SLB Round 21 (Regular Season): Leader London loses to Manchester

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Lions (15-5) recorded its fifth loss in London on Wednesday night. Hosts were edged by third ranked Manchester (13-10) 72-71. 24 personal fouls committed by London helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Max Jones (193-2002, college: Kansas St.) who scored 23 points and 5 assists. His fellow American import point guard PJay Smith (183, college: Furman) chipped in 18 points. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international Deane Williams (203-1996, college: Augusta) who recorded 13 points and 9 rebounds. Lions' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Manchester maintains third place with 13-10 record having just one point less than leader London L. London at the other side still keeps top position with five games lost. Manchester will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. London will play at home against Newcastle E. and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Guildford. Seventh ranked Leicester Riders (10-9) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Scorchers (10-12) 83-80 in the game for the sixth place. It was a good game for American guard Spencer Johnson (196, college: BYU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Flynn Boardman-Raffett contributed with 20 points and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Michael Graham (203-2000, college: Hofstra) answered with 13 points and 9 rebounds for Surrey. Defending champion moved-up to sixth place. Surrey lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 12 games lost. Leicester R. will play against bottom-ranked Caledonia (#9) in Glasgow in the next round. Surrey will play at home against Sheffield and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a road loss of first ranked Lions (15-5) against fifth ranked Sharks (12-10) on Saturday night. Visiting Lions were defeated by Sharks in a tough game in Sheffield 73-79. Nick Kern Jr stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. The best for the losing side was Joel Scott with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Lions' coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Sheffield moved-up to fourth place. Loser Lions still keeps top position with five games lost. Sheffield will meet Surrey (#7) in the next round. London will play against Newcastle E. (#8) and hope to secure a win.

Other games of round 21 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
bottom-ranked Caledonia was crushed by Manchester in a road game 101-78. Bristol Flyers were smashed by Newcastle E. at home 76-98. Cheshire P. destroyed Caledonia on the opponent's court 114-80. Newcastle E. managed to outperform Cheshire P. in a home game 108-97.
The best stats of 21th round was 21 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals by Ray-Sean Taylor of Newcastle E..



London L. - Manchester 71-72

Top ranked Lions (15-5) recorded its fifth loss in London on Wednesday night. Hosts were edged by third ranked Manchester (13-10) 72-71. 24 personal fouls committed by London helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Max Jones (193-2002, college: Kansas St.) who scored 23 points and 5 assists. His fellow American import point guard PJay Smith (183, college: Furman) chipped in 18 points. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international Deane Williams (203-1996, college: Augusta) who recorded 13 points and 9 rebounds and the former international guard Morayo Soluade (195-1995) added 11 points and 6 assists respectively. Lions' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Manchester maintains third place with 13-10 record having just one point less than leader London L. London at the other side still keeps top position with five games lost. Manchester will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. London will play at home against Newcastle E. and is hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Manchester: J.Max 23+2reb+5ast, P.Smith 18+3reb+2ast, J.Jordan 11+3reb+1ast, A.Tim 7+9reb, C.Kyle 7+2ast, I.Zak 3+7reb
London L.: E.Price 14+4reb+1ast, D.Williams 13+9reb+1ast, M.Soluade 11+2reb+6ast, C.Brown Jr. 7+3reb+1ast, N.Hawkins 6+2reb+2ast, S.Reynolds Jr. 5+5reb+6ast

Manchester - Caledonia G. 101-78

There was no surprise when 9th ranked Gladiators (4-18) were crushed on the road by third ranked Manchester (13-10) 101-78 on Friday. Manchester dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Gladiators's 32. The game was dominated by American players. Swingman Zak Irvin (198-1994, college: Michigan) stepped up and scored 16 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners and guard Jordan Johnson (185, college: New Orleans) chipped in 16 points and 6 assists. The best for the losing side was guard Ethan Wright (190-2000, college: Colorado) with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and forward Jett Speelman (201-1994, college: Denison, agency: Helping Ballers) scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. Four Manchester and five Caledonia 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. Manchester maintains third place with 13-10 record having just one point less than leader London L. Caledonia lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. Manchester will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Caledonia will play against Leicester R. (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Manchester: J.Jordan 16+1reb+6ast, I.Zak 16+5reb+2ast, J.Max 15+2reb+4ast, P.Smith 11+6reb+4ast, A.Tim 9+4reb, N.Matthew 8+10reb+2ast
Caledonia G.: E.Wright 16+9reb+5ast, M.Ragsdale 13+3reb+2ast, R.Holland 11+2reb+1ast, J.Speelman 11+8reb+2ast, L.Bryan 10+3reb+3ast, T.Fagbenle 4

Surrey - Leicester R. 80-83

Important game to mention about took place in Guildford. Seventh ranked Leicester Riders (10-9) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Scorchers (10-12) 83-80 in the game for the sixth place. It was a good game for American guard Spencer Johnson (196, college: BYU) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Naturalized French guard Flynn Boardman-Raffett (196-2002, college: Memorial) contributed with 20 points and 4 assists for the winners. American forward Michael Graham (203-2000, college: Hofstra) answered with 13 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import guard Ronald Polite (188-2002, college: UNCG) added 12 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Surrey. Four Leicester R. and five Surrey players scored in double figures. Defending champion moved-up to sixth place. Surrey lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 12 games lost. Leicester R. will play against bottom-ranked Caledonia (#9) in Glasgow in the next round. Surrey will play at home against Sheffield and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Leicester R.: J.Spencer 24+10reb+6ast, B.Flynn 20+3reb+4ast, E.Travis 17+3ast, S.Tomiwa 12+7reb+1ast, M.Nate 8+13reb+2ast, N.Victor 2+1reb+1ast
Surrey: M.Graham 13+9reb, C.Nedas 13+2reb+2ast, K.Lilly 13+2reb+3ast, R.Polite 12+5reb+5ast, I.Small 11+7reb+3ast, T.Lawrence 9+1reb+1ast

Bristol Flyers - Newcastle E. 76-98

There was a surprise result in Bristol where eighth ranked Newcastle Eagles (9-14) smashed 4th placed Flyers (12-11) 98-76 on Sunday. Strangely Bristol Flyers outrebounded Newcastle E. 42-26 including a 18-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. American guard Ray-Sean Taylor (185, college: SIUE) stepped up and scored 32 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners and Canadian Cole Long (201-1997, college: Detroit) chipped in 24 points. Four Newcastle Eagles players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward Darnell Brodie (208-1998, college: Drake) with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds and the other American import center Owen McCormack (203-2001, college: Lipscomb) scored 11 points and 9 rebounds. Flyers' coach gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Newcastle E. maintains eighth place with 9-14 record. Loser Flyers dropped to the fifth position with 11 games lost. Newcastle E. will meet league's leader London on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Bristol Flyers will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Newcastle E.: T.Ray-Sean 32+5reb+6ast, L.Cole 24+4reb+2ast, O.Gus 13+4reb+3ast, J.Maceo 11+3reb+2ast, H.Deion 8+1reb+1ast, C.Mitchell 8+7reb+4ast
Bristol Flyers: D.Brodie 18+10reb+1ast, J.Anderson 12+8ast, O.McCormack 11+9reb+1ast, C.Holden 9+6reb+3ast, C.Christon 9+3reb+1ast, W.Yoakum 7+6reb+1ast

Caledonia G. - Cheshire P. 80-114

Very expected game in Glasgow where 9th ranked Gladiators (4-18) were rolled over by second ranked Cheshire Phoenix (15-11) 114-80 on Sunday. Cheshire P. shot 64.7 percent from the field. Cheshire P. outrebounded Caledonia 41-26 including a 32-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Cheshire P. looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American guard Pat Robinson III (190-1999, college: Charleston, agency: Bell Basketball) stepped up with a double-double by scoring 21 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners and naturalized American forward Skyler White (201-1993, college: PLNU) chipped in 21 points. White is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Cheshire Phoenix players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American forward LJ Bryan (206-1999, college: Morehead St., agency: Helping Ballers) with 9 points and 6 assists and the other American import point guard RiaN Holland (183-1994, college: Mercer) scored 13 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. Cheshire P. maintains second place with 15-11 record having just six point less than leader London L. Caledonia lost third consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 18 games lost. Cheshire P. will meet Leicester R. (#6) on the road in the next round. Caledonia will play against Leicester R. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Cheshire P.: W.Skyler 21+4reb+1ast, R.Pat 21+5reb+10ast, B.Jaxon 14+2reb+3ast, D.Michael 12+5reb+2ast, C.Tobias 11+5reb+3ast, L.Damiri 9+3reb
Caledonia G.: R.Holland 13+2reb+3ast, M.Ragsdale 10+3ast, K.Jimenez 10+2reb+4ast, L.Bryan 9+4reb+6ast, T.Fagbenle 8, E.Wright 7+4reb+5ast

Sheffield S. - London L. 79-73

Very important is a road loss of first ranked Lions (15-5) against fifth ranked Sharks (12-10) on Saturday night. Visiting Lions were defeated by Sharks in a tough game in Sheffield 73-79. American guard Nick Kern Jr (198, college: Penn State) stepped up and scored 19 points and 6 rebounds for the winners and forward William Lee (206-1995, college: UAB) chipped in 13 points and 7 rebounds. Five Sharks players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American Joel Scott (201-2001, college: Colorado St., agency: Pensack Sports) with 16 points and 5 rebounds and the other American import Nigel Hawkins (192-2000, college: SF Austin) scored 16 points. Lions' coach let to play eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Sheffield moved-up to fourth place. Loser Lions still keeps top position with five games lost. Sheffield will meet Surrey (#7) in the next round. London will play against Newcastle E. (#8) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sheffield S.: K.Nick 19+6reb+3ast, N.Prentiss 13+1reb+3ast, W.Dirk 13+1reb+2ast, L.William 13+7reb, C.Rodney 11+1reb+3ast, F.Alihodzic 4+5reb+2ast
London L.: N.Hawkins 16+2reb+2ast, J.Scott 16+5reb+2ast, C.Brown Jr. 11+4reb, A.Rai 9+3reb+1ast, S.Reynolds Jr. 6+2reb+5ast, C.Sandy 5+2reb

Newcastle E. - Cheshire P. 108-97

There was a surprise result when eighth ranked Newcastle Eagles (9-14) beat at home second-best Cheshire Phoenix (15-11) 108-97 on Friday. Newcastle E. made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Cheshire P. turnovers. American guard Maceo Jack (195-1993, college: Buffalo) stepped up and scored 27 points and 5 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for the winners and his fellow American import guard Ray-Sean Taylor (185, college: SIUE) chipped in 21 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals (went 9 for 9 at the free throw line !!!). The best for the losing side was American guard Pat Robinson III (190-1999, college: Charleston, agency: Bell Basketball) with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and New Zealand guard Tobias Cameron (196-1999, college: ACU) scored 12 points and 4 assists. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Newcastle E. maintains eighth place with 9-14 record. Loser Cheshire Phoenix keeps the second position with 11 games lost. Newcastle E. will meet league's leader London on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Cheshire P. will play against Leicester R. and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Newcastle E.: J.Maceo 27+5reb+3ast, T.Ray-Sean 21+5reb+7ast, C.Mitchell 17+1reb+1ast, L.Cole 17+5reb+3ast, O.Gus 13+4reb+3ast, H.Deion 11+6reb+3ast
Cheshire P.: P.Robinson III 22+6reb+7ast, D.Lindo 14+1reb+1ast, S.White 12+4reb+1ast, F.Policelli 12+6reb+2ast, T.Cameron 12+4reb+4ast, M.Zona 11+3reb+3ast