EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/8/2008

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

Liga A Round 10 highlights -by Facundo Iatzky
Best 5:
Roman Gonzalez (206-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) of penarol
Leon Smith (209-F-80) of estudiantes
Robert Battle (200-C-81, college: Drexel) of libertad
Chuck Robinson (201-F-72, college: E.Carolina) of regatas
Marcus Fleming (204-F-78, college: Alcorn St.) of belgrano

second team:
Fernando Martina (202-F/C-81) of ciclista
James Moore (203-C-82, agency: Duran International, college: N.Mexico St.) of atenas
Andres Pelussi (198-F-77) of libertad
Hernando Salles (188-G-79) of quilmes
Tyler Field (206-F/C-78, college: San Diego) of obras

points:
Chuck Robinson 27
Cleotis Brown (198-G/F-77, college: Illinois) 25
Roman Gonzalez 25
Leon Smith 25
Robert Battle 24

rebounds:
Roman Gonzalez 16
Fernando Martina 15
Jimmy Boston (201-F-77, college: N.C.Central) 13
Djibril Kante (201-C-80, college: Indiana St.) 12
Leon Smith 12

assists:
Victor Hugo Cajal (179-G-80) 7
Hernando Salles 7
Juan Pablo Cantero (186-G-82) 6
Luis Cequeira (180-G-85) 6
Jason Osborne (204-F-74, agency: Court Side, college: Louisville) 6

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AUSTRALIA

Sydney Kings overwhelm Melbourne Tigers in thriller -by Eurobasket News
Sydney held off the Melbourne Tigers in one of the most exciting matchups of the NBL season. The game was a possible rehearsal of this season's Final and the clash turned out to be a real scorcher. The Tigers were whisker away from the win in the game as they held on a 98:97 advantage with 6 seconds left in regulation. David Barlow (205-F-83, college: Metro St.) went to the charity stripe but missed both attempts. Chris Anstey (213-C-75) pulled down a rebound just to get fouled straight away. He converted one of two free throws to shift the Tigers closer to the win. But Luke Kendall (193-G-81, college: Metro St.) refused to surrender as his buzzer-beating triple sent game into extra time. The game remained close in the overtime and the hosts led by a single point with just over a minute to go. But Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) drained his only treble of the night to bury the visitors. The Tigers did not find the right answer and lost the battle in Sydney. Luke Kendall finished with 24 points and 7 assists for the Kings. Dontaye Draper (180-G, college: Charleston) produced 19 points for the winners. Chris Anstey led all scorers with 28 points and 8 boards. David Barlow and Sean Lampley (201-F-79, college: California) had 19 points apiece in defeat. The visitors outrebounded their opponents 57:49 and forced the hosts to 15 turnovers. But Sydney responded with 49% accuracy from the field, while Melbourne managed just 40%. Sydney improved to 18-2 record on top of the ladder extending their winning streak to 6 games. Melbourne slid to 15-6 record in the second place. Sydney will next visit Adelaide to take on the 36ers, while Melbourne will clash with West Sydney at home.
Meanwhile there were some more news flying around the league. The Perth Wildcats got a room for one more import. Sean Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports, college: Arizona St.) received an official confirmation, that his Australian citizenship application had been approved. This means the Wildcats can opt for one more foreign player. The franchise already made some arrangements as they invited Joe Shipp (197-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: California) for a trial. The 196cm guard out of California spent last couple of years in the NBDL.
The Gold Coast Blaze experienced a major setback as American forward Juaquin Hawkins (201-F-73, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Long Beach St.) would miss the rest of the season. Hawkins suffered a minor stroke and was recommended off basketball for the remainder of the season. The Blaze already started the search for a replacement forward for the rest of the season. Juaquin Hawkins however will stay with the team while recovering from his illness.

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BELARUS

Minsk defeats BNTU in two games -by Eurobasket News
In the last games of Round 10 Minsk overcame BNTU to jump to the third spot. The team from the capital won the first game 88:66 and then was stronger 92:65. Both victories allowed Minsk to take 15-5 record. BNTU covers the bottom and has only 1-19 record. Vitalyur is heading forward with 18-2 record being the leader of the League.
As it was known the All star game will be played on January 12. As usual West will play against East in the Belarus super show.

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BELGIUM

Aalstar Transfer News -by Peter Buyse


D2 Team Falco Gent has released guard Olivier Foucart (195-F-84) so he can be signed by D1 team Okapi Aalstar.
Foucart is the leading scorer for Falco with 17.8ppg which ranks him 7th in D2.

If all goes well he should sign for the rest of the season and play his first game this weekend vs Optima Gent.



Okapi Aalstar Transfer News -by Peter Buyse

The second player joining Okapi Aalstar could be Loren Stokes (190-G-83, agency: David Lee services, college: Hofstra).
Stokes is expected to arrive in Belgium on Wed morning. He started the season in Cyprus playing for Apoel Nicosia.
In 9 games he averaged 14.7ppg and 4.6rpg.

Had an outstanding college career at Hofstra where in his senior year he averaged 20.6ppg, 5.6 rpg and 3.0apg.

Was voted Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year in 2007 and was a 3 time All Conference first team member.



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BRAZIL

Brazilian Basketball League -by Cristiano Grama
The Brazilian's League started this Sunday, January 6 with 3 games. Flamengo visits Lajeado and won against Univates/Bira by 14 points( 83x69), it was a good game, as the young team of Lajeado starts with a good field goal porcentage and finished the first quarter winning by 5(27x22). But in the second quarter, Flamengo shows why they are one of the top teams for this season. With a good defense, they won the second quarter by 11(22x11). The top score of the game was Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) with 28 points, adding 5 steals and 4 assists. For Lajeado, the best player was Audrei with 18 points. Another team that won away was Saldanha da Gama against CETAF/Vila Velha. The team of the head coach Enio Vechi starts the league very well with a victory over His rivalry team. CETAF/Vila Velha dominates the first 3 quarters, but Saldanha da Gama shows his power in the last quarter winning this quarter by 26x13 and finished the game with a 82x73 victory. The top scorer of the game was Leandro with 20 for Saldanha da Gama and Marcio with 18 for CETAF/Vila Velha. The only team that won at home was Joinville with a impressive 94x42 against Iguacu. Espiga with 10 points and 11 assists, and Shilton with 11 points and 11 rebounds finished the games with double-doubles, but the best player of Joinvile and the MVP of the first week was Andre with 25 points, 6 rebounds, 7 steals and 8 assists.

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BULGARIA

Videnov close to CSKA -by Vladi Lazarova
The best Bulgarian player for 2006 Filip Videnov (196-F/G-80, college: W.Kentucky) my dress the jersey of CSKA Sofia. But this will be just for the period he is still searching for a team abroad, because 196 cm tall guard don't want to continue his career in Bulgarian league.
“The Reds” already made a connection with the player and they declared that they are ready to open the doors for him in the team, no matter how long Videnov can and will be able to stay. Of course, he will be ready and free to leave in every moment when he decide. Filip must answer the head coach Rosen Barchovski till the end of the day.
Only a month ago Videnov got another offer, from Bulgarian champion, National Cup holder and only one Bulgarian ULEB Cup participant - Lukoil Akademik. The club invited him to practice and proposed him a deal till the rest of the summer. Videnov said “no”, because at that time he still didn't feel himself ready to come back on the court.
27-years old excellent shooter and former Western Kentucky University leader was recovering from an ankle surgery in the beginning of September. His bad luck was that he got injured during a National team camp in the middle of June. After that, 3 months ago, Videnov and Caja San Fernando decided to part ways and now the player is searching for a new job.

CSKA: New player on tryouts -by Vladi Lazarova
CSKA is expecting today a new player on tryouts. His name is Josh Washington (190-G-83, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Texas A&M - C.C.). He is 190 cm tall American guard. He will stay for a week and after that period the club will decide to offer him, or not a contract. Washington was born on 12th October 1983 in Texas. In his short CV the player was part of Texas Tech (NCAA) and Texas A&M University - C.C. Last season Josh started the championship in German Bundesliga 2 with Erdgas Ehingen, but left the team in December.
CSKA already has two American players - Mike Henderson and Lavell Payne.

Levski secured a place in the first four -by Valentin Anguelov
Levski smashed Cherno More Eurohold in the second half of today's game in Triaditsa Hall and after winning the contest 104-90, they achieved their 11th win in Men A-1. In the second half Lubomir Minchev's boys scored 60 points, and after this win they came back on the second position in the ranking of A-1, and secured their place in the first 4 teams, which is an advantage for the draw of the Cup of Bulgaria. The first four teams from A-1 skip the preliminary round, and have advantage of playing at home in the quarterfinals round. The biggest plus is that Lukoil Academic can probably be drawn only for the final.

Cherno More's chance to get into the first four teams are minimal. They played horrible defense, and that was the difference today.

The game started better for the hosts, and after 1 minute of play they were leading 7-3. In the next 3 minutes, Cherno More scored 14 consecutive points for 7-17 at the 5th minute. Plamen Aleksiev was on fire, as he scored three treys in a row, and Leven Belverov added one, before Lubomir Minchev called a time-out. Two times the difference was 13 points for Cherno More, and the first quarter finished 21-29.

Cherno More scored the first two baskets in the second quarter and once again led with more than 10 points (21-33) after just 15 seconds of play. In the next 5 minutes and a half it was Levski's turn to get hot. They scored 16 consecutive points (7 for Stanislav Slaveykov , 4 for Tsvetelin Ivanov, 3 for Nikolay Varbanov and 2 for Zlatin Georgiev) and in the 15th minute they were already leading the score by 4 (37-33). At halftime the score was 44-45 for Cherno More.

Until the 27th minute of the game it was all tied (61-61), but then Asen Velikov (8 points in a row) and a three-pointer by Rostislav Dikov the "Blues" lead it 104-90.

In the last quarter besides Velikov and Dikov, Zlatin Georgiev played good. The first two with 3's, and the last one with few consecutive baskets and a little more than 2 minutes until the end of regulation, the difference was 18 points for Levski - 100-82. In the end Triaditsa exploded after a sick one-handed tommahawk jam by Rob Preston. The final score was 104-90.

Slaveykov was tonight's MVP with 19 points, 13 rebounds and 8 assists, being 2 passes away from a triple-double. Velikov had 17 points, including 5 three-pointers, Rob Preston had 12 points, and Zlatin and Stefan Georgiev's both had 14.

Levski made 12 out f 26 attempts from three-point territory (46%), as 9 of those were made by the team's substitute players. Besides that they were unstoppable in the paint - 32 rebounds, against just 17 for Varna.

For the guest team a great game for Belberov (26 points, 5 boards and 4 assists) and Aleksiev - 15 points, after shooting 5/6 for 3 points and 6 assists.

FULL STATS FROM THE GAME LEVSKI - CHERNO MORE

CURRENT STANDING OF MEN FIRST A-1

INDIVIDUAL STATS OF LEVSKI

INDIVIDUAL STATS OF CHERNO MORE

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CROATIA

Transfer news! -by Dani Erceg
Jurica Zuza (207-C-78, agency: Interperformances) left Greek A1 team Rethimno and signed for Cedevita.

Vedran Morovic (183-G-83, college: Olney CC) signed for KK Zagreb.

Paolo Ticina (195-G-85) signed for Posusje.

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CZECH REP.

New player in Liberec -by Ondra Simecek
It was announced today that Joseph R. Enright (208-F/C-83, college: St.Francis,PA) will be on a two weeks try-out in Liberec. If the management will do the paperwork in time, fans can see him in Liberec's jersey tonite in the game against Brno.

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D.R. CONGO

Golden State Warriors decided to waive Didier Ilunga-Mbenga -by Eurobasket News
Golden State Warriors decided to waive Didier Ilunga-Mbenga (214-C-80). A Congolese centre started the season in the Dallas Mavericks but was later waived by the team as they were looking for room to acquire Juwan Howard. Didier Ilunga-Mbenga averaged 1.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in the season. The Warriors also recalled Kosta Perovic from the NBDL. A Croatian centre was signed by the franchise in August. He did not log any minutes for the Warriors in the current season.

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D-LEAGUE

D-League Movement -by Surujh Roopnarine
The Chicago Bulls swapped rookies on Monday, re-calling former Syracuse sharp-shooter Demetris Nichols (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) from the Iowa Energy, while sending rookie guard JamesOn Curry (6'3''-G-86, college: Oklahoma St.) back to Iowa.
Curry - Nine games with Iowa: 21.9ppg, 5.8apg, 3.6rpog, 41.4mpg
Nichols - Nine games with Iowa: 18.1ppg, 4.1rpg, 2.6apg, 36.9mpg

The Rio Grande Valley Vipers have signed former NBA second round pick Chris Taft (6'10''-F-85, college: Pittsburgh). Taft, an early entrant out of Pittsburgh, was the 42nd pick of the 2005 NBA Draft by the Golden State Warriors. After an injury riddled rookie season where he only appeared in 17 games (averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 8.5 minutes per game), the former Big East Rookie of the Year was waived prior to the 2006-07 NBA season.

The Albuquerque Thunderbirds have signed veteran forward Cory Underwood (6'10''-F/C-80, agency: David Lee services, college: SUNO), and waived James Smith. nderwood, a product of New York City, most recently played with the Pittsburgh Explosion of the CBA. At only 27, Cory already has vast experience in the US Minor Leagues, having played and excelled in the USBL, ABA, CBA and now the D-League.

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ESTONIA

FIBA EuroCup: Rock keeps winning -by Janar Filippov
Estonian champions TU/Rock stay unbeaten in FIBA EuroCup after convincing 102:94 win in Lappeenranta. Rock fell behing 3:6 and 12:13 (Ivan Harris (201-F-84, college: Ohio St.) had 7 points, already) in 1st but made 11:0 run to take the lead 23:13. In 2nd, the hosts evened the game thanks to Petri Virtanen (183-G-80) and Adrian Henning (203-F-82, college: Austin Peay St.). Rock led only 31:30 with 4 minutes played in 2nd. Asko Paade (206-F-84) and Brian Cusworth (213-C-84, college: Harvard) helped Rock to a bit safer lead, 38:31 but the 1st half ended 50:46, only after a three-pointer from Tanel Tein (194-G/F-78, college: St.Francis,NY).
3rd quarter started with a 15:4 run in five minutes as Rock took a firm lead 65:50. Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71), Janar Talts (204-C-83) (204-C-83) and George Tsintsadze (192-G-86) nailed a triple during the stretch. Rock held a firm lead until the end of the game. In 4th, Virtanen and Henning scored from a long range to keep the chances alive - 84:75 and 94:86, respectively. But that was the closest they could get as playmaker Tein kept finding team-mates on open positions.
Top scorers
Rock: Cusworth 20+10rb, Talts 20+9rb, Tsintsadze 19+5rb+6as, Tein 10+11as
NMKY: Henning 28

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Family Pounds in action! -by Rauno Hurmalainen
After 13 years break Larry Pounds will return back to the end of the bench of KTP (Kotka). Pounds is now the new Head Coach for the rest of this season.
Larry's son Michael Pounds (188-G-88) is on the same KTP roster as a player and daughter Dionne Pounds (178-F-84, college: Lamar) has just graduated at Lamar University and returned back home to Kotka. Dionne started to play on PeKa (Kotka) roster and her first game was very promising: Game high 23 pts vs Catz (Lappeenranta). Family Pounds really in action!

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).



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GERMANY

Mithat Demirel back in the Bundesliga -by Moritz Korff
The German champion Brose Baskets Bamberg has signed Mithat Demirel (181-G-78) for the remainder of the 2007-2008 campaign. The 29-year-old German National Team-Player (exactly 100 caps since 1999) began this season in Italy and played 11 games for Legea Scafati (Serie A), averaging 2.1 points, 0.8 rebounds and 0.7 assists per contest. Demirel will be the fifth German international on Bambergs roster.

Mitch Laue in Langen -by Moritz Korff
Mitch Laue (201-F-83, college: NC-Wilmington) played his first official game for TV Langen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) on Sunday and produced 9 points, 12 boards, 5 assists and 1 steal in 21 minutes for the Giraffes against Heidelberg. The 24-year-old Forward from Dallas, Texas who spent his collegiate career at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington (NCAA1) started this current season in Spain and averaged 6.1 points plus 3.1 rebounds in 8 games for Habitacle Badajoz of the LEB Bronze.

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HUNGARY

Falco KC: easy victory in the first game of the new year -by Tamas Deri
FALCO KC SZOMBATHELY - BODROGI BAU-VASARHELY KS 127-76
(34-19, 26-15, 38-24, 29-18)
Szombathely, Att.: 2.700, Referees: Benczur, Torok, Nemeth
SZOMBATHELY: Kornel Varadi (198-G-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 15/6, Tamas Will (196-G/F-87, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 12/6, Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) 26/12, Arnas Kazlauskas (204-C/F-76, agency: Court Side) 23/15, Harvey 5, Feigl 4, Bam Doyne (193-G-84, college: Mississippi) 24/9, Borszeki 3/3, Szanati 4, Csiszar 5/3, PAPP 6, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic
HÓDMEZŐVASARHELY: Drahos 9/6, David Brooks (191-G-82, college: Niagara) 25/9, Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan) 25/15, Kukla 10/3, Gemes 7/3, Csorba, Szogi, Coach: Czuprak Laszlo

Albacomp: new center on try-out -by Tamas Deri
Lamont Boozer (208-F/C-75, college: JMU), the american center with spanish passport should arrive on thursday to Hungary and spend his try-out with Albacomp. As the management of the club was looking for a bosman inside player, Boozer has a great chance to get the job. It seems to be, that slovakian guard Robert Nuber will have to leave the club if Boozer should be succesfull.

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ICELAND

Iceland Express league -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
IR 96 Thor 85 Tahirou Sani (205-F-85) (205-F-85) new player at IR with good game 32 pts. Sveinbjorn Claessen 18. Hreggvidur Magnusson 16. For Thor Cedric Isom (188-G-84, agency: IceBasket, college: E.Texas Baptist) 26. Luka Marolt (202-F-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) 14.

Fjolnir 85. KR 94. Karlton Mims (188-G-80, college: Washburn) 32. Anthony Drejaj (188-G-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: St.Louis) 26 for Fjolnir. For KR. Joshua Helm (198-F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Mercyhurst) 26. Avi Fogel 18. Brynjar Bjornsson & Darri Hilmarsson 14.

Skallagrimur 89. Stjarnan 64. Darrell Flake (193-F-80, agency: IceBasket, college: McKendree) 29 + 16 rebs. Petur M. Sigurdson 24. Allan Fall 18 for Skallagrim.
For Stjarnan. Dimitar Karadzovski 17. Fannar Helgason 16. Mansour Mbye 14

Tindastoll 85. Hamar 88. Philip Perre (198-F-79, college: N.Alabama) 21 + 14 rebs. Svavar Birgisson 19. Donald Brown 15. Samir Shaptahovic 14. For Hamar. New player on the team Nicholas King (201-F/G-82, college: St.Augustine) 31. Roni Leimu 18. Roman Moniak (196-F-84, college: Adams St.) 14

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ISRAEL

Court released Bynum earlier -by Yarone Arbel
On Monday night, 14 hours before the original time of his expected release from custody, Will Bynum was allowed to leave the Israeli jail. In a meeting between the police and prosecution it was decided to release Maccabi's player to a house arrest where he'll stay until 4PM on Thursday. The player is allowed to leave the house only for Maccabi's practices and games, and had to pay a 50,000 NIS (~9,000 euros) bail. The court forbids Bynum to leave Israel in the following 30 days, which will prevent him from playing with Maccabi in their Euroleague road games against Aris and Cibona. Nevertheless, Maccabi will ask for a special approval before each road game in hope Bynum will be able to join the team eventually.

Court decides to release Bynum earlier -by Yarone Arbel


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ITALY

Lega2-14th Day -by Gabriele Fioretti
Ortner led Reggio Emilia on winning at Rimini, Livorno won at home against Montecatini, while Soresina get back on the top defeating Novara, thanks also to Casale that won against Sassari. Fabriano won with the new player Flores against Veroli. Pistoia won against Pavia with a great defense. Also with a great defense Jesi won at Imola. Caserta, coached by Fabrizio Frates , won an exciting match on tv-sunday game against Ferrara.
In the next day, will be decided the four teams that will play the Legadue Final Four: Sassari and Soresina are already qualified, the other two teams will be decided between Ferrara, Caserta, Casale, Jesi and Reggio Emilia.
Coopsette RN-Trenkwalder RE 75-82
TDShop.it LI-Agr.Glo.Mont. 94-80
Vanoli Soresina-Ignis Novara 102-88
Fastweb Casale-BancoSardegna 96-83
Indesit Fab-Prima Veroli 85-72
Carmatic PT-Edimes PV 66-53
Aget Imola-Fileni Jesi 52-83
Pepsi Caserta-Carife FE 81-80
See complete boxscores at www.legaduebasket.it

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JAMAICA

SIC wins conference opener over Lincoln Trail -by Leonard Whyte
Robinson, IL (1-7-2008) - Coach Todd Franklin and his Southeastern Illinois College Falcons walked into the home of defending Region XXIV champions, Lincoln Trail College, and came away 65-52 victors on Saturday night to open their conference schedule on a winning note. Forward Andre Wilson, formerly of St George's Slayers in the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL), led SIC with a game-high 17 points. The victory improved SIC to 13-2 on the season.

Jamaican trio shines as Cedarville gains revenge against Point Park -by Leonard Whyte
Cedarville, OH (1-7-2008) - NAIA Division II No. 19 Cedarville University opened its 2008 schedule with a blow out victory over Point Park University 103-74 last night to gain sweet revenge for their loss to Point Park in the American Mideast Conference championship game last season. The talented Jamaica trio produced 42 points, 21 rebounds, and seven blocks, as forward Christopher Walker led the way with a team-high 17 points and nine rebounds, followed by center Daniel Rose with 13 points, seven rebounds, and six blocks, and forward Ricardo Alliman with 12 points and five rebounds. This was the fourth straight victory for Cedarville and 10 of their last 11as they now sport a 10-3 overall record.

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JORDAN

Round seven of Excellent League -by Mohammed Malas
Titleholders Zain remained on top after beating their fierce rivals Orthodox yeserday by 13 84-71, While Al Riyadi/Aramex, Arena Amman and Al Wihdat snatched their wins in the 7th round of Excellent League.

Zain 84 - Orthodox 71 (Qs: 24-14, 44-26, 64-48 & 84-71)

The american trio Nate Johnson, Rasheim Wright and Jonathan Jones did their job without any problems to reach the goal by winning over the 3rd place team Orthodox who may have some changes in the coaching staff in the coming few days, Chris Campbell was trying to do something to prevent the 2nd straight loss but staying in the same system of playing with no plans was affected on team's abilities in general which forced players to play individually to pass this mission.

Al Wihdat 87 - Hussein Erbid 69 (Qs: 22-16, 54-34, 63-55 & 87-69)

Dion Edward (206-F/C-77, college: Louisville)'s 1st game with Al Wihdat was benefitial following their win over Hussein Erbid 87-69, The american center who was training with Zain weared Al Wihdat's jerseys today following Malcolm Battles signning in Saudi Arabia, Moussa Al Awadi also played well for the greens against Erbid city's team who was out of service esspecially in ctritical parts in the game although the efforts from their imports Glen Summerall and Robbie Banks to do something.

Arena Amman 108 - Al Awdeh 51 (Qs: 32-16, 54-30, 77-40 & 108-51)

The gap in ablities between the two sides of this game was so clear and that gave arena's head coach Nenad Hrovic to use all his players to get ready to next games.

Al Riyadi/Aramex 104 - College SC 87 (Qs: 25-24, 46-50, 73-69 & 104-87)

The strong beginning of College Sports Club in the game forced the head coach of Al Riyadi Sameer Morcos to change the way of playing which reflected to a win at the end, Credis must be given to Issa Kamel, Hussam Lutfi and Omar Olivier Bilbessi.

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LATVIA

Barons/LMT Riga sign Tomas Nagys -by Eurobasket
Barons/LMT Riga added to their roster 28-year old Lithuanian forward Tomas Nagys (208-F-80, college: Clemson). Nagys played most recently at AEP Olimpias Patron (Greece), which he left last month. He is a very experienced player. He graduated Clemson University in USA. Then he played pro basketball in few countries: Poland, Russia and Greece. Not it's a time for Latvia, which is way closer to his home Lithuania. Nagys used to play also for Lithuanian U20 team in 2000, when they won bronze at Global Games.

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LEBANON

Riyadi overcomes Anibal in Zahle (101-75) in its opening game in the 2007-2008 season -by Wael Yaman
Al Riyadi appeared as strong as ever in its first game in the 2007-2008 season in Zahle; where the Lebanese Champions handed Anibal a 26 pt defeat (101-75). Both Riyadi and Anibal played with one import each, Ismail Ahmad and Kevin Sowell. The latter has just joined Anibal and is expected to be one of the best foreign players to ever come to Lebanon.

Anibal was unable to threaten Riyadi at any point in the game, as the Zahlawi team quickly found itself falling 14 pts behind at the end of the first quarter which concluded with Riyadi in the lead (25-11). In the second and third quarters, Riyadi had no hard time increasing its lead by 28 to 23 pts and 29 to 19 pts respectively. Abou Chakra relied on some of his bench players in the fourth quarter which ended 22-19 for Anibal, but announced Riyadi as the winner of the game (101-75).

Joe Vogel was the best scorer in the game with 28 pts, 6 rebd, while Ismail Ahmad was one assist and one rebound short from scoring a triple double with 13 pts, 9 pts, 9 rebs. From the Lebanese roster, Mazen Mneimneh shined with 24 pts,9rebs,3 assists and 2 steals, while Hussein Tawbi outperformed with 12 pts and 12 rebs. Anibal's new star, Kevin Sowell, started his season in the Lebanese league with a very strong performance scoring 23 pts, grabbing 11 rebs, ditching out 3 asts, and scoring 3 stls.

By Mohamad Ali Yatim

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NBA

Lebron James fires up late to carry Cleveland past Toronto -by Eurobasket News
The Cleveland Cavaliers entered the fourth period in Toronto trailing by 13 points but it was never the end of the story. Because they got LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) on the squad. James fired franchise-high 24 points in the fourth term to secure a narrow 93:90 victory over the stunned Raptors. The victory helped the Cavaliers to tie the Raptors at 17-17 record in the East. LeBron James who sank just 6/19 field goal attempts through the first three quarters then went for 8/10 from the field in the final one to silence the crowd at the Air Canada Centre. He also added 11 boards and 8 assists to wrap up the one-man show in Toronto. Larry Hughes (6'5''-G-79, college: St.Louis) was helpful with 14 points for the winners. Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) had 23 points for Toronto, while Anthony Parker (6'5''-G/F-75, college: Bradley) added 20 points in a loss.
Emanuel Ginobili (6'6''-G-77, agency: Interperformances) was back in the lineup for the San Antonio Spurs and it counted straight away. The Spurs traveled to Los Angeles to take on the Clippers and pulled away an 88:82 win. Emanuel Ginobili had three quarters of warming up before taking over in the fourth. He drained 12 points for the Spurs in the final stanza pushing them past the slow Clippers. Emanuel Ginobili missed five games because of a sprained finger. The Spurs at the same time were 6-6 in the last 12 games and needed Argentinean guard presence to shake things up. The lead changed hands numerous times in the fourth period but the visitors were more convincing from free throw line to seal the win at the end. Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) topscored for the Spurs with 26 points. Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) produced 17 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Chris Kaman (7'0''-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) answered with 20 points and 14 boards for the Clippers as they slipped to 10-21 record.
Yesterday the Golden State Warriors decided to waive Didier Ilunga-Mbenga (7'0''-C-80). A Congolese centre started the season in the Dallas Mavericks but was later waived by the team as they were looking for room to acquire Juwan Howard. Didier Ilunga-Mbenga averaged 1.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in the season. The Warriors also recalled Kosta Perovic (7'2''-C-85) from the NBDL. A Croatian centre was signed by the franchise in August. He did not log any minutes for the Warriors in the current season. Kosta Perovic averaged 8.6 points and 5.7 rebounds playing for the Bakersfield Jam in the NBDL this season.
The Dallas Mavericks also recalled Maurice Ager (6'4''-G-84, college: Michigan St.) from the NBDL. His appeared in 7 games in the NBA this season averaging 2.1 points and 0.6 boards per game.

Arenas Says he is Uncertain About Returning this Season. -by Bryan Floyd
Gilbert Arenas is still rehabbing his knee and Friday he said he hopes to return from a second knee operation and be back in the Washington Wizards' lineup within two months.But he left open the possibility it might be longer than that."I don't really know. I keep pushing it back," the All-Star point guard told the team's Web site Saturday. "Hopefully, I will be able to come back sometime between the middle of February to the middle of March." For the first time, Arenas also said that if he's not better by then, he might not play this season. "I have to protect the rest of my career, too, so I won't jeopardize that for just 15 games if I'm not 100 percent," he said Saturday, according to The Washington Post. "If it's aching, if I'm out here practicing and it's swelling up then, I'll see you next year." Arenas had surgery in April, then needed another operation in November. At the time, his recovery was expected to take three months."This is not the same injury as last time, where I had all the pain. The first surgery was a rough one," Arenas said. "This is the best it has looked since I got hurt the first time. I am pain free now."

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NCAA

Wayne Ellington's late shot keeps North Carolina perfect -by Eurobasket News
North Carolina were close to suffering their first defeat in the season as they traveled to Clemson. But an inspirational performance from Wayne Ellington (6'4''-G-87) saved the day for the Tar Heels. He scored career-high 36 points including a saving three-point attempt with just 0.4 seconds remaining in the first extra period. The shot followed two accurate free throws from Demontez Stitt (6'2''-G-89) that lifted the Tigers up by a single point 88:87 with 13 seconds remaining in overtime. But Wayne Ellington was found by Ty Lawson (5'11''-G-87) on the perimeter and did the trick. North Carolina were down by 7 points with just over 3 minutes remaining in regulation. But Wayne Ellington and Danny Green (6'5''-G/F-87) stepped up with consecutive triples for the Tar Heels and cut the deficit to a single point. Tyler Hansbrough (6'9''-F-85) later added a free throw to draw teams and sent the game into overtime. Trevor Booker (6'7''-F/C-87) and James Mays (6'9''-F-86) missed their jumpers with the time passing away to steal a win for Clemson.
Lawson delivered 16 points, 8 assists and 6 boards for the Tar Heels. Tyler Hansbrough contributed 12 points and 14 boards in a winning case. K.C. Rivers (6'5''-G/F-87) answered with 24 points and 6 boards for the Tigers. Trevor Booker dropped 14 points and grabbed 11 boards as Clemson fell to 12-2 record for the season. North Carolina remained perfect at 15-0.
Kansas ranked #3 in the NCAA also extended their unspotted run edging Boston College 85:60. The Jayhawks undefeated rally now stands at 14 games and they are among only six unbeaten teams in the league. Darrell Arthur (6'9''-F-88) was energetic with 22 points and 7 boards for the Jayhawks. Darnell Jackson (6'8''-F-85) topscored with 25 points for Kansas. Boston College slipped to 10-3 record behind 21 points from Rakim Sanders (6'4''-G-89). Tyrese Rice (6'1''-G-87) knocked down 20 points in defeat. Kansas will play one more game before tipping off Big 12 action next week.

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NCAA3

Harrington enters record books with 37 pts and 33 rbs vs. Mitchell -by Moritz Korff
Senior forward Nick Harrington (Brooklyn, NY/Grady) nearly single-handedly took the Southern Vermont College men's basketball team on his back as the Mountaineers dismissed Mitchell College, 88-77, to win the consolation game of the Williams College Invitational.

Harrington scored 37 points and grabbed 33 rebounds to become what is believed to be the second player in Division III basketball history to record a 30-30 game. The 33 rebounds are a school record and the most by any collegiate player this season. He became only the fourth player in the past 18 years to record more than 30 caroms at any division. His single-game total is the sixth most in Division III history since D3 began in 1973. Harrington shot 16-for-25 from the floor and made all five of his free throws. He tallied 14 offensive and 19 defensive rebounds. His game was magical and even the players on the other teams wanted to watch.

“I was surprised to look into the stands and see the faces on the other teams in amazement at what Nick was doing,” said SVC head men's basketball coach Mike McDonough. “Statistically it was an amazing game and Mitchell had no answer, but we have the privilege of seeing him do this a lot in games.”

SVC (2-9) controlled the game and led by double figures almost the entire way. The final score was much closer than the game as the Mountaineers led by 24 with 2:30 left.

Emory Wheeler (Virginia Beach, VA/Cox) had an outstanding day. The sophomore guard tallied 23 points and made five three-point shots. Sophomore forward Joe Karnik (Castleton, NY/Maple Hill) scored 17 points and grabbed 13 boards, but it was Harrington's performance that was on everyone's mind.

“He did it on both ends of the floor,” said McDonough. “He made everyone better.”

As for the man himself, he credited his team for his individual accomplishments.

“My team got me the ball in positions where I could score and be successful,” said the senior, who is averaging 24 points and 15 rebounds on the year. He passed the 1,000 point mark and his next accomplishment is the school's all-time scoring record. “I clocked in today and told the team that today we were going to rebound. So I grabbed my misses, their misses, my team's misses. Pretty much is, when somebody missed, I decided I was going to do my best to get the rebound.”

SVC shot 40% from the floor and 30% from distance. Mitchell (0-12) shot 38% from the field and 33% from three. The Mountaineers out-rebounded Mitchell 65-41.

Harrington's performance garnered him a spot on the radio show Hoopsville, which can be heard nationally. The archive of the interview will soon be posted on the www.svc.edu/athletics website and can be found at www.d3hoops.com/hoopsville/tunein.

The Mountaineers return home Saturday at 3:00 p.m. when they host the College of Saint Joseph (VT).

NOTE: The NCAA does not keep records for 30-point and 30-rebound games in which the accomplishment happens in the same game. Josh Hinz of Beloit College scored 50 points and grabbed 36 rebounds on February 4, 2006 vs. Grinnell College.

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

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PBL

Throwbacks debut with a win -by Gianni Pascucci
As we anticipated yesterday, the Chicago Throwbacks made their debut in the PBL, defeating on the road 136-134 victory over the Fury in front of about 400 fans Saturday night at Rockford College. The game was very close, and Chicago needed of two overtimes to take the win. Chicago was fueled by the scoring of Stanley Thomas (6'5''-F-80) and Jerome Harper (6'5''-G-83, college: Robert Morris), who both finished with 30 points, while Ameer Watts (5'10''-G-82, college: Missouri So.) was the best performer in Rockford, with 25 points and Frank Richards (6'2''-G-82, college: Kansas St.) added 19 pts in losing effort. In another game, the Wilmington Sea Dawgs won their home opener ending another dramatic game 83-81, over the Rochester Razorsharks. Rochester held the lead for most of the game, but a late basket by Jermaine Williams (6'7''-F-79, college: American) helped put the Sea Dawgs on top to secure the victory. In the two other yesterday hames, Arkansas defeated Chicago 114-103 in the Impact home opener and Reading took the first win prevailing over Maryland 145-121

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POLAND

Prokom and Anwil stay on top -by Eurobasket News
Prokom and Anwil remained on top after the last wins in the Polish League. Euroleague representative earned an easy away victory over Kotwica Kolobrzeg 67:89. Prokom enjoyed the advantage of thirty points before the final quarter. Christos Harissis paced the winners with 19 points. Donatas Slanina (192-G-77) added 18, while Igor Milicic had 16 points and 6 assists. Rafal Bigus (214-C-76, college: Villanova) was the best scorer for Kotwica with 16 points.
Anwil had a thriller against Polpharma but survived with 71:73 road win. Trailing by 7 points with three minutes remaining Anwil created an 11-0 run. Gerrod Henderson (193-G-78, agency: Octagon, college: Louisiana Tech) led the winners with 23 points. Hernoll Hall had 21 points and 9 rebounds for Polpharma.

In another games Turow had a road win over Stal Ostrow 94:101. Thomas Kelati shone with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Brandun Hughes scored 27 and John Oden (206-F/C, agency: Strategic Sports, college: S.Indiana) collected 17 and 10 rebounds in defeat. Basket Kwidzyn was stronger than Polonia Warsaw 80:78. Gornik Walbrzych beat AZS Koszalin 89:83.

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PORTUGAL

LIga UZO round 10 -by Luis Rocha
This one was a round of confirmations, and an important one because it was the last that positened teams for the Taca da Liga. The first of the chart face eachother in Porto, Ovarense was stronger and won 67-62. It was a hard match, but once again Porto although playing at home could not loose some anxiety wich led them to defeat. Belenenses is clearly weaker since the deprt of Ike Nwankwo (209-C-73, college: Long Beach St.) and the arrival of Spencer Foster (199-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Biola (CA)), the team is going downhill, and this week they loose in Acores against the home team Lusitania 82-95, in the opposite there's Lusitania who is slowly but firmly climbing up. Barreirense hosted Ginasio, and that was an excellent opportunity to win and cast away the bad times. they failed again. Ginasio performed greatly, this team, after many set backs in the signing of foreign players finally gets some chimical harmmony and is up in the chart, as well as plying great games. Vagos won at home against CAB 79-70, and showed that their first season in Liga is taken without any fears and successfully. No one could expect better at this time. One of the main reasons of the success is Tyrone Levett (195-G/F-80, college: Alabama St.), in the beginning of the season he was signed by Porto but didn't stood there for long, after that he went to Vagos and now he's great performances are supporting the team one time too many, this weekend he's the MVP of the round with 31 points scored, 7 rebounds and 2 assists.

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PUERTO RICO

Boricuas Abroad and White in Arecibo -by Alessandro Fontana
BORICUAS ABORAD
In Adriatic League, Siroki won against Helios Domzale 87-78. Our MVP was Sharif Fajardo who played a "partidazo" with 27 pts (8/11 2pts 8/9 FT) in 24 minutes. Siroki has now a 4-12 standings. Cibona won against Crvena Zvezda 94-82, Larry Ayuso was one of the best players of the game with 19 points.
In Poland, Turow won after an overtime against Atlas 101-94, Andres Rodriguez played 41 minutes with 11 pts (3/4 2pts, 1/3 3pts, 2/2 FT) and 6 assists. Donald Copeland played another great game with 20 pts (4/11 2pts, 0/3 3pts, 12/12 FT)+5assts+4rebs but his team Polpharma was defeated by Anwil 71-73.
In Turkey Besiktas won against Casa Ted Koleji 79-78. Christian Dalmau played 34 minutes with 13 pts (2/4 2pts, 3/8 3pts) and Rick Apodaca scored 10 pts (2/4 2pts, 2/5 3pts) in 31 minutes.
In Germany, Paderborn was defeated by Oldenburg 82-75. Nathan Peavy scored 10 pts (6/8 2pts, 2/2 FT)+ 7 rebs.
In Greece Filiberto Rivera played with his new team Aek Athens, He played 21 minutes with 5 pts (2/3 2pts, 0/2 3pts, 1/2 FT) and 1 assist. Aek Athens was defeated by Maroussi 76-80.
In Spain, Fuenlabrada won against Girona 93-75. Peter John Ramos played only 6 minutes with 2 points and 1 reb.
In South Korea, Carmelo Lee scored 13 pts+7rebs and his team ET Incheon won against Dongbu 89-78.
BORICUAS IN THE STATES
In NBA Dallas won against Minnesota 101-78. For Jose Juan Barea 8 minutes with 4 pts (1/1 2pts 2/4 FT) and 1 assist.
In D-League Arsenal Anaheim defeated Dakota 106-97, for Guillermo Diaz 18pts (6/9 2pts, 0/1 3pts 6/6 FT) and 2 assts. Idaho defeated Bakersfield 100-87. For Ricky Sanchez 5pts in 24 minutes. Albuquerque won against Fort Wayne, Miguel Ali Berdiel played 25 minutes with 7pts+5assts.
BSN NEWS
Arecibo signed White Rodney (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) for next BSN Season. White Rodney is an expert american forward. He played in NBA for Detroit, Denver and Golden State and in other important european leagueas, in Italy (Pesaro), in Spain (Manresa and Bilbao). This season He was playing in China with Zehjiang.
Jeff Aubry was released by Independiente de Neuquen. Aubry will come back in Puerto Rico to be ready for the next season with Leones de Ponce
A. Fontana

Diaz with L.A. Clippers against Arroyo? -by Alessandro Fontana

Tomorrow on 9th January there is the NBA game L.A. Clippers- Orlando Magic and It is more than a rumor that Guillermo Diaz could play this game with Los Angeles and there will be so "the challenge" between him and the other "boricua" of the game, "El Magnifico" Carlos Arroyo.

The team of Los Angeles has some injured players and They are interested in Guillermo Diaz for a possible "10 days contract". Guillermo Diaz is playing now for Arsenal Anaheim in D-League (16,3 pts+3,0 assts) and this team is affiliate to L.A. Clippers. It is more than a rumor, It is really possible on 9th january a " Diaz vs. Arroyo".
NEWS
Carlos Rivera came back in Puerto Rico after his experience in Poland. He played for Polonia Warszawa a good season with 15,1 pts and 2,6 rebs. In Euroleague, tomorrow on 9th january there will be an interesting game Aj Milan against Cibona Zagreb, Larry Ayuso's team. Cibona must win if they want to stay still in the race for a place in the Top 16.
A. Fontana



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SINGAPORE

BBAXN Midweek League Season 7 -by Hector Santos
Registration is now open for teams wishing to join BBAXN Midweek League Season 7 or Saturday League Season 7. The leagues will commence in March 2008.

There are currently 12 teams competing in the Season 6 Midweek League across two divisions, and there are 20 teams currently competing in Season 6 of the Saturday League also across two divisions.

To register your team to be part of these exciting leagues in 2008 please click on the link below

MIDWEEK LEAGUE REGISTRATION

http://www.bbaxn.com/registerLeagueTeam.asp?leagueno=84

SATURDAY LEAGUE REGISTRATION

http://www.bbaxn.com/registerLeagueTeam.asp?leagueno=83

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SLOVAK REP.

Misinsky nails 45 for Kosice -by Eurobasket News
Round 17 had ended in Slovak Republic and brought some very good games. Inter Bratislava upset the leader Lucenec 74:84 in a road game and allowed Pezinok to tie the leader. Richard Misinsky (186-G-80) nailed 45 points for Kosice in a 102:77 win over HBK Prievidza.

The game between Lucenec and Inter Bratislava was the key one in the Round. A 18:29 in the second quarter was a result of the 4th loss for the hosts. Inter Bratislava won 84:74 and improved to 12-5. Daniel Novak (201-F/G-78, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 27 points. Pandula scored 21, while Micka added 14. Antonio Bicvic (199-F-82) resisted with 25 points for Lucenec.

Pezinok smashed BK Dolny Kubin 115:87 and tied the leader at 13-4. Andrej Lukjanec (203-F/C-69) paced the winners with 18 points, while Micuda had 17.Mario Kurilic (180-G-88) ended up with 24 points in defeat.

A benefit from Richard Misinsky was a result of 102:77 victory over HBK Prievidza. His Slavia TU Kosice controlled the whole game and improved to 3-14 in the league. Stojanovic supported the leader with 21 points and Ivan added 18. Hrvoje Puljko (193-G-83, agency: Interperformances) finished the game with 25 points in the losing effort.


Chemosvit Svit - MBK Rieker Komarno 91:85 (30:17, 23:23, 17:25, 21:20)
Chemosvit Svit: Peter Sedmak (203-C-85) 22, Bilik 17, Pezer 13, Hundert 13
MBK Rieker Komarno: Igor Majoros (200-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: SW Baptist) 24, Pivac 18, Barisic 17

BK CASTA SPU Nitra - Slovintegra Levice 76:72 (11:20, 26:21, 16:18, 23:13)
BK CASTA SPU Nitra: Hill 27, Andrej Cervenka (198-G/F-84) 16, Seman 11
Slovintegra Levice: Ladislav Lutovsky (198-F-75) 18, Gambiroza 14, Samanovic 13

Lucenec - Inter Bratislava 74:84 (19:18, 18:29, 16:13, 21:24)
Lucenec: Antonio Bicvic 25, Sykora 14, Krajco 10, Praznovsky 10
Inter Bratislava: Daniel Novak 27, Pandula 21, Micka 14

Slavia TU Kosice - HBK Prievidza 102:77 (25:22, 22:19, 27:16, 28:20)
Slavia TU Kosice: Richard Misinsky 45, Stojanovic 21, Ivan 18
HBK Prievidza: Hrvoje Puljko 25, Vucic 17, Immink 9

Nova Ves - MBK Handlova 90:64 (25:17, 20:12, 25:13, 20:22)
Nova Ves: Vladimir Hovanak (194-G-82) 18, Mason 14, Pesta 14
MBK Handlova: Milosevic 22, Vlaic 13, Bratic 6

Pezinok - BK Dolny Kubin 115:87 (32:16, 29:26, 22:19, 32:26)
Pezinok: Andrej Lukjanec 18, Micuda 17, Snopko 16
BK Dolny Kubin: Mario Kurilic 24, Filo 22, Sklarcik 11

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SPAIN

ACB Round 16 -by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid are now ghe outright leaders after Round 16 having won a close game in Seville against Cajasol who are now struggling in third from bottom of the table. It had looked like the home team had recovered from an awful start and to their credit pushed the league leaders all the way but lost out 77-74. Tyrone Ellis scored 19 points for Cajasol but the star of the game was Felipe Reyes who scored 32 points to go with 3 steals and 2 blocks.

Barcelona hosted surprise challengers Bilbao aware that the visitors have won some big games on the road this season but Dusko Ivanovic watched his team produce a great second half performance to pick up a 73-66 win as they held Bilbao to just 26 points. Roger Grimau top scoring with 14 points as five Barca players reached double-figures. Huertas picked up 23 points for Bilbao but didn't receive any real support from his team-mates.

DKV Joventut slipped to another loss as their form begins to wane. They were beaten at home to an impressive and dangerous Pamesa Valencia outfit who have made great strides since last year and could be set for some silverware this season. Their 92-85 victory in Badalona being set up by a blistering opening period when they opened up a double-figure lead. The dynamic duo of Ruben Douglas and Shammond Williams unstoppable as they scored 26 and 18 points respectively. It means that Pamesa now hgave the same 11-5 record as Joventut who for so long led the standings until recently.

Also tied on 11-5 with those two teams are Tau Ceramica with Baskonia picking upo a comfortable 90-80 home win against CB Granada. An impressive team performance from the home team who were 15 points up at the half and with the job just about done. The 39 rebounds and 18 assists showing Tau's strength as Igor Rakocevic recorded 20 points.

Arguably the biggest game in the ACB over the weekend was in Madrid where the bottom two teams met with Estudiantes hosting Grupo Begar Leon. It was an incredible game with nerves of Estu fans torn to shreds after their team had to fight back from a great Leon start to somehow edge the game 85-83. A stellar performance from Florent Pietrus (202-F-81, agency: Octagon) helped Estu over the line but whether the home fans recover from such a drama is another thing. Clearly the Madrid club still have some way to go to get out of trouble if they are to struggle so much against Leon who now look unlikely to make any run although they are only a couple of wins from safety.

Elsewhere in Madrid, Fuenlabrada also lifted the gloom a little with a fantastic 93-75 win over Akasvayu Girona. Valencia born veteran Salva Guardia rolling back the years with an incredible 29 points and 8 rebounds as a 32-14 third quarter won the game for the home club.

The biggest result of the round was perhaps Ricoh Manresa pulling off a shock 89-81 win over Unicaja. 26 points from Rafa Martinez vital as was a strong finish to the game that saw off the Malaga club who had been in a good run of form of late. Carlos Cabezas had 22 points for the visitors.

ViveMenorca are back in trouble after crashing 91-74 at Gran Canaria who themselves were in danger of being dragged into the relegation fight before this important win. A 33-14 second quarter from Granca turned the game in front of an unusually low but holiday affected crowd of just 3450.

Finally in Vallodolid, the home team continued their progression under Javier Imbroda with a comfortable 83-66 win over Polaris World Murcia. Brian Boddicker the star of the game with 20 points in an impressive display of shooting from the home team who converted 52% from the arc.

Round 15: Duane Virgil MVP LEB-Silver and Javier Mugica MVP LEB-Bronze -by Daniel Fernandez

In the first round of the new year 2008 Duane Virgil (205-F/C-74, college: Murray St.) (CB Illescas) was the MVP in the Adecco LEB-Silver with 30 of efficiency. Farho Gijon and CB Illescas are leading the LEB-Silver with 13 wins and 2 lost.
Javier Mugica (-83) (Carrefour El Bulevar) was the MVP in the Adecco LEB-Bronze with 30 of efficiency. Gestiberica Vigo and Rayet Guadalajara are leading this league with 11 wins and 4 lost.


Round 15 TOP 5 Efficiency LEB-Silver:

Duane Virgil (CB Illescas): 30 (22pt + 11rb)

Jason Blair (Plasencia): 29 (14pt + 16rb)

Elys Guzman (Imatge Sabadell): 27 (17pt + 14rb)

Fran Rueda (Almeria): 26 (21pt + 2rb)

Paulo Prestes (Axarquia): 25 (18pt + 10rb)


Round 15 TOP 15 Efficiency LEB-Bronze:

Javier Mugica (Carrefour): 30 (16pt + 10rb)

Calvin Clemmons (Torrealta Molina): 29 (18pt + 14rb)

Roberto Nunez (Rayet Guadalajara): 28 (23pt + 5rb)

Julian H. Lopez (ADT Tarragona): 28 (27pt + 6rb)

Jeffrie A. Mallory (Cajasur): 28 (18pt + 10rb)




Ivan Tomas signs for Fuenlabrada -by Francisco Martinez
Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada has officially confirmed the signing of Ivan Tomas (193-G-81) for the next season. The player parted ways with Siroki after receiving the offer from Fuenlabrada and he will join the team where is playing his brother Marko, loaned by Real Madrid in the current season.

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SWITZERLAND

The defending champions improve to 11-1 -by Eurobasket News
Benetton Fribourg Olympic is now 11-1 in the league after a home win over BBC Monthey 75:65. Harold Mrazek (191-G-73) paced the winners with 20 points. Birstal Starwings and Lugano Tigers remain close as they also grabbed the following wins.

Birstal Starwings beat Vevey Riviera on the road 75:91. With a tough game throughout it the visitors created a 12:22 run to finish on a happy note. Jared McCurry (191-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Bellarmine) top-scored with 28 points for Birstal Starwings.

Lugano topped Boncourt at home 98:84 to take 9-3 record. Derek Stockalper (196-G/F-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO) and Duane Erwin (206-F-82, college: Memphis) led the winners with 18 points each. Stephen Sir (198-G-82, college: N.Arizona) 's 35 points were not enough for the guests. Nyon won over Geneva Devils 85:87 away from home. Lausanne edged Vacallo 64:59 and Sion Herens downed Meyrin Grand Sacconex 86:68.

The next games are planned for January 12th. The key game of the round will be played on January 13th when Birstal will face Lugano Tigers. Benetton Fribourg Olympic will play against Nyon on a road.

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

Peltier MVP of PTSC -by David Edole
Devon Peltier (178-G) took the Physical Therapy Specialists Clinic New Year's Classic Tournament most valuable player honors after leading Missouri State University-West Plains to their third consecutive tournament championship.
Down nearly 20 points well into the second half, the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly basketball team mounted one of the program's best come-from-behind victories Saturday night when they defeated the Seminole (Okla.) State College Trojans 68-64 in the finals.
“We're fortunate that we had a great crowd tonight because the crowd really gave us energy and we fed off that energy,” Grizzly Head Coach Brian Ostermann said in a postgame interview. “They (Seminole) tried to keep the crowd out of it by taking time outs, and they were still up 8, 9, 10 points. They ran out of time outs, and that was to our advantage. They took us out and they took the crowd out for 30 minutes, and then the last 10 we came back and our crowd came back with us.”
The Grizzlies, now 18-1, went into the halftime break 15 points behind the Trojans, 36-21, and it looked like the visitors were going to cruise on to victory in the early minutes of the second half as they continued to build on their lead. But the cruise ship began making a sharp turn in the other direction as the Grizzlies started executing their plays better and chipping away at the Trojans' lead “one possession at a time,” Ostermann said.
The turn-around captured the attention of the hundreds of Grizzly fans filling the civic center stands, and they put the “sixth man” in action as they stood up, cheered and stomped their feet to spur the Grizzlies on.
With 4:39 remaining in the second half, the Grizzlies cut Seminole's lead to 59-54 on a bucket by freshman forward Wayne Jackson. From that point, the Grizzlies outscored the Trojans 14-5, thanks in large part to accurate free throw shooting. The Grizzlies connected on 17 of 22 attempts for the evening for 76 percent, while Seminole made 12 of 18 for 67 percent.
Devon Peltier led the Grizzlies in scoring with 11 points.
“Had we not won, I would have still said we showed great character,” Ostermann said.
Both Missouri State-West Plains and Seminole went into Saturday's game undefeated in the tournament. Friday, the Grizzlies defeated North Lake College of Irving, Texas, 86-70 while Seminole downed Northwest Mississippi Community College of Senatobia 86-82.
Missouri State University-West Plains opened up the PTSC with an easy win over Northwest Mississippi Community College of Senatobia 100-84Thursday night .Peltier had 17 points in the contest.

PRO REPORT -by David Edole
Word on DV
Coach Ettiore Messina of CSKA Moscow talks about Virgin Islander David Vanterpool (195-G/F-73, college: St.Bonaventure) in his end of the year wrap up. Vanterpool missed most of last season with a back injury and has not stepped on a basketball court since.
"It was also not an easy year for CSKA. The fact that we lost David Vanterpool for almost all the last season makes me sad. Not because of the result - Oscar Torres helped us a lot, even though he also got injured in Russian playoffs. But because he is a very special person to everyone in CSKA. We stay in touch with him, we think about him. Somehow we started to miss him more as a person than as a player.
I exchange e-mails with him very often. He's doing very well and does not think about returning to the basketball court yet. Even though he has some good offers from Italy including a very good one from Benetton Treviso which is struggling and needs some leadership on the point guard position. I think he is very happy now to stay with his family, do some other business and recover from his injury. Honestly, I am not sure if he will get back to playing basketball. He will be an excellent coach, I think. I am sure he will have an opportunity to start coaching career as an assistant in some good college or NBA team. He has some good connections there and he is a highly respected person."

Gumbs continues his hot streak.
Led by St. Thomas native Jerome Gumbs (194-F-82, college: USF), T71 Dudelange gained their fifth win of the season as they bumped Residence, 62-54, Sunday night in Luxembourg. T71 had to overcome sloppiness as they struggled to find the right rhythm early on. Residence looked better at the start outscoring the hosts 19-12. But Gumbs fueled his teammates to a resurgence midway through the game and T71 found a way to surge ahead 35-30 at halftime.
The defense prevailed in the third quarter as T71 limited their opponents to only 9 points and extended the advantage to 11 points heading into the fourth. Residence made a late charge in the dying stages to inch within 10 points but it was a little too late.
Gumbs burst out with 29 points and 11 boards. The 6-foot-5 guard spent all 40 minutes on the court and shined brightly for the home team.

Belgium
VOO Verviers-Pepinster climbed over .500 after knocking off Generali Okapi Aalstar, 88-82, Saturday night, in Belgium's Ethias League. St. Johnian Josiah James (201-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Birmingham Souther) had 12 points and five boards in the win. Pepinster's record improved to 8-7.

Germany
EWE Baskets Oldenburg beat Digibu Paderborn Baskets, 82-75, in overtime Sunday night in German Bond League. Jason Edwin (196-G/F-81, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Kent St.) had eight points and five boards for Paderborn (5-9).

Greece
Reggie Freeman (198-G/F-75, college: Texas) and A.G.O.R. Almeco stayed close for three periods but could not overcome Aris T. Bank, 55-72, in Greece Basketball. Freeman was the lone Almeco player in double figures when he scored 13 points, 4 boards and three assists.
Almeco (2-9) was down by five, 44-49, heading into the fourth and scored only 11 points in the frame.

Portugal
St. Thomas native Omari Peterkin (204-F/C-83, college: Boston U.) had 18 points and 7 boards to lead Lusitania over Belenenses Hyundai Lusifor, 95-82, Sunday night in Portuguese Basketball League (UZO). Lusitania outscored Belen, 29-21 in the first and sailed the rest of the way.
With the win, Lusitania (5-5) moves up to third place in the standings.

Spain
CAI Zaragoza kept their winning streak alive after thrashing CB Alcudia in the Spanish Basketball League (LEB) Gold Division. Cuthbert Victor (196-G-83, college: Murray St.) did not have a stellar night but did not have to. CAI was dominant from the jump ball and was never challenged. Victor finished with eight points, four boards. CAI (13-2) lead in the standing ballooned to two games.

The Americas
Jameel Heywood (198-F-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Oklahoma) and Club Atletico Lanus were upset by Echague of Parana, 78-81, Sunday night in Argentina's TNA action. Lanus, who sits in first place of the Southern Division, was outscored 21-16 in the fourth which decided the outcome of the game.
Heywood had a game high 25 points and five boards in the contest.
Echague has struggled for most of the season losing their first four consecutive games by routs. But has won its last five games and is now one game behind of Lanus (8-4).

The Pittsburgh Xplosion (11-11) swept the two game series with Albany Patroons in CBA action over the weekend. On Saturday, Carl Krauser (188-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) had 15 points, and five assists in the Xplosions, 121-109, win. Krauser put on a free throw shooting clinic going 9-of-10 from the charity stripe.
On Friday, Krauser stole the ball with under a minute to play which sealed the Xplosion's first road win of the season, 108-104. With Pittsburgh leading, 102-101, Krauser's steal of Lucious Jordan led to an Albert White basket to put Pittsburgh up by three. The Xplosion then hit 4-of-5 from the free throw line in the closing seconds.
Krauser scored 19 points while adding seven assists and five rebounds

The Miami Tropics' of the ABA have begun practice for the second phase of FIBA Americas League. Virgin Islander Ja Ja Richards (207-C-75, agency: EM-PA, college: Loyola, IL) played in the first round of the tourney biggest and averaged just two points and three rebounds per game. But Richards is not known for offense but his defensive presence. Richards, 6-foot-11 and 250 pounds, will use his size to help to the Tropics in the second round, when they face Santurce's 6-8, 285-pound NBA veteran Robert "Tractor" Traylor on Jan. 16 at Santurce in Puerto Rico. Santurce is the reigning champion of the Puerto Rican pro league.
The Miami Tropics finished the first round undefeated winning all three games by double digits.

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UKRAINE

El Khatib is out / Mazeika in try-outs -by Alexander Muzyka
- After Cherkasy Monkeys have lost to Kryvbasbasket-Lux there was not only Andri Podkovyrov fired. Fadi el Khatib (197-F-79) was back to Lebanon, too. Mykhailo Brodskyi, the president of Monkeys said the team made too much players' victims for el Khatib but that was made in vain.

- Khimik invited Martynas Mazeika (192-G-85) for try-outs. Remind that Nikola Lepojevic (195-G-82) has left the team so Khimik is looking for a smart guard. This week-end Khimik was stopped in Mykolaiv in sensational Round 13.

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URUGUAY

Two new import players for Hebraica and Union -by Hector Lopez
Marlon Martinez (204-F/C-77, agency: Duran International), from Dominican Republic, will play for Union Atletica and Mario Bennett (207-F-73, college: Arizona St.) signed with Hebraica Macabi to play the second stage of the LUB, the teams announced officially, Martinez will replace Axier Sucre, from Venezuela, and Benett will replace Carlos Wheeler.



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Women News

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BELGIUM - Women

IMC Dames Waregem jumps to 11-2 -by Eurobasket News
Round 13 in Belgian league left IMC Dames Waregem alone on top as the team celebrated the victory away from home. Another reason for it was that the game between Point Ch. Sprimont and Dexia Namur was postponed.

IMC Dames Waregem jumped to 11-2 record after a road win over BBC Boom 52:63. A 15:22 in the second quarter was a good opportunity for the guests to take control in the game. Another wins in the last quarters allowed them to grab 11th victory in the league. Nele Deyaert (186-F-79) and Kamila Oplustilova (188-C-78) led the winners with 16 points. Irina Medvedeva followed them with 10 points, while Vrenny Van driel scored 13 for the hosts.

St-Katelijne Waver was also happy to take a road win. The team overcame Kortrijk Sport 61:65 as Van dessel posted 20 points. Eveline Decroos (184-F-84) chipped in 14 and Virginie Michiels had 11. Wendy Sanders (185-C-67) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.

Novia Munalux Namur and Runkster celebrated home victories. Novia Munalux Namur beat Houthalen 66:43 as Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85) paced the winners with 16 points. Carrie Myers (180-G-85, college: Valparaiso) finished the game with 9 points in defeat. Runkster overcame Spirou Monceau 71:53 with 24 points from Sara Leemans (178-G/F-88).

BBC Boom - IMC Waregem 52-63 (17-17/15-22/8-11/12-13)
BBC Boom:Vrenny Van driel 13
IMC Waregem:Nele Deyaert 16, Kamila Oplustilova 16, Irina Medvedeva 10

Kortrijk Sport - St-Katelijne Waver 61-65 (19-13/12-11/14-14/16-27)
Kortrijk Sport:Wendy Sanders 16, Haike Hedebouw 15
St-Katelijne Waver: Van dessel 20, Eveline Decroos 14, Virginie Michiels 11

Novia Munalux Namur - Houthalen 66-43 (21-12/18-11/8-10/19-10)
Novia Munalux Namur: Stephanie Dubuc 16, Sarah Dochez 12, Fiasse 8
Houthalen:Carrie Myers 9

Runkster - Spirou Monceau 71-53 (18-11/13-13/14-14/26-15)
Runkster: Sara Leemans 24, Op de Beeck 10
Spirou Monceau: Marta Zylczynska (183-F-81, agency: Promotex) 14, Tirtiaux 9

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FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: Stephanie Higgs now in Finland -by Rauno Hurmalainen
American G-F Stephanie Higgs (177-G/F-85, college: Georgia Tech) will continue her professional career in Finland. Higgs started her first season in Europe by playing on top level in Greece (# 14 Aias Evosmou, record 1-11). The contract was cut in December because of Team's financial problems. Now Higgs is on Espoo Team
roster and will replace two foreigner players, Yolanda Jones and Mirka Jarchovska.

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ICELAND - Women

Keflavik rule with 10-2 record -by Eurobasket News
An interesting and exciting league remain three teams very close to each other in Iceland. Keflavik is happy to rule with 10-2, while KR and Grindavik have 10-3 each.

Keflavik smashed Fjolnir 112:77 in the game over the weekend. Trailing after the opening quarter the hosts took a control of the game later in it. In the third quarter after 35:12 it became clear about the 10th win of the favorite. TaKesha Watson (170-G-82, college: Oklahoma City) led the winners with 18 points. Gunnlaugsdуttir posted 17, while Sturludуttir scored 16. Dimovska had a great game for the visitors nailing 34 points.
Grindavik beat Hamar 96:79 to take 10-3 record. The hosts had 16 points advantage after the first half and held the score for good. Joanna Skiba (163-G-85, agency: IceBasket, college: Bryant) paced all the winners with 29 points. Tiffany Roberson (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Chattanooga) collected 24 points and 19 rebounds and Stefбnsdуttir scored 15. La Kiste Barkus (175-G, agency: IceBasket, college: Louisiana Tech) ended up with 28 points and 14 rebounds in defeat.
KR overcame Haukar on a road being the only team to win away from home. KR reached 10-3 after a 74:80 road victory. Hildur Sigurрardуttir nailed 27 points while Бmundadуttir scored 15. Sigurjуnsdуttir finished the game with 17 points for the hosts.

Haukar - KR 74:80
Haukar:Sigurjуnsdуttir 17, Kiera Hardy (168-G-85, college: Nebraska) 16
KR:Hildur Sigurрardуttir 27, Бmundadуttir 15, Юorsteinsdуttir 14

Keflavik - Fjolnir 112:77
Keflavik:TaKesha Watson 18, Gunnlaugsdуttir 17, Sturludуttir 16
Fjolnir:Slavica Dimovska (-85) 34, Grйtarsdуttir 18

Grindavik- Hamar 96:79
Grindavik:Joanna Skiba 29, Tiffany Roberson 24+19 rebs, Stefбnsdуttir 15
Hamar: La Kiste Barkus 28+14 rebs, Hбlfdбnardуttir 15

KR beat Haukar without M. Martin -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
KR who played without leading scorer in the league 38.5ppg Monique Martin beat Haukar 80-74. Great team caracter. Leading scorers for Haukar.Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir 17. Kiera Hardy 16. Unnur Tara Jonsdottir 15.
For KR. Hildur Sigurdardottir (170-G-81, agency: IceBasket) 27. Sigrun Amundadottir 15 + 14 rebs. Gudrun Thorsteinsdottir 14. Gudrun Amundadottir 13.
Grindavik 96 Hamar 79. Big game from Joanna Skiba (163-G-85, agency: IceBasket, college: Bryant) (163-G-85, agency: IceBasket, college: Bryant) 29 pts + 9 assist