EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/4/2007

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Skelin leaves Olimpija -by Zeljko Zule
After short try-out period the management of Union Olimpija decided not to keep Croatian Mate Skelin (212-C-74) ex Lukoil Akademic, who could not improve the coaching staff about his skills.

Buducnost beat Helios Domzale in the opener -by Dragan Jankovski
Buducnost Podgorica celebrated in the opener of Adriatic league against Helios Domzale in Slovenia 86:79. Visitors opened the game better making 23:16 after first eight minutes but Helios almost tied up score on the half time. In the third quarter home team made advantage of plus 10 but they didn't succeed to keep it until the end. Reason for that can be the “short bench” of head coach Zoran Martic. Vladimir Micov (201-F-85) and Nemanja Gordic (195-G-88) scored 16 points each for the winners while Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) had 13 points, 8 rebounds and 3 assists. Helios got 17 points by Dario Krejic (194-G-78, agency: VTBM/SRBM).


Helios Domzale - Buducnost Podgorica 79:86
(20:29, 21:13, 25:24, 13:20)

Helios Domzale: Moro 4, Zalokar 11, Troha 9, Mihelic 2, Ingram 7 (5 rebs), Zagorc 11 (9 as, 5 st), Krusic, Zerak 10 (8 rebs), Lashkevich 8 (5 rebs), Krejic 17, Antonijevic
DNP: Radojicic.
Buducnost Podgorica: Otasevic 6, Micov 16, Popovic, Gordic 16, Mijatovic 8, Rakocevic 13 (8 rebs, 3 as), Bakic 11, Maras 5, Dasic 6, Dragicevic 5
DNP: Lakovic, Sehovic.

Crvena Zvezda wins against Hemofarm on the road -by Dragan Jankovski

In the derby of Adriatic league between two Serbian teams, Hemofarm and Crvena Zvezda, red and whites were better like visitors in Vrsac 76:81.

After first couple of the minutes, thanks to Kovac and Markovic, Crvena Zvezda made 16:11 and increased advantage to 9 points until the half time. At the beginning of the third quarter Dragicevic brought plus 10 to Zvezda but after that moment orange team made run 14:4 equalizing the score. After 55:57 in the 28th minute red and white team, through Kikanovic, Markovic and Cook, made decisive run 15:2 for 57:72 in the middle of the last quarter what was enough for the win.

Like it was during the preparation period, Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86) again led Zvezda collecting 16 points and 7 rebounds while point guard Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) also showed great performance making double-double, 16 points and 12 assists. Two members of Serbian NT who won the FIBA U19 World Championship this summer, Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) and "giant" Boban Marjanovic (216-C-88), scored 15 points each for Hemofarm.

Hemofarm - Crvena Zvezda 76:81

(21:26,18:22,16:13,21:20)


Hemofarm: Pavkovic (6 as), Simonovic, Joksimovic 13 (4 as), Bozovic, Markovic 15, Savovic 8 (10 rebs), Rakic 2, Jagodnik 3, Borisov 10 (5 rebs), Marjanovic 15 (4 rebs), Vukosavljevic 10

DNP: Trailovic.

Crvena Zvezda: Markovic 7, Kikanovic 12, Cook 16 (12 as), Kovac 9, Misanovic 8 (5 rebs), Tica 1, Dragicevic 16 (7 rebs), Sljivancanin 7, Bakic 5

DNP: Cvetkovic, Rondovic, Krasnic.



FMP Zeleznik recorded win in their first official game this season. They beat Siroki Prima Pivo at home 98:77. From the start it was clear that FMP's fans will leave the gym with a smile. On the half time hosts already made plus 15 while their biggest advantage was 69:45 in 27th minute. Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) led the winners scoring 21 points while Marko Djerasimovic (200-F-84) had two points les than him. Ivan Tomas (192-G-81) scored 19 points for Siroki.

FMP - Siroki Prima Pivo 98:77
(29:19,17:12,27:21,25:25)

FMP: Covic (5 as), Jeremic 7, Macvan 2, Stefanovic 8, Zigeranovic 3, Krstovic 21, Djerasimovic 19, Protic, Erceg 10 (5 rebs), Labovic 9, Samardzijski 10 (6 rebs), Lazic 7.
Siroki Prima Pivo: Spralja 6, Tomas 19 (6 as), Bubalo 2, Dijan 11, Sola 7, Stemberger 14, Miller, Corey, Perincic 16, Zupic 2
DNP: Bulic.



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BALTIC LEAGUE

Kenan Bajramovic leads Lietuvos Ritas to a win in BBL -by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Ritas - Siauliai 80:72
The BBL defending champs Lietuvos Ritas secured a win at the start of the BBL Elite Division action. They edged Siauliai in a tight clash at home. Antonio Grant (196-F-77, college: S.Carolina) opened the scoring list as he drained a three pointer for the visitors. Siauliai looked better in the opening frame and held on to the lead. Five straight points from Vaidas Pauliukenas (190-G-79) allowed Siauliai extend the gap to 8 points 21:13. But the hosts capped the opening frame with 9:2 rally and cut the deficit to a single point 22:23. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) and Andrius Slezas (200-F-75) connected from afar early in the second frame and saw Lietuvos Ritas grab a 30:28 lead. The hosts led throughout the major part of the second stanza but Siauliai completed the first half with a 7:0 run and went to the dressing room leading 41:40. Lietuvos Ritas used a smashing 13:0 start of the second half to clear off to a quite safe 53:41 distance. Later Martynas Gecevicius netted another trey and Lietuvos Ritas enjoyed a 59:45 advantage. Siauliai stayed in the contest and cut the lead to just 5 points with 3 minutes left in regulation. But in the dying stages Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) made a steal and Marijonas Petravicius (207-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) nailed a jump shot to ensure the winning outcome for Lietuvos Ritas.
Kenan Bajramovic led Lietuvos Ritas with 17 points. Martynas Gecevicius added 16 points for the winners. Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) responded with 17 points for Siauliai. Antonio Grant chipped in 13 points in a losing clause.
Both teams were evenly matched in almost all components. Siauliai just suffered more turnovers (16) and got 27 personal fouls.
Siauliai will next face Neptunas on October 5th. Lietuvos Ritas will play against Kalev next day.

Lietuvos Ritas: Kenan Bajramovic 17, Martynas Gecevicius 16
Siauliai: Donatas Zavackas 17, Antonio Grant 13

BBL Challenge Cup gets under way -by Eurobasket News

Panevezys - Alita 79:56
Panevezys opened BBL Challenge Cup season with a confident victory over Alita. The hosts looked more aggressive from the start and established a 43:35 lead at halftime. Panevezys held their opponents to only 9 points in the third stanza and extended the gap to 19 points entereing the final frame 63:54. Alita had little chances to save the encounter in the final period and suffered their first defeat in the season.
Zydrunas Urbonas (198-F-76) led the hosts with 19 points and 6 rebounds. Chris Hill (178-G-83, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) provided 15 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steal in a winning effort. Marius Janisius (203-F-77) replied with 23 points for Alita.

Nevezis - Liepajas Lauvas 58:60
Nevezis lost their starting battle against Liepajas Lauvas despite a fierce comaback effort in the final period. Nevezis were trailing by just a single point with just over 3 minutes remaining in the final frame 57:58. Mareks Jurevicus (198-F-85) sank a jumper almost two minutes later to give Liepajas a 60:57 advantage. Mindaugas Sakalauskas (202-F-77) scored one of two free throws for Nevezis with 13 seconds left to cut the deficit to 58:60. Jevgenijs Kosuskins (202-F-77) made a turnover and the hosts had 11 seconds to try to save the game. But Benas Veikalas (193-G-83, college: Metro St.) missed his shot and sealed the win for the visitors.
Renars Zeltins (190-G-83) paced the winners with 15 points. Povilas Sakinis (199-F-80) answered with 12 points and 5 rebounds for Nevezis.

Sakalai - Suduva 97:86
Sakalai used a strong third quarter to ensure a win against Suduva at the start of the Challenge Cup. Suduva enjoyed a narrow 48:47 lead at halftime but the hosts bounced back after the intermission and surged ahead. They piled up a 10-point advantage enetering the final frame and wisely held on to it in the dying stages. Justinas Sinica (203-F-85) shone with 30 points and 7 rebounds for Sakalai. Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) netted 25 points for Suduva in a loss.

Panevezys - Alita 79:56
Panevezys: Zydrunas Urbonas 19, Chris Hill 15+7 boards+6 assists
Alita: Marius Janisius 23+11 boards, Saulius Kazevicius (189-G-76) 8+8 assists

Nevezis - Liepajas Lauvas 58:60
Nevezis: Povilas Sakinis 12, Zydrunas Stankus (197-G/F-78, college: Campbell) 12
Liepajas Lauvas: Renars Zeltins 15, Klavs Ansons (202-F/C-83) 14

Sakalai - Suduva 97:86
Sakalai: Justinas Sinica 30+7 boards, Rolandas Matulis (199-C-73) 18
Suduva: Marius Valukonis 25, Virginijus Sirvydis (196-G/F-73) 19

Atletas - Bumerangs 84:75
Atletas: Valdas Dabkus (202-F-84) 18+8 boards, Egidijus Dimsa (204-C-85) 16
Bumerangs: Janis Poznaks (205-F/C-83) 25+9 boards, Uldis Rudzitis (192-G-78) 15



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BOSNIA

Damir Krupalija signs with JDA Dijon -by Nedzad Kladusak
NT member Damir Damir Krupalija (205-F/C-79, college: Illinois) signed with JDA JDA Dijon Bourgogne after he passed all medical examinations successfully. He
played last year for Charleroi but after the managementdecided to cut his salary he decided to leave. The last
months he spent with KK Bosna where he practised with the team.

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BRIT.V.ISLANDS

Ghetto Mix Overpowers Da Boys For Title -by David Edole
TORTOLA—Ghetto Mix used a 26-17, third quarter run to turn a one point halftime advantage, into a 13-point, 74-61, victory over Da Boys, for their first BVI Basketball Federation intermediate division championship on Sunday night at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town. “This is very special because last year we were denied,” noted Ghetto Mix's coach Brian “Bash” Brewley. “It wasn't easy. It was a dogfight. I had to take my time and choose which player to put in carefully. It was like a chess match.”

Leando Creque led Ghetto Mix with 24 points and nine rebounds. Melbourne “Trouble” Francis and Trevor Searles added 14 and 11 each, with Searles grabbing 10 rebounds. Winston Farrington Jr., was Da Boys' top scorer with 20 points and seven rebounds. Sean Woods contributed 15 to the tally.

In the senior division game, the East cranked up their run and gun offense then capitalized on numerous turnovers, to blow out the Bad Boys, 102-68, for a 2-1 series lead. The Bad Boys were outscored 60-29 in the second and third quarters where the game got away from them. They fell apart at the free throw line where they shot 40%, while the East made 80% of their attempts.

“We were trying to play a regular tight zone defense and run the fast break, that's our regular game and that's all we did tonight,” East's coach Verne “Bego” Turnbull noted. “Our goal was to try and win this game tonight, after we had a terrible first game.”

Bad Boys' Dalvern Blyden said it didn't seem that the players showed up and cited fatigue as a factor, after playing three successive games. “We tried to keep the game at a slow pace, but it didn't work out that way,” he said. “They got their running game started and we never got them stopped.”

David “Bolo” Lettsome led the East's scores with 35 points. Halstead Chiverton laid up 12 off his 22 points of fast breaks. He also pulled nine rebounds and had four assists. Dwayne “Kobo” Penn finished with a 17 point, 13 rebound double. Jahmal “Trigga” Rabsatt contributed another 12 points.

Eustace “Boss” Freeman was the Bad Boys' top scorer with 21 points and 16 boards. Charubin Smith followed up with 16.

The night began with Virgin Gorda's Jr. Mystics forcing a fifth and deciding game on Friday for the junior division crown, following a comfortable, 92-75, triumph over Basics, for their second successive victory.

The Jr. Mystics, who are seeking their third successive championship, went to their fast break game in the fourth quarter to turn a 3-point game at the end of the third quarter into a 17 point victory. Jevon Demming and Lee-Evans Jacobs scored 16 points a piece, for 32 of the points during the 39-25, fourth quarter run.

Demming dropped in 30 points and grabbed eight steals while Jacobs poured in 20 points, snatched 10 steals, to go with six rebounds and three assists. Andrew Thomas added a 14 point, 14 rebound double double to the tally. Kevin Issac contributed another 13 points and pulled 12 off the glass.

Basics' Kelvin Samuel had their top score of 19 points. Kyle Abraham narrowly missed a double double with 16 points and nine rebounds. He also had four assists. Leslie Smith recorded a 15 point and 15 rebound double double, to go with his eight blocks.

Ghetto Mix Nip Da Boys, 81-80, For 2-1 Lead -by David Edole

TORTOLA—Ghetto Mix trimmed Da Boys, 81-80, on Saturday night to take a 2-1 lead in their best of five BVI Basketball Federation intermediate division championship series at the Multipurpose Sports Complex in Road Town.

Ghetto won Friday night's game, 78-74, after being blown out by Da Boys, 106-88 in the opener.

“It was a very tough game,” said Ghetto Mix's coach Brian “Bash” Brewley, who also guided them to the title game last year before losing to Run It Red. “I've added some new players but, the chemistry isn't together as yet. Although we are winning, it's not as I would like. The team is supposed to be better than it is.”

Da Boys' coach Morris Wattley said Ghetto Mix's players want the title more than his team at this point. “They are outplaying us, out hustling us, that's basically what's happening,” he observed. “My guys are complaining to the referees. Some of the calls could be called yes, but if the referee doesn't call it, they are just quitting instead of playing. We have to come out, want it more and stop bawling to the referee.”

Ghetto Mix's David Susana just missed a double double with 22 points, nine rebounds and four steals. Leando Creque finished with 21 points and pulled 13 off the glass. Melbourne “Trouble” Francis added another 13 points. Nigel Williams chipped in 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Gerrard Vanterpool was Da Boys' leading scorer with a game high 25 points and eight rebounds. Sean Woods tossed in 20 and Brent Henry, 11.

The East used a 62-57 victory to even their senior division series with the Bad Boys, who won Friday night's contest, 79-74. David “Bolo” Lettsome had 17 points with Jahmal “Trigga” Rabsatt adding 15 more. Dwayne “Kobo” Penn contributed 15 points, pulled 20 boards, to go with three steals and three assists. Lyle Duggins missed a double double with his nine points and 14 rebounds. He also had four steals.

Nathaniel “Nat” Malone had the Bad Boys' top score with 21 points. Chaurbin Smith—who fouled out with 14 seconds left, had 13 points. Dalvern Blyden pulled 12 rebounds to go with his six points and seven steals contribution. Eustace “Boss” Freeman, snatched 11 off the glass and dropped in nine points.

In Jr. Division play, the Virgin Gorda Jr. Mystics—seeking a 3-peat championship—avoided being swept with Saturday night's 97-93, triumph over Basics, who won the first two games, 85-75 and 92-91 respectively.

Jevon Demming poured in a game high 34 points with 19 coming in the fourth quarter, where eight of the points came off free throws. Kevin Issac followed up with a 27 point, 13 rebound and 12 steals triple double. Lee-Evans Jacobs added another 22 points to the tally, with six steals and four assists.

Basics' Kelvin Samuel had 23 points and 10 assists. Leslie Smith narrowly missed a triple double with 22 points, 15 boards and nine blocks. Kyle Abraham tossed in 19 points and seven rebounds and Kendal Parsons finished with 14 points and nine rebounds.

By Dean Greenaway



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BULGARIA

Lukoil crushed Levski in friendly -by Valentin Anguelov
Bulgarian champion Lukoil Academic overcame Levski Sofia in it's last preseason game in Bulgaria. The Students smashed the Blues 95:68 in Triadica Hall in Sofia.
Levski's young team is still not in it's best shape, so the champions didn't had any problems winning this one. Levski took the lead only one time with 1 point, while Lukoil's biggest lead was at the end - 27 points.
For Lukoil the Macedonian duo - Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) and Riste Stefanov scored 23 points each. Stefanov connected 5 times from 3-point range, while Antic had 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals. Donta Smith impressed with some attractive plays and 14 points, while Petroslav Zafirov scored 12. Todor Stoykov ended up with 11, and Lubomir Lilov scored 10 and grabbed 7 rebounds.
For Levski, the American forward Rob Preston made a perfect debut after his comeback from the States. The 206-cm tall Akron graduate scored a team-high of 16 points, shooting 5/5 for 2 points and 2/3 for 3 points. He also added 3 boards, 1 assist and 1 steal. Stanislav Slaveykov scored 14 points, Vesko Veslinov stringed another 11, and Stefan Georgiev scored 11 as well.

FULL STATS FROM THE GAME LEVSKI-LUKOIL ACADEMIC

by Alexander Sotirov - BulgarianBasket.com

Dunav 2007 won the tournament in Pravets -by Valentin Anguelov

After three wins in a row at the qualifying tournament in Pravets, Dunav 2007 assured the first place of the competition in advance. There are two more days until the end, but the team of Ruse cannot be replaced from the top of the chart. Tomorrow they face Saprtak MVR, but the game will be only for the official paper and for the audience. All the other teams already have losses and in the direct fights between them, Dunav had won. An hour ago, in Sports Complex Pravtes, Dunav 2007 reached success against Sliven with 67-63 in a very tied game. The players of Rumen Shopov took the advantage from the same beginning and maintained a 4-8 difference until the break. Both teams went to the locker rooms in a moment when the result was 39-33 in favour of the Danube team. In the beginning of the third quarter, Sliven attacked and tied the score. From then on, the spectators in the gym became witnesses of a really interesting fight. At the end of the game, 2 minutes to go, the Serbian Ninoslav Tmuzic (205-C-73) went out for 5 personal faults. However, Dunav 2007 succeeded leading again kept the small advance until the final whistle.Thus, it became clear that Rumen Shopov will meet his “teacher” Ivan Cholakov on October 13 in Ruse in a fight between Dunav 2007 and Yambol.Tmusic finished with 21 points as he missed only one of his attempts from the 2-points-distance (8/9). Pavel Noykov added 16 rebounds. Both of them grabbed 9 rebounds each. For the team of Sliven very good game made Nikolay Dinev with his 21 points as well as Stoyan Petkov who scored 15 points, 5 rebounds and made 4 blocks.Winning tonight, Dunav 2007 made a favour to their opponents of CSKA, qualifying them as well. Two of the three teams to enter A-1 are already familiar - Dunav 2007 and CSKA.For Sliven their game tomorrow against Slavia is vital and if the players of Sabin Marinov want to play in the “elite” of Bulgaria this year, they have to give body and soul to triumph after the fight.Spartak MVR lost all their chances to be a part of Men's A-1 even if they win their next games.

FULL STATS FROM THE GAME DUNAV 2007-SLIVEN

by Lubomira Genova - BulgarianBasket.com



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CAMEROON

CAMEROON ABROAD NEWS -by Gilles Bouwe
Chris KUETE a former international who is now playing in MALAISIA;wher he is student in the American University won the national championship with his team KLang WCT. He scored 25 points and added 13 rebounds and 8 assist during the final. He was elected MVP of the final.

Pelle up to a great start... -by Yann Tientcheu
Pelle Stephane (6'9", 250 lbs C/F) former NCAA Div I University of Colorado (Buffaloes) Men's basketball program member (1999-2003) is setting the bar way
high for the 2007/2008 campaign with his Belgian Premier league team, Belgecom Liege basket. On september 25th, Pelle scored a team high 24 points
grabbed 4 rbds, dished 2 assists, and had 1 steal in a loss against Sarajevo during the first official game of the season. Pelle is continually confirming
the incontrovertible role he plays for Belgecom Liege basketball club. The 27-year-old center/Forward from Cameroon, Comes out of a 2006/2007
season that he railed in as the 5th best rebounder of the belgian Premier League with 6.97 realizatiions per game (adding 13.5 pts per game in 34 meetings)
after enjoying a leader position of best rebounder of the Belgian First Division pro league in the 2005/2006 campaign with 9.2 rbds/g. His team, belgecom
Liege basketball club was the Belgian cup finalist in 2007, and he is already the best scorer of the same Belgian league this season after one game.

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CHILE

Chilean U-17 defeated Colombia in Day 2 -by Daniel Valencia
In the second day of action, the Chilean Cadet NT defeated Colombia 76-68. The scoring leaders for the NT were Alex Sepulveda with 20, Vjekoslav Rafaeli scored 17 and Sebastian Suarez ended the night with 16. In the third day of action the NT will face Uruguay.

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COLOMBIA

Colombian U-17 cadets National Team fall against Chile. -by Victor Garcia
Chile defeated Colombia 68 - 76 in the second day of the Southamerican Championship in Argentina.
The National team had a good beginning but fall in the second half, Chile made changes in its defense to stop the Colombian Perimeter, Luis Lugo leaded Colombia 24 pts and 5 three pointers, Nicolas Leon also had a better game finishing with 14 pts.
For Chile Sebastian Suarez with 16 and Alex Sepulveda with 20 leaded the victory

Box Score:
Colombia 68
Lugo 24, Leon 14, Varela 9, Cortes 6, Pelaez 5, Galvan 5, Porras 3, Mosquera 2
Chile 76
Sepulveda 20,Rafaelli 17, Suarez 16, Domke 9, Morales 3, Schewerter 2, Toledo 2

Federation Cup 2007 - PLAYOFSS -by Victor Garcia
ARRIEROS VS PIRATAS
Games 1 and 2 at Arrieros Home in Medellin (Ivan de Bedout Coliseum), October 5 and 6

BUCAROS VS SOLES
Games 1 and 2 at Bucaros Home in Bucaramanga (Vicente Diaz Romero Coliseum) October 5 and 6

Stalin Ortiz plays its first official game at Italy´s Div1 -by Victor Garcia
Colombian star guard Stalin Ortiz, made its debut in Italy waring the Air Avelino Jersey, Avelino fall against Premiata Montegranaro 67 - 76, Ortiz played 15 minutes, scoring 2 points in 2 of 2 freethrows and grabbed 5 rebounds, Ortiz was part of the Air Avelino´s starting line up.

Federation Cup, October 2, results . -by Victor Garcia
Piratas 77 - Dajuan Gouard 21 pts
Arrieros 55 - Curtis Williams 21 pts + 7 rebs
Piratas defeated again Arrieros, thanks to a great defense and an accurate offense, Arrieros look tired and relaxed, the adittion of Atwon Hall will make Arrieros stronger Hall had 15 Pts, 4 rebs , 2 asists and 3 blocks in just 20 minutes in the court.
Piratas is finishing the regular season at the top of its level, and is the most dangerous team into the playoffs, have at least 4 players that can score in double figures, Gouard, Phillips, Sanz and Teheran, and a solid backup from the bench, now both teams will see its faces for at least 5 straight games.

Soles 72
Bucaros 87
Bucaros took revenge and defeated Soles in San Andres, the Bucaros played hard to avoid Piratas in the playofss.

Condores 77
Indervalle 104 - Derrick Miller 30 pts

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DENMARK

SEASON TIPS OFF THIS WEEK - DEFENDING CHAMP AGAINST SILVER MEDALIST IN WK 1 -by Tunde Adekola
07-08 Basketligaen season starts this week and with most teams now with their full roster, it makes it that much better to look forward to the openers. The highlight of wk 1 clearly is the rematch of last season championship game as gold medalist Bakken Bears faces off at home against silver medalist, Svendborg Rabbits. Also, semi finalist Horsens IC goes on the road to face BK Amager. Quarter finalist, Cimbria Randers hopes to protect home court against local rival in Abyhoj. And lastly, Team FOG Nestved with their dymanic american faces SISU to wrap up the first wk of action. Whoever said the first wk of a season is relatively meaningless should think again as the race to the top of the league starts now and in full force.

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ESTONIA

Kalev/Cramo wins Estonian Cup -by Eurobasket News
BC Kalev/Cramo Tallinn started the season with a 71:62 win against the archrival Tartu University/Rock, defending the Cup victory from last year. As both teams have made major roster changes, the cup final proved to be a test of how ready the teams are for the new SEB BBL and Estonian SEB KML seasons. Estonian champion TU/Rock had parted ways with Martin Muursepp (left to Australia), Tarmo Kikerpill (to Poland) and Martin Viiask (206-C-83, agency: Interperformances) (to Kalev/Cramo), BC Kalev were without Catalin Burlacu, Kendrick Johnson and Erik Dorbek, speaking of major departures. Meanwhile, Rock welcomed new head coach Ullar Kerde (former NT head coach), Janar Talts (ex-Rhein Energie), Brian Cusworth (Harvard University) and Kestutis Sestokas (ex-Lithuanian NT), Kalev had added Martin Viiask, US-born Marlon Palmer and Bojan Pelkic (206-F-83, agency: Beo Basket) from Montenegro. Kalev missed Rait Keerles who sprained ankle in Cup semifinal. Rock started the game much better, taking the lead 9:2 after six minutes played. Two minutes later Rock was ahead 15:5 and a minute into the 2nd quarter, 20:8, already. Kalev came within 6 points but a three-pointer from Talts and Cusworth's layup made it 29:18 again. Since then, Rock could not hold on to the lead and Kalev stepped ahead, outscoring opponents 16:2 in four minutes. Travis Reed made 10 of those 16 points and Kalev won the first half 34:30. In 3rd, Marlon Palmer made 6 points in a row, increasing the gap to 10, 42:32. Kalev held firm lead until the end of 3rd but Silver Leppik (185-G-83) and Talts reduced the gap to three points, only - 52:49. In last quarter Rock took the lead as Talts, Leppik and Sestokas made it 56:53 with Kalev being scoreless for more than four minutes. Martin Viiask and Palmer took Kalev ahead again but Tsintsadze's triple made it 59:57 for Rock with 5 minutes to go. Then the nightmare started for TU/Rock as in last five minutes they could make only one field goal. Kalev made a 14:3 winning spurt, nine of those points came from free throws. Palmer finished with 18, Reed with 16 pts for Kalev. Talts scored 13 for Rock. Both teams were under 40% in FG, Kalev had 27 points from free throws, Rock only 10. On Wednesday, the 3rd of Oct, two rivals will meet again in the opening game of the season.
Courtesy of: http://www.bbl.net

KML: Kalev beats Rock the hard way -by Janar Filippov
Estonian Meistriliiga started with a most-intriguing game between the two local giants. The champion Tartu University/Rock hosted last year's finalists BC Kalev/Cramo and lost 72:75 despite leading by 20 in the first half.
Rock prevailed in first half thanks to unstoppable play of Brian Cusworth (213-C, college: Harvard). The center scored 16 points in 1st quarter as Rock led 27:12. In 2nd, Rock went ahead 32:12 but Kalev started coming back thanks to Bojan Pelkic (206-F-83, agency: Beo Basket). four baskets from him and 41:31 with a minute to play in 2nd. Rock had the final word as George Tsintsadze (192-G-86) and Janar Talts (204-C-83) made it 47:31 for the halftime.
In 3rd, Rock suddenly couldn't find the basket either from inside not outside. They made only 8 points in 3rd quarter and Kalev equalled the game 53:53.
In 4th, Talts took hosts ahead 63:62 but Kalev answered wth 9:0 run which included five (!) offensive rebounds in two minutes. Rock came close again as Tein made 70:73 with only a minute to go but hosts missed a triple twice and lost another rebound. That was enough as Kalev was firm on FT line in closing seconds.
Travis Reed (203-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Long Beach St.) scored 18, Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) added 17 for Kalev. Cusworth and Tsintsadze scored 16 for Rock.

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EUROLEAGUE

Skelin leaves Olimpija -by Zeljko Zule
After short try-out period the management of Union Olimpija decided not to keep Croatian Mate Skelin (212-C-74) ex Lukoil Akademic, who could not improve the coaching staff about his skills.

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FINLAND

FINNISH CUP: Semi-Final Teams clear -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Finnish Cup: YMCA Lappeenranta, Pyrinto (Tampere), ToPo (Helsinki) and Kouvot (Kouvola) made the semi-finals tonight. Results:

YMCA LPR - Lapua 80-64 (41-23) (Juha Sten 15, Pasi Riihela 14, Roni Leimu 12 - Baboucarr Bojang 14/18, La Trice Little 13, Jussi Turja 13).

Pyrinto - YMCA Lahti 95-72 (44-35) (Eric Washington 22, Damion Dantzler 18, Damon Williams 16 - Ville Makalainen 14, Ed Williams 13, Vesa Makalainen 12).

ToPo - KTP 68-59 (34-37) (Ivan Cubela (201-F-84) 18, Josh Gonner 15, Timo Heinonen 10 - Jari Vekkila 16, Jermaine Spivey 11, Toni Ilmonen 9).

Honka - Kouvot 88-91 (34-44) (Jukka Matinen 27, Petteri Koponen 19, Monte Cummings 17 - Wayne Bernard 20, Corey Smith 14, Tuomas Iisalo 13).



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GERMANY

Coach Altenbeck leaves Wulfen -by Moritz Korff
BSV Wulfen (Regionalliga West) and Head Coach Dirk Altenbeck will go seperate ways after only six games played in this current season. Wulfen ranks 4th in the RLW with a record of 4:2. Rob Stearns (182-G-71, college: Baptist Bible (SC)), who has been playing for BSV in more than 12 years now and is currently suffering from an ankle-injury, will take over the position as an interims coach.

Lyryan Russell arrived in Chemnitz -by Moritz Korff
BV Chemnitz 99 (2. Bundesliga Pro A) has added Lyryan Russell (183-G-79, college: USF) to the roster. The 28-year-old Guard will join the Niners for a try-out over the next two weeks. After this period of time a decision will be made, whether Russell is going to stay for the remainder of this current campaign or not. Since graduating from the University of San Francisco (NCAA1) in 2002 the native of Milwaukee, WI has played in Germany in every season. He spent three years in Langen (11.3ppg, 4.7rpg, 2.6apg, 2.3spg in 2006-2007), but also suited up for Bayreuth and Kaiserslautern in the past.

Harbut now in Rhoendorf -by Moritz Korff
Terren Harbut (198-F-83, college: Ohio), who left Paderborn after a try-out recently, has now joined the SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf of the 2. Bundesliga Pro A. In his first game for the Dragons, a 109:99-win over Kaiserslautern on Wednesday, Harbut saw 2:49 minutes of action and only got a single shot which he missed.

2. Bundesliga Pro B: Highlights of Gameday 2 -by Moritz Korff
As the second Gameday of the 2. Bundesliga Pro B took place on Wednesday, the national holiday to remember the German reunification, here are the best individual performers of round two.

Play of the Day: Jan Stephan (202-G/F-81) - Muenchen Basket: 35pts, 7/11 3P, 6/6 FT, 12rbs
Points: David Bunts (189-G-79, college: Pacific) - TSVE Bielefeld: 36
Rebounds: Andreas Hornig (212-C-80, agency: LimeLight, college: Murray St.) - Kirchheim Knights, Armin Leber (200-F/C-81) - BIS Baskets Speyer: 13 apiece
Assists: Didier Njoya (185-G-75) - Spot Up Medien Baskets Braunschweig: 9
Steals: Sebastian Schroeter (207-C-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) - ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen: 7
Blocked Shots: Henning Gutt (203-C-78) - Muenchen Basket: 3

Check out all scores and stats on the official website of the 2. Bundesliga: click

Bamberg snatch first title of the season -by Moritz Korff
The Brose Baskets Bamberg have won the 2007 Champions Cup yesterday by defeating the Koeln 99ers 70:51 at home. The Champions Cup is the clash of the reigning German champion and the current title-holder of the German Cup. Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88) led Bamberg with 12 points. Also Darren Fenn (208-C-80, college: Canisius) and Ademola Okulaja (202-F-75, college: N.Carolina), who had 10 points apiece, scored in double digits. For Koeln Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76) chipped in 11, while Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) scored 10 points.
Boxscore

2. Bundesliga Pro A: Highlights of Gameday 2 -by Moritz Korff
Highlights of Gameday Two

Play of the Day: Chris Rojik (200-F-74, college: Holy Cross) - SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf: 32pts, 12/15 FG, 5/5 FT, 6rbs, 3as, 1st
Points: Chris Rojik - SOBA Dragons Rhoendorf: 32
Rebounds: Avi Kazarnovski (209-C-80, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement): 14
Assists: Whit Holcomb-Faye (185-G-84, college: Radford) - Kaiserslautern Braves: 10
Steals: Rocky Trice (191-F-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: S.Carolina) - Cuxhaven BasCats: 4
Blocked Shots: Mark Kelley (204-F/C-84, college: Cal-Irvine) - TV Langen: 4

Check out all scores and stats on the official website of the 2. Bundesliga: click

Chad Prewitt moves to Ludwigsburg - Bennett a Free Agent again -by Moritz Korff
After only one week including two pre-season games the decision-makers of EnBW Ludwigsburg (1. Bundesliga) told Charles Bennett (206-C-77, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Midwestern St.) that he is not going to get the chance to play for the team in the upcoming season and called his try-out a day. The reason why Bennett won't stay is that suddenly the possibility showed up for Ludwigsburg to sign Chad Prewitt (206-F/C-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona St.). The 27-year-old left the Artland Dragons after the 2006-2007 season and made a deal with Ago Rethimno from the Greek A1-league. But Prewitt didn't feel comfortable in Greece and decided to leave. That's when the Ludwigsburg-officials jumped at the chance.

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HOLLAND

Jermaine Green joins Upstairs Weert -by Fred Roggen
Upstairs BSW has reinforced their roster with a fifth American. Forward Jermaine Green (203-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas) has signed for one season. Greene played earlier in Estonia, Luxembourg and Finland

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HUNGARY

Timko in Barcelona again -by Balazs Radics
Norbert Timko (210-C-92) has spent an other week at Barcelona. The talented young player of Vasas Euroleasing participated on the U16 team trainings and for the weekend traveled to Gran Canaria for a tournament. Norbert started all 6 games averaging 10.0 ppg and 9.4 rpg, beating CB Gran Canaria, Valencia, CB San Isidro I & II at the group stages and Juventut Badalona in the semmis. Finally they captured 2nd place behind lithuanian side Zalgiris Kaunas losing 70-73 in the final. Both AXA F. C. Barcelona's management and Vasas Basketball Director Saeed Armaghani - who has escorted the player and continued setting up the 2 club's future cooperation - was very satisfied with Norbert's performance.

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INDIA

Indian Army capture Prithvi Nath title, Southern Railway prove their class -by Santhosh Kumar
Indian Overseas Bank paid the prize for being lethargic as they were shot down by Indian Army 1-0-93 in the final of the Master Prithvi Nath Memorial Basketball tournament in Delhi on Tuesday night.

Apart from being indiscipline (number of foul), the defending champions were shaky in the second half. After a bright start, Indian Army jumped into a 17-point lead (59-42) at the end of the first half.

IOB's S. Arvind and Sukhavaneshwar had an impressive day from out side the arc. But Army skipper Dilip Kumar took the match away from IOB with some brilliant shooting.
Southern Railway emerged champion in the women' section.

RESULTS: Men: Indian Army 107 (Dilip Kumar 31, Ashish Dubey 25, Jai Ram 18, Navneet Singh 10 bt IOB 93(Jagan 28, John 20, Arvind and Vineet 15 each); HT:59-42; Women: Southern Railway 99 (Geethu Anna Jose 37, Anitha 21, Kokila 16) bt MTNL 69 (Harjit 17, Prashanti Singh 16, Sheeba Magon 11); HT: 48-35.

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ITALY

Lega 2 transactions -by Gianni Pascucci
Ignis Draghi Novara announced the agreement with Giorgio Mapelli (200-F-78). Basket Club Ferrara President Roberto Mascellani announced the agreement with Cassa di Risparmio di Ferrara bank for the main sponsorship of the team, that will be named again Carife Ferrara. Andrea Costa Imola announced the signing of Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville), who replaces Tang Hamilton

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KOSOVO

List of Players for Tournament in Jordania -by Alban Salihu

The selector of Kosovo National team Arben Krasniqi, and his assistant Arben Sylejmani settled the list of 16 players that will be part of this tournament.
Candidates for the "Trophe of King Abdullah 2" are :

1. Fahri Breca
2. Vigan Radoni
3. Ismet Ferati
4. Igor Dashiq
5. Muhamet Hasani
6. Gazmend Asllani
7. Driton Obërtinca
8. Valentin Spaqi
9. Fisnik Mehmeti
10.Florent Lila
11.Edis Kuraja
12.Naim Haxha
13.Valdet Grapci
14.Fikret Hangjiq
15.Blerim Mazreku
16.Gëzim Citaku

But after the finals of tournament "ME RAMUSHIN" are delayed for 10 days, the plan of trainings changed.
Training starts on Saturday 6 Oct. till Sunday 11 Oct.
In Jordania the Team flight is on 15 Oct 2007.




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LATVIA

Latvian teams started in Challenge Cup of BBL -by Eurobasket News

Baltic League opened the doors for seven teams from Latvia this season. Four of them started in Elite Division, while three others in Challenge Cup.

Liepajas Lauvas brought the first win for Latvia in Challenge Cup. The team had a road win over the Lithuanian representative, Nevezis. The latter were trailing by just a single point with just over 3 minutes remaining in the final frame 57:58. Mareks Jurevicus (198-F-85) sank a jumper almost two minutes later to give Liepajas a 60:57 advantage. Mindaugas Sakalauskas (202-F-77) scored one of two free throws for Nevezis with 13 seconds left to cut the deficit to 58:60. Jevgenijs Kosuskins (202-F-77) made a turnover and the hosts had 11 seconds to try to save the game. But Benas Veikalas (193-G-83, college: Metro St.) missed his shot and sealed the win for the visitors. Renars Zeltins (190-G-83) paced the winners with 15 points. Povilas Sakinis (199-F-80) answered with 12 points and 5 rebounds for Nevezis.


Another Latvian team Bumerangs lost the opener to Atletas. The team played in a road and was upset by 75:84 loss. Valdas Dabkus (202-F-84) led the winners with 18 points and 8 boards, while Egidijus Dimsa (204-C-85) added 16. A great debut in the Challenge Cup made Janis Poznaks (205-F/C-83). He poured in 25 points and made 9 boards in defeat, while Uldis Rudzitis (192-G-78) scored 15.

Nevezis - Liepajas Lauvas 58:60
Nevezis: Povilas Sakinis 12, Zydrunas Stankus (197-G/F-78, college: Campbell) 12
Liepajas Lauvas: Renars Zeltins 15, Klavs Ansons (202-F/C-83) 14


Atletas - Bumerangs 84:75
Atletas: Valdas Dabkus (202-F-84) 18+8 boards, Egidijus Dimsa (204-C-85) 16
Bumerangs: Janis Poznaks (205-F/C-83) 25+9 boards, Uldis Rudzitis (192-G-78) 15




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NEW ZEALAND

Penney Touch and Go -by Eurobasket News
Marquee recruit Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) will wait until the final second to decide if he makes his debut for the Harvey Norman NZ Breakers in the Hummer NBL Championship Thursday night. The NZ Tall Black guard is still being troubled by the calf injury he picked up a month ago and will decide after the warm-up whether he will play in the Breakers' second home game of the season, against the West Sydney Razorbacks at the North Shore Events Centre.
“It's touch and go for tomorrow,” said Penney. “I'll just have to wait and see how it feels. “Today was the first time I'd done a full practice - body banging, rebounding and doing everything you do when you're playing ball … not just shooting from the sidelines. “I want to contribute to the team, but I have to appreciate this is only the second game of a long season, and the last thing I want to do is come back too soon and aggravate it further.”
Coach Andrej Lemanis said, with Paul Henare out for another three to four weeks, he would prefer to have Penney available, but he's comfortable with the depth in his squad. “If we can get five to ten minutes out of Kirk, that will be great,” Lemanis said. “But if he can't play at all, I'm sure a few of the other guys will step up and take more responsibility. “They haven't played for almost a fortnight and they're fizzing to get out there. It feels like we haven't played forever.”
The Breakers' overall record against the Razorbacks is seven wins and five losses, and they have dropped just one of six home matches to the Pigs. But Lemanis isn't paying the history books much attention, given that new coach Rob Beveridge has guided the Razorbacks to two wins from their opening three games of the season, compared to just five victories in 33 matches last season as they were left holding the wooden spoon. Lemanis says the Breakers have to bring their “A” game whilst stopping West Sydney from playing their traditional style. “They're an up-tempo team who like to shoot early in the shot clock and run all day,” Lemanis said. “You have to be disciplined and smart about how you tackle them or else they'll get you playing at their pace…and that's when you can come unstuck.”
Lemanis also admires the way the Razorbacks apply pressure for the full 48 minutes and “monster” the offensive boards. “We've worked hard on boxing out the opposition and our transition on to defence has also been a focus,” he said. “We gave up too many lay-ups to Cairns on the opening night. Five of their first six possessions resulted in easy lay-ups and that's simply not good enough. “We want more rhythm, cohesion and understanding and that's only going to be honed with more game time.”
Tall Black centre Tony Rampton (213-C-76, college: Iowa St.) is under an injury cloud for the visitors and may not suit up for the game, but fellow centre Julian Khazzouh (209-C-86) will still be a handful, having proved his worth as runner-up to Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87) in the NBL Rookie of the Year award last season.
Courtesy of: www.basketball.org.nz

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PHILIPPINES

RP's NBC Selection vs Basketball Japan (BJ) League's Ryukyu Golden Kings today -by Hector Santos

Philippines' National Basketball Conference (NBC) Selection opens its campaign in the annual Kwah Hu Cup Probation Basketball invitational tournament in Taiwan against Baketball Japan (BJ) League's Ryukyu Golden Kings today.


Backed by 6-foot-5 American Michael Anthony Daniel and 6-9 Australian Steven Bloom and composed of NBC's leading performers, the NBC Selection is confident of doing well in the tourney.

Other members of the NBC Selection coached by Boysie Zamar are Marlon Kalaw, Don Villamin, Mar Reyes, Larry Rodriguez, Jeff Tajonera and ex-pros Nino Marquez, Marlon Legaspi, Nelson Asaytono and EJ Feihl.

On the other hand, the Ryukyu Golden Kings, Okinawa's first ever first ever professional sports team, will be under the tutelage of Filipino-American head coach Hernando Planells. Planells, a NBA scout and a former head coach of the American Basketball Association's Hollywood Fame, stated that he is very excited about his new team. Plannells added that they are also scheduled to play a series of tune-up games in the Philippines.

The Golden Kings, which acquired former JBL Super League's Aisin Sea Horses standout Naoto Takushi as first overall in the BJ League annual draft, will use the Taiwan campaign as preparation for the coming BJ League regular season.

The NBC cagers are bracketed in Group B with Ryukyu, local clubs Dancin and Media and USA-Velocity Athletics.

Making up Group A are Taiwan Beer, Pu Yuan, Yulon, Kyung Hee and Malaysia.

The teams will play one round, with the top finishers clashing in the finals.

The NBC Selection will meet USA at 1:30 p.m. tomorrow, Dacin at 3:30 on Oct. 5 and Media at 3:30 on Oct. 6. The finals and consolation games will be played on Oct. 7.

NBC president and Spring Cooking Oil team owner Nathaniel “Tac” Padilla is confident that the addition of two quality imports “could help the team succeed after narrowly missing the finals two years ago.”

In 2005, an all-Filipino NBC squad led by Samigue Eman and KG Canaleta dropped a close decision to the Europeans-backed Joeutai in their battle for the No. 1 spot in the group.

Spring Cooking Oil, with 1-3 win-loss record, placed last in Group A of the 2006 edition.


Padilla and NBC executive vice president and Tagaytay Mayor Bambol Tolentino bankrolled the trip of the team headed by NBC sec-gen Tito Palma.




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POLAND

Eldridge in Gdynia, Gornik tries out Ercegovic -by Karol Machera
Courtney Eldridge (175-G-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: NC-Greensboro) has sign a new contract with Viking Gdynia (old name Kager) where he spend last season averaging: 11.4 ppg, 5.3 apg, 3rpg and 2.2 spg. The team from Gdynia after resigning their strategic sponsor Kager company has financial problems and in preseason games they're loosing almost all their games. Signing Elridge is a good sign for the fans and soon another contracts will be signed.

Anwil Wloclawek is still looking for a small forward. One of the candidates is Jimmy Oliver (195-G/F-69, agency: Priority Sports, college: Purdue). 39 year old player who played last season in Greece in Apollon Patras: 16 games: 15.2ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.9apg, 2FGP: 56.0%, 3FGP: 31.0%, FT: 86.0%.

Gornik Walbrzych is trying out Kristijan Ercegovic (208-C-76). If he pass the medical tests he propably sign one year contract with the team from Walbrzych. 31 year old Croatian Center has played two last seasons in Poland and in previous had 8.3ppg, 5.4rpg.

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PUERTO RICO

Bobby Joe Hatton Free Agent, for Reyes no Bucks -by Alessandro Fontana
Bobby Joe Hatton (187-G-76, college: Marist) is a free agent and He is free to sign with any BSN team since 7th Octber 2007. Last Year Bobby Joe Hatton played for Leones de Ponce with 17,5 points (29% 3pts, 54% 2pts, 84% FT), 4 rebounds and 9,2 assists per game. He was one of the strongest player in Ponce. He is an incredible scorer and He won in 2005 the "MVP BSN Award".

Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) will not play next year in NBA for Milwaukee Bucks. Bucks decided to let him free. In Spain, some ACB teams are interested in Angelo Reyes. It will be very good for him, to play one or two years in Europe, especially in Spain or in Italy, to gain more experience and to be ready later for NBA.

A. Fontana

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RUSSIA

CSKA rallies past Spartak Promorie in season opener -by Eurobasket News
Spartak Primorie - CSKA 63:89

The Russian Superleague defending champs CSKA Moscow started their new sreason campaign with a comprehensive win over Spartak Primorie. CSKA looked a bit weary as they just came back from Chinese international tournament. Spartak used it to stay close throughout the first frame and CSKA led by just 3 points after it 25:22. However CSKA proved the difference midway through the game as they outscored their opponents 20:12 in the second quarter and enjoyed a 45:34 advantage at halftime. The gap kept on growing after the break as Spartak could not match the tempo. Numerous mistakes from the hosts resulted in CSKA widening the gap to 21 points at the start of the fourth period 64:43. Spartak tried to raise the pace in the dying stages of the encounter but CSKA protected the lead and celebrated the first win of the season.
Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79) topscored for CSKA with 13 points. David Andersen (212-C-80) added 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) secured 10 points for the winners. J.R. Bremer (188-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) and Damir Miljkovic (193-G-80) scored 13 points apiece for the home side. Vidas Ginevicius (194-G-78, agency: Interperformances) and Vladimir Boisa (209-F/C-81, agency: World Sport Agency) had 9 points each in defeat.
CSKA were more impressive from the field converting 58%. Spartak Primorie answered with 45% accuracy. The hosts sank only 25% from charity stripe and were outrebounded 25:34.
CSKA will next face Krasnoyarsk away from home on Friday. Spartak Promorie hosts Spartak Saint Petersburg on October 7th.

Spartak Primorie: J.R. Bremer 13, Damir Miljkovic 13
CSKA: Alexei Savrasenko 13, David Andersen 12+9 boards, Matjaz Smodis 10

CSKA beats China -by Eurobasket News
CSKA - China 83:77

CSKA continued their impressive performance in China Tournament in Kunshan. They posted another victory, this time over Chinese national team. CSKA entered the game confidently enough and established a 21:17 lead after the opening frame. Russian team maintained the lead throughout the second quarter and drove to a 38:33 advantage at halftime. China led by Yao Min revived in the third term. They added some aggressivness in offense and outscored CSKA 28:23 to enter the final frame all square at 61. The teams exchanged blows in the final period before Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) nailed consecutive three pointers and Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79) was consistent at the dying seconds to lift CSKA to an overall victory.
Trajan Langdon led CSKA with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Alexei Savrasenko produced 18 points, while David Andersen (212-C-80) contributed 13 points in a winning effort. Ming Yao (226-C-80) answered with game-high 27 points for China. Wei chipped in 15 points in a loss.
CSKA sank 57% from the field and 86% from free throw line. China responded with 50% of field goals and 77% of free throws. CSKA dominated the boards 30:21 but suffered 14 turnovers.
CSKA tips off Russian Superleague season against Spartak-Primorje on October 3rd.

CSKA: Trajan Langdon 22+7 boards, Alexei Savrasenko 18, David Andersen 13
China: Ming Yao 27

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SERBIA

FMP outplayed Siroki Prima Pivo 98:77 -by Dragan Jankovski
FMP Zeleznik recorded win in their first official game this season. They beat Siroki Prima Pivo at home 98:77. From the start it was clear that FMP's fans will leave the gym with a smile. On the half time hosts already made plus 15 while their biggest advantage was 69:45 in 27th minute. Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) led the winners scoring 21 points while Marko Djerasimovic (200-F-84) had two points les than him. Ivan Tomas (192-G-81) scored 19 points for Siroki.


FMP - Siroki Prima Pivo 98:77
(29:19,17:12,27:21,25:25)

FMP: Covic (5 as), Jeremic 7, Macvan 2, Stefanovic 8, Zigeranovic 3, Krstovic 21, Djerasimovic 19, Protic, Erceg 10 (5 rebs), Labovic 9, Samardzijski 10 (6 rebs), Lazic 7.
Siroki Prima Pivo: Spralja 6, Tomas 19 (6 as), Bubalo 2, Dijan 11, Sola 7, Stemberger 14, Miller, Corey, Perincic 16, Zupic 2
DNP: Bulic.

Crvena Zvezda wins against Hemofarm on the road -by Dragan Jankovski

In the derby of Adriatic league between two Serbian teams, Hemofarm and Crvena Zvezda, red and whites were better like visitors in Vrsac 76:81.

After first couple of the minutes, thanks to Kovac and Markovic, Crvena Zvezda made 16:11 and increased advantage to 9 points until the half time. At the beginning of the third quarter Dragicevic brought plus 10 to Zvezda but after that moment orange team made run 14:4 equalizing the score. After 55:57 in the 28th minute red and white team, through Kikanovic, Markovic and Cook, made decisive run 15:2 for 57:72 in the middle of the last quarter what was enough for the win.

Like it was during the preparation period, Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86) again led Zvezda collecting 16 points and 7 rebounds while point guard Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) also showed great performance making double-double, 16 points and 12 assists. Two members of Serbian NT who won the FIBA U19 World Championship this summer, Stefan Markovic (191-G-88) and "giant" Boban Marjanovic (216-C-88), scored 15 points each for Hemofarm.


Hemofarm - Crvena Zvezda 76:81
(21:26,18:22,16:13,21:20)

Hemofarm: Pavkovic (6 as), Simonovic, Joksimovic 13 (4 as), Bozovic, Markovic 15, Savovic 8 (10 rebs), Rakic 2, Jagodnik 3, Borisov 10 (5 rebs), Marjanovic 15 (4 rebs), Vukosavljevic 10

DNP: Trailovic.

Crvena Zvezda: Markovic 7, Kikanovic 12, Cook 16 (12 as), Kovac 9, Misanovic 8 (5 rebs), Tica 1, Dragicevic 16 (7 rebs), Sljivancanin 7, Bakic 5

DNP: Cvetkovic, Rondovic, Krasnic.



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SINGAPORE

Slingers celebrate first win -by Eurobasket News
Singapore Slingers - Townsville Crocodiles 101:86
Singapore Slingers finally recorded their first win of the NBL season. They overcame Townsville Crocs at home and improved to 1-3 record in the ladder. But it never seemed an easy affair for the hosts. They looked as if the losing skid would continue after the Crocs easily rushed to a 35:18 lead early in the game. The Slingers though stay contestant and bounced back in the second quarter. They pumped up the tempo and cut the deficit by 6 points trailing 41:52 at halftime. The third quarter became a hightime for the Slingers import Rod Grizzard (203-G-80, college: Alabama) as he netted 15 points and sparked Singapore to a spectacular 31:15 comeback effort. It left the visitors behind and the home side entered the fourth frame in front 72:67. Singapore were hardly stoppable afterwards as Rod Grizzard and Ben Knight (204-F-76) ensured the winning outcome in the final period.
Rod Grizzard would finish with 32 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists for the hosts. Ben Knight added 24 points and 13 boards, while Blagoj Janev (203-F-84, college: New Hampshire) contributed 17 points for the winners. Ben Pepper (213-C-75) replied with 17 points and 9 rebounds for the Crocodiles. Kelvin Robertson (180-G-83) had 15 points in a loss.
Singapore converted 45% from the field and 87% from free throw line. Townsville answered with 39% of field goals. Townsville outrebounded the hosts 52:36 but suffered 19 turnovers.
Singapore Slingers will next play against Gold Coast Blaze on October 13th.

Singapore Slingers: Rod Grizzard 32, Ben Knight 24+13 boards, Blagoj Janev 17
Townsville Crocs: Ben Pepper 17+9 boards, Kelvin Robertson 15

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TURKEY

Timberwolves in Istanbul -by Alev Sonmez
Minnesota Timberwolves came to Istanbul as a part of the NBA Europe Live Tour in order to play a game with Efes Pilsen Istanbul. The American team spent the day by preparing in the Efes Pilsen Istanbul Sports Hall as well as attending an official opening of a basketball field of TEGV. Minnesota Timberwolves will play against Efes Pilsen Istanbul on 6 October.

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UKRAINE

Ukrainian Cup second stage has started -by Alexander Muzyka
Ukrainian Cup
Second stage 1/8 finals
First games

Oct. 1

Khimik - Hoverla 89:60 (22:14, 19:21, 23:15, 25:10)
Kh: Cakic 18 + 4 rbs, Kolchenko 13 + 4 ast, Djuric 11, Agafonov 10 + 9 rbs + 3 bls, Korochkin 10, Popov 8 + 5 rbs, Sabutskyi 7 + 4 rbs, Lepojevic 6, Bratic 4, Zavadskyi 2, Kalnichenko 0, Buckley 0
H: Spiridonov 13 + 5 rbs, Ploshenko 12, Shostukha 10 + 4 rbs, Stepovyi 8, Cherednichenko 6, Gelashvili 4, Mudrak 4, Fedorchuk 3, S.Kravets 0, Makarov 0

Oct. 2

Domograd - Cherkasy Monkeys 77:103 (17:26, 18:19, 28:22, 14:36)
D: Lapenko 19, Narivonchik 18, Shymanskyi 13
ChM: el Khatib 37, Rodgers 16

BC-93 Pulsar - Sumykhimprom 89:73 (24:21, 23:14, 20:19, 22:19)
P: Diatlovskyi 18 + 4 rbs, Sokur 17 + 6 rbs + 5 ast, Fraseniuk 15 + 4 rbs + 4 ast, Riabinin 8, Dubniuk 7 + 9 rbs + 3 bls, Miakinin 7 + 5 rbs, Shelukha 6, Koval 4, Artimovic 3 + 4 rbs, Skidanov 2 + 5 ast, Shemosyuk 2, Zakhozhyi 0
S: Yeriomin 22 + 8 rbs, Y.Zozulia 19 + 6 rbs, Shkurupi 15 + 5 rbs + 4 ast, Pelipeiko 12 + 9 rbs, Maksimenko 3, Timchenko 2, Mogilenets 0, Lemeshevskiy 0

Politekhnika-Halychyna - Dnipro 83:80 (31:14, 17:17, 19:23, 16:26)
PH: Bulajic 17 + 6 rbs, Zubrytskyi 14 + 5 rbs + 5 ast, Golubev 14 + 5 tos, Kouzmine 10 + 4 rbs, Gurtovoy 8 + 6 rbs, Ulyanko 8 + 4 rbs, Annenkov 7, Koroviakov 3, Shvets 2, Lemik 0, Zhuha 0, Zagainov DNP
D: Panchenko 17, Kozlov 15, Kobzystyi 12 + 8 tos, Kornienko 10 + 5 rbs, Markov 10, Matiukevych 8 + 10 rbs, Vilkhovetskiy 8, Shevchenko 0, Khizhnyak 0, Berkhin 0, Gorenkov DNP

Budivelnyk - Kryvbasbasket-Lux 67:67 (13:19, 21:9, 15:20, 18:19)
B: Orlenko 13 + 10 rbs, Yailo 13, M.Balashov 13, Y.Kravets 9 + 4 rbs, Briantsev 5, Nerush 4, Zabirchenko 3 + 4 ast, Kovalenko 3, Yevstratenko 3, Ivshyn 1, Stefanishyn 0, Horbenko 0
KL: Korablev 15 + 4 rbs, Blyzniuk 14 + 9 rbs, Neukhatskyi 11 + 5 rbs, Kondratovets 9, Boiko 7 + 4 ast, Demchenko 5, Simpson 4, Gerasimchuk 2, Pavlovic 0, D.Glebov 0, Zaitsev DNP

Azovmash - Kremen-Politekhnik 134:47 (19:37, 15:34, 5:37, 8:26)
A: Meshcharnakou 20 + 7 rbs + 5 ast, Harper 19 + 5 ast, van de Hare 15 + 9 rbs, Archibald 15 + 9 rbs, Reese 14 + 10 ast + 5 stl, Skutelnik 12 + 5 rbs, Delininkaitis 12 + 4 ast, Liadelis 9, Loktionov 7, Edney 7, Lishchuk 4 + 5 rbs, Podorvanniy DNP
KP: Suprun 9, R.Petrenko 6, Ovcharenko 5, Rozhenko 5, Zharkov 5, Khorunchyi 2 + 9 rbs, Slavko 2 + 4 rbs, M.Zozulia 2, R.Yershov 2

Fero-ZNTU - BC Kyiv 69:79 (15:24,17:12,19:21,18:22)
F: Zmitrovich 12, Chisyl 12
K: Otverchenko 28, Lukashov 18

MBC Mykolaiv - BC Odesa 72:82 (30:19, 18:26, 17:20, 7:17)
M: Raievskyi 19, Hilevych 16 + 10 rbs, Onufriev 11 + 8 rbs, Tonchenko 6, Chausov 6, Krivtsov 4 + 4 rbs, Vinogradov 4, Tkach 4, Silkovskyi 2, Beskov 0, Norenko DNP, Shepil DNP
O: Yushkin 21, Rybalko 15, Barlow 13 + 4 ast + 4 rbs, S.Balashov 9 + 6 rbs, Goliakhov 9 + 5 rbs, Karebin 6, Tkachenko 5 + 5 rbs, A.Kuznetsov 2, Yakovlev 2, Khitov DNP, G.Kuznetsov DNP, Poltoratskiy DNP

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URUGUAY

Trouville scored a 7-0 in 15 seconds to beat Paysandu -by Hector Lopez
Trouville scored 7-0 in the last 15 seconds against Paysandu to win 100-97 on the road. Joaquin Izuibejeres (184-G-82) netted 5 of those 7 points, after Paysandu took a 97-93 advantage.
Trouville 100 - Martin Aguilera (195-F-87) 20, Thurman Zimmerman (196-F/G-83, agency: Singer Sports, college: S.Carolina St.) 20 Delano Thomas (203-F-82, college: Shawnee St.) 10
Paysandu 97 - Cory Largent (201-F-80, college: W.Carolina) 31 Louis Truscott (198-F-78, college: Houston) 22 and 10 rebounds.

Bigua announced a new import, Kevin Young -by Hector Lopez
Bigua announced Kevin Young (206-C-84, agency: Court Side, college: Missouri) will replace Derrick Franklin. The team said Franklin was going to be suspended four games due to a quarrel in one of the games of the uruguay League.

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ZAMBIA

kjkljkljkljl -by Jay
jk klj klj kk kljkljlj lkjklj jkjklj klj lj jljkjklk jlkjklj lkj



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Women News

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ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women

Standings
Adriatic L. Standings
1. Celje 0-0
2. Buducnost 0-0
3. Crvena Zv. 0-0
4. Vojvodina 0-0
5. Sibenik 0-0
6. Jedinstvo 0-0
7. Gospic 0-0
8. Medvescak 0-0
9. Ragusa 0-0
10. M.Kraj. BL 0-0


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BELARUS - Women

Belarus remains on fire -by Eurobasket News
Belarus-Italy 66:51 (19-15, 19-15, 12-8, 16-13)

Belarus National team has beat all the records so far and the goals. As it is the first time the team participates in Eurobasket, it is of a great success. In the win-or-die game the team upset the hosts of the tournament and took their position in the Quarterfinals. Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) nailed 18 points and made 10 rebounds. Anastasiya Verameyenka (191-C-87) collected 12 points and 11 rebounds, while Natalia Marchanka (168-G-79) scored 9. Francesca Modica top-scored for Italy with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Belarus beat hosts Italy and clinched a place in the EuroBasket quarter-finals for the first time in their history. Making their debut in the final round of the tournament, Belarus have made the most of it so far, but probably will not stop on it. The team won the first two quarters with the same 19:15 score. As a result they had 38:30 at the interval.
Natalia Marchanka made the score 50:36 in the end of the third that made sure Italy would not catch up. Volnaya's jump-shot sent Italy out as the deficit was +20, 60:40.
Belarus goes further and will meet the defending Champions of Eurobasket 2005, Czech Republic. The game between the first team of Group e and the 4th from Group F will be tomorrow at 21.00

Belarus: Yelena Leuchanka 18+10 rebs, Anastasiya Verameyenka 12+11 rebs, Natalia Marchanka 9
Italy: Francesca Modica (175-G-81) 15, Laura Macchi (187-F-79) 11

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E.CHAMPS (W) - Women

Turkey and German say goodbye to EuroBasket 2007 -by Leslie Anderson
Band she was instrumental in nearly all the good actions of her side in their close defeat. When she was on the court , Lithuania was always uncomfortable. Nevriye Yilmaz was the main beneficial of her performance as she put in a stunning display as she finished with a game high 20 points in what turned out to be a losing cause.

Germany competition has seen them at the wrong side of many close games in this edition of Eurobasket. Linda Frohlick always positive and a leader on the court has nothing but good things to say about her team-mates, while herself and Martina Weber are the big names in the team but in their last match lets talk about Alexandra Muller who finally found her scoring touch and gave a masterly display in a difficult cause.

Spain-Russia. Preparation for the Final? -by Eurobasket News

Spain and Russia will meet tonight in the battle for the first place....so far in the group. The game is scheduled for 18.30. Belarus and Italy will struggle for the last ticket to the Quarterfinals from Group F. Thier game is the opener of the last day of the Qualifying Round. France faces Serbia in another important game for both teams as Serbia still has chances to advance.

Spain remains the only undefeated team and in order to prove the superiority the team has to beat another favorite, Russia. The latter is still on the way to show the 'expected' game from what they want to. A win over Spain however will make them a favorite number 1 for the Gold.

Belarus-Italy is another event the spectators are waiting for. For Belarus it is already a minimum that the team advanced to the Qualifying Round. For sure the team will not stop on that and try to upset the hosts. For Italy it is a must to advance to the Quarterfinals and probably they will do their best for it.


Serbia in order to advance will have to beat France and as hard as they can, as then three teams will have 2-3 record and only two of them will qualify. So far France is the favotire, however Serbia knows the word 'sensation', that they presented in the game against Russia.



France send Serbia Home -by Leslie Anderson


Millica Dabovic was causing France difficulties early on as her in-your-face style troubled France when her team took an early lead (14-7) midway through the first quarter. France forced to run after the score, leaving the back door open for their opponents to exploit. Even when the backdoor was closed Serbia found a way to get the ball to Ivana Gruba who profited from some unselfish work of Sonja Petrovic to hit the first 3-pointer of the match (21-12). Yet France did not panic and slowly the deficit came down.


Sandra Le Drean scored twice and with Emilie Gomis' fast-break-counter-attack-lay ups made it a 3-point game. Millica Dabovic still had the last say of the period as she made a pair from the charity stripe for Serbia to lead (23-18) at the end of the first period.


At the start of the second quarter Gruba was left open again and put away another trey to the annoyance of Jacques Commères. Maybe his reaction was needed to spear France into offensive action as they went on to hit 11 unanswered points to take the lead (29-25) for the firs time in the game. Jovica Antonic, the Serbian head coach and master technician, needed a time-out to calm his players. It worked as his team tied the game on the next two plays. Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) restored the lead for France, before she was blocked by Monika Veselovski. Afterwards Ana Perovic tied the game once more after she was allowed to balk in behind the defence for a simple lay-up (31-31). The officials spoilt the flow of the game a bit with some strange calls in a hard finish to the end of the quarter with most of the points for both sides coming from the charity stripes. France finished with a 6:0 run before going to the locker room leading (39-34).


The first 6 points of the third period came from Serbia but lost their rhythm by a Lawson-Wade steal and lay-up to finish. The teams traded baskets (47-42) with France maintaining the advantage although the game had become niggley due to some poor officiating.Audrey Sauret-Gillespie and Miljana Musovic clashed heads in a chase for the ball which split Audrey forehead open. Following this incident the game became even rougher. France was having trouble shooting the ball from outside the paint, so they went to work on penetrating the zone and finished the quarter on an 11:5 run to extend their lead (56-47).


Both sides had to work hard in the final period to score anything. France had a Sandrine Gruda on form today as she was in no mood to let anything get away from her, hence the advantage was maintained (66-55).France once again left the floor open and Petrovic hit a 3-pointer which once again annoyed Jacques commeres. Emily Gomis responded with a rear French mid-distance shot (68-58) with the game 20 seconds into money time.


France once again left the floor open and Petrovic hit a 3-pointer which once again annoyed Jacques commeres. Emily Gomis responded with a rear French mid-distance shot (68-58) with the game 20 seconds into money time. France went on to win (68-60) and will now play Latvia in the first game in the new PalaTricalle Arena in Chieti.


Sandrine Gruda scored 16 points and Emilie Gomis added 14 points for France while Ivana Grubor (3-of-3 from 3 point ranch) paced Serbia with 17 points . Ana Perovic adding 12 points and Marina Puskar chipping in 11 points also finished in double figures.



Brutal acceleration in the final period by Russia was enough to see off Spain -by Leslie Anderson

The only score in the first 2 minutes came from the charity stripes. Lucila Pascua scored the first field gaol of the match as she managed to work herself inside the paint. Maria Stepanova showed her soft touch with a delicate 3-pointer to put Russia back in front, while Olga Arteshina added a second 3-pointer moments after. Anna Montanana responded with a trey for Spain as to say we can also hit 3 pointers, too.


Russia leading with (7-5) changed offensive tactics that allowed Ilone Korstin to find room under the basket to score her first points of the match. The pace which was never slow picked up and it was end to end stuff with moments of brilliance from both sides and both were made to work hard for every point. Maria Stepanova scored 9 of her team's 16 first period points and already took 7 rebounds as they led by 3 points at the end of the first period (16-13).


Marta Zurro brought it back to a one-point game right from the start of the second period. Points were next to impossible to come by and Russia still led (18-17) midway though the period. Laia Palau put Spain briefly in front as an offensive mix-up by Russian was exploited by her as she went from one end of the court to the other and finished with a lay-up. Russia's only response came from the free-throw line to regain the lead. Nuria Martinez restored Spain's lead from beyond the arc. It was not easy for either side to penetrate each other's area and even when they succeeded it was impossible for the players to control their speed in executing lay-ups, the ball simply bounced back off the backboard. Russia went into the interval leading (24-22) thanks to Stepanova hitting one of her trademark's jumpers during the last minute.


Amaya Valdemoro was very active for Spain at the start of the 3rd period as they traded basket for basket in an exciting phase in which both sides made shots that they missed in the first half of the match. Russia managed to extend their advantage (37-30) before Spain, through Montanana and Palau, hit back to back scores for Spain (37-35). The scores remained close through the remaining of the period as the contest Stepanova - Valdemore intensified with 9 and 10 points respectively during the quarter. Russia's advantage was now 3 points (45-42) going into the final period.


A brutal acceleration in the Russian offensive play put them in the driving seat as their advantage grew (56-45) with just five minutes left on the clock. Spain for the first time in the competition could not find a way back into the match and will now face Belgium in the quarter final.

Russia will play Lithuanian in their quarterfinal match after winning (64-49)


Stepanova top scored with 19 points and she also toped the rebound statistics with 12. Irina Osipova and Svetlana Abrosimova also made double digits with 13 and 10 respectively. Amaya Valdemoro scored 14 points for Spain.




Italy the hosts are out of Eurobasket -by Leslie Anderson


Belarus abandoned their outside game from the off and went for the inside strength of Marina Kress and Anastasiya Verameyenka while Italy opened with a pair of treys by Francesca Modica in a hectic opening session. Belarus alternated their defensive systems between zone and player to player that disturbed the Italian attack while giving themselves more opportunities on the fast break. Belarus led (19-15) after the first period without hitting anything from down town.


The second period opened with Modica hitting her 3rd 3 of the evening quickly followed by another Italian attack orchestrated by Giorgia Sottana as she drove to the basket and then passed out to the open Dubravaka Dacic who completed the move to put Italy back in front (21-20). This lead was short lived as Veremeenko concluded yet another Belarus fast break to go back in front. Both teams started to play exciting defence, one such action came from Laura Macchi chasing back Natallia Anufyienka to knock the ball away just as she was to lay up. Unfortunately this defensive action was not rewarded because off the inbound Katsiayna Snytsina was on hand to score the first 3-pointer for Belarus which gave them the first significant lead midway through the second quarter (28-23). Belarus picked up so many second or third rebound chances to slowly extend their advantage to go into the interval leading (38-30).


No let up for Italy as Belarus hit two quick baskets to start the third quarter. Italy then went to the perimeter option of Raffaella Masciadri but her two attempts fell short and then she was stripped by Olga Podobed. Afterwards Yelena Leuchanka scored from the resulting pass under the boards (44-32). Gianni Lambruschi called for a time-out. Italy did not have much answer for their opponents and attempted 11 shots in total from the land of many but did not make one, ironically Belarus continued to work from inside and went into the final period leading by 12 points.


Nataliya Trafimave opened proceedings in the final period with a 3-pointer and when Nataliya Marchanka controlling the pace of the game hit her trey (56-40) the writing was on the wall for Italy. Modica ended the 3-point drought for the hosts and gave the fans some hope that a comeback was possible (60-43).


Belarus showed another facet to their game today as they not only worked well the offensive boards but showed that they can play at pace. Italy just did not have any luck today as shot after shot either hit the rim or lipped out as the host crashed out (66-51).





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FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: Season 2007-08 ready to start -by Rauno Hurmalainen
The new 2007-08 season is ready to start. The regular season opener contest will be at Forssa (FoA vs Catz) on Thursday, October 4. The favourite Teams
will be this season PeKa, Kotka (last season Champion), Catz from Lappeenranta and YMCA Helsinki. The regular season will be over on March 9, 2008 to be
followed by the play-off-games.

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FRANCE - Women

NT: France reach quarter-finals of EuroBasket Women 2007 -by Leslie Anderson

France will open the Pala Tricalle hall in Chieti tomorrow when they Play Latvia in the first quarter final match. They came from behind this evening in a tough match against Serbia. A full report can be found in our EuroBasket 2007 section.


Speaking with Fiba Europe Emmeline Ndongue "We knew it was going to be a tough game because Serbia are a team that never gives up but we can always rely on our defense”. Jacques Jacques Commeres who rarely show signs of emotion was a man relived this evening, when speaking with the L'equipe, he mentioned that he was worried about Serbia, they had beaten Russia and could not be dismissed. His experience of how Serbia teams rebound from setbacks was always at the back of his mind., he went on to acknowledge that they did not start the match well but because of the various rotations and great solid defence, his team came back to take this match



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GERMANY - Women

NT: Comforable victory for Latvia against Germany -by Leslie Anderson

Germany was already eliminated from the completition before this match started and could be forgiven for their slow start to the game in the first period. They showed some of their best basketball in the second period as they overcame a 10-point deficit to lead at the interval. The second half blow-out had nothing to do with motivation but a lack of experience that has lost them some close games in this competition.


Latvia controlled the pace of the match in the first period after a 6:0 run early on (8:2) and looked comfortable at the end of the first period (23-13).

Latvia went to sleep at the start of the second period and Germany took full advantage and put together an (10-0) run and tied the game (23-23) with less than 2 on the game clock with a 3-point bomb from Alexandra Muller. Latvia went back in front almost immediately on a fast break counter from Liene Jansone . The game slowed down after this and was not pretty but Germany continued to work away and took the lead (29-28) through Martina Weber and then extended their advantage with a bucket Linda Frohlich . Latvia were out of sorts but still managed to tie the game when Gunta Basko nailed a 3-point shot clock violation turnaround Jumper (She did not know the time was up and rushed the shot) Germany went into the locker room leading by one point after Frohlich split a pair of free throws.


Basko was in a hurry to get the proceedings going after the break and with only 7 second gone, she added 2 more point to her point tally. Weber put Germany back in front again before Basko scored again and then provided a slick pass after some unselfish playfor Ieva Kublina to score under the basket. Latvia now on a run extended their advantage (41-34) before German head coach Imre Szittya called for a time-out. Nothing changed for Germany and they finally halted Latvia 13:0 run when Sarah Austmann ( split a pair of free throws. Gunta Basko having a field day controlled the pace of the game as Latvia went into the final period leading with a comfortable lead (48-37).


Muller scored the fast five points for her team in the final period as her team matched Latvia in the early stages of the final period. Latvia then stepped defensively keeping Germany scoreless for most nearly all of the remainging period (54-42). Looking at the expressions on Ainars Zvirgzdins face at times you would find it difficult to believe that his side was controlling the game and had a comfortable lead. Germany finally scored a basket after Frohlick took a defensive rebound sprinted down the court and feed off to Austmann (58-44). Germany did score once but Latvia ran out comfortable winners (60-47).


Linda Frohlich always available to speak with the media was very positive about the European championship experience for the squad.




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ITALY - Women

Italy eliminated by Belarus (51-66) -by Carlo Grilli
In a decisive matchup to clinch a quarterfinal berth, Italy failed and Belarus obtained an historical target. The Azzurre had a terrific 3-point percentage all game long (0/20), except Francesca Modica (175-G-81) (4/6), the best Italian player on the court. Belarus prevailed under both glasses, lead by dynamic duo Veremeenko - Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia), and wiil face the defending champions of Czech Republic in the next playoff round, on friday, October 5th.

Italy-Belarus 51-66
(15-19; 30-38; 38-50)
Italy: Ress (0/1, 0/1), Franchini 2 (1/1, 0/1), Sottana 2 (1/4, 0/2), Zara 4 (2/7, 0/2), Zanoli, Modica 15 (4/6 by 3), Macchi 11 (4/9, 0/5), Masciadri 6 (2/5, 0/7), Ciampoli (0/1), Zanon, Giauro 4 (2/4), Dacic 7 (3/3, 0/1). 2PS 15/36; 3PS 4/26; FT 9/12. Rebounds: 33.
Belarus: Padabed (0/2, 0/3), Drozd dnp, Snytsina 5 (1/3, 1/1), Hasper ne, Volnaya 6 (2/5), Anufryienka 2 (1/4, 0/1), Veremeenko 12 (4/6), Yelena Leuchanka 18 (7/12), Marchanka 9 (2/4, 1/2), Troina 4 (2/2, 0/1), Trafimava 7 (2/6, 1/2), Kress 3 (1/4, 0/1). 2PS 22/48; 3PS 3/11; FT 13/14. Rebounds: 47.
Referees: Koromilas, Lukes, Mogulkoc.

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LATVIA - Women

NT: Latvia too strong for Germany (60-47) -by Leslie Anderson

This match had nothing at stake for both teams as their destiny had already been determined before this match tipped off . Latvia capped of a successful qualifying round with 60-47 victory against Germany with Gunta Basko leading the way with 16 points and Anete Jekabsone-Zogota contributing 15 points.

Latvia controlled the pace of the match in the first period after a 6:0 run early on (8:2) and looked comfortable at the end of the first period (23-13).

Latvia went to sleep at the start of the second period and Germany took full advantage and put together an (10-0) run and tied the game (23-23) with less than 2 on the game clock with a 3-point bomb from Alexandra Muller. Latvia went back in front almost immediately on a fast break counter from Liene Jansone . The game slowed down after this and was not pretty but Germany continued to work away and took the lead (29-28) through Martina Weber and then extended their advantage with a bucket Linda Frohlich . Latvia were out of sorts but still managed to tie the game when Gunta Basko nailed a 3-point shot clock violation turnaround Jumper (She did not know the time was up and rushed the shot) Germany went into the locker room leading by one point after Frohlich split a pair of free throws.


Basko was in a hurry to get the proceedings going after the break and with only 7 second gone, she added 2 more point to her point tally. Weber put Germany back in front again before Basko scored again and then provided a slick pass after some unselfish playfor Ieva Kublina to score under the basket. Latvia now on a run extended their advantage (41-34) before German head coach Imre Szittya called for a time-out. Nothing changed for Germany and they finally halted Latvia 13:0 run when Sarah Austmann ( split a pair of free throws. Gunta Basko having a field day controlled the pace of the game as Latvia went into the final period leading with a comfortable lead (48-37).


Muller scored the fast five points for her team in the final period as her team matched Latvia in the early stages of the final period. Latvia then stepped defensively keeping Germany scoreless for most nearly all of the remainging period (54-42). Looking at the expressions on Ainars Zvirgzdins face at times you would find it difficult to believe that his side was controlling the game and had a comfortable lead. Germany finally scored a basket after Frohlick took a defensive rebound sprinted down the court and feed off to Austmann (58-44). Germany did score once but Latvia ran out comfortable winners (60-47).


After the match Basko and Jekabsone-Zogota managed to give sometime to the media to talk about the game and the competition. Both player did not want to talk about their individual contribution but only about the team performance and about the their rspect for their opponents. They agreed that the second quarter was not the best but once they focused in the second half everything fell into place.




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RUSSIA - Women

Russia overcomes Spain and finishes first in Group F -by Eurobasket News

Spain -Russia 49:64 (13-16, 9-8, 20-21, 7-19)

Russia clinched first place in Group F of Eurobasket 2007 beating Spain 64:49. The latter tasted the loss for the first time in the championship and now will play against tough Belgium. Russia will have an easier game to the semifinal as they will play against Lithuania. In the game against Spain Maria Stepanova (202-C-79) led the winners with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Irina Osipova (196-C-81) collected 13 points and 8 rebounds, while Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) netted 10. Amaya Valdemoro top-scored for Spain with 14 points.


With a tough beginning of the game Russia could grab 16:13 lead after the first 10 minutes. Marta Zurro brought it back to a one-point game right from the start of the second period. Points were next to impossible to come by and Russia still led one point midway though the period. The teams went into the interval leading with 24:22 for Russia.

Russia managed to extend their advantage at 37:30 before Spain hit back to back to 37:35. A last spurt gave Russia 56:45 and then 64:49. That was the final score of the game that improved Russia to 4-1. Spain has the same result, but due to the game with each other has to admit the lower place.


Spain: Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) 14, Lucila Pascua (196-C-83) 8
Russia: Maria Stepanova 19+12 rebs, Irina Osipova 13+8 rebs, Svetlana Abrosimova 10



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SPAIN - Women

Spain lost the battle for top of group against Rusia 49-64 -by Ivan Villar
The spanish team couldn't continue as only one unbeaten of tournament.Rusia,by the hand of Stepanova,was better team than team of Evaristo Perez.The first half Spain played quite well,with good defense and good fastbreaks for score easily.But the last quarter Spain missed one of the key of their good tournament,the defense.Russian' players scored without many oposition and Spain had many difficulties to score.Elisa Aguilar,Montanana and Valdemoro haven't the same level of last games and Stepanova's law was too much for them.Laia Palau (178-G/F-79) was the best with 7 points,4 rebounds and 4 assists.In spite of this,spanish roster and coach hope to play against Russia in the final.

Erika de Souza,injured for 3 months -by Ivan Villar
The brazilian player of Ros Casares,Erika De Souza (197-C-82),must to pass by operation room.She had a lot of trouble in her ankle,so doctors thinked that best solution was operate her.Ros Casares loose other important player after Dydek's announcement of her pregnancy.The problem is big for the coach,Manolo Real,because he hasn't his tallers players for begin next season.