European Championship Division Division A. Recent results for Wednesday - Sep. 10, 2008
GROUP A
Italy-Hungary 75:68

Italian National team somehow but improved to 2-4 record at EuroBasket 2009 qualifying Group A. An outstanding first quarter was enough to celebrate the win in Porto San Giorgio over Hungary 75:68. Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) paced all the winners with 15 points. Daniele Cinciarini (194-G-83, agency: Interperformances) netted 13, while Valerio Amoroso (202-F-80) and Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) posted 12 apiece. Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) top-scored for Hungary with 19 points and Tamas Kaman (200-F/G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 12.
Honestly Italy and Hungary struggle not to be the last in the group. The latter has the same record and Finland is still 2-3. Valerio Amoroso opened the game with a jump-shot and then Mordente made 14:8. After the score was 14:10 Italy produced a 10-0 run and won the opening quarter at 26:12. Italy controlled the game but Hungary was managed to reduce a bit in the second quarter. Tamas Kamans free throws sent the teams to the lockers for 37:27.
The third quarter was the most interesting in the game. Hungarians came very close to the hosts as Istvan Nemeth scored for 44:41. Italy did not panic and Giuseppe Poeta made it 55:50. In the last period Hungary however tied the game. Tamas Kaman made the score 57:57, but not more than that. Italy pushed the tempo and Daniele Cinciarini brought 73:61. In the last seconds Simon scored for 75:68 as Italy ties the record with Hungary in Group A.

Italy: Giuseppe Poeta 15, Daniele Cinciarini 13, Valerio Amoroso 12+10 rebs, Massimo Bulleri 12
Hungary: Istvan Nemeth 19, Tamas Kaman 12

Bulgaria-Finland 102:90

The National team of Bulgaria overcame Finland in Group A at EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Sofia saw 102:90 win as Bulgaria improved to 4-2 record. Ibrahim Jaaber (187-G-84, college: Pennsylvania) was unstoppable with 29 points and 8 rebounds. Deyan Ivanov (205-C/F-86) netted 18 and Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) posted 16. Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) top-scored in defeat with 26 points and Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) nailed 19.

Finland scored first in the game as Kotti mad a shot and then added one from the free throw line. Petteri Koponen brought his team 12:11 as Finland won the opening tip of the game. Later in the quarter the hosts looked better and created a 9-0 run for 29:22. In the second quarter the tams remained close to each other for the whole time. Virtanen tied the game at 37:37 and then Shawn Huff tasted the lead with his team for 39:37. It was him again to send the teams to the lockers for 47:46 guests advantage.
After 51:51 in the beginning of the third Bulgaria managed to have 13-0 run that was decisive in the game. Angelov closed it for 64:51 with a jump-shot. Ibrahim Jaaber was the last to score in the third for 72:61. Bulgaria did not allow the visitors to cut the gap and played offensive game. The hosts won the last stanza 30:29 as well as the game itself, 102:90.

Bulgaria: Ibrahim Jaaber 29+8 rebs, Deyan Ivanov 18, Todor Stoykov 16
Finland: Shawn Huff 26, Petteri Koponen 19

GROUP B
Estonia-F.Y.R. of Macedonia 78:90

Estonia and F.Y.R. of Macedonia struggled for the second win in Group B of EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. The latter playing abroad celebrated 78:90 victory to improve to 2-1 record. Djeremaja Mejsi (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) collected 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Pero AntiK (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) and Stefanov added 13 each. Kedru Arbet (185-F-80) finished the night with 18 points in defeat and Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) added 17.
Tein scored a jump-shot as 4000 spectators applauded in the sport complex. Estonia looked better in the opening tip and stayed in front in the majority of the period. Trailing 22:15 Djeremaja Mejsi brought the guests back to 22:22. In the second quarter the teams changed the positions and the guests went on some leads. They finished the first half at 46:37 for the visitors that had 24:15 in the period.
Talts reduced to 45:50 in the center of the third. Kristjan Kangur with a jump-shot brought even the hosts closer to 54:57. An 8-0 run however saw F.Y.R. of Macedonia going back on a spurt for 54:64. Moreover Samardziski gave his team 57:68 after the end of the third quarter. F.Y.R. of Macedoni hled 15-17 points and led the game to the victory.

Estonia: Kedru Arbet 18, Kristjan Kangur 17
F.Y.R. of Macedonia: Djeremaja Mejsi 20+10 rebs, Todor Gecevski 18+9 rebs, Pero AntiK 13, Stefanov 13

Latvia-Portugal 79:43

Latvian National team destroyed Portugal on Wednesday in EuroBasket 2009 qualifying Group B. Riga and 5000 spectators saw the favorites improving to 3-0 record and sending Portugal to 0-3. Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Janis Blums (190-G-82) nailed 16 and Valters added 15. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, agency: Players Group, college: Queens (NC)) finished the night with 15 points in defeat as Elvis Evora (205-C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Nuno Marcal (205-F-75) had 10 each.
The Baltic team went on an early lead scoring the first seven points of the game. By the end of the first quarter, the Latvia lead was 19:9 but Portugal managed to close the gap to eight at 29:21 with just under four minutes remaining in the first half. Andris Biedrins looked too good at that period of time and sent the teams to the lockers for 38:25 advantage.
Elvis Evora cut the deficit to 40:31, but Janis Blums and Helmanis connected from three-point range and Kristaps Valters followed with a jumper as Latvia opened a 48:31 lead. Again Andris Biedrins closed the third at 52:34 with a jump-shot. The last period was a disaster for the guests that failed in defense. Latvia produced 27:9 in the period and sealed an easy victory.
Latvia: Andris Biedrins 21+12 rebs, Janis Blums 16, Valters 15
Portugal: Carlos Andrade 15, Elvis Evora 10, Nuno Marcal 10

GROUP C
Turkey-France 77:65
Turkey remained undefeated in Group C of EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. The team reached 3-0 record after a stunning victory over strong France in Istanbul 77:65. The latter could not wake up after a shock in Kiev three days ago, when Ukraine beat French squad by one point. Tony Parker (183-G-80) scored again 30+ but could not get support from his teammates. Kerem Tunceri (190-G-79) led the winners with 16 points. Oguz Savas (208-C-87) nailed 15, while Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) added 13. Tony Parker top-scored for France with 32 points and Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) netted 8.
Turiaf opened the game for the visitors and he scored the first four points of his team. The squads changed the lead several times until Tony Parker made it 19:18 for the guests. In the second period the hosts dominated the court and after 24:24 went on a run. Turkey scored 12 consecutive points and increased to 36:24 after Kerem Tunceri made a lay-up. Tony Parker kept his team alive at 38:35 finishing the first half.
In the third period Turkey went to increase again and reached 19:10 in the quarter. It gave them 57:45 entering the last period. Again Tony Parker posted for 69:58 to bring the intrigue into the game but later in the period Turkey held the score for good. Turkey remained undefeated in Group C of EuroBasket 2009 qualifying with 77:65 win.

Turkey: Kerem Tunceri 16, Oguz Savas 15, Kerem Gonlum 13
France: Tony Parker 32, Tariq Kirksay 8

Belgium-Ukraine 72:61

Only 500 fans came to support Belgium in Charleroi but it was enough for the initial win EuroBasket 2009 qualifying Group C. Belgium stun Ukraine 72:61 with a good start of the game. Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) led the winners with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) netted 11, while Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-C-84) posted 9. Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) top-scored for the guests with 27 points, while Andriy Agafonov (207-F-86, agency: Interperformances) and Artem Butskyy (185-G-81) added 7 apiece.
Belgium team did not have victories after first two games and desired to have the initial one. They opened the game with 10-0 run as Christophe Beghin closed it with the second free throw made. Ukraine answered with 9-0 run and remained alive in the quarter. Belgium spurted again and only Artur Drozdov cut it to 23;16 after the first 10 minutes of the game. Bellin made it plus 14 in the beginning of the second when Belgium dominated the court. Onufriyev reduced to 37:30 as the teams went to the lockers after the first half.
There was a moment when Ukraine could catch up with the opponent, but they could not. The guests trailed 5 points in the beginning of the third but failed at the end for 56:44. Belgium did not allow Ukraine to come closer than 10 points in the last stanza and led the game to the first victory. These two teams together with France have 1-2 record, while Turkey enjoy 3-0 on top.

Belgium: Christophe Beghin 16+6 rebs, Dimitri Lauwers 11, Aleksander Lichodzijewski 9
Ukraine: Artur Drozdov 27, Andriy Agafonov 7, Artem Butskyy 7

GROUP D
 Czech Republic- Israel 91:70
Czech Republic lifted to the top of Group D EuroBasket qualifier with a 91:70 over Israel. The hosts won all the quarters to seal the second win in the campaign. Jiri Welsch (198-F-80) and Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) led the winners with 20 points. Jiri Hubalek (209-C-82, agency: Interperformances) and Ladislav Sokolovsky (201-F-77, agency: PPGroup) netted 11 each, while Starosta had 9. Guy Pnini (201-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) ended up with 22 points in the losing effort and Yotam Halperin (196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) posted 13.
Pardubice saw a tough beginning of the game as the teams exchanged the baskets in the opening tip. After 10:10 the hosts created 8-0 run to finish the first at 18:12. They did not stop and started to increase the lead in the second period. After twice going ahead by 13 before taking a 36:28 advantage to half-time, the Czechs began the second half with a 10-2 surge and stayed in control for the remainder of the contest. Petr Bendas lay-up brought Czech Republic 54:39 with 3 minutes in the third. Guy Pnini closed the period at 63:47 from the arc. When Satoransk made a lay-up in the last period it became clear that the hosts would benefit. The score was 72:51 with 7 minutes to go. After 28:23 in the period the Czechs led to 91:70 in the game. Ladislav Sokolovsky closed the campaign with a three as Jiri Welsch had a great assist for him.

Czech Republic: Jiri Welsch 20, Petr Benda 20, Jiri Hubalek 11, Ladislav Sokolovsky 11
Israel: Guy Pnini 22, Yotam Halperin 13

Great Britain- Bosnia and Herzegovina 82:74
Great Britain is now 2-1 in Group D of EuroBasket qualifying campaign. Tonight the team celebrated 82:84 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina in Birmingham. Even though the hosts lost the last stanza 16:22 they njoyed more the third period with 25:11. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) was unstoppable with 29 points and 8 rebounds. Mensah-Bonsu collected 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Flinder Boyd (180-G-80, college: Dartmouth) added 8. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15 points in the losing effort, while Nemanja Gordic (195-G-88) scored 13.
Sullivan started the scoring account for the hosts that after 2:0 had even 8:4. Great Britain played well and Bosnia stayed close for 20:18 at the end of the first. The score was tied five times in the second period and the teams left the court also being tied.
After the excellent Pops Mensah-Bonsu and Goran Ikonic exchanged baskets to start the third, the Brits took over by scoring 15 consecutive points. Reinking followed with another jumper and then Luol Deng drilled a three to make it 54:43. Hart closed the third at 66:52 for the hosts.
An 8-0 spurt at the start of the fourth brought Bosnia back into the game at 66:60. Great Britain did not panic and led the game to the winning campaign.

Great Britain: Luol Deng 29+8 rebs, Mensah-Bonsu 15+11 rebs, Flinder Boyd 8
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Kenan Bajramovic 15, Nemanja Gordic 13

  European Championship Division Division B. Results from Day 2 - Sep. 10, 2008
Group A
Austria - Netherlands 54:58
Netherlands celebrated their first win at the EuroBasket in Division B action. They upset the first-round winners Austria to draw level with them in the ladder of Group A.
Hilliman masterminded a 10:2 rally from the visitors late in the opening period to set the score at 18:9 for the Dutch team after the opening period. Three-pointers from Theewkens and Wessels widened the margin to 15 points midway through the second frame. Netherlands limited the hosts to just 5 points in the quarter and secured a 16-point buffer at halftime. Austria however tried hard to save this one. They capped the third period with a 13:3 run to cut the distance to just 7 points. Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) kept the hosts at distance as he knocked down 6 points early in the final term. Arvin Slagter (190-G-85) and Francisco Elson (212-C-76, agency: Court Side, college: California) once again stretched the gap to 10 points. But back-to-back trebles from Matthias Mayer (206-C/F-81) and Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) fueled Austrian surge. They trimmed the deficit to 4 points however Peter Van Paassen dunked it home and Netherlands got away with a moral-boosting victory.
Francisco Elson led the charge with 12 points and 8 boards. Peter Van Paassen added 11 points, while Arvin Slagter had 9 points for the winners. Deteri Mayes answered with 14 points for Austria. Matthias Mayer knocked down 9 points in defeat.

Austria: Deteri Mayes 14, Matthias Mayer 9
Netherlands: Francisco Elson 12, Peter Van Paassen 11, Arvin Slagter 9

Iceland - Denmark 77:71
Icelandic National Team secured their first win in the EuroBasket Division B yesterday. They held off Denmark at home to improve to 1-0 record in Group A. Denmark meanwhile fell to 0-2 record at the start. The teams traded baskets early in the game before Pall Axel Vilbergsson (197-F/G-78), Helgi Magnusson (198-G/F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Catawba) and Fridrik Jon Stefansson (195-G-82) (204-F/C-76, college: Jacksonville) fired from downtown to set Iceland in front 23:14. Thorvaldsson and Jon Stefansson added two more triples early in the second period for the home team to go up by 10 points. However Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola J7.4ppg, C) and Jakobsen dragged Denmark back in to the contest as they shaved the distance to minimum. Iceland led by just 3 points at halftime.
Helgi Magnusson opened the third frame with two three-pointers and Jon Stefansson added 4 more points to ensure Iceland built an 11-point lead. Gunarsson and Helgi Magnusson teamed up for 8 straight points as Iceland kept Denmark at bay. The visitors however did not say die and cut the distance to 4 points with 37 seconds remaining in regulation. But four points from Sugurdarson in the closing seconds sealed the win for the hosts. Jon Stefansson knocked down 14 points for Iceland. Pall Axel Vilbergsson, Helgi Magnusson and Logi Gunnarsson (190-G-81) had 12 points apiece for the winners. Peter Johansen (204-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) answered with 14 points for Denmark. Chanan Colman contributed 15 points in defeat.
Iceland will visit Netherlands on Saturday. Denmark will play against Netherlands at home in a week.

Iceland: Jon Stefansson 14, Pall Axel Vilbergsson 12, Helgi Magnusson 12, Logi Gunnarsson 12
Denmark: Chanan Colman 15, Peter Johansen 14

Group B
Belarus - Romania 70:59
Belarus opened their EuroBasket in Division B campaign with the win. Yesterday Belarus outscored Romania in Mogilev to go 1-0 in Group B. Romania meanwhile slipped to 0-2 record in the ladder.
Belarus looked really good in the exhibition games prior to the tournament and proved their good form once again against Romania. A well-balanced offensive effort from the hosts did not allow the visitors to show their best and Belarus secured a comfortable victory at the end. The hosts dominated right from the start and easily secured a safe cushion. Belarus looked too good for Romania at the moment and rolled to a deserved win at the end. Mikalai Aliakseyeu (212-C-78, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Buffalo) topscored for Belarus with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Aleh Kojenets (208-C-77, college: NC-Wilmington) added 10 points, while Yegor Meshcharakou (205-F-76, agency: Octagon, college: George Washington) nailed 9 points for the winners. Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) answered with 14 points for Romania. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) had 12 points, while Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83, agency: Court Side) had 11 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.
Belarus outrebounded the visitors 29:25 and converted impressive 47% from the field. Romania managed just 31% of field goals in the loss.
Belarus will next travel to Switzerland, while Romania will host Switzerland in a week.

Belarus: Mikalai Aliakseyeu 16, Aleh Kojenets 10, Yegor Meshcharakou 9
Romania: Virgil Stanescu 14, Catalin Burlacu 12

Cyprus - Switzerland 59:61
Cyprus were close of posting the second straight close victory in EuroBasket Division B. However Switzerland managed to hold off ambitious hosts to pull away with a narrow 61:59 victory at the end. Wegmann nailed a free throw, while Giorgos Anastasiadis (194-G/F-77, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) missed a three-pointer in the very end of the game and Swiss team secured their second consecutive win at the start of the competition.
The visitors got to a brave start to the game as they enjoyed a 12:4 lead midway through the opening frame. But Cyprus went on a 9:0 rally to secure a 13:12 lead after ten minutes. The lead changed hands for 5 times before Switzerland surged ahead and held a 27:22 advantage at halftime. Buscaglia and Derek Stockalper (196-G/F-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO) opened the second half with 5 straight points to put the visitors up by 10 points. Cyprus would not go away though as they trailed by just 7 points heading into the fourth term. Liatsos and Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) cut the distance to 2 points early in the fourth term. The teams exchanged baskets before Koronides drew things level from beyond the arc with 48 seconds remaining. Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) answered with 3 points to put Switzerland back in charge. Panagiotis Trisokkas netted a jumper to set up last-seconds drama on the court.
Dusan Mladjan led Switzerland with 19 points. Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) had 11 points, while Derek Stockalper knocked down 10 in the win. Panagiotis Trisokkas replied with 19 points and 10 rebounds for Cyprus. Andreas Pilavas (194-G-83) chipped in 11 points in defeat.
Cyprus visit Albania, while Switzerland host Belarus next.

Cyprus: Panagiotis Trisokkas 19+10 boards, Andreas Pilavas 11
Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 19, Oliver Vogt 11, Derek Stockalper 10

Group C
Ireland - Georgia 77:94
Irish National Team could not match a feisty Georgia in Dublin yesterday. The hosts fell short 77:94 to slip to 0-2 record in Group C. Georgia meanwhile celebrated the second win in a row and share the top position in the pool together with Sweden.
The home team got to a quick start as they jumped to a 5:1 lead early on. However Georgia quickly denied Ireland the advantage. Mikhail Berishvili (203-F-87) and Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) ensured a 23:13 lead for Georgia at the end of the starting frame. Plying coach Jay Larranaga (195-G-75, college: Bowling Green) fueled Irish surge in the second frame hitting three trifectas however it was not enough to race in front. The visitors remained on top and enjoyed a 37:33 advantage at the interval.
Georgia quickly piled up a 10-point buffer and maintained it well throughout the period. Georgia headed into the fourth quarter leading by 14 points. Viktor Sanikidze converted back-to-back layups midway through the fourth term and Georgia ran away for good in this one. Viktor Sanikidze topscored for Georgia with 31 points. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) had 20 points, while Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) knocked down 16 in the win. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) led all scorers with 32 points. Colin O'Reilly (197-F-84, college: Post) added 15 points in defeat.
Georgia will travel to Slovakia, while Ireland will visit Luxembourg on Saturday.

Ireland: Donnie McGrath 32, Colin O'Reilly 15
Georgia: Viktor Sanikidze 31, Tyrone Ellis 20, Zaza Pachulia 16
Slovakia - Sweden 88:89
Sweden pulled away with a narrow win over Slovakia to improve to 2-0 record in EuroBasket Division B Group C. The Scandinavian powerhouse now share the top spot with ambitious Georgia. Slovakia meanwhile fell to 0-1 record.
Sweden managed to deal with sizzling performance from Slovakian leader Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, college: St.Cloud St.), who poured in 34 points and collected 9 boards. Sweden however looked solid and withheld the effort from the hosts to score an important victory at the end. Slovakia dominated at the start of the game. They jumped ahead early in the encounter and controlled the situation in the first term. Sweden raced ahead midway through the second frame using a 12:0 run. Kjellbom nailed 5 points late in the second period to keep the visitors in charge as they built a 46:40 advantage at halftime. Trebles from Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) and Thomas Massamba (185-G-85) extended Swedish lead to 9 points in the third frame. Radoslav Rancik drained back-to-back treys to cut the distance however Jonathan Skjoldebrand (203-C/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) capped the quarter with another three-pointer to give Sweden a 65:59 lead with ten minutes to go in the game. Jonathan Skjoldebrand added four more points to tip off the final stanza as the visitors cleared off to a 10-point distance. Radoslav Rancik did not allow Sweden to cruise to the win at the end. He teamed up with Dusan Pandula (195-F-84) to shave the deficit to one point 86:87 with 29 seconds remaining. Per Ringstrom (206-F-81, agency: Rasmussen Services) answered with a jumper with 4 seconds left and Vladimir Hovanak (194-G-82)'s jumper was not enough to force overtime.
Jonathan Skjoldebrand and Thomas Massamba nailed 19 points apiece for Sweden. Per Ringstrom had 13 points, while Jonas Jerebko added 10 points and 12 boards for the winners. Richard Lesko (204-F-81, college: Ill.-Chicago) secured 15 points for Slovakia.

Slovakia: Radoslav Rancik 34, Richard Lesko 15
Sweden: Jonathan Skjoldebrand 19, Thomas Massamba 19, Per Ringstrom 13

  European Championship Division Division B. Results from Day 1 - Sep. 7, 2008
Group A
Denmark - Austria 64:73

Danish National Team started with a loss in the European Championship Division B. Group A opener saw Austria winning in the road game 64:73. After a close halt the Austrian where pushed by Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) and Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Octagon). The lead was already at 14 points but some unnecessary turnovers let Denmark come closer, but no closer than 8 points. Deteri Mayes led the winners with 22 points, while Thomas Schreiner added 16. Hutter posted 10 and Hannes Ochsenhofer (186-G-85) nailed 9 in a win. Nicolai Iversen (204-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) ended up with 19 points, while Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola J7.4ppg, C) posted 15.
Jandl scored from the arc to give the visitors 3:0 advantage. With 11:10 on the board Denmark produced 8-0 run and closed the opening quarter at 19:13. Even though Austria won the second 20:15 Denmark remained on top at the halftime. Hannes Ochsenhofer sent the teams to the lockers for 34:33 hosts lead.
It was Hannes Ochsenhofer again to tie the score at 47:47 in the center of the third. Schreiners jump-shot closed the period at 49:56 for the visitors. After that Austria never looked behind. They won the last stanza 17:15 that gave them 73:64 total win.

Denmark: Nicolai Iversen 19, Chanan Colman 15
Austria: Deteri Mayes 22, Thomas Schreiner 16, Hutter 10, Hannes Ochsenhofer 9

Netherlands - Montenegro 63:70
Montenegrin National team celebrated a narrow victory over Netherlands in the EuroBasket Division B opener in La Almere yesterday. Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) secured 14 points and Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75) came up with 13 for Montenegro. Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points, while Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) had 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Kees Akerboom (199-F-83, agency: Court Side) anwered with 15 points for Netherlands. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) delivered 12 points in defeat.
Montenegro marked their ambitions early in the game. They outscored the hosts 23:18 in the starting period. The home team looked solid but still could not find the way in front in the second quarter. Montenegro maintained safe distance and piled up a 7-point lead at the interval. However Netherlands refused to fold. They limited the visitors to just 10 points in the third period and jumped to a 51:49 advantage with one quarter to go. But that was the brightest moment for Netherlands as Montenegro quickly regained the lead in the fourth quarter and dominated throughout the stanza. They ran away in the dying minutes to secure the initial win in Group A. The hosts outrebounded their opponents 45:40 but sank just 33% from the field. Netherlands will take on Austria in the second round of action. Montenegro will host Austria in a week.

Netherlands: Kees Akerboom 15, Rogier Jansen 12
Montenegro: Predrag Drobnjak 14, Vlado Scepanovic 13, Goran Jeretin 12

Group B
Switzerland - Albania 91:79
 Swiss National Team got to a winning start of their Eurobasket in Division B campaign. They held off Albania in Lugano to jump on top of Group B.
The teams entered the game bravely and traded baskets throughout the opening frame. They kept it close before Warner Nattiel (184-G-82) and Derek Stockalper (196-G/F-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO) fired from downtown to give the hosts a 27:22 lead. However 11 points early in the second period allowed Albania to draw things level at 35. Endrit Hysenagolli (-88) and Shima capped the first half with back-to-back baskets to seal Albania's lead at 48:44 at halftime. Vladimir Buscaglia (197-G-80, college: American) opened the second half with 5 straight points to ignite a 13:2 rally from the hosts as they retained the lead. Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) and Thomas Studer (198-F-84) gave Switzerland a 71:60 advantage with a quarter to go in the game. Vildan Mitku (200-F-83) nailed 5 points early in the fourth term to keep Albania in the race. But treys from Vladimir Buscaglia and Dusan Mladjan gave the hosts some breathing space and they never allowed Albania to come close enough for a strike. Dusan Mladjan topscored with 30 points for Switzerland. Vladimir Buscaglia added 19 points for the winners. Vildan Mitku answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Albania. Endrit Hysenagolli notched 19 points and 13 boards in defeat.
Switzerland will next face Cyprus, while Albania will have a bye round on Wednesday.

Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 30, Vladimir Buscaglia 19, Patrick Zwahlen (195-G/F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) 9
Albania: Vildan Mitku 22, Endrit Hysenagolli 19+13 boards

Romania - Cyprus 70:71
Aristides Koronides (188-G-82) drained a go-ahead three-pointer with just over two minutes left in regualtion to propel Cyprus past Romania at the start of EuroBasket in Division B tournament in Group B. Aristides Koronides finished the game with 19 points to deliver a surprising result of the first day of the action. The hosts jumped to a 9:3 lead early in the game and seemed to cruise further on. But Cyprus went on a 14:4 rally to surge ahead late in the period. Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) capped the first term with two free throws but Romania still trailed 15:17. Anastasidias and Andreas Pilavas (194-G-83) kept Cyprus ahead early in the second frame however a 10:3 run from the hosts allowed them to build a 36:29 advantage late in the quarter. Romania kept their opponents at distance in the third frame however Aristides Koronides and Michalis Kounounis (194-F-81, agency: Interperformances) denied the deficit at the end and the teams entered the fourth frame with Romania leading by just a single point 53:52. Five treys from Aristides Koronides literally shocked the hosts and Cyprus surged ahead once again 71:69 with 2 minutes left in the game. Bogdan Popescu (201-F-78, agency: Stanley International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) had a chance to tie the scoreline but converted just one free throw and Cyprus celebrated an impressive and quite unexpected win at the end. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) and Alexis Liatsos (200-F-80, college: Ohio) knocked down 11 points each for the winners. Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83, agency: Court Side) and Bogdan Popescu responded with 15 points apiece for Romania. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) nailed 13 points in defeat. Cyprus outrebounded their opponents 36:30 and sank 44% of field goals.
Cyprus will now take on Switzerland at home. Romania will visit Belarus on Wednesday.

Romania: Levente Szijarto 15, Bogdan Popescu 15, Catalin Burlacu 13
Cyprus: Aristides Koronides 19, Panagiotis Trisokkas 11, Alexis Liatsos 11

Group C
Sweden - Ireland 82:63
Joakim Blom (211-C-76, agency: Court Side) scored 19 points to pace balanced Swedish team to an overwhelming win over visiting Ireland at the start of the EuroBasket in Division B tournament. Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners as they climbed on top of Group C. The teams started the game evenly but 8 points from Mikael Lindqvist (193-G-83, agency: Court Side) gave the hosts a 15:8 lead midway through the opening stanza. Inan capped the frame with a three-pointer and Sweden led 18:11 after ten minutes of play. Ireland however opened the second frame with a 7:0 rally and tied the scoreline. Sweden found their first basket with almost 5 minutes gone in the quarter however managed to secure the lead at halftime 29:28. Sweden rushed ahead early in the third frame as they poured in 10 points in a row. Chris Bracey (198-F-80, college: W.Texas A&M) cut the deficit to 5 points late in the quarter but Sweden persisted and secured a 6-point margin before the fourth term. Kjellbom and Nystrom widened the damage and Sweden maintained the distance throughout the fourth quarter. They did not allow their opponets to get closer than 9 points in the reminder of the contest.
Mikael Lindqvist contributed 13 points for the winners. Chris Bracey answered with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Irish team. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) added 17 points in defeat.
Sweden will next take on Slovak Republic on Wednesday. Ireland will host Georgia the same day.

Sweden: Joakim Blom 19, Jonas Jerebko 16+10 boards, Mikael Lindqvist 13
Ireland: Chris Bracey 18, Donnie McGrath 17

Luxembourg -Georgia 65:98
Georgian National Team scored a comprehensive win over Luxembourg in yesterdays EuroBasket in Division B opener in Group C. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) knocked down 24 points to pace Georgia to their initial victory. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) added 20 points and 12 boards for the winning side. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) was the only player to score in double figures for Luxembourg as he finished with 13 points. The teams traded baskets at the beginning of the game before Georgia went on a run. They completed the first period with a 14:2 rally and accumulated an 11-point advantage. The hosts defense never looked solid in the second period as Georgia easily found the keys and stretched the margin to 19 points at halftime. Abdiu and Ferreira nailed 3 trebles early in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 16 points. However Georgia remained alert and entered the fourth stanza up by unassailable 25 points. Luxembourg never recovered in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end of the game. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) and Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points for the winners. Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) and Peter Rajniak (196-G-81, college: Cal.Baptist) notched 8 points in the loss. Georgia outrebounded the home team 42:19 and limited Luxembourg to just 38% from the field.
Luxembourg will look for their first win when they play against Ireland next Saturday. Georgia visit Dublin as soon as next Wednesday.

Luxembourg: Martin Rajniak 13, Tom Schumacher 8, Peter Rajniak 8
Georgia: Tyrone Ellis 24, Viktor Sanikidze 20+12 boards, Zaza Pachulia 11, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 11

  European Championship Division Division A recent results and stats - Sep. 6, 2008
GROUP A Serbia-Italy 72:52

Serbia won another game of EuroBasket 2009 qualification and it was the second over Italians. More than 14000 saw 72:52 victory of the favorites of Group A. Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) led the winners with 13 points. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12 and Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) posted 9.
Serbia proved the superiority from the very beginning taking 11:0 advantage. Italy managed to claw the deficit back to 13:9, Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) pouring in six of those points for the Italians. A Milos Vujanic lay-up made it 21:11 for Serbia at the end of the first quarter. Italy played more even in the second quarter but could not come closer. Dusko Savanovic made it 31:17 and then he again posted for 34:21. Giuseppe Poeta sent the teams to the lockers for 38:27, hosts lead.
Serbia decided to finish the game in the third period providing 20:11 in it. Milos Vujanic saw his team having 24 points deficit, but Mancinelli and Crosariol reduced to 58:38. In the last period the teams were just killing time. Serbia and Italy scored 14 points each that gave 72:52 as a total.
In another game of the group Hungary and Bulgaria showed an outstanding performance of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Hungary, playing at home grabbed 87:86 victory as Marton Fodor made a three with a buzzer.
Serbia: Milos Vujanic 13, Dusko Savanovic 12, Novica Velickovic 9
Italy: Giuseppe Poeta 14, Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83) 8

Hungary -Bulgaria 87:86

Hungary and Bulgaria showed an outstanding performance in Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Hungary, playing at home grabbed 87:86 victory as Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) made a three with a buzzer. Marton Fodor ended up with 17 points for the winner, while Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) top-scored with 19. Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) finished the night with 21 points in defeat and Deyan Ivanov (205-C/F-86) posted 16. Bulgaria, who began with three straight wins, fell to 3-2 but are still in second place behind Serbia. Hungary improved to 2-3 and is third in the group.
Hungary scored the first 5 points in the game as Salgotarjan city was gladly surprised by that. The hosts won the opening tip and had 13:4 in the center of the first. Marton Fodor closed the opening quarter at 20:19 for his team. In the second quarter the squads played more offensively and produced 27:24 in it. Istvan Nemeths three saw 47:43 for the Hungarian squad at the halftime. Hungary then endured a nightmare start to the third quarter when Bulgaria reeled off 12 straight points for a 55:47 advantage. Hungary fought back to trail 72:70 at the end of the third quarter, only for Bulgaria to keep their noses in front for most of the fourth. Bader tied the score at 84:84 with 2.45 to go. Deyan Ivanov made a lay-up for 84:86 with 1.16 remaining. The teams had tough defense and could not score until the last second. Marton Fodors three with a buzzer brought the second win for the hosts in their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign.

Hungary: Istvan Nemeth 19, Marton Fodor 17, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 13
Bulgaria: Dimitar Angelov 21, Deyan Ivanov 16

GROUP B
Estonia-Latvia 81:88
Another game, another thriller for Latvia and another win. Tonight the team stole the victory from Tallinn beating Estonia 81:88. Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) and Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) contributed 50 points for two with 25 each. Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) followed them with 14 points for 2-0 record. Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, while Tarmo Kikerpill (197-F-77) netted 14 and Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) had 13.
Latvia won the opening tip but could not hold it until the end of the first period. Estonia scored some important baskets and won the quarter 20:14. Latvia bounced back in the second period and went on a lead at the half time. Andris Biedrins made two free throws for 39:38 advantage.
The third period was a preparation for the last stanza. The guests won the third 24:20 to lead 63:58. Latvia led 79:68 when Estonia staged a terrific fight-back. Tarmo Kikerpill made six free throws in a row for 76:79. Uvis Helmanis made two free throws for an 81:76 advantage, but then Tarmo Kikerpill closed to 80:81. After that Latvia rearranged and could lead to 88:81 win.

Estonia: Gert Kullamae 16, Tarmo Kikerpill 14, Kristjan Kangur 13
Latvia: Kristaps Janicenoks 25, Andris Biedrins 25, Uvis Helmanis 14

FYR Macedonia- Portugal 85:48
FYR Macedonia celebrated the first win in European Championship qualifier beating Portugal at home. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory with an easy start of the local team. Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 23 points. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) nailed 13, while Pero Blazevski (200-C-72, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Pero AntiK (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) had 10 each. Elvis Evora (205-C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza) top-scored in defeat with 15 points and Paulo Cunha (199-G/F-80) added 9.
FYR Macedonia spurt a 6-0 run to grab the control of the opening quarter. They had no difficulties scoring basket after basket and had 18 points advantage at the end of it. Vrbica Stefanov closed the first period at 22:4 for the hosts. By half-time, the lead was 44:24 and any hopes Lopez had of his team making the encounter interesting in the second half died in the third quarter. Vrbica Stefanov made the score 46:24 and then Pero Blazevski scored for 59:33. The hosts won the third period as well and had 71:38 at the end of it. The last period looked to be more defensive as the teams mostly were killing the time. FYR Macedonia won it anyway 14:10 that gave them 85:48 as a total. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory as FYR Macedonia improved to 1-1 record.

FYR Macedonia: Vrbica Stefanov 23, Riste Stefanov 13, Pero Blazevski 10, Pero AntiK 10
Portugal: Elvis Evora 15, Paulo Cunha 9

GROUP C
 Ukraine-France 78:77
Ukrainian National team shocked France in Kiev beating them 78:77. The second round of European Champion qualifiers tied both teams at 1-1. The key factor for the hosts was terrific long-range shooting display as Ukraine made 10/19 three-pointers. Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) led the winners with 18 points. Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) netted 15 and Oleksandr Kolchenko (198-F/G-88) scored 12. Tony Parker (183-G-80) shined with 30 points and 4 rebounds, while Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) added 19.
Kravtsov opened the scoring account for the hosts as 2500 fans started to support Ukraine. France did not mind playing abroad and won the opening tip 25:19 as Tony Parker nailed from the arc. Onufriyev tied the score for his team at 31:31 and Oleksandr Kolchenko brought the 37:35 lead. After 20:15 Frnace still had 40:39 advantage at the halftime.
In the third period France replied with the same 20:15 and had 60:54 when Soliman made a jump-shot.
Oleksandr Kolchenko struck to tie the game at 66:66, and after Tony Parker buried a jumper, Andriy Agafonov drilled a three to put the Ukrainians on top for the first time in the final period with three minutes to go. Serhiy Lishchuk followed with a trey to make it 75:73 with one minute on the board. With 3 seconds to go Tony Parker went to the free throw line with 78:75. He made both of them but could only close to 78:77 as Ukraine Train gains the speed.

Ukraine: Serhiy Lishchuk 18, Rostyslav Kryvych 15, Oleksandr Kolchenko 12
France: Tony Parker 30+4 rebs, Ronny Turiaf 19

Belgium-Turkey 63:78
Turkey became the only undefeated team in Group C of the EuroBasket 2009 qualification. The team had a road victory over Belgium 63:78 to top the group with 2-0. Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) paced all the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) netted 20, while Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) posted 12. Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) collected 19 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Van Rossom added 11.
The beginning of the game was strange as after Turkey scored first points it took more than 4 minutes for the teams to score again. Driesen tied the margin for 2:2 with 5 minutes to go! The teams improved the scoring skills and Ender Arslan gave Turkey 15:13 after the first. Belgium played even in the second quarter, but Turkey pushed the tempo only in the end of it. Again Ender Arslan sent the teams to the lockers for 28:36.
Driesen gave Belgium 43:42 lead in the third period and the first for his team in the game. Turkey bounced back and again Ender Arslan scored last in the period for 49:54. With 24:14 the favorites finished the last stanza taking another win from the group.
In another game of the group Ukrainian National team shocked France in Kiev beating them 78:77. The second round of European Champion qualifiers tied both teams at 1-1. The key factor for the hosts was terrific long-range shooting display as Ukraine made 10/19 three-pointers.


Belgium: Christophe Beghin 19+10 rebs, Van Rossom 11
Turkey: Ersan Ilyasova 21+9 rebs, Ender Arslan 20, Hidayet Turkoglu 12

GROUP D
Bosnia and Herzegovina-Israel 77:71
Bosnia and Herzegovina ties all the knots in Group D after a home win over Israel. Tuzla and 5000 spectators saw 77:71 win of the local team. A 19:14 in the last period was a key to the initial win in the group. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Ivan Opacak (202-G/F-80, agency: World Sport Agency) led the winners with 13 points each. Ermin Jazvin (210-C-80) followed them with 9 for 1-1 record. Amit Tamir (210-C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: California) top-scored in defeat with 13 points and Yaniv Green (206-F-80, agency: ZAG Advocates) added 11.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was unstoppable in the very beginning scoring basket after basket. Kenan Bajramovic led his team to 14:5 after 6 minutes played. Limonad closed the opening period at 22;15 for the hosts. Israel tried to come as close as they could in the second, but the hosts did not allow them to do so. Casspis luckily was the last for 41:33 at the halftime score.
Israel came fresher from the lockers and produced an excellent period. After 47:38 Israeli team mounted in a 13-0 run for 47:50. The Bosnians took the lead against the Israelis for good at 58:57 with 13 seconds remaining in the third quarter after Bremer made one of two at the free throw line.
The hosts would go on to score the first eight points of the fourth quarter, with Teletovic's lay-up capping the 9-0 run to make it 66:57. Eliyahu cut the deficit to 72:69 but Ermin Jazvin posted last two for 77:71 win.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Kenan Bajramovic 13, Ivan Opacak 13, Ermin Jazvin 9
Israel: Amit Tamir 13, Yaniv Green 11

Great Britain- Czech Republic 87:68
Great Britain celebrated the initial win in EuroBasket qualifying Group D play. The team tied at 1-1 after the victory over Czech Republic 87:68. Nate Reinking (183-G-73, college: Kent St.) led the winners with 22 points drilling four of seven shots from behind the arc. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) followed him with 21, while Mensah-Bonsu collected 13 points and 16 rebounds. Jiri Welsch (198-F-80) top-scored in defeat with 17 points, while Jiri Hubalek (209-C-82, agency: Interperformances) and Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) added 10 apiece.
O2 Arena in London realized the importance of the game and the local team had a great support from the fans. After 6:4 the hosts created 13-0 run for 19:4 lead. Sullivan made it 24:10 at the end of the first quarter. The tempo of the game had slowed down in the second period and remained Brits in front 37:23 at half-time.
Midgley brought his team to 53:33 and then Sullivans lay-up showed 55:35. Jiri Welsch closed the third period as Great Britain was leading over Czech Republic 55:37. With no chances for the win the guests started to play better and even paid less attention to defense. The last period became more offensive as the teams nailed 64 points together. Great Britain enjoyed 87:68 win over Czech Republic and tied them in the group.

Great Britain: Nate Reinking 22, Luol Deng 21, Mensah-Bonsu 13+16 rebs
Czech Republic: Jiri Welsch 17, Jiri Hubalek 10, Petr Benda 10