De Jong comes through for ZZ Leiden to spearhead Team of the Week

MUNICH (FIBA Europe Cup) - Worthy De Jong had a few tricks up his sleeve to keep ZZ Leiden in Play-Off contention with a memorable 89-85 upset over Group L rivals Bakken Bears, headlining the FIBA Europe Cup Team of the Week.

The 30-year-old guard came through for the Dutch club in time of need, delivering an impressive all-around display of 19 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals and a pair of blocks for an efficiency mark of 29.

The victory provided a much-needed boost for ZZ Leiden, who improved to a 2-2 record in the standings, having been on the brink of elimination before a pair of surprising results on Wednesday opened up the race in Group L once again.

There were two players with higher efficiency scores than De Jong this week, but both of them posted them in losing efforts.

Andrew Rowsey led the category with an index of 31, having gone 6-of-6 from three-point range for an ultra-efficient 24 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 steals, but witnessed Szolnoki Olaj suffer a 102-95 loss against Pinar Karsiyaka to drop to 0-4 in Group I.

Meanwhile, Lukoil Levski guard Patrick Rembert scored 26 points, dished out 6 assists and grabbed 5 rebounds for an efficiency of 30 in an offensive-minded 109-96 contest against Ironi Ness Ziona in Group J. The Bulgarian title-holders also stayed winless in the Second Round.

There was no match for Karsiyaka big man Assem Marei among frontcourt players, with the Egyptian standout collecting a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds with a side dish of 5 assists, as the Izmir club improved to a 3-1 record in Group I with a win over Szolnok.

Rounding out the Team of the Week, Tyler Cain helped Pallacanestro Varese clinch a spot in the Round of 16 by stuffing the stat sheet with 9 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks in a 74-59 triumph against Petrolina AEK.

FIBA