TBL Round 4: Mad Goat keeps a leadership position

Scott Sill

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Mad Goat as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Mad Goat smashed bottom-ranked MUBC in Nakorn Phantom 87-67. Mad Goat forced 19 MUBC turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by MUBC's players. American forward Scott Sill (206-92, college: Delaware St., agency: AgainHello) fired a double-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. point guard Suchon Maitampitak (176) chipped in 17 points, 6 rebounds and 10 assists. point guard Tripoom Thipthaweetha (173) produced a double-double by scoring 18 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists for lost side. MUBC's coach Wichan Charoentham rotated twelve players seeing no chance for a win. Mad Goat have a solid four-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with TGE. MUBC at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. They share the position with T-REX. MUBC will play next round against Thunders trying to get back on the winning streak. Mad Goat will try to continue on its current victory against second ranked TGE at home.
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Hitech (3-1) in Bangkok. Hosts were defeated by TGE (4-0) 76-66. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Hitech. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of British center Morakinyo Williams (210-88, college: Citadel) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 18 points and 16 rebounds. Rashad Bishop contributed with 11 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. International Nakorn Jaisanuk (188-91) replied with 11 points and 5 rebounds for Hitech. Hitech's coach Chris Daleo tested twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. TGE have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Mad Goat. Defending champion Hitech dropped to the third place with one game lost. They share the position with Raptors. TGE will play against league's leader Mad Goat in Nakorn Phantom in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Hitech will play against Raptors and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game where Shoot it Dragon (#5) beat host SWU (#8) with 15-point difference 84-69 on Sunday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Boonchai Rittiphanyawong who helped to win the game recording 24 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Shoot it Dragon's coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side Wuttikorn Niyomdej responded with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Newly promoted Shoot it Dragon maintains fifth position with 2-2 record, which they share with Bangkok Tigers. Loser SWU dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. They share the position with Thunders. Shoot it Dragon will meet Bangkok Tigers (#5) on the road in the next round. SWU will play against T-REX and hope to win that game.
Bottom-ranked T-REX (0-4) tried to put together a comeback for its first victory of the season, but they fell short in the 88-62 loss to fourth ranked Raptors (3-1) in Nakhon Ratchasima. The winners were led by Avery Scharer who had that evening a triple-double by scoring 38 points (!!!), 11 rebounds and 13 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Raptors have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Hitech. T-REX at the other side still closes the standings with four games lost. Raptors' next round opponent will be Hitech (#3) in Bangkok, which may be the game of the day. T-REX will play against SWU (#8) and hopes to get finally their first victory.

In the last game of round 4 Thunders were defeated by Bangkok Tigers in a road game 72-56.
The best stats of 4th round was 23 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists by Adam Stamford of Bangkok Tigers.