EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/16/2007

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Slovan tests Clemons -by Zeljko Zule
Geoplin Slovan is testing American Ricky Clemons (180-G-80, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Missouri) ex Sokolow Jaroslaw.

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ARGENTINA

Liga A 2007/2008 official rosters: Estudiantes Bahia blanca -by Facundo Iatzky
Jose Muruaga
Pablo Gil
Juan Manuel Torres (208-C-84)
Gerardo Barrera
Javier Scheines
Pedro Franco
Mariano Franco
Lucas Faggiano
Kevin Freeman (201-F-78, college: Connecticut)
Jamaal Levy (206-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest)
Nicolas Paletta
Leandro Cecchi (201-G/F-88)
Diego Rosatti
Cristian Aguiar (201-C-89)

Coach: Guillermo Lopez

Penarol signed Erick Rodriguez -by Facundo Iatzky
The last runner up of Liga A peñarol Mar del Plata signed their second foreigner and completed their roster. The selected player is puertorican Erick Rodriguez (190-G-79, agency: Next Level) who will play his first season overseas. Erick made his debut in the game against Pedro Echague for the Argentinean cup. Peñarol also added Alejandro Konsztadt who comes to play in Pedro Echague.

Liga A 2007/2008 official rosters: El Nacional Monte Hermoso -by Facundo Iatzky
Djibril Kante (201-C-80, college: Indiana St.)
Michael Peeples (201-G/F-85, college: Fairleigh Dickinson)
Mariano Castets (188-G-83)
Cristian Amicucci
Pablo Barrios
Federico Ferrini
Patricio Rodriguez (193-F-84, agency: Players Group)
Fabian Sahdi
Ramiro Henrich
Sebastian Farias
Francisco Hoffman (192-F-89)
Lucas Perez (183-G-87)
Fabricio Montironi
Juan Diomedi
Jose Gutierrez
Pedro Barcelona (194-F-88)
Iñaki Ugarte
Juan Manuel Lara (F-91)
Alexis Elsener

Coach: Juan Garcia

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COLOMBIA

Federation Cup - Standings -by Victor Garcia
Standings:
1-Arrieros 28 pts
2- Bucaros 27 pts
3- Piratas 24 pts
4- Soles 21 pts
5- Indervalle 21 pts
6- Patriotas 18 pts
7- Condores 15 pts

Federation Cup, September 14 results -by Victor Garcia
Bucaros 73
Arrieros 76
Arrieros defeated Bucaros as visitor and is the solid leader of the 2007 Colombian Basketball Federation Basketball Cup sponsored by Saludcoop.
In the game between the two top teams, Arrieros impose its game, stopping Bucaros fastbreak game and forcing them to play half court, Arrieros defense works over Trudo , Moreno and Lolar, and in the offense Aragon in the perimeter and Williams in the paint were a headache to Bucaros.
Bucaros had a good second quarter leaded by Guevara, but in third Arrieros adjust is defense and cut the distance, the game was tied at the end of the third quarter, Jorge Leon of Arrieros in the place of the injured Jermaine Walker had also a solid game.
For Bucaros Moreno , Guevara , Trudo and Salcedo leaded the offense, but it was the lowest score for Bucaros in the Cup with just 73 pts.
Arrieros could have Jermaine Walker back in the starting five tonight.

Alcaldia de Tunja 117
Indervalle 113
Patriotas Alcaldia de Tunja achieved its third victory of the season, defeating Indervalle in Tunja, Indervalle has lost 5 games in a row, and now both teams needs a miracle to get a ticket to the semifinals.
Jose Lopez was the best scorer in Alcaldia de Tunja and Brian Woodward in Indervalle

Soles 86 - Victor Lever 24 pts
Piratas 75 - Dajuan Gouard 22 pts
Soles is a hard one to beat in its home, and yesterday night defeated Piratas, Soles with two games less is close to clinch a semifinals ticket, and Piratas is still third but his schedule is hard and will visit Bucaros .
Soles that miss Patrick Culver who leave the team with an injury, had yesterday night Antoine Curley playing the center.

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CROATIA

Croatia demolished France 86:69 -by Eurobasket News
France-Croatia 69:86 ( 13-21, 18-26, 19-14, 19-25)

Croatia booked a place in next summer's pre-Olympic qualifying tournament by beating France 86:69. Marko Popovic (185-G-82) and Zoran Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) (198-G-82) led the winners with 15 points each. Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) supported them with 14 points, while 2 more other players reached the double digits. Tony Parker (183-G-80) nailed 18 points for France and Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) netted 11.Croatia will struggle against Germany for the 5th, while the favorites France and Slovenia will take on 7th of EuroBasket 2007.

Who knows what would happen if the game was semifinal. Boris Diaw opened the game and for France that was the only lead in the game. Croatia grabbed already 21:13 to finish the opening quarter.
Trailing by 12 points Yakhouba Diawarra, Boris Diaw and Yohann Sangare all hit three-pointers to cut the deficit back down to 29:26. Croatia meanwhile answered with 18-5 run that gave them 47:31 lead at the break.
It was again French time to reduce when they produced 11 consecutive points early in the third. France won the quarter 19:14 and trailed by 11 points before the last.
Croatia pushed the tempo and increased the lead to 20 points in the fourth quarter. Florent Pietrus (202-F-81, agency: Octagon) made the final, 69:86 score.

France: Tony Parker 18, Boris Diaw 11
Croatia: Marko Popovic 15, Zoran Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) 15, Nikola Prkacin 14

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EURO CHAMPS

Spain beat Greece again and reaches the Final -by Eurobasket News

Spain-Greece 82:77 (24-18, 17-21, 18-21, 23-17)

Spain reached the Final of Eurobasket 2007 and upset the defending Champions in Serbia. The hosts of the tournament overcame the ambitious Greece and now can watch another semifinal game, Lithuania-Russia. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) led the winners with 23 points. Jose Manuel Calderon (190-G-81) supported them with 18, nailing some important three pointers. Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) was the best for the Greek squad having 24 points.
Spain started the game fresher and were supported by the spectators. That gave the team to finish the first quarter at 24:18. Meanwhile Greece won the second and trailed by 39:41 at the half. Moreover Greece left the third quarter being in front by 1.
In the end of the game after Greece had 67:65 Jose Manuel Calderon nailed a three to give Spain lead back. Juan Carlos Navarro with a lay-up brought 70:67. For a minute the teams played a tough defense and did not allow the score to change. Greece thought only of a three pointers in order to tie the game. With 1.44 remaining Jose Manuel Calderon made 74:68 and it was a great relief for the hosts. Vasilis Spanoulis reduced to 74:70 scoring his 23rd points in the game. After 76:70, Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) nailed a three to trail by 3. Jimenez made 2 free throws with 24 seconds remaining to give Spain 78:73. The game is probably over, but not for the Greek team. Zisis with a three made 78:76 and the teams had to play 18 more seconds, however at first Greece fouled and then lost the ball.
Spain led the game to the happy end and reached the FINAL.


Spain: Pau Gasol 23, Juan Carlos Navarro 23, Jose Manuel Calderon 18
Greece: Vasilis Spanoulis 24, Panagotis Vasilopoulos 10, Ntikoudis 8



Slovenia ... Black Out No 2 -by Zeljko Zule
Germany made a 18-5 run in last five minutes as defeated Slovenia 69-65 in the 5th-8th classification round of EuroBasket 2007. Slovenia will play against France on Sunday for seventh place and last Olympic Qualifying Spot. Jaka Lakovic collected 17 points and 6 assists, Matjaz Smodis scored 16 points and Radoslav Nesterovic had 13 points and 9 rebounds.
SLOVENIA 65 (16+15+23+11): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 17, Dragic 3, Nesterovic 13, Smodis 16, Slokar, Klobucar DNP, Jagodnik 5, D.Lorbek 8, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 3.
GERMANY 69 (18+14+14+23): Demirel 2, Okulaja 7, Arigbabu, Garrett DNP, Herber, Hammann 6, Greene 16, Roller, Gruenheid DNP, Femerling 4, Nowitzki 28, Jagla 6.

Greece rallies from 16-point deficit to beat Slovenia -by Zeljko Zule
Greece overcame a 12-point deficit in the final 2:30 to knock off Slovenia 63-62 and live on for another chance to defend their EuroBasket title. Slovenia made a 18-2 run spanning halftime and had their largest lead at 58-42. But Theo Papaloukas 11 of his 17 points posted in last quuarter including a game winning lay-up with 6,7 seconds remaining. Radoslav Nesterovic (212-C-76) had 16 points, 11 reboudns and 5 assists, Jaka Lakovic added 14 points and Matjaz Smodis 10.
SLOVENIA 62 (17+17+17+11): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 14, Dragic 7, Nesterovic 16, Smodis 10, Slokar 4, Klobucar DNP, Jagodnik 2, D.Lorbek 2, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 7.
GREECE 63 (14+14+12+23): Papaloukas 17, Bourousis 2, Zisis 7, Spanoulis 6, Vasilopoulos 2, Pelekanos, Chatzivrettas 2, Ntikoudis 4, Tsartsaris 6, Diamantidis 5, Papadopoulos 10, Kakiouzis 2.

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FRANCE

France faces Croatia for 5-8 places -by Eurobasket News
France will meet Croatia today in the first game for the 5-8 places of Eurobasket 2007. Both teams had a pity loss in the Quarterfinals, however will do the best to finish higher.

France lost to Russia 71:75 in an exciting first Quarterfinal game. 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. In that game France was led by Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) who poured in 17 points. An NBA star Tony Parker (183-G-80) finished the game with 15 points.
In the French roster Tony Parker leads the top-scorers averaging 18.9 points per game. He is also the best in assists statistics with 2.7 per game.

As for Croatia it is still in the memories the loss from Lithuania last night. Croatia surprised everyone when they started very ambitious. The team won the opening quarter 19:17 and looked also good in the second. After three quarters Croatia was still in front having 2 points advantage. With 27 seconds remaining in the game Lithuania led 74:70. Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) made two free throws and reduced the score till 74:72. It was him who stepped into the line again with 1 second remaining. Unfortunately he missed the first one and did the same, however by purpose in the second try.

France and Croatia will desire to prove that deserved even the semifinals. Their game start at 14.00.

Croatia demolished France 86:69 -by Eurobasket News
France-Croatia 69:86 ( 13-21, 18-26, 19-14, 19-25)

Croatia booked a place in next summer's pre-Olympic qualifying tournament by beating France 86:69. Marko Popovic (185-G-82) and Zoran Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) (198-G-82) led the winners with 15 points each. Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) supported them with 14 points, while 2 more other players reached the double digits. Tony Parker (183-G-80) nailed 18 points for France and Boris Diaw (203-F/C-82) netted 11.Croatia will struggle against Germany for the 5th, while the favorites France and Slovenia will take on 7th of EuroBasket 2007.

Who knows what would happen if the game was semifinal. Boris Diaw opened the game and for France that was the only lead in the game. Croatia grabbed already 21:13 to finish the opening quarter.
Trailing by 12 points Yakhouba Diawarra, Boris Diaw and Yohann Sangare all hit three-pointers to cut the deficit back down to 29:26. Croatia meanwhile answered with 18-5 run that gave them 47:31 lead at the break.
It was again French time to reduce when they produced 11 consecutive points early in the third. France won the quarter 19:14 and trailed by 11 points before the last.
Croatia pushed the tempo and increased the lead to 20 points in the fourth quarter. Florent Pietrus (202-F-81, agency: Octagon) made the final, 69:86 score.

France: Tony Parker 18, Boris Diaw 11
Croatia: Marko Popovic 15, Zoran Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) 15, Nikola Prkacin 14

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GERMANY

Joe Deister back in Stahnsdorf -by Moritz Korff


Joe Deister back in Stahnsdorf -by Moritz Korff


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GREECE

European Championships: Spain - Hellas 41-39 HT. -by Chris Mammides
European Championships: 5 against 8!!!!
Spartans against Bullfighters!! Spain-Greece 41-39! The half time just finished in Madrid and the score is 41-39 The Hellenes against the World Champs are really playing heroic, against the Spanish team and the men in Gray!! The referees are calling the home team and are hostile against the Greeks; moreover the Spaniards are amazing from the arc. They have scored their 21 points (out of 41 with 7/14) out of three pointers; Calderon and Gasol are really amazing as they scored 22 points together. Unfortunately though, the referees are being unfair with the Hellenes, some of their “actions” are the following: Papaloukas called 3 fouls in the first 15 minutes, with at least one not being, Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) was called an unbelievable foul against Fernandez with the Greek player not even being in the scene!! The fouls called din the half time are 19 against 8!!!
The game in a real derby with the Greeks being really amazing as they only played (came alive against the Slovenians) 16 hours ago. Coach Giannaki's team is showing its real character and the reason why considers to be among the crème de la crème of the World Basketball. The Spanish will probably win the game (with such a percentage in three pointers) and the referee's decision but they really gave a hard time to the Spaniards and they prove to be a really tough nut for the World champs
The amazing 13-2 in the last 3 minutes can really showed the passion of players such us Vasilis Spanoulis (who scored 7 points in the last three minutes)
The derby goes on and Eurobasket.com states, “may the best team win” without the referee's decision…

The third quarter just started with 3 fouls in 30 seconds against the Greeks…

European Championship: Spain-Hellas 82-77 and Spain in the Finals -by Chris Mammides
European Championships: 5 against 8!!!!
The game just finished! The Hellenes lost the game (as expected) the final score was 82-77 with Spaniards qualifying in the final and the Hellenes remaining in Madrid to play against the team which will loose tonight between Lithuania vs Russia for the Bronze medal and the immidiate qualificatin in the Olympic games of 2008
The Greek team had as the fatal player the yesterday's hero, Theodoros Papaloukas tried to penetrate the Spanish defense but he committed a mistake and the final 11 seconds the Spaniards just succeeded to score all their free throws and finalized the game with 82-77.
The Spanish team had as top performers the NBAer Gasol, Calderon and La Bomba Navarro.
On behalf of the Hellenic team, top scorer was Spanoulis (who missed the most crucial free throw, 10 seconds before the end of the game) while Vasilopoulos was really great in the 12 minutes used by Head coach Panagiotis Giannakis (he missed the crucial three pointer 6 seconds before the end of the game)

European Championships: Spain - Hellas 59-60 3rd quarter.. -by Chris Mammides
European Championships: 5 against 8!!!!
The third quarter just finished and the Hellenes against the Spaniards and the referees are in leading the score!! The score is 60-59!! With Spanoulis and Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) being the top performers for the Greek NT while La Bomba Navaro is unstoppable with 16 points. At the end of the quarter the nervous Spaniards tried to change the “mood” by creating a small fight after the second block shot of Diamantidis.. The referees are really hostile against the Greeks, Garbajosa is a great actor!!!
The game will be amazing until the very end, the Spaniards will probably win but the game is really a derby!!!

-by Chris Mammides


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HOLLAND

Den Helder Seals signs Kourtney Calvin -by Fred Roggen
Kourtney Calvin (203-F-83) has signed a contract for the 2007-2008 season with Den Helder Seals. Calvin will be the last player added to the roster. The power-forward/center played last season for Chicago State.

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HUNGARY

ZTE KK: Dametri Hill on tryout! -by Tamas Deri
The management of ZTE KK just informed us a couple of hours ago, that they invited american center Dametri Hill (203-C-74, college: Florida) on a try-out. Hill is a very experienced big man who used to play in a lot of countries of Europe already: Israel, France, Latvia, Cyprus, Portugal, Slovakia. Last season he spent in the slovakian championship with the team of Nitra where he averaged 17.9ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.0apg, 1.4spg, 2FGP: 42.8%, 3PT: 29.1%, FT: 74.6% in 37 games and got voted to the Center of the season!

Pre-Season Tournaments -by Tamas Deri

This weekend five pre-season tournaments will be played in Hungary: in Nyiregyhaza, Pecs, Kaposvar, Szombathely and Sopron. The tournaments in Nyiregyhaza and Pecs started yesterday the other three a couple of hours ago!

VIII. GRAND TRANS CUP, NYIREGYHAZA
Thursday, 13th of September 2007 (Day one)

Marso-Vagep NYKK-Spisska Nova Ves (slovakian) 94-77
(34-14, 23-23, 20-12, 17-28)
NYKK: Branko Savic (181-G-79) 16/3, Robert Laslo (194-G-84) 22, Nagy K., Erno Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 28/6, Oukid 10, Farkas 2, Trepak 10, Krasznai 5, Cservenak, Bus M. 1, Toth D.
Spisska Nova Ves (best scorers): Pesta 15, Madaj 14/3, Baldovsky 10

Szolnoki Olaj KK - Novi Sad (serbian) 97-81

Olaj KK: Toth 7/3, Thomas Kelley (188-G-76, college: Michigan St.) 22/3, Laszlo Cziczas (187-G-79) 14/6, Andrius Jurkunas (205-F-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services, college: Clemson) 13/3, Harazin 10, Szabo 7/3, Gaal 2, Kovacs 6, Cseh, Kenyeres.



Friday, 14th of September 2007 (Day two)

Szolnoki Olaj KK - Spisska Nova Ves (slovakian) 82-71

(17-17, 22-14, 22-18, 21-22)
Nyiregyhaza, Att:: 50
OLAJ: Thomas Kelley 29/9, Laszlo Cziczas 29/15, Toth 3/3, Harazin 6, Andrius Jurkunas 3/3, Cseh 1, Szabo 4, Gaal 2, Kovacs 5

Marso-Vagep NYKK - KK Novi Sad (serbian) 105-104

(23-28, 27-18, 26-23, 20-27, 9-8)

NYKK: Branko Savic 23/9, Robert Laslo 24, Mouton 7/3, Erno Sitku 33/12, Oukid 13, Nagy K. 5/3, Trepak, Krasznai

IV. PVSK CUP, PECS
Thursday, 13th fo September 2007 (Day one)

Albacomp - MBK-Komarno (slovakian) 81-71
(24-26, 11-18, 26-10, 20-17)
Albacomp (best scorers): Balazs Simon (188-G-80, agency: Court Side) 23/6, Velibor Radovic (202-F/G-72, agency: Beo Basket) 19/3, Kenneth Kenneth Henderson (201-F-82, college: Texas Arlington) 16, Christian Brown 8, Bencze Zoltan 8


PVSK-Expo Center Pecs - Univer-Kecskemet 87-80
(19-13, 24-20, 19-20, 25-27)
Pecs, Att.: 500, Referees: Forrai, Toth K., Torok R.
PVSK-Expo Center Pecs: Krisztian Wittmann (184-G-85, agency: FCM) 14/6, Gergely Hosszu (190-G-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 2, Dragan Dragan Aleksic (196-G-70, agency: Beo Basket) (196-G-70, agency: Beo Basket) 17/9, Toth N. 4, Lapov 12/3, Peter Grebenar (211-C-81) 8, Hickman 9/6, Czigler 14, Kutasi 7/3, Head Coach: Volgyi Peter
Univer-Kecskemet: Sigurdarson 2, Horvath 11/3, Toth P. 10/6, Rod Flowers (206-C-82, college: Tennessee St.) 17/3, Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83) 21/9, Csorvasi 6, Szabo Zs. 4, Halmai 5, Vida 2, Csabay 2, Lekli, Coach: Zsoldos Andras


Friday, 14th of September 2007 (Day two)

Albacomp - Univer KSE 101-67

(29-14, 27-22, 24-16, 21-15)

Albacomp: Balazs Simon 19/6, Brown 8/6, Velibor Radovic 21/15, Kenneth Henderson 14, Bencze 13, Nuber 4, David 11, Soos 5/3, Hanga 4, Keller 4
Univer: Toth P. 4, Horvath A. 5/3, Halmai, Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83) 14/3, Rod Flowers 14/6, Szabo Zs. 5/3, Vida 9, Csabay, Csorvasi 16

MBK Rieker Komarno (slovakian) - PVSK-Expo Center Pecs 63-64
(19-16, 19-18, 19-16, 6-14)
Pecs, Att.: 400, Referees.: Farkas G., Vetek, Pestality
MBK Rieker Komarno: Unatinsky 2, Fapso 10/6, Barisisc 7, Majoros 13/3, Pivac 11/3, Maric 7, Lehman 7, Kablar 4, Farkas 2, Coach: Ladislav Stajger
PVSK-Expo Center Pecs: Wittmann 11, Hickman 7, Gergely Hosszu 15/9, Toth N., Peter Grebenar 18, Eilingsfeld 4/3, Kutasi 7, Lepsenyi, Polya 2, Kovacs P, Coach: Volgyi Peter
KRASZNAI CUP, SOPRON
Friday, 14th of September 2007 (Day one)
Lami-Ved Kormend- Klosterneuburg (austrian) 87-77
(20-24, 24-20, 23-16, 20-17)
Sopron, Att.: 200, Referees: Forrai, Nemeth A., Kurucz

Kormend: James Wright (187-G-81, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Colorado) 21, Ferencz 10/6, Trummer, Peter Vavra (203-F/C-80) 12, Dzidic 5/3, Martin Mihajlovic (208-C-81, agency: Interperformances) 17/6, Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 22/9, Toth G., Kocsis T., Coach: Zsebe Ferenc

Klosterneuburg, (best scorers): Martin 14, Hamidovics 12/6


Soproni Sordogok - SMAFC 108-68



AND1 CUP, KAPOSVAR

Friday, 14th of September 2007 (Day one)


Planet Leasing Dombovar KC-BK ESO Lucenec (slovakian) 88-70

(22-7, 14-21, 23-26, 29-16)
Kaposvar, Att.: 100, Referees: Csabai, Sojtory, Domonkos

DKC (best scorers): Du Juan Wiley (206-C-75, college: Michigan St.) 22/6, Julien Mills (193-G-84, agency: Warren Sports, college: Ball St.) 20/6, Attila Deak (193-F-77) 15/9, Marco Sanders (202-F-79, college: Point Park) 11, Mike English (193-F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: Mo.-Kansas City) 11/6

Lucenec (best scorers): Sykora 14, Praznovski 12, Kovacevic 12, Suja 11


KK Darda (croatian)-Kaposvari KK 71-94

(15-10, 15-29, 14-31, 24-27)
Kaposvar, Att.: 300, Referees: Bognar, Franyo, Szabo
KK Darda: Kresic (19/6), Mandic (2), Meznaric (6), Ridl (18/9), Maslic (9), Katavic (-), Antanackovic (4), Bodrazic (8), Miljkovic (5/3), Radan (-), Coach: Renato Martinko
Kaposvari KK: Quinton Day (15), Kiss K. (5/3), Carl Edwards (196-F-81, college: Charleston) (16/12), Roland Hendlein (201-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) (15), Orosz (6), Kovacs D. (4), Tomosvary (10/3), Szőke (8), Csirke (5/3), Biro (3), Takacs G. (-), Markus (5/3), Coach: Viktor Berezsnoj



VIII. FALCO-CSATAR CUP, SZOMBATHELY

Friday, 14th of September 2007 (Day one)


ZTE KK-Oberwart Gunners 79:71

(26:20, 17:15, 15:20, 21:16)

Szombathely, Att.: 200, Referes: Sabali, dr. Magyari, Nemeth Cs.

ZTE: Vladimir Miskovic (188-G-78) 17/6, Mark Walters (188-G-82, agency: Warren Sports, college: N.Mexico) 16/3, Kaman 6, Balazs Hoffmann (198-F-80) 18, Keresztes 5, Gaspar 11/3, Baki 4, Toth A. 2., Coach: Nikola Lazic

Oberwart, (best scorers): Youngblood 20, Stegnjaic 15, Boone 12/3, Coach: Ante Perica


Falco KC Szombathely- Furstenfeld Panthers 103:90

(34:25, 29:15, 17:19, 23:31)

Szombathely, Att.: 600, Referees: Benczur, Torok, Toth K.

Falco: Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 24/12, Doyne 11, Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) 20/6, Arnas Kazlauskas (204-C/F-76, agency: Court Side) 17/6, Feigl 8, Nikola Aliakseyeu (212-C-78, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Buffalo) 15, Will -, Varadi 8, Borszeki -, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic

Furstenfeld (best scorers): Fraser 23, Goljovic 20/6, Coach: Pit Stahl





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LITHUANIA

Russia-Lithuania. Welcome to the semifinals -by Eurobasket News
Russia and Lithuania will find out the second finalist of the Eurobasket 2007. Their game is scheduled as the last one tonight and will start at 21.30.

Lithuania is still the favorite of the game, being the only undefeated team in the tournament. Why still, because only in the game against Spain and with a tremendous support by the local fans will make the hosts the favorites of the game. The Baltic team grabbed the ticket to the semifinal thanks to Zoran Planinic from Slovenia who missed 2 free throws with a second remaining. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) led the winners with 20 points. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri) ended up with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Rimantas Kaukenas netted 8. Lithuania deserved the win a bit more and now looking forward to the next game.

Russia defeated France 75:71 in the quarterfinals.It will be their first time in 10 years to reach that level of Eurobasket. Russian players never allowed for the French to get too big lead as the latter led the most of the game. The deciding part of the game was last quarter, where Russian outscored France 22:15. Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) took a leader's role that game and proved that Russia is not 'one player team'. He poured in 16 points, made 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The Russian star Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) left the game earlier as he got 5 fouls in the end of the game.

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MONTENEGRO

KK Mornar Bar sign Bojan Mihajlovic -by Eurobasket
KK Mornar Bar added to their roster 19-year old Serbian forward Bojan Mihajlovic (202-F-88). Mihajlovic played most recently at Radnicki 034 Group Kragujevac (SRB).

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PHILIPPINES

Former Yugoslavian National Team coach helping RP basketball -by Hector Santos

Vlade Djurovic, former Yugoslavian national team and Bulgarian national team head coach, gave it to Patrick Gregorio straight: “If you want to get back on the Asian basketball map, you have to have at least one 7-foot player in the team.”

And since he is aware that we don't grow basketball players that tall in the Philippines, 59-year old Serbian coach said we will need to naturalize, the way we did 20 years ago in the case of Jeff Moore, Dennis Still and Chip Engelland, none of whom even came close to 7 feet.


“Vlade said the most important positions in a basketball team are those of center and point guard. He said we have many good point guards but no good center. Compared to the other Asians, he rated the Filipino basketball player as “good”, but not excellent, not even very good,” said the BAP-SBP project director, who has been tasked by chair Manny V. Pangilinan to study and evaluate European basketball philosophy which has proven so effective in recent years.

“We've tried the American and Asian philosophies, but these didn't work for us. Maybe the European philosophy will.”

Gregorio said 80 participants from the PBA, the PBL and the collegiate leagues from all over the Philippines attended the two-day clinic conducted by Djurovic at the Fort in Taguig.

“To my recollection, it was the first time we had a basketball clinic conducted by a European. He had many ideas which were new to us.”

SBP is considering hiring Djurovic long term, to teach basketball on the grassroots level and even perhaps to coach the national team.

Gregorio said that Djurovic, for his part, felt it would be a great honor if he succeeds in helping the Philippines find itself back in the world basketball map.

“He said he's getting old and that might be a legacy he can leave to both Serbia and the Philippines. Do you know that he didn't charge us a single centavo for his clinic? He even paid for his own air fare.” (Philippine Daily Inquirer)



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POLAND

Marcin Flieger new guard in Viking Gdynia -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk
Polish guard Marcin Flieger (182-G-84, agency: Promotex) just finalized last weeks negotiations with Viking Gdynia and will be new player of last season DBE newcomer. Flieger moving from Czarni Slupsk to Viking with hope to playing more then in top team of Igor Griszczuk and just in first game of tournament in Torun yesterday he scored 14 points and made 4 assists against Atlas Stal Ostrow Wlkp..

source: www.promotex.org

Malcolm Battles coming to Kotwica Kolobrzeg -by Wojciech Strzebinczyk
Another player signing with Kotwica Kolobrzeg. This time coming forward who can play inside and have outside playing skills American Malcolm Battles (205-F/C-79, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: N.Mexico). Battles will replace Sean Densison and he's very experienced with past carrer in top leagues like Italy (Adecco Milano), Spain (Caja San Fernando Sevilla, Caja Rural Melilla) and last few years in South and North America in Mexico, Venezuela and was star in USBL and WBA teams. Last month he finished his playing in Chilian DIMAYOR league team Deportivo Comunal Ancud with 18.7 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.3 apg in 3 games.

source: www.promotex.org

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PORTUGAL

Esgueira signs foreign player -by Luis Rocha
Esgueira signed Ben Frederick (208-C). This center comes to help behind the boards, and if he shows some value and get well adapted certainly will be a great signing. He´s height and weight can made some diference if the techical factors are there.

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ROMANIA

CS Rapid Bucuresti sign Zoran Milovic -by Eurobasket
CS Rapid Bucuresti added to their roster 30-year old Serbian power forward Zoran Milovic (204-C/F-77). Milovic played most recently at KK Sloga Societe Generale Kraljevo (Serbia).

CS Rapid Bucuresti sign Ivan Krstic -by Eurobasket
CS Rapid Bucuresti strengthened their roster with addition of 32-year old Bosnian forward Ivan Krstic (198-F-75). Krstic played most recently at Radnik Bijeljina (Bosnia).

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RUSSIA

Russia-Lithuania. Welcome to the semifinals -by Eurobasket News
Russia and Lithuania will find out the second finalist of the Eurobasket 2007. Their game is scheduled as the last one tonight and will start at 21.30.

Lithuania is still the favorite of the game, being the only undefeated team in the tournament. Why still, because only in the game against Spain and with a tremendous support by the local fans will make the hosts the favorites of the game. The Baltic team grabbed the ticket to the semifinal thanks to Zoran Planinic from Slovenia who missed 2 free throws with a second remaining. Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) led the winners with 20 points. Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri) ended up with 19 points and 9 rebounds, while Rimantas Kaukenas netted 8. Lithuania deserved the win a bit more and now looking forward to the next game.

Russia defeated France 75:71 in the quarterfinals.It will be their first time in 10 years to reach that level of Eurobasket. Russian players never allowed for the French to get too big lead as the latter led the most of the game. The deciding part of the game was last quarter, where Russian outscored France 22:15. Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) took a leader's role that game and proved that Russia is not 'one player team'. He poured in 16 points, made 7 rebounds and 6 assists. The Russian star Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) left the game earlier as he got 5 fouls in the end of the game.

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SERBIA

Friendly games and market news -by Dragan Jankovski
Sloboda Dita defeats Crvena Zvezda 74:69 (16:16,24:18,15:13,19:22) on the tournament "Tuzla 2007". Sloboda had plus 14 during the game but in the last quarter visitors came on 67:65. In the last two offenses red and white team made two turnovers while hosts were concentrated from the free throw line and won. Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) was the best in Zvezda scoring 22 points. Team from Belgrade will meet Slovenian Zlatorog today in the battle for the third place.

Masinac celebrated against Danilovgrad in the friendly game 69:48.

The biggest reinforcement of ALBA Berlin, point guard Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket), got serious injury of right knee during the practice of his club in Slovenia. After surgery, which is expected to be in the next 2-3 weeks, he will be sidelined around 6 months. Words of ALBA Berlin's CEO Marco Baldi about new situation were: “This is a huge misfortune for us because Jeretin suppose to be central figure of the team. We wish him good luck and fast recovering!”

Experienced Milan Prekovic (195-G-75) agreed terms with Feni Industrija Kavadarci (FYROM Superleague).

KK Sloboda Uzice sign Mirko Vukajlovic -by Eurobasket
KK Sloboda Uzice (B League) strengthened their roster with addition of 27-year old domestic guard Mirko Vukajlovic (198-G-80). Vukajlovic played most recently at Kecskemeti Univer KSE (Hungary).

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SLOVENIA

Greece rallies from 16-point deficit to beat Slovenia -by Zeljko Zule
Greece overcame a 12-point deficit in the final 2:30 to knock off Slovenia 63-62 and live on for another chance to defend their EuroBasket title. Slovenia made a 18-2 run spanning halftime and had their largest lead at 58-42. But Theo Papaloukas 11 of his 17 points posted in last quuarter including a game winning lay-up with 6,7 seconds remaining. Radoslav Nesterovic (212-C-76) had 16 points, 11 reboudns and 5 assists, Jaka Lakovic added 14 points and Matjaz Smodis 10.
SLOVENIA 62 (17+17+17+11): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 14, Dragic 7, Nesterovic 16, Smodis 10, Slokar 4, Klobucar DNP, Jagodnik 2, D.Lorbek 2, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 7.
GREECE 63 (14+14+12+23): Papaloukas 17, Bourousis 2, Zisis 7, Spanoulis 6, Vasilopoulos 2, Pelekanos, Chatzivrettas 2, Ntikoudis 4, Tsartsaris 6, Diamantidis 5, Papadopoulos 10, Kakiouzis 2.

Slovan tests Clemons -by Zeljko Zule
Geoplin Slovan is testing American Ricky Clemons (180-G-80, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Missouri) ex Sokolow Jaroslaw.

Slovenia ... Black Out No 2 -by Zeljko Zule
aGermany made a 18-5 run in last five minutes as defeated Slovenia 69-65 in the 5th-8th classification round of EuroBasket 2007. Slovenia will play against France on Sunday for seventh place and last Olympic Qualifying Spot. Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) collected 17 points and 6 assists, Matjaz Smodis scored 16 points and Radoslav Nesterovic had 13 points and 9 rebounds.
SLOVENIA 65 (16+15+23+11): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 17, Dragic 3, Nesterovic 13, Smodis 16, Slokar, Klobucar DNP, Jagodnik 5, D.Lorbek 8, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 3.
GERMANY 69 (18+14+14+23): Demirel 2, Okulaja 7, Arigbabu, Garrett DNP, Herber, Hammann 6, Greene 16, Roller, Gruenheid DNP, Femerling 4, Nowitzki 28, Jagla 6.

Slovenia ... Black Out No 2 -by Zeljko Zule
Germany made a 18-5 run in last five minutes as defeated Slovenia 69-65 in the 5th-8th classification round of EuroBasket 2007. Slovenia will play against France on Sunday for seventh place and last Olympic Qualifying Spot. Jaka Lakovic collected 17 points and 6 assists, Matjaz Smodis scored 16 points and Radoslav Nesterovic had 13 points and 9 rebounds.
SLOVENIA 65 (16+15+23+11): Cebular DNP, Lakovic 17, Dragic 3, Nesterovic 13, Smodis 16, Slokar, Klobucar DNP, Jagodnik 5, D.Lorbek 8, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 3.
GERMANY 69 (18+14+14+23): Demirel 2, Okulaja 7, Arigbabu, Garrett DNP, Herber, Hammann 6, Greene 16, Roller, Gruenheid DNP, Femerling 4, Nowitzki 28, Jagla 6.

Stanko Barac loaned to Union Olimpija? -by Matej Bergant
As It was already confirmed from Goran Dragic (192-G-86, agency: Interperformances)'s side, TAU Ceramica and Union Olimpija the player should be loaned to Union Olimpija for one season after the end of Eurobasket 2007. Union Olimpija also showed interest in getting another TAU Ceramica's player on loan. They are interested in getting Croatian Stanko Barac (217-C-86) on loan for one year.

Stanko Barac signed 3+2 years contract with Spanish powerhouse TAU Ceramica during this summer transfer period. He was picked as 39th in 2nd round of NBA Draft 2007 by Miami Heat but his rights got traded to Indiana Pacers. In the past season he played for Siroki Prima pivo where he averaged 13.0ppg, 7.1rpg, 1.4apg and 1.8bpg in 26 Adriatic League games. TAU Ceramica made him available for loan. He is currently playing for Croatian National Team on Eurobasket 2007.

Goran Dragic signed with TAU Ceramica at the end of 2005-2006 season from Slovenian Geoplin Slovan. After that he was loaned to Polaris World Murcia for one season. He averaged there 4.6ppg, 1.9rpg, 1.7apg in 27 ACB games. He is currently playing for Slovenian National Team on Eurobasket 2007.

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SPAIN

Spain will play against Greece again. This time in the semifinal -by Eurobasket News
Spain will face Greece in the first semifinal game of Eurobasket 2007. The road to that stage was different for the teams and being the favorite of the tournament, Spain will have to prove it as Greece brought a sensation last night.

An amazing 21-4 run in the last quarter gave the Greek team the chance to defend their title. The most highly paid European player, Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances) proved once more why the Russians worship him. He finished the game with 17 points, being the top-scorer of the team.

Spain reached the semis after a wonderful victory over Germany. A great game in all the quarters brought the hosts of Eurobasket 2007 a 83:55 win. Jose Manuel Calderon (190-G-81) paced the winners with 17 points. Juan Carlos Navarro netted 12, while Rudy Fernandez collected 12.

Earlier in this tournament, in the qualifying round, Spain defeated Greece 76:58. Top scorer and MVP of the game was Fernadez with 20 points followed by Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) with 15 and Rejes with 10 points. Giannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) top-scored for Greece with 10 points followed by Theodoros Papaloukas who ended up with 9 points.

Spain beat Greece again and reaches the Final -by Eurobasket News

Spain-Greece 82:77 (24-18, 17-21, 18-21, 23-17)

Spain reached the Final of Eurobasket 2007 and upset the defending Champions in Serbia. The hosts of the tournament overcame the ambitious Greece and now can watch another semifinal game, Lithuania-Russia. Pau Gasol (214-F/C-80) and Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) led the winners with 23 points. Jose Manuel Calderon (190-G-81) supported them with 18, nailing some important three pointers. Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) was the best for the Greek squad having 24 points.
Spain started the game fresher and were supported by the spectators. That gave the team to finish the first quarter at 24:18. Meanwhile Greece won the second and trailed by 39:41 at the half. Moreover Greece left the third quarter being in front by 1.
In the end of the game after Greece had 67:65 Jose Manuel Calderon nailed a three to give Spain lead back. Juan Carlos Navarro with a lay-up brought 70:67. For a minute the teams played a tough defense and did not allow the score to change. Greece thought only of a three pointers in order to tie the game. With 1.44 remaining Jose Manuel Calderon made 74:68 and it was a great relief for the hosts. Vasilis Spanoulis reduced to 74:70 scoring his 23rd points in the game. After 76:70, Panagotis Vasilopoulos (202-F-84, agency: FCM) nailed a three to trail by 3. Jimenez made 2 free throws with 24 seconds remaining to give Spain 78:73. The game is probably over, but not for the Greek team. Zisis with a three made 78:76 and the teams had to play 18 more seconds, however at first Greece fouled and then lost the ball.
Spain led the game to the happy end and reached the FINAL.


Spain: Pau Gasol 23, Juan Carlos Navarro 23, Jose Manuel Calderon 18
Greece: Vasilis Spanoulis 24, Panagotis Vasilopoulos 10, Ntikoudis 8



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TRINIDAD

Davis Joins Birmingham Panthers -by Don Farrell

American Mario Davis has signed for the Birmingham Panthers ahead of the 2007-08 British Basketball League season.
The 27-year-old shooting guard Davis attended the club's summer workouts and impressed the club¹s coaching staff headed by former Barbados captain and national coach Nigel Lloyd.

"This is a great story," Lloyd told the BBL website on Thursday. "Mario flew over from Trinidad to work out with us on a Saturday morning. He trained with us and then in the evening he played in the Nike Midnight Madness tournament.
Davis, who helped Unit Trust Maloney Pacers to the 2006-2007 Super 10 Basketball League finals only to lose the champions Defence Force, was named
the League's top shooting guard. He was also a member of the North All Stars team.
Lloyd added that the 6-4 shooting guard impressed everyone that saw him with his great attitude and his work ethic.
"He was hungry, he wanted to work hard, and he really wanted to show us that he wanted to be here in Birmingham," Lloyd said.
"He worked out with us again on the Sunday, took a little rest on Monday, and then jumped on a plane and went home on Tuesday.
"He is just the kind of guy we are looking for, he just showed up and wanted to show us that he can play and to prove to us that he belonged at this level.
"Everyone that saw him when he worked out with us ask, 'You're going to keep him, right'?"
Davis is the husband of Trinidad and Tobago's national netball captain Rhonda John Davis.
T&T had the talented Shawn Myers and Michael Payne played in the BBL and between them they have won three BBL Championship medals and two BBL Playoff championships.
"We will likely play him as a two-guard, since he likes to shoot the ball, and has a great jump shot," Lloyd said.
He also helped Maloney Pacers to the East Zone title in 2006, while averaging 20.6 points and 7.4 rebounds per game and was voted the the Most Valuable Player of the league.
For the 2007 season he switch clubs and has helped Straker Nets to the North Zone champonship series.
The Panthers commence their BBL Championship campaign on Saturday, September 22, when they face the Leicester Riders in the Midlands derby.



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TURKEY

New web site for Hedo -by Sinan Can
ORLANDO Magic's Turkish star Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) will open a web site for the fans. All news, updates, special statements and photos about Hedo will be released by www.hedo79.com web adress.

Third foreigner at Kepez -by Sinan Can
KEPEZ Belediyespor announced official agreement with Dominican Republic international player Dominic Mejia. Young guard will be the second Drexel alumni in Beko Basketball League with Pinar Karsiyaka's power forward Chaz Crawford. Mejia who has known as a combo guard, averaged 12.9 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.3 assists for Drexel on his senior season. After signing Kevin Johnson, Lorenzo Gordon and Dominic Mejia, Kepez will complete the roster with another foreigner.

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U.KINGDOM

Jets Say Goodbye To Billy and Hello To Gianni Costantiello -by Eurobasket News
BiG Storage Cheshire Jets have announced that ex-player coach and all-time Northgate favourite “Big” Billy Singleton (200-C-68, college: St.John's) will not be returning to the BiG Storage Cheshire Jets squad for the new season, as he has been offered the prestigious position of Director of Basketball Operations at St Johns University, New York. Singleton, 39, was born in New York and played for the “Johnnies” in the late 1980s and early '90s.

Jets Player-Coach, TJ T.J. Walker , commented: “ Ever since I came to the BBL, I have talked with Bill, several times a season - saying that we really had to play on the same team some time, and it looked for a long time this summer like this was going to be the year - but he has been given this great opportunity to advance his career in Basketball, so it looks like it was never meant to be!

Paul Smith, BiG Storage Cheshire Jets Director of Basketball added - it's impossible to measure how much Billy has given to the Jets over the years. Even at this stage of his career - if you give him the ball in the paint, nine times out of ten he scores. In the last couple of seasons, when there has been a shortage of players for whatever reason, Billy has played much more than he intended, and he has still managed to make many significant contributions. We wish him all the best in his new position, and hope he can perhaps spot a few likely recruits for Jets rosters in the years to come!”

Meanwhile TJ has wasted no time in trying to fill Billy's size 13 boots! He has managed to gain the signature of a 6' 7'' Power Forward called Gianni Costantiello (201-F/C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Ottawa) in time for the new season. Gianni is 27 years old, and has an Italian passport, though he also has Canadian connections , having attended University in Ottawa. He has considerable European experience, having played for Mainz and for Weissenhorn in Germany, Aridane (Spain), Pepsi (Italy) and Ajaccio (France).

“With the team we currently have , with three BBL rookies”, explained TJ, “We needed someone with experience and a calm head to help them settle in. With Gianni, you know you will get someone who will just arrive, slot in and play his part. His wide experience of playing in Europe will be invaluable”

Gianni is expected to make his Jets debut in the friendly game at the Northgate Arena against the Leicester Riders on 16 th September at the Northgate Arena.
Courtesy of: http://www.jetsbasketball.co.uk/

JetWash James Is Back -by Eurobasket News
BiG Storage Cheshire Jets are are delighted to announce that the captain of their renowned “Jetwash” team of 2002 has agreed to re-sign with the club for the 2007 - 2008 season. James, who first joined the club in 1999, has helped the Jets win a mass of trophies in the past - apart from the clean sweep in 2002, he was also a member of the team that won the BBL trophy for four consecutive years from 2001 and 2004 and has spent a year as Assistant Coach when present Director of Basketball, Paul Smith was Chief Coach

James, three times a BBL all-star now 35, was born in Grand Blanc, Michigan and attended Iowa State University and Bradley University in the USA. He has also had experience of playing in Switzerland, Hungary, Australia and New Zealand, as well as other stints in the BBL with London Towers and Worthing Bears in the mid-1990s. He has long been a favourite with the Northgate faithful, due to his whole hearted commitment and ability at both ends of the court - not only a regular scorer, but an outstanding defensive rebounder.

TJ Walker,Chief Coach of BiG Storage Cheshire Jets , commented, “I am delighted to welcome James back to the Jets. With three rookies coming on from the States, it is absolutely essential for them to have a wise and experienced presence around them - to help them get used to the league, to the referees, to the particular feel of the BBL - and they don't come any wiser or more experienced than James”

Director of basketball. Paul Smith added, “You cannot underestimate what someone like James brings to the team - tremendous heart and great intelligence at both ends of the court. I think that is often overlooked, because people focus on his offensive talent and miss what he can do on defence. He is a tremendous defensive player.”
Courtesy of: http://www.jetsbasketball.co.uk/

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URUGUAY

Atenas and Welcome lead the League -by Hector Lopez
Robert Taylor (182-G, college: Rider) scored 33 points and Richard Matienzo (202-F/C-69, college: Miami Dade CC) added 24 when Atenas defeated Malvin, the 2006 champions, 85-74, for the second round of the Uruguayan League. Atenas has a perfect record 2-0, and is leading the League with Welcome. Welcome beat Pysandu 91-80.
Results and scorers (incluiding import players)
Atenas 85 - Taylor 33 points 5 assi., Matienzo 24 and 8 rebounds
Malvin - Emilio Taboada (193-F-82) 24, Juan Wyatt (203-F-84, college: Alcorn St.) 5, Kim Adams (203-F/C-82, college: Arkansas St.) 4.
- - -
Welcome 91 - Johnny Rodriguez (197-F/C-83), Kevin Nelson (192-G-84, college: Park) 16, Brandon Voorhees (201-G/F, college: Park) 9
Paysandu 80 - Francisco Cabrera (187-G-80) 18, Louis Truscott (198-F-78, college: Houston) 15 and 13 rebounds, Cory Largent (201-F-80, college: W.Carolina) 10.



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Women News

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AFRICAN CHAMPS - Women

Senegal '07: Nigeria captain, Udoka storm camp, as coach Cook calls up Ojelabi, Adebeli -by Olusegun Ikuesan
Nigeria quest to successfully defend the FIBA Africa Championship for Women title received a big boost Sunday with the arrival in camp of team captain and reigning championship most valuable player, Mfon Udoka.

Udoka who was been expected by the Kevin Cook led coachin crew arrived for the all important title defence with Nigeria taking on the Lioness of Cameroon on September 21 in group-B.

The Nigerian captain was been expected alongside Mactabene Amachere and forward Rashidat Sodiq from their base but only Udoka whose kid brother Imeh also plays for the Nigeria men's team.

And to be certain of not being cought offgguard by the non-arrival of Amachere and Sodiq the coaching have extended invitation to 2005 match winner for Nigeria in Abuja when it hosted and retianed the championship, First Bank basketball club offguard, Funmilayo Ojelabi-Ogunleye and youthful point-guard, Amaka Adibeli.

According to information reaching www.fiba-africa.com, coach Cook and his assistants Scott Nnaji and Adewumi Aderemi were impressed by the form of both Ojelabi-Ogunleye and Adibeli when the national team took on their team First Bank basketball club in friendly game to access the level of preparedness of the players in the national camp.

The final list of the Nigerian team is expected to be announced Tuesday as the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF have concluded arrangement to fly the team out on Wednesday.

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BELGIUM - Women

Belgium hosts international tournament -by Eurobasket News
Belgium National team continued their preparation for the upcoming Eurobasket 2007. They host an international tournament and posted two games recently.
First Belgium team took on the Bronze medalists of the last three Eurobaskets - Spain. The teams played a close basketball throughout the first quarter and Belgium secured a narrow 24:22 lead. Spain though took the initiative in the second term and gained a 34:32 lead at halftime. The visitors controlled the game further on and extended the gap in the third stanza. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) looked impressive for Belgium but it was not enough to celebrate win at the end. Spain cruised to a 82:67 victory at the end and once again proved their ambitions for future tournament.
Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) led Spain with 21 points. Ana Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) had 15 points for the winners. Ann Wauters notched 21 points for Belgium. Kathy Wambe (174-G-81) had 14 points in a loss.

However the home side rebounded in the second game of the competition. They faced Latvia and overcame them 75:60. Belgium grabbed the lead early on and enjoyed a 45:26 dominance at halftime. Latvia struggled in accuracy allowing Belgium to build up a comfortable lead. The hosts entered the fourth term leading by 15 points and never looked back in it. Ann Wauters once again paced her teammates with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Nele Deyaert (186-F-79) added 12 points for the winners. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (176-F-83) responded with game-high 28 points for Latvia.

Belgium - Spain 67:82
Belgium: Ann Wauters 21, Kathy Wambe 14
Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 21, Ana Montanana 15

Belgium - Latvia 75:60
Belgium: Ann Wauters 20+10 boards, Nele Deyaert 12
Latvia: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 28

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BULGARIA - Women

Israel losses to Bulgaria, but advances from the group -by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria-Israel 76:72 (21-23, 23-12, 14-18, 18-19)

Bulgaria beat Israel 76:72, however allows the latter to advance the winner's tournament. With three teams in the group at 2-2. Israel has better results and is the only team to qualify from the group. Chirov paced Bulgaria with 19 points. Nataliya Topalova (187-F-80)-Shopova netted 15, while Elena Yolovska (183-F-74) had 11. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) top-scored for Israel with 21 points.
Israel could lose even by 12, however took a game into their hands from the first minutes. The visitors won the opening quarter 23:21 and looked very ambitious.
The Bulgarians had a great second quarter to go on 23:12 and take 44:35 at the half. Bulgarians scored inside and outside and ran out to 51:39, the exact spread Bulgaria needs. Israel found their strength and reduced to 58:53 after three. Branzova made it a 10 point game with 2:30 to play, however Israel could score 9 points in that period of time to finish at 72:76.

Next week, on Wednesday and Thursday, Israel will face the other two bracket winners Poland and Slovakia. The team that finishes first will win the final ticket to the European Championships at the end of the month.

Bulgaria: Chirov 19, Nataliya Topalova-Shopova 15, Elena Yolovska 11
Israel: Liron Cohen 21, Laine Selwyn (170-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) 13, Suez Karni 13

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CROATIA - Women

Croatia takes a leadership in Cervia Tournament -by Eurobasket News
Italy-Croatia 88:101 2OT (21-24; 41-39; 56-60)

Croatia celebrated the second win in the Cervia Tournament. A thriller against the hosts, Italy brought double overtime 101:88 win. Petra Stampalija (190-C-80) led the winners with 23 points. Lelas ended up with 19, while Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) netted 17. Dubravka Dacic (201-C-85, agency: Interperformances) top-scored for Italy with 18 points and made 15 boards.

The game was tough and reminded the upcoming tournament. Croatia led in the opening quarter and finished it with 24:21. Italy, meanwhile went to the interims with 2 points deficit, 41:39. Everything fine was for Croatians before the last quarter as they had 60:56 advantage, but Italy tied the score in the end. The psecators were pleased to see another quarter and as it was known and another one.

Macchi forced the first overtime with 2 free throws at the end of regulations, but in the second overtime the Croatian offense was unstoppable for the Azzurre. In another game Serbia overcame Germany 80:64. Today Croatia is having a day off as 4 another teams participate in it. France can tie Croatia in the group if they beat Germnay tonight.

Italy: Dubravka Dacic 18+15 boards, Francesca Zara (178-G-76) 17, Modica 14, Masciadri 12, Macchi 11
Croatia: Petra Stampalija 23, Lelas 19, Sandra Popovic-Mandir 17, Perisa 13

Croatia defeats Serbia in Italy -by Eurobasket News
Croatia won the first game in the preparation Cervia tournament in Italy. In the tough game against Serbia Croatia reached the first win. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) led the winners with 22 points. She made four out of five three pointers to have such an outstanding result. Ivana Grubor (185-F/C-84) top-scored for Serbia with 19 points.
In another game of the tournament France beat Germany in overtime 58:52. The host country of the tournament will start today.

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E.CHAMPS (W) - Women

Slovak Republic, Israel and Poland will struggle for the last spot in Eurobasket 2007 -by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic, Israel and Poland will struggle for the last spot in Eurobasket 2007. All of them deserve a place in the upcoming tournament, however there is only one place left for three of them. The winner of the additional qualifying tournament will be given the 16th and final berth in EuroBasket Women where they will play in Group A along side Turkey, Latvia and defending champions Czech Republic.

Slovak Republic remained unbeaten in Group C and qualified to the additional tournament for Eurobasket 2007 with 4-0 record. In the last game of the group Slovak Republic had a road win over Sweden 55:76. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) (184-F-84) led the winners with 16 points. Luisa Michulkova (177-F-84) and Anna Jurcenkova produced 13 points each.

Poland celebrated the win in Group A and stayed perfect in it as well. Poland won 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 had 7.

Israel won Group B, however finished as two other teams in the group with 2-2 record. Israel has better results and is the only team to qualify from the group. In the last game of the group Bulgaria beat Israel 76:72. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) top-scored for Israel with 21 points.

Slovak Republic and Israel open the qualifying round on September 19th.

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FINLAND - Women

EUROBASKET: Finland defeated Slovenia by 18 pts -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Eurobasket, Division A, Group A, Additional Qualifying Round. Vantaa, Finland 15.9.: Finland - Slovenia 90-72 (46-37). Quarters: 29-20, 17-17,
18-18, 26-17. Finland had to win by 16 pts or more...and the game was very exciting. Slovenia made 34 fouls in the game and five Slovenia players
fouled out during the contest. Finland had the lead from the beginning untill the final buzzer and the lead was between 1-18 pts. The result means,

that Team Finland will play in Division A also in the future. FIN: Reetta Piipari (170-G-80, college: Xavier) 25, Niina Laaksonen 22/10, Taru Tuukkanen 19/8, Heta Korpivaara 11. (F: 1 - 66,0%, 2 - 44,2%, 3 - 30,4%. R: 30+19=49). SLO: Maja Erkic (182-G/F-85) 21, Mocja Markovic 14/7. (S: 1 - 75,0%, 2 - 40,4%, 3 - 25,0%. R: 29+13=42).



Finland avoid last position in Group A -by Eurobasket News
Finland-Slovenia 90:72 (29-20, 17-17, 18-18, 26-17)

Finland made everything they could and reached the necessary result. In the last game of Group A Qualifying Round the team overcame Slovenia 90:72. Reetta Piipari (170-G-80, college: Xavier) led the winners wit 25 points. Jenni Laaksonen (186-F-81) collected 22 points and 10 rebounds, as Tuukkanen scored 19 and grabbed 18 boards. Mojca Markovic (177-G-79) nailed 21 points in the losing effort. A 18-points advantage lifted Finland to the second spot. In Slovenia the hosts won 72:56 which was +16. That time Mojca Markovic posted 15 points for Slovenia. Nina Jenni Laaksonen led the guests with 17 points and 9 rebounds and Taru Tuukkanen added 15 points. Poland finished in this group first with 4-0 record.

Finland knew that in order to avoid the last spot they should have to win more than 16. The first quarter showed that it is not a problem as at that time the hosts had 29:20. The next two quarters were tough and both teams tied them at 17 and 18 respectively.
Finland used a 26:17 in the last quarter to leave the last place in the group.

Finland: Reetta Piipari 25, Jenni Laaksonen 22+10 rebs, Tuukkanen 19+18 rebs
Slovenia: Mojca Markovic 21, Marina Markovic (181-G/F-91) 14

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FRANCE - Women

NT: A strong second half performance by Serbia was enough to beat France -by Leslie Anderson

France lost to Serbia (72-65) in their second match of the competition. France controlled the match in the first half and went into the break with a comfortable lead of 11 points.

Serbia woke up in the second half and quickly scored 10 unanswered points and then went on to take control of the match with some exquisite inside outside play. France were not able to regain the rhythm of the first half and lost out to their opponents in all sectors of the game when it mattered most.

Serbia hit 61% from inside the , while France managed 46%. Serbia were less forgiving at the free throw line as they put away 16 from a total of 17, while France managed 10-of-18.


France 65-72 Serbia (21-16, 16-12, 13-25, 15-19)

France : Beikes 4, Le Drean 12, Dumerc 8, Gruda 11, Lawson-Wade 6, Sauret-Gillespie 3, Reghaïssia 2, Gomis 2, Bade 9, Dijon 1, Yacoubou 7, Ndongue (dnp)

Serbia : Kresovic 4, Petrovic 7, Radocaj 2, Veselovskj, Mitov, Musovic 15, Puskar 10 , Ilic, Milica Dabovic 19, Grubor 9, Perovic 6


For more details about the tournament please go to our Eurobasket Italian Section.



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GABON - Women

SOMO B to Brazzaville for la 13th cup of Africa of clubs -by Tim Ndjiki
SOMO B Champion of GABON took off today for the CONGO Brazzaville in view of the involvement to the eliminatory of the 13th feminine championship of clubs champions. The feminine club of SOMO B after her consecration in Cup of Gabon got ready in two weeks for this competition. Workouts that we followed let believe that SOMO B travels for Brazzaville with big ambition. We will come back.

ELIMINATORY OF THE THIRTEENTH CUP OF CLUB AFRIQUE FEMININE CHAMPIONS OF BASKET-BALL -by Tim Ndjiki
CLUBS :LADIES
1 SOMO (GABON)
2 ARC-EN (CIEL RDC)
3 LUPOPO (RDC)
4 DIABLE NOIR (CONGO)
THE OFFICIAL OF COMPETITIONS
I - OFFICIAL FIBA/AFRIQUE - Mr. SIEWE MONKOUE Alexis: Commissioner Technique Charged of Statistical
- Mrs. SAFAÏSSOU Anne Marie: Commissioner technical Representative of Mr. the Chief of Staff of FIBA/AFRIQUE
- Mrs. ENGAMA Inès: Commissioner Technique Charged of the organization of the Competition
II - REFEREES NEUTRAL INTERNATIONAL (FIBA)
1. NGUESSAM Mathieu (Coast - of Ivoiry)
2. ENGUENO Michel (Cameroon)
3. DAVID MANUAL DOMIGOS (Angola)
4. KODRRI ADECHI (BENIGN)
5. FERNANDO PACHECO (Angola)
III - REFEREES INTERNATIONAUX ACCOMPANISTS (FIBA)
1. TONTON BANZA RDCS
2. KABULO RDC
3. OSSOUALA CONGO
IV - GLOBAL RESULTS BY CATEGORY
LADIES
DATE DAYS MEETINGS SCORES
27/06/2007 1st day
SOMO (Gabon) ≠ DIABLE NOIR (Congo) 97 / 42
28/06/2007 2nd day
LUPOPO (RDC) ≠ SOMO (Gabon) 75 / 65
ARC -EN -CIEL (DRC) ≠ DIABLE NOIR (CONGO) 112 / 33
29/06/2007 3rd day
LUPOPO (RDC) ≠ DIABLE NOIR (CONGO) 109 / 37
ARC -EN -CIEL (RDC) ≠ SOMO (GABON) 81 / 66
30/06/2007 4th day
ARC-EN-CIEL (RDC) ≠ LUPOPO (RDC) 72 / 70
1st /07/2007 5th day
LUPOPO (RDC) ≠ DIABLE NOIR (CONGO) 108 / 50
ARC-EN-CIEL (RDC) ≠ SOMO (GABON) 69 / 64
2/07/2007 6th day
SOMO (GABON) ≠ DIABLE NOIR (CONGO) 107 / 50
ARC-EN-CIEL (RDC) ≠ LUPOPO (RDC) 66 /59
12 03/07/200 7th
ARC-EN-CIEL (RDC) ≠ DIABLE NOIR (CONGO) 81 / 32
LUPOPO (RDC) ≠ SOMO GABON) 73 / 65
ORDERING TO THE EXIT OF THE COMPETITION
LADIES
1st Arc-en-ciel (RDC) 6 games 12 POINTS
2nd LUPOPO (RDC) 6 games 10 POINTS
3rd SOMO (Gabon) 6 games 8 POINTS
4th DIABLE NOIRS (Congo) 6 games 6 POINTS
TOTAL OF POINTS MARKS BY ALL TEAMS:
LADIES: 1689 POINTS

This technical report has been sent us by our friend,
Alexis SIEWE MONKOUE
Commissioner Technique Charged of Statistical FIBA/AFRIQUE

Interview with the federal President, Sylvie KOTHA, -by Tim Ndjiki

EUROBASKET: A pity that the feminine national championship has been annulled
Sylvie KOTHA: Effectively! The assembly extraordinary general, holding during the national championship, has can be started a beginning of solution for the bursting of our basketball. We will see concert with the ministry of sport in what measures us could create partnerships with some school establishments that, it is necessary to confess it, have a potential human. It is the reliable and susceptible fishponds to throw back the feminine basketball.
EUROBASKET: While speaking exactly of the plain and extraordinary general assemblies, are you satisfied of proceedings that prevailed during these foundations?
Sylvie KOTHA: We were, in fact very satisfied of proceedings especially as the quorum has been reached. We had some financial difficulties, in beginning in season that the tutelage recognized. From where the plotting of these foundations that should be held in principle in January 2007. A lot of activities have been led, the organization of a continental competition of clubs, the involvement of two of our clubs in cup of afrique, to the Cup of Africa of Nations (CAN), etc. The General assembly, while approving our balance, asked us rather to debate problems of fund that mine the Gabonese basketball, difficulties met etc. by our leagues and clubs All propositions made at the time of these meetings, will be transmitted to the tutelage The moment come, we will also be able to ourselves, to turn us toward our sponsors in order to shoulder the state that already makes many for our discipline
Otherwise, we thank in the same sense, the contribution of the godfather of this edition, the President of the SENATE, Rene RADEMBINO CONIQUET, one of pioneers of the Gabonese basketball,
It is necessary to signal that the extraordinary general assembly permitted us, among others, to bring back the number of members of the leading committee to twelve people some that are going to leave us for the professional liabilities notably, They will always be to sides of those remain to direct the basketball. Other innovation, the realization, with the contest of the state and our partners, of an elite championship… We go, before the starting of the new sporty season next October 15 and that will end there end May 2008, to send very quickly, all the documentation pertaining to presidents of clubs…
EUROBASKET: And the next yard of the basketball Federation Gabonese?
Sylvie KOTHA: The very fast new statute setting up that has just been adopted, to organize seminaries of formations for leaders so that they master regulations of basketball better, etc.




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GERMANY - Women

Germany losses the opener in Cervia Tournament -by Eurobasket News
France-Germany 58:52 OT(12-11, 9-13, 14-16, 13-8, 10-4)

Germany lost the first game in the preparation Cervia Tournament in Italy. In the tough game against France the latter grabbed an overtime 58:52 win. Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) led the winners with 11 points. Emmeline Ndongue (194-F-83) netted 10, while Dijon posted 8. Germany was led by Martina Weber (196-F-82, college: Iona) who poured in 16 points. Linda Frohlich added 11 and Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) scored 9. In another game of the tournament Croatia beat Serbia 79:73. The host country of the tournament will start today.

The most of the game the score reminded carousel. France was lucky to win the opening quarter 12:11. Right the whistle sent the teams to the interims Germany stayed in front with 24:21. The team increased the lead to 5 points before the last quarter but did not keep the score.
The game was not a classic but with both teams having difficulty scoring from beyond the arc. France had the advantage on the boards but won the match from the free throw line scoring 17-of-22.
France tied the score at the end of the last quarter and sent the game to overtime. A 10:4 win allowed French squad to celebrate the total win.

France: Sandrine Gruda 11, Emmeline Ndongue 10, Dijon 8
Germany: Martina Weber 16, Linda Frohlich 11, Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) (183-G/F-84) 9

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HOLLAND - Women

Netherlands beat Norway to stay undefeated -by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Norway 62:37
Netherlands edged Norway yesterday to extend their winning streak to 6 games. They completed Group A of the Eurobasket Division B with a 6-0 record on top of the ladder.
Netherlands took on their main rivals Norway in La Almere and faced little problems en route to their sixth victory. The outcome was shaped in the first frame as the hosts opened it with a massive 18:0 run. Norway were able to answer with just 2 points in the first quarter and entered the second term with 16-point deficit. Netherlands still dominated the court in the second stanza and secured a 32:14 advantage at halftime. Norway did not manage to come closer in the third quarter and the home side enjoyed a confident 45:29 lead at the start of the final frame. Roetgerink nailed 10 points in the fourth term and Netherlands celebrated another victory in Division B.
Laura Kooij (183-F-82) led Netherlands with 14 points and 9 boards. Marlous Nieuvween had 12 points and 13 boards for the home side. Anette Johansen (178-F-82, college: New York Tech) replied with 9 points for Norway. Nanna Sand (-77, college: Arizona St.) added 7 points and 11 boards in a loss.
Netherlands converted 30% from the field and 83% from free throw line. Norway sank just 19% of field goals and 56% of free throws. Netherlands outrebounded their opponents 49:39 and forced those to 22 turnovers.
Netherlands will now take on Great Britain in the playoffs for Division A promotion. Norway will face Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Netherlands: Laura Kooij 14+9 boards, Marlous Nieuvween 12+13 boards
Norway: Anette Johansen 9, Nanna Sand 7+11 boards

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ICELAND - Women

Helena Sverrisdottir lifts Iceland past Ireland -by Eurobasket News
Ireland - Iceland 62:67
Icelandic National team completed the Eurobasket Additional qualifying round with a win over Ireland away from home. This was the second success for Iceland in the qualifying games and they remained at the third spot in Group A. Ireland needed a win to overcome Iceland in an overall ladder but suffered the 5th loss.
The hosts opened the game more confidently and took an early lead 19:15. However Iceland kept it close in the second quarter and 12 straight points from Helena Sverrisdottir (185-F-88) allowed Iceland to surge ahead and lead 35:29 at halftime. Iceland then rushed ahead after the break and posted an 11:0 run to clear off to a 46:29 distance. Margret Sturludottir (178-F-89) capped the third stanza with a trey to secure a 56:45 advantage for Iceland.
Ireland tried hard to cut the deficit in the final term and they managed to come within 3 points on Elaine O'Dwyer (-87)'s three pointer with 37 seconds left. But Helena Sverrisdottir responded with two free throws and Sigrun Amundadottir (183-C/F-88) added another one to ensure the winning outcome for Iceland.
Helena Sverrisdottir shone for Iceland as she nailed game-high 33 points and pulled down 14 boards. Signy Hermannsdottir (190-C-78, college: Cameron) contributed 6 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Lindsay Peat (170-G-80) posted 21 points and 6 boards for Ireland. Michelle Fahy (-82) had 16 points and 11 boards in a losing effort.
Iceland shot solid 41% from the field and 63% from free throw line. They also limited Ireland to only 34% of field goals and 15 turnovers.

Ireland: Lindsay Peat 21+6 boards, Michelle Fahy 16+11 boards
Iceland: Helena Sverrisdottir 33+14 boards, Signy Hermannsdottir 6+8 boards

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ISRAEL - Women

Israel losses to Bulgaria, but advances from the group -by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria-Israel 76:72 (21-23, 23-12, 14-18, 18-19)

Bulgaria beat Israel 76:72, however allows the latter to advance the winner's tournament. With three teams in the group at 2-2. Israel has better results and is the only team to qualify from the group. Chirov paced Bulgaria with 19 points. Nataliya Topalova (187-F-80)-Shopova netted 15, while Elena Yolovska (183-F-74) had 11. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) top-scored for Israel with 21 points.
Israel could lose even by 12, however took a game into their hands from the first minutes. The visitors won the opening quarter 23:21 and looked very ambitious.
The Bulgarians had a great second quarter to go on 23:12 and take 44:35 at the half. Bulgarians scored inside and outside and ran out to 51:39, the exact spread Bulgaria needs. Israel found their strength and reduced to 58:53 after three. Branzova made it a 10 point game with 2:30 to play, however Israel could score 9 points in that period of time to finish at 72:76.

Next week, on Wednesday and Thursday, Israel will face the other two bracket winners Poland and Slovakia. The team that finishes first will win the final ticket to the European Championships at the end of the month.

Bulgaria: Chirov 19, Nataliya Topalova-Shopova 15, Elena Yolovska 11
Israel: Liron Cohen 21, Laine Selwyn (170-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) 13, Suez Karni 13

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ITALY - Women

Cervia Tournament, Italy lost to Croatia (88-101) in 2ot -by Carlo Grilli

Italy came out with a loss in Cervia Tournament: Croatia prevailed in double overtime.
Petra Stampalija (190-C-80), Lelas and Mandir had a big performance for visitors, while Dubravka Dacic (201-C-85, agency: Interperformances) played very well for Italy (18 points + 15 boards). Macchi forced the first overtime with 2 free throws at the end of regulations, but in the second overtime the Croatian offense was unstoppable for the Azzurre.

In the other game of day-2, Serbia beat Germany after trailing by 16 early in the first quarter: Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) was the absolute MVP of the game (28 points, 6/6 from 3-points range).

Italy-Croatia 88-101 2ot

(21-24; 41-39; 56-60)
Italy: Franchini 6 (1/3, 1/2), Sottana (0/1, 0/1), Zara 17 (7/15, 1/5), Zanoli 3 (0/1, 1/2), Modica 14 (4/8, 1/4), Masciadri 12 (3/7, 2/7), Ciampoli 2 (1/5, 0/3), Giauro 2 (1/3), Ress 1 (0/2), Dubravka Dacic 18 (9/14), Zanoni 2 (0/1), Macchi 11 (4/12, 0/1). 2PS 30/72; 3PS 6/25; FT 10/15.
Croatia: Mandir 17 (5/7, 1/3), Jelavic 5 (1/3, 1/3), Cakic (0/1), Lelas 19 (0/4, 4/6), Ivezic, Petra Stampalija 23 (10/17), Erceg 5, Sumanovac 3 (0/2, 1/2), Podrug 6 (1/5), Ivankovic 10 (4/7), Bura, Perisa 13 (2/4, 1/2). 2PS 23/51; 3PS 8/16; FT 31/38.
Referees: Lauprecht, Filippini, Bettini.

Friday results:
France-Germany 58-52 d1ts (Gruda 11, Ndongue 10; Weber 16, Frohlich 11+9)
Croatia-Serbia 79-73 (Mandir 22, 4/5 by 3; Grubor 19)

Saturday results:
Serbia-Germany 80-64 (Milica Dabovic 28, 6/6 by 3; Frohlich 15)
Italy-Croatia 88-101 2ot

Standings:
Croatia 2-0; France 1-0; Serbia 1-1; Italy 0-1; Germany 0-2.

Sunday games:
h 18.00 Serbia-France
h 20.30 Italy-Germany
Rest: Croatia

Monday games:
h 18.00 Croatia-Germany
ore 20.30 Italy-France
Rest: Serbia



Cervia Tournament in Italy -by Carlo Grilli

The European Championship are nearer and nearer, and a lot of teams are completing the training. The Cervia Tournament starts tomorrow, and its schedule is:

Friday, September 14th:
h 18.00 France-Germany 58-52 ot (Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) 11, Ndongue 10; Weber 16, Frohlich 11+9)
h 20.30 Croatia-Serbia 79-73 (Mandir 22, 4/5 by 3; Ivana Grubor (185-F/C-84) 19)
Rest: Italy

Saturady, September 15th:
h 18.00 Serbia-Germany
h 20.30 Italy-Croatia
Rest: France

Sunday, September 16th:
h 18.00 Serbia-France
h 20.30 Italy-Germany
Rest: Croatia

Monday, September 17th:
h18.00 Croatia-Germany
h 20.30 Italy-France
Rest: Serbia



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LATVIA - Women

Latvia shapes up before Eurobasket -by Eurobasket News
Latvian National team visited Belgium to take part in international tournament as a part of preparation for the upcoming Eurobasket. Latvian team faced the hosts on the opening day. Belgium were coming out off a sour defeat from Spain and needed to rebound before the home crowd. Latvia looked a bit slow early in the game and Belgium used it to spur ahead. They accumulated a 5-point lead after the starting frame 18:13. The hosts speeded up the tempo in the second quarter and left their opponents far behind. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) and Anke De Mondt (180-F-79) secured a 27:13 dominance in the second frame and enjoyed a 45:26 advantage at halftime.
Latvian team though was not about to surrender and due to some impressive offensive performance from Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (176-F-83) tallied a 18:14 scoreline in the third term. But the hosts survived the blow and widely kept Latvia at distance throughout the final term.
Ann Wauters provided 20 points and 10 rebounds for Belgium. Nele Deyaert (186-F-79) scored 12 points and Anke De Mondt added 11 for the winners. Latvia responded with game-high 28 points from forward Anete Jekabsone-Zogota. Zane Tamane (194-C-83, college: W.Illinois) netted 10 points in a loss.
Latvia shot 45% from close range and just 14% from beyond the arc. Latvia were outrebounded 28:31 and committed 19 turnovers.
Latvia will face Spain today. They tip off their Eurobasket campaign against Czech Republic on September 24.

Latvia - Belgium 60:75
Latvia: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 28, Zane Tamane 10
Belgium: Ann Wauters 20+10 boards, Nele Deyaert 12, Anke De Mondt 11

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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Luxembourg finishes action in Division B winless -by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina - Luxembourg 89:56
Luxembourg completed their Eurobasket Division B campaign winless. Yesterday they suffered the 8th straight loss this time from Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Bosnian team needed a win to remain at the top of the standings in Group B but were stunned by the visitors early on. Luxembourg capped the first frame with a 6:0 rally to clear off to a 20:14 distance. Luxembourg team then maintained the lead throughout the most of the second quarter before Emina Demirovic (186-C-85) finally put the hosts in front. Bosnia sparked with a 13:0 run late in the first half and established a comfortable 43:30 lead at halftime.
Luxembourg team collapsed in the third term as Bosnia dominated every aspect of the encounter. The home side easily extended their advantage to a 25-point mark and entered the fourth quarter leading 63:38. Luxembourg could hardly match the tempo in the dying stages and lost the battle.
Aida Pilav (187-C-87) paced Bosnia with 21 points. Emina Demirovic produced 14 points and 11 boards for the winners. Lisy Hetting (169-G-90) chipped in 14 points for Luxembourg. Evelyne Stoll (187-C-86) had 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Luxembourg shot 34% of field goals and 92% of free throws. They were outrebounded 22:37 and committed 18 turnovers.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Aida Pilav 21, Emina Demirovic 14+11 boards
Luxembourg: Lisy Hetting 14, Evelyne Stoll 9+5 boards

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NORWAY - Women

Netherlands beat Norway to stay undefeated -by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Norway 62:37
Netherlands edged Norway yesterday to extend their winning streak to 6 games. They completed Group A of the Eurobasket Division B with a 6-0 record on top of the ladder.
Netherlands took on their main rivals Norway in La Almere and faced little problems en route to their sixth victory. The outcome was shaped in the first frame as the hosts opened it with a massive 18:0 run. Norway were able to answer with just 2 points in the first quarter and entered the second term with 16-point deficit. Netherlands still dominated the court in the second stanza and secured a 32:14 advantage at halftime. Norway did not manage to come closer in the third quarter and the home side enjoyed a confident 45:29 lead at the start of the final frame. Roetgerink nailed 10 points in the fourth term and Netherlands celebrated another victory in Division B.
Laura Kooij (183-F-82) led Netherlands with 14 points and 9 boards. Marlous Nieuvween had 12 points and 13 boards for the home side. Anette Johansen (178-F-82, college: New York Tech) replied with 9 points for Norway. Nanna Sand (-77, college: Arizona St.) added 7 points and 11 boards in a loss.
Netherlands converted 30% from the field and 83% from free throw line. Norway sank just 19% of field goals and 56% of free throws. Netherlands outrebounded their opponents 49:39 and forced those to 22 turnovers.
Netherlands will now take on Great Britain in the playoffs for Division A promotion. Norway will face Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Netherlands: Laura Kooij 14+9 boards, Marlous Nieuvween 12+13 boards
Norway: Anette Johansen 9, Nanna Sand 7+11 boards

Johansen to Sweden -by Kaare Vangen
Norwegian women keep on playing abroad. Anette Johansen (178-F-82, college: New York Tech) will play for 08 Stockholm after her years in college. Johansen played for Sallen in Sweden before she left for New York. And Beata Widding with several titles for Gimle will play for Georgetown! Yeah, we know she is Swedish but we feel that she is a bit Norwegian too after living many years in Norway. So good luck to Anette and Beata!

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PORTUGAL - Women

Portugal 49- England 60 -by Luis Rocha
A lousy game today, made all the earlier good work fall apart. It was not expected such an exibhition today after the great result achieved in Estonia. Both teams need to win, but Portugal besides playing at home, managed to take an easy win when playing away(54-72), but things take a different turn today and England won and really deserved to win. Portugal get to the half time with 15 points behind, but the feeling was that the change could be made, they even bring the score to a 5 points margin, but England step up the pace, and went away easily. without "Ticha", Mery and Sonia Reis, Portugal loose heigth, power and quickness, in the first round, we count with "Ticha" and a tremendous Sonia who scored 29 points and get 12 boards, today we stood short on those factors and it was easy to see that even in the psycological factor all was not right. No Division A next year, but nevertheless agood performance, specially in the games of the first round. One thing remains to be said, is very important to bring to the National Squad all the best portuguese players, otherwise things can get messy, and the results fail to show, the real image of the Portuguese players value.

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SERBIA - Women

Croatia defeats Serbia in Italy -by Eurobasket News
Croatia won the first game in the preparation Cervia tournament in Italy. In the tough game against Serbia Croatia reached the first win. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) led the winners with 22 points. She made four out of five three pointers to have such an outstanding result. Ivana Grubor (185-F/C-84) top-scored for Serbia with 19 points.
In another game of the tournament France beat Germany in overtime 58:52. The host country of the tournament will start today.

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SLOVAK REP. - Women

Slovak Republic advances from Group C, Sweden is 3rd -by Eurobasket News
Sweden-Slovak Republic 55:76 (17-23, 9-23, 16-11, 13-19)

Slovak Republic remained unbeaten in Group C and qualified to the additional tournament for Eurobasket 2007. Next week, on Wednesday and Thursday, Slovak Republic will face the other two bracket winners Poland and Israel. The team that finishes first will win the final ticket to the European Championships at the end of the month.
In the last game of the group Slovak Republic had a road win over Sweden 55:76. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) led the winners with 16 points. Luisa Michulkova (177-F-84) and Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) produced 13 points each. Anna Barthold (185-F/C-80, college: St.Peter's) top-scored for the hosts with 17 points.

In order to finish second in the group Sweden had to win. For Slovak Republic it was not a necessary game, however the team wanted to finish undefeated and to be a mighty competitor for two other teams for qualifying.
Slovak Republic won the opening quarter 23:17 after Lucia Kupcikova made a lay-up. Luisa Michulkova made the difference +20 to send thet eams at the half break.
In the second half nothing specific had changed as Slovak Republic controlled the rest of the game.

Sweden: Anna Barthold 17, Thyra Liljestrand (178-G-80) 8
Slovak Republic: Lucia Kupcikova 16, Luisa Michulkova 13, Anna Jurcenkova 13+8 rebs

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SWEDEN - Women

Slovak Republic advances from Group C, Sweden is 3rd -by Eurobasket News
Sweden-Slovak Republic 55:76 (17-23, 9-23, 16-11, 13-19)

Slovak Republic remained unbeaten in Group C and qualified to the additional tournament for Eurobasket 2007. Next week, on Wednesday and Thursday, Slovak Republic will face the other two bracket winners Poland and Israel. The team that finishes first will win the final ticket to the European Championships at the end of the month.
In the last game of the group Slovak Republic had a road win over Sweden 55:76. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) led the winners with 16 points. Luisa Michulkova (177-F-84) and Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) produced 13 points each. Anna Barthold (185-F/C-80, college: St.Peter's) top-scored for the hosts with 17 points.

In order to finish second in the group Sweden had to win. For Slovak Republic it was not a necessary game, however the team wanted to finish undefeated and to be a mighty competitor for two other teams for qualifying.
Slovak Republic won the opening quarter 23:17 after Lucia Kupcikova made a lay-up. Luisa Michulkova made the difference +20 to send thet eams at the half break.
In the second half nothing specific had changed as Slovak Republic controlled the rest of the game.

Sweden: Anna Barthold 17, Thyra Liljestrand (178-G-80) 8
Slovak Republic: Lucia Kupcikova 16, Luisa Michulkova 13, Anna Jurcenkova 13+8 rebs

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U.KINGDOM - Women

Great Britain advances to playoffs in Division B -by Eurobasket News

Portugal - Great Britain 49:60
Great Britain grabbed the last ticket to the playoffs in Division B of Eurobasket. They overcame Portugal in a must-win fixture away from home yesterday and occupied the second spot in Group B ladder. Great Britain team played a storming basketball in the first half. Treys from Stefanie Collins (168-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) and Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) helped the visitors accumulate a 22:8 lead in the first frame. Portugal seemed to be back in contest early in the second stanza as Fatima Silva (169-G-73) and Debora Escorcio (184-F-84) cut the gap. But 4 points from Megan Moody and a three pointer from Louise Gamman (183-F-83) ensured a 39:24 advantage for British team at halftime.
Debora Escorcio sparked a mini-rally late in the third frame to see Portugal came within 6 points from Great Britain. But 5 straight points from Kristy Lavin (180-F-82) at the start of the fourth frame restored the distance. Great Britain wisely held on to the advantage and did not allow the hosts to threaten it at the end.
Kristy Lavin topscored for Great Britain with 18 points and 6 boards. Megan Moody added 12 points for the winners. Paula Muxiri (186-F/C-81, college: ODU) answered with 11 points and 7 rebounds for Portugal. Debora Escorcio netted 9 points and pulled down 7 rebounds in defeat.
British players converted 36% from the field and 73% from charity stripe. They dominated the boards 41:23.
Great Britain will now play against Netherlands in the promotion playoffs.

Portugal: Paula Muxiri 11+7 boards, Debora Escorcio 9+7 boards
Great Britain: Kristy Lavin 18+6 boards, Megan Moody 12