Sweden – Basketligan Round 5: BC Lulea keeps a leadership position

YannickAnzuluni It’s still too early stage of the Regular Season in Basketligan, but even now we can clearly see the differece between stronger teams and outsiders. Coincidentally all hosts won their games. The game had a very big importance for fourth-ranked BC Lulea as it allowed them to take a leadership position. BC Lulea edged second-ranked Boras Basket at home 79-76. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 23-19. But Boras Basket won second period 19-17. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The best player for the winners was Canadian forward Yannick Anzuluni (205-87, college: Houghton) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points and 11 rebounds. American guard Brandon Rozzell (188-89, college: VCU) chipped in 22 points and 5 steals. American point guard James Washington (182-87, college: Middle Tenn.St.) produced 16 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the guests. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Sodertalje. Boras Basket at the other side dropped to the third place with two games lost. Boras Basket will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. BC Lulea will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Nassjo on the road. Umea can celebrate their first win this season after four consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Malbas (0-4) 88-74. Egal Saleman (201-88) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 5 rebounds. Josh Wolfram contributed with 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Jordan Peltier (193-95) answered with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for Malbas. Umea (1-4) left bottom position moving up to eighth place. It was Malbas’ fourth loss in a row. They still close the standings with four games lost. Umea will play against higher ranked KFUM Jamtland (#5) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Malbas will play against the league’s second-placed Sodertalje Kings (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.The game in Norrkoping supposed to be also quite interesting. 6th ranked Nassjo (2-3) played at the court of seventh ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (2-2). Norrkoping Dolphins smashed Nassjo 88-54 on Tuesday. Dejan Jeftic stepped up and scored 23 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Dartaye Ruffin responded with 16 points and 8 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. Norrkoping Dolphins moved-up to sixth place. Loser Nassjo dropped to the seventh position with three games …

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