Superleague Round 8 (Regular Season): Tabiat is defeated by Averta

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most important game in the last round took place in between second ranked Tabiat (6-2) and ninth ranked Averta (3-5) on Thursday night. Tabiat was defeated by Averta in a tough game at home 68-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Tabiat. Worth to mention a great performance of Dutch power forward Jeroen van der List (213-1989, college: Indian Hills, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and the former international Majid Rahimian who added 24 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. American point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) responded with 31 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Newly promoted Averta maintains ninth position with 3-5 record, which they share with Limondis. Tabiat at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the third place with two games lost. Averta is looking forward to face Limondis (#10) in the next round. Tabiat will play against the league's second-placed Zob Ahan (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Naft Abadan (#4) was upset in Amol by eighth ranked Kalleh 93-87. The winners were led by American point guard Patrick Rembert (185-1990, college: UC Irvine, agency: Slash Sports) who scored that evening 26 points and 8 assists and Meisam Mirzaei supported him with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Even 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by the former international guard Ehsan Dalirzahan (186-2000) did not help to save the game for Naft Abadan. Kalleh (4-4) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Rafsanjan. Naft Abadan lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with three games lost. Kalleh will play against Raad (#11) in Mashhad in the next round where they are favorite. Naft Abadan will play at home against Mahram (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Superleague top team - Gorgan (7-1) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Raad (1-7) in Mashhad 121-59. The best player for the winners was Arsalan Kazemi who had a double-double by scoring 10 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Ehsan Samadi produced 13 points for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gorgan have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 7-1 record, which they share with Zob Ahan. Raad lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with seven games lost. Gorgan will meet bottom-ranked Sanaye (#12) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Raad will play against Kalleh and hope to win that game.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 8: winless Sanaye was destroyed by Limondis on the opponent's court 99-79. Kerman outscored Raad in a home game 70-47. Rafsanjan was rolled over Gorgan on the road 108-74. Zob Ahan defeated Mahram on its own court 78-63.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 15 points and 12 rebounds by Asghar Kardoust of Zob Ahan.



Raad - Gorgan 59-121

Superleague top team - Gorgan (7-1) had no problems winning another game on Sunday. This time they crushed eleventh ranked Raad (1-7) in Mashhad 121-59. Gorgan dominated down low during the game scoring 84 of its points in the paint compared to Raad's 12. Gorgan forced 26 Raad turnovers and outrebounded them 44-21 including a 36-16 advantage in defensive rebounds. Gorgan looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Raad's players. The best player for the winners was the former international Arsalan Kazemi (200-1990, college: Oregon, agency: BIG) who had a double-double by scoring 10 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. The former international guard Navid Rezaeifar (185-1996) chipped in 18 points. Four Gorgan players scored in double figures. The former international swingman Ehsan Samadi (192-1998) produced 13 points and Hosein Shekari added 9 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the hosts. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Gorgan have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 7-1 record, which they share with Zob Ahan. Raad lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with seven games lost. Gorgan will meet bottom-ranked Sanaye (#12) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Raad will play against Kalleh and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Gorgan: N.Rezaeifar 18+4reb+1ast, V.Sina 15+2reb+6ast, A.Gholizadeh 14+1reb+1ast, A.Khashayar 12+3reb+4ast, W.Cherry 12+4ast, A.Kazemi 10+13reb+6ast
Raad: E.Samadi 13+1reb+3ast, S.Hosein 9+6reb+1ast, F.Pedram 8, J.Behnam 7+3reb, K.Pooria 5+1reb+7ast, A.Mehdi 5

Kalleh - Naft Abadan 93-87

Naft Abadan (#4) was upset in Amol by eighth ranked Kalleh 93-87. Kalleh forced 21 Naft Abadan turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The winners were led by American point guard Patrick Rembert (185-1990, college: UC Irvine, agency: Slash Sports) who scored that evening 26 points and 8 assists and the former international center Meisam Mirzaei (210-1992) supported him with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Even 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by the former international guard Ehsan Dalirzahan (186-2000) did not help to save the game for Naft Abadan. Amir Seddighi added 18 points and 9 rebounds for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Kalleh (4-4) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Rafsanjan. Naft Abadan lost third consecutive game. They keep the fourth position with three games lost. Kalleh will play against Raad (#11) in Mashhad in the next round where they are favorite. Naft Abadan will play at home against Mahram (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Kalleh: P.Rembert 26+3reb+8ast, A.Matin 19+5reb+5ast, M.Mirzaei 18+9reb+2ast, Y.Nosrat 11+6reb, L.Mohammadmahdi 10+3reb+3ast, A.Jalal 7+8reb+2ast
Naft Abadan: D.Ehsan 23+7reb+4ast, A.Taherkhani 21+4reb+1ast, S.Amir 18+9reb+3ast, F.Aslani 16+3reb+4ast, H.Mehdi 4+13reb+5ast, N.Khajezadeh 3+3reb

Limondis - Sanaye 99-79

Rather expected game when bottom-ranked Sanaye (0-8) was crushed on the road by tenth ranked Limondis (3-5) 99-79 on Thursday. Limondis shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 53.8 percentage. The best player for the winners was American point guard Jalen Bradley (185-1993, college: ORU, agency: Haylett Sports) who scored 31 points and 5 assists. The former international Vahid Dalirzahan (199-1995) chipped in 20 points and 8 rebounds. The former international forward Eshagh Hatami (190-2000) produced 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and Omid Gharinejhad added 18 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for the guests. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Limondis moved-up to ninth place, which they share with Averta. Loser Sanaye still closes the standings with eight games lost. Limondis will meet Averta (#9) in the next round. Sanaye will play against the league's leader Gorgan and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Limondis: J.Bradley 31+2reb+5ast, V.Dalirzahan 20+8reb+2ast, V.Aliabadi 18+3reb+6ast, A.Sabeti 10+2reb+2ast, S.Mortaza Jafari 8+2reb+1ast, M.Rezaei 7+11reb+1ast
Sanaye: G.Omid 18+2reb+1ast, M.Bahram 16+2reb+3ast, H.Eshagh 16+6reb+4ast, P.Kiani 10+3reb+1ast, M.Perovic 8+4reb+2ast, R.Crawford 4+2reb

Kerman - Raad 70-47

Rather predictable result when eighth ranked Kerman (3-4) smashed at home 11th ranked Raad (1-7) 70-47 on Thursday. Kerman held Raad to an opponent 21.3 percent shooting from the field compared to 40.3 percent accuracy of the winners. They outrebounded Raad 52-33 including 38 on the defensive glass. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Kerman made 7 blocks. The best player for the winners was Mohsen Moradkhani who had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds. Mehdi Afkhami chipped in 14 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Pedram Fakhfori produced 12 points and Mohsen Varankeshi added 3 points and 10 rebounds respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Kerman have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain eighth position with 3-4 record. Raad lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with seven games lost. Kerman will meet higher ranked Rafsanjan (#7) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Raad will play against Kalleh (#6) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Kerman: M.Mohsen 17+12reb+1ast, A.Mehdi 14+8reb+7ast, H.Seyed 13+6reb+4ast, S.Erfan 7+1reb, M.Esmaeili 6+8reb, M.Amirhosein 5+6reb+4ast
Raad: F.Pedram 12+3reb+1ast, S.Ehsan 8+2reb, N.Alireza 7+5reb, K.Pooria 6+4reb, E.Samadi 5+2reb+1ast, M.Ali 77 Amir 4+2reb+3ast

Gorgan - Rafsanjan 108-74

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Rafsanjan (4-4) was rolled over on the road by first ranked Gorgan (7-1) 108-74 on Thursday. Gorgan outrebounded Rafsanjan 45-26 including 31 on the defensive glass. Gorgan looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was Lebanese-American forward Norvel Pelle (208-1993, college: Iona, agency: BIG) who scored 16 points and 8 rebounds. American point guard Will Cherry (185-1991, college: Montana) chipped in 18 points. Four Gorgan players scored in double figures. Croatian swingman Fran Pilepic (194-1989) produced 22 points and 6 rebounds and Ali Vernosafadarani added 14 points respectively for the guests. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Gorgan have a solid four-game winning streak. Defending champion maintains first position with 7-1 record, which they share with Zob Ahan. Loser Rafsanjan keeps the sixth place with four games lost. They share the position with Kalleh. Gorgan will meet bottom-ranked Sanaye (#12) in the next round which should be another easy win for them. Rafsanjan will play against Kerman (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Gorgan: V.Sina 21+3ast, W.Cherry 18+3reb+3ast, N.Pelle 16+8reb, A.Gholizadeh 11+4reb+2ast, N.Rezaeifar 11+1reb+2ast, Y.Mohammad 10+1reb+2ast
Rafsanjan: F.Pilepic 22+6reb+1ast, V.Ali 14+4reb+3ast, A.Amin 10+1reb, J.Jucikas 9+4reb, T.Mohamadreza 7+2reb+4ast, Y.Pouya 5+3reb+3ast

Tabiat - Averta 68-74

The most important game in the last round took place in between second ranked Tabiat (6-2) and ninth ranked Averta (3-5) on Thursday night. Tabiat was defeated by Averta in a tough game at home 68-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Tabiat. Worth to mention a great performance of Dutch power forward Jeroen van der List (213-1989, college: Indian Hills, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds and the former international Majid Rahimian who added 24 points and 5 rebounds during the contest. American point guard Jordan Stevens (182-1994, college: Midwestern St.) responded with 31 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and the former international Arman Zangeneh (202-1993, agency: BIG) scored 8 points and 12 rebounds. Newly promoted Averta maintains ninth position with 3-5 record, which they share with Limondis. Tabiat at the other side, also newcomer in the league, dropped to the third place with two games lost. Averta is looking forward to face Limondis (#10) in the next round. Tabiat will play against the league's second-placed Zob Ahan (#2) and will have a slim chance for a victory.
Top scorers:
Averta: R.Majid 24+5reb+1ast, J.van der List 20+10reb+3ast, D.Jean 14+4reb+4ast, M.Yazdanpanah 7+9reb, F.Nima 6+5reb+2ast, A.Mortazavi 3+2reb
Tabiat: J.Stevens 31+7reb+5ast, S.Davarpanah 11+4reb+3ast, A.Akbari Hasan 9+7reb, A.Zangeneh 8+12reb+1ast, J.Ashkan 4+5reb, M.Shahrian 4+3reb+2ast

Zob Ahan - Mahram 78-63

Everything went according to plan in Esfahan where second ranked Zob Ahan (7-1) beat 5th ranked Mahram (4-3) 78-63 on Thursday. Zob Ahan made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was American point guard Dwight Buycks (191-1989, college: Marquette) who scored 25 points and 6 rebounds. The former international center Asghar Kardoust (212-1986, agency: BIG) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field). The former international Mohammad Jamshidi (199-1991, agency: BIG) produced 15 points and the former international forward Sajjad Pazrofteh (205-1996) added 11 points and 6 rebounds respectively for the guests. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Zob Ahan have an impressive six-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Gorgan. Loser Mahram keeps the fifth place with three games lost. Zob Ahan will meet Tabiat (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Mahram will play against Naft Abadan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Zob Ahan: D.Buycks 25+6reb+1ast, A.Kardoust 15+12reb+2ast, R.Mozafari 13+3reb+4ast, J.Jones 9+6reb+2ast, M.Soleymani 8+4reb+1ast, A.Davoudichegani 5+6ast
Mahram: M.Jamshidi 15+2reb+2ast, G.Piter 11+2reb+1ast, S.Pazrofteh 11+6reb+1ast, S.Mashayekhi 9+5reb+4ast, O.Anosike 7+7reb+1ast, S.Ali Reza 6+2reb