EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/18/2008

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Men News

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AUSTRALIA

Andrew Bogut top-scored in NBA for Bucks -by Eurobasket News
Andrew Bogut (212-F/C-84, college: Utah) top-scored in NBA for Bucks with 21 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots and Milwaukee beat cold-shooting Atlanta 87:80. Bogut's recent surge in production came after several meetings with coach Larry Krystkowiak, which led to more plays for him in the offense. Bogut was 8-of-14 from the field against the Hawks and had 14 points in the second half. Andrew Bogut, has averaged 21.8 points and 10.5 rebounds over his last four games.
Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) nailed 10 points for Lietuvos Rytas against Efes Pilsen. The latter definitely needed this win more as they edged Lietuvos Rytas in Istanbul yesterday to seal their Top 16 birth. Efes Pilsen clinched an 8-4 record just one win behind Lietuvos Rytas. Lithuanian team secured the share of the top spot in Group B. The visitors however showed that the game would not be an easy jog for Efes Pilsen as Chuck Eidson and Marijonas Petravicius scored 4 points to put Rytas ahead at the start. Efes Pilsen reacted immediately as Scoonie Penn and Rashad Wright fueled an 11:2 run to put the hosts up. Marijonas Petravicius would not stop however as his 4 points allowed Rytas to retain the lead at 13:11. The Lithuanian side held to the advantage and finished the first frame 24:20 in front. The lead moved to and fro with neither side being able to dominate in the second quarter. Hollis Price and Arturas Jomantas put the visitors ahead 45:41 late in the half but Drew Nicholas sank 5 points for Efes Pilsen to square things up at 46. Marijonas Petravicius and Hollis Price remained the key force for Rytas after the break. They accounted for another scoring burst from Lietuvos Rytas as they accumulated a 65:58 lead late in the third stanza. However Drew Nicholas once again stepped up for the home team to cap the frame and froze it up at 62:67. Finally Efes Pilsen broke through as Scoonie Penn and Kenny Gregory combined for back-to-back three-pointers and lifted the hosts to 71:70 advantage. Lietuvos Rytas fought back and the teams were tied at 80 with just over a minute remaining. Scoonie Penn dropped a jumper and Kenny Gregory hit his own one for an 84:80 Efes Pilsen lead. Rytas wasted their possession and Scoonie Penn punished them with two accurate free throws to ensure the winning result.

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Kalev/Cramo signed Ed Scott -by Janar Filippov
Kalev/Cramo Tallinn, struggling throughout the season with injury-problems and short roster, announced the signing of point-guard Ed Scott (182-G-81, college: Clemson) to replace Marlon Parmer, who didn't fit in and left the team in December.
Scott started the season in Czarni Slupsk, Poland, where one of Estonian most popular players, Tarmo Kikerpill, also plays.

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BELARUS

IX All Star Game -by Viktar Tkachou


The IX All Star Game took place at Vitalyur Sport Hall on January 12 opening 2008 Belarusian basketball year. The first five players of East and West teams were elected by amateurs, another - were chosen by coaches. Everyone intended to visit the match just to see wonderful show, and everybody was satisfied with what he saw as lot of basket beauty was presented there.
As for the game, both teams wished to win, and the final score 105:104 appeared to be proving of it. Special attention was given to two premiere league stars Alexander Koul was playing for West and Georhi Kandrusevich was involved in East. Both are main players to be Championship MVP. The win in this match was on KG side of course: sweet dunk through-above Alexander the Big and final-second earned and realized fouls in the 4Q gave preference for the wizard of OZAA to be named as IX All Star Game MVP. Kanstantin Yafremau was named as the best player of West team.
Maksim Shustau won 3 points competition, and Sergei Dadykin was the best in the dunk competition.

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BULGARIA

Third American in CSKA -by Vladi Lazarova
'The Reds' signed today their third American player. His name is Josh Washington (190-G-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Texas A&M - C.C.) and he will join in CSKA his countrymen Mike Henderson and Lavell Payne. The contract of 190 cm tall guard is for 2,5 years. The president of the club - Georgios Sterianopoulos and the head coach of the team Rosen Barchovski are satisfied and have big hopes for the future. They are building a strong squad for next season and selecting young prospective foreign and Bulgarian players.
'If my players are healthy, if we keep our spirit and keep on playing this way, like last couple of games, with a little luck we can reach two finals this season. For the Cup and in the league', said Barchovski.
Also, CSKA will try to keep three of his key Bulgarian players: the captain of 'The Reds' Georgi Davidov, 22-years old forward Hristo Nikolov and 26-years old guard Ludmil Hadjisotirov. Their contracts expired this summer.

An easy task for "the students" in Varna -by Valentin Anguelov
Lukoil Academic continues with its glory march on a home stage. A few minutes ago, they did not have any problems beating Cherno more Eurohold as guests with 91-75.

After the tragic loss in Kiev, 'the students' landed in Varna to play their game from the national championship. His debut for Lukoil Academic made Larry O'Bannon (191-F-83, college: Louisville)< who has been registered in Bulgarian Basketball Federation replacing his cousin Donta Smith. According to the regulations for the national championship, Smith has no more right to compete for the team of Lukoil Academic until the end of the season.

Except for Murillo Da Rosa who did not appear in Varna at all, Willie Deane also did not play. He is suffering from an injury after the game against BC Kiev and was not dressed. Thus, the head coach Zeljko Lukajic could rely only on 8 players in good condition. However, this did no reflect on the final result.

During the first half of the fight both teams showed really awful basketball and disappointed the 600 spectators in the 'Palace of culture and sports' in our sea capitol. Cherno more made 14 turnovers and their opponents - 11 for 20 minutes on court. Moreover, the per cent from the 3-point-line was also disastrous - Cherno more - 12% (1/8) and Lukoil Academic - 20% (3/5).

The hosts seemed too stiff and that made the visitors take a solid advantage at the half time - 16 points (27-43). Although Pero Antic was the one with most mistakes (4), he was again above everyone with 13 points and 8 rebounds for only two periods playing. Riste Stefanov and Todor Stoykov added 8 points each. For Cherno more only the young Nikolay Kolev acted good, scoring 7 points.

During the second half, nothing unusual happened and after the guys from Varna started playing a little more different basketball, the difference came into its real dimensions.

In the end of the last quarter, Spas Natov gave chance to his all young players. Encouraged by the audience, they scored 10 points in a row and decreased the difference to 71-89. Finally, the visitors congratulated themselves with the victory.

The one who scored most points in that game was Pero Antic - 19 points and 17 rebounds. Stefanov finished with 15 points and 7 rebounds. In his first game in Bulgaria, Larry O'Banon scored 13 points and gave 4 assists. The student of the Varna basketball school and captain of Lukoil Academic - Todor Stoykov finished with 10 points. For the hosts, Simeon Tsenov scored 17 points.

Lukoil Academic has two more games to play until the end of the first stage of the national championship, while Cherno more has one visit next Friday in Sofia against CSKA Interlogic. 'The students' will play at the end of the next week the cancelled game with Dunav in Ruse and with Rilski Sportist in Pravets.

FULL STATS FROM THE GAME CHERNO MORE - LUKOIL ACADEMIC

INDIVIDUAL STATS OF CHERNO MORE

INDIVIDUAL STATS OF LUKOIL ACADEMIC

CURRENT STANDINGS IN MEN'S A-1

by Lubomira Genova - BulgarianBasket.com



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CHINA

Coach Released -by Robert Wang
Zhe Jiang Wan Ma team has finished their season at the 10th place in CBA standing this year. They did not reach their goal thi sseason and club decide to release their all coaches staff included former national team player Zheng Wu. Zheng wu was the assist coach last year and Jiang Xing quan was the head coach. But Jiang moved to Xin Jiang team and help xin Jiang team playered the 2nd place if without the Guan 's issue. Zheng Wu was released the new coach from Junior team Pan Jian ping moved up to the head coach position. Zheng might go to US and would train for a time then coach junior team when return.

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CUBA

LSB Time tonight and Herrera signs for San German -by Alessandro Fontana
LSB-Time Tonight!
The Big match is Guantanamo (7-0) against Matanzas (3-4). Guantanamo is 'the team-leader' of this LSB 2008, Henry Simon is playing a great LSB. Matanzas has to win if They want to qualify for the LSB Play-Offs (the best four teams will qualify). Allens Jemmott should be ready to play after his injury. In december Danys Torrientes played very good, was the MVP of the team but Matanzas without Allens Jemmott is another team.
The other games are Ciego de Avila (4-3) against Santiago de Cuba (0-7), Capitalinos (6-1) vs. Camaguey (4-3), Villa Clara (2-5) vs. Metropolitanos (2-5).
CUBAN ABROAD
The Cuban shooting-guard Roberto Carlos Herrera, who played last season in Puerto Rico for Indios de Mayaguez with 3, 7pts (32% 2pts, 38% 3pts, 44% FT), was signed by Atletico San German for next BSN 2008 season.
A. Fontana

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ESTONIA

FIBA EUROCUP: Rock humiliates PAOK again -by Janar Filippov
TU/Rock stayed unbeaten in FIBA EuroCup Group A as they beat Saloniki PAOK 90:80 in Gameday 4. Rock started bravely and missed rarely in first half. Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71), Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard), Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) and Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) did most of the damage. Everything seemed clear after first half as Rock led 56:33, already, but in 3rd, PAOK managed to make a 23:5 run thanks to good defence and offensive sharpness of Ibrahim Kutluay (198-F/G-74) and Edmund Saunders (203-F/C-78, college: Connecticut). With a quarter to play, Rock led only by ten. Luckily, Estonian champions started the 4h with a 11:4 run in 4 minutes (7 points in a row from Cusworth!), went ahead by 17 points (82:65) and kept the safe lead until the end. With 40 seconds left, PAOK had completed 11:2 run and were trailing by six points only (86:80) but it was too late to change the fate of the game.
Rock outrebounded PAOK 32:23 and made 60% field goal attempts (in first half - 70%). The victory helped Rock to secure the spot in quarter-finals.
Stats
Rock: Tsintsadze 21+6ast, Janar Talts (204-C-83) 18+9reb, Cusworth 16+6reb, Kullamae 16, Tein 10+6ast
PAOK: Kutluay 22, Saunders 18, Rowe 11, Diarra 10

Kalev/Cramo signed Ed Scott -by Janar Filippov
Kalev/Cramo Tallinn, struggling throughout the season with injury-problems and short roster, announced the signing of point-guard Ed Scott (182-G-81, college: Clemson) to replace Marlon Parmer, who didn't fit in and left the team in December.
Scott started the season in Czarni Slupsk, Poland, where one of Estonian most popular players, Tarmo Kikerpill, also plays.

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EUROLEAGUE

Partizan Igokea losses in thriller again Lotomatica in Rome ! -by Dragan Jankovski
Lottomatica Roma - Partizan Igokea 88-87
Partizan Igokea missed a huge chance to make enormous step forward to Euroleague TOP 16. Lottomatica Roma celebrated at home in 45-minute thriller 88-87. On the score 78-79 for Partizan Ukic had a chance to give the home side a 3-point lead but he made just 1 of 2 free throws while Kecman on the other side scored and brought over time to reining Serbian and Adriatic league champs. With one minute to go in the over time Partizan had advantage of one point but Palacio committed a turn over after what Ukic made a lay up for 88-87 for Roma. Partizan had a big chance at the very and but at the first point Tepic missed a lay up after what Pekovic attempted but was rejected by Hawkins. The last chance Partizan had 5 seconds until the end, after time out by Dusko Vujosevic, and once again Tepic missed but this time from very tough situation.
Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84) netted 23 points for Lottomatica while Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) scored one point less than him. Partizan got 22 points and 9 rebounds from Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) and 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals from Partizan's star Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket).
After this round Lottomatica improved to score 5-7 while Partizan dropped on 4-8. The battle for the TOP 16 is not over yet for Partizan. In the next round black and white team will meet Brose Basket Bamberg in hall 'Pionir'.


Lottomatica Roma - Partizan Igokea 88-87
(22-25,18-11,25-22,15-22,8-7)

Lottomatica Roma: Ukic 23, Lorbek 22 (5 rebs), Ray 21
Partizan Igokea: Velickovic 22 (9 rebs), Pekovic 17 (8 rebs, 3 st), Kecman 15 (6 rebs)

Lietuvos Rytas fall short to striving Efes Pilsen -by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Lietuvos Rytas 90:84

Efes Pilsen definitely needed this win more as they edged Lietuvos Rytas in Istanbul yesterday to seal their Top 16 birth. Efes Pilsen clinched an 8-4 record just one win behind Lietuvos Rytas. Lithuanian team secured the share of the top spot in Group B. The visitors however showed that the game would not be an easy jog for Efes Pilsen as Chuck Eidson (202-F-80, college: S.Carolina) and Marijonas Petravicius (207-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) scored 4 points to put Rytas ahead at the start. Efes Pilsen reacted immediately as Scoonie Penn (178-G-77, college: Ohio St.) and Rashad Wright (189-G-82, college: Georgia) fueled an 11:2 run to put the hosts up. Marijonas Petravicius would not stop however as his 4 points allowed Rytas to retain the lead at 13:11. The Lithuanian side held to the advantage and finished the first frame 24:20 in front. The lead moved to and fro with neither side being able to dominate in the second quarter. Hollis Price (186-G-79, college: Oklahoma) and Arturas Jomantas (202-G/F-85) put the visitors ahead 45:41 late in the half but Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) sank 5 points for Efes Pilsen to square things up at 46. Marijonas Petravicius and Hollis Price remained the key force for Rytas after the break. They accounted for another scoring burst from Lietuvos Rytas as they accumulated a 65:58 lead late in the third stanza. However Drew Nicholas once again stepped up for the home team to cap the frame and froze it up at 62:67. Finally Efes Pilsen broke through as Scoonie Penn and Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) combined for back-to-back three-pointers and lifted the hosts to 71:70 advantage. Lietuvos Rytas fought back and the teams were tied at 80 with just over a minute remaining. Scoonie Penn dropped a jumper and Kenny Gregory hit his own one for an 84:80 Efes Pilsen lead. Rytas wasted their possession and Scoonie Penn punished them with two accurate free throws to ensure the winning result.
Scoonie Penn drained 21 points for Efes Pilsen. Andre Hutson (202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) provided 20 points and 8 boards, while Drew Nicholas contributed 16 points for the winners. Marijonas Petravicius led Rytas with game-high 22 points. Hollis Price secured 19 points in a losing effort. Efes Pilsen posted solid 56% accuracy from the field and pulled down 32 boards. Rytas managed 48% of field goals and 31 boards.
Lietuvos Rytas will now face Unicaja at home in the battle for the top spot. Efes Pilsen takes on desperate Aris at home next week.

Efes Pilsen: Scoonie Penn 21, Andre Hutson 20, Drew Nicholas 16
Lietuvos Rytas: Marijonas Petravicius 22, Hollis Price 19

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FRANCE

Herve Toure : "I'm a European basketball player" -by Maxime Weber

You left Milan after 8 games and signed with Cantu. What happened?

Herve Toure (202-F-82, agency: ACMT):The new coach, Caja Attilio, arrived with his game plan and I wasn't in. So, I understood that I wouldn't play with Milan anymore. I accepted the offer of Cantu and I play my first game against Napoli.

And you scored 23 points in 21 minutes of playing game!

Herve Toure (202-F-82, agency: ACMT):That was a pretty good game. Unfortunately I get a little injured after and I wasn't 100% physically ready during 3 games. I tried to do my best for the team during this period. Now, everybody is all right and we won 3 games in a row. I think all the players play for the same goal. Well, now we could think about the playoff.

What is your role with Cantu?

Herve Toure (202-F-82, agency: ACMT): I play position 4. The coach needs my capacity to do a lot of things on the court. I'm not a happy shooter, I know when I have to shoot and when I have not. Against Biella, I scored 7 points in a row during the money time and we won. Vs Rieti, I defended with my heart and I think I leaded my teamates to the victory without tremendous stats.

Do you sign for several seasons with Cantu?

Herve Toure (202-F-82, agency: ACMT): No, my contract goes until the end of the season. After, I don't know yet what I will do. I like Italy and Cantu but I'm a 'European basketball player', so I could discover a new league or stay in Lega and play with a 'ULEB' team. I don't know yet.



Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa is out. -by Maxime Lory
The french guard of ES Chalon-Sur-Saone, Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa (188-G-77) is out for 7 weeks because of a partial rupture of a knee's tendon. He will be ready for the game vs Strasbourg IG, the 7 March. Since the start of the championship, the french MVP of Pro B last year scores in average 2,6pts, grabbes 2,4rbs and dishes out 1,1asts.

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GERMANY

Yusuf Baker has joined the Chemnitz Niners -by Moritz Korff
BV Chemnitz 99 (2. Bundesliga Pro A) added Yusuf Baker (203-F/C-84, agency: 7-Miracles Management, college: Mountain St.) to the roster. If everything works out as planned the 23-year-old Power Forward will make his debut for the Niners against the Bremen Roosters on Saturday. Baker played college-basketball at Southern Florida (NCAA1) and NAIA-school Mountain State. Baker averaged 13.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game as a senior for the Cougars. From September to December 07 he appeared in 22 games of Mexican Second Division-side Mayas de Yucatan Merida (14.0 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 1.5 bpg).

Mike Moten back in Wuerzburg -by Moritz Korff
As Eurobasket Germany learned directly from Mike Moten (203-C-71, college: Rhode Island) today, the Center will be playing for the Wuerzburg Baskets (Regionalliga South-East) for the remainder of this current season. The 36-year-old veteran suited up in the Bundesliga for TSK Wuerzburg in 2004 and for Tuebingen in 2006.
Moten stated: 'I am excited to play again in Germany, especially a good club in Wuerzburg with the best fan base in all of German basketball.'

Knowles from Wolfenbuettel to Weissenfels -by Moritz Korff
Playmaker David Knowles (183-G-84, college: Pomona-Pitzer) has left the Wolfenbuettel Dukes (2. Bundesliga Pro B) and will now strengthen the roster of Mitteldeutscher BC II that struggles to stay in the Regionalliga North. The Dukes signed DeMario Grier (183-G, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Pfeiffer) recently - as a consequence there was no room left for Knowles.

New Point Guard for Heidelberg -by Moritz Korff
Jamie McNeilly (193-G-83, agency: Sports Plus International, college: New Orleans) is the name of USC Heidelbergs new Point Guard and successor of John Bynum (191-G-78, college: Metro St.). McNeilly, 24-year-old Canadian from Toronto, Ontario spent the past three seasons as a member of the University of New Orleans (NCAA1). As a senior he averaged 15.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3 assists and 1.6 steals per contest. In 2005 and 2007 McNeilly attended the World University Games with the Canadian University National Team.

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GREECE

Transfer News -by Chris Mammides

William Avery (188-G-79, college: Duke) back in AEK as Head Coach Aggelou decided to dismiss the Purto Rican Filiberto Rivera (187-G-82, college: UTEP) and replace him with the American William Avery.
Gagaloudis agreed terms with the Italian team, Lotomatica Roma
Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) agreed terms with the Polish Prokom Trefl
Rethymno dismiss Reggie Freeman (198-G/F-75, college: Texas)

Olympiada Patras agreed terms with Christodoulos Karavolas (197-F-83)

Darrel Lewis (192-G-76, college: Lincoln (MO)) is very close to sign with AEK Athens after the serious injury of Angelos Tsamis (192-G-81)



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HOLLAND

Tjoe de Paula to Den Helder Seals -by Fred Roggen
Den Helder Seals has reached an agreement with Tjoe de Paula (183-G-81, agency: Court Side) till the end of the current season 2007-2008. De Paula, who had no team after the bankruptcy of Omniworld Almere can already play coming saturday with the Seals against West Brabant Giants.

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IRAN

Mahram leave for Dubai to defend title, Saba to prove themselves -by Houman Bagheri

Courtesy of Khaleej Times
UAE, Mahram in same group

DUBAI — Hosts UAE are in Group A with defending champions Mahram of Iran in the Dubai International Basketball Tournament for the United Holdings Cup to be held at the Al Ahli sports hall from January 18.

UAE will be sponsored by Al Boom Holdings while Sama Emirates Real Estates will support the defending champions, Mahram. The other teams in the group are Segesse of Lebanon, who will play in the colours of Plus Real Estates, Al Jazeira of Egypt (Aramex), Syria's Ittihad (Continental Real Estates).

Ismail Gargawi, president of the UAE Basketball Association, addressing the media and representatives during the draw at the Al Ahli Club, said the tournament would be the strongest yet considering the line-up of the teams. 'These are the top ten teams in the Middle East and their participation will produce a lot of thrills. I strongly believe the fans will have plenty to cheer about,' he said.

The president, who supervised the draw, explained that the association had brought four referees from Serbia, Turkey, Greece and the Czech Republic to help the local referees. 'Two or three matches will be played every day and we need foreign officials to help our local referees,' he added.

Abdullah Ansari, secretary general of the association, said the draw was made in a such a way that two teams from the same country would not be put in the same group. The defeding champions Mahram and the runners-up Jalaa, according to Ansari, were also put in different groups while the rest were drawn.

He also echoed the competitiveness of this year's tournament. 'The participating teams this year are very strong. It will be difficult to predict the winners.' He expressed delight that the UAE national team and Dubai's Al Ahli will be participating in the tournament. 'I believe they will benefit from the championship and will learn something from it,' he said.

Majid Al Mualla, vice-president, commercial sales of Emirates, sponsors of Saba Battery of Iran, in his contribution said: 'It is our social responsibility to support the youth and sports activities in the country. It is our resposibility to give something back to the society.'

Emirates Airlines, according to Al Muallah, has been associated with the tournament from the beginning. 'We support several other sporting events like golf, football, horse racing and rugby. We are therefore committed to be part of this tournament,' he said.

Mohammed Al Habbai, chief executive officer of Dubailand, sponsors of Al Jalaa, is hoping their team would go one better than last year. He said Dubailand was undertaking one of the major sports and leisure developments in the region. 'We want to make it one of the top five in the country with leisure and entertainment for the whole family,' he said.

--------------------------

The participating teams have been divided in two groups as follows:

- Group A:
UAE National Team (Al Boom Holding)
Mahram (Sama Al Imarat real estate) - Iran (Titleholders)
Al Gezira (Aramisc) - Egypt
Al Ittihad Aleppo (Continental real estate) - Syria
Sagesse Beirut (Plus real estate) - Lebanon

- Group B:
Al Ahli Dubai - Hosts
Zain 'ex-Fastlink' (Dubai Duty Free) - Jordan
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (Steelfab)- Lebanon
Saba Battery (Fly Emirates) - Iran
Al Jalaa Aleppo (Dubai Land) - Syria (Runner-ups)

- The tournament's system will be as follows:
1- First round: Teams play against each other
2- Quarter Finals: 5th team will be excluded from each group...The rest will play crosses (1st-4th, 2nd-3rd)
3- Semi-Finals

4- Final



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ISRAEL

Yogev Ohayon -Rising Young Israeli Star -by Interperformances
Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87), the PG of Galil, scored 2 FTs to win the game vs. Budechnost in the ULEB CUP game. The young player is having a good season both in the Israeli league with 12 ppg, 5.4 apg (2nd in the league) 3.9 rpg and 2.2 steals (leads the league), as well as in the ULEB Cup where he scores with 9.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.8 apg and 2 steals. Yogev is showing why he is considered to be 1 of the promising young talents who has a great future in the European basketball.

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ITALY

Yogev Ohayon -Rising Young Israeli Star -by Interperformances
Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87), the PG of Galil, scored 2 FTs to win the game vs. Budechnost in the ULEB CUP game. The young player is having a good season both in the Israeli league with 12 ppg, 5.4 apg (2nd in the league) 3.9 rpg and 2.2 steals (leads the league), as well as in the ULEB Cup where he scores with 9.6 ppg, 4 rpg, 3.8 apg and 2 steals. Yogev is showing why he is considered to be 1 of the promising young talents who has a great future in the European basketball.

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JAMAICA

Florida Southern shoots down St. Leo -by Leonard Whyte
St. Leo, FL (1-17-2008) - Florida Southern College scored its sixth straight victory last night when they held off St. Leo College 89-80 in a Sunshine State Conference encounter. Senior forward Andrei Grant scored 10 points, all in the second half, as FSC won its fourth consecutive conference game to improve to 4-1 in the SSC and 13-4 overall. FSC has been on a blistering three-point shooting spree all season and nailed 13 shots from behind the arc last night to set a new school record for three-pointers with 182 so far and at least 13 games still to be played. They are currently sixth in the country in 3-point field goals per game and second in 3-point shooting percentage.

Jamaican trio lead Cedarville over Urbana -by Leonard Whyte
Urbana, OH (1-17-2008) - The Jamaican trio of Christopher Walker, Daniel Rose, and Ricardo Alliman were at it again last night as they combined for 30 points, 33 rebounds, and six blocked shots to pace NAIA Division II No. 16 Cedarville University to an easy 74-48 victory over Urbana University in an American Mideast Conference (AMC) South Division game last night. After an error-filled first half in which they turned over the ball 13 times, Cedarville rallied from a 31-27 halftime deficit and outscored Urbana 47-17 in the second half to improve to 12-4 overall and 2-1 in the AMC. Alliman (13 points and 13 rebounds) and Walker (10 points and 12 rebounds) both finished with double-doubles.

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JORDAN

Zain to start the battle in Dubai today -by Mohammed Malas
Zain Basketball Team will begin their participation today in 19th Dubai International Tournament (18-26 January) in Dubai, UAE with game between them and Al Jalaa Aleppo of syria within Group B of the competition.

The new import Michael Fey arrived yesterday to Dubai and may play today against the syrians with the other players, Al Jalaa came to the tournament also with 3 imports and they are: Chad Austin, Samaki Walker and Tommy Smith.

# Zain's games schedult in 1st round (Games will be broadcased on Dubai Sports Channel, Abu Dhabi Sports Channel and Future TV Network (UAE time +4 GMT)):

- Friday 18/1:
21:00 Vs. Al Jalaa (SYR)

- Sunday 20/1:
19:00 Vs. Al Riyadi (LEB)

- Monday 21/1:
19:00 Vs. Saba (IRI)

- Wednesday 22/1:
15:00 Vs. Al Ahli (UAE)

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KOSOVO

Cadet's meeting on Sunday,in Theranda -by Edona Shabani
On Sunday, January 20, 2008 will take place the meeting of all cadet candidates for NT of Kosova. In this meeting will participate three members of all basketball clubs or basketball schools which compete in Cadet's League.
This meeting of all candidates proposed by their coaches will take place in the Sports Hall'13 Qershori '
on 11:30 am in Theranda.

AGENDA OF CADET'S MEETING

11:30 -Meeting of the participants in the Sports Hall '13 Qershori '

12:00 Exercise

Groups I and II in the physical education hall if the Gymnasium 'Jeta e Re'

Groups III and IV in the Sports Hall '13 Qershori'

13:00 -17:00 four matches in the sports Hall '13 Qershori'

17:00 Participants leaving

All the cadet's should bring with their fitment for game ( kit, shorts, sport shoes and a basketball ball)


Source: www.basketbolli.com

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LIGA AMERICAS

Even Defensor takes Game 1 -by Gianni Pascucci

Defensor Sporting defeated Penarol Mar del Plata 98-95 in Game 1 of the last Quarterfinal series of Liga de las Americas in Montevideo. The Uruguayan team stayed ahead almost all the game and was led by David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.), who scored 29 points, followed by Gaston Paez (206-C/F-79) and Nathan Mielke (210-F-81, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee), who ended the game with 14 pts each. The game top scorer, however, was Quincy Wadley (193-G-78, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple), who poured in 33 points in losing effort. Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-G-78) added 20 pts at the Penarol side.

Now, all the lower ranked teams are 1-0 in the series, but the home advantage is on the side of the better ranked ones, who can play two consecutive games at home. The first Game 2 will be Soles Mexicali - Halcones Xalapa on Monday, January 21.



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LITHUANIA

Lietuvos Rytas fall short to striving Efes Pilsen -by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Lietuvos Rytas 90:84

Efes Pilsen definitely needed this win more as they edged Lietuvos Rytas in Istanbul yesterday to seal their Top 16 birth. Efes Pilsen clinched an 8-4 record just one win behind Lietuvos Rytas. Lithuanian team secured the share of the top spot in Group B. The visitors however showed that the game would not be an easy jog for Efes Pilsen as Chuck Eidson (202-F-80, college: S.Carolina) and Marijonas Petravicius (207-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) scored 4 points to put Rytas ahead at the start. Efes Pilsen reacted immediately as Scoonie Penn (178-G-77, college: Ohio St.) and Rashad Wright (189-G-82, college: Georgia) fueled an 11:2 run to put the hosts up. Marijonas Petravicius would not stop however as his 4 points allowed Rytas to retain the lead at 13:11. The Lithuanian side held to the advantage and finished the first frame 24:20 in front. The lead moved to and fro with neither side being able to dominate in the second quarter. Hollis Price (186-G-79, college: Oklahoma) and Arturas Jomantas (202-G/F-85) put the visitors ahead 45:41 late in the half but Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) sank 5 points for Efes Pilsen to square things up at 46. Marijonas Petravicius and Hollis Price remained the key force for Rytas after the break. They accounted for another scoring burst from Lietuvos Rytas as they accumulated a 65:58 lead late in the third stanza. However Drew Nicholas once again stepped up for the home team to cap the frame and froze it up at 62:67. Finally Efes Pilsen broke through as Scoonie Penn and Kenny Gregory (197-G/F-78, college: Kansas) combined for back-to-back three-pointers and lifted the hosts to 71:70 advantage. Lietuvos Rytas fought back and the teams were tied at 80 with just over a minute remaining. Scoonie Penn dropped a jumper and Kenny Gregory hit his own one for an 84:80 Efes Pilsen lead. Rytas wasted their possession and Scoonie Penn punished them with two accurate free throws to ensure the winning result.
Scoonie Penn drained 21 points for Efes Pilsen. Andre Hutson (202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) provided 20 points and 8 boards, while Drew Nicholas contributed 16 points for the winners. Marijonas Petravicius led Rytas with game-high 22 points. Hollis Price secured 19 points in a losing effort. Efes Pilsen posted solid 56% accuracy from the field and pulled down 32 boards. Rytas managed 48% of field goals and 31 boards.
Lietuvos Rytas will now face Unicaja at home in the battle for the top spot. Efes Pilsen takes on desperate Aris at home next week.

Efes Pilsen: Scoonie Penn 21, Andre Hutson 20, Drew Nicholas 16
Lietuvos Rytas: Marijonas Petravicius 22, Hollis Price 19

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MEXICO

LICOMUBA update -by Charles Elwes

Tomorrow night its the tip off in the LICOMUBA and these

are the first day action of the league:


Indios UACJ at Dorados Chihuahua

Liebres ITCJ at Faraones Nvo.Casas Grandes

Mineros Parral at Choriceros Camargo

Nogaleros Jimenez at Queseros Saucillo


For saturdays games:


Liebres ITCJ at Dorados Chihuahua

Indios UACJ AT Faraones Nvo Casas Grandes

Nogaleros Jimenez at Choriceros Camargo

Mineros Parral at Queseros Saucillo.


In some news about the teams , both teams from Cd.Juarez

Liebres ITCJ and Indios UACJ will play just with there college

students Liebres ITCJ could sign Antonio Becerra (191-G/F-85, college: Texas-PB)

who its playing in the LNBP with Halcones Cordoba. And Liebres ITCJ has there top

player in Francisco Marmolejo (186-G-84) who was doing pre season with Gallos Cd.Juarez

for the TPBL.


Mineros Parral sign

Eric Carr (200-F-71, college: Penn St.)


Faraones Nuevo Casas Grandes sign

Mugabe Thomas (193-F-80, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: Cedarville) jamaican player

that played this last season in the LNBP with Guerreros.





Gallos Cd. Juarez -by Charles Elwes


Gallos Cd. Juarez news in the TPBL -by Charles Elwes

Last saturday and sunday Gallos supposedly had to play against
the Dallas Stallions in Cd.Juarez but the Stallions never appeared
for the inagural game of the Texas Professional Basketball League (TPBL).
The arena had 2,000 plus fans who wanted to see in action there Gallos and
had to watch play a scrimage game between Gallos players.

The TPBL wont tolerate that kind of action of any team so the Stallions are
out for the season due to there absence for the inagural game in Cd. Juarez.
Does were the words of league president Chris Cardenas.

Gallos continue to prepare for the games this saturday and sunday against the
San Angelo Chaparrals on the road.

In more Gallos news they added one week ago Daniel Anaya (180-G-78, college: W.New Mexico)

and american PF George Tyas to to there roster.


Gallos Cd.Juarez will play tonight a friendly game against Indios UACJ (LICOMUBA) to prepare.




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NCAA3

Cold Shooting Plagues #17Guilford in Loss at Roanoke -by Moritz Korff
AJ Dowell scored 15 of his game-high 21 points in the second half of Roanoke College's 68-56 Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) men's basketball win over visiting Guilford College Wednesday night. Curtis Peery added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Maroons (10-2, 4-1 ODAC), who won their sixth straight game.

Guilford (8-4, 3-2 ODAC) lost for the second time in three outings. The Quakers are ranked 17th in this week's D3hoops.com Top 25 Poll.

Roanoke limited Guilford to three first-half field goals and 10.3 percent shooting from the floor to take a 28-19 halftime lead. The Quakers made 11-of-12 free throws in that time to stick around, but a late 14-2 Maroons' run opened what proved to be an insurmountable lead. Dowell had four points and two assists during the decisive spurt.

A Clay Henson three-pointer 1:35 into the second half drew the guests to within 31-25, but Roanoke answered with a 20-6 spurt over the next 10:31. Dowell tallied nine points in that time.

Roanoke's Melvin Felix scored 11 points off the bench and teammate Josh Laporte added seven points and 10 boards. The Maroons had 12 steals and forced 15 Guilford turnovers, which led to 22 points. Roanoke turned the ball over just seven times and enjoyed a 48-42 edge in rebounds.

Ben Strong led Guilford with 13 points and 10 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season. Henson finished with 11 points, but shot just two-for-12 from the floor. Eric Belkoski scored 10 points and grabbed five rebounds before fouling out. The Quakers managed just 23.6 percent shooting from the floor en route to their lowest scoring output of the season.

Courtesy of http://www.guilford.edu/athletics

Late scoring burst by Matt Pelton helps ninth ranked Vikings defeat number 18 Wheaton 66-61 -by Moritz Korff
With less four minutes to go in ninth ranked Augustana's 66-61 College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin victory over 18th rated Wheaton, the Vikings' sophomore point guard Matt Pelton (6'2''-G) (Bloomington Central HS, Bloomington, Ill.) had not yet scored. He took care of that in a big way, pouring in 11 points over the final 3:55 to lead his club to a crucial victory.

Augustana trailed 53-52 when he buried a three point field goal off an assist by Brett Wessels (6'2''-G, college: Iowa) (Bettendorf HS, Bettendorf, Iowa) with 3:58 to play. That gave the Vikings a 55-53 advantage, a lead they would never relinquish. He stuck a jumper with 3:18 to go to make it 57-53. Following a basket by Wheaton's Andy Wiele (6'8''-C) at 2:04 to cut things to 57-55, Pelton drilled another three pointer with 1:30 left and the shot clock winding down to make it 60-55.

Dain Swetalla (6'9''-C) (Pleasant Valley HS, Bettendorf, Iowa) made it 62-55 with :56 left with a basket on an offensive rebound following a missed free throw by Brian Larson (6'1''-G) (Pleasant Valley HS, Bettendorf, Iowa). Kent Raymond (6'3''-G), who led Wheaton in scoring with 24 points, hit a three pointer at :49 to cut the lead to 62-58. Pelton's two free throws with :26 to play made it 64-58 but Ben Panner (6'3''-G/F) hit a three pointer for the Thunder at :22 to trim the advantage to 64-61. Pelton hit one of two free throws with :18 left to make it 65-61 and after a Raymond miss on a three point attempt, Alex Washington (6'2''-G) (Wheeling HS, Wheeling, Ill.) hit one of two free throws to account for the final score.

Wheaton led 30-27 at halftime as Raymond scored 14 of his 24 points, including a seven for seven performance from the free throw line. In the second half he was just four of 10 from the field and only went to the charity stripe twice.

Augustana limited Wheaton to just .407 (22-54) from the floor for the game. The Vikings shot a paltry .290 (9-31) from the floor in the first half but came back to hit .682 (15-22) in the second 20 minutes. Swetalla led Augustana in scoring with 14 points while Pelton had 11 and Washington dropped in 10. Pelton also added three assists and had just one turnover. Augustana gained a 37-33 advantage in rebounding with Chandlor Collins (6'7''-F) (Thornridge HS, Dolton, Ill.) leading the way with 12.

The Thunder got 14 points from Panner and 12 from Andy Wiele, who also grabbed nine rebounds.

The Vikings are now 11-3 overall and 2-1 in the CCIW while Wheaton is 11-3 and 1-2. This was the second straight win by Augustana over a ranked opponent as the Vikings beat then-10th rated Elmhurst 98-78 on Saturday, January 12.

Courtesy of http://www.augustana.edu/athletics

#6 Hope Remains Unbeaten in MIAA -by Moritz Korff
Four days after posting the milestone 600th victory under coach Glenn Van Wieren, the Flying Dutchmen notched #601 by topping visiting Kalamazoo 88-60. The crowd of nearly 3,000 DeVos Fieldhouse fans paused to pay tribute to Van Wieren in the pre-game, but there was little time to look back as the Flying Dutchmen jumped out to a 12-3 lead and led by 20 points midway through the first half. Hope led by as many as 32 points in the second half.

Senior Marcus Vanderheide (6'7''-F) led Hope with 16 points while Derek Van Solkema (6'0''-G, college: Hope (MI)) added 13, Tyler Wolfe (6'3''-G) 12 and Jesse Reimink (6'4''-F) 11. The Flying Dutchmen shot 53%, made a season-best 21-for-25 on free throws and held a 42-28 rebound advantage.

Hope improved to 11-2 on the season and with a 3-0 mark against MIAA opponents is tied for first place with Calvin in the conference standings.

Courtesy of http://www.hope.edu/athletics/mbb/

#19 Wooster Scotts Score Season-High 117 in 30-Point Rout of Hiram -by Moritz Korff
The College of Wooster was clicking on all cylinders offensively Wednesday night, as the 19th-ranked Fighting Scots set or equaled season-highs for points, field-goal percentage, 3-pointers made, and assists during a 117-87 win at North Coast Athletic Conference foe Hiram College. The 117 points marked the 11th-most for a single-game in school history.

Wooster's victory, coupled by Wittenberg University's 59-49 triumph at Earlham College, sets up another showdown between the two traditional NCAC and NCAA Div. III powers Saturday night in Springfield, Ohio. First-place will be on the line, as both enter with 5-0 league records.

On Wednesday, Hiram (4-10, 1-4 NCAC) and the Scots, who extended their winning streak to 10 and improved to 12-2 overall, traded baskets for much of the first seven minutes. Then, with the score tied 17-17, Wooster exploded for a 20-3 run, which included three 3-pointers from James Cooper (6'0''-G) (Springfield, Ohio / Springfield South), during a 3:14 stretch.

The lead would only dip into single digits once the remainder of the game (39-30). The Scots took a 62-45 cushion into halftime, marking the 10th-highest first-half point total in team history, and in the second, the margin stayed between 17-to-31 points.

Wooster made more than 55 percent of its field goals each half, finishing up at a .566 rate (43-of-76), including 14-of-26 shooting from the arc (.538). The Scots passed out 21 assists, while committing just 10 turnovers. Additionally, they outrebounded the Terriers 40-34 and held them under 50 percent from the floor (.478; 32-of-67).

Six different Wooster players reached double figures in the scoring column, led by Cooper's 22 points. His outing included 4-of-5 3-point shooting, while Marty Bidwell (Middletown, Ohio / Bishop Fenwick) and Dustin Geitgey (West Salem, Ohio / Northwestern) were each 3-of-5 from that range. In addition to 15 points, Bidwell posted game highs of seven assists and five steals.

In the post, Bryan Wickliffe (6'5''-F) (Columbus, Ohio / St. Charles Prep), Evan Will (6'6''-F/C) (Dublin, Ohio / Dublin Coffman), and Robert Melick (6'8''-C) (Gambier, Ohio / Mt. Vernon) poured in 17, 15, and 13 points, respectively. For Melick, it marked a career high, while Will equaled a season high in scoring and grabbed a team-high six rebounds.

Also of note, Devin Fulk (6'1''-G) (Newark, Ohio / Licking Valley) put 10 markers in the scorebook and Brandon Johnson (6'2''-G) (Columbus, Ohio / Groveport Madison) chipped in with six assists.

For Hiram, both Mike Staley and Mike McDevitt hit the 20-point mark, tallying 27 and 24, respectively.

Courtesy of http://www.wooster.edu/athletics

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PANAMA

Jaime Lloreda in Lega A with Cimberio Varese in Italy.- -by Eddie Munoz
Jaime Lloreda just arrived to Cimberio Varese of Lega A in Italy have played 2 games with an average of 7 Pts. 7 Rebounds in 23.5 per game. Jaime was called from Lega 2 to try to help Cimberio to get a better position on the table.

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PARAGUAY

Pilar League updatings -by Gianni Pascucci

With only two rounds left in the regular season, Club Social y Deportivo Obrero goes on in its winning pace in 2008 edition of Pilar League. 1° de Mayo confirms to be its main contender, while America, despite playing with a very young team, should be able to qualify for the second leg of the competition, named 'Quadrangolar'.
The last games ended as follows:
1º Mayo 112 - General Diaz 66
America 88 - Capitan Bado 57

Deportivo Obrero 87- Crucecita 62
STANDINGS

Deportivo Obrero 16 pts,
1º de Mayo 14,
America 11,
Crucecita 10,
Capitan Bado 9,
General Diaz 8.



*****************************************************
PORTUGAL

Proliga round 15 -by Luis Rocha
A good round, some close games with equal teams, wich were decided very near the end. Vitoria hosted Fisica, they played well and won 80-76, (knowing that the day after they will face a dificult match against Benfica that was postponned ( they loose this one 71-80), Fisica made things very tough for Vitoria, but at the end the home factor was decisive and Vitoria had the strengh to pull out some good shots that made them win. Illiabum went to Sangalhos, and the home team made a tremendous match winning 72-66, and above all , can use this victory to speed up the pace to achieve the playoffs. The team was a bit down but it seem that the new tandem of foreign players lift their spirits high. Benfica won over CTM on the road, making their most important players rest to play Vitoria the day after. It was an easy game and at the final the score was 69-100. Academica continues is rising time, this time theyu went to Acores and beat Angra 53-74. They gave no chances to the home team. I already wrote here, Academica since the arrival of Sherman Rivers (185-G-81, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: William & Mary) is becoming nearly unbeatable. Atletico hosted Esgueira, they made a good game fight untill the end, but Esgueira won 65-72. Esgueira is making a very nice season, smoothly going to places they never went last year.Queluz had a nice journey at home, beating Seixal without any problems. Seixal has some problems in the center position, they lack height. Final result 70-54. Close game at Barreiro, Galitos was near to win, but Sampaense (who also is on the rise after the changes) find the way to win at the end. Thge final result was 74-78. A quick look in the game of sunday between Vitoria and Benfica, that was postponned from the round 13. Benfica won 71-80, but Vitoria was in the game untill very near the end, and they contested with some anger one decision from the referees that in their opinion made them weak and pushed Benfica forward. It was a very hard game, with two teams that for the time being are without any doubt the ones best prepared to fight for the title. The MVP of the week goes to Bryan Foss (201-F-83, college: Minn.-Duluth) of Queluz, a tremendous game from a player that I already focused as one of the best players that is playing in Proliga this year, he can do almost everything in the game, this time he finished with 36 points, 19 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block and 1assist, is ratio in MVP points was 52,5, 12made in 13 from 2 points, 2 made from 4 in 3 points, 14 made from 17 in free trhows, and 35, 25mn played......

*****************************************************
PUERTO RICO

Boricuas Abroad and BSN News -by Alessandro Fontana
In D-league, Ricky Sanchez played 12 minutes with 0 pts, 3 rebs and 2 assts, his team Idaho Stampede won against Fort Wayne 117-93. In Euroleague, Cibona Zagreb was defeated by Maccabi Tel Aviv 76-81, for Larry Ayuso 20 minutes with 0 points (0/2 2pts, 0/3 3pts). In NBA Guillermo Diaz received another '10 days-contract' with Los Angeles Clippers and His NBA dream can continue.
BSN NEWS
In Puerto Rico, Capitanes de Arecibo won a friendly-game against a Rep. Dominican Selection 95-72. Arecibo is very near to sign Carlos Rivera. Rivera would be the perfect player for Arecibo to 'trigger' players as Rafael 'Pachy' Cruz and White Rodney.
A. Fontana

Dalmau MVP and Cangrejeros is 1-0....and Boricuas Abroad -by Alessandro Fontana
Cangrejeros Santurce began very good the Second Round of Liga de las Americas. Santurce won against Miami Tropics the first game 102-94. It was an incredible game, very hard and with a lot of intensity and 'team-break'. In the first two quarters both teams were very concentrated, They defended very hard and They had a good 'shot percentage'. The second quarter ended 43-43 with a great Ricardo Dalmau who had already scored 15 pts. In the first two quarters Cangrejeros had a great 3pts shot percentage (8/14 3pts).
In the third quarter Santurce began with a 14-0 break (63-48) with an unstoppable Ricardo Dalmau and 3 Orlando Santiago's 3pts shots. At the end of the third quarter Santurce won 71-62. In the fourth quarter Cangrejeros could control their advantage and They could win the first game against Miami Tropics. Next game will be on 24th January.
The MVP was Ricardo Dalmau with 29 pts (6/6 3pts, chapeau!), to mention also the great game of Robert Traylor. The american center scored 14 pts with 10 rebounds and 6 blocks. He was a presence in the area, Santiago scored 16 pts+5 assts in less than 20 minutes.
CANGREJEROS SANTURCE- MIAMI TROPICS= 102-94
C= Dalmau 29, Santiago 16, Traylor 14, Falcon 13 (6 rebs), R. Dalmau 9, Rivera 7, Watson Jr. 6, Melendez 3, Santiago 5
M= Barnes 19, Robinson 16, Shelman 16, Watson 15.
BORICUAS ABROAD
In NBA, Orlando Magic was defeated by Charlotte 93-99. Carlos Arroyo played 32 minutes with 17 pts (4/10 2pts, 2/3 3pts, 3/3 FT), 3 rebs and 2 assts. Arroyo is playing this NBA season 19, 3 minutes per game with 6,6 pts and 3,6 assts per game.
In Euroleague Unicaja Malaga won against Le Mans 87-68. Daniel Santiago played 20 minutes with 6 pts (2/4 2pts, 2/2 FT) and 6 rebs.
A. Fontana

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SCOTLAND

Bull takes charge again -by Eurobasket
Iain 'The Bull' Maclean has been re-appointed coach to the Scottish Universities men's team who will defend their British title at the British Universities Games in Edinburgh in April.
Iain Maclean , who is also in charge of the Scottish national side who will contest the European C Championship in Edinburgh from June 16-22, will again be assisted by St Mirren coach Stuart Glass.
Together they steered Scotland to their first student win over England for over 30 years in clinching the title in Edinburgh last April.
Donna Finnie, Scotland's most successful female coach and coach to the national junior women's side, has been appointed coach of the Scottish Universities women's team for the first time.
Finnie led Scotland to victory in the Euroepan promotion Cup for Junior Women in Aberdeen two yars ago.

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SERBIA

Partizan Igokea losses in thriller again Lotomatica in Rome ! -by Dragan Jankovski
Lottomatica Roma - Partizan Igokea 88-87
Partizan Igokea missed a huge chance to make enormous step forward to Euroleague TOP 16. Lottomatica Roma celebrated at home in 45-minute thriller 88-87. On the score 78-79 for Partizan Ukic had a chance to give the home side a 3-point lead but he made just 1 of 2 free throws while Kecman on the other side scored and brought over time to reining Serbian and Adriatic league champs. With one minute to go in the over time Partizan had advantage of one point but Palacio committed a turn over after what Ukic made a lay up for 88-87 for Roma. Partizan had a big chance at the very and but at the first point Tepic missed a lay up after what Pekovic attempted but was rejected by Hawkins. The last chance Partizan had 5 seconds until the end, after time out by Dusko Vujosevic, and once again Tepic missed but this time from very tough situation.
Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84) netted 23 points for Lottomatica while Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) scored one point less than him. Partizan got 22 points and 9 rebounds from Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) and 17 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals from Partizan's star Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket).
After this round Lottomatica improved to score 5-7 while Partizan dropped on 4-8. The battle for the TOP 16 is not over yet for Partizan. In the next round black and white team will meet Brose Basket Bamberg in hall 'Pionir'.


Lottomatica Roma - Partizan Igokea 88-87
(22-25,18-11,25-22,15-22,8-7)

Lottomatica Roma: Ukic 23, Lorbek 22 (5 rebs), Ray 21
Partizan Igokea: Velickovic 22 (9 rebs), Pekovic 17 (8 rebs, 3 st), Kecman 15 (6 rebs)

National Cup Radivoj Korac: Final eight draw -by Dragan Jankovski
Draw for the final eight of National Cup Radivoj Korac was held yesterday in Serbian Basketball Federation.

Rivals in the quarterfinals are:
Game 1: Crvena Zvezda - Borac
Game 2: Hemofarm STADA - Zdravlje Actavis or Mega Aqua Monta
Game 3: FMP - Vojvodina Srbijagas
Game 4: Partizan Igokea - Swisslions Takovo

Final eight of Radivoj Korac Cup will be played in Nis from 7th to 10th of February. The defending champion is FMP from Zeleznik, who was better than Crvena Zvezda (semifinals) and Partizan (final) last year.

*****************************************************
SLOVENIA

Zagorje inks Goodrich -by Zeljko Zule
Zagorje KD FT signed American Gilbert Goodrich (178-G-82) ex Bowie State till end of the season. .

Euroleague: Union Olimpija lost in Vitoria against TAU Ceramica -by Matej Bergant

Union Olimpija lost vs. TAU Ceramica 74:89 in Vitoria. Union Olimpija started the game good and was close to TAU Ceramica only for first quarter. The game was decided already at the end of first half when TAU Ceramica had 52:33 lead. The best player on court for Union Olimpija was once again Marko Milic (199-G-77) with 23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 steals and 3 assists. He was followed by Boris Gorenc (195-G-73) with 13 points, 2 rebounds and 1 assist. TAU Ceramica was led by Mirza Teletovic (205-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) with 18 points and Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) with 15 points.


TAU Ceramica : Union Olimpija 89:74 (73:59, 52:33, 25:21)

TAU Ceramica: Prigioni 6, Rekocevic 11, Vidal 6, Planinic 10, Teletovic 18, Jasaitis 9, Splitter 15, Mouneke 7, McDonald 7

Union Olimpija: Booker 4, Gorenc 13, Rizvic 4, Milic 23, Hukic 12, Begic 3, Zupan 6, Taylor 9



*****************************************************
SWEDEN

Plannja brings in big man! -by Frankie Afzelius
After the season long injury to Marcus Jackson (202-F-82, college: Marquette), Plannja went out looking for a replacment. Dan Oppland (203-F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Valparaiso) staid on the team for the Fiba Cup but was after that released. Now they are bringing in some experince to the middle in Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas). Burditt was drafted by the Houston Rockets back in 1994 and has played in some of the biggest leagues in Europe. Most recently he is coming from Atletico Argentino Junin in the Argentinian League. He is expected to bring size and experience to the defending champions.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Drexel wins, Dowe scores career high! -by David Edole
Frank Elegar (206-C-86) had 14 points, 6 boards and four blocks as Drexel (9-9, 2-4) snapped a three-game losing streak with a 58-51 victory over Georgia State on Wednesday.
Tramayne Hawthorne's 3-pointer with 8:01 remaining gave Drexel a seemingly comfortable 52-37 advantage. But Georgia State ripped off a 14-2 run to close within 54-51 with 2:50 left.
Rashad Chase scored six points during the spurt. The Panthers had numerous chances to get closer but misfired on four shots in the final minute. Elegar hit a layup and Hawthorne converted two free throws with 15.5 seconds remaining to seal the victory.
Drexel was outrebounded 37-29 but shot 52 percent from the field in the second half and never trailed in the game. The Dragons bench outscored Georgia State, 29-16.
Drexel improved to 5-1 all-time against the Panthers, which includes three consecutive wins.

Dowe scores carer high!
The Thiel College men's basketball team finished with five players in double figures as they defeated Presidents' Athletic Conference (PAC) rival Westminster College 93-79 Wednesday evening at Beeghly Gymnasium. Leading the charge for the Tomcats was junior forward Keebo Dowe chipped in with a career-high 14 points to go along with six rebounds and a pair of assists.
The Tomcats built their first half lead to as many as 10 (42-32) prior to the Titans finishing on a 9-2 run to close out the period and cut the lead to three, 44-41, going into the half.
Thiel, up just five (56-51) with 14:34 remaining, used a 16-7 run covering the next 5:09 to grab a 72-58 lead with 9:25 to play. The Tomcats were able to stretch their lead to as many as 19 (85-66) before posting the 14-point victory.

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UAE

Imports in Dubai Int'l Tournament (18-26 January) -by Mohammed Malas
Big names are amongest the imports who will take part with their teams in Dubai International tournament which will begin tomorrow and resumes until 26th of january, Most of them from the United States of America.

- Group A:
* UAE National Team (Al Boom Holding)
None
* Mahram (Sama Al Imarat real estate) - Iran (Titleholders)
Art Long (Center) - USA
Tony Madison (Point Guard) - USA
* Al Gezira (Aramisc) - Egypt
Jason Keep (Center) - USA
Maurice Watkins (Point Guard) - USA
* Al Ittihad Aleppo (Continental real estate) - Syria
Jay Joseph (Shooting Guard) - USA
Ian McVey (Power Forward) - USA
Ben Davis (Forward) - USA
* Sagesse Beirut (Plus real estate) - Lebanon
Micah Brand (Center) - USA
Kevin Johnson (Forward) - USA
Kenny Satterfield (Point Guard) - USA

- Group B:
* Al Ahli Dubai (Amlak Holding) - Hosts
Vincent Jones (Center) - USA
William Pippen (Center) - USA
Danny Johnson (Point Guard) - USA
* Zain 'ex-Fastlink' (Dubai Duty Free) - Jordan
Michael Fey (Center) - USA
Nate Johnson (Forward) - USA
Jonathan Jones (Center) - USA
* Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (Steelfab)- Lebanon
Scotty Thurman (Forward) - USA
Tony Bland (Point Guard) - USA
Ismail Ahmed (Forward) - Egypt
* Saba Battery (Fly Emirates) - Iran
Makan Dioumassi (Point Guard) - France
Garth Joseph (Center) - Dominica
* Al Jalaa Aleppo (Dubai Land) - Syria (Runner-ups)
Chad Austin (Point Guard) - USA
Tommy Smith (Power Forward) - USA
Samaki Walker (Center) - USA

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ULEB CUP

Kaya Peker gets weekly award -by Eurobasket News
Kaya Peker (207-C/F-80, agency: Court Side) from Besiktas was named Round 9 MVP. He launched 25 points (11/12 2pt) and 10 boards to help Turkish team edge Ovarense 94:80 in Portugal. Peker also produced 3 steals, 3 blocks and 2 assists in 30 minutes of action. Besiktas improved to 9-0 record atop of Group B and remained the only undefeated team at the tournament so far.
Other possible contenders for weekly honours included Lionel Chalmers (183-G-80, college: Xavier) of Benetton Treviso. He notched 29 points as Italian team overcame the Artland Dragons. He also crafted 7 rebounds and 3 assists in an 82:64 victory. Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) tallied 32 points as Gmunden became the first Austrian outfit ever to make it to the next round of ULEB Cup. The other mentionees were Jimmy Baxter (198-G-80, college: S.Florida) from Ventspils, Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) from Turk Telekom and Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.) of Akasvayu.

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VENEZUELA

Edgar Lugo MVP on The Dominican Republic. -by Wolfgang Lucena
Edgar Lugo cooled down La Matica in final game of the championship series with a three point shot to make Parque Hostos retain the crown of the 14th Vega's superior basketball tournament.
The Venezuelan's sniper finishes this championship games with 24 points per game becoming the most valuable player (MVP) of the 2007 The Vega's championship series.
The final score of the final game was Parque Hostos 80 (champions) and The Matica 74.
Parque Hostos count with William Gomez 19 points, Carlos Paniagua 10 Jorge Almanzar 14 and Alexander Lopez 10 points as well.
For the Matica, Marlon Martinez 18 points and Amauris Fillion 16 points, both of them well known in the Venezuela Professional Basketball League.
Edgar Lugo , Amauris Fillion, Carlos Paniagua and Marlon Martinez most probably will be facing again in the Venezuela 's Professional Basketball League.

LPBV is getting ready!! -by Wolfgang Lucena
Team owners, Generals Managers, Coaching staff and ball players are caring for their obligations to make sure that 2008 Venezuela's professional basketball season improves and gets better than before.
Beginning this season, the tournament will be run with two new organizations; Piratas de Guayana and Deportivo Tachira. All of those organizations will have a minor team (developmental) to give more opportunities to their new talented players to improve and therefore step up while the league is running. Those minor basketball teams will be playing their own tournament at the same time, which means that from February 2008 until June or July there's going to be 20 high level basketball teams targeting the same goal… to become Champions.



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Women News

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CROATIA - Women

Jolly Sibenik eclipses Wisla in Poland -by Eurobasket News
Wisla - Jolly Sibenik 55:69

Jolly Sibenik surprised Wisla away from home and recharged their eighth-final ambitions in Group B. The win saw Sibenik improve to 3-6 record just two wins shy of Wisla. Polish team is at 5-4 in the third spot. Jessica Dickson (180-F-84, college: S.Florida) scored 5 points and Anda Jelavic (173-G-80) added a trey to give Sibenik a 17:8 lead midway through the starting frame. Anna DeForge (178-G-76, college: Nebraska) however close the quarter with a three-pointer and Wisla trailed by 6 points after 10 minutes. Sibenik maintained the gap early in the second period but Skerovic's trey ignited a 9:0 run from the hosts as they grabbed a 27:25 lead. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) later ended the first part with a jump shot and allowed Wisla to enjoy a 33:30 advantage at the interval. Sibenik kept it close after the break and straight baskets from Anda Jelavic and Evelina Guneva (183-F-80, agency: Interperformances) reestablished a 45:44 lead for Croatian side after 30 minutes. Tihana Juric (194-C-76) converted triples for Sibenik as they deepened the gap to 7 points. Jessica Dickson immediately stepped up with a jumper to make it 60:51 for the visitors with over 3 minutes left. Wisla tried to use fouls to get closer in crunch time but with little effect. Evelina Guneva and Jessica Dickson sealed the winning outcome from the stripe. Tihana Juric topscored for Sibenik with 26 points. Anda Jelavic produced 19 points and 8 rebounds in a winning clause. Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) had 15 points for Wisla. Anna DeForge added 14 points and 8 rebounds in a loss. Jolly Sibenik outrebounded their opponents 42:39 and registered 42% from the field. Wisla sank 33% of field goals and suffered 12 turnovers.
Wisla will play against Bourges Basket in France next week. Jolly Sibenik will take on Prague away from home.

Wisla: Marta Fernandez 15, Anna DeForge 14
Sibenik: Tihana Juric 26, Anda Jelavic 19, Jessica Dickson 15

Gospic is through to eighth-finals in EuroCup -by Eurobasket News
Hondarribia-Irun - Gospic 79:74

Gospic withstood Hondarribia-Irun's efforts to surpass a 19-point first game deficit and advanced to the eighth-final stage of EuroCup. Having built a comfortable cushion in the home game Gospic started the game in Spain a bit slow. Shameka Christon (186-G/F-82, college: Arkansas) scored quick 4 points, while Begona Garcia (171-G-76) connected from afar for a 14:5 lead. However soon Gospic found the way to answer as Cori Enghusen (200-C-80, college: Stanford) dropped a jumper and Orsolya Englert (170-G-80) drained a three-pointer to cut the gap to 3 points. Zane Tamane (194-C-83, college: W.Illinois) scored 5 points in a row and Veselovski added a basket as Hondarribia-Irun ran away to a 10-point distance after 10 minutes. Mandir scored two triples for Gospic early in the second term as Gospic kept it within 10 points. Later Marina Mazic (190-C-80) knocked down 4 consecutive points, while Elena Yolovska (183-F-74) added 2 more as Gospic finished the first half on a high note trailing by just a single point 38:39 at halftime. Hondarribia-Irun tried hard to shift the trend their way in the third quarter. They extended the lead to 7 points on free throws from Shameka Christon. Shameka Christon then added a layup to enlarge the margin to 9 points Elena Yolovska and Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) kept it in control as they clipped the difference back to 6 points. But the intrigue remained burning as the hosts nailed 6 free throws at the end of the third frame and entered the fourth term with a 12-point lead. The teams traded baskets early in the fourth period before Cori Enghusen drilled 4 points for Gospic as they narrowed the gap to 6 points with just under 4 minutes left. Marina Mazic and Orsolya Englert contributed 3 more points to Gospic tally and buried any hopes for Hondarribia-Irun. The Spanish team finalized the winning outcome at the end but their European campaign wrapped up. Sandra Popovic-Mandir led all scorers with 20 points for Gospic. Orsolya Englert and Elena Yolovska provided 13 points apiece in a loss. Begona Garcia and Zane Tamane netted 17 points each for Hondarribia-Irun. Gospic will now wait for the result of Dynamo Kursk vs. Botas Spor clash to get to know their opponents in the quarterfinal. The first game of the quarterfinal stage is scheduled for January 31 in Gospic.

Hondarribia-Irun: Begona Garcia 17, Zane Tamane 17, Shameka Christon 15
Gospic: Sandra Popovic-Mandir 20, Orsolya Englert 13, Elena Yolovska 13

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CYPRUS - Women

AEL stops at the eighth-final stage in EuroCup -by Eurobasket News
Venezia - AEL 65:56

Cypriot AEL could not beat the odds and upset Venezia away from home. AEL lost the first leg encounter by 4 points and had little chances of making it to the quarterfinal stage but fought bravely before falling in the third quarter of yesterday's game in Venezia. The hosts opened the game confidently enough as they led 6:2 but Biljana Pavicevic (191-F-80) and Becirovic combined for 7 points to lift AEL up by 3 points 9:6. Later Ancuta Stoenescu (171-G-80) added a long bomb as AEL gradually took over and drove to a 14:12 advantage after the first quarter. Biljana Pavicevic and Erzeg extended the damage as they deepened the gap to 7 points early in the second frame. But the momentum soon vanished and Venezia took the floor. Aleksandra Vujovic (182-G-80) hit from downtown, while Shannon Johnson (169-G-74, college: USC) and Francesca Modica (175-G-81) combined 4 free throws and Venezia regained the lead. But AEL remained contestant as Ivona Jerkovic (200-C-84) capped the half with 4 points in a row and allowed the visitors to enjoy a 30:28 lead. Venezia came off the dressing room recharged and exploded with an 11:0 run to claim the lead. AEL struggled to come back to life in the third stanza and the hosts maintained a 7-point cushion after 30 minutes. The situation hardly changed in the fourth term as Venezia wisely kept AEL at a distance and never allowed the opponents to threaten their advantage.