Switzerland – LNA Round 10: Starwings are defeated by Geneve Lions

MarkoMladjan The most important game in the last round took place in Geneve between third ranked Starwings (6-3) and fifth ranked Geneve Lions (6-3) on Friday night. Starwings were crushed by Geneve Lions on the road 93-63. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Starwings. The game without a history. Geneve Lions led from the first minutes and controlled entire game increasing their lead in each quarter. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The former international forward Marko Mladjan (205-93) scored 18 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American forward Chris Braswell (206-89, college: Charlotte) chipped in 22 points and 8 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American power forward Durell Vinson (201-85, college: Wagner) responded with a double-double by scoring 12 points and 11 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. Geneve Lions moved-up to third place, which they share with defeated Starwings. Geneve Lions is looking forward to face bottom-ranked Winterthur (#11) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Starwings will play against the league’s second-placed Fribourg (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game between Top Four teams took place in Luzern. 4th ranked host Swiss Central (5-4) lost to first ranked Monthey (7-2) 72-66. American power forward Jordan Heath (208-91, college: Canisius, agency: Inception Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and Markel Humphrey supported him with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Even 12 points and 6 assists by Serbian guard Nemanja Kovacevic (194-85) did not help to save the game for Swiss Central. Swiss Central’s coach Danijel Eric rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Monthey have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 7-2 record, which they share with Fribourg. Swiss Central at the other side dropped to the fifth place with four games lost. Monthey will play against Lausanne (#8) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Swiss Central will play against Boncourt and hopes to get back on the winning track. Bottom-ranked Winterthur (0-9) is still winless. This time they lost on the road their ninth consecutive match to ninth ranked Neuchatel (4-5) 104-73 on Friday evening. Zoran Krstanovic fired a double-double by scoring 24 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Sean Sheldon produced a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds for lost side. Neuchatel moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Lausanne. Loser Winterthur still closes the standings with nine games lost. Neuchatel will meet Massagno (#10) on the road in the next round. Winterthur will play against Geneve Lions and hopes to get finally their first victory.Seventh ranked Lugano Tigers (5-5) crushed at home 8th ranked Boncourt (3-6) by 38 points 89-51, which is the biggest margin this round. Worth to mention a great performance of Derek Stockalper who helped to win the game recording 27 points and 9 rebounds. Lugano Tigers moved-up to sixth place. Boncourt lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the ninth position with six games lost. Lugano Tigers will have a break next round. Boncourt will play at home against Swiss Central (#5) and hope to win that game. In the last game of round 10 Massagno was destroyed by Fribourg on the opponent’s court 95-75. Swiss Central – Monthey 66-72The game between Top Four teams took place in Luzern. 4th ranked host Swiss Central (5-4) lost to first ranked Monthey (7-2) 72-66. The guests were already 14 points ahead after 3 quarters before a 26-18 Swiss Central’s run in the last quarter cut the lead to 72-66 at the end of the game. Monthey forced 23 Swiss Central turnovers. Swiss Central was plagued by 24 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Jordan Heath (208-91, college: Canisius, agency: Inception Sports) notched a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and the other American import forward Markel Humphrey (198-86, college: Marshall, agency: Three Eye Sports) supported him with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Even 12 points and 6 assists by …

continue reading in source www.eurobasket.com