EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/10/2008

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Siroki Prima Pivo inked two players -by Dragan Jankovski
Siroki Prima Pivo, who is currently on the 12th place in Adriatic league with 4 wins and 12 defeats, got two reinforcements for the second half of the season. The team agreed terms with center Chris Holm (212-F, college: Vermont) and a guard Taliek Brown (186-G-82, agency: Octagon, college: Connecticut).

Ivan Tomas (193-G-81) left the Siroki on Sunday and joined his brother Marko (loaned from Real Madrid) in Spanish Fuenlabrada.

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ANGOLA

Tresor Quidome contributes well in Europe -by Eurobasket News
Tresor Quidome (192-G-80, agency: Interperformances) having double citizenship including Angolan enjoys another season in Switzerland. His Swiss Fribourg lost the last game against Montenegrin powerhouse Buducnost that reserved their spot in the next round of ULEB Cup. Fribourg fell to 3-5 record and the 5th place. The teams exchanged the strikes in the first quarter and were knotted at 15 ten minutes into the game. The second quarter remained a low-scoring affair with the hosts proving just a bit better at the end 29:28. Buducnost sparked with a 7:0 run early in the third stanza to take a sigh of relief at 36:28. However Fribourg refused to give up. Pascal Perrier-David and Tresor Quidome connected from afar to drag Swiss team back into contest. Buducnost stayed in front throughout the fourth term but Sloan hit a jumper to cut the gap to 2 points with 2 minutes left in regulation. However it was as close as Fribourg could get on the night. Ivan Maras and Vladimir Dragicevic proved the difference at crunch time.
Ivan Maras knocked down 16 points to lead Buducnost. Vladimir Micov added 14 points, 6 boards and 6 assists, while Vladimir Dragicevic nailed 11 points for the winners. Pascal Perrier-David responded with 17 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for Fribourg. Damon Thornton had 12 points and 8 rebounds for the visitors, while Tresor Quidome netted 12 points and made 8 rebounds. Both teams were equally matched under the rims with 31 boards apiece. Buducnost converted 49% from the field, while Fribourg dropped just 37% of field goals. Fribourg will travel to Russia to take on Group E leaders Triumph.
Paulo Santana (183-G-84, college: Southeastern CC) scored 4 points for Acadia Axemen in CIS tournament in Canada. His team defeated the Dalhousie Tigers 81:68 to improve their record to 7-1 and extend their conference winning streak to seven games. Acadia now sits second in the Atlantic University Basketball Conference with 16 points. Only the Cape Breton Capers, who have 18 points, lie between the Axemen and the top of the standings.

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AUSTRALIA

Gold Coast inks Luke Whitehead -by Eurobasket News
The Gold Coast Blaze signed small forward Luke Whitehead (199-F-81, college: Louisville). A 197cm Louisville graduate will hopefully join the squad for the tomorrow's encounter against the New Zealand Breakers. The Blaze were in need of an import player after Juaquin Hawkins (201-F-73, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Long Beach St.) suffered a minor stroke and appeared sidelined for the rest of the season. The Blaze were in search and shortly announced the addition of Luke Whitehead. He played for the Louisville Cardinals under Rick Pitino . There he averaged 11.1 points and 7.7 boards in his senior year. Later he had stints with the NBDL's Sioux Falls Skyforce and Iowa Energy. His stats come up to 11.5 points and 4.5 rebounds with the Skyforce. The Gold Coast Blaze are now at 12-9 record in the 5th spot of the NBL ladder.
Meanwhile there were two games played today. The league leading Sydney Kings triumphed against the Wollongong Hawks 106:99 away from home. Sydney were comfortably up by 15 points at the interval but needed to survive some scares as the hosts pulled within 3 points early in the fourth term. But Luke Kendall (193-G-81, college: Metro St.) and Dontaye Draper (180-G, college: Charleston) chilled the Hawks off with some deadly shooting late in the game and secured the 19th victory for the Kings in the season. Isiah Victor (206-F-78, college: Tennessee) provided 24 points to lead Sydney. Mat Campbell (196-F/G-76, college: Towson) answered with 21 points for Wollongong as they slipped at 6-15.
In another today's clash the Cairns Taipans upset the Perth Wildcats 93:89 at home. Larry Abney (206-F/C-77, college: Fresno St.) dominated the scene with 25 points and 9 boards for the winners. Stephen Black (186-G-80) led all scorers with 26 points for the winners. Alex Loughton (205-F/C-83, agency: Octagon, college: ODU) answered with 24 points for Perth. The Taipans thus leapfrogged the Wildcats in the ladder with 12-9 record.

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BAHRAIN

ALMUTAWA NOMINATED -by Yousef Ahmed



FIVE of Bahrain's top sport personalities have been nominated for a 'Best Arab Athlete of 2007' award in their respective disciplines by popular Arab sports community website sport4ever.com, it was announced yesterday. The candidates include world champion Maryam Yusuf Jamal and Asia's leading sprinter Ruqaya Al Ghasra, both of whom have been nominated for the 'Best Female Athlete' honour, long-distance runner Hassan Mahboob for 'Best Male Athlete', prolific striker Ala'a Hubail for 'Best Soccer Player' and talented big man Ahmed Al Mutawa (199-F/C-81, college: Broward CC) for 'Best Basketball Player'.

Ahmed Almutawa is the only Bahraini Basketball player nominated for 2007. Log on and vote and support our national players.


The selection of nominees was based on each athlete's achievements and results last year. Votes can be cast for 18 categories in all on sport4ever.com/vote2007. The results will be periodically aired on Maktoob TV on Nile Sat.


For Arabic Language votes> www.sport4ever.com/vote2007

For English votes log on to> http://64.233.179.104/translate_c?hl=en&u=http://sportsforum.maktoob.com/poll/best2007/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsport%2B4ever%26hl%3Den%26rls%3Dcom.microsoft:en-US#llvalcat5



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BELGIUM

Spirou stays in ULEB Cup race thanks to close win over Galatasaray -by Bertrand Larsimont

When Spirou Charleroi hosts a Turkish team, it is very often a tough and special game. Through the years, this proved to be true and some observers woud easily remember great matches of the past like the one between Spirou and Tofas Bursa of David Rivers (184-G-65, college: Notre Dame) and Slaven Rimac (195-G-74) in 1998-99 ending on a great clutch play by former Spirou US star Richie Morton.

Yesterday, Spirou Charleroi hosted Galatasaray Istanbul at the Spiroudome. One side of the arena was packed with turbulent Turkish fans, coming from all over the Benelux. After a call for calm by the Turkish club's staff to Galatasaray fans who were fighting in the stands, the game started on a very high tempo for Charleroi. Led by Michael Jordan (183-G-78, agency: Court Side, college: Pennsylvania), distilling great assists to the centers Len Matela (206-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Bowling Green) and Andre Riddick (208-C-73, college: Kentucky), Spirou took the advantage in the first minutes of the game. Galatasaray players remained concentrated and, thanks to Dee Brown (185-G-84, college: Illinois) as well as a very impressive Charles Gaines (201-F-81, college: S.Mississippi) inside, got closer and closer as time went by. Gaines already scored 12 points in the first half, despite missing several free throws. Score evolution: 19-13 after the first quarter and 34-34 at the end of the very pleasant first half.

Gaines efficiently started the second half as he did in the first one. Spirou players missed some easy baskets (despite many efforts, Christophe Beghin missed a few attempts in the paint) and Galatasaray seemed able to dig deeper the gap. Defenses were strong on both sides and after a very intense third quarter, although poor as far as shooting average from the field was concerned, the score was 47-50 for the Turkish visitors. Cenk Akyol (200-G-87, agency: FCM) who had been rather disappointing in the first half looked like he had recovered and hit important free throws as well as a three-point shot. In the fourth quarter, the score reached 51-56 for Galatasaray with Robert Hite (188-G-84, college: Miami, FL) from long range. Once again, the Belgian team was able to come back and took a 6-point lead (64-58) with a bit less than one minute to go. This was mainly thanks to physical plays by Tremmell Darden (194-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Niagara), spectacular rebounds by Andre Riddick and pick-and-roll plays by the local US duo Jordan-Matela. The end went crazy. Galatasaray supporters, cheering and being much more exemplary during the game than before the start, believed in their favourite team's comeback when Dee Brown drilled a three-pointer with over 45 seconds remaining and got fouled shooting another with just 3 seconds left. His first free throw went in to make it 64-62. Brown missed the second. He was forced to miss the last one, which Darden rebounded to preserve Spirou's chances of staying alive in ULEB Cup.

Also note that Huseyin Besok (212-C-75, agency: Interperformances), injured, was missing on Galatasaray's side.

Best scorers in this game:

Charleroi: Moors 2, Jordan 7, Hall 3, Hamilton 4, Darden 13, Tabu 4, Riddick 8, Wilkinson 3, Vermeulen 0, Matela 18, Beghin 2.
Galatasaray: Hite 5, Gaines 20, Owens 12, Kaya 0, Nalga 4, Brown 16, Akyol 5, Erden 0.

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BRAZIL

Brazilians league -by Cristiano Grama
Two games played this tuesday for Brazilians national league. Flamengo won his second away against Joinville, 82 x65. Again Flamengo's second quarter makes a huge impact in final numbers. After a tied first quarter(18x18), Flamengo won the second quarter by 14(28x14), with a great defense system. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) with 28 and his brother Eduardo Duda Machado (192-F-82) with 23, were the top scorers. They made together nine 3 points shots( Marcelinho with 4 and Duda with 5). Another player that made impact was Wagner with 14 boards( 5 ofensives). For Joinvile, the best player was Andre with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Andre Goes (195-G-87) (195-G-87), with only 20 years, has a tremendous ability to put numbers in all fundamentals. With two games played, his averages are 22.5 points, 7 assists, 5 steals and 5.5 rebounds. In the other game, Lajeado won his first game. Playing at home, a victory over Iguacu, 83 x 56. Audrei finishs with 20, and Leo with 12 for Lajeado. Now, Lajeado will go away, friday they will play against Uberlandia. This game will be the start of season for Uberlandia who lost this week by injury Leandro Salgueiro (190-G-77, agency: Interperformances), with a broken hand, but signs with four players, the point guard Ricardo Ferreira (188-G-85)( played last season for Guaruja), the shooting guard Eduardo Baeta (195-G/F-84)(played last season for Unifeob/Sao Joao), and the centers Adriano Machado (207-C-83)( Boston College/ Chile) and the american Tim Parham (206-F-83, agency: Octagon, college: Md-Eastern Shore)( Lobos de Uac/ Mexico). Anothe team that signs with an american was Saldanha da Gama, his name is Brian Keith Robinson Junior(play last season in Portugal).

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CHILE

Liceo in Liga de las Americas -by Daniel Valencia
Liceo Mixto lost against Penarol (ARG) and Universo (BRA) in day 1 and 2 of Liga de la Americas.

Against the home team, Liceo played a very effective first half, with Patrick Saez controlling the ball, Briones taking care of the boards and Terrence Hill attacking the basket. But all the good work of the first half was lost in the first three minutes of the third quarter, were Penarol outscored Liceo 11-0 and took a 15 points lead. After that, the effort from Pablo Ares's team wasn't enough. Terrence Hill and Patricio Briones were the offensvie leaders with 22 and 13 points respectively.

Penarol 95 - Liceo Mixto 76
Pen: Roman Gonzalez 21 pts. 8 reb. Quincy Wadley 18 pts. Jason Osborne 10 pts. 11 reb.
Lic: Terrence Hill 22 pts. 4 reb. Patricio Briones 13 pts. 8 reb. Kei Madison 12 pts. 8 reb.

Against the brazilians, Liceo played without the point guard Patrick Saez (injury) and in the first half this was notorious. Universo took a 12 point lead to end the first half. Liceo tried to recover a 17 points deficit in the last quarter, with Patricio Briones visiting the free throw line and Percy Werth taking some three point shots that put Liceo down by four with one minute to play. In that moment the experience from the brazilian team was too much for Liceo and they decided the game from the charity stripe. Werth and Briones were the scoring leaders with 14 points each.

Universo 86 - Liceo Mixto 78
Uni: Arthur Silva 30 pts. 6 reb. Marcio Cipriano 17 pts. 7 reb.
Lic: Percy Werth 14 pts. 5 reb. Patricio Briones 14 pts. 5 reb. Kei Madison 13 pts. 8 reb. 3 ast.

Liceo take the lead in the Finals -by Daniel Valencia
Liceo Mixto confirmed the home court advantage and is up 2-0 in the final series against CD Universidad de Concepcion.

In Game 1, a balanced scoring from the starters and a great perfomance by the bench players, specially Hill (10) and Hermosilla (8), gave Liceo a 86-75 victory. Liceo bench outscored the visitors bench 33-17. The scoring leaders were Kei Madison (15) and Alain Laroche (20).

Liceo Mixto 77 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 68
Lic: Kei Madison 15 pts. Patricio Briones 14 pts. / Ucon: Alain Laroche 20 pts. Chris Sockwell 18 pts.


Game 2 was controlled by Liceo from the beginning. They outscored Concepcion 51-37 with the first and fourth quarter combined. The offensive star for Liceo was Patrick Saez with 5 three point shots and 23 total points. For the visitors, Alain Laroche scored 20 points.

Liceo Mixto 92 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 74
Lic: Patrick Saez 23 pts. Kei Madison 21 pts. / Ucon: Alain Laroche 20 pts. Evandro Arteaga 18 pts.

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CHINA

CBA Playoff Schedules Delayed as Xinjiang Used Ineligible Player -by Arthur Volbert
The CBA's playoff schedule is not yet available and has likely been delayed because of a situation regarding Xinjiang's use of an ineligible player.

China's rules for using native players require that they have Chinese citizenship, and Xinjiang's Cun Song (172-G-82, college: Occidental), whose real Chinese name is Guan Xiu Chiang, is an American citizen even though he was born in Macao. So while European teams would be allowed to use such a player, Chinese teams are not.

Guan also apparently used fake birth documents, approved by local Chinese authorities, while playing for Xinjiang and briefly for Yunnan in 2004-2005. Such documents are easy to obtain in China, which accounts for the varying ages of many Chinese players.

So there is a debate on whether Xinjiang should even be eligible for the playoffs or be replaced by ninth-place Zhejiang Guangsha. Playoff schedules will likely be delayed until this debate is resolved.

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CROATIA

Young players in Croatia. Part 1: Slavonski Brod and Sibenik -by Dani Erceg
-SVJETLOST SLAVONSKI BROD

Marko Raic (192-G-87)
Stats: 7.3ppg, 1rpg, 2apg

He plays mainly on PG position but he is not a real playmaker. Has just average physical abilities and his organizing is not on high level. Solid outside shooter. His future is to develop in an average player for Croatian A1 League.


-SIBENIK

Luka Drezga (194-G-87)
Stats: 18.1ppg, 2.4rpg, 1.9apg

He is typical SG, very good outside shooter. Has solid physical abilities but his court vision is not great. Must work hard on his defense. His solutions off the dribble are not good and he is not good pick player. He can develop in good player but must improve defensively and must improve his game without ball.



Zoran Vrkic (203-G/F-87)
Stats: 15ppg, 5rpg, 1.9apg

He is something between SF and PF. Has good physicall potential but does not have size and post moves to play PF and his lateral speed is not that level to play outside. Just an average shooter but is good open court player and leaper.



Luka Petkovic (181-G-88)
Stats: 11.6ppg, 2.2rpg, 4.6apg, 2.1spg

Very talented playmaker. Has great court vision and always knows to choose best decision. He is also very outside shooter, reads the game well and is very good passer. It is questionable can he develop physically to play on top levels.


Filip Vukicevic (202-F-88)
Stats: 5.5ppg, 2rpg

Typical inside banger without much knowledge. Also he is undersized nad does not have post game.




Nino Vlaic (208-C-87)
Stats: 3.9ppg, 2.3rpg

He is not true PF because of lack of size and post moves and he is slow to play on outside positions. His shooting is not on high level.

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CZECH REP.

Two new players for Geofin Novy Jicin -by Ondra Simecek
Geofin Novy Jicin had some blank spaces in the roster especially after Jeff McMillian did not apear back from the Christmas break. On Tuesday Novy Jicin announced to sign two new players: Jermaine Williams (207-C-79, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Charlotte) to fill the space under the basket (after McMillan) and Kevin Johnson (203-F-80, college: Charlotte) as a forward. Both are signing a contract with a one month try out.

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D-LEAGUE

Last Player Movement -by Surujh Roopnarine
The Utah Jazz have re-called rookie shooting guard Morris Almond (6'6''-F-85, college: Rice) from the Utah Flash. Almond, the 25th pick of the 2007 NBA Draft was originally sent down to Utah's D-League affiliate on December 6th and has been tearing up the nets ever since. Almond, had been averaging a league-leading 29.8ppg to go along with 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 37.6 minutes per game (10 games).

The Colorado 14ers have re-acquired veteran guard Tony Bobbitt (6'4''-G-79, college: Cincinnati). The sharp-shooting Bobbitt, a product of Cincinnati, appeared in 18 games for the 14ers last season averaging 11.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per contest. Bobbitt saved his bester performance for last, scoring a season high 29 points in the 14ers loss against the Dakota Wizards in the D-League Championship Game. The 14ers also released Brandon Dean.

The Bakersfield Jam, struggling mightily, signed local product Mustafa Al-Sayyad (6'9''-F/C-82, college: Fresno St.). A native of the Sudan, Al-Sayyad played college ball at Fresno State where he was named to the All-WAC defensive teams his junior and senior seasons, and was second team all-conference in 2004-05 averaging 10.9ppg., 7.4rpg., while leading the conference in blocked shots (2.36 per game). The Jam also announced that they have released Roderick Riley to make room for Al-Sayyad.

Diaz and Watson become 99th and 100th D-League Call-Ups since Leagues Inception -by Surujh Roopnarine
Guillermo Diaz (6'2''-G-85, college: Miami, FL), a former second round pick of the Los Angeles Clippers, was signed to a 10-day contract by an injury riddles Clippers squad. An early entrant out of the University of Miami in 2006, Diaz was selected with the 52nd selection by Los Angeles, but was waived by the Clippers prior to the start of the 2007-08 NBA season. Diaz's rookie season was spent in the Czech Republic where he averaged 20.1 points, 3.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 15 games for CEZ Basketball Nymburk. He also played in five games with AEP Olimpiada Patron in the Greek League in 2007, tallying 13.0 points per game. This year, as a member of the Anaheim Arsenal, Diaz appeared in 14 games tallying 16.6 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game.

The Golden State Warriors have signed former Tennessee Volunteer standout C.J. Watson (6'2''-G-84, college: Tennessee) from the Rio Grande Valley Vipers to a 10-day contract. Watson becomes the 100th D-League call-up in the league's history, the 10th this season, and the first ever from Rio Grande Valley. Currently, the second leading scorer in the D-League at 26.4ppg, Watson was also grabbing 5.3 rebounds and dishing out 5.3 assists in 16 games. Undrafted out of college after a good showing at the Portsmouth Invitational, Watson spent the 2006-07 season in Italy and Greece.

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EGYPT

fourth round and continue of surprizing -by Andrew Youssef
This round show a big surprize as Sporting beat El Gezira 76-72

at the same round Zamalek beat Itthad 72-70

Al Ahly vs Shourta 92-66

Geish 72 Shams 65

Smouha make a big result and beat Damenhour 102-48

Eastern Company beat Gazco 69-68

Second surprise in 2008 season Sporting beats Gezira 76-72 -by Sherif Soliman
Sporting played a great game yesterday and kept control of the game from the beginning on their way to a 76-72 win. Ahmed Monier and the American point guard showed a great performance in last night game. Gezira players appeared to be out of shape and couldn't create any easy shots against the hard defence of Sporting. Ramy Gunady (184-G-81)didn't play due to injury.

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EURO CUP

A successful Tuesday for the Russian squads -by Eurobasket News

Last night brought three wins in three games for the Russian squads in EuroCup tournament. Ural Great faces Dexia Mons-Hainaut tonight and the country expects another triumph in the competition.

CSK-VVS Samara improved to 2-1 in Group A after an overtime thriller against PAOK in Greece and won 65:73. Yaniv Green (206-F-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) led the winners with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Alex Scales (192-G-78, college: Oregon) supported him with 24 points to be the second top-scorer for the guests.

Spartak St Petersburg had a road win over Olympia 58:63 also in Greece.Rafael Araujo top-scored with 18 points to lead the Russian squad. The man of the game made some consecutive jump shots and Milovan Rakovic (207-C-85) added a jumper to cap the 8-0 run and put the Russian team in front at 53:52 in the fourth quarter. That was a result of the first win in Group C for Spartak that is 1-2 now. Olympia are still in good shape with two wins and now one defeat.

Lokomotiv Rostov reached the first victory as well beating Ukrainian Khimik. Russian team upset Knimik for the first time in the Group having 76:65 victory. Khimik still top the group at 2-1 though. Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) paced the winners with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) followed him with 13 points to Lokomotiv's victory. Three players scored 14 points in the Ukrainian resistance.

Ural Great faces Dexia Mons-Hainaut tonight to complete the Russian success in EuroCup.



Cherkassy too good for Banvit -by Eurobasket News

Banvit - Cherkassy 88:90

Banvit extended their desperate start of the qualifying round of FIBA EuroCup in Group B. After two opening losses Banvit needed to shake things up and an opportune moment appeared in the third round as they faced winless Cherkassy in Balikesir. But the curtain finally dropped for the Turkish team as they suffered the third straight defeat in the tournament and remained at the bottom of the ladder.

Banvit got to a slightly better start to the game and were up by 2 points ten minutes into the game 26:24. But Cherkassy bounced back in the second stanza as Martynas Andriukaitis (204-F-81) and Andrei Lebedev (189-G-79) adjusted shooting to fuel a fierce comeback effort for the visitors. Banvit struggled to maintain their opponents defensively and the margin grew to 11 points after three quarters of action. However Nigerian centre Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford) was virtually unstoppable for Banvit and carried Banvit to a miraculous recovery in the fourth term. But it still was not enough for an overall win. Cherkassy withstood the challenge and sealed the positive outcome at the end.

Andrei Lebedev led Cherkassy with 24 points. Martynas Andriukaitis tallied 23 points and 12 boards, while Edwards provided 15 points for the winners. Kenny Adeleke led all scorers with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Inanc Koc (202-F-79) had 14 points for Banvit as they fell to 0-3 record. Cherkassy shot an outstanding 56% from beyond the arc and outrebounded the hosts 32:30. Banvit will next face Dexia Mons-Hainaut in Belgium. Cherkassy will play against Ural Great away from home on January 15.

Banvit: Kenny Adeleke 28+15 boards, Inanc Koc 14, Umit Sonkol (206-F-82) 12
Cherkassy: Andrei Lebedev 24, Martynas Andriukaitis 23+12 boards



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EUROLEAGUE

Olympiakos' and Schortsianitis' relationship seems to recover -by Kostas Papadopoulos
An important development has happened during the last days at the case of 'Big Sofo' and the Reds. After Olympiakos' decision to pause the contact of the Greek center, due to his denial to agree with what his team would like (a training program in order to lose weight), Sofocles Schortsianitis (206-C-85) seems to have thought seriously about his future. Thus, he agreed at visiting an appropriate center at Switzerland (for a 3-month program) in order to come back to his 'normal' weight, and therefore contribute to his team's attempt for success. Olympiakos reactivated therefore the contact, under some certain parameters, which will be reexamined after Sofo's return. However, it is doubtful whether Sofo will be able to help his team this year, since the whole time that he is out of total order is over 6 months.
On another subject about the Reds, Arvydas Macijauskas' (192-G-80) injury will keep him away from courts for the next 15 days, while Iakovos Tsakalidis' (218-C-79) absence is estimated at about three weeks. The two players have been injured at the last game against AEL Larisas, but fortunately the first estimations for their absence were not confirmed.

Panathinaikos close to Pekovic? -by Kostas Papadopoulos
Panathinaikos is very close to sign with one of the biggest talents appeared this season at Euroleague and European basketball generally. The Greens is rumoured to have agreed with Partizan for Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) transfer to Greek champions. The matter is on whether this transfer will take place, since Partizan still fights for its qualification to Top-16 of Euroleague. Certainly, Panathinaikos and coach Zeljko Obradovic would like to have him even from this next round (Top-16) and the Greek championship, as well, but nothing has yet been clarified (not even the transfer has been confirmed by the Greens). Nikola Pekovic interests many teams around Europe (NBA's scouters have already noted him as well), but he seems to have a preference for training under Zeljko Obradovic' orders.

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FINLAND

EUROCUP: Team LPR lost at home -by Rauno Hurmalainen

EuroCup, Qualifying Round, Group A: Team Lappeenranta (Finland) - Tartu Rock (Estonia) 94-102 (46-50). Quarters: 16-25, 30-25, 19-30, 29-22.
Estonian Champion from last season was shooting better, won the rbs (32-40) and the difference was at the largest 17 pts (65-82) in the beginning
of the fourth quarter. Team Lappeenranta got finally the defence working during the last four minutes, but that was too late. However home team won the last minute
6-1 and the numbers 88-101 were changed into final 94-102. Adrian Henning (203-F-82, college: Austin Peay St.) (Lappeenranta) had the game high 28 pts. Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) added 20 pts and had nine assists. Tartu Rock had five players in double figures. American Center Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) led visitors with 20 pts and 10 rbs. Janar Talts (204-C-83) netted also 20 pts. Team's best guard George Tsintsadze (192-G-86) scored 19 pts and gave six assists. Sharpshooter Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71) added 15 pts and Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) still 10 pts + altogether 11 assists. Tartu is still undefeated after three games. Team Lappeenranta's record is 1-2 right now.

Team LPR - Tartu Rock 94-102 (46-50) (Adrian Henning 28/6, Petri Virtanen 20/3/9a, Juha Sten 10/2, Ivan Harris 10/2. 1 - 69,2% (18/26), 2 - 51,2% (20/39), 3 - 35,2% (12/34). Rbs: 19+13=32. TOs: 10. - Brian Cusworth 20/10, Janar Talts 20/9, George Tsintsadze 19/5/6a, Gert Kullamae 15/4, Tanel Tein 10/11a. 1 - 83,3% (25/30), 2 - 64,7% (22/34), 3 - 45,8% (11/24). Rbs: 33+7=40. TOs: 13).

PAOK BC - CSK-VVS Samara OT 65-73 (63) (29-29) (Jason Rowe 16, Ibrahim Kutluay 16 - Yaniv Green 25/14, Alex Scales 24).



KORISLIIGA: So many injuries this season -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 24-25: So many injuries this season on Top level in Finland. Almost every Team has suffered and players have been or are
on inured list for several reasons. Right now Kataja (Joensuu) is having three starters on injured list. That hurts for sure and visitor YMCA Lahti
won tonight in Joensuu by 22 pts (73-95). Kouvot was playing without American PG Wayne Bernard (190-G-81, college: Davidson), but beat anyway Korihait (Uusikaupunki) 83-67. Corey Smith (196-G/F, agency: Warren Sports, college: Vanderbilt) led Kouvot with 23 pts and 14 rbs. Roope Suonio (176-G-82) added 17 pts. Pyrinto (Tampere) defeated Team Componenta (Karkkila) 90-78. Kauhajoki had a 16-point-lead over Tarmo (Porvoo), but visitor Tarmo won the fourth quarter 14-33 and the game 81-91. James Wright (187-G-81, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Colorado) scored game high 25 pts. Mark McCarroll (208-F/C-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: Pittsburgh) had again a double-double 21/13. Honka (Espoo) is almost healthy now. Finally. Even Tim Kisner (188-G-78, college: Cent.Michigan) played tonight after two month's break as Honka won over KTP (Kotka) 94-87.

Kataja - YMCA Lahti 73-95 (43-54) (Louis Hinnant 21, Andre Foreman 18 - Ed Williams 20, Pierre Jallow 20).

Kauhajoki - Tarmo 81-91 (44-33) (Darryl Hudson 22, Mario Porter 21 - James Wright 25, Mark McCarroll 21/13).

Honka - KTP 94-87 (36-37) (Jukka Matinen 22, Petteri Koponen 21 - Toni Ilmonen 25, Jermaine Spivey 16).

Pyrinto - Team Componenta 90-78 (48-39) (Damon Williams 23, Damion Dantzler 18/11 - Chris Hester 25, Nick Wallery 19/11).

Kouvot - Korihait 83-67 (45-37) (Corey Smith 23/14, Roope Suonio 17 - Kyle Shiloh 19/11, Darius Glover 12).




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FRANCE

ProB Day 16: Rouen strong on top -by Chris Spiesser
Yesterday evening, in a postponed game, Rouen secured its first place with a home win over Poitiers. This leaves only Bourg in position to contest the leader's dominant position. The middle of the standings remains very tight with many teams chasing for the playoffs. In the bottom, Besancon had a precious win in St-Quentin which shares a relegating spot with Le Portel and St-Vallier. Reims didn't found any new solution in 2008.

SAINT QUENTIN 71 - 77 BESANCON BASKET
The locals collapsed in the last QT: 15-29 and let Basancon overcome them in the standings. Gabe Kennedy was the most efficient for Besancon: 20pts (8/12), 7rbs.

JSF NANTERRE 85 - 81 ETENDARD BREST
Important win for Nanterre which takes a two win margin over Brest. Ronnie Taylor made a festival with 39pts (6/7 3pts) but Moermann (19pts, 11rbs, 5stl, 6to) and his partners had much more weapons (5 players above 10 ranking points).

SAINT ETIENNE BASKET CLUB 87 - 88 BOULAZAC DORDOGNE
Boulazac joins St-Etienne at place 6 with this result. The defeated forezians are slowly losing contact with the top teams. Jermayne Forbes (20pts) scored the winning three pointer at the buzzer to secure the win to the dordonians.

UJAP QUIMPER 51 - 58 LIMOGES CSP
Only Ivan Almonte found the solutions in this very defensive game: 18pts (8/11), 12rbs, 3stl. Dragan Lukovski made his (real) debuts (5pts, 3stl, 2ass) while Daniel Oyono and Samir Mekdad started also with Limoges' jersey.

JEUNESSE LAIQUE BOURG 104 - 92 REIMS CHAMPAGNE
David Bell made a good first game (28pts, 6ass) with Reims but the worst defense of ProB (85.2papg) was trailing by 18pts after the third QT (80-62). Bourg totalizes 117 ranking points with 23pts, 6rbs, 8ass for Kareem Reid and 21, 5rbs, 6ass for Raphael Desroses.

CHALONS EN CHAMPAGNE 64 - 75 ALM EVREUX
Chalons lost a decive game against a direct rival, led by a perfect Jerome Monnet: 18pts (8/8), 7rbs. Sambou Traore was also efficient for his first game (9pts and 6rbs).

SPO ROUEN 76-64 UNION POITIERS
The locals slightly took the lead after losing the first quarter (-2, +5; +2; +7). Ronald Dorsey (19pts, 13rbs, 6ass) and Benoit Toffin (16pts, 10rbs,2blk, 3stl) both had double-doubles to lift their team to a 3 wins margin over place 3.

SAINT VALLIER 97 - 103 HERMINE DE NANTES
The locals with Malik Badiane (16pts, 10rbs) did great but Nantes led the whole game long. Olivier Bardet was present in many parts of the court: 19pts (5/8 3pts), 7rbs, 5ass.

ESSM LE PORTEL 99 - 105 AIX MAURIENNE
The promoted fought with William Knight (39pts - 13/19) and Max Boire (7pts, 4rbs, 5stl, 11ass). Aix waited until the final minutes to grab the win with 28 assists and a high accuracy (33/75 vs 39/58). The crazy stat goes to Jonathan McClark (201-F-77, college: Rider): 24pts (11/11!), 13rbs, 6to, 3ass and 36 ranking pts. He was helped by Jean-philippe Tailleman who scored 24pts with extreme accuracy also (4/4 2pts and 4/6 3pts). To allow 75 shoots to Le Portel, Aix lost 24 balls.

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FYR MACEDONIA

Macedonian legion in Uleb Cup -by Eurobasket News
Predrag Samardziski (215-C-86) nailed 10 points and made 5 rebounds for Serbian FMP, but that was not enough against the Turkish powerhouse in Uleb Cup. Besiktas remained the only perfect team in ULEB Cup competition after Round 8. This time victory came with sweat and pain as Turkish side needed to withstand a fierce comeback efforts from FMP to record a 77:76 win at the end. Besiktas enjoyed a 44:40 lead at halftime but FMP recovered well in the second half. Serbian team surged ahead in the final quarter and piled up a 75:69 lead with under 2 minutes to go. However Preston Shumpert nailed a triple, while Sandro Nicevic converted a layup to close the gap. Kaya Peker free throws then made it 76:75 for the home side. FMP responded with a free throw from Nemanja Protic to tie the game with 14 seconds on the clock. Rick Apodaca stepped to the line seconds later and buried a single free throw to finalize the score. Zoran Erceg had a last chance to save the day for FMP but his attempt went wide off mark. Preston Shumpert drained 27 points and pulled down 6 boards to pace Besiktas. Kaya Peker added 15 points for the winning side. Zoran Erceg answered with 13 points and 8 boards for FMP.
Russian Khimky together with Mike Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) proved they were briefly interrupted by Azovmash in their winning marching across ULEB Cup this season. They secured their 7th win at the tournament by downing Frankfurt 72:67 in Germany. The first half brought a tie game but Maciej Lampe, Vitali Fridzon and Kelly McCarty raised the tempo late in the third stanza to claim the lead for good. Kelly McCarty finished with 18 points for Khimky. Mike Wilkinson provided 10 points in a winning effort. Derrick Allen was massive with 31 points and 11 board for Franfurt as they skid to 0-8 record at the bottom of Group D. Khimky will play against Polish Anwil on January 15.
Lukoil Academic and Pero Antic (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) lost for first time at home this season after was beaten by Italian Benetton Treviso 90-93. In a dramatic game "the students" recorded very bad loss but the chances to go through from the group remain. The team needs only one more win to be sure for the next phase of ULEB Cup. Pero Antic collected 17 and 14 rebounds.

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GEORGIA

Thirty four points for three players -by Eurobasket News
Shammond Williams (187-G-75, college: N.Carolina) ended up with 3 points and 5 assists for Spanish Pamesa in Uleb Cup against Anwil Wloclawek that secured an impressive 77:70 win. Anwil led comfortably 72:61 with two minutes remaining in regulation but Ruben Douglas stepped up for Pamesa. He knocked down straight three-pointers for Spanish team and cut the gap to 5 points. He later added another long range jumper to pull Pamesa within 4 points 70:74. Gerrod Henderson answered netting 3 points for the hosts and finalizing victory for Anwil. Vladimir Petrovic provided 17 points and 6 boards to lead Anwil. Andrzej Pluta contributed 13 points, while Alan Daniels dropped 12 points in a winning case. Ruben Douglas was the only player to score in double digits for Valencia. Dejan Milojevic and Ruben Garces netted 9 points apiece in the second defeat for Pamesa.

BC Kyiv and Georgian Manuchar Markoishvili (196-G-86) edged Pau-Orthez 63:73 on the road in Group H. Kyiv is back atop the Group H table with a 6-2 record as Pau dropped to 1-7 and is mathematically out of the competition in its ULEB Cup debut. Ryan Stack led the winners with 18 points while Manuchar Markoishvili and former Pau-Orthez forward Artur Drozdov each added 12 for Kyiv. Markoishvili shined in the final 7 minutes to allow Kyiv to escape with an outstanding road win.

Estonian champions TU/Rock stay unbeaten in FIBA EuroCup after convincing 102:94 win in Lappeenranta. The 3rd quarter started with a 15:4 run in five minutes as Rock took a firm lead 65:50. Gert Kullamae, Janar Talts and George Tsintsadze (192-G-86) nailed a triple during the stretch. Rock held a firm lead until the end of the game. The latter brought the guests 19 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists.

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GERMANY

SpVgg Rattelsdorf sign Darryl Sommerset -by Eurobasket
SpVgg Rattelsdorf (Regionalliga) signed American forward Darryl Sommerset (206-F, college: Cent.Missouri St., agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment). Sommerset played most recently at Etzella Ettelbruck (Luxembourg). Darryl last year's stats at Central Missouri State in 35 games were 13.0ppg and 7.3rpg

Regionalliga West News -by Daniel Poerschke
In the 1. Regionalliga West BG Hagen added Youngster Thorben Paulsen (189-G-90) to their roster. Point Guard Paulsen plays for the U-19 team from Phoenix Hagen also this season and played last season for Basketball Boele-Kabel in the Oberliga.

In the 2. Regionalliga West the Baskets Ludenscheid signed Shooting Guard Jan Konig (186-F-88) (186-F-88) to their team. This was announced by Head Coach Amir Huijc today.

TG 1837 White Wings Hanau sign Brandon Woods -by Eurobasket
TG 1837 White Wings Hanau (2.Regionalliga) agreed terms with 24-year old American forward Brandon Woods (203-F-84, college: Loyola, IL). Woods played most recently at Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball.

Bosman-Guard to Wolfenbuettel -by Moritz Korff
The Wolfenbuettel Dukes (2. Bundesliga Pro B) have strenghtened their roster by the addition of James Warwick (198-G-85, college: Grayson County CC), a 22-year-old British Guard. Warwick began this current season in Italy as a member of Serie C2-side Isernia. In 2006-2007 he averaged 8.2 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in 21 games for UKJ St. Poelten Haie (Austria - A Bundesliga) and scored 10.4 points per contest during the Play-Offs (5 games). Warwick also spent some time in the USA, attending a Junior College and playing basketball for Ashland (NCAA2) in 2004-2005 (8 games: 1.0ppg).

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GREECE

Olympiakos' and Schortsianitis' relationship seems to recover -by Kostas Papadopoulos
An important development has happened during the last days at the case of 'Big Sofo' and the Reds. After Olympiakos' decision to pause the contact of the Greek center, due to his denial to agree with what his team would like (a training program in order to lose weight), Sofocles Schortsianitis (206-C-85) seems to have thought seriously about his future. Thus, he agreed at visiting an appropriate center at Switzerland (for a 3-month program) in order to come back to his 'normal' weight, and therefore contribute to his team's attempt for success. Olympiakos reactivated therefore the contact, under some certain parameters, which will be reexamined after Sofo's return. However, it is doubtful whether Sofo will be able to help his team this year, since the whole time that he is out of total order is over 6 months.
On another subject about the Reds, Arvydas Macijauskas' (192-G-80) injury will keep him away from courts for the next 15 days, while Iakovos Tsakalidis' (218-C-79) absence is estimated at about three weeks. The two players have been injured at the last game against AEL Larisas, but fortunately the first estimations for their absence were not confirmed.

Rethimno fired Gagaloudis -by Kostas Papadopoulos
The first estimations about Yannis Gagaloudis (191-G-78) future at Crete and Rethimno came true, unfortunately for the player's side. Coach Pedoulakis decided, after an incident happened at one of the team's trainings, that the experienced player could not more contribute successfully at the team's plans and therefore their co-operation has been stopped, after the team compensated hifor the rest of their initially signed contract.

Panathinaikos close to Pekovic? -by Kostas Papadopoulos
Panathinaikos is very close to sign with one of the biggest talents appeared this season at Euroleague and European basketball generally. The Greens is rumoured to have agreed with Partizan for Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) transfer to Greek champions. The matter is on whether this transfer will take place, since Partizan still fights for its qualification to Top-16 of Euroleague. Certainly, Panathinaikos and coach Zeljko Obradovic would like to have him even from this next round (Top-16) and the Greek championship, as well, but nothing has yet been clarified (not even the transfer has been confirmed by the Greens). Nikola Pekovic interests many teams around Europe (NBA's scouters have already noted him as well), but he seems to have a preference for training under Zeljko Obradovic' orders.

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HOLLAND

Rupture-operation Florian de Vries -by Fred Roggen
Forward Florian de Vries (194-G/F-86) of Landstede Zwolle, will be operated on Thursday to a light rupture in the lower part of the back and it is suspected that he is out of competition for the rest of the season.

ULEB Cup Action: Both Eiffel Towers and Hanzevast Capitals Fall Short Again -by Sanders Jackson


Tuesday night in ULEB Cup action for Dutch representatives Eiffel Towers and Hanzevast Capitals, the results showed once again the differences between the haves and the have much mores.

In the road in Group I action in Zadar, Croatia, Eiffel fell to KK Zadar by the score of 84-65. Darrell Tucker (206-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: USF) was a one-man wrecking crew (season-high 31 pts., 10 rebounds), but unfortunately him getting help in the scoring department was few and far between, as no other Eiffel player scored in double figures. Eiffel only shot 40.5% FG and allowed KK Zadar to shoot 62.8% FG. Eiffel are now 2-6 in Group I.


In the Martiniplaza in Group C action, Hanzevast Capitals fell behind 30-17 at the end of the 1st quarter and could not make a dent in the lead of Akasvayu Girona, falling to the Spainards 105-91. Kevin Melson (199-F-78, college: Wright St.) scored 29 pts. to lead Hanzevast. Hanzevast had their hands full with ex- Phoenix Sun/New Orleans Hornet Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.), who shred Hanzevast's inside defense to pieces (35 pts. on 14-18 FG, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks). Akasvayu continue to be tied at the top of Group C at 6-2, while Hanzevast fall to 1-7.



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HUNGARY

Big Surprise: MAFC beat ASE! -by Tamas Deri

The only one first division team of our capital city after losing Henrik Richard and Jermaine Thomas and after in overtime lost game in Pecs could beat Atomeromu SE.

MAFC - ASE 88-75

(13-15, 27-27, 33-9, 15-24)

Budapest, Att.: 300, Referees: Cziffra, Kothay, Szilas

MAFC: Jitim Young (188-G-81, college: Northwestern) (13/3), Zoltan Wehner (191-G/F-82) (18/3), Edwin Draughan (196-G/F-82, college: Yale) (22/6), Vavra A. (12/3), Kecskes (2), Gabor Fulop (205-C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) (19), Kolarics (2), Coach: Dinnyes Attila

ASE: Meszaros Z. (12/12), Murry (9/3), Kiss Zs. (11/9), Horvath Z. (10/3), Robert Gulyas (213-C-74) (22/3), Panta (4), Toroman (6/3), Csaplar-Nagy (1), Gray (-), Coach: Sabali Balazs.



CEBL: NYKK lost in Slovakia -by Tamas Deri
AC LB 04 Spisska Nova Ves-Marso-Vagep NYKK 90-89
(19-22, 22-24, 29-22, 20-21)
Spisska Nova Ves: Pesta 7, Mason 21/9, Hovanak 18/6, Demecko 7/3, Opatovsky 9, Ridzon 15/3, Madaj 11/3, Rapasky, Bucak 2.
NYKK: Branko Savic (181-G-79) 20/12, Siska 4, Buchanan 11/3, Sitku 14/3, Helbich 10, Krasznai 2, Zoltan Trepak (210-C-77, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 28/9, Nagy K., Coach: Deri Csaba

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IBL

Battle Creek Knights News and Notes -by Trask Frost
Illegal Motion Dance Team Auditions

Illegal Motion, a professional independent dance team in Battle Creek, is holding auditions for their 2008 dance season this Saturday, January 12th from 6-9 p.m. and Sunday, January 13th , from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at St. Phil High School Gym in downtown Battle Creek. Those auditioning must be present on both days. There will be an audition fee of $10.


Women must be 18 years of age or older, team oriented and willing to commit to the team for the season. The team's main commitment for this season is dancing at Battle Creek Knights IBL Professional Basketball home games, held at Kellogg Arena. The dance team may also make special appearances at different events throughout the season. There are limited positions available for the 2008 season.


Anyone interested in auditioning can register by emailing

illegalmotiondanceteam@yahoo.com or calling 269-209-5892. If unable to register, walk-ins welcome, although registering is preferred.

Battle Creek Knights Free Agent Camp

The Battle Creek Knights will be hosting a free agent camp, Saturday, February 2nd, and Sunday, February 3rd. This will be the third and final free agent camp before the start of the Knights upcoming 2008 season.


Camp will take place at the Battle Creek Family YMCA, 182 Capital Avenue, NE, in Battle Creek, Michigan.


Schedule for Camp

Saturday, February 2nd

Registration at 10:30 a.m.


Morning Session 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Break 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Afternoon Session 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, February 3rd

Morning Session 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.


Cost for the camp is $75 cash early registration. (Before February 1st, 2008) Cost after February 1st is $100.


For more information, contact Logan Vander Velden, 260-705-3594, or email Logan @

lvandervelden@bcknights.com.

Former Knights Playing Basketball Throughout the World

Stane's Bufford, Germany, (2006 Season-Knights)

Robby Collum, Mexico, (2005 Season-Knights)

Isaac Jefferson, Germany, (2007 Season-Knights)

Karlton Mims, Iceland, (2007 Season-Knights)

Ben Reed, Portugal, (2005, 2006 Season-Knights)

Brian Snider, Germany, (2006 Season-Knights)

Mike Williams, Spain, (2005, 2006 Season-Knights)

Jay Youngblood, Austria, (2006 Season-Knights)

Nick Zachary, Mexico, (2007 Season-Knights)

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ITALY

Lega 2 and Serie B transactions -by Gianni Pascucci
Andrea Iannilli (207-C-84) agreed to move from Siviglia Wear Teramo to Aget Imola. This last team should announce today the agreement with Jason Parker (188-G-81, college: Tulsa), who will replace in roster Kevin Freeman. USA-ITA Adoyah Miller (195-G-83, college: Loyola Marymount) moved from Fastweb Casale to Intertransport Treviglio (Serie B1), where he will replace in roster the injured Simone Ferrarese (183-G-87). Treviglio also loaned Daniel Chiragarula (186-G-82) to Riviera Vado Ligure

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JAMAICA

Wade's second half heroics propels Decatur Christian -by Leonard Whyte
Decatur, GA (1-9-2008) - Senior Demeatrio Wade scored just seven points in the first half, but erupted for 17 second half points to lead Decatur Christian School to an easy 76-49 victory over Lutheran School Association on Monday night. The 6' 5' Wade, former of Excelsior High in the ISSA/KFC High School League, leads the team in scoring with 18 points per game as Decatur Christian improved to 12-2 on the season.

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JORDAN

Lawson in Jordan for Al Wihdat!!! -by Mohammed Malas
Its the 4th time Al Wihdat basketball club change their center!!!...this time is Jason Lawson (211-C/F-74, college: Villanova) who arrived to Amman today to join the green's trainings to prepare for next games to replace Dion Edward who did'nt agree with the team!!

Lawson is full of experience as he played in Italy, Spain, France, Puerto Rico, Greece and Mexico.

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LATVIA

ASK Riga beats Artland Dragons at home -by Eurobasket News
ASK Riga were victorious at Round 8 of ULEB Cup. They managed to outscore visiting Artland Dragons 70:60 to remain with chances of progressing to the next round of competition. ASK Riga climbed to 3-5 record and still cherish a hope to become one of the best fourth teams in groups to qualify. Artland Dragons fell to 4-4 record and would need some strong display in the final rounds to climb to the qualifying territory.
A tight defense became a key to success for ASK Riga in this one. The hosts proved the point early in the game keeping the visitors scoreless for some time building an 11:0 lead. Artlands Dragons called for timeout but it helped little as defense still prevailed and ASK Riga rolled to a 15:6 advantage after 10 minutes. The situation hardly changed after the intermission as Raitis Grafs (210-C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Valparaiso) kept on pumping ASK Riga offense, while their defense was quite impassable. The home side enjoyed a 29:29 lead at halftime. ASK Riga maintained the margin in the third quarter and used an 8:0 run to clear off to a 42:23 distance late in it. Heading into the fourth period comfortably ahead by 23 points ASK Riga held off any attempts from the visitors to cut the gap and celebrated a much-needed win at the end. Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, college: JMU) led scored 15 points for ASK Riga. Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) drained 11 points, while Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84, agency: FCM) had 9 points for the winning side. Lamont McIntosh (191-G-82, college: Georgia St.) contributed 13 points for Artland Dragons. Paul Johnson (198-F-83, college: Rider) added 10 points in a loss.
BK Ventspils lost to the Koeln 99ers in Germany to get knotted with them at 5-3 record in Group B. The hosts led from tip off and accumulated a 25:16 advantage after the starting frame. Trailing by 7 points at halftime BK Ventspils however stepped up right after the break to draw the scoreline. But the momentum did not last for long as Marko Keselj (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) soon pushed the gap back to 10 points. BK Ventspils later struggled to come closer than this margin and had to surrender at the end. Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) dropped 12 points to pace Koeln. BK Ventspils answered with 19 points from Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida). Justin Love (189-G-78, college: St.Louis) posted 14 points and 6 boards in a losing clause. Ventspils will next take on Elan Chalon away from home. Koeln visits FMP in Beograd.

ASK Riga - Artland Dragons 70:60
ASK Riga: Dwayne Broyles 15, Curtis Millage 11, Gatis Jahovics 9
Artland Dragons: Lamont McIntosh 13, Paul Johnson 10

Koeln - Ventspils 84:78
Koeln: Immanuel McElroy 12, Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) 12
Ventspils: Jimmy Baxter 19, Justin Love 14

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LEBANON

Imports in Lebanon -by Mohammed Malas
* Al Riyadi Beirut:
Tony Bland - Point Guard (USA)
Ismail Ahmed - Forward (EGY)

* Sagesse Beirut:
Micah Brand - Center (USA)
Kevin Johnson - Forward (USA)
Jamal Nichols - Forward (USA)

* Champville:
Jarred Merill - Center (USA)
Kevin Jolley - Forward (USA)

* Moutahed Tripoli:
Norman Nolan - Power Forward (USA)
Darren Kelly - Point Guard (USA)

* Antranik:
Marcus Brown - Forward (USA)
LeShawn Malloy - Center (USA)

* Anibal:
Kevin Sowell - Shooting Guard (USA)
Kelvin Esemomoh - Center (NGR)

* Blue Stars:
Will Brown - Point Guard (USA)
Jon Bell - Forward (USA)

* Faytroun:
Doug McKinney - Cetner (CAN)
Garikos Singelton - Point Guard (USA)

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LITHUANIA

Zydrunas Ilgauskas is in 2008 NBA All-Star Balloting -by Eurobasket News
While Lietuvos Rytas and Zalgiris are getting ready for Euroleague battles tonight Lithuania players started another European week abroad. Siauliai by the way plays in Uleb Cup tonight as well.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas (218-C-75, agency: Interperformances) from Cleveland is 7th center so far in 2008 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING EASTERN CONFERENCE. He has 55,217 votes and hopes that this number will be increased.

Martynas Andriukaitis (204-F-81) had a great game for Ukrainian Cherkassy against Banvit that extended their desperate start of the qualifying round of FIBA EuroCup in Group B. After two opening losses Banvit needed to shake things up and an opportune moment appeared in the third round as they faced winless Cherkassy in Balikesir. But curtain dropped for Turkish team as they suffered the third straight defeat in the tournament and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Banvit got to a slightly better start to the game and were up by 2 points ten minutes into the game 26:24. But Cherkassy bounced back in the second stanza as Martynas Andriukaitis and Andrei Lebedev adjusted shooting to fuel a fierce comeback effort for the visitors. Banvit struggled to maintain their opponents defensively and the margin grew to 11 points after three quarters of action. However Nigerian centre Kenny Adeleke was virtually unstoppable for Banvit and carried Banvit to a miraculous recovery in the fourth term. But it still was not enough for an overall win. Cherkassy withstood the challenge and sealed the positive outcome at the end. Andrei Lebedev led Cherkassy with 24 points. Martynas Andriukaitis tallied 23 points and 12 boards, while Edwards provided 15 points for the winners. Kenny Adeleke led all scorers with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Inanc Koc had 14 points for Banvit as they fell to 0-3 record. Cherkassy shot outstanding 56% from beyond the arc and outrebounded the hosts 32:30. Banvit will next face Dexia Mons-Hainaut in Belgium. Cherkassy will play against Ural Great away from home on January 15.

Romanian CSU Asesoft and 2 Lithuanian players in it did not hold the score for good in the Round 8 of Uleb Cup. A 26:17 score in the opening quarter was turned around by three-quarters of great play in the win by BC Hemofarm Stada. CSU Asesoft looked awesome after the opening tip of the game. They controlled it with 12-4 spurt and increased their lead to 24:11 later in the period. But BC Hemofarm Stada was happy to reduce the score to 26:17 after the first 10 minutes. Pavkovic knocked down two shots from long range in a 0-12 run to begin the period and help his team pull ahead 26:29. It was the most important stretch of the game for the visitors as they dominated at the end. With the wins in the last three quarters the guests ensured their 6th victory. With the 72:83 victory the guests jumped to 6-2 record in Group C. Vladan Vukosavljevic led the winners with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Miljan Pavkovic and Rawle Marshall supported him with 17 points a piece. Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) scored 19 points for the Romanian squad while Virgil Carutasu collected 12 points and 18 rebounds. Lithuanian Tomas Gaidamavicius (192-G-82) netted 11 points. CSU Asesoft dropped to 3-5 in the group. The Romanian squad remained in fourth place and will need to look at other groups and hope for the best-fourth standing. CSU Asesoft plays next week at Galatasaray while Hemofarm travels to Hanzevast Capitals.

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MEXICO

Soles Have What it Takes for Repeat? -by Justin Brink
Last night the Soles of Mexicali rolled to their fifth victory in a row en route to their 29th win of the year after shaking off the Mayas 102-97. Mexicali is peaking right now and will prove difficult to stop as they battle for their second LNBP crown in as many years. Click here for more on the Soles march to a second title.

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MOLDOVA

Moldovan League and players abroad -by Eurobasket News
The last round in Moldova League brought the derby between UASM and Gamma that gave 69:72 for the team from Kagula. ASEM overcame Soroca-Baschet 93:87 as Nartov nailed 44 points.

Andrei Lebedev (189-G-79) top-scored for Cherkassy against Banvit that extended their desperate start of the qualifying round of FIBA EuroCup in Group B. After two opening losses Banvit needed to shake things up and an opportune moment appeared in the third round as they faced winless Cherkassy in Balikesir. But curtain dropped for Turkish team as they suffered the third straight defeat in the tournament and remained at the bottom of the ladder. Banvit got to a slightly better start to the game and were up by 2 points ten minutes into the game 26:24. But Cherkassy bounced back in the second stanza as Martynas Andriukaitis and Andrei Lebedev adjusted shooting to fuel a fierce comeback effort for the visitors. Banvit struggled to maintain their opponents defensively and the margin grew to 11 points after three quarters of action. However Nigerian centre Kenny Adeleke was virtually unstoppable for Banvit and carried Banvit to a miraculous recovery in the fourth term. But it still was not enough for an overall win. Cherkassy withstood the challenge and sealed the positive outcome at the end. Andrei Lebedev led Cherkassy with 24 points. Martynas Andriukaitis tallied 23 points and 12 boards, while Edwards provided 15 points for the winners. Kenny Adeleke led all scorers with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Inanc Koc had 14 points for Banvit as they fell to 0-3 record. Cherkassy shot outstanding 56% from beyond the arc and outrebounded the hosts 32:30. Banvit will next face Dexia Mons-Hainaut in Belgium. Cherkassy will play against Ural Great away from home on January 15.

Andrei Kalnichenko (200-G-86) posted 2 points for Ukrainian Khimik against Lokomotiv Rostov. Russian team upset Knimik for the first time in the Group having 76:65 victory. Khimik still top the group at 2-1 though. Szymon Szewczyk paced the winners with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Kresimir Loncar followed him with 13 points to Lokomotiv's victory. Three players scored 14 points in the Ukrainian resistance.

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MONTENEGRO

Raickovic Aleksandar inks for Primorje -by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball club Primorje from H.Novi and DELFI SMG Agency anounced that ex center from BC Mogren Budva Aleksandar Raickovic (205-C-77)
singed contract with BC Primoirje to the end of basketball season 2007/2008.Before BC Primorje in last four season Raickovic play for Lovcen Cetinje,
Napredak Krusevac and Mogren Budva.

Milos Martinovic inks for ABS Primorje -by Dragan Scepanovic

DELFI SMG Agency anounced that ex basketball player from BC Jagodina Milos Martinovic (197-G/F-83)

singed contract with ABS Primoirje to the end of basketball season 2007/2008.Before ABS Primorje in last four season Martinovic

play for Borac Cacak and BC Jagodina.



Buducnost nip Fribourg to qualify for elimination round of ULEB Cup -by Eurobasket News
KK Buducnost - Fribourg 74:63

Montenegrin powerhouse Buducnost reserved their spot in the next round of ULEB Cup with a win over Swiss Fribourg. The win saw Buducnost clinch a 6-2 record at the second spot of Group E. Fribourg at the same time fell to 3-5 record and the 5th place. The teams exchanged the strikes in the first quarter and were knotted at 15 ten minutes into the game. The second quarter remained a low-scoring affair with the hosts proving just a bit better at the end 29:28. Buducnost sparked with a 7:0 run early in the third stanza to take a sigh of relief at 36:28. However Fribourg refused to give up. Pascal Perrier-David (184-G-75) and Tresor Quidome (192-G-80, agency: Interperformances) connected from afar to drag Swiss team back into contest. Buducnost stayed in front throughout the fourth term but Sloan hit a jumper to cut the gap to 2 points with 2 minutes left in regulation. However it was as close as Fribourg could get on the night. Ivan Maras (206-C-86, agency: Octagon) and Vladimir Dragicevic (205-C-86) proved the difference at crunch time.
Ivan Maras knocked down 16 points to lead Buducnost. Vladimir Micov (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) added 14 points, 6 boards and 6 assists, while Vladimir Dragicevic nailed 11 points for the winners. Pascal Perrier-David responded with 17 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for Fribourg. Damon Thornton (202-F-77, college: N.Carolina St.) had 12 points and 8 rebounds for the visitors. Both teams were equally matched under the rims with 31 boards apiece. Buducnost converted 49% from the field, while Fribourg dropped just 37% of field goals.
Buducnost will play against Hapoel Galil Elyon next. Fribourg will travel to Russia to take on Group E leaders Triumph.

Buducnost: Ivan Maras 16, Vladimir Micov 14, Vladimir Dragicevic 11
Fribourg: Pascal Perrier-David 17, Damon Thornton 12

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NAIA

NAIA Division I coaches poll -by Jay
Gold Rush still 11th in NAIA men's rankings January 9, 2008 NEW ORLEANS -- Xavier University of Louisiana remained at No. 11 in the NAIA Division I men's basketball coaches poll released Wednesday.
It's the third consecutive ranking in which the Gold Rush is 11th. It also occurred on Dec. 5 and Dec. 11. In the only other ranking of the 2007-08 season, Xavier was 10th in the preseason poll released Oct. 31.
Xavier is 12-2 overall and shares first place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference with LSU-Shreveport and Mobile. LSUS (13-0) is fourth in this week's rankings -- the Pilots moved up one place -- and received two of 11 first-place votes. Xavier will visit LSUS on Jan. 23 and host the Pilots on Feb. 14.
Mountain State (14-0) of Beckley, W.Va., is No. 1 for the third consecutive ranking and received the other nine first-place votes.
Xavier will play GCAC and city rival SUNO (3-5, 0-2) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at The Barn. It will be the first home game in 37 days for the Gold Rush.
The next coaches poll will be announced Jan. 16.

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NBA

The Warriors sign C.J. Watson -by Eurobasket News
The Golden State Warriors decided to sign a 10-day contract with guard C.J. Watson (6'2''-G-84, college: Tennessee). A 23-year-old University of Tennessee graduate recently played for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the NBDL. In 16 games in the NBDL season he averaged 26.4 points, 5.3 boards and 5.3 assists. He was ranked third among the league's best scorers. C.J. Watson was named the Players of the Month for December. He went undrafted in 2006 and played in Italy and Greece afterwards.
The Los Angeles Clippers announced the signing of guard Guillermo Diaz (6'2''-G-85, college: Miami, FL) to a 10-day contract. A Puerto Rican guard played for the Anaheim Arsenal in the NBDL. There his stats came up to 16.6 points, 3.6 boards and 3.0 assists in 14 games this season. Diaz was drafted by the Clippers as 52nd pick in 2006. Later he averaged 5.7 points and 1.7 assists in preseason games with Los Angeles. Guillermo Diaz played for Nymburk in Czech Republic in 2006-2007 season and there he produced 20.1 points and 3.3 assists in 15 games.
Meanwhile the Denver Nuggets decided to waive guard Bobby Jones (6'6''-F-84, college: Washington). Bobby Jones played in 23 games this season averaging 3.3 points and 1.4 boards per game. He was acquired by the Nuggets as a part of a trade deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Los Angeles Clippers waived Richie Frahm (6'5''-G-77, college: Gonzaga), Memphis part ways with Jeremy Richardson (6'7''-G/F-83, college: Delta St.). New Jersey waived Billy Thomas (6'5''-G-75, college: Kansas), while San Antonio released DerMarr Johnson (6'9''-G-80, college: Cincinnati) and Keith Langford (6'4''-G/F-83, college: Kansas).

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NCAA

TG 1837 White Wings Hanau sign Brandon Woods -by Eurobasket
TG 1837 White Wings Hanau (2.Regionalliga) agreed terms with 24-year old American forward Brandon Woods (203-F-84, college: Loyola, IL). Woods played most recently at Loyola University of Chicago (NCAA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball.

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NCAA2

SpVgg Rattelsdorf sign Darryl Sommerset -by Eurobasket
SpVgg Rattelsdorf (Regionalliga) signed American forward Darryl Sommerset (206-F, college: Cent.Missouri St., agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment). Sommerset played most recently at Etzella Ettelbruck (Luxembourg). Darryl last year's stats at Central Missouri State in 35 games were 13.0ppg and 7.3rpg

Saturday's GNAC Scores -by Sanjey Noriega
Northwest Nazarene 93, Central Washington 82
At Nampa, Idaho

NNU
Tyler Roberts-20 pts and 6 rebs
Scott Helpenstell- 15 pts and 7 rebounds
CWU
Nate Jackson (6'0''-G)- 24 pts
Matt Penoncello-15 pts

Seattle Pacific 77, Western Washington 70
At Seattle, Washington

SPU
Marques Echols (6'2''-G)- 23pts, 5rebs, 5ass
Rob Will- 21pts and 9rebs
WWU
Ira Graham- 28pts

Alaska-Fairbanks 85, Western Oregon 79
At Monmouth, Oregon

UAF
Kevin Atkins (6'6''-F) -22pts and 5 assists
Keven Campbell- 17 pts and 5 assists
WOU
Travis Kuhns (6'8''-F)- 24 pts and 7 rebs
Mike McLaughlin- 12pts and 9rebs
Adonal Arrington- 12 pts and 9 rebs

Seattle University 120, Montana State-Billings 81
At Billings, Montana

Seattle U.
Michael Knight- 20pts
Chris Gweth- 20pts
MSUB
Aaron Terry- 22pts
Jeff Miner-17pts


Alaska-Anchorage 66, Saint Martins 42
At Lacey, Washington

UAA
Carl Arts (6'6''-F-85)- 19pts and 7 rebs
SMC
Tyler Nixon- 7pts

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POLAND

Turow books ticket to elimination round -by Eurobasket News
Polish Turow secured their elimination round birth as they came out victorious of Round 8. Turow grabbed a difficult victory over Strasbourg 64:61 in France to climb to 7-1 record in Group I. ULEB Cup debutants struggled throughout three quarters and entered the fourth period trailing by 8 points. However Iwo Kitzinger (188-G-85) knocked down a triple to start a comeback effort from Turow. Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis (IN)) connected from downtown to cut the deficit to just 2 points with two minutes of playing time. Turow's defense proved thick in the last minutes as they kept Strasbourg scoreless, while Thomas Kelati nailed a treble to seal the victory for Turow. Thomas Kelati topscored with 22 points for Polish side. David Logan contributed 13 points, while Andres Rodriguez (182-G-81, college: American) produced 8 points, 6 boards, 6 assists and 3 steals for the winners. Afik Nissim (180-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) paced the hosts with 13 points. Turow will take on Unics in Round 9.
Anwil Wloclawek secured an impressive 77:70 win over Pamesa but needs luck to make it to the next round of ULEB Cup. Anwil overcame 29 points from explosive Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico) and proved the difference late in the encounter. Anwil led comfortably 72:61 with two minutes remaining in regulation but Ruben Douglas stepped up for Pamesa. He knocked down straight three-pointers for Spanish team and cut the gap to 5 points. He later added another long range jumper to pull Pamesa within 4 points 70:74. Gerrod Henderson (193-G-78, agency: Octagon, college: Louisiana Tech) answered netting 3 points for the hosts and finalizing victory for Anwil. Vladimir Petrovic (198-F/G-77, agency: Beo Basket) provided 17 points and 6 boards to lead Anwil. Andrzej Pluta (182-G-74, agency: Court Side) contributed 13 points, while Alan Daniels (198-F-84, college: Lamar) dropped 12 points in a winning case. Ruben Douglas was the only player to score in double digits for Valencia. Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) and Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73, college: Providence) netted 9 points apiece in the second defeat for Pamesa. Anwil will face Khimky away from home in Round 9.

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PORTUGAL

Proliga round 14 -by Luis Rocha
A quiet round. The emotion flows in Ilhavo where Illiabum the home team had many difficulties in beating Galitos (71-68). Benfica hosted Queluz and won quietly although Queluz stood close for many times, final result 71-61. Siexal was unable to beat Vitoria, in a game that had to be moved to another ground in account of the humidity, at the end Vitoria kept is winning streak (68-76). Sampaense took profit on playing against the last of the chart (CTM) at home and get a nice victory 82-58, it was important , now that they are trying to rebuilt the squad. Fisica smashed a fragile Atletico whonever could match their opponents, final result 97-56. Maia went to Esgueira ready to give all they had and leave with a victory. The game was intense but at the end Esgueira find a way to win (75-72), securing the result with a great exibithion from Ben Frederick (208-C, college: Union (TN)), who was named MVP of the week, and scored 23 points, grabbed 14 rebounds and gave 3 blocks. Finally Academica at home won against a poor Sangalhos. Academica is coming up gradually afterthe signing of Sherman Rivers (185-G-81, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: William & Mary), but Sangalhos as still a hard task to fullfield in the adaptation of their new players. final result 80-73.

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RUSSIA

Russia barrages with wins across Europe -by Eurobasket News
All four Russian teams secured victories in ULEB Cup Round 8 yesterday. Triumph joined the list of teams that made it to the next round of competition. They overcame Austrian Gmenden 78:73 at home and improved to 7-1 record in Group E. Gmunden stayed in the race despite a loss as they slipped to 4-4 record in the third spot. The teams played a close basketball in the first frame and were all square at 41 at halftime. But Mire Chatman (187-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: UTPA) and Sergei Toporov (197-F-81) organized a 14:0 run in the fourth quarter to claim a 75:64 advantage and wisely maintained it till the end of the game. Mire Chatman topscored with 21 points for Triumph. Sergei Toporov provided 17 points, while Ognjen Askrabic (207-C/F-79) delivered 16 points and 8 boards in a win. Kevin Johnson (201-F, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.) had 23 points and 8 boards for Gmunden. Triumph will next face Fribourg at home. Gmunden will seek for an important victory against the Antwerp Giants at home.
Dynamo Moscow also finalized their qualification into the next round. They nipped Crvena Zvezda 104:98 at the Hala Pionir in Belgrade to clinch their 6th success in the competition. Crvena Zvezda suffered the 3rd defeat in the season and fell to the third place in Group F. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) stepped up with game-high 28 points to pace the visitors. Milos Vujanic (190-G-80) showed little mercy for Serbian team nailing another 22 points in a win. Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85) answered with 23 points for Crvena Zvezda. Dynamo will come back home for Round 9 matchup against Panellinios. Crvena Zvezda will face Upim in Italy the same day.
Khimky proved they were briefly interrupted by Azovmash in their winning marching across ULEB Cup this season. They secured their 7th win at the tournament by downing Frankfurt 72:67 in Germany. The first half brought a tie game but Maciej Lampe (210-C-85, agency: Edge Sports), Vitali Fridzon (195-G-85) and Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) raised the tempo late in the third stanza to claim the lead for good. Kelly McCarty finished with 18 points for Khimky. Mike Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) provided 10 points in a winning effort. Derrick Allen (203-F-80, college: Mississippi) was massive with 31 points and 11 board for Franfurt as they skid to 0-8 record at the bottom of Group D. Khimky will play against Polish Anwil on January 15.
Finally Unics painfully bumped Jerusalem in Kazan to reach them in Group I table. Both teams are now tied at 4-4 record and share the second spot. Unics were obviously stronger yesterday as they opened the game with a 21:8 rally. The hosts virtually never looked back afterwards completing a stunning 98:45 win at the end. Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) led all scorers with 21 points. Marko Tusek (203-F-75, agency: World Sport Agency) dropped 19 points, while Sergei Chikalkin (196-G-75) knocked down 18 points for the winners. Guy Pniny (201-F-83, agency: Avi Zilberman) banked 14 points for Jerussalem. Unics will head West to clash with Polish Turow in the next round. Jerusalem will visit Croatia to challenge local Zadar.

A successful Tuesday for the Russian squads -by Eurobasket News

Last night brought three wins in three games for the Russian squads in EuroCup tournament. Ural Great faces Dexia Mons-Hainaut tonight and the country expects another triumph in the competition.

CSK-VVS Samara improved to 2-1 in Group A after an overtime thriller against PAOK in Greece and won 65:73. Yaniv Green (206-F-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) led the winners with 25 points and 14 rebounds. Alex Scales (192-G-78, college: Oregon) supported him with 24 points to be the second top-scorer for the guests.

Spartak St Petersburg had a road win over Olympia 58:63 also in Greece.Rafael Araujo top-scored with 18 points to lead the Russian squad. The man of the game made some consecutive jump shots and Milovan Rakovic (207-C-85) added a jumper to cap the 8-0 run and put the Russian team in front at 53:52 in the fourth quarter. That was a result of the first win in Group C for Spartak that is 1-2 now. Olympia are still in good shape with two wins and now one defeat.

Lokomotiv Rostov reached the first victory as well beating Ukrainian Khimik. Russian team upset Knimik for the first time in the Group having 76:65 victory. Khimik still top the group at 2-1 though. Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) paced the winners with 27 points and 8 rebounds. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) followed him with 13 points to Lokomotiv's victory. Three players scored 14 points in the Ukrainian resistance.

Ural Great faces Dexia Mons-Hainaut tonight to complete the Russian success in EuroCup.



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SAUDI ARABIA

Camara signs for Ohod -by Ali Ahmed


Ohod Al Madina management has agreed terms with the Senegalian Center Souleymane Damara to play for them this season.

The scouting report on Souleymane Camara states that he is athletic, can run the floor like a wing player, and can dominate the glass. He possesses good shooting touch, including range out to 20 feet.


His name is pronounced 'jewels k-MAR-a,' and Jules is a nickname for Souleymane. Speaks fluent French and English, as well as his native French dialect.

Awards/Achievements:
Senegalese National Team -98-01, 05-06
SEC Tournament Winner -01,03
NCAA Sweet 16 -01,02
African Championships in Morocco -01
African Championships in Algeria -05 (Finalist)
NCAA Elite Eight -03
SEC Regular Season Champion -03
African NCAA Division I 2nd Team -03 (by Africabasket.com)



Imports in Saudi Arabia -by Mohammed Malas
* Al Ittihad Jeddah:
Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf - Point Guard (USA)
DeAngelo Collins - Center (USA)

* Al Ahli Jeddah:
Jerron McCiskill - Forward (USA)
Kareem Grant - Forward (USA)

* Al Hilal:
Ismail Muhammad - Forward (USA)
Stephen Howard - Center (USA)

* Al Fateh:
Earl Ike - Center (USA)
Jermaine German - Point Guard (USA)

* Ohod Al Madinah:
Jihad Muhammad - Point Guard (USA)
Souleymane Camara - Center (SEN)

* Al Nahda:
Gentry Lewis - Center (USA)

* Al Qadsia:
Malcolm Battles - Center (USA)
Akeem Wright - Forward (USA)

* Al Wahda:
Luqman Jaber - Point Guard (USA)

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SERBIA

National Team: Ivkovic's official promotion on Thursday ! -by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian Basketball Federation and highly respected coach Dusan Ivkovic "Duda" finally agreed all necessary terms about his return to Serbian NT. Ivkovic will be officially promoted like a new head coach of Serbian senior National Team on Thursday at 12h in Belgrade's hotel "Continental". Ivkovic and SBB will sign 4-years contract (until Olympic Games in London 2012).

Hemofarm qualifies for the next stage, FMP and Crvena Zvezda suffered defeats -by Dragan Jankovski
Hemofarm STADA booked a spot for ULEB Cup elimination stage thanks to road win over Romanian champion Asesoft 83-72. Hosts opened the game better making 12-1 and later 24-11 but Hemofarm equalize the score in the second quarter and went on the half time with plus 2. Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) was the clutch player for the orange team as he led Hemofarm's 23-13 run in the last 8 minutes of the game. He collected 18 points and 7 rebounds while Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) followed him scoring 17 points each. Asesoft got 19 points from Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) and 12 points and 18 rebounds from Virgil Carutasu (204-C-76). Hemofarm improved to score 6-2 while Asesoft dropped to 3-5.

Crvena Zvezda suffered the third defeat in ULEB Cup. Once again Dynamo Moscow beat them 98-104 and like Hemofarm sealed the ticket for the elimination round. Zvezda still has a nice chance to do the same. Dynamo grabbed win in Belgrade thanks to well played last quarter and 50 points from tandem Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) - Milos Vujanic (190-G-80). On the other side Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85) scored 23 points while Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) netted one point less than him for red and white team.

FMP lost in Istanbul against Besiktas Cola Turka 76-77 so Panthers even theoretically does not have a chance to qualify for the elimination round. On the other side Besiktas is the only undefeated team in ULEB Cup after 8 games. Free throw which Apodaca scored 10 seconds remaining in the game was enough for Turkish team as Erceg missed at the FMP's last possession. Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) led Besiktas adding 27 points and 6 rebounds while FMP got 13 points and 8 rebounds from Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85).


Crvena Zvezda - Dynamo Moscow 98-104
(26-26,31-37,23-17,18-24)

Crvena Zvezda: Sljivancanin 23 (4 st), Cook 22 (5 rebs, 8 as, 5 st, 4 to), Dragicevic 13 (5 rebs, 6 to)
Dynamo Moscow: Domercant 28, Vujanic 22, Javtokas 17 (8 rebs)


CSU Asesoft - Hemofarm STADA 72-83
(26-17,10-22,16-19,20-25)

CSU Asesoft: Cepulis 19, Carutasu 12 (18 rebs), Griffith 12 (9 rebs)
Hemofarm STADA: Vukosavljevic 18 (7 rebs), Pavkovic 17 (4 rebs), Marshall 17 (5 to)


Besiktas Cola Turka - FMP 77-76
(24-13,20-27,15-17,18-19)

Besiktas Cola Turka: Shumpert 27 (6 rebs), Peker 15 (5 to), Nicevic 10 (6 rebs)
FMP: Erceg 13 (8 rebs, 4 to), Labovic 11, Raduljica 11 (8 rebs)

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SLOVENIA

Rogla adds Cigoja and Grkovic, Rudar with new coach -by Zeljko Zule
Rogla loaned Dejan Cigoja (205-F/C-88) (205-F/C-88) from Geoplin Slovan and inked Dejan Grkovic (203-F-84) ex Opatija till end of the season.
Darko Mirt has stepped down as head coach of Rudar (B1). Her is replaced with Marjan Knaus .

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SPAIN

Recent transactions in Spain -by Kristian Santiago

LEB Bronce Transactions:


Samo Majerle (210-C-82) was released by Alaior Opel Coinga Jovent
Abdel-Aziz Thiandoum (207-C-87) plays now for the second team of Alaior Manorca.com Jovent in the 1a Masculina


EBA Transactions:

Fabrice Letard (200-F-79) signed in Ciudad Autonoma de Melilla Enrique Soler
Derell Washington (198-F/G-71, college: Cent.Arkansas) joins Doncel La Serena
Phil Missere (203-F, college: St.John's) signed with C.B. Gerindote
Gabriel Dominguez (184-G-82) moves to CB. Mazarron
Aleksandar Matovic (-87) inked with AD AD Eliocroca Lorca
Phil Wait (211-C-87) left TU Hotel ES U.D.Vecindario
Gyorgy Kinter (211-C-88) plays now for UGT Almozara in the 2a Aragon Masculina
Pedro Rubbera (-G/F-81) moved to La Vila Joiosa
Christian Anderson (198-F-74, college: Virginia Union) was released by CB Valls Felix Hotel
Stefan Behrens (213-C-74) moved from Trujillo Destino Turistico to Ciudad Torrealta Molina (LEB Bronce) in Nov.'07.Played in one game there and left in Dec. '07.
Ivan Brosko (205-C-77, agency: Rasmussen Services) is not with Mazarron anymore.
Emmanuel Oboh (198-F/G-80) left AD Eliocroca Lorca



Barbour and Lewis in trouble -by Kristian Santiago
Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, college: Kentucky) and Gimel Lewis (211-C-82, college: Mobile (AL) of Tenerife Rural were released from a night in jail after several incidents occurred with the local police in La Laguna. There is no official statement out yet, but according to sources, both players went to a nightclub after the game against Lleida and ran into trouble with police in the street once leaving the club. There could have been some physical altercation between the players and the police so both players could be facing sentences soon and could be expelled by their team as well.
We have to wait until an official police report is out to know what really happened last Saturday.

CNB Torrevieja withdrawn from LEB Bronce -by Kristian Santiago

The team from Estructuras Zurc/Cruz Torrevieja had to pull out of the current championship due to financial straits.
Acording to several websites from Spain, fake documents appeared regarding a sponsorship by bank which led the board of directors to withdraw the team from LEB Bronce.


Most players already found new teams:

Carlos Brana (192-G-77, agency: Interperformances) - Gerindote (EBA)
Joseba Ibargutxi (190-G-82) - Lan Mobtel Iraurgi (EBA)
Pablo Machado (207-C-77, college: Loyola Marymount) - Domo Residencial Oviedo Baloncesto (EBA)
Edward Morris (-F-84, college: Pittsburg St.) - Merida Patrimonio (LEB Bronce)
Juan Navalon (191-G-75) - Alaior (LEB Bronce)
Matias Novoa (198-F-80) - Jerez (LEB Bronce)
Miguel Angel Pichardo (206-C-80, agency: Players Group) - Ponferrada (EBA)
Jose Javier Terren (190-G-84) - Utebo (EBA)

The following players are without a contract right now:

Daniel Adriasola (-88)
Pedro Luis Cruza (198-F-75)
Javier Sanchez Bernat



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SUDAN

Ajou Ajou Deng top-scores in England -by Eurobasket News
Ajou Ajou Deng (210-C-79, college: Fairfield) nailed 19 points for the Guildford Heat which downfall continued yesterday as they suffered the 8th straight defeat in the ULEB Cup season. This time Guildford were unable to cope with ALBA Berlin at the Guildford Spectrum. ALBA meanwhile posted an important victory as they improved to 4-4 record and climbed to the third spot in Group A ladder.
The Heat were impressive at the start as they scored 11 unanswered points to get the game going at 19:8. However ALBA responded pretty quickly organizing a 21:0 rally of their own to step in front. Guildford needed trebles from James Jones and Ajou Ajou Deng to get back on track. But Booby Brown replied with a three-pointer to put ALBA up by 4 points at the interval. The teams were tied for a couple of times in the third stanza before Julius Jenkins fueled a 7:0 run from ALBA to secure a 59:53 lead at final intermission. The hosts cut the gap to just a single point with under 5 minutes left in the game but it was never enough. Bobby Brown came up with 5 straight points for ALBA to put them away for good. Goran Nikolic nailed 15 points for ALBA. Patrick Femerling produced 14 points and 13 boards, while Julius Jenkins and Bobby Brown ended with 12 points apiece for the winners. Daniel Gilbert scored 18 points in defeat. Guildford will remain at home for the next game against Siauliai in ULEB Cup. ALBA travels back home to take on Turk Telekom on January 15.
Sudanese Manock Lual (198-F-89) together with UPEI lost CIS game in Canada versus Cape Breton 80:52. Cape Breton stifled the Panthers defensively, holding the visitors to only 30% shooting. Veteran Jared Budd and freshman Manock Lual each had 11 points for the Panthers, who lost both games during their weekend trip to Sydney and Antigonish.

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SWITZERLAND

Buducnost nip Fribourg to qualify for elimination round of ULEB Cup -by Eurobasket News
KK Buducnost - Fribourg 74:63

Montenegrin powerhouse Buducnost reserved their spot in the next round of ULEB Cup with a win over Swiss Fribourg. The win saw Buducnost clinch a 6-2 record at the second spot of Group E. Fribourg at the same time fell to 3-5 record and the 5th place. The teams exchanged the strikes in the first quarter and were knotted at 15 ten minutes into the game. The second quarter remained a low-scoring affair with the hosts proving just a bit better at the end 29:28. Buducnost sparked with a 7:0 run early in the third stanza to take a sigh of relief at 36:28. However Fribourg refused to give up. Pascal Perrier-David (184-G-75) and Tresor Quidome (192-G-80, agency: Interperformances) connected from afar to drag Swiss team back into contest. Buducnost stayed in front throughout the fourth term but Sloan hit a jumper to cut the gap to 2 points with 2 minutes left in regulation. However it was as close as Fribourg could get on the night. Ivan Maras (206-C-86, agency: Octagon) and Vladimir Dragicevic (205-C-86) proved the difference at crunch time.
Ivan Maras knocked down 16 points to lead Buducnost. Vladimir Micov (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) added 14 points, 6 boards and 6 assists, while Vladimir Dragicevic nailed 11 points for the winners. Pascal Perrier-David responded with 17 points, 6 assists and 4 steals for Fribourg. Damon Thornton (202-F-77, college: N.Carolina St.) had 12 points and 8 rebounds for the visitors. Both teams were equally matched under the rims with 31 boards apiece. Buducnost converted 49% from the field, while Fribourg dropped just 37% of field goals.
Buducnost will play against Hapoel Galil Elyon next. Fribourg will travel to Russia to take on Group E leaders Triumph.

Buducnost: Ivan Maras 16, Vladimir Micov 14, Vladimir Dragicevic 11
Fribourg: Pascal Perrier-David 17, Damon Thornton 12

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TURKEY

Close wins for Turk Telekom and Besiktas in ULEB Cup -by Eurobasket News

Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) posted another outstanding performance for Turk Telekom to carry them past Joventut 96:94 yesterday. Turk Telekom's win snapped a 7-game winning streak for Joventut and allowed Turkish team to tie the Spaniards in the ladder at 7-1. Joventut however secured the top spot due to a 17-point cushion achieved against Turk Telekom in Spain.

A seesaw game turned into a real basketball masterpiece in the final stanza with the teams exchanging blows until the final buzzer. Joventut opened the game more aggressively and left Turk Telekom behind by 15 points late in the starting frame. However a 9:0 run from the hosts early in the second stanza saw them cut the deficit to just 2 points. Ricard Rubio (192-G-90) sealed the first half with a pair of jumpers to set it at 46:39 lead for the visitors.

Khalid El-Amin accelerated the hosts' offense after the break and Turk Telekom soon cut the gap. But Joventut stood up to the challenge and late baskets from Ferran Lavina (192-G-77) and Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Mc Neese St.) ensured a 70:66 advantage for the visiting side after three quarters of action. The game turned out into a scorcher in the fourth period with the lead changing hands for numerous times. Finally Tutku Acik (193-G-80) and Khalid El-Amin drilled back-to-back threes to make it 95:88 for Turk Telekom with a minute remaining. Joventut were still in contest as Demond Mallet ignited a 6:0 run to revive the intrigue. But Khalid El-Amin just did everything right from the charity stripe hitting one and missing the second free throw to seal the win for the hosts.

Khalid El-Amin scored 33 points and issued 5 assists to lead Turk Telekom. Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) provided 18 points for the winners. Ricard Rubio posted career-high 29 points and 10 assists for Joventut. Turk Telekom will next face ALBA in Berlin.

Meanwhile Besiktas remained the only perfect team in ULEB Cup competition after Round 8. This time victory came with sweat and pain as the Turkish side needed to withstand a fierce comeback effort from FMP to record a 77:76 win at the end. Besiktas enjoyed a 44:40 lead at halftime but FMP recovered well in the second half.

The Serbian team surged ahead in the final quarter and piled up a 75:69 lead with under 2 minutes to go. However Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) nailed a triple, while Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) converted a layup to close the gap. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) free throws then made it 76:75 for the home side. FMP responded with a free throw from Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) to tie the game with 14 seconds on the clock. Rick Apodaca (192-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Hofstra) stepped to the line seconds later and buried a single free throw to finalize the score. Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) had a last chance to save the day for FMP but his attempt went wide off mark.

Preston Shumpert drained 27 points and pulled down 6 boards to pace Besiktas. Kaya Peker added 15 points for the winning side. Zoran Erceg answered with 13 points and 8 boards for FMP.

Turk Telekom - Joventut 96:94
Turk Telekom: Khalid El-Amin 33, Erwin Dudley 18, Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia) 16
Joventut: Ricard Rubio 29+10 assists, Petar Popovic (211-C-79) 20

Besiktas - FMP 77:76
Besiktas: Preston Shumpert 27, Kaya Peker 15, Sandro Nicevic 10
FMP: Zoran Erceg 13, Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) 11, Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) 11



Cherkassy too good for Banvit -by Eurobasket News

Banvit - Cherkassy 88:90

Banvit extended their desperate start of the qualifying round of FIBA EuroCup in Group B. After two opening losses Banvit needed to shake things up and an opportune moment appeared in the third round as they faced winless Cherkassy in Balikesir. But the curtain finally dropped for the Turkish team as they suffered the third straight defeat in the tournament and remained at the bottom of the ladder.

Banvit got to a slightly better start to the game and were up by 2 points ten minutes into the game 26:24. But Cherkassy bounced back in the second stanza as Martynas Andriukaitis (204-F-81) and Andrei Lebedev (189-G-79) adjusted shooting to fuel a fierce comeback effort for the visitors. Banvit struggled to maintain their opponents defensively and the margin grew to 11 points after three quarters of action. However Nigerian centre Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford) was virtually unstoppable for Banvit and carried Banvit to a miraculous recovery in the fourth term. But it still was not enough for an overall win. Cherkassy withstood the challenge and sealed the positive outcome at the end.

Andrei Lebedev led Cherkassy with 24 points. Martynas Andriukaitis tallied 23 points and 12 boards, while Edwards provided 15 points for the winners. Kenny Adeleke led all scorers with 28 points and 15 rebounds. Inanc Koc (202-F-79) had 14 points for Banvit as they fell to 0-3 record. Cherkassy shot an outstanding 56% from beyond the arc and outrebounded the hosts 32:30. Banvit will next face Dexia Mons-Hainaut in Belgium. Cherkassy will play against Ural Great away from home on January 15.

Banvit: Kenny Adeleke 28+15 boards, Inanc Koc 14, Umit Sonkol (206-F-82) 12
Cherkassy: Andrei Lebedev 24, Martynas Andriukaitis 23+12 boards



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U.KINGDOM

The Heat get iced up again -by Eurobasket News
Guildford Heat - ALBA Berlin 71:80

The Guildford Heat downfall continued yesterday as they suffered the 8th straight defeat in the ULEB Cup season. This time Guildford were unable to cope with ALBA Berlin at the Guildford Spectrum. ALBA meanwhile posted an important victory as they improved to 4-4 record and climbed to the third spot in Group A ladder.
The Heat were impressive at the start as they scored 11 unanswered points to get the game going at 19:8. However ALBA responded pretty quickly organizing a 21:0 rally of their own to step in front. Guildford needed trebles from James Jones (193-G/F-83, college: Whitworth) and Ajou Ajou Deng (210-C-79, college: Fairfield) to get back on track. But Booby Brown replied with a three-pointer to put ALBA up by 4 points at the interval. The teams were tied for a couple of times in the third stanza before Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, college: Georgia Southern) fueled a 7:0 run from ALBA to secure a 59:53 lead at final intermission. The hosts cut the gap to just a single point with under 5 minutes left in the game but it was never enough. Bobby Brown (188-G-84, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) came up with 5 straight points for ALBA to put them away for good. Goran Nikolic (205-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15 points for ALBA. Patrick Femerling (216-C-75, college: Washington) produced 14 points and 13 boards, while Julius Jenkins and Bobby Brown ended with 12 points apiece for the winners. Ajou Ajou Deng delivered 19 points for Guildford. Daniel Gilbert (197-G-83, college: Buffalo) scored 18 points in defeat. Guildford will remain at home for the next game against Siauliai in ULEB Cup. ALBA travels back home to take on Turk Telekom on January 15.

Guildford: Ajou Ajou Deng 19, Daniel Gilbert 18
ALBA: Goran Nikolic 15, Patrick Femerling 14+13 boards, Julius Jenkins 12, Bobby Brown 12

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Boyd Anderson downs Douglas -by David Edole
Ivan Aska scored 24 points and had eight rebounds, and Boyd Anderson HS routed host Douglas 76-38 in a District 11-6A boys' basketball game on Tuesday.

Boyd Anderson, ranked No. 2 in the Class 6A state poll, opened with a 10-point run in the first quarter.

Douglas' Douby Alerte scored on a layup to stop the rally, and the Eagles (11-4, 2-3) then went on a 12-6 run. The Cobras (16-1, 5-0) rebounded to take a 21-12 lead.
Martavious Irving's four 3-pointers helped the Cobras take a 42-29 halftime lead. Irving finished with 16 points.

Boyd Anderson cruised after opening up a 25-point lead in the third quarter.

Robert Lazerson led the Eagles with 10 points, including three 3-pointers.

Boyd Anderson's next game is Saturday against American Heritage in the MLK Classic at Miramar High.

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ULEB CUP

Hemofarm qualifies for the next stage, FMP and Crvena Zvezda suffered defeats -by Dragan Jankovski
Hemofarm STADA booked a spot for ULEB Cup elimination stage thanks to road win over Romanian champion Asesoft 83-72. Hosts opened the game better making 12-1 and later 24-11 but Hemofarm equalize the score in the second quarter and went on the half time with plus 2. Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) was the clutch player for the orange team as he led Hemofarm's 23-13 run in the last 8 minutes of the game. He collected 18 points and 7 rebounds while Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) followed him scoring 17 points each. Asesoft got 19 points from Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) and 12 points and 18 rebounds from Virgil Carutasu (204-C-76). Hemofarm improved to score 6-2 while Asesoft dropped to 3-5.

Crvena Zvezda suffered the third defeat in ULEB Cup. Once again Dynamo Moscow beat them 98-104 and like Hemofarm sealed the ticket for the elimination round. Zvezda still has a nice chance to do the same. Dynamo grabbed win in Belgrade thanks to well played last quarter and 50 points from tandem Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) - Milos Vujanic (190-G-80). On the other side Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85) scored 23 points while Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) netted one point less than him for red and white team.

FMP lost in Istanbul against Besiktas Cola Turka 76-77 so Panthers even theoretically does not have a chance to qualify for the elimination round. On the other side Besiktas is the only undefeated team in ULEB Cup after 8 games. Free throw which Apodaca scored 10 seconds remaining in the game was enough for Turkish team as Erceg missed at the FMP's last possession. Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) led Besiktas adding 27 points and 6 rebounds while FMP got 13 points and 8 rebounds from Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85).


Crvena Zvezda - Dynamo Moscow 98-104
(26-26,31-37,23-17,18-24)

Crvena Zvezda: Sljivancanin 23 (4 st), Cook 22 (5 rebs, 8 as, 5 st, 4 to), Dragicevic 13 (5 rebs, 6 to)
Dynamo Moscow: Domercant 28, Vujanic 22, Javtokas 17 (8 rebs)


CSU Asesoft - Hemofarm STADA 72-83
(26-17,10-22,16-19,20-25)

CSU Asesoft: Cepulis 19, Carutasu 12 (18 rebs), Griffith 12 (9 rebs)
Hemofarm STADA: Vukosavljevic 18 (7 rebs), Pavkovic 17 (4 rebs), Marshall 17 (5 to)


Besiktas Cola Turka - FMP 77-76
(24-13,20-27,15-17,18-19)

Besiktas Cola Turka: Shumpert 27 (6 rebs), Peker 15 (5 to), Nicevic 10 (6 rebs)
FMP: Erceg 13 (8 rebs, 4 to), Labovic 11, Raduljica 11 (8 rebs)

ASK Riga beats Artland Dragons at home -by Eurobasket News
ASK Riga were victorious at Round 8 of ULEB Cup. They managed to outscore visiting Artland Dragons 70:60 to remain with chances of progressing to the next round of competition. ASK Riga climbed to 3-5 record and still cherish a hope to become one of the best fourth teams in groups to qualify. Artland Dragons fell to 4-4 record and would need some strong display in the final rounds to climb to the qualifying territory.
A tight defense became a key to success for ASK Riga in this one. The hosts proved the point early in the game keeping the visitors scoreless for some time building an 11:0 lead. Artlands Dragons called for timeout but it helped little as defense still prevailed and ASK Riga rolled to a 15:6 advantage after 10 minutes. The situation hardly changed after the intermission as Raitis Grafs (210-C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Valparaiso) kept on pumping ASK Riga offense, while their defense was quite impassable. The home side enjoyed a 29:29 lead at halftime. ASK Riga maintained the margin in the third quarter and used an 8:0 run to clear off to a 42:23 distance late in it. Heading into the fourth period comfortably ahead by 23 points ASK Riga held off any attempts from the visitors to cut the gap and celebrated a much-needed win at the end. Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, college: JMU) led scored 15 points for ASK Riga. Curtis Millage (185-G-81, college: Arizona St.) drained 11 points, while Gatis Jahovics (200-F-84, agency: FCM) had 9 points for the winning side. Lamont McIntosh (191-G-82, college: Georgia St.) contributed 13 points for Artland Dragons. Paul Johnson (198-F-83, college: Rider) added 10 points in a loss.
BK Ventspils lost to the Koeln 99ers in Germany to get knotted with them at 5-3 record in Group B. The hosts led from tip off and accumulated a 25:16 advantage after the starting frame. Trailing by 7 points at halftime BK Ventspils however stepped up right after the break to draw the scoreline. But the momentum did not last for long as Marko Keselj (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) soon pushed the gap back to 10 points. BK Ventspils later struggled to come closer than this margin and had to surrender at the end. Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) dropped 12 points to pace Koeln. BK Ventspils answered with 19 points from Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida). Justin Love (189-G-78, college: St.Louis) posted 14 points and 6 boards in a losing clause. Ventspils will next take on Elan Chalon away from home. Koeln visits FMP in Beograd.

ASK Riga - Artland Dragons 70:60
ASK Riga: Dwayne Broyles 15, Curtis Millage 11, Gatis Jahovics 9
Artland Dragons: Lamont McIntosh 13, Paul Johnson 10

Koeln - Ventspils 84:78
Koeln: Immanuel McElroy 12, Milko Bjelica (207-C-84, agency: Beo Basket) 12
Ventspils: Jimmy Baxter 19, Justin Love 14

Russia barrages with wins across Europe -by Eurobasket News
All four Russian teams secured victories in ULEB Cup Round 8 yesterday. Triumph joined the list of teams that made it to the next round of competition. They overcame Austrian Gmenden 78:73 at home and improved to 7-1 record in Group E. Gmunden stayed in the race despite a loss as they slipped to 4-4 record in the third spot. The teams played a close basketball in the first frame and were all square at 41 at halftime. But Mire Chatman (187-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: UTPA) and Sergei Toporov (197-F-81) organized a 14:0 run in the fourth quarter to claim a 75:64 advantage and wisely maintained it till the end of the game. Mire Chatman topscored with 21 points for Triumph. Sergei Toporov provided 17 points, while Ognjen Askrabic (207-C/F-79) delivered 16 points and 8 boards in a win. Kevin Johnson (201-F, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Humboldt St.) had 23 points and 8 boards for Gmunden. Triumph will next face Fribourg at home. Gmunden will seek for an important victory against the Antwerp Giants at home.
Dynamo Moscow also finalized their qualification into the next round. They nipped Crvena Zvezda 104:98 at the Hala Pionir in Belgrade to clinch their 6th success in the competition. Crvena Zvezda suffered the 3rd defeat in the season and fell to the third place in Group F. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) stepped up with game-high 28 points to pace the visitors. Milos Vujanic (190-G-80) showed little mercy for Serbian team nailing another 22 points in a win. Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85) answered with 23 points for Crvena Zvezda. Dynamo will come back home for Round 9 matchup against Panellinios. Crvena Zvezda will face Upim in Italy the same day.
Khimky proved they were briefly interrupted by Azovmash in their winning marching across ULEB Cup this season. They secured their 7th win at the tournament by downing Frankfurt 72:67 in Germany. The first half brought a tie game but Maciej Lampe (210-C-85, agency: Edge Sports), Vitali Fridzon (195-G-85) and Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) raised the tempo late in the third stanza to claim the lead for good. Kelly McCarty finished with 18 points for Khimky. Mike Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) provided 10 points in a winning effort. Derrick Allen (203-F-80, college: Mississippi) was massive with 31 points and 11 board for Franfurt as they skid to 0-8 record at the bottom of Group D. Khimky will play against Polish Anwil on January 15.
Finally Unics painfully bumped Jerusalem in Kazan to reach them in Group I table. Both teams are now tied at 4-4 record and share the second spot. Unics were obviously stronger yesterday as they opened the game with a 21:8 rally. The hosts virtually never looked back afterwards completing a stunning 98:45 win at the end. Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) led all scorers with 21 points. Marko Tusek (203-F-75, agency: World Sport Agency) dropped 19 points, while Sergei Chikalkin (196-G-75) knocked down 18 points for the winners. Guy Pniny (201-F-83, agency: Avi Zilberman) banked 14 points for Jerussalem. Unics will head West to clash with Polish Turow in the next round. Jerusalem will visit Croatia to challenge local Zadar.

Turow books ticket to elimination round -by Eurobasket News
Polish Turow secured their elimination round birth as they came out victorious of Round 8. Turow grabbed a difficult victory over Strasbourg 64:61 in France to climb to 7-1 record in Group I. ULEB Cup debutants struggled throughout three quarters and entered the fourth period trailing by 8 points. However Iwo Kitzinger (188-G-85) knocked down a triple to start a comeback effort from Turow. Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis (IN)) connected from downtown to cut the deficit to just 2 points with two minutes of playing time. Turow's defense proved thick in the last minutes as they kept Strasbourg scoreless, while Thomas Kelati nailed a treble to seal the victory for Turow. Thomas Kelati topscored with 22 points for Polish side. David Logan contributed 13 points, while Andres Rodriguez (182-G-81, college: American) produced 8 points, 6 boards, 6 assists and 3 steals for the winners. Afik Nissim (180-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) paced the hosts with 13 points. Turow will take on Unics in Round 9.
Anwil Wloclawek secured an impressive 77:70 win over Pamesa but needs luck to make it to the next round of ULEB Cup. Anwil overcame 29 points from explosive Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico) and proved the difference late in the encounter. Anwil led comfortably 72:61 with two minutes remaining in regulation but Ruben Douglas stepped up for Pamesa. He knocked down straight three-pointers for Spanish team and cut the gap to 5 points. He later added another long range jumper to pull Pamesa within 4 points 70:74. Gerrod Henderson (193-G-78, agency: Octagon, college: Louisiana Tech) answered netting 3 points for the hosts and finalizing victory for Anwil. Vladimir Petrovic (198-F/G-77, agency: Beo Basket) provided 17 points and 6 boards to lead Anwil. Andrzej Pluta (182-G-74, agency: Court Side) contributed 13 points, while Alan Daniels (198-F-84, college: Lamar) dropped 12 points in a winning case. Ruben Douglas was the only player to score in double digits for Valencia. Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) and Ruben Garces (206-C/F-73, college: Providence) netted 9 points apiece in the second defeat for Pamesa. Anwil will face Khimky away from home in Round 9.

Close wins for Turk Telekom and Besiktas in ULEB Cup -by Eurobasket News

Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) posted another outstanding performance for Turk Telekom to carry them past Joventut 96:94 yesterday. Turk Telekom's win snapped a 7-game winning streak for Joventut and allowed Turkish team to tie the Spaniards in the ladder at 7-1. Joventut however secured the top spot due to a 17-point cushion achieved against Turk Telekom in Spain.

A seesaw game turned into a real basketball masterpiece in the final stanza with the teams exchanging blows until the final buzzer. Joventut opened the game more aggressively and left Turk Telekom behind by 15 points late in the starting frame. However a 9:0 run from the hosts early in the second stanza saw them cut the deficit to just 2 points. Ricard Rubio (192-G-90) sealed the first half with a pair of jumpers to set it at 46:39 lead for the visitors.

Khalid El-Amin accelerated the hosts' offense after the break and Turk Telekom soon cut the gap. But Joventut stood up to the challenge and late baskets from Ferran Lavina (192-G-77) and Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Mc Neese St.) ensured a 70:66 advantage for the visiting side after three quarters of action. The game turned out into a scorcher in the fourth period with the lead changing hands for numerous times. Finally Tutku Acik (193-G-80) and Khalid El-Amin drilled back-to-back threes to make it 95:88 for Turk Telekom with a minute remaining. Joventut were still in contest as Demond Mallet ignited a 6:0 run to revive the intrigue. But Khalid El-Amin just did everything right from the charity stripe hitting one and missing the second free throw to seal the win for the hosts.

Khalid El-Amin scored 33 points and issued 5 assists to lead Turk Telekom. Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) provided 18 points for the winners. Ricard Rubio posted career-high 29 points and 10 assists for Joventut. Turk Telekom will next face ALBA in Berlin.

Meanwhile Besiktas remained the only perfect team in ULEB Cup competition after Round 8. This time victory came with sweat and pain as the Turkish side needed to withstand a fierce comeback effort from FMP to record a 77:76 win at the end. Besiktas enjoyed a 44:40 lead at halftime but FMP recovered well in the second half.

The Serbian team surged ahead in the final quarter and piled up a 75:69 lead with under 2 minutes to go. However Preston Shumpert (198-G-79, college: Syracuse) nailed a triple, while Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) converted a layup to close the gap. Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) free throws then made it 76:75 for the home side. FMP responded with a free throw from Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) to tie the game with 14 seconds on the clock. Rick Apodaca (192-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency, college: Hofstra) stepped to the line seconds later and buried a single free throw to finalize the score. Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) had a last chance to save the day for FMP but his attempt went wide off mark.

Preston Shumpert drained 27 points and pulled down 6 boards to pace Besiktas. Kaya Peker added 15 points for the winning side. Zoran Erceg answered with 13 points and 8 boards for FMP.

Turk Telekom - Joventut 96:94
Turk Telekom: Khalid El-Amin 33, Erwin Dudley 18, Chris Williams (199-F/G-80, college: Virginia) 16
Joventut: Ricard Rubio 29+10 assists, Petar Popovic (211-C-79) 20

Besiktas - FMP 77:76
Besiktas: Preston Shumpert 27, Kaya Peker 15, Sandro Nicevic 10
FMP: Zoran Erceg 13, Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) 11, Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) 11



The Heat get iced up again -by Eurobasket News
Guildford Heat - ALBA Berlin 71:80

The Guildford Heat downfall continued yesterday as they suffered the 8th straight defeat in the ULEB Cup season. This time Guildford were unable to cope with ALBA Berlin at the Guildford Spectrum. ALBA meanwhile posted an important victory as they improved to 4-4 record and climbed to the third spot in Group A ladder.
The Heat were impressive at the start as they scored 11 unanswered points to get the game going at 19:8. However ALBA responded pretty quickly organizing a 21:0 rally of their own to step in front. Guildford needed trebles from James Jones (193-G/F-83, college: Whitworth) and Ajou Ajou Deng (210-C-79, college: Fairfield) to get back on track. But Booby Brown replied with a three-pointer to put ALBA up by 4 points at the interval. The teams were tied for a couple of times in the third stanza before Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, college: Georgia Southern) fueled a 7:0 run from ALBA to secure a 59:53 lead at final intermission. The hosts cut the gap to just a single point with under 5 minutes left in the game but it was never enough. Bobby Brown (188-G-84, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) came up with 5 straight points for ALBA to put them away for good. Goran Nikolic (205-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15 points for ALBA. Patrick Femerling (216-C-75, college: Washington) produced 14 points and 13 boards, while Julius Jenkins and Bobby Brown ended with 12 points apiece for the winners. Ajou Ajou Deng delivered 19 points for Guildford. Daniel Gilbert (197-G-83, college: Buffalo) scored 18 points in defeat. Guildford will remain at home for the next game against Siauliai in ULEB Cup. ALBA travels back home to take on Turk Telekom on January 15.

Guildford: Ajou Ajou Deng 19, Daniel Gilbert 18
ALBA: Goran Nikolic 15, Patrick Femerling 14+13 boards, Julius Jenkins 12, Bobby Brown 12

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URUGUAY

Bigua and Hebraica won for the LUB -by Hector Lopez
Bigua maintained the leadership for the Uruguayan League beating Atenas 92-88 for the 5th round of the second stage. For Bigua Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) scored 30 points, Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) 22 and 14 rebounds and Mark Alan Bortz (208-F-82, college: Buffalo) added 17 and 8 rebounds.Hakeem Rollins netted 15 for Atenas, but left the field injured and Anthony Dill netted 10. Hebraica Macabi with 25 points and 17 rebounds by Grady Reynolds (198-F-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: St.John's) lead Hebraica beatng Trouville 90-84. Mario Bennett (207-F-73, college: Arizona St.), also for Hebraica netted 9 and took 12 rebounds. For Trouville Thurman Zimmerman (196-F/G-83, agency: AMI, college: S.Carolina St.) scored 20 and Delano Thomas (203-F-82, college: Shawnee St.) 8.



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Women News

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ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women

Merkur part ways with Bajic -by Zeljko Zule
Merkur Celje parted with with Tamara Bajic (172-G-87). She averaging 20,5 minutes, 5,2 points (2P 12-24, 3P 5-21, FT 3-4), 2,0 rebounds, 1,8 assists, 0,9 steals and 1,6 turnoveras in 9 games of Adriatic WABA League and 17,5 minutes, 8,3 points (2P 21-28, 6-18, 15-18), 2,2 rebounds, 2,2 assists, 2,4 steals and 1,2 turnovers in 9 games of Slovenian League.

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EUROLEAGUE (W) - Women

Spartak Moscow Region is the first to taste the win tonight -by Eurobasket News
Spartak Moscow Region -Dexia Namur 102:62

Spartak Moscow Region proves the ambition for another European success and the defence of their Euroleague title. The defending champions smashed Belgian Dexia Namur 102:62 tonight in the game that started earlier than all others. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) was unstoppable with 34 points and 6 rebounds. Irina Osipova (196-C-81) netted 15, while Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) scored 14. Jennifer Fleischer (191-C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Pennsylvania) collected 15 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
Spartak Moscow Region is the first team to win in Round 8 of Euroleague. The game in Vidnoe started earlier and due to this Spartak ensured the first place in Group C taking 7-1 record. There were no time when the spectator could think of another result of their team.
Spartak had already opened up a 28-6 lead at that point.By half-time, Spartak were still in complete command with a 48:24 advantage.
In the end of the game the tasks differed for both teams. Russian squad desired to score 100 and managed to do it. Dexia Namur tried to recover or at least top reduce but did not satisfy with the final score. Gambrinus can tie Spartak on top of the group if the the team wins the thriller over Kosit. Russian team made 13 of 22 of their shots from three-point range, while inside the arc Hejkova's team was 26 of 51 and at the line they converted 11 of 13.

Spartak Moscow Region: Lauren Jackson 34+6 rebs, Irina Osipova 15, Diana Taurasi 14
Dexia Namur: Jennifer Fleischer 15+8 rebs, Cathrine Kraayeveld (193-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) 12

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FRANCE - Women

NF1 Round 15: Midway and nothing is confirmed at either end of the table -by Leslie Anderson

The fifteenth round of NF1 was played over two weekends with the first four games played before Christmas:


Basket Landes travelled to Paris to take on the young ladies from the Centre Federal BB with the intention of ending the year on a high and move provisionally into first position in the NF1 standings. The Centre Federal BB were not in a charitable mood and with a good second half performance went on to win (76-57).


Armentieres SO had no problems on the road to SMUC Marseille as they ran out winners (79-61) and Lot-et-Garonne UST beat Etoile de Voiron Feminin (73-68).


La Roche-sur-Lion are on fire at the moment and clocked up their fourth victory on the trot as they held off the challenge of Avenir de Rennes (73-68).


The round was completed last weekend with the remaining matches:

ASPTT Charleville-Mezieres overcame Racing Club Strasbourg in overtime (85-75). Union Lyon Basket Feminin got the year off to a good start by beating Nice Cavigal Olympic (86-76), Dunkerque US had to work hard to overturn Pleyber Christ Basket Club (77-71) and Reze Nantes Basket 44 are back on top after beating Limoges ABC en Limousin (65-53).



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HUNGARY - Women

Victory of Pecs over Mondeville -by Csilla Kantor

With a thoughtful game Pecs was able to receive its 5th Euroleague victory by defeating Mondeville 77-72. During the 40 minutes the Hungarians were at better conditiion, Mondeville could take the leading position only in the 3rd quarter for a couple of minutes (45-40). After a time-out and Dalma Ivanyi (178-G-76, college: Florida Intern.)'s two 3-pointers and Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84)'s shot, the 4th quarter started with 51-55. In the final period, with the help of tactical elements and good rebounds Pecs won by 77-72. With this victory they ensured their 2nd place in group D of the Euroleague.

USO Mondeville:

Williams 17, Aubert 16, Jannault 14, Salagnac 9, Digbeu 8, El Gargati 6, Alexis 2

Mizo Pecs 2010:

Anna Vajda 19/6, Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) 19/6, Emilja Podrug (190-C-79) 17, Ivanyi 10/6( assists: 11!), Andrea Somogyi (184-F-86) 5, Kornelia Meszaros (186-F-74) 5, Coelho 2

In the next round Mizo Pecs is playing against Faenza on home court.



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RUSSIA - Women

Spartak Moscow Region is the first to taste the win tonight -by Eurobasket News
Spartak Moscow Region -Dexia Namur 102:62

Spartak Moscow Region proves the ambition for another European success and the defence of their Euroleague title. The defending champions smashed Belgian Dexia Namur 102:62 tonight in the game that started earlier than all others. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) was unstoppable with 34 points and 6 rebounds. Irina Osipova (196-C-81) netted 15, while Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) scored 14. Jennifer Fleischer (191-C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Pennsylvania) collected 15 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
Spartak Moscow Region is the first team to win in Round 8 of Euroleague. The game in Vidnoe started earlier and due to this Spartak ensured the first place in Group C taking 7-1 record. There were no time when the spectator could think of another result of their team.
Spartak had already opened up a 28-6 lead at that point.By half-time, Spartak were still in complete command with a 48:24 advantage.
In the end of the game the tasks differed for both teams. Russian squad desired to score 100 and managed to do it. Dexia Namur tried to recover or at least top reduce but did not satisfy with the final score. Gambrinus can tie Spartak on top of the group if the the team wins the thriller over Kosit. Russian team made 13 of 22 of their shots from three-point range, while inside the arc Hejkova's team was 26 of 51 and at the line they converted 11 of 13.

Spartak Moscow Region: Lauren Jackson 34+6 rebs, Irina Osipova 15, Diana Taurasi 14
Dexia Namur: Jennifer Fleischer 15+8 rebs, Cathrine Kraayeveld (193-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) 12