Sweden – Basketligan Round 16: Uppsala Basket loses to BC Lulea in the game between Top 4 teams

AdamRonnqvist The game between Top Four teams took place in Uppsala. 3rd ranked host Uppsala Basket (8-5) was smashed by first ranked BC Lulea (11-3) 98-67. The game was mostly controlled by BC Lulea. Uppsala Basket managed to win third quarter 21-17. But it was not enough to take a lead and get a victory that evening. BC Lulea dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Uppsala Basket’s 34. BC Lulea forced 19 Uppsala Basket turnovers and outrebounded them 34-21 including a 29-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of point guard Adam Ronnqvist (181-90) who helped to win the game recording 20 points and American guard Brandon Rozzell (188-89, college: VCU) who added 13 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side swingman Anes Zekovic (195-95) responded with 13 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. BC Lulea maintains first position with 11-3 record. Uppsala Basket lost third consecutive game. They keep the third place with five games lost. BC Lulea are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Malbas (#9) in Malmo in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Uppsala Basket will play at home against Boras Basket (#6) and is hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series. The game in Nassjo was also worth to mention about. 5th ranked Boras Basket (7-7) played at the court of seventh ranked Nassjo (6-9). Nassjo managed to secure a 8-point victory 85-77. The winners were led by American center Dartaye Ruffin (205-91, college: Drexel, agency: Dynamics Global Management) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds and Mantas Griskenas supported him with 15 points. Even 20 points (made all of his seven free throws) by Icelandic point guard Jakob Sigurdarson (192-82, college: Birm.Southern) did not help to save the game for Boras Basket. Boras Basket’s coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Nassjo maintains seventh position with 6-9 record. Boras Basket at the other side dropped to the sixth place with seven games lost. Nassjo will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Boras Basket will play on the road against Uppsala Basket (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track. The game in Jamtland was also quite interesting. One of their biggest challengers Sodertalje Kings (7-4) played at the court of sixth ranked KFUM Jamtland (7-6). KFUM Jamtland managed to secure a 8-point victory 86-78 on Saturday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Sodertalje Kings. Mike Bruesewitz fired a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Thomas Massamba produced 16 points and 5 assists for lost side. Sodertalje Kings’ coach tested ten players, but that didn’t help to avoid defeat in this game. KFUM Jamtland moved-up to fifth place. Defending champion Sodertalje Kings keep the fourth position with four games lost. KFUM Jamtland will again meet higher ranked Sodertalje Kings (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sodertalje Kings will have a break next round. 9th ranked Malbas (1-12) were outscored at home by second ranked Norrkoping Dolphins (10-4) with the biggest margin this round 94-55. It was a very good performance for Cole Darling who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 8 rebounds. Norrkoping Dolphins’ coach Adnan Chuk felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Norrkoping Dolphins have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 10-4 record behind leader BC Lulea. Malbas lost fifth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 12 games lost. Norrkoping Dolphins’ next round opponent will be …

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