Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/1/2007

Copyright © 1997-2007 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

*****************************************************
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 (21p+14rb), Raphael Edwards (18p+9rb+6to), Chris Wehye (14p+6rb), Chris Grant (12p+6rb)

RAINMEN: Blandon Ferguson (22p+8rb+5to), Chad Eichelberger (20p+5rb), Brian Silverhorn (17p), Kadiri Richard (5p+7rb+12bs)

*****************************************************
ADRIATIC LEAGUE

FMP cut 3 players and added 5 youngsters to their roster -by Dragan Jankovski
After 7 consecutive defeats, 4 in Adriatic league against Zadar, Hemofarm, Crvena Zvezda and Cibona and 3 losts in ULEB Cup Vs Chalon, Besiktas and Koln, management of FMP decided to make bigger changes in the roster. Namely, the team doesn't count any more on Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84), Djordje Micic (196-G-83) and Nenad Stefanovic (193-G-85). New members of the senior team came from the FMP's young selections: Dejan Musli (213-C-91), who was MVP of the U16 European Championship, Marko Gacinovic, Stefan Zivanovic (197-F-89), Nikola Markovic (207-F/C-89) and Ivan Smiljanic (198-F-89). Last three players were members of the Serbian U18 NT who won EC in Spain this summer.

Regarding these changes president of FMP, Nebojsa Covic, said: “This is just one step forward of making our team even younger. About our head coach Vukojicic, we support him 100%. We are not kind of the team who needs to win the trophies every season. No, we prefer to work and to base on a long term results so with these changes FMP will have much younger team and we expect a lot from them in the future.”

*****************************************************
AUSTRALIA

NZ Breakers stay cool against South Dragons -by Eurobasket News
NZ Breakers - South Dragons 107:104

Phill Jones (196-G-74) hit a pair of important free throws at the dying stages and NZ Breakers pull away with a tight victory over striving South Dragons. NZ Breakers had a usual slow start and the visitors quickly gained an 8-point lead midway through the opening frame. But Phill Jones nailed a couple of jumpers late in the first quarter to cut the gap to 2 points 23:25. The momentum began to shift the hosts' way as Mika Vukona (197-F-82) and Oscar Forman (205-G-82) dominated the paint, while Paora Winitana (195-G-76) found the touch from beyond the arc. His three-pointer allowed the home side to enjoy a 46:36 lead midway through the second stanza. Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) led NZ Breakers in the first half as they led by as many as 14 points at the interval. Shane Heal (182-G-70) and Jacob Holmes (198-G-83) paced the visitors in the third term as triples kept dropping for them and they narrowed the gap to 6 points 74:80. South Dragons revived in the final period as Shane Heal led his teammates with his inspirational style of play. He drained another long jumper with 30 seconds left in regulation to make it 101:103. Phill Jones however responded with 3 straight free throws to restore a 6-point cushion 106:101 with 9 seconds on the clock. Cortez Groves (196-G/F-78, college: Kansas St.) needed just 4 seconds to drop a trey and cut the gap back to 2 points. But Kirk Penney was fouled killing time and sealed the win hitting one of two free throws. Kirk Penney finished with game-high 24 points and 9 boards for the Breakers. Phill Jones had 18 points, while Oscar Forman posted 17 points and 13 boards for the winners. Shane Heal replied with 22 points and 8 assists for the South Dragons. Matt Burston (210-F/C-82) nailed 21 points in defeat.
NZ Breakers improved to 9-6 record and face Sydney Kings at home in the next round. The South Dragons fell to 4-10 record and would try to improve against the Taipans in Cairns on Sunday.

NZ Breakers: Kirk Penney 24, Phill Jones 18, Oscar Forman 17+13 boards
South Dragons: Shane Heal 22, Matt Burston 21

*****************************************************
BRIT.V.ISLANDS

Clash of the Champs basketball on Dec. 7-9 -by David Edole
Clash of the Champions at the Multipurpose Sports Complex Dec. 7-9; teams include Tortola All Stars v VG All Stars in the junior division and VG Seniors v Jam Squad from St. Thomas and Hoyas from St. Croix v East from Tortola; children $3, adults $5.

*****************************************************
BULGARIA

Lukoil continues to dominate -by Valentin Anguelov

Lukoil Academic's domination in the Bulgarian championship continues. Today they crushed without any problems the thired team in the ranking - Spartak Pleven with 98-70 in the first game of the 11th round of Men's First A-1.
The game was close in the beginning, after some nice plays from Spartak's center - Sasha Topcov. One minute before the end of the first quarter the score was tied 19:19, but after 5 consecutive points by Topcov, the home side led it 24:19 after 10 minutes. At this time Topcov had 14 points, but actually he finished with 17 total.

The score was 27:21 at the 12th minute of the game, when the champions woke up, and for 6 minutes turned the things around and took the lead with 29:37.
At the end of the first half, after some reactions by Lukoil's coach Zeljko Lukajic and the team star - Pero Antic, both of them received technical fouls, and Hrisimir Dimitrov scored 5 out of 6 free-throws, as that put Spartak back in the game. Dimitrov scored two more baskets and the score was tied at halftime - 41:41.

The third quarter was decisive. Lukoil Academic dominated and decided the game, after scoring 37 points against just 16 for Spartak, as the home team scored their first basket in the second half, in the 23rd minute of the game. There was a 10-0 run for Lukoil, and their lead grew ip to 43:60 at the 14th minute. Just for three and a half minutes, Lukoil Academic scored 19 points, against only 2 for Spartak. At the end of the third period, the Students were ahed with 57:58. The only bad thing for Academic is that Murilo Da Rosa sprained his ankle and did not finish the game. In the last quarter, the champions made their win even bigger - 70:98. In the second half Spartak Pleven had only 29 points against 57 for Lukoil Academic.

For Lukoil Academic the captain Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) and Willie Deane were the top scorers with 17 points each. Donta Smith added 16, and Murilo Da Rosa had 15 before his injury. Pero Antic got off the bench for 14 points and 15 rebounds in 29 minutes.
For Spartak Hrisimir Dimitrov had the most - 18, Sasa Topcov added 17, as those two were the only ones in double digits.

That was win number 11 for Lukoil Academic in Bulgaria this season, as they remain unbeaten. Spartak Pleven lost for the 4th time this year, but Darin Velikov's team hs 7 wins. The Students don't have a loss in Bulgaria for 13 months. The last time they lost a game was against CSKA on October 28th 2006.

Lukoil Academic is travelling to France on Tuesday, as on Wednesday night they are facing Pau Orthez in the ULEB Cup.

FULL STATS FROM THE GAME SPARTAK PLEVEN - LUKOIL ACADEMIC

by Alexander Sotirov - BulgarianBasket.com

*****************************************************
CHILE

Dimayor: round 21 & 22 preview -by Daniel Valencia
With two rounds remaining, the fight for the playoffs is "red hot" in the chilean league.

Deportivo Valdivia has dominated the entire regular season, but their sunday loss against Liceo Mixto put them in a position where they have to win both games of this weekend (Puente Alto and Boston) to retain the first place and face the playoffs with home court advantage. For this weekend games is expected the return of the forward Jorge Enrique Soto.

Behind Valdivia are CD Universidad de Concepcion and Liceo Mixto. They will face on saturday night in Los Andes. Narvarte's and Ares's team have the shot to win the regular season if they win both games and Valdivia lose one on the road. For Concepcion, the return to the lineup of the forward Eduardo Marechal (after three months due to an injury) is the most important news.

In the bottom of the standings the fight it's not different. Osorno (6), Espanol (7), Catolica (8), Castro (9) and Ancud (10) will face the last two rounds with a major chance to reach the postseason.

Provincial Osorno will travel to Chiloe Island to play against Deportes Castro and Deportes Ancud, two of their direct rivals. Osorno is having troubles to find their second foreigner after Curtis Williams ended his contract with the team. For Ancud, it's in doubt the participation of Daryl Rufus due to an injury.

Deportivo Espanol and Universidad Catolica will face on saturday night. This game is a must for both teams in their options to reach the playoffs.

After the weekend the playoff picture will be clear.

*****************************************************
CHINA

Bayi Slides, Jiansu Loses Without Tang, Guangdong and Xinjiang Win -by Arthur Volbert
Bayi may not have slipped to the level of the New York Knicks, but it certainly does not appear that it will repeat as league champion this year. With Li Nan and Wang Lei injured, the Rockets lost to Fujian 103-78. Gong Songlin led Fujian with 27 points and former Bayi star Liu Yudong added 25. Chris Porter had 20 points and 15 rebounds. Chen Ke led Bayi with 23 points and Mo Ke had 20. Wang Zhizhi had 18 points and 10 rebounds but is no longer a truly dominant player in the CBA.

League-leading Guangdong had to rally 38-20 in the fourth quarter to defeat bottom-dwelling Shanghai 120-112. Wang Shipeng led Guangdong with 31 points and young Chen Dawei scored 28 on 12 of 15 shooting. Jerod Ward scored 32 for Shanghai and Liu Wei had 25 but also 8 turnovers. New import Pig Miller had 17 points and 12 rebounds and Gu Aoke, an athletic 196 cm point guard who played in the World Junior championships this summer, had 10 points and 6 rebounds in 23 minutes.

Zhejiang outscored Shaanxi 33-16 in the fourth quarter to bust up a tight game and defeat Shaanxi 104-85. Ding Jinhui led Zhejiang with 23 points, 13 rebounds and 5 steals and Sui Xiaolong added 21 points. Tian Yu had 19 points for Fujian and new import Hiram Fuller had 16 points and 17 rebounds.

Zhang Nan scored 25 points and Rodney White had 24 points and 8 rebounds as Zhejiang Guangsha defeated Jilin 104-98. Dejuang Tate had 23 points for Jilin and Babacar Camara had 18 points and 15 rebounds.

With Tang Zhengdong injured, Jiangsu's rotation was completely disrupted and it lost to Dongguan 132-114. Anthony Myles led Dongguan with 31 points and Zhang Kai had 23 points and 11 rebounds. Mike Harris had 23 points and 10 rebounds. Hu Xuefeng led Jiangsu with 29 points and Raheim Brown and Yang Li each scored 21.

Liaoning defeated Beijing 85-73 behind 29 points from Liu Xiangtao. Chen Lei scored 20 points for Beijing.

Lamizana Herve (210-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) had 40 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks as Shandong defeated Shanxi Zhongyu 136-110. Damon King had 27 points for Zhongyu.

In a game dominated by imports, Xinjiang preserved its share of the CBA lead with Guangdong with a 121-110 victory over Yunnan. David Jackson scoere 36 points for Xinjiang and Aaron McGhee added 31. Dontae Jones scored 34 points for Yunnan and Nigel Dixon added 26 points and 9 rebounds.

Fujian 103
Gong Songlin 27p+6r+2a+1bl, Lu Xiaoming 6p+4r+9a+1s+0to, Chris Porter 20p+15r+1a+1s, Yang Chao 11p+3r+2a+1s, Liu Yudong 25p+8r+1a+2s, Jameel Watkins 6p+6r+1a+1bl
Bayi 78
Mo Ke 20p+5r+1s, Chen Ke 23p+5r+1a+1s, Li Ke2 6p+3r+2a+3s, Wang Zhizhi 18p+10r+1a+1bl, Wang Zhongguang 3p+4r+2a+1s

Guangdong 120
Zhu Fangyu 18p+9r+4a+3s+1bl, Wang Shipeng 31p+2a+2s, Liu Xiaoyu 5p+1r+5a+0to, Jason Dixon 21p+11r+2a+1s+1bl, Chen Dawei 28p(12/15)+10r+4a+1s+1bl, Lamond Murray 12p+8r+2a+2s, Zhou Peng 3p+3r+2a+2s
Shanghai 112
Liu Wei 25p+5r+5a+1s+8to, Wang Yong 11p+6r+1a, Xu Yong 12p+4r+2a+2s+1bl, Jerod Ward 32p+7r+3a, Peng Fei 5p+3r+1a, Pig Miller 17p+12r+1s, Gu Aoke 10p+6r+2a+1s,

Zhejiang 104
Ding Jinhui 23p+13r+2a+5s, Wang Nan 20p+1r+1a+2s+7to, Liu Weiwei 17p+1r+3a+2s+5to, Deng Li 4p+5r+2a+1s+2bl, Soumaila Samake 14p+18r+3a+3bl, Sui Xiaolong 21p+6r+2s, God Shammgod 5p+1r+1a+1s
Shaanxi 85
Tian Yu 19p+6r, Liu Jiulong 13p(3/20)+9r+2a+3s+7to, Dai Yong 9p+2r+3a, Zhang Wei 4p+4r+2a+1s, Hiram Fuller 16p+17r+4a+2s, Hu Guang 8p+3r, Bai Fan 9p+1r+2a+3s, Brandon Robinson 5p+3r

Guangsha 104
Garnett Thompson 13p+7r+7a+1s, Yu Junkai 16p+3r+1a, Li Meng 7p+5r+2a+1bl, Zhang Nan 25p+4r+4a+3s, Ying Kui 9p+3r+1a+1s, Rodney White 24p+8r+2a+3s+1bl
Jilin 98
Wang Bo 12p+5r+4a+1s+5to, Lu Yan 7p+1r, Babacar Camara 18p+15r+2a+1s+1bl, Zhao Anan 16p+6r, Dejuan Tate 23p+7r+1s, Cheng Zhiming 3p+4r+2a, Nie Jinqiang 10p+7r+3a, Liu Wei2 7p+3r+1s

Dongguan 132
Anthony Myles 31p+12r+2a, Wang Jing 15p+2r+6a, Qiu Biao 18p+7r+2a+3s, Zhang Kai 23p+11r+1a+1s+2bl, Mike Harris 23p+10r+1a+1s+1bl, Wu Songwei 5p+3r, Yu Ning 11p+1r, #23 5p+3r+2a
Jiangsu 114
Yi Li 12p+2r+1a+1s, Hu Xuefeng 29p+8r+4a+3s, Zhang Cheng 6p+1r+3a+1s, Fang Hui 6p+9r+2a+1s+1bl, Raheim Brown 21p+7r, Yang Li 21p+8r+1a+6s, Ryan Forehan-Kelly 17p+3r

Liaoning 85
Bian Qiang 11p+4r+4s, Liu Xiangtao 29p+5r+1s, Li Xiaoxu 7p+7r+5a+1s+1bl, Earnest Brown 10p+5r+1s+2bl, Zhang Qingpeng 14p+7r+2a+4s, Patrick Simpson 12p+9r+2a+1s
Beijing 73
Jiao Jian 4p+3r+2a, Zhang Yunsong 6p+6r+2a, Chen Lei 20p+3r+2a+2s, Olumide Oyedeji 17p+16r+2a+2s, Xie Libin 2p+3r+3s, Ji Zhe 5p+3r, Michael Fey 7p+2r+2a, Zhao Yonggang 9p+1a

Shandong 136
Wang Gang 19p+1r+3a+1s, Sun Jie 7p+5r+2s, Li Lin 12p+3r+1s, Guo Lei 14p+6r+2a+2s, Lamizana Herve 40p+13r+3a+4s+5bl, Cao Zhenhua 5p+1r+1a+1s, Lou Yandong 14p+3a+1a, Mack Tuck 15p+6r+4a+3s, Zhang Xiaowei 6p+1r+1a
Shanxi Zhongyu 110
Wang Sizhang 12p+2r, Yu Xuelin 19p+1r+3a+1s+6to, Zhai Jinshuai 11p+2r, Major Wingate 2p+4r+2a+3bl, Sun Chunlei 18p+4r+1bl, Yu Tao 9p+6r+1s, Damon King 27p+3r+3a+1s,

Xinjiang 121
Xu Guozhong 14p+7r+2a+2s, Xue Yuyang 13p+3r+1s+1bl, Mengke Bateer 10p+15r+3a+2s, Song Cun 7p+1r+7a+1to, David Jackson 36p+3r+3a+2s, Mai Wulan 3p+5r, Aaron McGhee 31p+4r+2a
Yunnan 110
Yang Huai 17p+4r+2a+5s, Nigel Dixon 26p+9r, Wang Nan2 9p+1r+2s, Cun Shouwei 5p+3r+2a, Dontae Jones 34p+15r+1a+4s, Chen Zhaosheng 9p+1r

LIAONING TOP BEIJING!!! -by Ogoh Odaudu
Liaoning ended Beijings two game run handing down a 85-73 defeat to them this evening in Beijing.The visitors left the blocks smoking and didnt look back till the final buzzer.Halftime scores were 45-30 in favour of the visitors.Lui Xiangtao led all scoring with 29pts and 5rebs.Import players Brown Ernest (213-C-79, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Indian Hills CC) and Simpson Patrick (206-F-83, college: SMU) scored 11 and 12pts respectively.Simpson also grabbed 9rebs.For the home side,Chen Lei (195-G/F-83) was his usual agrressive self,scoring 20pts.Oyedeji Olumide (208-C/F-81) had 17pts and grabbed 16 boards.

*****************************************************
D-LEAGUE

Last Night in the D-League -by Surujh Roopnarine
Rio Grande Valley Vipers (111) at Los Angeles D-Fenders (123)
VIPERS: C.J. Watson (22p+7rb+9as), Steve Novak (21p+5rb), Gabe Muoneke (18p), Jarred Merrill (17p+5rb)
D-FENDERS: Sean Banks (28p+6rb), Brian Chase (19p+7as), Coby Karl (19p+5rb), Devin Green (17p+6rb)

Ft. Wayne Mad Ants (125) at Iowa Energy (118)
MAD ANTS: Jeremy Richardson (40p+6rb+5as), Earl Calloway (24p+9rb+8as), Rederick Wilmont (29p), Cory Minnifield (12p)
ENERGY: JamesOn Curry (22p+10as), Deji Akindele (13p+12rb), Jeff Horner (20p+7rb+6as), Dwayne Mitchell (19+56rb)

Bakersfield Jam (99) at Utah Flash (102)
JAM: Scooter McFadgon (24p), James Peters (21p+rb), Anthony Wilkins (19p), Roderick Riley (16p)
FLASH: Brandon Wallace (16p+13rb), Kevin Kruger (17p+12as), Kyrylo Fesenko (15p+7rb), Brian Hamilton (13p+6rb)

Recent Transactions -by Surujh Roopnarine
NBA Player Assignments
The Los Angeles Lakers assigned rookie guard Coby Karl (6'4''-G-83, college: Boise St.) to the D-Fenders on November 28th.
Former Big Ten Player of the Year and 2007 NBA Draft First Round selection Alando Tucker (6'6''-F-84, college: Wisconsin), has been assigned to the Thunderbirds by the Phoenix Suns.
Second year guard Darius Washington (6'2''-G-85, college: Memphis) has been assigned to Austin by the San Antonio Spurs.

NBA Call-Ups
Veteran big man Jelani McCoy (6'10''-F/C-77, college: UCLA) was signed by the depleted Denver Nuggets off of the Los Angeles D-Fenders. McCoy, seven year veteran out of UCLA, averaged 8.0 points, 6.5 rebounds 4.0 blocks and 3.5 assists in two games in the D-League.

Player Movement
Los Angeles: Signed Stephane Lasme (6'8''-F-82, college: Massachusetts) and waived Marcus White (6'8''-F-83, college: Purdue) due to injury. Lasme, out of UMass was in camp with Golden State after being selected with the 46th pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
The 6'8" Lasme was the 2006-07 Atlantic 10 Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year.
Iowa: Acquired former Creighton standout Anthony Tolliver (6'9''-C-85). Tolliver a free agent out of Creighton was with the Cleveland Cavaliers before theyr waived him after signing Demetris Nichols.
Tolliver finished his college career averaging 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds over 124 games, including a career-best 13.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game during his 33-game senior season. During that season he earned All-MVC honors, having been the league's only player to rank among the top 10 in scoring, rebounding and blocks. Keith Gayden (6'8''-F-83, college: Duquesne) was released to make room.
Austin: Signed NBA veteran swingman DerMarr Johnson (6'9''-G-80, college: Cincinnati) and released Patrick Fields (6'6''-G/F-84, college: Baylor).

*****************************************************
EL SALVADOR

Denver 1 - ExSal 0 -by Jaime Arevalo
Carlos Alas (181-G-79) was the main performer in the first game of the Clausura final series, taken by Denver, 104-95 over ExSal. Alas scored 31 points, and Panamanian teammate Daniel King (203-F-87) added 19 at the winning side. The best among the "Salesianos" was Miguel Banos (186-F/C-84), who scored 23 pts even playing only 25 minutes, followed by Patrick Culver (208-C-84, college: Texas A&M), with 22. Game 2 will be played tonight

*****************************************************
EURO CUP

Draw of Qualifying Round -by Eurobasket News
Only 16 teams are left in FIBA EuroCup tournament and that means that the competition becomes more interesting. After the Tuesday and Wednesday results we found out sixteen teams that qualified to the Qualifying Round of EuroCup. Tonight Munich divided the teams into 4 groups.

Group A will be represented by PAOK, CSK-VVS Samara, Lappeenranta and Tartu Rock. Banvit, Cherkaski Mavpy, Ural Great and Dexia Mons made up Group B. Group C will have Olympia, Spartak St. Petersburg, KK Zagreb and AEL. Group D will include Lokomotiv Rostov, Khimik, Cholet Basket and Barons. The teams in each group will play each other home and away with the winner and runner-up advancing to the quarter-final round.

After an Elimination Round Belton Rivers (193-G-84, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: Tennessee Tech) from Georgian Energy remains the top-scorer in the Cup. His team however is out of the tournament, but anyway he averages with 23.5 points per game. Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82) from AEL leads the Rebounding stats with 13.5 per game, the same number as Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) from Keravnos has. Antonio Porta (188-G-83, agency: Players Group) averages 9 assists per game for Spartak St. Argentinian guard made 18 assists per two games against Odessa in the first round. He has also 14 points averaging per game.

*****************************************************
EUROLEAGUE

Undermanned CSKA leaves no chance for Tau -by Eurobasket News
Tau - CSKA 76:85

CSKA faced a difficult situation before the trip to Vitoria. They missed four of their key players including Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances), Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79), Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) and Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78). But it never seemed to be an obstacle for Russian powerhouse. David Andersen (212-C-80) and Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) stepped up for Moscow team netting 23 points each and CSKA pulled away an important 76:85 victory. It was a rare home defeat for Tau as they had won previous 30 home encounters in Euroleague but CSKA snapped the impressive streak yesterday.
The start of the game highlighted a tough defense as both teams struggled to score at opening stages. But soon CSKA sparked with a 10:0 rally to lead 17:9 midway through the first quarter. CSKA big men David Andersen and Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) found open space in the court and both connected from afar to keep CSKA winning 25:13 after the starting frame. Tau could not overcome disciplined CSKA defense in the second quarter, while shots just would not drop for the hosts. The visitors held on to the lead and finished the first half ahead 44:35. David Andersen knocked down another three-pointer early in the third frame to keep CSKA rolling. Trajan Langdon and Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) added two more from beyond the arc and the lead suddenly reached 20-point mark. Tau were stunned for some time before Planicic tried to shake up the hosts with 6 consecutive points. Tau had a momentum with William McDonald (207-C-79, college: S.Florida) hitting a jump shot and Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) adding one from three-point territory. The gap grew thin and Tau trailed by 13 points heading into the final frame. David Andersen and Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) led the action for CSKA at the start of the fourth period as they combined quick 7 points to restore a 15-points deficit. Later Trajan Langdon netted another long jumper and the outcome became clear. Marcus Goree provided 12 points and 7 boards for CSKA. David Andersen added 10 boards for the winners. Pablo Prigioni (186-G-77) answered with 14 points for the home team. William McDonald had 13 points in the second loss for Tau. CSKA outrebounded Tau 32:24 and committed only 3 turnovers.
CSKA will now take on Bologna at home, while Tau will travel to Lithuania to face Zalgiris in the 7th round.

Tau: Pablo Prigioni 14, William McDonald 13
CSKA: David Andersen 23+10 boards, Trajan Langdon 23, Marcus Goree 12

Unwelcoming Piraeus -by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Zalgiris 90:74

Zalgiris suffered their 4th defeat in the Euroleague season after they were beaten by Olympiakos in Piraeus. Arvydas Macijauskas (192-G-80) was once again huge with 32 points as Greeks improved to 4-2 record in Group A ladder. The game was a close battle at early stages with Paulius Jankunas (204-F-84, agency: Interperformances) and Marcus Brown (192-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) opening the scoring stats with 5 quick points for Zalgiris and Qyntel Woods (204-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) replying with 5 points of his own for the hosts. The teams kept on exchanging the baskets in the opening frame but Milos Teodosic (196-G-87) scored a jumper to cap the frame and marked a 26:20 lead for Olympiakos. Qyntel Woods and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) enlarged the gap to 11 points early in the second term. Printezis later made it 41:29 but just for Marcus Brown and De Juan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) to cut it back to 6 points 35:41. Zalgiris held on to the distance and sparked with late baskets from Bradley and De Juan Collins to trail by just 2 points at halftime 47:49.
Zalgiris stayed close throughout the third period but only before Arvydas Macijauskas stepped up with 5 consecutive points for Olympiacos as they cleared off to a 70:61 distance at the end of the third frame. Olympiakos looked dominant early in the fourth but Lithuanian team fought hard to stay in contest. Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) and De Juan Collins scored for the visitors to narrow the margin to 8 points midway through the term. But Arvydas Macijauskas and Qyntel Woods drained triples for the hosts and buried Zalgiris' hopes for a positive result. Qyntel Woods contributed 18 points for Olympiakos. Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) and Marc Jackson (206-C/F-75, college: Temple) had 12 points apiece for the winners. Marcus Brown scored 19 points for Zalgiris. De Juan Collins netted 14 points and grabbed 7 boards in a losing case.
Zalgiris will now try to return to winning ways against Tau at Kaunas next round. Olympiakos will travel to Italy to take on Montepaschi on December 5.

Olympiakos: Arvydas Macijauskas 32, Qyntel Woods 18, Lynn Greer 12, Marc Jackson 12
Zalgiris: Marcus Brown 19, De Juan Collins 14

*****************************************************
FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Glenn Stokes scored 41 pts! -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 14-15: One game tonight. Pyrinto (Tampere) hosting vs Korihait (Uusikaupunki) and still playing without Eric Washington. Pyrinto keeping
the lead 30+ minutes, but the fourth quarter was a disaster (11-30) and Korihait won finally 86-92 (44-37). The game MVP was Korihait small big man again.
Glenn Stokes (170-G-76, college: American) scored 41 pts and made 8 treys out of 10 shots (1 - 5/5, 2 - 6/9, 3 - 8/10)!

Pyrinto - Korihait 86-92 (44-37) (Damon Williams 30/17, Damion Dantzler 14 - Glenn Stokes 41, Darius Glover 18/10).

KORISLIIGA: OT was needed in Karkkila -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 14: Five contests tonight, two home wins, two victories on the road and one OT. OT was needed in Karkkila, where Team Componenta
defeated Pyrinto (Tampere) finally 77-71. Nick Wallery (201-F-81, college: Albany St.) (TC) had 21/17 and Damon Williams (199-F-73, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Colorado St.-Pueblo) (TP) 30/15. Korihait (Uusikaupunki) won over Kouvot (Kouvola) by one point (67-66). The smallest on the court, Glenn Stokes (170-G-76, college: American) was the biggest with scoring/rebounding (16/11) on Korihait roster! KTP (Kotka) almost crushed Honka (Espoo) 99-80 and YMCA Lahti scored only 59 pts at home vs Kataja (Joensuu) and that was 10 pts too little. Kataja won 59-69. Kauhajoki was surprised by Tarmo's (Porvoo) newcomer Martin Samarco (190-G-85), who was the game MVP with 31 pts in his first game in Finland. Tarmo was better 76-92.

Team Componenta - Pyrinto OT 77-71 (65) (29-31) (Nick Wallery 21/17, Jerome Rogers 17 - Damon Williams 30/15, Antero Lehto 11).

Korihait - Kouvot 67-66 (41-28) (Glenn Stokes 16/11, Darius Glover 16 - Wayne Bernard 17, Sami Laaksonen 12).

KTP - Honka 99-80 (53-44) (Emmanuel Dies (204-F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Kansas St.) 24/15, Steve Smith 20/11 - Petteri Koponen 32, Kimmo Muurinen 14/11).

YMCA Lahti - Kataja 59-69 (26-37) (Ville Makalainen 19, Ed Williams 14/12 - Louis Hinnant 21, Anssi Kinnaslampi 18).

Kauhajoki - Tarmo 76-92 (41-47) (Cedric McGowan 23, Darryl Hudson 22 - Martin Samarco 31, Esa Maki-Tulokas 17).

EUROCUP: Team LPR in Group A -by Rauno Hurmalainen
EuroCup, Qualifying Round: Group A: Team Lappeenranta (Finland), Tartu Rock (Estonia), CSK-VVS Samara (Russia), PAOK BC Thessaloniki (Greece).
First games: 11.12. CSK-VVS Samara vs Team Lappeenranta, PAOK BC Thessaloniki vs Tartu Rock.

Housman back in line, Vilpas wins -by Jari Vikman

Vilpas-Honka Akatemia: 68-43
Tyler McGinn (198-F-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO) 35/11, Michael Housman 8/13 - Skomantas Pocius 14/5, Jere Paivinen 11/9

Men's first division upcoming matches:

30.11 RU/Topo - PuHu

01.12 BC Jyvaskyla - PuHu

02.12 Ura Basket - Visa-Basket

02.12 Pantterit - Helsingin NMKY

02.12 BC Nokia - Lapuan Korikobrat

02.12 Äanekosken Huima - RU/ToPo

02.12 Turun NMKY - Salon Vilpas

02.12 Forssan Koripojat - Tapiolan Honka

*****************************************************
GERMANY

Goettingen: Bigman Monds arrives -by Moritz Korff
David Monds (203-F-83, college: Oklahoma St.) has signed an agreement with BG 74 Goettingen (1. Bundesliga) for the remainder of this current season today. The Violets needed a new Post Player after Kevin Hanson (210-C-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Diego) left to Nuernberg recently. Monds appeared in 34 games for Oklahoma State (NCAA1) during the 2006-2007 season and averaged 6.7 points plus 5 rebounds per contest. The 24-year-old played for Gelisim Koleji of the second Turkish division (6 games: 16.7ppg, 10.0rpg, 1.2apg) before moving to Germany.
Meanwhile, Babis Douloudis (188-G-81) has been cut from the Violets' roster. Though the 26-year-old Guard, a member of the 2006-2007 Eurobasket.com 2. Bundesliga North All-Domestic Players Team, did not agree to cancelling the contract with BG 74, Headcoach John Patrick made clear that Douloudis will not receive any playing time until his contract ends next year.

Jackson to replace Cavlin in Aschersleben? -by Moritz Korff
According to the teams' website Eddie Jackson (183-G-84, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment) has been added to the roster of the Aschersleben Tigers (Regionalliga North) as the third import player from the USA. The 23-year-old Combo Guard will apparently replace Radovan Cavlin (192-G-85), who averaged 14.9 points seven games for the Tigers this season. However, there has not been made any official announcement from the club yet.
Aschersleben is still waiting for its first win of the season and is currently on the bottom of the RLN-table. Jackson, a graduate of NCAA2-school Pittsburg State and an All-American Honorable Mention as a senior, completed his collegiate career in 2006 after having led the Gorillas in points per game (19.2ppg) through the 2005-2006 campaign.

Ba and Johnson leave the Roosters -by Moritz Korff
As the local paper "Weser Kurier" reports today, both team captain Omar Ba (195-G/F-72) and Larry Johnson (191-G-79, college: Niagara) have been released by the Bremen Roosters (2. Bundesliga Pro A). Ba had been suspended due to disciplinary reasons prior to the game versus Rhoendorf on Saturday, because he was late to practice again. The club-officials now decided to do without Ba in the future. Meanwhile, Johnson was not really happy with his situation in Bremen, so both sides agreed on going separate ways.

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

Alon Stein leave MyGuide Amsterdam -by Fred Roggen
Alon Stein (186-G-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services) has left MyGuide Amsterdam by direct. The guard who has a German and Israeli nationality, had a temporary contract at MyGuide Amsterdam. There is serious interest for him from teams in Israel .

Sam Jones leaves Rotterdam Challengers and move to Caceres -by Fred Roggen
Sam Jones (188-G-78, college: Northwood) leave the Rotterdam Challengers by direct to sign a contract with the Spanish team of Caceres. Rotterdam Challengers hopes to present a new player in short time.

EiffelTowers released Brandon Kurtz -by Fred Roggen
According to the fansite "EBBC-WEST", Eiffel Towers has released center Brandon Kurtz (208-C-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Tulsa) today. The American should have broken some team-rules. Eiffeltowers will try to find as soon as possible a substitute for Kurz .

*****************************************************
HUNGARY

Round 9: ZTE beat Szolnok -by Tamas Deri
ZALAKERAMIA ZTE KK - SZOLNOKI OLAJ 73-51
(22-14, 23-7, 15-14, 13-16)
Zalaegerszeg, Att.: 1.000, Referees: Forrai, Kapitany, dr. Pali
ZTE: Vladimir Miskovic (188-G-78) 19/6, Walters 6, Gaspar 7/3, Tamas Kaman (200-F-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 19/6, Keresztes 6, Hoffmann 6/6, Garma 4, Adam Toth (207-F/C-89, agency: FCM) 6, Simon, Baki, Kovats V., Starics, Coach: Nikola Lazic
SZOLNOK: Cziczas, Kelley 10, Hollins 2, Jurkunas 8/6, Lopatka 8/3, Harazin 8, Molnar 8, Gal, Toth V. 2, Cseh 2, Szabo 3/3, Kovacs D., Coach: Poor Peter

*****************************************************
ICELAND

Division 1 results. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Armann/Throttur 74 Haukar 79. Saemundur Oddson 21 Olafur Aegisson 16 for Armann. Marel Gudlaugsson 25 . Haukur Oskarsson 18 for Haukar.

Thor 88 Throttur 84. Tom Port (196-F, college: Wooster) 28 + 18 rebs. Isaac Westbrooks 20 for Thor. Daniel Gudmundsson 33. Gretar Gardarsson 15 for Thottur.

Results -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Tindastoll 87 Keflavik 89 Top team Keflavik almost lost their first game in the league when they play Tindastoll,
Top scorers for Tindastoll. Donald Brown (196-F-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Bucknell) 31 + 15 rebs. Svavar Birgisson 18 Samir Shaptahovic 17 For Keflavik. Tommy Johnson 21. Gunnar Einarsson & Bobby Walker 17

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

Lega2 - Last market news -by Gabriele Fioretti
After his contract extension with Avellino until the end of 2008-2009 season, Marco Rossetti (203-G/F-80) went to finish the current season with Veroli. Rumours talk about the replacing of Jerome Allen (193-G-73, college: Pennsylvania) (injured) with Steve Burtt (185-G-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: Iona).

*****************************************************
JAMAICA

Slayers, Panthers win to stay alive in playoffs -by Leonard Whyte
After taking a severe pounding from Urban Knights in game 1 of their best-of-three semifinal playoff series, defending champions St. George's Slayers regrouped and evened its series 1-1 on Wednesday night as the 2007 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs continued at the National Stadium courts. In the other semifinal, Blazing Panthers also turned the tables on Tivoli All Stars with a close 83-76 victory. The deciding game in both series will be played tonight at the same venue beginning at 6:00 pm. Panthers and Tivoli will take the court first followed by Knights and Slayers at 7:45 pm.

Four players picked up the scoring slack for Slayers as Michael Jackson led the way with 16 points, followed by Leon Chung with 14, Howard Daley with 14, and Rohan Robinson with 12. Oneil Mundle led Knights with 18 points and 12 rebounds followed by Javan Bailey with 14 points, and Andrew Whilby with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Desmond Harriott was the high scorer in the Panthers victory, tallying 21 points and pulling down 12 rebounds, while Kirk Ferguson added 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Rohan Cruise 15 points. For Tivoli, Paul Oliphant led the way with 25 points while Damion Young scored 14 points and grabbed a game-high 27 rebounds.

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

Al Wihdat adds two imports to their roster.. -by Mohammed Malas
Al Wihdat basketball team management has added two imports to their roster the two americna players Anthony Steward (200-G/F-78, college: N.Alabama) and Johnny Phillips (204-F/C-79) for the upcoming Excellent League season which begins in 11th of December.

Steward is a forward who has a good career as he played most of the time in Domenican Republic, With more additional experience Mexico, Netherland and some league in the US, While Phillips who has just finished from mexico is so familiar to the green castle as he was an important part of their roster last season.

# Imports in Jordan's Excellent league for season 2007/2008 until now:

- Zain:
Jonathan Jones - Center
Nate Johnson - Forward
Rasheim Wright - Guard

- Orthodox:
Zack Anderson - Center
Chad Hendrick - Forward
Chris Campbell - Guard

- Arena Amman:
None till now

- Al Riyadi/Aramex Amman:
None till now

- Al Wihdat:
Anthony Steward - Forward
Johnny Phillips - Center

- Hussein Erbid:
Robbie Banks - Center
Glen Summerall - Guard

- College Sports Club:
Jamal Ward - Forward

- Al Awdah:
None till now

*****************************************************
KENYA

Kiganya shines in Paraguay -by Gianni Pascucci
After playing with Paraguayan team Deportivo San Josè in the 2007 edition of the South American Clubs Championship, Kenyan veteran Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abilene Christian) helped his team to win the Metropolitan League playoffs, being also named the MVP of the last and decisive game, in which he scored 26 points.

*****************************************************
KOSOVO

Weekend schedule for 1/2. 12.2007 -by Edona Shabani
This is the schedule:

SUPER LEAGUE

Week VII

TREPCA - SIGAL PRISHTINA, Saturday at 18,00
Referees: Hajredin Zeka, Mehdi Gashi, Arben Elshani
Monitors: Muhamet Ahma

RC Cola DRITA - AS PRISHTINA, Saturday at 20,00
Referees: Faton Kurshumliu, Alban Vula, Isa Prebreza
Monitors: Lulzim Maloku

YLLI - PEJA, Saturday at 18,00
Referees: Hektor Grezda, Azem Hoxhaj, Arbnor Rifati
Monitors: Tafil Hoxha

KOSOVA - BAMBI, Sunday at 18,00
Referees: Faton Kurshumliu, Daut Mehmeti, Xhavit Beqiri
Monitors: Agim Visoka

TOYOTA WOMEN'S LEAGUE
Week VI

DRITA - KASTRIOTI, Saturday at 15,00
Referees: Ergin Sherifi, Faton Kurshumliu,
Monitors: Nuri Selmani

PRISHTINA PROBASKET - VËLLAZNIMI, Saturday at 14,00
Referees: Xhelal Mumini, Atdhe Gocaj,
Monitors: Alban Lumi

BASHKIMI - TREPCA, Saturday at 15,00 Therande
Referees: Urim Hasani, Arbnor Rifati,
Monitors: Ruzhdi Kuqi

PENZA - SIGAL PRISHTINA, Sunday at 16,00
Referees: Arben Elshani, Hysen Hasani,
Monitors: Gazmend Popovci

FIRST LEAGUE
Week -V-

GROUP A

LIPJANI - BASHKIMI, Saturday at 15,00
Referees: Valon Duraku,Bashkim Berbatovci
Monitors: Arben Bahtiri

ISTOGU - SHB "12", Monday at 14,00
Referees: Labinot Belegu, Dardan Loxha,
Monitors: Mahir Spahija

GROUP B

KOSOVARI - MALISHEVA, Sunday at 13,00
Referees: Mehdi Gashi, Atdhe Gocaj,
Monitors: Gezim Maloku

VERTIKALI - FUSHË KOSOVA, Saturday at 10,00
Referees: Fisnik Ramadani, Ilhan Xhaka
Monitors: Sejdi Mehmeti

JUNIOR'S LEAGUE
GROUP B

KOSOVA - SIGAL PRISHTINA, Sunday at 14,00
Referees: Zaim Zenuni, Ardian Rrustemi,
Monitors: Muhamed Munishi

VERTIKALI - PRISHTINA PROBASKET, Sunday at 16,00, Dardani
Referees: Fisnik Ramadani, Bashkim Berbatovci,
Monitors: Remzi Ramadani

Rc Cola DRITA - TREPCA, Saturday at 12,00
Referees: Alban Vula, Isa Prebreza,
Monitors: Nuri Selmani

VUSHTRRIA BASKET rests

CADET'S LEAGUE
Week VI

GROUP A

KALAJA - RC Cola DRITA, Sunday at 13,00
Referees: Glauk Collaku , Kushtrim Cocaj,
Monitors: Tafil Hoxha

TUSHI&GRUDA - YLLI, Saturday at 11,00
Referees: Agim Halili, Besart Belegu
Monitors: Jakup Kasapolli

BASHKIMI - PEJA AG, Sunday at 15,00
Referees: Glauk Collaku, Fjolla Elshani
Monitors: Tajar Rifati

ABS VËLLAZNIMI - KASTRIOTI, Saturday at 10,00
Referees: Fadil Gjoshi, Amir Mamusha
Monitors: Burim Koshi

GROUP B

TREPCA - VERTIKALI, Sunday at 10,00
Referees: Albert Verbiqi, Armend Sejdiu
Monitors: Mehmet Xhemaili

PRISHTINA PROBASKET - BONUSI, Saturday at 11,00
Referees: Fitim Gashi, Burim Berisha,
Monitors: Alban Lumi

EUROBASKET - MITROVICA, Saturday at 12,00
Referees: Xhelal Mumini, Kushtrim Gashi,
Monitors: Remzi Ramadani

VUSHTRRIA BASKET - LIPJANI, Sunday at 12,30
Referees: Zaim Zenuni, Ardian Rrustemi,
Monitors: Muhamed Munishi

KOSOVA - SIGAL PRISHTINA, Sunday at 15,30
Referees: Zaim Zenuni, Ardian Rrustemi
Monitors: Muhamed Munishi

PIONEER'S LEAGUE STOBI FLIPS

Week -VI-

GROUP A

PEJA AG - Rc Cola DRITA, Saturday at 12,30
Referees: Nol Spahija, Dren Pudarolli,
Monitors: Gazmend Popovci

YLLI - KALAJA, Sunday at 10,00
Referees: Glauk Collaku, Hazir Haxha,
Monitors: Ruzhdi Kuqi

BASHKIMI - ABS VËLLAZNIMI, Saturday at 15,00
Referees: Fjolla Elshani, Egzon Thaqi,
Monitors: Tajar Rifati

SHB"12" - NBA 23, Monday at 15,30
Referees: Egzon Gashi, Drin Veseli,
Monitors: Mahir Spahija

GROUP B

VERTIKAL - EUROBASKET, Sunday at 14,00
Referees: Flamur Ajeti, Kushtrim Gashi,
Monitors: Sejdi Mehmeti

PRISHTINA PROBASKET - BONUS, Saturday at 12,30
Referees: Daut Mehmeti, Flamur Ajeti,
Monitors: Agim Visoka

VUSHTRRIA BASKET - TREPCA, Sunday at 11,00
Referees: Zaim Zenuni, Valon Duraku,
Monitors: Muhamed Munishi

MEGABASKET rests

source: www. basketbolli.com

*****************************************************
KUWAIT

Kenny Harris to play for Al Sahel -by Sadik Abdullah
Kenny Harris (206-F-81) has arrived in Kuwait and will join Ricky Huckaby (188-G, college: Texas A&M - Kingsv.), who recently arrived to play for Al Sahel. They give Al Sahel an outside and inside presence.

Kenny has a lot of length is great at running the floor for a big man. This signing gives Al Sahel their best chance to win the championship in awhile.

For information on Kuwait Basketball or any imports in Kuwait, you can email Sadiq at sadiq_abdullah@rogers.com

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

Unwelcoming Piraeus -by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Zalgiris 90:74

Zalgiris suffered their 4th defeat in the Euroleague season after they were beaten by Olympiakos in Piraeus. Arvydas Macijauskas (192-G-80) was once again huge with 32 points as Greeks improved to 4-2 record in Group A ladder. The game was a close battle at early stages with Paulius Jankunas (204-F-84, agency: Interperformances) and Marcus Brown (192-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) opening the scoring stats with 5 quick points for Zalgiris and Qyntel Woods (204-F/G-81, college: N.Mississippi JC) replying with 5 points of his own for the hosts. The teams kept on exchanging the baskets in the opening frame but Milos Teodosic (196-G-87) scored a jumper to cap the frame and marked a 26:20 lead for Olympiakos. Qyntel Woods and Ioannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) enlarged the gap to 11 points early in the second term. Printezis later made it 41:29 but just for Marcus Brown and De Juan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) to cut it back to 6 points 35:41. Zalgiris held on to the distance and sparked with late baskets from Bradley and De Juan Collins to trail by just 2 points at halftime 47:49.
Zalgiris stayed close throughout the third period but only before Arvydas Macijauskas stepped up with 5 consecutive points for Olympiacos as they cleared off to a 70:61 distance at the end of the third frame. Olympiakos looked dominant early in the fourth but Lithuanian team fought hard to stay in contest. Jonas Maciulis (200-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) and De Juan Collins scored for the visitors to narrow the margin to 8 points midway through the term. But Arvydas Macijauskas and Qyntel Woods drained triples for the hosts and buried Zalgiris' hopes for a positive result. Qyntel Woods contributed 18 points for Olympiakos. Lynn Greer (186-G-79, college: Temple) and Marc Jackson (206-C/F-75, college: Temple) had 12 points apiece for the winners. Marcus Brown scored 19 points for Zalgiris. De Juan Collins netted 14 points and grabbed 7 boards in a losing case.
Zalgiris will now try to return to winning ways against Tau at Kaunas next round. Olympiakos will travel to Italy to take on Montepaschi on December 5.

Olympiakos: Arvydas Macijauskas 32, Qyntel Woods 18, Lynn Greer 12, Marc Jackson 12
Zalgiris: Marcus Brown 19, De Juan Collins 14

*****************************************************
MEXICO

Lobos Grises Win Copa Independencia Again -by Justin Brink
The Lobos Grises of Durango are the Copa Independencia Champions for the second year in a row after downing the Halcones Rojos 105-88. Playing at home, the Lobos controlled the tempo from the tip jumping out to an 8-0 lead in the first few minutes en route to victory. The usual suspects, Larry Taylor (186-G-80, college: Missouri Western) and Ron Selleaze (197-F-76, college: CSU Bakersfield) led the Lobo offense combining for 56 of Durango's 105 points. For more LNBP results, click here.

*****************************************************
NCAA

Gonzaga and Oregon need overtimes to win -by Eurobasket News
Gonzaga first gave away a 17-point lead and then drove to an overtime victory over St. Joseph yesterday. Gonzaga looked dominant at the start of the game as they grabbed a 29:12 lead midway through the opening half. But the Hawks soon capitalized on Gonzaga sloppy attitude to crave their way back. Gonzaga started missing shots and reeled against the hosts in the second half. St. Joseph cut the deficit and spurred ahead midway through the second half on Rob Ferguson's three-pointer. Gonzaga regained the lead at the late stages and were up by 2 with under 2 minutes left in regulation. But Tasheed Carr (6'4''-G-85, college: Iowa St.) converted a pair of free throws to tie the scoreline with 10 seconds remaining. Gonzaga had a chance to decide on the outcome in regulation time but David Pendegraft missed his attempt and Micah Downs (6'8''-G, college: Kansas) could not tip the ball in. The game remained very close in extra time as the teams exchanged the blows before Austin Daye (6'10''-F) scored a jumper and Micah Downs hit two free throws to put the Bulldogs ahead 67:63. Pat Calathes (6'10''-G/F) answered with two free throws to narrow the gap. But free throws from Jeremy Pargo (6'2''-G-86) and Austin Daye sealed the win for Gonzaga. Austin Daye topscored for the Bulldogs with 17 points off the bench. Matt Bouldin (6'5''-G-88) contributed 16 points and 7 boards for the winners as they improved to 6-1 for the season. Pat Calathes had game-high 24 points for the Hawks. Ahmad Nivins (6'9''-F-87) produced 14 points and 7 boards in a losing clause.
Oregon also improved to 6-1 record and needed an overtime to celebrate their 6th win as well. This time it were the Ducks to overcome a 3-point halftime deficit against Kansas State Wildcats and force extra time at the end of regulation. Michael Beasley (6'9''-F-89) put the Wildcats in front 71:70 with 25 seconds left in regulation. But Maarty Leunen (6'9''-F-85) answered with a single free throw to make it all square at 71 and force team into extra period. Bryce Taylor (6'5''-G-86) connected from afar to lift Oregon in front but Jacob Pullen (6'1''-G) was there to answer for Kansas State. But free throws from Tajuan Porter (5'6''-G-88) and Kamyron Brown (6'2''-G) ensured the winning outcome for the Ducks at the end of overtime. Bryce Taylor netted 18 points for the Ducks. Joevan Catron (6'6''-F) scored 15 points and pulled down 8 boards for the winners. Michael Beasley delivered game-high 24 points and 12 boards for Kansas State as they slipped to 5-2 record.

St. Joseph - Gonzaga 65:70 (OT)
St. Joseph: Pat Calathes 24, Ahmad Nivins 14
Gonzaga: Austin Daye 17, Matt Bouldin 16, David Pendegraft 13

Kansas State - Oregon 77:80 (OT)
Kansas State: Michael Beasley 24+12 boards, Andre Gilbert (6'7''-F, college: S.Dakota St.) 16
Oregon: Bryce Taylor 18, Joevan Catron 15

*****************************************************
NEW ZEALAND

Canterbury Rams sign two guards -by Eurobasket News
Canterbury Rams started to prepare for the next NBL season as they announced about the first signings. The Rams agreed with Jeremy Kench (184-G-84) and Gerard Bowden (190-G-83) to join the squad for 2008 season. Both players once played for Canterbury-region junior teams and are now playing basketball overseas. Jeremy Kench is recently a part of the Wollongong Hawks team and enjoys season in Australian NBL. He spent last NBL season with the Rams averaging 13.8 points, 4.2 boards, 4.2 assists and 2.2 steals per game. Jeremy Kench also played for the Singapore Slingers in 2006 season.
Gerard Bowden is now studying in the Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia, USA. He logged some minutes for the Rams in 2002 before taking up studying in college in the USA. Bowden averages 15.5 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists with the Bees. He led the Bees in free throw shooting percentage and converted 41% of three-pointers in his senior season in Savannah.
Canterbury Rams also announced last week that Bert Knops would rejoin the Rams as the head coach for the upcoming season. Knops was at the head of the Rams in 1998-1999 seasons. He also worked as Assistant coach with New Zealand Junior Team. The Rams tip off their 2008 NBL season against Nelson Giants on March 1.

NZ Breakers stay cool against South Dragons -by Eurobasket News
NZ Breakers - South Dragons 107:104

Phill Jones (196-G-74) hit a pair of important free throws at the dying stages and NZ Breakers pull away with a tight victory over striving South Dragons. NZ Breakers had a usual slow start and the visitors quickly gained an 8-point lead midway through the opening frame. But Phill Jones nailed a couple of jumpers late in the first quarter to cut the gap to 2 points 23:25. The momentum began to shift the hosts' way as Mika Vukona (197-F-82) and Oscar Forman (205-G-82) dominated the paint, while Paora Winitana (195-G-76) found the touch from beyond the arc. His three-pointer allowed the home side to enjoy a 46:36 lead midway through the second stanza. Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) led NZ Breakers in the first half as they led by as many as 14 points at the interval. Shane Heal (182-G-70) and Jacob Holmes (198-G-83) paced the visitors in the third term as triples kept dropping for them and they narrowed the gap to 6 points 74:80. South Dragons revived in the final period as Shane Heal led his teammates with his inspirational style of play. He drained another long jumper with 30 seconds left in regulation to make it 101:103. Phill Jones however responded with 3 straight free throws to restore a 6-point cushion 106:101 with 9 seconds on the clock. Cortez Groves (196-G/F-78, college: Kansas St.) needed just 4 seconds to drop a trey and cut the gap back to 2 points. But Kirk Penney was fouled killing time and sealed the win hitting one of two free throws. Kirk Penney finished with game-high 24 points and 9 boards for the Breakers. Phill Jones had 18 points, while Oscar Forman posted 17 points and 13 boards for the winners. Shane Heal replied with 22 points and 8 assists for the South Dragons. Matt Burston (210-F/C-82) nailed 21 points in defeat.
NZ Breakers improved to 9-6 record and face Sydney Kings at home in the next round. The South Dragons fell to 4-10 record and would try to improve against the Taipans in Cairns on Sunday.

NZ Breakers: Kirk Penney 24, Phill Jones 18, Oscar Forman 17+13 boards
South Dragons: Shane Heal 22, Matt Burston 21

*****************************************************
PARAGUAY

San Josè wins Clausura -by Gianni Pascucci
Deportivo San Jose won the Game 4 of the Clausura Finals “Copa ABC Color”, defeating Libertad 85-73, becoming the Clausura Champion. Kenyan Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abilene Christian) scored 26 pts and was the last game MVP, well asisted by Carlos Jorge Riveros (190-G-85), who added 16 points, while Micah Brand (210-C-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: Massachusetts) was the best in LIbertad with 20 points. Now, San Josè will meet Sol de America, winner of the Apertura Tournment, in the so named "Super Cup" series, to label the Paraguayan 2007 Champion.

*****************************************************
PUERTO RICO

Boricuas Abroad -by Alessandro Fontana
In Euroleague, Unicaja Malaga defeated Lietuvos Rytas 71-69. Malaga is the best team of the Group B with a 5-1 standings. For Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, college: N.Mexico) 11 points (4/6 2pts, 3/4 FT) with 3 rebs in 26 minutes.
Cibona won against Le Mans 91-71, It was an easy game for Cibona, "El Jefe" Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) played a good game with 14 points (3/4 2pts, 2/8 3pts, 2/2 FT), 1 steal and 1 assist in 36 minutes. Cibona has now a 3-3 standings and they have a good possibility to qualify for the second round, "The Top Sixteen", of this Euroleague 2007-2008.
A. Fontana

*****************************************************
RUSSIA

Undermanned CSKA leaves no chance for Tau -by Eurobasket News
Tau - CSKA 76:85

CSKA faced a difficult situation before the trip to Vitoria. They missed four of their key players including Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances), Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79), Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) and Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78). But it never seemed to be an obstacle for Russian powerhouse. David Andersen (212-C-80) and Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke) stepped up for Moscow team netting 23 points each and CSKA pulled away an important 76:85 victory. It was a rare home defeat for Tau as they had won previous 30 home encounters in Euroleague but CSKA snapped the impressive streak yesterday.
The start of the game highlighted a tough defense as both teams struggled to score at opening stages. But soon CSKA sparked with a 10:0 rally to lead 17:9 midway through the first quarter. CSKA big men David Andersen and Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87) found open space in the court and both connected from afar to keep CSKA winning 25:13 after the starting frame. Tau could not overcome disciplined CSKA defense in the second quarter, while shots just would not drop for the hosts. The visitors held on to the lead and finished the first half ahead 44:35. David Andersen knocked down another three-pointer early in the third frame to keep CSKA rolling. Trajan Langdon and Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) added two more from beyond the arc and the lead suddenly reached 20-point mark. Tau were stunned for some time before Planicic tried to shake up the hosts with 6 consecutive points. Tau had a momentum with William McDonald (207-C-79, college: S.Florida) hitting a jump shot and Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) adding one from three-point territory. The gap grew thin and Tau trailed by 13 points heading into the final frame. David Andersen and Marcus Goree (201-F-77, college: W.Virginia) led the action for CSKA at the start of the fourth period as they combined quick 7 points to restore a 15-points deficit. Later Trajan Langdon netted another long jumper and the outcome became clear. Marcus Goree provided 12 points and 7 boards for CSKA. David Andersen added 10 boards for the winners. Pablo Prigioni (186-G-77) answered with 14 points for the home team. William McDonald had 13 points in the second loss for Tau. CSKA outrebounded Tau 32:24 and committed only 3 turnovers.
CSKA will now take on Bologna at home, while Tau will travel to Lithuania to face Zalgiris in the 7th round.

Tau: Pablo Prigioni 14, William McDonald 13
CSKA: David Andersen 23+10 boards, Trajan Langdon 23, Marcus Goree 12

*****************************************************
RWANDA

Another year goes begging for Espoir -by Kristian Santiago
BY JULIUS MBARAGA

Last Sunday summed up what is yet another difficult year for Espoir, one of Rwanda's traditional basketball giants.

Similar to the difficulties of the last two years, 2007 would go down the club history books as yet another trophy-less years.
The 2004 national basketball league champions blew their title hopes away after crushing out of the play-offs to league debutants CSK A.

After their perennial rivals APR failed to qualify for the play-offs, the first time in their history, Espoir, with new Norman Blick, were tipped to have a real go to this year's title but shockingly to their fans, that wasn't to be.

Despite a superior play-offs record over their opponents, the Nyamirambo based club found themselves on the back foot as the league debutants registered back to back wins to halt their older rivals' chances.

After a 62-56 win in the first game, CSK A led by their point guards Crispin Gishoma and Gerol Ndugu topped up that show with a yet another 84-76 win to send Espoir crushing out of the play-offs.

Since 2004, Espoir has been second best to APR who have taken absolute control of the game thanks in part to their Kenyan coach Cliff Owuor.
On top of having new clubs at this year's play-offs final, 2007 has also gone down into Rwanda's basketball history books as the first year where both Espoir and APR have not featured in the final.

Espoir's captain and assistant coach Didier Mushumba has blamed the club's recent poor run to shortage of players.
“We don't have many local players at our disposal yet foreign players who can easily be accessed are costly.

They are expensive to sign because the club runs on a small budget.
“We don't have the resources like APR to freely sign foreign players,” Mushumba stated.

CSK a Humbles Espoir -by Kristian Santiago
Espoir suffered their worst ever display in local basketball play-offs history after failing to qualify for this year's final.

The Nyamirambo based club crushed out of the race after suffering two straight game defeats against CSK A; one of this year's league debutants.

After a 62-56 defeat in the first game, CSK A wrapped up a fine display with an 84-76 score to rewrite history as the first club to make it to the play-off final in their debut season.

After two failed attempts in 2005 and 2006, Marine registered back to back wins over Rusizi, another one of the league debutants to set up a clash with CSK A in the final.

A 79-61 victory on Saturday and a 75-70 victory on Sunday was enough to sail the Gisenyi-based side through to their first final.

In the ladies' category, Rwanda National University (UNR) and APR made light work of ISAE and Kigali Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) respectively to set themselves up for a final's clash.

According to reports from the local basketball governing body, the final rolls off this Saturday at Amahoro Indoor Stadium and will be played on a best of three format.

Play-offs

Men
CSK A 62-56 Espoir
Espoir 76-84 CSK A
Marine 79-61 Rusizi
Rusizi 70-75 Marine
APR 96-49KIST
KIST 42-73 APR
UNR 68- 59 ISAE

*****************************************************
SEBL

Atlanta Speedboys release final roster... -by David Archer
The Atlanta Speedboys have released their final roster for the 2007-8 SEBL Independent Season. The Speedboys are a member of the SEBL Independent Pro Division.

Atlanta Speedboys Roster

Marcus Byams (6'6''-F, college: Georgia Southern), 6'6" PF, Georgia Southern University
Keith Payne, 6'4" PF, Rust College
DeCourney McGowan, 6'7" SF, Albany State
Romell Wright, 6'2" G, Lagrange College
Darren Harrington, 6'1" SG/PG, Texas A&M
Charles Williams, 6'10" C, Jarvis College (TX)
Billy Brewster, 6'6" SF, Texas A&M
Fred Odum, 6'2" SG, Southern California
Dwayne Swain, 6'5" SF, University of Delaware
Brandon Kelley (5'11''-G-84, college: Clayton St.), 5'8" PG, Clayton State University
Martice Moore, 6'8" SF Colorado Univ./Georgia Tech
Demitrice Williams, 6'3" G, Southern Alabama

Owner/General Manager: William Dawson
Head Coach: LT Jefferson

*****************************************************
SERBIA

New player for Ergonom -by Dragan Jankovski
Ergonom from Nis signed two years contract with forward Fahrudin Djulovic (201-G/F-82), ex player of third division team Novi Pazar. Ergonom started the season badly with 6 defeats but in the last round they beat Vizura 79-72.

FMP cut 3 players and added 5 youngsters to their roster -by Dragan Jankovski
After 7 consecutive defeats, 4 in Adriatic league against Zadar, Hemofarm, Crvena Zvezda and Cibona and 3 losts in ULEB Cup Vs Chalon, Besiktas and Koln, management of FMP decided to make bigger changes in the roster. Namely, the team doesn't count any more on Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84), Djordje Micic (196-G-83) and Nenad Stefanovic (193-G-85). New members of the senior team came from the FMP's young selections: Dejan Musli (213-C-91), who was MVP of the U16 European Championship, Marko Gacinovic, Stefan Zivanovic (197-F-89), Nikola Markovic (207-F/C-89) and Ivan Smiljanic (198-F-89). Last three players were members of the Serbian U18 NT who won EC in Spain this summer.

Regarding these changes president of FMP, Nebojsa Covic, said: “This is just one step forward of making our team even younger. About our head coach Vukojicic, we support him 100%. We are not kind of the team who needs to win the trophies every season. No, we prefer to work and to base on a long term results so with these changes FMP will have much younger team and we expect a lot from them in the future.”

*****************************************************
TAIWAN

Exhibition games kick off new SBL season -by Chris Wang
A series of exhibition games kicked off the 2007-08 SBL season Saturday in Jhubei City, Hsinchu County. Defending champion Taiwan Beer pounded Dacin Tigers 106-83 while Pure Youth edged Bank of Taiwan 75-72.

The matchup between Pure Youth, formerly known as Azio, and BOT was interesting as both team were led by new head coaches: Wu Jian-kuo of Pure Youth and Lai Liang-chung of BOT.

Hong Chih-shan made consecutive three-pointers and Chien Jia-hong added three free-throws as Pure Youth upset BOT with a 13-2 run in the last minutes. Zuo Tsun-kai led Pure Youth with 15 points. James Mao had 13 points to go with 9 boards and Chien added 13.

Chen Shun-hsiang led BOT with 17 points and Lin Chun-fung had 16.

In the second game, Dacin was no match for Taiwan Beer, trailing by 18 at the half. Reigning SBL MVP Lin Chi-jay had 15 points and 6 assists. Ho Sho-jen had 15 points. Newcomer Wu Dai-hao, who was expected to fill TB's void in the middle this season, added 12 points.

Dacin, led by new head coach Chiu Da-tsun, was led by Lin Yi-huei's 22 points. Two new Tigers were off all night. Yua Ying-li, who played for BOT last year, had 7 points and Yang Yu-min, who played for ETSN last season, was scoreless.

*****************************************************
TBL

Texas Basketball League Final Basketball Tryout Camp - December 15th - 16th, 2007 -by Benjamin Brinkley
Texas Basketball League Basketball Tryout Camp

The Texas Basketball League will be holding its Final Basketball Tryouts towards the upcoming 2008 season on December 15th & 16th, 2007 at University of Texas in Arlington, Texas. This camp will be conducted in order to give basketball players an opportunity to be exposed to all teams in the Texas Basketball League. There will be a Free Agent Selection Draft held one week after the camp.
At last month's Free Agent Camp, 40 players from the camp were drafted by teams in the league. Drafted free agents and rookies will report to team training camps directly after the Free Agent camp, joining vets and protected players for preparation for opening night on Thursday, January 3rd, 2008.

Make your dream a reality with the TBL League Tryouts!

WHEN: December 15th - 16th
WHERE: University of Texas at Arlington, 701 S. Nedderman Drive, Arlington, TX SCHEDULE: Saturday 2:00 am - 6:00 pm
SCHEDULE: Saturday 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
2:00 pm - Registration
3:00 pm - Teams assigned
4:00 pm - Drills
5:00 pm - Games
6:00 pm - Final

SCHEDULE: Sunday 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
2:00 pm - Practice / Drills
4:00 pm - Games
6:00 pm - Final

Fees:
Includes airport transportation on Saturday / Sunday and transportation to/from host hotels and gym

Registration Fee
$50 - Received before December 3rd, 2007 and Fee must accompany registration form
$100 - After December 3rd, 2007
$150 - On December 15 - 16th, Late Fee / Walk-up

Host Hotels:
To be Announced

For more information towards registration, please call 817-803-3588 or email: texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com or email the owner: benjaminbrinkley_tbl@yahoo.com

League Showcase, All-Star Game, Headline 2008 Texas Basketball League Basketball Schedule -by Benjamin Brinkley
30-November-2007
Texas Basketball League Begins Play Starting On Thursday, January 3, 2008

Arlington, TX - The Texas Basketball League All-Star Game and the TBL Showcase highlight the 2008 Texas Basketball League basketball schedule which was released on December 15th, 2007. The All-Star Game will be played as part of the TBL Jam Session presented by Texas Sporting Goods at 2008 TBL All-Star in Dallas while the Texas Basketball League Showcase will take place from Jan. 3-5th in Arlington, Texas.

“The All-Star Game and the Showcase will become two pillars of our league,” said League Owner. “Both events offer our fans a chance to enjoy the outstanding brand of basketball played in the Texas Basketball League, and are tremendous experiences for our players. Importantly, they are also convenient opportunities for other semi-pro basketball GMs and scouts to evaluate the next crop of basketball contributors such as future All-Stars DJ Perkins, David Johnson, Derrick Washington, Micheal “Edward Scissorhands” Thomas from the world famous Rucker Park, Denalle Hale, Equale "Q" Lacey, Maurice Smith, Errol " Chase" Daniels, and Herman Banks.”

The first annual Texas Basketball League All-Star Game will be played on Saturday, April 5th in Dallas, Texas immediately following practices for the East and West All-Star Teams. TBL TV will broadcast the game live. The Texas Basketball League All-Stars will be selected by a vote that includes fans and TBL League coaches.
The First Annual Texas Basketball League Showcase debuts on January 3rd with every game televised live. All 8 Texas Basketball League teams will play at least one game each in Arlington in front of an expected gathering of scouts from other semi-pro leagues such as the USBL, ABA, WBA, and IBL.

“The Texas Basketball League Showcase will become one of the premiere locations for semi-pro scouts to evaluate talent for possible player acquisitions,” said Executive Vice President, Basketball Operations Brandon Conley. “Because it's the Texas Basketball League, the talent level is substantially better than the Texas Pro Basketball League, so we are expecting our best event yet in January.”
With the expansion to 8 teams during 2008 season and 12 teams during the 2009 season, the Texas Basketball League is realigning into two divisions for the 2008 season. The Southwest and West divisions will feature four teams each. Teams will play divisional foes 12 times during the regular season and square off with non-division opponents twice.

“The realignment and scheduling structure encourages divisional rivalries,” Brinkley said. “Plus, with this scheduling system, we had the ability to cut down on travel which we believe, in turn, will provide for a better product on the floor.”

The Divisions for the 2007-08 season will break down as follows:

Southwest Division
Celtics
Knicks
Bulls
Pistons

West Division
Spurs
Mavericks
Suns
Lakers

A 24-game regular season schedule for each team is highlighted by the total scheduled home games being played on the weekend, which has proven to be preferable to Texas Basketball League fans in their search for affordable, family entertainment options.

The first annual Texas Basketball League season begins January 3rd with four games. Also on opening night, the Texas Basketball League will have local radio stations street teams such as K104fm and 97.9fm the Beat.

Entering its inaugral season, the Texas Basketball League has been established to develop talent across all disciplines for the semi-pro basketball - has relocated its headquarters from Houston to Arlington to help foster the Texas Basketball League's continued growth by giving it direct access to the support and resources of the Southwest Basketball League, the original semi-pro basketball league in the state of Texas. Additionally, every referee hired by the TBL since 2006 is apart of Texas Association of Sports Officials (TASO).

Designed to help grow of basketball players both socially and domestically, the Texas Basketball League offers job placement, player's medical insurance and housing relocation assistance for all players in the Texas Basketball League. For additional information on the Texas Basketball League, please call 817-803-3588 or email the owner: benjaminbrinkley_tbl@yahoo.com

Open Letter to the state of Texas - Come Witness The Beginning of the Texas Basketball League -by Benjamin Brinkley
30-November-2007
Arlington, TX - Benjamin Brinkley, League Owner and Commissioner, today announced the TBL, the official semi-pro basketball league of Texas and the fast-growing semi-professional basketball league in the country, will begin training camp tomorrow in Arlington, Texas. According to Brinkley, "We have been waiting for this moment - the front office is ready, the players are ready, and most importantly, the state of Texas is ready to embrace the Texas Basketball League. From day one, Texas Basketball League has understood the dynamics and potential of the explosive Dallas / Fort Worth market with the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium coming to Arlington in 2009, the Ballpark in Arlington, Six Flags over Texas, and surrounding cities like Dallas, Fort Worth, Irving, Mansfield, and Grand Prairie. The Texas Basketball League is unmatched when its comes to sponsorships, marketing, and advertisement in this area.”

Brinkley stated, "This is a dream come true for us. You can be sure that we'll create one of the most exciting sports-entertainment packages ever. The Dallas / Fort Worth market has a great sports-entertainment network and we have tapped into that network. Our standards and expectations are high. The people of North Texas will accept nothing less than first class operations unlike the Texas Pro basketball League. To be competitive, we need to be first class plus. And we are!"

Brinkley added, "And for starters, we have observed for the past several seasons that there hasn't been a real semi-pro basketball league in the state of Texas since the Southwest Basketball League in 2001. So, we invite the state of Texas to come and witness the beginning of the Texas Basketball League during the upcoming 2008 season - so that you can watch some really exciting, fun-filled, action packed professional basketball and some hot entertainment too. Give us a call."

For more information about venue, tickets, sponsorships, staffing, tryouts, call Benjamin Brinkley at (817)803-3588, fax (817) 419-9122, or email benjaminbrinkley_tbl@yahoo.com .

TBL announces 2007 Rookie Transition Program -by Benjamin Brinkley

05-November-2007

Arlington, TX -- The Texas Basketball League has develop a series of programs to provide its players with the skills and information necessary for a successful transition to the TBL. The commitment to player development starts at the very beginning of a player's career through the TBL Rookie Transition Program. Created for this upcoming season, the Rookie Transition Program is the most extensive support system in semi-professional sports and features a comprehensive assortment of educational and developmental programs.

Each week, every Rookie takes part in this mandatory player's meetings that provides first-hand knowledge of what to expect as a player in the TBL and how to balance these pressures and demands. Meetings generally run from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and are conducted by league and player personnel, current and former players and experts in each of the fields covered.

The meetings is designed to teach players techniques to cope with unique stresses inherent in their lives and how to utilize the various resources available to them throughout their careers. Leading professionals facilitate the program using presentations, role-playing, skits and interactive workshops, as well as group breakout sessions. At the end of each day, players participate in an interactive activity designed to highlight the day's lessons. The diverse offering of sessions include:

Professional and Life Skills
Computer Training
Education
Finance

Professionalism/Networking
Player Development
Coach's Huddle
Player to Player Panel with current NBA players
Players meeting
Rules of the Game
Special Sessions with Adam Harris

Personal Development and Education
Character, Image and Ethics Panel
Driving Safety
Drugs and Alcohol
Nutrition
Sexual Health
Stress and Anger Management
Media and Community Relations

Community Relations
Media Training
TBL Communications
TBL Entertainment

Legal Education
Felony Situations
Gambling
Gender Violence
Security
Sexual Harassment
Special Sessions
Focus on the unique challenges facing:
- International players (i.e. Cultural Adaptation; Overcoming the Language Barrier; Acclimating to the TBL-style of play)
- Players "25 and under" (i.e. Being on your own for the first time; Interacting with other players; How to deal with Peer Pressure situations)

The TBL Rookie Transition Program is administered by the Player Development Departments from the Texas Basketball League. Comprised of former players, social workers, educators and other experts, these professionals meet regularly with all TBL teams and collectively serve as a 24-hour support system for players. This full-time group of professionals is dedicated to helping TBL players manage a variety of life issues and proactively address their needs.

For more information, please call 817-803-3358 or email: texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com

*****************************************************
TRINIDAD

Diego Martin beat Clippers to keep Big-Four hopes alive -by Don Farrell

SHOOTING guard Richard Guisseppi scored five three-pointers in his match-high 26 points that helped Diego Martin All Stars beat Sports & Games Caledonia Clippers 75-66 when competition in the Stag Super 10 Basketball League continued on Thursday night at the Jean Pierre Sports Complex.

The victory means that Diego Martin¹s triumph has opened up the Big-Four race involving five teams.

Of the five only three will join Sportworld Straker Nets for the Big-Four finals which will jump-off on December 7.

With five playing days left in the preliminary round, Valencia Heat, Detour Shak Attack and Diego Martin can advance to the final four since they cannot total less than 16 points.

Guisseppi¹s league-best was well supported by forward Gershwin Duncan, who added 15.

Clippers who won their first five matches to set the pace of the league led the first quarter 23-14 and were 41-39 ahead at the half-way stage despite Guisseppi¹s 14 points burst which included four threes.

But the underdogs Diego Martin armed with a large band of supporters rallied to lead the third session 54-50 behind Duncan¹s eight points in the period.

In the fourth and final session, Diego martin smarting from their 90-80 loss to Sportworld Straker Nets on Monday, outscored their very experience opponents 21-16 in the final session.

It was a disappointed end for Clippers who repeated what happened last year.

In the 2006 edition, Clippers lost their first three matches, went on a five-game winning streak and then lost a vital match to Marabella Raptors.

This season, they won five straight and the lost four of their last five and with it a place in the Big-Four finals.

*****************************************************
TURKEY

Pao Stops FB Ulker's Winning Streak -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Fenerbahce Ulker hosted the defending champions Panathinaikos at Abdi Ipekci Arena with the hopes of extending their three game winning streak but things did not work out for Bogdan Tanjevic's team. It was an even game in the first half although the refeeres turned the game into a free throw session for the visitors in the second quarter as Will Solomon (187-G-78, college: Clemson) got into the foul trouble and left for the bench. In the third quarter Fenerbahce Ulker hit the wall against Panathinaikos' tough defensive game and could not stop a 22-5 serie which sealed the deal for the Greens before the last period. Fourth quarter was nothing but just a formality for both sides and Panathinaikos posted a 83-64 win to stay undefeated. Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) nailed a game high 19 points and dished out 3 assists while Semih Erden (211-C-87) added a team high 15 for Fenerbahce Ulker, the so-called 2010 team, who are going to play Partizan next week.

Fenerbahce Ulker(64): James White 14, Will Solomon 11, Mirsad Turkcan 0, Omer Onan 2, Rasim Basak 2, Semih Erden 15, Ibrahim Kutluay 6, Damir Kaan 3, Gasper Vidmar 9, Oguz Savas 0, Emir Preldzic 2
Panathinaikos(83): Fragiskos Alvertis 0, Efstratio Perperoglou 2, Vassilis Spanoulis 9, Sani Becirovic 2, Michael Batiste 16, Andrija Zizic 14 , Nikos Hatzivrettas 4, Demos Dikoudis 0, Kostas Tsartsaris 2, Keneddy Winston 13, Dejan Tomasevic 2, Sarunas Jasikevicyus 19

(20-19, 39-43, 44-65, 64-83)

Banvit In Group B -by Serdar Ortakuyu
FIBA EuroCup Qualifying Round Draw is completed and Banvit will take place in Group B of EuroCup with Cherkaski Mavpy (Ukraine), Ural Great (Russia) and Dexia Mons (Belgium) as a part of this 16 team competition divided into four groups.

Here's Banvit's FIBA EuroCup Schedule:

11/12/07: Banvit-Dexia Mons
18/12/07: Ural Great-Banvit
08/01/08: Banvit-Cherkaski Mavpy
15/01/08: Dexia Mons-Banvit
22/01/08: Banvit-Ural Great
29/01/08: Cherkaski Mavpy-Banvit

Efes Still A Question Mark -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Despite conquering an undefeated Rytas on the road and defeating Banvit at the weekend in a game featuring many referee polemics, Efes Pilsen lost to Aris on Wednesday who have been on a bad run lately. It was an even game till Aris created a 15-1 deficit in the second quarter thanks to Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) as Efes Pilsen struggled offensively in the rest. Through the last minute the visitors came back but Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) wasted the last chance with an off the balance three pointer attempt. Bracey Wright (191-G-84, college: Indiana) scored a game high 20 points for Aris while Ender Arslan (190-G-83)'s 11 off the bench points was not enough for David Blatt's Efes who are going to face Unicaja Malaga next week.

Aris TT Bank(67): Terrel Castle 6, Reyshawn Terry 3, S. Serphinas 0, Bracey Wright 20, G. Kalaitzis 0, Savvas Illiadis 0, Hanno Mottola 6, Jeremiah Massey 13, L. Agadakos 3, Dimitrios Tsaldaris 7
Efes Pilsen(64): Drew Nicholas 15, Sconnie Penn 5, Loren Woods 8, Kenny Gregory 2, Mustafa Abi 0, Kerem Gonlum 6, Serkan Erdoðan 0, Ermal Kurtoglu 8, Ender Arslan 11

(14-17, 32-25, 45-39, 67-64)

*****************************************************
UKRAINE

Superleague Game-Day 9 Preview -by Alexei Naumov
http://www.ukrbasket.net/fbu/en/news/186.html

BC Kyiv will try to keep their perfect win\loss record intact as they are getting ready to host Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk in game-day 9 of the 2007\2008 Superleague season action.

Both teams enter the contest having suffered losses in European competitions. And while Kyiv, remained atop ULEB Cup group H, Dnipro was eliminated from further participation in the FIBA Eurocup.

Manuchar Markoishvili narrowly leads Kyiv with 12.5 points per game, shooting 46% from beyond the ark. Injured Marco Maravic has 12 points and 4.6 rebounds per game.

Dnipro's Victor Kobzistiy is among the Superleague's leading scorers with 16.1 points. He also averages 9.2 points and almost 3 assists per game.

Kyiv is currently at the top of the Superleague with an 8-0 record, Dnipro is 7th with 4 wins and 4 losses.

Another undefeated team, Azovmash, travels to Cherkassy, where the local Mavpy will try to give the defending champions their first loss.

Injury plagued Mariupol team will need to rely on Yevgen Podorvaiy's sharpshooting. The latter has been hot lately, hitting 9 of 11 three-pointers last weekend against Sumykhimprom, averaging 9.8 points per game making 60% of his threes.

Cherkassy's forward Fadi El Khatib, who is currently the Superleague's leading scorer with 17.5 points per game, will be the center of attention of all the local fans during the contest.

In the rest of the Saturday's games Sumykhimprom will take on Khimik Yuzhniy, Kryvbassbasket will face Pulsar Rivne, Politechnika-Galychina Lviv will host MBC Mykolaiv while Odessa will challenge Budivelnik.

Live scores, game logs, stats, recaps and photos will be available on the Official website of the Ukrainian Basketball Federation

*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
AUSTRALIA - Women

Cayla Francis lands 34 points to ice Christchurch winning streak -by Eurobasket News
AIS - Christchurch 87:83

AIS snapped Christchurch impressive 4-game winning run beating them in AIS Training Hall. AIS looked brilliant at the start of the game as they were all-around the court netting points from all possible ranges. The Sirens looked capitulated for some time as the gap grew over 20-point mark. But Leigh Gooding managed to bring Kiwis back from limbo and they began working their way back into contest. Natalie Purcell (183-F-82, college: SE Missouri St.) stepped up with three consecutive triples and Donna Wilkins nailed another one as the Sirens cut the gap to 10 points 34:44. The return effort was extended in the third stanza as Donna Wilkins led the way for New Zealand side and they gradually climbed within a striking distance. AIS felt the breath of their opponents as the gap was narrowed to just 2 points in the final period. However Cayla Francis (192-C-89) never stopped scoring and being virtually unstoppable boosted AIS. Moreover Donna Wilkins was fouled out in the dying stages and the spark went cold for the visitors as they lost their 8th game in the season. Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) contributed 12 points for AIS. Mia Newley (181-F-86) provided 10 points as the home side improved to 4-7 record. Donna Wilkins scored 21 points to pace the Sirens. Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe (173-G-79, college: Buffalo) chipped in 18 points in defeat.
AIS will battle against Perth next. Christchurch continue their road tour in Adelaide against the Lightning on December 2.

AIS: Cayla Francis 34+12 boards, Marianna Tolo 12, Mia Newley 10
Christchurch: Donna Wilkins 21, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe 18, Natalie Purcell 12

*****************************************************
BELGIUM - Women

Dexia Namur lost in Poland -by Eurobasket News

Lotos - Dexia Namur 87:77 (19-20, 23-22, 28-18, 17-17)

Dexia Namur fell at 1-3 in Euroleague after a loss in Poland last night. Belgian squad failed in the third quarter and lost 77:87. Dominique Canty (175-G/F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Alabama) led Lotos with 21 points and 7 assists. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) and Snytsina followed her with 19 points each. Kim Smith top-scored for the visitors with 16 points. Lotos Gdynia improved to 2-2 in Group C.

Kim Smith scored first two points for Dexia as the team stayed in front for the majority of the first quarter. Carpreaux was the last to score for the visitors as they reached 19:20 in the end of the first 10 minutes. In a tough second period Maksimovic tied the score at 42:42 as the teams disappeared in the lockers.

The third quarter was the decisive one as the hosts stormed into a 70:60 lead. It happened after they produced 28:18, having even 16-points deficit. In the last quarter Szymanska-Lara gave a chance to the visitors to reduce to 80:73 but then Lotos increased to 87:77 in the end.

The next game Dexia will play in Czech Republic against Gambrinus. Lotos will face Kosit in Slovak Republic.

Lotos: Dominique Canty 21+7 ast, Anne Breitreiner 19, Snytsina 19
Dexia Namur: Kim Smith (186-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) 16, Jennifer Fleischer (191-C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Pennsylvania) 15+12 rebs

Novia Munalux Namur registered the first loss at home -by Eurobasket News
Novia Munalux Namur -Nadezhda 59:77(18-28, 15-15, 13-19, 13-15)

Novia Munalux Namur was upset by Nadezhda in Group K of EuroCup. The latter showed it is one of the top candidates to win group, however is still with 3-1 record. Meanwhile, Novia Munalux Namur dropped to 1-3 and registered its first home loss. Elen Shakirova (192-C-70) led the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. She was well followed by Belarus Anastasiya Verameyenka (191-C-87) who collected 20 points and 15 boards. Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85) top-scored for the Belgian team with 24 points.

Anastasiya Verameyenka opened fire in the game to score in a cold start of the game. Novia Munalux Namur managed to lock the defensive board in the opening minutes but lacked concentration in offense. Nadezhda used it as a chance and started with 18:28 after the first ten minutes of the game. Anastasiya Verameyenka kept the same number of deficit sending the teams to the lockers.
In the third quarter it became clear that Novia Munalux Namur would not catch up. Nadezhda used 13:19 in the period and took 46:62 after 30 minutes of the game. Elen Shakirova set up the final score, 59:77. In another game of the group Tarbes beat Madeira.

Novia Munalux Namur: Stephanie Dubuc 24, Michele Decors (190-F/C-83) 15
Nadezhda: Elen Shakirova 23+12 rebs, Anastasiya Verameyenka 20+15 rebs, Shagan 9, Zhanna Gorodetskaya (178-G-79) 9

*****************************************************
BOSNIA - Women

Panionios stole the victory in Bosnia -by Eurobasket News
BC Zeljeznicar - Panionios 65:67 (18-26, 18-12, 16-18, 13-11)

Greek Panionios won the game for the top position over BC Zeljeznicar. In a tough game Panionios grabbed 65:67 victory. Erin Thorn (178-G-81, college: BYU) paced the winners with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Samoroukova nailed 16 points and made 10 rebounds, while Brooke Queenan (188-F-84, college: Boston Coll.) netted 15. Deonna Davis (170-G-84, agency: Merit Sports, college: Vanderbilt) was on top of Bosnian team scoring 15 points and making 11 assists.

Erin Thorn that top-scored for the visitors started to ruin BC Zeljeznicar from the very beginning. She nailed first two points of her team and then scored three three-pointers in a row. It was a disaster for the hosts that trailed 18:26 after the first ten minutes of the game. Out of 26 team points Erin Thorn had the half of it, 13.
In the second quarter the hosts seemed to play better and reduced to 36:38 at the end of it. Martina Gambiraza (176-G-82)'s jump-shot sent the teams to the lockers with 36:38 for the guests.
Samoroukova made 40:49 for Panionios as her team enjoyed the lead in the beginning of the second quarter. Hamsic however finished a 10-0 run by the hosts that took 50:49 lead at that time. In the end of the third period Greek side grabbed the possession and led the game till 57:56 in the fourth. Music's jump-shot was the last lead for the hosts as they could not find the answer for the visitors later in the end.

BC Zeljeznicar: Deonna Davis 15+11 ast, Martina Gambiraza 14
Panionios: Erin Thorn 23+7 rebs, Samoroukova 16+10 rebs, Brooke Queenan 15

*****************************************************
CYPRUS - Women

AEK keeps Dnipro winless -by Eurobasket News
Imperial AEL - Dnipro 81:73 (20-20, 21-16, 18-19, 22-18)

Ukrainian Dnipro remains without wins in EuroCup this season. In the game versus Imperial AEL the latter had 81:73 home success. Andrea Gardner-Combs (192-C-79, college: Howard) paced the winners with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Biljana Pavicevic (191-F-80) nailed 21, while Anna Grabias (183-G-82, college: Richmond) scored 17. Jillian Robbins (185-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Tulsa) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 19 points.

Dnipro opened the game with an offensive game and enjoyed the opening tip of the game. Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87) gave Dnipro the biggest lead, 4:13 after she nailed a lay-up. Ukrainian team kept 9 points in the end of the quarter, however Imperial AEL tied at 20:20.
Andrea Gardner-Combs helped the team to stay in front with 22:20 in the beginning of the second. It was Biljana Pavicevic who fixed up the score for the hosts with 41:36 at the half time.
Dnipro came back to the game after Dubrovina netted a three to take 43:44 advantage. It was the last lead for the visitors that could not struggle in the fourth quarter. Entering it with 65:60 Dnipro tied at 65 points for both squads, but then missed a 0-7 run from AEL. Andrea Gardner-Combs brought the second win for the team from Cyprus making the final 81:73 score.

Imperial AEL: Andrea Gardner-Combs 26+13 rebs, Biljana Pavicevic 21, Anna Grabias 17
Dnipro: Jillian Robbins 19, Anna Pokoiova 17

*****************************************************
CZECH REP. - Women

Kara Trutnov lost to Dynamo Kursk -by Eurobasket News

Kara Trutnov - Dynamo Kursk 54:71 (19-17, 7-20, 16-17, 12-17)

Dynamo Kursk remained with zero in the column of the losses even after a trip to Czech Republic. Russian team had a road win over Kara Trutnov 54:71. A 7:20 in the second quarter was fatal for the hosts that fell at 1-3. Varvara Psareva (192-C-85) led the winners with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Anastasia Fomina (175-G-83) nailed 12, while Anastasia Bocharova (180-F-77) collected 11 points and 9 rebounds. Darina Misurova (163-G-81) ended up with 20 points for the Czechs.
When Kara Trutnov scored first 4 points of the game it seemed that the hosts were ready to grab the second win. Snajdrova's alley-oop in the end of the first quarter proved the ablutions of the Czechs.
With 23:23 in the beginning of the second quarter Dynamo Kursk produced a 14-0 run to dominate in the court for later. Trutnov however remained within striking distance in the third period and throughout most of the fourth. Makhlina made the score 42:54 after the thirty minutes of the game. Darina Misurova's three returned the hosts to the game at 50:59 but then Kara missed another shots from the guests. Anastasia Fomina's alley-oop set up a final score, 54:71.

The next games are planned for December 5/7. Kara Trutnov will face CCC in Poland on December 6th.

Kara Trutnov: Darina Misurova 20, Katerina Zohnova (179-F-84) 11
Dynamo Kursk: Varvara Psareva 13+13 rebs, Anastasia Fomina 12, Anastasia Bocharova 11+9 rebs

Halcon Avenida leaves USK Prague in the bottom -by Eurobasket News
USK Prague - Halcon Avenida 82:88 (20-18, 22-19, 11-23, 29-28)

Halcon Avenida improved to 2-2 in Group B of EuroLeague defeating USK Prague 82:88 on a road. An 11:23 spurt in the third quarter was the decisive in the game. Ana Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) paced all the winners with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Alessandra Santos (200-C-73) nailed 14, while De Mondt and Bermejo Moreno had 11 points each. Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) top-scored for the Czechs with 26 points.

Spanish squad picked up their second win in EuroLeague Women Group B with triumph at Prague. Prague at one stage had a six-point cushion at 28:22 as they won also the opening quarter 20:18. Ferancikova with a jump-shot gave the hosts 42:37 at the half time.

Alessandra Santos tied the game at 45 points for both squads and then the visitors found the solution in the game. With 11:23 in the third they increased to 53:60 after 30 minutes in the game. Sanchez's lay-up was the last in the quarter of the visitors run. In the last quarter Halcon Avenida held the advantage an led the game to a happy end. Halcon Avenida moves up to 2-2 in the group leaving USK Prague at 1-3. The next games are scheduled on December 5/6.

USK Prague: Lindsay Whalen 26, Ferancikova 17
Halcon Avenida: Ana Montanana 22+7 rebs, Alessandra Santos 14, De Mondt 11, Bermejo Moreno 11

*****************************************************
EUROCUP (W) - Women

Standings

EuroCup Standings

Group A
1. Besiktas		3-1
2. Panionios		3-1
3. Zeljeznicar		2-2
4. Vojvodina		0-4
Group B
1. Hemofarm		3-1
2. TED Kayseri		2-2
3. Arad		2-2
4. Apollon		1-3
Group C
1. Elektra		4-0
2. Vologda		2-2
3. Buducnost		1-3
4. Botas		1-3
Group D
1. Galatasaray		3-1
2. Elizur Ram.		3-1
3. AEL		2-2
4. Dnipro		0-4
Group E
1. MBK Ruz.		4-0
2. Kozachka		2-2
3. ZTE		1-3
4. U.Neuch.		1-3
Group F
1. Gospic		3-1
2. AZS Gorzow		3-1
3. Szeged		2-2
4. Wasserburg		0-4
Group G
1. Dynamo K.		4-0
2. CCC		3-1
3. Trutnov		1-3
4. Foton		0-4
Group H
1. Cajacanar.		4-0
2. Pays d Aix		3-1
3. 08		1-3
4. Parma		0-4
Group I
1. BC Moscow		4-0
2. Schio		3-1
3. Extrugasa		1-3
4. Sierre		0-4
Group J
1. Taranto		3-1
2. Challes		3-1
3. Hondar.-Irun		2-2
4. Rh.Rebels		0-4
Group K
1. Tarbes		4-0
2. Nadezhda		3-1
3. N.Namur		1-3
4. CAB Mad.		0-4
Group L
1. Venezia		4-0
2. Montpellier		3-1
3. San Jose		1-3
4. Lexembourg		0-4

The end of Round 4 -by Eurobasket News

KK Hemofarm Vrsac - Pankup TED Koleji 78:57 (25-17, 10-12, 17-9, 26-19)

Serbian KK Hemofarm Vrsac reaches the top place in Group B defeating Pankup TED Koleji 78:57. Serbian team is now 3-1 and top the group alone. Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) paced the winners with 19 points. Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) netted 18 and Marina Jankovic (181-G-83) scored 15. Monique Coker (188-F-82, college: ODU) and Moore produced 20 points in the losing effort.

A great start allowed Serbian squad take 25:17 after the first ten minutes of the game. It was a good beginning as both teams desired to take control of the game and of course to reach the victory that would allow them to take the first spot. KK Hemofarm Vrsac slowed down in the second period and missed a 10:12 spurt by the visitors.

Serbian squad came back from the lockers being more motivated. A tough play in defense brought 17:9 in the third and 14 points deficit before the fourth quarter. In the final period KK Hemofarm Vrsac did not stop and increased the lead to 21 points. The hosts showed a good percentage from the field making 30 out of 57 attempts. Pankup TED Koleji did not follow them and reached only 18 out of 64. Turkish team fell at 2-2 and stays second in the group.

KK Hemofarm Vrsac: Biljana Stankovic 19, Tamara Radocaj 18, Marina Jankovic 15
Pankup TED Koleji: Monique Coker 20, Moore 20

BC Zeljeznicar - Panionios 65:67 (18-26, 18-12, 16-18, 13-11)

Greek Panionios won the game for the top position over BC Zeljeznicar. In a tough game Panionios grabbed 65:67 victory. Erin Thorn (178-G-81, college: BYU) paced the winners with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Samoroukova nailed 16 points and made 10 rebounds, while Brooke Queenan (188-F-84, college: Boston Coll.) netted 15. Deonna Davis (170-G-84, agency: Merit Sports, college: Vanderbilt) was on top of Bosnian team scoring 15 points and making 11 assists.

Erin Thorn that top-scored for the visitors started to ruin BC Zeljeznicar from the very beginning. She nailed first two points of her team and then scored three three-pointers in a row. It was a disaster for the hosts that trailed 18:26 after the first ten minutes of the game. Out of 26 team points Erin Thorn had the half of it, 13.
In the second quarter the hosts seemed to play better and reduced to 36:38 at the end of it. Martina Gambiraza (176-G-82)'s jump-shot sent the teams to the lockers with 36:38 for the guests.
Samoroukova made 40:49 for Panionios as her team enjoyed the lead in the beginning of the second quarter. Hamsic however finished a 10-0 run by the hosts that took 50:49 lead at that time. In the end of the third period Greek side grabbed the possession and led the game till 57:56 in the fourth. Music's jump-shot was the last lead for the hosts as they could not find the answer for the visitors later in the end.

BC Zeljeznicar: Deonna Davis 15+11 ast, Martina Gambiraza 14
Panionios: Erin Thorn 23+7 rebs, Samoroukova 16+10 rebs, Brooke Queenan 15

ZKK Vojvodina -Besiktas Cola Turka 74:77
Serbian ZKK Vojvodina showed another good game in EuroCup, however saw another loss in Group A. Besiktas Cola Turka stole the victory from the hosts 74:77 last night in Novi Sad. Stacey Lynn Lovelace (193-F-74, college: Purdue) paced the winners with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Hayden-Johnson collected 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Nazli Guler (182-F-82) and Erdogan added 14 points each. Ivana Grubor (185-F/C-84) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points.
Hayden-Johnson gave the first lead for the Turkish side making two free throws in the beginning of the game. Stupar replied with a shot from the arc to give her team the first lead. The hosts made some important baskets in the end of the quarter to take 23:16 lead.
Iva Musulin (170-G-84) made the score 30:16 for the hosts that seemed to find a game in the start of the second period. That was however the fatal period for them. Besiktas Cola Turka used a 5-22 run to take a 35:38 lead at the cushion. Erdogan's three brought a success in the end of the half for the visitors.
Both teams tried hard in the second half but only one of them, Besiktas Cola Turka could celebrate the win. The Turkish side improved to 3-1 in the standings and now share the top place with Greek Panionis.

ZKK Vojvodina: Ivana Grubor 19, Sara Krnjic (194-C-91) 10, Iva Musulin 10
Besiktas Cola Turka: Stacey Lynn Lovelace 21+12 rebs, Hayden-Johnson 18+9 rebs, Nazli Guler 14, Erdogan 14

Universite BC Neuchatel -Kozachka-Zalk 75:57 (18-17, 18-11, 17-11, 22-18)
Universite BC Neuchatel won the second game in Round 4 of EuroCup campaign. The Swiss team overcame Ukrainian representative in Group E Kozachka-Zalk 75:57. It gave the hosts the opportunity to fight for the second spot in the group with 2 games remaining. Cameo Hicks was unstoppable with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Nina Crelot (170-G/F-87) netted 11, while Charlier scored 10. Olena Fenko (187-F-76) finished the night with 14 points in the losing clause.

Universite BC Neuchatel had a great game against the leader of Group E Slovakian MBK Ruzomberok in Round 3. That time Swiss squad lost 76:78 and desired to win last night. The opening quarter was the preparation for the whole game as the hosts grabbed 18:17 lead. With the same number of points Universite BC Neuchatel let Kozachka to score only 11 in the second quarter. It gave the hosts a 36:28 advantage as both squads left the court for the break.
The next two quarters proved that Swiss squad prepared for the game better than Ukrainians. Universite BC Neuchatel won the third 17:11 and the fourth 22:18. Slovak Ruzemberok tops the group with 4-0 record, while Hungarian ZTE also has 1-3.

Universite BC Neuchatel: Cameo Hicks (178-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Washington) 29+10 rebs+5 ast, Nina Crelot 11, Charlier 10
Kozachka-Zalk: Olena Fenko 14, Svitlana Kozachenko (180-G-74) 11

Imperial AEL - Dnipro 81:73 (20-20, 21-16, 18-19, 22-18)
Ukrainian Dnipro remains without wins in EuroCup this season. In the game versus Imperial AEL the latter had 81:73 home success. Andrea Gardner-Combs (192-C-79, college: Howard) paced the winners with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Biljana Pavicevic (191-F-80) nailed 21, while Anna Grabias (183-G-82, college: Richmond) scored 17. Jillian Robbins (185-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Tulsa) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 19 points.

Dnipro opened the game with an offensive game and enjoyed the opening tip of the game. Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87) gave Dnipro the biggest lead, 4:13 after she nailed a lay-up. Ukrainian team kept 9 points in the end of the quarter, however Imperial AEL tied at 20:20.
Andrea Gardner-Combs helped the team to stay in front with 22:20 in the beginning of the second. It was Biljana Pavicevic who fixed up the score for the hosts with 41:36 at the half time.
Dnipro came back to the game after Dubrovina netted a three to take 43:44 advantage. It was the last lead for the visitors that could not struggle in the fourth quarter. Entering it with 65:60 Dnipro tied at 65 points for both squads, but then missed a 0-7 run from AEL. Andrea Gardner-Combs brought the second win for the team from Cyprus making the final 81:73 score.

Imperial AEL: Andrea Gardner-Combs 26+13 rebs, Biljana Pavicevic 21, Anna Grabias 17
Dnipro: Jillian Robbins 19, Anna Pokoiova 17

Kara Trutnov - Dynamo Kursk 54:71 (19-17, 7-20, 16-17, 12-17)
Dynamo Kursk remained with zero in the column of the losses even after a trip to Czech Republic. Russian team had a road win over Kara Trutnov 54:71. A 7:20 in the second quarter was fatal for the hosts that fell at 1-3. Varvara Psareva (192-C-85) led the winners with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Anastasia Fomina (175-G-83) nailed 12, while Anastasia Bocharova (180-F-77) collected 11 points and 9 rebounds. Darina Misurova (163-G-81) ended up with 20 points for the Czechs.
When Kara Trutnov scored first 4 points of the game it seemed that the hosts were ready to grab the second win. Snajdrova's alley-oop in the end of the first quarter proved the ablutions of the Czechs.
With 23:23 in the beginning of the second quarter Dynamo Kursk produced a 14-0 run to dominate in the court for later. Trutnov however remained within striking distance in the third period and throughout most of the fourth. Makhlina made the score 42:54 after the thirty minutes of the game. Darina Misurova's three returned the hosts to the game at 50:59 but then Kara missed another shots from the guests. Anastasia Fomina's alley-oop set up a final score, 54:71.

Pays Aix Basket - O8 Stockholm HR 66:61 (10-11, 20-22, 18-11, 18-17)

Swedish O8 Stockholm HR lost the third game in EuroCup campaign. The team from the capital of Sweden was defeated in France by Pays Aix Basket 66:61. Three points deficit at the first half were not enough to grab the victory. Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) paced the winners with 13 points. Magali Lacroix (186-F-75) scored 10, while Suez and Lesdema netted 9 points apiece. Jocelyn Penn (186-F-79, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) collected 15 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

When Lesdema made the score 10:4 for the hosts it was hardly believed that Swedish team would stay in the game. O8 Stockholm HR however decided to prove the opposite already in the opening quarter taking 10:11 lead. Johansen's three with 26 seconds remaining brought the first lead for the visitors.
Beuzelin with a three gave the French side 19:15 early in the second. Amber Petillon (193-C-82, college: Richmond)'s effort was enough to grab the lead back at the half time, 30:33.
As both teams realized that the last quarter would be decisive they thought about it in the third as Ines Kresovic made 48:44. Jennie Thingwall (183-F-85) gave the Swedish squad 59:60 with less than 2 minutes in the game, but O8 Stockholm HR could not hold the score. A 7-1 run brought the hosts 66:61 triumph.

Pays Aix Basket: Ines Kresovic 13, Magali Lacroix 10, Suez 9, Lesdema 9
O8 Stockholm HR: Jocelyn Penn 15+9 rebs, Amber Petillon 14+11 rebs, Jennie Thingwall 14

Challes-Les-Eaux Basket - Rhondda Rebels 107:50 (27-12, 24-14, 27-18, 29-6)

Group J saw another big loss from British representative in EuroCup. Challes-Les-Eaux Basket beat Rhondda Rebels 107:50 to send them to 0-4 record. Johanne Gomis (177-G-85) led the winners with 22 points. Stephanie Dubois (183-F-83) netted 18, while Jessica Davenport (196-C-85, college: Ohio St.) scored 13. LaNedra Brown (188-C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Seton Hall) chipped in 16 points in the losing effort.

Copeland opened the game for both teams while Rhondda Rebels enjoyed the only lead in it. Challes-Les-Eaux Basket replied with 17-0 to take the whole control of the game. Jessica Davenport was the last to score in the first period and gave her team 27:12. Bacquet increased the hosts' lead to twenty one points making 44:23 in the end of the second. Johanne Gomis's three sent the teams to the interim with 51:26.
There were no chances to come back and Rhondda Rebels continued to fall. Again Johanne Gomis from the arc made 78:44 in the end of the third quarter. In the last period the Britts scored only 6 points and lost the fourth game in a row. The next games are planned for December 5/6.

Challes-Les-Eaux Basket: Johanne Gomis 22, Stephanie Dubois 18, Jessica Davenport 13
Rhondda Rebels: LaNedra Brown 16, Andrea Congreaves (193-C-70) 12+10 rebs

BC Moscow - Sdent Sierre Basket 94:51 (26-16, 22-20, 22-6, 24-9)
Two teams from different parts of Group I saw each other in Moscow Region. BC Moscow being the favorite smashed the Swiss Sdent Sierre Basket 94:51 to send them to 0-4 record. A 22:6 was the most crucial for the visitors. Martina Weber (196-F-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Iona) led the winners with 14 points. Ekaterina Savelyeva (184-F-86) netted 13, while Currie and Elena Danilochkina (184-G-86) scored 12 each. Maria Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) produced a great game for the guests nailing 20 points and collecting 10 boards.
Sdent Sierre Basket resisted in the opening tip of the game staying tough at 5:5. A 9-0 run however lifted the hosts to 14:5. Ekaterina Savelyeva's three was the last in the period as the teams had 26:16 for the hosts.
Dabovic increased to plus 20 in the second quarter making 42:22. Swiss team did not give up and could reduce to 12 points. Grila from the arc sent the squads to the lockers with 48:36. Rhona McKenzie (183-F/C-76, agency: LBM Management) even cut the margin to 10 points in the beginning of the third, but then Russian squad created 22-4 to finish three quarters at 70:42.
In the last quarter the teams had different tasks, BC Moscow to reach 100 and Sdent Sierre Basket to reduce. BC Moscow won 94:51 and improved to 4-0.

BC Moscow: Martina Weber 14, Ekaterina Savelyeva 13, Currie 12, Elena Danilochkina 12
Sdent Sierre Basket: Maria Villarroel 20+10 rebs, Rhona McKenzie 16

Novia Munalux Namur -Nadezhda 59:77(18-28, 15-15, 13-19, 13-15)
Novia Munalux Namur was upset by Nadezhda in Group K of EuroCup. The latter showed it is one of the top candidates to win group, however is still with 3-1 record. Meanwhile, Novia Munalux Namur dropped to 1-3 and registered its first home loss. Elen Shakirova (192-C-70) led the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. She was well followed by Belarus Anastasiya Verameyenka (191-C-87) who collected 20 points and 15 boards. Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85) top-scored for the Belgian team with 24 points.

Anastasiya Verameyenka opened fire in the game to score in a cold start of the game. Novia Munalux Namur managed to lock the defensive board in the opening minutes but lacked concentration in offense. Nadezhda used it as a chance and started with 18:28 after the first ten minutes of the game. Anastasiya Verameyenka kept the same number of deficit sending the teams to the lockers.
In the third quarter it became clear that Novia Munalux Namur would not catch up. Nadezhda used 13:19 in the period and took 46:62 after 30 minutes of the game. Elen Shakirova set up the final score, 59:77. In another game of the group Tarbes beat Madeira.

Novia Munalux Namur: Stephanie Dubuc 24, Michele Decors (190-F/C-83) 15
Nadezhda: Elen Shakirova 23+12 rebs, Anastasiya Verameyenka 20+15 rebs, Shagan 9, Zhanna Gorodetskaya (178-G-79) 9

Lattes Montpellier - EXMA 85:54 (26-6, 22-16, 23-15, 14-17)
Two players were not enough for EXMA from Luxembourg that lost the fourth game in a row in EuroCup. Lattes Montpellier destroyed EXMA 85:54. Katarina Manic (180-G-80) paced the winners with 15 points. Grace Daley (170-G-78, college: Tulane) ended up with 14, while Sandra Dijon (195-C-79) scored 13. Rachel Wojdowski (179-G/F-82) collected 20 points and 12 rebounds in defeat and Scanlon had 14+18 boards.

Lattes Montpellier improved to 3-1 in the group by downing ELMA in France. The hosts focused on defense in the early going, making 26:6 from the start. Jouandon increased the hosts lead to plus 25 in the middle of the second. Podkovalnikova's lay-up was the last before the teams went to the lockers, 48:22.
Lattes Montpellier started to play a team game in order all the players to contribute into the win. EXMA used it as a chance but could show the class later in the fourth. At first the visitors lost the third 23;15 to trail 71:37. In the last quarter EXMA had 14:17, but was disappointed by the final score.
In all the stats after the game the team from Luxembourg had only more rebounds, 42:41. In all the other stats the hosts were much better than the guests.

Lattes Montpellier: Katarina Manic 15, Grace Daley 14, Sandra Dijon 13
EXMA: Rachel Wojdowski 20+12 rebs, Scanlon 14+18 rebs

Tarbes GB - CAB Madeira 58:46 (18-12, 14-15, 11-6, 15-13)
French Tarbes wrote down the fourth loss for CAB Madeira in Group K of EuroCup. A defensive game throughout the campaing helped more the hosts that increased to 4-0 record. Gisella Vega (188-C-82) led the winners with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Clemence Beikes (179-G-83) netted 11, while Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) scored 9. Kerri Gardin (186-F-84, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 17 points and made 13 rebounds in defeat.

Hutcheson opened the game with two free-throws as CAB Madeira struggle hard. Gisella Vega however found her game from the start and buried the guests with 18:12 after the first ten minutes. Luckily Kerri Gardin tied the game in the second at 27:27, but Jaklin Zlatanova's three gave her team 32:27 at the half time.
Tarbes GB paid too much attention in the third quarter to defense and reached 11:6 in the period. A jump-shot from Mann brought 43:33 for the hosts. Tavares reduced to 8 points in the end of the game, however Tarbes reached 58:46 with the final whistle.

It was a bit unusual that the losing team had a better percentage. Field goals, three-pointers and free throws were of a better percentage from Portuguese team. Only 2/2 free throws left them with 100% at the end.

Tarbes GB: Gisella Vega 23+11 rebs, Clemence Beikes 11, Jaklin Zlatanova 9
CAB Madeira: Kerri Gardin 17+13 rebs, Hutcheson 16

*****************************************************
EUROLEAGUE (W) - Women

Thursday results of Round 4 -by Eurobasket News

USK Prague - Halcon Avenida 82:88 (20-18, 22-19, 11-23, 29-28)

Halcon Avenida improved to 2-2 in Group B of EuroLeague defeating USK Prague 82:88 on a road. An 11:23 spurt in the third quarter was the decisive in the game. Ana Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) (186-F-80, college: George Washington) paced all the winners with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Alessandra Santos (200-C-73) nailed 14, while De Mondt and Bermejo Moreno had 11 points each. Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) top-scored for the Czechs with 26 points.

Spanish squad picked up their second win in EuroLeague Women Group B with triumph at Prague. Prague at one stage had a six-point cushion at 28:22 as they won also the opening quarter 20:18. Ferancikova with a jump-shot gave the hosts 42:37 at the half time.

Alessandra Santos tied the game at 45 points for both squads and then the visitors found the solution in the game. With 11:23 in the third they increased to 53:60 after 30 minutes in the game. Sanchez's lay-up was the last in the quarter of the visitors run. In the last quarter Halcon Avenida held the advantage an led the game to a happy end. Halcon Avenida moves up to 2-2 in the group leaving USK Prague at 1-3. The next games are scheduled on December 5/6.

USK Prague: Lindsay Whalen 26, Ferancikova 17
Halcon Avenida: Ana Montanana 22+7 rebs, Alessandra Santos 14, De Mondt 11, Bermejo Moreno 11

Napoli - Villeneuve 80:73

Napoli celebrated the first win in Euroleague this season beating Lille Metropole 80:73. The Italians looked dead and buried when they went in at half-time 33:46 down but recovered in the second half. Kedra Holland-Corn (173-G-74) poured in a three-pointer then a pair of free throws to put Phard in the lead at 72:71. With 29:17 in the fourth Napoli deserved a 80:73 victory. Mariangela Cirone (171-G-76) led the winners with 20 points. Barnes and Kedra Holland-Corn followed her with 15 points apiece. Ljubica Drljaca (190-F-78) produced 14 points in the losing clause.

Napoli: Mariangela Cirone 20, Barnes 15, Kedra Holland-Corn 15
Villeneuve: Ljubica Drljaca 14, Wambe 12, Crawford 12

*****************************************************
FRANCE - Women

EuroCup: A perfect week for French clubs -by Leslie Anderson

The French clubs repeated their success of the first leg in the return match in round 4 as all sides won. Challes-les-Eaux and Montpellier had no problems as they disposed of Coca-Cola Rhonnda Rebels (107-50 and EXMA BBTL (85-54) respectively.

Tarbes beat CAB Madeira (58-46) and have already qualified for the second phase of the competition Gisella Vega was on fire as she finished with a double-double, 23 points and 11 rebounds in just 24 minutes and was the catalyst behind the victory. Tarbes now need to concentrate on improving their domestic form.

Aix struggled against 08 Stockholm in the first leg and despite having home advantage , they had to wait until the final minutes to put down their guests (66-61).

More detailed reports are available here or in our EuroCup section on this site

*****************************************************
GREECE - Women

Panionios stole the victory in Bosnia -by Eurobasket News
BC Zeljeznicar - Panionios 65:67 (18-26, 18-12, 16-18, 13-11)

Greek Panionios won the game for the top position over BC Zeljeznicar. In a tough game Panionios grabbed 65:67 victory. Erin Thorn (178-G-81, college: BYU) paced the winners with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Samoroukova nailed 16 points and made 10 rebounds, while Brooke Queenan (188-F-84, college: Boston Coll.) netted 15. Deonna Davis (170-G-84, agency: Merit Sports, college: Vanderbilt) was on top of Bosnian team scoring 15 points and making 11 assists.

Erin Thorn that top-scored for the visitors started to ruin BC Zeljeznicar from the very beginning. She nailed first two points of her team and then scored three three-pointers in a row. It was a disaster for the hosts that trailed 18:26 after the first ten minutes of the game. Out of 26 team points Erin Thorn had the half of it, 13.
In the second quarter the hosts seemed to play better and reduced to 36:38 at the end of it. Martina Gambiraza (176-G-82)'s jump-shot sent the teams to the lockers with 36:38 for the guests.
Samoroukova made 40:49 for Panionios as her team enjoyed the lead in the beginning of the second quarter. Hamsic however finished a 10-0 run by the hosts that took 50:49 lead at that time. In the end of the third period Greek side grabbed the possession and led the game till 57:56 in the fourth. Music's jump-shot was the last lead for the hosts as they could not find the answer for the visitors later in the end.

BC Zeljeznicar: Deonna Davis 15+11 ast, Martina Gambiraza 14
Panionios: Erin Thorn 23+7 rebs, Samoroukova 16+10 rebs, Brooke Queenan 15

*****************************************************
ITALY - Women

Napoli celebrates the first win in Euroleague, Faenza loses at home -by Eurobasket News
Napoli celebrated the first win in Euroleague this season beating Lille Metropole 80:73. The Italians looked dead and buried when they went in at half-time 33:46 down but recovered in the second half. Kedra Holland-Corn (173-G-74) poured in a three-pointer then a pair of free throws to put Phard in the lead at 72:71. With 29:17 in the fourth Napoli deserved a 80:73 victory. Mariangela Cirone (171-G-76) led the winners with 20 points. Barnes and Kedra Holland-Corn followed her with 15 points apiece. Ljubica Drljaca (190-F-78) produced 14 points in the losing clause.

Faenza lost at home to Hungarian MiZo 66:68. 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 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 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 's three-pointer with almost 4 minutes into the final stanza gave MiZo Pecs a 66:58 lead. But Marlous Nieuwveen hit a trey and Maria Chiara Franchini 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 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 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.

Faenza - MiZo Pecs 66:68
Faenza: Marija Eric 17, Daliborka Jokic 12+8 boards
MiZo Pecs: Graziane Coelho 16, Zsofia Fegyverneky 14, Dalma Ivanyi 11

Napoli - Villeneuve 80:73
Napoli: Mariangela Cirone 20, Barnes 15, Kedra Holland-Corn 15
Villeneuve: Ljubica Drljaca 14, Wambe 12, Crawford 12

*****************************************************
LUXEMBOURG - Women

Lattes Montpellier destroys EXMA -by Eurobasket News
Lattes Montpellier - EXMA 85:54 (26-6, 22-16, 23-15, 14-17)

Two players were not enough for EXMA from Luxembourg that lost the fourth game in a row in EuroCup. Lattes Montpellier destroyed EXMA 85:54. Katarina Manic (180-G-80) paced the winners with 15 points. Grace Daley (170-G-78, college: Tulane) ended up with 14, while Sandra Dijon (195-C-79) scored 13. Rachel Wojdowski (179-G/F-82) collected 20 points and 12 rebounds in defeat and Scanlon had 14+18 boards.

Lattes Montpellier improved to 3-1 in the group by downing ELMA in France. The hosts focused on defense in the early going, making 26:6 from the start. Jouandon increased the hosts lead to plus 25 in the middle of the second. Podkovalnikova's lay-up was the last before the teams went to the lockers, 48:22.
Lattes Montpellier started to play a team game in order all the players to contribute into the win. EXMA used it as a chance but could show the class later in the fourth. At first the visitors lost the third 23;15 to trail 71:37. In the last quarter EXMA had 14:17, but was disappointed by the final score.
In all the stats after the game the team from Luxembourg had only more rebounds, 42:41. In all the other stats the hosts were much better than the guests.

Lattes Montpellier: Katarina Manic 15, Grace Daley 14, Sandra Dijon 13
EXMA: Rachel Wojdowski 20+12 rebs, Scanlon 14+18 rebs

*****************************************************
NEW ZEALAND - Women

Cayla Francis lands 34 points to ice Christchurch winning streak -by Eurobasket News
AIS - Christchurch 87:83

AIS snapped Christchurch impressive 4-game winning run beating them in AIS Training Hall. AIS looked brilliant at the start of the game as they were all-around the court netting points from all possible ranges. The Sirens looked capitulated for some time as the gap grew over 20-point mark. But Leigh Gooding managed to bring Kiwis back from limbo and they began working their way back into contest. Natalie Purcell (183-F-82, college: SE Missouri St.) stepped up with three consecutive triples and Donna Wilkins nailed another one as the Sirens cut the gap to 10 points 34:44. The return effort was extended in the third stanza as Donna Wilkins led the way for New Zealand side and they gradually climbed within a striking distance. AIS felt the breath of their opponents as the gap was narrowed to just 2 points in the final period. However Cayla Francis (192-C-89) never stopped scoring and being virtually unstoppable boosted AIS. Moreover Donna Wilkins was fouled out in the dying stages and the spark went cold for the visitors as they lost their 8th game in the season. Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) contributed 12 points for AIS. Mia Newley (181-F-86) provided 10 points as the home side improved to 4-7 record. Donna Wilkins scored 21 points to pace the Sirens. Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe (173-G-79, college: Buffalo) chipped in 18 points in defeat.
AIS will battle against Perth next. Christchurch continue their road tour in Adelaide against the Lightning on December 2.

AIS: Cayla Francis 34+12 boards, Marianna Tolo 12, Mia Newley 10
Christchurch: Donna Wilkins 21, Kate McMeeken-Ruscoe 18, Natalie Purcell 12

*****************************************************
PORTUGAL - Women

Tarbes holds CAB Madeira winless -by Eurobasket News

Tarbes GB - CAB Madeira 58:46 (18-12, 14-15, 11-6, 15-13)

French Tarbes wrote down the fourth loss for CAB Madeira in Group K of EuroCup. A defensive game throughout the campaing helped more the hosts that increased to 4-0 record. Gisella Vega (188-C-82) led the winners with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Clemence Beikes (179-G-83) netted 11, while Jaklin Zlatanova (190-F-88) scored 9. Kerri Gardin (186-F-84, college: Virginia Tech) chipped in 17 points and made 13 rebounds in defeat.

*****************************************************
RUSSIA - Women

An outstanding result in EuroCup -by Eurobasket News
Four Russian representatives in EuroCup celebrated the wins in Round 4 of the tournament.
Dynamo Kursk remained with zero in the column of the losses even after a trip to Czech Republic. Russian team had a road win over Kara Trutnov 54:71. A 7:20 in the second quarter was fatal for the hosts that fell at 1-3. Varvara Psareva (192-C-85) led the winners with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Anastasia Fomina nailed 12, while Anastasia Bocharova (180-F-77) collected 11 points and 9 rebounds. Darina Misurova ended up with 20 points for the Czechs.
When Kara Trutnov scored first 4 points of the game it seemed that the hosts were ready to grab the second win. Snajdrova's alley-oop in the end of the first quarter proved the ablutions of the Czechs.
With 23:23 in the beginning of the second quarter Dynamo Kursk produced a 14-0 run to dominate in the court for later. Trutnov however remained within striking distance in the third period and throughout most of the fourth. Makhlina made the score 42:54 after the thirty minutes of the game. Darina Misurova's three returned the hosts to the game at 50:59 but then Kara missed another shots from the guests. Anastasia Fomina's alley-oop set up a final score, 54:71.

Two teams from different parts of Group I saw each other in Moscow Region. BC Moscow being the favorite smashed the Swiss Sdent Sierre Basket 94:51 to send them to 0-4 record. A 22:6 was the most crucial for the visitors. Martina Weber (196-F-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Iona) led the winners with 14 points. Ekaterina Savelyeva netted 13, while Currie and Elena Danilochkina scored 12 each. Maria Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) produced a great game for the guests nailing 20 points and collecting 10 boards.
Sdent Sierre Basket resisted in the opening tip of the game staying tough at 5:5. A 9-0 run however lifted the hosts to 14:5. Ekaterina Savelyeva's three was the last in the period as the teams had 26:16 for the hosts.
Dabovic increased to plus 20 in the second quarter making 42:22. Swiss team did not give up and could reduce to 12 points. Grila from the arc sent the squads to the lockers with 48:36. Rhona McKenzie even cut the margin to 10 points in the beginning of the third, but then Russian squad created 22-4 to finish three quarters at 70:42.
In the last quarter the teams had different tasks, BC Moscow to reach 100 and Sdent Sierre Basket to reduce. BC Moscow won 94:51 and improved to 4-0.

Novia Munalux Namur was upset by Nadezhda in Group K of EuroCup. The latter showed it is one of the top candidates to win group, however is still with 3-1 record. Meanwhile, Novia Munalux Namur dropped to 1-3 and registered its first home loss. Elen Shakirova led the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. She was well followed by Belarus Anastasiya Verameyenka (191-C-87) who collected 20 points and 15 boards. Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85) top-scored for the Belgian team with 24 points.
Anastasiya Verameyenka opened fire in the game to score in a cold start of the game. Novia Munalux Namur managed to lock the defensive board in the opening minutes but lacked concentration in offense. Nadezhda used it as a chance and started with 18:28 after the first ten minutes of the game. Anastasiya Verameyenka kept the same number of deficit sending the teams to the lockers.
In the third quarter it became clear that Novia Munalux Namur would not catch up. Nadezhda used 13:19 in the period and took 46:62 after 30 minutes of the game. Elen Shakirova set up the final score, 59:77. In another game of the group Tarbes beat Madeira.

Vologda Chevakata had a road win over Buducnost on Wednesday, 82:86. A 12:24 in the opening quarter was fatal for the hosts. Anastasia Pimenova paced the winners with 23 points. Liudmila Sapova (185-F-84) collected 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Kharchenko added 12. Nikolina Popovic 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.

*****************************************************
SERBIA - Women

Hemofarm rules in Group B of EuroCup -by Eurobasket News
KK Hemofarm Vrsac - Pankup TED Koleji 78:57 (25-17, 10-12, 17-9, 26-19)

Serbian KK Hemofarm Vrsac reaches the top place in Group B defeating Pankup TED Koleji 78:57. Serbian team is now 3-1 and top the group alone. Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) paced the winners with 19 points. Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) netted 18 and Marina Jankovic (181-G-83) scored 15. Monique Coker (188-F-82, college: ODU) and Moore produced 20 points in the losing effort.

A great start allowed Serbian squad take 25:17 after the first ten minutes of the game. It was a good beginning as both teams desired to take control of the game and of course to reach the victory that would allow them to take the first spot. KK Hemofarm Vrsac slowed down in the second period and missed a 10:12 spurt by the visitors.

Serbian squad came back from the lockers being more motivated. A tough play in defense brought 17:9 in the third and 14 points deficit before the fourth quarter. In the final period KK Hemofarm Vrsac did not stop and increased the lead to 21 points. The hosts showed a good percentage from the field making 30 out of 57 attempts. Pankup TED Koleji did not follow them and reached only 18 out of 64. Turkish team fell at 2-2 and stays second in the group.

KK Hemofarm Vrsac: Biljana Stankovic 19, Tamara Radocaj 18, Marina Jankovic 15
Pankup TED Koleji: Monique Coker 20, Moore 20

Vojvodina struggles hard, still remains with no wins -by Eurobasket News
ZKK Vojvodina -Besiktas Cola Turka 74:77

Serbian ZKK Vojvodina showed another good game in EuroCup, however saw another loss in Group A. Besiktas Cola Turka stole the victory from the hosts 74:77 last night in Novi Sad. Stacey Lynn Lovelace (193-F-74, college: Purdue) paced the winners with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Hayden-Johnson collected 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Nazli Guler (182-F-82) and Erdogan added 14 points each. Ivana Grubor (185-F/C-84) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points.
Hayden-Johnson gave the first lead for the Turkish side making two free throws in the beginning of the game. Stupar replied with a shot from the arc to give her team the first lead. The hosts made some important baskets in the end of the quarter to take 23:16 lead.
Iva Musulin (170-G-84) made the score 30:16 for the hosts that seemed to find a game in the start of the second period. That was however the fatal period for them. Besiktas Cola Turka used a 5-22 run to take a 35:38 lead at the cushion. Erdogan's three brought a success in the end of the half for the visitors.
Both teams tried hard in the second half but only one of them, Besiktas Cola Turka could celebrate the win. The Turkish side improved to 3-1 in the standings and now share the top place with Greek Panionis.

ZKK Vojvodina: Ivana Grubor 19, Sara Krnjic (194-C-91) 10, Iva Musulin 10
Besiktas Cola Turka: Stacey Lynn Lovelace 21+12 rebs, Hayden-Johnson 18+9 rebs, Nazli Guler 14, Erdogan 14

*****************************************************
SPAIN - Women

Spanish success in Euroleague -by Eurobasket News
Two Spanish teams won their games in Round 4 of Euroleague. Both of them improved in the groups and look forward for the next games.
Halcon Avenida improved to 2-2 in Group B of EuroLeague defeating USK Prague 82:88 on a road. An 11:23 spurt in the third quarter was the decisive in the game. Ana Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) paced all the winners with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Alessandra Santos (200-C-73) nailed 14, while De Mondt and Bermejo Moreno had 11 points each. Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) top-scored for the Czechs with 26 points.
Spanish squad picked up their second win in EuroLeague Women Group B with triumph at Prague. Prague at one stage had a six-point cushion at 28:22 as they won also the opening quarter 20:18. Ferancikova with a jump-shot gave the hosts 42:37 at the half time.
Alessandra Santos tied the game at 45 points for both squads and then the visitors found the solution in the game. With 11:23 in the third they increased to 53:60 after 30 minutes in the game. Sanchez's lay-up was the last in the quarter of the visitors run. In the last quarter Halcon Avenida held the advantage an led the game to a happy end. Halcon Avenida moves up to 2-2 in the group leaving USK Prague at 1-3.

Ros Casares overcame TEO Vilnius in Valencia as 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 and Haynie responded with triples of their own and Yelena Leuchanka 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 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 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 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 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 scored 16 points for the visitors as they fell to 1-3 record.

Ros Casares - TEO Vilnius 75:70
Ros Casares: Katie Douglas 16, Elena Baranova 15, Elena Tornikidou 15
TEO: Nykesha Sales 22, Jurgita Streimikyte 16

USK Prague - Halcon Avenida 82:88
USK Prague: Lindsay Whalen 26, Ferancikova 17
Halcon Avenida: Ana Montanana 22+7 rebs, Alessandra Santos 14, De Mondt 11, Bermejo Moreno 11

FIBA Eurocup:La Caja de Canarias has ticket for next round -by Ivan Villar
LA CAJA DE CANARIAS - LAVEZZINI PARMA 72-59
EXTRUGASA - BERETTA FAMILIA SCCHIO 80-82
SAN JOSE LEON - VENEZIA 70-76
HONDARRIBIA IRUN - CRAS TARANTO BASKET 68-65

Team of Maikel Lopez is near of next rounf after defeating italian team Lavezzini by 13 points.Brooke Wyckoff (187-F-80, college: Florida St.) shone in Europe like Spain and scored 13 points and gained 14 rebounds.Extrugasa fought until play extra time but lost an equalized game.Agne Ciuderiane (23 p) and Sara Gomez (18 p) were best players of galician team.But Beretta made a great zone 3-2 which stopped team of Isaac Fernandez.Macchi senteced game in overtime showing as one of best players who have seen fans of Vilagarcia.San Jose complicated itself after loosing at home against Venezia.The players of M.A Estrada couldn't stop excellent offense power of italian team.Hondarribia breathes again after its bad moment in spanish league.Shameka Christon (20 p-7 reb) and Tamane (12 p-15 reb) were decisive for home victory.Vasc team still has possibilities to pass next round.

San Jose has new sponsor for FIBA Eurocup: Farma -by Ivan Villar
The team from Leon got new sponsor called "Farma".This company is formed by chemist of city.Although Farma Leon is placed 3rd in its group,has possibilities to pass next round if win next games.The contract with Farma is for spanish league too,but as secons sponsor.President of club announced that hope to find principal sponsor for spanish league soon.

Cristina Ouvina comes back to courts -by Ivan Villar
Young guard of Filter Mann,Cristina Ouvina (173-G-90),came back to practice with her team this week.Ouvina fell injured in her knee playing on June.She was operated and doctors think she can play over January.Also Marta Zurro,was operated in her knee and doctor said that was success.Although she cannot play this season,national team wait for her in Olimpic Games of China.

*****************************************************
SWEDEN - Women

The team from the capital sees the third loss -by Eurobasket News

*****************************************************
SWITZERLAND - Women

Sdent Sierre Basket falls to 0-4 -by Eurobasket News
BC Moscow - Sdent Sierre Basket 94:51 (26-16, 22-20, 22-6, 24-9)

Two teams from different parts of Group I saw each other in Moscow Region. BC Moscow being the favorite smashed the Swiss Sdent Sierre Basket 94:51 to send them to 0-4 record. A 22:6 was the most crucial for the visitors. Martina Weber (196-F-82, agency: Merit Sports, college: Iona) led the winners with 14 points. Ekaterina Savelyeva (184-F-86) netted 13, while Currie and Elena Danilochkina (184-G-86) scored 12 each. Maria Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) produced a great game for the guests nailing 20 points and collecting 10 boards.
Sdent Sierre Basket resisted in the opening tip of the game staying tough at 5:5. A 9-0 run however lifted the hosts to 14:5. Ekaterina Savelyeva's three was the last in the period as the teams had 26:16 for the hosts.
Dabovic increased to plus 20 in the second quarter making 42:22. Swiss team did not give up and could reduce to 12 points. Grila from the arc sent the squads to the lockers with 48:36. Rhona McKenzie (183-F/C-76, agency: LBM Management) even cut the margin to 10 points in the beginning of the third, but then Russian squad created 22-4 to finish three quarters at 70:42.
In the last quarter the teams had different tasks, BC Moscow to reach 100 and Sdent Sierre Basket to reduce. BC Moscow won 94:51 and improved to 4-0.

BC Moscow: Martina Weber 14, Ekaterina Savelyeva 13, Currie 12, Elena Danilochkina 12
Sdent Sierre Basket: Maria Villarroel 20+10 rebs, Rhona McKenzie 16

Hicks ruins Kozachka-Zalk -by Eurobasket News
Universite BC Neuchatel -Kozachka-Zalk 75:57 (18-17, 18-11, 17-11, 22-18)

Universite BC Neuchatel won the second game in Round 4 of EuroCup campaign. The Swiss team overcame Ukrainian representative in Group E Kozachka-Zalk 75:57. It gave the hosts the opportunity to fight for the second spot in the group with 2 games remaining. Cameo Hicks was unstoppable with 29 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Nina Crelot (170-G/F-87) netted 11, while Charlier scored 10. Olena Fenko (187-F-76) finished the night with 14 points in the losing clause.

Universite BC Neuchatel had a great game against the leader of Group E Slovakian MBK Ruzomberok in Round 3. That time Swiss squad lost 76:78 and desired to win last night. The opening quarter was the preparation for the whole game as the hosts grabbed 18:17 lead. With the same number of points Universite BC Neuchatel let Kozachka to score only 11 in the second quarter. It gave the hosts a 36:28 advantage as both squads left the court for the break.
The next two quarters proved that Swiss squad prepared for the game better than Ukrainians. Universite BC Neuchatel won the third 17:11 and the fourth 22:18. Slovak Ruzemberok tops the group with 4-0 record, while Hungarian ZTE also has 1-3.

Universite BC Neuchatel: Cameo Hicks (178-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Washington) 29+10 rebs+5 ast, Nina Crelot 11, Charlier 10
Kozachka-Zalk: Olena Fenko 14, Svitlana Kozachenko (180-G-74) 11

*****************************************************
TAIWAN - Women

Cathay Life leads WSBL Finals 1-0 -by Chris Wang
Cathay Life beat Chunghwa Telecom 79-51 Saturday for a 1-0 lead in the 2007 WSBL Finals, which adopts a best-of-three format. Veteran Chien Wei-chuan played a pivotal role in the second half to hold off Chunghwa Telecom's upset bid.

*****************************************************
TURKEY - Women

Only Besiktas brings the win -by Eurobasket News
Four losses saw Turkish team in the European arena and only one win over the last two days.

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 and Olga Arteshina 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 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 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 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.

Pankup TED Koleji was defeated by KK Hemofarm Vrsac 78:57. Serbian team is now 3-1 and top the group alone. Biljana Stankovic paced the winners with 19 points. Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) netted 18 and Marina Jankovic scored 15. Monique Coker (188-F-82, college: ODU) and Moore produced 20 points in the losing effort.
A great start allowed Serbian squad take 25:17 after the first ten minutes of the game. It was a good beginning as both teams desired to take control of the game and of course to reach the victory that would allow them to take the first spot. KK Hemofarm Vrsac slowed down in the second period and missed a 10:12 spurt by the visitors. Serbian squad came back from the lockers being more motivated. A tough play in defense brought 17:9 in the third and 14 points deficit before the fourth quarter. In the final period KK Hemofarm Vrsac did not stop and increased the lead to 21 points. The hosts showed a good percentage from the field making 30 out of 57 attempts. Pankup TED Koleji did not follow them and reached only 18 out of 64. Turkish team fell at 2-2 and stays second in the group.

Besiktas Cola Turka stole the victory from Vojvodina 74:77 last night in Novi Sad. Stacey Lynn Lovelace paced the winners with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Hayden-Johnson collected 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Nazli Guler (182-F-82) and Erdogan added 14 points each. Ivana Grubor top-scored for the hosts with 19 points.
Hayden-Johnson gave the first lead for the Turkish side making two free throws in the beginning of the game. Stupar replied with a shot from the arc to give her team the first lead. The hosts made some important baskets in the end of the quarter to take 23:16 lead.
Iva Musulin made the score 30:16 for the hosts that seemed to find a game in the start of the second period. That was however the fatal period for them. Besiktas Cola Turka used a 5-22 run to take a 35:38 lead at the cushion. Erdogan's three brought a success in the end of the half for the visitors.
Both teams tried hard in the second half but only one of them, Besiktas Cola Turka could celebrate the win. The Turkish side improved to 3-1 in the standings and now share the top place with Greek Panionis.

Botas and Galatasaray lost their games in Israel. Electra Ramat-Hasharon beat Botas Spor 84:73, while Elitzur Ramla overcame Galatasaray 85:69.

*****************************************************
U.KINGDOM - Women

Challes-Les-Eaux Basket - Rhondda Rebels 107:50 -by Eurobasket News
Challes-Les-Eaux Basket - Rhondda Rebels 107:50 (27-12, 24-14, 27-18, 29-6)

Group J saw another big loss from British representative in EuroCup. Challes-Les-Eaux Basket beat Rhondda Rebels 107:50 to send them to 0-4 record. Johanne Gomis (177-G-85) led the winners with 22 points. Stephanie Dubois (183-F-83) netted 18, while Jessica Davenport (196-C-85, college: Ohio St.) scored 13. LaNedra Brown (188-C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Seton Hall) chipped in 16 points in the losing effort.

Copeland opened the game for both teams while Rhondda Rebels enjoyed the only lead in it. Challes-Les-Eaux Basket replied with 17-0 to take the whole control of the game. Jessica Davenport was the last to score in the first period and gave her team 27:12. Bacquet increased the hosts' lead to twenty one points making 44:23 in the end of the second. Johanne Gomis's three sent the teams to the interim with 51:26.
There were no chances to come back and Rhondda Rebels continued to fall. Again Johanne Gomis from the arc made 78:44 in the end of the third quarter. In the last period the Britts scored only 6 points and lost the fourth game in a row. The next games are planned for December 5/6.

Challes-Les-Eaux Basket: Johanne Gomis 22, Stephanie Dubois 18, Jessica Davenport 13
Rhondda Rebels: LaNedra Brown 16, Andrea Congreaves (193-C-70) 12+10 rebs

*****************************************************
UKRAINE - Women

AEK keeps Dnipro winless -by Eurobasket News
Imperial AEL - Dnipro 81:73 (20-20, 21-16, 18-19, 22-18)

Ukrainian Dnipro remains without wins in EuroCup this season. In the game versus Imperial AEL the latter had 81:73 home success. Andrea Gardner-Combs (192-C-79, college: Howard) paced the winners with 26 points and 13 rebounds. Biljana Pavicevic (191-F-80) nailed 21, while Anna Grabias (183-G-82, college: Richmond) scored 17. Jillian Robbins (185-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Tulsa) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 19 points.

Dnipro opened the game with an offensive game and enjoyed the opening tip of the game. Anna Pokoiova (188-F-87) gave Dnipro the biggest lead, 4:13 after she nailed a lay-up. Ukrainian team kept 9 points in the end of the quarter, however Imperial AEL tied at 20:20.
Andrea Gardner-Combs helped the team to stay in front with 22:20 in the beginning of the second. It was Biljana Pavicevic who fixed up the score for the hosts with 41:36 at the half time.
Dnipro came back to the game after Dubrovina netted a three to take 43:44 advantage. It was the last lead for the visitors that could not struggle in the fourth quarter. Entering it with 65:60 Dnipro tied at 65 points for both squads, but then missed a 0-7 run from AEL. Andrea Gardner-Combs brought the second win for the team from Cyprus making the final 81:73 score.

Imperial AEL: Andrea Gardner-Combs 26+13 rebs, Biljana Pavicevic 21, Anna Grabias 17
Dnipro: Jillian Robbins 19, Anna Pokoiova 17

*****************************************************
WBCBL - Women

Mobile, Alabama Joins in for 2008 Season, Tryouts set for Dec. 15th & 16th -by Willie McCray
The Gulf Coast Tropics' Women Basketball Club will have tryouts for their inaugural season on December 15th and 16th. Tryouts will be held in Mobile, Alabama at Vigor High School on Wilson Ave.

Tryout Location:
CF Vigor High School
913 N. Wilson Ave
Prichard, AL 36610

Tryout Dates & Times
Saturday, December 15th 10am - 1pm
Sunday, December 16th 3pm - 5pm

Registration Fee: $10 (Non-Refundable, Cash or Money Order only)

All participants are asked to arrive at least 30 minutes early to register.

Mailing address:
Tropics Basketball
P.O. Box 7872
Mobile, AL 36607

Email: tropicsbasketball@yahoo.com