EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/23/2007

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Men News

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ANGOLA

Angola win the Pan African Games -by Carlos Pereira
Beating Egypt in the final by 56-50, Angola win the Pan African Games.
best players
For Angola Mayzer Alexandre 15pts;Victor Muzadi 10 pts
For Egypt : Ismail Amed 16pts and Tarek Taha 11 pts.

Standing
1º Angola
2º Egypt
3º Nigeria
4º Mali
5º Algeria
6º Ivory Coast
7ºSouth AFrica
8º Cameroon
9º RD Congo
10º Tunisia
11º Liberia

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ASIAN CHAMPS

South Korea seeks Olympic berth after 12 years -by Hector Santos
South Korea's national basketball team is seeking an appearance in the Olympics after 12 years.

The 12-player South Korean team, led by manager Choi Boo-young, will participate in the 24th Asia Championship for Men in Tokushima, Japan and compete for the only ticket assigned to the Asian region to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The championship will be held from July 28 to August 5.

South Korea, which hasn't made an appearance in the world games since the Atlanta Olympics in 1996, are drawn into Group D with Hong Kong, Syria and Taiwan.

As host China is promoted automatically into the finals, South Korea is expected to face-off with other favorites like Jordan, Philippines, Syria, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Japan, Qatar, Lebanon and Iran to become the other Asian qualifier.

``The players are well prepared for the championship. Since the professional league kicked off, Korean basketball has faded in Asia. To stop its slide, every player has become determined,'' said manager Choi at the Inaugural meeting Friday.

Ahead of the Asia Championship, South Korean team tested its players at the William Jones Cup in Taiwan earlier this month.

At the competition, the South Korean team, troubled by key players, Hyun Joo-yup of the LG Sakers, Bang Sung-yoon of the SK Knights, posted a record of 5-4 to place 5th.

The South Korean team under a generational shift is trying to revive its reputation as Asia's No. 2 behind China.

South Korea ranked fourth in the championships in 2005 and fifth at the Doha Asian Games last year.

To return to its old form, the South Korean team is required to solidify their inside play.

South Korea has depended on three-pointers and a heavy offense through the Jones Cup.

When playing against the tall Middle East countries, they opened up the paint zone too easily and were sold on outside shooting despite having big men with good height.

It is a relief that veteran Kim Joo-Sung (205-C-79) is activated from an injury, which prevented him from showing off his skills at the Toronto Raptors' free agent camp.

If Kim and Ha Seung-jin can build a double-post and Kim Min-soo and Lee Dong-joon live up to their expectations, South Korea will have a competitive post.

The other trouble South Korea is all-rounder Lee Kyu-sup's breakaway.

The Samsung Thunders swingman showed solid performances at the Jones Cup but his thigh injury is preventing him from playing in the preliminary round.

As Lee's replacement, manager Choi added inexperienced collegiate player Yoon Ho-young.

To fill the absence, forward Kim Dong-woo and Yang Hee-jong are expected to be alternated.

``I know people worry about the team after the Jones Cup but Kim Joo-sung did not play in most of the games and a few people also suffered injuries. By facing Asian teams at the tournament, we gained confidence. As every player is motivated to make it to the Olympics, we will be able to claim the berth,'' captain and point guard Shin Ki-sung said.

Jordan vs Qatar, 59-59 -by Hector Santos
Qatar national team and Jordan national team tune up match ended in a draw via a 59-59 score held in Shanghai, China.

The said deadlock occurred after the refusal of Jordan's head coach Mario Palma to play in the overtime.

Jordan NT also defeated in a tune-up game the Chinese Basketball Association's Shanghai Sharks, a close 92-86 score.

Jordan NT will next face China in the series of goodwill matches coming Asian Championship in Tokushima Japan.

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AUSTRALIA

U19 Worlds: Australia claims 5th place -by Gauthier Gerard
The Emus finished 5th in the 2007 U19 World Championships in Serbia after a large 83-59 win over Argentina in their last classification games. The Boys made a great tournament and will regret for a long time their first and only loss of the tournament in quarterfinals against Brazil.

Australia - Argentina: 83-59
Patrick Mills (182-G-88) netted the first basket of the game but the argentinans made the best start and were leading 5-7 after three minutes. The first period was a pretty balanced contest and the Emus were leading 16-14 after the first 10 minutes, but only Mills (4pts), Ogilvy (5pts) and Jackson (7pts) filled the scoring-sheet. In the second quarter, Nate Tomlinson came from the bench to score two three-pointer in a row to extended his team's lead to 5. The US-based guard made gus best game of the tournament with 13pts. At half-time, Australia was leading by 6, 33-27.
The third quarter started with a 5-0 run from Patrick Mills, later in the perios the Emus made a 11-0 run in three minutes and would never looked back. With only one quarter left in their World tournament, they were leading 57-41. The game was almost over when Kevin Probert scored his own 5-0 run to seal the result of the game. Tomlinson scored the last basket of the Australia team in this tournament with 42 seconds left on the clock. The Emus came back home with the 5th place and a 83-59 win.
”The boys were fantastic tonight, they did a great job,” Head Coach Marty Clarke said. ”They have done a good job in picking themselves up from the huge disappointment of two nights ago against Brazil. It really pushes your character traits to play at this level successfully and these guys have really brought into this and have worked just so hard. Everyone embraced their role and knew what they needed to do and they all did that little bit extra. We were disappointed after the Brazil game and if that last shot went one inch more to the left it would have missed but the thing is they will remember the experiences, the team spirit and their ability to stay together.”
Stats: Patrick Mills 21pts 8/17FG 27min, Daniel Jackson 17pts 8/11FG 5rbs 28min, Andrew Ogilvy 16pts 3/7FG 24min, Nate Tomlinson 13pts 4/6FG 21min, Kevin Probert 5pts 2/4FG 4ast 17min, Shannon Seebohm 3pts 0/0FG 13min, Cameron Gliddon 3pts 1/3FG 4min, Ben Louis 2pts 1/2FG 16min, Ben Dowdell 2pts 1/1FG 4rbs 12min, Chris Goulding 1pts 0/1FG 8rbs 22min, Daniel Johnson 0pts 0/3FG 4rbs 11min, Ben Smith 0pts 0/0FG 4min

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BOSNIA

EC: Our U16 NT wins by 209 pts -by Sead Buljina
At the European Championship for U16 National teams our selection won the first game vs. Armenia by a record-breaking victory margin of 209 points. The final score was 236:27! Eleven players scored in double digits. Three players had 30 or more points vs. Armenia. Possibly carried away by a huge win in the first round, our boys stambled the following day against England losing 79:65. Remzudin Hasic scored 22 points, Miralem Halilovic had 13 rebounds but that was not enough for another win in two days. U16 NT European Championship is being held in Skopje, Macedonia from July 20 through July 29.

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BRAZIL

France gets on podium, Brazil ends fourth -by Eurobasket News
Brazil U19 - France U19 67:75
Brazil U19 National team just completed their World championship campaign. In the last encounter of the tournament they were defeated by French players 67:75 to finish at the 4th spot. A strong team effort from French basketballers ensured a positive outcome for them in the game. Meanwhile Brazil once again fell short despite a brilliant performance from Paulo Prestes (208-C-88).
Both teams kept it close in the opening frame and finished it 19:19. France took a narrow 36:33 lead at halftime and spurred ahead in the third. Edwin Jackson (190-G-89) paced France en route to the victory as they sealed a 19:13 dominance in the third quarter. Brazil entered the final stanza trailing by 9 points but provided little arguments to change the course of this one. France deservedly celebrated a win and grabbed Bronze medals.
Edwin Jackson topscored for France with 13 points. Ludovic Vaty (206-F-88) nailed 12 points, while Adrien Moerman (203-F/C-88) added 11 points and 12 boards for the winners. Paulo Prestes chipped in 29 points and pulled down 14 rebounds for Brazil. Rafael De Souza had 16 points and 8 rebounds in a losing clause.
France forced Brazil to 23 turnovers and limited to 25% from beyond the arc. Brazil at the same time dominated the boards 36:35.

Brazil U19: Paulo Prestes 29+14 boards, Rafael De Souza 16
France U19: Edwin Jackson 13, Ludovic Vaty 12, Adrien Moerman 11+12 boards.

Brazil unable to make it to the Final -by Eurobasket News
Brazil U19 - Serbia U19 74:89
Brazil stopped just one step away from the Final of the World Championship in Novi Sad. They were beaten by the homeside in a heated semifinal yesterday. It was mainly about the first half that forecasted the outcome for Brazilian youngsters. Serbian players got to a better start as they nailed 11 unanswered points to begin the game with. Serbia dominated the game early on and led 25:17 after the opening quarter. Brazil struggled to come any closer in the second quarter as Serbians found the touch from beyond the arc. A couple of three pointers cooled Brazilian comebeck efforts off and established a 49:28 advantage at halftime.
Brazil needed some heroics to save this one and they were about to come. Betihno Duarte drained a trey to mark a 23:18 dominance in the third quarter. However it was not enough for an overall success as Serbia wisely controlled the tempo in the final stages and secured a home Final.
Mladen Jeremic provided 21 points and 6 rebounds for Serbia. Milan Macvan added another 12 points for the winners. Paulo Prestes sparked with 31 points and 15 boards for Brazil. Thomas Melazzo had 14 points in defeat. Brazil dominated the boards 33:25. But Serbia converted solid 54.4% from the field, including 57.1% from beyond the arc.
Serbia will now take on the USA in today's title decider. Brazil faces France in the Bronze game.

Brazil U19: Paulo Prestes 31+15 boards, Thomas Melazzo 14, Rafael De Souza 11
Serbia U19: Mladen Jeremic 21, Milan Macvan 12.

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CHINA

Serbia Defeats USA Showing Value of Home-Court Advantage -by Arthur Volbert
Serbia defeated the USA today 74-69 in the Under-19 Championship showing that home-court advantage can indeed lead to medals for a weaker team. This is why China has hope for a medal in the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.

Improving the intensity and conditioning techniques of its junior players is necessary if China is to win basketball medals in the Olympics in 2012 and thereafter. But for 2008 China just has to concentrate on doing what is best for the current national team. This means that it is a very good idea for Yao Ming to rest up this summer. Whatever the extent of his shoulder injury, rest is what is most important for Yao. Yao must be healthy next summer. The national team is familiar enough with his play that he will not take long to fit in. Meanwhile the team is learning how to play without Yao. In a drawn-out tournament like the Olympics, it is best that Yao play about 30 minutes per game. So it is very good for the national team to become familiar with playing without Yao.

It is also important for Yi Jianlian to sign his contract with the Milwaukee Bucks as soon as possible. Then the Bucks can start preparing him for the role that they want him to play on the team this season. The quicker he learns to play this role, the more minutes he will get this season. And the more minutes he gets, the better he will be in the 2008 Olympics. It is better that Yi went to Milwaukee rather than to Boston or Chicago. Both Boston and Chicago need to make the playoffs this year so they would not have been able to give Yi large amounts of playing time to develop. Note that the number 4 pick last year, Tyrus Thomas, only got 13 minutes per game with Chicago. Yi would not have fared any better had Chicago been able to pick him instead of Yannick Noah. Golden State is also a team that is gunning to make the playoffs and would likely have given Yi less playing time than Milwaukee will give him.

France finished third in the U-19 tournament, Brazil finished fourth, Australia finished fifth, Argentina sixth, Turkey seventh and Spain eighth.

ESP vs TUR 69-80
ARG vs AUS 59-83
FRA vs BRA 75-67
USA vs SRB 69-74

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COCABA

Mexico wins COCABA 2007 -by Jaime Arevalo
Team Mexico ended undefeated the 2007 edition of the COCABA Championship, largely defeating the home team El Salvador in Day 5 . The final score was 134-55, and the top guns in Mexico were Anthony Lever-Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) and Romel Beck (202-G/F-82, college: UNLV), with 22 and 24 points, respectively. The only player to end in double digits In the home team was Miguel Banos (186-F/C-84), with 11. The other team that advances to Centrobasket is Costa Rica, winner in the last day over Honduras 79-61, while the surprise of the Day 5 was Guatemala, winner over Nicaragua 80-64. See here down the definitive standings:
Mexico 5-0 489 294 195
Costa Rica 4-1 431 376 55
El Salvador 3-2 296 298 -2
Guatemala 1-4 349 414 -65
Honduras 1-4 317 444 -127
Nicaragua 1-4 391 447 -56

Mexico buries even El Salvador -by Gianni Pascucci
Team Mexico ended at the first place undefeated the COCABA Championship 2007, with another impressive demonstration of strength over home team El Salvador. The final score was 134-55, and seven Mexican players ended the game in double digits. Romel Beck (202-G/F-82, college: UNLV) was the best in Game 5, with 24 pts, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, and, for sure, was one of the best players in all the COCABA Tournment.

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COSTA RICA

Costa Rica qualifies for Centrobasket -by Gianni Pascucci
Defeating Honduras 79-61 in the last day of competition, Team Costa Rica ended at the second place the COCABA Championship 2007, with a 4-1 record, and was the only team to scare Team Mexico, losing the inaugural game by only one point of difference. The best players in the tournment for CRC were, as it was expected, Henry Martinez (186-G/F-75), Hernol Hall (205-C-82, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Lon Morris JC) and Franklyn Ferguson (198-C/F-77, college: Ks Wesleyan), and this was confirmed even in the last day, when Martinez scored 21 pts, Ferguson 10 (with 10 rebs) and Hall 14 (with 5 rebs.). Another top performer in the last game was Kay Martinez (198-G-84, college: Jackson St.), who scored 18 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Thenks to this result, Costa Rica quialified for the Centrobasket 2007 together with Mexico.

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CROATIA

Cibona Inks Kelley -by Zdravko Lalic
Cibona Zagreb have signed American point guard - Tre Kelley (183-G-85) .Kelley finished this season a 4 years in University of South Carolina.in the last season he avreged 18.9ppg , 2.6rpg, 5.1apg in 28 games for the Fighting Gamecocks.
The signing of Kelley came after Cibona failed to land other American point guard - Will Conroy who believed to be on his way to French outfit - Asvel Villeurbanne

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CYPRUS

Keravnos signs another player! -by Chris Mammides
Keravnos Strovolou agreed terms with the Serb guard, ex player of Olimpia Larissas, Ivan Vukadinov (193-G-81). The experienced coach will help in many a ways Vassilis Frangiass red/yellow troops. Last seazon the experienced guard had the following statistics with the Larissa club last seazon, in 18 games in the Greek league 5.2ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.1apg with 33% in the three pointers. The weak point of the Bosman guard is his often injuries as the last two years injured twice being out of the courts nearly six months.

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EL SALVADOR

Mexico wins COCABA 2007 -by Jaime Arevalo
Team Mexico ended undefeated the 2007 edition of the COCABA Championship, largely defeating the home team El Salvador in Day 5 . The final score was 134-55, and the top guns in Mexico were Anthony Lever-Pedroza (191-G-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) and Romel Beck (202-G/F-82, college: UNLV), with 22 and 24 points, respectively. The only player to end in double digits In the home team was Miguel Banos (186-F/C-84), with 11. The other team that advances to Centrobasket is Costa Rica, winner in the last day over Honduras 79-61, while the surprise of the Day 5 was Guatemala, winner over Nicaragua 80-64. See here down the definitive standings:
Mexico 5-0 489 294 195
Costa Rica 4-1 431 376 55
El Salvador 3-2 296 298 -2
Guatemala 1-4 349 414 -65
Honduras 1-4 317 444 -127
Nicaragua 1-4 391 447 -56

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FRANCE

Pro A & B : Other market news -by Aurelien Hipp
*Gravelines signed Joe Bunn (198-F-75, college: Phillips (OK)), of the best US players of the italian second division (lega2).He was posting 23.5ppg 7.1rpg 1.6spg last season. The player has a big professional experience behind him, since he played in Spain, Argentina, Puerto-Rico,South Korea,Venezuela etc, with each time huge scoring statistics.
*Rouen inked Ronald Dorsey (198-F/G-83, college: Mc Neese St.). This small forward posted 14.7ppg 5.2rpg in Lithuania last season for his second european experience. He posted 23ppg 7.3rpg 3.0spg the year before in Finland.

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GEORGIA

Italy beat Georgia 88-56 to remain unbeaten in Group A (U16 Championships) -by Levan Mikeladze
Nicolo Melli led a balanced attack as Italy beat Georgia 88-56 to remain unbeaten in Group A. The result means that Gasper Kolman's men need to beat Slovenia tomorrow to secure a place in the tournament's quarter-finals. Georgia scored the first four points but Antonio Bocchino's men got their head in the game and took a 30-17 lead at the end of the first quarter but really saved their best efforts for the second half when they pushed their lead over 30 points. The game today was difficult for two periods. Georgia started very strong but we rebounded in the third period, started to do well on the fast break and went on to win,' Bocchino said afterwards. Melli had 15 points while Marco Maganza and Simone Fiorito both had 13 as Italy had four players reach double figures. And Bocchino quickly turned his attention to his team's last and toughest game, against the tournament's defending champions Spain, tomorrow. Spain is a very good team. They are strong physically and technically, they are good on the fast break and on defense. Tomorrow will be very difficult. Georgia did a solid job in the first half and, even though they trailed by 13 at the end of the first period, they kept Italy in check for longer than expected, holding them to just nine points in the second quarter. But Kolman's men could only score the same number of points and therefore failed to gain any ground on their opponents. Their offensive troubles continued in the second half when they were outscored 27-11 in the pivotal third quarter before finding a rhythm in the final period, but by then their fate had already been sealed. Tornike Shengelia led the way for Georgia with 17 points and Giorgi Khetaguri added 12. In the other group game of the day Spain struggled to see off Slovenia 81-72 in overtime. With Spain trailing by two late in the game Miguel Lorenzo tip in tied the game to send it to overtime. Spain took control in the extra period, scoring the first four points and padding their lead with free throws. Alberto Jodar led the way for the Spainish with 24 points and 10 rebounds, while hitting four of seven shots from three-point distance. Slovenia's valient effort was led by Tadej Ferme who led all scorers with 29 points. Spain will now face Italy in their final game of the preliminary round in a battle for group supremacy.

Georgian National Team 2007 -by Levan Mikeladze
#s#
#e#6


Boisa


Boisa


Pachulia


Ellis


Markoishvili

4 Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-G-86) of Azoti Rustavi
5 Vladimir Boisa (209-F/C-81) of Montepaschi Siena (ITA)
6 Misha Berishvili (205-G-87) of TSU Tbilisi
7 Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) of Atlanta Hawks (USA)
8 George Tsintsadze (192-G-86) of Tartu Ьlikool/Rock (EST)
9 Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89) of Maccabi Tbilisi
10 Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77) of Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul (TUR)
11 Manuchar Markoishvili (196-G-86) of Union Olimpija Ljubljana (SLO)
12 Nika Chkhatarashvili (204-C/F-86) of ENAD (CYP)
13 Vakhtang Natsvlishvili (204-F-76) of JDA Dijon Bourgogne (FRA)
14 Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86) of Adecco Estudiantes Madrid (ESP)
15 Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83) of Phoenix Suns (USA)

Head Coach: Gordon Herbert (Elan Bearnais Pau-Orthez)

David Ustiashvili (Azoti Rustavi)



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GERMANY

BasCats sign big man Pompey -by Moritz Korff
Marlon Pompey (203-F/C-83, college: Texas A&M) was presented as the new big man of the Cuxhaven BasCats (2. Bundesliga Pro A). He spent the past four years playing college-basketball at Texas A&M University (NCAA1). Pompey, a native of Trinidad and Tobago and grown up in Toronto, Canada, is a defense specialist. He averaged 3.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game during the 2006-2007 season and adavanced to the NCAA Sweet 16 with his team.

"Baby Shaq" to Itzehoe -by Moritz Korff
The Itzehoe Eagles (Regionalliga North) have added Tony Champion (208-C-80, college: Sacramento St.) to the roster for the upcoming season. Champion, a graduate of Sacramento State (NCAA1), was named "Baby Shaq" by his coaches, when suiting up for the Hornets. As a senior (2003-2004) he averaged 4ppg and 3.9 rpg in 27 appearances. He spent his first season as a pro in the ABA (2004-2005: Fresno Heatwave). In 2005 Champion made the roster of IBL-team Chico Force. Then he suffered a broken hand and missed the following season. This year he joined the Seattle Mountaineers (IBL), averaging 3.2 points and 2.3 boards in five games. To make the roster complete the Eagles will sign another import player. It is probably going to be an "all-rounder".

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GREECE

U16 European Championship - Greece 2007 -by Chris Mammides

U16 European Championship - Greece 2007
The 21st U16 European Championship will take place between 20-29 of July in three towns of island Crete (Rethymno, Ierapetra and Irakleio)
The teams to take place are the following:
First Group: (Irakleio): Italy - Spain - Georgia - Slovenia
Second Group (Rethymno): Serbia - France - Czech Republic - Israel
Third Group (Ierapetra): Lithuania - Turkey - Portugal - Ukraine
Fourth Group (Ierapetra): Greece - Croatia - Russia - Latvia

The Head Coach of the Greek NT is Giorgos Vlassopoulos, the assistant Coach is Serafeim Theodosiou and the Technical Advisor is Thanasis Papadimitriou
The Greek NT roster is the following:

1. Katsivelis Dimitrios (200-G- 01/10/1991) his team is Mantoulidis
2. Georgios Georgakis (208-C-18/03/1991) his team is Mantoulidis
3. Karathanasis Athanasios (203-F-17/02/1991) his team is Asteria Thessaloniki
4. Papapetrou Georgios (194-G-23/11/1991) his team is Panionios
5. Kanonidis Andreas (197-F-26/07/1991) his team is Panionios
6. Rousis Michalis (202-F-26/08/1991) his team is Platon Athens
7. Spanos Alexandros (197-G-22/02/1991) his team is AEK
8. Papantonakos Konstantinos (204-F-03/07/1991) his team is Maroussi
9. Pappas Grigorios (202-C-16/01/1991) his team is Maroussi
10. Koukoulas Manolis (208-C-19/08/1991) his team is Ilysiakos
11. Lambropoulos Panagiotis (1.90-G-11/10/1991) his team Ilysiakos
12. Varnavas Giorgos (201- F-15/06/1991) his team Ilysiakos
13. Hatzikonstantinou Savvas (198-F-18/08/1991) his team is Rethymno
14. Agelopoulos Ioannis (194-G-28/01/1991) his team is AEK Kallitheas Tzitzifion
15. Stoukas Ioannis (198-G-11/03/1991) he comes from the team N. Athlites Volou



Hellenic NT (U16) beat Croatia and Russia and is leading the group! -by Chris Mammides
For the European championshipo which is taking place in Crete, the Hellenic NT beat Croatia (two days ago) having a great fourth quarter with 79-66 having as a top scorer Agelopoulos who scored 25 points in total followed by Karathanasis, Dimitrios Katsivelis (194-G-91) and Kanonidis who scored 13, 11 and 10 points respectevely. The quarters being: 21-22, 37-37, 55-52 and the final 79-66

The second game for the young Hellenes was against Russia (yesterday) the Hellenic team was much better and proved in the court since the final score is forbitten for any second thoughs as to which team was the best. The quarters of the game were: 20-18, 43-29, 64-44 and the final 72-56. Coach Vlassopoulos team had in an excellent day the young guard Kanonidis who finished the score with 17 points followed by the top scorer of the Hellenic NT, Agelopoulos who scored 16 points and Dimitrios Katsivelis with 12 points.

The Hellenic Nt is now qualified to the top 12 teams of Europe.

Market news from three divisions -by Chris Mammides
A2
Giorgos Loupos (208-C-78) agreed terms with Xanthi and followed his team mate in KAOD Moulakis, the duet is remaining together. Last season the two players in KAOD had nearly 47.5 points, 6 assists and 12 rebounds together!!!!

P.Faliro agreed terms with Vassilis Zevkilis (204-F/G-84), ex player of Ilysiakos. The small forward decided to quit basketball and last season didn't play with any team even though the previous season had a very good year so the people of P.Faliro “persuaded” him to continue his career with their team. Further more the assistant coach of Tsolakis will be Dimitris Gofas

Apollon Patras agreed terms with Anastasios Roumeliotis, ex player of Panellinios youth team.

B' Division
Ikaros Neas Smyrnis added another 2 players in its roster. Two new talents will be wearing Ikaros's jersey as the talented center Petros Krassopoulos (212-C-89) player of Maroussi (was given on a lend for one year) will be playing under Coach Haritatos instructions, furthermore the talented power forward Grigoris Ralatos (202-F-86) ex player of Panerythraikos will be wearing Ikaros's jersey for the next two years. Grigoris had 3.7ppg and 2.1rpg with Panerythraikos, he was the ninth player in the roster and even though his time in the court was really little he was offering his best in the promotion of his team to the A2! Grigoris started his career in Panionios youth team where he won the Pan-Hellenic championship (U16) in 2002; he then joined Panelefsiniakos in the second division for two years and then in Kentavros Dafnis in the third division where he stayed two years and last season 2006-2007 got a transfer in Panerythraikos.

KAOD renew the contract of Kyriakos Papadopoulos for another year. The experienced forward will be wearing KAOD's jersey for eighth consecutive season. At the same time KAOD announced officially the Greek experienced center Argiris Daliaris. Argiris signed a one year's contract.

C' Division
Arkadikos agreed terms with Giannis Papanikolaou (202-F-79) ex player of Panelfsiakos
Kefallonia agreed terms with Giannis Dip (186-G-85) ex player of Peristeri. Giannis scored 4.2ppg and 1.7apg with Peristeri and helped a lot in the promotion of his ex team in the A2.

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GUATEMALA

Finally, Guatemala takes a win -by Gianni Pascucci
After losing all the first four games, Team Guatemala managed to prevail over Nicaragua in the last game of the COCABA Championship. The final score was 80-64, and the best in Guatemala were Heberth Rodriguez (185-G-82) with 13 points, Ricardo Amaya (186-G-84), Oscar Salguero (196-F) and Gerson Duarte (202-C-83) with 12 points each.

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KOREA

INCHON ET LAND BLACK SLAMER WINS 1ST DRAFT PICK -by Rick Ross
After a long and Tedious wait and Much anticipated Draft For
The Up and Coming 2007-2008 season in Seoul Korea The Draft Camp
Has Officially Been Registered,

In 3 days of hard work and sweat the Koreans Saw more than 70 participants
Compete for 20 available Jobs which were opened and waiting to be filled,

The Draft opened with ET BlackSlam winning the
Number 1 pick and Coach Choi Hee Ahm
Selecting Terrence Shannon as the 2007 KBL 1st draft pick.

Reggie Okosa was the 2nd pick owned by Dongbu Promy followed by
KCC EGIS who selected Brandon Crump as the 3rd overall pick.

The Rest of the rounds including the reverse 2nd rounds are listed below.

4TH Round Mark Sandford Orions
5TH Round Odartey Blankson LG SAKERS
6TH Round Terrance Leather Samsung
7TH Round Marquin Chandler KT&G
8TH Round Larry Smith SK Knights
9TH Round James Penny Mobis Phoebus
10th Round Cedric Webber KTF

2ND Rounds

1st Round Tyrone Washington KTF
2nd Round Sylvester Morgan Mobis Phoebus
3rd Round Travis Garrison SK Knights
4TH Round TJ Cummings KTG
5TH Round Rashad Jones Jennings Samsung
6TH Round Calvin Warner LG SAKERS
7TH Round Corey Benjamin Orions
8TH Round Due foul up KCC EGIS lost this position and Dongbu Promy
selected Willie Farley
9TH Round Mohammed Woni ET Blackslam
10th Round Jason Robinson

The Camp was surronded by Host of Overseas
Personnel and Agents along with
NBA-D League Coaches Kent Davidson & Bryan Gates
One Known NBA Scout from the NBA Denver Nuggets
John Corrideo was on hand as well
The Top Scorer and Best Player from Last years Team Taegu Orions
Pete Mikeal was on hand to assist his Team With there selection. Terrence Shannon (203-F-79, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: Elgin CC)

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LEBANON

The Lebanese Team for the Asian Championship -by Hassan Thini
Head coach: Dragan Raca .
Assistant coach: Koussay Hatem.
Physician: Khalil Nassar.
Fitness coach: Houssam Khalil.

Players:
Fadi khatib (197cm 2-3) (captain)
Ali Mahmoud (182cm 1)
Hussein Tawbeh (197cm 4)
Omar el Turk (188cm 2)
Joe Vogel (211-C-73, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Colorado St.) (211cm 4-5)
Ali Fakhreddine (202-C-83) (202cm 4-5)
Mazen Mneymneh (192cm 2-3)
Rony Fahed (182-G-81, agency: Pro Management Agency) (184cm 1-2)
Jean Abdelnour (199cm 3)
Bassem Balaa (199cm 3-4)
Roy Samaha (204cm 4-5)
Brian Bechara (204cm 2-3-4)

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MEXICO

Houston Blaze Tour LNBP -by Chris Terrell
The Houston Blaze Basketball Organization just off their South American Tour will now be preparing for their 2nd Annual LNBP (Mexico) Tour in August. If any players are interested in playing on the tour, please contact Patrick Pellerin @ (713) 491-0949 or by email patrick.pellerin@ndcornergroup.com or log onto www.houstonblaze.com for more info.

The Houston Blaze, a former Texas Professional Basketball League (TPBL) franchise now play an independent schedule has sent over 70 players on to pro careers with other leagues and teams in the past four years. After playing with the Blaze, players have gone to other U.S. leagues, such as the WBA, IBL, ABA, CBA and NBDL as well as leagues overseas in Asia, South America and Europe. Players have also successfully parlayed their experience with the Blaze to invitations to tryout camps for NBA teams as well.

Mexico buries even El Salvador -by Gianni Pascucci
Team Mexico ended at the first place undefeated the COCABA Championship 2007, with another impressive demonstration of strength over home team El Salvador. The final score was 134-55, and seven Mexican players ended the game in double digits. Romel Beck (202-G/F-82, college: UNLV) was the best in Game 5, with 24 pts, 3 rebounds and 1 steal, and, for sure, was one of the best players in all the COCABA Tournment.

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NBA

More than a scrimmage -by Michael Moten
It was team blue coming from behind to beat team white 105-104 in Sunday nights team USA exhibition match in Las Vegas. Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) scored 26 points and hit the game winning jump shot with 6 seconds remaining in an exiting game in which all players involved played hard. "That was probably better than the All-Star game," point guard Jason Kidd (6'4''-G-73, college: California) said.

Seattle rookie Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) played with confidence for team blue scoring 16 of his 22 points in the second half, showing excellent touch and footwork while Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) led the team with 28. For team white, Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) displayed his usual power game (21 points) and Mike Miller showed his great shooting ability scoring 22.

The scrimmage game marked the end of training for team USA in preparation for the FIBA Americas Cup starting August 22nd also in Vegas. The roster must be trimmed from 17 to 12 players before competition begins.

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NEW ZEALAND

Another victory for Tall Blacks -by Eurobasket News
New Zealand - Venezuela 95:78
Tall Blacks recorded second straight win over Venezuela to win the test series. This time teams played in Wellington but it changed little for Kiwis who emerged dominant and ensured a winning outcome.
New Zealand took an early lead and were up by 3 points after the opening frame 23:20. However Venezuela posted some strong plays to gain the advanage midway through the quarter 30:27. Tall Blacks reacted straight away and Kirk Penney (195-G-80, college: Wisconsin) capped the first half with trey to mark a 46:39 distance.
New Zealand extended the lead to 76:59 in the third quarter and prevented any sort of comeback from Venezuela.
Kirk Penney led the action again with 25 points. Mika Vukona (197-F-82) provided 15 points for the winners. Hector Romero (202-F-80, college: New Orleans) replied with game-high 27 points for Latin American team. Miguel Marriaga had 12 points in defeat.
Venezuela outrebounded Tall Blacks 39:33 but could hardly match their 57.1% from the field.
Kiwis were without services of Dillon Boucher who injured his ankle. He is expected to miss also Game 3. Meanwhile Craig Bradshaw returned from the States just minutes before the game and shortly appeared on the court in the fourth frame.

New Zealand: Kirk Penney 25 points, Mika Vukona 15, Casey Frank (203-F-77, college: N.Arizona) 14, Phill Jones (196-G-74) 10
Venezuela: Hector Romero 27, Miguel Marriaga 12, Keving Palacios (202-F/C-84, college: S.Carolina) 10.

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NICARAGUA

Nicaragua not so good at the COCABA 207 -by Gianni Pascucci
After winning the first game of the competition, Team Nicaragua didn' t take any other win in the COCABA Championship, and ended the tournment at the last place, as a consequence of the loss suffered in the last game from Guatemala, a team that hadn' t won any game before. The final score was 80-64 for Guatemala, and Rudy Taylor (198-F-83) was the only Nicaraguan to end the game in double digits (12). For sure, a lot of things did not worked in Nicaragua NT this time....

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NIGERIA

Rookies, Baby Seals win Champions Nest league -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Police Rookies Basketball Academy has emerged winner of the 1st Champions Nest League beating Raptors in the finals played Saturday at the Sports Centre of the University of Lagos by 33-27 points.

The Rookies side with such young player as Peter Odia, kid brother of University of Oregon and Nigeria international point guard, Churchill Odia were in sparkling form against their bigger opponent with halftime scores at 12-11 in favour of the Police College, Ikeja-based Mark Balogun tutored Rookies team.

The Balogun boys came into the third and fourth quarters with superior skill, more resilient and purposefulness which gave them a second half score line of 21-16 points for a cumulative score-line of 33-27.

Baby Seals showed superior understanding of the game to defeat a more agile Hawknets side in the final.

The Wale Aboderin girls won the last three quarters (10-06, 10-04 and 17-11) except the first won by Hawknets (07-13) for a cumulative score-line of 44-34 to emerge as the first female champion of the Champions Nest league.

Flamers took won the male third place match at the expense of Hawks by 43-39 points while University of Lagos female team defeated their Police Rookies counterpart for the third place female title.

Aboderin praised the efforts of the organizers for putting together a league for non-national league teams and an opportunity for younger players to develop.

He urged the Champions Nest coordinator, Godwin Unegbe not to relent in his effort at seeing that the league continues and better organized.

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PHILIPPINES

FAN'S CORNER -by Benny Lirio
Hi Mr. Benny,
Just some suggestion and thoughts from a basketball fan like the rest of the pinoys here.Regarding the creation of the Asian league similar to that of the Euro League, it was actually thought of before already. Remember the centennial team of 1998 back when patrimonio and abarrientos were still in their prime. A group of business men with contact abroads broached the idea of creating a Super Asian league. there were picturing out our very own patrimonio and legendary korean hur jae together in a team. Of course, it remained still an idea up to know.I also like the idea of hiring asian imports for the PBA. Well, it could be like a conference with no height restrictions.Each team could get an import depending on the needs of a team. For example, a team with no legit post threat could get a good center standing 6'9'' and above. Anyways there are just my thoughts Mr. Benny..More power to Philippines Basketball!!


Mark Tamiok



It is actually about the teams from Korea, China, ,Australia/Japan and the Philippines. But the story about the superleague is now only on the drawing board as it was covered by the success of each countries own tournaments. Just like PBA, OR Japan Superleague. Time will only tell but Hur Jae will not be around as he was already retired just like our very own Alvin Patrimonio (191-F-66).

BLirio



***********************
I just wanted to email an interesting story about J.R. Henderson which might interest Filipino fans. He is a player of the US NCAA's 1995 championship team and was an all-Pacific First Team member. After college, he played for the the Grizzlies in the NBA, before playing in Japan. He plays center now, though he played forward in college. Center is a position in which Japan's national team had failed to find a suitable player. Now that he's naturalized, Japan is now a lot tougher. He will now be known as Sakuragi, which happens to be the name of a basketball player in a well-known Japanese anime. With a threat at the low post, opponents will be much harder pressed to defend against Japan's outside snipers. How far he can lead Team Japan is however still a big question.

Best regards,

Dennis Resurreccion

I am also a fan of Sakuragi and always watching it on TV.
J.R. Henderson will replace Eric Mc Arthur in the shaded lane. The Japan team need a big men to support it's small and quick team.

BLirio

SEAG-bound RP NT team and PBA's SLR team to join Brunei Cup Basketball Championship 2007 -by Hector Santos
Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei - Hi-flying basketball teams have confirmed their participation in this year's 7th Brunei Cup Basketball Championship 2007.

The teams are Darwin All Stars from Australia, last year's runner-up, Jordan All-Stars consists of Jordan national team “B” squad, RP national team (bound for Thailand South East Games), Sta. Lucia Realtors of Philippines Basketball Association, LG Sakers of South Korea and Singapore Slingers of National Basketball League Australia.

The defending champion, Philippine national team (bound for Asian Championship) will not be taking part this year due to a very tight schedule. This year championship's grand total prize money is B$35,000, the biggest prize money for basketball in this region.

It is earlier reported that the RP national team (bound for Thailand South East Games) will be consists of players from the Philippines Basketball League and former pros under the auspice of coach Junel Baculi.

The list of the participating teams was revealed following the signing ceremony between the main sponsors and the event organizer, Ace MVP Event Management Co, at the Hua Ho Manggis Mall yesterday.

The guest-of-honor who witnessed the signing ceremony was Dato Paduka Awang Haji Jemat bin Haji Ampal, the Permanent Secretary of Culture, Youth and Sport.

Signing on behalf of Ace MVP Event Management Co was its Managing Director Jackson Ting while Brunei Shell Marketing Co (main sponsor) was represented by Pengiran Hi Yasmin bin Pg Hj Mohammad, the Managing Director.

The package sponsors are: Diamond sponsor - NBT (Brunei) Sdn Bhd, Silver Sponsors - Ayamku Restaurant, Musfada Enterprise, Bronze Sponsors - LG Brand, Riverview Hotel, Copper sponsors - Singapore Motor, Sahid Sdn Bhd, Goldmyne Enterprise, Aifa Sdn Bhd, Aewon Garment & Embroidery, Lee Enterprise Company, Processta Printing and Trading Co, Kenview Enterprise Sdn Bhd and Nestle Products (Brunei) Sdn Bhd.

Radio Television Brunei (RTB) is the host broadcaster while media supporter is Brunei Press Sdn Bhd. The official ball of the tournament is Molten sponsored by Pacific Sports Pte Ltd.

Ticket sponsors for the tournament is Maju Motors Sdn Bhd, Sahid Sdn Bhd and Syarikat Yong Kian Ping.

Norwood likely to play in Thailand SEA Games -by Hector Santos
Gabriel Norwood (196-G/F-85) will be invited for sure to play on coach Junel Baculi's squad representing the Philippines in the Thailand Southeast Asian Games this coming December.

This is in connection with Norwood non application for the PBA draft next month as his dual citizenship papers are still being processed.

Norwood will likely to suit up in the Philippine Basketball League until he's eligible for the PBA draft next year.

Norwood's presence in the SEAG-bound RP NT will add assurance to the Philippines of smashing the gold in the biennial meet.

Norwood with Jason Castro, will be a force to reckon with this coming SEA Games.

It was earlier reported that the prolific Harbour Center guard passed up that rare opportunity to play for the PBA after revealing his decision to play for the national team for one last time.

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POLAND

Gerrod Henderson in Anwil -by Michal Falkowski
Anwil Wloclawek signed a deal with Gerrod Henderson (193-G-78, college: Louisiana Tech). 29-year-old American combo guard signatured one-year contract.
Henderson is a graduate from Lousiana Tech University (finished with averages: 17.5 pts., 5.1 rbs., 3.3 as.). After that he moved to Europe and played for many well-known teams: Panionios Athens, Hemofarm Vrsac, Crvena Zvezda Beograd, Kolossos Rodou. Last season he started in Israel in Hapoel Ironi Nahariya but he was released after he got injured in October 2006. Next he came back to USA where he completely recovered. He joined the team of Texas Tech University and began to prepare to new season.
Henderson can play as point guard and shooting guard. In Anwil he will probaly play as PG.

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SERBIA

EC U16: Second win for Serbian NT U16 on Crete -by Dragan Jankovski
After win against Israel at the opening Serbian National Team U16 made second win in group B beating Czech Republic 65:54. Czech Republic succeeded to resist until last quarter when Serbians made 11-0 run making 60:45. Branislav Djekic (204-F-91) added 12 points and 10 rebounds recording double-double while Dejan Musli (213-C-91) needed one more point to do the same (9 points, 11 rebounds). Nemanja Jaramaz (195-G-91) also was good especially in the last quarter. He collected 11 points and 5 rebounds. Czech Republic got 16 points and 11 rebounds from Tomas Satoransky (197-G-91, agency: PPGroup).

Next game Serbian NT U16 will play against France who also has two wins. Game will start today at 19:00h.

WC U19: Serbia and USA in the final ! -by Dragan Jankovski
Hosts of the World Championship U19 outplayed Brazil for the second time in the last 10 days and will meet USA in the battle for the gold medal. At the front of 3.500 people and very heated atmosphere after 11-0 run on the start Serbia didn't let Brazil to come closer that 5 points. Hosts had the biggest advantage during the game at the beginning of the third quarter 53:31. Mladen Jeremic (195-G-88) led the winners to the final pouring in 21 points including 6 rebounds. Milan Macvan (206-F/C-89) posted 12 while Stefan Stojacic (197-G-89) netted 11 points. Center of Brazilian NT Paulo Prestes (208-C-88) had fantastic night finishing game with 31 points and 15 rebounds.

This is fantastic result of Serbian NT U19 on the World Championship and tonight's game against USA will be a real spectacle. Couple of the biggest NBA prospects will meet tonight with only one goal - to become the World Champions !


Serbia - Brazil 89:74
(25:17,24:11,18:23,22:23)

Serbia: Jeremic 21 (6 rebs), Despotovic 5, Katnic 6, Markovic 4 (5 as), Radulovic 2, Stojacic 11, Cakarevic 4, Macvan 12, Raduljica 8, Marjanovic 7 (4 rebs), Cupkovic 9
DNP: Keselj (injured).
Brazil: Freitas 5 (4 as), Madeiros, Melazzo 14, B. Ferreira, Duarte 6 (5 rebs), Santos, Ortega 7, R. Ferreira 7, Silva, Limonta, Prestes 31 (15 rebs)
DNP: Souza.

WC U19: Serbia is the FIBA U19 World Champion !!! -by Dragan Jankovski

Serbia revenged to USA for defeat in the group in the most important moment at front of almost 5.000 people in Novi Sad's hall "Spens". They celebrated in the final of the FIBA World Championship U19 74:69. Serbians opened the game in style making run 11-2 mostly owing to Katnic, Jeremic and Cakarevic and later in the second quarter center Macvan and Jeremic continued in same rhythm. Three minutes before the half time score was 42:23 but USA succeeded through Curry and Beverley to decrease their minus on the half time on -13. In the first half Jeremic scored 15 points while Macvan had 13. At the beginning of the third quarter there was totally different picture on the court, USA set up zone defense, Serbian players didn't succeed to find a good solutions in offense making lot of mistakes which resulted with 46:42 in the middle of this period. In the next 5 minutes Serbia resisted on furious rhythm by USA and came in the last quarter having 57:47. Three minutes before the end USA came really close on 65:62 but in the next offense Stojacic netted the most important 3-pts shot for 68:62 which was unreachable for USA until the end. Hero from the semifinal game against Brazil Mladen Jeremic (195-G-88) shined again pouring in 24 points. Center Milan Macvan (206-F/C-89) had double-double 19 points and 10 rebounds while Stefan Stojacic (197-G-89) posted 14 points. Deon Thompson (203-F-88) who scored 16 points and Patrick Beverley (185-G-88) who added 15 points and 8 rebounds were better than the others for USA.


USA - Serbia 69:74

(14:22,16:21,17:14,22:17)

.

USA: Porter, Curry 6, Flynn 3, Beverley 15 (8 rebs, 4 st), Bouldin, Lighty 9 (6 rebs), Green, Morgan 10, Thompson 16 (4 rebs), Hollis 3, Beasley 5, Jordan 1.

Serbia: Jeremic 24, Despotovic , Katnic 7, Markovic (6 as, 5 st), Stojacic 14, Cakarevic 6 (6 rebs), Macvan 19 (10 rebs), Raduljica 2, Marjanovic 2 (6 rebs)

DNP: Cupkovic, Radulovic, Keselj (injured).


In the battle for the third place France outplayed Brazil 75:67.



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SLOVENIA

Zlatorog inks Jelesijevic -by Zeljko Zule
Zlatorog signed their former member Nemanja Jelesijevic (208-C/F-79, agency: Interperformances) ex Masinac for one season.
According some rumours Sandi Cebular (196-G-86) agreed terms with Anwil Wloclaweek for one season.

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SWITZERLAND

New center for Meyrin -by Julien Pousaz
Paul Pardue (208-C-81, college: Rollins, agent: Kirk Baker, Just For Pro's agency) signed with Meyrin Grand-Sacconex for the upcomming season. Was playing in Australia (QABL, Toowomba), NBDL and ABA Orland Aces.

Yuanta Holland leaves Monthey one month after being comfirmed -by Julien Pousaz
Last month Monthey officially announced that Yuanta Holland (202-F/C-78, college: Dayton) was comfirmed for next season but we know now that he must play in France for Saint-Etienne (ProB)... To remplace him we learnt on Kingstone agency's website that Monthey signed the power forward Ryan Blankson (198-F-80-250lbs, agency: Interperformances, college: Loyola, IL). It seems that he's known as a great rebounder. They added to their rooster Zijad Kicara (199-F-79) who finally decided to leave Vevey Riviera Basket. In the next days a center will be announced, after that they will be done with their recruitment.

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TURKEY

U18 Back From Lithuania -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Turkish 18 came back from Lithuania after playing 3 games in Baltic Tournament. Turkey registered 3 losses against Latvia, Russia and Lithuania. Deniz Kilicli (204-F/C-90) of Pertevniyal led his team in scoring with 38 points in three games.

Izic At Tofas -by Serdar Ortakuyu
After having a dissapointing season ended up with the relegation Tofas agreed terms to sign with Turkish U20 head coach Nihat Izic. Izic who will take Tolga Ongoren's seat at Bursa club, will serve for three years and be responsible for senior and youth teams.

U19 Take 7th Place -by Serdar Ortakuyu
After losing the semi final ticket to Serbia Turkey faced Australia and Spain in the classification round. Turkish U19 NT failed to defeat the Australians once again but came up with another victory over Spain to take the 7th place in Serbia. It was an even game till the final quarter but Can Ozcan (200-F-89)&Kerem Ozkan (198-F-88) duo rallied the troops for a 80-69 win. Turkish NT had many ups and down during the championship and had a 4-5 record in Serbia.

Efes Still Looking For The Right Guy -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Efes Pilsen GM Engin Ozerhun talked to press about their swingman search and stated Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.) of Charlotte Bobcats, Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) of Indiana Pacers and Boise State's Coby Karl (193-G), famous NBA coach George Karl's son are on their shortlist. Ozerhun also denied the rumors about Casey Jacobsen (198-G/F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford) who led Bamberg to Bundesliga title and added he is on his way back to the NBA.

Transactions -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Fenerbahce Ulker added another Slovenian hot prospect to their 07-08 roster. After signing Slovenian U20 star Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) Istanbul side announced Geoplin Slovean big guy Gasper Vidmar (210-C/F-87) who signed a 4 year contract is an effective PF/C with the scorer's mentality. Preldzic and Vidmar are known as the best players of their generation in Slovenia along with sharp shooter Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87).
Pinar Karsiyaka announced the agreement with Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85) of Boston College. Marshall is known as an all around swingman who can contribute on the both sides of the floor.
Besiktas Cola Turka signed skillful center Jacob Jaacks (208-F-77, college: Iowa) who spent the last season in Italy averaging 11.6ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2apg for Udine in ULEB Cup. Jaacks is the type of center who can score from inside and outside.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

CBA NEWS UPDATE -by David Edole
Hoyas, Legacy, Man Den, and Lakers keep on rolling!!! In CBA action Friday night, the defending champs Hoyas (5wins 1loss) is still beating up on folks... Ever since their first lost to Man Dem, the champs got their wake up call and have run off 5 straight wins. They are the hottest team in the league and are looking to repeat. Young Legacy keep impressing many people with a 4-2 record, Coach Bough has proved that his team is for real. Ujima is still going through their free fall. Once picked to reach the finals, and now in danger of falling out the league, Ujima needs help very quickly as they move to 1 and 5. Rebels is another team on the downfall dropping their forth straight game to go 2 and 4.
On Saturday, Man Dem ran over Guidance. Man Dem record improves to 5-1 on the season while Guidance, a preseason pick to reach the finals, drops to 3-3. Lakers routed Rockerz to stay in the top half of the group. Rockerz remain winless on the season dropping all six games played.

CBA Schedule for the week!
All Games played at the Ronald Charles Gymnasium

Monday July 23rd
Rebels vs. Lakers
Rockerz vs. Ujima

Wednesday July 25th
Guidance vs. Hoyas
Legacy vs. Man Dem

FRIDAY JULY 27TH END OF INTER-LEAGUE PLAY
Rebels vs. Hoyas
Ujima vs. Lakers

Saturday July 28th
Rockerz vs. Man Dem
Legacy vs. Guidance

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W.CHAMPS U19

USA and Serbia to play in the Final -by Eurobasket News
USA U19 - France U19 78:75
USA team became the second finalist of the World Championship in Serbia. They defeated France in one of the highly anticipated clashes to secure their Final appearence. USA will now play against hosting Serbia to try to bring the trophy back home.
However France never provided the United States players with a light jog en route to the Final. French team looked better at the start of this one and quickly cleared off to a 19:12 lead after the first frame. They maintained the lead throughout the next two quarters and entered the fourth stanza in front 59:53. USA needed almost the whole quarter to finally cut the deficit and surge ahead with under 3 minutes to go in regulation. They held on to a 3-point advantage in the last seconds but France had all the chances to force overtime when Antoine Diot (191-G-89) tried it from three point line. But his shot missed the target and the USA celebrated their 8th consecutive win at the tournament.

USA U19: Deon Thompson (203-F-88) 18+13 boards, Raymar Morgan (201-F-88) 13
France U19: Antoine Diot 18, Adrien Moerman (203-F/C-88) 17+12 boards.


Brazil U19 - Serbia U19 74:89
Brazil stopped just one step away from the Final of the World Championship in Novi Sad. They were beaten by the homeside in a heated semifinal yesterday. It was mainly about the first half that forecasted the outcome for Brazilian youngsters. Serbian players got to a better start as they nailed 11 unanswered points to begin the game with. Serbia dominated the game early on and led 25:17 after the opening quarter. Brazil struggled to come any closer in the second quarter as Serbians found the touch from beyond the arc. A couple of three pointers cooled Brazilian comebeck efforts off and established a 49:28 advantage at halftime.
Brazil needed some heroics to save this one and they were about to come. Betihno Duarte drained a trey to mark a 23:18 dominance in the third quarter. However it was not enough for an overall success as Serbia wisely controlled the tempo in the final stages and secured a home Final.
Mladen Jeremic (195-G-88) provided 21 points and 6 rebounds for Serbia. Milan Macvan (206-F/C-89) added another 12 points for the winners. Paulo Prestes (208-C-88) sparked with 31 points and 15 boards for Brazil. Thomas Melazzo (200-F/G-88) had 14 points in defeat. Brazil dominated the boards 33:25. But Serbia converted solid 54.4% from the field, including 57.1% from beyond the arc.
Serbia will now take on the USA in today's title decider. Brazil faces France in the Bronze game.

Brazil U19: Paulo Prestes 31+15 boards, Thomas Melazzo 14, Rafael De Souza 11
Serbia U19: Mladen Jeremic 21, Milan Macvan 12.

Serbia is the FIBA U19 World Champion !!! -by Dragan Jankovski

Serbia revenged to USA for defeat in the group in the most important moment at front of almost 5.000 people in Novi Sad's hall "Spens". They celebrated in the final of the FIBA World Championship U19 74:69. Serbians opened the game in style making run 11-2 mostly owing to Katnic, Jeremic and Cakarevic and later in the second quarter center Macvan and Jeremic continued in same rhythm. Three minutes before the half time score was 42:23 but USA succeeded through Curry and Beverley to decrease their minus on the half time on -13. In the first half Jeremic scored 15 points while Macvan had 13. At the beginning of the third quarter there was totally different picture on the court, USA set up zone defense, Serbian players didn't succeed to find a good solutions in offense making lot of mistakes which resulted with 46:42 in the middle of this period. In the next 5 minutes Serbia resisted on furious rhythm by USA and came in the last quarter having 57:47. Three minutes before the end USA came really close on 65:62 but in the next offense Stojacic netted the most important 3-pts shot for 68:62 which was unreachable for USA until the end. Hero from the semifinal game against Brazil Mladen Jeremic (195-G-88) shined again pouring in 24 points. Center Milan Macvan (206-F/C-89) had double-double 19 points and 10 rebounds while Stefan Stojacic (197-G-89) posted 14 points. Deon Thompson (203-F-88) who scored 16 points and Patrick Beverley (185-G-88) who added 15 points and 8 rebounds were better than the others for USA.


USA - Serbia 69:74

(14:22,16:21,17:14,22:17)

.

USA: Porter, Curry 6, Flynn 3, Beverley 15 (8 rebs, 4 st), Bouldin, Lighty 9 (6 rebs), Green, Morgan 10, Thompson 16 (4 rebs), Hollis 3, Beasley 5, Jordan 1.

Serbia: Jeremic 24, Despotovic , Katnic 7, Markovic (6 as, 5 st), Stojacic 14, Cakarevic 6 (6 rebs), Macvan 19 (10 rebs), Raduljica 2, Marjanovic 2 (6 rebs)

DNP: Cupkovic, Radulovic, Keselj (injured).


In the battle for the third place France outplayed Brazil 75:67.





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Women News

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ALGERIA - Women

Kenya speeds up in the second half to claim the 5th spot -by Eurobasket News
Kenya - Algeria 78:67
Kenya managed to overcome hosting Algeria in the battle for the 5th spot at All-Africa Games. A huge second half performance from Kenya players resulted in a confident win.
Algeria got to a better start as the home crowd cheered them up. They outscored Kenya 18:13 in the opening frame and continued to dominate in the second. The gap grew to 32:26 at halftime and it seemed that Algeria where en route to clinch the 5th place at the tournament. However Kenya emerged strong in the second half and thrashed Algerian defence. Kenya basketballers produced 29 points in the third quarter to surge ahead and never looked back on the way to the win.
Kenya had 5 players scoring in double digits. Josephine Owino (184-C-83) had 18 points and 14 rebounds to pace the team. H Indasi added 14 points for the winners. Kenza Gheroumi chipped in game-high 23 points for Algeria. Rachida Belaidi (-79) poured in 15 points in defeat.
Kenya outreabounded the home side 48:30. They also limited Algeria to just 37% of field goals hitting 53% themselves.

Kenya: Josephine Owino 18+14 boards, H Indasi 14
Algeria: Kenza Gheroumi 23, Rachida Belaidi 15.

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ALL-AFRICA G. - Women

The action rounds up at All-Africa Games -by Eurobasket News
7th-8th spot

Tunisia - DR Congo 75:67
Tunisia completed their participation at All-Africa Games with a win. They defeated DR Congo to finish the tournament at the 7th spot.
The teams played a close basketball at the start of the game. They ended the opening quarter tied at 21. Tunisia came strong in the second frame as they limited DR Congo to 7 points and spurred ahead to a 41:28 lead at halftime.
DR Congo tried to change the course of the game in the third stanza when Ilda Rosada helped her side outscore Tunisia 23:21. DR Congo had some fierce attempts to climb bac into this one but Tunisia held on to the lead and celebrated a tough victory at the end.
Maha Chelly (-82) netted 17 points for Tunisia. Mouna Kherifi nailed 15 points for the winners. Ilda Rosada replied with 14 points for DR Congo. Mangongo Nelly provided 12 points and game-high 17 rebounds in defeat.
DR Congo had an obvious advantage under the rims outrebounding their opponents 50:31. However they lacked accuracy from free throw line converting just 50% and hit no three pointers. Tunisia knocked down 47% of field goals and scored 8 long range attempts.

Tunisia: Maha Chelly 17 points, Mouna Kherifi 15
DR Congo: Ilda Rosada 14, Mangongo Nelly 12+17 boards.

5th-6th spot

Kenya - Algeria 78:67
Kenya managed to overcome hosting Algeria in the battle for the 5th spot at All-Africa Games. A huge second half performance from Kenya players resulted in a confident win.
Algeria got to a better start as the home crowd cheered them up. They outscored Kenya 18:13 in the opening frame and continued to dominate in the second. The gap grew to 32:26 at halftime and it seemed that Algeria where en route to clinch the 5th place at the tournament. However Kenya emerged strong in the second half and thrashed Algerian defence. Kenya basketballers produced 29 points in the third quarter to surge ahead and never looked back on the way to the win.
Kenya had 5 players scoring in double digits. Josephine Owino (184-C-83) had 18 points and 14 rebounds to pace the team. H Indasi added 14 points for the winners. Kenza Gheroumi chipped in game-high 23 points for Algeria. Rachida Belaidi (-79) poured in 15 points in defeat.
Kenya outreabounded the home side 48:30. They also limited Algeria to just 37% of field goals hitting 53% themselves.

Kenya: Josephine Owino 18+14 boards, H Indasi 14
Algeria: Kenza Gheroumi 23, Rachida Belaidi 15.


Bronze medal game

Angola - Mozambique 53:43
Angola completed their All-Africa Games campaign with a win over Mozambique. This victory put them on pedestal as they claimed the Bronze medals. Angola dominated the first and fourth quarters to celebrate success at the end of this one. They cruised through the tournament with just a single loss to Senegal in the semifinal.

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BELGIUM - Women

Belgium finishes in style -by Eurobasket News
Belgium U20 - Italy U20 78:75
Belgium U20 National team overcame Italy on the last day of the European championship in Bulgaria to claim the 5th spot in the final ladder. Belgian team posted an overall record of 5-3 at the tournament.
Belgium had a confident start to the game as they led 9:2 early on. However Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) drained 8 points at the end of the first frame to lift Italy ahead 21:20.
Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management) and Chiara Rossi opened the second quarter with straight three pointers to put Italy up 27:22. But Belgium's 11:0 run midway through the frame allowed them to regain the advantage 36:30 and stay in front 39:34 at halftime. Belgium spurred to a perfect third frame and outscored their opponents 24:13 to enter the final quarter leading comfortably 63:47. Italy's fierce comeback effort resulted in cutting the deficit to just 4 points with less than 3 minutes to go in the game. But Lieselot Malfait scored 3 straight points and Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87) added three free throws to seal a victory for Belgian side.
Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88) topscored for Belgium with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Marjorie Carpreaux had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Chiara Consolini and Benedetta Bagnara nailed 17 points apiece to pace Italy. Silvia Sarni added 13 points and 13 rebounds in a loss. Italy outrebounded the winners 40:38 but lacked accuracy converting just 27.1% of two pointers. Belgium hit 53.3% of their jumpers.

Belgium U20: Sara Leemans 19 points, Marjorie Carpreaux 16
Italy U20: Chiara Consolini 17, Benedetta Bagnara 17.

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D.R. CONGO - Women

Tunisia clinches the 7th spot at All-Africa Games -by Eurobasket News
Tunisia - DR Congo 75:67
Tunisia completed their participation at All-Africa Games with a win. They defeated DR Congo to finish the tournament at the 7th spot.
The teams played a close basketball at the start of the game. They ended the opening quarter tied at 21. Tunisia came strong in the second frame as they limited DR Congo to 7 points and spurred ahead to a 41:28 lead at halftime.
DR Congo tried to change the course of the game in the third stanza when Ida Ilda Rosada helped her side outscore Tunisia 23:21. DR Congo had some fierce attempts to climb bac into this one but Tunisia held on to the lead and celebrated a tough victory at the end.
Maha Chelly (-82) netted 17 points for Tunisia. Mouna Kherifi nailed 15 points for the winners. Ida Ilda Rosada replied with 14 points for DR Congo. Mangongo Nelly provided 12 points and game-high 17 rebounds in defeat.
DR Congo had an obvious advantage under the rims outrebounding their opponents 50:31. However they lacked accuracy from free throw line converting just 50% and hit no three pointers. Tunisia knocked down 47% of field goals and scored 8 long range attempts.

Tunisia: Maha Chelly 17 points, Mouna Kherifi 15
DR Congo: Ida Ilda Rosada 14, Mangongo Nelly 12+17 boards.

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E.CHAMPS U20 - Women

Division B: Lithuania to play against Montenegro in title decider -by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20 - Portugal U20 78:58
Lithuanian U20 National team celebrated a well-deserved victory over Portugal to secure the home Final at the European championship. The crowd that gathered in Drisininkai saw a spectacular performance from their favourites which saw advance to the main game of the tournament. So later today Lithuania will meet Montenegro in the title game.
Lithuania provided little chances for Portugal in this one. They started the game confidently and grabbed a 13:2 lead four minutes into the game. The gap just kept on growing and reached a 29:13 mark at the end of the first frame. Ana Paula Silva and Catia Lirio (182-C-89) slowed Lithuania a bit in the second frame and cut the deficit to 28:37. Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) nailed 6 points in the third frame to lift her team back on 56:41 distance. Lithuania never allowed Portugal to come any closer and sealed a perfect win at the end.
Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) paced hosts with 19 points. Laima Rickeviciute had 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) produced 12 points and 21 boards for the winners. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) dropped 11 points for Portugal. Catia Lirio and Nadia Tavares (176-F-88) scored 10 points apiece in defeat.
Portugal will now face Great Britain in the game for Bronze.

Lithuania U20: Aurime Rinkeviciute 19 points, Laima Rickeviciute 18, Sarune Jasiunskaite 12+21 boards
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 11, Catia Lirio 10, Nadia Tavares 10.



Montenegro U20 - Great Britain U20 69:61
Montenegrin U20 team became the first finalist of the European championship in Division B. They overcame Great Britain in today's semifinal to clinch the Final spot.
Both teams entered the semifinal stage with just a single defeat and no one wanted to get the second. Montenegro were a bit quicker at the start of the game and posted an early 8:2 lead. Great Britain gradually found the touch from the field but Montenegro secured a 16:11 advantage after the first frame. Maja Milutinovic and Aleksandra Ratkovic produced a couple of strong offensive plays to ensure a 32:19 lead for Montenegro midway through the second frame. Johannah Leedham (178-G-87) however cut it to 27:36 at halftime. Another Montenegrin duet of Snezana Aleksic (170-G-89) and Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) emerged strong at the end of the third quarter to ignite another run for their team and seal a 54:41 distance entering the final quarter. Verity Peets scored a jumper with less than 1.30 to go in regulation to revive a hope for Great Britain as they drove within 5 points from Montenegro. But it vanished with perfect free throws from Snezana Aleksic.
Jelena Dubljevic led Montenegro with 17 points and 13 boards. Snezana Aleksic provided 16 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Helen Naylor (180-F-87) answered with 18 points for Great Britain. Johannah Leedham dropped 15 points in a loss.
Montengro outrebounded the opponents 44:30 and converted 50% of their 2-point attempts.

Montenegro U20: Jelena Dubljevic 17 points, Snezana Aleksic 16
Great Britain U20: Helen Naylor 18, Johannah Leedham 15.

Division A: Spain will take on Serbia in the second straight Final -by Eurobasket News
Spain U20 - Turkey U20 78:66
Spain entered the second semifinal of the European championship in Sofia undefeated and never endagered their record on the way to the Final. Turkey had a slight advantege in the opening frame 16:15 but it did not last for long. Silvia Dominguez (166-G-87) drained her 14 first half points to ensure a 37:33 lead for Spaniards at halftime. Spain never allowed Turkey to come closer in the third quarter and extended the gap to 58:52. Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) tried to save the encounter for Turkey but her effort was not enough as they fell short to Spain.
Silvia Dominguez and Patricia Arguello (179-F-87) completed 18 points apiece to secure the win. Anna Carbo (176-F-88) contributed 11 points for the winners. Bahar Caglar had 20 points and 15 boards for Turkey, while Melike Bakircioglu (189-F-87) produced game-high 21 points in a defeat.
Spain will now take on Serbia in the Final. This will be the second clash of Serbian and Spanuish squads in this year's finals as they previously met in U18 European championship decider.

Spain U20: Silvia Dominguez 18 points, Patricia Arguello 18, Anna Carbo 11
Turkey U20: Melike Bakircioglu 21, Bahar Caglar 20+15 boards


Serbia U20 - France U20 76:64
Serbian U20 National team became the first finalist of the European championship in Bulgaria. They defeated France in the semifinal to advance to their historic first final. Serbia started the game bravely and led 5:0 one minute into it. France however quickly replied with 11:2 run of their own and gained an 11:7 advantage. Teams kept it close in the first quarter and Jelena Radic's jumper marked a narrow 22:20 Serbian lead. Both France and Serbia could not convert for more about four minutes into the second quarter before Maja Scekic opened the scoring line. It was once again a battle of characters and no one wanted to lose as the teams remained at a striking distance. Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) drained a three pointer to cap the first half and put Serbia in front 41:34.
Serbia opened the second half with an 8:2 run and cleared off to a 49:36 distance. They continued to roll and piled up a 63:47 lead by the end of the frame. France seemed to lose the touch as they struggled to find their way back into this one. Maja Scekic hit one free throw with 59 seconds left in the regulation to mark a 76:60 lead. That was the win for Serbia as they now became the first finalist of the European championship.
Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) topscored for Serbia with 20 points. Tamara Radocaj contributed 17 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds for the winners. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) answered with 19 points and 7 rebounds for France. Laetitia Kamba (186-C-87) delivered 14 points and 9 boards in a defeat.

Serbia U20: Miljana Musovic 20 points, Tamara Radocaj 17
France U20: Endene Miyem 19, Laetitia Kamba 14.

Division B: Montenegro wins the title in Lithiania -by Eurobasket News

Final

Montenegro U20 - Lithuania U20 83:64
Montenegrin U20 National team celebrated their first historic trophy at the European championship in Division B. They edged the home side 83:64 to claim the first ever title and ensured Division A birth.
Both teams kept it close in the opening frame before Greta Luksyte's three pointer marked a 22:18 difference entering the second quarter. Snezana Aleksic (170-G-89) nailed a jumper 5 minutes into the second quarter to make it 29:28 in favor of Montenegro. They later cleared off to a 39:30 distance and secured a 41:35 lead at halftime.
Montenegro came off the dressing room ready to fight and initiated an 8:0 run to widen the gap to 49:35. Aleksic and Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87) then added a couple of impressive offensive plays to spur Montenegro to a 68:43 advantage at the start of the final stanza. Lithuania needed a miracle to save the encounter but it never came. Maja Milutinovic chipped in 5 straight points midway the quarter to start celebrating the victory.
Snezana Aleksic topscored in the game with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Maja Milutinovic added 19 points, while Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Lithuania responded with 13 points from Vitalija Vasciunaite (172-G-88) and Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88). Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) had 9 points and 12 boards in a loss.
Montenegro outrebounded the hosts 41:39 and commited just 7 turnovers in the game. They also shot solid 51.7% from the field, limiting Lithuania to only 40%.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 22 points, Maja Milutinovic 19, Jelena Dubljevic 17+10 boards
Lithuania U20: Vitalija Vasciunaite 13, Laima Rickeviciute 13, Sarune Jasiunskaite 9+12 boards.


3rd-4th spots

Great Britain U20 - Portugal U20 79:73
Great Britain secured the spot on the podium after they beat Portugal 79:73 in their last encounter. The win meant Great Britain occupied the final third spot at the European championship in Divion B.
British players looked more aggressive at the start of the game as they rolled to a 15:0 run midway through the first quarter and won it 23:11. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) drained 5 points early in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 3 points. She then nailed another 8 points to keep Portugal in the race as they trailed by just 2 points at halftime 35:37.
Nadia Tavares dropped two points and Catia Lirio (182-C-89) ensured another two-point play to put Portugal ahead in the thitd frame. They maintained the advantage throughout the third quarter and came out winning 56:53. British team could not surge in front until 6 minutes into the final frame before Johannah Leedham (178-G-87) hit from beyond the arc to regain the lead for Great Britain. Lauren Thomas-Johnson (176-G-88) netted 4 straight points and Leedham knocked down one more trey to make it 73:67 for British team. Larisse Lima responded with a long jumper to cut it to 70:73. But free throws from Leedham and Thomas-Johnson killed intrigue at the end.
Johannah Leedham topscored for Great Britain with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Lauren Thomas-Johnson contributed 22 points and 7 boards for the winners. Larisse Lima paced Portugal with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Catia Lirio notched 15 points in defeat.

Great Britain U20: Johannah Leedham 26 points, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 22
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 26+10 boards, Catia Lirio 15.



5th-6th spots

Sweden U20 - Poland U20 67:54
Sweden delivered a victory in the last day of the European championship in Lithuania. They toppled Poland to grab the 5th place at the tournament.
Poland rushed ahead at the start of this one and dropped first 4 points in the encounter. But Swedish players quickly found the rhythm and replied with a stunning 10:0 run of their own. This saw them win the first frame 21:11. Poland however bounced back at the start of the second quarter when they scored 9 unanswered points and cut the deficit to a single point. Both teams kept it close then and Mara Urbaniak's trey marked a 32:31 advantage for Poland at halftime.
Sweden cleared off with the beginning of the second half. They recorded an impressive 16:2 run that built a 47:36 gap between the teams. Urbaniak answered with another three pointer to narrow it a bit however Poland entered the final frame trailing by 6 points 43:49. Sweden quickly got away to a safe 56:46 distanse in the fourth stanza and secured it at the end.
Frida Aili (178-G-88) nailed 21 points to lead Sweden. Malin Edlund (183-F-88) scored 19 points and collected 10 boards for the winners. Joanna Zalesiak (173-F-88) provided game-high 27 points for Poland. Mara Urbaniak finished with 13 points in a losing effort.

Sweden U20: Frida Aili 21 points, Malin Edlund 19+10 boards
Poland U20: Joanna Zalesiak 27, Mara Urbaniak 13.



Division A: Spain triumphs in Bulgaria -by Eurobasket News
Final

Serbia U20 - Spain U20 60:75
Spain U20 National team became the new European champions. In the final clash they edged Serbia 75:60 to complete their perfect campaign in Bulgaria. It became the first ever title for Spanish team at U20 level.
Serbia dominated at the start of the Final. They scored 7 unanswered points to open the game and led 21:5 midway through the opening frame. But a strong 8:0 run to cap the frame allowed Spain to cut the distance to 13:21. Serbia held on the lead throughout the second quarter due a solid percentage from beyond the arc. They were up 36:29 with 8 seconds left in the first half but Anna Carbo (176-F-88) draioned a trey to narrow the deficit to 32:36 at halftime.
Spain finally surged ahead 5 minutes into the third frame when Maria Pina nailed a jumper. Spain immediatelly ensured a 8:0 run to close the third quarter ahead 55:47. Spaniards were unstoppable at the start of the final frame as they rolled to another impressive 14:5 run to mark a 69:52 distance with 5 minutes left in regulation. Serbia were demoralized and had little chances to save the encounter. Spain triumphed in Sofia!
Silvia Dominguez (166-G-87) netted 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace Spain. Anna Carbo added 13 points and 5 steals in a winning effort. Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) provided 16 points for Serbia. Jovana Rad (187-F/C-87) had 15 points in a defeat.

Serbia U20: Miljana Musovic 16 points, Jovana Rad 15
Spain U20: Silvia Dominguez 21, Anna Carbo 13.


3rd-4th spots

France U20 - Turkey U20 65:63
France claimed Bronze medals at the U20 European championship that just finished in Sofia. They narrowly defeated Turkey in a dramatic last day encounter. Turkey were ahead 32:28 at halftime but France revived in the second half. They finally caught up with Turkey midway through the final quarter and held on to the lead. Digbeu made it 63:57 game for France with less than 2 minutes to go. Bahar Caglar drained two free throws and Gulnur Sandallioglu connected from afar to cut the deficit to 1 point with 47 seconds left. Ingrid Tanqueray converted two free throws and Bahar Caglar missed a jump shot to seal the win for France.

France U20: Jennifer Digbeu (190-F/C-87) 12 points, Laetitia Kamba (186-C-87) 11+13 boards
Turkey U20: Melike Bakircioglu (189-F-87) 15, Seda Erdogan (170-F-87, college: Dodge City CC) 14


5th-6th spots

Belgium U20 - Italy U20 78:75
Belgium U20 National team overcame Italy on the last day of the European championship in Bulgaria to claim the 5th spot in the final ladder. Belgian team posted an overall record of 5-3 at the tournament.
Belgium had a confident start to the game as they led 9:2 early on. However Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) drained 8 points at the end of the first frame to lift Italy ahead 21:20.
Benedetta Bagnara (178-G-87, agency: LBM Management) and Chiara Rossi opened the second quarter with straight three pointers to put Italy up 27:22. But Belgium's 11:0 run midway through the frame allowed them to regain the advantage 36:30 and stay in front 39:34 at halftime. Belgium spurred to a perfect third frame and outscored their opponents 24:13 to enter the final quarter leading comfortably 63:47. Italy's fierce comeback effort resulted in cutting the deficit to just 4 points with less than 3 minutes to go in the game. But Lieselot Malfait scored 3 straight points and Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87) added three free throws to seal a victory for Belgian side.
Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88) topscored for Belgium with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Marjorie Carpreaux had 16 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Chiara Consolini and Benedetta Bagnara nailed 17 points apiece to pace Italy. Silvia Sarni added 13 points and 13 rebounds in a loss. Italy outrebounded the winners 40:38 but lacked accuracy converting just 27.1% of two pointers. Belgium hit 53.3% of their jumpers.

Belgium U20: Sara Leemans 19 points, Marjorie Carpreaux 16
Italy U20: Chiara Consolini 17, Benedetta Bagnara 17.

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FRANCE - Women

NT U20 - France take Bronze (Day 8) -by Leslie Anderson

Another bronze for France and the sequence continues with yet another medal in this age group but it was not easy. The match went down to the very last play. Seda Erdogan was on the foul line with 3.4 second left in the match and Turkey trailing (65-62). She hit the first and intentionally missed the second, Melike Bakircioglu (189-F-87) took the rebound but unfortunately was off balance and was called for travelling and the chance of taking the game to overtime was gone.


It is a bronze for the second year in a row for France and after the Bronze in the U21 Women's Francis Denis can now go on holiday.


Full match statistics are available here



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KENYA - Women

Kenya speeds up in the second half to claim the 5th spot -by Eurobasket News
Kenya - Algeria 78:67
Kenya managed to overcome hosting Algeria in the battle for the 5th spot at All-Africa Games. A huge second half performance from Kenya players resulted in a confident win.
Algeria got to a better start as the home crowd cheered them up. They outscored Kenya 18:13 in the opening frame and continued to dominate in the second. The gap grew to 32:26 at halftime and it seemed that Algeria where en route to clinch the 5th place at the tournament. However Kenya emerged strong in the second half and thrashed Algerian defence. Kenya basketballers produced 29 points in the third quarter to surge ahead and never looked back on the way to the win.
Kenya had 5 players scoring in double digits. Josephine Owino (184-C-83) had 18 points and 14 rebounds to pace the team. H Indasi added 14 points for the winners. Kenza Gheroumi chipped in game-high 23 points for Algeria. Rachida Belaidi (-79) poured in 15 points in defeat.
Kenya outreabounded the home side 48:30. They also limited Algeria to just 37% of field goals hitting 53% themselves.

Kenya: Josephine Owino 18+14 boards, H Indasi 14
Algeria: Kenza Gheroumi 23, Rachida Belaidi 15.

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LITHUANIA - Women

Lithuania cruises into home Final -by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20 - Portugal U20 78:58
Lithuanian U20 National team celebrated a well-deserved victory over Portugal to secure the home Final at the European championship. The crowd that gathered in Drisininkai saw a spectacular performance from their favourites which saw advance to the main game of the tournament. So later today Lithuania will meet Montenegro in the title game.
Lithuania provided little chances for Portugal in this one. They started the game confidently and grabbed a 13:2 lead four minutes into the game. The gap just kept on growing and reached a 29:13 mark at the end of the first frame. Ana Paula Silva and Catia Lirio (182-C-89) slowed Lithuania a bit in the second frame and cut the deficit to 28:37. Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) nailed 6 points in the third frame to lift her team back on 56:41 distance. Lithuania never allowed Portugal to come any closer and sealed a perfect win at the end.
Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) paced hosts with 19 points. Laima Rickeviciute had 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) produced 12 points and 21 boards for the winners. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) dropped 11 points for Portugal. Catia Lirio and Nadia Tavares (176-F-88) scored 10 points apiece in defeat.
Portugal will now face Great Britain in the game for Bronze.

Lithuania U20: Aurime Rinkeviciute 19 points, Laima Rickeviciute 18, Sarune Jasiunskaite 12+21 boards
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 11, Catia Lirio 10, Nadia Tavares 10.

Montenegro wins European championship in Division B -by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Lithuania U20 83:64
Montenegrin U20 National team celebrated their first historic trophy at the European championship in Division B. They edged the home side 83:64 to claim the first ever title and ensured Division A birth.
Both teams kept it close in the opening frame before Greta Luksyte's three pointer marked a 22:18 difference entering the second quarter. Snezana Aleksic (170-G-89) nailed a jumper 5 minutes into the second quarter to make it 29:28 in favor of Montenegro. They later cleared off to a 39:30 distance and secured a 41:35 lead at halftime.
Montenegro came off the dressing room ready to fight and initiated an 8:0 run to widen the gap to 49:35. Aleksic and Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87) then added a couple of impressive offensive plays to spur Montenegro to a 68:43 advantage at the start of the final stanza. Lithuania needed a miracle to save the encounter but it never came. Maja Milutinovic chipped in 5 straight points midway the quarter to start celebrating the victory.
Snezana Aleksic topscored in the game with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Maja Milutinovic added 19 points, while Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Lithuania responded with 13 points from Vitalija Vasciunaite (172-G-88) and Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88). Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) had 9 points and 12 boards in a loss.
Montenegro outrebounded the hosts 41:39 and commited just 7 turnovers in the game. They also shot solid 51.7% from the field, limiting Lithuania to only 40%.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 22 points, Maja Milutinovic 19, Jelena Dubljevic 17+10 boards
Lithuania U20: Vitalija Vasciunaite 13, Laima Rickeviciute 13, Sarune Jasiunskaite 9+12 boards.

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MONTENEGRO - Women

Montenegro wins European championship in Division B -by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Lithuania U20 83:64
Montenegrin U20 National team celebrated their first historic trophy at the European championship in Division B. They edged the home side 83:64 to claim the first ever title and ensured Division A birth.
Both teams kept it close in the opening frame before Greta Luksyte's three pointer marked a 22:18 difference entering the second quarter. Snezana Aleksic (170-G-89) nailed a jumper 5 minutes into the second quarter to make it 29:28 in favor of Montenegro. They later cleared off to a 39:30 distance and secured a 41:35 lead at halftime.
Montenegro came off the dressing room ready to fight and initiated an 8:0 run to widen the gap to 49:35. Aleksic and Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87) then added a couple of impressive offensive plays to spur Montenegro to a 68:43 advantage at the start of the final stanza. Lithuania needed a miracle to save the encounter but it never came. Maja Milutinovic chipped in 5 straight points midway the quarter to start celebrating the victory.
Snezana Aleksic topscored in the game with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Maja Milutinovic added 19 points, while Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Lithuania responded with 13 points from Vitalija Vasciunaite (172-G-88) and Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88). Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) had 9 points and 12 boards in a loss.
Montenegro outrebounded the hosts 41:39 and commited just 7 turnovers in the game. They also shot solid 51.7% from the field, limiting Lithuania to only 40%.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 22 points, Maja Milutinovic 19, Jelena Dubljevic 17+10 boards
Lithuania U20: Vitalija Vasciunaite 13, Laima Rickeviciute 13, Sarune Jasiunskaite 9+12 boards.

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PANAMERIC. GAMES - Women

USA, Brazil , Cuba and Canada clinch semis -by Eurobasket News

Group B

USA - Argentina 85:54
USA team faced little problems in their second game at PanAmerican games in Brazil. They routed Argentina 85:54 to secure semifinal birth. United States team entered the game bravely and grabbed an early 10:0 lead. They prevailed in the opening quarter 25:11 and continue to roll in the second. The advantage reached an unassailable 45:15 mark at halftime which allowed USA squad slowed down a bit. Argentina managed to gain some speed in the second half but was too far to hope for a positive result.
Emily Fox (175-G-87) nailed 18 points for the United States. Natasha Humphrey ensured 14 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists for the winners. Marina Cava (168-G-85) produced 13 points for Argentina.
Latin American team were limited to 32.7% from the field. They also converted just 57.1% from free throw line. USA were on 82.6% from charity line and outrebounded their opponents 48:24.
USA will face Cuba in the last game of the preliminary round. Argentina takes on Columbia today.

USA: Emily Fox 18 points, Natasha Humphrey 14
Argentina: Marina Cava 13, Marcela Paoletta (170-G-79) 9.


Cuba - Colombia 81:53
Cuba secured their semifinal appearence as they beat Colombia in the second round of preliminary acion in Brazil. They will now face USA to decide the top spot in Group B.

Cuba: Yayma Boulet (193-C-83) 21+11 boards
Colombia: Elena Diaz (186-F-83) 13


Group A

Brazil - Mexico 88:44
Brazilian players easily secured their second win at the home tournament defeating Mexico 88:44. The hosts dominated at the start of the game and gained a 18:9 lead after the opening frame. The home side never stopped in the second quarter as they outscore their opponents 26:10. The job was done ans Brazil eased to an overall victory in the second half. Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) provided 22 points for Brazil. Brisa Silva (168-G-84) topscored for Mexico with 10 points.

Brazil: Micaela Jacintho 22, Adrianinha 18
Mexico: Brisa Silva 10, Abril Garcia (190-F/C-81, college: ORU) 8

Canada - Jamaica 58:46



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PORTUGAL - Women

Great Britain gets Bronze -by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20 - Portugal U20 79:73
Great Britain secured the spot on the podium after they beat Portugal 79:73 in their last encounter. The win meant Great Britain occupied the final third spot at the European championship in Divion B.
British players looked more aggressive at the start of the game as they rolled to a 15:0 run midway through the first quarter and won it 23:11. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) drained 5 points early in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 3 points. She then nailed another 8 points to keep Portugal in the race as they trailed by just 2 points at halftime 35:37.
Nadia Tavares dropped two points and Catia Lirio (182-C-89) ensured another two-point play to put Portugal ahead in the thitd frame. They maintained the advantage throughout the third quarter and came out winning 56:53. British team could not surge in front until 6 minutes into the final frame before Johannah Leedham (178-G-87) hit from beyond the arc to regain the lead for Great Britain. Lauren Thomas-Johnson (176-G-88) netted 4 straight points and Leedham knocked down one more trey to make it 73:67 for British team. Larisse Lima responded with a long jumper to cut it to 70:73. But free throws from Leedham and Thomas-Johnson killed intrigue at the end.
Johannah Leedham topscored for Great Britain with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Lauren Thomas-Johnson contributed 22 points and 7 boards for the winners. Larisse Lima paced Portugal with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Catia Lirio notched 15 points in defeat.

Great Britain U20: Johannah Leedham 26 points, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 22
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 26+10 boards, Catia Lirio 15.

Lithuania cruises into home Final -by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20 - Portugal U20 78:58
Lithuanian U20 National team celebrated a well-deserved victory over Portugal to secure the home Final at the European championship. The crowd that gathered in Drisininkai saw a spectacular performance from their favourites which saw advance to the main game of the tournament. So later today Lithuania will meet Montenegro in the title game.
Lithuania provided little chances for Portugal in this one. They started the game confidently and grabbed a 13:2 lead four minutes into the game. The gap just kept on growing and reached a 29:13 mark at the end of the first frame. Ana Paula Silva and Catia Lirio (182-C-89) slowed Lithuania a bit in the second frame and cut the deficit to 28:37. Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) nailed 6 points in the third frame to lift her team back on 56:41 distance. Lithuania never allowed Portugal to come any closer and sealed a perfect win at the end.
Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) paced hosts with 19 points. Laima Rickeviciute had 18 points and 9 rebounds, while Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) produced 12 points and 21 boards for the winners. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) dropped 11 points for Portugal. Catia Lirio and Nadia Tavares (176-F-88) scored 10 points apiece in defeat.
Portugal will now face Great Britain in the game for Bronze.

Lithuania U20: Aurime Rinkeviciute 19 points, Laima Rickeviciute 18, Sarune Jasiunskaite 12+21 boards
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 11, Catia Lirio 10, Nadia Tavares 10.

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ROMANIA - Women

8-Th Place for Romania -by Bogdan Bocaniala
U 20 Romanian team lost with Netherlands 99 - 64.
In this game Romanian team had a bed period right in the beginning. Netherlands team speculated that on maximum and they run 19-0 from 12-7 min.5 to 31-7 min.9,57.
From hear on the game was broken and in the break time Netherlands had an relaxing difference 57-34.
Romania win third quarter 14-18 but fourth quarter was again won by Netherlands 28-12.
For Romania Andreea Hutanu (188-C-88) played 33 min. and 10 points, 10 rebounds and 1 assist.
Myrthe Beld (175-G-89) finished the game with 20 points and 6 rebounds in 34 min.
At this European Championship Romania count 6 lost games and one victory with this way they finish 8 place.

U20 Nehterlands: Myrthe Beld 20 points, Kelly Brugman (185-F/C-89) 18, Marie Johanna 12.
U20 Romania: Andra Hass 13 points, Andreea Hutanu 10, Claudia Pop (185-F-89) 10, Elisabeth Pavel (192-C-90) 10

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SERBIA - Women

Spain triumphs in Bulgaria -by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 - Spain U20 60:75
Spain U20 National team became the new European champions. In the final clash they edged Serbia 75:60 to complete their perfect campaign in Bulgaria. It became the first ever title for Spanish team at U20 level.
Serbia dominated at the start of the Final. They scored 7 unanswered points to open the game and led 21:5 midway through the opening frame. But a strong 8:0 run to cap the frame allowed Spain to cut the distance to 13:21. Serbia held on the lead throughout the second quarter due a solid percentage from beyond the arc. They were up 36:29 with 8 seconds left in the first half but Anna Carbo (176-F-88) draioned a trey to narrow the deficit to 32:36 at halftime.
Spain finally surged ahead 5 minutes into the third frame when Maria Pina nailed a jumper. Spain immediatelly ensured a 8:0 run to close the third quarter ahead 55:47. Spaniards were unstoppable at the start of the final frame as they rolled to another impressive 14:5 run to mark a 69:52 distance with 5 minutes left in regulation. Serbia were demoralized and had little chances to save the encounter. Spain triumphed in Sofia!
Silvia Dominguez (166-G-87) netted 21 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to pace Spain. Anna Carbo added 13 points and 5 steals in a winning effort. Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) provided 16 points for Serbia. Jovana Rad (187-F/C-87) had 15 points in a defeat.

Serbia U20: Miljana Musovic 16 points, Jovana Rad 15
Spain U20: Silvia Dominguez 21, Anna Carbo 13.

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SPAIN - Women

U20 national team will play the final after beating Turkey by 78-66 -by Ivan Villar
The girls of Susana Garcia played a hard game.The score on half-time was tied and the national team by the hand of Silvia Dominguez (166-G-87)(18 p) and Patricia Arguello (18p) began to push the team on third quarter to the final.At the end of gama,players called quickly to his coach Jordi Fernandez,who is in his home resting of his operation's eye.Last stone inthe way of Spain is Serbia,like the others finals of U19 and U18.Today,gold medal for the winner.

Spain,champion in Eurobasket U20 of Bulgary -by Ivan Villar
The spanish team won an unbelievable final,after begin with a 5-21 on first quarter.But players want to dedicate the gold medal to Jordi Fernandez and Silvia Dominguez drove the spanish team for take the medal of gold.All the players were decisive specially Alejandra de La Fuente and Sara Vita that came out from the bench to woke up their teammates.The last quarter was easier than first ending with a score of 75-60.Spain conquers a very important medal which confirms the great generation of players.Very good feelings appears for the future of spanish women basketball.Congratulations and regards for the recovering of Jordi Fernandez

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SWEDEN - Women

Sweden edges Poland to finish 5th -by Eurobasket News
Sweden U20 - Poland U20 67:54
Sweden delivered a victory in the last day of the European championship in Lithuania. They toppled Poland to grab the 5th place at the tournament.
Poland rushed ahead at the start of this one and dropped first 4 points in the encounter. But Swedish players quickly found the rhythm and replied with a stunning 10:0 run of their own. This saw them win the first frame 21:11. Poland however bounced back at the start of the second quarter when they scored 9 unanswered points and cut the deficit to a single point. Both teams kept it close then and Marta Urbaniak (189-F-87)'s trey marked a 32:31 advantage for Poland at halftime.
Sweden cleared off with the beginning of the second half. They recorded an impressive 16:2 run that built a 47:36 gap between the teams. Marta Urbaniak answered with another three pointer to narrow it a bit however Poland entered the final frame trailing by 6 points 43:49. Sweden quickly got away to a safe 56:46 distanse in the fourth stanza and secured it at the end.
Frida Aili (178-G-88) nailed 21 points to lead Sweden. Malin Edlund (183-F-88) scored 19 points and collected 10 boards for the winners. Joanna Zalesiak (173-F-88) provided game-high 27 points for Poland. Marta Urbaniak finished with 13 points in a losing effort.

Sweden U20: Frida Aili 21 points, Malin Edlund 19+10 boards
Poland U20: Joanna Zalesiak 27, Marta Urbaniak 13.

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TUNISIA - Women

Tunisia clinches the 7th spot at All-Africa Games -by Eurobasket News
Tunisia - DR Congo 75:67
Tunisia completed their participation at All-Africa Games with a win. They defeated DR Congo to finish the tournament at the 7th spot.
The teams played a close basketball at the start of the game. They ended the opening quarter tied at 21. Tunisia came strong in the second frame as they limited DR Congo to 7 points and spurred ahead to a 41:28 lead at halftime.
DR Congo tried to change the course of the game in the third stanza when Ida Ilda Rosada helped her side outscore Tunisia 23:21. DR Congo had some fierce attempts to climb bac into this one but Tunisia held on to the lead and celebrated a tough victory at the end.
Maha Chelly (-82) netted 17 points for Tunisia. Mouna Kherifi nailed 15 points for the winners. Ida Ilda Rosada replied with 14 points for DR Congo. Mangongo Nelly provided 12 points and game-high 17 rebounds in defeat.
DR Congo had an obvious advantage under the rims outrebounding their opponents 50:31. However they lacked accuracy from free throw line converting just 50% and hit no three pointers. Tunisia knocked down 47% of field goals and scored 8 long range attempts.

Tunisia: Maha Chelly 17 points, Mouna Kherifi 15
DR Congo: Ida Ilda Rosada 14, Mangongo Nelly 12+17 boards.

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U.KINGDOM - Women

Great Britain gets Bronze -by Eurobasket News
Great Britain U20 - Portugal U20 79:73
Great Britain secured the spot on the podium after they beat Portugal 79:73 in their last encounter. The win meant Great Britain occupied the final third spot at the European championship in Divion B.
British players looked more aggressive at the start of the game as they rolled to a 15:0 run midway through the first quarter and won it 23:11. Larisse Lima (177-G/F-88) drained 5 points early in the second quarter to cut the deficit to 3 points. She then nailed another 8 points to keep Portugal in the race as they trailed by just 2 points at halftime 35:37.
Nadia Tavares dropped two points and Catia Lirio (182-C-89) ensured another two-point play to put Portugal ahead in the thitd frame. They maintained the advantage throughout the third quarter and came out winning 56:53. British team could not surge in front until 6 minutes into the final frame before Johannah Leedham (178-G-87) hit from beyond the arc to regain the lead for Great Britain. Lauren Thomas-Johnson (176-G-88) netted 4 straight points and Leedham knocked down one more trey to make it 73:67 for British team. Larisse Lima responded with a long jumper to cut it to 70:73. But free throws from Leedham and Thomas-Johnson killed intrigue at the end.
Johannah Leedham topscored for Great Britain with 26 points and 7 rebounds. Lauren Thomas-Johnson contributed 22 points and 7 boards for the winners. Larisse Lima paced Portugal with 26 points and 10 rebounds, while Catia Lirio notched 15 points in defeat.

Great Britain U20: Johannah Leedham 26 points, Lauren Thomas-Johnson 22
Portugal U20: Larisse Lima 26+10 boards, Catia Lirio 15.