BSL Round 4 of Regular Season

There were just four rounds played in Regular Season of BSL and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. The round was exceptionally exciting as three games ended with a tiny margin. The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with derby games, favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Fenerbahce as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Fenerbahce defeated bottom-ranked Acibadem in Istanbul 74-60. Fenerbahce looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of French power forward Joffrey Lauvergne (210-91, agency: BeoBasket) who helped to win the game recording 13 points and 5 rebounds. Greek point guard Kostas Sloukas (197-90) contributed with 10 points and 7 assists for the winners. American power forward JaJuan Johnson (206-89, college: Purdue) replied with 19 points and 9 rebounds for Acibadem. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Fenerbahce have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Pinar Karsiyaka. Acibadem at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with ITU BB and Buyukcekmece. Acibadem will play next round against Tofas trying to get back on the winning streak. Fenerbahce will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Galatasaray. It will be extra interesting game as Galatasaray is their local rival from Istanbul.
Top-ranked Pinar Karsiyaka blasted bottom-ranked ITU BB (0-4) in Karsiyaka 105-67 keeping the perfect record after 4 rounds. ITU BB is still unable to win any game. Worth to mention a great performance of Onuralp Bitim (196-99) who helped to win the game recording 24 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) and Brandon Triche who added 19 points during the contest. At the losing side Bahamas forward Dwight Coleby (206-94, college: WKU, agency: Interperformances) responded with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 15 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. Pinar Karsiyaka have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Fenerbahce. ITU BB at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Buyukcekmece and Bahcesehir. Pinar Karsiyaka will play against Gaziantep (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. ITU BB will play against OGM Orman (#12) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

Bottom-ranked Buyukcekmece is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their fourth consecutive match to seventh ranked Anadolu Efes (3-1) 109-69 on Monday evening. The winners were led by Rodrigue Beaubois who scored that evening 16 points and 4 assists. Even 16 points by Andrew Andrews did not help to save the game for Buyukcekmece. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Defending champion moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams. Loser Buyukcekmece still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with ITU BB and Bahcesehir. Anadolu Efes will meet Bursaspor (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Buyukcekmece will play against Bandirma (#10) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.

The game in Bursa was also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Turk Telekom (2-2) played at the court of sixth ranked Tofas (3-1). Tofas managed to secure a 9-point victory 81-72. Matt Lojeski fired 16 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Tofas have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with 4 other teams. Turk Telekom at the other side dropped to the eighth position with two games lost. Tofas' next round opponent will be Acibadem (#14) in Istanbul which should be an easy win for them. Turk Telekom will play at home against Darussafaka (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

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24.10.2019