Holland – Eredivisie Round 11: Groningen beats Amsterdam in the most crucial game of the week

JasonDourisseau An exciting game between Top Four teams was played in Groningen. First ranked Groningen faced 4th placed Amsterdam. Host Groningen (10-1) smashed guests from Amsterdam (5-6) 91-65. The game was mostly controlled by Groningen. Amsterdam managed to win second period 16-11. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. They made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. Groningen outrebounded Amsterdam 46-30 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Amsterdam’s players. The best player for the winners was American swingman Jason Dourisseau (196-83, college: Nebraska) who scored 18 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Chase Fieler (203-92, college: FGCU) chipped in 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Naturalized Moroccan forward Hicham Kherrazi (195-88) produced a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 rebounds for the guests. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Groningen have an impressive series of five victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 10-1 record. Amsterdam lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with six games lost. They share it with Dukes UDB. Groningen are looking forward to face league’s second-placed Leiden on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Amsterdam will play against Dukes UDB and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Leeuwarden was also worth to mention about. Third ranked Zwolle (8-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Leeuwarden (3-8). Zwolle managed to secure a 7-point victory 87-80. American forward J.T. Yoho (198-93, college: Wright St., agency: Pro Partner Sports Management) orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 9 rebounds. Nigel Van Oostrum contributed with 11 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. American guard Jordan Gregory (188-92, college: Montana) answered with 26 points for Leeuwarden. Zwolle moved-up to second place, which they share with Leiden. Leeuwarden lost their third game in a row. They keep the seventh position with eight games lost. Zwolle will play against bottom-ranked Weert (#8) at home in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Leeuwarden will play against Rotterdam and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game in Weert supposed to be also quite interesting. Second ranked Leiden (8-3) played at the court of 8th ranked Weert (1-10). Leiden did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 73-53 on Saturday. It was a great evening for Jonathan Lee who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points and 7 assists. Matthew Van Tongeren responded with 13 points and 7 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Leiden maintains second place with 8-3 record having just two points less than leader Groningen, which they share with Zwolle. Weert at the other side stay at the bottom position with ten games lost. Leiden will meet at home league’s leader Groningen in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Weert will play against Zwolle (#3) and hope to win that game. In the last game of round 11 Rotterdam was defeated by Dukes UDB in Den Bosch 81-75. Dukes UDB – Rotterdam 81-75Everything could happen in Den Bosch at the game between two tied teams. Both fifth ranked Dukes UDB and 6th ranked Rotterdam had identical 4-6 record. This time Dukes UDB used a home court advantage and beat the opponent from Rotterdam 81-75 on Sunday night. …

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