Kosovo – SuperLeague Round 8: Sigal Pristhina outgun Bashkimi

BojanTrajkovski Round 8 most important game was a defeat of league’s leader Bashkimi (6-1). They were defeated by fourth ranked Sigal Prishtina (5-2) 100-84 on Sunday night. It ended at the same time the six-game winning streak of Bashkimi. It was a very close game until the last quarter, when Sigal Prishtina’s pressure prevailed and they won that period 30-15 extending their advantage to 16 points. They dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Bashkimi’s 26. Sigal Prishtina looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Bashkimi helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of FYR Macedonian power forward Bojan Trajkovski (208-88, agency: Mansfield and Associates) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 31 points and 11 rebounds and American-Dominican M.J. Rhett (206-92, college: Mississippi) who added 22 points and 14 rebounds (on 11-of-14 shooting from the field) during the contest. Sigal Prishtina’s coach Jeronimo Sarin used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Kejuan Johnson (193-85, college: Long Beach St., agency: Inception Sports) responded with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Sigal Prishtina have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion moved-up to third place. Bashkimi at the other side dropped to the second position with one game lost. They were replaced at the leadership position by Peja. Bashkimi will play next round against Kerasan trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Sigal Prishtina will try to continue on its current victory against first ranked Peja in Peje. The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Peja as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Peja smashed 5th ranked Ylli in Peje 97-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Ylli. The winners were led by American swingman Lamarcus Reed (196-88, college: Texas Arlington) who scored that evening 33 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds and Alban Veseli supported him with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Peja’s coach Aleksandar Todorov allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 20 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists by point guard Altin Morina (194-94) did not help to save the game for Ylli. Undefeated Peja (6-0) have an impressive six-game winning streak. As mentioned above they took over a top position. Ylli at the other side keeps the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with Rahoveci. Ylli will play next round against strong Trepca trying to get back on the winning streak. Peja will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Sigal Prishtina on the road. A very close game took place in Prishtina between Rahoveci and Kerasan. Sixth ranked Rahoveci (3-4) got a very close victory on the road over bottom-ranked Kerasan (0-8). Rahoveci managed to escape with a 2-point win 79-77 on Saturday evening. The best player for the winners was Valon Bunjaku who scored 31 points. Genc Gashi produced 14 points and 8 assists for the hosts. Rahoveci moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Ylli. Loser Kerasan still closes the standings with eight games lost. Rahoveci will meet at home Vellaznimi (#7) in the next round. Kerasan will play against the league’s second-placed Bashkimi in Prizren and hopes to get finally their first victory.The game in Gjakove supposed to be also worth to mention about. Fourth ranked Trepca (5-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Vellaznimi (1-7). Trepca smashed Vellaznimi 98-65. Samir Zekiqi orchestrated the victory by scoring 19 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Trepca maintains fourth position with 5-3 record. Vellaznimi lost third …

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