EuroView: Venky Jois' star is rising
Venky Jois' star is rising in Croatia as he led a number of Australian men who performed on the European stage in the past week.
Against Adriatic League side Cibona, Croatian club Vrijednosnice Osijek were gallant early before going down 86-61 in the national A1 League. A 21-1 run spanning half time proved to be the difference and Osijek's undoing. Forward Venky Jois continued his impressive season by compiling 17 points on an efficient 8-12 shooting with 9 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Ultimately Cibona's roster depth shone through, as Osijek slipped to eleventh on the table with a 2-4 record.
Maccabi Tel Aviv's dominance in Israel continued as they easily dispatched Nes Ziona 98-68 in the Winner League. A 20-13 opening term set up the win, with Tel Aviv continued to pull away to maintain their unbeaten start to the season [video highlights]. Now firmly entrenched in the starting line-up, Jonah Bolden played 26 minutes for 3 points (1-4 FG) with 9 rebounds and 2 assists. Tel Aviv have the league's stingiest defense, giving up just 71 points per game as they sit on top of the standings with an imposing 7-0 record.
In the VTB United League, Lokomotiv Kuban continued their impressive 2017-18 campaign thanks to a 73-86 win against Parma. Lokomotiv hit 10 three-pointers at 42% and 52% from inside the arc to earn their fifth victory and maintain third place [video highlights]. Ryan Broekhoff started and played a team-high 27 minutes for 7 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists as he once again demonstrated he is the glue-guy for his side.
Brock Motum delivered 8 points (3-6 FG) in 14 minutes off the bench but Anadolu Efes Istanbul lost to unbeaten ladder-leader Tofas 80-69 in the Turkish Basketball Superleague. Tofas finished over the top of Efes thanks to a 26-18 final term. Despite the loss, Efes are 5-2 and still well in the mix at the top of the table.
Despite a game-high haul of 24 points from forward Dan Trist, Ourense went down to Lleida 75-84 in the Spanish second division. Ourense led by 2 at the main break. yet, could not hold off a fast finishing Lleida who outscored them 40-28 in the second half. Trist was outstanding, 9-5 from the field including 2-3 on triples with 10 rebounds in recording an impressive double-double. Unfortunately for Trist and his side, they remain in outright last place in the standings.
Sharpshooter Joel Spear exploded for a game-high 22 points in Norway as Nidaros overcame Ammerud 78-63. Spear racked up a huge double-double, connecting on 10-15 from the field alongside a staggering 17 rebounds with 5 assists and 3 steals as he stuffed the stats sheet. With the win, Nidaros moved up into equal second place on the ladder, largely thanks to the exploits of Spear.
In the British Basketball League, Bristol were unable to overcome a final quarter deficit to go down to London 63-67. Captain Michael Vigor was solid in contributing 7 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals, but he was unable to help his side earn a win.
The Baunach Young Pikes went agonisingly close to recording their first win of the season, unfortunately falling short by the narrowest of margins to Ehingen Urspring in the German Pro A (75-74). William McDowell-White was rock-solid for Baunach, contributing 13 points (5-11 FG)4 rebounds and 8 assists in another encouraging display by the rising young star.
Over in Sweden, Rhys Carter added 13 points including 3-7 from downtown as Uppsala upset second placed Boras 82-79. The veteran guard also handed out 6 assists and picked up 4 steals in just 14 minutes, helping his side climb off the bottom of the table in the process.