EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 11/11/2007

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Men News

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ABA

At the end, the Fire went on the court -by Gianni Pascucci
Finally, the Mayo Civic Center's Taylor Arena opened for an ABA game: after last turbulent two weeks, the Rochester Fire played their opening game yesterday night, defeating the cross-state rivals Minnesota Ripknees by a score of 133-113. As we can see, the Fire played a different team than was originally scheduled. In fact, the original opponent was the St. Louis Stunners, but the management of the Stunners decided not to travel to Rochester due to the unclear financial situation, which included the Fire paying its rental fee to the Mayo Civic Center. The game was played because the Fire team leaders managed to raise $3,500 — enough to ensure the first game, but not so much, and the team's future remains uncertain.

Syracuse Bullz win in hope opener -by Gianni Pascucci
The Syracuse Raging Bulls took a large win, 100-71, over the Houston Takers in their season opener at the Syracuse War Memorial. According with the team official website, the Bullz opening night roster was as folllows:
name pos yob hgt wgt school
MacKenzie Clark C, 1983, 6-9, 250lbs Bishop State CC/ Auburn-Montgomery '06
Latavia Escho F, 1982, 6-6, 230lbs Monroe CC '03
Joe Ferris F, 1982, 6-7, 205lbs Canisius '04
Brian Jackson G, 1984, 6-1, 185lbs Genesee CC / Mountain State '07
Marlin Johnson G/F, 1975, 6-4, 220lbs Monroe CC '96
Louis McCullough G/F, 1982, 6-6, 220lbs Francis Marion '04
Matt Patterson C, 1975, 6-9, 300lbs Oswego State / Brockport State '97
Philip Valenti G/F, 1982, 6-5, 215lbs Monroe CC / Adelphi / Hamilton '06
DayShwan Wright F, 1985, 6-7, 230lbs Syracuse / Mountain State '06
Darwin Young G, 1985, 6-2, 185lbs Buffalo '07

Millrats Prepare For Blizzard -by Jay
The Manchester Millrats are preparing for a Blizzard that is coming to the Fieldhouse of Southern New Hampshire University this Sunday. They are hoping that this Blizzard comes in cold!

The Blizzard are a new American Basketball Association expansion team out of Boston, Massachusetts. They defeated the Quebec Kebs 106-93 in their home opener last Saturday, and feature some familiar faces. Point guard Steve Hailey, shooting guard Jamaal Brooks, and forwards Eric Downie and Albert Hayle were all teammates of Millrat players Rob Sanders, Ismael Caro, Rashid Al-Kaleem, and Ife Anosike last season on the ABA's Cape Cod Frenzy. The Frenzy decided back in July to sit out the 2007-2008 season.

The Blizzard have considerable talent in the backcourt. Steve Hailey is a former Boston College Eagle, who played a role on the 2004-2005 B.C. team that began the season 20-0. Eric Downie is a division 3 All-American and two-time Little East Conference Player of the Year at nearby D3 hoops powerhouse, Salem State (MA). In addition, Brandon Odom, a 6'5 power forward played his college ball at in Durham at U.N.H.

The Millrats concluded their two week training camp yesterday at the Sportszone in Derry. The mood was all business as the Millrats are anxious to begin the season strong.

“The guys are chomping at the bit to start regular season play,” explained Millrats Head Coach Larry Lessett, “I think they've had enough of going after themselves in practice.”

The Millrats feature 2007 First Team ABA All Star Rob Sanders (Providence), former SNHU star PJ Young, 6'11 former UCONN center Souleymane Wane, and player/co-owner David Cooper.

Fans can witness the Millrats inaugural home opener on Sunday November 11, 2007 at 4:35 p.m., as the Manchester Millrats take on the Boston Blizzard in the ‘Fieldhouse' on the campus of Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, NH. Single game, season and half season ticket plans are on sale now on www.manchestermillrats.com or by calling 1-866-9-GET TIX (1-866-943-8849).

Ian McCarthy

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ARGENTINA

Liga A round 11 -by Facundo Iatzky
Hughes victories of Central entrerriano and Gimnasia Comodoro. Gimnasia defeated Boca juniors on the road with ¡¡ 21/38 in 3 points !! and Central beat Libertad Sunchales with a spectacular deffense. Regatas Corrientes and Quilmes Mar del plata took advantage of the situation winning in hard games.

Best 5:
Sebastian Festa (179-G-72) 26 pts 6/10 3p of gimnasia
Zach Ingles (188-G-83, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: E.Kentucky) 30 pts 8/9 3p of gimnasia
Chris Jeffries (199-F-80, college: Wash.-St.Louis) 36 pts 7/8 3p of obras
Nicolas Romano (197-F-87) 25 pts 11/12 1p of independiente
Byron Johnson (201-F/C-80, college: Belmont Abbey) 27 pts 10/14 2p of independiente

points:
Chris Jeffries 36
Zach Ingles 30
Jasper Johnson (201-C-83, college: Delta St.) 28
Byron Johnson 27
Sebastian Festa 26

rebounds:
Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) 11
Marcus Fleming (204-F-78, college: Alcorn St.) 10
Roman Gonzalez (206-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) 10
Erron Maxey (198-F-78, college: Providence) 10
Jorge Sanchez (193-F-77) 9

assists:
Leonardo La Bella (180-G-86) 7
Javier Martinez (189-G-78) 7
Cristian Cadillac (194-G-83) 6
Ariel Eslava (202-G/F-79) 6
Gustavo Orona (196-G-75) 6

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BALTIC LEAGUE

TU/Rock loses to Barons at home -by Janar Filippov


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BRIT.V.ISLANDS

Sharks Release Parillon -by David Edole
Sheffield Sharks have released controversial 6ft 5ins forward Steve Parillon.
Signed in the summer Parillon, who was leading Sheffield in scoring with 17-points per match, leaves the club by mutual consent just days after the shock home loss to Birmingham Panthers.

Coach Peter Scantlebury was clearly furious after the defeat and had promised changes if his inconsistent team didn't begin to pick up their form.

It is believed that there was also dressing room unrest and that Parillon, born in the British Virgin Islands, didn't endear himself to the organisation after leaving the court before the traditional awarding of the MVP against the Panthers.

With the official wording coming out of the club being Parillon, 29, left by 'mutual consent' it is clear that both the club and the former Brighton Bears' player believe the future would be better for both if they went their separate ways.

General manager, John Timms, said: "We wish Steve all the best for the future. Unfortunately we have had to make a decision and both Steve and ourselves agree that this is the best way forward."

His release puts the onus on Scantlebury's young squad this weekend against bottom placed Worcester Wolves at the EISS on Friday and away at London Capital on Saturday.

"We have a very talented, exciting squad of players in Sheffield," said Timms. "You don't win at Guildford unless you have both talent and desire, so we have shown what we are capable of this season.

"The Sharks have a proud tradition which we have worked hard over the years to establish. The guys realise they have to create their own history because the past counts for nothing on the court."

Sharks will look to replace Parillon on their roster but there is no player ready to come in immediately and while more changes are unlikely they can't be ruled out entirely.


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BULGARIA

Lukoil signed Willie Deane III -by Vladi Lazarova
Bulgarian champion and National Cup holder Lukoil Academic already has a new playmaker. His name is Willie Deane III (186-G-80, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Purdue) and with him the management of the club will try to save his season in Europe. 27-years old former point guard of Boston College and Perdue arrived this afternoon in Sofia. Tonight Willie will meet his new head coach Zeljko Lukajic and his teammates at the evening pratice. 186 cm tall Deane will make his official debut on Tuesday, when “The Students” host German Artland Dragons in their first ULEB Cup game at home and second in Group H this season.
Willie will stay in Lukoil till they leave ULEB Cup 2007/2008. He won't play in Bulgarian league also, but according to the club his contract is till the rest of the season.
In Akademik Deane will substitute his countryman Stevin Smith (186-G-72, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona St.), who arrived 10 days ago, but didn't justify the hopes of the management. Smith came in Sofia to take the place of “The Students” first choice for playmaker - Antonio Burks (183-G-80, college: Memphis). 27-years old former player of Memphis in NBA was banned for a season from FIBA, because his ex-club Crvena Zvezda informed International federation that Burks broke the rules of his contract and left 20 days earlier.

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CHINA

Yi Loses Confrontation With Yao, But is Second in Points, Rebounds Among Top Rookies -by Arthur Volbert
The Houston Rockets defeated the Milwaukee Bucks yesterday 104-88 in a confrontation between Yao Ming and Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87).

Yao won the individual statistics contest as well as the game, scoring 28 points on 7 of 16 shooting and hitting all 14 of his free throws. He added 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks in 39 minutes.

But Yi also had an excellent game, scoring 19 points on 7 of 12 shooting. He had 9 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block in 34 minutes.

Yi has had an excellent beginning to his season. In five games he is averaging 27.4 minutes, 11.6 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks.

Among the top ten players selected in the 2007 draft, only Kevin Durant has a higher scoring average at 22.2 and only Al Horford has a higher rebounding average at 10.0. Durant gets 5.3 rebounds per game and Horford averages 8.4 points.

So only Durant has clearly had a better start to his rookie season. Greg Oden will miss his rookie season entirely.

Yi clearly does not have to worry about getting adequate playing time in Milwaukee, as I predicted.

I think he's the most athletic 7-footer in the league," said Del Harris, the Dallas Mavericks' consultant who coached China's national team in the 2004 Olympics, according to the Associated Press. "I don't think any 7-footer can beat him in a race. I don't think anybody can jump higher. It's one thing to jump, but if you're there too early or too late, it's no good." Harris is the father of Bucks general manager Larry Harris, who drafted Yi.

Yi is exactly the kind of athletic basketball player that Chinese Basketball Theory has predicted that China will produce. China will produce more of Yi's type as it increasingly plays basketball the way the rest of the world plays basketball. It takes time for new ways to filter down to the junior ranks, and for a large percentage of China's young players to begin using new techniques, but I believe that the class of '89 will produce a significant breakthrough. I think that there will be multiple NBA draft picks from the class of '89.

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CYPRUS

Etha beat Enad, Keravnos beat AEL and two head coaches are history! -by Chris Mammides
Etha beat enad with 89-76 with Damjan Kandic (206-F/C-84) being the top scorer and the man of the game as he scored 20 points with 5/7 three pointers. Just after the game and the defeat the head coach of ENAD Christos Stylianidis split ways with his team. Some hours earlier, the Latvian head coach of AEL, Igors Miglinieks (after the defeat of his team from Keravnos Strovolou) was released from the team as he was the "victim" after the two defeats in the first three games of his team. New coach will be announced within the next couple of days with some Greek names being the most "wanted" on behalf of the Limassol team (Angelos Koronios and Argiris Pedoulakis )

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EGYPT

Shocking PERFORMANCE FROM THE EGYPTIAN TEAM IN THE FINAL OF THE ARABIC CHAMPIONSHIP -by Kirolos Beshay
In the final of the 17th Arabic championship, Egypt loses to Jordan 80/69 to put the Egyptian basketball federation on an electric chair before the beginning of the pan Arab games Egypt 2007. Jordan took the lead from 12/9 for Egypt in the first quarter till the end of the game, while Ismail Ahmed several three points weren't enough to lead Egypt to the cup. Egypt now is preparing to participate in the pan Arab games and win the gold medal so that basketball fans and the Egyptian basketball federation can find a light of hope after a chain of bad results from the team started with their silver medal in the all Africa games against Angola second team followed by the fourth position in the African championship, and not having a chance to qualify to the Olympics and the chain ends with a terrible performance and depressing second place in the Arabic championship.
The first quarter, the Egyptian team started the game with a 4/0 lead by Ibrahim Elgmal and Tarek Elgnam baskets, then the game started to be an equal game with baskets from both sides till the score was 12/12, after that Zeid Abbas and Rashim Rieht of the Jordanian team began to make the difference for their side with a three shot from the three points machine Zeid Abbas and four points from Rashim Rieht. The first quarter ended 20/12 for Jordan.
The second quarter, coach Brederadge felt that the Jordanian team was unlike the other opponents he faced during the tournament, and he participated Ismail Ahmed and Ashraf Rabie instead of Ibrahim Elgaml and Tarek Elgnam. These replacements was of no effect because Ismail Ahmed was playing alone in the game in front of Sam Douglas and Inver Shoabsoka three points which leads Jordan to Increase the difference to 34/18, but Ismail Ahmed didn't throw the towel and carried the team over his shoulders to decrease the difference with his three points. The second quarter ended 40/30 for Jordan.
The third quarter, the team entered the game with a high spirit and decrease the deference to only six points 46/40, but Inver shoabsoka three points returned the difference as it was. The third quarter ended 56/48 for Jordan.
The fourth quarter, in an unbelievable start the team decreases the difference to two points only 58/56 by a basket from Ismail Ahmed, Tarek Elgnam, Amir Elnan, and Ibrahim Elgmal. Mario Plama the coach of the Jordanian team took a time out to get his team back into the mood, and he returned Zeid Abbas back to the game that practiced his hobby in scoring three points which increased back the difference to 6 points except that Ibrahim Elgmal and Elgnam made the difference back to two points 62/60, but the game was changed in a very strange way with a straight 12 points from the Jordanian players started with 2 three points from Zeid Elkas followed by three basket from Sam Douglas, Zeid Abbas, abd Rashim Rieht to lead Jordan win the Arabic championship.
The Jordanian team was crowned by Prince Talal Ben Badr the president of the Arabic federation, Captain Adel Labib, Dr. Gamal Mokhtar, Mr. Mhmoud ahmed Aly and Dr. Sarry Hamdan the manger of the Jordanian teams in the pan Arab games 2007.
The first teams are: 1- Jordan 2- Egypt 3-Tunisia 4-Saudi Arabia


A NEW DRAW FOR THE PAN ARAB GAMES AFTER THE WITHDRAW OF 5 COUNTRIES -by Kirolos Beshay
Five countries have withdrawn from the pan Arab games Egypt 2006, and a new draw has been made for the competion:
First group: Jordan, Libya, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
Second group: Egypt, Kuwait, U.A.E., and Iraq.


Land not play with its team -by Andrew Youssef

Everybody who say that it is better to play in our land,now this statement are not real,yes after Egyptian team beating in Alexandria (the land of basketball in Egypt as their viewers like basket too much) the team not able to beat Jordon after reaching the frist goal wish is play in the final.But they can't reach the second and important goal which is to get the cup of Arabian champion.


Jordon team really are the best team in the champion,quick movements, great in 3-point shooter and many talents which forced all team and experts to congratulate them in their great performance and results as they end the champion by beating Egyptian team in their land 80-69 (11 point difference).


now the Egyptian federation search about development the team and help them to return for champions and get the cup.then can they succes in that?



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ESTONIA

TU/Rock loses to Barons at home -by Janar Filippov


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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Pyrinto was close to upset -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 10. Three games tonight. Kauhajoki has learned how to beat opponents. This time Karhu´s offer was Korihait from Uusikaupunki.
Kouvot, Kouvola crushed YMCA Lahti and Pyrinto, Tampere was close to upset Honka, Espoo. Anselmi Vanjoki (193-G-88) and Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) scored important points though.

Pyrinto - Honka 72-78 (36-32) (Damion Dantzler 19/10, Eric Washington 16 - Petteri Koponen 22/5a, Tim Kisner 12).

Kouvot - YMCA Lahti 93-67 (54-39) (Corey Smith 22, Tuomas Iisalo 19 - Ville Makalainen 16, Pierre Jallow 16).

Kauhajoki - Korihait 89-63 (46-27) (Cedric McGowan 28, Darryl Hudson 25/11 - Jussi Kumpulainen 22/10, Glenn Stokes 10).



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GERMANY

Braves add Mike Oppland -by Moritz Korff
The Kaiserslautern Braves (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have reacted to the injuries of Michael Skender (202-F-78) and Stuart Robbins (209-C-76, college: Wabash Valley CC) by adding Michael Oppland (204-F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Calumet) to the roster. Oppland - his twin-brother Dan plays pro-basketball as well - started his collegiate career at Valparaiso University (NCAA1), moved to D2-program Truman later and graduated from Calumet College of Joseph (NAIA II) in 2006, after he averaged 20.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per contest as a senior. He spent his first season as a pro in the first Danish division. In 22 games for the Horsholm 79ers he had 23.9ppg, 9.3rpg and 1.5spg.

Regionalliga-News -by Moritz Korff
The SCH Wuerzburg Baskets (Regionalliga South-East) have agreed terms with Markus Hallgrimson (190-G-75, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Montana St. - Billin) on a contract for the next two years. The veteran-shooter played in Wuerzburg already during the 2003-2004 campaign when TSK was a member of the 1. Bundesliga. The 33-year-old German, whos father is American, began this current season in England with BBL-club Worcester Wolves. He had 6 appearances for the Wolves averaging 7.5 points, 2.3 boards and 1.2 assists per contest.

Eric Voisin (205-C, college: Hope (MI)) may be the new Post Player of the Dresden Titans (Regionalliga South-East). The Titans had to let go John Jonker (206-C-85, college: Cornerstone) to Bremerhaven some weeks ago. Voisin played 4 games for TB Weiden II (Oberliga) this season and scored 19.5 points per contest. He will make a two-week try-out in Dresden. The American Center is a product of NCAA Division 3-powerhouse Hope College and graduated in 2006. Greg Immink (178-G-83, college: Hope (MI)) and Stephen Cramer (188-G, college: Hope (MI)), who is currently making noise as the topscorer of the RLSO, are other former Hope-players in Germany.

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HUNGARY

Round 6: Szolnok could win again -by Tamas Deri
KAPOSVARI KK - SZOLNOKI OLAJ KK 73-88
(17-24, 13-16, 21-23, 22-25)
Kaposvar, Att.: 800, Referees: Adam, Hegedűs, Szilas
KAPOSVAR: Quinton Day (185-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mo.-Kansas City) 22/12, Kiss K. 5, Edwards 18, Roland Hendlein (201-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 19/6, Orosz 2, Niparavicius 7, Tomosvari, Csirke, Szőke, Vojvoda, Coach: Viktor Bereznoj
SZOLNOK: Thomas Kelley (188-G-76, college: Michigan St.) 20, Cziczas 8, Vernard Hollins (192-G-80, agency: Warren Sports, college: Wright St.) 13/3, Andrius Jurkunas (205-F-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services, college: Clemson) 14/12, Miroslaw Lopatka (213-C/F-77) 20, Molnar A. 9/6, Harazin 4, Coach: Por Peter

After the game the management of KKK decided to brake the contract with head coach Viktor Bereznoj and did not keep lithuanian power forward Niparavicius on the roster.

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IBL

Explosion Adds New Assistant Coach -by Jay
There will be a new face on the Explosion bench for the team's sophomore season. Dwight Edwards will be an assistant coach for the 2008 season. “Dwight brings a passion for the game of basketball and a strong work ethic to the organization,” states General Manager Brad Sturlaugson. “He adds a different type of intensity to practice and we are fortunate to have him aboard for this season.”

Edwards was born and raised in Chicago, IL. He attended Wentworth Military Academy in Lexington, MO for two years on a basketball scholarship. He averaged 10 points and 8 rebounds per game during his two years in Lexington. He then attended Upper Iowa University, playing quarterback for the football team and as an assistant coach for women's basketball team. He coached eight years of A.A.U. ball acquiring three state and two regional titles. He has placed nine of his players in Division I schools. His most famous former player is Oakland Raider, John Madsen.

Courtesy of Zack Mennie

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ICELAND

Div 1 results -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Breidablik beat KFI 102-99. No stats available.

Haukar 77 Throttur 73. Leading scorer for Haukar Haukur Oskarsson 17. Marel Gudlaugsson 15. For Throttur. Ragnar Skulason 16. Asgeir Gudbjartsson 15.

Thor. 92. Reynir 71 Hallgrimur Brynjolfsson 28 pts. Tom Port 22. Isaac Westbrooks 17 + 8 rebs+ 9 assist for Thor.
Olafur Aron Ingvason 20 for Renir

Thor. vs. Hamar -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Thor pick up their second win of the season by beating Hamar 92-72 Hamar with new coach Agust S. Bjorgvinsson who took over after Petur Ingvarson quit coaching Hamar after 10 years in charge.
Thor started the game very strong with good shooting from Odinn Asgeirsson. Cedric Isom (-G-84, college: E.Texas Baptist) with another 30 point game for Thor. Only Marvin Valdimarsson & George Byrd played well for Hamar.
Leading scorers. Cedric Isom 30. Odinn Asgeirsson 27. Marvin Valdimarsson 20. George Byrd 18

Keflavik vs. KR -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Keflavik vs. KR was the game between the teams with no loss ( Keflavik) and team with one loss ( KR) Big game expected. Keflavik leading 47-42 at half time after Sigurdur Thorsteinson made a three pointer from middle of the floor on the buzzer at halftime. Second half was totally owed by Keflavik team who played really well as a team and big performance from B.A B.A. Walker (188-G-84, college: Va Commonwealth) who ended the game with 37 points.Final score 107 - 85 for Keflavik. Keflavik have now won 6 first game in the leaf-gue.
Scorers for Keflavik. B.A. B.A. Walker 37. Tommy Johnson 20. Gunnar E8inarsson 14. Magnus Gunnarsson 14. Sigurdur Thorsteinsson 11. Jon Hafsteinsson 3. Arnar Jonsson.Throstur Johannsson. Sigurdur Sigurbjornson & Anthony Susnjara 2 each.
For KR. Avi Fogel 25. Joshua Helm 17. Fannar Olafsson 12. Sharphedinn Ingason 7. Helgi Magnusson 8. Brynjar Bjornsson 7. Jovan Zdravevski 6. Darri Hilmarson 3

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INDIA

5 Extra tmes - a record indeed ? -by Anil Kumar
It was perhaps a rare game at the Central Stadm Basketball courts in the Women Semi Finals of the Trivandrm District A Division League championships between GV Raja Sports School and the LNCPE. Having tied 44-44 at the end of regulation time, the match went into 5 extra times with the teams levelng on each occassion at 49-49, 54-54, 59-59, 69-69 before the fifth extra time saw GV raa race ahead to a 83-74 victory with LNCPE left with only 3 players due to foul trouble with Arya top scoring with 23 points for the winners.

Later in the evening,BSNL and KSEB won the men's and women's titles respectively in the Thiruvananthapuram district ‘A' division basketball league at the Central Stadium here on Saturday. With 22 teams in all taking part in some exciting matches, the 12 day event saw some new players from among the new colleges of Trivandrum indicating the growing popularity of the game in Trivandrum.
The Trivandrum teams for the Kerala State Championships at Tellicherry were also announced.

BSNL overcame KSEB 69-59 to win the men's title while KSEB women downed surprise-finalist G.V. Raja Sports School 46-24 in the final. G.V. Raja girls put up a commendable show in the semifinals by defeating LNCPE 83-74 in a match which went fives times into extra time.

The results: Men (Final): BSNL 69 (Bobit Mathew 18, Vijobi Vakkachan 18, Mansoor Ahmed 15) bt KSEB 59 (R.Manoj 17, Monish Wilson 15). Semifinal: BSNL 85 (Rahul Krishnan 26, Mansoor Ahmed 22, Vijobi Vakkachan 21) bt Nets Club 55 (Francis Assisi 25, Vinu Jerome 14)

Women (final): KSEB 46 (S.S.Anjana 12, Litty Mathew 11, Sonia Joseph 10) bt G.V. Raja Sports School 26 Semifinal: G.V.Raja 83 (Arya 23, Liji Sebastian 12) bt LNCPE 74 (Soumya 25, Sharika 19, Vidya 14).

Buwan, Kalbhor hog limelight as Mumbai Police post win -by Santhosh Kumar
Mumbai: Shrikant Buwa netted 18 and Raj Kalbhor had 9 points as Mumbai Police shot down Agradnya V.S. Dombivli 55-33 in the opening match of the BECC basketball tournament being held in Mumbai on Saturday. The winners led 22-17 at half-time. Rahul Buskute was lone sparkle for Agradnya with eight points. Earlier, the event was inaugurated by Abbot Fr. Rocky D'Souza, head of the Norbertine Fathers in India.
Tomorrow's matches :
4.00 p.m. BECC vs Chembur YMCA ( Boys)
5.30 p.m. Andheri YMCA vs Savio Club (Boys)
Exhibition matches
7.00 p.m. Central Railway Red vs Central Railway Blue
8.30 p.m. Central railway vs Maharashtra State Police

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JORDAN

11th Pan Arab Games: Jordan in Group A -by Mohammed Malas
Arab champions Jordan National Team were drawin Group A of the 11th Pan Arab Games (14-22 November Alexandria, Egypt) beside Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Lybia, While Group B included, Egypt, Kuwait, UAE and Iraq.

The same roster of Jordan which took part in the 17th Arab Championship will participate in the PAG, The staff includes:

# Jordan NT roster:
#e#6

Wright


Soobzokov


Daghlas


Al Khas


Abbas
4 Fadel Najjar (194-G-85) of Orthodox
5 Rasheim Wright (193-G-81) of Zain
6 Zeid Abbas (203-C-83) of Arena Amman
7 Ali Dajani (183-G-81) of Orthodox
8 Eyad Abdeen (202-F-79) of Orthodox
9 Enver Soobzokov (193-G/F-78) of Fastlink
10 Sam Daghlas (197-G-79) of Zain
11 Wesam Sous (181-G-83) of Al Riyadi/Aramex Amman
12 Moussa Basheer (208-C-78) of Zain
13 Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76) of Zain
14 Islam Abbas (201-C-80) of ASU Sports Club
15 Dshamal Maitah Schoetz (213-C-81) of Zain
Head Coach: Mario Leonel Palma (POR)
Assistant: Mario Gomes (POR)
Physio: Johnny Ibrahim (LEB)
Team Manager: Yanal Al Khas
Director: Naser Al Nobani


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KOREA

KT&G & KTF WIN -by Sean Choi
Chandler Marquin (202-F-82, college: San Jose St.) ralied the kites with 7 points on a series of dynamic moves in the final 7:38 , and KT&G hung on for a 86-78 victory friday night.

Marquin Chandler scored just 16 points in the second half,and was passive for much of the third until rising up for his late flurry, capped by a beautiful three-point play with 6 minute left.

KT&G rip LG 86-78 and KTF ease by ET land 83-79

More Scores and Stats here !
http://www.kbl.or.kr/

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MALDIVES

27th National Basketball tournament 2007 Men Div-1 FINALS -by Mohamed Rishan
Yet again Victory Sc takes the Champions trophy beating Hurricane Bc in the Finals. Victory's Malik T.Ajibike the Nigerian player gave an outstanding performance which won him the Best player's trophy of the Finals and even the Man of the Tournament trophy.

3rd MBA Invitational Championship 2007 -by Mohamed Rishan
The third Invitational Championship starts on the 11th with four teams Mercantile Services Basketball Association (Sri Lanka), Victory Sc, The Group Sc, and Hurricane Bc. In the First match on 11th November MSBA of Srilanka will play against The Group Sc.

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MEXICO

Guerreros win CIMEBA, but.... -by Gianni Pascucci
As it was expected, Guerreros de Morelos-Chilpancingo won the CIMEBA 2007 Final Series 4-1, but we don' t know if we can call this series the "CIMEBA Finals". In fact, the Guerreros opponent was NOT Caudillos de Morelos, but Titanes de Queretaro. It happened that Caudillos decided to pull themselves out from the league, after that the CIMEBA council did not take any decision over the dispute between Titanes and Caudillos about their semifinal series. The consequence was a self-managed Final, a bad end of a worse run league, that has become a parody of itself. If CIMEBA officials really plan to come back in 2008, we warmly hope that they will be able to make something different......

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NBA

Miami Heat continue their hapless start -by Eurobasket News
Miami Heat unable to win in the 5 straight games from the start of the season. The absence of Dwayne Wade seemed to be the key reason for this sort of results from the Heat. Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) finally gained the right speed as he led the Heat with 25 points against Phoenix Suns yesterday. But it turned out to be not enough for the win. Miami led by 5 points midway through the final term but Steve Nash (6'3''-G-74, college: Santa Clara) drained two three pointers to turn the game upside down. He soon added another long bomb to make it 104:98 for the Suns. The Heat never responded and lost the fifth straight encounter. Steve Nash finished with 30 points hitting 6/7 treys. Shawn Marion and Leandrinho Barbosa scored 17 points apiece for the winners. Ricky Davis and Jason Williams had 21 points apiece for the losing side.
Another losing skid continued in Washington where the local Wizards suffered the 5th consecutive defeat falling short to Denver 92:118. Gilbert Arenas still looking for his last season form as he dropped 18 points on 5/13 shooting. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) led the Nuggets notching 32 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Caron Butler (6'7''-F-80, college: Connecticut) scored 21 points for the struggling Wizards. It's the worst start for Washington franchise since the team was called the Baltimore Bullets.
Seattle Supersonics also had little to boast of as they lost the 6th consecutive game. This time it was a close one against Utah and Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) had a chance to steal away from the Jazz. The teams were all square at 101 with 30 seconds left in regulation. Carlos Boozer (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Duke) then nailed a jumper to lift Utah to a two-point lead. Chris Wilcox lost the ball in the Supersonics next possession but Kevin Durant came up with the steal and had all the chances to force overtime. But Andrei Kirilenko blocked Durant's tie-game shot and sealed the win for Utah. The win saw the Jazz improve to 4-2 record in the ladder.

Miami - Phoenix 101:106
Miami: Shaquille O'Neal 25+10 boards, Ricky Davis 21, Jason Williams 21+10 assists
Phoenix: Steve Nash 30, Shawn Marion 17+24 boards, Leandrinho Barbosa 17

Washington - Denver 92:118
Washington: Caron Butler 21, Antawn Jamison 17+12 boards
Denver: Carmelo Anthony 32, J. R. Smith 16, Allen Iverson 15

Seattle - Utah 101:103
Seattle: Kevin Durant 20, Jeff Green 19
Utah: Carlos Boozer 27+15 boards, Ronnie Brewer 16, Deron Williams 14+11 assists

Philadelphia - Toronto 103:105
Philadelphia: Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) 26, Louis Williams 21
Toronto: Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) 24+10 boards, Anthony Parker 22, T. J. Ford 16

Charlotte - Indiana 96:87
Charlotte: Gerald Wallace (6'7''-F-82, college: Alabama) 28, Emeka Okafor 25+23 boards, Raymond Felton 17
Indiana: Jermaine O'Neal (6'11''-F-78) 18, Troy Murphy 16

Boston - Atlanta 106:83
Boston: Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) 27+19 boards, Paul Pierce 23, Eddie House 19
Atlanta: Al Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) 16, Joe Johnson 16

New York - Orlando 102:112
New York: Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) 23+13 boards, Quentin Richardson 19
Orlando: Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's) 24+10 assists, Dwight Howard 22+20 boards, Rashard Lewis 21

New Orleans - San Antonio 85:97
New Orleans: Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) 18, David West 15
San Antonio: Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) 27, Tim Duncan 24+12 boards, Emanuel Ginobili 14

Detroit - LA Clippers 103:79
Detroit: Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) 23, Nazr Mohammed 15, Antonio McDyess 14
LA Clippers: Chris Kaman (7'0''-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) 25, Corey Maggette 19

Houston - Milwaukee 104:88
Houston: Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) 28+10 boards, Tracy McGrady 21, Bonzi Wells 18
Milwaukee: Michael Redd (6'6''-G-79, college: Ohio St.) 26, Yi Jianlian 19

Portland - Memphis 110:98
Portland: LaMarcus Aldridge (6'11''-C-85, college: Texas) 30+10 boards, Brandon Roy 22, Jarrett Jack 21
Memphis: Rudy Gay (6'9''-F/G-86, college: Connecticut) 31, Pau Gasol 19

LA Lakers - Minnesota 107:93
LA Lakers: Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) 30, Lamar Odom 18+10 boards, Derek Fisher 11
Minnesota: Al Jefferson (6'10''-F-85) 24+15 boards, Ryan Gomes 17

Sacramento - Cleveland 91:93
Sacramento: Kevin Martin (6'7''-G/F-83, college: W.Carolina) 32, John Salmons 18
Cleveland: LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) 26, Devin Brown 20+11 boards, Drew Gooden 14

La Vega Regional: La Villa signs Carlos Wheeler. -by Jaime Gomez
La Villa sign import player Carlos Wheeler (6'8''-F/C-78, college: Campbellsville) and local player Jose Fortuna (5'11''-G-84). At the same time they released Juan Bautista Araujo (6'9''-F/C-83) and Juan Pablo Montas (6'6''-F-85).

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NCAA

Rhode Island opens Glenn Wilkes Classic with easy win -by Carl Berman
The University of Rhode Island opened the Glenn Wilkes Classic with a convincing victory over Florida Atlantic 90-63 at the Ryan Center in Kingston, RI. Eight teams, Rhode Island, Florida Atlantic, Florida State, Stetson, South Florida, Alabama-Brirmingham, Georgia Southern and Cleveland State, are participating in the tournament. Four teams are hosting first round games and all the teams will play three games in Daytona Beach starting next Friday.

Rhode Island, predicted to be among the contenders for the Atlantic 10 title, took a 5 point lead into halftime and then pulled away in the second half. They were led by Jimmy Baron (6'2''-G), one of the best three point shooters in the country, who nailed five three pointers among his game high 30 points. Keith Cothran, a high energy sophomore, came off the bench to finish with 17 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Rhode Island with face South Florida next Friday in Daytona Beach and Eurobasket will be there to cover the tournament.

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PARAGUAY

Libertad and San Josè will play the Final -by Gianni Pascucci
Led by Micah Brand (210-C-80, college: Massachusetts), who scored 25 pts, and Renzo Ferrari (191-G/F-84), who added 17, Libertad defeated Felix Perez Cardozo 80-51, and now is sure to challenge Deportivo San Josè, winner over Sol de America in the last round of the Quadrangolar, in the Clausura Finals. The updated standings are as follows: San Jose 10, Libertad 9, Sol de America 7, Felix Perez 5,50. The last day of games of Quadrangolar is scheduled for Monday 12, the Finals will start one week after, on Monday 19.

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POLAND

Best and Wolkowyski are leaving Prokom!!! -by Karol Machera

Travis Best (180-G-72, college: Georgia Tech) and Ruben Wolkowyski (207-C-73) would not play in Prokom Trefl Sopot anymore. Both players didn't play like everybody from Sopot expected from them. Contracts with both players would be relased today and they would not play in Dominet Bank Extraleague versus Basket Kwidzyn.

Both players has played in 4 Polish League games and 3 Euroleague games. Best had 14.3 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.3 apg in DBE and 9.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2 apg in Euroleague and Wolkowyski 3 ppg, 2.8 rpg in DBE and 5.7 ppg, 1.7 rpg in Euroleague.


According to www.polskikosz.pl



Ubaka and Urbonas in Energa Czarni -by Michal Falkowski
The board of Energa Czarni Slupsk have decided to strenghten their roster by signing two more players. A Igor Griszczuk team had serious problems with many players' injuries - Aleksandar Kudriavtsev, Mantas Cesnauskis and Tarmo Kikerpill are out of trainings. So in this case the club have made a decision to ink two players. Ayinde Ubaka (193-G-85, college: California) and Zydrunas Urbonas (198-F-76) have just arrived to Slupsk and they will play in the nearest game. Ubaka is American guard who has been tested by Slask Wroclaw before the season's beggining. but he has failed. Ubaka has signatured one-month deal which may be extended after such period of time. When it comes to experienced Lithuanian forward he has signed the contract until the end of the season. His previous club was Cypriot AEL Limassol where he was averaging 10.3 ppg. and 4.1 rpg. in FIBA Europe Cup.

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PORTUGAL

Ginasio signs player -by Luis Rocha
Ginasio has find the replacemant for Demario Eddins (201-F-82, college: UAB). It will be Nate Daniels (201-F/G-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Mountain St.) a good shooter who played last year in Portugal for CAB. It is thought that Nate will be playing this weekend for his new team.

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ROMANIA

Dockery & Barkley to CSU Asesoft Ploiesti -by Jay
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti strengthened their roster with addition of 24-year old American guard Sean Dockery (188-G-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Duke) and the 29-year old American guard Erick Barkley (186-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: St.John's). Dockery played most recently at Brose Baskets Bamberg 1.Bundesliga in Germany and Barkley at KK Split A1 in Croatia

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RUSSIA

CSKA lost to Dynamo 80-82 -by Aleksandra Sanders
The day of the Moscow derby CSKA- Dynamo was also the 90th celebration of the Day of Police. Dynamo presented narrow 82-80 win to their former sports club owners.

CSKA vs. Dynamo: 80-82 (21-23 24-20 15-25 20-14)

Svetislav Pesic squad did not bring any surprise to CSKA. But put maximum effort on the defense. It was the right decision as only early in the third quarter the Army club got 10 points advantage. All the other time it was close game of extremely high tempo.


Ettore Messina, CSKA head coach:

- The result of the game is right. We could have won but Dynamo deserved the win more. We were undisciplined in the defense especially in the last 3 minutes. The same as it was in Slovenia. We had two options in the last possession but the general idea was to bring the ball to Langdon. The problem was execution.
by CSKA officials



Short stats

CSKA
4 T. Papaloukas 9
6 N. Zisis 3
8 M. Smodis 18
10 J. Holden 9
11 Z. Pashutin 1
14 A. Savrasenko 9
20 A. Vorontsevich 3
21 T. Langdon 22
22 M. Goree 6
HC Ettore Messina


Dynamo
6 T. Hansen 12
8 N. Prkacin 8
9 P. Samoilenko 9
10 S. Bykov 12
12 S. Monya 8
15 A. Fotsis 9
25 R. Javtokas 6
44 H. Domercant 18

HC Svetislav Pesic

Superleague A last results -by Marina Vyalova

UNICS - Spartak St.P: 84-68 (26-24 20-10 13-18 19-16)
UNICS (Kazan)
8 + SERGEEV Pavel 15
10 PADIUS Nikolay 2
15 + CHIKALKIN Sergey 9
20 SOKOLOV Dmitriy 10
21 + KIRKSAY Tarik 17
23 KEYRU Viktor 6
24 MAKKALLOU Dzhamal Sharif 4
25 ZHUKAN Aleksey 4
30 + SАVАNOVIC Dusko 10
31 + STANESCU Virgil 7
Coach SIREIKA A.

Spartak (St.Petersburg)
6 KORCHAGIN Aleksandr 2
7 NIKOLAEV Dmitriy 3
10 + PORTA Antonio 3
11 + ARAUZHO Rafael 11
12 + NESTEROV Konstantin 10
14 + SMIT Dzhozef 16
20 + YUDIN Anton 8
23 SOTNIKOV Stanislav 7
24 IVANOV Andrey 3
91 RAKOVIC Milovan 5
Coach OKULOV O.


Triumph - Spartak Primorje: 80-83(23-23 18-19 13-14 26-27)
Triumph (Moscow reg.)
4 + VASICH Nikola 3
6 LYDAY Terrell 16
9 VYALTSEV Egor 13
10 SLOKAR Uros 3
14 + ASKRABIC Ognjen 10
15 + TOPOROV Sergey 12
32 + CHATMEN Mayr 23
Coach EREMIN S.

Spartak VGUES (Primorie)
6 MILJKOVIC Damir 2
7 MAKSHANTSEV Stanislav 8
9 + SUKHORUKOV Nikolay 2
12 + BOISA Vladimer 15
20 + PANIN Vadim 5
22 + BREMER J R 27 3
24 GINEVICIUS Vidas 11
50 + BLAIR Dzhozef 11
Coach BABKOV S.


Samara - SibirTelecom: 101-81 (27-17 26-23 18-23 30-18)
CSK VVS-Samara (Samara)
4 ALIEVAS Rolandas 3
5 + PERRI Marki 6
6 + DEMECHKINE Serguei 5
7 MAKANDA ETOGO Syrille Desire 2
8 VORONOV Evgeniy 16
9 ZELENSKIY Gennadiy 2
10 OSIPOV Taras 4
12 LIKHODEI Valeri 2
13 + TRUSHKIN Andrey 17
14 + GREEN Yaniv Yakov 11
15 AGHAPOV Pavel 5
33 + SCALES Alex 28
Coach TIKHONENKO V.

Sibirtelekom-Lokomotiv (Novosibirsk)
6 + ALEKSANDROV Ilia 9
13 + KRIVOSHEEV Maksim 7
14 ZEMLICH Dubravko 7
23 PODKOLZIN Pavel 3
24 + DUBOVITSKIY Viktor 10
25 + VOKHMIANINE Andrei 5
31 KIRJANOV Aleksey 5
33 + NEYLON Li 35
Coach KOLOSKOV V.



Lokomotiv Rst - Khimki: 80-92 (20-24 22-25 19-23 19-20)
Lokomotiv-Rostov (Rostov-na-Donu)
4 + VZDYKHALKIN Aleksey 5
5 + GOLDWIRE Anthony La Vonn 22
6 + LONCHAR Kreshimir 13
7 + KUBRAKOV Valentin 5
9 VOROTNIKOV Sergei 13
10 + SHEVCHYK Shymon 15
15 BABITCHEV Andrey 7
Coach MELESCHENKO O.

Khimky (Moscow region)
7 + FRIDZON Vitaliy 14
8 DYACHOK Vladimir 7
12 + VEREMEENKO Vladimir 2
13 WILKINSON Michael 10
15 RANNIKKO Teemu Sakari 5
16 + SHABALKIN Nikita 12
18 PONKRASHOV Anton 4
21 + MAС СARTY Kelly 28
32 + EWING Daniel 10
Coach KEMZURA K.

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SERBIA

Red Star brings Raicevic again -by Nenad Ilijev
Miroslav Raicevic (208-C-81, agency: Interperformances) is close to sign with Red Star again. Former Aris Thessaloniki power forward already played in red and white uniform winning Serbia and Montenegro National Cup in season 2005/06. He started this season in Eldo Basket Napoli (ITA) but he is expected to become free agent next week because team doesn't obey contract obligations.

A league: Third win for Radnicki 034 Group -by Dragan Jankovski
Radnicki 034 Group outplayed Napredak Rubin at home 75-67 registering third win in A league (Swisslion basketball league of Serbia). Radnicki was better rival from the beginning as they had advantage of 10 points after first quarter. Visitors came closer in the second period but during the third quarter hosts intensified defense letting Napredak to score only 4 points for 8 minutes which resulted with plus 16 for Radnicki in 28th minute. Experienced point guard Radovan Pesic (185-G-72, agency: Beo Basket) scored 14 points and dished out 10 assists for the winners while Ivan Milosevic (191-G-78) followed him adding 13 points. Center Vojislav Gojnic (208-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) posted 17 points for Napredak Rubin.


Radnicki 034 Group - Napredak Rubin 75-67
(23-13,9-17,22-10,21-27)

Radnicki 034 Group: Pesic 14 (10 as), Milosevic 13, Glisovic 11 (5 rebs, 4 as)
Napredak Rubin: Gojnic 17, Markovic 16

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SLOVENIA

Rogla inks Skornik -by Zeljko Zule
Former U20 NT member Davorin Skornik (211-C-81, college: Bucknell) signed for Rogla on a one month contract.
Celjski KK (B1) have hired Branko Kitak as an assistant coach.

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TBL

2007 Regional Basketball Tryouts Series - Raleigh, NC Final Update -by Benjamin Brinkley
10-November-2007
Raleigh, NC -- The Texas Basketball League will be holding regional basketball tryouts on Sunday, November 11th from 6pm - 9pm at Garner Road YMCA in Raleigh, NC. This tryout is the last regional basketball tryouts for the North Carolina Area of this year as the season starts on January 3, 2008.

Garner Road YMCA is located at 2245 Garner Rd. Raleigh, NC 27610 and Pre-Registration will be accepted the Sheraton Hotel at Four Seasons, 3121 High Point Road at I-40. Greensboro, NC 27407 from 6pm until 8pm on Friday, November 9th, 2007 and Saturday morning, November 10th, 2007 from 9am until 11am at the Marriott Raleigh Crabtree Valley at 4500 Marriott Dr Raleigh, NC 27612. The fee will be $50 in advance, $100 at the door. Players can access registration forms and directions to the Garner Road YMCA gym by email at texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com

"It has always been a top priority to maximize our regional basketball tryouts in surrounding communities like Raleigh and Durham. Garner Road YMCA is a great fit due to its location and facilities," said Benjamin Brinkley, owner of the Texas Basketball League.

For more information call (336) 790-6193 or keep visiting www.usbasket.com - click on tbl in the right hand corner, or email texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Paradise Jam Basketball Tourney Returning with Several NCAA Playoff Teams -by David Edole
by James Gardner
Since its inception in 2000, the annual Paradise Jam basketball tournament has featured some of the nation's top college teams, brought in thousands of dollars to the territory and attracted international media coverage, and this year is no exception, event organizers said Friday.
This year the tournament should bring in a seven-to-one rate of return, meaning the government will get $7 back for every dollar spent on the event, for a total of about $1.5 million, said Tourism Commissioner Beverly Nicholson-Doty during a press conference at Marriott Frenchman's Reef Resort on St. Thomas. As a sponsor of the tournament, Tourism contributes about $250,000 and, in return, tournament organizers guarantee a minimum of hotel room stays and other perks.
"This is one of those events where we get a really great return on our investment," Nicholson-Doty said, adding that additional money is also spent each year on things such as food, beverages and transportation. With events such as Paradise Jam steadily gaining in popularity, the local government is working to make sports tourism one of its top priorities, she said, marketing, among other things, the state-of-the-art sports complex at the University of the Virgin Islands.
Though Paradise Jam first found its footing at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School's gymnasium, it has since moved to the UVI Sports and Fitness Center, which seats about 4,000 people and boasts a court ready for heavy basketball competition. In June 2003, Basketball Travelers -- the tournament's organizers -- signed a five-year extension with UVI, guaranteeing the return of Paradise Jam to the territory.
"Out of all the events we put on, this is our crown jewel," said Craig Jonas, Basketball Travelers' marketing consultant. When asked what's different about the tournament this year, Jonas said that the organization is trying to "do a better job" giving back to the local community by offering such things as free Five-Star basketball clinics for students on both St. Thomas and St. Croix.
Additionally, the tournament will boast more national media coverage than ever before, with seven of the games broadcast on Fox College Sports, Direct TV and other networks. Live coverage of the games will also stream online throughout the tournament, Jonas said.
This year's women's bracket is the best in tournament history, featuring ten top Division I teams, including Duke, the University of Connecticut, Purdue, Stanford, Old Dominion and Texas A&M, Jonas said. Seven of the teams ended the 2006-2007 season ranked in the final Associated Press Poll, with Duke and UConn finishing first and second, respectively, followed by Stanford, Purdue, Texas A&M, Old Dominion and Temple. The teams all earned sports in the NCAA, with UConn and Purdue making it to the Elite Eight.
Tournament play on St. Thomas is split into two brackets -- the Reef Division and the Island Division -- consisting of three teams each. In the Reef Division this year, Duke, Purdue and Temple will play one another, while the Island Division features UConn, Stanford and Old Dominion. The tournament beings with three days of pool play within the two divisions Nov. 22-24, with each team playing two games. These games will determine which teams finish up on the final day of play Nov. 25.
The men's field is equally as competitive, Jonas says, featuring Division I teams such as Wichita State, Baylor University and the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Notre Dame, Winthrop and Georgia Tech made the NCAA tournament in 2006, with Winthrop and Notre Dame meeting in the second round. Rounding off the group is Monmouth, looking to rebound from last year's disappointing 12-18 record, and the University of Illinois at Chicago, whose veteran depth will make them a team to look out for on the court.
Competition begins late next week with consecutive-day action culminating in the championship round Nov. 19. The 2007 Paradise Jam will tip off with Georgia Tech playing UNC-Charlotte at 2 p.m. Nov 16.
For a list of games and times, visit paradisejam.com and click on the link for each bracket.
Five-Star basketball clinics kick off on St. Croix at 11 a.m. Nov. 17 at the Central High School gym. Clinics for older students begin at 1:15 p.m.
Tickets for the games can be purchased at the door, beginning at 1 p.m. on Nov. 16.

Prices:
$60: Men's tournament pass (good for all games Nov. 16-19)
$55: Women's tournament pass (good for all games Nov. 22-25)
$25: Non-V.I. resident (single-game ticket)
$10: V.I. resident with identification (single-game ticket)
$5: children (ages 5-17), students and UVI students

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UAE

Again, Courtney Fields signs with Al Wasl -by Ali Ahmed


For the second season, Courtney Fields (206-F-82, college: Iona) signs with Al Wasl . Fields dominates the paint with his strong body and long arms; Can shoot from long-range jumper; Has various post skills, using his quick footwork and shooting with either hands; Strong rebounder, recording double-doubles many times.

Awards/Achievements:
MAAC Regular Season Champion -01
MAAC Tournament Winner -01
All-MAAC 2nd Team -02
ABA All-Star Weekend Slam Dunk Contest Participant -05
USBL Regular Season Champion -05
Chilean DIMAYOR Finalist -05
Latinbasket.com All-Chilean DIMAYOR Center of the Year -05
Latinbasket.com All-Chilean DIMAYOR 1st Team -05
Latinbasket.com Chilean DIMAYOR All-Imports Team -05.

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ULEB CUP

Red Star brings Raicevic again -by Nenad Ilijev
Miroslav Raicevic (208-C-81, agency: Interperformances) is close to sign with Red Star again. Former Aris Thessaloniki power forward already played in red and white uniform winning Serbia and Montenegro National Cup in season 2005/06. He started this season in Eldo Basket Napoli (ITA) but he is expected to become free agent next week because team doesn't obey contract obligations.

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URUGUAY

Kareem Johnson lead Aguada to beat Atenas -by Hector Lopez
Kareem Johnson (205-C-80, college: Cincinnati) scored two free throws with 3 seconds remaining and Aguada beat Atenas 91-90 for the 17th round of the Uruguayan League. Atenas was winning for 18 points during the third quaretr and still had a four poins lead with 15 seconds to be played. Josh Murray (201-F-79, college: IUPU-Indianapolis) scored a two points shot and added an extra free throw for Aguada to reduce the difference (89-90) Then Richard Matienzo (202-F/C-69, college: Miami Dade CC) failed two free throws with six seconds and then Johnson was fouled.
Results and main scorers
Aguada 91 -Kareem Johnson 22 and 14 rebounds, Josh Murray 17 points.
Atenas 90 - Morris Hall (185-G-82, college: Wayne St., MI) 19, Richard Matienzo (202-F/C-69, college: Miami Dade CC) 19, Hakeem Rollins (202-C/F-83, college: Washington) 14 and 9 rebounds
- - -
Olimpia 93 - Omar Galeano (197-F/C-81) 23, Ruben Nembhard (191-G-72, agency: Duran International, college: Weber St.) 15, Marcelo Correa (208-C-77, college: San Diego St.) 9 and 9 rebounds
Welcome 76 - Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Park) 25, Jamaal Wise (196-F-83, college: Rhode Island) 22



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Women News

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BELGIUM - Women

Not only Dexia -by Eurobasket News
Not only Dexia enjoys the time in Euroleague from Belgium. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) and Kathy Wambe (174-G-81) had great games for their teams in the same tournament.

Ann Wauters's CSKA Moscow started their Euroleague season with a confident win over TTT Riga 82:56 at home. The teams played some close basketball only in the starting quarter as CSKA managed to clear off at the end and entered the second stanza with a 7-point advantage. Maria Stepanova and Ann Wauters dominated the scene in the second quarter and easily gave CSKA a 48:26 lead at halftime. Moscow team opened the second half with an 8:0 rally and enlarged the gap to 30 points. Riga never seemed to be on their way into contest and headed into the final term trailing by 29 points 38:67. A three pointer from Sokolovskaya early at the start of the final period just stressed the difference in the game and CSKA cruised to an overall victory at the end.
Ann Wauters produced 24 points and 13 boards to pace Russian team. So now CSKA grabbed the lead in Group A and next plays against Phard Napoli in Italy. TTT Riga will try to rebound after the starting loss as they host Lille on November 13.

Kathy Wambe collected 10 points and 8 rebounds for ESB Lille Metropole. Her French team returned to EuroLeague Women action with a bang by thrashing MKB Euroleasing 87:67 in Group A on Wednesday. The hosts were always in control, and built up a 17-point lead by the end of the first quarter.

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BRAZIL - Women

Euroleague start for Brazilians -by Eurobasket News

Three Brazilian players started the tournament in Europe, between the best teams from the top countries.

Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) poured in 9 points and grabbed 4 rebounds for TTT-Riga. The latter lost the opener to CSKA from Russia 82:56. The teams played some close basketball only in the starting quarter as CSKA managed to clear off at the end and entered the second stanza with a 7-point advantage. Maria Stepanova and Ann Wauters dominated the scene in the second quarter and easily gave CSKA a 48:26 lead at halftime. Moscow team opened the second half with an 8:0 rally and enlarged the gap to 30 points. Riga never seemed to be on their way into contest and headed into the final term trailing by 29 points 38:67. A three pointer from Sokolovskaya early at the start of the final period just stressed the difference in the game and CSKA cruised to an overall victory at the end. So now CSKA grabbed the lead in Group A and next plays against Phard Napoli in Italy. TTT Riga will try to rebound after the starting loss as they host Lille on November 13.

Graziane Coelho (192-C-83) scored 5 points and made 5 rebounds for Hungarian Mizo-Pecsi. The latter however saw Dynamo Moscow smash 77:48 in the opener of Euroleague. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota collected 28 points, four assists and four steals, while Ieva Kublina added 11 points and 12 rebounds for the winners.

One of the most interesting games awaited for the spectators in the opener of Euroleague 2007/08. The defending champions of the last season Spartak MR together with Brazilian Iziane Castro (183-G/F-82) overcame Kosit 62:60. Janel McCarville missed a lay-up and could not sent her team to overtime. Ivana Matovic led the winners with 23 points and 15 rebounds. Tatiana Shchegoleva produced 12, while Iziane Castro added 10. Kosit opened the game with 26:15 after the first quarter. The team looked more optimistic in the second and still had 38:30 at half-time.Russian squad came back to the game in the third quarter. The hosts produced 22:12 in it and tied at 50:50 going into the final period. Osipova with a jump shot sent the teams to the last quarter with 52:50 for Spartak. A tough and defensive last quarter brought 10:10 on the board. Janel McCarville missed a lay-up and could not sent her team to overtime, as Spartak celebrated the opener, 62:60.



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BULGARIA - Women

Guneva, Yolovska and Branzova in the International arena -by Eurobasket News
Evelina Guneva (183-F-80, agency: Interperformances) produced points and made 7 assists for Croatian Sibenik that were unable to start their Euroleague campaign with a win as they fell short to Bourges Baket in France. Bourges played in the last season Final Four and entered the game as widely taken favorites. The hosts claimed their status early in the game as they grabbed a 23:19 lead. Sibenik tried to stay close and trailed by 8 points at halftime 38:46. The Croatian side were not about to give it up so easily and soon Anda Jelavic (173-G-80) fueled the visitors to come as close as 5 points heading into the final term. However it was not enough to turn the momentum. Bourges Basket regained control in the dying stages of the game and posting an 8:0 run in the final minutes gained a sigh of relief. Sibenik will next take on Avenida at home. Bourges travels to Czech Republic to play against USK Prague.

Elena Yolovska (183-F-74) scored 2 points, made 1 rebound and 1 assist for Croatian Gospic that started the EuroCup campaign with a road win in Germany. A massive win in the first half allowed Croatia team to overcome TSV Wasserburg 65:67. TSV Wasserburg won the national League in Germany and stays with 3-0 at home currently. The team dreamed to open a season with a win, but was stopped by Gospic. The latter took a control of the game from the start as Mirjana Tabak scored some baskets in the opening tip. It was her again to make 18:25 after the first 10 minutes of the game. In the second quarter Croatians stayed in front for the whole time and enjoyed a 37:51 lead at the half. TSV Wasserburg stayed tough in defense in the third quarter to produce 13:6 in it. It gave the hosts 50:57 as the teams started the last period. TSV Wasserburg never tied the game, however spurted to 65:67 in the end. Gospic grabbed 1-0 record and shares the top place with Gorzow in Group F.

Albena Branzova (192-F/C-71) scored 9 points for Hungarian MKB Euroleasing that lost the opener of Euroleague in France. Branzova 's team was defeated by Metropole 67:87.

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CANADA - Women

Canadians conquer Europe -by Eurobasket News
Canadian Ashley Dutchak (173-G-84) opened the season in Croatia for Gospic together with Raguz Marianna. The latter however missed the opener of the team in Eurocup. Croatian Gospic started the EuroCup campaign with a road win in Germany. A massive win in the first half allowed Croatia team to overcome TSV Wasserburg 65:67. TSV Wasserburg won the national League in Germany and stays with 3-0 at home currently. The team dreamed to open a season with a win, but was stopped by Gospic. The latter took a control of the game from the start as Mirjana Tabak scored some baskets in the opening tip. It was her again to make 18:25 after the first 10 minutes of the game. In the second quarter Croatians stayed in front for the whole time and enjoyed a 37:51 lead at the half.
TSV Wasserburg stayed tough in defense in the third quarter to produce 13:6 in it. It gave the hosts 50:57 as the teams started the last period. TSV Wasserburg never tied the game, however spurted to 65:67 in the end. Ashley Dutchak finished the game with 3 points, 4 assists, 2 steals and 2 rebounds. Gospic grabbed 1-0 record and shares the top place with Gorzow in Group F.

Katie Donovan (183-F-82) shines in Luxembourg. In the first round her T71 Dudelange beat Musel-Pikes 73:70. An excellent first quarter gave the hosts 25:8 lead. Notheing serious happened in the second quarter as the guests stayed even and won only by one. In the last quarter Musel-Pikes did everything they could in order to tie the game, however 18:8 was not enough. Katie Donovan led the winners with 27 points.
In another game Katie Donovan poured in 27 points as Dudelange overcame Contern 70:67.

Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers) nailed 15 points and made 8 rebounds for Fenerbahce in Euroleague. Her Turkish team overcame Napoli 85:79.

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CZECH REP. - Women

Trocal ZBL - 3rd round -by Petr Kapitulcin

BK Skřivanek Ústi nad Labem - Valosun Brno 65:92 (8:27, 22:47, 42:69)

Usti: Peksova Lenka 18, Medunova Gabriela 16, Kallmunzerova Jana 13, Kalkusova Lucie 12, Vopalenska Lucie 2, Bruzlova Petra 2, Seborova Tereza 2, Stranska Kateřina 0, Kozakova Lenka 0, Aubrechtova Eva 0, Zikanova Tereza 0, Novackova Hana 0
Valosun: Whitley Wynter C 21, Hejdova Romana 19, Giacintova Gabriela 12, Svobodova Miloslava 10, Vlkova Veronika 10, Mrhalkova Eva 7, Belanska Andrea 7, Danihlikova Barbora 6;
3FG: 16/2:16/4; 2FG: 58/22:47/35; FT: 21/15:13/10; rebs: 32:31; fouls: 12:19; MVP: Hejdova Romana

Kara Trutnov - BK Czech coal Aldast Strakonice 85:59 (20:27, 46:41, 65:51)

Trutnov: Zohnova Kateřina 21, Snajdrova Hana 15, Karavaeva Yulia 14, Misurova Darina 12, Hindrakova Kateřina 10, Spirkova Irena 7, Petrovicka Blanka 6, Johnova Darina 0
Strakonice: Stejskalova Jana 18, Drachovska Michaela 12, Cherniy Elena 11, King-Bishof Ashley 11, Urbanova Iveta 5, Tomanova Kristyna 2, Balakova Lucie 0, Lukesova Petra 0, Puncochařova Sarka 0, Bernasova Jaroslava 0;
3FG: 17/0:15/2; 2FG: 51/33:57/20; FT: 28/19:16/13; rebs: 47:33; fouls: 16:22; fouled out: 37. King-Bishof Ashley, MVP: Snajdrova Hana


Gambrinus Sika Brno - BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary 113:23 (30:10, 56:15, 84:15)

Gambrinus: Machova Hana 15, Zirkova Zuzana 15, Maiga-Ba Hamchetou 14, Ivkovicne Beres Timea 14, Viteckova Eva 13, Stehlikova Romana 11, Vesela Jana 10, Kulichova Petra 9, Veceřova Ivana 6, Whitmore Tamika 6
Karlovy Vary: Wallace Tera 6, Vodrazkova Mirka 4, Gerstnerova Petra 4, Kucerova Sarka 3, Dlouha Adela 2, Strubelova Lenka 2, Magerciakova Michaela 2, Sedlackova Blanka 0, Zmekova Adela 0, Pilatova Zuzana 0, Timkova Katarina 0;
3FG: 14/10:16/1; 2FG: 55/33:34/8; FT: 24/17:4/4; rebs: 37:17; fouls: 8:18; MVP: Maiga-Ba Hamchetou


Sokol Hradec Kralove - Slovanka Tabor 94:68 (29:13, 50:33, 70:53);

Hradec Kralove: Mlejnkova Petra 16, Křizova Kateřina 14, Březinova Renata 14, Ovsikova Andrea 12, Bartoňova Kateřina 9, Novakova Kateřina 8, Sipova Eva 7, Věchtova Adela 5, Růzickova Lucie 4, Komzikova Iva 3, Steffanova Milena 2, Houdkova Jana 0
Slovanka: Vorlova Tereza 22, Kuthanova Tereza 14, Pospisilova Petra 9, Ondřejova Zuzana 8, Kubařova Sarka 6, Dřevova Marketa 4, Křizova Jana 2, Zrůstova Renata 2, Nizňanska Radka 1;
3FG: 13/3:8/1; 2FG: 56/30:51/17; FT: 32/25:37/31; rebs: 30:22; fouls: 30:27; fouled out: 39. Březinova Renata - 25. Nizňanska Radka, 32. Kubařova Sarka; MVP: Ovsikova Andrea



USK ZVVZ Praha - BLC Sparta Praha 11.11.2007



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FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: PeKa suffered the first loss -by Rauno Hurmalainen

SM-sarja, Round 9: PeKa, Kotka suffered the first loss of the season, when visitor Catz, Lappeenranta was this time stronger at the end of the top
game: 71-85 (38-30). PeKa had the lead three quarters, but lost the 4th quarter 10-29. Catz´ rebounding strength (rbs 39-51 for Catz) and points
under the boards were the key factors to this kind of result. PeKa was shooting more threes and did it pretty well (13/26 = 50,0%), but that was
not enough today. Yelena Solovyeva (189-C-75) and Tamara Tatham (185-F-85, college: Massachusetts) were Catz´ key players.

PeKa - Catz 71-85 (38-30) (Susanna Rinta 18, Maiju Pekkarinen 17 - Yelena Solovyeva 22/18, Tamara Tatham 21/10).

HoNsU - Huima 67-79 (25-48) (Lizanne Murphy 17, Charlee Underwood 14 - Kenya Robinson 23, Shakeena Wicker 18).

FoA - BC Nokia 67-85 (30-45) (Megan Griffith 14, Caitlin Chiaramonte 14 - Sherry McCracklin 22/10, Sheree Thompson 18).



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HUNGARY - Women

Defeat in Moscow -by Gabriel Zippenfenig

Dynamo Moscow - MiZo Pecs 2010 Pecs 2010: 77 - 48 (20-13, 21-17, 14-7, 22-11)

Women Euroleague, D-group, 1st round, Moscow, 1200 visitors.

Dynamo Moscow:
Nuria Martinez (176-G-84)

Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (176-F-83)

Volnaja
Leva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech)
Alison Bales (201-C-85, college: Duke)
Dacsics
Tatiana Popova (181-C-84)
Rjukina
Firszova
Kelly Schumacher (195-C-77, college: Connecticut)
Coach: Ainars Zvirgzdins

MiZo Pecs 2010 Pecs 2010:
Dalma Ivanyi (178-G-76, college: Florida Intern.)

Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84)
Kornelia Meszaros (186-F-74)
Emilja Podrug (190-C-79)
Graziane Coelho (192-C-83)
Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84)
Anita Heller (171-G-81)
Andrea Somogyi (184-F-86)
KRIVACSEVICS
Coach: Laszlo Ratgeber



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ISRAEL - Women

Liron Cohen in Spain -by Gil Goshen


On her 4th game in Spain Liron Cohen - GG basketball agency proved again her huge talent:
her team CLUB BALONCESTO SAN JOSE won tonight vs. RIVAS FUTURA 78:62
and they are ranked on 2nd place in the Spenish league.
Liron played only 29 minutes and had 29 points !!!!!! 5/9 for two points, 4/8 for 3 points, 7/8 from the free line , 2 as.

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MALDIVES - Women

27th National Tournament 2007 Womens Finals -by Mohamed Rishan

Red Line Club takes the women's division Champions trophy beating BG Sports Club 45 points to 37 points in the National Finals. best player of the final match and the most promising player of the tournament was awarded to Aishath Umeyra of R.L.C.
Best five Players of the womens division were awarded to
Husna Mohamed of R.L.C,
Aminath Sama of R.L.C,
Zahudha Mohamed of BG Sports,
Nashfa Amira of BG Sports &

Aminath Shiura of VYANSA



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MALI - Women

Diawara and Maiga shine in Europe -by Eurobasket News
Hamchetou Maiga (185-G/F-78, college: ODU) nailed 9 points in the first Euroleague game for Gambrinus from Czech Republic. her team had a home win over Lotos 85:72. Lotos led 59:57 at the start of the final period and Holdscaw's jump shot and free throw saw the Poles move into a 64:61 lead. But then they reaped the whirlwind from their Czech opponents. Hamchetou Maiga's jump shot and Eva Viteckova's three-pointer saw Brno grab the lead as they went on a 15-point run that proved decisive. Viteckova led the winners with 18 points. Machova and Zirkova followed her with 16 points each.

Nare Diawara (198-C-83, college: Virginia Tech) produced 10 points and made 4 rebounds for French USO Mondeville. Her team lost the opener to Lithuanian TEO 75:70. Trailing 15:23 after the first 10 minutes TEO produced superb second and third. Lenae Williams opened the game with a three and shocked a bit the hosts. Paoline Salagnac' jump shot could not wake up the Lithuanians that trailed 15:23 after the opening quarter. TEO fought back, pouring in the first seven points of the second quarter. Petronyte's jumper with two seconds remaining gave them a three-point cushion, 40:37 at half-time. An 8-0 run put TEO 55:48 up midway through the third quarter. The team found its game and dominated in the court. Even though the final score 75:70 TEO felt the victory much earlier. Sandra Valuzyte's two with less than a minute to play gave TEO 75:65. USO Mondeville managed to score 5 points in less than a minute to set up a 5 points loss.

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NIGERIA - Women

Izidor Enjoli collected 5 points in 3 rebounds for Sibenik -by Eurobasket News
Enjoli Izidor (183-G-80, college: Stanford) posted 5 points and grabbed 3 rebounds for Croatian Sibenik in the opener of Euroleague. Sibenik were unable to start their Euroleague campaign with a win as they fell short to Bourges Baket in France. Bourges played in the last season Final Four and entered the game as widely taken favorites. The hosts claimed their status early in the game as they grabbed a 23:19 lead. Sibenik tried to stay close and trailed by 8 points at halftime 38:46. The Croatian side were not about to give it up so easily and soon Anda Jelavic fueled the visitors to come as close as 5 points heading into the final term. However it was not enough to turn the momentum. Bourges Basket regained control in the dying stages of the game and posting an 8:0 run in the final minutes gained a sigh of relief. Bourges sank 46% from the field and 84% from charity stripe. Sibenik replied with 40% of field goals and 85% of free throws. French side had a narrow advantage under the rims as they pulled down 36 rebounds against 33 made by the visitors. Sibenik also suffered 17 turnovers during the game. Sibenik will next take on Avenida at home. Bourges travels to Czech Republic to play against USK Prague.

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NORWAY - Women

Johansen lost with Stockholm -by Eurobasket News
Anette Johansen (178-F-82, college: New York Tech) together with her O8 Stockholm HR lost the opener of EuroCup to Pays Aix Basket in the capital of Sweden. An opening 8-19 in the game was the result of the first loss. With 19:15 in the third O8 Stockholm HR reached 39:43 and looked forward to the final quarter. Hamilton Carter tied the game at 43:43 and was applaud by the spectators. Edlund's three gave the hosts a 46:44 lead, however it was all they could do. Nathalie Lesdema scored last 4 points for the visitors to present them a 53:58 road win. Anette Johansen tried hard but got one foul and one rebound in the game.

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SEYCHELLES - Women

ANSE ETOILE STARS are the Women's League champions for a third consecutive year -by Carlos Pereira
ANSE ETOILE STARS are the Women's League champions for a third consecutive year - completing a hat-trick and bringing their number of league title wins to 15 in 17 years. What a feat!

The Stars, with most of their players being Seychelles internationals and played on the Anse Etoile Stars players and coach Malbrook celebrate another title wincountry's team who won the bronze medal at the Seventh Indian Ocean Islands Games (IOIG) in Madagascar this year, had HotShots are their main rivals this season in a two-horse league race.
After losing their first-round match-up 43-45, it looked as if HotShots, who were on a roll and played some good basketball, would dethrone the Stars as champions.
The decider was played on Saturday September 29 and this time victory went to the Stars, putting an end to HotShots' seven-game unbeaten run. The Stars needed to win by a three-point margin to have the edge over HotShots on the head-to-head rule and they did even better - getting a six-point win.
Seychelles international playmaker Lindy Mathiot got 14 points before fouling out to lead the Stars to a 53-47 win although HotShots had two players - centre Tina Agathine (game-high 18 points) and Seychelles forward Myra Solin (13 points) - scoring in double digits.
With just one loss in 12 games, the Stars, coached by Michel Malbrook, have finished the league with 23 points, the same total as HotShots, but the Anse Boileau-based team have to accept finishing second on the head-to-head rule.
Speaking to Sports Nation, Stars' centre Simone Malbrook said that “the championship was not as tough as it looked. Had all our players been a 100% fit for the whole of the season, we would have won against HotShots in the first round and there would have been no need for us to wait for a second-round win against them to make sure of keeping the title. I'm sure we would have won the league with an unbeaten record. Training with the national team for the IOIG also disrupted the team's (Anse Etoile Stars) play.”
The only consolation for HotShots in the league is that centre Tina Agathine, a member of the Seychelles volleyball team, scored a career-high and season-high 52 points in their team's 101-7 win over Cadettes.
HotShots also have the Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup title to defend and they stand a good chance of making the best-of-three final where they could have for opponents Anse Etoile Stars.
Stars' centre Malbrook said that “we want to reclaim our SBF Cup title to achieve another League and Cup double.”
As fort HotShots' lanky centre Agathine, she had this to say:
“All players on the HotShots team know and understand that we have to win the SBF Cup now that we have not been able to win the League title. We will be all out to defend the SBF Cup.”G. G.

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U.KINGDOM - Women

Tough test for new-girls -by Dave Ryan
The two promoted sides both face tough tests when they play their first home games in Division One on Saturday. UWIC Archers have faced City of Sheffield Hatters before, but it was their second team they defeated 54-52 in the Division Two play-off final last season, whereas Sevenoaks Suns face Nottingham Wildcats for the first time.
Both Archers and Suns lost their opening game of the season against Team Northumbria, although Sevenoaks had been forced to concede their first fixture against Hatters. Wildcats started their season with a tight victory against London Heathrow Acers, and all four clubs have progressed in the National Cup.
In contrast two old rivals meet at Rhondda Fach Sports Centre as Coca Cola Rhondda Rebels host Solent Suns. Both of last season's meetings between the sides ended in comfortable victories for the Welsh team, winning 104-58 on the south coast in October and 83-59 in February. The teams also met in the play-off quarter-finals, and Megan Hoffman led the way with 23 points as hosts Rebels eased past Suns 91-68. With player-coach Andrea Congreaves adding 18 and Sally Kaznica scoring 17, the Rebels led 20-12 at the first break before extending their lead to 38-22 at half-time. They added another point to their lead in the third period before winning the fourth period 31-25 to stroll into the last four. Caroline Turner scored 18 for the Suns, with Quiana Copeland added another 17. The two sides had contrasting National Cup results last week, with Rhondda hammering Taunton Tigers, while Solent went down against their namesakes Sevenoaks.
There's a London derby at Spelthorne College when London Heathrow Acers host London Towers. Acers won both of the games between the sides last season, returning from Crystal Palace with a comfortable 66-40 victory in October, but they were made to fight all the way before completing the double in February - eventually winning 69-61. Both sides progressed in the National Cup last week, though Acers had a considerably easier time when they faced Southend Swifts, winning 85-47, while Towers were made to fight all the way by Enfield Phoenix.
The weekend's action is completed at the Amaechi Centre where Manchester Mystics and early league leaders Team Northumbria clash on Sunday. The teams proved to be evenly matched last season, with each side winning their home league clash, Northumbria emerging 79-71 winners in January before Mystics gained revenge with a 68-59 win ten weeks later. Both sides won their opening league fixtures, with the Newcastle side top of the table by virtue of having played two games.

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VENEZUELA - Women

Villarroel Maria top-scores for Sierre -by Eurobasket News
Venezuelan Maria Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) top-scored for Swiss Sierre recently. Sierre however had little chances for a win during their opening encounter in EuroCup preliminary round in Group I. They hosted BC Moscow and were dismantled 56:105 in front of 550 spectators. Moscow team quickly began to pile the advantage and soon enjoyed a 15:2 lead. Elena Danilochkina got on fire as she netted three long jumpers to put BC Moscow in front 28:17 late in the first quarter. Sierre however capped the opening frame with a 4:0 rally and cut the deficit to 7 points. It had little impact on the game though as the visitors quickly cleared off to a 20-point distance and never looked back thereafter. Four straight points from Martina Weber capped the first half and gave BC Moscow a 59:32 advantage. Russian team started the second half with a 10:0 to stun the home team. The gap grew drastically and reached a 51-point mark by the end of the third term. Sierre finally outscored the visitors in the final period but it gave Swiss team little satisfaction as they fell to 0-1 in the ladder. Martina Weber led BC Moscow with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Zakalyuzhnaya netted 17 points for the winners. Maria Villarroel had 20 points for Sierre. Rhona McKenzie delivered 14 points and 10 rebounds in defeat.
Sierre will play against Eztrugaza in the second round of action. We hope that Maria Villarroel will produce the same games in the next games of her team.