18 Too Many Individual Errors to Hope for the Victory

BC Mures lost their 15th round game against a completely revamped SCM U Craiova, 72-66.

Coach Sekulovic decided to leave out Matija Ceskovic from the roster, fielding Goran Gajovic for a better height advantage. Andelko Mandic started with Santa in the center position and it proved to be an inspired decision. The Tirgu Mures born big man scored 13 points and collected 3 rebounds before fouling out in the last minute.

The key of the game was the disastrous shooting percentage of BC Mures, a team used to outscoring their opponents from high range. Only Peciukas and Gajovic had a decent shooting night, and Ivanovic an acceptable one from the paint but only 5 of 10 from the free throw line and 0 of 5 from 3 point range. Dykes and Barro were only 4 of 10 from inside and Adamovic had a season low 3 points total. There were many forced shots throughout the game, and almost no rebounding, Craiova having 16 (!) more rebounds in the game with 17 offensive ones.

BC Mures couldn't take advantage of Craiova's foul trouble. Marojevic left the game early in the 3rd quarter and Santa played with 4 fouls almost the entire second half. Barro's game remained in the slump and Lazar was left on the bench after acquiring 3 fouls in 48 seconds in the first half. Instead of dominating the paint, BC Mures allowed point guard Boltic to get 12 (!) rebounds many of them followed by three point plays.

Even with Marojevic, Santa and Boltic out BC Mures didn't seem capable to turn the game around, imprecise shooting proving the be the doom of the team. Craiova didn't have a much better shooting percentage but their superior rebounding meant  second and many time third chances to score.

The MVP of the game was definitely Boltic with a double double (12p-12r) and 5 assists, followed closely by revelation Santa. Despite his 19 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists, Ivanovic turned over 5 balls, and missed 5 free throws. His almost 40 minutes were maybe a bit too much for the veteran. Except of Peciukas and returning from injury Gajovic, the whole team had a miserable performance, one they should forget as soon as possible if they were remain a contender for the playoffs.

For Craiova the next game is at home against Medias, while BC Mures travels to hard to beat at home BCM U Pitesti for a do or die encounter.