EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/14/2008

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Men News

*****************************************************
  ABA   


Three new players for the Whirlwinds - by Gianni Pascucci
West Texas Whirlwinds owner Cleveland Phelps announced to Usbasket.com the addition of three new players. One is the re-singing of Arkansan Razorback Charles Tatum (5'11''-G, college: Arkansas), the other two are Jay Bowdy (6'5''-F, college: W.Georgia) and Dale Perkins (6'3'-G/F).

From the Dreams to the Saints - by Gianni Pascucci
The newly added ABA team based in Salt Lake City announced a change of team name: given that the ABA currently has a team called the Alaska Dream, Salt Lake has changed its namecfrom the Salt Lake Dreams to the Salt Lake City Saints so as not to cause confusion. This same team also announced a tryout for today, Tuesday, October 14th at 7pm-10pm at Salt Lake Community College Lifetime Activities Center. Kenny Wamsley, team owner, stated that 'No sooner did we announce the team and that we would be playing in the ABA beginning in December, than our phones began to ring off the hook with players interested in competing for a position on the team. I think we already have 40 signed up. So, we decided to do a very quick tryout camp and jumpstart the process.'

Reinhart joins the Gwizzlies - by Gianni Pascucci
The Georgia Gwizzlies announced the signing of Kentucky born Kevin Reinhardt (6'5''-F-83, college: Georgetown, KY) to the team that will make its 2008 debut versus the Nashville Broncs on Friday, December 5th in Nashville. Reinhart is known for his 42-inch vertical leap and long range shooting, and according to team owner Embry Malone , 'We hope he will lead us to the 2009 ABA playoffs. He has a great attitude, is welling to learn, the whole package - which is why I am contacting several NBA teams on his behalf. He's that good.'

ABA COO Townsend facing allegations of fraud and forgery - by Eurobasket News
American Basketball Association President and Chief Operating Officer Quentin Townsend has been accused of racketeering, fraud, forgery and embezzlement in a suit filed by Jayhawk Sports, LLC, an organization owned by his former business partners Carter Patterson and Brian Richey.

In suit number 08-A-08278-7 in Gwinnett County (Ga.), Townsend, also co-owner of the ABA's Atlanta Vision, is alleged to have defrauded Jayhawk Sports and its partners of $200,000 in a scheme that would have brought an NBA Development League franchise to the Atlanta suburbs. The D-League is the official minor league of the NBA and is the top level of minor league basketball, while the ABA has suffered through several tumultuous years of folding teams and unplayed games.

The suit alleges that Townsend was in negotiations with the D-League to bring a franchise to Gwinnett County. Townsend received investment information from the D-League, but after discovering Townsend was part owner of the Atlanta Vision and COO of the ABA, the NBA denied his petition.

In a separate e-mail correspondence to Townsend, which is cited as Exhibit B of the suit, NBA Development League President Daniel Reed stated on July 1 of this year, 'As I told you, it is our policy not to engage in any business dealings with anyone that owns an ABA team or has another important relationship with the ABA. The ABA and team websites identify you as both an owner of an ABA team and as an ABA officer. Under the circumstances, I will not respond to any efforts on your part to contact me and I urge you to abandon what you call the 'NBDL Gwinnett Campaign.''

Despite the rebuke, Towsend allegedly continued to solicit funds from Patterson and Richey, also co-owners of the Vision, to obtain a D-League franchise. The suit alleges that Townsend forged a letter and signature from the D-League's Director of Basketball Operations and Player Personnel Chris Alpert stating the league's intention to establish a franchise in Atlanta.

In Exhibit B of the suit, NBA Development League Vice President and General Counsel Bobby Sharma stated in a September 11 letter to the counsel of Jayhawk Sports, LLC, 'First, please be advised that this letter did not come from our office, was not drafted by any employee in our office, and was not authorized by anyone in our office. Also, we can assure you that Chris Alpert did not sign this letter which was apparently signed by someone else attempting to pass themselves off as Chris Alpert. In summary, the letter and the signature is a forgery.'

An anonymous source close to the case stated that he believed Townsend was using the misappropriated funds to pay his personal bills. Sources have also speculated the Atlanta Vision may not operate this season due to the financial difficulties caused by the pullout of Patterson and Richey. A scheduled tryout for the team was canceled this past weekend.

It is not known at this time if criminal charges against Townsend will be filed in Gwinnett County.

ABA CEO Joe Newman declined to comment on the suit. Townsend denied the allegations, adding that he expected the suit to be settled or worked out in court.

Patterson declined to speak on the advice of counsel.

Courtesy of http://www.oursportscentral.com

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Coach Karadzic banned for one game - by Dragan Jankovski
Head coach of Hemofarm STADA, Stevan Karadzic, got one-game suspension by management of Adriatic league. In the official statement is announced that Karadzic threatened to one of the referees during the game between Hemfoarm and Partizan Igkoea, which was held last week-end. Heamofarm's coach was surprised after this decision.

'I didn't have any contact with the referees during the game. After it I asked ref Marko Juras why he didn't make 5 seconds call when Partizan supposed to throw in the ball under its basket. I was mad but I didn't treat him. I am really surprised with this decision', said Stevan Karadzic.

Except of one-game ban, which takes effect immediately, Hemofarm STADA will have to pay 1.5000 euros.

Todor Gecevski - Great start - by Interperformances
The Macedonian player, Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) has been the leader of the great start of Zadar in the Adriatic league where they have a record of 3-0. Last year Zadar was the champion of the Adriatic League. He scored 23 points in just 21 minutes in the easy win over Bosna Sarajevo for 101 - 57. This will be the fourth consecutive year that the 31 years old center is playing for Zadar.

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  ARGENTINA   


Scott Cutley - 34 points - by Interperformances
The 6'5' small forward Scott Cutley (196-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) had a great first game of his promising International career. He scored 34 points ( 13-22 from the '2' and 8-10 from the free throw line ) with 16 rebounds and 5 assists. Last year he averaged 14,6 ppg and 7,4 rebounds at the University of Cal. St. Fullerton. His team, Athletico Echague Parana, won a tough game againts San Mart. C in the Argentina TNA league, with the score of 88-94. Next year he will be ready to move to a higher level in Europe.

LigaA Round: 4 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Ben Hur - Cicl.Olimpico 80-87
Ciclista Olimpico grabbed road victory against Ben Hur improving to 3-1. Anthony Glover top-scored for the winners with 22 points while Mariano Byro had one point less. Diego Cavaco stopped on 20. Ben Hur got 18 points from James Life but it was not enough for the second win, 1-4.

Quimsa - Regatas C. 88-77
Quimsa registered solid 11-point home victory against Regatas jumping on 3-1. Gabriel Mikulas was totally the best player in the winning team with 26 points and 8 rebounds. Regatas dropped on 1-3 in Group North despite 20 points and 7 rebounds by Federico Kammerichs.

Obras - Libertad 77-81
Obras was pretty close to the first joy in Liga A - Group North, but it will have to wait for another chance. Daniel Chaher and Sergio Ravina had 13 points each for the hosts. Libertad has 3-1 after 4 games mostly owing to Jason Osborne, who collected 17 points and 11 rebounds.

Atenas - Sionista 96-73
Maybe easier that it was expected Atenas outplayed Sionista at home keeping the top of Group North together with three more teams. Leonardo Gutierrez drained 20 points for Atenas while Djibril Kante followed him with 15 points and impressive 9 rebounds. Sionista's best player was Chuck Robinson with 18 points and 6 rebounds. His team has 2-2 now.

Estudiantes - Quilmes MP 89-71
Estudiantes is the only undefeated team in Liga A so far. This time Quilmes MP faced with Esturiantes's power dropping on 1-3. Edward Neslon was great for the winners adding 33 points and 10 rebounds for 31 minutes. Quilmes got 19 points from Pablo Gil.

Lanus - Gimn.CR 76-69
Lanus celebrated second victory in Group South while Gimnasia CR remained on just one. Terrell Taylor led Lanus to win collecting 18 points and 12 rebounds for 24 minutes. Gary Buchanan had 19 points for the loosing side.

Independ.N. - Boca Jrs 94-78
Comfortable victory for Independiente against Boca Juniors for 3-1 in Liga A. Brice Assie scored 25 points for the winning team while Cedric Moodie helped it with one point less. Boca Juniors got 16 points and 6 rebounds from Anthony Johnson but it was not enough for third win, 2-2.



Liga A 4th round highlights - by Facundo Iatzky
Best 5:
Jonathan Treise (186-G-85) of Quimsa 18 pts 5 as
Cedric Moodie (187-G-78, college: Indianapolis) of Independiente 24 pts 5 reb
Anthony Glover (196-F-79, agency: Passing Lane, college: St.John's) of Olimpico 22 pts 5 reb
Gabriel Mikulas (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: E.Carolina) of Quimsa 26 pts 8 reb
Edward Nelson (203-F-82, college: Connecticut) of Estudiantes 33 pts 10 reb

second team:
Mariano Byro (196-G-82) of olimpico
David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) of Penarol
Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) of Atenas
Djibril Kante (201-C-80, college: Indiana St.) of Atenas
Terrell Taylor (203-C-81, college: Virginia Tech) of Lanus

*BB Estudiantes remains unbeaten surprisingly after an easy victory over Quilmes. Ed Nelson was named MVP of the second week.
Quimsa got a huge victory despite they played without Mazzaro and Cajal. They expect for the arriving of DeMarco Johnson this week. He will replace James Moore.
In the rest of the games, Olimpico got their second consecutive victory on the road against ben hur and there were victories of Independiente, Penarolo, Atenas, Libertad and Lanus.

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  AUSTRIA   


New rosters - by Stefan Heinrich
#s#
#e#6


Boone


Barbary


Ray


Grum


Ocokoljic
Only a couple of days before the 2008/09 starts with the first round we willl present the roster of all 12 teams to you. Today we will start with the Furstenfeld Panthers, the Allianz Swans Gmunden, the WBC Wels and the Worthersee Piraten.

Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers
4 Adam Boone (190-G-81)
5 Dragan Miletic (195-G-82)
6 J.J. Sullinger (196-G-82)
7 Menelik Barbary
8 Milan Goljovic (203-F-71) (C)
9 Shawn Ray (193-F-80)
10 Samo Grum (194-G/F-79)
11 Sebastian Pinterits (193-F-86)
12 Slobodan Ocokoljic (202-F-80)
13 Sebastian Gallwitz (192-G/F-86)
14 Christoph Poller (200-C-81)
15 Alexander Heuberger (202-F/C-89)

Coach: Aaron Mitchell
Ass. Coach: Trevor Gaines (201-F-80)

Allianz Swans Gmunden - by Stefan Heinrich
#s#
#e#6


Mayes


Colwell


Mayer


Fisher


Hutter

The Cup and Super-Cup winner will head into the new season with the following roster:

Allianz Swans Gmunden:

4 Enis Murati (195-F-88)
5 Johannes Kienesberger (178-G-85)
6 Reggie Huffman (201-F-82, college: UAB)
7 Thomas Stelzer (185-G-81)
8 Florian Schoninger (186-G-82)
9 Peter Hutter (196-F/G-80) (C)
10 Kristijan Splajt (194-F-81)
11 Anthony Fisher (191-G-83)
12 Matthias Mayer (206-C/F-81)
13 Deteri Mayes (189-G-74)

14 Shelton Colwell (202-F-80)
15 Elijah Palmer (201-F-81, college: Duquesne)
16 Michael Janisch (202-G-89)
17 Fridolin Ohlinger (192-F-89)
18 Dominik Gross
19 Valentin Kainhofer

Coach: Bob Gonnen
Ass. Coach: Bernd Sr. Wimmer



kelag Worthersee Piraten - by Stefan Heinrich
#s#
#e#6


Hartley


Rhinehart


Harper


Buggelsheim


Husanovic
The kelag Worthersee Piraten have a new Coach and 3 new Americans for the new season. Their goal is to reach the Top 8.

4 Martin Breithuber (186-G-88)
5 Selmir Husanovic (200-F-78)
6 Marko Breithuber (183-G-85)
7 Bernhard Weber (201-C/F-87)
8 Andreas Kuttnig (192-F-82)
9 Rasid Mahalbasic (203-F-90)
10 Joachim Buggelsheim (193-F-75) (C)
11 Erik Rhinehart (206-F-82)
12 Sebastian Schaal (189-G-90)
13 Brandon Hartley (193-G-81)
14 Samuel Bachlechner
15 Michael Harper (203-F-81)
16 Edgar Allesch (184-G-89)

Coach: Matthias Fischer

Gmunden won the Super-Cup - by Stefan Heinrich
Gmunden opened the season last Saturday with a 79:64 win in the Super-Cup. The Swans won the Super-Cup for the 5th time now. The main player was one more time Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.), who scored 27 points with a great shooting percentage as he made 12 of 15 shots.

Gmunden: Mayes 27, Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) 14, Shelton Colwell (202-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri St.) 14, Mayer 8, Schninger 6, Palmer 4, Huffman 3, Hutter 3
Furstenfeld: Shawn Ray (193-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: N.C.Central) 15, Adam Boone (190-G-81, college: Minnesota) 10, Barbary 9, Grum 8, Ocokoljic 8, Goljovic 7, Sullinger 5, Miletic 2

WBC Kraftwerk Wels - by Stefan Heinrich
The WBC Kraftwerk Wels made some changes for the upcoming season. Their goal is it to reach at least the Quarterfinals.After the retirement of Markus Pargfrieder the new captain is Armin Woschank.

4 Armin Woschank (C)
5 Thomas Csebits
6 Ricky Moore
7 Davor Lamesic
8 Igor Mamic
9 Casey Archibald
10 Patrick Diensthuber
11 Michael Hauer
12 Brandon Thomas
13 Flagan Prince
14 Tilo Klette
15 andrew Strait

Coach: Raoul Korner
Ass. Coach: John Dieckelmann

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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Standings
BIBL Standings
Group A
 1. Feni Indistrija 1-0 
 2. Swiss.Lions 1-0 
 3. ChernoMore 0-0 
 4. Radnicki 034 0-1 
 5. CSU Brasov 0-1 
Group B
 1. Mega HL 1-0 
 2. F.Rabotnicki 1-0 
 3. Rilski S-list 0-0 
 4. Strumica 0-0 
 5. Dinamo B. 0-1 
 6. Levski 0-1 


*****************************************************
  BARBADOS   


Williams, BCC stop "Kolij" - by Justin Marville
HISTORY HAS SHOWN that you overlook a defending champion at your own risk.

Especially when that opponent is a reigning five-time league champ. Barbados Community College (BCC) point guard Akeem Supa Williams poured in ten fourth-quarter points to lead the defending champs to a 73-60 home victory over pre-season favourites Harrison College on Thursday in the United Insurance Schools Basketball Division 1 Tournament.

Many pundits have focused on the title chances of Kolij, who currently have a 1-2 record, and long-time rivals Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (3-0), overlooking BCC (2-0) despite the champions reputation for pulling out wins in the most adverse circumstances.

And Thursdays encounter was another perfect example of the Eagles unyielding resolve as the five-time league champs played without two of their key players in critical situations.

Playing without enigmatic centre Shawn Parris, BCC also lost star swingman Manuel Alleng to injury for key stretches of the fourth quarter as the small forward came up limping after diving for a loose ball.

But Williams was steady at the helm in the face of adversity, maintaining the home sides unbeaten record in spite of watching Harrison College reduce a sizeable double-digit lead to single figures on two separate occasions.

Trailing 50-37 midway through the third quarter, with premier point guard Rahiim Gibbons subdued by a box-and-one defence, the visitors rallied on the back of a great defensive effort and the efforts of Daniel Burke.

With the BCC defence focusing on Gibbons, Burke took advantage of the acres of space presented to him, knocking down a couple of wide open jumpers, while using a quick first step to beat his defenders to the hole.

Smelling blood early in the fourth when Alleng was helped off to the side, forward Aamir Morris picked up the slack for the tiring Burke, scoring a series of baskets in the paint to help reduce the deficit to eight points (60-52) with 6:30 to play.

But Kolij were subsequently hampered by major injury concerns of their own, as Gibbons was also forced to the bench, following the onset of cramps.

No longer hassled by the fleet-footed Gibbons, Williams responded by attacking the heart of the visitors defence as the Eagles scored seven unanswered points to stretch their advantage to 15 points (67-52).

Morris and reserve point guard Kirk Gilkes made it interesting late in the fourth, igniting their own mini 6-0 run to reduce the deficit to single-digits again.

But it was all for naught, as Williams was in a merciless mood for the quarters final minute-and-a-half.

Effortlessly taking his markers off the dribble, he made his way to the foul line on three successive possessions to close out the contest on a riveting 6-2 run.

Alleng led all scorers with 25 points, while Williams finished with 21 for the unbeaten defending champs. For Kolij, Gibbons scored 21 points, with Morris and Burke adding 16 and ten, respectively.

"Kolij" hold off QC in schools' ball - by Justin Marville
FOR OVER A DECADE, Crumpton Street has proved to be a graveyard for visiting teams in the United Insurance Schools Basketball Division 1 Tournament.

And Tuesday was no different as another title contender fell by the wayside at the St Michael venue.

Clapham Bulls point guard Rahiim Gibbons scored 11 of his game-high 23 points in the fourth quarter to lead pre-season favourites Harrison College to a gripping 70-57 victory over long-time rivals Queens College (QC).

Watching all but three of a 17-point fourth-quarter cushion vanish in the opening minutes of the fourth, Kolij (1-1) came perilously close to dropping their second successive encounter on home turf.

But Gibbons was in no mood to endure another rare home defeat, especially after sitting on the bench for the final three minutes of last weeks heartbreaking loss to league leaders Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP).

Unruffled by the visitors immense rally, the wily floor general ruthlessly took over the contest with a composed demeanour, justifying his status as one of the countrys top juniors at the point guard position.

Using a deceptive change of pace, Gibbons took each of his defenders off the dribble, comfortably knifing his way through the lane and to the foul line.

The Harrison College point guard went on to explode for eight unanswered points during a two-minute span, while the visitors ran out of steam at the other end as the hot Troy Worrell and Shakeil Rock suddenly went cold from the perimeter.

Outstanding QC centre Antonio Sealy threatened to halt the slide, with a series of baskets in the paint, but forward Christian Annel added a couple of lay-ups of his own as the homeside finished the contest on an 18-8 game-sealing run.

Inexplicably keeping the ball out of Sealys hands in the previous quarter, Queens College (1-2) were in danger of being routed on the road after scoring a single point during the third period.

Worrell, Rock and Kristen Deane were all guilty of hoisting several unwarranted jumpers, leading to a dramatic collapse as QC struggled to get anything going, with Sealy failing to touch the ball at the offensive end.

The Harrisonians duly took advantage at the other end of the floor, with Gibbons willingly feeding Annel and Aamir Morris in the paint for easy baskets underneath.

The trio combined for 13 third-quarter points to transform a slim two-point half-time deficit into a huge 17-point fourth-quarter advantage.

But those same ill-advised jumpers that put the visitors into a deep hole eventually dug them out as Queens College persisted with their long-range plan.

Behind back-to-back treys from Worrell, the visitors scored eight unanswered points to open the fourth, igniting an ensuing 16-2 rally as Harrison College crumbled against the visitors sudden assault.

However, that assault wouldnt be enough to stop Gibbons fourth-quarter offensive arsenal.

Morris and Annel provided Gibbons with good support, adding 18 and 15 points respectively, while Worrell topscored for QC with 20 points and Sealy finished with 15.

In the days other game, front runners SJPP extended their lead atop the table with a 99-41 thrashing of the winless Lodge School. Remar Smith led five Polytechnic players in double digits with 18 points, getting help from Mark Bridgeman (16), Tremaine Shaw (15), Shane Rock (14) and Nicholas Payne (14). For The Lodge, Kadeem Stephens led the way with 14 points, while Myrico Morris was the only other player in double digits with 11.

Schools' Division 2: Garrison thrash Lester Vaughan - by Justin Marville
THE FAIRY TALE is over!

And the pecking order of the United Insurance Schools Basketball Division 2 Tournament has been restored.

Behind the Big Three of John Jones, Justin Maloney and Jodi Williams, title contenders Garrison Secondary thrashed Lester Vaughan 63-35 on Wednesday to put an end to the visitors Cinderella run in the competition.

Playing unbeaten through the seasons first three games, Lester Vaughan (3-1) had high hopes of contending for the schools first championship after soundly dispatching their earlier opponents.

But those title aspirations were dashed within the first four minutes of the Dayrells Road encounter as the Garrison (5-0) were anything but hospitable to their road-weary guests.

With the backcourt pair of Williams and Maloney feasting in the open court, a 14-0 Garrison start to the contest quickly dispelled any myths about the true class of the competition.

The duos exploits in transition were a direct result of Jones dominance at the other end of the floor, as the 6ft. 6in. athletic centre controlled the defensive boards while registering several blocks.

Jones was no slouch offensively either, scoring a series of baskets in the low post late in the first quarter to extend the home sides lead to 24-3 heading into the second period.

Despite missing leading scorer, Ashley Smith, in that ensuing quarter, Lester Vaughan responded valiantly with Raphael Hinds, Elvis Forde and Kareem Neblett forcing the issue in transition.

The trio were allowed to get out in the open court for several easy scoring opportunities as the Garrison got sloppy, with Williams and Jones sitting out the majority of the second period.

However, the visitors were still forced to contend with an unrelenting Maloney, who halted Lester Vaughans rally with a pair of baskets to the end the quarter the last one coming on a nimble step-back jumper as the half-time whistle sounded.

Trailing 32-13 entering the second half, Lester Vaughan were undaunted by Jones and Williams re-entry, and managed to keep themselves in the contest by changing the game into a track meet.

With Neblett and Forde pushing the ball in the open floor once more, the visitors traded baskets back and forth with Williams and Maloney, keeping the deficit to a respectable 21 points (47-26) entering the fourth quarter.

But it was there that Jones stamped his authority on the games proceedings as the visitors had no answer in the paint to the towering Garrison centre.

Continually pounding away in the low blocks against the smaller opposing frontcourt, Jones effectively put an end to the contest, pouring in eight fourth quarter points to stretch the hosts lead past 30 points with less than two minutes remaining.

Williams led the way with a game-high 19 points while Jones and Maloney added 17 and 16 points, respectively.

For Lester Vaughan, Neblett scored 14 points and Forde ended with 11.

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  BELGIUM   


Great European debut for Will Thomas - by Interperformances
6'7' American forward Will Thomas (201-F-86, agency: Interperformances) continues his great European debut in the Belgian team Belgacom Liege Basket. After having scored 11 points and having grabbed 11 rebounds in the opening game against Antwerp Diamond Giants, Will scored 21 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, in the match against TEC Spirou Charleroi, team champion for the Belgian regular season 2007/2008.
Will was one of the best players at the George Mason University and last season was a runner-up for both the CAA Player of the Year and CAA Defensive Player of the Year.

*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


Igokea beats Borac in derby of Round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Igokea Partizan - Borac Nektar 74-65

Liga 13 - In the last game of round 1, two local rivals met each other in Aleksandrovac. Last season's runner up and the host in this match Igokea Partizan outplayed Borac Nektar thanks to well played second half.
Beginning of the game totally belonged to Borac, who made impressive plus 12 very quick. Until the end of the first frame Igokea managed to cut the margin on 8 points, 9-17. Hrvoje Puljko (193-G-83, agency: Interperformances) and his teammates succeeded to keep their lead until the last two minutes of the second stanza, when Igokea Partizan, mostly owing to Marko Djerasimovic (200-F-84) and Milos Mirkovic (206-C/F-83, agency: Court Side), made a turn 31-30. However, teams went on the half time scoring 35 points each. Igokea showed up after the breather with strong willingness to take this one. Its players intensified defense creating 14-5 run. Game is resolved at the beginning of the last frame. The hosts put into the fifth gear once again while Borac had many troubles at the both ends of the court. Everything resulted with plus 16 for Igokea in 34th minute, what was the sign that this game is already over for Borac.
Marko Djerasimovic paced Igokea to victory draining 20 points. Milos Mirkovic was behind him with 17. Borac got 22 poinst from Hrvoje Puljko while US Virgin Islands' big guy Omari Peterkin (204-F/C-83, college: Boston U.) had 13.

Igokea Partizan: Marko Djerasimovic 20, Milos Mirkovic 17
Borac: Hrvoje Puljko 22, Omari Peterkin 13

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  CBA   


Xplosion returns in revamped CBA - by Eurobasket News
The obscure world of the Continental Basketball Association will again have a presence in Pittsburgh this season, despite league membership having been cut in half.

The revamped, five-team professional league will open its schedule Dec. 12 with a pair of games, including the Pittsburgh Xplosion welcoming the East Kentucky Miners to either Mellon Arena or Petersen Events Center.

'We're still working out the final details of the schedule with those places,' said Freddie Lewis, president and general manager of the Xplosion.

CBA teams are expected to play an 80-game regular-season schedule. The Xplosion will also host the CBA All-Star Classic on Feb. 10 at either Mellon Arena or Petersen Events Center.

'I was pushing for that because I thought Pittsburgh would be a great city for that,' said the former McKeesport High School and Arizona State star.

The Xplosion, whose roster includes a number players from district colleges, began in 2004 as a member of the American Basketball Association and spent two years in the league before switching to the CBA in 2006.

This season, the Xplosion survived a massive cutdown of the CBA field. The other survivors are the Albany (N.Y.) Patroons, the defending champion Lawton-Fort Sill (Okla.) Cavalry and the Minot (S.D.) SkyRockets, who last season beat the Xplosion in the American Conference finals.

Courtesy of http://www.pittsburghlive.com

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


Great opening round of A1 for the hosts - by Eurobasket News
Croatian A1 league started on Friday, when Cedevita outplayed Borik Puntamika 86-70. Also in all other games the hosts made good results.
Sibenik had an easy job against Svjetlost Slavonski Brod 74-58. Mario Filipovic was the best player for the winning team adding 16 points including 9 rebounds. Miro Bilan (210-C/F-89) also was good with one point less. Svjetlost got 22 points from Nenad Delic (210-F/C-84).
Zabok didn't have to work very hard in order to beat Trogir 94-80. Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) paced Zabok to victory collecting 27 points and 9 rebounds. Actually he is MVP of the first round with index value 42. Toni Bizaca (200-F-82) shined in Trogir registering 34 points and 8 boards. It was the first game of Trogir in A1 ever.
Alkar grabbed 10-point win vs Kvarner 88-78. The hosts took it mostly owing to Josip Blajic (192-G-87), who finished the game with 26 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Marijan Mance (197-G-78) drained 32 points for Kvarner.
In the most exciting game of the round Dubrovnik managed to beat Dubrava 84-81. Ante Vranjes (204-F/C-75, agency: Heinrich Sports) was the key player in Dubrava with 25 points. Zeljko Sakic (202-F-88) and Tomislav Culjak (204-F/C-80) had 18 points each for the losing side.

Popovic and Loncar win in Russia, Nicevic shines in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Two members of Croatian National Team, Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) and Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83), celebrated in the first round of Russian championship. Their Unics Kazan played a road game against Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. As a reminder, head coach of Lokomotiv is Daniel Jusup. The hosts had big plus 13 at the beginning of the second frame but Unics took care for magnificent turn. At the middle of third Marko Popovic and his teammates created impressive 17-0 run for 59-49. Until the end of the game Unics extended its lead even more 90-68. Marko Popovic was the leading player of his team adding 20 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Kresimir Loncar helped with 10 points and 8 boards.

Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) also had excellent first round but in Italian championship. NT center and his Benetton Treviso were better than Air Avelino 71-68. It was very exciting game and Avelino had a chance to reach an over time but Nikola Radulovic missed a triple. Sandro Nicevic was MVP of the game with index value 17. He spent 34 minutes on the court registering double-double, 16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocked shots. Interesting is that ex player of Cibona Zagreb Chris Warren had 15 points in Avelino.

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  CYPRUS   


PROTEAS EKA AEL in Ukraine - by Michael Aristidou
Proteas EKA AEL Limassol is going to Ukraine to face BC Donetsk for EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1. Coach Dragan Ratsa has two players out for this game. One is Michalis Kounounis due to injury problem and the other is Marios Palalas due to health problem. Ratsa choose the following players for the match, Blanchard LaVell, Dozet Milan , Radojevic Aleksandar, Mitchell Darrel,
Subotic Vujadin , Mujezinovic Haris, Palalas Giorgos, Pantouris Grigoris, Liatsos Alexis, Loizides Christos, Ronel Teylor. The game is tomorrow at 19:00.

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Vardar 2000 lands Kostoski and Morban - by Eurobasket News
Just one day before the beginning of Macedonian Superleague, Vardar 2000 announced signing of two great acquisitions.

The first one is Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Octagon), who was pretty close to join AMAK SP but at the end he picked Vardar. Aleksandar Kostoski played last season in French team Gravelines but with very limited playing time. Actualy he appeared only 9 times in total for senior team adding around 1 ppg. Most of the season he spent in U21 Gravelines. In the past he played for Fersped Rabotnicki and U21 Pau Orthez. Kostoski was a captain of U20 Macedonia on European Championship division B, which was held this summer in Targu Mures. He had 8 appearances on this event averaging 18 ppg and 6.4 rpg. At the same time he had 6.4 apg grabbing the award for the top assistant. In 2007 and 2006 he also played for U20 Macedonia on European Championships in Nova Gorica and Lisbon.

Secon player is Carlos Morban (187-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Florida Intern.), who spent last season in Romanian Dunamo Bucharesti. 26-year old Dominican appeared 15 times in Romanian top division averaging 13.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4 apg and 2.4 spg. He already has experience from FYROM as a player of Feni Industri as well as his new-old team Vardar. In 2007 he won Mac-National Cup and was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League Import Player of the Year -07'. In the past Morban also used to play in Turkish D1. Actually he spent there just one month as a member of Erdemirspor. In three games Carlos Morban had 10.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.3 spg. During the off-season in Europe Morban played for Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris and Marineros de Puerto Plata (both in 2006) and Marineros de Puerto Plata in 2008. He came out from Florida International University in 2004. Morban participated at the latest Centrobasket in Mexico with National Team of Dominican Republic.

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Kataja won with 6-7 players - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 3-4: Kataja (Joensuu) vs ToPo (Helsinki) on TV-game tonight. Kataja starting the contest with seven (7) players and American F Quinnell Brown
hurting his ankle after 11 minutes. So, Kataja playing then with six players and winning the close game 88-85 (47-42). Quarters: 23-16, 24-26, 15-23, 26-20.
Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) played (read:had to play!) all 40 minutes scoring 25 pts and grabbing 18 rbs. American G Ty Harrelson (193-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Wayland Baptist) added 24 and Juho Nenonen (202-F-87) (also 40 minutes) 21 pts (treys 5/9). ToPo was led by James Allen (194-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Montevallo) (21 pts). Newcomer Isaac Spencer (198-F-78, agency: Tank Sports, college: Murray St.), who had not played any official game in four years, got 19 minutes playing time and netted 19 pts. Spencer had also seven rbs and eight TOs. Head Coach Tomi Kaminen is sure Spencer will be ready and tough by Xmas. ToPo won the rebounds 33-48, but was fouling 28 times (Kataja 15) and that gave Kataja 30 FTs (ToPo 13). Kataja is still undefeated (3-0), but how many players are able to play this coming Wednesday the Finnish Cup game vs YMCA Lappeenranta?

Kataja - ToPo 88-85 (47-42) (Jeremiah Wood 25/18/7a, Ty Harrelson 24, Juho Nenonen 21 - James Allen 21, Isaac Spencer 19, Elias Kajander 12).



Standings - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Standings
 1. Lahti 3-0 
 2. Kataja 3-0 
 3. Honka 2-1 
 4. KTP 2-1 
 5. FoKoPo 2-2 
 6. Kouvot 2-2 
 7. Korihait 2-2 
 8. LrNMKY 2-2 
 9. ToPo 1-3 
 10. Pyrinto 1-3 
 11. Tarmo 1-3 
 12. Componenta 1-3 


*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


PRO A and PRO B MARKET - by Gregory Caru

In order to replace Etienne Brower injured,Roanne has signed Karim Souchu for 6 months.Souchu is well known in France because he played in Dijon and Villeurbanne,last year he was in Limassol(CYP Division)and posted 13,7ppg 3,1rpg with a participation in FIBA Euro Cup 10,3ppg 2,4rpg.It's a good player who can play 2-3,speed,quickness,athletic,good defensive player with good spirit.He returns in France in order to demonstrate that he hasn't loss his game in Belgium and somewhere else.

Karim Souchu (198-F-79, college: Furman)


Otherwhise,in Pro B,Bourg has released Riley and signed Terrance Johnson already seen in Dijon 12,2ppg 40,3% 3PT and last year in Besancon 14,3ppg 3,6rpg with participation and victory in Play Offs.This is a very flashy player,shooter from long distance,speed and quickness,a very good deal for Bourg who tries to come back in Pro A.

Terrance Johnson (196-G-82, college: Cal.Baptist)

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Vardar 2000 lands Kostoski and Morban - by Eurobasket News
Just one day before the beginning of Macedonian Superleague, Vardar 2000 announced signing of two great acquisitions.

The first one is Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Octagon), who was pretty close to join AMAK SP but at the end he picked Vardar. Aleksandar Kostoski played last season in French team Gravelines but with very limited playing time. Actualy he appeared only 9 times in total for senior team adding around 1 ppg. Most of the season he spent in U21 Gravelines. In the past he played for Fersped Rabotnicki and U21 Pau Orthez. Kostoski was a captain of U20 Macedonia on European Championship division B, which was held this summer in Targu Mures. He had 8 appearances on this event averaging 18 ppg and 6.4 rpg. At the same time he had 6.4 apg grabbing the award for the top assistant. In 2007 and 2006 he also played for U20 Macedonia on European Championships in Nova Gorica and Lisbon.

Secon player is Carlos Morban (187-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Florida Intern.), who spent last season in Romanian Dunamo Bucharesti. 26-year old Dominican appeared 15 times in Romanian top division averaging 13.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 4 apg and 2.4 spg. He already has experience from FYROM as a player of Feni Industri as well as his new-old team Vardar. In 2007 he won Mac-National Cup and was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League Import Player of the Year -07'. In the past Morban also used to play in Turkish D1. Actually he spent there just one month as a member of Erdemirspor. In three games Carlos Morban had 10.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.3 spg. During the off-season in Europe Morban played for Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris and Marineros de Puerto Plata (both in 2006) and Marineros de Puerto Plata in 2008. He came out from Florida International University in 2004. Morban participated at the latest Centrobasket in Mexico with National Team of Dominican Republic.

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  GERMANY   


ProB Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Hannover - Telemotive 86-73
Hannover improved to 2-1 record in ProB ladder as they shot down Telemotive 86:73 at home. Five Hannover players scored in double digits with Babis Douloudis leading the charge with 19 points. David Arigbabu contributed 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Johnnie Bryant answered with 20 points for the Muenchen team.

Speyer - Mainz 64-89
Mainz celebrated the second win in the season as they cruised past Speyer 89:64 on the road. Anish Sharda was outstanding with 30 points and 5 steals for the winners. Mike Zuiderveen provided help with 17 points. Julian Krieger answered with 25 points and 8 rebounds for Speyer as they slipped to 1-2 record.

Herten - Franken Hexer 78-69
Hertener moved up to 2-1 record in ProB action as they overcame Franken Hexer 78:69. Gary Johnson came up with 26 points and 5 assists, while Kendall Chones delivered 20 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Bastian Doreth responded with 20 points for Hexer in defeat.

proveo Merl. - Stahnsdorf 98-68
proveo Merlins breezed to a comfortable win against Stahnsdorf 98:68 in the round. John Griffin exploded with 29 points for the hosts. Sean Brooks contributed 27 points and 12 boards as Merlins climbed to 2-1 record. Stephan Balga knocked down 26 points for Stahnsdorf.

Freiburg - Rhoendorf 59-71
Rhoendorf stayed atop of the standings with a 71:59 victory over Freiburg lately. The Dragons got 16 points, 6 assists and 6 steals from Gabriel Moore. Johannes Lange added 14 points and 6 boards for the winning side. Lee Jeka answered with 13 points for Freiburg as they fell to 0-3 record at the bottom of the ladder.



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  GREECE   


Matt Walsh close to return - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Olimpia Larissa trying to build a strong team with big target so they are not afraid to make early changes in order to strengthen their roster.They already indicated the bad performance of Mike King (193-G-78, agency: Strategic Sports, college: George Washington) in the summer games and against Trikala. Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) recently got released from Miami Heat (NBA) and the team from Larisa started negotiations with him and probably he will return in the Greek league. The perfomance of Mike King so far is bad but the contract of Jamel Thomas (198-F/G-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: Providence) is bigger so its not sure what the coach will decide, King or Thomas out? Thomas can do many things in the floor and the team must keep him if they decide to increase their budget.

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  HOLLAND   


FEB Results: ABC Eclipse Jet/MyGuide, Eiffel Towers, Matrxx Magixx Remain Undefeated, Upstairs Weert, Landstede Basketball Get 1st Wins - by Sanders Jackson


This weekend in FEB action, defending Dutch champion ABC Eclipse Jet/MyGuide, Eiffel Towers and Matrixx Magixx had no slipups, remaining undefeated to remain at the top of the FEB standings at 3-0, while Upstairs Weert and Landstede Basketball had impressive wins.

In the Sporthallen-Zuid, the defending Dutch champions got it together in the 4th quarter, shaking off an improved Aris Friesland team, winning by the score of 79-65. Aris Friesland kept the game close the first three quarters, with a strong performance by Jayme Miller (205-F-85, agency: Passing Lane), closing within 57-56 at the end of the 3rd quarter. But the depth and defensive quality of Eclipse Jet/MyGuide proved to be too much, with Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette) and Victor Thomas (201-F-79, college: La Salle) making key baskets. Greene led Eclipse Jet/MyGuide with 21 pts. , with Thomas, still recovering from a preseason elbow injury, adding 14. Miller led Aris with 20 pts.


The team that usually controls the boards usually controls the game. That was the case In Den Helder on Saturday for Eiffel Towers, who had for the most part their work cut out for them vs. BlueStream Den Helder, but still managed to depart Den Helder with an unblemisched record, winning by the score of 96-89. BlueStream led 85-80 with four minutes remaining but Eiffel closed the bank, with their superior rebounding strength and defense taking over, helping Eiffel gain the upper hand in the end. Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) was unstoppable, with a double-double of 28 pts. and 14 rebounds, and tag team inside partner Devonne Giles (203-F-83, college: Texas Tech) was no slouch either, adding 14 pts. and 11 rebounds. Tjoe de Paula (185-G-81, agency: Court Side) led BlueStream wih 20 pts.


In the Martiniplaza, Matrixx Magixx also remained with an unblemisched record, winning over Hanzevast Capitals 81-76. Matrixx got out of the starting gates much faster than their opposition, staking Hanzevast to a 16-4 lead, forcing Hanzevast to play catch-up most of the way. The fact that Matrixx is a team that has more depth and in better form played a big hand in them controlling the tempo of the game. Ex-Donar standout Raoul Heinen (196-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason) had a good return to the Martiniplaza, leading Matrixx with 17 pts., with Eric Nelson (201-F/C-76, college: Vermont) filling up the stat sheet with 14 pts., 9 rebounds, 4 assists, 6 steals and a block. Donar, shooting only 37.2% from the field, were led by Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) with 18 pts.


In Weert, a strong performance by Marcus Jackson (202-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Marquette) made the difference for Upstairs Weert, helping the Limburgers get their first win of the season, winning convincingly over ZZ Leiden by the score of 95-79. Jackson was again a Windex man on the glass, swiping 20 rebounds and manning the paint for Upstairs, which freed up their outside game. No one for Upstairs did that better than Niels Vorenhout (202-F-80, agency: Court Side), who rang up an impressive 6 of 6 from the three-point line (20 ots. total). PG Omni Smith added a double-double of 19 pts., 10 assists, David Patten (203-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Weber St.) added 18 and Steve Ross (201-G/F-80, agency: Court Side, college: Santa Clara) had 17. ZZ's J.S. Nash (188-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Oregon St.) led all scorers with 25 pts. , with David Chiotti (206-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico) adding 16 pts. and 11 rebounds.


Sunday in Bergen-op-Zoom, the three-pointers for Landstede Basketball finally started landing, with a good start making a difference, with Landstede gaining its 1st win of the season and preventing West-Brabant Giants from theirs, winning impressively 77-60. Landstede made six three-pointers in the 1st quarter to take a 30-21 lead at the end of the 1st quarter (48-28 halftime). Landstede were not to be denied, as the defense also held the fort, and good balanced scoring was also found, with strong performances by Arno Bunnig (197-F-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) (15 pts, 11 rebounds, 5 of 7 from the three-point line) and Jamie Smalligan (212-C-84, college: W.Virginia) (12 pts., 4 three-pointers). Robby Bostain (191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman) led Landstede with 18 pts., with also 7 assists, and Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84, college: Furman) added 17 pts., and also had 8 steals. Landstede made 14 of 31 three-pointers total, while holding the Giants to only 2 of 15.



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  IRELAND   


DART Killester and UCC Demons top the Conferences - by Eurobasket News

DART Killester and UCC Demons are on top of the North and South Conferences respectively. Both teams enjoy 2-0 record after two games played.
On November 10th UCC Demons beat Neptune 87:58 behind 21 points from O'Reilly 21. Young netted 20, while Ryne Hamblet (196-G-85, college: Bowling Green) scored 19. James top-scored for the guests with 18 points and Noonan added 11.
Last night UCD/Marian tried hard but lost to DART Killester 73:76. John Behan (193-G-85) paced all the winners with 26 points and Michael Westbrooks (193-G-82) added 11. Parker shined for the hosts with 24 points.
Ulster Elks was beaten by DCU Saints 75:81. D. Donnelly top-scored for the winners with 25 points and E Donnelly added 20. Nagei ended up with 27 points in the losing effort.
Limerick Lions lost to Hoops 70:74, while Abrakebabra Tralee Tigers beat Belfast Star 85:67. Carl Hadley (193-F, college: Sam Houston St.) to-scored for the winners with 27 points and Donaghy netted 19. Dion Sherrell (194-G-83, agency: IceBasket, college: Wyoming) and Ighodaro posted 17 points apiece in the losing effort.



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  ISRAEL   


Gvi'a "Winner" first round results - by Netanel Dahan

Todey started the first official tournament in Israel that called 'Gvi'a Winner' here the results of the first round at this tournament:

Maccabi Haifa-Kiryat Ata 75-53 to Haifa(it was a demonstration game).
Haifa showed that she is going to be one of the strongest team in Israel this year.
Box score:
To Haifa:
Ido Kozikaro 23 points+11 rebounds,Doron Perkins,and BJ McKie 11 points each,Brooks Sales 10 points,Ben Strong 7 points,Moshe Mizrachi,Amit Ben David 4 points,Gur Porat and Jefferson 2 pts.

The top scores to Ata:Terrence Roberts 14 rebounds,and Brandon McKnight 16 points each,Draelon Burns 10 points,Berkovitz and Ermichin 7 points.

Ironi Nahariya-Ironi Ramat Gan 90-77 to Ironi Nahariya.
Nahariya built a very nice team and get back Raviv Limond the expectation from this team is the top 6,and after this game it is possible that she will get up to the Finel Four.
Box score:
To Ironi Nahariya:
Ron Lewis 21 points,Raviv Limond 18 points,Greg Brunner 15 points,Washam 13 points,McGhee 10 points,Yogev Ohayon 9 points,Yaakusi 4 points.

The top scores to Ramat Gan:Carmelo Lee 21 points,Josh Gomes 16 points,Jones 14 points.

Bnei Hasharon-Hapoel Holon-82-62 to Bnei Hasahron.

Box score:
To Bnei Hasharon:Roby 27 points,Quaintance 14 points,Ben Ries 10 points,James 8 points(4 blockes),Munson5 points,Meir Tapiro 4 points,Hofman and Katz 3 points.

Holon's top scores:Washington 23 points,Watson Flores and Orland 10 points each.

Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv-Gaili-Gilboa 79-77 to Galil.
Galil controled in every part of the game Maccabi shrinked the advantage close to the end.

Box score:
Galil's top scores:Roberts 24 points,Izraeli 15 points,Nixon 14 points,Yavzuri 8 points.

To Maccabi:
Arroyo 15 points,Hagag 9 points(all his points he scored at the fourth quarter),Williams and Eliyahu 8 points each,Fischer 7 points,Sharp,Casspi and Batista 6 points each,Simmons and Burstein 5 points,and green 2 points.

Hapoel Jerusalem-Ashkelon 87-81 to Jerusalem.


Box score:
Jerusalem's top scores:Bowers 24 points,Haluska 18 points,Markovic 12 points,Shason 11 points,and Sneed 10 points.
Ashkelon's top scores:Burtt 27 points,Eddy Fobbs 21 points,Ben-Chimol 15 points,Tamir 13 points.

At the last demonstration game Rishon beat Givat Shmuel 109-91.


Givat's top scores: Ross 23 points,Nir and Hall 19 points each.
Rishon's top scores:Hughes 20 points,Tutt 19 points,and Conley 17 points.


The Semi-Finel Games(15.10.08):
Galil Gilboa-Ironi Nahariya.
Jerusalem-Bnei Hasharon.



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


Serie A - Week 1 - by Stefano Pini
Finally Serie A is begun after a sad September. But we can see a continuity with the past. Montepaschi Siena seems a team that has worked all the summer... At Cantu, against a solid team, Montepaschi pushed in the second half to gain a victory by 35 points... Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall) scored 20 points, Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) 16. Giorgio Armani can celebrate his first game as owner of Olimpia Milano with a victory on the road.
David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) can be considered the MVP of day 1. 28 points, 6 steals. For Pesaro Akindele was very impressive: 16 points, 8 rebounds, 5 steals, 4 blocks. Benetton Treviso won a balanced game against Avellino. Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson) led his team with 20 points. 11 in 18' for Bobby Dixon (178-G-83, college: Troy), arrived last week. Marko Tusek (203-F-75) had 20+10 for Avellino, that shooted a lot from the distance (9/30). La Fortezza Bologna is a deep and talented team that will fight to reach the finals in this season. Against Biella, Earl Earl Boykins (168-G-76, college: E.Michigan) scored 14 points with 5 assists, Sharrod Ford (206-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Clemson) 18 points and 11 rebounds. Angelico's duo Joe Smith (193-G-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Al.-Huntsville) + Reece Gaines (198-G-81, college: Louisville) combined for 33 points. We will see good basket in the both side of Bologna this season. Upim has enough talent to stay at the top of the standing. And, when Joseph Forte (193-G-81, college: N.Carolina) is so inspired (33 points 7/15 by 3p.), the team has few limits... Nothing to do for Snaidero in a very bad shooting night (5/27). Solsonica, after a summer full of troubles, found a smile with the beginning of the competition. Against Montegranaro, there was the battle of big men: Vangelis Sklavos (202-F-77) had 19+10, Hunter 23+13. But Rieti gained the victory. After 6 season Teramo won the first game of the season, with a shining Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) (18 points + 8 assists). For Ferrara 21+11 for Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona). In the last game of the week, Roma needed an OT to overcome Caserta. Ibrahim Jaaber (187-G-84, college: Pennsylvania) scored 2 field goals. One of that two, was the shot that forced the overtime. Sani Becirovic (195-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) had a perfect game (14/14) from the line. For Caserta 26 points and 8 rebounds for Guillermo Diaz (188-G-85, college: Miami, FL).

Lega2 Round: 2 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Cimberio VA - Basket LI 77-72
Giacomo Galanda had 19 points and 15 rebounds and Varese claimed the second straight win in the LegaDue season. They held off Basket Livorno on the road to take the lead in the league. Kaniel Dickens provided 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Marcelus Kemp answered with 20 points and 6 steals for Livorno.

Fileni JE - Carmatic PI 76-69
Fileni BPA Jesi improved to 2-0 record as they outscored Carmatic Pistoia 76:69 at home. Michael Cuffee dropped 24 points to pace the hosts. Michele Maggioli added 17 points and 12 boards for the winners. Elton Tyler responded with 15 points and 10 boards for Pistoia as they slipped to 1-1 record.

Vanoli SO - Pallacan.RO 89-84
Vanoli Soresina scored the initial win in the season as they defeated Pallacanestro Roseto 89:84. Troy Bell came off the bench to fire 23 points and ensured the win for Vanoli. Quadre Lollis delivered 19 points in the win. Danilo Pinnock responded with 17 points for Pallacanestro Roseto.

Fastweb CM - Basket RC 89-82
Rimini Crabs suffered the second loss in a row as they dropped the game against Fastweb Casale 82:89 on the road. Zabian Dowdell fired 19 points for Casale. Tommaso Fantoni added 16 points for the winners. Phil Goss topscored for Rimini with 26 points.

Edimes PV - Trenkwalder 94-82
Paul Marigney secured 24 points for Edimes Pavia as they knocked down Trenkwalder 94:82 today. Thomas Mobley contributed 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Alvin Young answered with 16 points for Reggio Emilia. Both teams are leveled at 1-1.

Prima VE - Harem SC 66-57
Ronald Davis poured in 24 points but it was not enough for Harem Scafati to succeed against Prima Veroli. Kyle Hines secured a massive double-double of 20 points and 16 rebounds to propel Veroli to a 66:57 victory. Afik Nissim added 14 points in the win. Michael Lenzly dropped 11 points in defeat.

Aget IM - Banco Sard. 85-81
Aget IM used a 21-point and 11-board haul from Joseph Bunn to celebrate an 85:81 win over Banco Di Sardegna. Gennaro Sorrentino produced 18 points and 6 rebounds in the win. Peter Ezegwu notched 16 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Umana Reyer - Enel Brindisi 79-72
Umana Reyer Venezia registered their first win in the season as they handled Enel Brindisi 79:72 at home court. Otis George orchestrated the win as he tallied 23 points, 10 boards and 5 blocks. Alex Bougaieff dropped 13 points and pulled down 8 rebounds for Venezia. Marcus Hatten nailed 20 points for Enel Brindisi in their initial loss in the championship.



*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


Link Tochigi Brex finally pick up first win of season - by Kenny
After losing a 69-67 heartbreaker to the Hitachi Sunrockers on Sunday (Oct. 12th) on a last second 3-pointer by G Hiroyuki Ueyama of the Sunrockers, the Link Tochigi Brex finally got the proverbial monkey off their backs by easily defeating Hitachi 76-60 on Monday (Oct. 13th) to win not only their first game of the season, but also their first game ever in the JBL's 1st division. Tochigi was led by scoring sensation G/F Takuya Kawamura (191-G-86) who once again led the Brex in scoring with 20 points. Former Phoenix Suns guard Yuta Tabuse contributed to the win by having his best game of the season so far as he had 10 points to go along with his 7 assists and only 1 turnover. Import F/C Randy Orr also contributed with 17 points and 6 boards while steady C Shunsuke Ito had another solid game with 10 points and 6 rebounds. Hitachi was led by new import Lamar Rice's 16 pts/7 reb off the bench. For the season, Tochigi is now 1-4 while Hitachi falls to 3-2.

In other JBL action over the weekend, the Panasonic Trians moved to 4-0 by thumping the Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins 85-51 on Friday night (Oct. 10th) in the only action on Friday. F Ace Custis and SG Atsushi Ohno paced Panasonic with 17 points and 18 points respectively. Panasonic was unable to stay undefeated, however, as they lost the next day to Mitsubishi by a score of 75-69. Panasonic is now 4-1 while Mitsubishi goes to 2-3.

The Aisin Sea Horses and Rera Kamuy Hokkaido split a pair of games over the weekend with Aisin taking the first game 89-79 and Hokkaido taking the second game 83-74 while the Toyota Alvark swept their 2-game weekend series against the Toshiba Brave Thunders by a score of 79-70 on Saturday and 94-65 on Sunday. Aisin is now 3-2 while Hokkaido falls a game below .500 to 2-3. Toyota improves to 3-2 while Toshiba also dips below .500 by falling to 2-3.

JBL Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Panasonic - Mitsubishi 85-51
Panasonic had the best start from all the teams winning 4 in a row. On October 10th the team overcame Mitsubishi 85:51. Ohno Atsushi led the winners with 18 points.

Panasonic - Mitsubishi 69-75
Mitsubishi bounced back after the loss the day before and handed Panasonic the first, 69:75 upset. Kashiwakura Hidenori led the winners with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Kinoshita Hiroyuki nailed 18 in defeat while Ohno Atsushi scored 15.

Hokkaido - Aishin 79-89
Hokkaido lost to Aishin in the first game between the teams 79:89. Henderson-Sakuragi and Takeuchi Kosuke combined for the winners 50 points. Orimo Takehiko ended up with 24 points in the losing effort.

Toyota - Toshiba 79-70
Toyota won the first game over Toshiba 79:70 behind 24 points from O'Bannon Charles. Violette Cory scored the same number of points for the guests and Ishizaki Takumi nailed 16.

Hokkaido - Aishin 83-74
Hokkaido revenged for the loss the day after producing 83:74 over Aishin. Newton Tyler paced all the winners with 26 points and 10 rebounds. Young David had 20 and Takeuchi Kosuke netted 15.

Toyota - Toshiba 94-65
Toyota stormed past Toshiba 94:65 in their second appearance on October 12th. Okada Yusuke top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Kikuchi Shohei notched in defeat.

Tochigi Brex - Hitachi S. 67-69
Hitachi survived in the first appearance over Tochigi Brex stealing 67:69 victory. Rice Lamar and Takeuchi Joji top-scored for the winners with 18 points apiece. Kawamura Takuya ended up in defeat with 15 points.

Tochigi Brex - Hitachi S. 76-60
Tochigi Brex was stronger tonight against Hitachi taking 76:60 victory. Kawamura, Takuya poured in 20 points, whilst Orr, Randy had 17. Rice Lamar produced 16 points and 7 rebounds in the losing effort.



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  JUCO   


Indian Hills Players impacting their new teams - by C Martin

Seven players who graduated from Indian Hills Community College all were major contributors to the success of their current schools during the 2007-08 season. Included two MVP awards, an All-American designation, leading their teams in scoring and rebounding and a few other awards during the past season.
Marcus Walker (6'0''-G-86), at Colorado State, earned Newcomer of the Year and second-team all-conference honors in the Mountain West Conference. Walker was also named the Rams' Most Valuable Player for the 07-08 season after leading Colorado State in ten different categories. He started all 32 games during the season and averaged 17.1 points a game. Walker, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, led CSU in scoring in 12 straight games during one stretch and scored at least 23 points in seven consecutive games during that span. His high game for the season came early in the year at Tennessee State when Walker poured in 43 points, hitting 15-of-18 shots from the field and 8-of-9 from the free throw line.
Jabril Banks (6'7''-F) and Robert Palacios (6'2''-G, college: Indian Hills CC) were part of a University of Northern Colorado squad that tripled its win total from the year before. Banks, from Denver, Colorado, was named the Bears' Most Valuable Player and Top Rebounder while Palacios, who hails from Caracas, Venezuela, was named the team's Best Defensive Player. Palacios started all 29 games for UNC while Banks started all but one game. Banks averaged team highs in points (13.2) and rebounds (5.8) and shot .575 from the field and .741 from the foul line. Palacios had a 5.8 scoring average and led the team in steals and assists. He also led in offensive rebounds, despite standing only 6-2. Banks was also named the school's Men's Newcomer of the Year, selected from all the student-athletes at Northern Colorado.
David Dubois (6'5''-F-86, college: Idaho), started all 30 games for Western Illinois. DuBois was the team's leading rebounder, averaging 5.3 boards per game. He averaged 9.9 points a contest, third on the team, and was second in assists and first in steals. DuBois shot .465 from the floor and was the team leader in minutes played. DuBois was one of five players named to the All-Newcomer Team in the Summit League. He ranked 11th in the league in rebounding and eighth in offensive rebounds.
Sean Haluska (6'3''-G) went to Iowa St. with the idea of joining the basketball team as a walk-on and wound up seeing a lot of playing time, both early in the year and during the Big 12 conference season. Haluska's best scoring games of the season came in three consecutive games in February when the Carroll, Iowa product scored 12 points against Nebraska, a season-high 15 at Texas Tech, and 10 against eventual national champion Kansas. Haluska played in 30 games for the Cyclones and hit 14 of his last 31 three-pointers (over 45%).
Jamaal Smith (5'9''-G-85, college: Indian Hills CC) was the only one of the former Indian Hills players who was a senior this year. Smith played in 33 games for New Mexico under first-year coach Steve Alford and averaged 8.8 points a game, mainly coming off the bench. Smith was an outstanding shooter during his lone season at IHCC, setting the school record for three pointers made in one season and tying the record for free throws made. The native of Las Vegas, Nevada shot the ball very well for the Lobos in 2007-08, hitting 49% of his field goals, 49% of his three-pointers and 79% of his free throws. His high game was 24 points at Wyoming.
Nestor Colmenares, now of NAIA powerhouse Campbellsville University in Kentucky this season and helped lead his team to the semifinals of the NAIA Division I national tournament in Kansas City. It was the first trip to the 'Fab Four' in school history and they lost to the eventual national champ, Oklahoma City, in the semis. Colmenares averaged 20.5 points and 12.8 rebounds in four games at the tourney and was named to the ten-player All-Tournament team. Colmenares averaged in double figures in points and rebounds for the season and was named a second-team All-American by both the NAIA and Basketball Times.

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


Day 4: 2nd FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup - by Mohammed Malas
* Saturday 12/10:

Jordan 87 - Kazakhstan 70

KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup): Jordan ripped open Kazakhstans defense in the final 12 minutes to post an 87-70 win in the second FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup on Sunday.

Having hitherto sparred equally, Jordan first posted a 20-6 run to close the third quarter and then continued their rampage in the final ten minutes out scoring their opponents 22-15 for the decisive victory.

Jordan, having won all their three games so far, now take on hosts Kuwait on Sunday.

Even a defeat in that game will give Jordan the title, if they lose the game by a close margin.

Kazakhstan, who suffered their first defeat after two successive wins, play India on the final day, are virtually out of the title race.

Jordan who went into the game with a 5-0 head-to-head record including the 61-39 triumph at the William Jones Cup exactly three months ago were given a run for their money. At least in the opening phases.

Jordan scored the first points via a Wesam Al-Sous success from the paint and that was the main reason why they managed to remain ahead in the opening quarter.

Kazakhstan, who kept pecking on their rivals heels, went ahead for the first time in the game when their U18 star Alexander Tyutyunnik (180-G-72) scored from near the foul-line midway through the second quarter.

Neither team managed a sizable lead, which kept changing hands often, and Kazakhstan went into the changing rooms 37-34 ahead thanks to Tyutyuniks long-ranger.

The Middle Asia nation managed to remain ahead, till Jordan skipper Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) struck the form of the tournament as Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) and Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) sparked the 20-6 run, which saw Jordan turn a 45-49 deficit into a 65-55 lead at the end of the third quarter.

Idais scored nine points of his MVP 12 points and Wright accounted for 10 of his game-high 22 points during this period.

This is what we had been looking right from the game against India, Alkhas said of the cohesiveness during the run.

Everything just fell into place the way we wanted. No doubt we were at our best as a team in the last two minutes of third quarter, he added.

Things came together finally, said Wright, who was playing this tournament after a long injury lay-off.

I hope we can continue like this tomorrow, Alkhas said of the game against Kuwait.

We have always done well on the road. So we are ready for them, Wright said.

Kuwait will be very difficult to play at home. In my opinion, they are the most dangerous team in Asia, Jordan coach Mario Palma said.

Tyutyunik topped the scoring for Kazakhstan with 17 points, as Anton Ponomarev (209-C-88) and Maxim Voyeikov (195-F-88) were curtailed to 11 points each.

Rustam Yargaliyev, the other Kazakh mainstay, returned a mere six points.

They are a far more experienced side. And that keeps them in good stead always, Kazakhstan coach Vitaly Strebkov said.

Scores

Jordan 87 (Rasheim Wright 22, Wesam Sous (181-G-83) 14, Ayman Idais 12, Zaid Al Khas 11, Moussa Al Awadi (190-G/F-85) 11)
Kazakhstan 70 (Alexander Tyutyunnik 17, Anton Ponomarev 11, Maxim Voyeikov 11).

Quarterwise Scores: 20-18, 34-37, 65-55.

S Mageshwaran
Courtesy of FIBA Asia

Qatar 82 - India 74

KUWAIT (FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup): Qatar closed their campaign in the second FIBA Asia Stankovic Cup with an 82-47 win over India on Sunday.

Already out of contention for the title, having lost all their previous three outings, it was Qatars first win.

India, winless in the tournament after three games, take on Kazakhstan on Monday.

With Khalid Abdi confined to the sidelines, his ankle in bandage, Omer Salem led the Qatari barrage with 19 points. Ali Ali chipped in with 17 points.

Its always good to win, said Qatar coach Kent Davison.

What is really crucially about this win is that these players will now break off to play for their clubs. And they would come back to me only in December. So this victory is what will remain in our minds when we reassemble, he said.

Having said that, I reiterate that the boys showed tremendous character to even come back to the court after last nights disappointment.

So in all respects, this win has more significance than the score-line, the American said.

Robinson with 12 points was the leading scorer for India.

Every game is a learning experience for my team, said India coach Aleksandar Bucan.

Scores

Qatar 82 (Omer Salem 19, Ali Ali 17)
India 47 (Robinson 12).

Quarterwise Scores: 20-12, 45-20, 66-36.

S Mageshwaran
Courtesy of FIBA Asia

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Arturas Kaubrys signed in Spain - by Evaldas Ceilytkas
Lithuanian center Arturas Kaubrys (207-C-83) has signed spanish team Real Grupo De Cultura Cavadonga, which is playing in EBA league. Before this season Arturas Kaubrys was tested by Neptunas Klaipeda and Marijampole Suduva in Lithuania, but was not signed. Last year Kaubrys has played in EBA league team from Xiria. He averaged 7.5ppg, 8.3rpg and 1.9bpg. Before Spain he played two years for Klaipeda team Nafta-Uni-Laivite in Lithuanian second division.

*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


Black Star(2-0) upsets Amicale with big defensive effort!!! T71 bounces back and destroys Contern! Rajniak scores 30!! - by Alex Meyers

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Black Star 60 - Amicale 50

The biggest surprise of the weekend in the DBBL came last Saturday night in Mersch as the home team, Black Star, held Amicale to only 50 points and won its second in a row to start the season in a very strong way!!! My prediction was wrong. I thought Black Star had no chance, but they proved me wrong. The next three games will be the test to see if Black Star is for real. With T71, Etzella and Sparta all on the horizon, Black Star will be put quickly to the test to see what they are made of. If they can get two of the the next three games, we can be convinced that they will contend and maybe they will serve the role of dark horse for the top spot in the DBBL for 2008-09.

Billy McDaniel (201-F/C-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ark.-Monticello) led all scorers again for Black Star with 28 points. He also dominated the boards with 17 rebounds, had 3 steals and a blocked shot. Yannick Tuffel and Patrick Arbaut also added 12 points each. Black Star, playing without Dan Norell, grabbed 40 rebounds in the match, 16 more than Amicale. They also out-shot Amicale from inside the 3 pt. line with 20/36 for 56% as compared to Amicale's 15/35 for 43%. Amicale was more careful with the ball than Black Star, committing only 3 turnovers, but the third period killed the visitors from Steinsel. Amicale was held to a mere 5 points during the 3rd quarter.


Amicale completely struggled in scoring with not one player reaching double figures. Chris Scholtes and Christipher Jones led with 9 points each. American Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) was held to 8 although he ripped down 11 rebounds. Christian Schartz and Olivier Haan were also held to 8 points each. Back Star won with defense and limiting their visitors to one shot on most possessions. Amicale will host next weekend undefeated Etzella and Black Star must face another difficult oponent in T71 on the road.

Black Star: 22 field goals, 2 three pointers, 14/18 free throws, 40 rebounds, 13 fouls and 9 turnovers
McDaniel 28, Pat. Arbaut 12, Yan. Arbaut 3, Becker 4, Tuffel 12, also Phil. Arbaut, Weckering and Hoffmann 2.
Amicale: 19 field goals, 4 three pointers, 8/12 free throws, 24 rebounds, 15 fouls and 3 turnovers
Scholtes 9, Schartz 8, DePree 8, Jones 9, Ney 5, also Rausch, Kartheiser, Haan 8 and Birenbaum 3

Score by quarters: 1st Q 16-21,Halftime 28-32, 3rd Q 41-37, Final 60-50

225 Spectators


Contern 63 - T71 89

T71 dominated the entire match in Contern finally blowing out the home squad by 26 points in the end. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) led the way for T71 with 30 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Drexel) also scored big for T71 with 24. Point guard Gilles Ruffato added 15. For Contern, three players also reached double figures in scoring. Yves Braun 18, Brandon Gary (202-F-83, college: Hutchinson JC) 16 and Eric Jeitz 13. Ken Diederich had only 2 points and Gilles Becker 5. Coach Enjebo was very satisfied with his team's defensive efforts and now T71 sits pretty with a 1-1 record with Black Star next at home on the schedule. Contern (0-2)must visit Sparta next weekend. Sparta is going to be coming off a tough loss to Musel Pikes so Contern could be in big trouble.

Contern: 24 field goals, 3 three pointers, 12/16 free throws, 32 rebounds, 20 fouls and 14 turnovers.
Gary 16, Braun 18, Jeitz 13, Becker 5, Bissener 4, also Diederich 4, Fasbender 3, Torres 3, Gindt and Florentin
T71: Whitworth 24, Rajniak 30, Ruffato 15, Klein 5, Kieffer 2, also Siebenbour 4, Kostur 6, Hoffmann, Bemtgen and
Abreu

Score by quarters: 1st Q 18-25, Halftime 32-47, 3rd Q 46-64, Final 63-89

350 Spectators



Etzella storms back in final minutes to sneak past Heffingen by 3! Heffingen's Jay Anderson lead all scorers with 32!! - by Alex Meyers

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Etzella 70 - Heffingen 67

Etzella barely survived a scare last Sunday afternoon in Ettelbruck. Heffingen came to play. Although they dug themselves in to a small hole early in the match. Down by 12, Heffingen clawed and scraped to stay in the game and pulled within 4 by the middle of the 2nd quarter. In the 3rd stanza, Heffingen gained some momentum behind Jay Anderson (206-F-81, college: Oregon)(16 rebs), the game's scoring leader with 32 points. They took the lead and kept it until just a few minutes to go. Etzella's Nelson DelGado, and Marcus Kennedy took the game into their own hands and put Etzella back up with less than a minute remaining. Then with Heffingen up by 1, Anderson went to the line for a chance to ice the match and missed the two free throws. Just after the rebound, Giver was fouled and swished two in a row to give Etzella the lead and eventually the 3 point victory. The smaller, younger Heffingen played a great game and its supporters went home feeling good about their team's efforts and the intensity and desire with which they played.

Guard Claude Weyrich scored 11 points and added 4 assists for Heffingen. Etzella's Nelson DelGado was the top scorer for the winners as usual with 21 points. He also dished for 2 assists and took 4 steals. Marcus Kennedy had 18 points, 5 steals and a blocked shot. Tim Giver scored 15 points against his former teammates. New arrival in Heffingen forward Raphael Albaladejo took 6 rebounds, blocked a shot added 3 steals and 9 points before fouling out. Jairo DelGado did not play due to injury. If Heffingen plays like this against Residence this coming Saturday at home, they could get their first win. Etzella cannot afford to play poorly in Steinsel against Amicale, also on Saturday, the 18th of October if they want to remain undefeated.


Etzella: 27 field goals, 4 three pointers, 12 for 15 free throws, 18 fouls and 11 turnovers

N. Del Gado 21, Giver 15, Kennedy 18, Albaladejo 9, Benseghir 7, also Ittenbach, Kerger, E. Ferreira and Pravisani

Heffingen: 29 field goals, 7 three pointers, 2 for 9 free throws, 25 rebounds, 20 fouls and 17 turnovers

Anderson 32, Scholtus 7, C. Weyrich 11, Zender, Hetto 5, also Feltes 5, Thesen 2 and D. Weyrich 5


1st Q 24-15, 2nd Q 16-19, 3rd Q 11-18, 4th Q 19-15, Final 70-67
265 Spectators



Standings - DBBL
DBBL Standings
 1. Etzella 2-0 
 2. Musel Pikes 2-0 
 3. Black Star 2-0 
 4. Racing 1-1 
 5. Sparta 1-1 
 6. Amicale 1-1 
 7. T71 1-1 
 8. Contern 0-2 
 9. Residence 0-2 
 10. Heffingen 0-2 


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  NBA   


New Jersey beat Miami in London - by Eurobasket News
New Jersey and Miami played their second European tour game as they clashed in the packed O2 Arena in London. Once again the Nets were the better side clinching a narrow 94:92 victory at the end. Vince Carter (6'5''-G-77, college: N.Carolina) had 19 points, while Jianlian Yi (7'0''-C/F-87) scored 17 points in his debut for New Jersey as the Nets rolled to the win. Marcus Banks (6'2''-G-81, college: UNLV) answered with 19 points for the Heat. Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) finished with 18 points as Miami dropped the third straight preseason game. The Nets capitalized on 11 turnovers from their opponents in the opening stanza to jump to a 30:16 lead at the first break. However the Heat recovered midway through the encounter and grabbed a 76:73 lead midway through the fourth term. Vince Carter dragged the Nets back in front as he made it 93:89 with 9 seconds remaining. Marcus Banks cut the distance with a three-pointer but Carter converted a freebie to seal the winning outcome for the Nets.
The Los Angeles Lakers celebrated their first preseason win as they overcame Sacramento 94:89 in Las Vegas. Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) was responsible for 12 points to pace the Lakers. Kobe Bryant came up with 9 points for the winners. Jason Thomspon answered with 15 points and 8 rebounds for the Kings.
The Utah Jazz toppled the Portland Trail Blazers 93:80 away from home. Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) nailed 15 points to pace the Jazz to the second preseason success. Carlos Boozer added 12 points and 8 boards in just 15 minutes for Utah. Nicolas Batum (6'7''-F-88) replied with 16 points for the Trail Blazers.

Minimum of one regular-season game in London by 2012 - by Bruno Baltazar
NBA commissioner David Stern said Sunday the league likely would play regular-season games in London before the British capital hosts the 2012 Olympics.
Stern, however, also said the possibility of taking meaningful games to Europe was nowhere near a done deal.

'Although we have no plans on the drawing board, it has been suggested to us that we should schedule in the next three years or so some regular-season games here -- more than just one -- on some regular basis,' Stern said before the New Jersey Nets-Miami Heat preseason game at the O2 Arena. 'It's fair to say that we'll see a minimum of one and possibly more regular-season games by 2012.'

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  PARAGUAY   


Libertad wins Game 1 - by Gianni Pascucci
Pointing on its fast tempo game, Libertad triumphed 80-68 over Sol de America, in Game 1 of the Top 5 Final Seriers yesterday night in Asuncion. The partials have been 18-18, 36-36 and 55-49, and it is clear that the game was very balanced till the third quarter, when Ricardo Ozuna (185-G/F-82) and Aldo Acosta (192-F-76) led the rally that decided the game. Acosta and Ozuna ended the game with 18 points each, Renzo Ferrari (191-G/F-84) added 13, and Jamal Nichols (206-F-83, college: De Paul) and Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abil.Christian) were the best in Sol de America, with 25 and 14 pts, respectively. Game 2 will be played on thursday, October 16.

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  PUERTO RICO   


Captains get first victory In Nicaragua - by Luis Ramirez
The Arecibo Captains playing in the International Tournament William Ramirez at Nicaragua got their first win as they beat Fupade Coast 106-93. Although Fupade won the 1st quarter 25-24, The Captains came right back in the 2nd quarter to take the half 53-45. In the 2nd half Arecibo was able to maintain its lead to take the victory. The best scorer was David Cortes with 27 points as he made 3 out of 7 from the field, 4 out 7 from 3 point range and 9 out of 10 from the free throw line. Cortes was followed by Angel Figueroa with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Arecibo is grouped in the B section along with Fupade, Valenti Pizza and Icevic of Honduras. Group A is composed of Houston Blaze, Policia Nacional of Honduras, Bicu and UdeM.

In other BSN news, Ricardo Melendez scored 37 points as Tecolotes de La Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara beat Dorados de Chihuahua 96-82 in the Mexican League. Melendez shot 12 out of 22 from the field and made 8 3pointers in 36 minutes of play, he was perfect from the free throw line making 5 out of 5. For Dorados, it was Keenan Jourdan scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds; he was followed by Jeff Aubry with 11 points and 7 rebounds.

Courtesy of BSN

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  SERBIA   


Vizura fires coach Bakic and returns Popovic, Karadzic fined in Adriatic league - by Dragan Jankovski
After extremely poor start in A league, management of Vizura Belgrade decided to release head coach Vinko Bakic. Vizura, who was the most pleasant surprise last season reaching the Superleague, has 0-3 at this moment. In the opening round Belgrade's team suffered 23-point defeat against Napredak Rubin on the road. In game number two Swisslions Takovo made in Belgrade 72-77 while in the last game Vizura was devastated by Borac on the road 89-67. It was enough for the team's management to part ways with Bakic and to hire Vizura's ex coach Oliver Popovic. As a reminder Popovic was on Vizura's bench last season leading it to the sky. At the end of 07/08 he left the team. Before Vizura Oliver Popovic used to work in another Serbian team Mega Ishrana (now Mega Hypo Leasing). He changed big number of European teams in his great professional career as a player.

In the meantime, head coach of Hemofarm STADA Stevan Karadzic got one-game suspension by management of Adriatic league. In the official statement is announced that Karadzic threatened to one of the referees during the game between Hemfoarm and Partizan Igkoea, which was held last week-end. Heamofarm's coach was surprised after this decision.

'I didn't have any contact with the referees during the game. After it I asked ref Marko Juras why he didn't make 5 seconds call when Partizan supposed to throw in the ball under its basket. I was mad but I didn't treat him. I am really surprised with this decision', said Stevan Karadzic.

Except of one-game ban, which takes effect immediately, Hemofarm STADA will have to pay 1.5000 euros.

Serbian B league: FMP 2, Radnicki and Mladost won in the second round - by Zoran Popovic
FMP II Beograd-Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin 88-74 (29-16, 15-19, 15-21, 19-18)

Young FMP II Beograd team made and second win in the season, this time against Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin. Dejan Musli (213-C-91) showed excellent game and scored 15 points and for the guests Becin scored 20 points.

FMP II Beograd: Dimic 3, Djokic 10, Milutinovic 10, Subotic 11, Lukovic 10, Markovic 9, Vukasovic 3, Stamenkovic 6, Smiljanic 11, Stojadinovic, Stamenkovic, Musli 15.
Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin: Pekovic, Vulin 3, Kratic 2, Cuc, Becin 20, Stanojevic 17, Rajkovic 11, Sevic, Zarkovic 13, Barac, Vukosavljevic 8, Krstic.

Radnicki-Maraton Atlantik Jagodina 76-64 (22-17, 18-16, 14-14, 22-17)

Domestic players in the first quarter made advantage of 7 points and kept up during the all match. In the last quarter Maraton players tried with agresive defence to make break, but Radnicki finished match routinely. The most efficient for Radnicki was Jevtic who scored 22 points and for Maraton Micovic scored 30 points.

Radnicki: Ljubas 7, Radojicic 7, Colic 9, Huskic, Nastic 16, Jevtic 22, Nesic, Koprivica, Boricic 1, Kolasinac, Jovanovic 12, Janjusevic.
Maraton Atlantik Jagodina: Gajovic 4, Arnaut 2, Radivojcevic, Kovacevic 5, Milojevic 4, Stevanovic 5, Arsic 7, Petrovic, Milutinovic, Mic0ovic 30, Milincic 7.

Mladost Cacak-OKK Vrbas 86-77 (15-30, 24-14, 24-15, 23-18)

After agresive start of Vrbas and advantage of 15 points in the first quarter, domestic players consolidated their game and in the third and fourth period of the match made break and won the match. Dukanac and Tresac were the best in Mladost Cacak and they leds newcomer with 28 and 27 scored points. The best game for the guests showed Bajic who scored 26 points.

Mladost Cacak: Rakovic 2, Papic 14, Teryic, Azanjac 6, Avramovic, Tresac 27, Marinkovic 2, Dukanac 28, Todorovic, Grcic, Smolovic 1, Jakovljevic 6.
OKK Vrbas: Doknic, Perunovic, Bajic 26, Popovic 12, Glusac, Matic 3, Kovacevic 3, Pap 11, Markovic 18, Novakovic, Vujicic 4.

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  SEYCHELLES   


National League - Hawks secure runners-up spot - by Carlos Pereira
FOR the first time in almost 10 years, the last Premium Cobras/PLS Hawks encounter of the Mens Division One league championship was not the title decider, but it had almost all the ingredients to be one.


As players of champions-for-the first-time Baya watched in the stands, hawks and cobras battled their hearts out for the runners-up spot inside the Palais des Sports on Saturday.

PLS Hawks enjoyed a strong start to the game and led 24-8 at the end of the first quarter. When Premium Cobras stepped up their defence, restricting the Hawks to just eight points, playmaker Tony Siro Moustache turned his teams possession into basket scoring 10 of his team-high 14 points. Coach Guy Halls team had reduced the deficit and they trailed 27-32 at the end of 20 minutes of play.
At the start of the fourth quarter, PLS Hawks boasted an 11-point lead 52-41 and with only 48 seconds gone in the fourth 10-minute spell, PLS Hawks Bernard Bristol, who took a knock in the nose from Premium Cobras Alao Solomon, was hit with a technical foul after he attempted to strike the Nigerian player.

After Bristol had left the court and noticed that there was blood coming out of his nose, he forced his way back to take revenge on the Nigerian, who was at the free-throw line.
Banned for two years in 2006 after kicking and punching Bayas Robert Lon, who needed five stitches to close a deep cut under his right eye, Bristol was stopped by teammates and later disqualified by referee Valli Ismal.
When all the nerves were settled and play resumed, Premium Cobras fought valiantly to reduce the score to seven points 60-53 on an Amadou Sylla slam with 5 minutes 10 seconds left on the clock.
As Solomon, who got 52 points in the corresponding first-round fixture won by Premium Cobras on an 89-86 score, kept misfiring from the free-throw line for only 13 points, the Hawks outscored the Cobras 15-3 in the final five minutes of play for a 75-56 win.
With the win, PLS Hawks finished as runners-up, while Premium Cobras settled for third position.
A total of 57 fouls 29 against PLS Hawks and 28 against Premium Cobras were called by the officials and those included four technical, two unsportsmanlike and a disqualifying.
PLS Hawks Ugandan all-rounder Stephen Omony led all scores with 20 points.

MBU Rockers 111 Razors 37

MBU Rockers secured fourth place in the standings with a convincing 111-37 win over relegated Razors on Saturday.
Playmaker and captain Nigel Sinon (20 points), Brian Morel (19), Roddy Fanchette (12) and Cyril Agrippine (11) carried the scoring load for the Rockers, while A. Allisop (12) and skipper Christopher Valmont (12) had the hot hands for the Razors.

RC Dynamics 74 Cascade Bullets 77

Cascade Bullets lost the first and fourth quarters but not the game. With four players Christopher Camille (28 including three treys), Kenneth Sophie (15), Tony Alcindor (12) and Clive Allisop (10) scoring in double figures, the Bullets held on for a 77-74 victory against RC Dynamics. James Joubert scored 23 points to lead Dynamics.

G. G. from nation.sc

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


Capin out at least three months, Cibona target Jurak - by Zeljko Zule

NT member Aleksandar Capin (186-G-82) of Azovmash underwent hip surgery and will be sidelined at least three months.

According some rumors from Croatia, Cibona is interested in signing Goran Jurak (203-F/C-77) ex Zalgiris.

Matej Krusic (211-F/C-87) of Helios will be out for four weeks due a shoulder injury.
Konjice (B1) inked Petar Ciganovic (185-G-86) ex Plama Pur.
Rogla (B1) is negotiating with Peter Marcic (186-G-88) ex Desarollo Utebo.



Stats Leaders - 1B
1B Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.M.Bratina (Radens) 24
2.D.Lukic (Gradisce) 22
3.J. Erzen (Parklji) 19.5
Rebounds Per Game
1.R.Horvat (Sencur) 10.5
2.M.Korosec (Triglav) 9.5
3.A.Remus (Rogla) 9.5
Assists Per Game
1.A.Blazevic (Rudar) 4.5
2.T.Novak (Radenska) 4
3.M.Meden (Kraski) 4
Ranking
1.S.Lukic (Gradisce) 23.5
2.B.Pungartnik (Roga) 23
3.D.Buncic (Gradisc) 22.5


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


Norrkoping Dolphins remain undefeated after a thriller versus Sodertalje Kings - by Eurobasket News
Norrkoping Dolphins remain undefeated after a thriller versus Sodertalje Kings. Both teams showed more offensive style than usual as Norrkoping Dolphins triumphed with 130:124 victory. Sodertalje Kings started with 27:23 but could not hold the lead. It was them again to send the game to the overtime where the dolphins won the game. Gee Gervin (189-G-76, college: Houston) and Fred Drains (195-F-71, college: Kean) led the winners with 28 points for 2-0 record. Kenneth Grant posted 19, while Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: N.Arizona) scored 18. Thomas Massamba shined for the hosts with 32 points.
Uppsala Basket jumped to 3-0 record after Jamtland Basket road game, 66:80. Trailing 2 points at the halftime the guests pushed the tempo in the third for the total win. Danny Gathings (193-F-80, college: High Point) paced all the winners with 19 points. Thomas Jackson (175-G-80, agency: 011 Sports, college: Butler) posted 18, while Giedrius Jankauskas and Mindaugas Budzinauskas had 11each. Andrew Mitchell ended up with 27 points in the losing effort.
Boras Basket won over Sundsvall Dragons 73:75 away from home due to the last period. Dennis Springs and Christopher Anrin top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Michael Palm netted 20 in defeat, while Antonio Kellogg added 17.
Plannja Basket edged 08 Stockholm Human Rights 95:79 with a massive 32-16 in the second frame. Anthony Bethel top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Joakim Blom had the same number of points in defeat.
Solna Vikings overcame Gothia Basket 89:79 as Joseph Taylor (203-F-85, college: Wyoming) nailed 18 points.

Sundsvall Dragons - Boras Basket 73 - 75 (16 - 19, 19 - 16, 20 - 18, 18 - 22)
Sundsvall: Michael Palm 20, Antonio Kellogg 17, Terry Flanagan 14, Oliver Ilunga 12, Aki Ulander 8, Adam Alexander 2.
Boras: Dennis Springs 17, Christopher Anrin 17, Henrik Carlsson 13,Toni Caktas 9, Michael Kingma 8, Jonas Larsson 7, Ryan McDade 3, Simon Andreasen.


Plannja Basket - 08 Stockholm Human Rights 95 - 79 (13 - 19, 32 - 16, 31 - 22, 19 - 22)
Plannja: Anthony Bethel 22, John Rosendahl 19, Hakan Larsson 14, Christopher Ryan 11, Mats Olsson 9, Erik Vestin 9, Jim Enbom 4, David Hult 4, Alexander Pettersson 3.
08 Stockholm: Joakim Blom 22, Nashid Beard 11, Nils Hedstrom 10, Johan Westerlund 9, Andreas Karlsson 8, Mikael Lindquist 6, Omar Zaghden 5, Roderick Earls 4, Richard Hartman 2, Kassim Nagwere 2.

Jamtland Basket - Uppsala Basket 66 - 80 (22 - 22, 17 - 15, 14 - 18, 13 - 25)
Jamtland: Andrew Mitchell 27, Tyrone Levett 24, Anton Swstrm 4, Bjorn Larsson-Hillgren 4, Stefan Hellgren 3, Joakim Eriksson 2, Erik Westin 2.
Uppsala: Danny Gathings 19, Thomas Jackson 18, Giedrius Jankauskas 11, Mindaugas Budzinauskas 11, Anton Gaddefors 9, Jeff Horowitz 6, Marko Djuric 3, Jonathan Robinson 2, Andreas Person.

Solna Vikings - Gothia Basket 89 - 79 (21 - 19, 18 - 21, 24 - 15, 26 - 24)
Solna: Joseph Taylor 18, Martin Pahlmblad 14, Saulius Dumbliauskas 14, Lesli Myrthil 10, Willy Beck 9, Jermaine Flowers 8, Juha Sten 8, Peter Bogner 6, Sebastian Persson 2.
Gothia: Jonathan Moore 24, Emil Salon 18, Ian Johnson 14, Benson Callier 8, Michael Bree 8, Brandon Barton 2, Kim Palmqvist 2, Mario Drazic 2, Markus Lenngren.


Sodertalje Kings - Norrkoping Dolphins 124 - 130 OT (27 - 23, 20 - 29, 22 - 25, 23 - 15, 32 - 38)
Sodertalje: Thomas Massamba 32, Rickard Eriksson 24, Alexander Wikner-Nordberg 20, Johan Jeansson 13, Dino Pita 11, Tom Liden 9, Ted Skuchas 8, Adnan Chuk 7.
Norrkoping: Gee Gervin 28, Fred Drains 28, Kenneth Grant 19, Joakim Kjellbom 18, Andrew Pleick 17, Pedro Clpriano 12, Anton Saks 6, Joseph Mcnaull 2.

*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


LNA Round: 2 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Lausanne - Herens 59-70
Herens stayed perfect after the second round of action. They defeated Lausanne 70:59 to maintain their position on top of the LNA standings. Corey Muirhead was solid with 23 points and 8 boards for the winners. Willie Freeman answered with 19 points and 9 boards for Lausanne as they slipped to 1-1.

Starwings - MGS 85-74
Starwings rebounded after unsuccessful start to the season beating MGS Basket 85:74 at home. A well-balanced offense that saw six players score in double figures allowed Starwings to prevail at the end. Raymond Henderson knocked down 19 points, while Amin Wright secured 16 points in the win. Pete Strobl answered with 27 points for MGS.

Geneve - Fribourg 82-81
Geneve eked out an 82:81 win over the defending champions Fribourg. Rashard Lee came up with 23 points, while Matthias Kautzor-Schroder contributed 19 points to lift the Devils to the first win in the season. Ramel Allen replied with 16 points and 8 boards for Fribourg.

Monthey - Boncourt 81-69
Monthey grabbed the second straight win handling Boncourt 81:69. Jean-Richard Volcy was once again impressive with 34 points and 9 rebounds for the winning team. Kareem Johnson secured 16 points and 14 boards for the hosts. Jason Siggers had 23 points for Boncourt who are yet to taste victory in the season.

SAM Massa. - Nyon 79-69
SAM Massagno scored the first win in the season as they outmuscled Nyon 79:69 on the home court. Noah Savage was instrumental in the victory scoring 28 points and collecting 7 rebounds for the hosts. Brody Angley had 13 points, 6 boards and 6 assists for Massagno. Germayne Forbes posted 19 points for Nyon in defeat.



*****************************************************
  TPBL   


TPBL TO TAKE ON ABA ----- DONT MISS!! - by Chris Cardenas


TPBL TO TAKE ON ABA ----- DONT MISS!! - by Chris Cardenas


*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Standings - TB2L
TB2L Standings
Group A
 1. Cukurova 0-0 
 2. Tofas 0-0 
 3. Izmir Bld. 0-0 
 4. Pertevniyal 0-0 
 5. Gazi Univ. 0-0 
 6. FMV Isik 0-0 
 7. Vestel 0-0 
 8. Genc Banvit. 0-0 
 9. Usak 0-0 
 10. Orman 0-0 
 11. Eyup 0-0 
 12. Akcakoca P. 0-0 
Group B
 1. Duzce Genclik 0-0 
 2. Gelisim 0-0 
 3. Ankara Basket 0-0 
 4. Aliaga 0-0 
 5. Bursa B-bol 0-0 
 6. Canakkale 0-0 
 7. Golcuk 0-0 
 8. ITU 0-0 
 9. Yesilyurt 0-0 
 10. TED Istanbul 0-0 
 11. Erdemir 0-0 
 12. Anadolu Univ. 0-0 


Turk Telekom wins Presidency Cup - by Furkan Yunkul
2007-2008 season league champion Fenerbahce Ulker and cup winner Turk Telekom met for Presidency Cup last weekend. After a challenging match, Turk Telekom narrowly defeated Fenerbahce Ulker and after ten years they first won Presidency Cup, Turk Telekom held their second cup title.

Fenerbahce Ulker (79): Marques Green 21 (3 ass), Mirsad Turkcan 8 (7 reb), Rasim Basak 3 (2 reb), Gordon Giricek 18 (3 reb-1 ass), Damir Mrsic 11 (1 reb), Gasper Vidmar 2 (7 reb), Oguz Savas 12 (3 reb), Devin Smith 2 (3 reb-3 ass), Serhat Cetin, Emir Preldzic 2 (4 reb-5 ass)

Turk Telekom (83): Roderick Blakney 14 (2 reb-3 ass), Serkan Erdogan 20 (3 reb-4 ass), Michael Wright (1 reb), Bekir Yarangume 6 (2 reb-3 ass), Tutku Acik 11 (3 reb-1 ass), Baris Ozcan (1 reb), Kennedy Winston 7 (1 ass), Erwin Dudley 9 (13 reb), Chris Lang 14 (9 reb), Asim Pars 2 (1 reb)

1.Period : 22-24
2.Period : 18-21 (40-45)
3.Period : 14-12
4.Period : 25-26 (79-83)

After the Preliminary Round of Turkish Cup (Part I) - by Furkan Yunkul
After the preliminary round of Turkish Cup, 8 qualified teams were determined. Top 2 teams from each group qualified to Turkish Cup Final Eight.

Group A : Aliaga Genclik (3-0) and Turk Telekom (2-1)
Group B : Fenerbahce Ulker (3-0) and Erdemirspor (2-1)
Group C : Besiktas Cola Turka (3-0) and Galatasaray Cafe Crown (1-2)
Group D : Efes Pilsen (3-0) and Antalya B.Sehir Bld. (2-1) will compete in the Final Eight.

After the Preliminary Round of Turkish Cup (Part II) - by Furkan Yunkul

After the preliminary round of Turkish Cup, Teknosa Turkish Cup stats leaders were also determined.

Stats Leaders for each qualified team are below:

Points Leaders
Aliaga Bld. Aubrey Reese (183-G-78, agency: Interperformances, college: Murray St.) 24,33 ppg
Turk Telekom Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) 16,00 ppg
Fenerbahce Ulker Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) 17,67 ppg
Erdemirspor Nathan Funk 17,33 ppg
Besiktas C.T. Mario Austin (206-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) 18,00 ppg
Galatasaray C.C. Andrija Zizic (207-F/C-80, agency: FCM) 20,00 ppg
Efes Pilsen Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) 15,67 ppg
Antalya BSB. Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Providence) 18,00 ppg

Rebaunds Leaders
Aliaga Bld. Charles Davis 7,67 rpg
Turk Telekom Erwin Dudley 10,33 rpg
Fenerbahce Ulker Devin Smith 7,33 rpg
Erdemirspor James Thomas (203-F/C-80, college: Texas) 13,67 rpg
Besiktas C.T. Mario Austin 9,67 rpg
Galatasaray C.C. Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) 8,33 rpg
Efes Pilsen Keren Gonlum (208-C/F-77) 9,33 rpg
Antalya BSB. Marcus Douthit 7,33 rpg

Asists Leaders
Aliaga Bld. Charles Davis 4,33 apg
Turk Telekom Tutku Acik (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances) 5,00 apg
Fenerbahce Ulker Marques Green (170-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) 5,33 apg
Erdemirspor Nathan Funk 4,00 apg
Besiktas C.T. Mire Chatman (187-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: UTPA) 6,33 apg
Galatasaray C.C. Cuneyt Erden (185-G-77) 3,00 apg
Efes Pilsen Milos Vujanic 5,33 apg
Antalya BSB. Michael Green 5,67 apg

Blocks Leaders
Aliaga Bld. Charles Davis 2,00 bpg
Trk Telekom Michael Wright (203-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona) 0,67 bpg
Fenerbahce Ulker Gasper Vidmar (210-C/F-87, agency: Interperformances) 1,00 bpg
Erdemirspor Umut Gorur (208-C/F-78) 0,33 bpg
Besiktas C.T. Mario Austin 0,67 bpg
Galatasaray C.C. Huseyin Besok (212-C-75, agency: Interperformances) 0,33 bpg
Efes Pilsen Mario Kasun (213-C-80) 0,67 bpg
Antalya BSB. Nedim Yucel (203-F-79) 0,33 bpg



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


Sunday 12th October 2008 - by Andy Webb
Airwaves Plymouth Raiders moved level on points at the top of the BBL with Newcastle Eagles and Everton Tigers after a confident 77-89 win at Worcester Wolves.

Thirty-two points from guard Andrew Lasker (188-G-82, college: Point Loma) paced the Raiders, who trailed after three quarters, but responded brilliantly in the fourth with a 14-1 run to break the match open.

While Raiders celebrate, the defeat leaves Wolves pointless at the bottom of the table with the only bright spots being the play of player/coach Skouson Harker (203-F-77, college: Oregon) and Justin Brown (213-C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Connecticut).

In Sunday's other match Worthing Thunder secured their first BBL victory with a devastating 9-2 burst in the final two minutes of the match to see of their BiG Storage Cheshire Jets 91-97 at the Northgate Arena.

Janis Ivanovskis (201-F-80, college: Cumberland) was the hero for the visitors with 27- points, which was only eclipsed by Chez Marks (191-G-80, college: Morehead St.) 32 for the home side.

The result was decided in the final 120 seconds as Jets committed five turnovers on their last six possessions to allow Thunder to close the match out.

BBL Championship

Worcester Wolves 77 (23,46,61) (Harker 17, Brown 15, Disy 15)
Airwaves Plymouth Raiders 89 (19,41,59) (Lasker 32, Moore 16, Martin 10)

A Andrew Lasker inspired Airwaves Plymouth Raiders kept up their good early season form with a 77-89 win at Worcester Wolves.

Lasker's game-high 32-points proved to be the difference for Raiders, who also saw Gaylon Moore in fine form with 16-points and 10 boards. For Wolves, player/coach Skouson Harker's17-points and 10- rebounds, and Justin Brown's 15-points and 12- rebounds were the standout performances.

A nip and tuck first quarter was broken open by Wolves with a 10-3 run to give them a 23-19 lead after 10 minutes. Wolves pushed the lead out to 11 (37-26) on the back of Harry Disy's free throw, but that would prove to be the home team's biggest lead of the night as Raiders began to fightback.

Four points by Lasker in the final 63 seconds of the half ensured Raiders trailed by just five (46-41) at the interval.

Wolves again went out to a double-digit lead (53-43) during the opening exchanges of the third quarter when Disy landed a three. But a Lasker led 13-3 run tied the match at 59-59 before Worcester scored the final three points of the stanza to head into the final period 62-59 up.

Raiders began to show their class in the fourth quarter with a 14-1 burst to open up an eight point margin at 65-73 midway through the period. Wolves got it back within four (73-77) but a 12-4 tear, including four from Lasker ended any hopes of a home team victory.

BiG Storage Cheshire Jets 91 (22,46,73) (Marks 32, Evans 11, Gayle/Myers 10)
Worthing Thunder 97 (26,48,72) (Ivanovskis 27, Bargeman 19, Woods 18)

Worthing Thunder secured their first BBL win of the season with a 91-97 victory at BiG Storage Cheshire Jets.

It was the Jets second defeat of the weekend and puts a big dent in their good start to the season, but for the Thunder it is a win that takes them off the bottom of the table into joint eighth position.

Janis Ivanovskis was the hero for the visitors with 27- points, which was only eclipsed by Chez Marks 32 for the home side.

Although the match was tight at the end of each of the first three quarters (22-26, 46-48 and 73-72) the Jets had held a 10-point lead (69-59) deep into the third period before a Thunder 11-4 burst made it a one- point game again.

The result was decided in the final two minutes as Jets committed five turnovers on their last six possessions to allow Thunder to close the match out with a 9-2 run.

Jets coach Paul Smith said overall it was the right result: 'It's disappointing that at a crucial part of the match our defence let us down. I was impressed by Worthing and they deserved their victory.'

*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   


Venezuelans Abroad - Update - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelans playing in foreign countries continued to have starring roles in their respective teams and saw some action in the last 48 hours around the world. Here's a short summary of their performances:

MEXICO (LNBP)
-Juan Herrera (197-F-81) was vital with 26 points, 7 rebounds, a steal and 4 fouls, as Santos Reales de San Luis defeated Estrellas Indebasket, 78-69

-Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) played 38 minutes and finished up with 14 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 4 turnovers and 3 fouls, but his Angeles de Puebla lost against Halcones Rojos de Veracruz, 87-67

-Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) played 23 minutes and contributed with 11 points, 7 rebounds, a steal, a turnover and 5 fouls, though his Angeles de Puebla lost against Halcones Rojos de Veracruz, 87-67

-Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) scored 22 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, gave 2 assists, stole 2 balls and had one foul, as his Fuerza Regia Monterrey defeated Correcaminos Victoria, 99-83.

-Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) netted 16 points and added 9 rebounds, 2 turnover and 3 fouls in 29 minutes during the match that Fuerza Regia Monterrey won against Correcaminos Victoria, 99-83.

-Pedro Brito (202-F/C-82) played 32 minutes and finished up with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 fouls, but Panteras de Aguascalientes lost against Pioneros de Quintana Roo, 88-84.


SPAIN (LEB Gold - EBA A)
-Javier Roman (207-F/C-80) was a starter for Leche Rio Breogan Lugo as they lost against Lucentum Alicante, 79-78. He played 23 minutes and had 12 points, one rebound, one block and 3 fouls.

-Jhornan Zamora (194-F-89) did not play in the victory of Zarzuela Maristas Boecillo over CB Santurtzi, 87-80.


ITALY (LEGA A)

-Hector Romero (202-F-80) was a starter in Matchday 1 of the 2008-2009 season for Snaidero Udine, but his team lost against UPIM Fortitudo Bologna, 90-72. He played 25 minutes and finished up with 7 points, 8 rebounds, one assist, one steal, 2 turnovers and 4 fouls.

-Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) surprised by starting in Matchday 1 of the 2008-2009 season for Snaidero Udine, as he was questionable due to pain in the upper zone of his left leg. Torres played 29 minutes in a defeat against UPIM Fortitudo Bologna, 90-72, and ended up with 7 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, one steal, one block, 2 turnovers and 3 fouls.


FRANCE (PRO A)

-John Cox (195-G-81) and his team, Sluc Nancy Basket, lost against Hyeres-Toulon, 81-73, in Matchday 2 of the 2008-2009 season. Cox played 27 minutes and supported his team with 7 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 turnovers and 5 fouls



Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Trujillo 15-7 
 2. Duros 14-7 
 3. Graneros 14-8 
 4. Cojedes 10-12 
 5. Centauros 9-12 
 6. Estudiantes 9-13 
 7. Falcon 9-13 
 8. Tiburones 7-15 


LNB 2008 - Week 8: Caciques takes command with a sweep - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Caciques de Trujillo took command at the end of Week 8 in the regular season of Liga Nacional de Baloncesto 2008, as they were able to sweep Petroleros de Falcon in Valera. Duros de Lara split their series at home against Estudiantes de Guarico and therefore delivered the lead to Trujillo. Centauros de Cojedes increased their playoff options by sweeping Centauros de Apure in San Carlos and Graneros de Portuguesa kept close to first place with a home sweep over the last placed Tiburones de Vargas.



SCOREBOARDS

Duros de Lara 84 - Estudiantes de Guarico 71 (Sat)
Napoleon Rodriguez Arena - Barquisimeto, Lara

Quarter by quarter
DUR: 22-17-28-17= 84

EST: 18-11-15-27= 71

Scorers
DUR: Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 17 points, Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 13 points, Lawrence Wallace (183-G-81) 10 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 9 points

EST: Raul Orta (196-G-85) 11 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 9 points, Randy Vazquez (190-G-78) 9 points

-

Estudiantes de Guarico 101 - Duros de Lara 88 (Sun)

Napoleon Rodriguez Arena - Barquisimeto, Lara

Quarter by quarter
DUR: 13-20-25-30= 88

EST: 26-20-20-35= 101


Scorers
DUR: Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) 29 points, Lawrence Wallace 14 points, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 11 points, Kenji Urdaneta 11 points

EST: Victor David Diaz 30 points, Randy Vazquez 14 points, Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 12 points



Caciques de Trujillo 91 - Petroleros de Falcon 89 (Sat)
Ricardo Salas Arena - Valera, Trujillo

Quarter by quarter
CAC: 21-20-32-18= 91

PET: 18-24-27-20= 89


Scorers
CAC: Cesar Musset (190-G-78) 19 points, Ronald Guillen (206-C-84) 18 points, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 14 points, Daniel Macuare (190-F-84) 13 points, Askia Jones (196-G-71) 10 points

PET: Jose Yovera (194-G/F-75) 23 points, Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) 22 points, Jorge Leon (186-G-79) 17 points



Caciques de Trujillo 90 - Petroleros de Falcon 86 (Sun)
Ricardo Salas Arena - Valera, Trujillo

Quarter by quarter
CAC: 22-20-25-23= 90

PET: 27-15-23-21= 86


Scorers
CAC: Cesar Musset 19 points, Yorvis Umbria (203-F-85) 17 points, Michael Flores 15 points

PET: Gregory Vargas 22 points, Jorge Leon 21 points, Dean Palacios (196-F-81) 15 points



Graneros de Portuguesa 108 - Tiburones de Vargas 81 (Sat)
Ciudad de Guanare Colisseum - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable



Scorers
Unavailable


Graneros de Portuguesa 90 - Tiburones de Vargas 88 (Sun)
Ciudad de Guanare Colisseum - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable



Scorers
GRA: Johan Pinero (183-G-76) 20 points, Henry Paez (184-G-70) 19 points

TIB: Kyle Cuffe (205-F-82) 20 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 17 points



Centauros de Cojedes 84 - Centauros de Apure 71 (Sat)
Villa Deportiva Arena - San Carlos, Cojedes

Quarter by quarter
COJ: 24-19-20-21= 84

APU: 20-18-14-19= 71


Scorers
COJ: Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 24 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 12 points

APU: Unavailable



Centauros de Cojedes 78 - Centauros de Apure 75 (Sun)
Villa Deportiva Arena - San Carlos, Cojedes

Quarter by quarter
COJ: 19-15-19-25= 78

APU: 22-20-21-12= 75


Scorers
COJ: Luis Bethelmy 35 points, Juan Manaure (188-G-79) 15 points

APU: Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) 14 points, Juan Carlos Rodriguez (193-G-78) 14 points





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Women News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Women  


Ragusa outplays Gospic CO in Adriatic league, round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Ragusa - Gospic CO 81-65

Adriatic league started this week-end. In Croatian derby of the first round Ragusa was too strong for Gospic CO 81-65 despite totally different result was expected before the game. It was clear that the hosts are strongly motivated to make a surprise, what they actually did in style.
Opening ten minutes belonged to Gospic CO. Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) scored 8 points for her team in this period. However, Ragusa started to play much better after that moment. Great American acquisition Jennifer Harris was in a game mood and together with veteran Razija Mujanovic (202-C-67) and Anica Tesic (180-F-81) led her team to 37-31 at the half time. Nothing has changed after the breather. Ragusa's players were focused at the offensive end scoring 23 points and extending their lead 9. When it was expected that Gospic put into the fifth gear and make this game exciting, the hosts intensified defense even more. They let visitors to score only 14 points in the last frame taking this one easily. The only bad thing is knee injury of Emina Demirovic (186-C-85) at the very end.
Jennifer Harris shined for the winning team draining 28 points. Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86) was behind her with 18 while Anica Tesic had 12. Razija Mujanovic stopped on 9 points. Ana Vrsaljko (188-C-84) top-scored in Gospic with 12 points. Her sister Marija Vrsaljko, Anda Eibele (170-G-84) and Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) had 11 points each.

Ragusa: Jennifer Harris 28, Ivona Matic 18, Anica Tesic 12, Razija Mujanovic 9
Gospic CO: Ana Vrsaljko 12, Marija Vrsaljko 11, Jelena Ivezic 11, Anda Eibele 11

*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Canberra wins third straight at the start - by Eurobasket News
The Canberra Capitals secured the third consecutive victory from the tip off of the new WNBL season. Lately they defeated the Sydney Uni Flames 84:74 to remain at the top of the table. The Capitals used a strong first quarter to pile up a decisive 12-point lead. The Uni Flames struggled to find the rhythm and trailed by 21 points at halftime. Despite some an inspirational performance from Lindsey Pluimer (193-F-86, college: UCLA) the visitors failed to complete comeback and had to surrender at the end. Abby Bishop (189-C-88) led Canberra with 15 points and 13 boards. Michelle Musselwhite (176-G/F-82) added 15 points, while Jessica Bibby had 14 in the win. Lindsey Pluimer answered with 21 points for Sydney.
The Logan Thunder slowed down after the starting victory as they dropped two straight in Round 2. First the WNBL newcomers were bruised by the Dandenong Rangers 48:63. Caitlin Ryan (178-G-81) fired 17 points to lead balanced offense. Natalie Purcell (183-G/F-82, college: SE Missouri St.) responded with 16 points for Logan.
Later in the week the Thunder were no match for Bulleen on the road. Lisa Pardon (173-G-82, college: Oregon St.) dropped 17 points to lead the Boomers to a 92:61 victory. Elyse Penaluna provided 15 points for the winning team. Sarah Graham (163-G-89) replied with 14 points for Logan as they slipped to 1-2 record.
Perth meanwhile rebounded after two losses at the start outscoring Bendigo 101:95 at home. Trailing by 6 points at halftime the Lynx nevertheless found the way back into contest snatching a narrow win at the end. Deanna Smith (179-G-80, agency: LBM Management) was outstanding with 36 points, 11 boards and 12 assists for Perth. Deanne Butler (169-G-81) secured 25 points and 10 assists for Bendigo as they lost the third in a row.

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA - Women  


Flying Foxes storm past Baden in opener - by Eurobasket News
The AWBL reigning champions Flying Foxes got to a winning start of the new season as they bruised Baden 104:42 at home. The Vienna outfit built a comfortable 34:7 lead at the first intermission. The onslaught continued after the break as the hosts stretched the margin to as many as 51 points. The outcome was pretty obvious and the teams cruised to the final whistle in the second half. Romana Vynuchalova (193-F/C-86, college: Penn St.) led the winners with 31 points. Crista Ricketts (185-F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: La Salle) knocked down 21 points for Flying Foxes. Bettina Schnedl (174-G/F-86) answered with 12 points for Lady Jacks Baden.
The last seasons finalists Herzogenburg suddenly dropped the opening encounter to Wels 77:79 at home. The hosts trailed by just a single point after the starting period but quickly denied the deficit and found the right rhythm in the second frame. Herzogenburg spurred ahead to an 8-point distance at halftime. But a massive surge from Wels in the final stanza saw them pile up a decisive 5-point cushion. The home team had not enough time to surpass it and lost at the end. Lee paced Wels with game-high 27 points. Williams added 15 points for the winning team. Wilson replied with 19 points for Herzogenburg.
Vienna 87 outgunned Graz 71:55 on the road. Stefanie Pavelka (185-C/F-79) accounted for 17 points for Vienna 87. Agnes Meisinger (178-F-80) secured 16 points in the win. Marianna Kuras (181-G-81) fired 19 points for Graz.

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  CROATIA - Women  


Ragusa outplays Gospic CO in Adriatic league, round 1 - by Eurobasket News
Ragusa - Gospic CO 81-65

Adriatic league started this week-end. In Croatian derby of the first round Ragusa was too strong for Gospic CO 81-65 despite totally different result was expected before the game. It was clear that the hosts are strongly motivated to make a surprise, what they actually did in style.
Opening ten minutes belonged to Gospic CO. Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) scored 8 points for her team in this period. However, Ragusa started to play much better after that moment. Great American acquisition Jennifer Harris was in a game mood and together with veteran Razija Mujanovic (202-C-67) and Anica Tesic (180-F-81) led her team to 37-31 at the half time. Nothing has changed after the breather. Ragusa's players were focused at the offensive end scoring 23 points and extending their lead 9. When it was expected that Gospic put into the fifth gear and make this game exciting, the hosts intensified defense even more. They let visitors to score only 14 points in the last frame taking this one easily. The only bad thing is knee injury of Emina Demirovic (186-C-85) at the very end.
Jennifer Harris shined for the winning team draining 28 points. Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86) was behind her with 18 while Anica Tesic had 12. Razija Mujanovic stopped on 9 points. Ana Vrsaljko (188-C-84) top-scored in Gospic with 12 points. Her sister Marija Vrsaljko, Anda Eibele (170-G-84) and Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) had 11 points each.

Ragusa: Jennifer Harris 28, Ivona Matic 18, Anica Tesic 12, Razija Mujanovic 9
Gospic CO: Ana Vrsaljko 12, Marija Vrsaljko 11, Jelena Ivezic 11, Anda Eibele 11

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  FRANCE - Women  


LFB Round: 5 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Reims - COB Calais 68-63
Reims grabbed third victory in LFB mostly owing to Valeria Berezhynska, who collected 22 points and impressive 16 rebounds. On the other side, Anne-Sophie Pagnier drained 29 points for COB Calais but it was not enough for the second win, 1-4.

Tarbes - Villeneuve 71-69
Tight win for Tarbes but enough for the perfect record. Tarbes is together with Bourges on top of LFB standings after 5 rounds. Villeneuve dropped on ninth place with score 2-3. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui shined for the winners adding 18 points and 9 boards. Tanisha Wright also netted 18. Fatimatou Sacko was better than the others in Villeneuve with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

Landes - Challes 67-70
Basket Landes suffered home defeat against Challes remaining on just one win so far. The host team got 19 points from Marion Laborde. At the same time it is third win for Challes, which best player in this game was Martina Luptakova with 20 points and 4 boards.

Union Hainaut - Mondeville 70-52
Easy home victory for Union Hainaut, who jumped on pretty good 4-1. Sabrina Reghaissia registered double-double for her team. She spent 29 minutes on the court posting 16 points including 10 rebounds. The team of head coach Olivier Hirsch is on 1-4 despite 16 points by Lenae WIlliams.

Aix-en-Prov. - Montpellier 56-50
Both teams have 3 wins and 2 defeats after fifth round. Aix-en-Provence took this one mostly owing to 15 points and 9 boards by Hollie Grima. Sheana Mosch had 16 points in Montpellier while Elodie Bertal stopped on 15 points and 8 rebounds.

Bourges - Nantes 69-35
Bourges demonstrated its power against Nantes smashing it with plus 34. Thus Bourges keeps the top of LFB, together with Tarbes. Poor Nantes is winless yet. Catherine Melain top-scored for the winning team with 12 points. She also had 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Nantes didn't have any player with double digits.

Arras - Clermont 89-70
Another comfortable victory by the hosts in this round. Mia Fisher shined for Arras collecting 23 points and 4 boards pushing her team to 2-3. The same score has Clermont, who got 16 points and magnificent 21 rebounds from Emma Randall.



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  HOLLAND - Women  


Lions edged AutoCAD Amazone in a key game of Round 2 - by Eurobasket News
Lions edged AutoCAD Amazone in a key game of Round 2 to take 2-0 record. The hosts opened the game with 21-13 in the opening quarter and never looked behind after. In the 8th minute of the second period the Lions had built their lead to 37:21, but Amazone reduced at halftime, 39:29. The Lions came back from the lockers with another attitude and after 9-0 run had 58:38. In the 5th minute of the last period ProBuild still led 65:47. The home side led the game to the winning effort and won the second straight game. Anouk Biesters (182-G/F-86) top-scored for the winners with 15 points. Molly McDowell (178-G-81, college: S.Illinois) added 11 and Chanel Ross (168-G-83, college: Harris-Stowe St.) chipped in with 10 points. Marloes Renskers (170-G-81, college: Armstr.Atlantic) collected 17 points and 6 rebounds in defeat, Sigrid van der Toorn nailed 9 and Sharon Bos had 8 points and 12 rebounds.
In another games BV Lely lost at home to Celeritas-D. 51:59. Binnenland had nothing to do at home against HLB Accountant and was defeated 44:90. Woonb./DAS was strong at home against Grasshoppers 85:50, while Wereldtick lost to Perik Jumpers 65:73.
After two rounds ProBuild Lions, Perik Jumpers and HLB Accountant lead with 2-0 record.

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  ITALY - Women  


Serie A1 - Day-1. Stats and results - by Carlo Grilli
The opening day in PalaTiziano (Rome) was a successful event. Parma lost on the court but won the game because the opponent Sesto San Giovanni made a mistake, with the 4 extraeuropean players all together on the floor for a while. The maximum admitted is 3.

Acer Erg Priolo - Umana Venezia 52 - 66
(20-18, 30-29, 38-45)
ACER ERG PRIOLO: Gianolla A. 12 (4/11), Bonfiglio S. 2 (0/1), Green D. 14 (5/9, 0/1), Milazzo O. dnp, Cirov T. 2 (1/3, 0/1), Cesnaviciute K. , Seino T. 8 (3/6, 0/2), Sciacca B. 2 , Pascalau F. 12 (4/11), Meneghel R. dnp. Coach Coppa Santino
UMANA VENEZIA: Corradini L. , Sottana G. 5 (1/2, 1/5), Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) 13 (3/5, 1/4), Cirone M. 5 (1/2, 1/1), Andrade M. 8 (3/7, 0/1), Nadalin J. 4 (2/9), Giauro E. 1 , Jokic D. 12 (6/6), Vujovic A. 6 (0/2, 2/4), Hayden V. 12 (6/11). Coach Riga Massimo

Cras Basket Taranto - Club Atletico Faenza 55 - 58
(17-19, 31-29, 43-41)
CRAS BASKET TARANTO: Mahoney M. 8 (2/7, 0/1), Siccardi V. (0/1), Bello M. (0/4, 0/1), Zimerle A. 6 (0/1, 2/5), Sauret Gillespie A. 2 (1/2), David I. 6 (3/8), Prado F. 4 (2/2), Godin E. 10 (4/7, 0/1), Batkovic S. 7 (2/4, 0/1), Greco M. 12 (6/9, 0/1), All. Ricchini Roberto
CLUB ATLETICO FAENZA: Adriana Pinto (170-G-78) 16 (3/6, 3/5), Erkic M. 4 (2/6, 0/1), Ramon E. (0/3), Modica F. 7 (1/1, 1/2), Mendes Da Silva T. dnp, Santucci L. 2 (1/3, 0/1), Bjelica M. 9 (3/7, 1/2), Gardner Combs A. 14 (5/13), Zampella A. 6 (2/3, 0/1), Alexander M.. Coach Rossi Paolo

Geas Sesto San Giovanni - Lavezzini Parma 80-56 (0-20 for judge decision)
(27-8, 42-25, 58-45)

BRACCO GEAS SESTO SAN GIOVANNI: Arturi G. 1 (0/3), Tillis I. 21 (7/10, 1/6), Genta J. , Patricia Penicheiro (180-G-74, college: ODU) T. 15 (3/5, 1/1), Zanon M. 13 (3/4, 2/3), Calastri A. , Twehues K. 8 (1/4, 2/4), Crippa M. 5 (2/3), Frantini M. 14 (4/6, 2/3), Machanguana C. 3 (1/4). Coach Galli Roberto
LAVEZZINI PARMA: Stabile S. 4 (0/1, 1/5), Paparazzo E. (0/2), Zanoni I. 3 (0/2, 1/1), Zara F. 10 (4/8, 0/6), Vilipic D. 5 (2/5), Summerton L. 12 (6/15, 0/3), Micovic M. dnp, Porter N. 12 (5/9, 0/2), Screen J. 10 (1/6, 1/4), Manzini L. dnp. Coach Scanzani Maurizio

Pallacanestro Pozzuoli - Famila Wber Schio 46 - 78
(14-21, 26-43, 32-56)
PHONICA POZZUOLI: Paparo N. , Aties Isaac Z. 2 (1/2, 0/1), Favento S. 2 (0/1), Andjelic N. 10 (2/7, 2/5), Aili F. 3 (1/3), Ferazzoli I. 6 (2/3, 0/1), Benko L. 9 (3/6, 0/2), Minervino M. (0/1), Grasso A. 2 (0/5), Dixon T. 12 (4/6, 1/3). Coach Palumbo Carlo Fulvio
FAMILA WBER SCHIO: Moro E. 5 (1/2, 1/5), Feaster A. 10 (2/2, 2/7), Pantani C. 3 (1/2), Masciadri R. 6 (1/9, 1/4), De Pretto V. , Maiorano M. 3 (0/1, 1/3), Ress K. 9 (3/6, 0/1), Ciampoli F. dnp, Laura Macchi (187-F-79) 23 (7/8, 2/3). Coach Orlando Sandro

Pool Comense - Gescom MCI Viterbo 63 - 48
(12-19, 32-32, 49-44)
POOL COMENSE: Fassina M. 2 (1/1, 0/1), Bestagno E. dnp, Silva E. dnp, Hall V. 15 (5/8, 1/3), Invernizzi M. 8 (4/7, 0/1), Slavcheva G. 5 (1/6, 1/5), Limoura L. 5 (1/1, 1/2), Smith B. 8 (4/9), Donvito V. 6 (2/5), Melissa Fazio (182-F-79, college: St.Bonaventure) 14 (7/9, 0/5). Coach Montini Walter
GESCOM MCI VITERBO: Micovic M. 7 (2/7, 1/1), Magaddino E. (0/1, 0/1), Nicolini E. dnp, Arioli C. 3 (1/2), Franchetti M. 3 (0/1, 1/3), Brown A. 12 (4/8), Piroli V. 2 (1/2), Morris A. 11 (4/12, 1/4), Bade K. 4 (2/6, 0/1), Danzi D. 6 (3/5). Coach Agresti Claudio

Women Basket Livorno - Banco di Sicilia Ribera 60-73
(16-16, 33-27, 48-47)
WOMEN BASKET LIVORNO: Franchini 7, Pastore 14, Pavicevic 5, Hairston 11, Buccianti, Mariani, Gaither 3, Bagnara 9, Montagna dnp, Ruzickova 11. Coach Papini.Giovanni
BANCO DI SICILIA RIBERA: Falauto, Colico 4, Creamer 13, Romagnoli, Riccardi, Montagnino 18, Kaayla Chones (191-C-81, college: N.Carolina St.) 22, Moody, Perfetti 5, Page 11. Coach Anselmo Paolo Francesco

Liomatic Umbertide - Vomero Basket Napoli 71 - 48
(21-9, 44-17, 52-33)
LIOMATIC UMBERTIDE: Rossi C. 10 (5/5, 0/2), Battisodo V. 3 (0/1, 1/1), Giorgi S. 2 , Gelfusa L. NE , Arcangeli A. dnp, Bonaldo E. 5 (2/6, 0/3), Callens E. 18 (3/6, 3/5), Perovanovic I. 6 (3/4), Hodges D. 13 (2/5, 1/7), Courtney Willis (188-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management, college: E.Carolina) 14 (5/8). Coach Serventi Lorenzo
NAPOLI BASKET VOMERO: Tuukkannen T. 7 (1/3, 1/1), Gatti G. 7 (3/6), Mauriello P. 9 (3/7, 1/6), Giauro S. 2 (1/4), Paterna S. 4 (1/2), Gentile I. 2 (1/4, 0/1), Laaksonen N. 7 (2/4), Robinson S. 10 (3/7, 0/3), Stamegna L. dnp, Dos Santos C.. Coach Fossati Fabio

Standings A1 (W)
A1 Standings
 1. Schio 1-0 
 2. Comense 1-0 
 3. Faenza 1-0 
 4. Venezia 1-0 
 5. Ribera 1-0 
 6. San Giovanni 1-0 
 7. Umbertide 1-0 
 8. Pozzuoli 0-1 
 9. Livorno 0-1 
 10. Vomero NA 0-1 
 11. Viterbo 0-1 
 12. Priolo 0-1 
 13. Taranto 0-1 
 14. Parma 0-1 


Standings A2 Women - by Carlo Grilli
A2 Standings
North
 1. Cavezzo 2-0 
 2. Reggio Emilia 2-0 
 3. Marghera 2-0 
 4. Lucca 2-0 
 5. Bolzano 1-1 
 6. Udine 1-1 
 7. Cervia 1-1 
 8. Bologna 1-1 
 9. Montigarda 1-1 
 10. Broni 1-1 
 11. San Bonifacio 0-2 
 12. San Martino 0-2 
 13. Crema 0-2 
 14. Biassono 0-2 
South
 1. Cagliari CUS 2-0 
 2. Siena 2-0 
 3. Pomezia 2-0 
 4. Pontedera 2-0 
 5. Cagliari Tr. 1-1 
 6. Alghero 1-1 
 7. La Spezia 1-1 
 8. Ancona 1-1 
 9. S.Elpidio 1-1 
 10. Napoli 1-1 
 11. Firenze 0-2 
 12. Chieti 0-2 
 13. Alcamo 0-2 
 14. Rende 0-2 


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  LITHUANIA - Women  


The start of the LMKL - by Eurobasket News
Four games were played over the weekend for the start of 2008/2009 season in Lithuania. Ruta Siauliai overcame Alytus 76:47, while Aistes-Atlet. beat Egle Panev. 81:53 on Saturday. On Sunday Arvi had a road win over Laisve 38:64. TEO Vilnius opened the league with a 72:52 over Lemminkainen as Jurgita Streimikyte (191-F-72) led the winners with 15 points.
Meanwhile Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) and her Spirou Monceau fired down Houthalen 72:69 in the opener of Belgian League.The teams traded baskets in the starting period before Monceau managed to pull away in the second frame. The hosts built a 9-point cushion at halftime and held off in the second half despite Houthalen cutting the distance to minimum at the late stages. Sophie Tirtiaux and Valerie Kara produced 16 points each to pace Monceau. Sarune Jasiunskaite had 10 points for the winners. Karen Bartholomeus knocked down 17 points for Houthalen.
Jurgita Kausaite (178-G/F-70, college: Emporia St.) led Solna Vikings over Lulea Basket with 16 points in Sweden. Her team trailed 12-20 after the opening quarter but managed to win the opener 75:69. Aquonesia Franklin and Christy Bacon nailed 13 apiece, while Elisabet Egnell scored 9. Elin Soderstrom and Frida Grahn nothced 16 points each in defeat and Hungarian Csontos Eszter nailed 7.
Reda Aleliunaite-Jankovsk (193-F/C-73) and her Inea AZS beat Gora 85:71 in the last game of Round 7. Walich led the winners with 20 points, while Coleman netted 26. Reda Aleliunaite-Jankovsk had 9 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists as her team is now 5-1 in the Polish league.

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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Standings - Women
DBBL Standings
 1. Residence 2-0 
 2. Etzella 2-0 
 3. T71 Dudelange 2-0 
 4. Basket Esch 1-0 
 5. Amicale 1-0 
 6. Musel Pikes 1-1 
 7. Racing 0-2 
 8. AB Contern 0-2 
 9. Grengewald 0-2 
 10. Schieren 0-2 


Stats Leaders - Women
Luxembourgish Men Basketball Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. N.DelGado, ETZ 31
2. Brady, RAC 31
3. McDaniel, BSM 30.5
4. Anderson, USH 26
5. Smith, SPA 24
6. Whitworth, T71 23
7. Kennedy, ETZ 22.5
8. Rajniak, T71 22
9. Brand, RES 21.5
10. Schwartz, MUS 21.5


Residence is on top after Round 2 - by Eurobasket News
Residence thrashed Racing 86:40 in the second round of DBBL action to improve to 2-0 record atop of the standings. Residence had little problems in the recent game. They outscored Racing 29:7 in the first term and cruised to a 35-point advantage at halftime. Racing never rebounded after the break and suffered a stunning defeat at the end. Catherine Scanlon (180-G/F-83, college: Drexel) fired 20 points to pace Residence. Veronique Kohnen secured 16 points, while Julie Kremer added 15 points for the winners. Annick Diederich (180-F-83) and Jill Graffe (170-G/F-85) answered with 10 points apiece for Racing.
T71 Dudelange also kept their record perfect as they shot down Contern 73:46 away from home. Contern jumped to an early 15:10 lead but failed to capitalize. Dudelange exploded with a 27:10 surge in the second quarter to take a 12-point advantage at the interval. T71 looked better in the second half as they kept the hosts at bay throughout the rest of the encounter. Melissa Dennett (188-F-83, college: Colorado St.) produced 15 points and 12 boards for Dudelange. Liv Schmit contributed 14 points for the winners. Amanda Stowe (186-F/C-79, agency: Next Level, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) answered with 16 points for Contern as they slipped to 0-2 record at the start.
Christine Fisher tallied impressive 40 points, 20 boards and 10 steals to propel Musel Pikes to a furious 113:31 rout of Schieren. Cathy Schmit had 19 points, while Sandra Bertrand added 17 points and 7 rebounds for Musel Pikes. Shaneisha Walton delivered 7 points and 7 boards for Black Frogs in defeat.

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  ROMANIA - Women  


Standings - Women
D1 Standings
 1. Targoviste 1-0 
 2. Arad 1-0 
 3. Rapid 1-0 
 4. Govora 1-0 
 5. Alexandria 1-0 
 6. Sf.Gheorghe 1-0 
 7. Satu Mare 1-0 
 8. Craiova 0-1 
 9. Alba Iulia 0-1 
 10. Oradea 0-1 
 11. S.Studentesc 0-1 
 12. Olimpia 0-1 
 13. Cluj Napoca 0-1 
 14. Iasi 0-1 


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  SPAIN - Women  


CB Granada and Unicaja Hit By Injuries - by Paul Nilsen
Round Three had two major causlaties on the injury front with Curtis Borchardt (211-C-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Stanford) and his bad luck seemingly continuing as he sustained a fracture in his hand during the derby game against Cajasol just before half-time writes www.acb-basket.com. The latest setback for the Stanford graduate means a 4-6 week lay-off depending on healing time in a blow to Grancas early season form.

Meanwhile German Gabriel (207-C-80) will be out for a few weeks with an ankle injury he received in Unicajas first defeat of the season during Round 3 when they went down against Tau.

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  SWEDEN - Women  


The 2008/2009 Damligan is open! - by Eurobasket News
The 2008/2009 Damligan is open in Sweden. Sunday wrote the history for the first six games in the league. Telge stun Visby Ladies 94:61 in their opener. The hosts started very confident and after 24-11 in the first frame never looked behind in the game. Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89) paced all the winners with 32 points, while Hanna Bouldwin netted 16. Elena Radenkovikj (189-C-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Seton Hill) top-scored for the visitors with 19 points.
Brahe Basket edged Umea Comets 80:66 for the initial win. In that game the results was done due to the second half where the hosts domianted the court. Beata Gullberg (175-G-90) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Tatsiana Lavets added 19. Amy Mohr and Anna Osterman ended up with 16 points apiece in defeat. 08 Stockholm Human Rights stormed past KFUM Jamtland 88:53. The hosts opened the game with 20-15 and then produced 15-10 in the second to take control of the game. Jennie Thingwall (184-F-85) led the winners with 19 points, Malin Edlund had 16, Nina Risto posted 14 and Anette Johansen added 11. Jill Noe finished the night with 19 points in the losing effort.
Jurgita Kausaite (178-G/F-70, college: Emporia St.) led Solna Vikings over Lulea Basket with 16 points. Her team trailed 12-20 after the opening quarter but managed to win the opener 75:69. Aquonesia Franklin and Christy Bacon nailed 13 apiece, while Elisabet Egnell scored 9. Elin Soderstrom (179-F-83) and Frida Grahn nothced 16 points each in defeat and Hungarian Csontos Eszter nailed 7.
Norrkoping Dolphins beat Eskilstuna Basket 68:56 behind 20 points from Johanna Kallman (174-G-87). Sundsvall DB overcame Marbo Basket 100:76 as Stephanie Jones top-scored for the winners with 30 points.

Telge - Visby Ladies 94 - 61 (24 - 11, 31 - 12, 22 - 18, 17 - 20)
Telge: Louice Halvarsson 32, Hanna Bouldwin 16, Stefanie Yderstrom 12, Ajeshia Marquez 11, Sandra Jansson 5, Salome Kabengano 5, Jennifer Kckkaya 4, Jeanette Johansson 3, Sofia Astrom 2, Binita Drammeh 2, Camilla Osth 2.
Visby: Elena Radenkovikj 19, Sherell Neal 17, Brittney Vaughn 13, Erika Persson 5, Marie Sderberg 3, Hanna Munthe-Gottberg 2, Malin Torelm 2.

Brahe Basket - Umea Comets 80 - 66 (15 - 12, 16 - 18, 28 - 21, 21 - 15)
Brahe: Beata Gullberg 22, Tatsiana Lavets 19, Frida Jern-Bruhn 15, Hanna Sandberg 8, Ida Gustafsson 6, Hanna Holgersson 5, Carina Larsson 5.
Umea Comets: Amy Mohr 16, Anna Osterman 16, Caroline Sigefelt 10, Ida Sdersten 9, Shannon Daly 6, Madeleine Malmbom 5, Julia Hamre 3, Frida Jonsson.

08 Stockholm Human Rights - KFUM Jamtland 88 - 53 (20 - 15, 15 - 10, 28 - 19, 25 - 9)
08 Stockholm: Jennie Thingwall 19, Malin Edlund 16, Nina Risto 14, Anette Johansen 11, Martina Stalvant 8, Sandra Ngoie-Hasahya 8, Madeleine Lindquist 5, Farhiya Abdi 3, Jenny Lidgren 2, Jasmina Pecariz 2.
Jamtland: Jill Noe 19, Stina Nilsson 12, Camilla Fagerberg 8, Chakhia Cole 6, Sofie Andersson 6, Stina Sderberg 2.

Sundsvall DB - Marbo Basket 100 - 76 (23 - 30, 23 - 17, 33 - 14, 21 - 15)
Sundsvall: Stephanie Jones 30, Jessica Nilsson 17, Helena Rutberg 16, Vera Janjic 13, Amalia Krantz 9, Anna Hglund 7, Karolina Mindell Kidanu 5, Caroline Bergsten 3.
Marbo Basket: Leah Metcalf (173-G-83, college: N.Carolina) 18, Lindsey Hicks 16, Emma Nilsson 14, Therese Andersson-Broman 10, Agnes Nordstrm 8, Johanna Jerebko 3, Kristina Nybom 3, Lisa Knutsson 2, Helena Lundberg 2.

Solna Vikings - Lulea Basket 75 - 69 (12 - 20, 25 - 16, 18 - 19, 20 - 14)
Solna: Jurgita Kausaite 16, Aquonesia Franklin 13, Christy Bacon 13, Elisabet Egnell 9, Cecilia Ferm 8, Katarina Andersson 8, Josefin Olheim 4, Michaela Livijn 3, Erica Blomgren.
Lulea: Elin Soderstrom 16, Frida Grahn 16, Anna Brannvall 12, Anna-Lisa Vestin 10, Csontos Rajki Escter 7, Annica Grafstrom 6, Mikaela Hagglund 2.

Norrkoping Dolphins - Eskilstuna Basket 68 - 56 (14 - 18, 12 - 8, 21 - 13, 21 - 17)
Norrkoping: Johanna Kallman 20, Malin Belfrage 18, Hayet Neffati 10, Malin Aasa 7, Petra Jacob 7, Sara Saks 4, Tanya Massamba 2.
Eskilstuna: Emma Gunnarsson 16, Mirenda Wilson 12, Kelsey Blair 10, Alexandra Lundberg 6, Jenny Andersson 6, Sanna Gronhagen 5, Gabriella Lundstrom.

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  UKRAINE - Women  


Gorbunova and Malashenko contribute for their teams - by Eurobasket News
Ukrainian Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91) and her Dexia Namur took another shot at the Belgian title as they started the new season with an overwhelming victory over Blue Cats leper 106:57. Last year Dexia were stopped just one step away from the title as they lost to Waregem in the final. This year could be different. At least Dexia looked impressive in the starting game. They outgunned their opponents 35:4 in the first period to take an unassailable lead. leper never recovered and suffered a stunning defeat at the end. Pauline Akonga paced Dexia with 27 points and 10 rebounds. Krystyna Szymanska-Lara knocked down 22 points, while Olesya Malashenko provided 14 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Hanne Mestdagh answered with 10 points for Blue Cats leper.
CSKA wins the opener of Superleague 2008/2009 in the first game of the season. The team from Moscow had a road win over Dynamo Novosibirsk 59:66. The latter played really well in the second half but could not score all they missed in the first. Katie Douglas top-scored in her first game for CSKA with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Ilona Korstine collected 12 points and 9 rebounds, while Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) netted 10 points and made 10 boards. CSKA has lots of changes in comparison with the previous season and the main one for the Ukrainian fans is signing Olexandra Gorbunova. The huge plus is of course the top star Katie Douglas that joined the team this season. As it was expected the favorites opened the game with 25-15 in the opening quarter and dominated the court. They improved to 7 more points after 14-7 in the second stanza. As a total of the first half it gave the guests 22:39 at the halftime. When the teams returned from the lockers Dynamo Novosibirsk changed for good. The hosts started to play more confident and took control of the game. They outscored CSKA 17-8 in the third period to reduce the margin entering the last frame. With 20-19 Dynamo Novosibirsk won the last period, but that was not enough to upset the favorites in the game. CSKA wins the opener of Superleague 2008/2009 in the first game of the season and takes 1-0 record. In the second game CSKA thrashed Spartak St. Petersburg 94:41as Olexandra Gorbunova nailed 9 points and made 3 rebounds.

Valeriya Berezhynska shines in France - by Eurobasket News
Valeriya Berezhynska (193-C-86, college: Rice) demonstrated wonderful performance in the first five rounds of French top division. Her team Reims currently shares fourth place with three more teams having 3-2.
On Saturday, Reims was better than Calais 68-63. Berezhynska was totally the best player on the court. She had an opportunity to play almost the entire time draining 22 points including magnificent 16 rebounds. She had pretty good shot percentage 8/10 FG2, 0/2 3-pts and 6/6 FTs. In round four Reims trashed Villeneuve on the road 88-61. Valeriya Berezhynska also had 22 points in that game as well as 8 rebounds. In the opening round she collected 8 points and 4 rebounds while in the next one she stopped on 10 points and 13 boards. It means that Berezhynska scored impressive 62 points in 4 games, average 15.5 ppg. At the same time she had 10.3 rpg and 1.5 apg.
Valeriya Berezhynska arrived to Reims this summer from WNBA team San Antonio Silver Stars. Unfortunately she had just 2 official appearances with the Silver Stars without any important record. She came out from Rice University this year after what she was selected as 42nd overall pick by Detroit Shock.