EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 11/30/2007

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Men News

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ABA

Sound Edge Rainmen 92-90 -by Surujh Roopnarine
The Strong Island Sound (5-1) traveled north of the border yesterday and continued to torment thee expansion Halifax Rainmen (1-5), escaping with a 92-90 victory at the Metro Centre. Down early, at 10-2, the Sound did not panic after being thrown out of orientation by the Rainmen's 1-3-1 zone but had to work past 15 plus point deficits in both the first and second halves to secure their spot atop the ABA Blue Central Division. The Sound were led by the combination of Gordon Malone (6'10''-F/C-74, college: W.Virginia) and Raphael Edwards (6'7''-F-75, college: E.Carolina), who scored 23 and 20 respectively. Edwards in particular was key in a fourth quarter run which brought the Sound back to tie the game heading into the final minute. After getting to the line to go up 92-90, Head Coach Dytanya Mixson knowing that his team, (traveling with only eight players) could not afford to go into overtime employed a strategy of fouling Halifax before they could attempt a three-point shot to win. Chad Eichelberger's last second 40ft heave clipped off of the front of the rim at the buzzer ending the game for the Rainmen. The Rainmen were led by Blandon Ferguson's (6'4''-F/G-80, college: Illinois) game high 24 points.
SOUND: Gordon Malone (23p), Raphael Edwards (20p), Chris Grant (12p), Chris Wehye (10p)
RAINMEN: Blandon Ferguson (24p), Brian Silverhorn (20p), Chad Eichelberger (18p), Eric Crookshank (14p)

Manchester Millrats won against Corning (NY) Bulldogs -by Jay
The Manchester Millrats won a tough game on road, 138-130, against the Corning (NY) Bulldogs in late ABA action tonight.

The high scoring affair was led by Anthony Anderson (5'11''-G-81, college: Massachusetts) 27pts, Rashid Al-Kaleem (6'4''-G-83, college: Florida) 24pts on 7 three pointers, and Rob Sanders (6'7''-F-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Providence) 21pts
Corning was led by Al Stewart (5'10''-G-83, college: Drake) 21pts

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ANGOLA

Africa Champions Cup for Men: Potters role out 15-man list -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria representative at the final round of the 22nd Africa Champions Cup for Men, Niger Potters basketball club Thursday release its provincial list of players.

Potters Head Coach, Adamu Kuta told www.fiba-afrique.org in a telephone chat that the coaching crew in conjunction with the club management decide to come out with this 15 players list out of the over twenty players jostling for a place in the 12-team roster.

Coach Kuta gave the names of the players as Captain Abubakar Usman, Abubakar Yusuf, Othniel Azolo, Victor Okoro, Sati Paul, Farouk Musa, Chigozie Nwoye and Abdulazeez Yusuf.

Others are Stanley Gumut, Dreams Emmanuel, Anthony, Moses Okafor, Shehu Mohammed, Aminu Jimoh and Isiaka Yusuf, the three coaches listed includes the head coach Kuta to be assisted by the duo of Isyaq Halidu and Danlami Ndatsu.

According to Coach Kuta, the final list of twelve players shall be made public by the weekend while the club have concluded plans to play at least three warm up matches before it depart Nigeria for Luanda on December 11.Stanley Gumut (197-F-86)

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AUSTRALIA

Perth sensationally upset the Kings in Sydney -by Eurobasket News
The Perth Wildcats exploded in the fourth period to stun the hosting Sydney Kings and rolled to a surprising 87:84 victory at the end. This win saw Perth improve to 7-5 record at the 5th spot in the ladder. Sydney meanwhile suffered their second defeat in the season. Sydney seemed to cruise to yet another victory as they led 73:60 early in the final term but the Wildcats revived in the dying stages. Brad Robbins (185-G-85) burst out with 10 points igniting a massive 21:4 rally from the visitors as they pulled a win away from the Kings. Five Perth players scored in double figures en route to their 7th win in the season. Peter Crawford (193-G-79) led the Wildcats with 16 points. Gerald Brown (191-G-75, college: Pepperdine) finished with 15 points, while Brad Robbins added 14 points for the winners. Dontaye Draper replied with 23 points and 8 boards for the hosts. Jason Smith (194-G-74) had 14 points in a losing effort. Perth limited Sydney to just 35% accuracy and forced those to 18 turnovers. Perth travel to Townsville to take on the Crocs, while the Kings will face the Tigers in Melbourne.
Brisbane Bullets extended their winning streak to 4 games as they bumped Townsville Crocs 120:113 at home. They also snapped the visitors' 5-game winning streak and improved to 10-4 record. CJ Bruton (188-G-75, college: Indian Hills CC) returned to the Bullets starting lineup to score 32 points and ensure the winning outcome for the hosts. Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) was there to help as he nailed 19 points in the second quarter and finished the game with 32 points for Brisbane as they withstood an impressive 41 points from Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.). The Crocs import came up with 29 points in the second half to keep hopes alive for Townsville. But his effort was never sufficient to break the ice for the Crocs. Brisbane sealed their 10th win at the dying stages and travel to Singapore to take on the Slingers on Sunday.

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BELARUS

5 Round Stats -by Viktar Tkachou
5 Round.
November 23-24, 2007

Temp-OSHVSM - OZAA

86:75 (25:20, 16:12, 20:19, 25:24)
Temp-OSHVSM: Malkov - 24, Borisov - 13, Lavrinenko - 13, Savin - 10
OZAA: Kandrusevich - 20, Hubko - 14, Poderachev - 10

60:102 (23:28, 12:23, 12:26, 13:25)
Temp-OSHVSM: Krivonos - 14, Vergun - 13, Borisov - 12
OZAA: Maksimov - 18, Maksimovic - 16, Ivanov - 15, Kandrusevich - 14, Ristic - 12


Lokomotiv-KiS - BNTU

68:58 (18:19, 18:14, 15:17, 17:8)
Lokomotiv-KiS: Sapegin - 23, Sivalko - 16
BNTU: Glavitsky - 14, Shpadaruk - 13, Volk - 12

79:85 (OT) (15:26, 19:17, 21:7, 13:18, 11:17)
Lokomotiv-KiS: Sapegin - 23, Korzh - 21, Pishchulenok - 10
BNTU: Shpadaruk - 24, Glavitsky - 19, Volk - 15, Kazakevich - 15


Grodno-93 - Sozh

102:56 (27:23, 26:8, 20:11, 29:14)
Grodno-93: Mastou - 18, Kuznetsov - 15, D.Sviridov - 13, Mishukov - 10
Sozh: Tsialiapneu - 13, Shurmel - 12, Yarets - 10

110:61 (31:20, 29:13, 27:22, 23:6)
Grodno-93: Yafremau - 15, A.Sviridov - 15, D.Sviridov - 15, Mishukov - 14, Mastou - 13, Senkevich - 13, Grekhau - 11
Sozh: Netrebsky - 15, Vl. Ostrikau - 14, Shurmel - 12


Vitalyur - Minsk-2006

80:75 (20:19, 23:22, 17:12, 20:22)
Vitalyur: Yeremenko - 19, Sharko - 17, Trastsianetsky - 12, Dadykin - 11, Shustau - 10
Minsk-2006: Chemiakin - 20, Koul - 15, Shtereb - 13

80:78 (13:17, 24:12, 22:26, 21:23)
Vitalyur: Yeremenko - 26, Trastsianetsky - 15, Shustau - 15, Pogrebnev - 14
Minsk-2006: Shtereb - 20, Koul - 14, Konushenko - 14

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CAMEROON

KENNETH KADJI COMMITS TO FLORIDA GATORS -by Gilles Bouwe
KADJI KENNETH ( 6'10) former player of KSA-ecole de BAsket in Douala and Pau Orthez (France) have sign a commitment in june for the FLORIDA GATORS the former University of JOAKIM NOAH.With the commitment of Kadji, the Gators are expected to go after one more big man in their recruiting class of 2008.

Joe Mbang and Bitee Parfait for the win... -by Yann Tientcheu
*Bitee Parfait and Joe Mbang combined for a total of 31 points to help the Rams Rhode Island University overpowering
Northwestern on Nov. 28th. Bitee had 17 pts, 5 Asts and 3 rebounds shooting a respectable 6-9 from floor. Joe Mbang,
who had a 7-10 Field Goal-Field Goal Attempt had 16 points, 9 rbds, 1 stl, 1blk and 1 ast. The Rams head Coach, Jim Baron, "thought Joe Mbang
played his best game" for them, and added "we never gave up on Joe- I challenged him this week and we need his physical play every
night. Bitee and Joe led the Rams respectively in points and rebounds for a 92-72 victory of RIU.

*Stephane Bakinde registered 12 pts, 4 rbds, 2 asts and 1 stl for a 85-77 win of Newbery College over Limestone (11/28/2007).

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CHILE

Roster moves for Castro and Osorno -by Daniel Valencia
Deportes Castro released the forward Myron Sims (190-G, college: Utah St.). Sims played 5 games with averages of 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.2 steals and 4.0 assists in 30.8 minutes per game. To replace Sims, Rodolfo Barrios team signed the forward Duane John (198-F-81, college: N.Mexico St.).

Curtis Williams (205-F/C-77, college: Louisiana Tech) leaves Provincial Osorno due to economic problems in Osorno's institution. In two games he averaged 19.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 31.0 minutes per game.

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CROATIA

Cibona cruises in Round 6 of Euroleague -by Eurobasket News
Cibona - Le Mans 91:71

Croatian Cibona performed some sizzling basketball in the second half against visiting Le Mans and grabbed their 3rd win in Group B of ULEB Euroleague. Le Mans continued their inglorious run in the European season as they suffered the 6th straight loss at the tournament. The game was a well-matched battle in the opening half at the Drazen Petrovic Basketball Center. Cibona entered the game aggressively and clinched a 6:0 lead soon after tip off. Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) connected from afar for Cibona later and the hosts enjoyed a 9:2 advantage. But Le Mans finally found the touch as Sam Clancy (201-F-80, college: USC) and Bogdanovic cur the gap to 10:11. The teams remained close throughout the rest of the starting period and a late basket from Sam Clancy allowed the visitors to grab a 22:21 lead after 10 minutes of action. The home team erased the deficit early in the second stanza and regained the lead. But Le Mans never fell behind. It was just a last second jump shot by Tre Kelley (183-G-85, college: S.Carolina) that put Croatian team ahead 41:40 at halftime. Alain Koffi (205-C-83) sank quick four points for Le Mans to open the second half and gave French team a 44:41 lead. But Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) soon nailed consecutive long jumpers and Cibona went in front 51:49. They never surrendered the lead in the third quarter and ended it strongly claiming a 67:58 lead. Marin Rozic (201-F-83) and Chris Warren hit their attempts at the start of the fourth frame and Cibona cleared off to a 74:59. Le Mans' defense collapsed as Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) and Chris Warren delivered some more easy baskets to lift Cibona to a 20-point cushion. Chris Warren poured in 20 points, collected 6 boards and dished out 4 assists for Cibona. Tre Kelley contributed 15 points for the winners. Sam Clancy provided 20 points and 8 boards for Le Mans. Philip Ricci (202-F-80, college: Oregon St.) had 16 points in a losing effort. Le Mans committed 17 turnovers and converted 52% from the field. Cibona responded with 58% accuracy of field goals.
Cibona travels to Lithuania to take on Lietuvos Rytas in the sixth round.

Cibona: Chris Warren 20, Tre Kelley 15, Larry Ayuso 14
Le Mans: Sam Clancy 20, Philip Ricci 16

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EGYPT

Zamalek in Damascus basketball championship -by Kirolos Beshay
Zamalek basketball team is participating in the seventh Damascus basketball championship in Syria (Certel Cup) which will start today on Wehda club stadium and El Faiha city stadium. 8 teams from 6 countries are participating in this championship, they are divided into two groups the first group: Wehda (Syria), Giesh (Syria), Orthdoxy (Jordan), and Pitest (Romania), and the second group: Zamlek (Egypt), Champville (Lebanon), Pardis (Iran), and Ithad (Syria)
Zamalek Prepared for this championship by playing a match against Gezira club which ended with their loss by 7 points 74/67, the team flied to Syria with a full squad of 14 players: Ahmed Fouzy (captin), Wael badr, Osama Sayed, Haytham Elsaied, Elhusiny Samir, Ahmed Khaled Elsaied, Amr Abdel Naby, Mouhmed Elsahrty, Samir Gouda, Ahmed Ouraby, Tarek Elsaied, Mouhmed Elsharawy, Badin Edward, and Martin Blake (the last tow players are from USA), Coach: Tarek Selim, Assistant coach: Ahmed Adel, Administrator: Moustafa Hussien, Loads trainer: Hesham Aly, Specialist cure of native: Yasser Hassan, and Manger: Alaa Mekled.
The Schedule of the first round of the championship:
29/11/07
Zamalek Vs Pardis
El Wehda Vs Orthodoxy
Ithad Vs Champville
30/11/2007
Champville Vs Zamalek
Ithad Vs Pardis
EL Ithad Vs Pitest
1/12/2007
El Giesh Vs Orthodoxy
Champville Vs Pardis
El Wehda Vs Pitest
2/12/2007
Ithad Vs Zamalek
Orthodoxy Vs Pitest
Giesh Vs Wehda


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ESTONIA

FIBA EUROCUP: TU/Rock stepped into Round of 16 -by Janar Filippov

Estonian champion TU/Rock won Czech BK Prostejov 76:72 in an away game and moved into next round with a firm +29 advantage. Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) scored 15, Brian Cusworth (213-C, college: Harvard) 14 and Kestutis Sestokas (203-F-76) 13 points for TU/Rock which lost the first half 38:48 but made a 19:0 run in 3rd quarter to secure the spot in a group stage.

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EUROLEAGUE

Carlos Cabezas late jumper lifts Unicaja past Lietuvos Rytas -by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Lietuvos Rytas 71:69

Lietuvos Rytas suffered their second defeat at the Euroleague tournament as they fell short against Unicaja. In a boiling atmosphere of a well-matched encounter it was Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) who seled the win for the hosts. Unicaja led by as many as 8 points with under 3 minutes remaining. Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) however came up with a three-point play and later Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) added free throws to cut the gap. Mindaugas Lukauskis later intercepted the ball and dunked it home to put Lietuvos Rytas within 2 points 67:69. Jiri Welsch (200-F-80) could not convert from beyond the arc, while Chuck Eidson (202-F-80, college: S.Carolina) hit his jumper to tie the score at 69 with 8 seconds remaining. Carlos Cabezas needed 6 seconds to produce a winning jump shot that put Unicaja in front for good. Matt Nielsen however had a final chance to save this one for the visitors but his desperate three-pointer went off mark. Jiri Welsch provided 14 points for Unicaja. Bernardo Rodriguez (197-F/G-80) and Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, college: N.Mexico) had 11 points apiece for the winners. Chuck Eidson nailed game-high 18 points for Lithuanian team. Hollis Price (186-G-79, college: Oklahoma) delivered 16 points in defeat. Lietuvos Rytas had an advantage under the rims as they outrebounded the home team 33:23. But the visitors committed 20 turnovers and sank 41% from the field.
Unicaja improved to 5-1 record on top of Group B. Lietuvos Rytas remained at the second spot and would play against Cibona at home in the next round.

Unicaja: Jiri Welsch 14, Bernardo Rodriguez 11, Daniel Santiago 11
Lietuvos Rytas: Chuck Eidson 18, Hollis Price 16

Partizan Igokea lost in Bamberg -by Dragan Jankovski
Brose Basket registered first win in Euroleague beating Partizan Igokea 78-62. It was not a good day for Partizan's players as they had extremely bad shot percentage for FG2 (15/41). Center Pekovic got foul trouble early which resulted with plus 14 for Brose Basket on the half time. Partizan had a kind of chance at the beginning of the last quarter when they came closer on minus 6 but hosts, through Fenn, Green and Suput, netted couple of 3-pointers and decided question about the winner. Brose Basket got 18 points from Demond Greene (185-G-79, agency: Court Side), 17 from Darren Fenn (208-C-80, college: Canisius) and 15 from Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket). Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) scored 20 points for Partizan. Brose Basket has score 1-5 after 6 rounds while Partizan has 3-3.


Brose Basket - Partizan Igokea 78-62
(22-12,19-15,16-21,21-14)

Brose Basket: Greene 18 (4 rebs), Fenn 17 (4 rebs), Suput 15 (3 as)
Partizan Igokea: Kecman 20, Pekovic 14 (7 rebs), Velickovic 13 (13 rebs)

Cibona cruises in Round 6 of Euroleague -by Eurobasket News
Cibona - Le Mans 91:71

Croatian Cibona performed some sizzling basketball in the second half against visiting Le Mans and grabbed their 3rd win in Group B of ULEB Euroleague. Le Mans continued their inglorious run in the European season as they suffered the 6th straight loss at the tournament. The game was a well-matched battle in the opening half at the Drazen Petrovic Basketball Center. Cibona entered the game aggressively and clinched a 6:0 lead soon after tip off. Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) connected from afar for Cibona later and the hosts enjoyed a 9:2 advantage. But Le Mans finally found the touch as Sam Clancy (201-F-80, college: USC) and Bogdanovic cur the gap to 10:11. The teams remained close throughout the rest of the starting period and a late basket from Sam Clancy allowed the visitors to grab a 22:21 lead after 10 minutes of action. The home team erased the deficit early in the second stanza and regained the lead. But Le Mans never fell behind. It was just a last second jump shot by Tre Kelley (183-G-85, college: S.Carolina) that put Croatian team ahead 41:40 at halftime. Alain Koffi (205-C-83) sank quick four points for Le Mans to open the second half and gave French team a 44:41 lead. But Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) soon nailed consecutive long jumpers and Cibona went in front 51:49. They never surrendered the lead in the third quarter and ended it strongly claiming a 67:58 lead. Marin Rozic (201-F-83) and Chris Warren hit their attempts at the start of the fourth frame and Cibona cleared off to a 74:59. Le Mans' defense collapsed as Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) and Chris Warren delivered some more easy baskets to lift Cibona to a 20-point cushion. Chris Warren poured in 20 points, collected 6 boards and dished out 4 assists for Cibona. Tre Kelley contributed 15 points for the winners. Sam Clancy provided 20 points and 8 boards for Le Mans. Philip Ricci (202-F-80, college: Oregon St.) had 16 points in a losing effort. Le Mans committed 17 turnovers and converted 52% from the field. Cibona responded with 58% accuracy of field goals.
Cibona travels to Lithuania to take on Lietuvos Rytas in the sixth round.

Cibona: Chris Warren 20, Tre Kelley 15, Larry Ayuso 14
Le Mans: Sam Clancy 20, Philip Ricci 16

Week 6: Beware the Greeks part 2 -by Chris Mammides

Panathinaikos and Olympiakos this time had the companion of Aris, as all three teams beat their opponents and made vital steps towards their target. In the games between Turkish and Greek teams the result was 2-0 for the Greeks as Aris beat Efes Pilsen 67-64 and Panathinaikos thrashed Ulker with 19 points difference 64-83 in a game which reached even the 25 points three minutes before the end, while Olympiakos with top scorer and performer the Lithuanian Macijauskas beat the Lithuanian team of Zalgiris with 70-61.

In the first game which took place yesterday, Aris beat Efes Pilsen after a great game, in Alexandreion Melathron with 10,000 fans cheering overcome the Turkish team and added another victory in their series making their record 4-2. Top scorer and MVP of the game was Wright who scored 20 points while Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) added 13 and Kalaitzis 10. The quarters were: 14-17, 32-25, 45-39 and 67-64. From the Turkish site top scorer was the American Nicholas who scored 15 points while Arslan added 11.

In the second game chronologically, Panathinaikos having a great third quarter with very good defense from Hatzivretas and good offence from Zizic, and Batiste overcome the Turks who were able to score 2 points in 9.23' minutes while the goal-foul of the Slovenian Vidmar made the Turkish points 5 while the third quarter ended with 5-22 finishing the game 10 minutes earlier than it though as the Turks were dreaming possible victory over the Greeks after ending the first two quarters with 20-19 and 39-43, how wrong they have been since the Green engine just started…
Top scorer of the game was the Lithuanian super star Jasikevicius scoring 19 points making career high wearing the green jersey of the triple crowners. It is worth mentioned that this was the first game without Dimitris Diamantidis as he was in the injury list, after nearly 3 unstoppable years. Batiste and Zizic added 14 and 16 points respectively while from the home team top scorer was the Erden who scored 15 points most of them with amazing dunks..

In the last game which just finished, Olympiakos beat Zalgiris 90-74 after having a great fourth quarter with Arvydas Macijauskas (192-G-80) scoring 32 points and Qyntel Woods (204-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) following with 18. The quarters were: 26-20, 49-47, 70-61 and 90-74. On behalf of the Lithuanians top scorer was Brown with 19 points.



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FRANCE

Transfer in Chalon? -by Umberto Scogni
There are some rumours that Chalon got in touch with the experienced bigmen terquin Mott to reinforce the bigmen squad; after releseing Kone who can not pass the Cannabis test. Mott was a very good player in past that played in very good leagues like Turkey and Spain. Time will show that is he still good or not. Some close resource declared that he will come to France for a try-out sooner.

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GERMANY

Schaffartzik leaves Central Hoops, moves to Ludwigsburg -by Moritz Korff
Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) has inked a contract with EnBW Ludwigsburg (1. Bundesliga) for the remainder of this current season. The 23-year-old Guard played for Central Hoops Berlin so far this season and averaged 24.1 points per contest in 7 games of the Regionalliga North.

Staiger Down to Last NCAA Appeal -by Moritz Korff
Iowa State freshman men's basketball player Lucca Staiger (196-G-88) will miss the entire 2007-08 season and lose a year of eligibility the NCAA student-athlete reinstatement staff announced Wednesday.

Staiger's penalties were the result of his participation on a German professional team [Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule] - in which several teammates, but not Staiger, received stipends deemed by the NCAA to be above actual and necessary expenses - prior to his enrollment at Iowa State. The Iowa State University Athletics Department will appeal this decision to the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee.

“We are very disappointed to learn today that the NCAA's student-athlete reinstatement staff has upheld the one-year suspension for Lucca Staiger,” Iowa State Director of Athletics Jamie Pollard said. “We had hoped that the NCAA staff would share our belief that the right thing to do in this particular case was to set aside precedent and do what is in the best interest of the student-athlete. Unfortunately, they do not share our sentiment.”

With this decision, the NCAA has reinstated Staiger's eligibility (making him certified for competition), but the loss of a year of competition was a condition for that reinstatement. The reinstatement staff considered case precedence, student-athlete responsibility and mitigating factors presented by the school when ruling.

“We have notified the NCAA staff that we wish to exhaust all available options in an attempt to restore Lucca's eligibility for this year,” Pollard added. “Our only remaining option is to appeal Lucca's case to the NCAA Student-Athlete Reinstatement Committee, which is comprised of other administrators from peer institutions. We hope that our peers will share our belief that the right thing to do is set aside precedent and restore Lucca's eligibility for the remainder of the year.”

Staiger may continue to practice and participate in all Iowa State men's basketball team activities except for game action this year. Staiger played his senior year of high school basketball at Decatur (Ill.) Christian and averaged 13 points per game. His 2005 prep team won the German High School Championships with the help of his 24.2 scoring average.

Courtesy of www.cyclones.com

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GREECE

All three Greek teams won for the 6th week in Euroleague. -by Chris Mammides
Panathinaikos and Olympiakos this time had the companion of Aris, as all three teams beat their opponents and made vital steps towards their target. In the games between Turkish and Greek teams the result was 2-0 for the Greeks as Aris beat Efes Pilsen 67-64 and Panathinaikos thrashed Ulker with 19 points difference 64-83 in a game which reached even the 25 points three minutes before the end, while Olympiakos with top scorer and performer the Lithuanian Macijauskas beat the Lithuanian team of Zalgiris with 70-61.

In the first game which took place yesterday, Aris beat Efes Pilsen after a great game, in Alexandreion Melathron with 10,000 fans cheering overcome the Turkish team and added another victory in their series making their record 4-2. Top scorer and MVP of the game was Wright who scored 20 points while Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) added 13 and Giorgos Kalaitzis (195-G-76) 10. The quarters were: 14-17, 32-25, 45-39 and 67-64. From the Turkish site top scorer was the American Nicholas who scored 15 points while Arslan added 11.

In the second game chronologically, Panathinaikos having a great third quarter with very good defense from Hatzivretas and good offence from Zizic, and Batiste overcome the Turks who were able to score 2 points in 9.23' minutes while the goal-foul of the Slovenian Vidmar made the Turkish points 5 while the third quarter ended with 5-22 finishing the game 10 minutes earlier than it though as the Turks were dreaming possible victory over the Greeks after ending the first two quarters with 20-19 and 39-43, how wrong they have been since the Green engine just started…
Top scorer of the game was the Lithuanian super star Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) scoring 19 points making career high wearing the green jersey of the triple crowners. It is worth mentioned that this was the first game without Dimitris Diamantidis as he was in the injury list, after nearly 3 unstoppable years. Batiste and Zizic added 14 and 16 points respectively while from the home team top scorer was the Erden who scored 15 points most of them with amazing dunks..

In the last game which just finished, Olympiakos beat Zalgiris 90-74 after having a great fourth quarter with Arvydas Macijauskas (192-G-80) scoring 32 points and Qyntel Woods (204-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) following with 18. The quarters were: 26-20, 49-47, 70-61 and 90-74. On behalf of the Lithuanians top scorer was Brown with 19 points.

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GUYANA

GUYANA STILL LOOKING FOR FIRST MEN'S CROWN -by Joe Chapman

GUYANA'S MEN STILL IN SEARCH OF FIRST CARIBBEAN BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.
........BEST FINISH IS SECOND IN 1994 AT HOME

Correspondent's note - Charwayne Walker is a Statistician and sports enthusiast familiar with this correspondent. He has consented to have tis article published for our viewers showing .Guyana 's regional basketball performances going back a few years to the early 1970s.

The road to Puerto Rico this year was more bumpy than smooth for the overseas squad assembled to represent Guyana at the Caribbean basketball championship hosted by the above mentioned country.
Firstly Guyana was disqualified for not being able to verify player's nationality.
Guyana were grouped with the host Puerto Rico , Dominican Republic and Antigua & Barbuda. Guyana lost to Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic . Victory over Antigua did salvage some sort of pride.
Guyana who hosted the first organized Caricom Championship in 1981 never won a championship, the best showing was when Guyana hosted the 1994 Championship losing the finals against Barbados 96 to 75 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall. They will hope in the not too distant future that a regional crown can be snared.
Today Charwayne Walker looks back at Guyana performance from 1971. The Hewley Harry led side started with victories against Dominica : Guyana won 93 to Dominica 53: Star player Stanislaus Hadmon 24 points. Guyana vs Antigua - 86 to 75 Stanislaus Hadmon 24points, Compton Hinds 14 points, Orin Cumberbatch 14 points, Captain Harry 12 points. Guyana then lost to Barbados 75 to 58: Stanislaus Hadmon 17 points.
Semifinals; Guyana lost to Jamaica 81 to 68, Stanislaus Hadmon 23 points, Hewley Harry 14 points, James Brusche 12 points.
Guyana defeated Barbados for third place.
Guyana 79 Barbados 76, Stanislaus Hadmon 34 points, George Sharples 18 points. Hadmon with 34 points was the highest by Guyanese until this year championship in Puerto Rico . Gordon Klaibert equaled the record by scoring 34 points against Antigua .
The 1982 Championship was hosted by Jamaica , Hadmon and Guyana could not produce the 1981 performance.
Guyana started with losses against the Bahamas 79 to 59, Suriname 85 to 71. Guyana 's only victory was against the Cayman Island not allowing them to qualify for the semi-finals. Guyana was again led by Hewley Harry.
The 1983 Championship was cancelled. The next championship was hosted by Barbados 1985. Guyana was led by Eon Andrews. Guyana again failed to qualify for the semi-finals.
Guyana suffered losses to Host Barbados 100 to 76 and Trinidad and Tobago 89 to 57. Their only victory was against the British Virgin Islands .
(1986) the championship was hosted by Trinidad & Tobago, Guyana was once again led by Eon ‘Watusi' Andrews, like 1985 Guyana once again failed to make the semi-finals.
Guyana started with a 80 to 64 lost to the Bahamas then lost to Jamaica 86 to 67: they bounced back to defeat Grenada 69 to 52; James Brusche 22 points, Auric Tappin 17 points. They then lost to Trinidad & Tobago 84 to 50.
The 1988 championship was hosted by Guyana at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall: Home support failed to enhance Guyana 's chances of triumph: Guyana performance continued to be dismal.
Backed by a capacity crowd Guyana started with a 90 to 74 points victory over Suriname, Auric Tappin 21 points, overseas player Gavin Cummings 15 points, 10 rebounds: Guyana then suffered an embarrassing lost to Antigua 77 to 55 points: Auric Tappin again led with 25 points.
Guyana then gave tournament power house Bahamas a scare before surrendering 81 points to 79. Captain Leon Christian 16 points, Auric Tappin 13 points, Brandis Carmichael 12 points. Guyana then lost to Jamaica for fifth place 56 points to 51 points. Guyana 's only satisfaction was Auric Tappin and Captain Leon Christian were named in the Caricom All Stars first Team.
Guyana next championship was 1991 when Jamaica hosted, the National team was again led by Leon Christian and Guyana again failed to reach the semi-finals. Guyana started the 1991 championship with losses to Barbados 107 to Guyana 88: Wayne Andries scored 23 points and Captain Leon Christian 14 points.
Guyana vs Jamaica : Jamaica 87 to Guyana 75, Auric Tappin 28 points, Leon Christian 17 points, Wayne Andries 14 points, Gregory Wyles 13 points. Guyana 's only victory was against the Cayman Island who they blow out 132 to 66. Sean Semple 21 points and 13 rebounds, Gregory Wyles 19 points, Wayne Andries 14 points, Leon Christian 13 points.
Guyana then suffered an embarrassing lost to Suriname 88 to 86 - Gregory Wyles 18 points, Auric Tappin 16 points, Leon Christian 12 points. Auric Tappin was named in the Caricom second team and Sean Semple received the trophy for the tournament most block shots, he was third in rebounds.
Guyana 's next championship was 1994 when we hosted the tournament: this championship is the closest Guyana came to capturing the title. Please note only four teams participated: Host: Guyana , Trinidad & Tobago , Barbados and Suriname .
Guyana again was led by the versatile Leon Christian who led from the front by scoring 24 points in the opening win against Suriname . Guyana won 90 to Suriname 78. Guyana then lost to Barbados 95 to 78 points. DC Jammers Steven Nurse led Guyana scoring with 21 points.
Guyana then defeated Trinidad 86 to 78 points. Steven Nurse 17 points, Lugard Mohan 16 points, Rawlwin Loncke 14 points, Leon Christian 12 points. Guyana defeated Trinidad in semi-finals; Guyana 96 to Trinidad 94, Steven Nurse 27 points Rawlwin Loncke 14 points, Captain Leon Christian 12 points.
Finals vs Barbados : Guyana falter to deceived losing 96 to 75 points. Lugard Mohan 21 points, Steven Nurse 16 points.
Guyana next showing was the 1995 championship in the Bahamas . This was the only time Guyana failed to win a preliminary game losing all four. The closest they came to victory was when they lost to Belize 84 to 81; Sean Semple 22 points.
Lost to Jamaica 87 to 63, the only plus for Guyana was Lugard Mohan, who was co-captain with Leon Christian being named in Caricom All Stars first team.
The 1996 championship was hosted by Trinidad & Tobago. Guyana was led by Lugard Mohan. This championship could be considered one of Guyana 's best. Guyana reached the semi-finals losing to Jamaica by a close margin.
Guyana started the1996 Championship with an emphatic 84 to 78 points victory against Barbados , Captain Lugard Mohan 22 points, Lorenzo Withrite 18 points Remington Ram 17 points.
Next up were the mighty Bahamas, who Guyana had never defeated, they were trounced 104 to 86; D.C Jammers: Wayne Bristol 17 points, Captain Lugard Mohan 17 points, Lorenzo Withrite 16 points, Remington Ram 12 points, Steven Nurse, 11 points, Lancelot Loncke 10 points.
Guyana then suffered a defeat to Trinidad & Tobago 111 to 88; Captain Lugard Mohan led with 13 points , Remington ram 13 points Rawlwin Loncke 12 points and Wayne Bristol 11 points.
Guyana bounced back to defeat St Lucia 86 to 63; Rawlwin Loncke 15 points (centre), Lorenzo Withrite 14 points, Dane Kendall 12 points, Orin Mohan 12 points. Guyana next game was a lost to Jamaica - 106 to Guyana 's 98; Captain: Lugard Mohan 19 points, Steven Nurse 14 points and Lorenzo Withrite 14 points.
Guyana then defeated Grenada and Dominica : Guyana vs Dominica 86 to 73; Wayne Bristol 23 points, Lorenzo Withrite 22 points, Lancelot Loncke 10 points.
Jamaica then edge Guyana in the semi-finals 100 to 97; (Centre) Lorenzo Withrite led Guyana with 27 points and 7 rebounds: Wayne Bristol 23 points, Captain: Lugard Mohan 20 points.
Guyana lost for third position against the Bahamas 133 to 120; Captain Lugard Mohan22 points, Rawlwin Loncke 22 points, Remington Ram 18 points, Lorenzo Withrite 16 points.
Guyana did not attend the next Championship in Belize because of visa problems.
The (2000) Championship was hosted by Barbados , Guyana was led again by Caricom all Star Guard Lugard Mohan. Guyana again reached the semi-finals.
Guyana started with a disappointed lost to host Barbados : 86 points to 69; deceased Israel Pro forward Deryck Boyd led with 20 points, Centre Lorenzo Withrite supported with 15 points.
Guyana regained its composure and bounced back to humble Antigua - Barbuda 74 points to 64. Centre Lorenzo Withrite led with 17 points and 9 rebounds, Captain Lugard Mohan 15 points, Deryck Boyd 8 points - 8 rebounds, 5 steals and two block shots.
Guyana next destroyed Dominica , playing without injured Centre Lorenzo Withrite, who broke his hand in the previous game.
Reserve Centre Lancelot Loncke took charge leading with 20 points, captain Lugard Mohan 12 points. Guyana next ran into Reggae country Jamaica who were silenced with a commanding 70 to 63 points victory.
Captain Lugard Mohan led from the front with 24 points, centre Lancelot Loncke 18 points, Deryck Boyd 9 points. Guyana was then out played by the US Virgin Islands in the semi-finals losing 96 points to 75 points.
Captain Lugard Mohan was spectacular scoring 26 points including six three pointers on seven tries including one on a foul play.
Guyana then defeated the defending champions Belize for the third place position. 87 points to Belize 69; Captain Lugard Mohan again was outstanding scoring 26 points with five three pointers. Deryck Boyd 10 points and 14 rebounds, centre Lancelot Loncke 10 points.
Guyana did not attend the 2002 championship in the US Virgin Islands, the 2004 championship hosted by Cuba and the 2006 championship hosted by Jamaica .
Guyana female team led by Karen Abrams won the Caricom championship 1996 in Trinidad & Tobago and went on to represent Guyana at the Centro Championship in Guatemala a first for female Basketball in Guyana. (Charwayne Walker)



*****************************************************
HOLLAND

Matrixx Magixx Win Comeback Thriller In Groningen -by Sanders Jackson


Tonight in the Martiniplaza, iwith Hanzevast leading midway through the 3rd quarter at 60-44, it appeared that Hanzevast would once again continue their November home dominance in the FEB. But like melting snow, the lead for Donar would also melt away, with Matrixx Magixx taking advantage of Hanzevast's mistakes and poor shooting in crunch time, taking over in the 4th quarter in dominant fashion, winning an 89-83 thriller over road weary Hanzevast Capitals. A big shot block by Matrixx's McHugh Mattis (198-F-84, college: S.Florida) on Dwayne Archbold (198-F/G-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: Siena) was a shot in the arm that Matrixx needed, and from there seized Matrixx the game momentum, and eventually the game. Matrixx took advantage of Hanzevast's fatigue and lesser inside power with strong inside play from Tyler Smith (203-F-80, agency: Players Group, college: Penn St.), whom Hanzevast had no answer for (22 pts., 15 rebounds), not to mention Mattis, who scored 16 pts. and 3 blocks. Matrixx's backcourt als gave Donar fits, with the PG combination of Todd Abernethy (185-G-84, college: Mississippi) and Nick Domhof (186-G-83) both scoring 15 pts. each. The 15 pts. from Domhof was a career-high. Donar simply ran out of gas and didn't have much scoring punch from their bench to aid their starters, with Matrixx holding a 21-5 advantage. Matrixx also shot a perfect 15-15 from the free throw line. As for Donar, Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) led all scores with 23 pts., but his turnover in crunch time hurt Donar badly.


Matrixx are now 10-3 in the FEB, while Hanzevast falls to 7-6.



West-Brabant Giants Sends Den Helder Seals To Heartbreaking Loss -by Sanders Jackson

Thursday night in Den Helder, the Den Helder Seals put up a good fight in a strong 4th quarter comeback effort, but fell short to visiting West-Brabant, losing in an 89-88 thriller. Down by eleven heading into the 4th quarter, the Seals outscored the Giants by a 36-26 margin, but was not enough to end their losing streak. Patrick Pope (183-G-81, college: St.Augustine) had a stellar game, scoring 29 pts., with Devonne Giles (203-F-83, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: Texas Tech) adding 16 pts. and 13 rebounds. Dane Bradshaw (193-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee) led all scorers with 30 pts., with J.R. Duffey (201-F/G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Niagara) adding 27. The win improves West-Brabant's record to 8-5, while Den Helder falls to 2-10.

Eiffel Towers Cruise To Win Over Rotterdam Challengers -by Sanders Jackson

Tonight in the Maaspoort, it was another day at the office for the defending Dutch champions Eiffel Towers, who kept pesky Rotterdam Challengers off their backs, remaining unblemished at home and cruising to an 84-69 win. Jayson Wells (202-F-76, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.) led Eiffel with 17 pts., Brandon Kurtz (208-C-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Tulsa) added 16 pts. and 11 rebounds and Kees Akerboom (199-F-83, agency: Court Side) had 14. Chaz Twan Briggs (201-F-80, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: W.Virginia) led the Rotterdammers with a game-high 19 pts. Eiffel are now a half-game out of 1st place in the FEB behind MyGuide and are now 11-3, while Rotterdam falls to 6-6.

MyGuide Amsterdam Puts Clamps On Upstairs Weert -by Sanders Jackson

Tonight in the Sporthallen-Zuid, MyGuide Amsterdam shook off their FIBA EuroCup disappointments and vented their rage on Upstairs Weert, with a strong defensive effort and winning by the score of 72-63. MyGuide held Upstairs to only 38.5% FG and 7 of 25 from the three-point line. Upstairs only managed to shoot 7 for 28 total vs. the vaulted MyGuide defense in the 1st half, and MyGuide led at one point by as much as a 15-point difference. Jeron Roberts (194-G/F-76, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: Wyoming) led MyGuide with 22 pts., with Sergerio Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) adding 20. Trey McDowell (188-G-85, college: Louisiana Tech) led Upstairs with 22 pts. MyGuide are now 11-2 and lead by a half-game over Eiffel Towers.

ZZ Leiden Strong 3rd Quarter Helps To Win In Leeuwarden -by Sanders Jackson


In Leeuwarden on Wednesday night, it was a close 1st half battle between ZZ Leiden and struggling Aris Friesland, but in the 3rd quarter everything went well for ZZ and bad for Aris, with ZZ with a huge 35-11 run, going on to win in a 96-77 rout. ZZ forward Nick Curtis (202-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: USC) had his best offensive output of the season, scoring a season-high 26 pts. on 8 of 11 shooting, while also pulling down 13 boards, dishing out 6 assists and 4 steals. J.S. Nash (188-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Oregon St.) added 19 pts. and David Chiotti (206-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico) added 16 pts. and 8 rebounds. Roy Booker (191-G-83, college: SE Missouri St.) led all scorers with 30 pts. ZZ also shot 63.4% from the field with 26 assists. Aris hurt themselves with poor free throw shooting, making only 14 of 34 total.


With the win, ZZ are now 5-9, while Aris, with head coach Tony Vandenbosch yet to get his first win on the Aris sidelines, suffering its ninth straight defeat and falling to 1-12.



Bjorn Schoo on try-out in Den Helder -by Fred Roggen
Den Helder Seals has German Bjorn Schoo (213-F/C-81, agency: Court Side, college: Northern St.) for a period of three weeks on try-out. The 26-year old center had this year still no team and played previous season for TusLi Berlin.

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HUNGARY

CEBL: NYKK lost again -by Tamas Deri
A plus Brno (czech)-Marso-Vagep NYKK 93-89
(27-27, 16-14, 18-18, 23-25, 9-5) after overtime
Brno, Att.: 300, Referees: Zachara, Vohdracek, Vrazel
Brno: Vrubl 15/9, Gajdosik 16, Machac 8, Skala 13/3, Novotny 15/3, Wiedner 12/3, Norwa 4, Prachar 7, Sismilich, Benda 3/3, Kysela
NYKK: Branko Savic (181-G-79) 19/9, Laslo 8, Mouton 11/3, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 25/6, Srdjan Helbich (205-F/C-76) 20, Trepak 4, Siska 2, Krasznai, Farkas A., Coach: Deri Csaba

2nd Extreme Basketball Show (Slam Dunk Show) by Face Team in Hungary -by Gabriel Zippenfenig

The second extreme basketball show will be held at the Arena of Albacomp Basketball Team on 29th December in Szekesfehervar, Hungary.

Face Team has already performed at many basketball halftime on many big events such as NBA Europe Live Tour 2007, Supercup 2007 in Bamberg, Germany, in Euroleague at the O.A.K.A. Olympic Arena at Panathinaikos vs. Maccabi Tel-Aviv game's halftime, at the 2006-2007 Championship winner Montepaschi Siena in the playoff in the Italian Championship and money other basketball games and events around the World!

The Face Team Acrobatic Basketball Team includes slam dunkers, freestylers (ball handling, dribbling), and acrobatic dunkers who are the most spectacular part of the show. The team is getting famous all around the world with their Slam Dunk Show and has many fans from lots of countries. If you have a chance to come to see their show to Hungary, do not hesitate to check their website (www.faceteamshow.com) and get in touch with the team's secretary via e-mail for further information.


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George Banks is coming back to Hungary -by Tamas Deri
ASE invited George Banks (202-C/F-72, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: UTEP) on a one-month tryout!
The 35 years old, 203 cm tall american power forward played last season for Albacomp and averaged 25 points and 10 rebounds. In January he just left without any reason but now the management of ASE could find him and offered him a contract.

Hungarian Cup: Dombovar, Univer and Siokosar-Budaors in the next round -by Tamas Deri
Planet Leasing Dombovar KC - Kaposvari KK 86-71
(20-11, 27-22, 20-15, 19-23)
Dombovar, Att.: 800, Referees: Pali, Marton, Fekete
Dombovar: Julien Mills (193-G-84, agency: Warren Sports, college: Ball St.) (22/9), Mike English (194-F-82, agency: Basketball Beyond Borders, college: Mo.-Kansas City) (8), Deak (5/3), Marco Sanders (202-F-79, college: Point Park) (18), Wiley (10/6), Ferenc Bodi (198-F-77) (14), Molnar M. (4), Simon N. (2), Balogh L. (-), Vas P. (3/3), Coach: Dzunic Branislav
Kaposvar: Day (9/3), Edwards (16/3), Szőke (-), Hendlein (9), Orosz (7), Csirke (5/3), Tomosvary (5), Vojvoda (9/6), Kiss K. (11/6), Coach: Horvath Imre


BODROGI-BAU VASARHELY - UNIVER-KECSKEMET 88-86
(20-11, 21-27, 25-25, 22-23)
Kecskemet, Att.: 300, Referees: Kiss L., Vetek, Szabo G
BODROGI-BAU VASARHELY: Drahos 15/6, David Brooks (191-G-82, college: Niagara) 33/6, Kovats 11, Eric Freeman (206-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan) 19/6, Gemes 6, Pukla 2, Mate, Boszormenyi 2, Coach: Czuprak Laszlo
UNIVER-KECSKEMET: Toth P. 9, Blair 6, Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81, agency: FCM) 14/6, Jefferson, Milan Csorvasi (209-F/C-88, agency: FCM) 15, Csabai 8/6, Vida 2, Halmai 12/6, Szabo Zs. 20/6, Lekli, Coach: Zsoldos Andras


Kaposvari Egyetem Melo-Diak KK-Kanizsai KK-DKG EAST 81-69
(23-20, 11-20, 24-14, 23-15)
Best Scorers: Filipovic 17, Pottendi 12, Mihalics 13/9, Agfalvi 11/3 - Kasza 12/3, Millei 12, Szabo B


Siokosar NTE-Budaors-Óbudai Kaszasok 89-74
(18-29, 24-8, 26-19, 19-18)


SMAFC-Veszpremi Egyetem 92-85
(24-33, 22-19, 26-18, 20-15)

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IBL

Grand Rapids Flight schedules open tryout -by Trask Frost
The Grand Rapids Flight have announced an open tryout—giving players a shot at a roster spot for the 2008 IBL season. The upcoming season will be the fourth for the Flight in the International Basketball League.

Tryout Information:

Date: Sunday, December 23rd

Time: 3:30 - 5:30pm

Location: St. Joseph Gym (Hoop City), 660 Burton St SE (corner of Burton and Union), Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Cost: $25 per player (Cash Only)

Format: Shooting/warm-up drills and then 5-on-5

If you are interested in attending or would like more info, please contact General Manager David Fox at david@grflight.com or call (616) 824-BALL.

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ICELAND

Latest signing. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Craig Walls (201-F-82, college: New Hampshire) moves from England to Iceland to play for Valur in div 1.
Nate Brown (183-G-80, college: St.Peter's) sign again with IR in Iceland Express league after 2 month in Pro B. France as replace player for injured player

KR lost to Banvit in FIBA Eurocup -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
KR lost again against Banvit in Turkey. Again it was bad outside shooting hurting KR chance.
Scorers for KR. Joshua Helm (198-F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Mercyhurst) 22/10 Avi Fogel 16. Jovan Zdravevski 13. Palmi Sigurgeirsson 10. Fannar Olafsson 10. Skarphedinn Ingason5. Darri Hilmarsson5. Helgi Magnusson 2.

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ISRAEL

Bnie with a third win - on Holon -by Tamar Goldman
After two weeks without playing Hapoel Holon returned to the league facing a hard game in Raanana Vs. Bnie Hasharon. Holon missing it's coach - Miki Dorsman and one of it's most important players - Simmons, was unable to overcome Bnie Hasharon and at the end the home team won 93:90. Meir Tapiro, Nitzan Hanochi and Ebi Ndudi led Bnie with 25, 24 and 21 points. Tony Washam (198-F/G-82, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: St.Vincent) led Holon with 23 points

*****************************************************
ITALY

Serie A transactions -by Gianni Pascucci
Cimberio Varese agreed to terms with Valerio Bianchini , who has been named the new Head Coach of the team, currently at the bottom of the Serie A table. Bianchini has yet joined Varese and should direct the first practice session this afternoon. Veljko Mrsic should stay in the coaching staff, as Associate Head Coach. Legea Scafati Basket and Mithat Demirel (181-G-78) found a mutual agreement to part ways. The player is now free agent.

Last market news -by Gianni Pascucci
Olimpia Armani Jeans Milano announced that Will Conroy (187-G-82, college: Washington), last at La Fortezza Bologna, has joined the team. In Lega 2, Ignis Draghi Novara announced the agreement with Hassan Adams (193-G-84, agency: David Lee services, college: Arizona).

*****************************************************
IVORY COAST

Africa Champions Cup for Men: Two Nigerian players, Ebikoro & Nambam join ABC -by Olusegun Ikuesan
FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifier and 2005 FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Men champion, Abidjan Basketball Club (A.B.C) is not leaving anything to chance in her quest to do well at the final round of the 22nd edition of the continent's most glamorous club championship - The Africa Champions Cup for Men with two Nigerian imports.

According to an impeccable source close to the Abidjan-based side, the management of the Ivorian league champion rose from a crucial meeting after the zone-3 qualifiers where the club lost to Nigeria's Niger Potters basketball club and resolve to strengthened the side ahead the final phase of the championship billed for Angola cities of Luanda, Huambo and Cabinda.

The two Nigerian recruited by the side for the big task ahead both played in the forward line, Dennis Ebikoro of Ebun Comets basketball club and Kevin Ninmol Nambam of Plateau Peaks basketball club and are bring wealth of experience to the side.

Ebikoro, who plays in the small forward and power forward position, is not new to the Champions Cup terrain as he has been through it with his Nigeria side in 2004 in Cairo, Egypt and during the 2006 qualifiers held in Abidjan while Nambam a centre has seen lots of top flight basketball actions in the past.

With the addition, A.B.C is said to be ready to challenge for honours against defending champion, Petro Atletico of Luanda and other top clubs who will be on parade from December 13 though 22 when hostilities began.


Additional report by; Christopher Ozoemena

*****************************************************
JORDAN

Orthodox wins over hosts in Damascus Invitational's opener -by Mohammed Malas
Jordan's Orthodox started strongley today in Damascus Invitational (Damascus, Syria) after winning over host Al Wehda Damascus 73-59.

Chris Campbell (194-G/F-81, college: Harding), Fadel Najjar, Ayman Idais, Chad Hendrick and Naser Bassam were in the top of the level today leading their team to control most of the time, While Al Wehda's import Louis Darby found himslef alone trying to do something without a serious help from his team mates to stay behind until the end.

Orthodox (JOR) 73 - Al Wehda Damascus (SYR) 59 (Game's best scorers: Darby 20, Campbell 18, Najjar 12, Idais 10, Bassam 9, Hendrick 8)

# Other games results of Day 1:
Pardis (IRI) 77 - Zamalek (EGY) 68
Al Ittihad Aleppo - Champville (LEB)

Orthodox's next game will be against Army club of Syria next saturday.

*****************************************************
KOREA

ET BLACKSLAM SAKERS -by Rick Ross

INCHON ET LAND BLACK SLAMER (KOR-KBL) MEN
Head Coach Choi Hee Ahm Has managed to serge back into contention with an 8-8 record,
Carmelo Lee (200-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Long Beach St.) the newly Import has brought in a couple of win streaks along
With Shannon Terrence (203-F-79, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: Elgin CC) as

BlackSlamer Continue its forward push in the secord Round.

It is not Clear if Carmelo Lee is here to stay or Chris Moore's
Injury is day to day but Carmelo Lee has made an Impact with ET right away.
LG Sakers Hosted ET BlackSlamer and were dealt a loss 81-71 as ET broke away
After being down by 6 pts at the half and never looking back to complete the Win.



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KUWAIT

Jones signs for Al Qadsia -by Ali Ahmed

Al Qadsia strengthened their roster with addition of 30-year old American Guard Anthony Jones. Jones played last year with Al Qadsia , and he was one of the best players in the league.



Jones is great competitor.Very strong and mentally tough. Excellent slasher to the hoop. Excellent defender who can guard the 1,2 or 3 positions. Posts up on opposing guards. Very good from the foul lane. Co-captain his senior season in which Ohio University won 19 games and lost 11. Rated one of the MAC's best defensive players.




Awards/Achievements:
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 2nd Team -04
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Defensive Team -04
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Entertainment Team -04
Asia-Basket.com All-Syrian League 1st Team -06
Asia-Basket.com Syrian League All-Imports Team -06
Syrian League Semifinals -06
Kuwait League Champion -07



*****************************************************
LITHUANIA

Carlos Cabezas late jumper lifts Unicaja past Lietuvos Rytas -by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Lietuvos Rytas 71:69

Lietuvos Rytas suffered their second defeat at the Euroleague tournament as they fell short against Unicaja. In a boiling atmosphere of a well-matched encounter it was Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) who seled the win for the hosts. Unicaja led by as many as 8 points with under 3 minutes remaining. Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) however came up with a three-point play and later Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79) added free throws to cut the gap. Mindaugas Lukauskis later intercepted the ball and dunked it home to put Lietuvos Rytas within 2 points 67:69. Jiri Welsch (200-F-80) could not convert from beyond the arc, while Chuck Eidson (202-F-80, college: S.Carolina) hit his jumper to tie the score at 69 with 8 seconds remaining. Carlos Cabezas needed 6 seconds to produce a winning jump shot that put Unicaja in front for good. Matt Nielsen however had a final chance to save this one for the visitors but his desperate three-pointer went off mark. Jiri Welsch provided 14 points for Unicaja. Bernardo Rodriguez (197-F/G-80) and Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, college: N.Mexico) had 11 points apiece for the winners. Chuck Eidson nailed game-high 18 points for Lithuanian team. Hollis Price (186-G-79, college: Oklahoma) delivered 16 points in defeat. Lietuvos Rytas had an advantage under the rims as they outrebounded the home team 33:23. But the visitors committed 20 turnovers and sank 41% from the field.
Unicaja improved to 5-1 record on top of Group B. Lietuvos Rytas remained at the second spot and would play against Cibona at home in the next round.

Unicaja: Jiri Welsch 14, Bernardo Rodriguez 11, Daniel Santiago 11
Lietuvos Rytas: Chuck Eidson 18, Hollis Price 16

*****************************************************
MALAWI

WORLD AIDS DAY SPORTS ACTIVITIES -by Blena Chisenga

As days get closer to the World Aids Day, some officials from Taiwaneese government in conjuction with the Malawi government organised
a one week tournament which is expected to end tommorow.The tournament was organised in order to bring the youth together to fight for H.I.V AIDS campaign.
The opening ceremony was graced by officials from the ministry of health
and some from government hospitals. Before the tournament, they addressed the youth on the importance of going for voluntary counselling
and testing plus the importance of living a positive life when you have contracted the Virus of H.I.V.

The teams which registered for the tournament were divided into two groups( group A and B). The teams in each group competed to find
the first and the second team, the teams which won position one and two in each group are meeting in finals tommorrow at 2pm. Thus in the finals
for championship,Mzuni Pointers will compete with Court Shorts while Mzuuzu Central hospital will compete with Nkhulande for position three and four.
The prizes for the tournament is as follows:
1. K14,000.00
2. k12,000.00
3. k 8,000.00
4. k 6,000.00



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MEXICO

Zack Jones to Coach Galgos -by Carlos Chapa
Tijuana Galgos has now a new coach: Zack Jones .

Zack was a player for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers and New Jersey Nets, in the 80's.
He formerly coached, Horizon High School, San Diego CC, and assistant coached Liberty University in Lynchburg.

The Coaching staff for the Galgos is going to be composed by Gustavo Roig , who coached Tijuana
earlier this season, Renato Valenzuela and Mario Acosta, who assisted Roig.

Cadillac Breaks Down in Saltillo -by Justin Brink
Eduardo Osvaldo Cadillac was in Saltillo for only a short time. Nine games to be exact. The Lobos went 1-8 under his brief tutelage and now the Cadillac says he must return to his native Argentina to sort out family issues. The Lobos are a subpar 11-21 this year, well off the mark from last season in which they were one of the strongest teams in the LNBP. For more on Cadillac's departure, click here.

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MONTENEGRO

Niksic first team in Final Four of MNT Cup 2008 -by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball club Niksic win in first game of 1/4 Final of Montenegrin CUP against BC Ulcinj 61-53 (24-13,13-12,4-15,20/13) in city of Niksic.Once again best player in team of BC Niksic was Radoje Djurkovic (202-F/C-87) ho score 19 points and have 6 rebound , 5 sill.Good game play Nemanja Vranjes 18 points and Goran Gajovic 5 points and 5 ebounds , 5 asist.In team of BC Ulcinj best palyer was Marko sekulic 19 points and 10 rebounds.

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NBA

Dwight Howard scores career-high 39 points to lift Orlando past Seattle -by Eurobasket News
Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) spends a brilliant season with the Magic. He led his Orlando to already 14th win from the start of regular season and the Magic enjoyed the best start in the league at the moment. Yesterday Dwight Howard burst out with career-high 39 points and 16 boards and allowed Orlando to coast past Seattle 110:94. The game was remarkable as Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) returned to Seattle where he spent 9 seasons with the Supersonics. It was definitely a thrilling experience and it influenced Orlando's forward performance as he nailed only 9 points on 3/19 field goal shooting. But it could hardly prevent Orlando from clinching a positive result yesterday as Dwight Howard was simply unstoppable. He converted 12/17 field goals and added 5 blocks to his stats. Carlos Arroyo (6'2''-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) came with game-high 14 assists as Orlando led all the way through the encounter. Kevin Durant answered with 22 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for Seattle, while shooting just 28% from the field. Seattle lost the battle under the rims 48:55 and sank 35% of field goals. They fell to 2-14 record at the bottom of the Western Conference ladder. Seattle's forward Nick Collison (6'9''-F-80, college: Kansas) is reported to miss at least 3 games because of a broken nose. He received an injury in the game against LA Lakers two days ago.
Meanwhile LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) played just 20 minutes against Detroit as he was sidelined with a sprained finger through the second stanza and never returned to action at Auburn Hills. Detroit capitalized finalizing a stunning defeat of the Cavs 109:74. Richard Hamilton (6'7''-G-78, college: Connecticut) paced the winners with 18 points. Tayshaun Prince (6'9''-F-80, college: Kentucky) contributed 16 points for the Pistons as they improved to 9-5 record. Even despite an injury LeBron James appeared to be the leading scorer for the Cavs with 15 points.

Howard Considered Most Dominant Player in the NBA by Some Opponents. -by Bryan Floyd
One, two, four guys. It didn't matter how many players were draped on Orlando's Dwight Howard. Howard dunked, blocked and dominated Seattle's undersized frontline for a career-high 39 points and 16 rebounds, and the Magic beat the SuperSonics 110-94 on Wednesday night for their NBA-best 14th win.No matter what combination Seattle used, it failed to stymie Howard. He was unstoppable against one defender and regularly powered through double-teams. Late in the game, Seattle used four defenders in the lane to try and slow Howard."The way Dwight was playing, they didn't have an answer for him," Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy said. "One guy couldn't stop him, two guys couldn't stop him, so they put everybody on him."Howard made 12 of 17 shots, including nine dunks, regularly going over or through whoever was unfortunate enough to draw the assignment against him. That even included rookie Kevin Durant for one stretch, stuck trying to deny a passing lane to Howard with his lanky frame."Point blank, he is the most dominant player in this game right now, I would say," Durant said.

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NCAA3

Quakers Fall to Greensboro, 71-66 -by Moritz Korff
R. J. Smith scored 22 points to lead host Greensboro College past Guilford College, 71-66, Wednesday night before a raucous crowd of 849 in the Pride's Hanes Gymnasium. The Quakers, ranked third in this week's D3hoops.com Top 25 Poll, lost for the first time in five years to Greensboro.

Wednesday's contest marked the first meeting between the teams in Hanes Gym since 1993. The previous 12 games between the city rivals took place in the Greensboro Coliseum.

The tight affair saw two ties and three lead changes. Guilford (1-1) enjoyed an early eight-point advantage, but Greensboro (3-2) rallied to within 34-33 at halftime on Smith's buzzer-beating three-pointer. Smith made two three pointers and Bruce Zamuel added one during a 9-0 Pride run that opened a 50-42 advantage midway through the second half.

Guilford battled back to tie the game at 54-54 on a Clay Henson trifecta with 5:45 remaining in regulation, but Zamuel's jumper at the other end gave the Pride the lead for good at 56-54. Zamuel's three-pointer with 2:33 remaining boosted Greensboro's edge to five points. Adam Nicholson's steal and layup off the ensuing inbounds pass made it a seven-point lead. Zamuel made four free throws in the final 50 seconds to seal the Pride's ninth win in the 36-game series that dates to 1968.

Smith, playing in place of injured starter Michael McDuffie, drained four three pointers and made four steals. Zamuel finished with 17 points, including three trifectas, as the Pride made 10-of-24 shots (43.5%) from behind the arc. Nicholson scored 12 points on a four-for-17 shooting night, but also contributed a game-high six assists and five rebounds.

Guilford's Ben Strong totaled 28 points and 12 rebounds, both game highs. He made 13 of 20 shots from the floor and helped the Quakers enjoy a 41-29 rebounding edge. Eric Belkoski chipped in 12 points and six rebounds in 21 minutes. Henson finished with 11 points, thanks to three three-pointers.

Courtesy of www.guilford.edu

Lord Jeffs Stay Perfect with 99-49 Win Over Emmanuel -by Moritz Korff
The top-ranked Amherst College men's basketball team put its perfect record on the line this evening when the Lord Jeffs welcomed Emmanuel College to LeFrak Gymnasium for a non-conference tilt. Amherst picked up another impressive victory 99-49 to remain undefeated.

Riding five early points from senior forward Adolphe Coulibaly (6'5''-G-83, college: Brown) (Abidjan, Ivory Coast), Amherst quickly pushed out to a 7-0 lead through three minutes of play, before the Saints' Levi Smith knocked down a free throw to put Emmanuel on the board.

Amherst pushed its lead to fifteen points at 18-3 with 13:16 left in the first half on a steal from Coulibaly in the Emmanuel back court. Coulibaly took to the air for a breakaway dunk to bring the Lord Jeff fans to their feet.

Sophomore Steven Wheeler (6'5''-G/F) (Bloomington, MN) got into the scoring mix around the ten minute mark with a three pointer from the left wing. Senior captain Andrew Olson (5'10''-G) (San Diego, CA) played just nine minutes before handing the point over to first-year Conor Meehan (Meriden, CT). The rookie impressed fans with more than a few no-look passes which ended up as assists in six minutes of first-half action.

Senior center Brandon Jones (6'7''-F) (Hopatcong, NJ) swelled the lead to 20 points on a nice alley-oop put-back after an Amherst missed free throw. Jones continued to work hard in the first half, and went to the bench with a game-high 14 points two minutes before the half.

Junior guard Glenn Wong (6'3''-G) (Leverett, MA) drew the praise of the entire Amherst coaching staff when he took a pair of hard charges and knocked down two threes. The Jeffs headed to the locker room with a 51-21 lead.

Amherst senior Kevin Hopkins (6'10''-C) (Greenfield Center, NY) picked up his second assist of the game early in the second half a beautiful give-and-go to Olson for a lay-in. On the next possession, Hopkins converted a circus hook shot and was fouled in the act, to bring his game total to 11 points.

Jones showed off his range midway through the second half, when he backed up behind the arc and buried a three-pointer to grow his total to a game-high 22 before heading to the bench.

Junior Mike Holsey (6'6''-F) (Potomac, MD) showed off his athleticism late in the game with a trio of acrobatic lay-ins, and a great block hustling back on a Saint breakaway. First-year Reggie Fugett (Baltimore, MD) picked up his first collegiate appearance for the Lord Jeffs in the late minutes, dishing out an assist.

With two minutes remaining in the game, junior Marcus Bradley (6'0''-G) (Latham, NY) assisted on an alley-oop to classmate Holsey, before classmate Ben Kaplan (Glencoe, IL) picked up five consecutive points for the Amherst.

First-year Billy Butler (Brooklyn, NY) scored his first collegiate points this evening as well on a pair of free throws to close out the Amherst scoring at 99 points. Jones paced the Jeffs with his 22, while Rob Williams-Hinton led all Saints players with 21 points.

Amherst improved to 3-0 with the 99-49 win, while Emmanuel dropped to 0-4.

Courtesy of www.amherst.edu

Nathan Drury: Former All-American playing in Germany -by Moritz Korff
The last time Carroll College men's basketball fans saw Nathan Drury (6'2''-G-85, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Carroll) play, he was leading the Pioneers to their greatest season in history - last year's "Sweet Sixteen" appearance in the NCAA Tournament.

For those who want to see the dynamic 6-2 guard play again, you'll have to book a flight to Germany. That's because Drury is suiting up for SG Sechtem, a Second Regional League team in Bornheim, a small town between Cologne and Bonn.

After graduation, Drury sent game film to coaches, agents and scouts all over the world, hoping to catch someone's eye. While visiting Carroll during Homecoming weekend, he got a call that set things in motion and landed him in Germany just three days later.

In addition to playing, Drury spends his days visiting elementary schools, teaching and playing basketball with the students. As SG Sechtem has increased its youth basketball program, he also attends many of the practices to lend a helping hand to the coaches.

Drury credits his experience at Carroll - on and off the court - for helping him make an easy transition to life in Germany. "With the success of our program at Carroll came a great deal of hard work and preparation," he said. "In my four years, I grew physically stronger and came to understand the game much better. But more importantly, the intensity and competitiveness of preseason workouts, off-season workouts, practices and games made me into the player I am today."

Off the court, Drury gives praise to his Spanish professors - Drs. Robert G. Black and Elena DeCosta - for teaching him "the importance of respecting other cultures and how to interact in foreign situations," he said. He is learning to speak German.

Drury played a major role in arguably the greatest four-year period in Carroll men's basketball history. During that time, Carroll boasted a record of 71-31 overall, 48-16 in Midwest Conference play. The team qualified for four consecutive MWC Tournaments, advancing to the finals twice before winning the tournament last season. The Pioneers ended the 2006-07 season ranked #14 in the nation by D3hoops.com.

In addition to being named Midwest Conference Player of the Year last season, Drury was also honored with a third team D3hoops.com All-American selection. He finished his Carroll career as the second all-time leading scorer with 1,541 points and the all-time best in assists with 402.

Courtesy of http://athletics.cc.edu

Fourth ranked Vikings fall to undefeated Wisconsin-LaCrosse by score of 66-64 -by Moritz Korff
The backcourt combination of Tony Mane and T.J. Nereng combined for 42 points as undefeated Wisconsin-LaCrosse knocked off fourth ranked Augustana 66-64 in the Roy J. Carver PE Center on Wednesday, November 28. Mane and Nereng hit on a combined 15 of 23 from the field, including 10 of 15 from three point range and they took turns carrying the load.

In the first half Nereng scored 13 of his 18 points on four of six from the field, three of four from three point range. After intermission Mane took over and scored 15 of his game high 24 points on six of eight from the field and three of five from three point range.

The game was tight the whole way with each team holding six point leads in the first half. Wisconsin-LaCrosse led 18-12 at the 8:52 mark and Augustana forged ahead 29-23 with 3:42 left. At the start of the second half the Vikings jumped out to a seven point margin (37-30) on a basket by Matt Pelton (Bloomington Central Catholic HS, Bloomington, Ill.) at 18:04. The Eagles went on a 10-2 run to take a 40-39 lead on Mane's three point field goal with 14:42 to play.

From that point the largest lead would be a five point edge (55-50) by the visitors with 4:42 left following a jumper by Nereng. In the final three minutes the game was tied four times. Augustana took a 64-62 lead with 1:23 to play on a pair of free throws by Chandlor Collins (Thornridge HS, Dolton, Ill.). LaCrosse tied it at 64-64 on a basket by Andrew Haass off a Chris Fehrenbach assist with 1:09 left. After a Viking miss the Eagles got the game winner on a basket by Mane with :24 left on the clock.

Augustana had a chance at the buzzer and Brett Wessels (Bettendorf HS, Bettendorf, Iowa) actually made a three point field goal that would have won the game with one second remaining. However, he was called for pushing off on the play and the field goal was waved off.

LaCrosse shot .568 (25-44) from the floor, including 10 of 20 from three point range. Augustana, which was led by Wessels with 12 points, hit just .418 (23-55) from the field and made only four of 12 from three point range. Jordan Delp (Mt. Carroll HS, Mt. Carroll, Ill.) and Dain Swetalla (Pleasant Valley HS, Bettendorf, Iowa) each scored 11 points. Collins pulled down a game high eight rebounds as the Vikings held a 31-23 edge in that department.

LaCrosse moves to 4-0 with the win while Augustana falls to 3-1.

Courtesy of www.augustana.edu

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NIGERIA

Africa Champions Cup for Men: Potters role out 15-man list -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria representative at the final round of the 22nd Africa Champions Cup for Men, Niger Potters basketball club Thursday release its provincial list of players.

Potters Head Coach, Adamu Kuta told www.fiba-afrique.org in a telephone chat that the coaching crew in conjunction with the club management decide to come out with this 15 players list out of the over twenty players jostling for a place in the 12-team roster.

Coach Kuta gave the names of the players as Captain Abubakar Usman, Abubakar Yusuf, Othniel Azolo, Victor Okoro, Sati Paul, Farouk Musa, Chigozie Nwoye and Abdulazeez Yusuf.

Others are Stanley Gumut, Dreams Emmanuel, Anthony, Moses Okafor, Shehu Mohammed, Aminu Jimoh and Isiaka Yusuf, the three coaches listed includes the head coach Kuta to be assisted by the duo of Isyaq Halidu and Danlami Ndatsu.

According to Coach Kuta, the final list of twelve players shall be made public by the weekend while the club have concluded plans to play at least three warm up matches before it depart Nigeria for Luanda on December 11.Stanley Gumut (197-F-86)

Africa Champions Cup for Men: Two Nigerian players, Ebikoro & Nambam join ABC -by Olusegun Ikuesan
FIBA Africa Zone-3 qualifier and 2005 FIBA Africa Champions Cup for Men champion, Abidjan Basketball Club (A.B.C) is not leaving anything to chance in her quest to do well at the final round of the 22nd edition of the continent's most glamorous club championship - The Africa Champions Cup for Men with two Nigerian imports.

According to an impeccable source close to the Abidjan-based side, the management of the Ivorian league champion rose from a crucial meeting after the zone-3 qualifiers where the club lost to Nigeria's Niger Potters basketball club and resolve to strengthened the side ahead the final phase of the championship billed for Angola cities of Luanda, Huambo and Cabinda.

The two Nigerian recruited by the side for the big task ahead both played in the forward line, Dennis Ebikoro of Ebun Comets basketball club and Kevin Ninmol Nambam of Plateau Peaks basketball club and are bring wealth of experience to the side.

Ebikoro, who plays in the small forward and power forward position, is not new to the Champions Cup terrain as he has been through it with his Nigeria side in 2004 in Cairo, Egypt and during the 2006 qualifiers held in Abidjan while Nambam a centre has seen lots of top flight basketball actions in the past.

With the addition, A.B.C is said to be ready to challenge for honours against defending champion, Petro Atletico of Luanda and other top clubs who will be on parade from December 13 though 22 when hostilities began.


Additional report by; Christopher Ozoemena

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PANAMA

Forbes guides Umass to victory over Syracuse -by Miguel Sanchiz

SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Behind a balanced team effort, The University of Massachusetts men's basketball team won a thrilling 107-100 up and down game over Syracuse on Wednesday evening. Falling behind by as many as 12 early in the second half, UMass rode the backs of Ricky Harris, Gary Forbes (201-G/F-85, college: Virginia), and Dante Milligan to the upset victory. Harris finished with a career-high 25 points while Milligan tied a career-high with 17, and Forbes scored 23. The Minutemen improve to 5-1, while the Orange drop to 4-2.

UMass' 107 points were the most scored by an opponent at the Carrier Dome. The previous record was 103 held by Notre Dame (1/30/07). It was also the first time the team has reached the 100 point plateau since Feb. 8, 2007 when they scored 102 against La Salle.

For Forbes, it was the fifth time in the first six games he has tallied 20 or more points. Etienne Brower and Chris Lowe also reached double figures in scoring with 14 and 13, respectively. Lowe, who missed last game against Wisconsin-Green Bay, tied a career-high in assists with nine. For Syracuse, Donte Green, Jonny Flynn, Eric Devendorf, and Arinze Onuaku all finished with 20 point-games, but it wasn't enough.

After taking a 51-48 halftime advantage, Syracuse opened the lead to as many as 12 early in the second. They were up 70-58 with 14:32 remaining, but from that point forward, UMass slowly chipped away. The Minutemen cut the lead to 78-75 with 10:12 remaining in regulation and tied the score at 84 with 6:52 left. UMass took their first lead of the second half and first since it was 38-36 with 2:54 remaining when Forbes hit a pair of free throws to make it 94-93.

Not long after, Forbes followed with a big three with 1:11 remaining to essentially put the game out of reach, making it 101-95 in favor of the Minutemen. Harris was intentionally fouled by Devendorf with 13.3 seconds remaining, icing the win for UMass. In the first half, the Minutemen opened on fire from behind the three-point arc. After Syracuse scored on their first possession, Brower hit a three to make it 3-2. Luke Bonner took a charge on the defensive end and followed it by hitting a pair of threes to extend the lead to 9-2.

UMass opened up a 12-7 lead before Syracuse stormed back with a 13-0 run over 2:56 to make it 20-12 Orange. The Minutemen ended the run on a layup, which started an 8-0 of their own to tie the score at 20. Forbes hit a rare four-point play with 8:24 remaining in the first half. It was the first time a UMass player has done that since Harris did so one year ago to the day, Nov. 28, 2006 at Savannah State.

The up-and-down game continued to go back and forth. The Orange opened a nine-point lead, 51-42, with 1:09 remaining in the first half, but UMass responded with a pair of threes in the final minute, and one with two seconds left, to cut the lead to three heading into the locker room.



Douglas Pamesa unbeaten in ULEB CUP -by Miguel Sanchiz

VALENCIA (ULEB Cup) - Khimki and Pamesa Valencia remained unbeaten at the top of ULEB Cup Group D with contrasting wins in week four.

The Spaniards were relatively untroubled as they saw off Azovmash 95-77 thanks to 21 points from Panama International Ruben Douglas and 20 from Shammond Williams. Khimki found life a little tougher as they edged out Anwil Wloclawek 102-99 in overtime. hirty points from Dan Ewing spurred them towards victory in a match which was tied at 89-89 after the fourth quarter.

Wednesday's other Group D game saw SLUC Nancy claim an 84-83 win at Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Also unbeaten are DKV Joventut, who won 85-68 at KK Bosna in Group A, led by Demond Mallet's 18 points. Turk Telecom are second after seeing off Alba Berlin 82-71, while Guildford Heat are 0-4 after losing 87-72 at Siauliai.

The competition's other 100% record belongs to Besiktas Cola Turka, who top Group B after a dominant 100-74 win over Ovarense. Christian Dalmau was in sparkling form with 24 points and 14 assists, while Graham Brown's game-leading 26 points were to no avail for Ovarense.

Also in Group B, BK Ventspils beat Elan Chalon 81-71 and Koln 99ers saw off FMP 89-82.In Group C Hemofarm Stada and Akasvayu Girona both have 3-1 records after beating Hanzevast and Spirou Basket respectively. Galatasaray can join them when they face CSU Asesoft on Wednesday.

There were wins for Benetton Fribourg, KK Buducnost and Antwerp Giants in Group E, while Dynamo Moscow and Red Star head Group F after beating
Panellinios GS and Beghelli Bologna respectively. CEZ Nymburk beat Telindus Oostende in the group's other game. BC Kalev/Cramo, Asco Slask and Gran Canaria Grupo Dunas were the victors in Group G. BC Kyiv lost their 100% record thanks to a defeat at Lukoil Academic, while Artland Dragons joined them on 3-1 by beating Benetton Tamoil. ASK Riga beat Pau-Orthez. Finally, in Group I, there were wins for PGE Turow, Hapoel Jerusalem and Strasbourg.



Warren helps Cibona pass Lemans -by Miguel Sanchiz
Cibona - Le Mans 91:71

Croatian Cibona performed some sizzling basketball in the second half against visiting Le Mans and grabbed their 3rd win in Group B of ULEB Euroleague. Le Mans continued their inglorious run in the European season as they suffered the 6th straight loss at the tournament. The game was a well-matched battle in the opening half at the Drazen Petrovic Basketball Center. Cibona entered the game aggressively and clinched a 6:0 lead soon after tip off. Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM) connected from afar for Cibona later and the hosts enjoyed a 9:2 advantage. But Le Mans finally found the touch as Sam Clancy (201-F-80, college: USC) and Bogdanovic cur the gap to 10:11. The teams remained close throughout the rest of the starting period and a late basket from Sam Clancy allowed the visitors to grab a 22:21 lead after 10 minutes of action. The home team erased the deficit early in the second stanza and regained the lead. But Le Mans never fell behind. It was just a last second jump shot by Tre Kelley (183-G-85, college: S.Carolina) that put Croatian team ahead 41:40 at halftime. Alain Koffi (205-C-83) sank quick four points for Le Mans to open the second half and gave French team a 44:41 lead. But Panama's Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) soon nailed consecutive long jumpers and Cibona went in front 51:49. They never surrendered the lead in the third quarter and ended it strongly claiming a 67:58 lead. Marin Rozic (201-F-83) and Chris Warren hit their attempts at the start of the fourth frame and Cibona cleared off to a 74:59. Le Mans' defense collapsed as Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) and Chris Warren delivered some more easy baskets to lift Cibona to a 20-point cushion. Chris Warren poured in 20 points, collected 6 boards and dished out 4 assists for Cibona. Tre Kelley contributed 15 points for the winners. Sam Clancy provided 20 points and 8 boards for Le Mans. Philip Ricci (202-F-80, college: Oregon St.) had 16 points in a losing effort. Le Mans committed 17 turnovers and converted 52% from the field. Cibona responded with 58% accuracy of field goals.
Cibona travels to Lithuania to take on Lietuvos Rytas in the sixth round.

Cibona: Chris Warren 20, Tre Kelley 15, Larry Ayuso 14
Le Mans: Sam Clancy 20, Philip Ricci 16

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PHILIPPINES

ASI & ALI TRADE PLACES -by Benny Lirio

Coca-Cola finally gets big man it desperately needs
With their teams experiencing rough sailing midway through the elimination round of the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup, The Talk N Text Phone Pals and the Coca-Cola Tigers agreed to a blockbuster trade involving two of the league's most dominating big men.
Asi Taulava and Ali Peek (194-F-75, college: St.Mary's, CA) are trading places - a deal which the two ballclubs hope will drastically turn their fortunes for the better in the second half of the eliminations.

Interestingly, the trade was sealed in the aftermath of TNT's back-to-back defeats during the weekend that left the Phone Pals out of the Top Four with a 5-5 record.

Five years ago, giving up Taulava, who spent all his eight seasons in the PBA with TNT, was completely unimaginable as the 6-foot-9 behemoth was the cornerstone of the TNT franchise.

But the arrival of Harvey Carey, Jay Washington, Yancy de Ocampo and Don Allado - all hardworking biggies with good perimeter shooting - who improved with each passing season obviously made Taulava, a Fil-Tongan, expendable.

"It was a tough decision. Our franchise fought side by side with Asi during the most difficult time. But we have to do it for a bigger purpose," said Ricky Vargas, Talk N Text's representative to the Board of Governors.

"I will personally miss Asi. He will always be a friend," added the former PBA chairman.

Although he is five inches shorter than Taulava, the 6-4 Peek is a certified monster off the boards and an excellent defender with a soft shooting touch - exactly the kind of middleman TNT needs badly.

Now 32 and in his ninth season, Peek will be playing for his fourth team in the league. He started his career with Pop Cola in 1998 before being traded to Alaska and later to Coca-Cola.

Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis said he is excited to have Taulava on his team, adding that Taulava's ceiling should compensate for their manpower shortage.

Can the presence of Taulava boost the spirits of the Tigers, who are reeling from seven consecutive losses. At present, the Tigers bring up the rear of the 10-team field with a 1-7 mark.

"We really haven't played with a complete lineup yet," offered Favis, whose injured players include John Arigo (arm), rookie Ronjay Buenafe (bruised foot bone) and Cesar Catli (strained calf).

"But as long as we have five guys, and as long as our remaining guys play with big hearts, good things will happen." (DBC)

SOURCE: PBA.PH



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PUERTO RICO

BSN approves additional import player for upcoming season -by Luis Ramirez
In a vote of 11-4, the board of directors of the BSN approved a ruling of adding an additional import player for all teams. This means that those teams that were already authorized to add two imported player will now be eligible to add an additional import player to bring their total to 3 import players, while teams like Santurce, Ponce and Arecibo which were only authorized to add 1 import player will now be able to add an additional import player for a total 2 imports. A restriction on obtaining this player is that it can be from anywhere in the Americas except players from the US or Canada. The ruling will provide this additional player for a period of two years, these players will be placed in a special draft and every team will select according to a designated turn. The selection will be in this order: 1. Humacao 2. Mayaguez 3. Bayamon 4. Caguas 5. Guaynabo 6. Carolina 7. San German 8. Arecibo 9. Santurce 10. Ponce 11. Guayama 12. Fajardo.

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ROMANIA

A sad loss for Asesoft! -by Simona Birtas


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SERBIA

Partizan Igokea lost in Bamberg -by Dragan Jankovski
Brose Basket registered first win in Euroleague beating Partizan Igokea 78-62. It was not a good day for Partizan's players as they had extremely bad shot percentage for FG2 (15/41). Center Pekovic got foul trouble early which resulted with plus 14 for Brose Basket on the half time. Partizan had a kind of chance at the beginning of the last quarter when they came closer on minus 6 but hosts, through Fenn, Green and Suput, netted couple of 3-pointers and decided question about the winner. Brose Basket got 18 points from Demond Greene (185-G-79, agency: Court Side), 17 from Darren Fenn (208-C-80, college: Canisius) and 15 from Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket). Dusan Kecman (197-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) scored 20 points for Partizan. Brose Basket has score 1-5 after 6 rounds while Partizan has 3-3.


Brose Basket - Partizan Igokea 78-62
(22-12,19-15,16-21,21-14)

Brose Basket: Greene 18 (4 rebs), Fenn 17 (4 rebs), Suput 15 (3 as)
Partizan Igokea: Kecman 20, Pekovic 14 (7 rebs), Velickovic 13 (13 rebs)

FMP Zeleznik released three players -by Nenad Ilijev
After seventh defeat in row, FMP Zeleznik management decided to release three players. Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84), Nenad Stefanovic (193-G-85, agency: Interperformances) and Djordje Micic (196-G-83) are free agents after Board decided to bring in new fresh and younger faces. One of the players that are expected to be promoted to senior team is talented Dejan Musli (213-C-91). Milan Macvan (206-F/C-89) is still working out on his own after he rejected to sign professional contract with FMP Zeleznik.
Zigeranovic averaged 1.9ppg in NLB League this season, Djordje Micic had 7.5ppg in ULEB Cup while former Partizan guard Stefanovic averaged 2.7ppg in NLB League.

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SLOVENIA

Euroleague: Virtus Bologna - Union Olimpija 101:91 -by Matej Bergant

Union Olimpija lost vs. Virtus Bologna 101:91. Union Olimpija played only one good half of the game and was up by two points during the half time when they had 41:43 lead. In the third quarter Union Olimpija showed no effort on both sides of the floor. They showed probably the worst quarter in this season and lost it with 31:10. Virtus Bologna led already by 23 points in the fourth quarter when Union Olimpija's players (no US players on the court!) with a great effort of Jan Mocnik again showed some team-play and almost made a huge turn around when they decreased Virtus Bologna's lead on just three point. That unfortunately was not enough to win this game. Virtus Bologna's Giovannoni scored 19 points, while Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) run his own show with 34 points. Holland also added 16 points for the winners. Union Olimpija's top scorer was Jasmin Hukic (204-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) with 20 points, while Miha Zupan (206-F/C-82, agency: Interperformances) was second by points in Olimpija jersey with 19.

Virtus Bologna : Union Olimpija 101:91 (72:53, 41:45, 21:20)
Virtus Bologna: Holland 16, Spencer 34, Giovannoni 19, Chiacig 10, De Bella 12, Garri 2, McGrath 8

Union Olimpija: Doncic 4, Booker 6, Mocnik 2, Dragic 13, Rizvic 2, Milic 12, Hukic 20, Bailey 9, Zupan 19, Taylor 4



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ST.KITTS

St. Paul`s And Hitters In SKABA Finals -by Jay
The #1 seeded Rams Hitters and the #2 seeded Caribbean Alliance Insurance St.Pauls Tuff Knots held true to their regular season seedings as they both had hard fought victories over very formidable semifinal round playoff opponents.
In the first semifinal game the Tuff Knots played the #3 seeded Western Union Cayon Lions in a very lopsided 77-48 victory to earn themselves their first trip to the SKABA Premeir Division Finals. The Cayon Lions played dissapointingly considering they were seen as favorites to reach the finals. The Tuff Knots played exceptionally well despite their lack of national playoff experience. The knots kept the Cayon Lions at bey throughout the entire game despite the absence of their point guard and co-captain Clayton Powell who was ejected in the first quarter of the match-up. The Tuff Knots simply dominated their green valley based opponents. Tuff Knots power foward Nasharn Maynard played with much passion as he carried his team squarely on his shoulders as he led the team both in Points and rebounds.
The second semifinal game of the night did not live up to the hype as it as the #1 seeded Rams Hitters made light work of the 4th seeded Cable and Wireless Fig Tree Dirt Revellers. Hitters began the game uncharacteristically up-tempo and in sync. The market street based team has become known for their notoriously slow starts. However they let their intentions be known early as they raced to a 30 point advantage early in the game. The Fig Tree team valiantly fought back to bring the 30 point lead to single digits. However the experienced Hitters team was able to maintain their composure and the lead to finish the game with a very comfortable 84-70 victory.
The stage has now been set for the SKABA Digicel Premeir Division championship finals which will see the defending champions Rams Hitters trying to repeat as national champions as well as winning their 18th SKABA title while Tuff Knots will be going for their very first SKABA National title. The best of 3 games series finals begins on Sunday 2nd with game 1 at 8pm preceded by the KFC Junior Division finals betweend the Basseterre High School Broncos and the ODB Sandy Point Fruta Falcons at 6:30pm.
Courtesy of stkittsbasketball.com

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SWITZERLAND

Transfers of the last two weeks -by Kristian Santiago

LNA
Sion-Herens released import Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) recently while Evan Pellerin (198-F-82, college: Stonehill) and Miroslav Petkovic (183-G-88) left Birstal Starwings Basel in the LNA.

BC Lugano Tigers signed Croatian inside-player Antonio Zizic (207-C/F-86) who played for Olimpija Ljublijana's second team.

SAV Vacallo Basket added Croatian forward/center Martin Mihajlovic (208-C-81) who started the season in Hungary with BC Lami-Ved Kormend (8.7 ppg and 4.7 rpg).

Ja Ja Richards (207-C-75, agency: EM-PA, college: Loyola, IL) , who was supposed to be in Lausanne Morges Basket, still didn't arrive in Switzerland.

Brian Mason (191-G/F-83) substitutues temporarily injured Maurice Latham (197-F-84, college: Campbell) in Sion.

Domenico Marcario (180-G-79, agency: ACMT) signed an one-month deal with Vevey Riviera Basket to replace injured Herman Alston (190-G-69, college: Kean).

Meyrin Grand-Saconnex Basket added Chris Powell (205-F-81, college: Chaminade) for a month after the injury of Paul Pardue (208-C-81, college: Rollins).

LNB
Bernex Onex Basket signed Daniel Exposito (191-G/F-86) who transfers to the team after starting the season in Meyrin Grand-Saconnex Basket, and Babacar Toure (2,05m-85) from Sibac Dakar (Senegal) to bolster the frontcourt. The same team released Abdoul Kachkara (184-G-90).

Aeneas Hurlimann (174-G-89) and David Castro (192-F-85) of Zurich Wildcats left the club for different reasons,
while Nikolai Novikov (187-F-87) transfers from Pages Jaunes Pully Basket (3 games 4.7 ppg and 3.6 rpg) to the Zurich and Filip Crnjakovic (178-G-83) comes from STV Luzern Basket to the Wildcats.

Serge Vittoz (195-F-77) moves to Chene BC after a year with the second team of BC Pully. The same club signed Ivica Radosavljevic (207-C-83) from Bernex Onex Basket.

Groupe E Union Neuchatel signed American Ted Morris (208-C-84, college: Montana St.) to their roster.

Christian Miguel (194-F-83) joins Renens Basket (1 LN) after two matches played with BBC Cossonay in the LNB.

Luca Rizzo (198-F-84, college: Olney CC) leaves STV Luzern Basket and joins BC Olten-Zoffingen (1 LN).



The deadline for transfers is November 30th.



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TURKEY

Demirel says "Ciao" -by Sinan Can
TURKISH-German player Mithat Demirel (181-G-78, agency: Court Side) is about to leave Italian side Legea Scafati. Demirel who preferred to play at Serie A side because of Coach Teoman Alibegovic's presence, decided to quit Scafati due to leaving of Slovenian head coach. It's been already reported that Demirel had been uncomfortable as the club had big financial problems. Demirel said "I balready have a few offers right now as I'll decide where to go shortly."

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

couple of signings -by David Edole

Reggie Freeman (198-G/F-75, college: Texas) signed with Rethimno of the Greece League. He was a college All-American at the University of Texas and led the Big 12 in scoring in his senior year. Freeman has proven to be one of the most dependable American players to play in Europe. Rerthimno (1-4) has struggled at the start of the premier (A1) Greece League.

Ja Ja Richards (207-C-75, agency: EM-PA, college: Loyola, IL) is slowly but surely making his way to Lausanne Morges Basket of the Switzerland League. Lausanne is off to a 2-6 start in the LNA.

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ULEB CUP

FMP Zeleznik released three players -by Nenad Ilijev
After seventh defeat in row, FMP Zeleznik management decided to release three players. Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84), Nenad Stefanovic (193-G-85, agency: Interperformances) and Djordje Micic (196-G-83) are free agents after Board decided to bring in new fresh and younger faces. One of the players that are expected to be promoted to senior team is talented Dejan Musli (213-C-91). Milan Macvan (206-F/C-89) is still working out on his own after he rejected to sign professional contract with FMP Zeleznik.
Zigeranovic averaged 1.9ppg in NLB League this season, Djordje Micic had 7.5ppg in ULEB Cup while former Partizan guard Stefanovic averaged 2.7ppg in NLB League.

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VENEZUELA

From Pescadores to Monarchs -by Wolfgang Lucena
Pescadores de Sucre won the championship game at home.

Pescadores de Sucre defeat Macizos de Guayana 91-85 becoming the new monarchs of the 2007 Venezuela National League.
Point guard Roberto Basanta (193-F) was the game's hero with 32 points while Venezuela's senior national team member Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86) with 19 points becomes the MVP of the championship series.
Another Pescador with a great night during the last game was Ronald Blackshear with 20 points followed by Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) with 14.
Jose Martinez (196-F-82) was the best player for Macizos with 18 points followed by Axier Sucre (198-F-78) 18, Darwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 17 and David Cedeno (190-G-83) with 11 points.

Congratulations Champions



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Women News

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CAMEROON - Women

Alex Tchangoue going strong... -by Yann Tientcheu
Alex Tchangoue is having an encouraging season 9 games into the 2007/2008 campaign. Currently leading the Wake Forest Deacons
in points (12.8/g) and rebounds (8.1./g) Tchangoue had a game high performance of 18 pts and 9 rbds in a 60-45 win of the Deacons
over Northwestern on Nov. 28th. Also, It would be appropriate to add that she was lately named tournament MVP of the Paradise Jam Toutnament in the Virgin
Islands; where the Wake Forest Deacons won the later tournament. She averaged 13.6 pts and 8.7 rbds per game throughout the Paradise Jam.

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CROATIA - Women

Gospic defeats TSV Wasserburg in Group F of EuroCup -by Eurobasket News

Gospic -TSV Wasserburg 89:66 (30-15, 24-16, 18-14, 17-21)

Gospic won the third game in Round 4 of EuroCup last night. The team did not allow German TSV Wasserburg to taste the first win as the latter fell at 0-4. A 30:15 was enough to prove the ambitions for the later game and to improve to 3-1 in Group F. Marina Mazic (190-C-80) paced the winners with 22 points. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) netted 20, while Mirjana Tabak (182-F-72) added 19. Corry Berger (192-F/C-82, college: USF) top-scored for the visitors with 20 points.

Gospic managed to score thirty points in the opening quarter to dominate in the court. Yolovska with a lay-up set up the final score after the first team minutes, 30:15.
In the second quarter Marina Mazic increased the lead to +19 as the hosts played its own game. Luketic sent the teams to the lockers with 54:31 and no hope for the visitors.
TSV Wasserburg came back to the court and stayed scoreless for the first 3 minutes. German squad remained behind at 72:45 after 30 minutes of the game. Gospic's trio that led the scoring list remained in the court in the end and led the game to 89:66.

The next games for both squads are scheduled for December 5/6.

Gospic: Marina Mazic 22, Sandra Popovic-Mandir 20, Mirjana Tabak 19
TSV Wasserburg: Corry Berger 20, Jana Furkova (184-C/F-84) 15



Tihana Juric carries Sibenik past Wisla -by Eurobasket News
Sibenik - Wisla 65:64

Croatian Sibenik secured a difficult home victory over Polish Wisla to tie them in Group B ladder at 2-2. The hosts led almost all the way through the encounter but Wisla rushed ahead late in the game and were on brink of winning this one. But Tihana Juric (194-C-76) connected from beyond the arc with 3 seconds remaining to put Sibenik in front for good.
The teams exchanged baskets early in the starting frame before Anda Jelavic (173-G-80) hit a triple and Tihana Juric added two point play for Sibenik's lead 15:12 at the end. Fabbri and Jessica Dickson (180-F-84, college: S.Florida) scored 6 straight points for the home side to enlarge the gap to 9 points 5 minutes into the second frame. But Jelena Skerovic (172-G-80) capped the half with a jump shot as Wisla trailed by 8 points at halftime break. Tihana Juric sparked with 5 consecutive points for Sibenik midway through the third frame to give the hosts a 48:35 cushion. But it was leveled by free throw shooting from Wisla as Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, college: Temple) and Jelena Skerovic combined three free throws and cut the margin to 7 points at the end of the third. Trafimava drained a long jumper and Candice Dupree delivered from close range as the deficit almost vanished early in the fourth period. Jessica Dickson and Tihana Juric tried to keep Sibenik up but two free throws from Candice Dupree with just over a minute left in regulation put the visitors as close as a single point 61:62. Tihana Juric missed a three-pointer, while Jelena Skerovic was accurate from beyond the arc for Wisla to claim a 64:62 lead with 22 seconds remaining. But Fabbri assisted to Tihana Juric as Croatian centre knocked down her first long jumper of the night to bring victory to the home team. Tihana Tihana Juric finished with game-high 24 points for Sibenik. Jessica Dickson provided 11 points in a winning effort. Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) answered with 16 points for Wisla. Jelena Skerovic notched 16 points, 7 boards and 7 assists in defeat.
Wisla hosts Bourges Basket in Krakow, while Sibenik plays against ZVVZ Prague at home in the 5th round.

Sibenik: Tihana Juric 24, Jessica Dickson 11, Anda Jelavic 8
Wisla: Marta Fernandez 16, Jelena Skerovic 16

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CZECH REP. - Women

Gambrinus winning streak ends in Vidnoje -by Eurobasket News
Spartak Moscow Region - Gambrinus 85:76

The Euroleague defending champs Spartak Moscow Region snapped Gambrinus 3-game winning streak as they beat them at home court. It was a key rivalry of two last seasons as Gambrinus were the champions in 2006, while Spartak succeeded to the throne last season. Two main heroes of the last WNBA season Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) and Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) combined efforts to pace Spartak. Diana Taurasi topscored for the hosts with 32 points and 6 boards, while Lauren Jackson came up with 18 points and 6 boards in a winning case. But it was Gambrinus to claim the lead early in the game Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) scored 10 points for Gambrinus in the starting frame to ensure a 23:17 lead for the visitors. Spartak revived in the second stanza as they posted a 12:0 rally to grab a 33:25 advantage 5 minutes into the frame. Diana Taurasi drained three triples in the last 5 minutes of the first half to lift Spartak to a 46:33 cushion at halftime. Lauren Jackson and Diana Taurasi buried two more three-pointers for the hosts as they built a 57:42 advantage midway through the third quarter. Gambrinus struggled to come within 10 points territory and trailed by 14 points after three frames of action. One more trey from Diana Taurasi midway through the final term marked a 77:59 advantage for the home side. Gambrinus never recovered at the dying stages and lost their first game in the Euroleague season. Tina Thompson (188-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) contributed 13 points and 6 boards for Spartak. Zuzana Zirkova answered with 18 points for Gambrinus. Hana Machova (182-F/G-79) netted 12 points in defeat. Brno outrebounded the hosts 39:35 but could not match 46% accuracy from Spartak.
Spartak will take on USVO Valenciennes away from home in the next game. Gambrinus are scheduled to host Dexia in the 5th round.

Spartak MR: Diana Taurasi 32, Lauren Jackson 18, Tina Thompson 13
Gambrinus: Zuzana Zirkova 18, Hana Machova 12

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EUROCUP (W) - Women

Wednesday results of Round 4 -by Eurobasket News
Arad-Apollon 64:61 (18-13, 13-20, 21-12, 12-16)

Romanian Arad celebrated the second win in EuroCup last night. The team overcame Greek Apollon due to 7-0 from the start. Sheena Moore (170-G-84, college: UNLV) led the winners with 16 points. Marija Kovacic (197-C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza) collected 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Dragana Zoric (178-F-78, agency: LBM Management) posted 11 points. Eshaya Murphy (180-G-85, college: USC) again top-scored for the Greek side with 23 points and 7 rebounds.

Pavel was the most active player in the court when the hosts started the game with 7-0 run. They kept the advantage for the rest of the first quarter and finished in front. Marija Kovacic made a jump-shot to set up 18:13 after the first ten minutes.
In the second quarter Apollon tasted the first lead in the game. LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) with a jump-shot brought the guests 20:21 and then Tsakmaki sent the teams to the lockers with 31:33.
With 42:40 in the third Arad created 9-1 run to take 50:41 lead. The hosts finished the third with 21:12 in it and took plus seven coming into the last quarter. Apollon did not tie the game, however could stay closer and finished the night at 64:61. Apollon improved to 2-2, while Greek side is 1-3.

Arad: Sheena Moore 16, Marija Kovacic 13+7 rebs, Dragana Zoric 11+9 rebs
Apollon: Eshaya Murphy 23+7 rebs, LaToya Davis 15+7 rebs

Buducnost-Vologda Chevakata 82:86 (12-24, 28-22, 16-22, 26-18)
Buducnost lost the the third game in Round 4 of EuroCup last night. The team from Montenegro tried hard, but could not beat Vologda Chevakata 82:86. A 12:24 in the opening quarter was fatal for the hosts. Anastasia Pimenova (180-F-81) paced the winners with 23 points. Liudmila Sapova (185-F-84) collected 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Kharchenko added 12. Nikolina Popovic (184-G/F-84) top-scored for the hosts with 20 points.

A 0-7 in the opening quarter shocked the hosts that could hardly came back to the game. Vologda continued to spurt and reached 12:24 in the end of the first. A 5-0 in the middle of the second brought Buducnost back as they trailed only 40:46 at the half. Kharchenko with a jump-shot was the last to leave the court with points.
Liudmila Sapova's three brought Russian team 10 points lead in the beginning of the third. Both squads ended up three quarters having 56:68 for the guests. An 8-0 spurt closed the hosts to 54:60 in the beginning of the fourth and gave them a good chance to tie the game. Perovic finished another 10-0 run to take her team the first lead with less than 3 minutes remaining. Vologda Chevakata could not lose the game they kept in control for the entire game and won 82:86.

Buducnost: Nikolina Popovic 20, Iva Perovanovic (190-C/F-83) 18+9 rebs
Vologda Chevakata: Anastasia Pimenova 23, Liudmila Sapova 19+9 rebs, Kharchenko 12

ZTE-MBK Ruzomberok 63:73 (15-16, 21-25, 16-19, 11-13)
MBK Ruzomberok remains undefeated in Group E of EuroCup. Slovak team proved the ambitions on a road game over ZTE 63:73. A victory in all the quarters allowed MBK Ruzomberok to take 4-0 record. Lindsey Wilson (176-81) led the winners with 24 points and 6 assists. Simona Podesvova (186-F-83) nailed 15, while Regina Palusna (192-C-89) scored 12. Lidiya Milkova (192-C-70) ended up with 25 points and 7 rebounds for Hungarian team.

Horvath was glad to give the hosts 2-0 from the start as the teams opened Game 4. With a back-to-back quarter MBK Ruzomberok grabbed 15:16 after the first ten minutes of the game. A second quarter brought a bigger advantage to the visitors as they increased to 36:41.

The third period had a special background as the teams exchanged the runs in it. First ZTE enjoyed ten points in a row and then Slovak team replied to take 53:60 after 30 minutes.
It was a time in the fourth when the spectators could think of the first upset of MBK Ruzomberok. Molly Creamer (177-G-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) made a jump-shot to reduce to 60:66 with 3 minutes remaining. The visitors did not fall down and finished the night with 63:73 as Cernakova was the last to score in the game.

ZTE: Lidiya Milkova 25+7 rebs, Molly Creamer 12
MBK Ruzomberok: Lindsey Wilson 24+6 ast, Simona Podesvova 15+7 rebs, Regina Palusna 12+8 rebs


Gospic -TSV Wasserburg 89:66 (30-15, 24-16, 18-14, 17-21)
Gospic won the third game in Round 4 of EuroCup last night. The team did not allow German TSV Wasserburg to taste the first win as the latter fell at 0-4. A 30:15 was enough to prove the ambitions for the later game and to improve to 3-1 in Group F. Marina Mazic (190-C-80) paced the winners with 22 points. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) netted 20, while Mirjana Tabak (182-F-72) added 19. Corry Berger (192-F/C-82, college: USF) top-scored for the visitors with 20 points.

Gospic managed to score thirty points in the opening quarter to dominate in the court. Yolovska with a lay-up set up the final score after the first team minutes, 30:15.
In the second quarter Marina Mazic increased the lead to +19 as the hosts played its own game. Luketic sent the teams to the lockers with 54:31 and no hope for the visitors.
TSV Wasserburg came back to the court and stayed scoreless for the first 3 minutes. German squad remained behind at 72:45 after 30 minutes of the game. Gospic's trio that led the scoring list remained in the court in the end and led the game to 89:66.

The next games for both squads are scheduled for December 5/6.

Gospic: Marina Mazic 22, Sandra Popovic-Mandir 20, Mirjana Tabak 19
TSV Wasserburg: Corry Berger 20, Jana Furkova (184-C/F-84) 15



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EUROLEAGUE (W) - Women

Round 4 hot results and stats -by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares - TEO Vilnius 75:70

TEO Vilnius suffered their 3rd loss in the Euroleague tournament as they fell short to Ros Casares in Valencia. Meanwhile it was the 4th straight victory for the Spanish team. The hosts set the tone early in the game as they led 8:2 just over 2 minutes of action. Later Elena Baranova (196-F-72) connected twice from beyond the arc to give Ros Casares a 14:2 advantage midway through the frame. Finally TEO started to roll as Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) and Haynie responded with triples of their own and Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) scored a pair of jumpers to pull the visitors back into contest. Ros Casares won the first frame 19:14 and held on to the lead throughout the second period. TEO managed to close the gap to 5 points with just over a minute before halftime but a trey from Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) and a jumper from Elena Baranova saw the hosts enjoy a 40:34 lead at the interval.
Yelena Leuchanka scored 4 straight points and Nykesha Sales (183-F/G-76, college: Connecticut) added a lay-up to drag TEO within a single point early in the third frame. Ros Casares reacted with an 11:4 run to restore the distance. The home team still led by 7 points 3 minutes into the final period but Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) scored a three-pointer and Nykesha Sales added 3 points as TEO finally made a breakthrough and surged ahead 68:67 with over 2 minutes left in regulation. However Elena Tornikidou (185-F-65) and Elena Baranova reestablished the lead for Valencia 73:70 with 11 seconds left. Valentiene committed a turnover in the next possession and Elisa Aguilar (178-G-76, college: George Washington) sealed the win from charity stripe. Katie Douglas (183-G/F-79, college: Purdue) topscored with 16 points for Ros Casares. Elena Baranova and Elena Tornikidou provided 15 points apiece for the winners. Nykesha Sales responded with 22 points for TEO. Jurgita Streimikyte (191-F-72) scored 16 points for the visitors as they fell to 1-3 record.
TEO will play against Dynamo in Round 5.

Ros Casares: Katie Douglas 16, Elena Baranova 15, Elena Tornikidou 15
TEO: Nykesha Sales 22, Jurgita Streimikyte 16

Spartak Moscow Region - Gambrinus 85:76
The Euroleague defending champs Spartak Moscow Region snapped Gambrinus 3-game winning streak as they beat them at home court. It was a key rivalry of two last seasons as Gambrinus were the champions in 2006, while Spartak succeeded to the throne last season. Two main heroes of the last WNBA season Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) and Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) combined efforts to pace Spartak. Diana Taurasi topscored for the hosts with 32 points and 6 boards, while Lauren Jackson came up with 18 points and 6 boards in a winning case. But it was Gambrinus to claim the lead early in the game Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) scored 10 points for Gambrinus in the starting frame to ensure a 23:17 lead for the visitors. Spartak revived in the second stanza as they posted a 12:0 rally to grab a 33:25 advantage 5 minutes into the frame. Diana Taurasi drained three triples in the last 5 minutes of the first half to lift Spartak to a 46:33 cushion at halftime. Lauren Jackson and Diana Taurasi buried two more three-pointers for the hosts as they built a 57:42 advantage midway through the third quarter. Gambrinus struggled to come within 10 points territory and trailed by 14 points after three frames of action. One more trey from Diana Taurasi midway through the final term marked a 77:59 advantage for the home side. Gambrinus never recovered at the dying stages and lost their first game in the Euroleague season. Tina Thompson (188-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) contributed 13 points and 6 boards for Spartak. Zuzana Zirkova answered with 18 points for Gambrinus. Hana Machova (182-F/G-79) netted 12 points in defeat. Brno outrebounded the hosts 39:35 but could not match 46% accuracy from Spartak.
Spartak will take on USVO Valenciennes away from home in the next game. Gambrinus are scheduled to host Dexia in the 5th round.

Spartak MR: Diana Taurasi 32, Lauren Jackson 18, Tina Thompson 13
Gambrinus: Zuzana Zirkova 18, Hana Machova 12

Kosit 2013 - USVO Valenciennes 58:62
Slovakian Kosit 2013 fell to 1-3 record in the Euroleague after they were beaten by USVO Valenciennes at home. It was the second straight win for Valenciennes as they improved to 2-2 record in Group C ladder. Valenciennces looked slightly better in the opening stanza as they built a 13:10 advantage after 10 minutes of action. The game remained extra tight in the second stanza wit neither team able to clear off. But Luisa Michulkova (179-F-84) and Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) combined 8 points in the last 3 minutes of the first half to ensure a 26:21 halftime advantage for Kosit 2013. Emilie Gomis (180-F-83) scored quick 7 points for Valenciennes early in the third term to make it all square at 30. Sabrina Reghaissia (188-F-83) stepped up with 5 consecutive points for French team midway through the period and USVO grabbed a 42:34 lead. The hosts trailed by 7 points heading into the final quarter and struggled to find the way back into contest as Francesca Zara (177-G-76) and Laurie Koehn (174-G-82, college: Kansas St.) came up with straight triples to maintain the distance. But Kosit 2013 finally began to convert and 4 free throws from Alena Kovacova (190-C-78) and Luisa Michulkova saw them cut the gap to 2 points 58:60 with just over a minute to go. Emilie Gomis was blocked by Luisa Michulkova in USVO next possession but Katie Gearlds (186-G/F-84, college: Purdue) committed a turnover and Krissy Bade (182-F-80) hit both free throws with 1 second on the clock to seal the victory for French side.
Emilie Gomis led Valenciennes with 19 points and 6 boards. Francesca Zara provided 16 points and 8 boards for the winners. Luisa Michulkova finished with game-high 22 points and 10 boards for Kosit 2013. Ivana Jalcova contributed 19 points in a losing case. USVO Valenciennes will take on Spartak Moscow Region at home, while Kosit 2013 will host Lotos in Kosice in the next round of action in Group C.

Kosit 2013: Luisa Michulkova 22+10 boards, Ivana Jalcova 19
USVO: Emilie Gomis 19, Francesca Zara 16, Krissy Bade 10

Bourges Basket - UMMC 56:57
UMMC grabbed their 4th straight win in Euroleague and gave some more arguments to talk about Russian teams' dominance in Europe. UMMC needed some heroics or rather cool nerves from Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) as she knocked down both free throws with 45 seconds left in regulation to give UMMC a decisive 57:55 lead. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) could have forced overtime but converted just one of her free throw attempts to seal it for UMMC. It was a close fixture throughout three quarters. However Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) free throw made it a 48:43 for the hosts at the start of the final frame. But Kristi Harrower connected from afar and Deanna Nolan (180-G/F-79, college: Georgia) scored 4 straight points for Ekaterinburg team to surge ahead 50:48 midway through the fourth period. Sonja Petrovic and Emmeline Ndongue (194-F-83) combined 5 points to regain the lead for Bourges 53:50 with less than 4 minutes remaining. Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) produced a three-point play to draw teams but Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) fed Petrovic inside for another jump shot and the hosts enjoyed a 55:53 advantage with 2.30 on the clock. The teams exchanged turnovers before Penny Taylor (185-F-81) hit two free throws to make it all square at 55. Emmeline Ndongue missed her effort and fouled on Kristi Harrower. Australian import sank both free throws and brought another victory to UMMC.
Sandrine Gruda and Deanna Nolan fired 13 points apiece for UMMC. Kristi Harrower contributed 10 points for the winners. None of Bourges Basket players scored in double figures. Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) produced 8 points and 11 boards for the hosts. Emmeline Ndongue had 4 points and 13 boards in the third defeat for Bourges Basket. UMMC were outrebounded 32:50 but held their opponents to 30% accuracy from the field and forced them to 26 turnovers. UMMC will play against Halcon Avenida in Ekaterinburg on November 5.

Bourges Basket: Belinda Snell 9, Sonja Kireta 8+11 boards, Florence Lepron (182-G-85) 8
UMMC: Sandrine Gruda 13, Deanna Nolan 13, Kristi Harrower 10

Sibenik - Wisla 65:64
Croatian Sibenik secured a difficult home victory over Polish Wisla to tie them in Group B ladder at 2-2. The hosts led almost all the way through the encounter but Wisla rushed ahead late in the game and were on brink of winning this one. But Tihana Juric (194-C-76) connected from beyond the arc with 3 seconds remaining to put Sibenik in front for good.
The teams exchanged baskets early in the starting frame before Anda Jelavic (173-G-80) hit a triple and Tihana Juric added two point play for Sibenik's lead 15:12 at the end. Fabbri and Jessica Dickson (180-F-84, college: S.Florida) scored 6 straight points for the home side to enlarge the gap to 9 points 5 minutes into the second frame. But Jelena Skerovic (172-G-80) capped the half with a jump shot as Wisla trailed by 8 points at halftime break. Tihana Juric sparked with 5 consecutive points for Sibenik midway through the third frame to give the hosts a 48:35 cushion. But it was leveled by free throw shooting from Wisla as Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, college: Temple) and Jelena Skerovic combined three free throws and cut the margin to 7 points at the end of the third. Trafimava drained a long jumper and Candice Dupree delivered from close range as the deficit almost vanished early in the fourth period. Jessica Dickson and Tihana Juric tried to keep Sibenik up but two free throws from Candice Dupree with just over a minute left in regulation put the visitors as close as a single point 61:62. Tihana Juric missed a three-pointer, while Jelena Skerovic was accurate from beyond the arc for Wisla to claim a 64:62 lead with 22 seconds remaining. But Fabbri assisted to Tihana Juric as Croatian centre knocked down her first long jumper of the night to bring victory to the home team. Tihana Tihana Juric finished with game-high 24 points for Sibenik. Jessica Dickson provided 11 points in a winning effort. Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) answered with 16 points for Wisla. Jelena Skerovic notched 16 points, 7 boards and 7 assists in defeat.
Wisla hosts Bourges Basket in Krakow, while Sibenik plays against ZVVZ Prague at home in the 5th round.

Sibenik: Tihana Juric 24, Jessica Dickson 11, Anda Jelavic 8
Wisla: Marta Fernandez 16, Jelena Skerovic 16

CSKA - Fenerbahce 109:69
Moscow CSKA grabbed the 4th straight win at the FIBA Euroleague as they dismantled Fenerbahce at home. The hosts marked the dominance right from the start as Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) and Olga Arteshina (190-F-82) combined 7 points for a 7:0 lead. Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) and Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers) cut the gap but Olga Arteshina nailed another long jumper to make it 20:11 midway through the first frame. Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, college: Stanford) capped the opening period with two three-pointers to give CSKA a 34:19 lead. Her bombardment continued in the second frame as she opened it with two more treys and later Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) and Olga Arteshina came with triples of their own to put the hosts in front by 22 points. Later CSKA stunned the visitors with a 14:0 rally to cherish a 59:27 lead. Ilona Korstine capped the first half with a jumper to secure a comfortable 63:32 advantage for the home team. The teams exchanged the blows throughout the third period and CSKA entered the fourth quarter up by 32 points. Moscow team began the final frame with another 9:0 run that ceased any doubts about the outcome. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) finished with 21 points and 7 boards for CSKA. Amaya Valdemoro produced 20 points, while Nicole Powell contributed 16 points for the winners. Tammy Sutton-Brown scored 18 points for Fenerbahce. Cappie Pondexter netted 15 points as Turkish side fell to 2-2 record. The hosts outrebounded Fenerbahce 40:32 and sank 61% of field goals. Fenerbahce replied with just 40% accuracy.
CSKA will next face MKB Euroleasing away from home. Fenerbahce hosts Lille Metropole in Istanbul.

CSKA: Ann Wauters 21, Amaya Valdemoro 20, Nicole Powell 16
Fenerbahce: Tammy Sutton-Brown 18, Cappie Pondexter 15

TTT Riga - MKB Euroleasing 77:66
Things got even more confused in Group A of FIBA Euroleague as TTT Riga outscored MKB Euroleasing at home. Three teams now share the second spot with 2-2 record, while Lille Metropole are yet to play their 4th round encounter. So it heats up the intrigue and the fight for the second spot will be merciless. Hungarian team got to a better start of this one. Bernadett Nemeth (173-G-80) hit a three-pointer and later added 3 more points to keep MKB ahead. Hungarian side capped the first frame with a strong 8:0 rally to lead by 11 points 19:8. Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) nailed a couple of jumpers to maintain the advantage for the visitors but soon the hosts turned the momentum. Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management), Iciss Tillis (194-F-81, college: Duke) and Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) paced TTT Riga and they finally draw the teams on free throws from Iciss Tillis. Olena Zherzherunova drained a triple to give the hosts a 30:27 lead with under 3 minutes remaining in the first half. TTT Riga enlarged the margin to 35:29 at halftime. MKB Euroleasing however stayed close and Barbara Semsei (178-G-86) jump shot regained the lead for the visitors 5 minutes into the third frame. But it was Iciss Tillis who tied the scoreline late in the term and Olena Zherzherunova's free throws marked a 54:50 dominance for the hosts heading into the fourth quarter. Olena Zherzherunova and Iciss Tillis combined 9 points for TTT Riga in the first 5 minutes of the fourth period to enlarge the gap to 67:56. Andrea Karolyi (183-F/G-75) and Jelena Milovanovic stroke back for MKB Euroleasing and cut the margin to 5 points 66:71. But they could not get any closer as Micaela Jacintho provided 4 points at the dying stages and pull the victory away for the home team.
Iciss Tillis topscored for TTT Riga with 25 points and 10 boards. Micaela Jacintho and Olena Zherzherunova nailed 17 points apiece for the winners. Andrea Karolyi answered with 19 points and 7 boards for MKB Euroleasing. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) sank 14 points in the second defeat for Hungarian side. TTT Riga will host Phard Napoli, while MKB Euroleasing takes on CSKA Moscow at home court in the next round.

TTT Riga: Iciss Tillis 25+10 boards, Micaela Jacintho 17, Olena Zherzherunova 17
MKB Euroleasing: Andrea Karolyi 19, Olexandra Gorbunova 14


Faenza - MiZo Pecs 66:68
MiZo Pecs continued to chase Ros Casares in Group D with a road win over Faenza. This success allowed Hungarian team to climb to 3-1 record just behind undefeated Ros Casares in the ladder. MiZo had to fight back an 8-point first frame deficit to celebrate a tough victory. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) led the hosts with 8 points in the opening frame and Faenza enjoyed a 27:19 advantage. But Pecs used a 15:2 rally in the second frame to put themselves in front by 3 points 38:35 with 2 minutes left in the first half. Graziane Coelho (192-C-83) and Anita Heller (171-G-81) made sure MiZo Pecs went into the dressing room leading by 4 points 44:40. The third quarter brought little changes to the scoreline as the visitors just enlarged the margin to 6 points. Dalma Ivanyi (178-G-76, college: Florida Intern.)'s three-pointer with almost 4 minutes into the final stanza gave MiZo Pecs a 66:58 lead. But Marlous Nieuwveen (195-C-80) hit a trey and Maria Chiara Franchini (182-G-79) added a lay-up to close the gap. Marija Eric (164-G-83) sparked with another long jumper for Faenza and the teams appeared to be tied at 66 with 4 minutes remaining. Emilja Podrug (190-C-79) sank a free throw for Pecs and the teams could not accumulate a single point for next two and a half minutes. Emilja Podrug added another free throw to make it 68:66 for MiZo Pecs with 10 seconds left in regulation. Marija Eric had a chance to force overtime but her jumper missed the target. Graziane Coelho paced the visitors with 16 points and 7 boards. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) delivered 14 points for MiZo Pecs. Marija Eric answered with game-high 17 points and 5 assists for Faenza. Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) produced 12 points and 8 boards in a losing effort.
MiZO Pecs faces Ros Casares in a highly-anticipated fixture of the 5th round at home.

Faenza: Marija Eric 17, Daliborka Jokic 12+8 boards
MiZo Pecs: Graziane Coelho 16, Zsofia Fegyverneky 14, Dalma Ivanyi 11


Standings
Euroleague Standings
Group A
1. CSKA 4-0
2. MKB Eur. 2-2
3. Fenerbahce 2-2
4. TTT Riga 2-2
5. Villeneuve 1-3
6. Napoli 1-3
Group B
1. UMMC 4-0
2. Wisla 2-2
3. Bourges 1-3
4. USK Praha 1-3
5. Halcon 2-2
6. Sibenik 2-2
Group C
1. Gambrinus 3-1
2. Spartak MR 3-1
3. Lotos 2-2
4. USVO 2-2
5. Kosit 2013 1-3
6. Dexia 1-3
Group D
1. Ros Casares 4-0
2. Pecsi 3-1
3. Dynamo M. 2-2
4. Faenza 1-3
5. TEO Vilnius 1-3
6. Mondeville 1-3


Stats Leaders
Stats Leaders
Points Per Game

1 Pondexter, Fen. 24.3

2Taurasi, SpartakMR 24.0
3 Zogota, Dynamo 22.3

4 Wauters, CSKA 23.0
5 Juric,Sibenik, 19.8

Rebounds Per Game
1 Fleischer, Dexia 12.0
2 Ohlde, USVO 11.8
3 Leuchanka TEO V.10.5
4 Kireta,Burges 9.0
5 Yilmaz,Fenerbahce 9.0
Assists Per Game

1 Aubert,USOBasket 6.0
2 Skerovic, Wisla 5.5
3 Vardarli,Fenerbahce 5.3

4 Zogota,Dynamo 5.0

5 Jelavic,Sibenik, 5.0

Steals Per Game

1 Michulkova,Kosit 3.3
2 Sales,TEO Vilnus 3.3
3 DeForge,Wisla 3.0

Blocks Per Game

1 Kireta, Burges, 2.0

2 Palka, Wisla, 2.0

3Kulichova,Gambrinus1.8

Field Goal Percentage
1 Wauters, CSKA 77.3
2 Stepanova,CSKA 70.7
3 Korstin,CSKA 65.6
3-point %

1 Girone,Napoli. 80.0

2Vitechkova,Gambr. 64.7
3 Elhotova,Prague 62.5

FreeThrows

1 Horasan,Napoli 100.0

2 Ivanyi, Pecs 100.0
3Nieuwveen,Faenza100.0



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GERMANY - Women

Gospic defeats TSV Wasserburg in Group F of EuroCup -by Eurobasket News

Gospic -TSV Wasserburg 89:66 (30-15, 24-16, 18-14, 17-21)

Gospic won the third game in Round 4 of EuroCup last night. The team did not allow German TSV Wasserburg to taste the first win as the latter fell at 0-4. A 30:15 was enough to prove the ambitions for the later game and to improve to 3-1 in Group F. Marina Mazic (190-C-80) paced the winners with 22 points. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) netted 20, while Mirjana Tabak (182-F-72) added 19. Corry Berger (192-F/C-82, college: USF) top-scored for the visitors with 20 points.

Gospic managed to score thirty points in the opening quarter to dominate in the court. Yolovska with a lay-up set up the final score after the first team minutes, 30:15.
In the second quarter Marina Mazic increased the lead to +19 as the hosts played its own game. Luketic sent the teams to the lockers with 54:31 and no hope for the visitors.
TSV Wasserburg came back to the court and stayed scoreless for the first 3 minutes. German squad remained behind at 72:45 after 30 minutes of the game. Gospic's trio that led the scoring list remained in the court in the end and led the game to 89:66.

The next games for both squads are scheduled for December 5/6.

Gospic: Marina Mazic 22, Sandra Popovic-Mandir 20, Mirjana Tabak 19
TSV Wasserburg: Corry Berger 20, Jana Furkova (184-C/F-84) 15



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GREECE - Women

A 7-0 start leads Arad over Apollon -by Eurobasket News
Arad-Apollon 64:61 (18-13, 13-20, 21-12, 12-16)

Romanian Arad celebrated the second win in EuroCup last night. The team overcame Greek Apollon due to 7-0 from the start. Sheena Moore (170-G-84, college: UNLV) led the winners with 16 points. Marija Kovacic (197-C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza) collected 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Dragana Zoric (178-F-78, agency: LBM Management) posted 11 points. Eshaya Murphy (180-G-85, college: USC) again top-scored for the Greek side with 23 points and 7 rebounds.

Pavel was the most active player in the court when the hosts started the game with 7-0 run. They kept the advantage for the rest of the first quarter and finished in front. Marija Kovacic made a jump-shot to set up 18:13 after the first ten minutes.
In the second quarter Apollon tasted the first lead in the game. LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) with a jump-shot brought the guests 20:21 and then Tsakmaki sent the teams to the lockers with 31:33.
With 42:40 in the third Arad created 9-1 run to take 50:41 lead. The hosts finished the third with 21:12 in it and took plus seven coming into the last quarter. Apollon did not tie the game, however could stay closer and finished the night at 64:61. Apollon improved to 2-2, while Greek side is 1-3.

Arad: Sheena Moore 16, Marija Kovacic 13+7 rebs, Dragana Zoric 11+9 rebs
Apollon: Eshaya Murphy 23+7 rebs, LaToya Davis 15+7 rebs

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HUNGARY - Women

MiZo Pecs steals victory away from Faenza -by Eurobasket News
Faenza - MiZo Pecs 66:68

MiZo Pecs continued to chase Ros Casares in Group D with a road win over Faenza. This success allowed Hungarian team to climb to 3-1 record just behind undefeated Ros Casares in the ladder. MiZo had to fight back an 8-point first frame deficit to celebrate a tough victory. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) led the hosts with 8 points in the opening frame and Faenza enjoyed a 27:19 advantage. But Pecs used a 15:2 rally in the second frame to put themselves in front by 3 points 38:35 with 2 minutes left in the first half. Graziane Coelho (192-C-83) and Anita Heller (171-G-81) made sure MiZo Pecs went into the dressing room leading by 4 points 44:40. The third quarter brought little changes to the scoreline as the visitors just enlarged the margin to 6 points. Dalma Ivanyi (178-G-76, college: Florida Intern.)'s three-pointer with almost 4 minutes into the final stanza gave MiZo Pecs a 66:58 lead. But Marlous Nieuwveen (195-C-80) hit a trey and Maria Chiara Franchini (182-G-79) added a lay-up to close the gap. Marija Eric (164-G-83) sparked with another long jumper for Faenza and the teams appeared to be tied at 66 with 4 minutes remaining. Emilja Podrug (190-C-79) sank a free throw for Pecs and the teams could not accumulate a single point for next two and a half minutes. Emilja Podrug added another free throw to make it 68:66 for MiZo Pecs with 10 seconds left in regulation. Marija Eric had a chance to force overtime but her jumper missed the target. Graziane Coelho paced the visitors with 16 points and 7 boards. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) delivered 14 points for MiZo Pecs. Marija Eric answered with game-high 17 points and 5 assists for Faenza. Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81) produced 12 points and 8 boards in a losing effort.
MiZO Pecs faces Ros Casares in a highly-anticipated fixture of the 5th round at home.

Faenza: Marija Eric 17, Daliborka Jokic 12+8 boards
MiZo Pecs: Graziane Coelho 16, Zsofia Fegyverneky 14, Dalma Ivanyi 11

TTT Riga shakes off MKB Euroleasing in Round 4 of Euroleague -by Eurobasket News
TTT Riga - MKB Euroleasing 77:66

Things got even more confused in Group A of FIBA Euroleague as TTT Riga outscored MKB Euroleasing at home. Three teams now share the second spot with 2-2 record, while Lille Metropole are yet to play their 4th round encounter. So it heats up the intrigue and the fight for the second spot will be merciless. Hungarian team got to a better start of this one. Bernadett Nemeth (173-G-80) hit a three-pointer and later added 3 more points to keep MKB ahead. Hungarian side capped the first frame with a strong 8:0 rally to lead by 11 points 19:8. Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) nailed a couple of jumpers to maintain the advantage for the visitors but soon the hosts turned the momentum. Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management), Iciss Tillis (194-F-81, college: Duke) and Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) paced TTT Riga and they finally draw the teams on free throws from Iciss Tillis. Olena Zherzherunova drained a triple to give the hosts a 30:27 lead with under 3 minutes remaining in the first half. TTT Riga enlarged the margin to 35:29 at halftime. MKB Euroleasing however stayed close and Barbara Semsei (178-G-86) jump shot regained the lead for the visitors 5 minutes into the third frame. But it was Iciss Tillis who tied the scoreline late in the term and Olena Zherzherunova's free throws marked a 54:50 dominance for the hosts heading into the fourth quarter. Olena Zherzherunova and Iciss Tillis combined 9 points for TTT Riga in the first 5 minutes of the fourth period to enlarge the gap to 67:56. Andrea Karolyi (183-F/G-75) and Jelena Milovanovic stroke back for MKB Euroleasing and cut the margin to 5 points 66:71. But they could not get any closer as Micaela Jacintho provided 4 points at the dying stages and pull the victory away for the home team.
Iciss Tillis topscored for TTT Riga with 25 points and 10 boards. Micaela Jacintho and Olena Zherzherunova nailed 17 points apiece for the winners. Andrea Karolyi answered with 19 points and 7 boards for MKB Euroleasing. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) sank 14 points in the second defeat for Hungarian side. TTT Riga will host Phard Napoli, while MKB Euroleasing takes on CSKA Moscow at home court in the next round.

TTT Riga: Iciss Tillis 25+10 boards, Micaela Jacintho 17, Olena Zherzherunova 17
MKB Euroleasing: Andrea Karolyi 19, Olexandra Gorbunova 14

2nd Extreme Basketball Show (Slam Dunk Show) by Face Team in Hungary -by Gabriel Zippenfenig

The second extreme basketball show will be held at the Arena of Albacomp Basketball Team on 29th December in Szekesfehervar, Hungary.

Face Team has already performed at many basketball halftime on many big events such as NBA Europe Live Tour 2007, Supercup 2007 in Bamberg, Germany, in Euroleague at the O.A.K.A. Olympic Arena at Panathinaikos vs. Maccabi Tel-Aviv game's halftime, at the 2006-2007 Championship winner Montepaschi Siena in the playoff in the Italian Championship and money other basketball games and events around the World!

The Face Team Acrobatic Basketball Team includes slam dunkers, freestylers (ball handling, dribbling), and acrobatic dunkers who are the most spectacular part of the show. The team is getting famous all around the world with their Slam Dunk Show and has many fans from lots of countries. If you have any chance to come to see their show to Hungary, do not hesitate to check their website (www.faceteamshow.com) and get in touch with the team's secretary via e-mail for further information.


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ICELAND - Women

Three games in Iceland Express league -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Valur 56 Grindavik 66. Good three point shooting was the key for Grindavik win. Top performance. Molly Peterman 26 for Valur. Tiffany Roberson 20 + 18 rebs. Joanna Skiba 15. Olof Palsdottir 14.
Hamar 64 KR 72. La Kiste Barkus 22. Fanney Gudmundsdottir 18 for Hamar. Hildur Sigurdardottir (170-G-81, agency: IceBasket) 19 + 16 rebs. Sigrun Amundadottir & Gudrun Amundadottir 15 each for KR:
Fjolnir 71 Haukar 73 ( OT 63-63) Slavica Dimovska 30. Efemia Sigurbjornsdottir 12 for Fjolnir. Kiera Hardy 28 for Haukar.

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ISRAEL - Women

round 9th first team -by Gil Goshen

IVORY LATTA gg basketball agency is the MVP of the 9th round after a great game ( 40 points ) led her team to win over Ramla ( 2006/7 champion and cup holder ).

the first team is:

Renee Taylor - Tel Kabir's point guard had a great game with a season high 35 points, .

Ivory Latta - League season high 40 points for Latta ..

Shimrit Gigi - had 18 points ,4 steals in 28 minutes as Ramat Hasharon beat Hapoel. tel aviv
Tanisha Wright - gg basketball agency 31 points , 8 boards and 6 assists in the win over Tel Kabir.

Tatyana Troina - led Ramat Hen with 24 points , 8 rebounds let her team to win vs. Bnei Yehuda.

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LATVIA - Women

TTT Riga shakes off MKB Euroleasing in Round 4 of Euroleague -by Eurobasket News
TTT Riga - MKB Euroleasing 77:66

Things got even more confused in Group A of FIBA Euroleague as TTT Riga outscored MKB Euroleasing at home. Three teams now share the second spot with 2-2 record, while Lille Metropole are yet to play their 4th round encounter. So it heats up the intrigue and the fight for the second spot will be merciless. Hungarian team got to a better start of this one. Bernadett Nemeth (173-G-80) hit a three-pointer and later added 3 more points to keep MKB ahead. Hungarian side capped the first frame with a strong 8:0 rally to lead by 11 points 19:8. Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) nailed a couple of jumpers to maintain the advantage for the visitors but soon the hosts turned the momentum. Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management), Iciss Tillis (194-F-81, college: Duke) and Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) paced TTT Riga and they finally draw the teams on free throws from Iciss Tillis. Olena Zherzherunova drained a triple to give the hosts a 30:27 lead with under 3 minutes remaining in the first half. TTT Riga enlarged the margin to 35:29 at halftime. MKB Euroleasing however stayed close and Barbara Semsei (178-G-86) jump shot regained the lead for the visitors 5 minutes into the third frame. But it was Iciss Tillis who tied the scoreline late in the term and Olena Zherzherunova's free throws marked a 54:50 dominance for the hosts heading into the fourth quarter. Olena Zherzherunova and Iciss Tillis combined 9 points for TTT Riga in the first 5 minutes of the fourth period to enlarge the gap to 67:56. Andrea Karolyi (183-F/G-75) and Jelena Milovanovic stroke back for MKB Euroleasing and cut the margin to 5 points 66:71. But they could not get any closer as Micaela Jacintho provided 4 points at the dying stages and pull the victory away for the home team.
Iciss Tillis topscored for TTT Riga with 25 points and 10 boards. Micaela Jacintho and Olena Zherzherunova nailed 17 points apiece for the winners. Andrea Karolyi answered with 19 points and 7 boards for MKB Euroleasing. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) sank 14 points in the second defeat for Hungarian side. TTT Riga will host Phard Napoli, while MKB Euroleasing takes on CSKA Moscow at home court in the next round.

TTT Riga: Iciss Tillis 25+10 boards, Micaela Jacintho 17, Olena Zherzherunova 17
MKB Euroleasing: Andrea Karolyi 19, Olexandra Gorbunova 14

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LITHUANIA - Women

TEO Vilnius gets beaten by Ros Casares -by Eurobasket News
Ros Casares - TEO Vilnius 75:70

TEO Vilnius suffered their 3rd loss in the Euroleague tournament as they fell short to Ros Casares in Valencia. Meanwhile it was the 4th straight victory for the Spanish team. The hosts set the tone early in the game as they led 8:2 just over 2 minutes of action. Later Elena Baranova (196-F-72) connected twice from beyond the arc to give Ros Casares a 14:2 advantage midway through the frame. Finally TEO started to roll as Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) and Haynie responded with triples of their own and Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) scored a pair of jumpers to pull the visitors back into contest. Ros Casares won the first frame 19:14 and held on to the lead throughout the second period. TEO managed to close the gap to 5 points with just over a minute before halftime but a trey from Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) and a jumper from Elena Baranova saw the hosts enjoy a 40:34 lead at the interval.
Yelena Leuchanka scored 4 straight points and Nykesha Sales (183-F/G-76, college: Connecticut) added a lay-up to drag TEO within a single point early in the third frame. Ros Casares reacted with an 11:4 run to restore the distance. The home team still led by 7 points 3 minutes into the final period but Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) scored a three-pointer and Nykesha Sales added 3 points as TEO finally made a breakthrough and surged ahead 68:67 with over 2 minutes left in regulation. However Elena Tornikidou (185-F-65) and Elena Baranova reestablished the lead for Valencia 73:70 with 11 seconds left. Valentiene committed a turnover in the next possession and Elisa Aguilar (178-G-76, college: George Washington) sealed the win from charity stripe. Katie Douglas (183-G/F-79, college: Purdue) topscored with 16 points for Ros Casares. Elena Baranova and Elena Tornikidou provided 15 points apiece for the winners. Nykesha Sales responded with 22 points for TEO. Jurgita Streimikyte (191-F-72) scored 16 points for the visitors as they fell to 1-3 record.
TEO will play against Dynamo in Round 5.

Ros Casares: Katie Douglas 16, Elena Baranova 15, Elena Tornikidou 15
TEO: Nykesha Sales 22, Jurgita Streimikyte 16

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MONTENEGRO - Women

Buducnost falls at 1-3 -by Eurobasket News
Buducnost-Vologda Chevakata 82:86 (12-24, 28-22, 16-22, 26-18)

Buducnost lost the the third game in Round 4 of EuroCup last night. The team from Montenegro tried hard, but could not beat Vologda Chevakata 82:86. A 12:24 in the opening quarter was fatal for the hosts. Anastasia Pimenova (180-F-81) paced the winners with 23 points. Liudmila Sapova (185-F-84) collected 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Kharchenko added 12. Nikolina Popovic (184-G/F-84) top-scored for the hosts with 20 points.

A 0-7 in the opening quarter shocked the hosts that could hardly came back to the game. Vologda continued to spurt and reached 12:24 in the end of the first. A 5-0 in the middle of the second brought Buducnost back as they trailed only 40:46 at the half. Kharchenko with a jump-shot was the last to leave the court with points.
Liudmila Sapova's three brought Russian team 10 points lead in the beginning of the third. Both squads ended up three quarters having 56:68 for the guests. An 8-0 spurt closed the hosts to 54:60 in the beginning of the fourth and gave them a good chance to tie the game. Perovic finished another 10-0 run to take her team the first lead with less than 3 minutes remaining. Vologda Chevakata could not lose the game they kept in control for the entire game and won 82:86.

Buducnost: Nikolina Popovic 20, Iva Perovanovic (190-C/F-83) 18+9 rebs
Vologda Chevakata: Anastasia Pimenova 23, Liudmila Sapova 19+9 rebs, Kharchenko 12

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ROMANIA - Women

A 7-0 start leads Arad over Apollon -by Eurobasket News
Arad-Apollon 64:61 (18-13, 13-20, 21-12, 12-16)

Romanian Arad celebrated the second win in EuroCup last night. The team overcame Greek Apollon due to 7-0 from the start. Sheena Moore (170-G-84, college: UNLV) led the winners with 16 points. Marija Kovacic (197-C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza) collected 13 points and 7 rebounds, while Dragana Zoric (178-F-78, agency: LBM Management) posted 11 points. Eshaya Murphy (180-G-85, college: USC) again top-scored for the Greek side with 23 points and 7 rebounds.

Pavel was the most active player in the court when the hosts started the game with 7-0 run. They kept the advantage for the rest of the first quarter and finished in front. Marija Kovacic made a jump-shot to set up 18:13 after the first ten minutes.
In the second quarter Apollon tasted the first lead in the game. LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) with a jump-shot brought the guests 20:21 and then Tsakmaki sent the teams to the lockers with 31:33.
With 42:40 in the third Arad created 9-1 run to take 50:41 lead. The hosts finished the third with 21:12 in it and took plus seven coming into the last quarter. Apollon did not tie the game, however could stay closer and finished the night at 64:61. Apollon improved to 2-2, while Greek side is 1-3.

Arad: Sheena Moore 16, Marija Kovacic 13+7 rebs, Dragana Zoric 11+9 rebs
Apollon: Eshaya Murphy 23+7 rebs, LaToya Davis 15+7 rebs

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RUSSIA - Women

UMMC wins in France -by Eurobasket News
Bourges Basket - UMMC 56:57

UMMC grabbed their 4th straight win in Euroleague and gave some more arguments to talk about Russian teams' dominance in Europe. UMMC needed some heroics or rather cool nerves from Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) as she knocked down both free throws with 45 seconds left in regulation to give UMMC a decisive 57:55 lead. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) could have forced overtime but converted just one of her free throw attempts to seal it for UMMC. It was a close fixture throughout three quarters. However Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) free throw made it a 48:43 for the hosts at the start of the final frame. But Kristi Harrower connected from afar and Deanna Nolan (180-G/F-79, college: Georgia) scored 4 straight points for Ekaterinburg team to surge ahead 50:48 midway through the fourth period. Sonja Petrovic and Emmeline Ndongue (194-F-83) combined 5 points to regain the lead for Bourges 53:50 with less than 4 minutes remaining. Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) produced a three-point play to draw teams but Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) fed Petrovic inside for another jump shot and the hosts enjoyed a 55:53 advantage with 2.30 on the clock. The teams exchanged turnovers before Penny Taylor (185-F-81) hit two free throws to make it all square at 55. Emmeline Ndongue missed her effort and fouled on Kristi Harrower. Australian import sank both free throws and brought another victory to UMMC.
Sandrine Gruda and Deanna Nolan fired 13 points apiece for UMMC. Kristi Harrower contributed 10 points for the winners. None of Bourges Basket players scored in double figures. Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) produced 8 points and 11 boards for the hosts. Emmeline Ndongue had 4 points and 13 boards in the third defeat for Bourges Basket. UMMC were outrebounded 32:50 but held their opponents to 30% accuracy from the field and forced them to 26 turnovers. UMMC will play against Halcon Avenida in Ekaterinburg on November 5.

Bourges Basket: Belinda Snell 9, Sonja Kireta 8+11 boards, Florence Lepron (182-G-85) 8
UMMC: Sandrine Gruda 13, Deanna Nolan 13, Kristi Harrower 10

CSKA in the spotlight as they thump Fenerbahce -by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Fenerbahce 109:69

Moscow CSKA grabbed the 4th straight win at the FIBA Euroleague as they dismantled Fenerbahce at home. The hosts marked the dominance right from the start as Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) and Olga Arteshina (190-F-82) combined 7 points for a 7:0 lead. Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) and Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers) cut the gap but Olga Arteshina nailed another long jumper to make it 20:11 midway through the first frame. Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, college: Stanford) capped the opening period with two three-pointers to give CSKA a 34:19 lead. Her bombardment continued in the second frame as she opened it with two more treys and later Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) and Olga Arteshina came with triples of their own to put the hosts in front by 22 points. Later CSKA stunned the visitors with a 14:0 rally to cherish a 59:27 lead. Ilona Korstine capped the first half with a jumper to secure a comfortable 63:32 advantage for the home team. The teams exchanged the blows throughout the third period and CSKA entered the fourth quarter up by 32 points. Moscow team began the final frame with another 9:0 run that ceased any doubts about the outcome. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) finished with 21 points and 7 boards for CSKA. Amaya Valdemoro produced 20 points, while Nicole Powell contributed 16 points for the winners. Tammy Sutton-Brown scored 18 points for Fenerbahce. Cappie Pondexter netted 15 points as Turkish side fell to 2-2 record. The hosts outrebounded Fenerbahce 40:32 and sank 61% of field goals. Fenerbahce replied with just 40% accuracy.
CSKA will next face MKB Euroleasing away from home. Fenerbahce hosts Lille Metropole in Istanbul.

CSKA: Ann Wauters 21, Amaya Valdemoro 20, Nicole Powell 16
Fenerbahce: Tammy Sutton-Brown 18, Cappie Pondexter 15

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SLOVAK REP. - Women

Kosit 2013 unable to stop Valenciennes -by Eurobasket News
Kosit 2013 - USVO Valenciennes 58:62

Slovakian Kosit 2013 fell to 1-3 record in the Euroleague after they were beaten by USVO Valenciennes at home. It was the second straight win for Valenciennes as they improved to 2-2 record in Group C ladder. Valenciennces looked slightly better in the opening stanza as they built a 13:10 advantage after 10 minutes of action. The game remained extra tight in the second stanza wit neither team able to clear off. But Luisa Michulkova (179-F-84) and Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) combined 8 points in the last 3 minutes of the first half to ensure a 26:21 halftime advantage for Kosit 2013. Emilie Gomis (180-F-83) scored quick 7 points for Valenciennes early in the third term to make it all square at 30. Sabrina Reghaissia (188-F-83) stepped up with 5 consecutive points for French team midway through the period and USVO grabbed a 42:34 lead. The hosts trailed by 7 points heading into the final quarter and struggled to find the way back into contest as Francesca Zara (177-G-76) and Laurie Koehn (174-G-82, college: Kansas St.) came up with straight triples to maintain the distance. But Kosit 2013 finally began to convert and 4 free throws from Alena Kovacova (190-C-78) and Luisa Michulkova saw them cut the gap to 2 points 58:60 with just over a minute to go. Emilie Gomis was blocked by Luisa Michulkova in USVO next possession but Katie Gearlds (186-G/F-84, college: Purdue) committed a turnover and Krissy Bade (182-F-80) hit both free throws with 1 second on the clock to seal the victory for French side.
Emilie Gomis led Valenciennes with 19 points and 6 boards. Francesca Zara provided 16 points and 8 boards for the winners. Luisa Michulkova finished with game-high 22 points and 10 boards for Kosit 2013. Ivana Jalcova contributed 19 points in a losing case. USVO Valenciennes will take on Spartak Moscow Region at home, while Kosit 2013 will host Lotos in Kosice in the next round of action in Group C.

Kosit 2013: Luisa Michulkova 22+10 boards, Ivana Jalcova 19
USVO: Emilie Gomis 19, Francesca Zara 16, Krissy Bade 10

MBK Ruzomberok is undefeated! -by Eurobasket News
ZTE-MBK Ruzomberok 63:73 (15-16, 21-25, 16-19, 11-13)

MBK Ruzomberok remains undefeated in Group E of EuroCup. Slovak team proved the ambitions on a road game over ZTE 63:73. A victory in all the quarters allowed MBK Ruzomberok to take 4-0 record. Lindsey Wilson (176-81) led the winners with 24 points and 6 assists. Simona Podesvova (186-F-83) nailed 15, while Regina Palusna (192-C-89) scored 12. Lidiya Milkova (192-C-70) ended up with 25 points and 7 rebounds for Hungarian team.

Horvath was glad to give the hosts 2-0 from the start as the teams opened Game 4. With a back-to-back quarter MBK Ruzomberok grabbed 15:16 after the first ten minutes of the game. A second quarter brought a bigger advantage to the visitors as they increased to 36:41.

The third period had a special background as the teams exchanged the runs in it. First ZTE enjoyed ten points in a row and then Slovak team replied to take 53:60 after 30 minutes.
It was a time in the fourth when the spectators could think of the first upset of MBK Ruzomberok. Molly Creamer (177-G-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) made a jump-shot to reduce to 60:66 with 3 minutes remaining. The visitors did not fall down and finished the night with 63:73 as Cernakova was the last to score in the game.

ZTE: Lidiya Milkova 25+7 rebs, Molly Creamer 12
MBK Ruzomberok: Lindsey Wilson 24+6 ast, Simona Podesvova 15+7 rebs, Regina Palusna 12+8 rebs