Second best performed player last round was Klavs Cavars (207-C-96) of top-ranked Ventspils. He is a center in his first season at Ventspils. In the last game Cavars recorded impressive double-double of 26 points and 13 rebounds. Of course he led Ventspils to another comfortable win outscoring slightly lower-ranked Prishtina (#3, 2-4) 122-72. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Ventspils consolidated its place in the very top position of the standings. A very good start of the season for his team, which won so far all 6 games without any defeat. Cavars is a newcomer at Ventspils and quickly became one of team’s most reliable players.

Third place about best performers goes to guard Tayler Persons (191-G-95) of league’s second-best Leiden. Persons showcased his all-around game by recording 28 points, eight rebounds and ten assists (!!!) in the last round. He was a key player of Leiden, leading his team to a 105-100 win against #4 ranked PVSK-Veolia. Leiden needs these victories very badly if they think about taking over top position in the standings. Their record at this point is 4 victories and 2 lost games. Persons has a great season in FIBA Europe Cup. After only 8 games, he made it on the list of the league’s leaders in points with 22.4ppg (best scorer) and assists with 8.1apg (2nd best).

Other top performing players last week:
4. Noah Dahlman (201-F/C-89) of Zwolle – 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists
5. Divine Myles (180-PG-96) of Prishtina – 32 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists
6. Eric Coleman (200-C-85) of Benfica – 22 points and 11 rebounds
7. Kenny Hall (206-F/C-90) of Balkan – 19 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists
8. Ryan Luther (206-F-95) of Ventspils – 21 points, 11 rebounds and 2 assists
9. TJ Shorts (175-PG-97) of Ventspils – 17 points, 3 rebounds and 8 assists
10. Christopher Smith (193-G-94) of PVSK-Veolia – 27 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it’s accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) – 2*BSAG – 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM – 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) – 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) – (FTA-FTM)

Tags : BOGIC VUJOSEVIC, KAPFENBERG BULLS, FIBA EUROPE CUP BASKETBALL

Second defeat of league’s leader Russian Enisey (4-2) against second ranked Romanian Cluj Napoca (5-1) 97-83 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in Group G. The game without a history. Cluj Napoca led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Enisey’s 34. Cluj Napoca forced 20 Enisey turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. 31 personal fouls committed by Enisey helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American swingman Patrick Richard (196-90, college: McNeese St., agency: Inception Sports) who led his team to a victory with 21 points and 4 assists. Croatian power forward Karlo Zganec (206-95) contributed with 15 points, 8 assists and 4 steals for the winners. American guard Davion Berry (193-91, college: Weber St.) replied with 26 points and 5 steals for Enisey. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Cluj Napoca keeps a position of Group G leader, which they share with Bakken. Enisey at the other side dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Kormend. They were replaced at the leadership position by Benfica.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Danish Bakken as it allowed them to take a leadership position in Group H. Bakken edged 4th ranked Polish Legia in Risskov 77-74. American forward Ryan Evans (202-90, college: Wisconsin) scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Darko Jukic chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Bakken’s coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was swingman Michal Michalak (197-93, agency: Octagon Europe) with 18 points. Bakken (5-1) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Legia lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with five games lost.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Belarusian Tsmoki-Minsk (3-3) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by Ukrainian Kyiv Basket (4-2) 92-84. It was a key game for the top position in Group F. Viacheslav Petrov notched 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort. Even 15 points and 9 rebounds by Alexandre Gavrilovic did not help to save the game for Tsmoki-Minsk. Tsmoki-Minsk’s coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Kyiv Basket keeps a position of Group F leader, which they share with Kormend. Defending Belarusian champion Tsmoki-Minsk dropped to the second place with three games lost.
We should not miss a road victory of second ranked Belgian Spirou Charleroi (3-3) over one of their biggest challengers Dutch Groningen (2-4) 78-64. The best player for the winners was Anthony Beane who scored 28 points. Spirou Charleroi maintains second position in Group E with 3-3 record having just nine point less than leader Benfica. Groningen at the other side keeps the third place with four games lost.
And finally the game worth to mention about is Levski Lukoil’s 22-point blow over Dnipro 83-61. It was a good game for Yordan Minchev who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Dnipro’s coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Levski Lukoil maintains third position in Group F with 3-3 record having just nine point less than leader Benfica which they share with defeated Dnipro. Loser Dnipro dropped to the third place with four games lost.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 6:
In Group A Benfica beat Inter Bratislava on the road 95-91. Leiden won against PVSK-Veolia on its own court 105-100.
In Group B Keravnos unfortunately lost to Kapfenberg in a road game 76-86. Zwolle lost to undefeated Nes-Ziona at home 88-94.
In Group C Ventspils crushed Prishtina on the opponent’s court 122-72. Winless Apoel was beaten by Bayreuth in a home game 68-83.
In Group D Fribourg destroyed Oradea on the road 87-67. Bahcesehir managed to outperform Sibiu on its own court 80-71.
In Group E Brussels recorded a loss to Pinar Karsiyaka in a road game 93-90.
In Group G Balkan defeated Sodertalje at home 90-89.
In Group H Kormend was beaten by Kataja on the opponent’s court 95-91.
The most impressive performance of 6th round was 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists by Noah Dahlman of Zwolle.

Group A

Inter Bratislava – Benfica 91-95

No shocking result in a game when first ranked Portuguese Benfica (5-1) beat on the road 3rd ranked Slovakian Inter Bratislava (2-4) 95-91 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 3 points after three quarters before their 26-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. Benfica made 32-of-36 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. Benfica outrebounded Inter Bratislava 47-34 including 17 on the offensive glass. Inter Bratislava was plagued by 29 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American center Eric Coleman (200-85, college: N.Iowa) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). American-Hungarian forward Damian Hollis (204-88, college: GWU) contributed with 23 points and 7 rebounds (went 8 for 8 at the free throw line) for the winners. Center Michal Batka (204-87) replied with 23 points and 7 rebounds and American forward Lee Skinner (198-92, college: Wofford) added 14 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Inter Bratislava. Inter Bratislava’s coach tested ten players, but that didn’t help to avoid defeat in this game. Benfica maintains first position in Group A with 5-1 record, which they share with Bakken. Defending Slovakian champion Inter Bratislava keeps the third place with four games lost.
Top scorers:
Benfica: D.Hollis 23+7reb+2ast, E.Coleman 22+11reb, A.Ireland 13+5reb+4ast, J.Silva 11+1reb+3ast, A.Hallman 9+9reb+3ast, B.Gomes 9+6reb
Inter Bratislava: M.Batka 23+7reb+2ast, L.Skinner 14+8reb+4ast, M.Ihring 12+5reb+2ast, D.Abraham 11+1reb+2ast, R.Korner 9+3reb, G.Bulatovic 7+4reb+7ast

gschID: 762072

Leiden – PVSK-Veolia 105-100

Rather expected game when 4th ranked Hungarian PVSK-Veolia (1-5) lost on the road to second ranked Dutch Leiden (4-2) 105-100 on Wednesday. Leiden dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to PVSK-Veolia’s 36 and made 22-of-28 free shots (78.6 percent) during the game. They outrebounded PVSK-Veolia 46-35 including a 16-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. Leiden looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. PVSK-Veolia was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American guard Tayler Persons (191-95, college: Ball St.) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 28 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. The other American import guard Braxton Huggins (193-96, college: Fresno St.) contributed with 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. American guard Christopher Smith (193-94, college: Utah St.) replied with 27 points and power forward Balint Horti (205-89) added 17 points and 14 rebounds in the effort for PVSK-Veolia. Five Leiden and four PVSK-Veolia players scored in double figures. Leiden maintains second position in Group A with 4-2 record having just ten point less than leader Benfica, which they share with Kormend. Loser PVSK-Veolia keeps the fourth place with five games lost.
Top scorers:
Leiden: T.Persons 28+8reb+10ast, B.Huggins 17+9reb+4ast, W.de Jong 16+6reb+2ast, J.Williams 13+14reb+1ast, S.de Randamie 12+2reb+2ast, D.Pasalic 10+1reb+2ast
PVSK-Veolia: C.Smith 27+4reb+3ast, B.Horti 17+14reb+1ast, Q.Diggs 16+6reb+7ast, A.Ciric 14+6reb, A.Rujak 13+1reb+3ast, V.Budimir 8+2reb

gschID: 762073

Group B

Kapfenberg – Keravnos 86-76

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fourth ranked Austrian Kapfenberg Bulls (1-4) won against at home one of their biggest challengers Cypriot Keravnos (2-4) 86-76 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by Kapfenberg Bulls. Keravnos was better in fourth quarter 16-13. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Kapfenberg Bulls made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. Keravnos were plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for Serbian point guard Bogic Vujosevic (192-92) who led his team to a victory with 33 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 5 assists. American forward Jeremy Jones (201-96, college: Gonzaga) contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Kapfenberg Bulls players scored in double figures. American Keaton Grant (193-86, college: Purdue) replied with 20 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and his fellow American import guard Josh Hagins (185-94, college: UALR, agency: Haylett Sports) added 13 points and 5 assists in the effort for Keravnos. Defending Austrian champion maintains fourth position in Group B with 1-4 record. Defending Cypriot champion Keravnos keep the third place with four games lost.
Top scorers:
Kapfenberg: B.Vujosevic 33+6reb+5ast, J.Jones 20+7reb+1ast, W.Atwood 14+6reb+2ast, Z.Braxton 13+8reb+1ast, V.David 3, D.Koka 2+1reb
Keravnos: K.Grant 20+3reb, J.Hagins 13+3reb+5ast, A.Rorie 13+1ast, N.Stylianou 11+1reb, S.Michail 9+1reb+7ast, A.King 6+6reb+2ast

gschID: 762075

Zwolle – Nes-Ziona 88-94

The game between closely ranked teams ended with second-best Dutch Zwolle‘s (3-3) home loss to top-ranked Israeli Ironi Nes-Ziona (5-0) 88-94 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Ironi Nes-Ziona led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was a good game for Golan Gutt (191-94) who led his team to a victory with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Guard Eidan Alber (194-0) contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Ironi Nes-Ziona players scored in double figures. American power forward Noah Dahlman (201-89, college: Wofford) replied with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists and his fellow American import guard Sherron Dorsey-Walker (194-93, college: Oakland) added 25 points and 5 assists in the effort for Zwolle. Ironi Nes-Ziona maintains first position in Group B with 5-0 record. Defending Dutch champion Zwolle keeps the second place with three games lost.
Top scorers:
Nes-Ziona: E.Alber 17+7reb+1ast, G.Gutt 16+6reb+4ast, C.Fisher 15+2reb+2ast, J.Hollowell 13+6reb+3ast, T.Michael Dunne 10+3reb+3ast, R.Limonad 10+1reb+4ast
Zwolle: S.Dorsey-Walker 25+2reb+5ast, N.Dahlman 23+10reb+6ast, M.Walker 12+1reb+2ast, M.Kherrazi 9+6reb+1ast, R.De Pagter 7+6reb+1ast, M.Schilder 7+5reb+5ast

gschID: 762288

Group C

Prishtina – Ventspils 72-122

Everything went according to plan when top-ranked Latvian Ventspils (6-0) outplayed on the road 3rd ranked Kosovan Prishtina (2-4) 122-72 on Wednesday. The game without a history. Ventspils led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. Ventspils outrebounded Prishtina 49-23 including a 17-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Prishtina’s players. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Ventspils made 7 blocks. It was a good game for center Klavs Cavars (207-96) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 26 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. American forward Ryan Luther (206-95, college: Arizona) contributed with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Five Ventspils players scored in double figures. American point guard Divine Myles (180-96, college: Stetson, agency: Two Points) replied with 32 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists and Bosnian-British center Fahro Alihodzic (208-89, college: UAB, agency: Two Points) added 17 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Prishtina. Ventspils maintains first position in Group C with 6-0 record. Defending Kosovan champion Prishtina keeps the third place with four games lost.
Top scorers:
Ventspils: K.Cavars 26+13reb+1ast, R.Luther 21+11reb+2ast, K.Gluditis 20+1reb+4ast, T.Shorts 17+3reb+8ast, J.Berzins 16+8reb+1ast, L.Jaunzems 13+5reb+3ast
Prishtina: D.Myles 32+8reb+7ast, F.Alihodzic 17+5reb+1ast, M.Tmusic 9+3reb+2ast, M.Ismaili 7+1reb, J.Wade 3+2reb, A.Mehmeti 2

gschID: 762076

Apoel – Bayreuth 68-83

There was no surprise when 4th ranked Cypriot Apoel (0-6) lost to second ranked German BBC Bayreuth (4-2) in Nicosia 68-83 on Wednesday. The game was mostly controlled by BBC Bayreuth. Apoel was better in second period 19-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 28-of-31 free shots (90.3 percent) during the game, while Apoel only scored nine points from the stripe. They outrebounded Apoel 42-31 including 31 on the defensive glass. BBC Bayreuth looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Apoel was plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for forward Reid Travis (203-95, college: Kentucky) who led his team to a victory with 12 points and 9 rebounds. Guard Lucky Jones (198-93, college: RMU) contributed with 9 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Center LaRon Dendy (205-88, college: MTSU) replied with 19 points and 7 rebounds and point guard Jarvis Garrett (182-95, college: URI) added 16 points in the effort for Apoel. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. BBC Bayreuth maintains second position in Group C with 4-2 record having just ten point less than leader Benfica, which they share with Kormend. Loser Apoel still closes the standings with six games lost.
Top scorers:
Bayreuth: B.Alford 16+1reb, R.Travis 12+9reb+2ast, A.Seiferth 10+2reb+1ast, J.Woodard 9+2reb+2ast, L.Jones 9+8reb, L.Meisner 8+4reb+1ast
Apoel: L.Dendy 19+7reb, J.Garrett 16+4reb+3ast, I.Giannaras 8+1reb+1ast, D.Thompson 7+4reb, M.Cuffee 6+4reb+4ast, A.Mpoyo 5+4reb

gschID: 762068

Group D

Oradea – Fribourg 67-87

There was a small surprise when fourth ranked Swiss Fribourg (2-4) crushed on the road second-best Romanian Oradea (4-2) 87-67 on Wednesday. The guests trailed by 10 points after first quarter, but they stormed back and won the game by 20 points. Fribourg forced 21 Oradea turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a good game for American guard Xavier Pollard (193-91, college: Kent St.) who led his team to a victory with 23 points and 8 assists. The other American import power forward Juwann James (198-87, college: JMU) contributed with 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winners. Four Fribourg players scored in double figures. Serbian power forward Nikola Markovic (208-89) replied with 16 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Sean Barnette (198-86, college: Wingate) added 16 points in the effort for Oradea. Oradea’s coach tested eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Defending Swiss champion moved-up to third place in Group D, which they share with Kataja. Defending Romanian champion Oradea keeps the second position with two games lost.
Top scorers:
Fribourg: X.Pollard 23+1reb+8ast, J.James 18+6reb+2ast, T.Derksen 16+4reb+4ast, B.Garrett 15+6reb+1ast, N.Jurkovitz 7+1reb+4ast, B.Mbala 4+7reb+1ast
Oradea: S.Barnette 16+1reb+2ast, N.Markovic 16+5reb+3ast, C.Baciu 10+4reb+1ast, K.Richard 8+4reb+2ast, A.Valeika 6+7reb+2ast, P.Reljic 5+2reb

gschID: 762071

Bahcesehir – Sibiu 80-71

Rather expected game when 3rd ranked Romanian Sibiu (1-5) lost to first ranked Turkish Acibadem (5-1) in Istanbul 71-80 on Wednesday. Acibadem dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Sibiu’s 32 and made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. Acibadem looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a good game for American point guard Trae Golden (189-91, college: Georgia Tech, agency: Network Sports International) who led his team to a victory with 20 points. The other American import forward Cameron Clark (201-91, college: Oklahoma, agency: Network Sports International) contributed with 15 points for the winners. Acibadem’s coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. American-German forward Isaiah Philmore (203-89, college: Xavier) replied with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds and American power forward Chris Cooper (205-90, college: ODU) added 16 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Sibiu. Acibadem maintains first position in Group D with 5-1 record, which they share with Bakken. Loser Sibiu dropped to the fourth place with five games lost.
Top scorers:
Bahcesehir: T.Golden 20+2reb+3ast, C.Clark 15+3reb+3ast, J.Johnson 12+5reb+1ast, D.Hardy 8+3reb+5ast, L.Perrantes 7+7ast, M.Mathiang 6+11reb
Sibiu: I.Philmore 21+10reb+1ast, C.Cooper 16+9reb+3ast, R.Torok 9+6reb+1ast, J.Chatman 8+1reb+2ast, J.Jordan 8+2reb+6ast, R.Paliciuc 5+4reb

gschID: 762063

Group E

Pinar Karsiyaka – Brussels 93-90

Rather predictable result when first ranked Turkish Pinar Karsiyaka (5-1) edged at home 3rd ranked Belgian Basic-Fit Brussels (2-4) 93-90 on Wednesday. Pinar Karsiyaka looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a good game for Senegalese-French Amath MBaye (205-89, college: Oklahoma) who led his team to a victory with 25 points and 5 assists. American power forward Jordan Morgan (203-91, college: Michigan) contributed with 18 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) for the winners. Point guard Domien Loubry (186-85) replied with 25 points and 4 assists and American Desonta Bradford (191-96, college: ETSU) added 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists in the effort for Basic-Fit Brussels. Five Pinar Karsiyaka and four Basic-Fit Brussels players scored in double figures. Basic-Fit Brussels’ coach tested ten players, but that didn’t help to avoid defeat in this game. Pinar Karsiyaka maintains first position in Group E with 5-1 record, which they share with Bakken. Loser Basic-Fit Brussels keep the third place with four games lost.
Top scorers:
Pinar Karsiyaka: A.M’Baye 25+3reb+5ast, J.Morgan 18+7reb+1ast, M.Birsen 15+9reb+2ast, B.Triche 10+3reb+4ast, T.Taylor 10+1reb+3ast, S.Erden 7+5reb
Brussels: D.Loubry 25+3reb+4ast, D.Bradford 18+5reb+6ast, D.Bell 17+1reb+5ast, J.Foerts 12+3ast, J.Jukic 8+3reb, A.Cumberbatch 6+8reb+1ast

gschID: 762066

Groningen – Spirou 64-78

We should not miss a road victory of second ranked Belgian Spirou Charleroi (3-3) over one of their biggest challengers Dutch Groningen (2-4) 78-64. Groningen was ahead by 7 points after three quarters before a 29-8 charge of Spirou Charleroi, which allowed them to win the game. They also forced 21 Groningen turnovers. 25 personal fouls committed by Groningen helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The best player for the winners was American guard Anthony Beane (188-94, college: SIU, agency: Pensack Sports) who scored 28 points. Guard Alexandre Libert (190-90) chipped in 15 points and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Donte Thomas (201-96, college: Bradley) who recorded 15 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Carrington Love (185-94, college: Green Bay, agency: Inception Sports) added 12 points and 6 assists respectively. Spirou Charleroi maintains second position in Group E with 3-3 record having just nine point less than leader Benfica. Groningen at the other side keeps the third place with four games lost.
Top scorers:
Spirou: A.Beane 28+1reb+1ast, A.Libert 15+4reb+7ast, Y.Schoepen 10+7reb+1ast, A.Hervelle 7+3reb, M.Samardzic 6+2reb, K.Boukichou 5+3reb
Groningen: D.Thomas 15+7reb, C.Love 12+3reb+6ast, T.Koenis 10+7reb, S.Hammink 10+2reb+2ast, M.Williams Jr. 8+5reb+3ast, V.Taylor 5+1reb+1ast

gschID: 762077

Group F

Tsmoki-Minsk – Kyiv Basket 84-92

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Belarusian Tsmoki-Minsk (3-3) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by Ukrainian Kyiv Basket (4-2) 92-84. It was a key game for the top position in Group F. Kyiv Basket made 23-of-30 free shots (76.7 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Power forward Viacheslav Petrov (204-94, agency: Stanislav Ryzhov) notched 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Maksym Pustozvonov (200-87) supported him with 21 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Even 15 points and 9 rebounds by Serbian-French power forward Alexandre Gavrilovic (208-91, college: Towson, agency: Duran International) did not help to save the game for Tsmoki-Minsk. American point guard Robert Lowery (188-87, college: Dayton) added 10 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Five Kyiv Basket and four Tsmoki-Minsk players scored in double figures. Tsmoki-Minsk’s coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Kyiv Basket keeps a position of Group F leader, which they share with Kormend. Defending Belarusian champion Tsmoki-Minsk dropped to the second place with three games lost.
Top scorers:
Kyiv Basket: M.Pustozvonov 21+2reb, V.Petrov 20+7reb+4ast, B.Bliznyuk 13+2reb+6ast, K.Shepherd 13+1reb+4ast, K.Hill 11+4reb+2ast, V.Koreniuk 10+7reb+1ast
Tsmoki-Minsk: M.Salash 17+4reb, A.Gavrilovic 15+9reb+2ast, A.Trastsinetski 13+3reb+2ast, V.Liutych 11, R.Lowery 10+6reb+6ast, B.Mirkovic 8+2reb+9ast

gschID: 762067

Dnipro – Levski Lukoil 61-83

And finally the game worth to mention about is Levski Lukoil’s 22-point blow over Dnipro 83-61. The game was mostly controlled by Levski Lukoil. Dnipro was better in third quarter 14-9. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Levski Lukoil looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a good game for forward Yordan Minchev (202-98) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American forward Kwan Cheatham-Jr (208-95, college: Akron, agency: Two Points) contributed with 19 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Forward Stanislav Tymofeyenko (205-89, agency: Octagon Europe) replied with 12 points and 5 rebounds and American point guard Henry Dugat (183-87, college: Baylor) added 7 points and 7 assists in the effort for Dnipro. Dnipro’s coach gave up on the game allowing to play twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Levski Lukoil maintains third position in Group F with 3-3 record having just nine point less than leader Benfica which they share with defeated Dnipro. Loser Dnipro dropped to the third place with four games lost.
Top scorers:
Levski Lukoil: K.Cheatham Jr. 19+7reb+2ast, Y.Minchev 19+6reb+3ast, V.Petkov 14+3reb+1ast, A.Velikov 9+5reb+7ast, R.Amardi 9+6reb, B.Young 7+3reb+8ast
Dnipro: S.Tymofeyenko 12+5reb+1ast, I.Sanon 9+1reb+1ast, I.Kolomoisky 7+2reb+1ast, H.Dugat 7+3reb+7ast, D.Gliebov 5+4reb+1ast, M.Korniyenko 5+8reb+3ast

gschID: 762070

Group G

Balkan – Sodertalje 90-89

Everything could happen in Botevgrad at the game between two tied teams. Both fourth ranked Bulgarian Balkan and one of their biggest challengers Swedish Sodertalje Kings had identical 1-4 record. This time Balkan used a home court advantage and edged the opponent from Sodertalje 90-89 on Wednesday night. The hosts trailed by 4 points at the halftime before their 25-14 charge in the third quarter, which allowed them to win the game. Balkan made 21-of-23 free shots (91.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Sodertalje Kings were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a good game for American power forward Kenny Hall (206-90, college: Tennessee) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 19 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists. Serbian point guard Marko Radonjic (190-93) contributed with 23 points and 4 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) for the winners. Martin Pahlmblad (193-86) replied with 23 points and American point guard Charles Callison (185-95, college: WSU) added 20 points and 6 assists in the effort for Sodertalje Kings. Four Sodertalje Kings players scored in double figures. Defending Bulgarian champion (2-4) moved-up to third place in Group G, which they share with Kataja. Defending Swedish champion Sodertalje Kings dropped to the fourth position with five games lost.
Top scorers:
Balkan: M.Radonjic 23+3reb+4ast, K.Hall 19+10reb+7ast, D.Dimitrov 15+2reb+2ast, J.Callahan 9+6reb+4ast, A.Simeonov 9+2reb, D.Knight 7+1reb+1ast
Sodertalje: M.Pahlmblad 23+3reb+3ast, C.Callison 20+1reb+6ast, A.Gaddefors 17+3reb+2ast, E.Adams 14+5reb+1ast, S.Drammeh 9+4reb+2ast, J.Person 6+9reb+1ast

gschID: 762069

Cluj Napoca – Enisey 97-83

Second defeat of league’s leader Russian Enisey (4-2) against second ranked Romanian Cluj Napoca (5-1) 97-83 was the most important game of the last round. It was a key game for the top position in Group G. The game without a history. Cluj Napoca led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Enisey’s 34. Cluj Napoca forced 20 Enisey turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. 31 personal fouls committed by Enisey helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for American swingman Patrick Richard (196-90, college: McNeese St., agency: Inception Sports) who led his team to a victory with 21 points and 4 assists. Croatian power forward Karlo Zganec (206-95) contributed with 15 points, 8 assists and 4 steals for the winners. Four Cluj Napoca players scored in double figures. American guard Davion Berry (193-91, college: Weber St.) replied with 26 points and 5 steals and Serbian guard Nikola Rebic (187-95, agency: BeoBasket) added 12 points and 6 assists in the effort for Enisey. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Cluj Napoca keeps a position of Group G leader, which they share with Bakken. Enisey at the other side dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Kormend. They were replaced at the leadership position by Benfica.
Top scorers:
Cluj Napoca: P.Richard 21+3reb+4ast, D.Planinic 18+6reb+1ast, A.Calnicenco 16+2reb+2ast, K.Zganec 15+3reb+8ast, K.Johnson 8+1reb+4ast, A.Ate 7+6reb+3ast
Enisey: D.Berry 26+3reb+3ast, N.Rebic 12+1reb+6ast, I.Popov 9+2reb+1ast, D.Zakharov 9+4reb+2ast, T.Zubcic 9+4reb+3ast, A.Komissarov 8+6reb+1ast

gschID: 762064

Group H

Kataja – Kormend 95-91

There was a small surprise when third ranked Finnish Kataja (2-4) defeated top-ranked Hungarian Kormend (4-2) in Joensuu 95-91 on Wednesday. Kormend was trailing by 9 points at halftime but managed to get 4-point lead after three quarters before a 25-17 charge of Kataja, which allowed them to win the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a good game for American guard Omar Calhoun (198-93, college: Connecticut) who led his team to a victory with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Jamaican-Canadian point guard Jarred Ogungbemi-Jackson (178-91, college: Calgary) contributed with 17 points and 9 assists for the winners. American forward Jordon Varnado (198-97, college: Troy) replied with 18 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Travis Taylor (203-90, college: Xavier) added 9 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the effort for Kormend. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kormend’s coach tested ten players, but that didn’t help to avoid defeat in this game. Kataja maintains third position in Group H with 2-4 record having just eight point less than leader Benfica. Loser Kormend dropped to the second place with two games lost.
Top scorers:
Kataja: O.Calhoun 25+5reb+5ast, J.Ogungbemi-Jackson 17+3reb+9ast, V.Leppanen 14+1reb+1ast, E.Morris 11+3reb+1ast, S.Vanttaja 11+3reb+1ast, J.Bradley 8+8reb+2ast
Kormend: J.Varnado 18+7reb+2ast, K.Durazi 15+3reb+1ast, F.Turner 14+4ast, J.Edwards 14+2reb+2ast, E.Kastrati 12+3reb+4ast, T.Taylor 9+9reb+5ast

gschID: 762065

Bakken – Legia 77-74

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Danish Bakken as it allowed them to take a leadership position in Group H. Bakken edged 4th ranked Polish Legia in Risskov 77-74. Legia cut a 21-point halftime deficit to three at the end of the game. Bakken players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. American forward Ryan Evans (202-90, college: Wisconsin) scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists to lead the charge for the winners and forward Darko Jukic (199-90) chipped in 12 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Bakken’s coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The best for the losing side was swingman Michal Michalak (197-93, agency: Octagon Europe) with 18 points and American guard Drew Brandon (193-92, college: EWU) scored 8 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Bakken (5-1) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Legia lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with five games lost.
Top scorers:
Bakken: R.Evans 14+6reb+7ast, D.Jukic 12+7reb+2ast, M.Diouf 11+5reb, C.Ortiz 9+1reb, T.Laerke 9+2reb+1ast, N.Hilliard IV 9+3reb+5ast
Legia: M.Michalak 18+4reb+3ast, F.Matczak 15+2reb+2ast, M.Milovanovic 12+6reb+3ast, M.Finke 9+5reb+1ast, D.Brandon 8+6reb+7ast, R.Belemene 8+6reb+3ast

gschID: 762074

Tags : PATRICK RICHARD, U-BANCA TRANSILVANIA CLUJ NAPOCA, FIBA EUROPE CUP BASKETBALL

The second most remarkable performance in last round’s games was 27-year old Moroccan center Khalid Boukichou (208-C-92, agency: Two Points) of second-ranked Spirou. Boukichou impressed basketball fans with a double-double of 21 points and 11 rebounds. Bad luck as Spirou was edged by Brussels (2-3) 75-72. It was definitely game of the week between two contenders to the title. Spirou still maintains its place in the top 2 of the standings, even despite this loss. His team is not often considered as one of the league’s best with a mere 2-3 record. Boukichou is a newcomer at Spirou and it seems he did not have too much trouble to become one of team’s leaders.

The third best performed player last round was Raviv Limonad (191-SG-84) of top-ranked Nes-Ziona. Limonad showcased his all-around game by recording 20 points, six rebounds and eight assists in the last round. He was a key player of Nes-Ziona, leading his team to a 85-74 win against #3 ranked Keravnos. Nes-Ziona started extremely well this year. They recorded 4 victories without losing a single game. Limonad turns to be one of the very best players in the league while he is also a leader of the top team having his eyes on the championship title. Limonad has a very solid season. In 4 games in FIBA Europe Cup he scored 13.0ppg.

Other top performing players last week:
4. Justin Edwards (190-G-92) of Kormend – 23 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists
5. Tomislav Zubcic (211-F-90) of Enisey – 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists
6. Vladyslav Koreniuk (210-C-94) of Kyiv Basket – 19 points and 13 rebounds
7. Isaiah Philmore (203-F-89) of Sibiu – 26 points and 6 rebounds
8. Henry Dugat (183-PG-87) of Dnipro – 18 points, 2 rebounds and 9 assists
9. Trae Golden (189-PG-91) of Bahcesehir – 30 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists
10. Martez Walker (195-G-95) of Zwolle – 20 points and 2 assists

The Player of the week is selected based on efficiency calculation, but also including game result, importance of the game, if played recorded double-double/triple-double, etc.
The efficiency formula is a combination of various formulas used by different basketball organizations/leagues. We got involved many basketball scouts and journalists to assure it’s accuracy.
The formula: 1.5*PTS + 3* (REB+AST+ST+BL-TO) – 2*BSAG – 4*PF + 3*PFRV + 4* (2FGPM+3FGPM) + 1.5*FTM – 3* (2FGPA-2FGPM) – 3* (3FGPA-3FGPM) – (FTA-FTM)

Tags : RYAN LUTHER, BK VENTSPILS, FIBA EUROPE CUP BASKETBALL