Holland – Eredivisie Round 8: Amsterdam outlast Zwolle

Aaron Roye The biggest surprise took place in Amsterdam where host Amsterdam (5-3) edged league’s leader Zwolle (6-2) 83-80 on Saturday evening. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning the initial quarter 25-20. But Zwolle won second period 20-19. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. The game was decided in the last minutes when Amsterdam won last quarter 18-16. They made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was the former international point guard Aaron Roye (184-88) who scored 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international swingman Dimeo Van Der Horst (197-91) chipped in 21 points and 7 assists. American guard J.T. Tiller (188-88, college: Missouri) produced 27 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals for the guests. Amsterdam have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 5-3 record. Zwolle at the other side dropped to the second place with two games lost. They share the position with Leiden. They were replaced at the leadership position by Groningen. Zwolle will play next round against Rotterdam trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Amsterdam will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Weert on the road. The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Groningen as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Groningen smashed 6th ranked Dukes UDB at home 87-65. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Dukes UDB. American forward Chase Fieler (203-92, college: FGCU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 18 points and 7 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Jason Dourisseau contributed with 21 points for the winners. Groningen’s coach Erik Braal felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international forward Stefan Wessels (203-84) replied with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for Dukes UDB. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Dukes UDB at the other side dropped to the seventh place with six games lost. Dukes UDB will play next round against strong Leiden trying to get back on the winning streak. Groningen will try to continue on its current victory against fifth ranked Leeuwarden on the road. Bottom-ranked Weert (0-8) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 86-73 loss to seventh ranked Leeuwarden (3-5) in Weert on Saturday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Meshack Lufile who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 5 rebounds. Akeel Eduardo responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Leeuwarden moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Rotterdam. Loser Weert still closes the standings with eight games lost. Leeuwarden will meet at home league’s leader Groningen in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Weert will play against Amsterdam (#4) and hopes to get finally their first victory.The game in Rotterdam was also worth to mention about. One of their biggest challengers Amsterdam (5-3) played at the court of sixth ranked Rotterdam (3-5). Rotterdam managed to secure a 5-point victory 82-77. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Amsterdam. The winners were led by Anthlon Bell who scored that evening 18 points. Rotterdam moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Leeuwarden. Amsterdam at the other side keeps the fourth position with three games lost. Rotterdam’s next round opponent will be higher ranked Zwolle (#3) at home and it may be quite challenging game. Amsterdam will play against Weert and hope to win that game. In the last game of round 8 Rotterdam was defeated by Leiden in a road game 76-58. Leiden – Rotterdam 76-58There was no surprise when 6th ranked Rotterdam (3-5) was defeated on the road by third ranked Leiden (6-2) 76-58. The game without a history. Leiden led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. The winners were led by American forward Daviyon Draper (201-94, college: FIU) who scored that evening 16 points and …

continue reading in source www.eurobasket.com