MBL Round 24 (Regular Season): Apes keep a leadership position

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Apes as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Apes defeated 11th ranked UB TLG at home 105-97. Apes looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Apes made 8 blocks. 24 personal fouls committed by UB TLG helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Anthony Smith (201-1997, college: Murray St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) and the other American import center Kyree Walker (198-2000) who added 19 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was Urtnasan Urdiinbish with 30 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Apes have a solid three-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. UB TLG lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 15 games lost.
Bottom-ranked Sharks managed to get a fifth victory, breaking the two-game losing streak. This time they won against ninth-ranked Mongolians in Ulaanbaatar 93-86. The winners were led by center Tomor Ganzorig (194) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks and Dashravdan Hishigsuren supported him with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by Battulga Bathishigh did not help to save the game for Mongolians. Mongolians' coach Erdenepurev Lhagva rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Sharks (5-13) moved-up to twelfth place. Mongolians at the other side keep the ninth position with 14 games lost.
Second ranked Apes (18-4) crushed at home 6th ranked Bizon (11-11) by 16 points 101-85, which is the biggest margin this round on Monday night. The best player for the winners was Kyree Walker who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Sanchir Tungalag who recorded 27 points (went 12 for 12 at the free throw line !!!). Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Apes have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Bizon keeps the sixth place with 11 games lost.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 24: Selenge lost to Metal on the opponent's court 69-83. Bottom-ranked Sharks managed to outperform Umnugovi in a home game 103-93. Brothers recorded a loss to Metal on the road 77-70. Khuleguud defeated Darkhan on its own court 89-82. UB TLG was beaten by Khuleguud in Ulaanbaatar 78-73.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 25 points and 9 rebounds by Justin Moss of Khuleguud.



Mongolians - Sharks 86-93

Bottom-ranked Sharks managed to get a fifth victory, breaking the two-game losing streak. This time they won against ninth-ranked Mongolians in Ulaanbaatar 93-86. Sharks made 20-of-23 charity shots (87.0 percent) during the game. Sharks outrebounded Mongolians 51-36 including a 39-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. Sharks brought some defensive toughness making 8 blocks. The winners were led by center Tomor Ganzorig (194) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 16 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks and Dashravdan Hishigsuren supported him with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by Battulga Bathishigh did not help to save the game for Mongolians. Guard Gantumur Erdene-Ochir added 10 points and 8 assists. Five Sharks and four Mongolians players scored in double figures. Mongolians' coach Erdenepurev Lhagva rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Sharks (5-13) moved-up to twelfth place. Mongolians at the other side keep the ninth position with 14 games lost.
Top scorers:
Sharks: H.Dashravdan 20+5reb+3ast, G.Tomor 16+14reb+2ast, J.Arthur 14+5reb+2ast, H.Nomin-Erdene 14+3reb+3ast, O.Zhigdun 14+3reb+1ast, K.Hamilton 11+12reb+2ast
Mongolians: B.Battulga 21+5reb+1ast, B.Oyunzul 20, G.Erdene-Ochir 10+3reb+8ast, K.Archie 10+5reb+2ast, B.Erdenebilegt 7+2reb+1ast, Z.Batchuluun 5+3reb+3ast

Apes - UB TLG 105-97

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Apes as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Apes defeated 11th ranked UB TLG at home 105-97. Apes looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Apes made 8 blocks. 24 personal fouls committed by UB TLG helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Anthony Smith (201-1997, college: Murray St.) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 37 points (!!!) and 12 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) and the other American import center Kyree Walker (198-2000) who added 19 points during the contest. The best for the losing side was Urtnasan Urdiinbish with 30 points and Tegelder Menhbaatar produced a double-double by scoring 13 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Apes have a solid three-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. UB TLG lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 15 games lost.
Top scorers:
Apes: A.Smith 37+12reb+3ast, K.Walker 19+4reb+2ast, G.Nyamdorj 14+3reb+2ast, T.Bata 7+3reb+3ast, M.Tuul 6+8reb+2ast, N.Batbayar 6+1reb+2ast
UB TLG: U.Urtnasan 30+3ast, M.Tegelder 13+6reb+10ast, U.Sanchigdan 12+4reb+1ast, T.Oyuunbold 11+7reb, A.Harris 11+1reb+1ast, B.Batlhagva 9+6reb+2ast

Metal - Selenge 83-69

Very expected game in Ulaanbaatar where 8th ranked Bodons (9-13) were defeated by fourth ranked Metal (17-4) 83-69 on Saturday. Metal dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Bodons's 24. Metal outrebounded Selenge 50-33 including a 38-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Delgernyam Davaasambuu (193-1990) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 13 rebounds. Haitian forward Jeantal Cylla (201-1996, college: Arkansas) chipped in 22 points. Five Metal players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American guard William Jr. Stanford (190-1998, college: Mobile, AL) who recorded 27 points and 7 rebounds and his fellow American import forward LaMontray Harris (201-1995, college: Morehead St.) added 13 points and 4 assists respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Metal have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Selenge lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 13 games lost. They share it with Brothers.
Top scorers:
Metal: J.Cylla 22+4reb, E.Amarbayasgalan 15+8reb+2ast, D.Delgernyam 13+13reb+1ast, B.Sukhbat 11+3reb, J.Bland 10+5reb+3ast, E.Zorigtbaatar 4+3reb+3ast
Selenge: W.Jr. Stanford 27+7reb+2ast, L.Harris 13+4reb+4ast, M.Purevsuren 6+1reb, M.Battuvshin 6+2reb+2ast, B.Borgil 6+10reb+2ast, K.Erdene-Ochir 4+1reb+1ast

Sharks - Umnugovi 103-93

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams in Ulaanbaatar where thirteenth ranked Sharks (5-13) defeated bottom-ranked Umnugovi (4-16) 103-93 on Sunday. Sharks made 26-of-26 free shots (100 percent !!!) during the game. They also forced 21 Umnugovi turnovers. The best player for the winners was American power forward KenDarrius Hamilton (206-1996, college: Tennessee St., agency: BIG) who scored 21 points and 9 rebounds. Nomin-Erdene Hureltogoo chipped in 22 points and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American-Mexican Durrell Summers (196-1989, college: Michigan St.) who recorded 29 points and 6 rebounds and Sumyaabazar Erdenebileg added 20 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Five Sharks and four Umnugovi players scored in double figures. Umnugovi's coach Ulzijbat Behbat tested twelve players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Sharks moved-up to twelfth place. Umnugovi lost thirteenth consecutive game. They dropped to the bottom position with 16 games lost.
Top scorers:
Sharks: H.Nomin-Erdene 22+2reb+5ast, K.Hamilton 21+9reb+2ast, H.Dashravdan 17+5reb+2ast, O.Zhigdun 16+4reb+2ast, J.Arthur 13+4reb+3ast, B.Dash-Ochir 10+5reb+2ast
Umnugovi: D.Summers 29+6reb+2ast, E.Sumyaabazar 20+9reb+1ast, G.Balzhinniam 14+3reb, T.Bilguun 10+4ast, S.Otgondorj 8+11reb+2ast, T.Batsuh 7+3reb

Metal - Brothers 77-70

Not a big story in a game in Ulaanbaatar where 7th ranked Brothers (9-13) were defeated by fourth ranked Metal (17-4) 77-70 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was the former international guard Delgernyam Davaasambuu (193-1990) who scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. The former international point guard Uuganbayar Tumenbayar (180-1998) chipped in 11 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Five Metal players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was American power forward Diamond Stone (208-1997, college: Maryland) who recorded a double-double by scoring 32 points and 15 rebounds and Uuganbayar Chinguun added 12 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Metal have an impressive ten-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place. Loser Brothers keep the seventh position with 13 games lost. They share it with Selenge.
Top scorers:
Metal: D.Delgernyam 17+9reb+1ast, J.Cylla 15+3reb, E.Zorigtbaatar 12+2reb+1ast, T.Uuganbayar 11+7reb+5ast, E.Amarbayasgalan 11+4reb+2ast, G.Tselmeg 4+5reb+1ast
Brothers: D.Stone 32+15reb, S.Bathuleg 12+3reb+1ast, C.Uuganbayar 12+5reb+1ast, L.Avirmed 6+1reb+3ast, M.Sugar 5+3reb, M.Enkhbayar 2+4reb

Khuleguud - Darkhan 89-82

Everything went according to plan in Ulaanbaatar where fifth ranked Knights (13-8) beat 10th ranked United (6-14) 89-82 on Sunday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Khuleguud made 8 blocks. The best player for the winners was American power forward Justin Moss (203-1993, college: Buffalo) who scored 26 points and 5 rebounds. Saruul-Erdene Enkhbaatar chipped in 10 points. Knights' coach used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Sam Thompson (200-1992, college: Ohio St.) who recorded 19 points and forward Altantaria Enkhtuvshin (194-1990) added 12 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Five Darkhan players scored in double figures. Khuleguud maintains fifth position with 13-8 record. Newly promoted Darkhan keeps the tenth place with 14 games lost.
Top scorers:
Khuleguud: J.Moss 26+5reb+2ast, G.Sutra 13+2reb+2ast, E.Saruul-Erdene 10+4reb+3ast, B.Baatar-Erdene 10+1ast, A.Anand 9+2reb+2ast, B.Battuvshin 7+5reb+3ast
Darkhan: S.Thompson 19+3reb+2ast, J.Summers 14+2reb+3ast, N.Olzvoi 14+4reb+1ast, A.Enkhtuvshin 12+9reb, M.Monhbat 11+3reb+2ast, D.Belguundariyaa 7+4reb+2ast

Apes - Bison 101-85

Second ranked Apes (18-4) crushed at home 6th ranked Bizon (11-11) by 16 points 101-85, which is the biggest margin this round on Monday night. Apes forced 23 Bison turnovers and had a 18-7 advantage in offensive rebounds. Apes looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. The best player for the winners was American center Kyree Walker (198-2000) who had a double-double by scoring 30 points and 10 rebounds. International guard Ulzii Myagmarsuren (181) chipped in 17 points, 7 assists and 4 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international guard Sanchir Tungalag (193-1989) who recorded 27 points (went 12 for 12 at the free throw line !!!) and American forward Steve Taylor Jr (206-1993, college: Toledo) added 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field) respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Apes have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Bizon keeps the sixth place with 11 games lost.
Top scorers:
Apes: K.Walker 30+10reb+3ast, M.Ulzii 17+4reb+7ast, N.Batbayar 12+3reb+1ast, T.Bata 9+2reb+1ast, E.Bayarsaikhan 8+3ast, G.Nyamdorj 8+6reb+2ast
Bison: S.Tungalag 27+3reb+1ast, S.Taylor Jr. 19+6reb+2ast, E.Tulga 16+6reb+1ast, Z.Zhamsrandorzh 7+2reb+5ast, M.Shinibileg 5+3reb, L.Gunbold 4+4reb+4ast

Khuleguud - UB TLG 78-73

There was no surprise in Ulaanbaatar where 11th ranked UB TLG (6-15) was defeated by fifth ranked Knights (13-8) 78-73 on Monday. However just five-point win is not that big difference and the fans of host team counted on more convincing victory. Khuleguud outrebounded UB TLG 54-30 including a 38-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was American power forward Justin Moss (203-1993, college: Buffalo) who scored 25 points and 9 rebounds. Baatar-Erdene Barsbold chipped in 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American point guard Anthony Harris (188-1985) who recorded 15 points, 6 assists and 4 steals and Gan-Erdene Baasanjav (-2003) added 22 points and 7 steals respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Khuleguud maintains fifth position with 13-8 record. UB TLG lost eighth consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 15 games lost.
Top scorers:
Khuleguud: J.Moss 25+9reb+1ast, B.Baatar-Erdene 17+8reb+5ast, A.Altangerel 16+9reb, C.Ikhbayar 9+6reb+1ast, A.Anand 5+3reb, S.Binderiyaa 4+4reb+2ast
UB TLG: B.Gan-Erdene 22+1ast, A.Harris 15+3reb+6ast, B.Batlhagva 9+7reb+3ast, G.Mandahbayar 7+7reb, U.Sanchigdan 6+7reb, E.Irmuun 6+2reb+1ast