There were only 2 rounds played so far and it's still very beginning of the Second Stage in Balkan League.
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Greek Kavala (3-3) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by Bulgarian Levski Sofia (4-2) 77-73. It was a key game for the top position in Group C as both teams had the same 3-2 record before this meeting. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 18-14. But Kavala won second period 17-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Chavdar Kostov (195-88, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points. Forward Dimitar Dimitrov (203-93, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 12 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Serbian-Greek guard Igor Milosevic (193-86, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 15 points and 5 assists for Kavala. Kavala's coach Angelos Koronios tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Levski Sofia keeps a position of Group C leader. Kavala at the other side dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Levski Sofia are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Teodo Tivat (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Kavala will play against Galil Gilboa in Rosh Pina and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Another interesting game for FYR Macedonian undefeated Kozuv (4-0) which played in Slavonski Brod against top-ranked Croatian Djuro Djakovic (3-1). Top-ranked Kozuv had an easy win 89-72. It was a key game for the top position in Group D. Kozuv keeps a position of Group D leader. Djuro Djakovic at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest. Very important is a road loss of third ranked FYR Macedonian Kumanovo 2009 (3-3) against fourth ranked Bulgarian Rilski Sportist (3-3) on Tuesday night. Visiting Kumanovo 2009 was defeated by Rilski Sportist in Samokov 88-75. Branko Mirkovic notched 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort. Even a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds by Uros Lukovic did not help to save the game for Kumanovo 2009. Kumanovo 2009's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Rilski Sportist moved-up to second place in Group C, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Kumanovo 2009. Rilski Sportist will meet at home Galil Gilboa (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kumanovo 2009 will have a break next round. An interesting game for Croatian Djuro Djakovic (3-1) which played road game in Beograd against one of their biggest challengers Serbian OKK Beograd (0-3). First ranked Djuro Djakovic managed to get a 9-point victory 99-90. The best player for the winners was Matej Karlovic who scored 26 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). OKK Beograd's coach Srdjan Jekovic gave the chance to play for eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Djuro Djakovic have a solid three-game winning streak. Despite that victory Djuro Djakovic went down to second position (Group D) due to points difference. OKK Beograd at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. Djuro Djakovic will have a break next round. OKK Beograd will play on the road against Mornar Bar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
In the last game of round 2 In Group C bottom-ranked Teodo Tivat was beaten by Galil Gilboa on the road 102-92.
Everything could happen in Rosh Pina at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Israeli Galil Gilboa and 6th ranked Montenegrin Teodo Tivat had identical 2-3 record. This time Galil Gilboa used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Tivat 102-92. The game was mostly controlled by Galil Gilboa. Teodo Tivat was better in third quarter 27-22. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Galil Gilboa shot 60.9 percent from the field. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Jamar Smith (191-87, college: S.Indiana, agency: KMG Sports Management) who scored 31 points (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field). Dagan Yavzuri (193-85) chipped in 21 points and 6 rebounds. Galil Gilboa's coach Lior Lubin allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. point guard Marko Mijovic (188-87) produced a double-double by scoring 27 points and 11 assists and center Savo Djikanovic (211-75, agency: Beo Basket) added 15 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Galil Gilboa (3-3) moved-up to second place in Group C, which they share with 3 other teams. Teodo Tivat at the other side stay at the bottom position with four games lost. Galil Gilboa's next round opponent will be Kavala (#4) on the road. Teodo Tivat will play against the league's leader Levski Sofia. Top scorers: Teodo Tivat: M.Mijovic 27+3reb+11ast, S.Djikanovic 15+6reb+2ast, A.Radulovic 14+3reb, S.Subotic 14+2reb+3ast, M.Johnson 8+3reb, I.Kunjic 5+4reb+2ast Galil Gilboa: J.Smith 31+1reb+1ast, D.Yavzuri 21+6reb+3ast, R.Sanders 16+6reb+3ast, K.Hayes 12+1reb+7ast, A.Bier-Katz 7+2reb+1ast, B.Bowman 7+4reb+3ast
The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of Greek Kavala (3-3) at the home court on Wednesday night. Hosts were defeated by Bulgarian Levski Sofia (4-2) 77-73. It was a key game for the top position in Group C as both teams had the same 3-2 record before this meeting. The guests took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 18-14. But Kavala won second period 17-15. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Chavdar Kostov (195-88, agency: Interperformances) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points. Forward Dimitar Dimitrov (203-93, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 12 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Serbian-Greek guard Igor Milosevic (193-86, agency: Beo Basket) replied with 15 points and 5 assists and Scottish-Nigerian Kieron Achara (208-83, college: Duquesne, agency: Two Points) added 15 points and 5 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) in the effort for Kavala. Kavala's coach Angelos Koronios tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Levski Sofia keeps a position of Group C leader. Kavala at the other side dropped to the fourth place with three games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Levski Sofia are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Teodo Tivat (#6) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Kavala will play against Galil Gilboa in Rosh Pina and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: Kavala: I.Milosevic 15+3reb+5ast, K.Achara 15+5reb+2ast, D.Tairu 14+4reb, W.Coleman 8+5reb+1ast, G.Arbet 8+5reb+2ast, D.Kalampakas 4+1reb+1ast Levski Sofia: C.Kostov 22+4reb+1ast, Z.Georgiev 13, S.Georgiev 13+5reb+2ast, D.Dimitrov 12+8reb+1ast, M.Marinovic 9+2reb+7ast, N.Varbanov 7+7reb
Very important is a road loss of third ranked FYR Macedonian Kumanovo 2009 (3-3) against fourth ranked Bulgarian Rilski Sportist (3-3) on Tuesday night. Visiting Kumanovo 2009 was defeated by Rilski Sportist in Samokov 88-75. The game without a history. Rilski Sportist led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Serbian guard Branko Mirkovic (190-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) notched 21 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the effort and American point guard Terry Smith (185-86, college: Mercyhurst) supported him with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Five Rilski Sportist players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 26 points and 14 rebounds by Serbian center Uros Lukovic (212-89) did not help to save the game for Kumanovo 2009. Guard Aleksandar Kostoski (186-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) added 18 points and 4 assists for the guests. Kumanovo 2009's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Rilski Sportist moved-up to second place in Group C, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Kumanovo 2009. Rilski Sportist will meet at home Galil Gilboa (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Kumanovo 2009 will have a break next round. Top scorers: Kumanovo: U.Lukovic 26+14reb+2ast, A.Kostoski 18+3reb+4ast, I.Dimcevski 9+2reb+1ast, D.Mikic 6+3reb, A.Lee-Ingram 6+5reb, M.Mladenovic 4+4reb+4ast Rilski Sportist: B.Mirkovic 21+5reb+6ast, T.Smith 18+9reb+2ast, B.Dupree 16+11reb, H.Zahariev 15+3reb+3ast, T.Gugino 12+6reb, S.Vaklinov 4+3reb+3ast
Another interesting game for FYR Macedonian undefeated Kozuv (4-0) which played in Slavonski Brod against top-ranked Croatian Djuro Djakovic (3-1). Top-ranked Kozuv had an easy win 89-72. It was a key game for the top position in Group D. It looked good early as Djuro Djakovic took an 9-point lead at the end of first quarter. But then Kozuv took control winning two of next three quarters and eventually winning the game that evening by 17 points. Kozuv keeps a position of Group D leader. Djuro Djakovic at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
An interesting game for Croatian Djuro Djakovic (3-1) which played road game in Beograd against one of their biggest challengers Serbian OKK Beograd (0-3). First ranked Djuro Djakovic managed to get a 9-point victory 99-90. The guests started the game with a very strong first quarter 27-16. But OKK Beograd won second period 22-21. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Djuro Djakovic players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The best player for the winners was forward Matej Karlovic (200-89) who scored 26 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Power forward Marino Sarlija (207-89) chipped in 22 points and 7 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Guard Vuk Malidzan (193-88) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points, 9 rebounds, 14 assists and 4 steals and guard Vladimir Popovic (190-82) added 17 points respectively for the hosts. Four OKK Beograd players scored in double figures. OKK Beograd's coach Srdjan Jekovic gave the chance to play for eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Djuro Djakovic have a solid three-game winning streak. Despite that victory Djuro Djakovic went down to second position (Group D) due to points difference. OKK Beograd at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. Djuro Djakovic will have a break next round. OKK Beograd will play on the road against Mornar Bar and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Top scorers: OKK Beograd: V.Popovic 17+2reb+2ast, N.Jeftic 13+1reb+1ast, M.Pavlovic 12+3reb+2ast, V.Malidzan 12+9reb+14ast, I.Marinkovic 11+1reb+1ast, S.Knezevic 8+6reb+3ast Djuro Djakovic: M.Karlovic 26+6reb+1ast, M.Sarlija 22+7reb+3ast, H.Puljko 19+5reb+4ast, M.Kolovrat 8+4reb, M.Kljaic 7+1ast, P.Zivkovic 7+1reb
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Eurobasket.com All-Balkan League Awards 2013 - Apr 24, 2013
Final Four MVP: Rakim Sanders (193-G-89) of Galil Gilboa; Player of the Year: Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) of Kumanovo; Guard of the Year: Branko Mirkovic (190-G-82) of Rilski Sportist; Forward of the Year: Ivica Dimcevski (194-G/F-89) of Kumanovo; Center of the Year: Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) of Kumanovo; Defensive Player of the Year: Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) of Kumanovo; European Player of the Year: Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) of Kumanovo; Import Player of the Year: Mitchell Watt (208-F-89) of Galil Gilbo [read more]
Eurobasket.com All-Balkan League 1st Team 2013
Marinovic
Mirkovic
Dimcevski
Watt
Lukovic
Final Four MVP: Rakim Sanders (193-G-89) of Galil Gilboa Player of the Year: Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) of Kumanovo Guard of the Year: Branko Mirkovic (190-G-82) of Rilski Sportist Forward of the Year: Ivica Dimcevski (194-G/F-89) of Kumanovo Center of the Year: Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) of Kumanovo Defensive Player of the Year: Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) of Kumanovo European Player of the Year: Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) of Kumanovo Import Player of the Year: Mitchell Watt (208-F-89) of Galil Gilboa Coach of the Year: Konstantin Papazov of Levski Sofia
All-Imports Team
PG: Terry Smith (185-PG-86) of Rilski Sportist
G: Jamar Smith (191-G-87) of Galil Gilboa
F: Mitchell Watt (208-F-89) of Galil Gilboa
F: Braxton Dupree (203-F-89) of Rilski Sportist
C: Tony Gugino (207-C-86) of Rilski Sportist
Three major decisions were taken on the Board meeting during the Final 4 of EUROHOLD Balkan League - Apr 22, 2013
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During the Final 4 of EUROHOLD Balkan League in Samokov there was held a Board meeting of the federations members of the competition. On this Board meeting were taken three major decisions.
- The league will most probably allow the teams to include 5 non-European players in the roster during a game but only 3 of them will be able to be in the court on the same time. At least one local player must be on the court also and the other player can be also local or European [read more]
During the Final 4 of EUROHOLD Balkan League in Samokov there was held a Board meeting of the federations members of the competition. On this Board meeting were taken three major decisions.
- The league will most probably allow the teams to include 5 non-European players in the roster during a game but only 3 of them will be able to be in the court on the same time. At least one local player must be on the court also and the other player can be also local or European. With this decision the league wants to give a possibility to the teams from Israel, Romania, Greece and other countries to use their full rosters. The league also will give even more chance for young and local players to play and develop.
- The league has requests from at least 14 teams to participate in the next season. If the 10 teams that played this season would like to be a part of the league for the next campaign, the league will give them this possibility but only if they show they have a good roster. There will also be a wild card and most probably the teams for next season will be 12. Until June 13th the structure will be approved. Other news is that Romania will be back in the league with one or two teams.
- Sigal Prishtina will be a new member of EUROHOLD Balkan League. The team from Kosovo has been accepted to the competition after approval by FIBA, FIBA Europe and all federation members. The only federation that has not given an answer so far is the one of Serbia. During the Board meeting were also approved some technical changes in the regulation. The system of this season will be kept - if the teams remain 10 there will be two groups of 5 and then a Top 6. If the league consists of 12 teams there will be two groups of 6 and than a Top 8. Courtesy of: balkanleague.net
Galil Gilboa beat Levski to defend the title - Apr 21, 2013
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FINAL
Galil Gilboa - Levski Sofia 87-79
Balkan League fans got the sense of deja-vu when Galil Gilboa defended their Balkan League title tonight. They prevailed against Levski Sofia in overtime drama almost copying the last seasons title game scenario. Rakim Sanders (193-G-89, college: Fairfield) stepped up with 30 points and 17 rebounds to pace the winners to the second straight Balkan League trophy. The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter [read more]
FINAL
Galil Gilboa - Levski Sofia 87-79 Balkan League fans got the sense of deja-vu when Galil Gilboa defended their Balkan League title tonight. They prevailed against Levski Sofia in overtime drama almost copying the last seasons title game scenario. Rakim Sanders (193-G-89, college: Fairfield) stepped up with 30 points and 17 rebounds to pace the winners to the second straight Balkan League trophy. The teams stayed close throughout the opening quarter. Galil Gilboa eked out an 18:17 lead after ten minutes. But Levski took over in the second frame. The Bulgarian powerhouse went on a 24:15 rally in the second quarter to ensure a 41:33 halftime lead. Galil Gilboa narrowed the deficit in the third term. The Israeli team got within 6 points at the third break. Galil Gilboa pulled in front on a jumper from Yaniv Green (206-C-80, agency: Z.A.G. - Law Offices) midway through the fourth frame. Levski rebounded and entered the final 27 seconds of regulation up by two points 63:61. But Yaniv Green went perfect from the line and sent the game into overtime. Now Galil Gilboa were closer to the victory as they led by as many as four points with 42 seconds remaining in the extra period. But Marko Marinovic (183-PG-83) hit four free throws in the remaining seconds to force the second overtime. This time Galil Gilboa used an 11:0 rally to clear off for good and triumphed at the end. Yaniv Green delivered 16 points, while Jamar Smith (191-G-87, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: S.Indiana) contributed 14 points for the winners. Marko Marinovic answered with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Levski. Mladen Pantic added 17 points in the losign effort.
3-4 Place
Kumanovo - Rilski Sportist 77-85 Rilski Sportist claimed the Balkan League Bronze. They held off Kumanovo in Samokov to step onto the pedestal. Hristo Zahariev (197-SG-90) stepped off the bench to topscore with 25 points and 6 boards for the winners. Kumanovo enjoyed a slim 23:22 lead after the opening quarter. But Rilski took over in the second frame. The hosts went on a 25:16 run to ensure a 47:39 halftime advantage. Kumanovo tried to change the complexion of the encounter in the third quarter. The Macedonian team got within 4 points at the final intermission. But it was not enough. Rilski fired 22 points in the fourth period and sealed the winning outcome at the end. Branko Mirkovic (190-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 14 points and 10 assists, while Terry Smith added 14 points for the winners. Uros Lukovic (212-C-89) answered with 23 points and 8 rebounds for Kumanovo. Anthony Lee-Ingram (195-F-88, agency: Beo Basket, college: Brescia, KY) had 22 points and 12 boards in the loss.
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