Denmark – Ligaen Round 16: Svendborg is defeated by Naestved

Earnest Ross The most important game in the last round took place in Svendborg between third ranked Svendborg (9-7) and sixth ranked Naestved (6-8) on Friday night. Svendborg was defeated by Naestved in a tough game at home 73-77. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Svendborg. Svendborg was trailing by 5 points at halftime but managed to get 6-point lead after three quarters before a 33-23 charge of Naestved, which allowed them to win the game. Naestved outrebounded Svendborg 42-26 including a 15-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. 27 personal fouls committed by Svendborg helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of Guamanian-American guard Earnest Ross (196-91, college: Missouri) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 6 rebounds and Senegalese power forward Cheikh Sane (207-92, college: Marshall, agency: Octagon Europe) who added 12 points and 10 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side Argentinian-Italian point guard Antonio Porta (187-83, agency: Players Group) responded with 20 points and 4 assists. Svendborg’s coach Arnar Gudjonsson rotated ten players in this game, but that didn’t help. Naestved maintains sixth position with 6-8 record. Svendborg at the other side keeps the third place with seven games lost. Naestved are looking forward to face higher ranked Horsholm (#4) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Svendborg will play against the league’s leader Horsens IC and it may be a tough game between close rivals. The game between Top Four teams took place in Aarhus. Second ranked host Bakken (11-1) defeated 4th ranked Randers (7-9) 104-89. The winners were led by American-Trinidad and Tobago guard Devaughn Akoon-Purcell (196-93, college: Illinois St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 27 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists and Thomas Laerke supported him with 19 points and 8 assists. Even 26 points, 9 assists and 4 steals by the former international swingman Chris Nielsen (193-85) did not help to save the game for Randers. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Bakken have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 11-1 record having 2 victories less than leader Horsens IC. Randers at the other side dropped to the fifth place with nine games lost. Bakken will play against SISU (#7) in Copenhagen in the next round where they are favorite. Randers will play at home against Stevnsgade and hope to get back on the winning track. Ligaen top team – Horsens IC (13-1) had no problems winning another game on Friday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Stevnsgade (0-14) 98-73. Gabriel Lundberg fired 20 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!) for the winners. Nathan Gibbs produced 23 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-10 shooting from the field) for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Horsens IC have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 13-1 record. Loser Stevnsgade still closes the standings with 14 games lost. Horsens IC will meet Svendborg (#3) on the road in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Stevnsgade will play against Randers (#5) and hopes to get finally their first victory.In the last game of round 16 SISU lost to Horsholm on the opponent’s court 71-86. Horsens IC – Stevnsgade 98-73Ligaen top team – Horsens IC (13-1) had no problems winning another game on Friday. This time they crushed eighth ranked Stevnsgade (0-14) 98-73. The game without a history. Horsens IC led from the first …

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