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Norway – BLNO Round 9: #1 Kongsberg is defeated by Baerum Basket
- Updated: November 24, 2016
EricGilchrese There was no lack of interesting games this round. The round ended with defeat of the leader, derby games, favorites losing the games, games ending by tiny margin and even winless team recording their first victory.The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked Kongsberg (8-2) in Bekkestua on Tuesday night. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Baerum Basket (7-4) 85-81. The hosts took control from the first minutes by winning first half. But Kongsberg won fourth quarter 31-28. However it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. Baerum Basket made 19-of-25 free shots (76.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 22 Kongsberg turnovers. Strangely Kongsberg outrebounded Baerum Basket 36-22 including 25 on the defensive glass. 24 personal fouls committed by Kongsberg helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American point guard Eric Gilchrese (183-87, college: New Hampshire) stepped up and scored 19 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners and point guard Stian Mjos (183-89) chipped in 26 points and 5 assists. The best for the losing side was Croatian guard Tomislav Gabric (198-91, college: Ft.Hays State) with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. Kongsberg’s coach Bard Stoller rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Baerum Basket moved-up to fourth place. Kongsberg at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. Baerum Basket are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Persbraten (#10) in Oslo in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Kongsberg will play on the road against Ammerud Bskt (#7) in Oslo and is hoping to win this game. The game between Top Four teams took place in Bergen. 4th placed host Gimle BBK (6-4) lost to third ranked Nidaros Jets (8-4) 77-68. American guard Evan Roquemore (190-92, college: Santa Clara) nailed 29 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and Earl Simba accounted for 15 points, 18 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Swingman Magne Fivelstad (198-89, college: Barry) came up with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 11 rebounds for Gimle BBK in the defeat. Nidaros Jets have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Froya Basket. Gimle BBK at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost. Nidaros Jets will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Gimle BBK will play on the road against the league’s leader Kongsberg (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track. The game between Top Four teams took place in Laksevag. Second-best host Froya Basket (8-4) lost to third ranked Nidaros Jets (8-4) 92-74. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Froya Basket. The best player for the winners was Evan Roquemore who scored 25 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Jamell Harris who recorded a double-double by scoring 17 points and 10 rebounds. Nidaros Jets have a solid series of four victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with defeated Froya Basket. Nidaros Jets will meet at home Gimle BBK (#5) in the next round. Froya Basket will have a break next round. Persbraten has finally registered their first victory this season after eight consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Centrum (4-7) 89-62. It was a good game for Christian Bakken who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 18 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. Newly promoted Persbraten maintains tenth place with 1-8 record. It was Centrum’s fifth loss in a row. Defending champion keeps the eighth position with seven games lost. Persbraten’s next round opponent will be higher ranked Baerum Basket (#4) in Bekkestua and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. BLNO top team – Kongsberg (8-2) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed seventh ranked Asker Aliens (5-6) 108-71. Juan Ferrales stepped up and scored 27 points, 8 assists and 6 steals for the winners. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kongsberg maintains first place with 8-2 record. Loser Asker Aliens dropped to the sixth position with six games lost. Kongsberg will face Ammerud Bskt (#7) in Oslo in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 9: bottom-ranked Persbraten lost to Asker Aliens on the opponent’s court 75-91. Ammerud Bskt managed to outperform Tromso in a home game 64-57. Tromso managed to beat Baerum Basket on the road 74-71. Persbraten – Centrum 89-62Persbraten has finally registered their first victory this season after eight consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Centrum (4-7) 89-62. Centrum was ahead by 11 points at the halftime before a 56-18 second half run of Persbraten. They dominated on the defensive end, holding Centrum to just 7 points in third quarter. They made 24-of-29 charity shots (82.8 percent) during the game, while Centrum only scored six points from the stripe. 25 personal fouls committed by Centrum helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. It was a good game for forward Christian Bakken (198-88) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 18 rebounds. Hungarian-Swedish guard Zoltan Kurinczky (181-82) contributed with 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Five Persbraten players scored in double figures. Point guard Magnus Midtvedt (182-90) answered with 13 points and 8 rebounds and the former international forward Miilah Kombat (198-88, college: N.Idaho JC) added 11 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Centrum. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Newly promoted Persbraten maintains tenth place with 1-8 record. It was Centrum’s fifth loss in a row. Defending champion keeps the eighth position with seven games lost. Persbraten’s next round opponent will be higher ranked Baerum Basket (#4) in Bekkestua and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Top scorers:Persbraten: Z.Kurinczky 27+6reb+4ast, …
