Sweden – Basketligan Round 12: BC Lulea defeats Norrkoping Dolphins in the game between Top 4 teams

QuintonUpshur Coincidentally all hosts won their games. An interesting game for BC Lulea (9-2) which hosted in Lulea 3rd ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (6-4). First ranked BC Lulea managed to get a 12-point victory 81-69. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Norrkoping Dolphins. The hosts trailed by 5 points after three quarters before their 36-19 charge, which allowed them to win the game. BC Lulea made 22-of-25 free shots (88.0 percent) during the game, while Norrkoping Dolphins only scored three points from the stripe. It was a good game for American guard Quinton Upshur (196-93, college: N.Arizona) who led his team to a victory with 18 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Canadian forward Yannick Anzuluni (205-87, college: Houghton) contributed with 21 points (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line) for the winners. BC Lulea’s coach Peter Oqvist used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The former international center Joakim Kjellbom (212-79, college: N.Arizona) replied with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists for Norrkoping Dolphins. BC Lulea maintains first position with 9-2 record. Norrkoping Dolphins at the other side keep the third place with four games lost. They share the position with Boras. BC Lulea will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Norrkoping Dolphins will play at home against Boras Basket and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Boras was also worth to mention about. 4th ranked Sodertalje Kings (5-3) played at the court of fifth ranked Boras Basket (6-4). Boras Basket defeated Sodertalje Kings 86-76. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Michael Palm (210-79, college: W.Washington) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists (went 10 for 10 at the free throw line !!!) and James Washington who added 22 points and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was Croatian forward Toni Bizaca (202-82, agency: XL Basketball Agency) with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Boras Basket moved-up to third place, which they share with Norrkoping. Defending champion Sodertalje Kings dropped to the fifth position with three games lost. Boras Basket will play against Norrkoping Dolphins (#4) in Norrkoping in the next round. Sodertalje Kings will play at home against Nassjo and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game between second ranked Uppsala Basket (7-2) and 6th ranked KFUM Jamtland (4-5) in Uppsala on Tuesday ended with biggest points difference. Uppsala Basket outscored guests from Jamtland 97-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of KFUM Jamtland. The winners were led by Alexander Lindqvist who scored that evening 21 points and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Even 15 points and 7 rebounds by Dino Cinac did not help to save the game for KFUM Jamtland. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Uppsala Basket have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 7-2 record having 2 victories less than leader BC Lulea. Loser KFUM Jamtland dropped to the seventh place with five games lost. Uppsala Basket will meet bottom-ranked Umea (#9) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. KFUM Jamtland will play against Malbas and it may be a tough game between close rivals. In the last game of round 12 Umea was beaten by Nassjo on the road 89-85. The most impressive performance of 12th round was 16 points and 6 rebounds by Milos Latkovic of Nassjo.Nassjo – Umea 89-85The game between closely ranked teams ended with seventh ranked Nassjo’s (5-6) home victory over bottom-ranked Umea (1-9) 89-85 on Tuesday. The hosts started the game with a very strong first quarter 22-13. But Umea won second period 24-21. However …

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