Round 18 (Regular Season): #1 Niagara is defeated by Ottawa

The games are now more important than at the beginning of the Regular Season. We may still expect few shocking results in upcoming 3 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked River Lions (14-7) in Niagara on Thursday night. Hosts were edged by second ranked Blackjacks (10-11) 96-93. Ottawa made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. American guard JaVonte Smart (193-1999, college: LSU) scored 44 points (!!!) and 8 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Zane Waterman (203-1995, college: Manhattan) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American guard Ronald Curry (193-1993, college: JMU) with 23 points and 4 assists. Despite that victory Ottawa went down to third position due to points difference. Niagara at the other side still keeps top place with seven games lost. Ottawa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Niagara will play on the road against the league's second-placed Scarborough in Toronto and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Ottawa. Second ranked host Blackjacks (10-11) defeated one of their biggest challengers Shooting Stars (11-11) 100-93. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Shooting Stars. American forward Zane Waterman (203-1995, college: Manhattan) notched 36 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds (on 14-of-17 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and JaVonte Smart supported him with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Even 29 points by American guard Donovan Williams (198-2001, college: UNLV) did not help to save the game for Scarborough. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Ottawa went down to third position due to points difference. Scarborough at the other side dropped to the second place with 11 games lost. Ottawa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Scarborough will play at home against the league's leader Niagara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Toronto. Third ranked host Shooting Stars (11-11) defeated second-best Surge (15-7) 93-89. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Surge. The best player for the winners was Terquavion Smith who scored 21 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. Shooting Stars' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was Jameer Nelson Jr who recorded 30 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Scarborough moved-up to second place which they share with defeated Calgary. Loser Surge keeps the second position with seven games lost. Scarborough will meet at home league's leader Niagara in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Calgary will play against Montreal and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 18: Brampton was destroyed by Montreal on the opponent's court 103-83. Winnipeg managed to outperform Saskatchewan in a home game 98-89. Vancouver managed to beat Edmonton on the road 121-105. Ottawa was defeated by Calgary on its own court 101-112.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 32 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists by Isaih Moore of Ottawa.



Ottawa - Scarborough 100-93

The game between Top Four teams took place in Ottawa. Second ranked host Blackjacks (10-11) defeated one of their biggest challengers Shooting Stars (11-11) 100-93. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Shooting Stars. Ottawa shot the lights out from three nailing 15 long-distance shots on high 51.7 percentage. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. American forward Zane Waterman (203-1995, college: Manhattan) notched 36 points (!!!) and 6 rebounds (on 14-of-17 shooting from the field) to lead the effort and the other American import guard JaVonte Smart (193-1999, college: LSU) supported him with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 10 assists. Even 29 points by American guard Donovan Williams (198-2001, college: UNLV) did not help to save the game for Scarborough. Guard Aaron Best (193-1992, college: TMU) added 20 points and 7 rebounds. Four Scarborough players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Ottawa went down to third position due to points difference. Scarborough at the other side dropped to the second place with 11 games lost. Ottawa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Scarborough will play at home against the league's leader Niagara and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Scarborough: D.Williams 29+4reb+2ast, A.Best 20+7reb+1ast, T.Smith 14+2reb+9ast, M.Foster Jr. 12+12reb, A.Diressa 6+3reb+2ast, A.Barber 6+1reb+8ast
Ottawa: Z.Waterman 36+6reb+1ast, J.Smart 22+5reb+10ast, T.Tate 14+3reb+1ast, J.Jackson 6+4reb, I.Moore 6+5reb, D.Adel 5+4reb+10ast

Niagara - Ottawa 93-96

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked River Lions (14-7) in Niagara on Thursday night. Hosts were edged by second ranked Blackjacks (10-11) 96-93. Ottawa made 19-of-21 free shots (90.5 percent) during the game. American guard JaVonte Smart (193-1999, college: LSU) scored 44 points (!!!) and 8 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Zane Waterman (203-1995, college: Manhattan) chipped in 20 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. The best for the losing side was American guard Ronald Curry (193-1993, college: JMU) with 23 points and 4 assists and Canadian-Haitian forward Nathan Cayo (201-1997, college: Richmond) scored 13 points and 9 rebounds. Four Niagara players scored in double figures. Despite that victory Ottawa went down to third position due to points difference. Niagara at the other side still keeps top place with seven games lost. Ottawa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Niagara will play on the road against the league's second-placed Scarborough in Toronto and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Niagara: R.Curry 23+1reb+4ast, K.Mackenzie 14+6reb+2ast, N.Cayo 13+9reb+2ast, K.Ahmad 12+1reb+7ast, A.Hill 9+3reb+4ast, G.Payen-Boucard 7+3reb+2ast
Ottawa: J.Smart 44+2reb+8ast, Z.Waterman 20+5reb+2ast, T.Tate 12+1reb, J.Ndjock-Tadjore 8+6reb+1ast, D.Adel 6+5reb+7ast, J.Jackson 4+9reb+2ast

Scarborough - Calgary 93-89

The game between Top Four teams took place in Toronto. Third ranked host Shooting Stars (11-11) defeated second-best Surge (15-7) 93-89. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Surge. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Scarborough made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was American guard Terquavion Smith (193-2002, college: NC State) who scored 21 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 blocks. Guard Aaron Best (193-1992, college: TMU) chipped in 19 points. Shooting Stars' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Jameer Nelson Jr (185-2000, college: TCU) who recorded 30 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and his fellow American import point guard Evan Gilyard II (180-1998, college: UMKC, agency: JCK Sports Group) added 17 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Scarborough moved-up to second place which they share with defeated Calgary. Loser Surge keeps the second position with seven games lost. Scarborough will meet at home league's leader Niagara in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Calgary will play against Montreal and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Calgary: J.Nelson Jr. 30+5reb+6ast, S.Miller-Moore 17+4reb+2ast, E.Gilyard II 17+5reb+2ast, G.Brown III 13+5reb+1ast, K.Thomas 8+4reb+3ast, G.Osabuohien 2+11reb+11ast
Scarborough: T.Smith 21+5reb+6ast, A.Best 19+4reb+2ast, A.Barber 15+2reb+5ast, M.Foster Jr. 11+9reb, D.Williams 10+5reb+1ast, K.Young 9+8reb+3ast

Montreal - Brampton 103-83

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Honey Badgers' (5-17) road loss to fourth ranked Alliance (8-13) 83-103 on Friday. Montreal outrebounded Brampton 35-21 including 26 on the defensive glass. Montreal looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was American point guard Tavian Dunn-Martin (173-1998, college: FGCU) who scored 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Nigerian-Canadian Kevin Osawe (201-1998, college: NJIT) chipped in 26 points and 6 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Quinndary Weatherspoon (190-1996, college: MSU) who recorded 25 points and 6 assists and Vincentian-Canadian guard Koby McEwen (193-1997, college: Weber St.) added 19 points and 6 assists respectively. Four Montreal and five Brampton players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Montreal maintains fourth position with 8-13 record. Loser Honey Badgers keeps the fifth place with 17 games lost. Montreal will meet at home league's second-placed Calgary in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Brampton will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Brampton: Q.Weatherspoon 25+3reb+6ast, K.McEwen 19+4reb+6ast, W.Panzo 14+3reb+2ast, A.Sow 11+2reb+3ast, B.Williams 10+6reb+3ast, Y.Obeng-Mensah 4+2reb
Montreal: K.Osawe 26+6reb, T.Dunn-Martin 22+5reb+6ast, Q.Guerrier 17+5reb+7ast, T.Smith 11+2reb+4ast, A.Kappos 8+4reb+2ast, N.Tshimanga 8+2reb

Winnipeg - Saskatchewan 98-89

The game between closely ranked teams ended with fourth ranked Sea Bears' (9-12) home victory over 5th ranked Rattlers (6-15) 98-89 on Friday. Winnipeg outrebounded Saskatchewan 44-33 including 30 on the defensive glass. Winnipeg looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was center Simi Shittu (208-1999, college: Vanderbilt) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. American Jalen Harris (196-1998, college: Nevada) chipped in 28 points and 6 assists. Sea Bears' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Jordan Bowden (197-1997, college: Tennessee) who recorded 24 points and 6 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Tevian Jones (201-2000, college: SUU) added 20 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Four Winnipeg and five Saskatchewan players scored in double figures. Sea Bears have a solid three-game winning streak. Winnipeg maintains fourth position with 9-12 record. Loser Rattlers keeps the fifth place with 15 games lost. Winnipeg will meet league's leader Vancouver in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Saskatchewan will play against Edmonton (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Saskatchewan: J.Bowden 24+6reb+3ast, T.Jones 20+5reb+1ast, D.Bandoo 17+2reb+5ast, G.Anticevich 11+4reb+2ast, J.Bediako 10+6reb, E.Ifejeh 5+3reb
Winnipeg: J.Harris 28+4reb+6ast, S.Shittu 22+11reb+5ast, T.Scott 14+8reb+3ast, J.Cumberland 12+10reb+6ast, J.Williams 9+4reb+5ast, N.Bilamu 6+2reb+1ast

Edmonton - Vancouver 105-121

Not a big story in a game in Edmonton where 3rd ranked Stingers (12-9) were defeated by first ranked Bandits (17-5) 121-105 on Friday. Vancouver made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was Australian swingman Mitch Creek (196-1992) who scored 35 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field). American guard Zach Copeland (193-1997, college: Illinois St.) chipped in 27 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard Sean East II (190-1999, college: Missouri) who recorded 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and his fellow American import forward Nick Hornsby (201-1995, college: Sacramento St.) added 12 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Vancouver maintains first position with 17-5 record. Loser Stingers keeps the third place with nine games lost. Vancouver will meet at home Winnipeg (#4) in the next round. Edmonton will play against Saskatchewan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Edmonton: S.East II 19+5reb+4ast, K.Ambrose-Hylton 19+3reb, S.Lindsey 18+3reb+3ast, M.Bourcier 14+3reb, C.Smith 13+7reb+2ast, N.Hornsby 12+9reb+7ast
Vancouver: M.Creek 35+9reb+1ast, Z.Copeland 27+7reb+5ast, T.Samuel 17+9reb, K.Mangas 16+5reb+3ast, S.Givance 12+5reb+4ast, G.Shephard 8+3reb

Ottawa - Calgary 101-112

There was a small surprise in Ottawa where second ranked Surge (15-7) beat their close opponent Blackjacks (10-11) 112-101 on Saturday. Calgary looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. The best player for the winners was point guard Jameer Nelson Jr (185-2000, college: TCU) who scored 29 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. Forward Greg Brown III (201-2001, college: Texas) chipped in a double-double by scoring 26 points and 12 rebounds. Four Surge players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Isaih Moore (208-2000, college: Fresno St.) who recorded a double-double by scoring 32 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists and guard JaVonte Smart (193-1999, college: LSU) added 25 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists respectively. Calgary maintains second position with 15-7 record having just two points less than leader Niagara. Loser Blackjacks dropped to the third place with 11 games lost. Calgary will meet Montreal (#4) on the road in the next round. Ottawa will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ottawa: I.Moore 32+14reb+5ast, J.Smart 25+6reb+5ast, T.Tate 16+4reb+2ast, Z.Waterman 9+1ast, K.Veinot 8+3reb+2ast, D.Adel 7+2reb+5ast
Calgary: J.Nelson Jr. 29+4reb+6ast, G.Brown III 26+12reb, S.Miller-Moore 20+5reb+5ast, E.Gilyard II 13+4reb+8ast, O.Adelodun 11, K.Thomas 7+6reb+4ast