EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/11/2008

Copyright © 1997-2008 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Cairns send the New Zealand Breakers to the first loss - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand Breakers - Cairns Taipans 111:122

Cairns fired 70 points in the second half of their game against the Breakers in Auckland to secure the third win in the season. The game that saw 18 lead changes till the midway through the third frame then turned into the surge from the visitors as they rolled to the impressive win. Darnell Mee (197-G-72, college: W.Kentucky) came up with 26 points and 7 assists to pace the Taipans to 3-2 record. David Thomas (204-G/F-76, college: Michigan St.) contributed 22 points and 6 boards, while Ian Crosswhite (212-F-82, college: Oregon) added 21 points for the winners. Rick Rickert (211-F-83, college: Minnesota) posted another double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Breakers. Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) finished with 24 points in the loss.
The Taipans jumped to a 25:11 lead early on. But triples from CJ Bruton, Kirk Penney and Phill Jones allowed the hosts to trail by 3 points at the intermission 25:28. Paul Henare converted a layup to give the Breakers a 39:37 lead in the middle of the second quarter. The home team stretched the margin to 8 points at halftime 60:52. Darnell Mee and Stephen Black fired from downtown to fuel the Taipans comeback effort. The visitors spurred ahead and built an 87:83 advantage with one quarter left. Larry Abney (206-F/C-77, college: Fresno St.) and Darnell Mee ensured the gap stretched to 14 points midway through the fourth term and Cairns looked too good for the hosts at the moment. The Breakers leaders got into foul trouble and Cairns capitalized sealing the third win in the season. The Breakers remained on top of the ladder despite the loss and would host the Gold Coast Blaze on October 16. The Cairns Taipans will take on the Blaze on October 18 at the Cairns Convention Centre.

New Zealand Breakers: Rick Rickert 25+10 boards, Kirk Penney 24
Cairns Taipans: Darnell Mee 26, David Thomas 22, Ian Crosswhite 21

*****************************************************
  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Thriller win for Mega HL in Balkan league, round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Mega Hypo Leasing finally made it this season. After two defeats in Serbian A1 league and one totally unlucky in Balkan league on Tuesday, Belgrade's team celebrated in Sophia against Levski 81-80. Bulgarians were much better at the beginning. Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado) and Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78, agency: Interperformances) made few baskets leading their team to plus 8 after ten minutes, 21-13. Very soon Mega HL demonstrated some of its qualities but still not enough to get any closer until the half time. Totally different picture was seen on the court after the breather. Mega HL was the team which controlled rhythm of the game. Poing guard Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) and experienced Miroslav Markovic (201-F-75, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for their team and together with young Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) and Christopher Schlatter (203-F-81, college: Washington St.) drained 29 points in third frame. On the other side Bulgarians couldn't handle Mega's pressure in defense making few mistakes. At the same time Levski missed few important shots ended third quarter with only 13. However, Levski didn't give up and mostly owing to Marcus Hall grabbed 80-78 with 20 seconds remaining. It seems that luck was on Mega's side last night as after time out Miroslav Markovic took the ball pulling up a jump shot from behind the arc and fortunately to visitors it was the successful one.
Igor Mijajlovic netted 19 points and dished out 5 assists for the winners. Miroslav Markovic also scored 19 including this winning triple at the very end. Stefan Stojacic had 11 points and 4 boards while Christopher Schlatter stopped on 10 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Hall shined for the hosts with 26 points and boards. Stefan Georgiev also registered double-double, 18 points and 14 rebounds.


Levski - Mega Hypo Leasing 80-81
(21-13, 21-21, 13-29, 25-18)

Levski: Hall 26 (10 rebs), Georgiev 18 (14 rebs), Slaveykov 10 (10 rebs)
Mega HL: Mijajlovic 19 (5 as), Markovic 19, Stojacic 11 (4 rebs), Schlatter 10 (6 rebs)

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


Injury Report - by Peter Buyse

Good news for Okapi Aalstar who see one of their main scorers return to the active roster after missing some time due to injury. Pablo Gonzales (191-G-78, college: Sacramento St.) is scheduled to make his return in this weekend's cup game.

Mons guard Travis Conlan (194-G-75, college: Michigan) will still be out for this weekend's game.

Gent guard Jesse Kimbrough (183-G-82, college: Jacksonville) is doubtfull for the road game on Saturday vs Antwerp. He missed the last games of the pre-season as well as the first league game vs Verviers-Pepinster.

Stats Leaders - Division I
D1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Cage - Liege 25.0
2. Miller - Leuven 21.0
3. Randle - Gent 20.0
4. Green - MH 20.0
5. Loubry - Gent 18.0
Rebounds Per Game
1. Randle - Gent 11.0
2. Thomas - Liege 11.0
3. De Zeeuw - VP 11.0
4. Cantrell - Aalst 10.0
5. Ebong - MH 10.0
Assists Per Game
1. Wison - Liege 11.0
2. Loubry - Gent 7.0
3. Huffman - Aalst 6.0
4. Lojeski - Aalst 5.0
5. De Zeeuw - VP 5.0


*****************************************************
  BELIZE   


Standings
Semi Pro League Standings
 1. Bank Bulldogs 7-1 
 2. Tigersharks 6-2 
 3. BNE Oilers 3-5 
 4. Orange 3-5 
 5. Corozal 1-7 


Stats Leaders
U-26 Tournament Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Pratt 20.7 ppg
2. Edwards Koolie 20.3 ppg
3. Wahlford 17.9 ppg
Rebounds Per Game
1. Williams 11.9 rpg
2. Serrano 9.2 rpg
3. Staine 8.2 rpg
Assists Per Game
1. Felix 4.8 apg
2. Edwards Joka 3.14 apg
3. Leslie 2.6 apg
Steals Per Game
1. Ellis 4.7 spg
2. Edwards Koolie 3.7 spg
3. Felix 3.1 spg
Blocks Per Game
1. Swasey 2.2 bpg
2. Leslie 1.3 bpg
3. Pratt 1.2 bpg
3FGP
1. Edwards Coolie 3.8 pg
2. Rivers 3.03 pg
3. Chavarria 1.83 pg


*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Lukoil Akademik outplays Apollon on Cyprus - by Eurobasket News
Reining Bulgarian champion once again was better than Cypriot Apollon Limassol. This time it happened on Cyprius, where Bulgarians celebrated 65-48. As a reminder, in the first friendly between these two teams, Lukoil grabbed a huge victory 90-69.

Lukoil started the latest match in style. Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford) and Nenad Canak (204-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) were in a game mood helping Bulgarian team to reach 26-16 after opening ten minutes. However, Cypriots didn't want to give up. During the following ten minutes they took control on Lukoil coming on just 33-32 before the half time. Adeleke and Canak once again stepped up for their team after the breather. They, together with Todor Stoykov (198-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances) and Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances), led Lukoil to impressive 20 minutes. At the end, it was more than comfortable win for Bulgarian champion. Kenny Adeleke collected 14 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Nenad Canak also was good having 10 points and also 8 boards. Todor Stoykov and Dimitar Angelov stopped on 10 points each.

First game of Lukoil Akademik is delayed due to big troubles of Balkan Botevgrad, which won't take a place in NBL this season.

Balkan Botevgrad out of NBL - by Eurobasket News
Extremely bad news showed up yesterday. Balkan Botevgrad won't compete in NBL next season. The new team which will take Balkan's place is Sliven. There is a lot of reasons why Balkan won't be one of the participants in Bulgaria's top division. The first one for sure is that just a day before the first round the team didn't confirm its roster to BBF. The other reason is that Balkan didn't make the necessary payments in order to play in NBL. Thus BBF had to react very quick promoting Sliven to top division.

In the meantime, Tundja Yambol revenged to Olin Edrine for defeat in the first game celebrating 89-84. Turkish team was a way better during the first 30 minutes. Actually it entered into the last frame with comfortable plus 10 but it was not enough for the win at the end. Bulgarians played wonderful last quarter finishing it 28-13. It was a great last check before the beginning of NBL. Stoyan Petkov (195-F-85) top-scored for Yambol with 16 points. Scott O'Gallagher (188-G, college: Warner Pacific) shined once again draining one point less. Pavel Marinov (196-G-88) had 14 while Martin Radnev (180-G-89) stopped on 9 points. In the first round of A1 Tundja Yambol will meet Levski in Sophia.

Unlucky defeat for Levski in BIBL - by Eurobasket News

Mega Hypo Leasing finally made it this season. After two defeats in Serbian A1 league and one totally unlucky in Balkan league on Tuesday, Belgrade's team celebrated in Sophia against Levski 81-80. Bulgarians were much better at the beginning. Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado) and Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78, agency: Interperformances) made few baskets leading their team to plus 8 after ten minutes, 21-13. Very soon Mega HL demonstrated some of its qualities but still not enough to get any closer until the half time. Totally different picture was seen on the court after the breather. Mega HL was the team which controlled rhythm of the game. Poing guard Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) and experienced Miroslav Markovic (201-F-75, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for their team and together with young Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) and Christopher Schlatter (203-F-81, college: Washington St.) drained 29 points in third frame. On the other side Bulgarians couldn't handle Mega's pressure in defense making few mistakes. At the same time Levski missed few important shots ended third quarter with only 13. However, Levski didn't give up and mostly owing to Marcus Hall grabbed 80-78 with 20 seconds remaining. It seems that luck was on Mega's side last night as after time out Miroslav Markovic took the ball pulling up a jump shot from behind the arc and fortunately to visitors it was the successful one.
Igor Mijajlovic netted 19 points and dished out 5 assists for the winners. Miroslav Markovic also scored 19 including this winning triple at the very end. Stefan Stojacic had 11 points and 4 boards while Christopher Schlatter stopped on 10 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Hall shined for the hosts with 26 points and boards. Stefan Georgiev also registered double-double, 18 points and 14 rebounds.


Levski - Mega Hypo Leasing 80-81
(21-13, 21-21, 13-29, 25-18)

Levski: Hall 26 (10 rebs), Georgiev 18 (14 rebs), Slaveykov 10 (10 rebs)
Mega HL: Mijajlovic 19 (5 as), Markovic 19, Stojacic 11 (4 rebs), Schlatter 10 (6 rebs)



*****************************************************
  CROATIA   


Zabok enters into the new season with big appetites - by Eurobasket News
A1 team Zabok heads into the new season with much bigger ambitions than it was in the last one. Head coach of the team and at the same time Sports Director Dragutin Crnjevic managed to keep Zabok's best player from the last season Ive Ivanov (201-C-85, agency: 011 Sports). During the summer the team agreed terms with Tomislav Drazovic (189-G-87) and Antonio Bilic (190-G-86) from Borik Puntamika. New members of Zabok are also Zoran Pehar (210-C-81), who arrived from Sibenik, and Sasa Jankovic (-F), who played 07/08 in Slovakian championship. Luka Katura (194-G-89) decided to move from Rudes to Zabok while the team also grabbed Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84), Nikola Garma (203-F-85, agency: Agency No 10) and Vedran Nakic (184-G) on loan from Cibona. Captain Robert Lez (200-F-79) as well as Igor Peklaric (200-F-79) and Luka Lekic (186-G-83) stayed in the club for at least one more season. In the first round of A1 league Zabok will meet Trogir at home.

Meanwhile, Croatian big guy Stanko Barac (217-C-86) celebrated for the second time in Spanish ACB league this season. In the front of its fans, the team from Vitoria was better than Ricoh Manresa 80-67. Barac got pretty good 22 minutes in this game. He registered double-double collecting 11 points and impressive 10 rebounds. Barac made 4/6 fro FG2 and 3/5 from the FT line. The best scorer of his team once again was Serbian player Igor Rakocevic, who scored 19 points. Next round will be extremely exciting as Tau will play in Malaga against also undefeated Unicaja.

*****************************************************
  DENMARK   


BK Amager wins the opener of the League - by Eurobasket News
BK Amager celebrated the opener of the Danish league at home over Team Fog Naestved. The hosts were too good in all the components of the game and won 106:73. Peter Johansen (204-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) led the winners with 20 points. Kristian Norsgaard (190-G-79) netted 17, whilst Nicolas Christensen (190-G-90) posted 14. Mickey Dennis (190-G/F-78, college: JMU) ended up with 18 points in defeat and Sasa Dordevic added 17.
It was an offensive start in the game as the players scored many good shots in the opening quarter. BK Amager won the first 24-17 and after that never looked behind. The hosts produced 31-20 in the second and increased to 55:37 at the halftime.
The picture did not change in the second half with BK Amager dominating the court. The hosts had 29-18 in the third stanza and desired to reach three digits in the end. With 22-18 in the last period they scored 106 points in their opener in Danish League. The rest of the games to be played later in the week.
Meanwhile Bilal Clarance (195-G/F-79, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: NW Missouri St.) opened the season in Spain for Promobys. In his first game Bilal scored 6 points, made 3 assists and 2 rebounds in 79:74 over V.Siglo XXI.

BK Amager - Team Fog Naestved 106 - 73 (24 - 17, 31 - 20 29 - 18, 22 - 18)
BK Amager: Peter Johansen 20, Kristian Norsgaard 17, Nicolas Christensen 14
Team Fog Naestved:Mickey Dennis 18, Sasa Dordevic 17

*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Former D-Leaguers in NBA Pre-season Action on Thursday - by Surujh Roopnarine
New Jersey Nets (100) at Miami Heat (98) OT
NETS: Eddie Gill (6'0''-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.) (14pt+2rb+3st), Bobby Simmons (7p+2rb+3st), Maurice Ager (3pt)
HEAT: Joel Anthony (6'9''-C-82, college: UNLV) (5pt+6rb+3bs)

Dallas Mavericks (110) at Chicago Bulls (102)
MAVS: Gerald Green (6'8''-G/F-86) (18pt), Jose Juan Barea (11pt+5as), Brandon Bass (10pt+4rb), Cheyne Gadson (2pt+2as)
BULLS: Darius Washington (6'2''-G-85, college: Memphis) (14pt+2st), Demetris Nichols (6pt), Roger Powell (2pt+2rb)

San Antonio Spurs (78) at Houston Rockets (85)
SPURS: Ime Udoka (6'5''-F/G-77, college: Portland St.) (5pt+7rb+2st), Anthony Tolliver (7pt+5rb), Darryl Watkins (7pt+4rb+2bs), Devin Green (7pt+2rb+3as)
ROCKETS: Von Wafer (6'5''-G-85, college: Florida St.) (14pt+2rb+2as), Aaron Brooks (7pt+3as), Chuck Hayes (2pt+6rb), Mike Harris (4pt+4rb)

Phoenix Suns (96) at Utah Jazz (89)
SUNS: Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA) (19pt+13rb+3as), Alando Tucker (21pt+6rb), Robert Hite (6pt+2rb), Louis Amundson (4pt+4rb)
JAZZ: Morris Almond (6'6''-F-85, college: Rice) (10pt), C.J. Miles (4pt+2rb), Gerry McNamara (6pt), Kevin Lyde (2pt+2rb)

Los Angeles Clippers (107) at Los Angeles Lakers (80)
CLIPPERS: Mike Taylor (6'2''-G-86, college: Iowa St.) (20pt+3rb+3as+5to), Steve Novak (12pt), Jelani McCoy (3pt)
LAKERS: Jordan Farmar (6'2''-G-86, college: UCLA) (12pt+3rb+2as)

*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Jerel Blassingame gave 11 assists - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 4: There is only one Team without a victory anymore in Top League. ToPo (Helsinki) scored only 63 pts, but sometimes you can even win with
that few points. ToPo's guest Tarmo (Porvoo) got ten (10!) pts from three professional foreigner players and when Team Tarmo had only 53 pts, ToPo's first victory was clear. Eero Lehtinen led ToPo with 14 pts. James Allen (194-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Montevallo) and Elias Kajander (196-F-80) added both 11 pts. Tarmo got 14 pts from Ville-Pertti Lind (197-F-80). Both teams had 23 TOs.
When YMCA Lappeenranta defeated FoKoPo (Forssa) 95-88 (40-41) American PG Jerel Blassingame (175-G-81, agency: CAA Sports, college: UNLV) gave 11 assists. Demtrius Brown (197-F-83, college: San Jose St.) led YMCA LPR with 27 pts. HL Coleman (202-F-74, college: Wyoming) added 21 pts and grabbed 10 rbs. FoKoPo's Ray Cunningham (199-F-79, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Murray St.) tallied 26 and Arto Talvitie (190-G-80) added 14 pts.

ToPo - Tarmo 63-53 (37-19) (Eero Lehtinen 14, James Allen 11 - Ville-Pertti Lind 14, Mikael Holme 11).

YMCA Lappeenranta - FoKoPo 95-88 (40-41) (Demtrius Brown 27, HL Coleman 21/10 - Ray Cunningham 26, Arto Talvitie 14).



*****************************************************
  GERMANY   


Giants snap up Lodrick Stewart - by Moritz Korff
The Giants Noerdlingen (1. Bundesliga) have found a new player in Lodrick Stewart (193-G-85, college: USC). The 23-year-old guard replaces Julius Page (191-G-82, college: Pittsburgh) who had left the club recently. Stewart spent his NCAA-career at the University of Southern California, playing for former NBA-coach Tim Floyd. As a senior he averaged 13.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest (2006-07 season). He had to overcome some difficulties in the past months as one of his brothers earlier this year and his twin-brother Rodrick Stewart (193-G, college: Kansas) suffered a career-ending knee injury in practice with the University of Kansas Jayhawks.

*****************************************************
  GREECE   


Sferopoulos: We will try to ensure our next season in A1 the sooner the possible - by Kostas Papadopoulos
At the press conference held yesterday, since the A1 championship begins on Saturday, our site met Giannis Sferopoulos . The new head coach of Kolossos Rhodes told us about his team and its future at this championship:
The level of the championship is rising every season and we, as a team of the out-of-the centre-region, want to become a standard member in the A1 championship. We would like it to be understood by all the Greek fans. We will try, therefore, to ensure our next season in A1 the sooner the possible and from there and beyond to fight without such a pressure in order to make the better we can. We have a lot of new players, pressure is my philosophy in the game and both patience and work are needed in order for us to achieve our objectives. I wish that next year Kolossos would be found in a forwarder table and this will become only if we take a better place in the championship than last year, where we were not downgraded in the last day.
And he added: Of course we have changed almost the whole team with the exception of our captain Antonis Asimakopoulos (204-F-76) and Miroslav Todic (208-F-85), who however was injured. Time is needed in order for us to become good as a team and we would be improved from game to game. I wish the championship to be better qualitatively and from what all the teams have shown until now, all of them have been strengthened; thus, there will not exist an easy opponent. I believe there are more qualitative teams this season, hence the championship will become even more qualitative. And I would like also to point out that I wish a championship without violence.
Concerning the fact that the first game against AEK at Athens will not host any fans since AEK has been punished for last seasons incidents, Giannis Sferopoulos stated: The fact that the game will be carried out without fans and in a frozen atmosphere will influence both teams. We have worked well enough in order to be ready in the beginning of the championship; except for certain serious problems of injuries, everything has gone according to our programme. We are in a good point and wait for the beginning of championship, after two months of hard work. We begin with a difficult game away, with a team that although it had its own problems, has been organised during the last time, has been coiled and joined many experienced players in its roster. I believe that it is a difficult game.
Antonis Asimakopoulos was also present at the press conference and stated that we want to make one step forward in comparison to the last season and this it will become only through the training. Through the hard work it will come out what we seek. The games represent the mirror for all of us and I am sure that we will achieve our goal. Besides, I want to make also an invitation to everybody: come to the fields to entertain the game that we all love. It is just a game and through entertainment, everything will go fine.

A1 News: Kavala out Dafni in ? - by Serafim Karaiskakis

One day before the start of the new season the Professional Athletic Committee announced that the newcomer Kavala is out from A1 league because they did not provided the necessary papers. We remind Kavala merged with Panorama who won the promotion in A1 but by paying them an amount of money. The third team in A2 last season, Dafni claims is the legal team which should play in A1. One other opinion is coming from Ionikos Lamias the fourth team in A2, they say that Kavalas promotion is illegal, the battle is on the courts, its wrong a team to pay money to other team so to play in a bigger league and about Dafni they say that they have debts from past seasons so their team must play in A1 and for that reason they decided not to play again A2 unless they give them the green light to play in A1 in the place of Kavala. A total mess few hours before the first jump ball in A1. Esake already made announcement and postponed the game tomorrow between Kavala and AEL Larisa.

The question to all is why have 14 teams in A1 with 2,3 weak teams, unstable financially which cause problem in the Greek basketball by bringing players who dont pay them, having many disputes about the tv rights and some playing in small courts with no fans ?

It will be better for all to have 12 teams in A1 which will be independent financially, playing in good courts and having many supporters.

In the next days we will know and we hope we will have a decision for the good of the Greek basketball and to learn from others (Italian and Spanish federation) that rules are made to follow them, its not bad to have 13 teams this season and next year 12.



*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


FEB Results: ABC Eclipse Jet/MyGuide, Eiffel Towers, Matrixx Magixx, Hanzevast Capitals Cruise To Easy Wins - by Sanders Jackson


Thursday night in FEB action, defending Dutch champion ABC Eclipse Jet/MyGuide made a statement in their matchup vs. West-Brabant Giants, Eiffel Towers made shortwork of Landstede Basketball, Matrixx Magixx overcame a rough start at home vs. Rotterdam Challengers, while Hanzevast Capitals kept the game under their control vs. Aris Friesland.

In the Sporthallen-Zuid, Eclipse Jet/MyGuide extended their lead from 50-39 to putting the game out of reach in the 3rd quarter (75-52) for winless West-Brabant Giants, eventually prevailing in a 93-68 blowout win. CC Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.) led the way for Eclipse Jet/MyGuide with 21 pts. The EJ/MG defense forced 23 Giants turnovers and West-Brabant had only 6 total assists. The defending Dutch champions are now 2-0.


In the Maaspoort, Eiffel Towers got a big boost in the 2nd quarter from Dutch center Marcel Aarts (213-C-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy), whose strong play gave Eiffel the spark needed to pull away to an 88-63 blowout win over winless Landstede Basketball. After a tight 1st quarter, Aarts scored 10 of Eiffel's first 15 pts. of the 2nd quarter, helping Eiffel stake a 40-30 halftime lead. Eiffel came out smoking after halftime, with a 14-0 run led by former NBA'er Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota), which turned out to be all she wrote for Landstede. Beasley led Eiffel with 18 pts. and 9 rebounds. Landstede, who have shot poorly the first two games from the three-point line (just 9 for 49 total), were led by a game-high 19 pts. by Robby Bostain (191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman). Eiffel's bench made also a big difference, outscoring Landstede's by a 45-20 differnce. Eiffel Towers are now 2-0, while Landstede are 0-2.


In the Horstacker, Matrixx Magixx found themselves on the wrong end of the score at the end of the 1st quarter (down 23-10) vs. Rotterdam Challengers, but like a boxer suffering a knockdown, Matrixx counterpunched back in the 2nd quarter with a 36-20 difference (46-43 halftime), dominating the 2nd half and cruising to a 91-72 blowout win. Matrixx had good balanced scoring led by Frank Tolbert (193-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) with 19 pts. ( 3 three-pointers), Gerrit Brigitha (204-F/C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) adding 17 pts. (3 threes), Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) with 16. and Ryan Sears (185-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Creighton) with 15 pts. All four players made a total of 11 three-pointers. Rotterdam's Phil Grant (202-G/F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Iona) led all scorers with 27 pts.


In Leeuwarden, Hanzevast Capitals get their 1st win of the season vs. winless Aris Friesland, having just enough more to prevent an Aris win, winning 72-66. Hanzevast dominated in the first five minutes of the game (12-0 run), with Hanzevast center Ransford Brempong (203-F-81, college: W.Carolina) being a human eraser in the paint, swatting away five shots in the run. Hanzevast led at the half 41-29, and eventually Aris Friesland would come back, cutting the score to 45-42, but Hanzevast still prevented them from hetting over the hump. Aris had a chance to cut into the lead being down 68-64, but failed to score on three possessions. Chaz McCrommon (197-F/G-82, agency: Court Side, college: Robert Morris) and Zoran Krstanovic (205-C-82) led Hanzevast with 11 pts. each. Hanzevast are now 1-1, while Aris falls to 0-2.



*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


Ramat Gan inks Anthony Miles, completes roster - by Yehonatan Eliahu
Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan announced it's last signing for the upcoming season: American Forward Anthony Mills (201-F). A former graduate of Xavier, Miles played previously in Italy and Spain's second division, before moving to China, where he played successfully for the last three seasons. He averaged last season 26.6 points. He recently signed with French side Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket, but sacked shortly, and now he is headed to Ramat Gan. Ramat Gan will take on Iscar Naharia on Monday in the Winner Cup( pre-season tournament) opening .

*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Serie A finally at the start. Eurobasket ranking - by Gianni Pascucci
At last, the teams will go on the court for official games, and Eurobasket.com tries to publsh its 2008-09 Serie A preseason ranking. We would divide the 16 teams remained in the race in four groups as we did for Lega 2. The 'Five Stars Teams' however, are only 2: Siena and Roma. We expect Siena to top the table all season long with only Roma able to challenge its supremacy. The 'Four Stars Teams' are Virtus Bologna, Milano, Fortitudo Bologna, Treviso and Avellino. These teams should always stay in the first half of the table, battling for the first seats, and some of them could worry Siena and Roma at the top. Also, it would be really surprisiing if some of them won't qualify for the playoffs, but we don' see them able to go tille the end, winning the title. The 'Three Stars Teams' are Pesaro, Cantu, Caserta and Ferrara. They should not be involved in the battle to avoid relegation and one of them willl fill the last spot in the playoff grid. Our preference in this goes to Pesaro, with Cantu immediately behind. The 'Two Stars Teams' are all the remaining ones: Teramo, Udine, Biella, Montegranaro and Rieti. We expect them battling for avoid the relegation to Lega 2 all season long, none of them seem able to advance to the playoffs, and after the last market moves these teams are very balanced. It will be a looong season for all of them. Let's see ... And here too we wish a very happy season to all players, coaches and, above all, fans.

A.J. Guyton joins Interperformances - by Interperformances
6.2 guard A.J. Guyton (187-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Indiana) has signed a representation agreement with Interperformances. A.J. has played at all levels, from NCAA (with Indiana Hoosiers) to NBA (with Chicago Bulls). In the last seasons he played in Europe: A.J. played for four years in Italy (two with Fortitudo Bologna and one with Virtus Bologna and Viola Reggio Calabria) moving then to Croatia, Greece and Sweden.

*****************************************************
  KUWAIT   


Day 1: 2nd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup - by Mohammed Malas
KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup): Kazakhstan posted a 77-76 win against Qatar in the opening game of the FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup on Thursday.

Trailing 39-52, midway through the third quarter, Qatar fought back gallantly to go ahead 76-74, when Hammam Ismail struck from inside the paint with about three minutes left in the game.

But the rest of the duration saw Qatar falter in otherwise regulation attempts and go barren in the final three minutes of the game.

Vsevolod Fadeikin converted a free-throw and Alexander Tyutyunik struck from the wing to give Kazakhstan the win.

Qatars Erfan Saeed led the scoring for the game with 27 points and was adjudged the MVP.

Anton Ponomarev (209-C-88) scored four three-pointers in his team-high 21 points for Kazakhstan.

I think beating an opposition like Qatar was very important for the confidence of my boys, Kazakhstan coach Vitaly Strebkov said.

Kazakhstan had lost 69-78 in the William Jones Cup 2008, the last time the two had met.

Im happy with the result, but definitely not happy with the way we let them fight back a big deficit, Strebkov said.

With little to choose between them in terms of enthusiasm as well as efficiency both Kazakhstan and Qatar went neck and neck for the entire first half.

Qatar led the first quarter 16-13, but Kazakhstan fought back with a 22-18 advantage to close the first half 35-34 ahead.

The tone of the game seemed to continue in the early stages of the third quarter.

But Tyutyunik, who last month spearheaded Kazakhstan to the silver medal in the FIBA Asia U18 Championship, scored 10 of his games 17 points to give Kazakhstan a 52-39 lead. That was the largest difference for either team in the game.

I think the boys got a little complacent at that stage, Strebkov said.

Our defense began to slacken, he added.

Im glad they missed too many in the final minutes, Strebkov heaved a sigh of relief.

I think I can be proud of the way the boys fought back from that deficit, Qatar coach Kent Davison said.

But I think we made too many mistakes in the final moments and couldnt seal the issue, the American said.

Defeats in tournaments like these only toughen out the team for the bigger battles, Davison said.

Lets not forget we have come here without three of our experienced players. So its time for those on the wing to get the experience. Such defeats are normal in the learning process.

Scores
Kazakhstan 77 (Anton Ponomarev 21, Alexander Tyutyunik 17, Rustam Yargaliev 14) bt
Qatar 76 (Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) 27, Mansour El Hadary (178-G-90) 14).

Quarterwise scores: 13-16, 35-34, 62-59.

S Mageshwaran
Courtesy of FIBA Asia

*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Jarryd Lloyd signs with SK Valmiera - by Interperformances
6.0 point guard Jarryd Lloyd (183-G-86), former player of Valparaiso Crusaders, has just signed a deal with one of the best teams of the Baltic League, the Latvian club SK Valmiera.
Jarryd Lloyd was selected as Sixth Man of The Year in the Horizon Conference. He led Valparaiso University in assists and was second leading scorer on his team. In the 2007-08 season Jarryd has been selected to the Horizon League All Tournament.

*****************************************************
  LIGA AMERICAS   


2008/09 FIBA Americas Leagues New Structure - by Eurobasket
The International Basketball Federation in America (FIBA Americas), with headquarters in San Juan, Puerto Rico, announced the new competition format for the 2008/2009 Edition of the FIBA Americas League.
With the national and international competition schedules as the main reason for this new change, the 2008/09 FIBA Americas League shall be held under a new game system.
On this Second Edition, and as the First one, 16 (sixteen) teams will be participating, starting the second week of December 2008 through the first week of February 2009.
Two four-team series will be played in both the South and North regions of the Americas, with two of them scheduled for December 2008, and the other two for January 2009.
The winners of each four-team series will qualify for the Final Four, which is scheduled for February 2009.
As with the first Edition, every game will be broadcasted by FOX Sports for the whole continent. The bidding process for those teams interested in hosting one of those four-team series has already begun.
The countries that have already confirmed their representation at the FIBA AMERICAS LEAUE 2008/09 are: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay for South America. For Central America and the Caribbean, Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Dominican Republic.
The FIBA Americas League is the most important Clubs competition in the Americas. Sixteen teams were active in the first edition, with Mar del Plata Pearol (from Argentina) crowned as the 2007/08 Champions.

Courtesy of FIBA Americas

*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


MNT 1/18 F. of CUP - by Dragan Scepanovic
MNT 1/8 FINAL GAMES :

BC CENTAR vs BC NIKSIC 13.10.2008. 17:00h SC Nikoljac B.Polje
Reff . : Sundic-Radulovic, Novovic

BC PODGORICA vs BC PRIMORJE 12.10.2008. 18:30 SC T Mobile Podgorica
Reff. : Koljensic-Savovic, Kasalica

BC ULCINJ vs BC DANILOVGRAD 11.10.2008. 18:00h O.S.M.Tito - DERBY GAME
Reff. : Jokic-Popovic, Vukic

BC JEDINSTVO vs BC LOVCEN 11.10.2008. 19:00 h Nikoljac
Reff. : Dragojevic-Kaludjerovic, Backovic

BC GORSTAK vs BC ABS PRIMORJE 13.10.2008. 18:00h S Centar
Reff. : Raicevic-Scekic, R.Boovic

BC MORNAR II vs BC MORNAR 10.10.2008. 19:30h OS Jugoslavija
Reff. : Kicovic-Lakicevic, Lakicevic

BC TEODO vs BC MOGREN 11.10.2008. 16:30h SC Zupa
Reff. : Janjuevic-G.Vojinovic,Bojanic

*****************************************************
  NBA   


New Jersey beat Miami in NBA Europe tour - by Eurobasket News
New Jersey overcame Miami in NBA Europe exhibition game in Paris yesterday. Devin Harris (6'3''-G-83, college: Wisconsin) knocked down 21 points and the Nets prevailed 100:98 in overtime. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) and Michael Beasley (6'9''-F-89, college: Kansas St.) secured 21 points apiece for the Heat in defeat. Rookie Chris Douglas-Roberts (6'7''-G-87, college: Memphis) appeared in the court after Vince Carter tweaked his left hamstring and poured in 18 points to fuel the Nets. The Heat were down by 2 points with 30 seconds remaining in regulation when Daequan Cook dropped the jumper to send the game into overtime. The Nets however managed to prove the strength in the extra period capitalizing on Michael Beasley miss from the charity stripe in the dying seconds. The teams will meet again on Sunday in London.
The Dallas Mavericks posted their second straight preseason victory holding off the Chicago Bulls 110:102. Dallas went on a 11:1 run in the opening period and never looked back throughout the game. Gerald Green (6'8''-G/F-86) came up with 18 points to pace the Mavs. Dirk Nowitzki contributed 15 points for the winners. The Bulls main hope No.1 draft pick Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88) answered with 10 points. Luol Deng, Aaron Gray and Darius Washington secured 14 points each in the loss.
The Houston Rockets also grabbed the second straight win as they toppled the San Antonio Spurs 85:78 in Houston. Ron Artest (6'7''-G-79, college: St.John's) dropped 18 points, while Luis Scola finished with 13 points for the winners. The Spurs were without Tim Duncan, Michael Finley and Bruce Bowen and got 10 points from Malik Hairston (6'6''-G-87, college: Oregon). Tracy McGrady also missed the game because of a sore left knee.
Phoenix prevailed against Utah 96:89 away from home. Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA) led the charge with 21 points. Alando Tucker knocked down 19 points for the Sun. Kyle Korver (6'7''-F-81, college: Creighton) produced 16 points in the loss.
The LA Clippers got 20 points from rookie Mike Taylor (6'2''-G-86, college: Iowa St.) to trounce the LA Lakers 107:80 in Fresno. Baron Davis netted 12 points and dished out 7 assists for the Clippers in the debut. Another newcomer Ricky Davis added 17 points for the winners. Vladimir Radmanovic (6'10''-F-80) answered with 14 points for the Lakers who dropped the second in a row.

Warriors cut Dion Dowell and Justin Williams - by Eurobasket News
Golden State Warriors released guard / small forward Dion Dowell (6'6''-G-85, college: Houston) and center Justin Williams (6'10''-F/C-84, college: Wyoming).

Dion Dowell agreed terms with the Warriors at the beginning of September as a free agent. After that he played one preseason game spending 11 minutes on the court, what wasn't enough for more than 1 rebound, 1 assist and 3 blocks. Dowell came out from University of Houston this year. In 07/08 he appeared 34 times for his school averaging 10.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 1 apg and 1.5 bpg. At the end of it he was named 'All-C-USA 3rd Team -08'. Dowell transferred to Houston from Texas in 2006. That year Texas reached NCAA Sweet and was Big 12 tournament finalist.

Justin Williams also signed with the Warriors as a free agent but three weeks after Dowell. He also had one appearance in Golden State's jersey during the preseason having 1 point, 1 rebound and 2 blocks. Last season Williams started in Sacramento Kings but he left the team in February. On 06/07 he played 26 games for Sacramento averaging 5 ppg and 4.4 rpg. He also played for Dakota Wizards recording 12.1 ppg, 12.3 rpg and 3.1 bpg for 12 D-League games. He came out of Wyoming in 2006 as 'All-MWC Defensive Player of the Year -06'. Actually he got the same award in 2005.

The roster of Golden State Warriors counts 17 players at this moment.

*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Sporting News and D2basketball.com NCAA D2 Pre-Season Rankings has S.C. Aiken #1 & Chris Commons & Josh Bostic as the top All Americans. - by Lucius Jones
FROM: www.d2basketball.com 10/9/08

S.Carol.-Aiken Tops Sporting News Poll


S.Carol.-Aiken is the No. 1 team in NCAA, Division II according to the preseason poll published in The Sporting News College Basketball Yearbook 2008 edition.

After posting a 9-22 record two seasons ago, S.Carol.-Aiken recorded a school-best 27-4 mark in 2007-08 and finished sixth in the final NABC poll. The Pacers lost in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to league rival Clayton State.

USCA has five starters returning this season, including junior Chris Commons (6'8''-F, college: Findlay (OH)). The 6-8 Commons has been named to the First Team All-American Team, averaging 21.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last year. The other veteran starters returning are juniors Job Casimir (6'0''-G-86, college: Quinnipiac), Kingsley Oguchi (6'2''-G), Cordaryl Ballard (6'4''-G/F-87, college: Morehead St.) and Brian Egwuatu (6'7''-F).

Findlay (OH) is ranked second. The Oilers welcome back all five starters from a team which ended up with a 28-5 record during the 2007-08 season. Senior forward Josh Bostic (6'5''-F-87) is the headliner of returnees. He averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

Gannon checks in third. Gannon returns four starters and every player except one from last years team that went 25-6, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Tournament.

Bentley is fourth, returning 11 players from last year's 34-1 team which lost in the Elite Eight to eventual national champion Winona St..

Last year's national runner-up rounds out the top-five. Augusta St. returns three starters and eight lettermen from a squad that tied a school record with 27 wins (27-7) and captured the programs first South Atlantic Regional Championship in 2007-08.

The balance of the top-10 is Southwestern (22-8), Cent.Washington (21-7), Grand Valley St. (36-1), Florida Southern (24-9) and LIU - C.W.Post (26-5).

The yearbook, in its second year after a merger with the former Street & Smith's publication, is available on newstands and features 12 region covers. The publication carries a $7.99 cover price.

THE SPORTING NEWS NCAA, DIVISION II PRESEASON TOP 10
1-S.Carol.-Aiken (27-4)
2-Findlay (OH) (28-5)
3-Gannon (25-6)
4-Bentley (34-1)
5-Augusta St.(27-7)
6-Southwestern (22-8)
7-Cent.Washington (21-7)
8-Grand Valley St. (36-1)
9-Florida Southern (24-9)
10-LIU - C.W.Post (26-5)

D2 Bulletin tabs Findlay #1 and Josh Bostic as Pre-Season P.O.Y. - by Lucius Jones
FROM Findlay (OH) website:

Oilers, Bostic Receive Accolades From DII Bulletin

The University of Findlay (OH) mens basketball team is ranked first in the nation according to the NCAA Division Bulletin which was part of an announcement made in the publications special Preseason Preview issue, which was released on Friday, October 10. Findlay (OH), who finished 28-5 last season, welcomes back all five starters from last seasons Sweet 16 squad and return 75.8 of their 78.7 points per game scored during the 2007-08 campaign.

Findlay (OH) looks to have it all this season and could take a shot at a national title, said Gary Rubin, publisher of Division II Bulletin. It was a difficult decision picking a top team this season because so many teams are talented. It should be an entertaining year in Division II basketball.

In addition, senior forward Josh Bostic (6'5''-F-87) was tabbed as the Division II Bulletin Preseason Player of the Year.

Bostic, a NCAA Division II all-American last year as a junior, averaged 13.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.9 steals per game during the 2007-08 season. He was named first team all-American by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) and was also a first team all-Great Lakes Region and Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) selection.

In postseason play, Bostic earned spots on the all-tournament teams for the GLIAC and Great Lakes Region championships.

Josh is no doubt one of the top front court players in Division II this season, said Rubin. He is expected to have another outstanding year and is most deserving of this award.

DII Bulletin Preseason Rankings

1. Findlay (OH)
2. Florida Southern
3. Bentley
4. N.Kentucky
5. S.Carol.-Aiken
6. SW Minnesota St.
7. Cent.Oklahoma
8. Winona St.
9. NW Missouri St.
10. Augusta St.
11. SW Baptist
12. LIU - C.W.Post
13. Cent.Washington
14. Lenoir-Rhyne
15. N.Alabama
16. Gannon
17. Drury
18. Mount Olive
19. Christian Brothers
20. Catawba
21. Pitt-Johnstown
22. Clayton St.
23. Grand Valley St.
. 24. BYU-Hawaii
25. Philadelphia

Division II Bulletin, founded in 1991, is the leading publication covering Division II mens basketball. It is published by GSR Communications based in Beaverton, Oregon.

NCAA D2 National Top 25 Ranking

NCAA D-II Top 25
Ranking 2007-08

1. S.Carol.-Aiken
2. Findlay (OH)
3. Gannon
4. Bentley
5. Augusta St.
6. SW Baptist
7. Cent.Washington
8. Grand Valley St.
9. Florida Southern
10. LIU - C.W.Post
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.



*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Cairns send the New Zealand Breakers to the first loss - by Eurobasket News
New Zealand Breakers - Cairns Taipans 111:122

Cairns fired 70 points in the second half of their game against the Breakers in Auckland to secure the third win in the season. The game that saw 18 lead changes till the midway through the third frame then turned into the surge from the visitors as they rolled to the impressive win. Darnell Mee (197-G-72, college: W.Kentucky) came up with 26 points and 7 assists to pace the Taipans to 3-2 record. David Thomas (204-G/F-76, college: Michigan St.) contributed 22 points and 6 boards, while Ian Crosswhite (212-F-82, college: Oregon) added 21 points for the winners. Rick Rickert (211-F-83, college: Minnesota) posted another double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Breakers. Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) finished with 24 points in the loss.
The Taipans jumped to a 25:11 lead early on. But triples from CJ Bruton, Kirk Penney and Phill Jones allowed the hosts to trail by 3 points at the intermission 25:28. Paul Henare converted a layup to give the Breakers a 39:37 lead in the middle of the second quarter. The home team stretched the margin to 8 points at halftime 60:52. Darnell Mee and Stephen Black fired from downtown to fuel the Taipans comeback effort. The visitors spurred ahead and built an 87:83 advantage with one quarter left. Larry Abney (206-F/C-77, college: Fresno St.) and Darnell Mee ensured the gap stretched to 14 points midway through the fourth term and Cairns looked too good for the hosts at the moment. The Breakers leaders got into foul trouble and Cairns capitalized sealing the third win in the season. The Breakers remained on top of the ladder despite the loss and would host the Gold Coast Blaze on October 16. The Cairns Taipans will take on the Blaze on October 18 at the Cairns Convention Centre.

New Zealand Breakers: Rick Rickert 25+10 boards, Kirk Penney 24
Cairns Taipans: Darnell Mee 26, David Thomas 22, Ian Crosswhite 21

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


Fisica gets their big man - by Luis Rocha
Fisica last season champions, that started this season with a bang in a bad sense.... solve their problem inside with the signing of Jeffrey Ferguson (210-F/C-81, agency: CGL Sports, college: Wayne St., MI). Ferguson has a long road in College Basketball, he played 4 years in Misouri, but then decided to go and play for Wayne State (NCAA 2), where he get more games and better stats, but after that he went to Pikeville (NAIA) where he really established himself. This season he was playing with Paysandu (Uruguay) after a tough summer, when he try everything to get in an NBA team, playing in many workout camps like Toronto, New York , Dallas etc. Hes very strong when it comes to rebound, and can make his own points by palying back to the board. He played for Canada National Team.

*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


New head coach in Avtodor Saratov - by Eurobasket News
According to Sport Express, Avtodor Saratov hired Juri Selikhov as a new head coach. It means that Croatian Niksa Bavcevic won't stay any more on the bench of the Russian team. Interesting is that Avtodor currently has perfect score 4-0 in Superleague B. Selikhov started last season as a head coach of Ukrainian MBC Odessa but he left in January. He joined Odessa during the season 06/07, which he started as an assistant coach of Dynamo Moscow Region. It won't be anything new for 65-year old coach as it is his third arrival in Saratov. Last time he led the team on season 01/02. In the meantime he used to work in Spartak St. Petersburg, Samara, Shaktar, German Trier and Polish Szczecin. In 1992 and 1993 Selikhov was a head coach of Russian senior National Team. After that he had the same position but with youth selections. He has one title in his pocket and it was in Ukrainian championship 97/98 with Odessa. As it is mentioned above, Avtodor is perfect so far and it is one of the main candidates for top of Superleague B.

In the meantime reining Russian and Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow went overseas on North American tour. Team of head coach Ettore Messina will meet Orlando Magic today. On Tuesday, Russian powerhouse will take on Toronto Raptors. CSKA will play these two games without Andrey Vorontsevich (204-C-87).

Ural Great and Morlende part ways, new face in Rostov - by Eurobasket News
French player Paccelis Morlende (189-G-81, agency: ANYPEX) is no more member of Russian Superleague team Ural Great. As a reminder, Morlende agreed terms with Ural during the last month but according to the Russian team, he is struggling with knee injury. Morlende spent previous two seasons in BCM Gravelines Dunkerque. He appeared 7 times in Pro A averaging 4.6 ppg and 2.7 rpg. A season before that was a way better for Morlende. His average digits in both Pro A and FIBA EuroCup were around 10 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3 apg. Before Grevelines, Morlende used to play in Valladolid, Roseto, Benetton, Dijon and Kinder. In 2005 he won Italian Cup with the team from Treviso.

In the meantime, Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu announced signing of young Russian player Maxim Krivosheev (205-F/C-88). 20-year old forward grew up with Sibirtelekom Novosybirsk. Last season he appeared 23 times in Superleague averaging 9.5 ppg and 6.8 rpg. During the summer he played for U20 Russia on U20 European Championship in Riga. Russia ended it on ninth place while Krivosheev had 10.8 ppg and 6.9 rpg in 8 games. Last year he also participated at the same event but in Nova Gorica, Slovenia. Two years ago he took a part on U18 EC in Greece.

*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Thriller win for Mega HL in Balkan league, round 1 - by Dragan Jankovski
Mega Hypo Leasing finally made it this season. After two defeats in Serbian A1 league and one totally unlucky in Balkan league on Tuesday, Belgrade's team celebrated in Sophia against Levski 81-80. Bulgarians were much better at the beginning. Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado) and Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78, agency: Interperformances) made few baskets leading their team to plus 8 after ten minutes, 21-13. Very soon Mega HL demonstrated some of its qualities but still not enough to get any closer until the half time. Totally different picture was seen on the court after the breather. Mega HL was the team which controlled rhythm of the game. Poing guard Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) and experienced Miroslav Markovic (201-F-75, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for their team and together with young Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) and Christopher Schlatter (203-F-81, college: Washington St.) drained 29 points in third frame. On the other side Bulgarians couldn't handle Mega's pressure in defense making few mistakes. At the same time Levski missed few important shots ended third quarter with only 13. However, Levski didn't give up and mostly owing to Marcus Hall grabbed 80-78 with 20 seconds remaining. It seems that luck was on Mega's side last night as after time out Miroslav Markovic took the ball pulling up a jump shot from behind the arc and fortunately to visitors it was the successful one.
Igor Mijajlovic netted 19 points and dished out 5 assists for the winners. Miroslav Markovic also scored 19 including this winning triple at the very end. Stefan Stojacic had 11 points and 4 boards while Christopher Schlatter stopped on 10 points and 6 rebounds. Marcus Hall shined for the hosts with 26 points and boards. Stefan Georgiev also registered double-double, 18 points and 14 rebounds.


Levski - Mega Hypo Leasing 80-81
(21-13, 21-21, 13-29, 25-18)

Levski: Hall 26 (10 rebs), Georgiev 18 (14 rebs), Slaveykov 10 (10 rebs)
Mega HL: Mijajlovic 19 (5 as), Markovic 19, Stojacic 11 (4 rebs), Schlatter 10 (6 rebs)

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


TCG Mercator inks Krejic - by Zeljko Zule

TCG Mercator inked Dario Krejic (194-G-78, agency: VTBM/SRBM) ex Helios till end of the season. Last season he averaged 8,0 points, 2,,2 rebounds, 1,0 assists and 1,1 steals in 22 games of Adriatic League and 6,9 points in 35 games of Slovenian UPC League.

.

*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


ACB Round: 2 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Iurbentia B. - ViveMenorca 74-62
Iurbentia Bilbao followed up their opening day win in Madrid against Estu with a relatively comfortable 74-62 victory over ViveMenorca, which remains winless. Renaldas Seibutis inspired the home team with 18 points as well as Javier Salgado, who also had 18 points to his name. ViveMenorca got 15 points from Jeter Pooh. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Kalise G.C. - CAI Zaragoza 68-76
Gran Canaria was the team resting in Round one and perhaps it continued that philosophy one round too far as they began the season with a 68-76 home defeated to CAI Zaragoza, which earned the first win since returning to the ACB. Led again by Paulo Quinteros, their inspirational player, who claimed 17 points, Zaragoza produced a real team perfomance to edge out Granca, usually so strong at home. Carl English shined for the loosing side draining 20 points. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Pamesa V. - A.G. Fuenla 81-75
Pamesa Valencia remains unbeaten after seeing off Fuenlabrada 81-75 despite a wonderful performance by Brad Oleson. The Fuenla shooter scored a massive valuation of 39 after claiming 28 points and six rebounds. Albert Oliver was also stepping up for Pamesa and he scored 18 points off the bench in the game as the home team built a 73-53 lead. As it is mentioned above, Pamesa jumped to 2-0 while Fuenlabrada dropped on 1-1. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

CB Murcia - Regal Barca 58-78
Polaris World Murcia scored a paltry 58 points and it went down by the margin of 20 at home to a powerful Barca, which banked two wins looking to lead the way at the top of the league this season. Jaka Lakovic led Barca with 18 points and six rebounds while Fran Vazquez summed up the capitulation of Murcia by throwing down six dunks. Murcia, which now has 0-2, got 17 points from Dean Taquan. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

DKV Joven. - MMT Estudia. 83-81
DKV Joventut celebrated the first victory in ACB this season. After minus 18 in Barcelona, Joventut managed to beat MMT Estudiantes, which slipped once again. Demond Mallet paced Joventut to victory scoring 20 points and grabbing 4 rebounds for 30 minutes. Iker Iturbe also netted 20 points but for Estudiantes. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Tau - Ricoh Man. 80-67
Tau Ceramica picked up the second victory outplaying Ricoh Manresa at home. The game is decided already in the second frame, which Tau finished 22-9. Igor Rakocevic once again shined for the winners collecting 19 points and 3 boards for 21 minutes. Guillem Rubio of Manresa also had 19 points but with 7 rebounds. His team has one win and one defeat so far. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Real Madrid - Granada 81-80
Tight home victory for Real Madrid and 1-1 in ACB so far. Real succeeded to take it despite Granada had wonderful opening quarter, when it earned 10-point lead. Big guy Felipe Reyes dominated in the paint recording 22 points and impressive 13 rebounds. Juan Gutierrez stopped on 22 points and 6 boards for Granada, what at the end was not enough for the second win. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Cajasol - Unicaja 60-91
Unicaja Malaga trashed Cajasol Sevilla on the road for the second victory. The team of head coach Aito Garcia demonstrated amazing performance totally destroying Sevilla after the opening quarter. Thomas Kelati top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Sevilla's best player was Carter Warren, who netted 19 points including 5 rebounds. Anyway, Cajasol is together with Estu, ViveMenorca and Murcia on the bottom of ACB winless. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news



Round Two ACB Action (Part Two Thursdays Games) - by Paul Nilsen

It was a truly woeful night in the Andalucian derby for Manel Comas and Cajasol Seville writes www.acb-basket.com. They were battered and indeed humiliated comprehensively on their home court by the resurgent and defensively effervescent Unicaja who blitzed the Seville side 60-91. Glorious form for the team of Aito Garcia Reneses with their trademark defence providing the platform for some free flowing attacking options that left Cajasol buried and staring down the barrel of a potential 0-3 start to the season with another derby game up next - away in Granada. It was a powerful team performance by Euroleague bound Malaga who had five players into double figures and two players scoring nine points to highlight the team ethic that Renses loves so much and is necessary for the swarming and stifling defence employed. There had been little to separate the teams after a low scoring and pedestrian paced opening with the visitors 15-12 in front but after that it was one way traffic in the favour of the Costa Del Sol side. Led by Thomas Kelati who scored 17 points and also Carlos Cabezas and Omar Cook who dished up 13 assists between them, the solo work of Warren Carter for Cajasol wasnt enough to stem an overwhelming tide as Seville were treading water and ultimately sunk without barely a trace.

CB Granada followed up their win at home in Round one with a daunting trip to Vistalegre to face Real Madrid - well at least a trip that is usually daunting but not having seen Joan Plaza and his team capitulate to Unicaja last weekend. That display obviously gave Trifon Poch and his team plenty of confidence and they certainly put it inti place from the tip with a double digit first quarter lead to pile on the agony for under fire Plaza and his under performing stars. Unfortunately for the Nazari, Real managed to finally click into some kind of gear, albeit a spluttering one that always threatened to choke and somehow unconvincingly picked up a pretty desperate 81-80 victory after one particularly shocking call by the match officials in the last minute on a pivotal possession call. The visitors led 24-14 after the first period and were still in front going into the second half but faded despite a 22 point performance from Juan Pedro Gutirrez with a valuation of 28 while Curtis Borchardt came close to a double-double. However this game was about warrior Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) who claimed 20 points in typically bullish fashion while Quinton Hosley weighed in with 17. Perhaps a sparse crowd of 5,000 inside Vistalegre signals just how little the fans are enjoying Real right now and although you can dress this game up as being a thriller, it was in fact accompanied by plenty of cat-calls and jeers from home fans in that first half and it was wholly unconvincing.

Tau Ceramica followed up their narrow Round one win over Vive Menorca with a more comfortable victory against Ricoh Manresa at the Fernando Buesa Arena. An 80-67 success flattered Manresa who added some respectability to the scoreline in the closing minutes having trailed by over 20 in this game a few times. A shock win for the visitors never looked likely with Baskonia dominant holding Manresa to just 9 points in the second quarter to lead by an unassailable 39-24 at the break. Guillem Rubio was outstanding for the visitors with 19 points and 7 rebounds but the home team had plenty of players on their mettle with Stanko Barac claiming 11 points and 10 boards while Igor Rakocevic top scored with 19 points as Dusko Ivanovic maintained his perfect record this season wioth two league wins having already collected the Supercopa with two wins in Zaragoza.

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


Sundsvall Dragons sign Terry Bradley Flanagan - by Eurobasket
Sundsvall Dragons agreed terms with 29-year old American center Terry Bradley Flanagan (205-C-79, college: Bellevue, agency: ABE! Sports and Entertainment). Flanagan played most recently at Akcakoca Poyraz (Turkey).

*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


UBL Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Goverla - Cherkasy 56-75
Cherkasy improved to 3-0 record after a road win over Goverla 56:75. Dragoljovic Vladislav led the winners with 25 points, while Pupovic Miljan and Poltoratskiy Aleksei netted 12 each. Fedorchuk Yevgen ended up for Goverla with 18 points.

Polit.Lviv - Budivelnyk 95-86
Polit.Lviv produced 95-86 victory over Budivelnyk on Thursday. Koprivica Jovan paced all the winners with 22 points and 4 assists. DeGroat John nailed 22 in defeat, while Merritt Scott posted 18.

Azoty - BC Odessa 106-90
Azoty handed BC Odessa the first loss in UBL, 106-90. Yushkin Oleg top-scored for the winners with 20 points, whilst Tolbert Brian and Love Justin had 20 apiece.

Kryvbasbasket - Gryfony 101-66
Kryvbasbasket destroyed Gryfony 101:66 tonight. Hawell Jaret led the winners with 21 points as his team is 2-0 in the league.



*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Weekend Preview - Paternostro To Face Former Mentor - by Andy Webb
Rookie coach Rob Paternostro is looking forward to facing his former mentor Tony Garbelotto when Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders host Everton Tigers at the John Sandford Sports Centre, on Saturday.

'It will be strange coaching against Tony G. I enjoyed playing for him with the [Birmingham] Bullets' said Riders coach Paternostro. 'He is a good friend of mine and is someone who I have a tremendous amount of respect for.

'We know this will be a tough game. Everton has a lot of good players. I was impressed with Andre Smith, he was 13 for 16 from the floor against Sheffield with 15 rebounds which is a pretty good way to start your season off.'

Also on Saturday evening London Capital will look to repeat last season's shock home win against Guildford Heat when the teams meet at Capital City Academy on Saturday. Capital helped end Heat's hopes of retaining the BBL title in March when they won 99-92, but the four meetings between the teams went the way of the eventual league runners-up.

London coach Malik Jivens knows that Heat will provide another tough test for his team: 'I know they have a very experience squad. Michael Martin (200-F-74) in my books is a key player for them, because he does all the dirty work and rarely gets noted for it. He has proven year in and year out to be the X factor for them'.

Early season pacesetters BiG Cheshire Jets host Worthing Thunder at Northgate Arena on Sunday evening as the two clubs clash for the first time.

Jets coach Paul Smith isn't taking the BBL newcomers lightly: 'I haven't had a chance to see them because we've always been playing at the same time, but we've Steve Gayle with us and he'll tell how Gary's teams play. We know Dan Wardrope from his Guildford days, and he's got a nice three point shot on him. Ryan Patten seems to have stepped up from the EBL pretty well, and I expect it to be a tough game.'

Worcester Wolves will look for their first victory in eight attempts against Airwaves Plymouth Raiders when the teams meet at the University of Worcester on Sunday afternoon.

Visiting coach Gary Stronach is aware of the threat that Wolves pose: 'It'll be a difficult test at Worcester on Sunday. They are a team who push the ball a lot and get in half-court sets. We need to start playing tough defence, because we haven't in our first three games. If we don't do that against Wolves we'll be in trouble.'



*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
  BOSNIA - Women  


Aris Holargou settles down in Eurocup beating Mladi - by Eurobasket News
AKO Aris Holargou- Mladi Krajisnik 87:53

AKO Aris Holargou beat Mladi Krajisnik 87:53 in game 2 to qualify to the Preliminary Round of EuroCup. The Greek side won all the quarters in the game and booked the tickets for the next stage. Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) paced all the winners with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Brooke Reves (188-F-75) collected 18 points and 14 rebounds, whilst Theoni Tzegiannaki (162-G-85) netted 15. Milica Deura (178-G-90) top-scored with 20 points and Aida Pilav (187-C-87) posted 13. AKO Aris Holargou advances with 164-136 total victory.
One of the most interesting games of the first-leg Qualifying Round was played in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mladi Krajisnik overcame AKO Aris Holargou 83:77 as both teams was ready for the only ticket in Game 2. Aris Holargou however proved the ambitions for the upcoming season and advantaged the court. The Greek side opened the game with 19-14 in the opening quarter and took control of the entire game later. The hosts had 12-0 early in the second to reach 45:22 at the halftime. In order not to stop AKO Aris Holargou played well in the rest of the game as they had almost plus 30 in the end of the third. Stojanovic could reduce for Mladi Krajisnik at 68:40 late in the third. Theoni Tzegiannaki's three continued the benefit of the local team as they entered the last stanza. Aida Pilav set up the final, 87:53 score as AKO Aris Holargou qualified to the Preliminary Round of EuroCup.

AKO Aris Holargou: Tamara Bowie 25+5 rebs, Brooke Reves 18+14 rebs, Theoni Tzegiannaki 15
Mladi Krajisnik: Milica Deura 20, Aida Pilav 13

*****************************************************
  BRAZIL - Women  


Ourinhos lose in the opener - by Eurobasket News
The CNBF defending champions Ourinhos were upset at the start of the 11th championship. They faced Unimed/Americana in the opening encounter for both teams and suffered a 54:64 defeat. Renata de Oliveira (183-F/C-78) knocked down 23 points to pace the hosts. Karla da Costa (173-G-78) added 15 points for the winners. Jucimara Dantas (192-C-78) and Soeli Zakrzeski (187-C/F-77) poured in 12 points apiece for Ourinhos. Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) had 11 points in the loss. Ourinhos led by 4 points after the starting period but failed to develop the success. The hosts took over in the second term and built a 3-point advantage before the fourth quarter. Ourinhos struggled to find the right rhythm and lost the battle at the end.
Ourinhos however bounced back in the second game. They prevailed against Sao Caetano 78:52 away from home. Jucimara Dantas poured in 21 points and grabbed 8 boards for the winners. Soeli Zakrzeski had 14 points in the win. Lais Souza (175-G-87) managed 18 points for Sao Caetano.
Catanduva also split games at the start. They began the new season with a 73:64 over Sao Caetano. Izabela Morais fired 24 points for the winning side. Silvia Rocha (182-F-82) tallied 19 points and 10 rebounds for Catanduva.
However Caatnduva failed to keep up with the winning pace. They were unable to succeed against Santo Andre 62:68 in the second game. Kattya Pereira led the charge with 23 points. Simone Lima (182-C-79) and Katia Cavallaro (168-G-83) added 13 points apiece for the winners. Palmira Marcal (178-G-84) and Izabela Morais secured 23 points each in defeat.

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Dunav Ekont suffers defeat in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
Reining Bulgarian champion Dunav Ekont played the last friendly game before the beginning of A1 league. It was a road defeat 62-69 against Romanian Aleksandria. After opening quarter Aleksandria had 6-point lead. Same trend continued during the following ten minutes. Players of head coach Stefan Stefanov were on a poor level making many mistakes at the offensive end. Everything resulted with comfortable plus 13 for Romanian team at the half time, 40-27. Janie Mitchell (183-F-86) and her teammates improved their game in third stanza. Dunav's defense was on a great level and at the beginning of the last frame Bulgarian team came minus 1. However, it seems it was their maximum in this friendly. Until the end of the game Aleksandria managed to take control on it once again. Its players were focused when it was the most important celebrating solid 7-point victory.

A1 league starts this week-end. Dunav's first rival will be Montana and the game is scheduled for tomorrow. Except of A1, Dunav Ekont will also take a place in FIBA EuroCup. The first game will be played on October 23rd, when Dunav will take on Elitzur Ramla.

*****************************************************
  CROATIA - Women  


ZKK Medvescak wins, SK Cesis advances - by Eurobasket News
ZKK Medvescak -SK Cesis 79:71

ZKK Medvescak won the second game against SK Cesis in Zagreb 79:71. It was not however enough to advance to the next round as Latvian side was better in the first game. SK Cesis wins 141-132 as a total and advanced to Preliminary Round of EuroCup. Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) top-scored in the second game with 25 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Silva Seda (166-G-82) netted 15, while Marina Mazic (190-C-80) scored 14. Elina Babkina (172-G-89) provided 19 points and Sandra Dijon (195-C-79) added 17 in defeat.
Latvian Cesis indicated the satisfaction with general progress in the off season. In the first game they looked great in the second half and grabbed 70:53 victory. Last night ZKK Medvescak started with 4 consecutive points and was strong in the first frame. With a 7-2 run in the end of the opening quarter Cacic closed the first at 27-15. In the second period however Latvian side recovered in the game producing 14-10 in the quarter. Simmonds made two free throws for 37:29 at the half time.
The game continued in the same current in the second half and ZKK Medvescak held mostly 10 points lead. Dreimane scored for 57:50 after thirty minutes of the game and then Nimane tied the game at 61:61. Croatian team made the last spurt at the end of the game and could celebrate 79:71 win in the game, but sent SK Cesis to the next round.

ZKK Medvescak: Mirna Mazic 25+9 rebs, Silva Seda 15, Marina Mazic 14
SK Cesis: Elina Babkina 19, Sandra Dijon 17

*****************************************************
  EUROCUP - Women  


Standings
Eurocup Standings
Group A
 1. AZS Gorzow 0-0 
 2. Dynamo M. 0-0 
 3. MBK Ruz. 0-0 
 4. Targoviste 0-0 
Group B
 1. Sf.Gheorghe 0-0 
 2. Bnot Hash. 0-0 
 3. Dynamo K. 0-0 
 4. Challes 0-0 
Group C
 1. Rivas Ecopolis 0-0 
 2. Crvena Zv. 0-0 
 3. Elizur Ram. 0-0 
 4. Dunav 0-0 
Group D
 1. Solna Vikings 0-0 
 2. Szeged 0-0 
 3. BC Moscow 0-0 
Group E
 1. San Jose 0-0 
 2. Ragusa 0-0 
 3. Panionios 0-0 
 4. Athinaikos 0-0 
Group F
 1. AEL 0-0 
 2. Gran Canaria 0-0 
 3. Taranto 0-0 
 4. Gospic 0-0 
Group G
 1. Galatasaray 0-0 
 2. Mondeville 0-0 
 3. Buducnost 0-0 
 4. Aris H. 0-0 
Group H
 1. ICIM Arad 0-0 
 2. EBE Ibiza-PDV 0-0 
 3. Trutnov 0-0 
 4. Arvi 0-0 
Group I
 1. Cesis 0-0 
 2. Lavezzini PA 0-0 
 3. Zeljeznicar 0-0 
 4. Esperides 0-0 
Group J
 1. Olivais 0-0 
 2. Tarbes 0-0 
 3. Ribera 0-0 
 4. Extrugasa 0-0 
Group K
 1. Hemofarm 0-0 
 2. Chevakata 0-0 
 3. AD Vagos 0-0 
 4. Lemminkain. 0-0 
Group L
 1. Dnipro 0-0 
 2. Dexia 0-0 
 3. Botas 0-0 
 4. Spartak N. 0-0 
Qualifying Round
 1. BC Star 0-0 
 2. BBT Letz. 0-0 
 3. Alexandria 0-0 
 4. M.Kraj. BL 0-0 
 5. U.Neuchatel 0-0 
 6. 08 0-0 
 7. Foton 0-0 
 8. Medvescak 0-0 
 9. Fl.Foxes 0-0 
 10. Electra Ramat 0-0 
 11. CAB Madeira 0-0 


Thursday results and stats - by Eurobasket News

AKO Aris Holargou- Mladi Krajisnik 87:53

AKO Aris Holargou beat Mladi Krajisnik 87:53 in game 2 to qualify to the Preliminary Round of EuroCup. The Greek side won all the quarters in the game and booked the tickets for the next stage. Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) paced all the winners with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Brooke Reves (188-F-75) collected 18 points and 14 rebounds, whilst Theoni Tzegiannaki (162-G-85) netted 15. Milica Deura (178-G-90) top-scored with 20 points and Aida Pilav (187-C-87) posted 13. AKO Aris Holargou advances with 164-136 total victory.
One of the most interesting games of the first-leg Qualifying Round was played in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mladi Krajisnik overcame AKO Aris Holargou 83:77 as both teams was ready for the only ticket in Game 2. Aris Holargou however proved the ambitions for the upcoming season and advantaged the court. The Greek side opened the game with 19-14 in the opening quarter and took control of the entire game later. The hosts had 12-0 early in the second to reach 45:22 at the halftime. In order not to stop AKO Aris Holargou played well in the rest of the game as they had almost plus 30 in the end of the third. Stojanovic could reduce for Mladi Krajisnik at 68:40 late in the third. Theoni Tzegiannaki's three continued the benefit of the local team as they entered the last stanza. Aida Pilav set up the final, 87:53 score as AKO Aris Holargou qualified to the Preliminary Round of EuroCup.

AKO Aris Holargou: Tamara Bowie 25+5 rebs, Brooke Reves 18+14 rebs, Theoni Tzegiannaki 15
Mladi Krajisnik: Milica Deura 20, Aida Pilav 13


ZKK Crvena Zvezda -CSB CST Alexandria 61:57
ZKK Crvena Zvezda advances to the preliminary Round of EuroCup defeating CSB CST Alexandria once again in the encounter. Belgrade saw 61:57 win for the local team that wins 143-130 as a total of two games. Tanja Miranovic (173-G-85, college: Richmond) paced all the winners with 15 points. Iva Roglic (189-F-88) collected 9 points and 15 rebounds, while Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) netted 8. Tiffany Porter-Talbert (170-G-84, college: W.Kentucky) produced 18 in defeat and Biljana Savic (190-C-83) added 17.
Crvena Zvezda won the first leg of the Qualifying Round in Romania 73:82. The margin could be even bigger but CSB CST Alexandria reduced at the end. Serbian side led by as many as 17 points before settling for triumph before Game 2. Last night it was CSB CST Alexandria that rushed to 10-2 lead in the opening tip of the game. Serbian team recovered immediately and Tanja Miranovic tied the game at the end of the first for 19:19. Romanian squad went on an other lead in the second period and led in the quarter for the majority of time. Tiffany Porter-Talbert closed the half with a jump-shot for 33:38 for the guests.
The game and the encounter itself could not see off the winner until the end of the second game. Again Tiffany Porter-Talbert was the last to score in the third period for 46:50. The guests' numbers left however on the board for the next 3 minutes, while Crvena Zvezda went on 52:50 lead early in the last frame. The hosts finished the night with 4-0 run to close the game at 61:57 and to book tickets fro EuroCup.

ZKK Crvena Zvezda: Tanja Miranovic 15, Iva Roglic 9+15 rebs, Nina Bogicevic 8
CSB CST Alexandria:Tiffany Porter-Talbert 18, Biljana Savic 17

Arvi Marijampole -BBT Letzebuerg 80:45
Arvi Marijampole books the tickets to Eurocup as tonight the team proved its superiority once again over BBT Letzebuerg. Lithuanian team was stronger at home 80:45 with a massive start of the game. Vaida Pacauskiene (176-G-79) led the winners with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Tetyana Shchypakina (180-F-85, agency: LBM Management) netted 12, while Milda Sauliute (175-G-81) and Laima Rickeviciute (188-F-88) both had 11. Ranela Skegro (187-F/C-71) finished the night with 14 points and Catherine Scanlon (180-G/F-83, college: Drexel) added 10 for the guests. Arvi Marijampole wins 166-97 as a total to advance to the next round.
Lithuania squad did not take it too serious as realized the difference of the levels. Laima Rickeviciute made it 5-0 in the opening tip of the game. Arvi closed the period with 12-2 and had 23-8 at the end of the first period. The second stanza became another disaster for the guests that trailed another 12-26. Rakutyte scored last in the half for Arvi as her team increased to 49:20.
The tempo of the game slowed down a bit in the second half and BBT Letzebuerg managed to win even the third period. Paugaite closed the third from the free throw line as the guests won the period 13-12. Arvi proved it once again in the last stanza that the team is ready for EuroCup with 19-12 margin. Vaida Pacauskiene made a jump-shot for 80-45 as a total in the game and 166-97 in two.

Arvi Marijampole: Vaida Pacauskiene 14+8 rebs, Tetyana Shchypakina 12, Milda Sauliute 11, Laima Rickeviciute 11
BBT Letzebuerg: Ranela Skegro 14, Catherine Scanlon 10

Spartak Noginsk - BC Star 80:54
Spartak Noginsk overcame BC Star in the second game of EuroCup qualifications to advance to the Preliminary Round. A confident win in all the quarters led them to 80:54 at the end of the match-up. Tatiana Sergeeva (198-C-82) top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Svetlana Romanova (178-G-81) netted 16, while Miller scored 12. Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) posted 21 in defeat and Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) added 10. Spartak Noginsk wins 162-110 as a total of two games.
After a road win in Estonia Russian team had to prove the ambitions once again. The hosts opened the game with 6 points in a row and never looked behind. Milanovich made a jump-shot for 22-9 in the end of the first period. After 15-12 in the second Miller sent the teams to the lockers with 37:21 for the hosts. Spartak Noginsk did not slow down and continued to dominate the court. Another 20-16 in the third period gave them 57:37 after 30 minutes of the game. Payne posted two for the guests in the last frame for 57:39. Laev made it 70:51, while Kostla erupted for 70:54. There was however no way the visitors could catch up as Russian squad had 23-17 in the last to take 80:54 victory.

Spartak Noginsk:Tatiana Sergeeva 19+8 rebs, Svetlana Romanova 16, Miller 12
BC Star: Jana Rannaveski 21, Ashley Wallace 10

ZKK Medvescak -SK Cesis 79:71
ZKK Medvescak won the second game against SK Cesis in Zagreb 79:71. It was not however enough to advance to the next round as Latvian side was better in the first game. SK Cesis wins 141-132 as a total and advanced to Preliminary Round of EuroCup. Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) top-scored in the second game with 25 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Silva Seda (166-G-82) netted 15, while Marina Mazic (190-C-80) scored 14. Elina Babkina (172-G-89) provided 19 points and Sandra Dijon (195-C-79) added 17 in defeat.
Latvian Cesis indicated the satisfaction with general progress in the off season. In the first game they looked great in the second half and grabbed 70:53 victory. Last night ZKK Medvescak started with 4 consecutive points and was strong in the first frame. With a 7-2 run in the end of the opening quarter Cacic closed the first at 27-15. In the second period however Latvian side recovered in the game producing 14-10 in the quarter. Simmonds made two free throws for 37:29 at the half time.
The game continued in the same current in the second half and ZKK Medvescak held mostly 10 points lead. Dreimane scored for 57:50 after thirty minutes of the game and then Nimane tied the game at 61:61. Croatian team made the last spurt at the end of the game and could celebrate 79:71 win in the game, but sent SK Cesis to the next round.

ZKK Medvescak: Mirna Mazic 25+9 rebs, Silva Seda 15, Marina Mazic 14
SK Cesis: Elina Babkina 19, Sandra Dijon 17


*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


Wildcats release coach Bischoff - by Moritz Korff
The first sacking of the 2008-09 DBBL-season took place in Wolfenbuettel this week, where the Wildcats decided to remove coach Heiko Bischoff. The DBBL-newcomer had started this current campaign with three straight losses. According to reports in local newspaper Braunschweiger Zeitung the main reason was a lack of personal chemistry between the coach and the team. Instead of Bischoff Halil Coskun has been appointed as the new head coach. The 49-year-old Turk was standing at the helm of the Wolfenbuettel Dukes in the Men's 2. Bundesliga during the 2006-07 season.

*****************************************************
  GREECE - Women  


Aris Holargou settles down in Eurocup beating Mladi - by Eurobasket News
AKO Aris Holargou- Mladi Krajisnik 87:53

AKO Aris Holargou beat Mladi Krajisnik 87:53 in game 2 to qualify to the Preliminary Round of EuroCup. The Greek side won all the quarters in the game and booked the tickets for the next stage. Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) paced all the winners with 25 points and 5 rebounds. Brooke Reves (188-F-75) collected 18 points and 14 rebounds, whilst Theoni Tzegiannaki (162-G-85) netted 15. Milica Deura (178-G-90) top-scored with 20 points and Aida Pilav (187-C-87) posted 13. AKO Aris Holargou advances with 164-136 total victory.
One of the most interesting games of the first-leg Qualifying Round was played in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Mladi Krajisnik overcame AKO Aris Holargou 83:77 as both teams was ready for the only ticket in Game 2. Aris Holargou however proved the ambitions for the upcoming season and advantaged the court. The Greek side opened the game with 19-14 in the opening quarter and took control of the entire game later. The hosts had 12-0 early in the second to reach 45:22 at the halftime. In order not to stop AKO Aris Holargou played well in the rest of the game as they had almost plus 30 in the end of the third. Stojanovic could reduce for Mladi Krajisnik at 68:40 late in the third. Theoni Tzegiannaki's three continued the benefit of the local team as they entered the last stanza. Aida Pilav set up the final, 87:53 score as AKO Aris Holargou qualified to the Preliminary Round of EuroCup.

AKO Aris Holargou: Tamara Bowie 25+5 rebs, Brooke Reves 18+14 rebs, Theoni Tzegiannaki 15
Mladi Krajisnik: Milica Deura 20, Aida Pilav 13

*****************************************************
  LATVIA - Women  


ZKK Medvescak wins, SK Cesis advances - by Eurobasket News
ZKK Medvescak -SK Cesis 79:71

ZKK Medvescak won the second game against SK Cesis in Zagreb 79:71. It was not however enough to advance to the next round as Latvian side was better in the first game. SK Cesis wins 141-132 as a total and advanced to Preliminary Round of EuroCup. Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) top-scored in the second game with 25 points and 9 rebounds for the hosts. Silva Seda (166-G-82) netted 15, while Marina Mazic (190-C-80) scored 14. Elina Babkina (172-G-89) provided 19 points and Sandra Dijon (195-C-79) added 17 in defeat.
Latvian Cesis indicated the satisfaction with general progress in the off season. In the first game they looked great in the second half and grabbed 70:53 victory. Last night ZKK Medvescak started with 4 consecutive points and was strong in the first frame. With a 7-2 run in the end of the opening quarter Cacic closed the first at 27-15. In the second period however Latvian side recovered in the game producing 14-10 in the quarter. Simmonds made two free throws for 37:29 at the half time.
The game continued in the same current in the second half and ZKK Medvescak held mostly 10 points lead. Dreimane scored for 57:50 after thirty minutes of the game and then Nimane tied the game at 61:61. Croatian team made the last spurt at the end of the game and could celebrate 79:71 win in the game, but sent SK Cesis to the next round.

ZKK Medvescak: Mirna Mazic 25+9 rebs, Silva Seda 15, Marina Mazic 14
SK Cesis: Elina Babkina 19, Sandra Dijon 17

*****************************************************
  LEBANON - Women  


Several changes were made in the 1st womens teams in Lebanon especially after that Champvilles team was cancelled for unknown reasons - by Rony Daccache

1- Antranik Beirut: A new coach and ex-player is there, Elie Nasr . Elie has no previous experiences in womens league but proved during his past few seasons a hard working on his teams.
a. Jennifer Ammoury (-F) (Champville) a power forward to replace Tamara Khalil (185-F-86) who traveled to Canada to continue studying.
b. Nour Choucair (169-G-85) (Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut), a national team player and one of the best Lebanese guards joined the team after failure negotiations with her ex-team Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut.
c. Caroline Tchalian (-G) (Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut) an experienced point guard who played has several years with many clubs and the national team.


2- Homenetmen Antelias: Chafik Akiki , the ex-Antranik Beirut's coach replaced Georges Kilzi who has resigned to coach Antranik's men team. Akiki proved during his career a high level of team organizer and performer.
a. Karen Kaloustian (-G) (Champville): to play at the point guard position.
b. Joelle Abdelnour (-G) (Champville): an aggressive guard to a good rotation at that position.
c. Joyce Saliba (-C) (Champville): a good footwork center who lacks the confidence on the court.


3- Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut: Tigran Kukdjian to coach the team. Tigran has previous experiences with womens teams and national team. The team has too much hopes and expectations from Kukdjian.
a. Aida Bakhos (175-G-86, college: Lamar) (175-G-86, college: Lamar) (Lamar university): After finishing studying in the states, she has joined the yellow team to be a new added value and help leading the team winning the title. Its still unknown if shell join the team from the beginning of the season or just during the final four.
b. Natalie Mamo (172-G-86) (Antranik Beirut): one of the best Lebanese and national team shooters who showed a good level in the external competitions last season. She broke her contract with Antranik Beirut and joined Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut after that Nour Choucair has signed with the Armenian team.
c. Rebeca Akl (Champville): One of the best point guards to be. Antranik Beirut, Homenetmen Beirut and Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut suffered negotiating with her in order to add her to their roaster finally she decided to join Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut. Its wasnt known that Rebecca was being trained and monitored during the past 3 years by coach Akiki.


4- Al Moutahed: No changes in the coaching stuff, Nazir Saoudi is still there and he was the one who promoted the team from the 3rd to 1st division.
a. Eliane Chalhoub (Homenetmen Beirut): a good experienced center to help the ambitious northern team.


5- Homenetmen Beirut Beirut : Elie Najem was replaced by Faraj Aad who has previous experience with his womens team at St George Zalka in the 2nd division.
a. Rana Nakhle (-G) (Blue stars): shooting guard
b. Carole Kamel (-F)(Blue stars): Small forward



*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


Cukierki Odra Brzeg sign Ashley Key - by Eurobasket

Cukierki Odra Brzeg signed 23-year old American guard Ashley Key (180-G-85, college: N.Carolina St.). Key played most recently at Marbo Basket (Sweden), where she was one of the top players in the league. She ended her college career as one of the most awarded players in N.Carolina State history. She was selected to ACC All-Tournament 1st Team and All-Defensive Team, while leading her team to NCAA Sweet 16. She was drafted in 2007 by Indiana Fever in the WNBA. In her first game in Poland she played in 33 minutes scoring 9 points and getting 7 rebounds. She helped her team to get the second victory this season defeating AZS Jelenia Gora 67-54.



*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO - Women  


Valentin Cynthia opens the season for Targoviste - by Eurobasket News
Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) and her Romanian Targoviste smashed Electra to be the first team to advance from the Qualifying Round of EuroCup. In Game 2 the Romanian squad had no difficulties reaching 68:48 victory. With 18-5 the winners started to ruin Israeli team and never looked behind after. Chrissy Givens top-scored for the winners with 12 points. Cynthia Valentin netted 10, whilst Gabriela Toma and Slavova posted 9 each. Mirav Dori led Israeli team with 24 points and Suez Karni had 10. Municipal Targoviste wins 144-95 as a total after two games.Romanian squad held the Israeli team to 11 of 31 (35.4%) shooting inside the arc in the second leg. In Game 2 the beginning of the game was almost the same as Romanian team opened it with 18-5. In order to fell even more comfortable Targoviste produced 21-16 in the second to have 18 points advantage at the halftime. With 16-13 Romanian side finished the third and did not worry too much in the end. Electra Ramat-Hasharon created 14-13 in the final frame to close their participation in the tournament this year.
Before that Targoviste thrashed Electra Ramat-Hasharon at home in the opener of EuroCup Qualifying Round. A massive 28-10 in the opening quarter helped them to build up their lead. In a great team game where the top players scored only 10 points Romanian side celebrated 76:47 win. Radostina Slavova and Elena Dinca led the winners with 10 points. Olga Masilionene and Boriga followed them with 9 points apiece in Targoviste.Cynthia Valentin collected 5 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Cynthia Valentin opened the game for the hosts that even did not expect such a start. The first quarter was a holiday of almost all scored baskets from the hosts. Municipal Targoviste provided 28-10 in the opening quarter and never looked behind after. Boriga scored first two in the second period for 31:10. Electra Ramat-Hasharon had even hard time following the tempo and rhythm and in the game. Suez Karni somehow made it 51:21 at the halftime. In the third period the picture did not change and Municipal Targoviste was even not thinking of slowing down. Varda posted two at the end of the third for 67:32. Only in the last stanza Israeli team could show the basketball they used to play. Electra Ramat-Hasharon produced 15-9 in the final period to close the game at 76:47.

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


Crvena Zvezda survives and qualifies - by Eurobasket News
ZKK Crvena Zvezda -CSB CST Alexandria 61:57

ZKK Crvena Zvezda advances to the preliminary Round of EuroCup defeating CSB CST Alexandria once again in the encounter. Belgrade saw 61:57 win for the local team that wins 143-130 as a total of two games. Tanja Miranovic (173-G-85, college: Richmond) paced all the winners with 15 points. Iva Roglic (189-F-88) collected 9 points and 15 rebounds, while Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) netted 8. Tiffany Porter-Talbert (170-G-84, college: W.Kentucky) produced 18 in defeat and Biljana Savic (190-C-83) added 17.
Crvena Zvezda won the first leg of the Qualifying Round in Romania 73:82. The margin could be even bigger but CSB CST Alexandria reduced at the end. Serbian side led by as many as 17 points before settling for triumph before Game 2. Last night it was CSB CST Alexandria that rushed to 10-2 lead in the opening tip of the game. Serbian team recovered immediately and Tanja Miranovic tied the game at the end of the first for 19:19. Romanian squad went on an other lead in the second period and led in the quarter for the majority of time. Tiffany Porter-Talbert closed the half with a jump-shot for 33:38 for the guests.
The game and the encounter itself could not see off the winner until the end of the second game. Again Tiffany Porter-Talbert was the last to score in the third period for 46:50. The guests' numbers left however on the board for the next 3 minutes, while Crvena Zvezda went on 52:50 lead early in the last frame. The hosts finished the night with 4-0 run to close the game at 61:57 and to book tickets fro EuroCup.

ZKK Crvena Zvezda: Tanja Miranovic 15, Iva Roglic 9+15 rebs, Nina Bogicevic 8
CSB CST Alexandria:Tiffany Porter-Talbert 18, Biljana Savic 17

*****************************************************
  SERBIA - Women  


Crvena Zvezda survives and qualifies - by Eurobasket News
ZKK Crvena Zvezda -CSB CST Alexandria 61:57

ZKK Crvena Zvezda advances to the preliminary Round of EuroCup defeating CSB CST Alexandria once again in the encounter. Belgrade saw 61:57 win for the local team that wins 143-130 as a total of two games. Tanja Miranovic (173-G-85, college: Richmond) paced all the winners with 15 points. Iva Roglic (189-F-88) collected 9 points and 15 rebounds, while Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) netted 8. Tiffany Porter-Talbert (170-G-84, college: W.Kentucky) produced 18 in defeat and Biljana Savic (190-C-83) added 17.
Crvena Zvezda won the first leg of the Qualifying Round in Romania 73:82. The margin could be even bigger but CSB CST Alexandria reduced at the end. Serbian side led by as many as 17 points before settling for triumph before Game 2. Last night it was CSB CST Alexandria that rushed to 10-2 lead in the opening tip of the game. Serbian team recovered immediately and Tanja Miranovic tied the game at the end of the first for 19:19. Romanian squad went on an other lead in the second period and led in the quarter for the majority of time. Tiffany Porter-Talbert closed the half with a jump-shot for 33:38 for the guests.
The game and the encounter itself could not see off the winner until the end of the second game. Again Tiffany Porter-Talbert was the last to score in the third period for 46:50. The guests' numbers left however on the board for the next 3 minutes, while Crvena Zvezda went on 52:50 lead early in the last frame. The hosts finished the night with 4-0 run to close the game at 61:57 and to book tickets fro EuroCup.

ZKK Crvena Zvezda: Tanja Miranovic 15, Iva Roglic 9+15 rebs, Nina Bogicevic 8
CSB CST Alexandria:Tiffany Porter-Talbert 18, Biljana Savic 17

Vojvodina NIS wins the opener of A1 league - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian A1 league started last night. In the championship opener Vojvodina NIS met Radivoj Korac in Novi Sad celebrating comfortable victory 81-56. From the early beginning it was clear that this one will belong to Vojvodina. The Tulips, mostly owing to Minja Siljegovic (188-F-80) and Jovana Vukoje (174-G-86), finished opening ten minutes with 7-point lead. Second quarter was even better for the hosts as after it they had big plus 16, 45-29. Radivoj Korac had only Tijana Jovanovic (182-G-84) and pretty good Dragana Vukovic (190-C-78) capable to compete against the Tulips but they didn't get a proper help from their teammates. Nothing has changed in the second half. Vojvodina continued in the same rhythm extending its lead even more. A fact that Radivoj Korac netted just 56 points in this game talks everything for it self.
Minja Siljegovic was the key player in Vojvodina NIS adding 20 points. Jovana Vukoje also shined with 14 while Anja Stupar (178-F/C-89) and Natasa Krnjetin (180-G-88) had 10 points apiece. Jelena Mitic (190-C-89) also stopped on 10 while Maja Scekic (170-G-87) had 2 points less. The loosing side got 11 points from Tijana Jovanovic. Dragana Vukovic also was good with 10.

In the other games of the first round Celarevo will meet Hemofarm while Usce waits Proleter tomorrow. On Sunday we will have two games, Loznica - Partizan and Kraljevo - Kovin.


Vojvodina NIS - Radivoj Korac 81-56
(18-11, 27-18, 19-15, 17-12)

Vojvodina: Minja Siljegovic 20, Jovana Vukoje 14, Anja Stupar 10, Natasa Krnjetin 10
Radivoj Korac: Tijana Jovanovic 11, Dragana Vukovic 10

*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Chicago Sky re-signs two players - by Eurobasket News
Chicago Sky announced that the team re-signed guard Dominique Canty (5'9''-G/F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Alabama) and forward Brooke Wyckoff (6'2''-F-80, college: Florida St.) through the 2009 season.

Dominique Canty appeared 28 times for the Sky last season averaging 8.1 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 4.1 apg. She is 10-year veteran, which changed three WNBA teams in the past. Since she came out from Alabama as a 'All-Time Leading Scorer', Canty played 4 WNBA seasons for Detroit Shock. After that she spent following four years as a member of Houston Comets. In 2007 Chicago Sky succeeded to sign her. In Canty's first season with the Sky she had 8.6 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 4.1 apg in 30 games. Between WNBA seasons, Canty played for many European teams. Her biggest achievement for sure is the title in Israeli championship with Hapoel Tel-Aviv in 2006. At the same year she was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Israeli League Guard of the Year -06'. Last year Dominique Canty grabbed the title in Polish championship as a member of Wisla Krakov. Season 07/08 she spent in another Polish team Gdynia getting the award 'Eurobasket.com All-PLKK Guard of the Year -08'. Canty returned to Wisla Krakov for season 08/09.

Brooke Wyckoff had only 2.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.4 apg in Chicago last season but it seems it was enough for the new contract. It was her third year with the Sky. Before, she spent two with Connecticut Sun. Wyckoff will play 08/09 season for Spanish Estudiantes.