Iceland – D1 Round 4: Valur is defeated by Fjolnir

Collin Pryor After 4 rounds played we can already see who rules in the D1 and who belongs to weaker ones. The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Valur (2-1) in Reykjavik on Friday night. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Fjolnir (3-1) 101-89. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Valur. It was a key game for the second position in the league. The guests trailed by 3 points at the halftime before their 58-43 charge in the second half, which allowed them to win the game. Fjolnir made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American forward Collin Pryor (200-90, college: Northern St., agency: Mansfield and Associates) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points, 19 rebounds and 6 assists and swingman Gardar Sveinbjornsson (192-87) who added 24 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side naturalized American guard Austin Bracey (190-90) responded with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Valur’s coach Agust Bjorgvinsson rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Fjolnir have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with FSU. Valur at the other side dropped to the fourth position with one game lost. They share it with Breidablik and Hamar. Fjolnir is looking forward to face Breidablik (#6) in Kopavogur in the next round. Valur will play on the road against FSU in Selfoss and it may be a tough game between close rivals. D1 top team – Hottur (4-0) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed seventh ranked IA (0-3) in Egilsstadir 131-70. Hottur have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record. IA at the other side still closes the standings with three games lost. Hottur will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. IA will play against Vestri (#9) and hopes to get finally their first victory.Bottom-ranked Armann (0-4) 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 fourth consecutive match to fifth ranked FSU (3-1) 104-86 on Friday evening. Terrance Motley fired a double-double by scoring 40 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Dagur Palsson produced a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. FSU moved-up to second place, which they share with Fjolnir. Loser Armann still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Vestri. FSU will meet at home Valur (#4) in the next round. Armann will play against Hamar (#5) and looks forward to get finally their first victory.Bottom-ranked Vestri (0-4) is still winless. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fourth consecutive match to sixth ranked Hamar (2-1) 92-69. It was a very good performance for Chris Woods who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 21 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Vestri’s coach Ingvi Gunnlaugsson gave up on the game allowing to play eleven players seeing no chance for a win. Hamar moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Valur and Breidablik. Newly promoted Vestri still …

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