D1 Round 12 (Regular Season): Aktobe climb to the leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Aktobe as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Aktobe smashed 8th ranked Barsy Atyrau at home 84-62. Aktobe outrebounded Barsy Atyrau 46-24 including a 20-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. Aktobe shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Emily Lytle (180-1997, college: Virginia Tech) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and the former international guard Oksana Bagmet (170-1996) who added 24 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Aktobe's coach Ilya Rodionov felt very confident using 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was guard Kurbanay Tabirova (175-2004) with 16 points and 7 assists. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Astana Tigers and Turan. Barsy Atyrau lost eleventh consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Barsy Atyrau will play next round against Caspiy Aktau trying to get back on the winning streak. Aktobe will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Barsy Atyrau at home.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Astana Tigers (12-3) against fifth ranked Okzhetpes (6-9) on Friday night. Visiting Astana Tigers were defeated by Okzhetpes in Kokshetay 76-64. The winners were led by the former international power forward Nadezhda Yakovleva (183-2003) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 30 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) and Daria Surkova supported her with 20 points and 5 assists. Even 20 points and 4 assists by the former international forward Tamara Kuzmina-Yagodkina (182-1990) did not help to save the game for Astana Tigers. Astana Tigers' coach Vitaliy Strebkov rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Okzhetpes maintains fifth position with 6-9 record, which they share with Caspiy Aktau. Astana Tigers at the other side still keep top place with three games lost. They share the position with Aktobe and Turan. Okzhetpes will play against higher ranked Tomiris (#4) in Almaty in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Astana Tigers will play at home against Irtysh and hope to get back on the winning track.
The game in Aktau supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Aktobe (12-3) played at the court of 6th ranked Caspiy Aktau (6-9). Aktobe smashed Caspiy Aktau 85-54 on Friday. The best player for the winners was Emily Lytle who had a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Aktobe's coach Ilya Rodionov felt very confident using entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was Alexandra Petelina who recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 assists. Aktobe keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Astana Tigers and Turan. Caspiy Aktau lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Okzhetpes. Aktobe will meet at home bottom-ranked Barsy Atyrau (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Caspiy Aktau will play against Turan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 12: Tomiris won against Irtysh on the opponent's court 83-74. Bottom-ranked Barsy Atyrau lost to defending champion Turan in a home game 61-93. Caspiy Aktau was rolled over Turan on the road 59-86. Astana Tigers crushed Irtysh on its own court 69-37. Okzhetpes were beaten by Tomiris in Almaty 70-60.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 25 points and 11 rebounds by Yana Kotova of Tomiris.

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. A full-service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working worldwide. A global and ethical quality service.

Caspiy Aktau - Aktobe 54-85

The game in Aktau supposed to be also quite interesting. Third ranked Aktobe (12-3) played at the court of 6th ranked Caspiy Aktau (6-9). Aktobe smashed Caspiy Aktau 85-54 on Friday. Aktobe forced 27 Caspiy Aktau turnovers and outrebounded them 48-30 including a 19-6 advantage in offensive rebounds. Aktobe looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Emily Lytle (180-1997, college: Virginia Tech) who had a double-double by scoring 20 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Russian power forward Daria Polnikova (188-1994) chipped in 8 points and 11 rebounds. Aktobe's coach Ilya Rodionov felt very confident using entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Alexandra Petelina (168-1998) who recorded a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 assists and Russian forward Elizaveta Galynina (182-2003) added 14 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Aktobe keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Astana Tigers and Turan. Caspiy Aktau lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Okzhetpes. Aktobe will meet at home bottom-ranked Barsy Atyrau (#8) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Caspiy Aktau will play against Turan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Aktobe: E.Lytle 20+10reb+5ast, O.Bagmet 11+3reb+4ast, L.Umerova 9+3reb+7ast, D.Polnikova 8+11reb+2ast, A.Varaksina 8+8reb+1ast, V.Sokolova 8+1ast
Caspiy Aktau: P.Alexandra 21+4reb+10ast, G.Elizaveta 14+10reb+4ast, P.Tamar 11+10reb+3ast, A.Saitova 6+1reb+2ast, A.Ilyasova 2+5reb+2ast, M.Izumi 0

Irtysh - Tomiris 74-83

Rather expected game in Pavlodar where 7th ranked Irtysh (3-12) was defeated by fourth ranked Tomiris (8-7) 83-74 on Friday. Tomiris forced 20 Irtysh turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists. The best player for the winners was who had a double-double by scoring 32 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists. Ukrainian Elizaveta Mitina (171-1998) chipped in 22 points, 9 assists and 5 steals. Four Tomiris players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international forward Valeriya Kapitonova (176-2001) who recorded 22 points and 8 rebounds and international Dilnaz Yerkebay (179-2003) added 8 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists respectively. Tomiris have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 8-7 record. Irtysh lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 12 games lost. Tomiris will meet Okzhetpes (#5) in the next round. Irtysh will play against the league's second-placed Astana Tigers and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Tomiris: K.Yana 32+13reb+7ast, E.Mitina 22+3reb+9ast, Z.Altynshash 11+5reb+8ast, M.Adelya 11+3reb+4ast, A.Aruzhan 4+8reb, U.Svetlana 3+4reb
Irtysh: V.Kapitonova 22+8reb+2ast, G.Yekaterina 14+5ast, Z.Tamila 14+7reb+3ast, Y.Dilnaz 8+12reb+6ast, X.Abdurashitova 6+2reb+5ast, K.Kamilya 4+7reb+2ast

Barsy Atyrau - Turan 61-93

Very predictable result when third ranked Turan (12-3) smashed on the road bottom-ranked Barsy Atyrau (1-14) 93-61 on Friday. Turan dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Barsy Atyrau's 32. Turan looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Barsy Atyrau's players. The best player for the winners was Ukrainian power forward Ganna Rulyova (183-1986, agency: BIG) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists. Point guard Milana Alyoshkova (162-2002) chipped in 15 points and 7 rebounds. Five Turan players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Latvian guard Katrina Trankale (173-2002) who recorded 21 points and American forward Jnaya Walker (185-1999, college: CMU) added 8 points and 11 rebounds respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Astana Tigers and Aktobe. Barsy Atyrau lost eleventh consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Turan will meet Caspiy Aktau (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Barsy Atyrau will play against the league's leader Aktobe and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Turan: G.Rulyova 30+17reb+5ast, A.Milana 15+7reb+3ast, R.Gavriluk 13+3reb+5ast, V.Voloshyna 12+3reb+5ast, I.Manucharyan 12+5reb+5ast, E.Abikeyeva 7+3reb+4ast
Barsy Atyrau: K.Trankale 21+2reb+1ast, O.Woods 17+3reb, J.Walker 8+11reb+2ast, A.Jackson 8+9reb+2ast, K.Julia 4+1reb, T.Kurbanay 3+2reb+2ast

Okzhetpes - Astana Tigers 76-64

Very important is a road loss of second ranked Astana Tigers (12-3) against fifth ranked Okzhetpes (6-9) on Friday night. Visiting Astana Tigers were defeated by Okzhetpes in Kokshetay 76-64. Okzhetpes forced 21 Astana Tigers turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists. The winners were led by the former international power forward Nadezhda Yakovleva (183-2003) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 30 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists (on 13-of-17 shooting from the field) and Russian swingman Daria Surkova (176-2001) supported her with 20 points and 5 assists. Even 20 points and 4 assists by the former international forward Tamara Kuzmina-Yagodkina (182-1990) did not help to save the game for Astana Tigers. The former international center Anna Bezgodova (192-1992) added 12 points and 8 rebounds. Astana Tigers' coach Vitaliy Strebkov rotated eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Okzhetpes maintains fifth position with 6-9 record, which they share with Caspiy Aktau. Astana Tigers at the other side still keep top place with three games lost. They share the position with Aktobe and Turan. Okzhetpes will play against higher ranked Tomiris (#4) in Almaty in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Astana Tigers will play at home against Irtysh and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Okzhetpes: Y.Nadezhda 30+11reb+4ast, S.Daria 20+3reb+5ast, B.Zoya 8+3reb, K.Goncharuk 7+3reb+12ast, T.Ulyana 7+5reb+7ast, K.Aydana 4
Astana Tigers: T.Kuzmina-Yagodkina 20+1reb+4ast, A.Bezgodova 12+8reb+1ast, D.Koroleva 10+3reb+5ast, A.Alishauskayte-Lopatina 8+5reb+4ast, K.Otegenova 6+3reb+1ast, T.Dariya 6+3reb+1ast

Turan - Caspiy Aktau 86-59

Not a big story in a game in Turkestan where 6th ranked Caspiy Aktau (6-9) was rolled over by third ranked Turan (12-3) 86-59 on Saturday. Turan dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Caspiy Aktau's 12. Turan forced 22 Caspiy Aktau turnovers and outrebounded them 42-25 including 30 on the defensive glass. Turan looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists. The best player for the winners was Armenian guard Inga Manucharyan (177-2000) who had a double-double by scoring 17 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 6 steals. Ukrainian power forward Ganna Rulyova (183-1986, agency: BIG) chipped in a double-double by scoring 21 points and 10 rebounds. Coach Vitaliy Lopatin's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 10 players saving starting five for next games. At the other side the best for losing team was Alexandra Saitova (164-2000) who recorded 21 points and 4 assists and point guard Alexandra Petelina (168-1998) added 15 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals respectively. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Astana Tigers and Aktobe. Caspiy Aktau lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fifth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Okzhetpes. Turan will again meet Caspiy Aktau (#6) on the road in the next round where they are favorite. Caspiy Aktau will play against Barsy Atyrau and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Turan: G.Rulyova 21+10reb+1ast, I.Manucharyan 17+11reb+5ast, R.Gavriluk 11+4reb+5ast, K.Symbat 10+3reb+1ast, V.Voloshyna 8+3reb+4ast, E.Abikeyeva 6+4ast
Caspiy Aktau: A.Saitova 21+4reb+4ast, P.Alexandra 15+6reb+6ast, G.Elizaveta 9+3reb+2ast, P.Tamar 9+4reb+3ast, A.Ilyasova 5+8reb+3ast, Y.Nazmina 0

Astana Tigers - Irtysh 69-37

Everything went according to plan when second ranked Astana Tigers (12-3) outscored at home 7th ranked Irtysh (3-12) 69-37 on Saturday. Astana Tigers dominated down low during the game scoring 38 of its points in the paint compared to Irtysh's 18. Astana Tigers forced 22 Irtysh turnovers and outrebounded them 46-26 including a 17-5 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international center Anna Bezgodova (192-1992) who had a double-double by scoring 23 points and 15 rebounds (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field). The former international forward Tamara Kuzmina-Yagodkina (182-1990) chipped in 16 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international forward Valeriya Kapitonova (176-2001) who recorded 11 points and 9 rebounds and international Dilnaz Yerkebay (179-2003) added 12 points respectively. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Astana Tigers keep a position of league leader, which they share with Aktobe and Turan. Irtysh lost third consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 12 games lost. Astana Tigers will again meet at home Irtysh (#7) in the next round where they are favorite. Irtysh will play against Okzhetpes and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Astana Tigers: A.Bezgodova 23+15reb+2ast, T.Kuzmina-Yagodkina 16+3reb+6ast, K.Otegenova 15+9reb, A.Alishauskayte-Lopatina 5+5reb+6ast, D.Koroleva 4+6reb+2ast, Z.Kurazova 4+2reb+3ast
Irtysh: Y.Dilnaz 12+2reb+2ast, V.Kapitonova 11+9reb+1ast, Z.Tamila 4+3reb, X.Abdurashitova 3+3reb+2ast, U.Saltanat 3+2reb+1ast, G.Yekaterina 2+4reb+1ast

Aktobe - Barsy Atyrau 84-62

The game had a very big importance for third-ranked Aktobe as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Aktobe smashed 8th ranked Barsy Atyrau at home 84-62. Aktobe outrebounded Barsy Atyrau 46-24 including a 20-9 advantage in offensive rebounds. Aktobe shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Emily Lytle (180-1997, college: Virginia Tech) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds and the former international guard Oksana Bagmet (170-1996) who added 24 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Aktobe's coach Ilya Rodionov felt very confident using 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was guard Kurbanay Tabirova (175-2004) with 16 points and 7 assists and American forward Ashiala Jackson (186-1998, college: Tuskegee) scored 15 points and 4 assists. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Astana Tigers and Turan. Barsy Atyrau lost eleventh consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Barsy Atyrau will play next round against Caspiy Aktau trying to get back on the winning streak. Aktobe will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Barsy Atyrau at home.
Top scorers:
Aktobe: E.Lytle 24+10reb+3ast, O.Bagmet 24+6reb+1ast, A.Varaksina 8+9reb+3ast, K.Yrysty 8+1reb+2ast, V.Sokolova 7+1reb+1ast, L.Umerova 6+5reb+9ast
Barsy Atyrau: T.Kurbanay 16+3reb+7ast, A.Jackson 15+3reb+4ast, J.Walker 12+4reb+3ast, K.Julia 6+1reb+2ast, A.Mihaylova 6+8reb+6ast, O.Woods 4+5reb+1ast

Tomiris - Okzhetpes 70-60

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 5th ranked Okzhetpes' (6-9) road loss to fourth ranked Tomiris (8-7) 60-70 on Saturday. Tomiris outrebounded Okzhetpes 44-27 including a 33-17 advantage in defensive rebounds. Tomiris looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was who had a double-double by scoring 25 points and 11 rebounds. Ukrainian Elizaveta Mitina (171-1998) chipped in 15 points and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Russian swingman Daria Surkova (176-2001) who recorded 21 points and 5 assists and Russian swingman Kristina Goncharuk (175-2001, college: E.Florida St.) added 11 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists respectively. Tomiris have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 8-7 record. Loser Okzhetpes keep the fifth place with nine games lost. They share the position with Caspiy Aktau. Tomiris will again meet Okzhetpes (#5) in the next round. Okzhetpes will play against Irtysh in Pavlodar and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tomiris: K.Yana 25+11reb+2ast, E.Mitina 15+4reb+7ast, M.Adelya 11+6reb+4ast, A.Aruzhan 9+10reb+2ast, Z.Altynshash 6+8reb+7ast, E.Shahida 4+2reb
Okzhetpes: S.Daria 21+1reb+5ast, Y.Nadezhda 13+10reb, K.Goncharuk 11+5reb+8ast, B.Zoya 8+3reb, T.Ulyana 5+6reb+3ast, K.Aydana 2+2reb+3ast