EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/3/2007

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Men News

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ABA

Team Schedules -by Jay
The Hawaii Hurricanes have released a 31 game schedule that includes five trips to the mainland. The expansion Hurricanes open the 2007-08 season at home on November 11th with 2 games against the Maywood Buzz, after which they travel to southern California and Nevada for three games in three days against the San Diego Wildcats, Henderson All-Stars and Long Beach Breakers. While most teams making the trip to Hawaii are from the Red (Western) Conference, one team, the Detroit Panthers, will make a cross-country trip on February 25th and 26th.
Other teams releasing their schedules are the Jersey Express, Strong Island Sound, Corning Bulldogs and Rochester Fire. The recently relocated Express open at home against the first year Westchester Phantoms on November 10th. The Sound begin their season the next day, also against the Phantoms.
The expansion Bulldogs play their first home game on November 10th against the Houston Takers. Among their scheduled games is a two-day trip to Florida in December to play the Jacksonville Jam and Orlando Aces.
The recently released schedule for Rochester, which had the Fire opening the season on November 9th against the St Louis Stunners, will need adjustments after two of their opponents, the Rock River Fury and Quad City Riverhawks, left the league to join the newly formed PBL. The Fire were originally scheduled to play 5 games each against of the two teams. Rochester is scheduled to make a trip to Georgia at the end of December to play the Rome Legion and Georgia Gwizzlies.

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ARGENTINA

USA completed Fiba Americas champoinship with a perfect victory over Argentina -by Eurobasket News
USA - Argentina 118:81
United States team proved their All-Star status yesterday as they gave no chances for Argentinean squad in the title decider in Las Vegas. USA completed their perfect campaign with another comprehensive victory and ended the competition at 10-0 record. Both finalist however guaranteed their places in the Beijing Olympics.
United States players were dominant right from the start. They once again could hardly miss from all the ranges and piled up a 35:14 lead after the first frame. Argentina simply were unable to match the tempo and the gap grew wider in the second term reaching a 59:34 mark at halftime. The offensive supremacy of USA team continued after the break as they delivered another 34 points in the third frame and established an insurmountable 93:61 advantage after three quarters. United States team then easily cruised to the title in the final minutes of the encounter and stepped up as new Fiba Americas champions.
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) led the action with 31 points converting 8/11 three pointers. Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) contributed 20 points and 5 boards, while Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) scored another 16 points for the winners. Luis Scola (6'9''-F/C-80) answered with 23 points and 5 boards for Argentina. Leonardo Gutierrez (6'7''-F-78) nailed 11 points and Paolo Quinteros (6'1''-G-79) added 10 points in a loss.
USA knocked down 59% from the field and 70% from free throw line. Argentina sank 41% of field goals. USA dominated the boards 41:36, while both teams committed 11 turnovers.
Luis Scola was named tournament's MVP. Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) became the tournament's topscorer averaging 21.8 points per game. Esteban Batista (6'10''-F/C-83) was the best rebounder with 12.4 boards per encounter.

USA: LeBron James 31, Dwight Howard 20+5 boards, Carmelo Anthony 16
Argentina: Luis Scola 23, Leonardo Gutierrez 11, Paolo Quinteros 10

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BRAZIL

Brazil does not make it to the podium in Las Vegas -by Eurobasket News
Brazil - Puerto Rico 107:111
Brazilian team stopped just one step away from the medals at the Fiba Americas championship in Nevada. They faced Puerto Rico in the Bronze medals game and were defeated in a spectacular high-scoring encounter.
Puerto Rican players were impressive from the start and gained a comfortable advantage after the opening frame 26:12. But Brazil proposed a well-balanced attacking approach and hit back in the second quarter cutting the deficit to 43:48 at halftime. Puerto Rico were still ahead throughout the third term as Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) was deadly from beyond the arc and Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) reigned under the rims. But once again Brazil found the energy to come back within a single point late in the dying stage. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) drained a couple of three pointers and Leandrinho Barbosa provided needed help. But it was not the day for Brazil. Puerto Rico proved perfect from free throw line when it counted the most and sealed the victory in this dramatic battle.
Larry Ayuso led the winners with game-high 39 points. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) provided 30 points and 10 assists, while Angelo Reyes had 15 points and 15 boards. Marcelinho Machado scored 21 points for Brazil. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) produced 19 points and 13 boards in defeat. Brazil also were without the services of Nene Hilario as he was sidelined with injury.
Brazil shot 51% from the field and 85% from free throw line. They were outrebounded by Puerto Rico 31:39 and committed 16 turnovers.

Brazil: Marcelinho Machado 21, Tiago Splitter 19+13 boards
Puerto Rico: Larry Ayuso 39, Carlos Arroyo 30+10 assists

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CAMEROON

CONDORS OF YAOUNDE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS -by Gilles Bouwe
Condors of Yaounde of president MONO MARCEL and Coach IBAMA have won the 2006-2007 national championship by beating NOGA of Douala 65-55 in the final yesterday at COllege de la Salle. KEVIN NGUESSE of CONDORS was elected MVP of the final and MANYAKA G. of Phoenix is the best scorer of the tournament.

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CHINA

China Wins Easily As Yao Plays for First Time This Summer -by Arthur Volbert
Yao Ming (226-C-80) made his first 2007 appearance with the Chinese National team today as China defeated the Melbourne Tigers 69-56. The game was not as close as the final score appeared as China led 62-38 before Melbourne rallied in garbage time.

Yao had 12 points on 5 for 9 shooting in 25 minutes. He also grabbed 8 rebounds. Yi Jianlian led the scoring for China with 19 points on 6 of 10 shooting and grabbed 10 rebounds. Wang Zhizhi did not play. Aside from Yao and Yi, no Chinese player was in double figures as the National team scored an easy victory over the Australians. Liu Xiaoyu, Ding Jinhui and Zhao Peng, China's three young players listed as born in 1989, each had 4 fouls in limited playing time as they learn how to play the international game.

China 69
Sun Yue 14min+3p+1r+2a+1to, Liu Wei 26min+6p+2r+3a+0to+1bl+1s, Wang Shipeng 7p+5r+4a, Zhu Fangyu 7p+2r+2a, Li Nan 7p+2r, Yi Jianlian 26min+19p+10r+1a, Mo Ke 12min+2p+1r+1bl, Ming Yao 25min+12p+8r, Wang Lei 7min+2p, Liu Xiaoyu 9min+0p+1a+2to+4fl, Ding Jinhui 16min+2p+1r+1a+1bl+1s+4fl, Zhao Peng 11min+2p+4fl

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COLOMBIA

Federation Cup, Day 9, September 1st, Results and Standings -by Victor Garcia
Arrieros and Bucaros took the lead of the 2007 Saludcoop Colombian Basketball Federation Cup, the following were the Saturday results:

Bucaros 93 - Cruz Salcedo 24 pts
Alcaldia de Tunja 60

Piratas 90 - Marvin Phillips 30 pts + 12 rebs , Ricardo Sanz 14 pts
Soles 84 - Kendrik Jones 21 pts , Patrick Culver 19 pts

Arrieros 89 - Norbey Aragon 20 pts, Curtis Williams 17 pts
Indervalle 85 - Derrick Miller 29 pts, Henry Ordoņez 17 pts

Standings:
1- Bucaros 7/1 15pts
2- Arrieros 7/1 15pts
3- Soles 5/5 15 pts
4- Piratas 5/5 15pts
5- Indervalle 3/5 11pts
6- Alcaldia de Tunja 2/6 10pts
7- Condores 1/7 9pts

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CROATIA

Croatia - Latvia 77-85 -by Dani Erceg
Latvia overplayed Croatia in all segments of game. Guards Blums and Skele controlled game in all 40 minutes and rotations of Croatian coach Repesa were not helping. As the game was coming to an end Latvian team played better and better and Croatian team showed that they have very few offensive solutions. Guards Planinic, Ukic and Popovic did not create anything for their teammates. Croatian players Banic, Tomas and Rozic showed on court that they are not calibre to play on European Championship.

Croatia: Ukic 9, Kus 7, Popovic 12, Rozic 3, Prkacin 8, Tomas 4, Planinic 10, Stojic, Markota 6, Banic, Kasun 18, Barac.

Latvia: Helmanis 13, Vitols 8, Skele 17, Blums 13, Vaikulis, Jahovics 3, Valters 4, Veselovs 2, Cipruss, Grafs 1, Janicekons 10, Biedrins 14.

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CUBA

TNA results. -by Alessandro Fontana

These are the results of the TNA games:
Las Tunas- Holguin 79-77 (LT= Garcia 26, Del Toro 16; H= Simon 34, Caballero 15)
Guantanamo-Granma= 75-59 (G= Castillo 17, Pons 15; G= Guillen 13, Moena 11)
Villa Clara- Camaguey 70-80 (VC= Boffill 19, Rodriguez 18; C= Francis 23, Jaca 11, Batista 11)
Pinar del Rio-Metropolitanos= 65-78 (P= Diaz 32, Perez 14; M= Muniz 18, Cairo 12, Simon 11)

Sancti Spiritus- Cienfuegos= 84-62 (SS= Jimenez 20, Rodriguez 20, Mestre 15; C= Quesada 20, Jova 16)

Habana- Capitalinos 59-82 ( H=Sanchez 20, Hernandez 13; C= Valdes 17, Orestes Torres 16, Leguen 11)
A. Fontana



TNA Results. -by Alessandro Fontana
These are the results of the TNA on 09/01/2007

Habana- Capitalinos 49-99 (H= Borlot 17, Oliva 9; C= Valdes 16, Leguen 16, Garcia 11)
Pinar del Rio- Metropolitanos= 86-93 (P= Diaz 28, Monterrey 23; M= Dube 20, Henry Simon 15, Muniz 12)
Villa Clara- Camaguey= 70-69 (VC= Boffill 25, Carta 16; C= Francis 15, Batista 15, Jaca 12)
Sancti Spiritus- Cienfuegos= 102-80 (SS= Olano 29, Jimenez 24, Rodriguez 16; C= Rodriguez 31, Jova 28)
Guantanamo- Granma 79-74 (G= Castillo 18, Masso 16; G= Guillen 15, Bazaga 13)
Las Tunas- Holguin 77-85 (LT= DelToro 14, Rodriguez 14, Cutino 14; H= Henry Simon 39, De la Cruz 16, Blanco 14)
A. Fontana

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CYPRUS

Market news and Rumors -by Chris Mammides
Dentalcon Apoel, according to the Greek web. basketblog made an offer to Prodromos Nikolaidis of 120,000 Euros, a much bigger offer than any of the offers received from the Greek-Cypriot shooting guard, from the Greek teams. The same web is claiming that the experienced shooting guard will accept the offer very soon.
The Nicosia team, according to some other sources, already agreed with the American Cypriot center Jo-Jo Garcia. The Head Coach Barto will add two major weapons before even begin to sign Americans and Bosman players.

Achilleas Kaimakli agreed terms with the Bosnian point guard, Vladimir Radovanovic (194-G-81) for one year. The Bosnian guard played last seazon with KK Slavija Istocno Serajevo.

Market news -by Chris Mammides
Achilleas Kaimakli agreed terms with the Bosnian guard Vladimir Radovanovic.

According to inside information Dentalcon Apoel Nicosia agreed terms with the American-Cypriot Jo Jo Garcia for oen year. Furthermore and according to the Greek web basketblog.gr, Apoel made an offer to the Greek/Cypriot guard, ex AEK Athens captain, Prodromos Nikolaidis, according to the same source the offer is for one year and is 120,000 Euros, an amound which there is very big doubt if Prodromos will be able to get in the Greek league so the chances of a comeback after six years od the skilfull shooting guard, in the Cypriot league comes more and more closer. If Head Coach Barton succeeds these two transfers it will be a great success as the Nicosia team will not use any of the foreign or Bosman players as both of them are consider (An they are) Cypriots. So there is a chance to get another two Americans and 5 Bosman.

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DOMINICAN REP.

Los Cocolos Makes The Playoffs -by Herubey Grassals

Los Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris defeated Las Panteras del Distrito Nacional with escore of 96-78, with this triumph, Los Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris elevated its mark to 12 victories and 9 defeats, making the 2007 playoffs for the first time in the three years of existence of the league.

The best ones for the Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris were Alberto Ozuna (203-F-82) with 16 points, Gregory Beltran (195-G-81), Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) (203-F/C-81, agency: Paris Global Sports) and John Jackson (201-F-74, college: Mississippi) with 13 and Julio Solano (202-F/C-77) 12.Jackson added 12 boards. For Las Panteras del Distrito Nacional the best men to the attack were Benito Flores (198-F-80, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) with 16 points, Carlos Wheeler (203-F/C-78, college: Campbellsville) 15, David Zabala 11 and Josue Abreu (188-G-66) finish with 10.



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EURO CHAMPS

Savrasenko gave a big heart and Kirilenko performed at high level -by Sasha Pasko

Savrasenko gave a big heart and Kirilenko performed at high level as Russia started Eurobasket-2007 with victory over Serbia.

Russia - Serbia 73:65 (13:21, 17:17, 18:16, 17:19)

Rusia started strong with 9:0 spurt and took leadership all the way. Russian center Savrasenko had a difficult match-up against NBA-star Darko Milicicic
and fought with big heart inside paint. Still whole team heading by great coach Davide Blatt showed great khemistry helping each other as in defence either in attack.
But awful performance in free shots of Serbian players also was an important factor in final Russian victory. Start of the game was pretty nervous and Serbian
players were unlucky in episods while Russians demonstrated good tactic and mental power to finish 38:30 first half.
Kirilenko leaded his teammates after break making fantastic game. Russian leader easy found way in any situation for succesful attack working hard in defence also.
Experienced Zahar Pashutin scored decisive three-pointer in last minutes making a key-points-difference for comfortable Russian victory.

Russia: Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) 24 pts + 12 rebs + 3 bs + 3 ass, Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79) 11 pts + 5 rebs + 1ass, Victor Khryapa 11 pts + 9 rebs, Nikita Morgunov 10 pts + 5 rebs.


Serbia: Milan Gurovic 24 pts, Milos Teodosic 15 pts.



Germany edge Czech Republic in EURO-opener -by Moritz Korff
The German National Team defeated the Czech Republic 83:78 to get the first win at the European Championships in Spain. However, the Germans had to work hard to assure the first victory of the tournament. After 40 minutes played the score was 74:74 and overtime was needed to find a winner. Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) finished the game with 35 points and 11 rebounds. Also Ademola Okulaja (202-F-75, college: N.Carolina) posted a double-double (13 pts, 11 rbs) for the Germans, while Mithat Demirel (181-G-78, agency: Court Side) scored 18 points.
Lubos Barton (200-F/G-80, college: Valparaiso) opened the game with a three-pointer for the Czech Republic, Jiri Welsch (200-F-80) made a lay-up a little later to give his team an early 5:0-lead. Ademola Okulaja put the Germans on the board with a jumper after two minutes and a half. Germanys Coach Dirk Bauermann replaced his starting Playmaker Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) in the middle of the first quarter due to two personal fouls and Pascal Roller (180-G-76) entered the game instead. Overall, Germany had too many unforced errors in the beginning, turning the ball over eight times in the first half. Dirk Nowitzki and Okulaja were the only reliable factors in the German offense during the first 20 minutes, while Welsch and Barton played with a lot of confidence and hit a couple of open shots for the Czech Republic. Going into the first break after ten minutes Germany was trailing 12:14 and 25:31 at halftime.
A 10:1-run, including a pair of three-pointers by Nowitzki and Demirel, in the last two minutes of the third period turned the game around and gave Germany a two point-lead after 30 minutes (46:44). The German boys stayed ahead until the final seconds of the fourth quarter. Mithat Demirel ran the point for the Germans now and hit some big shots in the fourth quarter. But Ladislav Sokolovsky (201-F-77) made two free-throws for the Czech Republic to tie the score at 74. Demirel missed the last shot at the buzzer and the game went into overtime. Though the Czech were without Welsch (fouled out) in extra time, they kept the score close. With 28 seconds remaining Demirel converted two shots from the sharity stripe and Demond Greene (185-G-79, agency: Court Side) finally made things clear with a dunking on a break.

Germany: Dirk Nowitzki (35pts, 11rbs), Mithat Demirel (18pts), Ademola Okulaja (13prs, 11rbs), Jan-Hendrik Jagla (5pts, 6rbs), Demond Greene (4pts), Johannes Herber (4pts), Patrick Femerling (2pts), Pascal Roller (2pts, 4rbs), Robert Garrett, Steffen Hamann, Stephen Arigbabu (DNP), Guido Gruenheid (DNP).

Czech Republic: Welsch (22pts), Barton (14pts, 10rbs), Houska (12pts, 5rbs), Benda (11pts, 5rbs), Starosta (6pts), Necas (5pts), Sokolovsky (5pts), Whitfield (3pts), Benes, Kremen, Kraus (DNP), Vrubl (DNP).

Croatia - Latvia 77-85 -by Dani Erceg
Latvia overplayed Croatia in all segments of game. Guards Blums and Skele controlled game in all 40 minutes and rotations of Croatian coach Repesa were not helping. As the game was coming to an end Latvian team played better and better and Croatian team showed that they have very few offensive solutions. Guards Planinic, Ukic and Popovic did not create anything for their teammates. Croatian players Banic, Tomas and Rozic showed on court that they are not calibre to play on European Championship.

Croatia: Ukic 9, Kus 7, Popovic 12, Rozic 3, Prkacin 8, Tomas 4, Planinic 10, Stojic, Markota 6, Banic, Kasun 18, Barac.

Latvia: Helmanis 13, Vitols 8, Skele 17, Blums 13, Vaikulis, Jahovics 3, Valters 4, Veselovs 2, Cipruss, Grafs 1, Janicekons 10, Biedrins 14.

Turkey - Lithuania 69:86 -by Simas Baranauskas

The game started with Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) 2 points and a foul (0:3) while Ksystof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) dunked on the fast break (2:5). The turks answered with a 3 from the corner (6:5). Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri) dunks the ball powerfully to make the score 10:7. The first quater ends 13:17. The Turkish team collected most of their points from the free point line in the later part of the quater.
The start of the second quater was better for Turkey: a 3 pointer, a mistake from Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) and another two points for Turkey 21:19. Ibrahim Kutluay (198-F/G-74) scored a three, but Sarunas Jasikevicius answer was the same 24:26. Good Lithuanian NT defense makes Turkey commit a couple of turnovers in a row and even better offense of the Baltic team is unstopable (26:35). Sarunas Jasikevicius falls on the ground holding his knee, but later comes back on the court. The second quater ends 36:44
Both teams begin third quater with bad shots. Turkey straightens up and Lithuania starts to struggle. With awesome playmaking skills from Jasikevicius Lithuania starts to pull away later. Linas Kleiza dunks for the third time after a bounce pass by Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82). The quater ends 48:63
Turks close the lead to 55:33 after Ender Arslan (190-G-83) scores a three in the fourth. Kleiza dunks with a foul to make the score 55:69. Sarunas Jasikevicius shoots a three, Ibrahim Kutluay answers in the same way (63:73).Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) makes another three, Linas Kleiza follows him and does the same now the score is 63:81. Songaila shoots one more three at 6 seconds left. The final score is 69:86.


Turkey: Hidayet Turkoglu 18, Ibrahim Kutluay 17 Mehmet Okur 11+10 boards
Lithuania: Sarunas Jasikevicius 18+8 boards + 7 assists, Rimantas Kaukenas 14, Linas Kleiza 12 Darius Songaila 12+6 boards



Poland-France 66-74 -by Michal Falkowski
In the opener game France outplayed Poland 75-66. Poland unexpectedly put on a brave fight but it wasn't enough for France heroes - Tony Parker, Tariq Kirksay and Boris Diaw.
The Poles trailed 61-55 early in the fourth quarter and had a chance to make a sensation, but failed to beat the 24-second shot clock and turned the ball over. After that Ronny Turiaf scored a jumper the next trip down the court to give France an eight point lead at 63-55. Then The Poles realized the winning is out of a range. They tried to minimalize the handicap but in the final part of the game Filip Dylewicz wasn't able to score two three-points shots.
Polish veteran Adam Wojcik had a game-high 19 points in the loss and shot eight of 10 from the floor (80%).
Tony Parker led France in scoring with 16 points but had a tough day shooting the ball, going five of 16 from the field (31%).
France were 11 of 26 (42.3%) from three point-range, with seven different players connecting from long range. Poland were a poor four of 19 from (21%) outside the perimeter. It might be the most important detail why the Poles lost.

POLAND - FRANCE 66-74 (18-22, 14-13, 21-25, 13-14)
Poland: Wojcik 19 (1x3, 4 trn.), Szewczyk 12 (4 rbs., 3 bl.), Dylewicz 8 (8 rbs., 4 as., 2 bl.), Kitzinger 7 (1x3), Frasunkiewicz 6 (1x3, 6 rbs.), Pluta 6 (1x3, 3 trn.), Koszarek 5, Woloszyn 3 (1x3), Skibniewski 0, Witka 0
France: Parker 16 (3x3, 4 rbs., 4 as.), Kirksay 12 (2x3), Diaw 10 (2x3, 4 rbs., Diawara 10 (1x3, 4 rbs.), Gomis 9 (1x3, 4 rbs., 4 as.), Turiaf 7 (1 bl.), Ferchaud 3 (1x3), Giffa 3 (1x3), Badiane 2 (1 bl.), Weis 2, Sangare 0

Spain 82 - Portugal 56 -by Bruno Baltazar
In San Pablo Arena in Sevilla 9.000 poeple registered the comeback of Portugal to the European with a hard loss againt Spain(debut after the world champs) everyone was prediting to be.
Before the start of the game we registered the portuguese national anthem got cut in the middle and this created a hard athmosfere between the few dezens of portuguese in the arena that for the entire game trying to support portugeuse team even against the 9.000 spainish supporters.In the game only 1 player was injured and its Navarro ,out for the 1st phase of the competiton,and the reutn of Garbajosa that made 8 points ,maximum leader was Gasol with 19.
The referes was really bad for portuguese side.

If we look to the final result the game didn´t had much story.
The game started with 3pt shots for Portugal and Spain felt the pressure of be the world champ and having in 27 games winning them all , 9.25m we had a historical moment with the first points of Portugal made by Elvis Evora de center of Portugal by a jum shot,Jimenes made a FT and Joao Santos shot a 3 and made Portugal with a lead of 5-1 ,Spain comeback thru some defensive plays and with some missed shots from Portugal got the ´´final´´ lead till the end of the game 8-7, Jimenes and Gasol between dunks and 3pt shots got thaat lead (Jimenes made2pts 3-5,Gasol with a dunk tied the game but Portugal got the lead again with a 3pt shot made by Joao Santos).
Spain with Gasol in really evidence in the 1st period with a layup more a faul got to Spain a lead of 12-8 with 5 minuts remaining in the 1st quarter,Portugal scored 3pts and got to 12-11 by Felipe da Silva ,with many blocks on portuguese penetrations ,Spain got bigger leads with 16-11,Elvis cutted the lead with 2pts(16-13) but Rudy Fernandez with 3pts(18-13) and more missed shots for Portugal ,ended up the 1st quarter with a lead by Spain 23-13.

The 2nd quarter started with 5 fouls for the portuguese team in just 25seconds , and Spain with many portuguese fouls got a bigger partial leading for 28-13 with 7.28m remaining in the 2nd all because the ref show fouls and many portuguese tournouvers,with 6.08 Jorge Coelho with a jum shot made first portuguese points in the period(32-15),Coelho responded again to another Spain partial with 3.40m and Joao Gomes on a fastbreak(37-19),all the Spain lead got in the time they switched their defense to zone defense that created allot of problems to Portugal,,Elvis Evora before the half scored and made the result at the half 46-21 for Spain.

Portugal started the 2nd half with more offensive dinamic but quickly Spain got their defense superior to portuguese ofensive game,started with a 48-26 and 52-26,Joao Santos always good int he 3pt shots made another and did the 53-29,Spain responded and got their lead of 63-29,all because Paulo Cunha and Jorge Coelho made 2pts more a foul and converted the FT reducing Spain lead before the end of the 3rd quarter.

More of the same and the game was around 30pts of diference between both teams,and Portugal in the final quarter defedended alot better and Spain playing with their 2nd team made a softer game and gave Portugal a liltle defice cut,74-50(3m remaining) till the final result of 82-56.

Marc Gasol with 11points and 11 rebound and Felipe Reyes with 10points was also in destak for Spain and for Portugal Paulo Cunha and Joao Santos with 9 points

Lakovic beat the buzzer and Italy -by Zeljko Zule
Slovenia opened its seventh straight Eurobasket with an 69-68 win over Italy as Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) beat the buzzer with a 3-pointer. Matjaz Smodis finished with 19 points and Lakovic 5 of his 12 points posted in last 13 seconds. Slovenia lead 38-23 at the end of first half, Italy responded with 13 consecutive points and then Slovenians made a 12-2 run. Slovenia lead 60-47 in the middle of last period when Mateo Soragna's 3-pointer gave Italiy a 68-66 lead with just 5 second remaining.
SLOVENIA 69 (21+17+18+13): Cebular DNP, *Lakovic 12, Capin 4, Dragic 9, *Nesterovic 6, *Smodis 19, Slokar 7, Klobucar, *Jagodnik 4, *D.Lorbek 2, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 6.
ITALY 68 (14+11+20+23): Belinelli 7, Basile, Mancinelli, Soragna 16, Marconato 2, Mordente 12, Bargnani 4, Crosariol, Bulleri 20, DiBella, DaTome DNP, Gigli 7.

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FYR MACEDONIA

Macedonia misses Eurobasket 07 by a whisker -by Todor Chalovski
Macedonian basketball NT missed its chance to go to the European Championships in Spain. They suffered a 87:92 defeat do Israel in the final game of the qualifying tournament in Menorca. Israel NT won the tournament and will play in the Group A against defending champions Greece, Russia and Serbia.

Macedonia had the edge until 2 minutes to go in the second quarter. Israeli's players scored 8 unanswered points to go 1 point up at the break. They built their advantage in the third period, thanks to the excellent play by Halperin, Tapiro and Eliyahu. Macedonians showed their fighting spirit to rally back in the last quarter, narrowing the lead to one point in three ocasions, but they could not make complete turnaround.

ISRAEL - MACEDONIA 92:87
Result by quarters: 25:18; 17:23; 29:19; 21:27.

ISRAEL: Hagag 10, Halperin 26, Eliyahu 15, Markovich, Roberts 9, Pniny, Tapiro 20, Naor, Kozikaro 6, Green 6, Tamir, Roth.
Coach: Zvi Sherf.

MACEDONIA: V. Stefanov 23, Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) 24, Petrovski, Dimitrovski 6, Bogoev, R. Stefanov 9, Tasovski, Gechevski 11, Antic 8, Gocevski, Wilkinson 3, Samardziski 3.
Coach: Jovica Arsic.

Still, Macedonia performed well in this qualifiers. They achieved their biggest win in a official game (friendlies not included), beatin Estonia 95:50. Macedonia also won their first official match on neutral ground, beating Bosnia in Menorca, which was also their 40th win in an official game.

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GEORGIA

Georgia bit Finland by 1 point -by Levan Mikeladze
Georgia 77-76 Finland (26-25, 21-20, 19-19, 11-12)

Ken Shields thanked Giorgi Gamqrelidze (183-G-86) (183-G-86) and Anatoli Boisa (195-G-83, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Lincoln Memorial) for their shots in very serious moment and to say the truth these players were representing themselves better than in past. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) made 5 from 19 shots what was not really good for our giant but he fought a lot for ball. Our National Team is out of European Championships but we hope that in future we will reach higher points. Georgian National Team is far to prove that they deserve to be in elite. Teemu Rannikko (189-G-80) was almost dead at the end of the match when he crashed few Georgian players and it has to be said that Finish National Team fought a lot for winning and they almost got it.

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GERMANY

Germany edge Czech Republic in EURO-opener -by Moritz Korff
The German National Team defeated the Czech Republic 83:78 to get the first win at the European Championships in Spain. However, the Germans had to work hard to assure the first victory of the tournament. After 40 minutes played the score was 74:74 and overtime was needed to find a winner. Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) finished the game with 35 points and 11 rebounds. Also Ademola Okulaja (202-F-75, college: N.Carolina) posted a double-double (13 pts, 11 rbs) for the Germans, while Mithat Demirel (181-G-78, agency: Court Side) scored 18 points.
Lubos Barton (200-F/G-80, college: Valparaiso) opened the game with a three-pointer for the Czech Republic, Jiri Welsch (200-F-80) made a lay-up a little later to give his team an early 5:0-lead. Ademola Okulaja put the Germans on the board with a jumper after two minutes and a half. Germanys Coach Dirk Bauermann replaced his starting Playmaker Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) in the middle of the first quarter due to two personal fouls and Pascal Roller (180-G-76) entered the game instead. Overall, Germany had too many unforced errors in the beginning, turning the ball over eight times in the first half. Dirk Nowitzki and Okulaja were the only reliable factors in the German offense during the first 20 minutes, while Welsch and Barton played with a lot of confidence and hit a couple of open shots for the Czech Republic. Going into the first break after ten minutes Germany was trailing 12:14 and 25:31 at halftime.
A 10:1-run, including a pair of three-pointers by Nowitzki and Demirel, in the last two minutes of the third period turned the game around and gave Germany a two point-lead after 30 minutes (46:44). The German boys stayed ahead until the final seconds of the fourth period. Mithat Demirel ran the point for the Germans now and hit some big shots in the fourth quarter. But Ladislav Sokolovsky (201-F-77) made two free-throws for the Czech Republic to tie the score at 74. Demirel missed the last shot at the buzzer and the game went into overtime. Though the Czech were without Welsch (fouled out) in extra time, they kept the score close. With 28 seconds remaining Demirel converted two shots from the sharity stripe and Demond Greene (185-G-79, agency: Court Side) finally made things clear with a dunking on a break.

Germany: Dirk Nowitzki (35pts, 11rbs), Mithat Demirel (18pts), Ademola Okulaja (13prs, 11rbs), Jan-Hendrik Jagla (5pts, 6rbs), Demond Greene (4pts), Johannes Herber (4pts), Patrick Femerling (2pts), Pascal Roller (2pts, 4rbs), Robert Garrett, Steffen Hamann, Stephen Arigbabu (DNP), Guido Gruenheid (DNP).

Czech Republic: Welsch (22pts), Barton (14pts, 10rbs), Houska (12pts, 5rbs), Benda (11pts, 5rbs), Starosta (6pts), Necas (5pts), Sokolovsky (5pts), Whitfield (3pts), Benes, Kremen, Kraus (DNP), Vrubl (DNP).

Two American players for Aschersleben -by Moritz Korff
Agent Jens Weller of Weller Sports & Entertainment informed Eurobasket Germany that two of his client will play for Aschersleben Tigers BC (Regionalliga North) in the 2007-2008 season. Theo Little (208-C-84, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Arkansas St.) and Bryan Harrison (188-G-84, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Georgia Coll.) are both going to join a team in Europe for the first time in their career and already arrived this past weekend.
Harrison played college-basketball at Santa Fe CC before being transfered to the Georgia College & State University (NCAA2) for his junior-year. As a senior (05/06) Harrison averaged 12.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and a team-leading 5 assists per contest.
Big man Little had 18 starts in 27 games for Arkansas State (NCAA1) in the 2006-2007 campaign and averaged 2.6 points as well as 2.4 rebounds per contest.

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GREECE

European championship: Greece-Israel 76-66! -by Chris Mammides
The Hellenic team manage to turn the game in the last five minutes and finaly won the very first game against the Israeli NT who had Halperin in a great day. Top scorer was Vassilis Spanoulis with 19 points but the games was actually turn because of Costas Tsartsaris and Theodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77, agency: Interperformances) three pointers. These two players scored 5 three pointers in the last quarter and together with Dimos Dikoudis finished the game with positive result for the Hellenic team. Dimos Dikoudis and Kostas Tsartsaris scored 15 points each while the lellenic team had 2/12 three pointers in the first 25 minutes while in the remaining 15 minutes scored 7/9 3's!! Finishing the game once and for all.

European Championships: Greece - Israel 31-31 (half time) -by Chris Mammides

In the opening game of the European champions 2005, Greece against Israel, the half time is 31-31 with ver ygood game from teh Israelli team. The Hellenic team began the game with a very fast 7-0 but from there and on the game became a derby with basket to basket from both teams and with Vasilis Spanoulis (193-G-82) being the top scorer for teh Greeks with 9 points in the half time while teh percentage of teh three pointers for the Greeks is awfull as they have only 2/11.

On the other hand, the Israelli NT is playing simple basketball with Roberts scoring 7 points and with Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) being the top scorer and the MVP of the first half with his 14 points, is a really strong competition for the Greeks. Yaniv Green (206-F-80) is doing also a great game with lots of rebounding and dirty job in both edges (10 points and 5 rebounds). There are many chances to get the first surprice in this Group!!!

While the third quarter begins with another three pointer - lost by Diamantidis and 2/12 in 3's. The most valuable player of teh Euroleague has currently 0/4 three pointers!!!!!
More in a while...



Market news just hours before Madrid's EuroBasket!! -by Chris Mammides
A1
Hristo Zahariev (197-G-90) the first Bulgarian to practice with Greek team Panathinaikos already is leaving very positive impact in Athens. The talented forward is already taking part in the preparation of the current champions of Euroleague. The head coach of Panathinaikos, Obradovic asked the 16 years old Zahariev to start preparation with the team as he wanted to give a chance to the Bulgarian talent to practice with the team for at least two weeks, then the management of the club will decide wether they will keep the player in the team.
Zahariev finished as second best scorer of European championship in Spain with 23.2 points per game. He received several offers from different clubs from France, Spain and Italy. However he put all of them away as his desire was to go to Athens and try his chance with champion of Euroleague from last year Panathinaikos.

Vassilis Angelakopoulos agreed terms with AEL 1964, the ex power forward of Egaleo sing a two years contract with the Larissa team.
Giorgos Apostolidis will play with the Olimpia Larissas jersey for one more season as Olympiakos management (where the player belongs to) will lend the player in the Larissa team in order to add some more games and experiences and be able to play for the reds next season.
Stefan Dumas and PAOK split ways officially as the French player had family problems (his wife didn't want to leave France). PAOK is targeting now the French-Algerian guard, Ali Bouziane, ex Dizon player.

A2
Pagrati is testing the Greek-Latvian center Igor Melniks. If he passes the tests, Head coach Aris Lykogiannis will sign the young center. At the same time the Serb Grubisic and Pagrati split ways before even sign anything official as the head coach wasn't satisfied with the Serb's performance during the testing period (three days practices)
Sporting is very close to sing the experienced shooting guard, Ivan Mimica. The Croat has quite many experiences with the Greek league as he spent nearly three seasons (Xanthi, MENT and Olympiada Patras) in the Greek courts. Furthermore, Sporting agreed terms and announced officially Elias Mutran and Dimos Fotiou, both of them with one year contracts.
P.Faliro announced officially the Serbian power forward Milos Pavlisevic.

B' Division
Christos Ligos agreed terms with Keravnos Aigiou and this time is final and official, the two parties found a common ground in the financial terms and the experienced center return back to Aigio and the training under Head Coach Giatras.

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GUATEMALA

Liga Metropolitana updatings -by Gianni Pascucci
40 points from Jose Luis Burbano and 22 from Rudy Rosales paced Elite Sport Pollo Rey in the last win over Zenca. Elite Sport keeps the top of the table in Liga Metropolitana, with a 16-1 record. Last week, however, this top Guatemalan team felt for the first time in the league, losing a game 67-73 from USAC. This is probably why they immediately signed a new player, Daniel Santiesteban, who will strength the team's backcourt

Leones playing good in Nicaragua -by Gianni Pascucci
Last week, the other powerhouse of Liga Metropolitana, Leones de Marte, traveled to Managua, where they met three times the ADC team Tigres de la Universidad de Managua. The friendly series served to both teams tro prepare as best as possible the upcoming "William Ramirez International Tournment". Leones defeated Tigres 2-1 , winning Game 1 88-75 led by PAN-HON Pedro Salazar (204-C-72), who scored 33 points, and Game 3 99-86, with Salazar topping again the score at 35 and Enrique Huie (191-F-73) adding 27.

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INDIA

Can Stacker able to change Tamil Nadu's fortune? -by Santhosh Kumar
There are few in the world who can match Australian Ian Stacker when it comes to the art of scouting talent in basketball. Stacker was instrumental in taking Australia to the top echelons of the hoop game. Now, the legendary coach, who works for Australian Basketball Resource, is in the city with a mission to popularise the game in Tamil Nadu.
Stacker's knowledge of the game is immense; the state hoopsters are sure to benefit from it. The state side is finding it difficult to regain the Todd Memorial Trophy — the symbol of supremacy in Indian basketball. Stacker's appointment ushers in a sense of optimism. TN have failed to reach the final in the last two years of the national championship.
Stacker is elated to be associated with the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association, but he is very much aware of the challenging task ahead. “My work is cut-out. My prime role is to help the Tamil Nadu Basketball Association in identifying the team for the upcoming national championship. It's just a prelude to our five-year contract. I want to expose the players to a high level of play. I believe they will grasp my techniques fast,” informs Stacker, who has been coaching professionally for over 25 years.
For Stacker, becoming a complete player means developing a positive attitude on and off the court. “According to me, height is not the only parameter for excellence in basketball. Their athletic ability, knowledge of the game and self-esteem also come into play. My methods will help athletes develop these skills by coaching them through drills used in the National Basketball Association league. These sessions will also help them improve balance, pivoting, footwork, ball handling, shooting, passing and rebounding skills,” he explains.
The professional league system in countries like Greece, Spain, Argentina and China put them on fast track mode and the Melbourne-born coach knows the significance of the pro-league very well. “There is no dearth of talent in India. But, finding it from a billion is tough. Setting up a professional league with some foreign players will surely change the standard of the game in India. You have to take a leaf out of China's book, who have a bunch of names playing in the NBA. I hope the Basketball Federation of India will launch it soon for the betterment of the players.”
Mr Dyaneshwaran, chairman of the TNBA, feels players' stint under Stacker will put the state back on the winning track. “Basketball in Tamil Nadu is in not in the pink of its health. He is a veteran in scouting and his expertise will also boost the morale of the players. This time we have a team with an average age of 22. So we are quite confident of winning the nationals to be held in Puducherry in December.”
Dyaneshwaran says the idea of roping in a foreign coach emerged when he had a chat with the legendary Australian player Andrew Gaze, who runs the Australian Basketball Resource Pvt Ltd.
“The conversation with Gaze led to a five-year contract. As a prelude, Stacker is here. In future, we are going to send coaches and players to Australia for training. We will sketch the complete programme after the Nationals,” he adds.

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JAMAICA

Urban Knights finally wins at mid season -by Pete Matthews
The Urban Knights have finall won a mid season finals getting the better of defending champions St georges slayers in the KFC ,Juciful sponsored NBL basketball Championship mid season finals played in kingston at the old National arena on Saturday night.

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LEBANON

Fadi El-khatib signs for Al-Riyadi Beirut -by Hassan Thini
The Lebanese and Asian basketball star just signed a contract to play for El-Reyadi Beirut in an unexpected bargain whose details are still unknown.
This will definitely strongly affect the competition in the lebanese basketball league as well as the Asian Clubs Championship.

The Lebanese Tiger Fadi AL Khatib officially with Riyadi for 4 years -by Wael Yaman
The Captain of the Lebanese National team Fadi Al Khatib and the Champion of Lebanon and the Arabs, Al Riyadi, stroke a deal together today when they signed a mutual contract whereby the Lebanese Tiger will wear the Yellow jersey for the next 4 years. Sources close to Asia-basket informed us that upon the resignation of Mario Saradar from Blue Stars and the release of Khatib, the Lebanese MVP contacted AL Riyadi club who had originally filed a lawsuit against him last year for not honoring a signed agreement between the two parties. Negotiations took place between both parties over several days and the result was Riyadi dropping the case against Khatib, who agreed to play for the Champions of Lebanon and the Arabs for the next 4 years.
By Mohamad Yatim


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LITHUANIA

Turkey - Lithuania 69:86 -by Simas Baranauskas
The game started with Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) 2 points and a foul (0:3) while Ksystof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) dunked on the fast break (2:5). The turks answered with a 3 from the corner (6:5). Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri) dunks the ball powerfully to make the score 10:7. The first quater ends 13:17. The Turkish team collected most of their points from the free point line in the later part of the quater.
The start of the second quater was better for Turkey: a 3 pointer, a mistake from Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland) and another two points for Turkey 21:19. Ibrahim Kutluay (198-F/G-74) scored a three, but Sarunas Jasikevicius answer was the same 24:26. Good Lithuanian NT defense makes Turkey commit a couple of turnovers in a row and even better offense of the Baltic team is unstopable (26:35). Sarunas Jasikevicius falls on the ground holding his knee, but later comes back on the court. The second quater ends 36:44
Both teams begin third quater with bad shots. Turkey straightens up and Lithuania starts to struggle. With awesome playmaking skills from Jasikevicius Lithuania starts to pull away later. Linas Kleiza dunks for the third time after a bounce pass by Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82). The quater ends 48:63
Turks close the lead to 55:33 after Ender Arslan (190-G-83) scores a three in the fourth. Kleiza dunks with a foul to make the score 55:69. Sarunas Jasikevicius shoots a three, Ibrahim Kutluay answers in the same way (63:73).Darius Songaila (205-C/F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) makes another three, Linas Kleiza follows him and does the same now the score is 63:81. Songaila shoots one more three at 6 seconds left to make the final score 69:86.

Turkey: Hidayet Turkoglu 18, Ibrahim Kutluay 17 Mehmet Okur 11+10 boards
Lithuania: Sarunas Jasikevicius 18+8 boards + 7 assists, Rimantas Kaukenas 14, Linas Kleiza 12 Darius Songaila 12+6 boards

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MALAYSIA

NBL 2007- Bintulu day2-Melaka trash Segamat,WCT Land streak win -by Chong Jzen

After defeated by WCT land yesterday,Segamat are still continuing the losing position today,lose to melaka Chinwoo 53-58.Melaka National Team Center Francis Loh Hoo Won(190-C-82)scored the team highest 20 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.China Fujian Huaqiao university Malaysian center Chee Li Wei(198-C-93)also get 13 points and outstanding 17 rebounds today.For Segamat side, Ex-national Player Chew In Lai hits 4 three point to get 14 points as the team highest.National team Satyaseelan is getting his bad performance tonight by just scored 3 points,his 3 point filed goal is extremely poor tonight by just hits 1 three point by 11 attempted.


Klang WCT Land is having a streak win after beat Bintulu Rainbow by 92-63.Kuete Chris is continue his wonderful performance by scored 27 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.Shia Ka Hock and Hong Wey Jian is followed by scored 15 points respectively. Klang WCT Land is just have the exciting win over the south giant Segamat yesterday,tonight opponent Bintulu is significantly a class lower than Segamat, the easy win is not excited.


Statistic:

Segamat Rimba Timor VS Melaka Chinwoo http://nbl.com.my/statistics.php?cid=57

Klang WCT Land VS Bintulu Rainbow http://nbl.com.my/statistics.php?cid=58



NBL 2007-Bintulu Day 3-Melaka down WCT 77-66, Segamat Struggle win Bintulu 61-60 -by Chong Jzen

In the first match today, Cameroonian Kuete Chris from Klang WCT Land still keep his efficiency by scored 26 ponints and grabbed 18 rebounds.However, WCT Land overall level is significantly lower than Melaka Chinwoo.Melaka National team center Chee Li Wei(198-C-93) is contributed 17points and 15 rebounds tonight. Guganeswaran and Francis Loh Hoo Won is adding 16 and 17 points respectively. However with the 10 points win over WCT, but Melaka team field goal percentage is extremely low tonight just 45.90%(28/61).


In another game tonight, Segamat Rimba Timor against the home team Bintulu Rainbow.Segamat was successfully win (61-60)their first game after Soo Eng Heng(182-G-84) buzzer bitter in the last 3 seconds. Segamat National team player Tan Kian Hoong(192-G/F-83) have 18points and grabbed 10 rebounds,both is the team highest.Beside that, Soo Eng Heng is add 12 points that include a buzzer bitter.Both team is pressure each other until the game end, Bintulu veteran player Lau Bik Ing and Chai Tze Kiong is scored 24 and 18 points respectively to sustain the team competitive against Segamat.


Statistic:

Melaka Chinwoo VS Klang WCT Land http://nbl.com.my/statistics.php?cid=59

Segamat Rimba Timor VS Bintulu Rainbow http://nbl.com.my/statistics.php?cid=60



Standings(team/win-lose)

1-Melaka Chinwoo 3-0

2-Klang WCT Land 2-1

3-Segamat Rimba Timor 1-2

4-Bintulu Rainbow 0-3

5-YSL 0-0



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NBA

USA completed Fiba Americas champoinship with a perfect victory over Argentina -by Eurobasket News
USA - Argentina 118:81
United States team proved their All-Star status yesterday as they gave no chances for Argentinean squad in the title decider in Las Vegas. USA completed their perfect campaign with another comprehensive victory and ended the competition at 10-0 record. Both finalist however guaranteed their places in the Beijing Olympics.
United States players were dominant right from the start. They once again could hardly miss from all the ranges and piled up a 35:14 lead after the first frame. Argentina simply were unable to match the tempo and the gap grew wider in the second term reaching a 59:34 mark at halftime. The offensive supremacy of USA team continued after the break as they delivered another 34 points in the third frame and established an insurmountable 93:61 advantage after three quarters. United States team then easily cruised to the title in the final minutes of the encounter and stepped up as new Fiba Americas champions.
LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) led the action with 31 points converting 8/11 three pointers. Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) contributed 20 points and 5 boards, while Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) scored another 16 points for the winners. Luis Scola (6'9''-F/C-80) answered with 23 points and 5 boards for Argentina. Leonardo Gutierrez (6'7''-F-78) nailed 11 points and Paolo Quinteros (6'1''-G-79) added 10 points in a loss.
USA knocked down 59% from the field and 70% from free throw line. Argentina sank 41% of field goals. USA dominated the boards 41:36, while both teams committed 11 turnovers.
Luis Scola was named tournament's MVP. Leandrinho Barbosa (6'3''-G-82) became the tournament's topscorer averaging 21.8 points per game. Esteban Batista (6'10''-F/C-83) was the best rebounder with 12.4 boards per encounter.

USA: LeBron James 31, Dwight Howard 20+5 boards, Carmelo Anthony 16
Argentina: Luis Scola 23, Leonardo Gutierrez 11, Paolo Quinteros 10

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PUERTO RICO

Gracias Boricuas. P. Rico obtains the bronze medal -by Alessandro Fontana
Puerto Rico is third in the FIBA Americas 2007, This is a great result for Our Boricuas, only two teams, United States and Argentina could do better. This bronze medal has the face of "El Jefe" Larry Ayuso a player that deserves NBA or a great team in Europe, the heart of Angelo Reyes and the intelligence of "El Magnifico" Carlos Arroyo who with his experience he showed the way of the success at these incredible guys. We only want to say: "Thank you", for this unforgettable moments and emotions that Our Boricuas gave us.
P. Rico won the bronze medal after a victory against Brazil 111-107. It was an exciting game, Puerto Rico began very good with a great first quarter (26-12), in the second quarter Brazil tried to come back in the game with Tiago Splitter who scored 13pts, the second quarter ended 48-43 for Our Boricuas. In the third quarter began " the Larry Ayuso show" with four 3pts shots and "high-light actions". Larry Ayuso was the MVP of the game with 39 pts and a 66,7% 3pts percentage (8/12). The third quarter ended 81-69. In the last minutes of the l4th quarter Brazil came back in the game with Splitter (101-97) but Puerto Rico could defend the advantage with a series of Free Throws (92%FT) with Ayuso, Arroyo and Lee. 111-107, it is true, P. Rico obtains the bronze medal, the right to participate at the Pre-Olympic Tournament to qualify for Beijing 2008. Gracias, Thank you Boricuas.
PUERTO RICO- BRAZIL= 111-107
PR= Ayuso 39, Arroyo 30 (10 assts), Reyes 15 (15 rebs), Sanchez 8, Lee 7, Ramos 5 (7 rebs), Barea 2, Rivera 2, Apodaca 2, Figueroa 1.
BR= Machado 21, Splitter 19, Batista 17.

P. Rico- USA= 91-135
P. Rico is defeated by USA in the Semifinal of FIBA 2007. P. Rico played a proud game especially in the first quarters where our "latin pride" could contrast the talent of the NBA players (33-27; 24-15).
In the third quarter, there was no more game, USA began very hard and They obtained a deserved victory. The best scorer for Puerto Rico was Larry Ayuso with 22 pts.
PUERTO RICO-USA= 91-135
PR= Ayuso 22, Arroyo 21, Apodaca 12, Falcon 12, Reyes 11, Figueroa 4, Ramos 4, Barea 3, Rivera 2
USA= Anthony 27, Redd 23, James 19, Miller 14, Bryant 15, Prince 10, Howard 9, Kidd 8, Stoudemire 7, Chandler 3
A. Fontana

Puerto Rico reports FIBA AMERICAS 2007 -by Alessandro Fontana
Larry Ayuso: 19,1pts, 1,7 assts, 43% 2pts, 44%3pts, 87%FT. (39pts vs. Brazil). El jefe played an unforgettable tournament. He was always ready, He scored and thanks to his " 3pts shots-rain", Puerto Rico won the bronze medal. He played with heart and garra. The Cibona fans will enjoy next season with this player. The Euroleague has surely a big star for the next tournament. 8
Carlos Arroyo: 16,3 pts, 4,6 assts, 48%2pts, 40%3pts, 83%% FT. (30 pts vs. Brazil). "El magnifico" played a great tournament, He was with Larry Ayuso one of the most important player in the FIBA 2007. Great direction and a lot of assists. 7,5.
Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81): 10,2pts, 9,5 rebs, 55%2pts, 30%3pts, 65%FT. (15pts vs. Brazil). "El Rey" began good and he ended excellent! After a quarrel with the coach, He showed his heart for P. Rico. Great rebounder, a constant presence in the area. In the last game against Brazil he catched 15rebs+15pts. 7,5
Peter John Ramos: 8,6 pts, 7,1rebs, 56%2pts, 53%FT. (14pts vs. Brazil, 2nd round). "Snoop Dog", after the first round where he found some difficulties due to his young age (22), He played a great second round and He can be the center of the future for Puerto Rico. In ACB with Fuenlabrada he can only improve. 7
Jose Juan Barea: 7,5 pts, 2,3 assts, 48%2pts, 23%3pts, 68%FT. (18pts vs. Uruguay). He played a good tournament. He was a good back-up of Arroyo. 6,5
Ricky Sanchez: 5,6 pts, 3,2 rebs, 50%2pts, 35%3pts, 60%FT. (19pts vs. Panama). What a surprise this young Boricua. Sanchez (1987) is the future of Puerto Rico national team. Denver Nuggets is very interested in him. 6,5
Carmelo Lee: 5,5 pts, 3,4 rebs, 36%2pts, 35%3pts, 100%FT. (17pts vs. Panama). "El Ca" was very important with his 3pts shots and his defense. A warrior who gave always the heart in every game. 6,5
Rick Apodaca: 6,7 pts, 1,7ass, 36%2pts, 34%3pts, 100%FT. (12pts vs. USA). "El Mago", the wizard did not play a lot, He was closed by Ayuso but when He could play, Apodaca was always ready. 6
Filiberto Rivera: 4,8pts, 1,5assts, 57%2pts, 28%3pts, 85%FT. (14pts vs. Brazil, 2nd Round). "Filo" played good, especially against Brazil in the 2nd round when he showed his courage. In Italy with Napoli, He can improve his play and he can be a future "fixed presence" in the boricuan national team. 6
Angel Figueroa: 5,7 pts, 2,9 rebs, 65%2pts, 25%3pts, 55%FT. (10pts vs. Venezuela). "Buster" gave his contribution when he played. He is a strong player but to show his huge talent, He needs to play a lot. 6
Alex Falcon: 2,3 pts, 2,3 rebs, 42%2pts, 50%3pts, 50%FT. (12pts vs. USA). Falcon was very important with his experience to join the group. He played his best game against United States. 6
Hector Valenzuela: 1,4pts, 1reb., 35%2pts. (4pts vs. Panama and USA, 2nd round). Valenzuela was a good 12th in this national team. He showed that He deserves "La Camiseta Boricua". 6
A. Fontana

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SERBIA

Serbia losses in the opener against Russia -by Dragan Jankovski

In the opener of group A Russia outplayed Serbia 73:65 and recorded first win on the European Championship 2007 in Spain.

Russia opened the game well making 13:4 and later 31:15. They had nice shot percentage from behind the arc and inside scoring a couple of easy baskets from the paint. With introduction of Milos Teodosic Serbian team started to look more lively. In the last two and a half minutes of the second period Serbia made run 8-2 and decreased minus to 6 points after what Nikita Morgunov made a jump shot at the buzzer. In the first half “Mosquitoes” struggled from the FT line (6 of 14) as well as with covering the paint.

In the middle of the third quarter Russia picked up where they left of in the first half increasing the lead to 48:33 but soon Serbia again fought back to 48:46 thanks to 3-pointers by Milan Gurovic and Marko Jaric. Once again Russia was successful at fending off Serbian comeback and managed to increase their lead to 54:48 after Pashutin's lay-up at the buzzer. Last quarter didn't bring any improvements for Serbian team as Russia managed to score couple of clutch 3-pts shots made by Kirilenko, Khryapa and Morgunov.

Andrei Kirilenko (205-F-81) was unstoppable for Serbia's defense adding double-double 24 points and 12 rebounds. Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) and Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79) followed him scoring 11 points each. Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) was the best for Serbia netting 24 points while Milos Teodosic (196-G-87) finished the game with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Center Darko Milicic (212-C-85) had extremely bad day as he shot 2 of 13 from the field. Serbia had only 32.5 FG2, 58% FT and 33.3% for 3-pts.



Serbia - Russia 65:73

(13:21,17:17,18:16,17:19)

Serbia: Teodosic 15 (4 rebs, 3 as), Radivojevic 2 (6 rebs), Erceg 3, Labovic 1, Jaric 9 (5 rebs, 3 as), Milicic 9 (9 rebs), Aleksandrov, Velickovic 2, Tepic, Gurovic 24

DNP: Cvetkovic, Markovic.

Russia: Shabalkin, Holden 6 (4 as), Bykov, Kirilenko 24 (12 rebs, 3 as), Samoylenko, Khryapa 11 (9 rebs), Pashutin 7, Monya 4, Ponkarashov, Savrasenko 11 (5 rebs), Padius.

Serbia will meet Greece tomorrow at 20:30h.



Tournament "Pirot 2007" belongs to Partizan -by Dragan Jankovski
In the very interesting final game of international tournament "Pirot 2007" Partizan succeeded to beat Dynamo Moscow 93:91 (28:28,21:17,18:27,26:19). Center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) was clutch player for Partizan as he made a dunk for the win couple of seconds before the end. He led black and white team scoring 24 points. New point guard of Serbian and Adriatic league champions, Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.), also was good adding 19 points. On the other side, Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU) scored 28 while Henry Domercant (192-G-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: E.Illinois) posted one point less then him, 27.

In the battle for the third place Bosna ASA BHT outplayed local team Pirot 96:71.

Nikola Pekovic was named to be the MVP of the tournament. Interesting is that Travis Hansen and Henry Domercant finished tour with the same digits so both of them got award for the Top scorer.

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SLOVENIA

Market News from B-1 League -by Zeljko Zule

Triglav inked Blaz Oberckal (200-F-84) ex Litija.
Litija signed Miha Knaus (194-G/F-80) ex Rudar.
Rudar inked Saso Lukic (193-F-79) ex Medvode. Last season he averaged 14,5 points in 14 games of Division II.

Celjski KK added Peter Matevzic ex Poljcane. Last season he averaged 4,9 points in 18 games of Division III.

Parklji Bezigrad has named Muhamer Vugdalic ex Casino Maribor as new coach.

Hrastnik has named Matej Baksic ex Zlatorog as new coach and agreed terms with Boban Tomic (190-G-88) ex Postojnska jama.



Tau Ceramica tests Antonijevic, Olimpija part ways with Bakic -by Zeljko Zule

Former U20 NT member Marko Antonijevic (189-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) ex CAB Maderia is testing by Tau Ceramica.

Union Olimpija released Bojan Bakic (197-G-83, agency: Beo Basket) due a bad performance.



Lakovic beat the buzzer and Italy -by Zeljko Zule
Slovenia opened its seventh straight Eurobasket with an 69-68 win over Italy as Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78) beat the buzzer with a 3-pointer. Matjaz Smodis finished with 19 points and Lakovic 5 of his 12 points posted in last 13 seconds. Slovenia lead 38-23 at the end of first half, Italy responded with 13 consecutive points and then Slovenians made a 12-2 run. Slovenia lead 60-47 in the middle of last period when Mateo Soragna's 3-pointer gave Italiy a 68-66 lead with just 5 second remaining.
SLOVENIA 69 (21+17+18+13): Cebular DNP, *Lakovic 12, Capin 4, Dragic 9, *Nesterovic 6, *Smodis 19, Slokar 7, Klobucar, *Jagodnik 4, *D.Lorbek 2, Vidmar DNP, E.Lorbek 6.
ITALY 68 (14+11+20+23): Belinelli 7, Basile, Mancinelli, Soragna 16, Marconato 2, Mordente 12, Bargnani 4, Crosariol, Bulleri 20, DiBella, DaTome DNP, Gigli 7.

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T.OF THE AM-CAS

USA become the new Fiba Americas champions -by Eurobasket News

Final

USA - Argentina 118:81
United States team proved their All-Star status yesterday as they gave no chances for Argentinean squad in the title decider in Las Vegas. USA completed their perfect campaign with another comprehensive victory and ended the competition at 10-0 record. Both finalist however guaranteed their places in the Beijing Olympics.
United States players were dominant right from the start. They once again could hardly miss from all the ranges and piled up a 35:14 lead after the first frame. Argentina simply were unable to match the tempo and the gap grew wider in the second term reaching a 59:34 mark at halftime. The offensive supremacy of USA team continued after the break as they delivered another 34 points in the third frame and established an insurmountable 93:61 advantage after three quarters. United States team then easily cruised to the title in the final minutes of the encounter and stepped up as new Fiba Americas champions.
LeBron James (203-F-84) led the action with 31 points converting 8/11 three pointers. Dwight Howard (207-F-85) contributed 20 points and 5 boards, while Carmelo Anthony (203-F-84, college: Syracuse) scored another 16 points for the winners. Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) answered with 23 points and 5 boards for Argentina. Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) nailed 11 points and Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79) added 10 points in a loss.
USA knocked down 59% from the field and 70% from free throw line. Argentina sank 41% of field goals. USA dominated the boards 41:36, while both teams committed 11 turnovers.
Luis Scola was named tournament's MVP. Leandrinho Barbosa (190-G-82) became the tournament's topscorer averaging 21.8 points per game. Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83) was the best rebounder with 12.4 boards per encounter.

USA: LeBron James 31, Dwight Howard 20+5 boards, Carmelo Anthony 16
Argentina: Luis Scola 23, Leonardo Gutierrez 11, Paolo Quinteros 10


Bronze medals game

Brazil - Puerto Rico 107:111
Brazilian team stopped just one step away from the medals at the Fiba Americas championship in Nevada. They faced Puerto Rico in the Bronze medals game and were defeated in a spectacular high-scoring encounter.
Puerto Rican players were impressive from the start and gained a comfortable advantage after the opening frame 26:12. But Brazil proposed a well-balanced attacking approach and hit back in the second quarter cutting the deficit to 43:48 at halftime. Puerto Rico were still ahead throughout the third term as Larry Ayuso (190-G-77, agency: Edge Sports, college: USC) was deadly from beyond the arc and Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) reigned under the rims. But once again Brazil found the energy to come back within a single point late in the dying stage. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) drained a couple of three pointers and Leandrinho Barbosa provided needed help. But it was not the day for Brazil. Puerto Rico proved perfect from free throw line when it counted the most and sealed the victory in this dramatic battle.
Larry Ayuso led the winners with game-high 39 points. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) provided 30 points and 10 assists, while Angelo Reyes had 15 points and 15 boards. Marcelinho Machado scored 21 points for Brazil. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) produced 19 points and 13 boards in defeat. Brazil also were without the services of Nene Hilario as he was sidelined with injury.
Brazil shot 51% from the field and 85% from free throw line. They were outrebounded by Puerto Rico 31:39 and committed 16 turnovers.

Brazil: Marcelinho Machado 21, Tiago Splitter 19+13 boards
Puerto Rico: Larry Ayuso 39, Carlos Arroyo 30+10 assists



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TURKEY

Efes Makes Two In a Row In Pre-Season Camp -by Sinan Kocak
Despite missing part of its roster which is on duty for the Turkish National Team, Efes Pilsen won its first two games during the pre-season camp in Bormeo, Italy. After beating Avellino 75 - 69, the Beermakers beat Cantu 70 - 58, thanks to Loren Woods and Andre Hutson with 14 each while Kenny Gregory added 9. Efes will face Montespaschi Sienna on Tuesday.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Thomas to play in JBL -by David Edole
The Hitachi Sun Rockers have brought back a blast from the past in Carl Thomas (200-F-76, college: Charleston), the former Aisin Sea Horses sharpshooter who last played in Japan Basketball League (JBL) in 2003-04.
Thomas first came to Japan in 2002 when he played for Aisin. The 6-foot-8 small forward helped the team win two JBL titles in his two years with them.
However, knee problems forced Aisin to look elsewhere as they parted ways with Thomas after winning the title in 2004. Aisin hasn't won a JBL title since.
Thomas hasn't played in Japan in two seasons, but he recently played in Venezuela and the Dominican Republic before playing with Virgin Islands national team at the Pan Am Games.

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URUGUAY

Rollins for Atenas and Best for Trouville arrived to Montevideo -by Hector Lopez
Hakeem Rollins (202-C/F-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Washington) arrived to play for Atenas and Tyler Best (206-F-83, agency: HM Sports Agency) joined Trouville to play the Uruguayan League announced the teams today.



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Women News

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ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women

Jedinstvo inks Semeredi and Pupovic -by Zeljko Zule
Jedinstvo inked Kristina Semeredi (185-G-77) ex Spartak Subotica and Milijana Pupovic (192-C-84) ex Crvena zvezda for the upcoming season and re-signed Jasmina Bigovic (176-G-79), Bojana Vucinic (180-G-82) and Sanja Knezevic (187-F-84).

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AMERICAN SAMOA - Women

American Samoa grabs the third win at the South Pacific Games -by Eurobasket News
American Samoa - Solomon Islands 88:50
American Samoa team continued their perfect campaign at the South Pacific Games in Samoa. They beat Solomon Islands in their third encounter at the tournament and topped the Pool with 3-0 record. Solomon Islands meanwhile fell to 0-3 record and still seek for their first success in competition.
American Samoa dominated the game and spurred to a 34:19 lead at halftime. They somewhat eased the attitude in the second half allowing Solomon Islands to play more aggressive offence. However Solomon Islands defense still was not solid enough and American Samoa used it to pour in 54 points in the second half completing a comprehensive victory. Derisa Taleni led the action with 19 points and 6 boards for American Samoa. Shara Tauai-Yandall added 17 points for the winners. Delma Peseika answered with 15 points in a losing effort. Natala Pongi had 9 points in defeat.

American Samoa: Derisa Taleni 19+6 boards, Shara Tauai-Yandall 17
Solomon Islands: Delma Peseika 15, Natala Pongi 9

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CANADA - Women

Indiana losses Game 2 -by Eurobasket News

Indiana lost the second game against Detroit as the latter tied at 1-1. Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers) scored 5 points, made 3 rebounds, 2 blocks and 1 assist. Canadian player finished the game with 5 fouls and had 3 turnovers.
The defending WNBA champions Detroit Shock avoided elimination in Game 2 of the Eastern Final series. They edged Indiana 77:63 at home and forced the decisive Game 3. Detroit already faced the same situation in the previous round when they were down 0-1 against New York but managed to overcome the Liberty in the next two encounters.
The Fever got to a better start and led by 4 points early on 20:16. But Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) quickly scored 5 points at the start of the second frame to give the home side a 21:20 lead for good. Deanna Nolan would score 15 points in the second quarter and ensured a 41:32 advantage for the hosts at halftime. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) stepped up in the third quarter and delivered 10 points in 7 minutes of action to pace Detroit to a 63:39 lead. Indiana struggled to perform a comeback and trailed by as many as 21 points entering the fourth frame. The Fever just managed to cut the deficit to 14 points in the dying stages of the game but never came closer and lost the battle.
Deanna Nolan topscored for the home side with 24 points, 6 assists and 5 boards. Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) contributed 14 points for the winners. Anna DeForge (5'10''-G-76, college: Nebraska) scored 13 points for Indiana. Tamika Whitmore (6'2''-C-77, college: Memphis) added 12 points in defeat.
Detroit had an obvious edge under the rims as they outrebounded the visitors 44:22. Detroit shot 53% of field goals and 65% of free throws.
As in the first game Indiana celebrated 75:65 win, the score is now 1-1.

Detroit - Indiana 77:63

Detroit: Deanna Nolan 24, Katie Smith 14, Swin Cash 12+10 boards
Indiana: Anna DeForge 13, Tamika Whitmore 12, Tammy Sutton-Brown 5



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CHINA - Women

China records two wins and a loss in Latvia -by Eurobasket News
Chinese team is cuurently playing at the international tournament in Latvia. Four teams participate in the competition and China already played two games.
China played against Spain on the opening day of the tournament and posted their first victory in the contest. The teams played a close basketball at the first half and Spain enjoyed a narrow 39:38 lead. China levelled the game in the third term and finally surhed head in the fourth. Spain were not ready to maintain Chinese effort and lost the game 76:83. Nan Chen (197-C-83) scored 25 points for the winners.
Chinese players later faced the hosts and rallied to a confident victory 72:59. China started the game aggressively and grabbed a 27:20 after the first frame. Latvia slowed the visitors down a bit in the second quarter and but still trailed at halftime 31:38. China performed the desicive spurt in the thrid stanza as they limited the home side to just 7 points and extended the gap to 56:38. Latvia never recovered and lost the fixture. Miao Li Jie (180-G-81) led China with 20 points. Zhang Xiaoni (195-C-83) added 14 points in a winning case.
China shot 46% from the field and 63% from free throw line. They lost the battle under the rims 31:34 and committed 15 turnovers.
China then took on France in the second round of action and suffered a 61:67 defeat. France looked better in the first half and piled up a 43:33 lead at halftime. Third quarter turned out to be a low-scoring affair but France still outscored their Asian counterparts 15:12. China finally found the touch in the final quarter but was not able to catch up with French team. Nan Chen paced China with 13 points and 6 boards. Zhang Xiaoni had 12 points in a loss.
China this time converted 40% of field goals and 73% of free throws. They were outrebounded 26:41 and committed 13 turnovers.

China - Spain 83:76
China: Nan Chen 25, Bian Lan (182-G-86) 12
Spain: Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) 13, Ana Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) 12

China - Latvia 72:59
China: Miao Li Jie 20, Zhang Xiaoni 14
Latvia: Anete Zogota 17, Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) 14

China - France 61:67
China: Nan Chen 13+6 boards, Zhang Xiaoni 12
France: Sandra Dijon (195-C-79) 15+13 boards, Sandrine Gruda (192-F/C-87) 14

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E.CHAMPS U18 - Women

Malta triumphs at home -by Eurobasket News
Malta U18 - Luxembourg U18 48:44
Maltese U18 team successfully completed the home European championship in Division C. They overcame Luxembourg in the last round of action and fisnished on top of the ladder. Malta grabbed 4 consecutive victories and remained undefeated throughout the competition. Luxembourg meawnhile suffered their 3 loss and occupied overall 4th spot in the standings.
Malta dominated the first quarter and limited their opponents to just 5 points piling up a 12:5 lead. However Luxembourg replied with 17:12 second frame and trailed by just 2 points at halftime 22:24. The home side raised the tempo in the third term and cleared off to a 40:31 distance. But Luxembourg stayed close and cut the deficit to just 2 points with 43 second left. But Abigail Muscat nailed a jump shot to give Malta a 48:44 advantage with 18 seconds remaining. Laura Wilwert committed a turnover in the next possession and sealed the win for Maltese squad.
Malta were paced by Abigail Muscat with 13 points. Christina Grima added 12 points and 6 steals in a win. Lena Hetto secured 16 points and 12 boards for Luxembourg. Florence Welsch had 9 points in a losing effort.
Malta shot 40% from the field and 31% from free throw line. Luxembourg answered with 29% of field goals and 46% from the stripe. Luxembourg also dominated the boards 44:29 but comitted 23 turnovers.

Malta U18: Abigail Muscat 13, Christina Grima 12+6 steals
Luxembourg U18: Lena Hetto 16+12 boards, Florence Welsch 9

Gibraltar U18 - Monaco U18 22:76
Monaco finished their European championship campaign in style. They routed Gibraltar to record their second win at the tournament and occupied the 3rd overall spot. Gibraltar lost all 4 games in the contest and remained at the bottom of the table. Marine Peglion shone once agian for Monaco as she nailed 34 points and made 8 steals. She bacame the topscorer of the tournament netting 28.5 points per game. Vanina Meganck contributed 14 points for the winners. Andrya Rowbottom scored 9 points for Gibraltar in a loss.

Gibraltar U18: Andrya Rowbottom 9
Monaco U18: Marine Peglion 34+8 steals, Vanina Meganck 14

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FIJI - Women

Fiji cruises past New Caledonia for the second win -by Eurobasket News
New Caledonia - Fiji 59:87
Fiji remained perfect at the South Pacific Games in Samoa. They edged New Caledonia to improve to 2-0 record and continue to chase leading American Samoa in the ladder. New Caledonia were unable to recover after a slow start and fell to 0-2 record at the bottom of the standings.
Fiji were overwhelming early in the game and easily established a 50:21 lead at halftime. New Caledonia seemed to find the right rhythm in the third frame as they outscored the opponents 20:16. But it was a small success and Fiji team regained control over the game in the final quarter. Fiji dominated the dying stage and recorded another victory at the tournament. Letava Whippy scored 15 points for Fiji. Valerie Nainima (165-G-86) had 14 points for the winners. New Caledonia replied with 11 points from Myriam Fenuafanote and Wasselie Luepak. Marie-Rose Ofatuku secured another 8 points in a loss.
Fiji shot 54% from the field and 49% from free throw line. New Caledonia replied with 49% of field goals and 47% from charity stripe. Fiji outrebounded New Caledonia 51:37.
Fiji will next face hosting Samoa. New Caledonia will take on leading American Samoa.

Fiji: Letava Whippy 15, Valerie Nainima 14
New Caledonia: Myriam Fenuafanote 11, Wasselie Luepak 11

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FRANCE - Women

NT: China win 4 nation in Riga but lose to France on final day -by Leslie Anderson

The results and box scores of the 4-nation tournament can be found in our Latvian section of Eurobasket.com by clicking here


France finished second after losing to Spain on Day 2 (73-67) after a 4th quarter collapse that allowed Spain to score 11 unanswered points to take control of the game at the end. France again struggled in the final period today in their last match against China and hung on to win by six points (67-61).

Despite China losing the last game they went on to win the tournament on point difference from France and Spain. The hosts Latvia finished last.

Jaques Commeres reaction after the match today " the girls played well after the defeat yesterday. Against the strong and Solid Chinese team we were able to play our game and develop some interesting offensive and defensive actions. We held on to win at the end once again demonstrating our progress."




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ISRAEL - Women

Israel starts Additional Qualifying tournament to Eurobasket with loss -by Eurobasket News
Hungary - Israel 73:54
Israeli National team were unable to start the Additional Qualifying round to Eurobasket with victory. They travelled to Hungary and suffered their first defeat in Group B. It means Israel fell to 0-1 record and remained at the bottom of the table. Hungary topped the standings at 1-1.
Hungarian side were coming off a starting loss to Bulgatia and needed a win to stay alive in the race. The game remained extraclose throughout the first half and Hunagry managed to lead by a single point 30:29 at halftime.
However a tight defence and some offensive sloppiness from the visitors allowed the hosts to spur to a 51:38 advantage after three frames and enter the final quarter confident enough. Israel could not propose any sort of reply in the final part of the encounter and lost it.
Timea Beres (192-C-76), Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80, college: S.Carolina) and Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) scored 14 points apiece to lead the home side. Andrea Csaszar (200-C-82, college: Kent St.) netted 10 points for the winners. Liad Suez-Karni (191-F/C-81, college: Villanova) answered with 14 points for Israel. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) had 12 points in defeat.
Hungary shot 33% from the field and 81% from free throw line. Israel responded with 28% of accuracy from the field and just 55% of free throws. The hosts outrebounded Israel 38:28.
Israel will next take on Bulgaria at home on September 5.

Hungary: Timea Beres 14, Petra Ujhelyi 14, Zsofia Fegyverneky 14
Israel: Liad Suez-Karni 14, Liron Cohen 12

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ITALY - Women

New rosters for Napoli, Faenza, Ribera, Parma, Venezia and Pozzuoli -by Massimo Finizio

Italian A1 teams are beginning pre-season training. let's take a look at the new rosters:

Phard Napoli

Stefania Paterna (180-G/F-80)
Mariangela Cirone (171-G-76)
Paola Mauriello (185-G-81)
Sara Giauro (190-C-79)
Immacolata Gentile (175-G-75)
Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83)
Astou N'Diaye (190-C-73, college: Abilene Christian)
Kedra Holland-Corn (173-G-74)
Adia Barnes (180-F-77, college: Arizona)
Lasma Jekabsone (191-C-85, college: Florida Intern.)
Chiara Bargigli (174-G-89)
Ludovica Stamegna (174-G-90)
Valeria Zampella (175-G-90)

Germano Zama Faenza

Marija Eric (164-G-83)
Maria Chiara Franchini (182-G-79)
Adrijana Knezevic (184-F-87)
Emanuela Ramon (187-F-82)
Simona Ballardini (183-F-81)
Giulia Casadio (179-G-76)
Daliborka Jokic (185-F-81)
Ilisaine David (191-F/C-77)
Cintia Dos Santos - Silva (195-C-75)
Marte Alexander (192-C-76)
Marlous Nieuwveen (195-C-80)

Banco di Sicilia Ribera

Chiara Perfetti (170-G-79)
Sara Farris (168-G-85) (PG)
Megan Duffy (170-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Notre Dame) (SG/PG)
Jami Montagnino (173-G-85) Silvia Favento (184-F-85)

Marija Micovic (187-F-82)
Oxana Pysmennyk (192-F-78, agency: LBM Management)<

Ziomara Morrison (193-C-89)

Diana Razmaite (196-C-75, agency: LBM Management)


From under 19 team

Francesca Faraci (PG)
Erica Campanella (SG)
Giulia Bona (SG)
Valentina Ripellino (SG).

Staff

Gianni Tripodi (coach)
Flavio Faraci (assistent coach)
Vito Ferrauto (trainer)

Lavezzini Parma

Masha Maiorano (182-G/F-82)
Valeria Battisodo (175-G-88)
Susanna Stabile (178-G-80)
Martina Rejchova (196-C-83)
Elena Paparazzo (193-C-73)
Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86)
Manuela Zanon (185-F-80)
Gianna Grenga (185-C-91)

from junior team

Fall
Manzini
Pozzati
Narviciute
Pieropan
Zambrini.

Maurizo Scanzani coach
Davide Malakiano Assistant coach

Reyer Venezia

Eva Giauro (204-C-86)

Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88)

Jenifer Nadalin (187-F/C-83, college: Furman)

Francesca Modica (175-G-81)

Mery Andrade (181-F-75, college: ODU)

Aleksandra Vujovic (182-G-80)

Nakia Sanford (193-F/C-76, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas)

Shannon Johnson (169-G-74, college: USC)

Alice Romagnoli (190-C-84)

from junior team

Giulia Furlan (1988)

Giulia Pegoraro (1989)

Arianna Zampieri (1988)

Gloria Vian (1989)

Giulia Brotto (1991)

Federica Tognalini (1991)

Giorgia Miolo (1991)

Federica Levorato (1991)

Roberta Croce (1991)

Marta Ceccato (1991)

Ilaria Cattapan (1989)

Coconuda Pozzuoli

Temeka Johnson (160-G-82, agency: LBM Management, college: LSU)
Tanja Cirov (181-G/F-81)
Hollie Grima (190-C-83, agency: LBM Management)
Nunzia Paparo (165-G-77)
Alesandra Cesca (185-C-82)
Adriana Grasso (188-C-74)
Maria Minervino (192-C-86)
Marika Marica
Michela Fianchetti
Iris Ferazzoli (178-F-72)
Elisabetta Linguagrossa

from Junior team

Silvia Cante
Marialuisa Gazzella
Daniela Errico
Valeria Della Selva
Roberta Margio
Teresa Esposito Concione

Staff

Fulvio Palumbo coach manager
Riccardo Bolensio trainer
Rosario Sepe Assistant coach
Paolo Sommella Presidant
Marianeve Palumbo Vice President



Tassara to Schio, Hodges to Pomezia -by Massimo Finizio
Simona Tassara (174-G-72) moves from Cras Taranto to Famila Wuber Schio

Fiera di Roma Pomezia signed last season A1 top scorer Doneka Hodges from New Wash Montigarda and announces former player Angela Adamoli as Assistant coach

New Wash Montigarda announces Nara Innocente from Pozzuoli and confirms Lorenzo Serventi as head coach

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LATVIA - Women

Tournament in Latvia -by Ricards Vambuts

3rd day
Latvia -Spain 62:69 (19:10, 12:25, 18:18, 13:16).
Latvia: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (176-F-83) 18, Kublina 16+5reb, Basko 11+7st, Tamane 7, Jansone 6, Dreimane 4, Brumermane, Tare, Krumberga, Ose-Hlebovicke, Cinite.
Spain: Valdemoro 18+7reb, Montanana 11, Aguilar 10, Sanchez 9, Lima 8+5reb, Zurro 8, Palau 3, Martinez 2, Camps, Pascua 6reb, Morales, Herradas.

France - China 67:61 (19:15 24:18 15:12 9:16).
France: Dijon 15+13reb, Gruda14+7reb, Sauret-Gillespie 9, Bade 8, Gomis 7, LeDrean 4, Ndongue 3, Lawson-Wade 3, Bertal 2, Dumerc 2, Reghaissia, Beikes.
China: Nan 13+6reb, Xiaoni 12, Lan 11, Lijie 10, Xiaoli 8, Xiaoyun 4, Lei 2, Dan 1, Zhang, Fan, Lixin, Jiacen.

Tabulation:
1. China
2. France
3. Spain

4. Latvia



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LUXEMBOURG - Women

Maltese U18 team wins the European championship in Division C -by Eurobasket News
Malta U18 - Luxembourg U18 48:44
Maltese U18 team successfully completed the home European championship in Division C. They overcame Luxembourg in the last round of action and fisnished on top of the ladder. Malta grabbed 4 consecutive victories and remained undefeated throughout the competition. Luxembourg meawnhile suffered their 3 loss and occupied overall 4th spot in the standings.
Malta dominated the first quarter and limited their opponents to just 5 points piling up a 12:5 lead. However Luxembourg replied with 17:12 second frame and trailed by just 2 points at halftime 22:24. The home side raised the tempo in the third term and cleared off to a 40:31 distance. But Luxembourg stayed close and cut the deficit to just 2 points with 43 second left. But Abigail Muscat nailed a jump shot to give Malta a 48:44 advantage with 18 seconds remaining. Laura Wilwert committed a turnover in the next possession and sealed the win for Maltese squad.
Malta were paced by Abigail Muscat with 13 points. Christina Grima added 12 points and 6 steals in a win. Lena Hetto secured 16 points and 12 boards for Luxembourg. Florence Welsch (171-F-91) had 9 points in a losing effort.
Malta shot 40% from the field and 31% from free throw line. Luxembourg answered with 29% of field goals and 46% from the stripe. Luxembourg also dominated the boards 44:29 but comitted 23 turnovers.

Malta U18: Abigail Muscat 13, Christina Grima 12+6 steals
Luxembourg U18: Lena Hetto 16+12 boards, Florence Welsch 9

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MALTA - Women

Maltese U18 team wins the European championship in Division C -by Eurobasket News
Malta U18 - Luxembourg U18 48:44
Maltese U18 team successfully completed the home European championship in Division C. They overcame Luxembourg in the last round of action and fisnished on top of the ladder. Malta grabbed 4 consecutive victories and remained undefeated throughout the competition. Luxembourg meawnhile suffered their 3 loss and occupied overall 4th spot in the standings.
Malta dominated the first quarter and limited their opponents to just 5 points piling up a 12:5 lead. However Luxembourg replied with 17:12 second frame and trailed by just 2 points at halftime 22:24. The home side raised the tempo in the third term and cleared off to a 40:31 distance. But Luxembourg stayed close and cut the deficit to just 2 points with 43 second left. But Abigail Muscat nailed a jump shot to give Malta a 48:44 advantage with 18 seconds remaining. Laura Wilwert committed a turnover in the next possession and sealed the win for Maltese squad.
Malta were paced by Abigail Muscat with 13 points. Christina Grima added 12 points and 6 steals in a win. Lena Hetto secured 16 points and 12 boards for Luxembourg. Florence Welsch (171-F-91) had 9 points in a losing effort.
Malta shot 40% from the field and 31% from free throw line. Luxembourg answered with 29% of field goals and 46% from the stripe. Luxembourg also dominated the boards 44:29 but comitted 23 turnovers.

Malta U18: Abigail Muscat 13, Christina Grima 12+6 steals
Luxembourg U18: Lena Hetto 16+12 boards, Florence Welsch 9

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NEW CALEDONIA - Women

Fiji cruises past New Caledonia for the second win -by Eurobasket News
New Caledonia - Fiji 59:87
Fiji remained perfect at the South Pacific Games in Samoa. They edged New Caledonia to improve to 2-0 record and continue to chase leading American Samoa in the ladder. New Caledonia were unable to recover after a slow start and fell to 0-2 record at the bottom of the standings.
Fiji were overwhelming early in the game and easily established a 50:21 lead at halftime. New Caledonia seemed to find the right rhythm in the third frame as they outscored the opponents 20:16. But it was a small success and Fiji team regained control over the game in the final quarter. Fiji dominated the dying stage and recorded another victory at the tournament. Letava Whippy scored 15 points for Fiji. Valerie Nainima (165-G-86) had 14 points for the winners. New Caledonia replied with 11 points from Myriam Fenuafanote and Wasselie Luepak. Marie-Rose Ofatuku secured another 8 points in a loss.
Fiji shot 54% from the field and 49% from free throw line. New Caledonia replied with 49% of field goals and 47% from charity stripe. Fiji outrebounded New Caledonia 51:37.
Fiji will next face hosting Samoa. New Caledonia will take on leading American Samoa.

Fiji: Letava Whippy 15, Valerie Nainima 14
New Caledonia: Myriam Fenuafanote 11, Wasselie Luepak 11

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POLAND - Women

Poland shrugs off Slovenia at home -by Eurobasket News
Poland - Slovenia 95:54
Polish team secured the second striaght win at the Additional Qualifying round of Eurobasket. They edged Slovenia to strengthen their leading postion in Group A. Slovenia meawhile suffered the first defeat and fell to 0-1 record.
Slovenia kept it close throughout the first 5 minutes of the game but Poland quickly gained needed speed and took a 26:18 lead after the opening frame. Agnieszka Palka scored 8 points for Poland as they posted a 13:0 run early in the second quarter and eased off to a safe 39:18 distance. Slovenia could hardly match hosts tempo and trailed 26:51 at halftime. Emilia Tlumak connectecd twice from beyond the arc late in the third quarter to mark a 77:44 domanince for the home side. Poland completed the win in the fourth quarter and improved to 2-0 record.
Elzbieta Miedzik (180-F-83) topscored for Poland with 27 points. Emilia Tlumak and Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84) produced 13 points apiece for the winners. Maja Erkic (182-G/F-85) scored 19 points for Slovenia. Maja Drozg (179-F/C-81) had 9 points in a losing case.
Poland recorded 50% accuracy from the field and 86% from charity stripe. Slovenia replied with just 26% of field goals and 90% of free throws. Poland outrebounded their opponents 41:26 and forced Slovenia to 17 turnovers.
Poland will next face Finland on September 8.

Poland: Elzbieta Miedzik 27, Emilia Tlumak 13, Paulina Pawlak 13
Slovenia: Maja Erkic 19, Maja Drozg 9

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PORTUGAL - Women

Portugal 84 - Luxemburg 42 -by Bruno Baltazar
Portugal entered in the best way in 2nd return of European champs being successful, against Luxemburg for 84-42. Portugal ´´smacked´´ the oposite team in the floor but did not enter well in the game, therefore in first 5 minutes Luxemburg gained a fast advantage (10-2) that it compelled the selector Carlos Portugal to ask for 1 Time Out.
From there, Portugual packed, exceeding Luxemburg in the marker and arrived at the half already with 10 points of advantage (26-36). In the second part, dominating for complete the tables, defending fast and aggressive and leaving for the counterattack, Portugal was gradually obtaining to increase the advantage, being able itself to attend some plays of beautiful effect. In the end, the difference of 42 points finished for being just therefore Portugal demonstrated to be clearly superior to the Luxemburg team.

Heres the scores:
Sofia Ramalho (18), Fatima Freitas, Paula Muxiri(18), Debora Escorcio (9), Tamara Milovac (14); Joana Lopes (8), Sara Filipe (8), Larisse Lima (2), Mariana Alves, Ana Oliveira, Nadia Tavares (5) e Catia Lirio (2).
Next game is in Oliveira do Hospital, 5 September at 21h00, against Bosnia Herzegovina.


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SAMOA - Women

SPG2007: Day 3 Results -by Gauthier Gerard
Third day of action in the South Pacific Games 2007 in Apia and the host nation, Samoa, registered its first loss against the surprising Papua New Guinea team despite a last quarter surge, 59-60. American Samoa and Fiji are leading the pool as the only two remaining undefeated squads.

Day 3:
American Samoa - Solomon Islands: 50-88
Shara Tauai-Yandall 17pts 7/8FG - Delma Peseika 15pts 4/10FG
Samoa - Papua New Guinea: 59-60
Latoya Wily 18pts 6/9FG - Nape Waka 26pts 9/14FG
Fiji - New Caledonia: 87-59
Letava Whippy 15pts 4/9FG - Wasselie Luepack 11pts 3/8FG

Standings:
1- American Samoa 3-0
2- Fiji 2-0
3- Samoa 2-1
4- Tahiti 1-1
5- Papua New Guinea 1-2
6- New Caledonia 0-2
7- Solomon Islands 0-3


Team Papua New Guinea (photo: SPG2007)

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SLOVAK REP. - Women

Slovakia holds off Ukraine in Kiev -by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Slovakia 61:66
Slovakia needed a strong fourth frame to edge Ukraine and record their first victory at the Additional Qualifying round for Eurobasket. Ukraine at the same time lost the second game in a row and dimmed their chances of progressing to European championship. The teams played a tight basketball 6 minutes into the game before Slovakia fired with a 10:2 rally to leave Ukraine behind 22:14. The hosts however came back into the contest early in the second quarter as Olena Zherzherunova delivered 4 points to tie the scoreline at 22. Neither team could clear off to a decent distance in the second term but Slovakian Lucia Laskova (187-C-80, agency: LBM Management) drained a three pointer to cap the first frame and gave the visitors a 36:32 lead at halftime. She opened the second half with another jumper and Zuzana Zirkova (175-F-80) added 3 points to spur Slovakia to a 41:32 advantage. They held on to it throughout the third frame but 4 points from Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) cut the deficit to 46:47 entering the final quarter. Slovakia used a 12:2 run midway through the fourth stanza to put themselves up by 9 points with just under 3 minutes remaining 53:62. Inna Yegorova (173-G-82)'s trey saw Ukraine climbing back within 6 points with 23 seconds left in regulation but it was not enough. Bronislava Borovickova (170-G-80) nailed one free throw and sealed the victory for Slovakia at the end.
Zuzana Zirkova paced visitors with 22 points and 11 boards. Lucia Laskova contributed 10 points and 10 boards for the winners. Olexandra Gorbunova posted 23 points and 9 rebounds for Ukraine. Inna Yegorova chipped in 11 points in defeat.
Slovakia will next host Sweden on September 5.

Ukraine: Olexandra Gorbunova 23+9 boards, Inna Yegorova 11
Slovakia: Zuzana Zirkova 22+11 boards, Lucia Laskova 10+10 boards

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SOLOMON ISLANDS - Women

American Samoa grabs the third win at the South Pacific Games -by Eurobasket News
American Samoa - Solomon Islands 88:50
American Samoa team continued their perfect campaign at the South Pacific Games in Samoa. They beat Solomon Islands in their third encounter at the tournament and topped the Pool with 3-0 record. Solomon Islands meanwhile fell to 0-3 record and still seek for their first success in competition.
American Samoa dominated the game and spurred to a 34:19 lead at halftime. They somewhat eased the attitude in the second half allowing Solomon Islands to play more aggressive offence. However Solomon Islands defense still was not solid enough and American Samoa used it to pour in 54 points in the second half completing a comprehensive victory. Derisa Taleni led the action with 19 points and 6 boards for American Samoa. Shara Tauai-Yandall added 17 points for the winners. Delma Peseika answered with 15 points in a losing effort. Natala Pongi had 9 points in defeat.

American Samoa: Derisa Taleni 19+6 boards, Shara Tauai-Yandall 17
Solomon Islands: Delma Peseika 15, Natala Pongi 9

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SPAIN - Women

Spain:2nd position in Riga's tournament -by Ivan Villar
Spain defeated to home team of Letonia by 62-69 but finished in second place after have lost against China on the first round (76-83).Amaya Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) (18 p.) and Montaņana (11p) were the best scorers of team coached by Evaristo Perez.Now the expedition comes back to Spain waiting for next game on september 6th.We must remember that final roster for Eurobasket is the following after leave to Silvia Dominguez and Maria Pina out of the team:Elisa Aguilar, Laia Palau, Amaya Amaya Valdemoro, Ana Montanana, Lucila Pascua, Laura Camps, Cindy Lima, Isa Sanchez, Nuria Martinez, Marta Zurro, Silvia Morales e Irene Herradas.

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ST.VINCENT - Women

Sophia Young shines again, not enough for the Stars -by Eurobasket News
Game 1
San Antonio - Phoenix 100:102
Phoenix Mercury made a huge step toward the WNBA Final as they drove to a dramatic win over San Antonio Silver Stars away from home yesterday. Phoenix thus took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series and now can decide on the winner in Game 2. The teams played extra close basketball throughout the first half. Phoenix managed to claim a narrow 50:47 advantage at halftime. They later extended it to 4 points entering the final frame 73:69. Phoenix spurred to their biggest 97:89 lead with 49 seconds left in regulation. But Sean Crossley (6'3''-F-84) connected from the outside and later was fouled when attempting another trey. She nailed all three free throws to cut the deficit to just 3 points with 15 seconds remaining 97:100. Diana Taurasi (5'11''-G-82, college: Connecticut) committed a turnover and Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) dropped another one from beyond the arc to tie the score at 100. But 2 seconds appered to be enough for the visitors to seal the win. Sean Crossley fouled Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) and the Mercury guard was deadly from free throw line. She topscored for Phoenix with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) contributed 18 points and 14 boards for the winners. Becky Hammon led the hosts with game-high 32 points. Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) ensured 24 points and 18 boards in a loss.
Phoenix posted 49% accuracy from the field and 88% from free throw line. San Antonio shot 44% of field goals and 77% of free throws. Phoenix outmuscled the home side on the boards 39:34.

San Antonio: Becky Hammon 32, Sophia Young 24+18 boards
Phoenix: Cappie Pondexter 26, Penny Taylor 18+14 boards
Game 2
Phoenix - San Antonio 98:92
Phoenix Mercury secured the second win in the Westrern Final series against San Antonio Silver Stars at home and became the first WNBA finalist. They will now wait for the winner of Indina vs. Detroit clash, where Indiana grabbed 1-0 lead in the series.
San Antonio were driven ahead by the deficit after the first game and enjoyed a 22:11 advantage early in the opening quarter. Phoenix however managed to cut the gap to just 5 points 23:28. Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) delivered 11 points in the second quarter to lead the home side to a 47:42 advantage at halftime. San Antonio remained in the contest and kept within a straiking sdistance throughout the third frame. The game was still drawn with just over 2 minutes to go when Phoenix sparked with 12:2 rally to put themslves up 96:86 with 26 seconds left in regulation. San Antonio had no chances of saving this one and got eliminated from the playoff race.
Cappie Pondexter shone for the Mercury topscoring with 33 points, 10 boards and 8 assists. Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) delivered 23 points and 7 boards. Sean Crossley (6'3''-F-84) netted 20 points off the bench for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) had 19 points and 10 boards in defeat.
Phoenix knocked down 49% of field goals and 86% of free throws. Both teams pulled down 40 boards and committed 19 turnovers.

Phoenix: Cappie Pondexter 33+10 boards, Penny Taylor 23
San Antonio: Sean Crossley 20, Sophia Young 19+10 boards


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U.KINGDOM - Women

Perfect start for Britain -by Dave Ryan
Stefanie Collins (168-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) led the way with 25 points as Great Britain women made a good start to their European Championship campaign with a 63-49 win against Estonia, on Saturday.
In front of a good crowd at Manchester's Amaechi Centre, Rhondda Rebels' guard Collins added seven rebounds, two assists and a team-high three steals as GB completed a double over the Balkans side.
Collins was given good support from Rose Mason who shrugged off foul trouble to finish with 14 points and nine rebounds, while Megan Moody returned from injury to add ten points, five blocks and as many rebounds in 27 minutes.
In a game that Mark Clark's led for long periods, it was Collins who gave GB the perfect start with a three-pointer off Arek Deng's assist, and a second Collins trey - this time off Mason's assist - put Britain 10-3 up at the midway stage of the first quarter. A quiet end to the first period saw only a Chantelle Handy score in the final two minutes, but Britain still reached the first break with an 18-12 lead.
Estonia started the second quarter strongly, and seven straight points from Merike Anderson put the eastern European side 19-18 ahead with 2:10 played. Mason broke the run with a jump shot, but Anderson converted a lay-up to put her side ahead by a point.
Two-from-four foul shooting by Mason and a Collins jump shot put Britain 24-21 ahead at the midway stage of the game. Four points from K Arbet saw the Estonians edge ahead again, but that proved to be their final lead of the game, and despite Mason continuing to struggle at the line, the same player laid the ball in 18 seconds from the horn to send Britain into the locker room with a 30-25 lead.
Moody opened the second half scoring with a single free-throw, but once again it was Estonia who started the period strongly, and six unanswered points saw them level the score at 31 with 7:29 remaining in the quarter. A pair of Moody lay-ups and two Collins free-throw saw Britain hit back with a 6-0 run of their own, before two three-pointers from Kristy Lavin and one from Collins saw Britain's lead grow to 46-33. Anderson and Arbet continued to trouble Britain as the Estonians hit back, but despite the visitors scoring the last six points of the period, Britain went into the final break with a 46-39 lead.
Deng scored the first points of the fourth period, and Britain retained a healthy lead throughout the stanza. The visitors twice cut their deficit to six points during the opening four minutes of the quarter, but a Collins try followed by a jump shot from the same player put Britain 56-45 up at the five minute mark, and they never looked back.
Mason wrapped up the win lay-up 2:20 from time, putting Britain 58-48 ahead, and they completed a moral boosting win with seven of the final eight points.
Anderson - who had been singled out as Estonia's key player by coach Clark - finished top scorer for her side with 17 points, while Arbet added 11, despite some poor shooting.

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UKRAINE - Women

Slovakia holds off Ukraine in Kiev -by Eurobasket News
Ukraine - Slovakia 61:66
Slovakia needed a strong fourth frame to edge Ukraine and record their first victory at the Additional Qualifying round for Eurobasket. Ukraine at the same time lost the second game in a row and dimmed their chances of progressing to European championship. The teams played a tight basketball 6 minutes into the game before Slovakia fired with a 10:2 rally to leave Ukraine behind 22:14. The hosts however came back into the contest early in the second quarter as Olena Zherzherunova delivered 4 points to tie the scoreline at 22. Neither team could clear off to a decent distance in the second term but Slovakian Lucia Laskova (187-C-80, agency: LBM Management) drained a three pointer to cap the first frame and gave the visitors a 36:32 lead at halftime. She opened the second half with another jumper and Zuzana Zirkova (175-F-80) added 3 points to spur Slovakia to a 41:32 advantage. They held on to it throughout the third frame but 4 points from Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) cut the deficit to 46:47 entering the final quarter. Slovakia used a 12:2 run midway through the fourth stanza to put themselves up by 9 points with just under 3 minutes remaining 53:62. Inna Yegorova (173-G-82)'s trey saw Ukraine climbing back within 6 points with 23 seconds left in regulation but it was not enough. Bronislava Borovickova (170-G-80) nailed one free throw and sealed the victory for Slovakia at the end.
Zuzana Zirkova paced visitors with 22 points and 11 boards. Lucia Laskova contributed 10 points and 10 boards for the winners. Olexandra Gorbunova posted 23 points and 9 rebounds for Ukraine. Inna Yegorova chipped in 11 points in defeat.
Slovakia will next host Sweden on September 5.

Ukraine: Olexandra Gorbunova 23+9 boards, Inna Yegorova 11
Slovakia: Zuzana Zirkova 22+11 boards, Lucia Laskova 10+10 boards

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WNBA - Women

Detroit still hopeful about the Final -by Eurobasket News
Detroit - Indiana 77:63
The defending WNBA champions Detroit Shock avoided elimination in Game 2 of the Eastern Final series. They edged Indiana 77:63 at home and forced the decisive Game 3. Detroit already faced the same situation in the previous round when they were down 0-1 against New York but managed to overcome the Liberty in the next two encounters.
The Fever got to a better start and led by 4 points early on 20:16. But Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) quickly scored 5 points at the start of the second frame to give the home side a 21:20 lead for good. Deanna Nolan would score 15 points in the second quarter and ensured a 41:32 advantage for the hosts at halftime. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) stepped up in the third quarter and delivered 10 points in 7 minutes of action to pace Detroit to a 63:39 lead. Indiana struggled to perform a comeback and trailed by as many as 21 points entering the fourth frame. The Fever just managed to cut the deficit to 14 points in the dying stages of the game but never came closer and lost the battle.
Deanna Nolan topscored for the home side with 24 points, 6 assists and 5 boards. Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) contributed 14 points for the winners. Anna DeForge (5'10''-G-76, college: Nebraska) scored 13 points for Indiana. Tamika Whitmore (6'2''-C-77, college: Memphis) added 12 points in defeat.
Detroit had an obvious edge under the rims as they outrebounded the visitors 44:22. Detroit shot 53% of field goals and 65% of free throws.
Game 3 is scheduled for today in Detroit.

Detroit: Deanna Nolan 24, Katie Smith 14, Swin Cash 12+10 boards
Indiana: Anna DeForge 13, Tamika Whitmore 12

Phoenix storms into WNBA Final -by Eurobasket News
Phoenix - San Antonio 98:92
Phoenix Mercury secured the second win in the Westrern Final series against San Antonio Silver Stars at home and became the first WNBA finalist. They will now wait for the winner of Indina vs. Detroit clash, where Indiana grabbed 1-0 lead in the series.
San Antonio were driven ahead by the deficit after the first game and enjoyed a 22:11 advantage early in the opening quarter. Phoenix however managed to cut the gap to just 5 points 23:28. Cappie Pondexter (5'9''-G-83, college: Rutgers) delivered 11 points in the second quarter to lead the home side to a 47:42 advantage at halftime. San Antonio remained in the contest and kept within a straiking sdistance throughout the third frame. The game was still drawn with just over 2 minutes to go when Phoenix sparked with 12:2 rally to put themslves up 96:86 with 26 seconds left in regulation. San Antonio had no chances of saving this one and got eliminated from the playoff race.
Cappie Pondexter shone for the Mercury topscoring with 33 points, 10 boards and 8 assists. Penny Taylor (6'1''-F-81) delivered 23 points and 7 boards. Sean Crossley (6'3''-F-84) netted 20 points off the bench for the Silver Stars. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) had 19 points and 10 boards in defeat.
Phoenix knocked down 49% of field goals and 86% of free throws. Both teams pulled down 40 boards and committed 19 turnovers.
Game 1 of the WNBA Final is scheduled for September 5.

Phoenix: Cappie Pondexter 33+10 boards, Penny Taylor 23
San Antonio: Sean Crossley 20, Sophia Young 19+10 boards