EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/13/2007

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

Liga A 2007/2008 official rosters: Belgrano san Nicolas -by Facundo Iatzky
Marcus Fleming (204-F-78, college: Alcorn St.)
Quentin Smith (205-C-77, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Mississippi St.)
Omar Canton
Gabriel Dominguez
Walter Cordero
Nicolas Ferreyra (185-G-85)
Jorge Sanchez
Cristian Cadillac
Diego Ferrero
Ramiro Zarzo
Mariano Garcia

Youngster team:
Juan Cruz Colla
David Mesias
Santiago Breguy

Coach: Pablo Dastugue

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BRAZIL

Paulista League Day 1: Scores and surprises -by Gustavo Cardoso
Paulistano/Dix-Amico 75-85 Liga Sorocabana/Flextronics
Dede (19), Fulvio 18
Adao (23), Rafael Fusco (19)

Pinheiros/Santo Andre 90-96 Ulbra/Sao Bernardo
Caio Ranches (25), Felipe (16)
Diego (28), Andre Bambu (15)

Sao Jose Basketball/Vinac 86-76 AD Guaruja
Mudo (26), Eric (20)
Fabio Oliveira (19), Fabiao (14)

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CBA

Oklahoma Cavalry taking part in Cops and Kids Picnic -by Eurobasket News
The Oklahoma City Cavalry Cavalry professional CBA basketball team is joining in on the Cops and Kids Picnic festivities Saturday, September 15 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Elmer Thomas Park in Lawton, Okla.

The Cops and Kids Picnic is a yearly event sponsored by the Lawton Police Department. The picnic allows kids to interact with local police officers and come to know them as their friend and protector rather than their enemy.

Officer Charles Whittington said he is happy the team is taking part in this event and is expecting more than 3,000 kids and their families to attend this year's picnic.

“We hold this event every year, and each year it gets bigger and bigger,” Officer Whittington said. “We want to show the kids that we, as policeman, are approachable, and they don't have to be afraid to come and talk to the police. This picnic is about bridging the gap between ourselves and the kids.”

An Oklahoma City Cavalry Cavalry booth will be set up, and everyone is welcome to stop by to receive information on the team and reserve season tickets for the 2007-2008 inaugural season.

Kids, along with their families, will be able to enjoy a basketball and football toss, moon bounce, games, prizes, face-painting and many more fun-filled activities throughout the day. Officers will be giving free police car rides, and free hamburgers and hot dogs will be available as well.

Everyone in the Lawton area is encouraged to come out and enjoy this fun, family-oriented event.
Courtesy of: http://www.cbahoopsonline.com

Silverados add Mo Molina to coaching staff -by Eurobasket News
Rio Grande Valley Silverados Head Coach and Director of Basketball Operations Steve Tucker today announced that he has added Coach Mo Molina to his coaching staff.

"We are extremely happy to bring in a coach of the stature of Coach Mo Molina! He is highly respected throughout the Valley as a coach and as a man. His insights regarding the game and area will be most valuable to me. Coach Mo will be a tremendous asset to all that we are doing within our Silverados Professional Basketball Franchise!" states Coach Tucker.

Coach Mo Molina has been an educator and coach within several school districts in the Valley for thirty-four years. He has made his career and life out of teaching young people the value of education both in the classroom and on the basketball court.

Molina spent fourteen years at McAllen's Memorial High School. He also coached at Rio Hondo, San Benito, Rio Grande City, and PSJA High Schools. Coach Mo is currently the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Marine Military Academy and he will continue there as he works with the Silverados. Coach Molina has an overall coaching record of 356-285.

Coach Molina has been named Coach of the Year seven times during his long coaching career. He has been a member of the Texas High School Coaches Association for twenty-five years. He served on the THSCA from 1993-1996. He also served on the State High School Advisory Committee from 1985-87. He was the President of the Rio Grande Valley Coaches Association in 1984-85 and President of the RGV Basketball Coaches Association 1992-93. Molina has served over the years as a clinician, speaker, and writer to help improve the game of the basketball throughout the Valley, the State, and across the USA.

Coach Molina's teams won District Championships in 1986 and 1990. His teams made Playoffs appearances in 1992, 1993, and 1996. While at Memorial High School his teams had eight 20 win seasons in fourteen years. Molina is a Legend in high school coaching in the Valley and he continues to be active today on all levels of basketball.

Being a part of the Silverados is very special to Coach Molina! "I'm honored to have been asked to be a part of the RGV Silverados Professional Basketball Franchise. This is a dream come true for me. I've coached on the high school level for many years and to now have the opportunity to coach on the professional level is just very special to me in every way! I've been so impressed with the Silverados and the way they go about their business and to now be a part of it is just almost unbelievable to me. I believe the Silverados are going to do great things for basketball in the Valley!"

The Molina Family is truly a Basketball Family. Coach Mo has been followed in coaching by both of his children. Coach Brian Molina is the Head Boys Basketball Coach at Harlingen South High School, and Coach Lyrissa Molina is the Head Girls Basketball Coach at Lyford High School. Coach Mo's wife Liz has been with Coach Molina throughout his entire career and supports all the Molina Basketball Coaches today!
Courtesy of: http://www.cbahoopsonline.com

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CUBA

TNA Statistics. -by Alessandro Fontana
TNA Statistics:
POINTS:
Henry Simon (Holguin) 30,6
Andy Boffill (Villa Clara) 26,1
Yoannis Soria (Guantanamo) 24,2
Ruslan Diaz (Pinar del Rio) 23,8
Tomas Garcia (Las Tunas) 23,3
Yunior Jimenez (Sancti Spiritus) 21,0
REBOUNDS:
Alexei Rodriguez (Sancti Spiritus) 8,7
Leguen Giordano (Capitalinos) 8,6
Humberto Garcia (Habana) 7,6
Esteban Martinez (Santiago de Cuba) 6,5
Antonio Sanchez (Granma) 6,4
ASSISTS:
Honay Calzada (Guantanamo) 4,1
Alexei Mestre (Sancti Spiritus) 3,7
Yunior Donatien (Granma) 3,4
BLOCKS:
Eliecer Lima (Capitalinos) 2,2
Eddy Hechevarria (Santiago de Cuba) 1,6
STEALS:
Reinier Quesada (Cienfuegos) 6,8
Michael Guerra (Ciego de Avila) 6,5
A. Fontana

TNA Review. Statistics after 6 games -by Alessandro Fontana
Statistics:
SCORERS:
Henry Simon (Holguin) 32,0
Ruslan Diaz (Pinar del Rio) 26,7
Tomas Garcia (Las Tunas) 26,0
Andy Boffill (Villa Clara) 25,5
Yoannis Soria (Guantanamo) 24,2
Esteban Martinez (Santiago de Cuba) 20,7
REBOUNDS:
Alexei Rodriguez (Sancti Spiritus) 9,3
Leguen Giordano (Capitalinos) 8,6
Josbani Perez (Pinar del Rio) 7,3
Alexander Guillen (Granma) 7,0
ASSITS:
GeorviS Elias (Guantanamo) 6,5
Honay Calzada (Guantanamo) 4,1
Ariel Sotelo (Metropolitanos) 3,5
Junior Donatien (Granma) 3,5
STEALS:
Michael Guerra (Ciego de Avila) 6,5
Reiner Quesada (Cienfuegos) 6,2
Alexei Mestre (Sancti Spiritus) 5,5
BLOCKS:
Eliecer Lima (Capitalinos) 2,2
Eddy Hechevarria (Santiago de Cuba) 2,0
A. Fontana

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CYPRUS

A court case!! -by Chris Mammides
According to unofficial information, the Cypriot international member of Dentalcon Apoel (since 2005), Nikos Papadopoulos (197-G/F-81), will appeal to the court with a request to recover the debts from the Dentalcon Apoel Nicosia Basketball club which could now face only a negative court decision (unless APOEL's management pays the player immediately).

The basketball player charged the club with which he was finalist in the local championship in 2007, that it did not pay salaries and bonuses which were stated in his contract from January 2007 (6 months unpaid!!). The total amount claimed sums up to approximately 10,000 euros (the amount is not officially certain).

It has already been four months that the club promised to transfer all the arrears to the player. These discussions, however, remained promises.

It is well known that FIBA passed a direct (2007) which stipulates that the clubs indebted to the players will not be able to participate in official international competitions. So if Nikos Papadopoulos appeal, has a positive decision for the player and a negative court decision for the club, then Dentalcon APOEL might face FIBA sanctions.

Eurobasket.com wishes that the issue will be solved as soon as possible in a way that the basketball (as a sport in Cyprus) will be the winner!

Transfer news and rumors -by Chris Mammides

First Division
Omonoia Nicosia agreed terms (and announced officially) with the Serbian guard Dejan Bojinovic (194-G-80), ex player of the Romanian team BC Dinamo-Galean Bucuresti. His natural position is the one of the point guard / Play maker; last season in 13 games he averaged 7.1ppg, 1.9rpg and 1.9 apg. He is an excellent ballhandler and quite good shooter; he can run the team very well in the court. Apart of his Romanian experience he played in the Bosnian league with BC Hercegovac Bileca and played for six seasons in the Serbian A1 and A2 leagues with his last team being BC Zdravlje Leskovac. Together with Vladimir Zaric will cover the point guard position.

According to Sports radio one, Nikolas Papadopoulos agreed terms with Intercollege Etha Engomis, furthermore, the Engomis team is very close to sign the ex Dentalcon Apoel player, Antros Stulianou.

Second division
Markos Asonitis renewed his contract with APOP Paphou for another season

Various news
Two teams already left Cyprus to continue the second stage of the preparation. Proteas EKA AEL Limassol flew to Latvia (as last year) where under Igor Miglinieks will continue a series of friendly games against very strong competitors all over Europe in (at least) two tournaments where they will take part.
Dentalcon Apoel Nicosia flew to Sweden where under their new head Coach the Swedish American Charles Burton will participate too, in a number of tournaments.
The Cypriot player Michalis Louka will be continuing his studies and will try to find a team (abroad) to stay physical, Michalis already received his first Diploma and he will be getting his post graduate degree this year. Eurobasket.com, wishes to the player all the best.

.

Kyriakos Agathokli, will be loosing the first three months of the season (until December 2007) as he will be abroad (Greece) due to professional reason.
There are rumours that Loris Hatzivasieliou will retire. Very soon, Eurobasket will be able to inform the readers about Hatzivasieliou's decision. It is most certain that Loris can play good basketball for at least four-five years; there are teams in the second division (and probably in the first) who would like to have such a player.



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CZECH REP.

CEZ Basketball Nymburk sign Blake Schilb -by Eurobasket
CEZ Basketball Nymburk signed American guard Blake Schilb (201-G, college: Loyola, IL). Schilb played most recently at Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA) in the U.S.

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D-LEAGUE

New names in the teams staffs -by Gianni Pascucci
Brett Lindahl resigned his post as Associate General Manager of the Edinburg Coyotes (United League Baseball) to take a position with the D-League's Rio Grande Valley Vipers. Lindahl will run corporate sales for the Vipers. After losing assistant coach Roy Rogers before he worked a single game for the club, the Dakota Wizards found a replacement in Dean Martin. Rogers joined the San Antonio Spurs technical staff, and the officials of Dakota opted for Martin, who doesn't have much pro experience, but he has nearly 20 years as a college assistant on his resume.

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DOMINICAN REP.

Constituyentes Ties 1-1 -by Kerwin Abreu
San Cristobal: Los Constituyentes de San Cristobal with a big shot from Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) remaining 34 seconds, gave the victory to his team over Los Cocolos 71-69. This victory was really important to the team said Western. Los Constituyentes finished the 3rd Quarter down by 4 points, but a great defense in the 4th gave them the opportunity to take this game. In the win Franklin Western finished with 23 ponts, Roger Washington 17, Jose Fortuna (180-G-84) 12 points, Carlos Martinez (194-F) (205-F/C-78, college: W.Illinois) 12 points. In the Lost Cause Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) 15 points 9 rebounds, John Jackson (201-F-74, college: Mississippi) 13, Alberto Ozuna (203-F-82) 12 points.

Los Indios Ties 1-1 -by Kerwin Abreu
San Francisco De Macoris: Richard Ortega (188-G-82) made a 3 point shot with 0:28 second remaining to finish the game. Los Indios defeated 99-94 Los Metros De Santiago to tie the series 1-1 in the north division. Richard Ortega made 15 points 12 assist. Ronald Blackshear (196-G-78, college: Marshall) 22 points, Luis Nelson Ferreiras (191-F-76) and Henry Paulino (198-F-73) 18 each, Reggie Charles (200-F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) 15 points 7 rebounds. In the lost Cause Amaury Filion (206-C/F-81) 24 points, Rob Sanders (201-F-83, college: Providence) 21 points 9 rebounds, Franklin Matos (190-G-82) and Joel Ramirez (191-G-81) 16 points each.

Game Note: Los Indios shot a 37% from the 3 point range.

This Friday Means Battles. -by Kerwin Abreu

Santiago: Lidoba´s League holding 2 games this friday, means Battles. Los Indios de San Francisco De Macoris will go to El Metro De Santiago to play the 3rd game in a Series to the best of 3. This series is tied 1-1 each team has won their Home games. Last game was in San Francisco and Richard Ortega (188-G-82), Ronald Blackshear (196-G-78, college: Marshall) were the Best mans for Los Indios. This Friday an import player is coming back to the team in the person of Will Caudle (206-C-83, college: Xavier). This man left late in the regular season due to injury, he played 19 games in the regular season. For tomorrow several fans from Los Indios are intending to go to Santiago to support Los Indios. From El Metro the big difference in this series has been Rob Sanders (201-F-83, college: Providence) who has been unstopable, also Amaury Filion (206-C/F-81) is like a scoring machine. Let´s just wait time will tell.

San Pedro De Macoris: With a Series tied 1-1 Los Constituyentes are going to San Pedro this Friday to play the last game there. With a new man in the person of Rogers Washington who played very good in the Victory las wednesday will try to preserve the Series for Los Constituyentes. Los Cocolos de San Pedro with the best player in the person of Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) will have a great challenge at home. This can be the first time for los Cocolos to go to the South Division Finals.

Note: Tomorrow we will know the team that will face Las Panteras in the South Division and Which will play Los Marineros DE Puerto Plata in the North Division.



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EURO CHAMPS

Lithuania tip Slovenia 80-61 in clash uf unbeaten teams -by Zeljko Zule
Ramunas Siskauskas led four players in double figures with 21 points as Lithuania won a duel of unbeaten teams 80-61 over Slovenia. Lithuania shot 8-of-11 from the downtown at half and made a 14-4 run. Slovenia cut the deficit to just on point but through the third quarter Lithuania went on an 11-2 run to open their first double-digit cushion. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) posted 15 points and Matjaz Smodis added 11. The Slovenians will next face defending champions Greece in Friday's quarter-finals.
SLOVENIA 61 (18+23+8+12): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 15, Dragic 7, Nesterovic 4, Smodis 11, Slokar 6, Klobucar, Jagodnik 3, D.Lorbek 6, Vidmar, E.Lorbek 9.
LITHUANIA 80 (26+18+19+17): Kaukenas 11, Gustas, Maciulis, D.Lavrinovic 6, Siskauskas 21, Songaila 17, Jasaitis 3, Kleiza 6, K.Lavrinovic 14, Jasikevicius 2, Jankunas, Javtokas.

Russia makes it to the semis -by Eurobasket

After a vewry exciting game, Russia managed to defeat France 75-71 in the quarterfinals and made it to the semis, where they will face the winner of game between Lithuania and Croatia. It will be their first time in 10 years to reach that level of Eurobasket.
French team was ahead the most of the game. Russian players tried to stay close, never allowing for the French to get too big lead. The deciding part of the game was last quarter, where Russian outscored France 22-15. The strongest weapon of winning team were 3-point shoots, which allowed them to catch up with French players. Just 24 seconds before the end of the game, it was styill a tie 69-69. Then Holden successfully got 2 shots from the line getting 2-points lead. Then a very nervous time with missing shots from both France (Diaw) and Russia (Pashutin). Parker made only one free-throw, missing the second one, and Pashutin got another 2 points for Russians (73-70). Parker got faulked and after getting 1-pointer, he intentionally missed the second one. But it did not work as Russians get the rebound. France had nothing to lose and they had to foul. Sergey Monya closed the game with two free throws and the game ended with 75-71 for Russia.


Russia - France 75-71 (21-23, 18-19, 14-14, 22-15)
Russia: Samoylenko 6, Holden 15, Khryapa 16+7reb+6ast, Kirilenko 6+6reb+7steals+4blocks, Savrasenko 4; Morgunov 14, Pashutin 11, Monya 2, Padus 1, DNP: Shabalkin, Bykov, Ponkrashov
France: Parker 15, Gomis 5, Diaw 17+6reb, F.Pietrus 8, Weis 2+5reb; Turiaf 8+7reb, Kirksay 8, Diawara 5, Ferhaud 3, DNP: Badiane, Sangare, Giffa



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FINLAND

1.DIV.: American Forward on BC JKL roster -by Rauno Hurmalainen
After signing 13 Finnish players BC Jyvaskyla has found and signed American F Monty Rogers (196-F). William Monty Rogers comes from a small Mayville State
University (NAIA) in North Dakota. As BC JKL Head Coach continues Miikka Sopanen .

KORISLIIGA: Brandon Polk back home -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Three weeks before season opener the players should be in pretty good shape. Also the foreigner players. Also American players. If not, there will be a silent car ride back to the airport, back home. This is what happened to Brandon Polk (198-F-84, college: Butler). KTP (Kotka) was not happy with Polk´s condition and after try out period no contract was signed. Instead Polk must try to find a job somewhere else. Also Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: 123 Podium, college: Drexel) must find a job somewhere else than in Finland. Whitworth was not actually out of shape, but never reached the level he had been when playing in Austria, Holland or Sweden. Whitworth was also one or two numbers too small for Tarmo (Porvoo). A new PF or F is needed.



INTERNATIONAL: Finland back to Division A? -by Rauno Hurmalainen
"These are the most important games in 10 years! The players are at least very motivated", says NT Head Coach Henrik Dettmann and means the two
Romania-games taking place in Tirgu Mures, Romania on Tuesday, September 11 and in Vantaa, Finland on Saturday, September 15. The winner, Finland
or Romania will play Eurobasket in the future in Division A.

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FRANCE

ProB : Mateus Kasperczec for a try-out in Brest -by Aurelien Hipp
Mateusz Kasperzec (195-G-87), former SG of Levallois, is currently having a try-out with the ProB team of Brest. The young man, looking for a new challenge, could take the opportunity to share the SG spot in the team with Michael Lindquist. He took part to Brest's friendly game tonite.

ProA & B : Market News -by Aurelien Hipp
*Jeff Ngutar Varem (198-G/F-83, college: Washington St.) is added to Villeurbanne's roster. This nigerian swingman with a defensive profile has been hired after the staff had noticed some defensive missings in the team during the pre-season. Varem played in France 2 seasons ago (5.6ppg 3.8rpg with Pau) and played in the D-league last year (Sioux Falls, Tulsa) before moving to the Philippines.

*St-Vallier decided to sign Adrian Uter (201-F/C-84, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Hofstra), instead of Rodrigue Djahue (201-F/C-80, agency: Guardian, college: Miami, FL), who couldn't get a visa for France on time. Uter is an athetic center, who didn't play last season in Austria because of an injury.

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GEORGIA

Interview with Tyrone Ellis -by Eurobasket News
Loyal Georgian

One of the best players of Georgian National Team, guard Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) started the the qualifiyng tournament as a member of Eldo Napoli, but for the season he will play in Spanish side Caja San Fernando. Ty was a permanent leader amomg GNT's top scorers and alongside Manuchar Markoishvili, he was force on defence as well.

Mr. Ellis is also very popular among Georgian fans. Once gone to have Pizza, he was recognised there by alot aof people and in the end, Ellis promised the owner of that place, that he will give him the signed t-shirt of his own.
“God, what if Romania edges Switzeland..", - Ellis was waiting for that game in the hotel. As we all know, unfortunatelly for Georgia, Switzerland won and Georgia was cut from Division A play offs.

But this is not the end of Ty's Georgian era. Next year, (in his own words), Ellis will join our National Team, to once again try and get that birth of a higher division.

This conversation took place after Switzerland - Romania game. GNT, Caja San Fernando, private things, practice with Kevin Garnett and lots and lots of other interesting stuff. Just read this.

- Ty, after Romania's defeat, we can finally take a look at the GNT's performance in the last Division B tournament. What went wrong this time?

- Any kind of triumph, as well as dissapointment result has its reasons. I will try not miss a beat. O,key, first our roster. You have to agree, that Georgian National Team has a hell of roster, which not to mention Iceland and Austria, is better, that the one Finland has. In Zaza Pachulia we have one of the best centers in Europe, who may soon become the force in NBA as well. Vladi Boisa, Manu (Manuchar Markoishvili), Nika Tskitishvili (as long as he is with us) and others, too - this team does not belong to Division B. Now, look at Finland, who, I guess, has only 4 players who does not play in Finland. Despite this, we permanently have problems with that team, no?

I think, against Iceland and Finland the whole Georgian Team lacked some little things, that are needed for the best possible result, the W. I guess, each player lacked something, no one played at the highest level and that caused us the promotion to Division A. Of course, lack of luck, too, 'cause the thing that happened against Iceland, I mean, that final shot, happens once in while. At the same time, we should have beaten them anyway and did not have to rely on that final shot, never had to rely on Icelands do or miss thing, o'key? I guess, You all watched the game and know, what I am talking about.

- What about Your own game against Iceland?

- Well, I will give Ty Ellis 6 out of 10 points. I lacked energy, was not tough when I had to be and all in all did not shoot the ball, when I had to. Some untimely give aways, some turnovers...That's it.
Courtesy of: http://www.gbf.ge

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GERMANY

Ludwigsburg: Norvell in, Hamilton out -by Moritz Korff
1. Bundesliga-side EnBW Ludwigsburg decided not to keep Vernon Hamilton (183-G-84, college: Clemson) for the 2007-2008 campaign. The 22-year-old Clemson-graduate had been in Ludwigsburg for a try-out. Instead of picking the rookie, EnBW now agreed terms with veteran Ed Norvell (188-G-76, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Kent St.), who signed a one-year-contract yesterday. Norvell spent his entire pro-career in the Netherlands and Belgium so far. During this past season he averaged 10.8 points, 4.3 boards and 2.4 assists in 34 games for the Sanex Antwerp Giants.

Ilian Evtimov signs in Frankfurt for three years -by Moritz Korff
Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) used a try-out-period to impress the coaches of the Deutsche Bank Skyliners Frankfurt (1. Bundesliga) and will put his autograph under a contract for the next three years. The Forward is 24 years of age and holds both a French and a Bulgarian passport, but decided to suit up for France on the international stage. In 2006 Evtimov completed his collegiate career at North Carolina State (NCAA1) after averaging 10.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg as senior and returned to Europe making 4 appearances for Estudiantes Madrid at the end of the 2005-2006 campaign without scoring any point. For the following season the younger brother of Vassil Evtimov (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina) moved to Italy and played for Serie A-finalist VidiVici Bologna. He appeared in 15 encounters of both the FIBA Euro Cup and the Italian League, averaging 3.1 points, 2.1 boards per contest in the Serie A and 6.3 points plus 2.4 rebounds in international competition.

Freiburg: Francis replaces Sellers -by Moritz Korff
Phil III Sellers (196-F-78, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: St.Rose (NY)) will not come to play for USC Freiburg (2. Bundesliga Pro B) in the 2007-2008 campaign due to surgery. Midwin Francis (198-F-82, college: Northeastern St.) has been hired as a replacement. Francis graduated from Northeastern State (NCAA2) in 2005, after having averaged 2.8 points and 3.2 rebounds as a senior. In the following years the St. Lucia-born Forward played in Brasil and in US-minor leagues.

Brandon Jenkins to Lich -by Moritz Korff
TV Lich (2. Bundesliga Pro A) has signed Brandon Jenkins (190-G-85, college: Louisville) for the upcoming season. The native from Detroit, Michigan played college-basketball at the University of Louisville and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Final Four with the Cardinals in 2005. He averaged 5.2 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.8 assists through 34 games of the 2006-2007 campaign and joined the Louisville Generals after leaving school and helped to win the regular season championship in the KBDL.

Simmons and Adler won't stay in Stahnsdorf - Engelken on a try-out -by Moritz Korff
Shortly after waiving Christian Simmons (196-F-84, agency: 7-Miracles Management, college: Cumberlands) RSV Eintracht Stahnsdorf, newcomer to the 2. Bundesliga Pro B, decided also not to sign the second import player who was joining the team for a try-out for the 2007-2008 campaign. Jerod Adler (206-F-82, college: Indiana St.) never lived up to the coaches' expectations in the pre-season games. To replace Simmons the Stahnsdorf-officials brought in Seth Engelken (203-F-85, college: Texas A&M - C.C.&M) for a try-out. The graduate of Texas A&M - Corpus Christi (NCAA1), who had averaged 5.1 ppg, 2 rpg and 1.5 apg as a senior for the Islanders already played some games for RSV Eintracht during the past days. If he will be signed for the season is not sure yet.

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HUNGARY

Falco KC beat Gussing -by Tamas Deri
In a practice game on tuesday night the team of Falco KC beat the first division team of Gussing from Austria. Both teams had players which showed their excellent skills: Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services), Bam Doyne (193-G-84, college: Mississippi), Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) and Arnas Kazlauskas (204-C/F-76, agency: Court Side) were leading the home team, from the other team two americans showed that they could be good enough for the austria league: Dustin Brown (202-F-83) scored 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, Nick Covington (188-G-85) scored 18 points.

Falco KC-Gussing 108-75
(39:25, 28:20, 24:15, 17:15)
Szombathely, Att.: 500, Referees: Forrai, Toth K., Sabali
Falco KC: Laszlo Kalman 29/9, Bam Doyne 22/3, Andrija Ciric 27/15, Arnas Kazlauskas 19/9, Feigl, Borszeki 2, Will, Kornel Varadi (198-G-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 7/3, Papp 2, Szanati, Csiszar, Horvath, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic
Gussing: Dustin Brown (202-F-83) 19, Nick Covington 18, Chappel 9, Miletic 5, Poller 9, Jandasits 2, Mullner 7, Trager 4, Knor 3, Unger Klepeisz, Coach: Gerald Vogler

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ICELAND

U.M.F. Tindastoll sign Igor Trajkovski -by Eurobasket
U.M.F. Tindastoll strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old FYR Macedonian guard Igor Trajkovski (180-G-80, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Trajkovski played most recently at Karpos Sokoli (FYR Macedonia).

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INDIA

South ZOne day 1 -by Yudhistir Krishna

The Andhra Pradesh men posted a facile 80-59 win over Puducherry in the opening match of the South Zone basketball championships that got underway at the Kotla Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy Indoor Stadium hyderabad on Tuesday.At half-time, the winner led 56-31.Led from the front by skipper J. Pankaj, the home side broke some sweat during the first quarter when it encountered resistance from the Puducherry players.Pankaj, an international who also played in the World Railway Games, set the pace, lobbing in a three-pointer now or by directing precision passes to his forward line.

Slam dunk

Off one such offering, the wiry I.B.P.Ch. Kumar Varma had all the time in the world to grab the ring and slam dunk. The host's starting five preferred to rest on the bench after the first-half, the second string keeping up the good work.While Andhra Pradesh kept enhancing its tally, Puducherry's score was sluggish if not stagnant at times.

Earlier, the championship was declared open by L. Venkatram Reddy, Secretary, Andhra Pradesh Olympic Association.



Results:


Andhra Pradesh 80 (I.B.P.Ch. Kumar Varma 15, J. Pankaj17, B. Satyanarayana 12) bt Puducherry 59 (Hari Krishnan 22, Kumaran 13, Manikandan10).



South Zone day 2 results -by Yudhistir Krishna
In a high-action, high speed match, Kerala men subdued Andhra Pradesh 85-72 in the South Zone basketball championships at hyderabad on Wednesday. At half-time, the winner trailed 36-37.

Both the sides resorted to fast breaks and turnarounds to further their cause, the Kerala duo of Manoj and Rahul showing far superior ball-control. If one man made a difference to his team it was Manoj for the visitors, who with a whopping 34 points against his name, dominated the contest. AP's attack showed more variety, Amruthraj and the fleet-footed Nagaraj finding the net through drive-in baskets, the latter at times hard to halt when on his solo sorties, their skipper J.Pankaj also gave a vauble support with extremly fast movemoents andand excellent defence that for some time the kerela players had to resort to shoot outside the 3. But in the 3rd quater the AP coach decided to bench the key players which proved to be costly. Kerela who were trailing by 1 point came into lead by 20 points within 4 minutes. But the when the coach again brought in Nagraj,Pankaj,Amruthraj it looked as like the game was at niddle point. Nagraj's feeding and spped proved too mcu for kerela that they had to make 2players follow him so that he would not recieve the ball. But then the skipper Pankaj was fouled out and then Nagraj was injure and this proved to be the turning point fo AP.
When the host's shooters couldn't quite breach the rival's restricted area, they resorted to scoring from outside the ‘'D', but weren't able to convert several chances that came their way.

Resluts:

Karnataka 54 (Roshan 9, G.P. Gautham 9) bt Puducherry 16 (S. Kumaran 10),
Kerala 85 (Manoj 34, Rahul 14, Abhilash 12) bt AP 72 (Amruthraj 19, P.S. Nagaraj 19, Pankaj 12).

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ITALY

Andersen & Anderson -by Stefano Pini
Michael Andersen (213-C-74, college: Rhode Island) has signed a contract with Legea Scafati. He came back in Italy after 2 seasons at Prokom Telekom Sopot. For this reason Scafati released Tomas Nagys (208-F-80, college: Clemson). Virtus Bologna should announce soon the deal with Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.) Lottomatica's forward. Erik Daniels (204-G/F-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Kentucky) had a surgery to his broken wrist and will be sidelined for 3 months.

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JAMAICA

NBL second round on hold -by Leonard Whyte
The second half of the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) is yet to start due to lack of lighting at the National Stadium courts. The culprit? Hurricane Dean. The category 4 storm severely damaged the lighting system at the complex, and according to Major Desmond Brown - General Manager of Independence Park Limited (IPL) - the process of assessing the damage is ongoing. Meanwhile, Marland Nattie - President of the Jamaica Basketball Association (JABA) said he has been promised that things should be sorted out by today. Nattie said the NBL is already a week behind schedule and he is constantly at the IPL to try to resolve the matter.

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JAPAN

Kagoshima announces plans to join JBL -by JD
There has been much speculation over the direction the Kagoshima Redsharks would go. The BJ League or the JBL? Over the past couple of years, there have been multiple reports of making a pro team in Kagoshima. Sports Frontier Kagoshima, Inc., headed by Ryohei Oyama, held a press conference to announce that the Redsharks would transform into a new pro team and join the JBL2 for the 2008-09 season. So far, the team has reportedly signed 3 unnamed players. The Redsharks have traditionally been known as a teacher's team, comprised of high school and junior high school teachers. Sameshima Toshihide, the director of the Kagoshima and Kyushu basketball associations, is the current coach of the Redsharks.

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KUWAIT

Jonathan Jones Has Arrived -by Sadik Abdullah
The Kuwait Club import, Jonathan Jones (211-C-79, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM)), has officially arrived in Kuwait and is ready to compete. Kuwait Club has officially agreed with Jonathan Jones and have been reported to have signed Andre Pitts (185-G-73, college: Huston-Tillotson) as well. With the new rule (source said it has been officially confirmed) of having 2 imports on the same floor at the same time in effect in Kuwait, Jonathan Jones and Andre Pitts combination will be very hard to defeat.

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LITHUANIA

Lithuania is the best! -by Eurobasket News

Slovenia-Lithuania 61:80 (18-26, 23-18, 8-19, 12-17)

Lithuania remained the only undefeated team in the Eurobasket 2007. In the game for the first place in the group the team beat Slovenia 80:61. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) led the winners with 21 points. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) nailed 17, while Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) posted 14. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) top-scored for Slovenia with 15 points. The Baltic team will meet Croatia in the Quarterfinals as the latter finished 4th in another group.

Lithuania won the opening quarter of the game, however made 26:18 only in the end of it. Jasaitis nailed a three to give the teams first break. Slovenia worked hard defensively in the second quarter and were able to use an 11-4 run to cut the deficit to 30:29. Dragic's jump shot brought 44:41 for Lithuania at the half.

In the second half the Baltic powers went on an 11-2 run to open their first double-digit cushion and led 63:49. When Darius Songaila made the score 70:55 it was clear that his team will remain unbeaten. Lithuania led the game to the happy end and is loking forward for the next victim.

Meanwhile Slovenia will play against Greece in the Quarterfinal game. The latter won the Championship last time, however is still on the way to find their better game.

Slovenia: Jaka Lakovic 15, Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) 11
Lithuania: Ramunas Siskauskas 21, Darius Songaila 17, Darjus Lavrinovic 14



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MALAYSIA

NBL 2007- Rookie show time!! -by Chong Jzen

this week NBL will move to Melaka in Stadium Bukit Serendik,from september 14-16.This Year NBL is consist of many rookie,many from it just high school graduated.Especially Melaka Young star Loh Shee Fai(190-G-89) and Kwan Yong Jing(198-C-90), both also Malaysia U-18 members and teammate of SMK Confucian(Champion of HSBL). Loh is a tall and faster shooter, he can either be a shooting guard or forward, he will strengten Melaka bench power even he may not given so much minute to play. Kwan is a good jumper,his idol is Melaka National team center Chee Li Wei.Kwan weakness is muscle less body and lack of skill to get in the basket. Hope NBL will attract more youngster to join, this can help to increase the young cagers involve in basketball activity.


Much more attention on the WCT land freshman Alex Yeow Kee Aik (196-C-88), he have a dramatically improvement compared with last year.He current average is 8 points and 5 rebounds, his rebound is second highest of the team(first is cameroonian Kuete Chris). Alex is a good rebounder in any game. I confident that Alex will make anybody surprise, he is good enough in previous 4 game in NBL. Beside, he can support Kuete Chris in sense of Defense and rebound. Alex performance also related to the team result not just only Chris.


So,please keep your attention to the rookie in NBL this year!!!



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NBA

Devin Harris Agrees to Five-Year Contract Extension -by Bryan Floyd
Devin Harris agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $42 million, locking up the speedy point guard through the 2012-13 season.Harris would've been going into the final year of his rookie contract. Instead, he has the comfort of knowing that he'll be teammates with reigning MVP Dirk Nowitzki and All-Star Josh Howard for years to come. Both are signed through 2010-11."We wanted Devin going into this year with a clear mind," team president Donnie Nelson said Thursday. "He's one of the bright young point guards of the future in this league. The fact he was invited to the Dream Team Junior squad shows there are a lot of people that are very high on his future, us obviously being one of them."

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PHILIPPINES

KBL's KT&G in its third winning streak, this time against PBA's SMB -by Hector Santos
Korean Basketball League' s KT&G went to its third straight win in an exhibition game against San Miguel, 127-100.

KT&G, which will play two more games as part of their preparation for the coming KBL Season, defeated Air 21 and Alaska in its first two tune-up games.

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PORTUGAL

CAB Madeira sign Nick Neumann -by Bruno Baltazar
After a great season in Ginasio ,CAB Madeira sign Nick Neumann,the 7´0 center of 27 years old,did one and half great seasons in Ginasio and it´s one more adiction to CAB roster that bets on a great team for this season.

Ginasio signs Martin -by Luis Rocha
Ginasio signed Gabe Martin (196-G-82, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Liberty). Martin as plyed in Portugal before at the service of Santarem. A good swingman, who can attack the basket with quickness and power. He can score easily, but showed some need to improve his defense moves in Santearem. Maybe he improved since then and now he´s got a good chance to proove his value in Figueira da Foz.

Sergio Ramos says he abandon Portugal national team for family reasons -by Bruno Baltazar
In that way he expresses why he will retire from portuguese national team.
I wanted to see my end of carrer in portuguese selection with a more decisive role and i never wanted to ofend nobody he adds.
He played 88 times for Portugal but he also leave some crtics to portuguese coach Valentyn Melnychuk ,i never wanted to put more burn in the ashes and have polemic about why i played less minuts in this european ,and i never ofended nobody and im sorry if people think i did,but i cant allow people use my name to justie indiscipline questions regarding me.

Beleneses signs Ike Nkankwo and more news -by Bruno Baltazar

Belenenses signed with Ike Nkankwo arrived and Anderson Ferreira .
Beyond these two reinforcements, that complete the team, Department of Basketball informs that, decided to end the contract with John DeGroat, who had to the recent death of its mother, was with reluctance in travelling for Portugal, also having some difficulty in contacting the athlete. They immediately annul the contract celebrated with the player, finding, a substitute for its place, given to be refered has some time. The choice fell again into Anderson Ferreira the brazilian player, candidate to draft of NBA in 2005, and played in the United States, having represented in 2007, the formation of the Delaware, ULBL. Anderson Ferreira, was born in 16 of April of 1982 (25 years), measures 2,05m and weighs 101kg preferential, plays in position 4, although to disclose a good capacity in the exterior shots, being that, of this form, it could be Jamie Kendrick to play in position 3 (position of John DeGroat). How much Ike Nkankwo, is about player known for all the adepts of modality, that actua in Portugal some years, being considered as a true "closet" underneath of the basket.
Nigerian, Ike Nkankwo was born in 27 of December of 1973 (33 years), measures 2,09m and weighs 115 kg, plays in position 5, where manifest a great capacity of fight and of I stand out. Ike Nkankwo represented Queluz in the previous season, average 11,2 points and 10,5 ressaltos for game, having been the best rebounder and the best athlete in blocks of the Regular Phase of Liga Uzo 2006/2007, in accordance with the official statisticians of LCB. To finish, it is the information that Josimar Cardoso, young international Sub-20, with 20 years and 2,01m of height, that was part of the main breeding of Belenenses, will not be part of their team this time, given to have opted, definitively, not to continue its career, to dedicate itself to the studies.


Final roster :

2007/2008:

Diogo Carreira - Base - 28 anos - 1,80m
Daniel Monteiro - Base - 25 anos - 1,82m
Nuno Monteiro - Base - 21 anos - 1,80m
Miguel Carvalho - Base - 17 anos - 1,78m
Bruno Tome - Base/Extremo - 21 anos - 1,82m
Tiago Carvalho - Base/Extremo - 20 anos - 1,82m
Paulo Simao - Extremo - 31 anos - 1,98m
Jamie Kendrick (USA) - Extremo/Poste - 26 anos - 2,03m
Anderson Ferreira (BRA) - Extremo/Poste - 25 anos - 2,05m
Ike Nkankwo (NIG) - Poste - 33 anos - 2,09m
Artur Cruz - Poste - 36 anos - 2,05m
Aylton Medeiros - Poste - 19 anos - 1,94m
Joao Vicente - Poste - 21 anos - 2,03m

Technical staff - EPOCA 2007/2008:

Head coach- Luis Silveira
assistant coach - Ivan Koustorkov
Assistant coach - Bruno Pires



AD Vagos cut Dokun Akingbade -by Bruno Baltazar
AD Vagos cutted Dokun their nigerian player they signed earlier last month,in the first practises of the team ,the technical staff saw how he played and decided he do not had the characterists the team was looking and needed for their first season in LIGA UZO .

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PUERTO RICO

Angelo Reyes invited to Milwaukee Bucks camp. -by Alessandro Fontana

Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) will go to Milwaukee. He was invited to participate at the Milwaukee Bucks camp which it will begin next wednesday. After a great FIBA Americas 2007 where He showed his talent and his power in the area (He catched 9,5 rebs), NBA noted him and now Angelo Reyes has the possibility to be a Bucks player.
In the BSN 2007 He played for Gigantes de Carolina with 19,9 pts (53%2pts, 76% FT) and 11,9 rebs per game. He has talent and heart to deserve NBA, He has to convince now the Milwaukee Staff who organize this camp to find, if it is possible, two new players for the next NBA season 2007-2008.
Angelo Reyes is without team and if He can not play in NBA, he could also go to make an important experience in some european teams.

News: In Argentina, El Nacional de Monte Hermoso replaces Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83, agency: Next Level) with the american ex-Brooklyn Kings in USBL Michael Peeples (201-G/F-85, college: Fairleigh Dickinson).

A. Fontana



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RUSSIA

Russia and France will open the Quarter-Finals -by Eurobasket News
Russia and France will open the Quarter-Finals of Eurobasket 2007. Only one team out of two favorites will advance to the semifinal. Due to the better game in the first 2 rounds the Russian squad is considered to be the favorite of the game.

Russia finished the Qualifying Round with 4-1 record and lost only to the hosts of the Championship. In the game for the first place in the group Spain overcame Russia 81:69. As a result Russia is second and will face the third team of another group-France.

France meanwhile won the last game beating winless Turkey 85:64. Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) led the winners with 18 points. Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) netted 15, while Pape Badiane (211-F/C-80, college: Cleveland St.) posted 12. The game was close for the better part of the first two quarters before France used an 8-0 run in the closing minutes of the first half to take a 43:35 lead at the break. The team extended their lead to 56:43 by the end of the third quarter and then led the game to a 85:64 win. France finished the Qualifying Round with 3-2 record and it was the third result in the group.
The game is scheduled first tonight and will start at 19.00. Spain and germnay will make another Quarter-Final game tonight. The rest two games are scheduled for tomorrow.

Russia makes it to the semis -by Eurobasket

After a vewry exciting game, Russia managed to defeat France 75-71 in the quarterfinals and made it to the semis, where they will face the winner of game between Lithuania and Croatia. It will be their first time in 10 years to reach that level of Eurobasket.
French team was ahead the most of the game. Russian players tried to stay close, never allowing for the French to get too big lead. The deciding part of the game was last quarter, where Russian outscored France 22-15. The strongest weapon of winning team were 3-point shoots, which allowed them to catch up with French players. Just 24 seconds before the end of the game, it was styill a tie 69-69. Then Holden successfully got 2 shots from the line getting 2-points lead. Then a very nervous time with missing shots from both France (Diaw) and Russia (Pashutin). Parker made only one free-throw, missing the second one, and Pashutin got another 2 points for Russians (73-70). Parker got faulked and after getting 1-pointer, he intentionally missed the second one. But it did not work as Russians get the rebound. France had nothing to lose and they had to foul. Sergey Monya closed the game with two free throws and the game ended with 75-71 for Russia.


Russia - France 75-71 (21-23, 18-19, 14-14, 22-15)
Russia: Samoylenko 6, Holden 15, Khryapa 16+7reb+6ast, Kirilenko 6+6reb+7steals+4blocks, Savrasenko 4; Morgunov 14, Pashutin 11, Monya 2, Padus 1, DNP: Shabalkin, Bykov, Ponkrashov
France: Parker 15, Gomis 5, Diaw 17+6reb, F.Pietrus 8, Weis 2+5reb; Turiaf 8+7reb, Kirksay 8, Diawara 5, Ferhaud 3, DNP: Badiane, Sangare, Giffa



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SERBIA

Partizan Belgrade goes in Italy today -by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian and Adriatic league champion, Partizan Belgrade, goes today in Italy where they will participate on three different tournaments. Their first stop is Capo D'Orlando, after that Messina and at the end tournament in Reggio Calabria what will be one of the last tests before the first game of Adriatic league where Partizan will host Vojvodina Srbijagas in "Pionir".

Head coach Dusko Vujosevic will take 14 players to Italy, including their former member Nenad Canak who is still free agent. Members of Serbian NT who played on Eurobasket 2007 Milenko Tepic and Novica Velickovic already joined the team while Uros Tripkovic suppose to be fully recovered from injury until 23rd September when the team will return from Italy to Belgrade.

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SLOVENIA

Market News from Division II -by Zeljko Zule
Grosuplje inked Blaz Lobe (203-F-84) ex Zagorje and Oliver Jordan (197-F/C-74) ex Ilirija.
Ruse signed Matjaz Zelj (197-F-76) ex Casino Maribor and Rok Ojstersek ex Lenart.
Nazarje signed Boris Kovacic ex Prebold.
Terme Olimia Podcetrtek added Darko Simic ex Rogaska, Rok Gobec ex Prebold
Ilirija inked Matjaz Znidaric (204-C-84) ex Grosuplje, Tiso Cvetkovic (190-G-86) ex Grosuplje and Julijan Grgic (195-F-88) ex Vrhnika junior team.
Portoroz signed Rok Tercelj (180-G-86) ex Koper.
Ajdovscina inked Tine Vizintin ex Salonit and Zeljko Sokanovic ex Salonit.
Idrija inked Evgen Krivec (207-C-80) ex Tolmin.
Tolmin signed Aljosa Ostroznik (203-C-85) ex Kraski zidar.
Jesenice added Jure Pus ex Kranjska Gora.
Plama Pur inked Petar Ciganovic (185-G-86) ex Zlatorog who DNP last two seasons.
Radovljica signed Dino Pehadzic (-88) ex Jesenice.
Maribor added David Kogler (-82) ex Idrija.

Zlatorog loan three players -by Zeljko Zule
Zlatorog loaned Jernej Pesic (201-F/C-89) and U20 NT member Drago Brcina (203-F/C-87) to Rogaska (B1) and Uros Globovnik (198-F-87) to Hrastnik (B1).

Lithuania tip Slovenia 80-61 in clash uf unbeaten teams -by Zeljko Zule
Ramunas Siskauskas led four players in double figures with 21 points as Lithuania won a duel of unbeaten teams 80-61 over Slovenia. Lithuania shot 8-of-11 from the downtown at half and made a 14-4 run. Slovenia cut the deficit to just on point but through the third quarter Lithuania went on an 11-2 run to open their first double-digit cushion. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) posted 15 points and Matjaz Smodis added 11. The Slovenians will next face defending champions Greece in Friday's quarter-finals.
SLOVENIA 61 (18+23+8+12): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 15, Dragic 7, Nesterovic 4, Smodis 11, Slokar 6, Klobucar, Jagodnik 3, D.Lorbek 6, Vidmar, E.Lorbek 9.
LITHUANIA 80 (26+18+19+17): Kaukenas 11, Gustas, Maciulis, D.Lavrinovic 6, Siskauskas 21, Songaila 17, Jasaitis 3, Kleiza 6, K.Lavrinovic 14, Jasikevicius 2, Jankunas, Javtokas.

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SPAIN

Martynas Andriuskevicius signs with Alicante Costa Blanca (LEB-Oro) -by Daniel Fernandez

The Center Martynas Andriuskevicius (219-C/F-86, agency: Interperformances) that in the last days was waived for Joventut Badalona has signed a contract with Alicante Costa Blanca, a team that last season played in ACB League and this season will play in LEB Oro.

He was drafted in 2005 by Orlando Magic in the second round (nº 44), and he spent the last two seasons between NBA (Cleveland Cavaliers and Chicago Bulls) and the Development League (Arkansas RimRockers and Dakota Wizards).

This summer he played with Chicago Bulls in the Pepsi Pro Summer League in Orlando (Florida).



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TBL

TEXAS BASKETBALL LEAGUE ANNOUNCES 2007 TRAINING CAMP -by Benjamin Brinkley
TBL Announces 2007 Central Training Camp
12-September-2007
Arlington, Texas-- The Texas Basketball League will hold a Central Training Camp from Thursday, September 13, through Saturday, December. 1, in North Arlington
at the Metro Academy of Math and Science in Arlington, Texas., it was announced Monday by Charles Johnson, Chief Operations Officer of the Texas Basketball League.

Players who have been signed by the league will be invited to the TBL's Central Training Camp for the next two months of practice
and tryouts (Oct. 20-21), which will be followed by the TBL's Free Agent Camp on Saturday and Sunday, November 3rd and 4th .

Teams will open individual training camps in their respective cities on November 3, 2007, and must submit their final 10-player roster to the Texas Basketball League Office
by 5 p.m. ET on Nov. 14. On Nov. 14, TBL coaches must cut their rosters down to 10 players before the league's exhibition season begins.

Each team with 10 draft selections will be announced on Saturday, December. 1, at a news conference at the Metro Academy of Math and Science.
Final rosters will consist of at least one "free agent player" and nine "first-year semi-professional basketball players."

All practice sessions will be open to the media and friends and family. Players, coaches and Texas Basketball League executives will also be available
to the media for interviews after each session. All media and TBL team personnel planning coverage of the TBL's Central Training Camp and Free Agent Camp
should contact Bliss Scott at league headquarters.

The Texas Basketball League will tip off its season on January 3rd, 2008. The Celtics, Lakers, Pistons, Mavericks, Heat, Suns, Knicks,
Spurs, Bulls, Kings, Sonics, and da Bulls will compete in a 36-game regular season schedule that runs from January through April, followed by playoffs.

A total of 24 games will be broadcast locally on Empire Sports Network, and 5 games will be broadcast regionally on Charter Cable.

Designed to help grow the sport of semi-pro basketball both domestically and internationally, the Texas Basketball League offers players
the opportunity to develop their talent in a highly competitive atmosphere. In addition to being a source of on-court talent for the TBL's 12 teams,
the Texas Basketball League will also serve as a diverse human resources pool for the rest of semi-pro basketball by training it's employees
in management, operations, public relations, sales and marketing positions.

For more information, please call 817-803-6186 or email: texasbasketballeague@yahoo.com

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TURKEY

Turkey finishes Eurobasket 2007 -by Eurobasket News
France-Turkey 85:64 (20-22, 23-13, 13-8, 29-21)

Turkey lost the last game of the Qualifying Round and now goes back home. Last night the team was defeated by France 85:64. The latter advanced to the Quarter-Finals where they play against Russia. Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) led the winners with 18 points. Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) netted 15, while Pape Badiane (211-F/C-80, college: Cleveland St.) posted 12. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) was the best for the Turkish side nailing 19 points.

It was a great game from the very beginning for Turkey as they dominated in the court. After Kaya Peker made two free throws the quarter ended with 22:20. The game was close for the better part of the first two quarters before France used an 8-0 run in the closing minutes of the first half to take a 43:35 lead at the break. It was Gomis's jump shot to give his team a bigger lead.
France extended their lead to 56:43 by the end of the third quarter. It was more a defensive one as the teams finished the period with 13:8 for France.
Ibrahim Kutluay (198-F/G-74)'s two three pointers in the first minute of the last quarter gave Turkey a great chance to catch up. Moreover Kuqo Kurtoglu's free throw made the score 56:50. France stayed positive and did not allow Turkish side to stay closer.

France: Boris Diaw 18, Tariq Kirksay 15, Pape Badiane 12
Turkey: Kaya Peker 19, Ibrahim Kutluay 9

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Paradise Jam Men's Basketball Tourney to Start Nov. 16th -by David Edole

By Craig Jonas
Eight division I men's basketball teams will travel to St. Thomas to participate in the 8th annual U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam Tournament at the University of the Virgin Islands. Georgia Tech (20-12), Notre Dame (24-8), Winthrop (29-5), Wichita State (17-14), Baylor (15-16), Charlotte (14-16), Monmouth (12-18) and Illinois-Chicago (14-18) round out the field.

Competition begins on November 16 with consecutive-day action culminating in the championship round on November 19. The game times are set for 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm, 7:00 pm with the championship game at 9:30 pm. All games will be played at the state-of-the-art University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas.

Notre Dame comes to St. Thomas following a very successful 2006-07 season. The Irish posted a 24-8 record that merited Coach Mike Brey Big East Conference Coach of the Year honors. The Irish earned a #6 seed, making their first NCAA Tournament appearance in three years. Their season ended at the hands of the Winthrop, who held off a valiant Notre Dame comeback to win 74-64.

Georgia Tech will also arrive on island following a successful 2006-07 campaign. They recorded a 20-12 record and advanced to the NCAA tournament as a #10 seed. Their season came to an end when they lost to 7th seeded UNLV in the opening round of the tournament.

Winthrop is one of two Paradise Jam participants that come to the islands with a new coach at the helm. Randy Peele was named Winthrop head coach after serving as former Winthrop Coach Gregg Marshall's top assistant four years.

Wichita State (17-14) also travels to the Virgin Islands with a new coach at the helm, ironically the former Winthrop head coach Gregg Marshall.

The Baylor Bears finished 15-16 last season. Head Coach Scott Drew will bring the most seasoned roster to the US Virgin Islands. Baylor will return 12 of 14 players from the 2006-07 season.

Charlotte travels to the Paradise Jam after posting a 14-16 mark in the 2006-07 season. They are coached by 10th year coach Bobby Lutz, who has guided them to seven post season appearances in nine years. Charlotte has boasted four top-20 recruiting classes in the last eight years.

Monmouth returns to the Paradise Jam coming off a 12-18 season. The Hawks played in the 2003 Paradise Jam and placed third by coming back from a tournament-record 18 point deficit in the second half to beat Hampton 64-52. Illinois Chicago completes the eight-team Paradise Jam field.

In 2006 Paradise Jam action, Alabama defeated Xavier 63-56 to take home the Paradise Jam crown. Villanova beat Iowa to take third place (89-60), Toledo captured fourth place with a 60-59 win over Virginia Commonwealth and College of Charleston finished ahead of Middle Tennessee State with a 64-56 win.



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UKRAINE

Skumatov to Bulgaria -by Alexander Muzyka
- Kyrylo Skumatov (205-F-80) has agreed the terms with Bulgarian Tundja Yambol. Note that Yambol likes to invite Ukrainian players. Since 1992 there were a lot of Ukrainians in Yambol team - Henadi Uspenskyi, Volodymyr Ryzhov, Yaroslav Zubrytskyi, Yevhen Annenkov, Oleksi Borisenko, Oleg Tkach, Mykhailo Melnykov. Vitali Lebedintsev and Oleksandr Shevchenko have been working as Yambolgas coaches.

Annenkov to Lviv / Domograd Cup to Donetsk -by Alexander Muzyka
BC Donetsk has won Domograd Cup in Odesa. There was a key game BC Donetsk - MBC Mykolaiv at a first day. Both teams were stronger iat other days but the first result was the main in a total standings. Kostiantyn Galionkin, Oleksi Yangicher and Oleksi Tsymbal made everything for BC Donetsk total win.

Domograd Cup (Odesa, Ukraine)

Second day. Sep. 11
Kremenchuk - BC Donetsk 73:81 (27:17, 11:22, 21:25, 14:17)
MBC Mykolaiv - Domograd 105:91 (28:24, 27:16, 19:28, 31:23)

Third day. Sep. 12
Domograd - BC Donetsk 87:91 (19:31, 25:12, 10:30, 33:18)
MBC Mykolaiv - Kremenchuk 98:65 (27:17, 26:23, 23:8, 22:17)

Total standings
Team / G / W / L / P
1 BC Donetsk / 3 / 3 / 0 / 6
2 MBC Mykolaiv / 3 / 2 / 1 / 5
3 Domograd / 3 / 1 / 2 / 4
4 Kremenchuk / 3 / 0 / 3 / 3

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Ex-BC Kyiv playmaker Yevhen Annenkov (187-G-77) became the player of Politekhnika-Halychyna and joined his new team in a camp in Poland.

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Azovmash has won one more warm-up vs Hyeres-Toulon - Serhi Lischuk made a double-double.

Warm-up
Sep. 12
Azovmash - Hyeres-Toulon 91:89
A: Lischuk 23 + 10 rbs, Harper 18 + 12 rbs, Edney 11 + 7 ast, Podorvannyi 10, Liadelis 8, Delininkaitis 8

NEYBL: BC Kyiv is stronger than Khimik -by Alexander Muzyka
There was a NEYBL Juniors' teams first stage started in Chekhov, RUS. BC Kyiv 1989-born players under Vitali Cherni 's rule has got a win in a first day while crushing Khimik farm-team. The best was Denys Lukashov (187-G-89) with 23 points. Ruslan Otverchenko (192-F-90) scored 16 points, Oleksandr Lipovyi scored 12 points and Maksym Sandul (205-C-91) scored 10 points. Andri Novikov (196-F-89) was the best under the rim - 11 rebounds. 'We are together just two weeks and I'm surprised, - Vitali Cherni said. - I'm glad about rebounds - we won 53/35 and made 19 offense rebounds!'. Today kyivites will meet Barsy from Kazakhstan.
Norte that NEYBL championship includes different participants from Ukraine in a different age divisions - players from Yuzhnyi's Khimik, BC Kyiv, Mariupol's Azovmash, Kyiv's Avangard, Dnipropetrovsk's Dnipro and Cherkasy's Kraina Basketbolia.

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VENEZUELA

David Cubillan (Marquette) plays preseason in Canada -by Francisco Vega
Venezuelan shooting guard David Cubillan (185-G-87), a 20 year-old talent who plays for the Marquette Golden Eagles in the United States NCAA Division I, played four exhibition matches of preseason towards the beginning of his second year of college basketball, as he traveled along with his teammates and coaching staff to New Westminster, Fraser Valley, Victoria and Vancouver, Canada.

Cubillan, who participated in the trainings of Venezuela's National Team prior to the recently played FIBA Americas Preolympic Tournament in Las Vegas, United States, toured Europe with the team that's coached by Nestor Salazar but then was not selected to play in Nevada.

Cubillan netted 11 points in a 92-70 victory of Marquette over Douglas College, and he also added two rebounds and three assists. He also pitched in 5 points in a triumph against Moult Athletic All-Stars (107-91), added 6 points in a victory over Fraser Valley (90-55) and finished off with a 7-point display in the end of the series against Victoria University (76-65).

Tomas Aguilera injured, won't play with Bigua -by Francisco Vega
Venezuelan forward Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77), who was supposed to play as imported player for Bigua in Liga Uruguaya de Baloncesto (LUB) of Uruguay, got injured during a friendly match against Aguada prior to the beginning of the season and, after being tested in the affected zone, was sent back home and replaced by center Derrick Franklin (208-C-81), who was playing for Graneros de Portuguesa in Venezuela's Liga Nacional.

Aguilera, a 29 year-old and 1.98m tall former member of Venezuela's NT, was about to start his second international experience after playing for Pijaos de Ibague (Colombia) a few years ago. He has also played for Marinos de Anzoategui, Cocodrilos de Caracas and Trotamundos de Carabobo in Venezuela's LPB and both Espartanos de Margarita, Guacharos de Maturin and Tiburones de Vargas in the country's LNB.

LNB 2007 (Week 3): Macizos sweep their way into first -by Francisco Vega

Macizos de Guayana had to play overtime in order to get an important away sweep against Waraos de Tucupita, with a final scoreboard of 114-106. Meanwhile, Duros de Lara took revenge on Delfines de Miranda 75-71 and got a home series split against the chrown owners. Lideres de Yaracuy also got a series split as visitors against Estudiantes de Guarico and so did Pescadores de Sucre against Graneros de Portuguesa.


Delfines de Miranda 75 - Duros de Lara 71

"Napoleon Rodriguez" Gymnasium - Barquisimeto, Lara

Quarter by quarter
DUR: 10+20+23+22= 75
DEL: 18+12+17+24= 71

Scorers
DUR: Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 15 points, Pedro Brito (202-F/C-82) 13 points, Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) 12 points, Boris Urbina (195-G/F-84) 10 points

DEL: Diego Guevara (184-G-77) 21 points, Lee Benson (208-F/C-73) 19 points



Lideres de Yaracuy 87 - Estudianges de Guarico 83

"Roger Ramos" Gymnasium - San Juan de los Morros, Guarico

Quarter by quarter
EST: 27+22+23+18= 83
LID: 19+15+27+19= 87

Scorers
EST: Alejandro Flores (201-F) 18 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 15 points, Randy Vazquez (190-G-78) 11 points

LID: Alejandro Barrios (205-F-79) 27 points, Demetric Shaw (191-G-78) 18 points, Kervis Ramirez (190-G-78) 16 points, Carlos Morris (194-F-75) 13 points



Macizos de Guayana 114 - Waraos de Tucupita 106 (ET)
Municipal Gymnasium - Tucupita, Delta Amacuro

No data supplied by LNB


Pescadores de Sucre 89 - Graneros de Portuguesa 82
"Ciudad de Guanare" Gymnasium - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter
GRA: 14+17+20+27= 82
PES: 19+26+18+19= 89

Scorers
PES: Henry Caten (201-F-80) 19 points, Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86) 15 points, John A. Thomas (198-G/F-82) 15 points

GRA: Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 17 points, Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) 16 points, Johan Pinero (183-G-76) 14 points



LNB 2007 (Week 3): Macizos takes the lead, Delfines hit Duros, Graneros and Estudiantes succeed -by Francisco Vega

Macizos de Guayana took the lead in Liga Nacional de Baloncesto's standings with a 99-92 victory as visitors over Waraos de Tucupita, while Duros de Lara were hit at home by the current LNB champions, Delfines de Miranda, who won 84-78 despites the absence of Richard Lugo. Meanwhile, both Estudiantes de Guarico and Graneros de Guanare won as hosts, the first ones 79-76 against Pescadores de Sucre and the others against Lideres de Yaracuy, 93-85.

Delfines de Miranda 84 - Duros de Lara 78

"Napoleon Rodriguez" Gymnasium - Barquisimeto, Lara

Quarter by quarter
DUR: 14+17+20+27= 78
DEL: 19+26+18+19= 84

Scorers
DEL: Lee Benson (208-F/C-73) 24 points, Diego Guevara (184-G-77) 16 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 15 points, Eduardo Torres (195-F-81) 12 points

DUR: Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 20 points, Juan Herrera (197-F-81) 19 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 16 points


Estudianges de Guarico 93 - Lideres de Yaracuy 85

"Roger Ramos" Gymnasium - San Juan de los Morros, Guarico

Quarter by quarter
EST: 34+20+24+15= 93
LID: 14+29+19+23= 85

Scorers
EST: Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 22 points, Alejandro Flores (201-F) 21 points, Randy Vazquez (190-G-78) 15 points

LID: Demetric Shaw (191-G-78) 26 points, Kervis Ramirez (190-G-78) 14 points, Carlos Morris (194-F-75) 14 points, Juan Carlos Rodriguez (192-G-79) 11 points



Macizos de Guayana 99 - Waraos de Tucupita 93
Municipal Gymnasium - Tucupita, Delta Amacuro

Quarter by quarter

WAR: 22+23+27+21= 93
MAC: 25+24+24+26= 99


Scorers
MAC: Axier Sucre (198-F-78) 17 points, Darwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 16 points, David Cedeno (190-G-83) 15 points

WAR: Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 25 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 19 points, Dennis D'Adezzio (191-G-81) 16 points, Roque Osorio (206-C-76) 11 points

Graneros de Portuguesa 79 - Pescadores de Sucre 76
"Ciudad de Guanare" Gymnasium - Guanare, Portuguesa

No more data supplied by LNB



Pescadores change head coach, add Arnaldo Amundaray -by Francisco Vega
Pescadores de Sucre's president and general manager, Carmelo Cortez Jr., announced the acquisition of head coach Jose Dos Santos as the replacement of Daniel Centeno, and also announced that the LNB's technical comission authorized the addition of forward Arnaldo Amundaray (201-F-77) to the roster, after Delfines de Miranda, his original team, agreed to let him play for a different franchise this season.

Dos Santos has a broad experience as part of the staff that works with Venezuela's Senior National Team. Meanwhile, Amundarain has been a member of the NT in the past and has had the most of his success as a member of Delfines in LNB and also of Panteras de Miranda, Guaiqueries de Margarita and Gaiteros del Zulia in LIga Profesional (LPB).



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Women News

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AFRICAN CHAMPS - Women

Afrobasket (Senegal '07) - Cameroon risk suspension -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Africa basketball ruling body, FIBA Africa may come down heavily on Cameroon should its senior female national team fail to honour the 20th edition of the African Women Championship in Senegal.

Investigation from Yaounde, capital of Cameroon indicates that the national team who are yet to commence preparation due to lack of support from the government may stay away from the championship which begin on September 21.

www.fiba-africa.com reliable source in the Central Africa country says the federation is yet to come up with the list of players that will fly the country flag in Senegal but have named Angouan'd John and Mme Wanko Elizabeth as head and assistant coaches respectively.

"We don't know what will happen to our team as nothing is on ground to show that the federation is planning anything, no thanks to the lack of support from the government whose responsibility it is to make fund available for the federation", added the source.

"The country federation is also aware of the risk of being in Senegal as this may have adverse effect on our men team taking part in the Beijing 2008 Olympics qualifiers and our clubs taking part in any FIBA Africa organised championship for some years and we could only hope that the government act fast to save the situation", he concluded.

The penalty for pulling out of a championship at the last minute by any country/team is severe which might include monetary fine and many years of suspension.

FIBA Africa Championship for Women: Nigeria coach, Nnaji confident of Senegal outing -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Head coach of the Nigeria senior female national team, Scott Nnaji is confident that the defending champion would retain the FIBA Africa Championship holding in Senegal from September 21 through 30.

Speaking in an exclusive telephone chat with www.fiba-africa.com Tuesday the Nigeria Customs Officer says the players are in high spirit to lift the trophy for a record third time after winning in 2003 (Mozambique) and 2005 (Nigeria) and book the automatic Beijing Olympic Games tickets.

The light skin coach of the Nigerian side says all the players have reported to camp which was moved from Nigeria capital, Abuja to Zaria for convenience except team captain, Mfon Udoka, Mactabene Amacrere and Rashidat sodiq whom he said would join others in camp before the final list is announced Thursday.

Fourteen players were called to camp by the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF last week with twelve foreign base and two home base among them are the trio of Udoka Amacrere and Sodiq who are still being awaited, others include, Chioma Udeaja of First Bank Elephant Girls basketball club of Lagos, Kikelomo Saliu of Sunshine Angels of Akure, Ononiwu Chisaokwu, Eworomadu Joyce, Oha Ugochukwu, Egenti Charity, Mojidi Sefi, Tairu S. Abidemi, Marie Izidor Enjol, Sanni Olayinka and Okorie Mercy. Kevin Cook as Technical Adviser, Nnaji - Head Coach and Adewumi Aderemi as Assistant coach, leads the technical crew.

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Australia defeats China to play in the Final in Russia -by Eurobasket News
Australia - China 77:70
Australian National team completed the preliminary round of international tournament in Russia with a win over China. This became the second victory for the Opals and they reached the Final game. There Australia wil face hosting Russia. They previously met in the second round of action in Vidnoe and Russia emerged stronger edging the Opals 74:71.
Aussie team dominated the first half of the encounter against China and built up a 45:33 lead at halftime. The gap kept on growing in the third stanza as Carly Wilson (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) came off the bench to notch three treys. However Chinese players were able to change things in the fourth term. Nan Chen (197-C-83) sparked Chinese comeback effort and they first cut the deficit and then spurred in front midway through the final quarter. However Australian players looked solid at the end and sealed the victory. Alicia Poto (46-G-78) grabbed the initiative late in the game and lifted Aussies into the Final.
Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) led Australia with 15 points. Hollie Grima (190-C-83, agency: LBM Management) contributed 13 points for the winners. Miao Li Jie (180-G-81) answered with 18 points for China. Nan Chen had 14 points in a losing clause.
Australia will took on Russia later tonight. China will face Lithuania in Bronze medals game.

Australia: Rohanee Cox 15, Hollie Grima 13
China: Miao Li Jie 18, Nan Chen 14

Australia name team for Oceania Championships -by Gauthier Gerard
Basketball Australia announced the twelve athletes selected to represent Australia at the 2007 FIBA Oceania Women's Championship in Dunedin later this month. Reigning World Champions Australia have already qualified for Beijing, so the remaining teams in Dunedin are competing for the Oceania Zone berth with the third team filling a spot at a second-chance repechage tournament next July.
article by Bill Baxter for BA media

The Championship will be a three way contest between Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, who won the South Pacific Games in Apia, Samoa last week. The tournament begins on September 26 and concludes on September 29 with all games played at the Edgar Centre in Dunedin.
“This team should get us the results we need while a number of players will be challenged by the international competition,” Australian Defence Force Opals head coach Jan Stirling said. “We have provided a good number of athletes with the opportunity to demonstrate how they can adjust to the international game and we expect New Zealand will be very tough on their home soil.”
All 12 players are contracted to teams in the Australian Defence Force Women's National Basketball League.

The 2007 Australian Opals team for the FIBA Oceania Championship:
Samantha Richards (167-G-83, agency: LBM Management)
Alicia Poto (46-G-78)
Kathleen Macleod (166-G-86)
Renae Camino (177-G-86)
Abby Bishop (189-C-88)
Marianna Tolo (196-C-89)
Michele Brogan
Carly Wilson (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management)
Emma Randall (190-C-85)
Emily McInerny (184-F-78)
Natalie Porter (185-F-80)
Rohanee Cox (182-F-80)

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BOSNIA - Women

Great Britian hands the first loss to Bosnia -by Eurobasket News
Great Britain - Bosnia and Herzegovina 66:44

Great Britain team revived the intrigue in Group B of the Eurobasket Division B after they edged previously unbeaten Bosnia at home yesterday. Kristy Lavin (180-F-82) and Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) scored 17 points apiece to ensure the first defeat for Bosnian squad. Great Britain now climbed to 5-2 record, while Bosnia and Herzegovina fell to 6-1 record on top of the ladder.
Great Britain used 14:2 rally late in the first quarter to pile up a 21:8 lead. The hosts opened the second quarter with another 8:1 run to establish a massive 29:9 advantage midway through the game. Bosnia only managed to cut the gap to 16 points at halftime 21:37.
British players dominated the game in the third stanza and easily restored 20-point lead to enter the final term in front 52:32. Bosnia struggled to find weapon against British aggressive defense and posted numerous mistakes to lose the game.
Rosalee Mason (180-F/G-79, college: Manhattan) netted 9 points for Great Britain. Amra Mehmedic (177-F-81, agency: LBM Management) answered with 10 points for Bosnia. Mirela Besic (176-F-84) had 7 points and 7 boards in a losing clause.
British players shot 59% from close range and 80% from free throw line. Bosnia and Herzegovina converted only 25% from the field and 61% from charity stripe. Bosnia also committed 23 turnovers.
Bosnia will next face Luxembourg at home. Great Britain takes on Portugal on the road.

Great Britain: Kristy Lavin 17, Megan Moody 17, Rosalee Mason 9
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Amra Mehmedic 10, Mirela Besic 7+7 boards

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CAMEROON - Women

Afrobasket (Senegal '07) - Cameroon risk suspension -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Africa basketball ruling body, FIBA Africa may come down heavily on Cameroon should its senior female national team fail to honour the 20th edition of the African Women Championship in Senegal.

Investigation from Yaounde, capital of Cameroon indicates that the national team who are yet to commence preparation due to lack of support from the government may stay away from the championship which begin on September 21.

www.fiba-africa.com reliable source in the Central Africa country says the federation is yet to come up with the list of players that will fly the country flag in Senegal but have named Angouan'd John and Mme Wanko Elizabeth as head and assistant coaches respectively.

"We don't know what will happen to our team as nothing is on ground to show that the federation is planning anything, no thanks to the lack of support from the government whose responsibility it is to make fund available for the federation", added the source.

"The country federation is also aware of the risk of being in Senegal as this may have adverse effect on our men team taking part in the Beijing 2008 Olympics qualifiers and our clubs taking part in any FIBA Africa organised championship for some years and we could only hope that the government act fast to save the situation", he concluded.

The penalty for pulling out of a championship at the last minute by any country/team is severe which might include monetary fine and many years of suspension.

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CHINA - Women

Australia defeats China to play in the Final in Russia -by Eurobasket News
Australia - China 77:70
Australian National team completed the preliminary round of international tournament in Russia with a win over China. This became the second victory for the Opals and they reached the Final game. There Australia wil face hosting Russia. They previously met in the second round of action in Vidnoe and Russia emerged stronger edging the Opals 74:71.
Aussie team dominated the first half of the encounter against China and built up a 45:33 lead at halftime. The gap kept on growing in the third stanza as Carly Wilson (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) came off the bench to notch three treys. However Chinese players were able to change things in the fourth term. Nan Chen (197-C-83) sparked Chinese comeback effort and they first cut the deficit and then spurred in front midway through the final quarter. However Australian players looked solid at the end and sealed the victory. Alicia Poto (46-G-78) grabbed the initiative late in the game and lifted Aussies into the Final.
Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) led Australia with 15 points. Hollie Grima (190-C-83, agency: LBM Management) contributed 13 points for the winners. Miao Li Jie (180-G-81) answered with 18 points for China. Nan Chen had 14 points in a losing clause.
Australia will took on Russia later tonight. China will face Lithuania in Bronze medals game.

Australia: Rohanee Cox 15, Hollie Grima 13
China: Miao Li Jie 18, Nan Chen 14

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ESTONIA - Women

Portugal wins in Estonia -by Eurobasket News
Estonia - Portugal 71:73
Portuguese team narrowed the gap to Bosnia in Group B of the Eurobasket Division B. They overcame Estonian team away from home and improved to 5-2 record. Estonia suffered their 6th loss at the competition and fell to 2-6 record. Portugal will face Great Britain in the last round and needs a win to hope for qualification.
The hosts opened the game confidently and rolled to a 15:7 lead early in the first frame. However Portugal gradually found the right rhythm and tied the scoreline at the end of the quarter. Estonia started the second frame with a 9:4 rally to clear off to a 33:26 distance. But two three pointers late in the first half allowed Portugal to surge ahead 38:35 at halftime. The game remained close in the third stanza but Merike Anderson (177-G-81) scored 8 points for the home side and they entered the fourth term in front 57:53. Another six points from Merike Anderson early in the fourth frame lifted Estonia to a 66:56 advantage. But Portugal responded with a 10:0 run to draw teams. Aleksandrova drained a trey to put the hosts ahead 69:66 with just over 1 minute remaining. Paula Muxiri (186-F/C-81, college: ODU) answered with a long jumper for Portugal. Later Sofia Ramalho (168-G-80) and Merike Anderson exchanged free throws and the teams were tied at 71 with 16 seconds left in regulation. But Paula Muxiri got fouled and converted two free throws with 6 seconds on the clock. Merike Anderson had a chance to save the day for Estonia but committed a turnover and sealed the win for the visitors.
Joana Lopes (185-G/F-86) led balanced Portuguese offense with 16 points. Paula Muxiri and Sofia Ramalho added 14 points for the winners. Merike Anderson scored game-high 27 points, dished out 10 assists and pulled down 9 boards for Estonia. Kedru Arbet (185-F-80) had 11 points and 11 boards in a loss.

Estonia: Merike Anderson 27+10 assists +9 boards, Kedru Arbet 11+11 boards
Portugal: Joana Lopes 16, Paula Muxiri 14, Sofia Ramalho 14

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FIJI - Women

Oceania Championship: Fiji's Olympic hopes -by Gauthier Gerard
For the first time in the country's history, Fiji's women basketball team will have an opportunity to play in the 2008 Olympic Games. The fijians only need one single thing: a victory over New Zealand in the upcoming Oceania Championships.

Australia is already qualified for the Olympics thanks to its World title last year, the aussies will send an experimental team in the Championships with many young players. But even with a B (or C) squad, Australia is still above the rest. New Zealand and Fiji will compete for the second spot which is an automatic berth for the Olympics, the losing team would compete in a tricky Olympic qualifying tournament next year against teams from Europe, America, Africa and Asia.
Fiji has never defeated New Zealand but the country is improving fast. Fiji is without any doubt the best team in the Pacific Islands. 2007 South Pacific Games Gold medalist, the fijians only lost by 10 in the 2006 Oceania Youth Tournament against the host New Zealand. A fijian win seems like a long shot but the girls and definitely ready for it.

Schedule:
Wed 26th September - New Zealand v Australia
Thur 27th September - Australia v Fiji
Friday 28th September - New Zealand v Fiji
Saturday 29th September - FINAL

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HUNGARY - Women

Cohen pours in 33 over Hungary and gives Israel great chances to advance from the group -by Eurobasket News
Israel-Hungary 82:60 (20-28, 13-11, 22-10, 27-11)

Israel won the second game in the group and tied at 2-2. In the game against Hungary, Israel got so important win and revenged for the 54:73 loss in Hungary. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) was unstoppable for the winners pouring in 33 points. Laine Selwyn (170-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) collected 14 points and made 11 rebounds, while Liad Suez-Karni (191-F/C-81, college: Villanova) ended up with 11. Timea Beres (192-C-76) nailed 15 points and made 8 rebounds in defeat.
On Saturday Israel will play the tournament's last game in Bulgaria, and they know all they need is to do better than a 12 point loss to clinch 1st and move on to the winners tournament in Italy, where three teams will compete for the final ticket to Eurobasket 2007.
Hungary felt more at home as they won the opening quarter 28:20. The visitors continued to increase the lead early in the second and reached 22:33.
In the second half the spectators enjoyed the outstanding performance by the team including the best player, Liron Cohen. Israel won the third 22:10 and overwhelmed in the last 27:11.
Hungary finished the group at 2-2. The same result can have also 2 another teams in the group. The game between Bulgaria and Israel will be the last in the group this Saturday. Anything better than an 11 point loss will clinch 1st place for Israel, and only a 23 point loss will drop them to third.

Israel: Liron Cohen 33, Laine Selwyn 14+11 rebs, Liad Suez-Karni 11+7 rebs
Hungary: Timea Beres 15+8 rebs, Andrea Karolyi (183-F/G-75) 9

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ISRAEL - Women

Cohen pours in 33 over Hungary and gives Israel great chances to advance from the group -by Eurobasket News
Israel-Hungary 82:60 (20-28, 13-11, 22-10, 27-11)

Israel won the second game in the group and tied at 2-2. In the game against Hungary, Israel got so important win and revenged for the 54:73 loss in Hungary. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) was unstoppable for the winners pouring in 33 points. Laine Selwyn (170-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) collected 14 points and made 11 rebounds, while Liad Suez-Karni (191-F/C-81, college: Villanova) ended up with 11. Timea Beres (192-C-76) nailed 15 points and made 8 rebounds in defeat.
On Saturday Israel will play the tournament's last game in Bulgaria, and they know all they need is to do better than a 12 point loss to clinch 1st and move on to the winners tournament in Italy, where three teams will compete for the final ticket to Eurobasket 2007.
Hungary felt more at home as they won the opening quarter 28:20. The visitors continued to increase the lead early in the second and reached 22:33.
In the second half the spectators enjoyed the outstanding performance by the team including the best player, Liron Cohen. Israel won the third 22:10 and overwhelmed in the last 27:11.
Hungary finished the group at 2-2. The same result can have also 2 another teams in the group. The game between Bulgaria and Israel will be the last in the group this Saturday. Anything better than an 11 point loss will clinch 1st place for Israel, and only a 23 point loss will drop them to third.

Israel: Liron Cohen 33, Laine Selwyn 14+11 rebs, Liad Suez-Karni 11+7 rebs
Hungary: Timea Beres 15+8 rebs, Andrea Karolyi (183-F/G-75) 9

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IVORY COAST - Women

Mozambique '07: First Bank, Dolphins, ABC to represent Zone-3 -by Olusegun Ikuesan
The trio of First Bank basketball club (Nigeria), Dolphins basketball club (Nigeria) and ABC basketball club (Cote d'Ivoire) have been picked to represent FIBA Africa Zone-3 at the final round of the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Club Cup Competition for Women billed for Maputo, Mozambique.

According to FIBA Africa Zone-3 president, Muktar Khaleh from Nigeria, the decision to pick the three clubs was based on their performance in past finals.

This year's final round of the champions club competition for women holds between October 19 and 28 and the winner will represent Africa at the 2008 FIBA World Club Championship.

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NIGERIA - Women

FIBA Africa Championship for Women: Nigeria coach, Nnaji confident of Senegal outing -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Head coach of the Nigeria senior female national team, Scott Nnaji is confident that the defending champion would retain the FIBA Africa Championship holding in Senegal from September 21 through 30.

Speaking in an exclusive telephone chat with www.fiba-africa.com Tuesday the Nigeria Customs Officer says the players are in high spirit to lift the trophy for a record third time after winning in 2003 (Mozambique) and 2005 (Nigeria) and book the automatic Beijing Olympic Games tickets.

The light skin coach of the Nigerian side says all the players have reported to camp which was moved from Nigeria capital, Abuja to Zaria for convenience except team captain, Mfon Udoka, Mactabene Amacrere and Rashidat sodiq whom he said would join others in camp before the final list is announced Thursday.

Fourteen players were called to camp by the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF last week with twelve foreign base and two home base among them are the trio of Udoka Amacrere and Sodiq who are still being awaited, others include, Chioma Udeaja of First Bank Elephant Girls basketball club of Lagos, Kikelomo Saliu of Sunshine Angels of Akure, Ononiwu Chisaokwu, Eworomadu Joyce, Oha Ugochukwu, Egenti Charity, Mojidi Sefi, Tairu S. Abidemi, Marie Izidor Enjol, Sanni Olayinka and Okorie Mercy. Kevin Cook as Technical Adviser, Nnaji - Head Coach and Adewumi Aderemi as Assistant coach, leads the technical crew.

Mozambique '07: First Bank, Dolphins, ABC to represent Zone-3 -by Olusegun Ikuesan
The trio of First Bank basketball club (Nigeria), Dolphins basketball club (Nigeria) and ABC basketball club (Cote d'Ivoire) have been picked to represent FIBA Africa Zone-3 at the final round of the 13th FIBA Africa Champions Club Cup Competition for Women billed for Maputo, Mozambique.

According to FIBA Africa Zone-3 president, Muktar Khaleh from Nigeria, the decision to pick the three clubs was based on their performance in past finals.

This year's final round of the champions club competition for women holds between October 19 and 28 and the winner will represent Africa at the 2008 FIBA World Club Championship.

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POLAND - Women

Poland reaches 4-0 in group A -by Eurobasket News
Slovenia-Poland 51:54 (10-12, 14-6, 12-21, 15-15)

Poland wins the group A grabbing the 4th straight win. In a tough game over Slovenia the Polish squad got a road 51:54 win. The result was achieved due to the third quarter that they won 21:12. Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abilene Christian) led the winners with 18 points. Andrzej Tlumak (203-C-80) ended up with 8 points, while Dorota Gburczyk (188-F-79) had 7. Maja Erkic (182-G/F-85) top-scored for Slovenia nailing 16 points.

Poland celebrates the win in Group A and stays perfect in it. Kobryn opened the game with a jump shot and then Agnieszka Bibrzycka closed the quarter at 12:10.
Slovenia had a better second quarter and dominated in the court at that time. The hosts allowed Poland to score only 6 points in it as the result was 14:6. Slovenia got 24:18 lead at the half.
The third quarter belonged to Poland and it did not take too much time to tie the game. Agnieszka Bibrzycka with a three made the score 29:29. Gajda's jump shot brought Poland 39:36 lead after three quarters.
In the last the game reminded carousel. With 51:50 for Slovenia Pawlak and Gajda brought the win for the guests. A tough, but an importand 54:51 win and Poland is first in the group.

Slovenia: Maja Erkic 16, Markovic 13, Katja Temnik (188-C/F-78) 8+20 rebs
Poland: Agnieszka Bibrzycka 18, Andrzej Tlumak 8, Dorota Gburczyk 7

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PORTUGAL - Women

Portugal wins and it´s almost in division A -by Bruno Baltazar
Portugal defeated Estonia (73-71) in ver close game.
Portugal continues in the race for a place in the Division A, after defeating Estonia but the victory of Great-Britain against Bosnia obligates Portugal to win Great Britain in the next Saturday in Evora. About 7 minutes to the end of game,Portugal was losing for 66-56 but in last forcing we obtain to go to search the game with the final result to be fixed of the free-throw line for Paula Muxiri iin 4,3 seconds of the term. They had lined up and they marked: Sofia Ramalho (14), Joana Lopes (16), Paula Muixiri (14), Sara Filipe (12) and Debora Escorcio (12), that they had formed the 5 initial; Fatima Silva (1) and Tamara Milovac (4), had been the other used players. Portugal has the decisive game in next Saturday, in Evora, for the 15:45 hours.

Boa Viagem signs two foreign players -by Luis Rocha
Boa Viagem is completing it´s roster, now they sign two foreign players. Joi Scott (183-F-84) an all-around player who can do a bit of everything in the game, specially when it comes to score. The other player is a center her name is Kristin Wiener (191-C-85), and she´s also has nice numbers in her curriculum. A tandem to help Boa Viagem in all the competitions they enter.

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RUSSIA - Women

Russia secures the Gold in Vidnoe -by Eurobasket News
Russia - Australia 74:51

Russian National team has just won an internatioanl 4-Nations tournament in Vidnoe. Four teams participated in the tourney and Russia emerged as winners overcoming China, Lithuania and recent World champions Australia.
Yesterday Russian team took on Australia in the Final and drove to a comprehensive victory. This final reminded of the last year's World Championship decider, where the Opals celebrated a win. Now Russia took a revenge and grabbed the trophy. It was the second loss of the Opals to Russian team throughout the competition.
Australia entered the game on a 8:2 rally to surprise the hosts. However Oxana Rakhmatulina (180-G-76, agency: LBM Management) found the touch from outside the arc and Russia gained the right speed. They enjoyed a 45:36 lead at halftime. The second half did not change the situation as Australia committed too many turnovers and played somewhat sloppily defensively. Russia used to the full and spurred ahead to an overall victory.
Oxana Rakhmatulina led the home side with 18 points. Minnesota Lynx guard Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) added 17 points for the winners. Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) replied with 10 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists for Aussies. Laura Summerton (191-C-83, agency: LBM Management) had 8 points and 4 boards in a losing clause.
China smashed Lithuania in the Bronze medals game 95:63.

Russia: Oxana Rakhmatulina 18, Svetlana Abrosimova 17
Australia: Rohanee Cox 10, Laura Summerton 8

Gundars Vetra is the Head Coach of CSKA -by Eurobasket News
Today Women Basketball Club CSKA signed the 1+1 year contract with Latvian coach Gundars Vetra .
Very famous and talented player, Vetra started his coaching career in 2002, signing with Barons Riga for three seasons. Barons played in the national championship semifinals (2004), next season the team became the finalist of the league (2005). In 2004 he was named the «Coach of the Year» in Latvia. Also Vetra was the assistant coach of the national team of Latvia (2003).
After three years in Latvia Vetra was invited to Russia and worked in Ural-Great Perm as assistant coach. Ural-Great won FIBA Europe Cup that year.
Last season Vetra returned to Barons and was the head coach of the team, leaded it to the national championship semifinals.
Courtesy of: http://eng.cska.bcvbm.ru

CSKA signed Irina Sokolovskaya -by Eurobasket News
Women basketball club CSKA signed the one year contract with forward Irina Sokolovskaya (186-F-83) (186, 1983).
Last three seasons Irina played in Vologda. Her average stats in the Russian championship: 31 games, 12.2 pts, 3.3 rbs, 1.3 ast, 2FGP: 49.0%, 3PT: 40.0%, FT: 86.0%.
Irina Sokolovskaya played 10 games in Europe: 12.1ppg, 3.8rpg, 1.6apg, 1.1spg, FGP: 57.1%, 3FGP: 38.9%, FT: 71.4%.
Courtesy of: http://eng.cska.bcvbm.ru

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SLOVAK REP. - Women

Zirkova buried Ukraine nailing 32 points -by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic-Ukraine 89:69 (23-22, 18-16, 21-17, 27-14)

Slovak Republic stays perfect in Group C of Additional Qualifying Round for Eurobasket. In the third game the team got the third straight win, this time over Ukraine 89:69. A victory in every quarter brought the hosts a positive result. Zuzana Zirkova (175-F-80) was unstoppable for the winners scoring 32 points. Lenka Kovacova (175-G-91) netted 14, while Zuzana Blaskova (-90) ended up with 11. Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81, agency: LBM Management) finished the game with 16 points for Ukraine. The latter felll at 1-3 and stays out.

Olena Ogorodnikova opened the game with a three to give Ukraine the confidence in the opening tip. Zuzana Zirkova's three crossed the lead of the guests when the score became 14:12. Ukraine however luckily finished the quarter with 23:22. The team played a bit better in the second quarter and stayed in front for the majority of the time. Luptakova's jump shot sent the teams to the interims with 41:38 for the hosts.
In the third quarter Slovak Republic pushed the tempo and increased the lead to 10 points. Jalcova with a free throw made the score 54:44. Zuzana Zirkova's three brought the hosts 21-point deficit when the board showed 73:62. Her three pointers in the end of the game closed the game at 89:69.

Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova 32, Lenka Kovacova 14, Zuzana Blaskova 11
Ukraine: Olena Ogorodnikova 16, Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) 14+ 10 rebs

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SPAIN - Women

PDV-Ibiza replaces Sandora Irvin by Kristen Rasmussen -by Ivan Villar
Kristen Rasmussen (188-C-78, college: Michigan St.) will play in Ibiza next season replacing Sandora Irvin.The center knows very good spanish league after playing here from 4 years ago.She can play as 3,4 or 5 so Jordi Fernandez shall have many options.Ibiza's team hopes to be in high positions this year,and the truth is that roster is very good.

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TANZANIA - Women

JKT Queens and Lady Lion lose -by Carlos Pereira
By Renatha Msungu

JKT Queens yesterday continued to perform poorly in the on-going East and Central Africa Basketball Club Championships in Kigali, Rwanda.
Hosts APR of Rwanda hit them 71-61 in the match played at the Amahoro Stadium on Tuesday evening.
JKT Queens showcased a good game in the first half but failed to cope with the rhythm of the armed forces team in the second half.
Top scorer of JKT was Evodia Kazinja who registered 21 points while APR`s Mariam Benja scored 22.
This is the second match JKT are losing after being beaten by Kenya Port Authority 84-35 in the opening match.
Lady Lion also of Tanzania were defeated 65-33 in their first match against Kampala City Council (KCC) of Uganda on Tuesday.
Amina Ahmed emerged top scorer for the Mainland team on 12 points.

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U.KINGDOM - Women

Great Britian hands the first loss to Bosnia -by Eurobasket News
Great Britain - Bosnia and Herzegovina 66:44

Great Britain team revived the intrigue in Group B of the Eurobasket Division B after they edged previously unbeaten Bosnia at home yesterday. Kristy Lavin (180-F-82) and Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) scored 17 points apiece to ensure the first defeat for Bosnian squad. Great Britain now climbed to 5-2 record, while Bosnia and Herzegovina fell to 6-1 record on top of the ladder.
Great Britain used 14:2 rally late in the first quarter to pile up a 21:8 lead. The hosts opened the second quarter with another 8:1 run to establish a massive 29:9 advantage midway through the game. Bosnia only managed to cut the gap to 16 points at halftime 21:37.
British players dominated the game in the third stanza and easily restored 20-point lead to enter the final term in front 52:32. Bosnia struggled to find weapon against British aggressive defense and posted numerous mistakes to lose the game.
Rosalee Mason (180-F/G-79, college: Manhattan) netted 9 points for Great Britain. Amra Mehmedic (177-F-81, agency: LBM Management) answered with 10 points for Bosnia. Mirela Besic (176-F-84) had 7 points and 7 boards in a losing clause.
British players shot 59% from close range and 80% from free throw line. Bosnia and Herzegovina converted only 25% from the field and 61% from charity stripe. Bosnia also committed 23 turnovers.
Bosnia will next face Luxembourg at home. Great Britain takes on Portugal on the road.

Great Britain: Kristy Lavin 17, Megan Moody 17, Rosalee Mason 9
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Amra Mehmedic 10, Mirela Besic 7+7 boards

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UKRAINE - Women

Zirkova buried Ukraine nailing 32 points -by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic-Ukraine 89:69 (23-22, 18-16, 21-17, 27-14)

Slovak Republic stays perfect in Group C of Additional Qualifying Round for Eurobasket. In the third game the team got the third straight win, this time over Ukraine 89:69. A victory in every quarter brought the hosts a positive result. Zuzana Zirkova (175-F-80) was unstoppable for the winners scoring 32 points. Lenka Kovacova (175-G-91) netted 14, while Zuzana Blaskova (-90) ended up with 11. Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81, agency: LBM Management) finished the game with 16 points for Ukraine. The latter felll at 1-3 and stays out.

Olena Ogorodnikova opened the game with a three to give Ukraine the confidence in the opening tip. Zuzana Zirkova's three crossed the lead of the guests when the score became 14:12. Ukraine however luckily finished the quarter with 23:22. The team played a bit better in the second quarter and stayed in front for the majority of the time. Luptakova's jump shot sent the teams to the interims with 41:38 for the hosts.
In the third quarter Slovak Republic pushed the tempo and increased the lead to 10 points. Jalcova with a free throw made the score 54:44. Zuzana Zirkova's three brought the hosts 21-point deficit when the board showed 73:62. Her three pointers in the end of the game closed the game at 89:69.

Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova 32, Lenka Kovacova 14, Zuzana Blaskova 11
Ukraine: Olena Ogorodnikova 16, Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) 14+ 10 rebs

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VENEZUELA - Women

Moving forward -by Wolfgang Lucena
Our great point guard Katerine Monasterios, aka “Kate” received a scholarship from Frank Phillips College at Borger Texas.
“Kate” has been playing a good level of basketball with the Distrito Federal women's basketball team in all its level. When she was 11 years old until she turned 20, Monasterios has a tremendous record as Venezuelan player with 16 points per games, 7 assist and becoming a sniper from the three point line with 7 by game. She earned the best scoring player in the U-16 South American Basketball Tournament Colombia, Bogota 2000. Now she is taking this new challenge, we are sure that she will be good ad for FPC.

Good Luck Kate… Make us proud!!

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WNBA - Women

SHOCKing comeback home for Phoenix -by Eurobasket News
Phoenix - Detroit 83:88
Detroit stepped closer to defending their WNBA title as they defeated Phoenix Mercury away from home yesterday. Detroit now grabbed a 2:1 lead in the series and would look to complete the series in Game 4 in Phoenix.
Phoenix enjoyed a short lead at the start of the game when Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi (5'11''-G-82, college: Connecticut) made it 5:0 for the hosts. But Detroit quickly returned with a 9:0 run to claim the lead. Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) capped the first frame with a jumper to give Detroit a 30:23 advantage. The Shock held on to the lead throughout the second frame and finished the half with 50:45 dominance. Phoenix managed to cut the deficit to 3 points a couple of times throughout the third stanza but could not surge ahead. Kelly Miller (5'10''-G-78, college: Georgia) converted two free throws with just over 2 minutes left in the game to narow the gap to 2 points 77:79. But Deanna Nolan responded with a trey to make it 82:77. The teams exchanged the bunch of free throws and Phoenix appeared trailing by 3 points 83:86 with 4 seconds remaining. Deanna Nolan was fouled and proved deadly from charity stripe sealing the victory for the visitors.
Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) topscored for Detroit with 22 points connecting 4/8 three pointers. Deanna Nolan added 20 points, 11 boards and 6 assists for the winners. Diana Taurasi netted 22 points for Phoenix. Tangela Smith (6'4''-F/C-77, college: Iowa) had 17 points and 12 boards in a losing clause.
Phoenix outrebounded Detroit 47:42 but lacked accuracy from the field. The hosts managed just 25% of field goals, including 16% from beyond the arc. Detroit replied with 44% from the field and 80% from free throw line. Both teams committed 12 turnovers.
Game 4 is scheduled for tomorrow, September 13.

Phoenix: Diana Taurasi 22, Tangela Smith 17+12 boards, Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) 16+14 boards
Detroit: Katie Smith 22, Deanna Nolan 20+11 boards, Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) 12