Holland – Eredivisie Round 4: Groningen keeps a leadership position

SeanCunningham After 4 rounds played we can already see who rules in the Eredivisie and who belongs to weaker ones. Host teams show no mercy winning all games. The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Groningen as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Groningen defeated 6th ranked Leeuwarden at home 73-56. The game was mostly controlled by Groningen. Leeuwarden managed to win fourth quarter 15-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Worth to mention a great performance of international point guard Sean Cunningham (188-86, college: Cal-Riverside) who helped to win the game recording 5 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists and American forward Andrew Smith (206-92, college: Liberty) who added 7 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side the former international power forward Craig Osaikhwuwuomwan (211-90) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 14 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Groningen have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Leiden and Zwolle. Leeuwarden lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with three games lost. Leeuwarden will play next round against Rotterdam trying to get back on the winning streak. Groningen will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked Leiden at home. The game between Top Four teams took place in Zwolle. Top-ranked host Zwolle (4-0) defeated 4th ranked Rotterdam (1-2) 70-66. The winners were led by American guard J.T. Tiller (188-88, college: Missouri) who scored that evening 14 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and Clayton Vette supported him with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Even 7 points and 11 rebounds by center Lucas Steijn (211-86, college: Idaho St.) did not help to save the game for Rotterdam. Zwolle have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Groningen and Leiden. Rotterdam at the other side keeps the fourth place with two games lost. They share the position with Amsterdam. Zwolle will play against bottom-ranked Weert (#8) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Rotterdam will play against Leeuwarden (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. Amsterdam has registered their first victory this season after two consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Weert (0-4) 95-83 on Saturday. Sergio de Randamie fired 19 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Jeroen van Vugt produced 14 points and 5 assists for lost side. Weert’s coach Radenko Varagic rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn’t help. Amsterdam (1-2) left bottom position moving up to fourth place, which they share with Rotterdam. It was Weert’s fourth loss in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. They share the position with Dukes UDB. Amsterdam will meet Dukes UDB (#7) in the next round. Weert will play against Zwolle and hopes to get finally their first victory.Bottom-ranked Dukes UDB (0-4) is still winless. But it was rather predictable considering how strong their opponent was. This time they lost on the road their fourth consecutive match to top-ranked Leiden (4-0) 66-56. It was a very good performance for Jessey Voorn who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 6 assists. Leiden have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Groningen and Zwolle. Dukes UDB at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Leiden’s next round opponent will be league’s leader Groningen on …

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