 5 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Baskonia have an impressive six-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 25-9 record behind leader Real Madrid, which they share with Murcia. Real Madrid lost fifth consecutive game. Defending champion still keeps top place with eight games lost.
Top scorers:
Baskonia: L.Timothe 21+5reb+2ast, O.Eugene 17+4reb+3ast, F.Trent 15+6reb+3ast, S.Kobi 9+1reb+1ast, R.Gytis 6+1reb+2ast, K.Rodions 6+2reb
Real Madrid: M.Hezonja 21+7reb+3ast, D.Kramer 13+2reb, C.Okeke 13+2reb+1ast, F.Campazzo 8+3reb+5ast, S.Llull 8+1reb+2ast, O.Yurtseven 5+4reb+2ast

Barca - Valencia 77-102

We cannot really consider it an upset in the game between close teams when one of their biggest challengers FC Barcelona (24-10) was rolled over at home by fifth ranked Valencia (24-9) 102-77 on Sunday. The former international power forward Jaime Pradilla (202-2001) had a double-double by scoring 10 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Dominican point guard Jean Montero (188-2003) chipped in 19 points and 4 assists during the contest. Four Valencia players scored in double figures. At the losing side Georgian Tornike Shengelia (206-1991, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 17 points and 6 rebounds and international Dario Brizuela (188-1994) scored 9 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. Valencia have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place. Loser FC Barcelona dropped to the fifth position with ten games lost.
Top scorers:
Valencia: M.Jean 19+1reb+4ast, d.Sergio 12+5reb+4ast, T.Kameron 11+1reb+2ast, C.Matt 10+6reb, P.Jaime 10+11reb+4ast, C.Alvaro 9+1ast
Barca: T.Shengelia 17+6reb+1ast, D.Brizuela 9+4reb+1ast, J.Parra 8+2reb, W.Clyburn 7+3reb, W.Hernangomez 7+4reb, J.Marcos 5+2reb+1ast

Joventut - Unicaja 95-74

Rather predictable result in Badalona where sixth ranked Joventut (22-12) outscored 9th ranked Unicaja (17-17) 95-74 on Tuesday. Joventut shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 54.5 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Croatian forward Michael Ruzic (206-2006) scored 12 points and 9 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international point guard Ricky Rubio (192-1990) chipped in 11 points and 7 assists during the contest. Five Joventut players scored in double figures. At the losing side Polish center Aleksander Balcerowski (217-2000) responded with 10 points and 8 rebounds and the former international forward Jonathan Barreiro (203-1997, agency: Octagon Europe) scored 8 points and 9 rebounds. 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 have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain sixth position with 22-12 record. Loser Unicaja keeps the ninth place with 17 games lost.
Top scorers:
Joventut: P.Jabari 17+1reb+3ast, H.Drell 13+3reb, B.Simon 13+4reb+1ast, R.Michael 12+9reb+1ast, R.Ricky 11+3reb+7ast, H.Cameron 8+1reb+3ast
Unicaja: C.Audige 12+2reb+1ast, A.Balcerowski 10+8reb+1ast, K.Perry 10+1reb+4ast, A.Diaz 10+2reb+2ast, T.Kalinoski 9+2reb, J.Barreiro 8+9reb