Iceland – Dominos League Round 8: #1 KR is defeated by Njardvik

BjornKristjansson The most surprising game was a loss of top-ranked KR (6-2) in Reykjavik on Thursday night. Hosts were defeated by sixth ranked Njardvik (4-4) 72-61. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of KR. The game was mostly controlled by Njardvik. KR managed to win fourth quarter 20-15. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Worth to mention a great performance of guard Bjorn Kristjansson (188-92) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 5 rebounds and American forward Jeremy Atkinson (193-90, college: NC-Asheville) who added 18 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. The former international forward Sigurdur Thorvaldsson (201-80) responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. Njardvik moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Defending champion KR still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Njardvik is looking forward to face Thor AK (#6) in Akureyri in the next round. KR will play on the road against Keflavik (#10) and is hoping to win this game. Important game to mention about took place in Thorlakshofn. Fourth ranked Tindastoll (6-2) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 5th ranked Thor Thorl (4-4) 95-92 on Friday evening. The winners were led by American forward Antonio Hester (198-90, college: Mobile, AL) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds and Cristopher Caird supported him with 24 points and 4 assists. Tindastoll’s coach Israel Martin allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even 31 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists by American guard Tobin Carberry (193-91, college: LIU Post, agency: HMS) did not help to save the game for Thor Thorl. Tindastoll have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Thor Thorl lost third consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with four games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Tindastoll will play against Skallagrimur (#7) in Borgarnes in the next round where they are favorite. Thor Thorl will play on the road against IR in Reykjavik and hopes to get back on the winning track. Very important is a road loss of second ranked Stjarnan (6-2) against seventh ranked Skallagrimur (4-4) on Thursday night. Visiting Stjarnan was defeated by Skallagrimur in a tough game in Borgarnes 73-78. The best player for the winners was Flenard Whitfield who had a double-double by scoring 20 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Skallagrimur’s coach Finnur Jonsson used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Hlynur Baeringsson produced a double-double by scoring 13 points, 22 rebounds and 7 assists for the guests. Skallagrimur have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fifth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Stjarnan at the other side still keeps top position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Skallagrimur will meet higher ranked Tindastoll (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Stjarnan will play against Grindavik and hope to secure a win. Third ranked Grindavik blasted bottom-ranked Snaefell (0-8) in Grindavik 108-72. Snaefell is still unable to win any game. Lewis Clinch orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 6 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. Grindavik have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Snaefell at the other side still closes the standings with eight games lost. Grindavik’s next round opponent will be league’s second-placed Stjarnan on the road and it will be for sure the game of the week. Snaefell will play against Haukar (#9) and hopes to get finally their first victory.In the last two games of round 8 IR lost to Thor AK on the opponent’s court 62-78. Haukar outscored Keflavik in a home game 96-76. Thor AK – IR 78-62Rather expected game in Akureyri where 11th ranked IR (2-6) was defeated by eighth ranked Thor AK (4-4) 78-62. The game without a history. Thor AK led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They made 20-of-24 charity shots (83.3 percent) during the game. Thor AK had a 36-25 advantage in offensive rebounds. 24 personal fouls committed by IR helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American guard George Beamon (193-91, college: Manhattan) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds. The other American import forward Danero Thomas (196-86, college: Murray St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. American forward Quincy Hankins-Cole (203-90) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 16 rebounds and the former international guard Sveinbjorn Claessen (195-86) added 12 points in the effort for IR. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Thor AK moved-up to fifth place, which they …

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