Ukraine – Superleague Round 4: Cherkasy defeats Budivelnyk in the closest game of the week

Stacy Davis After 4 rounds played we can already see who rules in the Superleague and who belongs to weaker ones. The most exciting game of round 4 in the Superleague took place in Cherkasy. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers Budivelnyk (2-2) to eighth ranked Cherkasy (2-2) 69-68 in the game for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Budivelnyk. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Budivelnyk won third quarter 14-9. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Cherkasy looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Stacy Davis (198-94, college: Pepperdine) who helped to win the game recording 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and international forward Alexander Sizov (198-88) who added 9 points and 5 assists during the contest. At the losing side American point guard Henry Dugat (183-87, college: Baylor) responded with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Cherkasy moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Budivelnyk. Cherkasy is looking forward to face bottom-ranked Bipa Basket (#11) in Odessa in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Budivelnyk will play at home against Bipa Basket (#11) and is hoping to win this game. Superleague top team – Khimik (4-0) managed to deliver another win. This time they beat fifth ranked Mykolaiv (2-2) in Yuzhny 84-69. The winners were led by American point guard Jaime Smith (190-89, college: Al.-Huntsville) who scored that evening 30 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and Tavon Allen supported him with 15 points. Even 19 points and 6 rebounds by center Oleksandr Kushnirov (210-92) did not help to save the game for Mykolaiv. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Khimik have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 4-0 record. Mykolaiv at the other side dropped to the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Khimik will play against Budivelnyk (#4) in Kyiv in the next round. Mykolaiv will play at home against Avantazh-Polit. and hopes to get back on the winning track. Bottom-ranked Bipa Basket (0-4) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fourth consecutive match to ninth ranked Kryvbas (2-2) 66-57 on Sunday evening. Dmytro Tykhonov fired 17 points and 8 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winners. Klym Artamonov produced 9 points for lost side. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Kryvbas moved-up to fourth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Bipa Basket still closes the standings with four games lost. Kryvbas will meet at home Kremen (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. Bipa Basket will play against Budivelnyk in Kyiv and hopes to get finally their first victory.Bottom-ranked Avantazh-Polit. (0-3) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their third consecutive match to third ranked Dnipro (3-1) 87-70. It was a very good performance for Pavel Revzin who helped to win the game recording 22 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Dnipro have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Zaporizhya. Newly promoted Avantazh-Polit. still closes the standings with three games lost. Dnipro’s next round opponent will be VolinBasket (#8) in Lutsk where they are favorite. Avantazh-Polit. will play on the road against Mykolaiv in Mykolaiv and looks forward to get finally their first victory.The game in Kremenchuk was also quite interesting. Fourth ranked Zaporizhya (3-1) played at the court of 6th ranked Kremen (1-2). Zaporizhya managed to secure a 5-point victory 73-68 on Sunday. Worth to mention a great performance of Pavlo Burenko who helped to win the game recording 18 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Zaporizhya moved-up to second place, which they share with Dnipro. Loser Kremen dropped to the ninth position with two games lost. Zaporizhya will have a break next …

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