Eurobasket Daily News Report: 8/6/2007

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/6/2007

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Men News

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ABA

HERE COME THE LEGIONS! FIRST TRYOUT CAMP ANNOUNCED -by Chris Terrell
Rome, GA. The ABA Rome Legions have announced their first every tryout camp on Saturday and Sunday, August 25th and 26th at Atlanta International High School. The registration fee is $150; the times of the tryouts will be from 9am-3pm. "You need to be in game shape at the tryout," said Head Coach Larry Lessett . "We want to put together a competitive team and it starts with being in condition."

Registration forms should be available Monday morning at the www.romelegions.com website. If you have a problem, please contact Coach Lessett at 515 745 4455 to have a registration form faxed to you. Of if you have any questions, you can contact the Coach at that number as well. Local questions such as available hotels and team information can be directed to Director of Operations Cabral Huff at 404 771 1499. Or visit www.abalive.com

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ASIAN CHAMPS

-by Chris Wang

Sixth place finish for Taiwan in Asian Championship -by Chris Wang

Taiwan lost to Jordan 97-74 in its final game in the 2007 Asian Championship and finished sixth place in the tournament. It's not a good result, but it's Taiwan's best Asian Chamiponship finish since 2001.

In the championship game, Hamed Ehadadi had 31 points and 10 rebounds and led Iran to a 74-69 victory over West Asia foe Lebanon. Iran won its first ever Asian Championship title and a ticket to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Jordan, which broke open the game after 15 minutes, was led by Zaid Abbas' 24 points and 13 rebounds. Zaid Alkhas had 15 points. Enver Soobzokov added 14 and Sam Daghlas had 12.

Chen Hsin-an had 13 points for Taiwan, which ranked 11th in 2003 and 9th in 2005. Lin Yi-huei had 12 points. Chen Shih-nian and Lee Chi-yi each scored 11 points while Wu Dai-hao had 10 points and 5 boards.

Taiwan was 3-5 in the tournament, head coach Chung Kwang-suk's first major tournament with the team since taking over in May. It remained to be seen whether the CTBA will keep Chung, an experienced Korea veteran, after the tournament.

For the whole tournament, Taiwan has been short-handed due to injuries and untimely suspensions. Tien Lei, Chen Chih-chun, Su Yi-chieh and Ho Sho-jen all sat out because of various injuries. Starting center Tsun Wen-din was added to the injured list after the Jones Cup.

Wu Dai-hao became the lone big man on the roster. Chung was forced to move Chen Hsin-an to the power forward position and Lin Chih-jay as the small forward. Feeling the pressure of the short tournament, Chung played his starters for almost the entire game in most games and drew criticism back home from some observers and press.

Still, Taiwan NT had its best finish since 2001, when it ranked 7th. Relatively speaking, Chung successfully installed an inside-outside system and make Taiwan more than a three-point shooting team. Wu and Lin, both of whom have been ignored by former NT head coach Lee Yung-kwang, blossomed because of the change. Taiwan's zone defense also saw improvement.

Which is why I think CTBA should keep Chung as the NT head coach. He got the O.K. sixth place finish and improved the overall toughness and performance of the team.

218 cm Hamed Hadadi (Ehadadi) (218-C-85) scored 31 points on 14 of 18 shooting, and grabbed 10 rebounds, to lead Iran to a 74-69 triumph over Lebanon. The victory gave Iran the Asian championship and an invitation to the Olympics.

Lebanon will receive an invite to the Olympic qualifying tournament to be held next year. China is already in the Olympics as the host nation which is why China did not send its best players to contest for this title.

Mahammed Nikkha added 15 points and 6 rebounds for Iran. Rony Fahed scored 23 points for Lebanon, hitting 8 of 11 shots. Fadi El Khatib added 19 points but only hit 5 of 14 attempts. Ehadadi limited Lebanon star Joseph Vogel to 13 points. Vogel hit only 3 of 13 shots, missing all 6 of his three-pointers. Vogel grabbed 6 rebounds.

Former NBA-player Ha Seung Jin outplayed young Anton Ponomarev to lead Korea to an 80-76 triumph over Kazakhstan. The win puts Korea into the Olympic qualifying tournament to be held next year.

Ha had 25 points on 10 of 14 shooting before fouling out in 35 minutes. He also grabbed 7 rebounds and made 2 steals. Ponomarev had 16 points on 6 of 16 shooting but only made 1 of 9 three-pointers. He grabbed 6 rebounds but fouled out in 33 minutes.

Kim Joo-Sung scored 18 points for Korea and Rustam Yargaliyew added 14 points for Kazakhstan.

Ehadadi scored 13.4 points and 9.6 rebounds in this tournament. With his youth and inexperience, Ehadadi has a definite upside. He could be attractive to top-level European teams. Ha Seung-Jin, with his NBA training, averaged 17.3 points and 9.1 rebounds. So Ehadadi outrebounded Ha. Ponomarev averaged 17.6 points and 7.1 rebounds, but is three years younger than Ehadadi and Ha. Vogel averaged 17.4 points and 8.9 rebounds but turns 34 this month and is on the downside of his career.

Jordan secured fifth place in the tournament with a 97-74 triumph over Chinese Taipei behind 24 points, on 10 of 15 shooting, and 13 rebounds from Zaid Abbaas.

Qatar defeated Japan 86-82 to gain seventh place in the tourney. Yaseen Musa led Qatar with 18 points and 9 rebounds while Saad Abdulrahman Ali had 13 points and 15 rebounds.

This tournament marked the first time that a West Asian team won the Asian championship. Previous tournment winners were Eastern nations China, Korea and the Philippines. West Asian teams finished first, second, fifth and seventh in this tourney and consistently outplayed the East Asian countries for the first time.

Of course the top Chinese players were not here. If China had sent the team that finished second in the Stankovic Cup, it likely would have won this tournament with a margin of victory similar to what it achieved in 2005, even without Yao Ming. West Asia is rapidly improving in basketball but so is China. China has a much larger population than all of West Asia combined, not to mention ethnic characteristics that give it group advantages in quickness, jumping ability and body control that offset group disadvantages in height and bulk.

Final Standings
1. Iran
2. Lebanon
3. Korea
4. Kazakhstan
5. Jordan
6. Chinese Taipei
7. Qatar
8. Japan
9. The Philippines
10. China
11. Syria
12. Indonesia
13. Hong Kong
14. Kuwait
15. India
16. United Arab Emirates

Iran--- 21 19 16 18 74
Lebanon 19 15 20 15 69
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAsia/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/A/groupname/60/langlc//roundid/5810/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

Kazakhstan 25 16 14 21 76
Korea----- 23 19 19 19 80
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAsia/men/scheResu/p/eventid//gamename/A/groupname/59/langlc//roundid/5810/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

Chinese Taipei 19 12 13 30 74
Jordan-------- 19 22 27 29 97
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAsia/men/scheResu/p/eventid/3969/gamename/A/groupname/58/langlc/en/roundid/5810/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

Japan 22 16 19 25 82
Qatar 17 17 15 37 86
http://www.fiba.com/pages/eng/fe/07/fibaAsia/men/scheResu/p/eventid/3969/gamename/A/groupname/57/langlc/en/roundid/5810/fe_scheStat_boxScor.html

Japan loses to Qatar, finishes in 8th place -by Kenny
Well, so much for J.R. Henderson's impact on the Japanese national team. Even with the naturalized former NBA player, Japan ended up finishing in 8th place in the FIBA Asia Championship-their worst showing ever-after losing on Sunday (8/5) to Qatar 86-82 in Tokushima.

Japan actually led at the end of the 1st half by a score of 38-34, but with J.R. Sakuragi (Henderson's Japanese name) fouling out in the 4th quarter, Japan was unable to hold onto the lead and ended up losing by 4 points. Sakuragi did have 11 points, but managed to get only 2 rebounds. Shooting guard Takuya Kawamura (191-G-86), who was exceptional in the tournament and was arguably Japan's best player during the week, led Japan with 20 points on 6-for-10 shooting from 3-point range. The Takeuchi twins did their part to help Japan as Joji had 14 points while his brother Kosuke had 6 points and 12 rebounds.

Japan must now deal with the disappointment of their 8th place finish after coming into the tournament with such high hopes. Some things do look promising, however, like the emergence of Takuya Kawamura and the addition of J.R. Sakuragi to the squad. Sakuragi played hard and played well and will be looked upon to lead the Japanese national team for years to come.

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AUSTRALIA

NBL: Breakers finalized roster with Wayne Turner and Rick Rickert -by Gauthier Gerard
The New Zealand Breakers have finalised their 11-strong roster for the forthcoming NBL Championship after signing two quality American imports. Point guard Wayne Turner (188-G-76, agency: Passing Lane, college: Kentucky) and power forward Rick Rickert (210-F-83, college: Minnesota) were both College stand-outs, have NBA experience and join the Breakers on one-year deals.
source: NBL

The 31-year-old Turner has played the most matches of anyone in NCAA history, leading the University of Kentucky to two NCAA titles and twice gracing the cover of Sports Illustrated. He played for the USA Junior Men's team in 1995 alongside future stars such as Kevin Garnett and Stephon Marbury and had a taste of the NBA with the Celtics in his native Boston in 1999/2000 before appearing for the Harlem Globetrotters. Turner played under Breakers coach Andrej Lemanis for one season, 2002/03, in Townsville. Back in the USA a charge of possessing an illegal firearm, a charge that was subsequently dismissed, curtailed his immediate return.
“He was a stand-out at the Crocs, extremely popular and fantastic as an on-court leader,” Lemanis said. “He is the right sort of guy to control the talent we've been able to assemble and I'm looking forward to hooking up with him again. In putting the roster together our focus was on getting the mix of local players right before targeting imports who could complement our selections and do specific roles.Our imports aren't superstars who are expected to carry the team. We've gone for guys with the right chemistry, leadership attributes and skill in their particular areas - a point guard to guide us around the court and a big man to mix it in the paint.”

The 6ft 11in Rickert played in the High School All-American game in 2001 before excelling at Minnesota where he became the first Big Ten Freshman of the Year in Minnesota's history. Rickert, aged 24, chose to go into the 2003 NBA Draft after just two years at College, but was a surprise omission from the first round picks and was eventually selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves as 55th overall pick. Pointed towards Europe to develop his game, Rickert has played in competitive leagues in Slovenia, Greece and Spain and had court time with the Detroit Pistons in the latest NBA season.

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BULGARIA

Bulgaria U18 has no wins in Spain so far -by Eurobasket News

Greece U18-Bulgaria U18 94:64(25-12, 25-15, 16-14, 28-23)

Bulgaria U18 lost the second straight game in U18 European Championsip. In the game against Greece Bulgaria had nothing to upset the favorite losing 64:94. Greece won all the quarters and the team seemed to be more confident in a win. Nikolaos Pappas (193-G-90, agency: FCM) led the winners with 21 points. Konstantinos Koufos (216-C-89) supported him with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Georgios Bogris (210-C-89) and Nikolas Theodorakos (-89) added 10. Bozhidar Avramov (194-G-90) and Hristo Zahariev (196-G-90) shone for Bulgaria with 19 points. Bulgaria will now play Israel tonight for the last place in the quarter final round.

Bulgaria U18 took the lead from the first seconds, but enjoyed it a bit more than a minute. Greece did not wait too much as Konstantinos Koufos made a dunk to give 4-3 lead. Greece never looked behind after that score increasing the lead from time to time. In the second quarter Ioakeimidis increased Greek's lead to 29:19. Konstantinos Koufos closed the second with 50:25 to answer al the questions about the winner.

As it was mentioned above bulgaria will have to win tonight in order to advance to the Qualifying Round. Their opponent Israel stays winless as well.

Greece U18: Nikolaos Pappas 21, Konstantinos Koufos 18+10 rebs, Georgios Bogris 10, Nikolas Theodorakos 10
Bulgaria U18: Bozhidar Avramov 19, Hristo Zahariev 19

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CAMEROON

National Championship -by Gilles Bouwe
The Federation have give the dates of the national championship .So the female and youth championship is sheduled to the 13 to the 19 of August at Yaounde and the mens championship is sheduled to the 27 august to the 02 september at Douala .

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CHILE

Dimayor 07/08: Round 1 results -by Daniel Valencia

On saturday night began the new season of Dimayor. Liceo Mixto and the teams from the Chiloe island were the big winners of the first day of action. Liceo, led by Patricio Briones (213-C-72) (24 pts) defeated one of the favorites, Universidad de Concepcion, 84-68. In Ancud, the host, led by their american center Cedric McGinnis (206-C-77) (24 pts) defeated Provincial Llanquihue 91.83. In Castro, in a game decided in two overtimes, the host Deportes Castro defeated Osorno 96-92. The foreign couple of Chris Lynch (198-G/F-79) and Anthony Knox (206-F/C-80) were the leaders with 29 and 25 points respectively. These are the complete results of saturday night.

Round 1

North Group

Liceo Mixto 84 - Universidad de Concepcion 68
Lic: Patricio Briones 24 pts. Rodrigo Espinoza 14 pts. / Ucon: Chris Sockwell 19 pts. Jorge Valencia 13 pts.

Universidad Catolica 84 - Espanol de Talca 65
Uc: Aaron Eneas 25 pts. Rock Winston 16 pts. / Esp: Chris Johnson 26 pts. Pablo Ayala 13 pts.

Boston College 88 - Puente Alto 94
Bos: Felipe Ziegele 17 pts. Tony Bishop 16 pts. / Pue: Jefferson Agba 24 pts. Francisco Avello 17 pts.

South Group

Union Deportiva Espanola 68 - Club Deportivo Valdivia 77
Ude: Antoine Tisby 16 pts. Earl Nurse 16 pts. / Val: Brandon Mason 24 pts. Jorge Enrique Soto 16 pts.

Deportes Ancud 91 - Provincial Llanquihue 83
Anc: Cedric McGinnis 24 pts. Rodrigo Zuniga 17 pts. / Llan: Rashaad Powell 30 pts. Leonel Mendez 27 pts.

Deportes Castro 96 - Provincial Osorno 92 2OT
Cas: Chris Lynch 29 pts. Anthony Knox 25 pts. / Oso: Larry Florence 32 pts. Emilio Paris 22 pts.

Dimayor 07/08: Round 2 results -by Daniel Valencia
Liceo Mixto and Universidad Catolica are the leaders of the north group of Dimayor after round 2. Liceo defeated Espanol 93-85 in overtime with a great offensive performance by Rodrigo Espinoza who ended the night with 30 points. In Santiago, Universidad Catolica, led by Mike Elliot and Rock Winston (27 points each) defeated Universidad de Concepcion 77-73 to reach their second victory. In south group, Deportes Castro and Deportes Ancud defeated Llanquihue and Osorno respectively. In Castro, led by Chris Lynch (23 pts) the host defeated Llanquihue 88-80. In Ancud, the host defeated Provincial Osorno 89-86, led by the offensive performance by Cedric McGinnis and Malcolm Battles (20 and 17 pts). Both teams have a 2-0 record. These are the complete results of round 2.

Round 2

North Group

Liceo Mixto 93 - Espanol Talca 85 OT
Lic: Rodrigo Espinoza 30 pts. Patricio Briones 25 pts. / Esp: Sebastian Saez 28 pts. Francisco Veliz 12 pts.

Universidad Catolica 77 - Universidad de Concepcion 73
Uc: Mike Elliot 27 pts. Rock Winston 27 pts. / Ucon: Eduardo Marechal 15 pts. Evandro Arteaga 14 pts.

South Group

Deportes Ancud 89 - Provincial Osorno 86
Anc: Cedric McGinnis 20 pts. Malcolm Battles 17 pts. / Oso: Cardale Talley 29 pts. Larry Florence 15 pts.

Deportes Castro 88 - Provincial Llanquihue 80
Cas: Chris Lynch 23 pts. Jorge Vasquez 20 pts. / Llan: Rashaad Powell 27 pts. Leonel Mendez 26 pts.

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CHINA

Iran, Behind Ehadadi, Defeats Lebanon for Asian Title -by Arthur Volbert

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COLOMBIA

Guillermo Moreno to coach Piratas -by Victor Garcia
Piratas Saludcoop team made the most important hiring of the season, bringing to Bogota the best Colombian Coach, Guillermo "Quiqui" Moreno is already in Bogota setting up the Piratas for the upcoming Federation Cup, Moreno left Cali after many years coaching the teams from this city, and after arrive to two finals.
Moreno is a proven winer, the kind of coach that can build a real process with a team and teach players the basis and foundamentals of the sport.

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CROATIA

Croatia U18 was defeated by the Baltic team -by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18-Croatia U18 86:68 (26-20, 21-18, 20-12, 19-18)

Lithuania stepped to the first place and is now the only undefeated team in the Group D. In the second game of the U18 European Championship the team beat Croatia 86:68. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89) led the winners with 18 points. Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90) nailed 17, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas (202-F-89) and Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-G-89) added 10 points. Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) top-scored for Croatia with 24 points. Croatia will have to beat Germany to advance.

It was a great start of the Baltic team that scored 8 points in a row. Cepukaitis's jump-shot was the last before Filip Kruslin opened the scoring points for the opponents. Mario Delas (204-F/C-90) brought Croatia to 13:16, however Lithuania stayed in front at 26:20.
In the second quarter Lithuania increased the lead to 9 points. Filip Kruslin made the score 47:38 as both teams went to the interims.
The third quarter was the benefit for the favorites as they produced 20:12 in it. Zygimantas Janavicius with a free throw gave the Baltic state 67:50 lead. It was no wonder as the team led the game to a happy end.

Lithuania U18: Zygimantas Janavicius 18, Donatas Motiejunas 17, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 10, Sarunas Vasiliauskas 10
Croatia U18: Filip Kruslin 24, Mario Delas 11+14 rebs

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CYPRUS

European opponents for Cypriot teams revealed -by Erodotos Miltiadous
The 2007-08 European season has officially started with the draw in Munich, Germany on Sunday (5th of August).

Three Men's teams and One Women team will compete in this seasons FIBA's competitions.

All three men's teams have advanced with a bye to the second knock-out round, one step away from the group stages.

Men's champions Proteas EKA AEL Limassol will face either ELBA Timisoara of Romania or Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk of Ukraine.

Cyprus cup winners Keravnos Cyprus College will travel to Finland to take on Lappeenranta NMKY.

Championship runner ups Dentalcon APOEL Nicosia will make the trip to Ukraine to face SK Cherkassy Monkeys.

Cyprus champions in the women league K.V. Imperial AEL Limassol will face Dunav Rouse.

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CZECH REP.

Czech Republic U18 gain their first victory at European championship -by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U18 - Slovakia U18 80:65
Czech Republic grabbed their first win at the U18 European championship in Bulgaria. They overcame Slovakia on Day 2 of action in Group A. Slovakia were more impressive at the start of the game as they established an early 17:10 lead in the first quarter. Czechs however closed the opening frame with a 5:0 run and trailed 15:17 at the start of the second quarter. The things looked brighter for Czech Republic in the second quarter as they managed to gain a 34:32 advantage at halftime.
Maros Repasky (182-G-89) tied the scoreline early in the third stanza but Czech players responded with a 14:0 run to clear off to a 48:36 distance. They secured the gap and were in front 61:50 entering the final frame. Slovakia obviously struggled to find answers in the last part of the encounter and had to surrender in their first fixture at the tournament.
David Jelinek (194-G-90, agency: PPGroup) and Jan Vesely (204-F-90) scored 20 points apiece to ensure win for Czech Republic. Jakub Kudlacek (177-G-90) contributed another 15 points for the winners. Maros Repasky paced Slovakian team with game-high 27 points and 6 steals. Miroslav Kral (189-G-89) and Michal Maslik (205-C-89) netted 14 points each in a loss.
Czech Republic were dominant under the rims 46:30 and shot more accurately from the field. They converted 55.6% of two pointers, while Slovakia hit 46.3%.
Czech Republic will take on Austria tomorrow. Slovakia will seek to improve against Austrai today.

Czech Republic U18: David Jelinek 20, Jan Vesely 20+13 boards, Jakub Kudlacek 15
Slovakia U18: Maros Repasky 27, Miroslav Kral 14, Michal Maslik 14

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DENMARK

Bakken Bears draws KK Igokea in FIBA Europe Cup -by Eurobasket - Denmark

Danish Champions Bakken Bears drew KK Igokea of Bosnia in the first round of the FIBA Europe Cup.

At the same time Bakken Bears have anounced the signing of new Head Coach Brett Vana .

Coach Vana was in charge of TV Lich in the German 2nd div last season and had them playing a great season.

We hope for Danish basketball that Coach Vana can lead Bakken Bears deep into the Fiba europe Cup.

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DOMINICAN REP.

Indios de San Francisco sign Juan Herrera. -by Jaime Gomez
Indios de San Francisco signed Juan Herrera (197-F-81) and released Antwon Hall (193-G-74, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: Life). They are in a 6 game loosing streak. Hall finished with 15.1 ppg, 42% FG, 25% 3PT (10-40), 59% FT (20-34), 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg

Henry Paulino Will Play Today -by Kerwin Abreu
San Francisco: Henry Paulino (198-F-73) after been on the disabled list this year for the first 9 games, will make his debut today when the Indios visit Los Metros De Santiago at 5:30. Last year Henry had a solid season averaging 11.9 points, 3.7 rebounds in 26.2 minutes playing 23 games. This is a great addition to a team that has lost 7 games in a row.

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E.CHAMPS U18

Division B: all the teams started the championship -by Eurobasket News
The second day of E18 European Championship of men brought the following results. All the team now in the division entered the Championship.

In Group A Czech Republic grabbed their first win at the U18 European championship in Bulgaria. They overcame Slovakia on Day 2 of action in Group A. Slovakia were more impressive at the start of the game as they established an early 17:10 lead in the first quarter. Czechs however closed the opening frame with a 5:0 run and trailed 15:17 at the start of the second quarter. The things looked brighter for Czech Republic in the second quarter as they managed to gain a 34:32 advantage at halftime.
Maros Repasky tied the scoreline early in the third stanza but Czech players responded with a 14:0 run to clear off to a 48:36 distance. They secured the gap and were in front 61:50 entering the final frame. Slovakia obviously struggled to find answers in the last part of the encounter and had to surrender in their first fixture at the tournament.
David Jelinek (194-G-90, agency: PPGroup) and Jan Vesely (204-F-90) scored 20 points apiece to ensure win for Czech Republic. Jakub Kudlacek contributed another 15 points for the winners. Maros Repasky paced Slovakian team with game-high 27 points and 6 steals. Miroslav Kral and Michal Maslik netted 14 points each in a loss.
Czech Republic were dominant under the rims 46:30 and shot more accurately from the field.
In another game Belgium defeated Denmark 74:57. Jean Marc Mwema top-scored for the winners with 25 points and 15 rebounds.
In Group B the Scandinavian derby was won by Sweden who outscored Finland 79:63. Jeffery Taylor (196-G-89) poured in 26 points and made 12 rebounds for Sweden. Poland beat Netherlands 71:51 with 18 points from Karol Gruszecki (-89).
Bosnia and Herzegovina started their campaigh with the win over Ireland in Group C. A 90:61 win was more than confident in the first game for the winners. Dino Hodzic led the way with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Ukraine reached the second win outscoring Luxembourg 85:70. Denys Lukashov (187-G-89) and Olexiy Shchepkin (194-G-89) produced 17 points for the winners.
England's first game was not a good start in group D. The team lost to Hungary 46:63. Gergely Toth (206-F-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and Peter Szabo paced the way with 16 points. Montenegro demolished Portugal 95:62 as Nikola Lalic (188-G-89) scored 19 points and made 9 rebounds.

Second day full coverage of Division A -by Eurobasket News

GROUP A

France U18-Italy U18 75:68 (16-13, 24-27, 17-10, 18-18)

France U18 celebrated the second win in U18 European Championship. The team overcame Italy 75:68 and left them without wins. The latter, in order to advance, will have to beat Estonia tonight. Edwin Jackson (190-G-89) (190-G-89) led the winners with 21 points. Antoine Diot (191-G-89) produced 16, while Raphael Wilson (196-F-89) scored 11. Andrea Renzi (210-F/C-89) top-scored for Italian side with 22 points.

Italy bombed first 5 points of the game but could only reduce to 16:13 in the first. France demonstrated a better game, however could not go too far. There was nothing to choose between the two sides in the first half, as the lead changed hands seven times before both teams went to the break tied on 40 points.

In the third quarter France went on a 11-0 run. With 44 points for each of the teams they produced a spurt that lasted to Ona-Embo's jump-shot. France stayed in front before the last 10 minutes of the game having 57:50. In the last quarter Italy had only a small chance to catch up. Cutolo's three made the score 66:62, however Italy could not struggle any more. France will have a game for the first place in the group against Latvia.

France U18: Edwin Jackson 21, Antoine Diot 16, Raphael Wilson 11
Italy U18: Andrea Renzi 22, Stefano Laudoni (194-G-89) 9

Latvia U18-Estonia U18 80:64 (19-18, 21-18, 18-9, 22-19)
Latvia U18 stayed unbeaten after the first two games in U18 European Championship in Spain. In the second game the team beat Estonia 80:64. For the latter it was a better game in comparison with the opener when they were smashed by the French squad. Oskars Virsis (192-G-89) and Dairis Bertans (191-G-89) led the winners with 18 points each. Lauris Mizis (195-G/F-89) supported them with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Sten Sokk (180-G-89) paced Estonia with 17 points in defeat.

Latvia and Estonia had different starts in the European Championships. Even before the game Latvia considered to be a favorite and they proved it truthfully. After a good start by the Latvian side, which saw them take the first nine points of the game without reply, the Estonians fought back with an 11-0 run of their own to overturn the deficit and take a 13-12 lead. Anyway Latvia stayed in front after the first, 19:18. In the second quarter Latvia increased to 30:22, but Sten Sokk sent the teams to the lockers with 40:36.

At the start of the third Latvia were able to go on a 12-0 run to take a 16 point lead and end the game as a contest. The team controlled the rest of the game and reached the second win.

Latvia U18: Oskars Virsis 18, Dairis Bertans 18, Lauris Mizis 13+15 rebs
Estonia U18: Sten Sokk 17, Henri Polakene (187-G-89) 14

GROUP B

Greece U18-Bulgaria U18 94:64(25-12, 25-15, 16-14, 28-23)
Bulgaria U18 lost the second straight game in U18 European Championsip. In the game against Greece Bulgaria had nothing to upset the favorite losing 64:94. Greece won all the quarters and the team seemed to be more confident in a win. Nikolaos Pappas (193-G-90, agency: FCM) led the winners with 21 points. Konstantinos Koufos (216-C-89) supported him with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Georgios Bogris (210-C-89) and Nikolas Theodorakos (-89) added 10. Bozhidar Avramov (194-G-90) and Hristo Zahariev (196-G-90) shone for Bulgaria with 19 points. Bulgaria will now play Israel tonight for the last place in the quarter final round.

Turkey U18-Israel U18 92:80 (27-25, 16-20, 26-15, 23-20)

Israel lost the second straight game at U18 European Championship in Spain. The result 80:92 do not reflect the game itself as even with three minutes remaining Israel were losing only 78:81. Melih Mahmutoglu (192-G-90) and Birkan Batuk (198-F-90) led the winners with 19 points. Ozcan collected 17 points in a winning effort. Sean Daniel (201-F-89) top-scored for Israeli team with 18 points.

Israel had a nice start and controlled the game in the opening quarter. Only due to Birkan Batuk's three Turkey could overtake 27:25. In the second quarter the game remained the same, but most of the time Turkey stayed in front. Ariely with a three helped Israel to be on top after 2, 45:43.

In the beginning of the second half Turkey dominated taking 9 points lead before the last quarter. Israel just would not give up and clawed their way back to take the lead 71:70 with seven minutes left of the game.Israel opened the last quarter with a 10-0 serie and took the lead back but Melih Melih Mahmutoglu and Dogus Balbay rallied Turkey for a 92:80 victory.

Turkey U18: Melih Mahmutoglu 19, Birkan Batuk 19, Ozcan 17
Israel U18: Sean Daniel 18, Shoutvin 17

GROUP C

Spain U18-Russia U18 98:64 (23-17, 23-13, 28-22, 24-12)
Spain U18 had no troubles in the second game over Russia. Having won 98:64 the hosts of U18 European Championship advanced to the Qualifying round with one more game remaining. Pere Tomas (201-F-89) led the winners with 20 points. De La Fuente and Ricard Rubio (191-G-90) both netted 16 points. Semen Antonov (203-F-89) produced 13 points in the losing effort. Russia will have now to beat Romania in order to advance.

Semen Antonov was the most noticable for the Russia team in the opening tip. For less than a minute he managed to do a defensive rebound, a turnover and scored first two points in the game. Unfortunately for his team that was the only lead in the game. Spain finished the first at 23:17. In the second quarter Russia fought hard to stay in touch with Spain, but found themselves struggling to keep up with their hosts largely due to the amount of free shots they were giving away.
Spain controlled the game at both ends, dominating in defensive rebounds and pulling down more of their own missed shots than the Russian defence. After 46:30 at the half Spain made some pushes to increase the score. Marco closed the third quarter with a jumper to give Spain 74:52. Parejo with a three ended up the game at 98:64.

Spain U18: Pere Tomas 20, De La Fuente 16, Ricard Rubio 16
Russia U18: Semen Antonov 13, Ivan Pavlov (202-C-89) 10

Serbia U18-Romania U18 145:37 (43-6, 29-7, 41-12, 32-12)
Serbia U18 recored a 145:37 win in U18 European Championship. The result became the highest win ever recorded in the tournament. With more than confident wins in all the quarters serbia destroyed Romania. Ivan Smiljanic (198-F-89) paced the winners with 28 points. Stevan Tapuskovic (201-F-89) posted 19, while Nikola Markovic (207-F/C-89) added 16. Mihai Urichianu (198-C-89) had more than a half of his team nailing 19 points.

It was apleasure to see that all the players who participated for Serbia scored at least a point. Taking a lead from the first seconds Serbia had 43 in the end of the first, that was even more than Romania reached in the end.
The second quarter had the same scenarium with Serbia on top. The team finished the half having 72:13.Nikola Markovic with a dunk brought Serbia 100 points. Mihai Urichianu's two closed the third with 113:25. The difference in the last quarter was 20 points and it gave 145:37 as a total.

Today Serbia will play against Spain for the first place in the group.

Serbia U18: Ivan Smiljanic 28, Stevan Tapuskovic 19, Nikola Markovic 16
Romania U18: Mihai Urichianu 19, Sabin Faur (196-C-90) 8

GROUP D

Slovenia U18-Germany U18 53:79 (15-26, 8-19, 13-15, 17-19)

Germany created a small sensation beating Slovenia in a second game of U18 European Championship. The latter beating Croatia in the opener 92:82 with 37 points from Dino Muric (198-F/C-90) could not show the same game. The 17-years old boy produced only 6 points due to the good defense of the Germans. Elias Harris (200-F-89) led the winners with 19 points. Philipp Schwethelm (200-F-89) had 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Robin Benzing (208-F-89) added 13. Zoran Dragic (194-G-89) and Bilic chipped in 11 points for Slovenia.

Germany did not start as well as they finished and gave Slovenia the lead in the beginning of the first quarter. With 3 minutes to play in the opening quarter Robin Benzing brought Germany 13:12 lead. Inspired by this the team finished the first 26:15. Joining Robin Benzing and Harris in double figures was Philipp Schwethelm, who scored a string of consecutive shots in the second quarter as Germany started to build a commanding lead of 45:23 by halftime.

In the third quarter the game became even as both teams kept the same lead. Germany finished the third 60:36 and could celebrate the win at that time. Another 19:17 victory in the last brought the team 79:53 win.

Slovenia U18: Zoran Dragic 11, Bilic 11
Germany U18: Elias Harris 19 points, Philipp Schwethelm 16 points and 12 rebounds, Robin Benzing 13

Lithuania U18-Croatia U18 86:68 (26-20, 21-18, 20-12, 19-18)

Lithuania stepped to the first place and is now the only undefeated team in the Group D. In the second game of the U18 European Championship the team beat Croatia 86:68. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89) led the winners with 18 points. Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90) nailed 17, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas (202-F-89) and Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-G-89) added 10 points. Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) top-scored for Croatia with 24 points. Croatia will have to beat Germany to advance.

It was a great start of the Baltic team that scored 8 points in a row. Cepukaitis's jump-shot was the last before Filip Kruslin opened the scoring points for the opponents. Mario Delas (204-F/C-90) brought Croatia to 13:16, however Lithuania stayed in front at 26:20.
In the second quarter Lithuania increased the lead to 9 points. Filip Kruslin made the score 47:38 as both teams went to the interims.
The third quarter was the benefit for the favorites as they produced 20:12 in it. Zygimantas Janavicius with a free throw gave the Baltic state 67:50 lead. It was no wonder as the team led the game to a happy end.

Lithuania U18: Zygimantas Janavicius 18, Donatas Motiejunas 17, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 10, Sarunas Vasiliauskas 10
Croatia U18: Filip Kruslin 24, Mario Delas 11+14 rebs

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ESTONIA

Latvia U18 improves at 2-0 beating Estonia -by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18-Estonia U18 80:64 (19-18, 21-18, 18-9, 22-19)

Latvia U18 stayed unbeaten after the first two games in U18 European Championship in Spain. In the second game the team beat Estonia 80:64. For the latter it was a better game in comparison with the opener when they were smashed by the French squad. Oskars Virsis (192-G-89) and Dairis Bertans (191-G-89) led the winners with 18 points each. Lauris Mizis (195-G/F-89) supported them with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Sten Sokk (180-G-89) paced Estonia with 17 points in defeat.

Latvia and Estonia had different starts in the European Championships. Even before the game Latvia considered to be a favorite and they proved it truthfully. After a good start by the Latvian side, which saw them take the first nine points of the game without reply, the Estonians fought back with an 11-0 run of their own to overturn the deficit and take a 13-12 lead. Anyway latvia stayed in front after the first, 19:18. In the second quarter Latvia increased to 30:22, but Sten Sokk sent the teams to the lockers with 40:36.

At the start of the third Latvia were able to go on a 12-0 run to take a 16 point lead and end the game as a contest. The team controlled the rest of the game and reached the second win.

Latvia U18: Oskars Virsis 18, Dairis Bertans 18, Lauris Mizis 13+15 rebs
Estonia U18: Sten Sokk 17, Henri Polakene (187-G-89) 14

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EUROLEAGUE

Aris lost another player -by Chris Mammides
Aris wanted the Canadian center (with Irish passport) Levon Kendall (208-F-84, college: Pittsburgh) they even agreed the terms but they never sign any papers, but Panionios showed that actually wanted the Canadian player more and succeed to "steal" the player from Aris, as they already announced him officially, Levon will be wearing the Panionios jersey in both local and Eurocup leagues. At the same time Panionios agreed terms with the ex player of Olympiakos Peraeus, Gerry McNamara (187-G-83, college: Syracuse) for one year.

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FIBA EUROCUP

FIBA Euro Cup Draw 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
The draws for FIBA Europe Cup 2007/2008 took place in Kempinski Hotel in Munich, Germany.
A total of 115 clubs will be participating in the EuroCup, EuroLeague Women and EuroCup Women.
EuroCup Elimination Round 1 starts on October 30, 2007.
EuroCup Elimination Round 2 starts on November 20, 2007.
EuroCup Qualifying Round starts on December 11, 2007.
Click here for the results of EuroCup draw.

European opponents for Cypriot teams revealed -by Erodotos Miltiadous
The 2007-08 European season has officially started with the draw in Munich, Germany on Sunday (5th of August).

Three Men's teams and One Women team will compete in this seasons FIBA's competitions.

All three men's teams have advanced with a bye to the second knock-out round, one step away from the group stages.

Men's champions Proteas EKA AEL Limassol will face either ELBA Timisoara of Romania or Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk of Ukraine.

Cyprus cup winners Keravnos Cyprus College will travel to Finland to take on Lappeenranta NMKY.

Championship runner ups Dentalcon APOEL Nicosia will make the trip to Ukraine to face SK Cherkassy Monkeys.

Cyprus champions in the women league K.V. Imperial AEL Limassol will face Dunav Rouse.

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FINLAND

EuroCup: Lappeenranta (FIN) vs Keravnos (CYP) -by Rauno Hurmalainen
EuroCup Elimination Round 2: Lappeenranta, Finland vs Keravnos, Nicosia, Cyprus. 20.11. Lappeenranta - Keravnos. 27.11. Keravnos - Lappeenranta.
"Our goal is to win this opponent and be among eight (8) best Teams out of 38", says LPR Head Coach Mika Turunen .

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FRANCE

ProA : Eitan to Cholet -by Aurelien Hipp
*Cholet signed Or Eitan (198-G-81), coming from Israel last season. Eitan posted 11.0ppg 3.5rpg with Ashkelon. The player never played out of his country and will have his first experience abroad. He is announced as a very good 3pt-shooter and a very active player.

Pro B ; John Whorton to Quimper -by Aurelien Hipp
*Quimper has found a player to replace Gabe Kennedy (205-F-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: UAB). The chosen one is John Whorton (205-C-78, college: Kent St.), seen in France a couple of years ago for a try-out with Cholet. He was playing in Portugal last season, posting 10.3ppg 6.2rpg with FC Porto.

ProA : Jai Lewis signs for Strasbourg -by Aurelien Hipp
*Strasbourg has found its last player for its new paint in the 2007-2008 season. Jai Lewis (201-F-83, college: George Mason), coming from Maccabi Ramat Gan, has signed for the team today. The player, who took part to the 2006 NCAA Final four with George Mason University (13.7ppg 7.8rpg as a senior), then moved to Israel (15.1ppg 5.5rpg last year). Lewis, able to play either center or power-forward, could have played football as a professional. He finally declined the New-York Giants offer to play basketball. Strasbourg is still looking for an american player for the 3-SF spot.

France U18 stays unbeaten sending Italy to 0-2 -by Eurobasket News
France U18-Italy U18 75:68 (16-13, 24-27, 17-10, 18-18)

France U18 celebrated the second win in U18 European Championship. The team overcame Italy 75:68 and left them without wins. The latter, in order to advance, will have to beat Estonia tonight. Edwin Jackson (190-G-89) led the winners with 21 points. Antoine Diot (191-G-89) produced 16, while Raphael Wilson (196-F-89) scored 11. Andrea Renzi (210-F/C-89) top-scored for Italian side with 22 points.

Italy bombed first 5 points of the game but could only reduce to 16:13 in the first. France demonstrated a better game, however could not go too far. There was nothing to choose between the two sides in the first half, as the lead changed hands seven times before both teams went to the break tied on 40 points.

In the third quarter France went on a 11-0 run. With 44 points for each of the teams they produced a spurt that lasted to Ona-Embo's jump-shot. France stayed in front before the last 10 minutes of the game having 57:50. In the last quarter Italy had only a small chance to catch up. Cutolo's three made the score 66:62, however Italy could not struggle any more. France will have a game for the first place in the group against Latvia.

France U18: Edwin Jackson 21, Antoine Diot 16, Raphael Wilson 11
Italy U18: Andrea Renzi 22, Stefano Laudoni (194-G-89) 9

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GERMANY

Germany U18 rolls over Slovenia -by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U18-Germany U18 53:79 (15-26, 8-19, 13-15, 17-19)

Germany created a small sensation beating Slovenia in a second game of U18 European Championship. The latter beating Croatia in the opener 92:82 with 37 points from Dino Muric (198-F/C-90) could not show the same game. The 17-years old boy produced only 6 points due to the good defense of the Germans. Elias Harris (200-F-89) led the winners with 19 points. Philipp Schwethelm (200-F-89) had 16 points and 12 rebounds, while Robin Benzing (208-F-89) added 13. Zoran Dragic (194-G-89) and Bilic chipped in 11 points for Slovenia.

Germany did not start as well as they finished and gave Slovenia the lead in the beginning of the first quarter. With 3 minutes to play in the opening quarter Robin Benzing brought Germany 13:12 lead. Inspired by this the team finished the first 26:15. Joining Robin Benzing and Harris in double figures was Philipp Schwethelm, who scored a string of consecutive shots in the second quarter as Germany started to build a commanding lead of 45:23 by halftime.

In the third quarter the game became even as both teams kept the same lead. Germany finished the third 60:36 and could celebrate the win at that time. Another 19:17 victory in the last brought the team 79:53 win.

Slovenia U18: Zoran Dragic 11, Bilic 11
Germany U18: Elias Harris 19 points, Philipp Schwethelm 16 points and 12 rebounds, Robin Benzing 13

Itzehoe: Derek Lambeth completes the roster -by Moritz Korff
Coach Paul Larysz of the Itzehoe Eagles (Regionalliga North) informed Eurobasket Germany today that the roster of his team has been completed. Derek Lambeth (197-F-81, college: Sacramento St.) is the final newcomer to join the Eagles. The 26-year-old Small Forward is a graduate of Sacramento State (NCAA1) and will be reunited in Itzehoe with his former college-mate Tony Champion (208-C-80, college: Sacramento St.) who signed a contract with the Eagles some weeks ago. Lambeth averaged 13 points, 4 rebounds and 1.8 assists in his senior-season (2002-2003) for the Sacramento State Hornets and played for the Los Angeles Jets (NABL) as well as in the Sacramento Professional Developmental League in the following years.

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GREECE

UMCOR U18 European Championship: Greece - Turkey 82-67 -by Chris Mammides
Another wonderful basket show from Konstantinos Koufos (216-C-89), the talented Greek center succeeded another double-double with 25 points 15 rebounds (his third in three games!) and the Hellenic NT beat the Turkish NT with fifteen point's difference in the decisive third game of the Group B for the European Championship U19, in Madrid.
The Hellenic NT fulfilled this first round games undefeated, showing in reality the young Hellenes mood for the tournament.
In regards to the game which supposed to be the derby of the second group, since the Turks beat quite easy the Israelis and the Bulgarians and already qualified for the next round, the young talented Hellene players were dominant from the early beginning with the usual suspects, the duet Konstantinos Koufos and Nikolaos Pappas (193-G-90) being in a great day and Marios Matalon (188-G-89) and Charalampos Giannopoulos (200-F-89) very aggressive, the Greek team took an early lead in the first quarter and with a 10-27, showed to Turks what is the meaning of total dominance in all the areas, scoring, assisting and rebounding. The Turks tried to change their destiny but both Dogus Balbay (184-G-89) and Ozcan were not enough to beat the Greeks, the two Turks tried really hard and they finish the game with 22 and 17 respectively. Turks were so “traumatized” by their opponents' presentation that couldn't even score from the charity line as they had only 40%.
The points for the Hellenic NT were as follows:
Nikolaos Pappas 16 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals in 28 minutes, Papanikolaou 1, Simeon Ioakeimidis (195-G-89) 8 points and 3 rebounds in 18 minutes, Marios Matalon, 11 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists in 27 minutes, Charalampos Giannopoulos 8 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals in 28 minutes, Dimitris Arapis (202-F-90) 3 points in less than 2 minutes, Konstantinos Sloukas (187-G-90) 2, Georgios Bogris (210-C-89) 6, Konstantinos Koufos 25 points, 15 rebounds and 3 block shots in 35 minutes!, Zisis Sarikopoulos (212-C-90) 2.
Serbia, Lithuania Latvia and Greece are the only undefeated teams in the UMCOR U18 European Championship.

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IRAN

Iran earns Olympic berth in Asia Championship basketball -by Houman Bagheri

TOKUSHIMA, Japan

Hamed Haddadi scored 31 points Sunday as Iran defeated Lebanon 74-69 in the final of the FIBA Asia Championship, securing a spot in the Beijing Olympics.

Lebanon's Omar ElTurk hit a 3-pointer with 43 seconds left to cut Iran's lead to 70-68.

But Haddadi's jump shot with 20 seconds left gave Iran a 72-68 lead, and Mohammad Nikkhah closed out the scoring with a dunk at the buzzer for the Iranians.

Iran, playing in its first Asia Championship final, was the only team from the 16-nation tournament that booked a place in next summer's Olympics.

It was the first time that Iran -- bronze medalists at last year's Asian Games -- won the prestigious continental title since the inaugural 1960 championship, with their previous best finish at fourth place in 1993.

Lebanon and South Korea could advance to Beijing through a FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament, which will be played in July 2008.

Earlier Sunday, South Korea defeated Kazakhstan 80-76 to win the bronze medal and earn a place in the qualifying tournament.

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IRELAND

StreetballIreland All Star game : Oblate Hall Inchicore, Dublin Aug 11th. -by Patrick Maher

All Star Game 2007 Lineups

The higly anticipated 2007 streetballireland.com All star Game is Almost here takin place on Saturday the 11th of August at 6pm in the oblates in Inchicore! The game is sponsored by AND1 and is in Aid of Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association. The game is also supported by streetballextreme.co.uk who are making their Irish debut at the game and will be filming it for their upcoming DVD. There will also be a live DJ in the night and half time entertainment. So make sure to get down and catch the summers hottest event.2007 Lineups

J-Reed ( USA ) - Shamrock Rovers Hoops Player/Coach
Big Shane - Globe CC (USA) / St. Vincents
Ian O Boyle - Shamrock Rovers Hoops & Irish Senior International
Niall Murphy - UCC Demons & Male Superleague Player of the Year
Colin O Reilly. - Essen ( Germany ) & Irish Senior International
Scott Kinnivine - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Conor Meany - UCD Marian
Rob McMurran - Star of the Sea
Madra Rua - Ballina
Scott Summersgill - Star of the Sea
Chosen aka Tayo Odulaja - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
Big Fen - www.streetballextreme.co.uk

TEAM 2

Jago - Shamrock Rovers Hoops Player Coach
Jermaine Turner (USA) - St. Vincents & 2006 National Slam Dunk Champion
Paul Cummings - Lafayette University NCAA D1/ Shamrock Rovers Hoops & Irish Senior International
Luke O Hea ( Australia) - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Ciaran White - Peddie Prep School USA / Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Isaac Westbrooks - Killester & Irish Senior Squad Member
Dave Murphy - UCC Demons
Ciaran McEvily - Colaiste Eanna
Phil Taylor - Genesee CC USA
Conor Ahenert - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
John Behan - Killester
Ampo King aka Leon Bernard - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
Con Man aka tom Connors - www.streetballexteme.co.uk founder

Courtesy : StreetballIreland.

All Star Game 2007 Lineups

The higly anticipated 2007 streetballireland.com All star Game is Almost here takin place on Saturday the 11th of August at 6pm in the oblates in Inchicore! The game is sponsored by AND1 and is in Aid of Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association. The game is also supported by streetballextreme.co.uk who are making their Irish debut at the game and will be filming it for their upcoming DVD. There will also be a live DJ in the night and half time entertainment. So make sure to get down and catch the summers hottest event.2007 Lineups

TEAM 1

J-Reed ( USA ) - Shamrock Rovers Hoops Player/Coach
Big Shane - Globe CC (USA) / St. Vincents
Ian O Boyle - Shamrock Rovers Hoops & Irish Senior International
Niall Murphy - UCC Demons & Male Superleague Player of the Year
Colin O Reilly. - Essen ( Germany ) & Irish Senior International
Scott Kinnivine - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Conor Meany - UCD Marian
Rob McMurran - Star of the Sea
Madra Rua - Ballina
Scott Summersgill - Star of the Sea
Chosen aka Tayo Odulaja - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
Big Fen - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
TEAM 2

Jago - Shamrock Rovers Hoops Player Coach
Jermaine Turner (USA) - St. Vincents & 2006 National Slam Dunk Champion
Paul Cummings - Lafayette University NCAA D1/ Shamrock Rovers Hoops & Irish Senior International
Luke O Hea ( Australia) - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Ciaran White - Peddie Prep School USA / Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Isaac Westbrooks - Killester & Irish Senior Squad Member
Dave Murphy - UCC Demons
Ciaran McEvily - Colaiste Eanna
Phil Taylor - Genesee CC USA
Conor Ahenert - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
John Behan - Killester
Ampo King aka Leon Bernard - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
Con Man aka tom Connors - www.streetballexteme.co.uk founder

Courtesy : StreetballIreland.

All Star Game 2007 Lineups

The higly anticipated 2007 streetballireland.com All star Game is Almost here takin place on Saturday the 11th of August at 6pm in the oblates in Inchicore! The game is sponsored by AND1 and is in Aid of Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association. The game is also supported by streetballextreme.co.uk who are making their Irish debut at the game and will be filming it for their upcoming DVD. There will also be a live DJ in the night and half time entertainment. So make sure to get down and catch the summers hottest event.2007 Lineups

TEAM 1

J-Reed ( USA ) - Shamrock Rovers Hoops Player/Coach
Big Shane - Globe CC (USA) / St. Vincents
Ian O Boyle - Shamrock Rovers Hoops & Irish Senior International
Niall Murphy - UCC Demons & Male Superleague Player of the Year
Colin O Reilly. - Essen ( Germany ) & Irish Senior International
Scott Kinnivine - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Conor Meany - UCD Marian
Rob McMurran - Star of the Sea
Madra Rua - Ballina
Scott Summersgill - Star of the Sea
Chosen aka Tayo Odulaja - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
Big Fen - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
TEAM 2

Jago - Shamrock Rovers Hoops Player Coach
Jermaine Turner (USA) - St. Vincents & 2006 National Slam Dunk Champion
Paul Cummings - Lafayette University NCAA D1/ Shamrock Rovers Hoops & Irish Senior International
Luke O Hea ( Australia) - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Ciaran White - Peddie Prep School USA / Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Isaac Westbrooks - Killester & Irish Senior Squad Member
Dave Murphy - UCC Demons
Ciaran McEvily - Colaiste Eanna
Phil Taylor - Genesee CC USA
Conor Ahenert - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
John Behan - Killester
Ampo King aka Leon Bernard - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
Con Man aka tom Connors - www.streetballexteme.co.uk founder

Courtesy : StreetballIreland.

Ballina petition website address :
All Star Game 2007 Lineups

The higly anticipated 2007 streetballireland.com All star Game is Almost here takin place on Saturday the 11th of August at 6pm in the oblates in Inchicore! The game is sponsored by AND1 and is in Aid of Brainwave, the Irish Epilepsy Association. The game is also supported by streetballextreme.co.uk who are making their Irish debut at the game and will be filming it for their upcoming DVD. There will also be a live DJ in the night and half time entertainment. So make sure to get down and catch the summers hottest event.2007 Lineups

TEAM 1

J-Reed ( USA ) - Shamrock Rovers Hoops Player/Coach
Big Shane - Globe CC (USA) / St. Vincents
Ian O Boyle - Shamrock Rovers Hoops & Irish Senior International
Niall Murphy - UCC Demons & Male Superleague Player of the Year
Colin O Reilly. - Essen ( Germany ) & Irish Senior International
Scott Kinnivine - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Conor Meany - UCD Marian
Rob McMurran - Star of the Sea
Madra Rua - Ballina
Scott Summersgill - Star of the Sea
Chosen aka Tayo Odulaja - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
Big Fen - www.streetballextreme.co.uk

TEAM 2

Jago - Shamrock Rovers Hoops Player Coach
Jermaine Turner (USA) - St. Vincents & 2006 National Slam Dunk Champion
Paul Cummings - Lafayette University NCAA D1/ Shamrock Rovers Hoops & Irish Senior International
Luke O Hea ( Australia) - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Ciaran White - Peddie Prep School USA / Shamrock Rovers Hoops
Isaac Westbrooks - Killester & Irish Senior Squad Member
Dave Murphy - UCC Demons
Ciaran McEvily - Colaiste Eanna
Phil Taylor - Genesee CC USA
Conor Ahenert - Shamrock Rovers Hoops
John Behan - Killester
Ampo King aka Leon Bernard - www.streetballextreme.co.uk
Con Man aka tom Connors - www.streetballexteme.co.uk founder

Courtesy : StreetballIreland.

www.gopetition.com/petitions/save-ballina-basketball.html Ballina petition web address.

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ISRAEL

Israel losses the second game of U18 European Championship -by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18-Israel U18 92:80 (27-25, 16-20, 26-15, 23-20)

Israel lost the second straight game at U18 European Championship in Spain. The result 80:92 do not reflect the game itself as even with three minutes remaining Israel were losing only 78:81. Melih Mahmutoglu (192-G-90) and Batuk led the winners with 19 points. Can Ozcan (200-F-89) collected 17 points in a winning effort. Sean Daniel (201-F-89) top-scored for Israeli team with 18 points.

Israel had a nice start and controlled the game in the opening quarter. Only due to Batuk's three Turkey could overtake 27:25. In the second quarter the game remained the same, but most of the time Turkey stayed in front. Ariely with a three helped Israel to be on top after 2, 45:43.

In the beginning of the second half Turkey dominated taking 9 points lead before the last quarter. Israel just would not give up and clawed their way back to take the lead 71:70 with seven minutes left of the game.Israel opened the last quarter with a 10-0 serie and took the lead back but Melih Mahmutoglu and Dogus Balbay rallied Turkey for a 92:80 victory.

Turkey U18: Melih Mahmutoglu 19, Batuk 19, Can Ozcan 17
Israel U18: Sean Daniel 18, Anton Shoutvin (206-C-89) 17

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ITALY

France U18 stays unbeaten sending Italy to 0-2 -by Eurobasket News
France U18-Italy U18 75:68 (16-13, 24-27, 17-10, 18-18)

France U18 celebrated the second win in U18 European Championship. The team overcame Italy 75:68 and left them without wins. The latter, in order to advance, will have to beat Estonia tonight. Edwin Jackson (190-G-89) led the winners with 21 points. Antoine Diot (191-G-89) produced 16, while Raphael Wilson (196-F-89) scored 11. Andrea Renzi (210-F/C-89) top-scored for Italian side with 22 points.

Italy bombed first 5 points of the game but could only reduce to 16:13 in the first. France demonstrated a better game, however could not go too far. There was nothing to choose between the two sides in the first half, as the lead changed hands seven times before both teams went to the break tied on 40 points.

In the third quarter France went on a 11-0 run. With 44 points for each of the teams they produced a spurt that lasted to Ona-Embo's jump-shot. France stayed in front before the last 10 minutes of the game having 57:50. In the last quarter Italy had only a small chance to catch up. Cutolo's three made the score 66:62, however Italy could not struggle any more. France will have a game for the first place in the group against Latvia.

France U18: Edwin Jackson 21, Antoine Diot 16, Raphael Wilson 11
Italy U18: Andrea Renzi 22, Stefano Laudoni (194-G-89) 9

Lega 2 market news -by Gianni Pascucci
Newcomer team Carmatic Pistoia announced the signing of import players Ronald 'Boo' Davis (191-G-82, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) and Elton Tyler (206-F-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL). Basket Livorno extended the agreement with veteran Andrea Cessel (205-F/C-69) for another season, and signed Matteo Spippoli (212-C-81) (loaned by Montegranaro) and Rashad Anderson (193-G-83, college: Connecticut). Sutor Premiata Montegranarop agreed to loan Daniele Demartini (187-G-84) to Prima Veroli and Giacomo De Vecchi (196-F-85, agency: Players Group) to Banco di Sardegna Sassari. Andrea Costa Imola inked Andrea Vitale (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) and could announce soon the signing of Riccardo Casagrande (192-G/F-88), from Senigallia.

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JAPAN

Japan loses to Qatar, finishes in 8th place -by Kenny
Well, so much for J.R. Henderson's impact on the Japanese national team. Even with the naturalized former NBA player, Japan ended up finishing in 8th place in the FIBA Asia Championship-their worst showing ever-after losing on Sunday (8/5) to Qatar 86-82 in Tokushima.

Japan actually led at the end of the 1st half by a score of 38-34, but with J.R. Sakuragi (Henderson's Japanese name) fouling out in the 4th quarter, Japan was unable to hold onto the lead and ended up losing by 4 points. Sakuragi did have 11 points, but managed to get only 2 rebounds. Shooting guard Takuya Kawamura (191-G-86), who was exceptional in the tournament and was arguably Japan's best player during the week, led Japan with 20 points on 6-for-10 shooting from 3-point range. The Takeuchi twins did their part to help Japan as Joji had 14 points while his brother Kosuke had 6 points and 12 rebounds.

Japan must now deal with the disappointment of their 8th place finish after coming into the tournament with such high hopes. Some things do look promising, however, like the emergence of Takuya Kawamura and the addition of J.R. Sakuragi to the squad. Sakuragi played hard and played well and will be looked upon to lead the Japanese national team for years to come.

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LATVIA

Latvia U18 improves at 2-0 beating Estonia -by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18-Estonia U18 80:64 (19-18, 21-18, 18-9, 22-19)

Latvia U18 stayed unbeaten after the first two games in U18 European Championship in Spain. In the second game the team beat Estonia 80:64. For the latter it was a better game in comparison with the opener when they were smashed by the French squad. Oskars Virsis (192-G-89) and Dairis Bertans (191-G-89) led the winners with 18 points each. Lauris Mizis (195-G/F-89) supported them with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Sten Sokk (180-G-89) paced Estonia with 17 points in defeat.

Latvia and Estonia had different starts in the European Championships. Even before the game Latvia considered to be a favorite and they proved it truthfully. After a good start by the Latvian side, which saw them take the first nine points of the game without reply, the Estonians fought back with an 11-0 run of their own to overturn the deficit and take a 13-12 lead. Anyway latvia stayed in front after the first, 19:18. In the second quarter Latvia increased to 30:22, but Sten Sokk sent the teams to the lockers with 40:36.

At the start of the third Latvia were able to go on a 12-0 run to take a 16 point lead and end the game as a contest. The team controlled the rest of the game and reached the second win.

Latvia U18: Oskars Virsis 18, Dairis Bertans 18, Lauris Mizis 13+15 rebs
Estonia U18: Sten Sokk 17, Henri Polakene (187-G-89) 14

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LITHUANIA

Croatia U18 was defeated by the Baltic team -by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18-Croatia U18 86:68 (26-20, 21-18, 20-12, 19-18)

Lithuania stepped to the first place and is now the only undefeated team in the Group D. In the second game of the U18 European Championship the team beat Croatia 86:68. Zygimantas Janavicius (192-G-89) led the winners with 18 points. Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90) nailed 17, while Mindaugas Kuzminskas (202-F-89) and Sarunas Vasiliauskas (188-G-89) added 10 points. Filip Kruslin (198-G-89) top-scored for Croatia with 24 points. Croatia will have to beat Germany to advance.

It was a great start of the Baltic team that scored 8 points in a row. Cepukaitis's jump-shot was the last before Filip Kruslin opened the scoring points for the opponents. Mario Delas (204-F/C-90) brought Croatia to 13:16, however Lithuania stayed in front at 26:20.
In the second quarter Lithuania increased the lead to 9 points. Filip Kruslin made the score 47:38 as both teams went to the interims.
The third quarter was the benefit for the favorites as they produced 20:12 in it. Zygimantas Janavicius with a free throw gave the Baltic state 67:50 lead. It was no wonder as the team led the game to a happy end.

Lithuania U18: Zygimantas Janavicius 18, Donatas Motiejunas 17, Mindaugas Kuzminskas 10, Sarunas Vasiliauskas 10
Croatia U18: Filip Kruslin 24, Mario Delas 11+14 rebs

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NBA

Mavs sign Eddie Jones -by Paolo Comitti
The Dallas Mavericks agreed to a two-year, $4 million deal with swingman Eddie Jones (6'6''-G-71, college: Temple), his agent said.

The unrestricted free agent will receive about $1.87 million in the first year from the Mavericks' biannual exception, agent Leon Rose said. The 35-year-old Jones, a three-time All-Star, is expected to be in Dallas on Monday to take a physical and sign the agreement.

The 6-foot-6, 200-pound swingman has averaged 15.4 points per game in 13 NBA seasons.

Warriors add Perovic, Croshere -by Paolo Comitti
The Golden State Warriors signed center Kosta Perovic and forward Austin Croshere (6'9''-F-75, college: Providence) to contracts Friday.

Perovic, the 38th pick in the 2006 draft, played last season in his native Serbia and Montenegro. The 7-foot-2 center helped lead Partizan Belgrade to a championship, averaging 12.0 points and 5.3 rebounds per game in the Adriatic league.

Croshere, 32, has averaged 7.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in a 10-year career with Indiana and Dallas. Croshere played 61 regular-season games for Dallas last season, averaging 3.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game.

He spent his first three seasons in Indiana as a teammate with Mullin. He also played with current Warriors Al Harrington, Stephen Jackson and Sarunas Jasikevicius during his time with the Pacers. Croshere also was a high school teammate of Golden State point guard Baron Davis at Crossroads High School in Santa Monica.

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NCAA

Adidas camp 2007: Day 1 -by Yarone Arbel

The first day of the 2007 Adidas camp in New Orleans took off last night. Six teams, which players from all around the globe, gathered some of the best 1989-1991 born kids in world basketball. The players were grouped by continents with 2 teams from the USA, one team from Asia/Pacific, another from Latin America, Africa and obviously a European one.

The games were played for two halves of 16 minutes each with coaches trying to give all players a fair chance to show their skills, after a long day of practices. Both USA teams won all their games so far, with the African team seems to be their biggest contender. Africa beat Europe first, and then fought hard till the end against the USA Seniors.

The Africans showcased, as expected, a line up of long, super athletic and strong kids, led by Congo's Serge Ibaka (6'10''-C/F-89), who's already signed in Spain and seems so far the most interesting international player in the event. His injury in the second game, allowed the USA team to play more freely in the paint. Niger's Eabubakar Zaki (7'1''-C) scored 25 points for Africa in that game showing big moves under the rim.

Dago Berto Pena of the Dominican republic showed big scoring skills in the first day, when his team lost to the US Juniors but beat the team of Asia/Pacific. Europe missed many big guys who didn't show up for various reasons (U18 NT invitation, injuries, personal issues), and lost both games, first to the African giants, and then easily to the US Juniors.

1st session games:
USA Juniors 81 - Latin America 68
USA J: Favors 13, Watford 12, Johnson 9, Williams 8, Strickland 7, Stephenson 7, Brown 7, Griffey 6, Vilarino 5, Van Treese 5
Latin: Pena 24, Fernando 12, Cotto 7, Matias 6, Aleo 5, Diaz 5, Faggiano 4, Cruz 3, Figueroa 2

Europe 45 - Africa 49
Africa: Ibaka 20, Kadji 14, Ngoya, 6, Koita 6, Ngoufack 3, Magathe 2
Europe: Raposo 12, Rogatkin 10, Lorenzo 8, Person 6, Niels 4, Jaramaz 3, Moraschini 2

Asia/Pacific 42 - USA Seniors 70
Asia/Pacific: Lane 15, Mojak 9, Harris-Tunks 6, Namizato 4, Chuang 4, Salecich 2, Constable 2
USA S: Babbitt 14, Mullens 13, Anderson 10, Releford 8, Holiday 8, Gates 8, Singleton 4, Lucious 3, Simpkins 3

2nd session games:
Latin America 69 - Asia/Pacific 50
Latin: Cotto 13, Fernando 11, Pena 11, Aleo 10, Diaz 7, Fasgiano 6, Figuroa 4, Corazza 2
Asia/Pacific: Ran 11, Chuang 8, Hao 6, Steidl 4, Lane 4, Harris-Tunks 2, Han-Lin 2, Constable 2, Namizato 2, Mojak 2

Africa 56 - USA Seniors 58
Africa: Zaki 25, Kadji 11, Ngoya 10, Ibaka 6, Mbao 2, Koita 1, Magathe 1
USA S: Mullens 19, Babbitt 13, Singleton 8, Simpkins 7, Holiday 6, Lucious 5, Gates3, Releford 2

USA Juniors 76 - Europe 41
USA J: Williams 15, Stephenson 14, Van Treese 8, Griffey 6, Watford 6, Johnson 5, Brown 5, Favors 5, Vilarino 4, Strickland 2
Europe: Niels 8, Person 7, Salin 6, Lorenzo 5, Bouchman 4, Rogatkin 4, Raposo 3, Rademakers 2, Jaramaz 2

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POLAND

Tyrone Riley new forward of Polonia Warszawa -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk

25-years old American forward Tyrone Riley (201-F-82, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: USF) just singed contract with Polonia Warszawa. Riley is versitate forward who can play well on both wing positions. Last season he spent in Holland where with Polynorm Giants Bergen Op Zoom played 38 games and averaged 15.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.3apg, 1.4spg. He also played in Dutch Eredivisie All-Star Game and Dutch Cup Semifinals in 2007.

source: www.promotex.org

B.J. Spencer new player in Gornik Walbrzych -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk

American shooting guard B.J. Spencer (193-G-84, agency: Guardian, college: Jacksonville St.) will be new player of DBE newcomer Gornik Walbrzych. Spencer graduated Jacksonvillle State in 2006 (15.2ppg, 3.5rpg, 1.3apg) and last season played in Serbia where with Napredak Krusevac averaged 13.1ppg, 3.4rpg with tremedous 3pt range on 48.2%.

source: www.promotex.org

Rinalds Sirsnins coming to Polpharma Starogard Gdanski -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk

Top lativan PG Rinalds Sirsnins (187-G-85, agency: Promotex) just signatured agreement with top8 polish DBE team Polpharma Starogard. Sirsnins was a U16, U18, U20 Latvian National Team Member in past. Last season he played in Bumerangs/Gulbene/ASK in Latvia where in 37 games averaged 13.7ppg, 5.2rpg, 5.9apg, 2.4spg. He back to Poland again becuase in 2004 year represented Anwil Wlocławek.

source: www.promotex.org

Carlos Rivera new guard of Polonia Warszawa -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk
Puerto Rican guard Carlos Rivera (188-G-83, agency: TASM, college: Hofstra) will be new guard in team of Polonia Warszawa. Carlos is a star in the Puerto Rican league and he ran the point guard position for Hofstra University where he averaged 13.3ppg and 4 assists per game shooting 43% from the 3pt.

source: www.promotex.org

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PORTUGAL

Montenegro 95-Portugal 62 ,second loss in European U-18 for Portugal -by Bruno Baltazar
Third game second defeat in the European Championship Men Division B in Sofia.
Portugal did not have arguments to oppose the power of Montenegro, a important victory in the fight for the qualify Montenegro for the next round, a win imposed during practically all the game in wich the final score translates what really happened in the game (95-62). Portuguse players badly entered in the game accusing the absense of Jose Silva (sick) and giving since the beginning an advantage that already got a diference of 12 points in the end of the first period. If the beginning was bad the worse was the second quarter with a partial of 20-9 to Montenegro that thus were placed at a distance of 23 points in the half. In the second half for portuguese team wans´t much chances to win and nothing more to lose and when it entered in the last period with Portugal losing by a difference of 30 points to the adversary who, in this game was superior in all the aspects of the game. Portugal don´t play tomorrow.Lets see with some rest in the next game Portual brings more atitude to the game.

Quarter by quarter score(Montenegro - Portugal) - 27-15, 20-9, 24-17, 24-21

Leaders;
Montenegro Portugal

Nikola Lalic (19) Pts Claudio Fonseca (24)
Milos Lopicic (9) Reb Claudio Fonseca (16)
Nikola Lalic (11) Ass Pedro Pereira (2),
Renato Loio (2)
Nikola Lalic (4) ST Diogo Correia (4)
Sead Sehovic (1),
Nikola Ivanovic (1) BS Joao Filipe Valente Soares (3)

Luis Valente new Barreirense Coordinator of the Formation -by Bruno Baltazar
Luis Valente will be next season the new Coordinator of the Formation, thus acceding to the invitation that it was addressed for the Barreirense direction.
Its a return to a house that he knows very well where it arrived in 1975/76 with age of Initiate and where left only in 1982, covering a long way until he got in the Senior team. While player conquered some Regionals Championships and was Vice - National champ and winner of 1981/82 portuguese cup while he was senior. In 1982 continued its career of player in the Quimigal and in Seixal .
At the time of 1989/90, he returns to Barreirense as coach and win the national 1994/95 Cadets champ. After a ticket for the feminine basketball (winner of two Portugal cups to the service of the ESSA) and one year coaching BAC in Proliga, Luis Valente returns to Barreirense where its experience and its passion for this emblem go to be determinative to reach Barreirense objectives of this upcoming season.

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RUSSIA

The hosts of u18 in Division A demolishes Russia -by Eurobasket News
Spain U18-Russia U18 98:64 (23-17, 23-13, 28-22, 24-12)

Spain U18 had no troubles in the second game over Russia. Having won 98:64 the hosts of U18 European Championship advanced to the Qualifying round with one more game remaining. Pere Tomas (201-F-89) led the winners with 20 points. De La Fuente and Ricard Rubio (191-G-90) both netted 16 points. Semen Antonov (203-F-89) produced 13 points in the losing effort. Russia will have now to beat Romania in order to advance.

Semen Antonov was the most noticable for the Russia team in the opening tip. For less than a minute he managed to do a defensive rebound, a turnover and scored first two points in the game. Unfortunately for his team that was the only lead in the game. Spain finished the first at 23:17. In the second quarter Russia fought hard to stay in touch with Spain, but found themselves struggling to keep up with their hosts largely due to the amount of free shots they were giving away.
Spain controlled the game at both ends, dominating in defensive rebounds and pulling down more of their own missed shots than the Russian defence. After 46:30 at the half Spain made some pushes to increase the score. Marco closed the third quarter with a jumper to give Spain 74:52. Parejo with a three ended up the game at 98:64.

Spain U18: Pere Tomas 20, De La Fuente 16, Ricard Rubio 16
Russia U18: Semen Antonov 13, Ivan Pavlov (202-C-89) 10

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SERBIA

Serbia U18 destroys Romania taking 108-points deficit -by Eurobasket News

Serbia U18-Romania U18 145:37 (43-6, 29-7, 41-12, 32-12)

Serbia U18 recored a 145:37 win in U18 European Championship. The result became the highest win ever recorded in the tournament. With more than confident wins in all the quarters serbia destroyed Romania. Ivan Smiljanic (198-F-89) paced the winners with 28 points. Stevan Tapuskovic (201-F-89) posted 19, while Nikola Markovic (207-F/C-89) added 16. Mihai Urichianu (198-C-89) had more than a half of his team nailing 19 points.

It was apleasure to see that all the players who participated for Serbia scored at least a point. Taking a lead from the first seconds Serbia had 43 in the end of the first, that was even more than Romania reached in the end.
The second quarter had the same scenarium with Serbia on top. The team finished the half having 72:13.Nikola Markovic with a dunk brought Serbia 100 points. Mihai Urichianu's two closed the third with 113:25. The difference in the last quarter was 20 points and it gave 145:37 as a total.

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SLOVAK REP.

Czech Republic U18 gain their first victory at European championship -by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U18 - Slovakia U18 80:65
Czech Republic grabbed their first win at the U18 European championship in Bulgaria. They overcame Slovakia on Day 2 of action in Group A. Slovakia were more impressive at the start of the game as they established an early 17:10 lead in the first quarter. Czechs however closed the opening frame with a 5:0 run and trailed 15:17 at the start of the second quarter. The things looked brighter for Czech Republic in the second quarter as they managed to gain a 34:32 advantage at halftime.
Maros Repasky (182-G-89) tied the scoreline early in the third stanza but Czech players responded with a 14:0 run to clear off to a 48:36 distance. They secured the gap and were in front 61:50 entering the final frame. Slovakia obviously struggled to find answers in the last part of the encounter and had to surrender in their first fixture at the tournament.
David Jelinek (194-G-90, agency: PPGroup) and Jan Vesely (204-F-90) scored 20 points apiece to ensure win for Czech Republic. Jakub Kudlacek (177-G-90) contributed another 15 points for the winners. Maros Repasky paced Slovakian team with game-high 27 points and 6 steals. Miroslav Kral (189-G-89) and Michal Maslik (205-C-89) netted 14 points each in a loss.
Czech Republic were dominant under the rims 46:30 and shot more accurately from the field. They converted 55.6% of two pointers, while Slovakia hit 46.3%.
Czech Republic will take on Austria tomorrow. Slovakia will seek to improve against Austrai today.

Czech Republic U18: David Jelinek 20, Jan Vesely 20+13 boards, Jakub Kudlacek 15
Slovakia U18: Maros Repasky 27, Miroslav Kral 14, Michal Maslik 14

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SLOVENIA

Zlatorog will face Olympia Larissa in EuroCup -by Zeljko Zule
Zlatorog will face Olympia Larissa in the Second Qualifying Round of EuroCup. Slovenian team welcoming Olympia at Lasko on November 20 and will travel to the Greece on November 28.

EC U18: Slovenia lost to Lithuania -by Matej Bergant
Slovenia U18 NT showed solid performance against Lithuanian U18 NT on European Championship U18 in Spain, but they weren't good enough to beat Lithuania which is considered among favourites of this U18 European Championship. Slovenians were close untill last quarter, but that wasn't enough and Lithuania won 59:70. Top scorer for Slovenia U18 NT was Klemen Muha (202-F-89) with 17 points. Vytenis Lipkevicius (196-F-89) on Lithuanian side was most efficient with also 17 points.

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SPAIN

The hosts of u18 in Division A demolishes Russia -by Eurobasket News
Spain U18-Russia U18 98:64 (23-17, 23-13, 28-22, 24-12)

Spain U18 had no troubles in the second game over Russia. Having won 98:64 the hosts of U18 European Championship advanced to the Qualifying round with one more game remaining. Pere Tomas (201-F-89) led the winners with 20 points. De La Fuente and Ricard Rubio (191-G-90) both netted 16 points. Semen Antonov (203-F-89) produced 13 points in the losing effort. Russia will have now to beat Romania in order to advance.

Semen Antonov was the most noticable for the Russia team in the opening tip. For less than a minute he managed to do a defensive rebound, a turnover and scored first two points in the game. Unfortunately for his team that was the only lead in the game. Spain finished the first at 23:17. In the second quarter Russia fought hard to stay in touch with Spain, but found themselves struggling to keep up with their hosts largely due to the amount of free shots they were giving away.
Spain controlled the game at both ends, dominating in defensive rebounds and pulling down more of their own missed shots than the Russian defence. After 46:30 at the half Spain made some pushes to increase the score. Marco closed the third quarter with a jumper to give Spain 74:52. Parejo with a three ended up the game at 98:64.

Spain U18: Pere Tomas 20, De La Fuente 16, Ricard Rubio 16
Russia U18: Semen Antonov 13, Ivan Pavlov (202-C-89) 10

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TAIWAN

Sixth place finish for Taiwan in Asian Championship -by Chris Wang

**Taiwan NT game-by-game (3W-5L):
Beat Syria, 90-66
Lost to Korea, 70-85
Beat Hong Kong, 98-81
Lost to Iran, 64-76
Lost to Lebanon, 64-95
Lost to Qatar, 74-87
Beat Japan, 85-80
Lost to Jordan, 74-97

**Results:
5/6 place: Jordan 97-74 Taiwan
7/8 place: Qatar 86-82 Japan
3/4 place: Korea 80-76 Kazakhstan
Championship: Iran 74-69 Lebanon

**Final placing:
1. Iran
2. Lebanon
3. Korea
4. Kazakhstan
5. Jordan
6. Taiwan
7. Qatar
8. Japan
9. Philippines
10. China
11. Syria
12. Indonesia
13. Hong Kong
14. Kuwait
15. India
16. UAE

(photo: fiba.com)

-by Chris Wang

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TURKEY

Transactions -by Serdar Ortakuyu
Fenerbahce Ulker inked young star Serhat Cetin (197-G-86) who shined last year averaging 10.1ppg and 2.9rpg for Pinar Karsiyaka. Cetin, an Efes Pilsen product who has been a member of national teams at youth level regulary and played for Tekelspor and Galatasaray Cafe Crown over the last two seasons, is one of three new signings of Fenerbahce Ulker with Slovenian youngsters Gasper Vidmar (210-C/F-87, agency: Interperformances) and Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket).
Turk Telekom signed with U20 star Caner Oner (200-F-87) from Alpella and sent him to TTNET Beykoz on loan for the upcoming season. Oner, an All-Newcomers 2006-2007 selection who posted 12.6ppg, 3.0rpg, 1.3apg and 1.3spg last season was supposed to attend the 07 NBA Draft but withdrew his name from the draft list.
Usak Belediye of TB2L added the experienced forward Gokhan Ucoklar (197-F-76, agency: EM-PA) to their 07-08 roster. Ucoklar registered 12.6ppg and 3.3rpg for Tekelspor in TBL last year.
Eyupspor, the newcomers of TB2L announced former Darussafaka star Mehmet Kahyaoglu (192-G-76) as their brand new point guard. Kahyaoglu who played at Tekel, will also take the coach assistant position at his new team.

Turkey To Next Round Despite The Loss -by Serdar Ortakuyu
In the third game of FIBA U18 European Championship Turkish Juniors failed to snap up a win against Greece and finished the first round at the second place in Group B. Greece got off to a better start thanks to center Konstantinos Koufos (216-C-89) who dominated the game at the both ends of the floor and never looked back. On the other hand Dogus Balbay (184-G-89) and Can Ozcan (200-F-89) resisted but could not stop Turkey losing the game 82-67. Despite loss Turkey advanced to the second round and will take place in Group E with France, Latvia and Estonia.

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URUGUAY

Ingram will join Hebraica -by Hector Lopez
Maurice Ingram (204-C-74, agency: Court Side, college: Co.Carolina) accepted to play with Hebraica Macabi the Uruguayan League, the local agent Jesus Rostan said to Latinbasket. The other import player for Hebraica will be Jeff Holloway (193-G-75, college: Arkansas St.). The League is due to begin Sept. 10.

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VENEZUELA

Heberto to Brazil and then to USA -by Wolfgang Lucena
Heberto Guanipa will be in the 2007 Adidas basketball camp over Brazil

The 6'8'' power forward Heberto Guanipa; member of the U-17 Venezuela National Team will be attending the 2007 Adidas basketball camp over Brazil on August 14th. There, he will be joining 45 of the most important Latin American basketball players (age 15-17), selected by talent.

Heberto, after his trip to Brazil, will be considering one of the three recruiting offers to come join a high school in the United States of America.

Heberto Guanipa (202-C-90)

El Caballo received an invitation to play the 2007 Venezuela National League -by Wolfgang Lucena
Alejandro Flores (El Caballo) received an invitation to play the 2007 Venezuela National League.

Estudiantes Del Guarico BBC is getting ready to show a new face to its fanatics. Dr Carlos Goatache talked to Alejandro Flores 6'8'' whom could be their foreign player this upcoming season. El Caballo has outstanding college experience at Eastern Oklahoma State College. He is now playing at The Dominican Republic superior league where he is having an upstanding professional basketball career.

“2008 Venezuela National League season will be really different for our basketball team, we are not planning to be in the last spot of the classification any more...” Dr Goatache said.
Alejandro Flores (201-F)

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Australia U19 beats Czech Republic to fight for the 5th spot -by Eurobasket News
Australia U19 - Czech Republic U19 89:66
Czech Republic U19 national team did not manage to overcome Australia in classification round. After an exhausting outing against USA Czech team was rallied over by the Gems. Czechs will now face Korea in the game for the 7th-8th spots today. Aussies will take on hosting Slovakia for the 5th place.
Australia were taken as one of the main favourites for this tournament but stumbled in the quarterfinal losing to Spain 69:72. However Czech team did not stop Aussies en route to overall 5th spot in the World.
Czech Republic defence could not cope with an impressive performance from Abby Bishop (189-C-88). Australian forward netted game-high 25 points and pulled down 17 rebounds. Mia Newley (181-F-86) chipped in 14 points for the winners. Kamila Stepanova (190-C-88) led Czech team with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Romana Hejdova (181-F-88) added 14 points and 5 rebounds in a losing effort.
Australia dominataed the most aspects of the game. They outrebounded Czech players 51:34 and shot more accurately from the field. Australia converted 48.4% of their attempts, while Czech team replied with just 32.5% accuracy.

Australia U19: Abby Bishop 25+17 boards, Mia Newley 14
Czech Republic U19: Kamila Stepanova 17+9 boards, Romana Hejdova 14

WNBA: Lauren Jackson scores 47 -by Gauthier Gerard
World Champion defencejobs Opal captain Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) nailed a WNBA career high 47 points for the Seattle Storm in a 97-96 overtime loss to the Washington Mystics in the WNBA this morning. Jackson connected on a WNBA career high 18 field goal shots from 28 attempts, including two clutch free throws with three seconds remaining in regulation time to level the scores at 88-all. She also posted 14 rebounds in her 42 minutes on court.
source: WNBL

Jackson tied the WNBA scoring mark of Phoenix's Diana Taurasi, who bagged 47 points in a 111-110 triple-overtime win at Houston last August. Jackson's haul marked just the fifth time in WNBA history that a player has scored 40 or more points. The Australian star's previous WNBA high was 35 points against Los Angeles Sparks in June this year.

Australia hold off Slovakia to clinch the 5th spot -by Eurobasket News
Australia U19 - Slovak Republic U19 64:54
Australia completed their U19 World championship campaign in style. They edged hosting Slovakia to climb to overall 5th spot at the tournament.
Australia got to a slightly better start of the game as they established a 16:11 lead after the opening frame. Slovakia were not able to cut the deficit in the second quarter and Aussies rolled to a 33:23 advantage at halftime. Australia managed to maintain Regina Palusna (193-C-89) and capitalized on her low-scoring. They held to a 10-point lead throughout the third quarter and extended it by 1 point at the end of the frame. Slovakia never came closer than 10 points in the final stanza and had to surrender at the end.
Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) topscored for Australia with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Katie Ebzery (177-G-90) contributed 11 points, while Abby Bishop (189-C-88) added 10 points and 7 boards for the winners. Lucia Turbova secured game-high 18 points for Slovakia. Regina Palusna was limited to 12 points and 6 rebounds as she got fouled out in the fourth quarter.
Australia shot 40.7% from the field, while the home side converted just 27.7% of their attempts. The Gems also managed to outrebound their opponents 43:31. Australia were also generous offensively committing 27 turnovers.

Australia U19: Marianna Tolo 16, Katie Ebzery 11, Abby Bishop 10
Slovakia U19: Lucia Turbova 18, Regina Palusna 12

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BELARUS - Women

Belarus outscores Belgium 64:56 -by Eurobasket News
Belarus U16-Belgium U16 64:56 (19-13, 16-14, 11-20, 18-9)

Belarus U18 with the help of Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) won the game over Belgium. In the U16 European Championship Belarus took a 64:56 win to have another game for the 9 place. Maryia Filonchyk led the winners with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Veranika Valeuskaya (170-G-91) finished the game with 17, while Alitsyia Kurouskaya (170-G-91) had 11. Noemie Mayombo (168-G-91) top-scored with 13 points in the losing effort.

Belarus U16 opened the game with 6 straight points. The team kept these points till the end of the quarter winning the first 19:13. In the second quarter the game was in the same scenarium with Belarus staying in front. Both teams went to the interims with 35:27 for Belarus.
In the seond half Belgium made a spurt that not only tied the game, however gave Belgium a lead. It happened in the end of the third quarter when the team finished with 47:46.
In the last quarter Belarus took the lead back. With 56:54 Belarus left Belgium with the same number increasing 62. The end of the game showed 64:56 for Belarus team.

Belarus U16: Maryia Filonchyk 19+19 rebs, Veranika Valeuskaya 17, Alitsyia Kurouskaya 11
Belgium U16: Noemie Mayombo 13, Shamira Linskens (183-C-91) 12+13 rebs

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

Belarus outscores Belgium 64:56 -by Eurobasket News
Belarus U16-Belgium U16 64:56 (19-13, 16-14, 11-20, 18-9)

Belarus U18 with the help of Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) won the game over Belgium. In the U16 European Championship Belarus took a 64:56 win to have another game for the 9 place. Maryia Filonchyk led the winners with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Veranika Valeuskaya (170-G-91) finished the game with 17, while Alitsyia Kurouskaya (170-G-91) had 11. Noemie Mayombo (168-G-91) top-scored with 13 points in the losing effort.

Belarus U16 opened the game with 6 straight points. The team kept these points till the end of the quarter winning the first 19:13. In the second quarter the game was in the same scenarium with Belarus staying in front. Both teams went to the interims with 35:27 for Belarus.
In the seond half Belgium made a spurt that not only tied the game, however gave Belgium a lead. It happened in the end of the third quarter when the team finished with 47:46.
In the last quarter Belarus took the lead back. With 56:54 Belarus left Belgium with the same number increasing 62. The end of the game showed 64:56 for Belarus team.

Belarus U16: Maryia Filonchyk 19+19 rebs, Veranika Valeuskaya 17, Alitsyia Kurouskaya 11
Belgium U16: Noemie Mayombo 13, Shamira Linskens (183-C-91) 12+13 rebs

*****************************************************
CHINA - Women

China finishes at the 11th place, Lithuania at 12th -by Eurobasket News
China U19 - Lithuania U19 73:68
Chinese team had a successful completion of the World championship in Bratislava. They defeated Lithuanian squad in the battle for the 11th spot. Once again Lithuania could propose impressive stats just from Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) and it was not enough for an overall positive result.
Lithuania however had a better start to the game as they grabbed an early 19:17 lead. China bounced back in the second quarter and gained a 36:32 advantage at halftime. Laima Rickeviciute spurred her team to a solid third frame and they cut the lead to just 1 point entering the final stanza. But Chinese found their hero in the last part of the game as Ding Tingting (-88) rolled to an overall 24 points, most of them in the dying stage of the game, and brought victory to Asian team.
Yang Banban (171-G-89) scored 13 points for China. Zeng Meiling (-88) produced 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Laima Rickeviciute secured game-high 28 points and pulled down 7 rebounds for Lithuania. Vitalija Vasciunaite (172-G-88) had 13 points in defeat.
China dominated the battle under the rims outrebounding Lithuania 46:36. Both teams were very cautionate offensively committing just 9 (Lithuania) and 8 (China) turnovers. Lithuania shot more accurately from the field converting 40.6%, while China knocked down 37% of field goals. China recorded 3 wins and 5 defeats during their World championhsip campaign. Lithuania won just one game and suffered 7 losses.

China U19: Ding Tingting 24, Yang Banban 13, Zeng Meiling 12+10 boards
Lithuania U19: Laima Rickeviciute 28, Vitalija Vasciunaite 13

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

Spain U16 conquers the finals again -by Eurobasket News

Spain U16-Czech Republic U16 68:58 (17-16, 11-15, 17-6, 23-21)

Spain U16 will play in the U16 European Championship Final for the fourth straight time. It was clear after the team defeated Czech Republic U16 68:58. Leonor Rodriguez (177-G-91) led the winners with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Amaya Ganuza (188-F-91) added 14, while Gimeno Martinez scored 13. Alena Hanusova (187-C-91) nailed 15 points in the losing effort.

Spain that could be even out of the semis will play now in the title game. The team took a control in the first quarter and led 17:16 after first 10 minutes of the game. Later on till the end of the second quarter Czech Republic stayed in front. Sladkova's jump-shot put them at 18:17 as they finished the half at 31:28.

The Czechs lead was 35:30 at the 7:29 mark of the third. That would be the Czechs' last points for some time as they could find no answer for the Spanish defensive pressure, which helped spark a 15-0 run for a 45:35 lead in the final stages of the period. Even though Chechs tied the score and even stepped ahead at 47:50, that was no big deal for Spain. They pushed the tempo and reached the 68:58 win.

In the Final game Spanish squad will defend their title against France.

Spain U16: Leonor Rodriguez 17+7 rebs, Amaya Ganuza 14, Gimeno Martinez 13
Czech Republic U16: Alena Hanusova 15, Gabriela Medunova (186-F-91) 12

Hanusova's 15 points brings Czechs bronze -by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16-Czech Republic U16 62:65 (15-11, 15-20, 15-20, 17-14)

Czech Republic U16 tasted the bronze at the U16 European Championship Women. In the game for the third place the team revenged over Serbia 65:62. Both teams were in Group E of the Qualifying Round and only two points win, 67:65 allowed Serbia to stay unbeaten at that time. For Czech Republic U16 that was the second loss that luckily lifted them to the semifinals. Now Czech Republic U16 with 20:15 win in two quarters grabbed the win. Alena Hanusova (187-C-91) led the winners with 15 points. Adela Filarova (171-G-91) poured in 13, while Lenka Bartakova (170-G-91) added 11. Tina Jovanovic (191-F/C-91) top-scored for Serbia with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Sara Krnjic (194-C-91) and Milana Zivadinovic (172-G-91) ended up with 14.

It was Serbia that considered to be the favorite of the game and who opened with a lead. Having scored 4 points in a row Serbia reached 15:11 after the first 10 minutes. Stanic brought the Serbs 24:17 in the second, however Czech Republic went to the lockers having 31:30 advantage.
In the third quarter Czech Republic increased to 51:45 in the end of it. The Serbs tied the game at 52:52 and again at 60:60 with less than two minutes remaining. Alena Hanusova's foul shot closed the game at a 65:62.

Serbia U16: Tina Jovanovic 15+11 rebs, Sara Krnjic 14+14 rebs, Milana Zivadinovic 14
Czech Republic U16: Alena Hanusova 15, Adela Filarova 13, Lenka Bartakova 11

Czech U19 team overpowers Korea to clinch the 7th spot -by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U19 - Korea U19 101:87

Czech Republic team had a victorious finish to their World championship campaign. They edged Korea to claim the 7th spot at the tournament.
Czech team marked their dominance in the first minutes of the game and drove to a perfect 35:17 first frame. Korea levelled the pace however managed just to stay behind at a 20-points distance at halftime 59:39. Czechs were remained impressive after the break and continued to pile up the advantage. It reached a 87:65 mark at the end of the third frame and all possible questions of outcome were dropped. Korea enjoyed only the last part of the encounter when they outscored their opponents 22:14 however it had little impact on Czechs overall success.
Lenka Sipova (183-C-88) nailed 24 points and pulled down 9 rebounds for Czech Republic. Katerina Elhotova (180-G-89) added 21 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds for the winners. Kang Ajeong (-89) once again confirmed her topscorer status notching game-high 32 points and collecting 7 rebounds. Kim Danbi (-90) had 14 points and 10 rebounds in a losing effort.
Czech players outrebounded Korea 45:39 including 18 offensive boards. Czech Republic also shot solid 53.9% from the field. Korea responded with 37.7% accuracy. Korean players committed 27 fouls, while Czech defence received 22.
Kang Ajeong remained on top of the scoring ladder with 24.9 points per game. Katerina Elhotova completed the tournament nailing 16.1 points per game.

Czech Republic U19: Lenka Sipova 24+9 boards, Katerina Elhotova 21
Korea U19: Kang Ajeong 32, Kim Danbi 14

Australia U19 beats Czech Republic to fight for the 5th spot -by Eurobasket News
Australia U19 - Czech Republic U19 89:66
Czech Republic U19 national team did not manage to overcome Australia in classification round. After an exhausting outing against USA Czech team was rallied over by the Gems. Czechs will now face Korea in the game for the 7th-8th spots today. Aussies will take on hosting Slovakia for the 5th place.
Australia were taken as one of the main favourites for this tournament but stumbled in the quarterfinal losing to Spain 69:72. However Czech team did not stop Aussies en route to overall 5th spot in the World.
Czech Republic defence could not cope with an impressive performance from Abby Bishop (189-C-88). Australian forward netted game-high 25 points and pulled down 17 rebounds. Mia Newley (181-F-86) chipped in 14 points for the winners. Kamila Stepanova (190-C-88) led Czech team with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Romana Hejdova (181-F-88) added 14 points and 5 rebounds in a losing effort.
Australia dominataed the most aspects of the game. They outrebounded Czech players 51:34 and shot more accurately from the field. Australia converted 48.4% of their attempts, while Czech team replied with just 32.5% accuracy.

Australia U19: Abby Bishop 25+17 boards, Mia Newley 14
Czech Republic U19: Kamila Stepanova 17+9 boards, Romana Hejdova 14

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E.CHAMPS U16 - Women

Division B: Final and 3rd place match Live on internet -by Leslie Anderson
The 3rd place match and the final will be broadcast live today http://www.ilpiccolodabruzzo.it/ from 17:30 (CET 17:30)

Israel - Slovenia 17:30
Germany - Italy 20:00

Division A: France triumphs, Italy second, while Czech Republic tastes Bronze -by Eurobasket News

FINAL

France U16-Italy U16 60:57 (16-24, 14-4, 12-16, 18-13)

France U16 triumphs in Latvia in U16 European Championship. In the Final game the team outscored Italy 60:57. The latter won three previous Championships, however failed this time in the Final. Allison Vernerey (191-C-91) (191-C-91) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Diandra Tchatchouang (186-F/C-91) supported the team with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Isabelle Strunc (177-G-91) added 8. Leonor Rodriguez (177-G-91) paced italy with 25 points and 9 rebounds.

Thanks to both teams that demonstrated such a wonderful game and even show in the court. The game by the way could be divided into some periods where the lead of each team was more than enough to celebrate. France won the last quarter 18:13 that allowed them to triumph.

Italy made the first spurt in the game and after Sacramento's three italians had 10 points advantage, 20:10. France meanwhile produced a better second quarter keeping Spain mostly in defense. As a result the score was 14:4 and sent France in front with 30:28 to the lockers.
In the third quarter it was back-and-forth game. Spain and France both took a lead from time to time. In the last quarter the 48:48 was the last tie for the Spain. France dominated in the game and increased to 7 points with less than a minute to play after Isabelle Strunc hit a free throw. Vega Martinez (184-G-91)'s three at the end made the score 60:57 and gold medals for the French squad.

France U16: Allison Vernerey 22+19 rebs, Diandra Tchatchouang 17+15 rebs, Isabelle Strunc 8
Italy U16: Leonor Rodriguez 25+9 rebs, Claudio Calvelo (188-C-92) 8, Vega Martinez 8

Game for the 3rd place

Serbia U16-Czech Republic U16 62:65 (15-11, 15-20, 15-20, 17-14)
Czech Republic U16 tasted the bronze at the U16 European Championship Women. In the game for the third place the team revenged over Serbia 65:62. Both teams were in Group E of the Qualifying Round and only two points win, 67:65 allowed Serbia to stay unbeaten at that time. For Czech Republic U16 that was the second loss that luckily lifted them to the semifinals. Now Czech Republic U16 with 20:15 win in two quarters grabbed the win. Alena Hanusova (187-C-91) led the winners with 15 points. Adela Filarova (171-G-91) poured in 13, while Lenka Bartakova (170-G-91) added 11. Tina Jovanovic (191-F/C-91) top-scored for Serbia with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Sara Krnjic (194-C-91) and Milana Zivadinovic (172-G-91) ended up with 14.

It was Serbia that considered to be the favorite of the game and who opened with a lead. Having scored 4 points in a row Serbia reached 15:11 after the first 10 minutes. Stanic brought the Serbs 24:17 in the second, however Czech Republic went to the lockers having 31:30 advantage.
In the third quarter Czech Republic increased to 51:45 in the end of it. The Serbs tied the game at 52:52 and again at 60:60 with less than two minutes remaining. Alena Hanusova's foul shot closed the game at a 65:62.

Serbia U16: Tina Jovanovic 15+11 rebs, Sara Krnjic 14+14 rebs, Milana Zivadinovic 14
Czech Republic U16: Alena Hanusova 15, Adela Filarova 13, Lenka Bartakova 11

Div B: Italy and Germany gain promotion to Division A -by Leslie Anderson

Germany qualified for the final after an epic battle against Slovenia, a match that was decided 4 seconds before the end of the game by a well calculated move that ended with Sarah-Marie Frankenberger delivering a base-line jump-shot.

Four German players finished in double-digits with Sonja Greinacher : 18 points along with Svenja Brunckhorst : 14 points and 9 assists. Slovenia's top scorer, Nika Baric , finished with 23 points in a losing course (69-67).

Italy were made to work hard by the courageous Israeli players and only managed to pull away after 37 minutes of intense pressure to win comfortably (80-59).

Italy's scoring was spread evenly with five players in double figures while the Israeli's offensive threat came principally from Bar Galinski and Shira Ben Barak.

In the other matches in the main Finland beat England (65-46), a result that pleased the Jyrki Suhonen Finnish head coach who commented after the match: "It was a hard match: the 7^th game into the tournament. Our players are tired, we beat Croatia two days ago which was huge. Our best rebounder got hurt but England always plays hard and I am so happy that the players stepped up and took care of the business."

Lotta Richter

Lotta Richter said about the tournament "it has been a great tournament. It's been my first time and it is so amazing to play here. We have a wonderful team and we have played very well and we have improved as the tournament went on and we adapted to the heat and we are all happy.

For more information go to www.wbbuzz.com/News/FIBA/U16-European-Championship/

Division A: Spain and France will struggle for Gold in the Final -by Eurobasket News

In the Final game Spanish squad will defend their title against France.

Spain U16: Leonor Rodriguez 17+7 rebs, Amaya Ganuza 14, Gimeno Martinez 13
Czech Republic U16: Alena Hanusova 15, Gabriela Medunova (186-F-91) 12

Serbia U16-France U16 57:76 (16-20, 14-10, 12-22, 15-24)

France U16 overcame Serbia in the semifinal game of U16 European Championship for Women. A more than convincing victory for the winners was the first loss for the Serbs in the tournament. An even game in the first half turned out to the French offensive game. Margaux Zouzouo (183-F-91) led the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Diandra Tchatchouang (186-F/C-91) produced 16 points and made 7 rebounds, while Isabelle Strunc (177-G-91) added 15. Sara Krnjic (194-C-91) 21 points and made 10 rebounds in defeat.
France U16 started their own game in the opening quarter that led to 20:16 in the end of it. Only in the beginning of the second Serbia tied the score and Sara Krnjic gave her team the first lead. Both squads went to the interims as the board showed 30:30.
They still had 39 points each and that was almost the end of the battle. France flew to score and reached 52:42 after three quarters. Serbia refused to give up and closed to 57:55. The 15-0 run ended with France ahead 72:55 with 1:30 to play. France won 76:57 and deserved a place in the final. In the title game the team will meet Spain, that won the last three tournaments at this age.

Serbia U16: Sara Krnjic 21+10 rebs, Milana Zivadinovic (172-G-91) 10
France U16: Margaux Zouzouo 17+9 rebs, Diandra Tchatchouang 16+7 rebs, Isabelle Strunc 15

Russia U16-Hungary U16 63:44 (17-15, 14-8, 11-8, 21-13)

Russia U16 demolished Hungary in the game for 5th-8th Place at the U16 European Championship for Women. The team proved that 4-1 record in the Qualifying Round without a place in the semis will be proved. A 63:44 win was more than enough to deserve a higher spot. Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) (185-F-91) led the winners with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Veronika Dorosheva (188-F-91) and Alexandra Tarasova (192-C-91) supported her with 10 points. Dominika Gergely (175-G-91) was the best in the scoring list of Hungarians with 14 points.

Russia U16 went on a 6-0 run in the opening tip of the game. The opponent woke up later and answered with 8-0 run to take 8-6 lead. Anyway Finogentova's jump-shot gave Russia 17:15 lead. The favorite increased to 8-points lead in the end of the first half, 31:23.

The second half did not bring much intrigue as the Russian squad dominated in the court. With a tough defense they finished the third at 11:8. Veronika Dorosheva's free throw sent the teams to the last quarter with 42:31. And a 10-0 fourth quarter push put the game away for good. Russia celebrated 63:44 win and will play for the fifth place.

Russia U16: Anastasiya Shilova 12+7 rebs, Veronika Dorosheva 10, Alexandra Tarasova 10
Hungary U16: Dominika Gergely 14, Dorottya Tamis (171-G-91) 9+11 rebs

Sweden U16-Latvia U16 55:47 (14-8, 14-20, 14-12, 13-7)

Sweden U16 beat Latvia in the U16 European Championship for Women. In the game for the 5-8 places the Scandivanian team overcame 55:47. Cleopatra B. Goga (178-G-91) paced the winners with 14 points. Farhiya Abdi (186-F-92) ended up with 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Amanda Bazoukou (189-C-93) grabbed 14 rebounds. Sabine Niedola (182-F-91) finished the game with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the hosts.

Both teams showed a great game, the one that they had also last year. In 2006 Final of Division B Sweden and Latvia made up the Final and it was also Sweden that took the win. Latvia tried to revenge this time, but did not have enough power left in the end.
Sweden started with 14:8 in the opening quarter. Latvia meanwhile trailed also the whole second period, but tied the game in the end of it. Pagrode made a jump-shot with 13 seconds remaining.
It was back-and-forth until Sabine Niedola's basket trimmed Sweden's lead to 50:47 with 3:53 remaining. Latvia did not score anymore and Sweden led the game to 55:47 win. Latvia will play with Hungary for the 7 place, while Sweden faces the favorite-Russia.

Sweden U16: Cleopatra B. Goga 14, Farhiya Abdi 11+7 rebs, Amanda Bazoukou 14 rebs
Latvia U16: Sabine Niedola 12+12 rebs, Anete Kirsteine (178-F-92) 11

Ukraine U16-Poland U16 71:97 (14-19, 15-33, 23-21, 19-24)

Poland U16 used a team game in a 97:71 win over Ukraine for the 9-12 places in the U16 European Tournament. Despite 48 points from two players Ukarinian team had -26 in the end. Iwona Szarzynska (171-G-91) led the winners with 22 points. Magdalena Idziorek (177-G-92) produced 18, while Joanna Markiewicz (184-F-91) added 16. Olha Maznichenko (186-F-91) top-scored for Ukraine with 25 points and 14 rebounds. The best Ukrainian player in the tournament Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91) ended up with 23 points and 19 rebounds.

Ukraine opened the game with 2-0 and also had 4-2 lead. Unfortunately for the team they had never stayed in front anymore. Poland used a team game and won the first quarter 19:14.
A splash of baskets saw Ukraine in their side as Poland scored 33 points in the second quarter. Poland had 52 points at the half, the number that many teams in the tournament have only in the end.
In the third quarter Ukraine won the period at 23:21 but realized that they would not catch up the opponents. Poland rested for a while and then produced 24:19 in the last quarter. The winner will play against Belarus for the 9/10 places. Ukraine will meet Belgium for 11/12th.

Ukraine U16: Olha Maznichenko 25+14 rebs, Olesya Malashenko 23+19 rebs
Poland U16: Iwona Szarzynska 22, Magdalena Idziorek 18, Joanna Markiewicz 16

Belarus U16-Belgium U16 64:56 (19-13, 16-14, 11-20, 18-9)

Belarus U18 with the help of Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) won the game over Belgium. In the U16 European Championship Belarus took a 64:56 win to have another game for the 9 place. Maryia Filonchyk led the winners with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Veranika Valeuskaya (170-G-91) finished the game with 17, while Alitsyia Kurouskaya (170-G-91) had 11. Noemie Mayombo (168-G-91) top-scored with 13 points in the losing effort.

Belarus U16 opened the game with 6 straight points. The team kept these points till the end of the quarter winning the first 19:13. In the second quarter the game was in the same scenarium with Belarus staying in front. Both teams went to the interims with 35:27 for Belarus.
In the seond half Belgium made a spurt that not only tied the game, however gave Belgium a lead. It happened in the end of the third quarter when the team finished with 47:46.
In the last quarter Belarus took the lead back. With 56:54 Belarus left Belgium with the same number increasing 62. The end of the game showed 64:56 for Belarus team.

Belarus U16: Maryia Filonchyk 19+19 rebs, Veranika Valeuskaya 17, Alitsyia Kurouskaya 11
Belgium U16: Noemie Mayombo 13, Shamira Linskens (183-C-91) 12+13 rebs

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EUROCUP (W) - Women

Standings

EuroCup Standings

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

Euro Cup Draw 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
The draws for Europe Cup 2007/2008 took place in Kempinski Hotel in Munich, Germany.
A total of 115 clubs will be participating in the EuroCup, EuroLeague Women and EuroCup Women.
The results of EuroCup draw:

Elimination Round takes place on October 18, 2007:
EKA AEL Limassol (CYP) - Dunav Rouse (BUL)
Flamutari Vlore (ALB) - Buducnost Podgorica (MNT)
Flying Foxes Post SV Wien (AUT) - Universite BC Neuchâtel (SUI)
Clube Fuetbol Uniao Madeira (POR) - Sdent Sierre Basket (SUI)
Boa Viagem-Angra-Acore (POR) - Coca-Cola Rhonnda Rebels (WAL)

EuroCup Preliminary Round starts on November 8th, 2007

Group A
Besiktas Istanbul (TUR)
Panionios Athens (GRE)
Zeljeznicar Sarajevo (BIH)
Vojvodina Nis Gas Novi Sad (SRB)

Group B
Pankup Ted Kayseri Kolejspor (TUR)
Apollon Ptolemaidos (GRE)
BC ICIM Arad (ROM)
Hemofarm Vrsac (SRB)

Group C
Botasspor Adana (TUR)
Vologda-Chevakata (RUS)
Team (C/3)
Elektra Ramat Hasharon (ISR)

Group D
Galatasaray Istanbul (TUR)
Dnipro Dnepropetrovsk (UKR)
Team (D/3)
Elizur Ramla (ISR)

Group E
Kozachka-Zalk Zaporozhye (UKR)
MBK Ruzomberok (SVK)
ZTE-Zala Volan (HUN)
Team(E/4)

Group F
TSV 1880 Wasserburg (GER)
AZS PWSZ Sowood Gorzow (POL)
Szeviep Szeged (HUN)
Gospic Industrogradnja (CRO)

Group G
Dynamo Kursk (RUS)
CCC Polkowice (POL)
Seat Foton Gyor (HUN)
Kara Trutnov (CZE)

Group H
Lavezzini Parma (ITA)
08 Stockholm (SWE)
Pays d'Aix Basket 13 Provence (FRA)
Cajacanarias (ESP)

Group I
Famila Schio (ITA)
Team (I/2)
Dynamo Moscow Region (RUS)
Extrugasa Vilagarcia (ESP)

Group J
Pasta Ambra Taranto (ITA)
Team (J/2)
Challes-les-Eaux Basket (FRA)
Hondarribia-Irun (ESP)

Group K
Nadezhda Orenburg (RUS)
CAB Madeira (POR)
Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (FRA)
Novia Munalux Namur (BEL)

Group L
Reyer Venezia (ITA)
Basketball Team Luxembourg (LUX)
Lattes Maurin Montpellier (FRA)
Baloncesto San Jose Leon (ESP)

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

Euroleague draws for 2007-2008 season -by Carlo Grilli
Group A
Phard Napoli (ITA)
TTT Riga (LAT)
Villeneuve D'Asco ESB (FRA)
MKB Euroleasing Sopron (HUN)
CSKA Samara (RUS)
Fenerbahce Istanbul (TUR)

Group B
USK Blex Praha (CZE)
ZKK Sibenik Jolly JBS (CRO)
Halcon Avenida Salamanca (ESP)
Wisla Can-Pack Krakow (POL)
Cercle Jean Mace Bourges (FRA)
UMMC Ekaterinburg (RUS)

Group C
Lotos PKO BP Gdynia (POL)
Kosit 2013 Kosice (SVK)
Dexia Namur (BEL)
Valenciennes USVO (FRA)
Spartak Moscow Region (RUS)
Gambrinus Sika Brno (CZE)

Group D
USO Mondeville (FRA)
Germano Zama Faenza (ITA)
Dynamo Moscow (RUS)
MiZo-PVSK (HUN)
Ros Casares Valencia (ESP)
TEO Vilnius (LTU)

Standings

Euroleague Standings

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

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FINLAND - Women

INTERNATIONAL: Finland U16 # 5 in Italy -by Rauno Hurmalainen

U16 European Championship Games, Division B, Chieti, Italy 27.7.-5.8.2007: Finland - Bosnia-Herzegovina 75-48. Final: Italy - Germany 64-55.
1. Italy, 2. Germany, 3. Slovenia, 4. Israel, 5. Finland, 6. Bosnia-Herzegovina, 7. England, 8. Holland, 9. Croatia, 10. Ireland, 11. Portugal, 12.
Romania. Vilja Kesanen (FIN) averaging 18,8 ppg (3.), Lotta Richter (FIN) averaging 18,5 ppg (5.) and Laura Saarinen (184-C-92) (FIN) averaging 11,0 rpg
(2.).

U16 European Championship Games, Division A, Valmiera, Latvia 27.7.-5.8.2007: Final: France - Spain 60-57.

1. France, 2. Spain, 3. Czech R., 4. Serbia, 5. Sweden, 6. Russia, 7. Latvia, 8. Hungary, 9. Belarus, 10. Poland, 11. Ukraine, 12. Belgium.

INTERNATIONAL: Finland - Latvia 68-81 -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Baltic Sea Cup, Tallinn, Estonia: Finland - Latvia 68-81 (37-30). FIN: Taru Tuukkanen 26/10, Niina Laaksonen 13/12. "We played well 33 minutes and know now,
we can challenge even tough basketball countries", says Finland NT new Head Coach Domingo Diaz from Spain.

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FRANCE - Women

France U16 triumphs in Latvia -by Eurobasket News
France U16-Italy U16 60:57 (16-24, 14-4, 12-16, 18-13)

France U16 triumphs in Latvia in U16 European Championship. In the Final game the team outscored Italy 60:57. The latter won three previous Championships, however failed this time in the Final. Allison Vernerey (191-C-91) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and 19 rebounds. Diandra Tchatchouang (186-F/C-91) supported the team with 17 points and 15 rebounds, while Isabelle Strunc (177-G-91) added 8. Leonor Rodriguez (177-G-91) paced italy with 25 points and 9 rebounds.

Thanks to both teams that demonstrated such a wonderful game and even show in the court. The game by the way could be divided into some periods where the lead of each team was more than enough to celebrate. France won the last quarter 18:13 that allowed them to triumph.

Italy made the first spurt in the game and after Sacramento's three italians had 10 points advantage, 20:10. France meanwhile produced a better second quarter keeping Spain mostly in defense. As a result the score was 14:4 and sent France in front with 30:28 to the lockers.
In the third quarter it was back-and-forth game. Spain and France both took a lead from time to time. In the last quarter the 48:48 was the last tie for the Spain. France dominated in the game and increased to 7 points with less than a minute to play after Isabelle Strunc hit a free throw. Vega Martinez (184-G-91)'s three at the end made the score 60:57 and gold medals for the French squad.

France U16: Allison Vernerey 22+19 rebs, Diandra Tchatchouang 17+15 rebs, Isabelle Strunc 8
Italy U16: Leonor Rodriguez 25+9 rebs, Claudio Calvelo (188-C-92) 8, Vega Martinez 8

France U16 upset Serbia in the semifinal -by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16-France U16 57:76 (16-20, 14-10, 12-22, 15-24)

France U16 overcame Serbia in the semifinal game of U16 European Championship for Women. A more than convincing victory for the winners was the first loss for the Serbs in the tournament. An even game in the first half turned out to the French offensive game. Margaux Zouzouo (183-F-91) led the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Diandra Tchatchouang (186-F/C-91) produced 16 points and made 7 rebounds, while Isabelle Strunc (177-G-91) added 15. Sara Krnjic (194-C-91) 21 points and made 10 rebounds in defeat.
France U16 started their own game in the opening quarter that led to 20:16 in the end of it. Only in the beginning of the second Serbia tied the score and Sara Krnjic gave her team the first lead. Both squads went to the interims as the board showed 30:30.
They still had 39 points each and that was almost the end of the battle. France flew to score and reached 52:42 after three quarters. Serbia refused to give up and closed to 57:55. The 15-0 run ended with France ahead 72:55 with 1:30 to play. France won 76:57 and deserved a place in the final. In the title game the team will meet Spain, that won the last three tournaments at this age.

Serbia U16: Sara Krnjic 21+10 rebs, Milana Zivadinovic (172-G-91) 10
France U16: Margaux Zouzouo 17+9 rebs, Diandra Tchatchouang 16+7 rebs, Isabelle Strunc 15

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GERMANY - Women

Due to 28-17 Germany U16 reaches the Final -by Eurobasket News
Germany U16-Slovenia U16 69:67 (12-18, 17-15, 12-17, 28-17)

Germany reached the Final of U16 European Championship. In the semifinal game over Slovenia the team escaped 69:67 win. Due to 28-17 in the last quarter Germany will play in the title game of the tournament. Sonja Greinacher (185-C-92) led the winners with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Svenja Brunckhorst (176-G-91) produced 14 points and made 9 rebounds, while Jenny Menz (180-F-91) scored 12. Nika Baric (168-G-92) chipped in 23 points in the losing effort.

It was Slovenia that scored first 4 points in the game. The team had a better start that followed 18:12 after the first 10 minutes. Lojen with a lay-up gave Slovenia the biggest 11-points lead, 25:14. Germany reduced to 29:33 at the half.
In the second half the game became even more interesting. Tjasa Gortnar (182-F-92) lifted Slovenia to 53:41 in the beginning of the fourth. Slovenia managed to hold a tight lead for most of the closed-fought game but Germany went in front with 3:50 left in the game. With 67:67 for both teams Frankenberger made a lay-up to bring the Germany place in the Final.

Germany U16: Sonja Greinacher 19+10 rebs, Svenja Brunckhorst 14+9 rebs, Jenny Menz 12
Slovenia U16: Nika Baric 23, Tjasa Gortnar 22

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HUNGARY - Women

Russia U16 demolishes Hungary -by Eurobasket News
Russia U16-Hungary U16 63:44 (17-15, 14-8, 11-8, 21-13)

Russia U16 demolished Hungary in the game for 5th-8th Place at the U16 European Championship for Women. The team proved that 4-1 record in the Qualifying Round without a place in the semis will be proved. A 63:44 win was more than enough to deserve a higher spot. Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) led the winners with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Veronika Dorosheva (188-F-91) and Alexandra Tarasova (192-C-91) supported her with 10 points. Dominika Gergely (175-G-91) was the best in the scoring list of Hungarians with 14 points.

Russia U16 went on a 6-0 run in the opening tip of the game. The opponent woke up later and answered with 8-0 run to take 8-6 lead. Anyway Finogentova's jump-shot gave Russia 17:15 lead. The favorite increased to 8-points lead in the end of the first half, 31:23.

The second half did not bring much intrigue as the Russian squad dominated in the court. With a tough defense they finished the third at 11:8. Veronika Dorosheva's free throw sent the teams to the last quarter with 42:31. And a 10-0 fourth quarter push put the game away for good. Russia celebrated 63:44 win and will play for the fifth place.

Russia U16: Anastasiya Shilova 12+7 rebs, Veronika Dorosheva 10, Alexandra Tarasova 10
Hungary U16: Dominika Gergely 14, Dorottya Tamis (171-G-91) 9+11 rebs

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ISRAEL - Women

Israel U16 did not advance to the Final -by Eurobasket News

Italy U16-Israel U16 80:59 (7-15, 26-17, 18-13, 29-14)

Israel U16 could not step into the semis being defeated by Italy. With a great first quarter Israel had to admit 59:80 loss. Elena Bestagno (177-G-91) paced Italians to the Final with 15 points. Federica Nannucci (169-G-91) and Alessandra Tava (183-F-91)Italy supported her with 12 points each. Bar Galinski (181-F-92) top-scored for Israel with 20 points and 9 rebounds.

Israel opened the game with 5-0 run to make some spectators surprised. The team did not stop and increased to 13-3 later in the first. Alessandra Tava reduced the score for Italians finishing the first at 7:15.
The game was a close contest and in second period the score was tied three times. Italy then created a 12-0 run that put them in front for the first time in the match.
In the second half Italy controlled the whole game. the team never looked behind and only increased the lead from time to time. Italy made a 18:13 in the third to have 51:45 before the last quarter. It was a splash of the winners in the last period as they smashed Israel 29:14 in it.
In the game for the third place Israel will play againbst Slovenia. Germnay and Italy will make a Final of U16 European Championship in Division B.

Italy U16: Elena Bestagno 15, Federica Nannucci 12, Alessandra Tava 12
Israel U16: Bar Galinski 20+ 9 rebs, Shira Ben Barak (171-G-91) 13

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ITALY - Women

European U16, Italy beat Israel (80-59) and joined Division A -by Carlo Grilli
In the crucial game of the tournament, Italy didn't fail. The semifinal against Israel meant promotion in Division A for Marco Rota's athletes. The Azzurre had a slow start (only 1/14 from the field in the first quarter), braked by tension; but passing minutes they beat anxiety and returned to their game standards, going ahead for good during the third quarter, until the final triumph (+21). Five players in double figures scoring for Italy, while Bar Galinski (181-F-92) and Ben-Barak were the go-to guys for Israel.

Today, Italy meets Germany for the final act of the tournament.

Italy-Israel 80-59 (7-15; 33-32; 51-45)
Italy: Pasqualin 11, Bestagno 15, Federica Nannucci (169-G-91) 12, Quarta 10, Primossi, Pieropan 3, Grenga, Tava 12, Tognalini 8, Brotto 7, Richter 2, Lei. 2PS 19/40; 3PS 7/19; FT 21/39.
Israel: Koch, Cohen 6, Gonen 7, Bar Galinski 20, Shaham, Gabay, Ben-Barak 17, Shecht 9, Gazit, Katz, Weitz, Amsalem. 2PS 11/27; 3PS 5/14; FT 22/32.

Semifinals:
Italy-Israel 80-59
Germany-Slovenia 69-67

Italy and Germany join Division A

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KOREA - Women

Slovakia U19 edges Korea to play for the 5th spot -by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U19 - Korea U19 92:66
Slovakia cruised past Korea to advance to the game for the 5th spot at the U19 World championship in Bratislava. After a sour loss from Sweden earlier in the tournament Slovakia entertained 1000 fans with a comprehensive win over South Korea.
The home side were in control of this one right from the start as they outscored Asian players 26:15 in the first frame. The gap kept on growing and Slovakia drove to a 45:30 advantage at halftime. Korea obviously struggled to maintain Slovakia's leaders Regina Palusna (193-C-89) and Janka Mincikova (167-G-89). They ignited Slovakia to another successful frame and the hosts enjoyed a safe 71:44 distance at the start of the final quarter.
Korea never came back into this one allowing Slovakia to post another victory in the competition.
Regina Palusna topscored for Slovakia with 20 points and 19 rebounds. Janka Mincikova and Stefania Kondracova nailed 12 points apiece for the winners. Kang Ajeong (-89) was once again the best performer for Korean team as she chipped in game-high 27 points and collected 7 rebounds. Lee Youjin (-90) had 7 points and 8 boards in defeat.
Slovakia outrebounded their opponents 53:33 pulling down also 25 offensive boards. The home side limited Korea to 29.6% of accuracy and were fouled on 34 times.
Slovakia now faces Australia in the clash for the 5th spot. Korea will play against Czech Republic later tonight.

Slovakia U19: Regina Palusna 20+19 boards, Janka Mincikova 12, Stefania Kondracova 12
Korea U19: Kang Ajeong 27, Lee Youjin 7

Czech U19 team overpowers Korea to clinch the 7th spot -by Eurobasket News

Czech Republic U19 - Korea U19 101:87

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LATVIA - Women

Sweden U16 upset the hosts -by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16-Latvia U16 55:47 (14-8, 14-20, 14-12, 13-7)

Sweden U16 beat Latvia in the U16 European Championship for Women. In the game for the 5-8 places the Scandivanian team overcame 55:47. Cleopatra B. Goga (178-G-91) paced the winners with 14 points. Farhiya Abdi (186-F-92) ended up with 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Amanda Bazoukou (189-C-93) grabbed 14 rebounds. Sabine Niedola (182-F-91) finished the game with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the hosts.

Both teams showed a great game, the one that they had also last year. In 2006 Final of Division B Sweden and Latvia made up the Final and it was also Sweden that took the win. Latvia tried to revenge this time, but did not have enough power left in the end.
Sweden started with 14:8 in the opening quarter. Latvia meanwhile trailed also the whole second period, but tied the game in the end of it. Pagrode made a jump-shot with 13 seconds remaining.
It was back-and-forth until Sabine Niedola's basket trimmed Sweden's lead to 50:47 with 3:53 remaining. Latvia did not score anymore and Sweden led the game to 55:47 win. Latvia will play with Hungary for the 7 place, while Sweden faces the favorite-Russia.

Sweden U16: Cleopatra B. Goga 14, Farhiya Abdi 11+7 rebs, Amanda Bazoukou 14 rebs
Latvia U16: Sabine Niedola 12+12 rebs, Anete Kirsteine (178-F-92) 11

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LITHUANIA - Women

China finishes at the 11th place, Lithuania at 12th -by Eurobasket News
China U19 - Lithuania U19 73:68
Chinese team had a successful completion of the World championship in Bratislava. They defeated Lithuanian squad in the battle for the 11th spot. Once again Lithuania could propose impressive stats just from Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) and it was not enough for an overall positive result.
Lithuania however had a better start to the game as they grabbed an early 19:17 lead. China bounced back in the second quarter and gained a 36:32 advantage at halftime. Laima Rickeviciute spurred her team to a solid third frame and they cut the lead to just 1 point entering the final stanza. But Chinese found their hero in the last part of the game as Ding Tingting (-88) rolled to an overall 24 points, most of them in the dying stage of the game, and brought victory to Asian team.
Yang Banban (171-G-89) scored 13 points for China. Zeng Meiling (-88) produced 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Laima Rickeviciute secured game-high 28 points and pulled down 7 rebounds for Lithuania. Vitalija Vasciunaite (172-G-88) had 13 points in defeat.
China dominated the battle under the rims outrebounding Lithuania 46:36. Both teams were very cautionate offensively committing just 9 (Lithuania) and 8 (China) turnovers. Lithuania shot more accurately from the field converting 40.6%, while China knocked down 37% of field goals. China recorded 3 wins and 5 defeats during their World championhsip campaign. Lithuania won just one game and suffered 7 losses.

China U19: Ding Tingting 24, Yang Banban 13, Zeng Meiling 12+10 boards
Lithuania U19: Laima Rickeviciute 28, Vitalija Vasciunaite 13

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NCAA - Women

USA are one step away from the title -by Eurobasket News
USA U19 - Spain U19 69:46
USA U19 team continued their winning march at the World championship in Slovakia. They remained undefeated after yesterday's semifinal against Spain. Spaniards sensationally edged Australia in the quarterfinal one day earlier and seemed to have not enough strength to cope with a strong United States side.
USA entered the game with a perfect 7:0 record and never stopped en route to the victory. They gained a 20:14 lead after the first frame and continue to roll in the second. Spain were limited to just 10 points and North American team enjoyed a 32:24 distance at halftime. Spain struggled to come back in the third stanza as they fell short 15:23 and seemed to run out of steam in the late stages of the game. United States handled Spain in the final stanza and advanced to the Final.
Maya Moore (6'1''-F-89) led all scorers with 24 points and 6 rebounds for Unites States. Victoria Baugh (6'4''-C-89) added 8 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Laura Nicholls (6'3''-C-89) replied with 11 points and 6 rebounds for Spain. Tamara Abalde (6'2''-F-89) ensured another 10 points in a losing effort.
USA reigned under the rims outrebounding Spanish players 53:30. They also limited Spaniards to just 29.5% from the field, including just 1/14 from beyond the arc.
USA will now play against Sweden in today's title decider. Spain takes on Serbia for the Bronze.

USA U19: Maya Moore 24, Victoria Baugh 8+9 boards
Spain U19: Laura Nicholls 11, Tamara Abalde 10

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POLAND - Women

Poland smashes Ukraine in the 9-12 places -by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U16-Poland U16 71:97 (14-19, 15-33, 23-21, 19-24)

Poland U16 used a team game in a 97:71 win over Ukraine for the 9-12 places in the U16 European Tournament. Despite 48 points from two players Ukarinian team had -26 in the end. Iwona Szarzynska (171-G-91) led the winners with 22 points. Magdalena Idziorek (177-G-92) produced 18, while Joanna Markiewicz (184-F-91) added 16. Olha Maznichenko (186-F-91) top-scored for Ukraine with 25 points and 14 rebounds. The best Ukrainian player in the tournament Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91) ended up with 23 points and 19 rebounds.

Ukraine opened the game with 2-0 and also had 4-2 lead. Unfortunately for the team they had never stayed in front anymore. Poland used a team game and won the first quarter 19:14.
A splash of baskets saw Ukraine in their side as Poland scored 33 points in the second quarter. Poland had 52 points at the half, the number that many teams in the tournament have only in the end.
In the third quarter Ukraine won the period at 23:21 but realized that they would not catch up the opponents. Poland rested for a while and then produced 24:19 in the last quarter. The winner will play against Belarus for the 9/10 places. Ukraine will meet Belgium for 11/12th.

Ukraine U16: Olha Maznichenko 25+14 rebs, Olesya Malashenko 23+19 rebs
Poland U16: Iwona Szarzynska 22, Magdalena Idziorek 18, Joanna Markiewicz 16

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PORTUGAL - Women

CAB in EuroCup Woman-Result of the draw -by Bruno Baltazar
CAB Madeira already know their opponents for the edition of this year of the EuroCup Women, in a drawing carried today in the Kempinski Airport Hotel,in Munique (Germany), the madeirenses know that they will go to count on the presence of Tarbes Gespe Bigorre (France), Novia Munalux Namur (Belgium) and Nadezhda (Russia).
Knowing a little more of the European adversaries, the most appraised of these 3 teams is Tarbes Gespe Bigorre, the french team won the Goblet Liliana Ronchetti in 1996 and was 2nd in the same competition in 2002, competition where the CAB already participated for diverse times.
In the year transaction, the EuroCup, the french had been in 2nd place of their group with one ' score ' of 4 victories and 2 defeats, having the right to pass to the next phase, where they only finished for being eliminated in eighth of end for the Dynamo Moscow team.
Already the Nadezhda, is one equip more recent in these European competitions, being this year only its 4th participation in a European test, but well-taken care of therefore the russian team last year had an excellent European participation, winning their group (5 victories and 1 defeat), finishing in the following phase arriving until the quarter finals where then it would be defeated by the BC Dynamo Moscow Region. The russian team also eliminated teams like ESB Lille and Pallacanestro Ribera , two you equips well known of CAB.
The last team of the group will be almost one ' rookie ' Belgian team, the Novia Munalux Namur. This equips had the last year a first European presence, where they would certainly not be asked for to it great resulted, leaving the competition with 6 defeats in as many games, theoricly this is the team more accessible of CAB but it will not be far from easy, being in this competition always with greats equips of the European basketball.

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RUSSIA - Women

Russia U16 demolishes Hungary -by Eurobasket News
Russia U16-Hungary U16 63:44 (17-15, 14-8, 11-8, 21-13)

Russia U16 demolished Hungary in the game for 5th-8th Place at the U16 European Championship for Women. The team proved that 4-1 record in the Qualifying Round without a place in the semis will be proved. A 63:44 win was more than enough to deserve a higher spot. Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) led the winners with 12 points and 7 rebounds. Veronika Dorosheva (188-F-91) and Alexandra Tarasova (192-C-91) supported her with 10 points. Dominika Gergely (175-G-91) was the best in the scoring list of Hungarians with 14 points.

Russia U16 went on a 6-0 run in the opening tip of the game. The opponent woke up later and answered with 8-0 run to take 8-6 lead. Anyway Finogentova's jump-shot gave Russia 17:15 lead. The favorite increased to 8-points lead in the end of the first half, 31:23.

The second half did not bring much intrigue as the Russian squad dominated in the court. With a tough defense they finished the third at 11:8. Veronika Dorosheva's free throw sent the teams to the last quarter with 42:31. And a 10-0 fourth quarter push put the game away for good. Russia celebrated 63:44 win and will play for the fifth place.

Russia U16: Anastasiya Shilova 12+7 rebs, Veronika Dorosheva 10, Alexandra Tarasova 10
Hungary U16: Dominika Gergely 14, Dorottya Tamis (171-G-91) 9+11 rebs

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SERBIA - Women

France U16 upset Serbia in the semifinal -by Eurobasket News
Serbia U16-France U16 57:76 (16-20, 14-10, 12-22, 15-24)

France U16 overcame Serbia in the semifinal game of U16 European Championship for Women. A more than convincing victory for the winners was the first loss for the Serbs in the tournament. An even game in the first half turned out to the French offensive game. Margaux Zouzouo (183-F-91) led the winners with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Diandra Tchatchouang (186-F/C-91) produced 16 points and made 7 rebounds, while Isabelle Strunc (177-G-91) added 15. Sara Krnjic (194-C-91) 21 points and made 10 rebounds in defeat.
France U16 started their own game in the opening quarter that led to 20:16 in the end of it. Only in the beginning of the second Serbia tied the score and Sara Krnjic gave her team the first lead. Both squads went to the interims as the board showed 30:30.
They still had 39 points each and that was almost the end of the battle. France flew to score and reached 52:42 after three quarters. Serbia refused to give up and closed to 57:55. The 15-0 run ended with France ahead 72:55 with 1:30 to play. France won 76:57 and deserved a place in the final. In the title game the team will meet Spain, that won the last three tournaments at this age.

Serbia U16: Sara Krnjic 21+10 rebs, Milana Zivadinovic (172-G-91) 10
France U16: Margaux Zouzouo 17+9 rebs, Diandra Tchatchouang 16+7 rebs, Isabelle Strunc 15

Sweet revenge -by Eurobasket News
Sweden U19 - Serbia U19 85:75
Sweden U19 revenged for the loss to Serbia at the qualifying round stunning them 85:75 in yesterday's semifinal. Serbia did not manage to repeat their 2005 World championship success when they made it to the Final. Sweden will now face undefeated USA in the title clash.
Sweden got to a better start of the game and led by as many as 9 points midway through the first frame. However Serbia capped the quarter with a 10:0 run to surge ahead 22:20. The teams kept it close in the second quarter and completed the first half tied at 42. Serbia finally made a breakthrough at the end of the third stanza and grabbed a 63:56 lead. Sweden though was not about to give this one up as Frida and Elin Eldenbrink combined family effort to put Sweden back in this one. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) nailed a couple of free throws and Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88) secured a trey to draw the teams with 6 minutes to go in regualtion. Serbia suddenly stopped offensivelly and could not find the touch from the range. They missed a bunch of shots, while Elin Eldebrink was deadly from beyond the arc. Eldebrink sisters shone brightly as they capped the game with 6 straight points to bury Serbian hopes for the Final.
Frida Eldebrink scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Frida Aili (178-G-88) netted 17 points, while Elin Eldebrink produced 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Serbia responded with 16 points from Dragana Gobeljic (185-F-88). Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) added 14 points in a losing clause.
Serbia will play against Spain for the Bronze medals later tonight.

Sweden U19: Frida Eldebrink 23+9 boards, Frida Aili 17, Elin Eldebrink 12
Serbia U19: Dragana Gobeljic 16, Jelena Milovanovic 14

Serbia U19 wins Bronze medals -by Eurobasket News
Serbia U19 - Spain U19 52:50
Serbian U19 National team celebrated the third spot at the World championship in Slovakia. They overcame Spanish team in the Bronze game 52:50. This result however saw Serbia to drop one spot from 2005 World campaign result.
Serbia took control of the game in the first quarter when a tight defence allowed them to gain a 14:6 lead. Serbia held on to the advantage and ensured a 27:18 distance at halftime. Spain however emerged strong after the break. Anna Carbo (176-F-88) ignited a comeback attempt from Spaniards. They cut the deficit by three points in the third frame 32:38. Their dominince continued throughout the final stanza but it was not enough to claim an overall victory. Serbia's leader Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) lifted the team to the victory and sealed winning outcome.
Jelena Milovanovic led all scorers with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Irena Matovic (186-F-88) added 12 points for the winners. Anna Carbo responded with 13 points for Spain. Tamara Abalde (188-F-89) chipped in 11 points in a loss.
Serbia reigned under the rims outrebounding Spain 48:35. Both teams struggled from the field converting 30.3% (Serbia) and 28% (Spain).

Serbia U19: Jelena Milovanovic 17, Irena Matovic 12
Spain U19: Anna Carbo 13, Tamara Abalde 11

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SLOVAK REP. - Women

Australia hold off Slovakia to clinch the 5th spot -by Eurobasket News
Australia U19 - Slovak Republic U19 64:54
Australia completed their U19 World championship campaign in style. They edged hosting Slovakia to climb to overall 5th spot at the tournament.
Australia got to a slightly better start of the game as they established a 16:11 lead after the opening frame. Slovakia were not able to cut the deficit in the second quarter and Aussies rolled to a 33:23 advantage at halftime. Australia managed to maintain Regina Palusna (193-C-89) and capitalized on her low-scoring. They held to a 10-point lead throughout the third quarter and extended it by 1 point at the end of the frame. Slovakia never came closer than 10 points in the final stanza and had to surrender at the end.
Marianna Tolo (196-C-89) topscored for Australia with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Katie Ebzery (177-G-90) contributed 11 points, while Abby Bishop (189-C-88) added 10 points and 7 boards for the winners. Lucia Turbova secured game-high 18 points for Slovakia. Regina Palusna was limited to 12 points and 6 rebounds as she got fouled out in the fourth quarter.
Australia shot 40.7% from the field, while the home side converted just 27.7% of their attempts. The Gems also managed to outrebound their opponents 43:31. Australia were also generous offensively committing 27 turnovers.

Australia U19: Marianna Tolo 16, Katie Ebzery 11, Abby Bishop 10
Slovakia U19: Lucia Turbova 18, Regina Palusna 12

Slovakia U19 edges Korea to play for the 5th spot -by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic U19 - Korea U19 92:66
Slovakia cruised past Korea to advance to the game for the 5th spot at the U19 World championship in Bratislava. After a sour loss from Sweden earlier in the tournament Slovakia entertained 1000 fans with a comprehensive win over South Korea.
The home side were in control of this one right from the start as they outscored Asian players 26:15 in the first frame. The gap kept on growing and Slovakia drove to a 45:30 advantage at halftime. Korea obviously struggled to maintain Slovakia's leaders Regina Palusna (193-C-89) and Janka Mincikova (167-G-89). They ignited Slovakia to another successful frame and the hosts enjoyed a safe 71:44 distance at the start of the final quarter.
Korea never came back into this one allowing Slovakia to post another victory in the competition.
Regina Palusna topscored for Slovakia with 20 points and 19 rebounds. Janka Mincikova and Stefania Kondracova nailed 12 points apiece for the winners. Kang Ajeong (-89) was once again the best performer for Korean team as she chipped in game-high 27 points and collected 7 rebounds. Lee Youjin (-90) had 7 points and 8 boards in defeat.
Slovakia outrebounded their opponents 53:33 pulling down also 25 offensive boards. The home side limited Korea to 29.6% of accuracy and were fouled on 34 times.
Slovakia now faces Australia in the clash for the 5th spot. Korea will play against Czech Republic later tonight.

Slovakia U19: Regina Palusna 20+19 boards, Janka Mincikova 12, Stefania Kondracova 12
Korea U19: Kang Ajeong 27, Lee Youjin 7

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SLOVENIA - Women

Due to 28-17 Germany U16 reaches the Final -by Eurobasket News
Germany U16-Slovenia U16 69:67 (12-18, 17-15, 12-17, 28-17)

Germany reached the Final of U16 European Championship. In the semifinal game over Slovenia the team escaped 69:67 win. Due to 28-17 in the last quarter Germany will play in the title game of the tournament. Sonja Greinacher (185-C-92) led the winners with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Svenja Brunckhorst (176-G-91) produced 14 points and made 9 rebounds, while Jenny Menz (180-F-91) scored 12. Nika Baric (168-G-92) chipped in 23 points in the losing effort.

It was Slovenia that scored first 4 points in the game. The team had a better start that followed 18:12 after the first 10 minutes. Lojen with a lay-up gave Slovenia the biggest 11-points lead, 25:14. Germany reduced to 29:33 at the half.
In the second half the game became even more interesting. Tjasa Gortnar (182-F-92) lifted Slovenia to 53:41 in the beginning of the fourth. Slovenia managed to hold a tight lead for most of the closed-fought game but Germany went in front with 3:50 left in the game. With 67:67 for both teams Frankenberger made a lay-up to bring the Germany place in the Final.

Germany U16: Sonja Greinacher 19+10 rebs, Svenja Brunckhorst 14+9 rebs, Jenny Menz 12
Slovenia U16: Nika Baric 23, Tjasa Gortnar 22

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SPAIN - Women

USA are one step away from the title -by Eurobasket News
USA U19 - Spain U19 69:46
USA U19 team continued their winning march at the World championship in Slovakia. They remained undefeated after yesterday's semifinal against Spain. Spaniards sensationally edged Australia in the quarterfinal one day earlier and seemed to have not enough strength to cope with a strong United States side.
USA entered the game with a perfect 7:0 record and never stopped en route to the victory. They gained a 20:14 lead after the first frame and continue to roll in the second. Spain were limited to just 10 points and North American team enjoyed a 32:24 distance at halftime. Spain struggled to come back in the third stanza as they fell short 15:23 and seemed to run out of steam in the late stages of the game. United States handled Spain in the final stanza and advanced to the Final.
Maya Moore (6'1''-F-89) led all scorers with 24 points and 6 rebounds for Unites States. Victoria Baugh (6'4''-C-89) added 8 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Laura Nicholls (6'3''-C-89) replied with 11 points and 6 rebounds for Spain. Tamara Abalde (6'2''-F-89) ensured another 10 points in a losing effort.
USA reigned under the rims outrebounding Spanish players 53:30. They also limited Spaniards to just 29.5% from the field, including just 1/14 from beyond the arc.
USA will now play against Sweden in today's title decider. Spain takes on Serbia for the Bronze.

USA U19: Maya Moore 24, Victoria Baugh 8+9 boards
Spain U19: Laura Nicholls 11, Tamara Abalde 10

Spain U16 conquers the finals again -by Eurobasket News

In the Final game Spanish squad will defend their title against France.

Spain U16: Leonor Rodriguez 17+7 rebs, Amaya Ganuza 14, Gimeno Martinez 13
Czech Republic U16: Alena Hanusova 15, Gabriela Medunova (186-F-91) 12

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SWEDEN - Women

Sweden U16 upset the hosts -by Eurobasket News
Sweden U16-Latvia U16 55:47 (14-8, 14-20, 14-12, 13-7)

Sweden U16 beat Latvia in the U16 European Championship for Women. In the game for the 5-8 places the Scandivanian team overcame 55:47. Cleopatra B. Goga (178-G-91) paced the winners with 14 points. Farhiya Abdi (186-F-92) ended up with 11 points and 7 rebounds, while Amanda Bazoukou (189-C-93) grabbed 14 rebounds. Sabine Niedola (182-F-91) finished the game with 12 points and 12 rebounds for the hosts.

Both teams showed a great game, the one that they had also last year. In 2006 Final of Division B Sweden and Latvia made up the Final and it was also Sweden that took the win. Latvia tried to revenge this time, but did not have enough power left in the end.
Sweden started with 14:8 in the opening quarter. Latvia meanwhile trailed also the whole second period, but tied the game in the end of it. Pagrode made a jump-shot with 13 seconds remaining.
It was back-and-forth until Sabine Niedola's basket trimmed Sweden's lead to 50:47 with 3:53 remaining. Latvia did not score anymore and Sweden led the game to 55:47 win. Latvia will play with Hungary for the 7 place, while Sweden faces the favorite-Russia.

Sweden U16: Cleopatra B. Goga 14, Farhiya Abdi 11+7 rebs, Amanda Bazoukou 14 rebs
Latvia U16: Sabine Niedola 12+12 rebs, Anete Kirsteine (178-F-92) 11

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TURKEY - Women

European Oppnents for Turkish teams revealed -by Iva Ivanova
The 2007-08 European season has officially started with the draw in Munich, Germany on Sunday (5th of August).

Four Women's teams will compete in this seasons FIBA's competitions. Fenerbahce will play in Euroleague, Besiktas Cola Turka, Galatasaray, Pankup TED Kayseri and Botas Spor Adana
Women's champions Fenerbahce will face vice-champion of Italy Phard Napoli. First game will be held on 7 th November 2007.

Turkey vice-champions Bsiktas Cola Turka will host Serbian ZKK Vojvodina Novi Sad.

Pankup TED Kayseri will face another Serbian team - KK Hemofarm Vrsac. Another two teams in FIBA Cup tournament will play against Israel team. Botas Spor Adana will face Elektra Ramat Hasaron. Galatasaray will face Elitzur Ramla. All of the games in first round of FIBA Cup tournament will be host by Turkish teams and will be on 8th November 2007.

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UKRAINE - Women

Poland smashes Ukraine in the 9-12 places -by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U16-Poland U16 71:97 (14-19, 15-33, 23-21, 19-24)

Poland U16 used a team game in a 97:71 win over Ukraine for the 9-12 places in the U16 European Tournament. Despite 48 points from two players Ukarinian team had -26 in the end. Iwona Szarzynska (171-G-91) led the winners with 22 points. Magdalena Idziorek (177-G-92) produced 18, while Joanna Markiewicz (184-F-91) added 16. Olha Maznichenko (186-F-91) top-scored for Ukraine with 25 points and 14 rebounds. The best Ukrainian player in the tournament Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91) ended up with 23 points and 19 rebounds.

Ukraine opened the game with 2-0 and also had 4-2 lead. Unfortunately for the team they had never stayed in front anymore. Poland used a team game and won the first quarter 19:14.
A splash of baskets saw Ukraine in their side as Poland scored 33 points in the second quarter. Poland had 52 points at the half, the number that many teams in the tournament have only in the end.
In the third quarter Ukraine won the period at 23:21 but realized that they would not catch up the opponents. Poland rested for a while and then produced 24:19 in the last quarter. The winner will play against Belarus for the 9/10 places. Ukraine will meet Belgium for 11/12th.

Ukraine U16: Olha Maznichenko 25+14 rebs, Olesya Malashenko 23+19 rebs
Poland U16: Iwona Szarzynska 22, Magdalena Idziorek 18, Joanna Markiewicz 16

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W.CHAMPS U19 - Women

Sweden and USA will clash for the trophy -by Eurobasket News
Semifinals

Sweden U19 - Serbia U19 85:75
Sweden U19 revenged for the loss to Serbia at the qualifying round stunning them 85:75 in yesterday's semifinal. Serbia did not manage to repeat their 2005 World championship success when they made it to the Final. Sweden will now face undefeated USA in the title clash.
Sweden got to a better start of the game and led by as many as 9 points midway through the first frame. However Serbia capped the quarter with a 10:0 run to surge ahead 22:20. The teams kept it close in the second quarter and completed the first half tied at 42. Serbia finally made a breakthrough at the end of the third stanza and grabbed a 63:56 lead. Sweden though was not about to give this one up as Frida and Elin Eldenbrink combined family effort to put Sweden back in this one. Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) nailed a couple of free throws and Elin Eldebrink (174-G-88) secured a trey to draw the teams with 6 minutes to go in regualtion. Serbia suddenly stopped offensivelly and could not find the touch from the range. They missed a bunch of shots, while Elin Eldebrink was deadly from beyond the arc. Eldebrink sisters shone brightly as they capped the game with 6 straight points to bury Serbian hopes for the Final.
Frida Eldebrink scored 23 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Frida Aili (178-G-88) netted 17 points, while Elin Eldebrink produced 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Serbia responded with 16 points from Dragana Gobeljic (185-F-88). Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) added 14 points in a losing clause.
Serbia will play against Spain for the Bronze medals later tonight.

Sweden U19: Frida Eldebrink 23+9 boards, Frida Aili 17, Elin Eldebrink 12
Serbia U19: Dragana Gobeljic 16, Jelena Milovanovic 14

USA U19 - Spain U19 69:46
USA U19 team continued their winning march at the World championship in Slovakia. They remained undefeated after yesterday's semifinal against Spain. Spaniards sensationally edged Australia in the quarterfinal one day earlier and seemed to have not enough strength to cope with a strong United States side.
USA entered the game with a perfect 7:0 record and never stopped en route to the victory. They gained a 20:14 lead after the first frame and continue to roll in the second. Spain were limited to just 10 points and North American team enjoyed a 32:24 distance at halftime. Spain struggled to come back in the third stanza as they fell short 15:23 and seemed to run out of steam in the late stages of the game. United States handled Spain in the final stanza and advanced to the Final.
Maya Moore (186-F-89) led all scorers with 24 points and 6 rebounds for Unites States. Victoria Baugh (193-C-89) added 8 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Laura Nicholls (189-C-89) replied with 11 points and 6 rebounds for Spain. Tamara Abalde (188-F-89) ensured another 10 points in a losing effort.
USA reigned under the rims outrebounding Spanish players 53:30. They also limited Spaniards to just 29.5% from the field, including just 1/14 from beyond the arc.
USA will now play against Sweden in today's title decider. Spain takes on Serbia for the Bronze.

USA U19: Maya Moore 24, Victoria Baugh 8+9 boards
Spain U19: Laura Nicholls 11, Tamara Abalde 10

5th-8th spots

Slovak Republic U19 - Korea U19 92:66
Slovakia cruised past Korea to advance to the game for the 5th spot at the U19 World championship in Bratislava. After a sour loss from Sweden earlier in the tournament Slovakia entertained 1000 fans with a comprehensive win over South Korea.
The home side were in control of this one right from the start as they outscored Asian players 26:15 in the first frame. The gap kept on growing and Slovakia drove to a 45:30 advantage at halftime. Korea obviously struggled to maintain Slovakia's leaders Regina Palusna (193-C-89) and Janka Mincikova (167-G-89). They ignited Slovakia to another successful frame and the hosts enjoyed a safe 71:44 distance at the start of the final quarter.
Korea never came back into this one allowing Slovakia to post another victory in the competition.
Regina Palusna topscored for Slovakia with 20 points and 19 rebounds. Janka Mincikova and Stefania Kondracova nailed 12 points apiece for the winners. Kang Ajeong (-89) was once again the best performer for Korean team as she chipped in game-high 27 points and collected 7 rebounds. Lee Youjin (-90) had 7 points and 8 boards in defeat.
Slovakia outrebounded their opponents 53:33 pulling down also 25 offensive boards. The home side limited Korea to 29.6% of accuracy and were fouled on 34 times.
Slovakia now faces Australia in the clash for the 5th spot. Korea will play against Czech Republic later tonight.

Slovakia U19: Regina Palusna 20+19 boards, Janka Mincikova 12, Stefania Kondracova 12
Korea U19: Kang Ajeong 27, Lee Youjin 7

Australia U19 - Czech Republic U19 89:66
Czech Republic U19 national team did not manage to overcome Australia in classification round. After an exhausting outing against USA Czech team was rallied over by the Gems. Czechs will now face Korea in the game for the 7th-8th spots today. Aussies will take on hosting Slovakia for the 5th place.
Australia were taken as one of the main favourites for this tournament but stumbled in the quarterfinal losing to Spain 69:72. However Czech team did not stop Aussies en route to overall 5th spot in the World.
Czech Republic defence could not cope with an impressive performance from Abby Bishop (189-C-88). Australian forward netted game-high 25 points and pulled down 17 rebounds. Mia Newley (181-F-86) chipped in 14 points for the winners. Kamila Stepanova (190-C-88) led Czech team with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Romana Hejdova (181-F-88) added 14 points and 5 rebounds in a losing effort.
Australia dominataed the most aspects of the game. They outrebounded Czech players 51:34 and shot more accurately from the field. Australia converted 48.4% of their attempts, while Czech team replied with just 32.5% accuracy.

Australia U19: Abby Bishop 25+17 boards, Mia Newley 14
Czech Republic U19: Kamila Stepanova 17+9 boards, Romana Hejdova 14

9th-10th spots

Canada U19 - Brazil U19 68:66 (OT)
Canadian U19 National team had to survive overtime to claim the 9th spot at the World championship in Slovakia. They narrowly defeated Brazil in today's spectacular clash.
Both teams kept it on safe side at the start of the game with no one rushing ahead. Canada though secured a 11:10 lead after the first quarter. Brazil spurred in front in the second frame as they outscored Canada 19:11 and established 29:22 advantage at halftime. The things never changed in the third quarter as Brazil and Canada tried to stay at a striking distance and remain competitive. Brazil however managed to extend their lead to 44:36 at the end of the third quarter. Canada recovered late in the game as Kaitlyn Burke (-89) and Kendel Ross (185-G/F-88) nailed a couple of important baskets to force overtime.
Brazil dominated the start of the extra period as they rolled to a 66:60 lead with 71 seconds remaining. Devan Lisson connected from behind to cut the deficit to 3 points with 1 minute left in overtime. Brazil committed a turnover in their next possession and Laurelle Weigl punished them with knocked down jumper to put Canada within a single point with 35 seconds on the clock. She was also fouled and converted a free throw to tie the scoreline. The teams exchanged missed attempts before Miranda Ayim sealed the victory for Canadian team with two free throws.
Kendel Ross led Canada with 13 points and 15 rebounds. Kaitlyn Burke added 10 points and 9 rebounds for North American team. Brazil replied with 14 points from Patricia Ribeiro (174-F-90). Ariani Silva (-89) had 13 points in a losing effort.

Canada U19: Kendel Ross 13+15 boards, Kaitlyn Burke 10+9 boards
Brazil U19: Patricia Ribeiro 14, Ariani Silva 13

11th-12th spots

China U19 - Lithuania U19 73:68
Chinese team had a successful completion of the World championship in Bratislava. They defeated Lithuanian squad in the battle for the 11th spot. Once again Lithuania could propose impressive stats just from Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) and it was not enough for an overall positive result.
Lithuania however had a better start to the game as they grabbed an early 19:17 lead. China bounced back in the second quarter and gained a 36:32 advantage at halftime. Laima Rickeviciute spurred her team to a solid third frame and they cut the lead to just 1 point entering the final stanza. But Chinese found their hero in the last part of the game as Ding Tingting (-88) rolled to an overall 24 points, most of them in the dying stage of the game, and brought victory to Asian team.
Yang Banban (171-G-89) scored 13 points for China. Zeng Meiling (-88) produced 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Laima Rickeviciute secured game-high 28 points and pulled down 7 rebounds for Lithuania. Vitalija Vasciunaite (172-G-88) had 13 points in defeat.
China dominated the battle under the rims outrebounding Lithuania 46:36. Both teams were very cautionate offensively committing just 9 (Lithuania) and 8 (China) turnovers. Lithuania shot more accurately from the field converting 40.6%, while China knocked down 37% of field goals. China recorded 3 wins and 5 defeats during their World championhsip campaign. Lithuania won just one game and suffered 7 losses.

China U19: Ding Tingting 24, Yang Banban 13, Zeng Meiling 12+10 boards
Lithuania U19: Laima Rickeviciute 28, Vitalija Vasciunaite 13

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WBCBL - Women

Arkansas Ballers & Shreveport Sting play for WBCBL National Championship -by Willie McCray

The Arkansas Ballers claim the 2007 WBCBL National Title. In a surprising 40-point spread, the Arkansas Ballers pulled a demanding win over the Shreveport Sting 90 to 50.

- We were running on E the whole game. The heat and the 2 games from the day before, really took a lot out of us. Too bad the score doesn't reflect our hearts. We played hard and can walk away able to keep our heads up. We know what we need to work on for next season, says Sting's Coach Cleo Bell.

- Wow, we are just enjoying this moment! I am grateful for each of my players and so proud of them! I thank my players for allowing me to coach them! - Coach Jessica Kern

Congratulations to the Arkansas Ballers on a remarkable and successful season!

And All who have been involved in the the WBCBL!

August 4th
Game 1
Shreveport Sting 76
Memphis Express 59

Game 2
Atlanta Angels 65
Shreveport Sting 68

Game 3
Arkansas Ballers 72
Atlanta JC Crew 62

August 5th
Championship Game
Arkansas Ballers 90
Shreveport Sting 50