EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/21/2008

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


Men News

*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Standings
Adriatic L. Standings
Group A
 1. KK Split 2-2 
 2. Bosna S. 1-3 
 3. Krka 1-3 
 4. Vojvodina 1-3 
 5. Helios 0-4 
 6. Cibona 2-2 
Group C
 1. Olimpija 2-2 
Group D
 1. Partizan 4-0 
Group A
 1. Zadar 3-1 
Group H
 1. Hemofarm 3-1 
Qualifying Round
 1. Crvena Zvez. 4-0 
 2. Buducnost 3-1 
 3. FMP 1-3 


*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


LigaA Round: 6 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Ben Hur - Atenas 52-74
Atenas cruised past Ben Hur on the road remaining on top of Group North together with Libertad, 5-1. Leonardo Gutierrez shined for the winners adding 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists. Andre Laws was behind him with 13 points. Ben Hur got 14 points and 5 boards from Eduardo Calvelli but it was not enough against strong Atenas, 2-4.

Libertad - Regatas C. 86-55
As it is mentioned above, Libertad shares first place with Atenas after devastating victory over Ragatas at home. Jason Osborne nailed 18 points and grabbed impressive 14 rebounds for the hosts. Andres Pelissu also was good with 16 points and 9 boards. Regatas, who dropped on 2-4, got 10 points from Roberto Lopez.

Obras - Quimsa 80-83
Another defeat for Obras, who now has poor 0-6. On the other side, Quimsa jumped on 4-2. Erron Maxey was great for the winning side collecting 29 points and 8 boards. Johnathan Treise followed with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Lazaro Borell delivered 24 points, 5 boards and 5 assists for the hosts.

Cicl.Olimpico - Sionista 99-96
Ciclista Olimpico grabbed important victory in over time against dangerous Centro Juventud Sionista. Anthony Glover top-scored for the hosts with 21 points including 9 rebounds. Eduardo Villares had 20 points and 4 rebs in Sionista. Olimpico moved up on 4-2 while Sionista has 2-4.

Penarol - Independ.N. 107-96
Penarol made it against Independiente in a high-scoring game, thus both teams have 4-2 now in Group South. Roman Gonzales and Byron Johnson combined 53 points together in Penarol. Cedric Moodie shined in Independiente with 28 points.

Gimn.CR - Quilmes MP 81-65
Gimnasia CR improved its score on 3-3 while Quilmes dropped even more, 1-5. Mariano Franco was the best for the winning team pouring in 18 points. Jazwin Cowan netted 14 and grabbed 8 rebounds for Quilmes.

Lanus - Estudiantes 74-64
There are no more winless teams in Liga A after Lanus crushed Estudiantes at home 74-64 thanks to well played third frame (23-11). Andres Rodriquez led Lanus to victory draining 21 points and pulling down 11 boards. Jamaal Levy was better than the others in Estudiantes also with 21 points but including 6 boards. The host team currently has 3-3.

El Nacional - Boca Jrs 85-63
Easy home win for El Nacional. Both sides currently have 2-4 in Group South. Camargo Dionisio Gomez netted 19 points with 5 boards for El Nacional while Fabian Sahdi also shined adding 16 points and 4 assists. Boca Juniors got 19 points and 4 rebounds from Fernando Calvi.



*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


First Round of the ABL - by Stefan Heinrich
Allianz Swans Gmunden - Oberwart Gunners 87:82
Oberwart had problems before the game as they missed a couple of players due to injuries. The Gunners were able to keep the game close for 40 minutes but they only shot 59 % from the Free Throw line. The Swans were led by Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) (26 points) and Shelton Colwell (202-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri St.) (16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks) while Jay Youngblood (196-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Kent St.) (23 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 3 blocks) and Marko Moric (207-F-81, agency: World Sport Agency) (22 points, 8 rebounds) pushed the pace for the Gunners.

Scorer: Mayes 26, Colwell 16, Fisher 12, Mayer 9, Hutter 8, Palmer 8, Schoninger 6, Huffman 2 ; Youngblood 23, Moric 22, Stout 14, Joynes 8, Artner 5, Radakovics 5, Ochsenhofer 5

UBSC Graz - okoStadt Gussing Knights 75:89
Gussing started very strong in the first quarter and secured the win already in this 10 minutes as they led by 12 points. Bryan Grier (196-F, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Wingate) led UBSC with 24 points and 9 rebounds, while Jermaine Thomas (187-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) had 22 points for the Knights.

Scorer: Bryan Grier 24, Mascoll 19, Soskic 15, Maresch 6, A. Lanegger 6, R. Lanegger 3 ; Thomas 22, Ledoux 21, Chapell 19, Knor 14, Schaefer 4, Unger 4, Koch 3, Jandrasits 2

WBC Kraftwerk Wels - UBC St. Polten 88:67
St. Polten missed Danilo Sabalic due to familiar reasons, but they were able to keep the game open during the first half. The third quarter decided the game, Wels increased their defense and St. Polten only scored 4 points. Wels had the best players in Casey Archibald (193-G-84, agency: Pro Agents-Basketball Careers) with 18 points and Tilo Klette (205-C/F-77) with 15 points and 16 rebounds. St. Polten had their best scorer in Martin Speiser (200-F-83, agency: Court Side) who nailed 25 points.

Scorer: Archibald 18, Woschank 17, Klette 15, Thomas 12, Strait 10, Moore 7, Prince 4, Csebits 3, Diensthuber 2 ; Speiser 25, Jandl 14, Schreiner 13, Drazovic 8, Bauch 5, Kerschbaummayr 2

BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers - kelag Worthersee Piraten 85:80
The Panthers were able to win the first game but they had big problems with the Insideplayers of the Piraten. A short push during the last quarter secured the home victory. Erik Rhinehart (206-F-82, college: Olivet Nazarene) was the man of the match in the Piraten jersey as he scored 34 points and grabbed 8 boards. Panthers' topscorer was J.J. Sullinger (196-G-82, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ohio St.) with 17 points in 23 minutes.

Scorer: Sullinger 17, Goljovic 14, Ocokoljic 14, Ray 11, Boone 10, Grum 9, Barbary 6, Miletic 4 ; Rhinehart 34, Hartley 19, Mahalbasic 16, Buggelsheim 5, Husanovic 4, Breithuber 2

BasketClubs Vieann - Kapfenberg Bulls 62:106
Kapfenberg had an easy first game with the road victory in the capital. Only the first quarter was close and after that the Bulls dominated the game. Vienna's topscorer was Matthias Dockner (204-F/C-84) with 17 points, while Wayne Arnold (193-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee St.) had 23 points in 24 minutes and Heinz Kugerl (211-C-86) had a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Bulls.

Scorer: Dockner 17, George 14, Seel 14, O'Neal 6, Soldo 4, Bokanovic 3, Mullner 2 ; Arnold 23, Fears 22, Kugerl 16, Suljanovic 14, Zeleznik 10, Lanegger 6, Knabl 5, Josipovic 4, Hallett 3, Vieider 3

xion Dukes Klosterneuburg - Arkadia Traiskirchen Lions 87:92
In this week's TV game the Lions were able to get a road win in Klosterneuburg. The Lions showed a solid team effort and the Dukes were trailing for the entire game. Curtis Bobb (196-G/F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Utah St.) hit 8 pointers for the home team, but it wasnt enough to turn this game around. Bobb had 30 points for the Dukes and Nagler added 20 points while Traiskirchen had their topscorers in Fabricio Vay (205-F-86, agency: Interperformances) and Dragan Zekovic (210-F-87, agency: Interperformances) who scored 21 points each.

Scorer: Bobb 30, Nagler 20, Creddle 9, Helbich 8, Rajkovic 5, Johnson 5, Diwald 5, Hamidovic 3, Sallomon 2 ; Vay 21, Zekovic 21, Mitchell 19, Danek 16, Geisler 6, Paliashchuck 4, Memcic 2, Nicoara 2, Schranz 1

Standings - A Bundesliga
A Bundesliga Standings
 1. Arkadia 1-0 
 2. Wels 1-0 
 3. Furstenfeld 1-0 
 4. Gmunden 1-0 
 5. Kapfenberg 1-0 
 6. Gussing 1-0 
 7. Vienna 0-1 
 8. UBSC Graz 0-1 
 9. Oberwart 0-1 
 10. St.Polten 0-1 
 11. Worthersee 0-1 
 12. Klosterneub. 0-1 


*****************************************************
  BAHRAIN   


Favorites Leading the League - by Walter Neto
After 2 rounds, the 2007-08 BBA league is being led by its regular top 3 title contenders, Manama, Ahli and Muharraq (2-0). These clubs combine for the best group of local players and higher salary foreign players. Al Hala has scored an important one-point win over Nuwaiidrat and has taken a very important lead in the race to one of the highly coveted final 4 spots. There is still much to be expected from the performances of all league teams as they are still warming up and adjusting team rosters.

In other news, the BBA has selected its new Board and decisions regarding its Basketball program and National teams preparations will be finalized prior to the end of October.

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


SJPP whip BCC behind Durant's 30 - by Justin Marville
REIGNING FIVE-TIME LEAGUE champs Barbados Community College's (BCC) impressive four-year unbeaten streak at home has come to an end.

And their hopes of a sixth successive title might have ended with it.

Behind a game-high 30 points from forward Daniel Durant, league leaders Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) continued their perfect start to the United Insurance Schools Basketball Division 2 Tournament on Tuesday with a stunning 83-56 rout of the defending champions.

Dubbed the 'Eagles' Nest', BCC's home floor at the Eyrie-based institution over the last four seasons has become as sacred to the team's basketball dynasty as the hallowed Bronx Stadium has been in the New York Yankees' historic legacy in baseball.

Yet, the visiting SJPP side never appeared daunted by playing the reigning league champs in that famed indoor venue, silencing the usually hostile crowd from the opening tip as the contest failed to live up to its huge billing.

Led by top junior point guard Tremaine Shaw and the streaking Durant, SJPP set the early tempo in transition, opening the game by scoring nine unanswered points against the shell-shocked home team.

That initial burst set the tone for the remainder of the contest as BCC star players Akeem 'Supa' Williams and Manuel Alleng went scorelessin the first quarter, while SJPP forward Mark Bridgeman got in on the scoring act.

The visitors dominated every aspect of the game from start to finish, transforming a 42-21 half-time lead into a 30-point blow-out as Durant enjoyed his most productive game of his first season in Division 1 Schools' ball.

From lay-ups in the open court, to put-backs and strong moves in the key, the forward, who also plays for Warriors in the top league, scored at will in the key to expose BCC's suspect interior defence.

Bridgeman and Shaw ended the contest with 16 and 15 points, respectively, while Alleng and Williams recovered from their poor start to score 16 points apiece. SJPP boosted their win/loss record to 4-0, while the BCC's slipped to 2-1.

SJPP on course for schools' title - by Justin Marville
OVERLOOKING REIGNING five-time league champs Barbados Community College (BCC) in their pre-season forecasts, the pundits appeared to have got it right in predicting a new champion in the United Insurance Schools Basketball Division 1 Tournament.

But the current front-runners for that elusive league title might have come as a bit of a surprise.

Opening the season on an impressive five-game winning streak, league leaders Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic (SJPP) have startlingly established themselves as the ones to beat after posting an unbeaten record through the seasons first half.

And that unblemished 5-0 mark has been no small feat as the Polytechnic lads have done most of their damage on the road in the most hostile arenas.

Visiting pre-season favourites Harrison College in their season opener, SJPP came away with the most unexpected of victories playing in the unfriendly confines of Crumpton Street, stunning the hosts 72-70 on a buzzer-beating put-back in overtime.

Subsequently registering successive home routs of Combermere and Lodge, Polytechnic then truly issued their title intentions in what has become the statement game of the competition.

Playing in BCCs prominent Eagles Nest, SJPP jumped all over the reigning champs from the opening tip, dismantling the hosts for a shocking 83-56 win to put an end to BCCs four-year unbeaten run at home.

The result means that for the first time in six years BCC will have to rely on outside help if they are to secure the league title as the Eagles lack the depth in their roster to beat the league leaders by a similar margin.

The defending champs should consider themselves lucky to even upend SJPP when they travel to Clapham for their second round encounter, considering that they will have to do so without enigmatic centre Shawn Parris.

With back court stars Manuel Alleng and Akeem Supa Williams in their line-up, the Eagles still lack the size and quality up front to tackle Polytechnics loaded frontcourt of Mark Bridgeman, Daniel Durant and Remar Smith.

And SJPPs guard combination isnt too shabby either, boasting the countrys premier junior point guard in Tremaine Shaw alongside the steady Shane Rock.

So for BCC to remain in contention for an unprecedented sixth consecutive title they will have to hope that Rahiim Gibbons and his Harrison College side exact their revenge in Clapham, or pray for an unlikely upset by Queens College and/or Combermere.

And even then the reigning five-time champs still have to win all their remaining fixtures, including a tough road game against Harrison College in Crumpton Street where BCC have had a poor record over the years.

Everything seems to point to the crowning of a new schools basketball champion this season and none will be more expectant of that day than Polytechnic.

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


Standings A1
NBL Standings
 1. Lukoil A. 1-0 
 2. Rilski S-list 1-1 
 3. Levski 1-1 
 4. Spartak P. 1-1 
 5. CSKA 1-1 
 6. ChernoMore 1-1 
 7. Yambol 1-1 
 8. Sliven 0-0 


*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Dimayor: Williams sign with Boston - by Daniel Valencia
After the departure of Trevon Bryant (he is now playing with AEK in Greece) the leaders of Boston College agreed terms with the american power forward/center Eric Williams (207-C-78, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Massachusetts). He will play alongside with B.J. Puckett and Lucas Costa as the foreigners for Boston.

Williams already played two times in the chilean league. During Dimayor 2005 he was part of the roster in Liceo Mixto and last year played 27 games with Puente Alto CD with averages of 14.8 points and 9.2 rebounds.

*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


Federation Cup 2008, Octuber 17 day 25 results: - by Victor Garcia
Bucaros blasted Isladers Sopesa in Bucaramanga, the Islanders had a good begining, with Alejandro Flores ruling in the paint, the coach Guillermo Lopez use Franklin Forbes as starting point guard, move Sowell to the shooting guard spot, and had Stalin Ortiz coming from the bench.
Bucaros with Adan Reyes from the second quarter took control of the games tempo, and with a great combination of Reyes-Washington-Marriaga and Salcedo destroyed the Islanders defense, Ortiz try to keep the game close but was not enough, at the end of the game Islanders looks out of order and forgot to give the ball to Flores in the low post, Bucaros had a very important victory searching the second place and home court advantage in the play-offs
Bucaros Freskaleche 106
Islanders Sopesa 77

Norte is back to life with its victory over Piratas in Cucuta, Eduardo Torres and Edgar Moreno keep carrying the game and both combined to 43 points, Piratas in the bottom of the standings did not find a way to win despite won the first and second quarter , Nunez and Camper leaded Piratas.
Norte de Santander 85 - E. Torres 27 pts
Piratas 73 - G Nunez 27 pts + 10 rebs

Indervalle waisted a chance lossing in Tunja against Patriotas Proactiva, the Patriotas leaded by Ernesto Mijares played smart and put Indervalle in problems to get a place in the semifinals.
Patriotas Proactiva 87
Indervalle 77

Arrieros had a easy game at home, defeating Ovni, Ovnis fuel was just for the first half and in the second a very relaxed Arrieros using all its roster got the victory and almos clinched the first place in standings for the playoffs
Arrieros 92
Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 70

Federation Cup 2008, Octuber 18 day 26 results: - by Victor Garcia
Islanders played a better game than Fridays game, but was not enough to stop Washington, Reyes, Flemming and cia, Bucaros again managed the game to get the second straight victory over Islanders and get the second place.
Bucaros Freskaleche 106
Islanders Sopesa 101.

Indervalle keep on the track, the red team recovers from the Fridays defeat and won the second game in Tunja over Patriotas, Indervall is tied with Norte in the fourth place.
Patriotas Proactiva 77
Indervalle 87

Arrieros again played relaxed and with the bench defeated Ovni in Medellin, Arrieros clinched the first place in the standings for the playoffs.
Arrieros 79
Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 60

Norte made the job and defeated for the second straight night Piratas, Norte is currently with the same points of Indervalle, but has the advantage for the points average in the games against Indervalle.
Norte de Santander 77
Piratas 68

Sowell leaves Islanders - by Victor Garcia
Kevin Sowell decided to leave Islanders due to personal reasons, the american point guard is facing his grandfather dead.
The team is now wondering its options to replace Sowell and will choose one in the upcoming days, coach Lopez wants to adjust its roster to face Bucaros in the playoff, according to a short coversation with www.latinbasket.com, coach Lopez thinks that Islanders vs Bucaros is the most dificult serie, and the winner of this semifinal could be the champion of the cup.Kevin Sowell (190-G-81)

*****************************************************
  COSTA RICA   


Barva triumphs in Clausura - by Gianni Pascucci
Ferreteria Brenes Barva defeated 100-88 Coopenae Liceo de Costa Rica in Game 3 of the Clausura Finals, becoming the champion of Liga de Baloncesto Superior (LBS). Given that Barva had won even the Apertura tournment, no additional round is required, and the team has been named the Costarican Champion 2008 for the third time in a row. Despite a good start from Liceo, led by Lemarck Clark (202-F/C-87) and Henry Martinez (186-G/F-75, agency: Interperformances), Barva took a large lead yet in the first half, ended 52-33 and never looked behind. The win was clear, and the game MVP was Panamanian import Isaac St. Rose (190-G-84, college: John Brown) who scored 23 points.

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


Zabok alone on top of A1 - by Eurobasket News
After two rounds of Croatian A1 league, only one team managed to stay undefeated.

It is Zabok, who was better than Sibenka 70-55. As a reminder, Zabok celebrated against Trogir in the first round but it is important to be mentioned that current leader in A1 both games played at its home court. Luka Zoric (211-C/F-84) once again shined in Zabok collecting 20 points and 12 rebounds. Sibenka got 16 points and 6 boards from Luka Petkovic (181-G-88), but it was not enough for the second win.

Borik Puntamika outsmarted Dubrovnik 85-80 so both teams have the same score now, 1-1. The team of head coach Tihomir Bujan was led by Roko Ciklic (196-F-83), who drained 20 points. Ante Devic (193-G-86) also was good with 16. Ante Vranjes (204-F/C-75, agency: Heinrich Sports) and Maro Lucic (202-C-80) scored 17 points apiece in Dubrovnik.

Svjetlost took it against Alkar Sinj 74-69. Nenad Delic (210-F/C-84) and Krunoslav Rimac (195-G-84) scored 16 points each for the winning side. Marko Raic (192-G-87) followed them with 15 points and 6 boards. As Borik and Dubrovnik, these two teams also have the same score, 1-1.

Trogir made the first win in A1 league in the club's history. That one came against Dubrava at home 83-74, mostly owing to tandem Ante Delas (199-G/F-88) - Toni Bizaca (202-F-82). They combined 40 points pacing Trogir to 1-1. On the other side, Dubrava is the only winless team after two rounds. Tomislav Culjak (204-F/C-80) was the only player able to compete against Trogir scoring 24 points.

In the Round 2 opener Kvarner surprised Cedevita at home 87-86. Report on this game already posted in previous news.

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


Colman settles with Hapoel Holon and becomes a FREE AGENT. - by Thomas Soltau
The starting guard for the Danish National Team, Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola JC) reached a settlement with his club team Hapoel Holon this past Thursday.

The parties decided to part ways in mutual agreement, which as of today makes the point guard a free agent.

The Dane, who holds an Israeli passport, came to Holon this past off-season, after campaigns with Eldan Ashkelon and Altshuler Saham Galil Gilboa, where he averaged 8,4ppg and 9,3ppg, while proving his ability to play both guard spots equally well.

Rumored to already have several other offers on the table, Colman will return to Denmark for a short stay, while considering his future.

*****************************************************
  EBA   


EBA Tryouts! - by EBA Media
EBA Tryouts!
by C.J. Vann

The EBA has numerous men's teams throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. Our season runs from January through March and the competition is fierce. If you are interested in trying out for a team, please complete the pre-registration application on this page: http://www.easternbasketballalliance.com/index_files/Page3466.htm

Tryout information:

DATE: Saturday, November 15, 2008

TIME: 12:00 Noon - 3:00 PM

FEE: $ 50.00 (payable on-site, cash only)

LOCATION: MANNY WEAVER GYM
Rowland Intermediate School
19TH & DERRY STS.
1842 Derry Street,
Harrisburg, PA 17104

Players will be evaluated for placement on all EBA teams.

Former NBA Official Named EBA Commissioner - by EBA Media
Jesse P. Thompson was named the new EBA & WEBA commissioner at the Full-League meeting held yesterday, Sunday, October 5, 2008, in Harrisburg, PA.
Jesse has over 35 years of successfully planning, programming and implementing sports programs. He was a referee in the NBA for ten years (1980-1990) and since has travelled to Korea and the Philippines to organize and conduct the referees program for their leagues.
Thompson, only the second EBA commissioner, takes over from Julius McCoy, who passed away in April after a brief illness.

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


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


Korisliiga Round: 5 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Kouvot - Korihait 72-68
Kouvot overcame Korihait 72:68 in the opener of Round 5. Swift Brian led the winners with 17 points, while Sarcevic Bojan netted 22 points in the losing effort.

LrNMKY - Namika Lahti 69-75
Namika Lahti had a road win over LrNMKY 69:75 as Laine Teemu top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Tyler Melvin nailed 17, while Vesala Ville posted 13. Blassingame Jerel brought 27 points for the hosts.

FoKoPo - Kataja 81-90
Kataja defeated FoKoPo 90:81 to reach the top of the standings. Wood Jeremiah was unstoppable with 29 points and 13 rebounds. Harrelson Ty posted 17 and on the other side Hunter Vincent had 23 points.

Honka - Componenta 75-61
Honka stun Componenta 75:61 as three players reach double digits for the winners. Scott Akeem led all of them with 21 points. Watts Marcus notched 15 points, while Jones Clifton collected 14 points and 19 rebounds.

Tarmo - KTP 86-91
KTP had a road win over Tarmo 86:91. Vinson Durell top-scored for the winners with 22 points, while Williams Damon netted 21. Messy Emmanuel ended up with 29 points in the losing effort.

Honka - Namika Lahti 76-66
Honka handed Namika Lahti the first loss in the league and reached them at 4-1 after 76:66 victory. Scott Akeem top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Pekkola Sami produced 18 points for the visitors.



KORISLIIGA: YMCA Lahti lost again in Espoo - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 5: YMCA Lahti has it very difficult to win in Espoo. Hosting Honka has defeated Lahti now 10 times in a row at home. Tonight Honka was ahead
almost during the whole contest. Honka's three American players (Scott - Perkins - Cummings) combined 55 pts out of 76 and YMCA Lahti scored this time only 66 pts.
Honka won all four quarters: 17-12, 21-20, 16-15 and 22-19. Visitor Lahti had also bad luck. Team's leading rebounder Vesa Makalainen (200-F-86) sprained his ankle in the beginning of the third quarter. When Honka stopped Lahti's PG Ilkka Vuori (181-G-86) first time this season under 10 pts (9), it was obvious, that Honka caused Lahti the first loss of the regular season.
Another news comes from Uusikaupunki. Korihait has fired American F Dale Lamberth (196-F-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri St.) and it is rumored, that American G Josh Gonner (188-G-82, college: S.Carolina) would replace Lamberth. Gonner played also last season in Finland on ToPo's (Helsinki) roster.

Honka - YMCA Lahti 76-66 (38-32) (Akeem Scott 21, Ben Perkins (200-F-79, college: Mc Neese St.) 17/13, Monte Cummings 17 - Sami Pekkola 18, Bilal Abdullah 13, Melvin Tyler 10).



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


Ilian Evtimov(Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Interview - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Hi Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.), thanks for taking some time to talk to www.eurobasket.com. Over the summer many fans were nervous because it was unclear if you would stay or go. You decided to stay. What were the main reasons why you decided to remain with THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS?

There are always options in all contracts on both parties. However, I never intended to leave Frankfurt, I was happy with our performance last year, and I like the organization a lot. We are in one of the best cities in Europe, and basketball is important to this city. It was always the plan for me to come back this year.

I remember directly after the game 5 playoff loss to the Telekom Baskets Bonn, you and Koko Archibong were sitting on the scorers table on the sideline. With all the success that THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS had had in 2007-2008 by almost reaching the final being denied on the last play, did you ever have a thought at that moment of not returning to Frankfurt?

The only thing Koko and I were talking about is how we lost by one point in the semi-finals. All these games came down to not only game 5, but the last minute of game 5. We were upset to not make it to the finals. The season was over, we were sitting down talking about the whole season.

What were your memories of that incredible game five playoff win in Leverkusen?

I remember that it was a verrrrrryyyyyy long game. We score then they score and it was two teams playing good basketball, and both teams, obviously were tired from playing 5 games in 12 days. But neither one of the two would give up. Again, it came down to the last minute when the score was tight, then Captain scored the two free throws. Derrick made a great defensive play to make them miss the shot at the buzzer, and we moved on the semi-finals.

You had very nice stats 13.1ppg, 5.1rpg, 2.1apg, 1.3spg, last season for Frankfurt. You showed that you are on your way to becoming a very complete player. What parts of your game do you still need to work on to get to that point of being a complete player?

I need to improve my perimeter defense and my quickness since that is where my future is. The rest will take of itself.

The team is off to a 2-2 start. The team is more talented and deeper than last season. What is this squad capable of doing this season? I think anything short of reaching the playoffs would be a disappointment.

We have a very good team. Many talented players, but we cant forget that it is a team sport. When everyone gets even more comfortable with each other, we will accomplish great things. We have showed early in the pre-season how well we can play together. Now it is just a matter of playing well consistently.

You started slowly this season but your beginning to find your rhythm. Your averaging 9,5points, 3,5 rebounds and 1,3 assists per game. It seems with so much scoring options this season, you have another role. How would you define your role in 2008-2009?

This is a work in progress. All the players are trying to figure out their roles as the season just started. Different players will be asked to do different things throughout the season. Things such as injuries, illnesses, and other obstacles unfortunately occur sometimes. I will do whatever is asked from me by the coaching staff. If we have a successful season and win many games, the whole team looks good. So the number one priority is to win.

It seems like your suffering a bit with not getting as many shots like your used to. How are you coping with this?

It seems that every game is different. If one game it happens that I shoot more than others then be it. However, if the next game, someone else has the opportunity to take more shots, then great, as long as we are doing what it takes to win, there is no problem with it. We have many scoring options so it is normal that every game will be different. This will make us a more difficult team to stop in the long run.

Lorenzo Gordon is injured. Will this set back the team any? Now Derrick Allen can go back to playing center like last season and dominate again and you can go to position four like old days.

This is one way of looking at it. But these decisions are not up to Derrick and I. In a chess game, the pieces dont move alone. Wherever those pieces are moved, that is where they will go. Basketball is a bit like a chess game. The players are the pieces. We will do what is asked from us to our best abilities. In the end, all the pieces work together to beat the opponent. So all the pieces are important.

What do you remember from Greg Jenkins last season against Paderborn. How will he help the team under the boards?

He is a very big body, strong, a type of player that wants to dominate the paint with his size. He will help us become better.

Last season, you roomed with captain Pascal Roller. What have you learned from him as a person and player?

Captain is a great guy and a role model to any basketball player. He keeps his cool one hundred percent of the time. He sets great leadership examples for other guys. It is easy to follow a captain when he leads by example.

Recently THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS beat MBC Nikolaev 75 to 68. You guys had little energy not being able to prepare the way you should before a game. Murat Didin said, the team showed a lot of character in pulling out a victory. How did you guys do it? What was more difficult the mental or physical part of game?

It is wonderful to be part of a great organization like the Deutsche Bank Skyliners. This trip was unlucky. However all of us used this as motivation to beat them anyway. It was a great team effort. A great demonstration of character indeed.

The team went through a two day odyssey in Rumania and Ukraine. Have you ever experienced such a crazy tour like that in your Basketball career?

It was a great experience to remember and I think all of us will have good memories. I am a world traveler, I have had all kinds of experiences traveling.

The bus ride to the game also wasnt too comfortable. Were you fearing for your life or did that just fly by since you were sleeping or doing something else?lol.

I think I was just anxious to play so the bus ride went by fast. Once we got in the gym, it was time to finally play, so that was exciting.

How is your relationship to coach Murat Didin. He can be a very tough coach for players. What are the nicest words you have heard from him?

All coaches can be tough. I think he has expectations from me because he believes in me so my job is to follow his advice in order to become better. He has seen many players during his coaching career.

You have lived here more than one year. Is there a nice quiet and relaxing place in the city where you can escape to to be alone in the afternoons when you have some time?

Absolutely. I like to go to Vapiano Restaurant, then I might go to the movies. Sometimes, I have found myself being the only person in the movie theater How special, the whole movie theater empty, watching a movie on a huge screen, the room is working just because of me LOL.
This is a good time for me to relax, and escape from all the things in my world.

You are of French-Bulgarian nationality. You grew up in France. How much do you miss Bulgaria. Do you visit often?

I lived the first six years in Bulgaria, so I dont remember much from it, however, I usually go back in the summer, usually with my brother. We have great time fishing, playing basketball, eating Bulgarian food this past summer I met Dolph Lundren there, remember Ivan Drago from Rocky IV. So when I get a chance to go back in the summer, I use it. It is always nice to see my grandfather.

Your father had over 200 caps for the Bulgarian National team. He was one of the few players in the 80s that played outside the country for teams that mostly only signed American players. How important was he for Bulgarian Basketball?

He is a legend in Bulgaria. He was captain for the national team for many years and retired from it because he needed to finish his law degree. He played in the 80s when Bulgaria was at its best. Those were the years of Sabonis, Divac, D. Schrempf, Galis, Yannakis, Petrovic (my idol), and many more top players at the time. He was one the better ones and it is always great to hear stories from his former teammates.

Your brother Vasco is also a professional player, who has had a steady career in Europe. How deep is your relationship to him and what do you respect the most about him?

My brother is my hero. He has over came any kind of struggles, bumps on the road, tough times, whatever you want to call it. I have the highest respect for him. He is the best professional I have seen. He often reminds me that he has made the mistakes for both of us. I cant recall one time that he gave me advice and it was wrong. I always ask him for help and guidance when I need it. We spend all summers together playing basketball, and enjoying the family time. I will never forget when we played against each other in Bologna. He played for Fortitudo and I played for Virtus. One of the biggest rivalries in Europe. Once, in a friendly cup game in the pre-season, he reminded me that I am still and will always be the young one. I tried to box him out (knowing exactly what he does), he stole my rebound anyways, and scored the basket with my foul, anti-sportive foul, to take the lead and make it game over. Then he just smiled and told me he is a BEAST.

Your dream is too play with him in a team. How is the status of playing together in the Bulgarian National team? Explain how this chance could come about with France not being an option anymore.

FIBA Europe told Bulgarian officials that it is not up to them to decide but up to FIBA World, as we are not the only case with this scenario. So we have to wait and see. I want to be optimistic, because that might the best chance we have to play together. If this does become a reality, it would be the most fun ever to play in an official competition together. We know each other like a book.

Who were your Basketball idols growing up?

I liked Drazen Petrovic the most. He was the purest shooter I remember watching when growing up. He is part of the reason why I played with the number 3 in college. One summer I found a very rare replica of his jersey when he played for the NETS, so I bought it. Sometimes I still wear it.

You played at The University of North Carolina State. What were your nicest memories of playing Basketball their.

It is an unbelievable experience to play at the highest level in college basketball. Everything Is scrutinized and watched. All details mattered. A great way to improve as a player is when you know every small mistake you make and try to correct it. We even used to watch film from practice.
My greatest memory is when we made it to the Sweet 16 in 2005. The atmosphere of the final tournaments is special (ACC tourney, and NCAA tournament). All games are on national television, playing in the biggest gyms in the USA, everything was first class.

Is there any possible way of describing the feeling of playing North Carolina in front of so many people?

At first it is a bit like the movie Gladiator, when the gladiators walk in the Coliseum. They cant believe how many people are there. However, after a few games, you learn to focus and you dont hear the things outside the court. Until the game is over.

You played together with Marcus Melvin at North Carolina State. What was your relationship to him? He seemed to give you advice on the court.

He was a mentor for me. He was a year older so he always tried to guide me in the right direction. When we played his Antalya team in the pre-season, it was like a flash back. I commited a turnover on a bad high post pass. He was guarding me, so he came up to me and just started to explain to me what to do the next time to not make the same mistake. I was surprised he did that, but it reminded me so much of college. It shows what a great person he is.

Joe Crispin(26 NBA games) scored 35 points and dished out 10 assists in the Banvit upset over Efes Pilsen last weekend and played against you and already saw you play in high school. He had much praise for you. How does that feel getting praise from a player of his stature?

It is a great feeling knowing that other players respect your game, especially a player like him. I used to watch him play in college, and he was extremely good It is a small world especially the basketball world. And it is a great place to build networks.

German Robin Benzing from TV Langen that practices with Frankfurt is surely a guy you can praise. He almost went to The University of Michigan. Where do you see his future? He is a big man that can shoot from outside like Dirk Nowitski.

The first time he came to practice with us, he was hanging out around the 3 point line and I was thinking what is he doing all the way out there? He is by far the tallest guy in our practise and five minutes later we were playing two on two and he scored two three pointers. I thought, well, that explains it all then. Lol. He has great potential. The sky is the limit for him.

Is there any duel in college against a top player that you will remember where you just totally dominated?

To be honest, I played in a system that was very unconventional. My points did not come off one on one plays, but rather from cuts and three point shots.

Last summer you spent some time at The University of North Carolina State. Did you finish your degree? What would you like to do after your Basketball career?

I finished my Masters Degree in Sports Management. I had a few more classes to take in order to finish up. I also had to present my final project. I stayed busy with school, but it was important for me to finish. This is something that no one can ever take away from me. I see it as a Warranty because as a sportsman, we are always at risk of serious injuries. I am not sure yet of my precise future plans, but I want to get into coaching, especially younger kids.

What were the most consecutive three pointers that you hit in practice?

I believe 36. It was while I was shooting three pointers to make 100. The goal was to shoot as few as possible to make 100. I once read that D. Petrovic shot 104 to make 100. That was my goal from that day on. I was 12. Three years ago, I finally achieved it, I equalled it. During that shooting drill, my rebounder told me I had made 36 in a row.

Is there any Skyliner who can defeat you at one on one?

I think they all can. However, the last time we had a tournament of one on one in practice, I won, so for now, I am the title holder. Lol.

What is the craziest shot you have ever made in practice? I remember seeing you shooting those hook shots from the corner, or shooing big rainbow shots from the corner in practice.

Dominik and I usually walk in the gym before practice, and we both line up next to the rack of balls. We take a ball each to shoot, once him, then me and so on until the balls finish, and shoot hook shots from the bleachers, which is about half court length. I used to make at least one every day, but I am on a cold streak, havent made one in two weeks.

Five seconds to go in a game and you have the ball. Do you take an open outside shot or barrel into the zone unleashing your running hookshot?

How about a running hook from the three? Have you seen that yet? LOL. I will shoot the three pointer.

You play the piano. Are you learning to play an particular song at moment?

War theme from Rocky IV. It is a very difficult song to learn. I try to learn it slowly. But usually get frustrated so I go back to the old songs I have already learned.

What other hobbies do you have?

I love movies will watch even the bad ones. I like video editing making funny small movies of my niece and nephew with music and special effects.. It is great to see their expressions when they see them. They go crazy.

Thanks Ilian for interview. Good luck this season!

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


FEB Results: Eiffel Towers Remain Undefeated, Cruise Over Rotterdam Basketbal - by Sanders Jackson

Sunday night in the Maaspoort, Eiffel Towers remain undefeated, jumping out to a 53-30 halftime lead and keeping Rotterdam Basketbal in its rearview mirror, cruising to an easy 96-77 win. Eiffel dominated the glass, outrebounding the Rotterdammers 49-35 while shooting 62.2% from the field, while also commiting only 9 turnovers. Eiffel had good balanced scoring, led by FEB leading scorer Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) with 22 pts. Bobby Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) led Rotterdam with 17 pts. Eiffel are now 5-0, while the Rotterdammers fall to 2-2.

*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Standings - Superleague
Superleague Standings
 1. Zob Ahan 0-0 
 2. Gorgan 0-0 
 3. Saba 0-0 
 4. Petrochimi 0-0 
 5. Gol-e Gohar 0-0 
 6. Azad 0-0 
 7. Mahram 0-0 
 8. Kaveh 0-0 
 9. Ararat 0-0 
 10. BEEM 0-0 
 11. Pardis 0-0 
 12. Shiraz a.s 0-0 
 13. Aboomoslem 0-0 
 14. Kordestan 0-0 
 15. Langeroud 0-0 
 16. Shahrekord 0-0 


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


Brown To Maccabi Elctra Tel-Aviv - by Richard

Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.), the all time leading scorer in Euroleague history made mutual agreement with B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas to leave for Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv for the remainder of the 2008-09 season. Maccabi's management desired to sign the famed european player for many prior seasons and now they get their longtime wish. Brown who has played for several of the biggest clubs in Europe and won championships in France, Turkey, Russia, Spain and Lithuania where he won three domestic championships in one season is excited about the goals and challenges of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv but says he will naturally miss B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas and its fans. 'You never know in this business maybe one day I will be back in Lithuania but right now I'm excited to honor Maccabi's tradition and focus on the goals of the team,' Brown said.


Courtesy of Higher Vision Sports



Maccabi adds scoring-machine Marcus Brown - by Yehonatan Eliahu
Breaking news came up from Israeli side Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv: the team announced Euroleague's all-time best scorer and B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas' vateran Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.). After a bad performance in the pre-season Maccabi decided to make some changes and Brown was the main target. His club B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas, which is rumoured to be on the edge of bakruptcy, released the player and he had put a signature on a one season contract right away. Brown will arrive to Israel today and will travel with Maccabi to Zagreb, where Maccabi's first match in the Euroleague against Cibona wil be held.
yesterday Maccabi won 91-75 over Ironi Ramat gan in the last test before Thursday.

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


Air Avellino opens new Palace with a large win - by Gianni Pascucci

(by Antonello Varallo and Martino Verbena)
After weeks of arguments and hopes, Air Avellino finally played in the refurbished 'Paladelmauro Arena', now with an enlarged seating capacity of 5,300, defeating Solsonica Rieti 92-80. Travis Best (180-G-72, college: Georgia Tech) led his team serving 7 assists and obscuring Rieti's play Jerry Green (191-G-80, college: Cal-Irvine) who didn't perform so well. Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) showed his amazing offensive skills, scoring 26 points in only 19 minutes, and Rieti didn't have a player to stop his athleticism. Coach Zare Markovski stationed his team training men and planes: next Thursday Avellino will face Olympiakos Athens and he will need a massive effort from all his players. The arena enlargment was made exactly to play the Euroleague games in town, and Avellino wants to be really ready....


Montepaschi - Benetton 81-75
Siena have an hard work for beat Treviso. Siena strart 10-0 but Treviso tied 20-20 at the end of first quarter. In the last minute Soragna score a three point for the 77-75, but Lavrinovic and Kaukenas close the game from the line. Lavrinovic netted 19, Rancik 22.

Air AV - Solsonica 92-80
After a good start by Avellino, Rieti return at -6, but cant tied the game. Chris Warren score 26 points in 19 minutes, Rieti got 15 from Folarin Campbell and Vangelis Sklavos.

Premiata - Snaidero 73-70
First win for Montegranaro with a great Bryce Taylor who scored 25 with 5/6 by three point. Rashad Anderson, with 17 points, cant help his teammates for the outside win.

Upim BO - Lottomatica 58-82
Fortitudo start with 1/21 from the field and close with 2/21 in three point fg. Roma run 9-24 and 26-44 at the end of fist two quarter. 43 turnovers by the to teams. Joe Forte scored 16 points; Brezec with19 top scorer for Roma.

Angelico BI - Banca Tercas 78-83
Teramo win on the road without Giuseppe Poeta. Jaycee Carroll netted 24 points, but the Teramo Mvps is Brandon Brown with 18 points, 8 boards and 5 steals. For Biella a good Joe Troy Smith with 22, with 14/16 from the line, and 8 assist, but also 8 turnover

Carife FE - Scavolini 67-76
Scavolini won a game with a great defence a good work by Ramel Curry and Michael Hicks, both at 20 points. Ferrara, at the first Serie A home game, have a wonderful Fabio Zanelli, who netted 16 whit 3/3 by two and three points.

Eldo Caserta - NGC Cantu 62-86
Cantu forgets the first game against Siena and won with energies at Caserta. B.J. Elder is the top scorer at 28 and Herv Toure add 19 points and 12 boards. For Caserta only Ron Slay is in the game, but his 16 points is too much little for this Cantu.

Armani MI - La Fortezza 68-70
Bologna start 8/25 from the field in first half, Milano run 46-24 before 22 minutes, but Bologna back in game with a 2-3zone defense. Guillerme Giovannoni and Earl Boykins lead them teammates at the 62-63, first Bologna advantage at 4 minutes to the end. In the last minute Hawkins make at free throws, Boykins 2/2 and Bulleri missed the final layup. Bologna got 22 points from Giovannoni, Milano 15 from Bulleri.



Lega Due Round 3 comment - by Gianni Pascucci
(with the help of Antonello Varallo) There were not big surprises in the last day of games: Fileni Jesi proved his ambitions having the best italian player of the League, Michele Maggioli (212-C-77), and two solid and prolific imports, Ruben Boykin (201-F-85, college: N.Arizona) and Michael Cuffee (193-F-83, college: Middle Tenn.St.). If we add the improvements of Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84, college: N.Illinois), now Serie A material for sure, we have an interesting challenger of Varese. Cimberio showed all the experience of his players by winning all the first three games at the last time, and considering that this team comes from the more techical Serie A, this can be a proof of a yet good adjustment to the Lega 2 environment. Two other high ranked teams, Reggio Emilia and Sassari, are both 2-1, yet looking for the first away win, and this too tels a lot about the 'battles' of this year very balanced Lega 2. Livorno is playing well too, showing an amazing Marcelus Kemp (196-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Nevada) (26 pts and 7 rebs yesterday) till now one of the best rookies. Venezia is the outstanding rookie team that was expected, playing with rage and pride: thanks to Otis George and Nate Green this club will stay in top places till the end. The wins of Rimini and Roseto at the bottom of the table show that the fight to survive will be very long. At present, there are 10 teams with a 1-2 record, and most of the games are ending with less than ten points of difference...

Last market news - by Gianni Pascucci
Sutor Montegranaro and Roberto Carmenati announced to have part ways over the past weekend. The move had been rumored yet some days before, after that most of the market choices of Carmenati (Shawn Kemp, Darius Rice, Dusan Mladjan) had turned to flops. Another executive in bad waters is Diego Pastori , who could leave Fiortitudo Bologna soon, in consequence of the mistakes in the registration of BRA-ITA player Marcelo Huertas.

Guilherme Giovannoni Match Winner - by Interperformances
6'7' Brazilian/Italian Guilherme Giovannoni showed why he is the captain and leader of Virtus La Fortezza of the Italian Serie A in the win over Armani Jeans for 78-68 at Milano. Armani Jeans was ahead by 22 points at the start of the second half , when the captain till that time had taken just one shot and missed it. At that point Giovannoni ttook control of the game and scored all of his 22 points (6-8 from the2 and 3-5 from the 3) in the second half to help Virtus to the victory.Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances)

Standings - SerieA
SerieA Standings
 1. Lottomatica 2-0 
 2. Banca Tercas 2-0 
 3. La Fortezza 2-0 
 4. NGC Cantu 1-0 
 5. Montepaschi 1-0 
 6. Armani MI 1-1 
 7. Benetton 1-1 
 8. Scavolini 1-1 
 9. Upim BO 1-1 
 10. Air AV 1-1 
 11. Premiata 1-1 
 12. Solsonica 1-1 
 13. Angelico BI 0-2 
 14. Eldo Caserta 0-2 
 15. Carife FE 0-2 
 16. Snaidero 0-2 


*****************************************************
  JAMAICA   


Slayers turn the tables on Bulls - by Leonard Whyte
Former champions St. Georges Slayers is still alive in the 2008 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs after turning the tables on newcomers Port Royal Bulls. Slayers, the no.7 seed, were dominated 82-71 in game 1, but showed the heart of a champion last night in orchestrating a clever 86-80 victory to even the series 1-1. Sharp-shooter Michael Jackson torched Bulls for 20 points and Kali McCarthy added 19 points to send the series to game 3. Bulls posted three players in double figures as Leighton Meeks led the way with 22 points, followed by Paul Oliphant and Damion Young with 18 each. The series will be decided tomorrow evening at the National Stadium courts beginning at 6:00 pm. This will be followed by the clash between defending champions Urban Knights and Runnin' Rebels at 7:45 pm.

History derailed as Rebels shocks Knights - by Leonard Whyte
Urban Knights bid to make history took a wrong turn last night when the defending champions were surprised by Runnin' Rebels 73-66 as action continued in the 2008 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) playoffs at the National Stadium courts. The formerly unbeaten Knights, who were gunning for 24-0, will now have to regroup for game 3 or else their dominating season could end in a first round upset and render all 23 wins meaningless. Lyford Brown made sure Rebels would live to fight another day when he netted a game-high 26 points, while Dave Blackwood added 16 points for Knights and Omar Barnes chipped-in with a double-double (14 points and 10 rebounds). Both teams will meet in the third and deciding game on Tuesday evening at 7:45 pm for the chance to advance to the semi-finals.

Wizards, Majestic book semifinal places - by Leonard Whyte

Tivoli Wizards and Majestic Gardens became the first two teams through to the semifinals of the 2008 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) after sweeping their opponents 2-0 in their best-of-three series. Behind 22 points from Balton Todd and 20 points and 14 rebounds from Mcleish Kemar, Majestic repelled a feeble challenge from Arnett Gardens Rockers then pulled away for an easy 77-67 victory. Majestic had easily won the first game in the series 91-81. King Thompson (14 points) and Kwame Lawrence (11 points) led Arnett.


Meanwhile, Wizards continue to fly below the radar and quietly disposed of Portmore Flames 69-63 to take the series and advance to the semifinal round without much fanfare. The big two of Anthony Farquharson and Dwayne Harris (22 points), combined for 45 points as Wizards dominated both games in the series. Ackeem Swaby (15 points and 16 rebounds) and Kenado Smith (12 points and 10 rebounds) both finished with a double-double for Flames but the more experienced Wizards proved to be too tough in the fourth quarter.



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


Brown To Maccabi Elctra Tel-Aviv - by Richard

Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.), the all time leading scorer in Euroleague history made mutual agreement with B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas to leave for Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv for the remainder of the 2008-09 season. Maccabi's management desired to sign the famed european player for many prior seasons and now they get their longtime wish. Brown who has played for several of the biggest clubs in Europe and won championships in France, Turkey, Russia, Spain and Lithuania where he won three domestic championships in one season is excited about the goals and challenges of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv but says he will naturally miss B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas and its fans. 'You never know in this business maybe one day I will be back in Lithuania but right now I'm excited to honor Maccabi's tradition and focus on the goals of the team,' Brown said.


Courtesy of Higher Vision Sports



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


Etzella, Musel Pikes and Black Star remain unbeaten!!! - by Alex Meyers

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Amicale 70 - Etzella 73

Steinsel, Luxembourg
A huge defensive effort in the 3rd quarter lifted Etzella(3-0) past Amicale (1-2) yesterday. Marcus Kennedy had another big double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Kennedy also had 3 assists and 3 steals. Point man, Tim Giver added 17 points, 4 assists and 2 steals. Dominique Benseghir, who has recently earned some valuable playing time, contributed with 12 points. Nearly eveyone else got in the books for Etzella as the rest of the team's scoring was very balanced. Etzella played without Jairo DelGado(back problems) and Nelson DelGado. Amicale controlled the first and last quarters and played Etzella nearly even in the 2nd quarter to be tied at intermission at 37 all. It was the third quarter where Amicale struggled managing only 9 points and digging themselves too deep of a hole to climb out of by the time the clock expired.

Amicale had even better balance with scoring with four players reaching double figures. Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) 12, Raul Birenbaum and Christopher Jones 11 each and Sam Ney 10. DePree played extremely well adding 12 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals and 2 blocked shots. However, it was still not enough to propel Amicale to victory despite a huge late game comeback. Amicale now finds itself at 1-2, tied with Racing, Residence and T 71 for the 5th place in the young DBBL season. Etzella, along with Black Star are now tied for the top spot with identical 3-0 records. Amicale will travel to Walferdange to play Residence on Saturday, October 25th and Etzella will play host to T 71 and its former Etzella coach Jan Enjebo.

Amicale: 25 field goals, 6 three pointers, 14 for 23 free throws, 31 rebounds, 14 fouls and 11 turnovers
Schartz 9, Ney 10, DePree 12, Jones 11, Scholtes 9, also Kartheiser 5, Haan 3, Birenbaum 11 and Molitor.
Etzella: 28 field goals, 8 three pointers, 9 for 12 free throws, 31 rebounds, 20 fouls and 23 turnovers.
Giver 17, Kennedy 19, Albaladejo 4, Kerger 7, Benseghir 12, also Pravisani, Jacoby 2, Ittenbach 6, S. Ferreira 2 and E. Ferreira 4.

Score by quarters: 1st Q 17-14, Halftime 37-37, 3rd Q 46-57, Final 70-73


T 71 71 - Black Star 76

Dudeleange, Luxembourg

Billy McDaniel (201-F/C-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ark.-Monticello) led all scorers with 26 points to help keep his new team undefeated and tied with Etzella for the top spot in the DBBL. Patrick Arbaut and Jannick Tuffel also reached double figures in scoring with 22 and 13 points respectively. Martin Rajniak led T71 again with 23 followed by Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Drexel) with 18, Bob Kieffer with 14. T71 drops its record to 1-2 and Black Star remains unblemished on the young season at 3-0. No other stats are available yet for the match. T71 has to travel to Etzella next Sunday and Black Star will host Sparta in an interesting matchup on Saturday, October 25th in Mersch.


Racing 64 - Musel Pikes 68

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Racing hosted Musel Pikes and lost a close battle as Musel Pkes improved its unbeaten record to 3-0 to share the top of the DBBL with Etzella and Black Star. The match was very tight until the final stanza when Racing still held a 4 point advantage going in. Then, the visitors from the Moselle River Valley took over and hung on for the important early season road win.

Led by veteran guard Guy Schmit and his game high 28 points, Musel Pikes showed weaknesses, committing far too many(21) turnovers and taking too many bad and forced shots (9/25 three pointers) allowing Racing to stay in and keep control of the game throughout. Samy Picard had a huge double-double with 16 point 10 rebound effort. Laurent Schwartz was held to 9 points, but American Christopher Braier (195-F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Lawrence) picked up the slack offering 11 points, 5 assists and 18 big rebounds. Racing captain Vincent Weynandt led his team with 19 points. Jordan Brady (198-F-83) scored 17 and took 12 rebounds for Racing who drops to 1-2 in the DBBL. Racing goes next to Contern and Musel Pikes will host Heffingen.

Racing: 25 field goals, 8 three pointers,6 for 13 free throws, 29 rebounds, 22 fouls and 16 turnovers Brady 17, Schroeder 6, Weynandt 19, Klose 9, Pires 3, also Ural, Schmit 8, Haas and Garcia Bourne 2.

Musel Pikes: 24 field goals, 9 three pointers, 11 for 16 free throws, 39 rebounds, 16 fouls and 21 turnovers Braier 11, G. Schmit 28, Picard 16, Schwartz 9, Schmitz 4, also Dentzer, Kirch, Kox and C. Schmit.

Score by quarters: 1st Q 16-16, Halftime 33-32, 3rd Q 52-48, Final 64-68



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


Standings - 1A
1A Standings
 1. Niksic 1-0 
 2. Jedinstvo 1-0 
 3. Mogren 1-0 
 4. Mornar Bar 1-0 
 5. Primorje-M. 1-0 
 6. Lovcen 0-1 
 7. Rudar 0-1 
 8. Danilovgrad 0-1 
 9. ABS Primorje 0-1 
 10. Ulcijn 0-1 


Standings - 1B
1B Standings
 1. Ljubovic 1-0 
 2. Niksic Bonus 1-0 
 3. Budva 1-0 
 4. Teodo Tivat 1-0 
 5. Un.Mediteran 1-0 
 6. Centar B.Polje 0-1 
 7. S.Centar 0-1 
 8. Gorstak 0-1 
 9. Kotor 0-1 
 10. Zeta 0-1 


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


Davis Could Miss a Month - by Bryan Floyd
The Boston Globe is reporting that Baron Davis could miss 4-6 weeks due to a ring-finger injury that may require surgery, although his official diagnosis won't be available until after he meets with a hand specialist today. The two-time All-Star is expected to learn how long he will be out and whether he needs surgery during an evaluation with a doctor todayy. Davis sprained the finger Friday. With Davis going down it looks like Jason Hart will be the opening day starter.

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


Bobby Joe Hatton a Lion Once Again - by Luis Ramirez
In a player transaction between the Arecibo Captains and the Ponce Lions, Bobby Joe Hatton (187-G-76, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Marist) has returned to the Ponce Lions Lineup. Hatton had signed with Arecibo last year and was instrumental in their championship run this past season. The deal will have Jeff Aubry and Wilfredo Pagan going to Arecibo in exchange for Hatton going to Ponce. The League has indicated that since this deal was done prior to the start of the season, the teams do not need the concurrence of the League. According to League Stats, Bobby Joe Hatton is just 17 shy of reaching the 5,000 point plateau. In recent months it was hinted that Hatton would love to reach this milestone with the Lions. Ponce is Hatton's hometown and his fan base is thrilled to have Hatton back on the team once again. It is said that the Lions team owners will try to shore up their weakness in the Center position by aggressively going after a strong player in the import player's market.

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


Khimki enjoy the top - by Eurobasket News
Khimki enjoy the top of Russian Superleague with 3-0 record from the start. Last night the team thrashed Enisey Krasnoyarsk 70:95 away from home. The favorites opened the game with 25:20 and then kept the score until the end. Carlos Delfino (199-G-82) hit 5 three-pointers on his way to 25 points for Khimki. Macej Lampe netted 17, while Vitaliy Fridzon had 12.
CSKA came back from the United States and stun Ural Great 100:72 in Moscow. The hosts won the opening quarter 24:21 and then had only 7 point deficit at the halftime. In the second half CSKA proved the ambitions with two easy wins in the last two quarters. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) paced the winners with 19 points. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) nailed 15, and J.R. Holden had 13. Vanja Plisnic led Ural Great with 27 points, whilst Aleksey Surovtsev added 15.
Lokomotiv Rostov edged University Surgut 78:77 behind 20 points from Fred House (196-F-78, college: S.Utah). Pero Antik (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) ended up with 14 and Szewczyk Szymon scored 13. Lionel Chalmers (183-G-80, college: Xavier) shined with 32 points in the losing effort.

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


Serbian B league, round 3: FMP2, OKK Beograd and Radnicki won as a guests - by Zoran Popovic
OKK Vrbas-FMP II Beograd Beograd 77-82 (17-18, 26-21, 17-22, 17-21)

Young FMP II Beograd Beograd players won the third match this season. This time they beat OKK Vrbas as a guests. At the end of second quarter OKK Vrbas had advantage of 4 points, but in the third and fourth quarter FMP players made two small breaks and won the match. For the winner young Dejan Musli (213-C-91) scored 13 points, Dimic, Jokic and Subotic per 12 points. The most efficient in Vrbas was Bajic who scored 19 points.

OKK Vrbas: Doknic, Peunovic, Bajic 19, Vojvodic, Popovic 10, Glusac, Matic 11, Kovacevic 10, Pap 11, Markovic 15, Novakovic, Vujicic 1.
FMP II Beograd: Dimic 12, Jokic 12, Vukasovic, Subotic 12, Lukovic 10, Markovic 10, Gacinovic 3, B.Stamenkovic 10, Smiljanic, Stojadinovic, S.Stamenkovic, Dejan Musli 13.

Maraton Atlantik Jagodina-OKK Beograd 71-91 (16-29, 15-21, 20-28, 20-16)

OKK Beograd made easy win against Maraton Atlantik Jagodina. From the begining of the match guests showed much stronger and aggressive defence and desire to win. In some period of the match advantage was +30 points for OKK Beograd. The best role for the winners from Belgrade showed Andjic with 22 points, Mitrovic 21 and Kruscic who scored 18 points. For Maraton Atlantik Jagodina Gajovic and Micovic scored per 18 points.

Maraton Atlantik Jagodina: Gajovic 18, Arnaut 6, Novakovic, Mladenovic 2, Mlojevic 4, Stevanovic, Arsic 5, Petrovic 5, Milutinovic, Micovic 18, Milincic 11, Pavlovic 2.
OKK Beograd: Mitrovic 21, Kruscic 18, Krneta, Dimitrijevic, Korac 10, Simic 6, Andjic 22, Milovanovic 4, Vasic 7, Suzic 7, Djurica, Maksimovic.

KK Crnokosa Kosjeric-Radnicki Obrenovac 75-89 (18-26, 19-19, 18-19, 20-25)

Players of Radnicki Obrenovac Obrenovac dominate during the all match. Boricic and Radojicic led Radnicki Obrenovac to the second won this season. Boricic scored 29 points and Radojicic added 22. For KK Crnokosa Kosjeric Kovac was the most efficient with 22 points.

KK Crnokosa Kosjeric: Radkic 2, Nikic, Vasovic, Puzic 14, Vasiljevic, Petronijevic, Vukosaljevic 18, Bogojevic 2, Bircevic 5, Kovac 22, Belic, Mirkovic 14.
Radnicki Obrenovac: Ljubas 3, Radojicic 22, Colic 9, Huskic, Hastic 4, Jevtic 14, Koprivica 2, Boricic 29, Jovanovic 6, Jadranin.

Hosts vs. visitors 3-4 in A league - by Dragan Jankovski

Zdravlje became third team in A1 league without victory so far. Swisslions Takovo had to very hard in order to celebrate in Leskovac 70-71. Zdravlje had 67-64 in the last minute but after that its players committed two mistakes. Experienced visitors knew how to exploit that chance staying on top of A league together with Borac and Metalac, 4-0. Sasa Ocokoljic (183-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) and Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) scored 17 points each for the winners. Perica Mitic (184-G-85) had 14 in Zdravlje.


Tamis Petrohemija suffered another defeat in A league, this time at home against Borac Cacak 81-86. Visitors played good when it was the most important staying unbeaten after four games. Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84) was the leading scorer in his team with 29 points. Nenad Stefanovic (193-G-85, agency: Interperformances) and Rastko Dramicanin (207-C-86) had 15 points apiece. Tamis is in extremly dangerous situation with score 0-4.

Mega Hypo Leasing is in the right track. After good performance in the last two games of Balkan league, young Belgrade's team recorded another in A1 so it now has 2-2. Mega HL crushed Napredak Rubin in a high-scoring game 104-100. As a reminder, Napredak had 3-0 before this round. Serbian golden kid Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) once again shined collecting 22 points and 6 rebounds. Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) also had 22 points while Uros Nikolic (207-F/C-87) netted 18 but with 9 boards. Veteran Dragan Markovic (202-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) had 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists in Napredak.

Novi Sad suffered surprisingly big defeat at home against Ergonom Nis 81-96. Vladimir Velickovic (174-G-89) scored 26 points for the winners while Slavisa Bogavac (200-G/F-80) had 2 less. Goran Martinic (186-G-87) also netted 24 points but for the hosts. Ergonom improved on 3-1 while Novi Sad dropped on 1-3.

Another victory by the visiting teams. Masinac couldn't handle Metalac at home loosing 79-87. The team of head coach Vlade Durovic is third team with 4-0 in A league. Jovan Teodosic (190-G-84) scored 17 points and dished out 6 assists for Metalac. Nikola Tutus (202-F/C-85) had 22 points and 6 boards in Masinac.

Radnicki 034 Group celebrated against Sloga at home 89-79 mostly owing to Rajko Kljajevic (204-F-85, agency: Interperformances), who scored 32 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Radnicki had pretty good first half finishing it 47-30. At that point of game it was clear that the team from Kraljevo will stay winless after 4 games. Experienced Sasa Stefanovic (188-G-75, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 16 points and 4 assists in Sloga.

On Friday, Vizura beat Radnicki Invest Inzenjering 92-84.



Stats Leaders - 1B
1B Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Mitrovic, Beograd 21.7
2 Lesic, Superfund 21.3
3 Dukanac, Mladost 21.0
Rebounds Per Game
1 Knezevic, Vojvodina 8.3
2 Vokic, Kikinda 8.0
3 Knezevic, Beovuk 7.7
Assists Per Game
1 Markovic, Vrbas 11.5
2 Zarkovic, Proleter 7.5
3 Korac, Begrad 4.7
Steals Per Game
1 Dukanac, Mladost 4.3
2 Djordjevic, Beovuk 3.7
3 Tresac, Mladost 2.3


*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Stats Leaders - D1
Extraliga Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Polakovic, Inter 29.0
2 Johnson, Handlova 23.7
3 Milosevic, Levice 23.5
4 Ingles, Chemosvit 23.0
5 Bicvic, Handlova 21.7
Rebounds Per Game
1 Skara, Bystrica 12.0
2 Szalay, Prievidza 9.3
3 Pesta, Nova Ves 8.8
4 Klatik, Handlova 8.5
5 Klaric, Chemosvit 8.0
Assists Per Game
1 Williams, Pezinok 7.3
2 Johnson, Handlova 6.3
3 Akulich, Bystrica 6.0
4 Hovanak, Bystrica 5.5
5 Micka, Inter 5.0
Steals Per Game
1 Kozlik, Pezinok 3.3
2 Barisic, Komarno 3.3
3 Golian, Inter 3.0
4 Johnson, Hendlova 2.8
5 Duris, Inter 2.5


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


Stats Leaders - 1B
1B Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Kobale, Maribor 21
2 Batina, Radenska 19.3
3 Gacnik, Konjice 18
Rebounds Per Game
1 Horvat, Sencur 10.3
2 Remus, Rogla 8.3
3 Korosec, Triglav 8
Assists Per Game
1 Meden, Kraski Z. 5.3
2 Vojicic, Radenska 4
3 Pusic, Parklji 4
Ranking
1 Pungartnik, Rogaska 23
2 Horvat, Sencur 21.3
3 Buncuc, Gradisce 20.3


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


Standings - Basketligan
Basketligan Standings
1. Uppsala 3-0
2. Solna 3-1
3. Plannja 3-1
4. Boras 2-1
5. Sundsvall 2-2
6. Norrkoping 2-2
7. 08 2-2
8. Helsingborg 1-2
9. Jamtland 1-3
10. Sodertalje 1-3
11. Gothia Basket 0-3


Stats Leaders - Basketligan
Basketligan Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Tyrone Levett 24.5
2 Andrew Mitchell 23.3
3 George Gervin 22.5
4 Jonathan Moore 21
5 Joakim Blom 20.8
Rebounds Per Game
1 Ryan Mc Dade 11.3
2 John Rosendahl 8.8
3 Jonathan Moore 8.3
4 Michael Palm 8
5 Joseph Taylor 8
Assists Per Game
1 Hakan Larsson 7.5
2 Michael Bree 7
3 Dennis Springs 6.8
4 Thomas Jackson 6.7
5 Juha Sten 5
Steals Per Game
1 Antonio Kellogg 3.75
2 Min. Budzinauskas 3.3
3 Olivier Ilunga 3
4 Juha Sten 3
5 Thomas Jackson 3
2FGP
Christopher Ryan, 70,6
Fred Drains,69,6
Giedrius Jankauska 68,2
Juha Sten 66,7
Joakim Blom,66,7
3FGP
Emil Salon,70,6
Fred Drains, 63,6
Christopher Anrin, 62,5
Kenneth Grant, 60,0
Henrik Carlsson, 58
Free Throws
George Gervin 94,4
Thomas Jackson, 93,3
Jermaine Flowers, 91,7
Michael Palm, 91,7
Thomas Massamba 90,


Round 4 closed the doors in Basketligan - by Eurobasket News
The game between Solna and Norrkoping was the last one to close Round 4 in the Basketligan. The round was divided into three days starting from October 16th.
At first Plannja Basket had a road victory over Gothia Basket 81:102. Plannja Basket started offensively and had 31-23 after the opening quarter. In order not to stop the visitors won also the third and the last quarters in the game. John Rosendahl (203-F/C-77, college: Wyoming) top-scored for the winners with 25 points. Anthony Bethel netted 18, while Haa Larsson added 15. Jonathan Moore (203-F/G-82, agency: LimeLight, college: N.C.Central) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort. Helsingborg was the only team to win at home on October 17th. The team overcame Sodertalje 86:70 to get the first victory in the league. Boras lost to Jamtland 88:93 and 08 Stockholm was beaten at home by Sundsvall 76:79.
Last night Solna Vikings edged Norrkoping Dolphins 97:74. The hosts looked great in the first half, but somehow lost the third quarter 11-26. To make the things better they produced 32-22 to close the game. Martin Pahlmblad (193-G-86) and Jermaine Flowers paced all the winners with 21points each. Saulius Dumbliauskas (202-C-81, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) netted 20, and Juha Sten posted 14. Kenneth Grant finished the game with 18 points for the guests.

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


LNA Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Vacallo - SAM Massa. 89-69
Vacallo occupied the top spot in the LNA ladder as they celebrated the third straight win in the season. Vacallo defeated SAM Massagno 89:69 at home court in the third round. Martin Mihajlovic fired 20 points for Vacallo. Nikola Dacevic added 17 points for the winners. Jason McGriff answered with 23 points and 13 boards for SAM Massagno.

Boncourt - Geneve 74-60
Boncourt secured the initial win in the season as they fired down Geneve 74:60. Jeff Fahnbulleh dropped 20 points and collected 10 rebounds for the winners. Jason Siggers and Kevin Corre provided 18 points apiece for the hosts. Rashard Lee answered with 14 points and 6 rebounds for the Devils as they slipped to 1-2 record.

Herens - Nyon 75-73
Herens got to an impressive start to the season. In Round 3 they overcame Nyon 75:73 in thriller to remain atop of the standings. Herens maintained the perfect pace due to a pivotal performance from Corey Muirhead and Hatila Passos. Both scored 17 points each, while Diego Martins added 15 points for the home team in the win. Yuanta Holland responded with 23 points and 6 boards for Nyon as they lost the second straight.

Lausanne - Starwings 74-73
Lausanne trailed by 6 points at halftime but managed to recover in the second half and pulled away with a 74:73 win against Starwings. Brendon Polyblank notched 17 points, while Tony Brown and Bilal Salaam had 16 points apiece for the winners. Sheray Thomas replied with 23 points and 11 boards for the Starwings as they still struggle to find the right form.

Fribourg - Monthey 96-82
Fribourg improved to 2-1 record as they defeated Monthey 96:82 at home court. Kareem Johnson paced the defending champions with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Jean-Richard Volcy produced 19 points, while Sebastien Maio added 16 points for the winning team. Ramel Allen tallied 24 points and 16 caroms in defeat.



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


Sunday's Results - by Furkan Yunkul
Banvit - Efes Pilsen : 105-91

Joe Crispin's double-double performance (35 pts - 10 ass) was the key factor for Banvit to win the game against Efes Pilsen while Yunus Cankaya and Antoine Aguido helped him with 20 and 19 points. On the other side, Milos vujanic scored 21 pts, while Cenk Akyol 19, Bootsy Thornton 14, Charles Smith 12 and Kaya Peker 11.

Banvit (105): Joe Crispin 35 (10 ass), Erkan Veyseloglu 7 (4 reb), Mutlu Demir 0, Lance Williams 11 pts (2 reb, Caner Topaloglu 2 (1 reb), Yigitcan Turna 0, Lamar Johnson 6 (6 reb), Antoine Agudio 19 (6 reb, 1 ass), Umut Yenice 5 (5 reb), Oktay Yilmaz 0, Yunus Cankaya 20 (1 ass), Ibrahim Yildirim 0

Efes Pilsen (91): Charles Smith 12 (3 reb,2 ass), Preston Shumpert 2, Mustafa Abi 0, Booty Thornton 14 (3 reb), Kerem Gonlum 4 (5reb, 1 ass), Milos Vujanic 21 (2reb, 3 ass), Kaya Peker 11 (10 reb, 1 ass), Michail Kakiouzis 4 (4 reb), Engin Atsur 0, Sinan Guler 2, Ender Arslan 2 (2 reb), Cenk Akyol 19 (3 reb,1 ass)

1.Period: 30-18
2.Period: 22-25
3.Period: 28-21
4.Period: 25-27

Aliaga Petkim - Pinar Karsiyaka : 73-80

The game was very close throughout the three period but in final period, Pinar Karsiyaka succeed to win the game with the score 9-18. Ralph Mims demonstrated a good perfomance with 28 points for away team. On the other side, Aubrey Reese, Charles Davis and Bora Sancar couldn't keep their team from lose.

Aliaga Petkim (73): Aubrey Reese 15 (4 reb, 2 ass), Charles Davis 17 (3 reb, 5 ass), Levent Demirci 0, Reha Oz 0, Fatih Solak 4 (2 reb), Eren Beyaz 0, Hakan Yapar 9 (5 reb, 1 ass), Ceyhun Altay 0 (1 ass), Efe Kizilkaya 0, Aerick Sanders 10 (5 reb), Bora Sancar 15 (4reb, 3 ass)

Pinar Karsiyaka (80): Gokper Gen 0, Leon Williams 9 (12 reb, 1 ass), Cem Bozok 0, Hakan Koseoglu 18 (3 reb, 7 ass), Omer Kahyaoglu 6, Gokhan Girenes 0, Can Terzioglu 2 (1 reb), Berk Cagliyan 0, Furkan Aldemir 0 (3 reb), Ralph Mims 28 (4 reb, 4 ass), Michael Benton 12 (11 reb, 1 ass), Erhan Yetim 5 (2 reb, 1 ass)

1.Period: 19-19
2.Period: 23-16
3.Period: 22-27
4.Period: 9-18

Great opening week for Banvit and Crispin Joe - by Interperformances
Banvit Basketbol Kulubu beats Efes Pilsen Istanbul in the opening week of Turkish League where the American point guard Joe Crispin (186-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Penn St.) shines for his team. He scored 35 points and dished 10 assists while shooting 6/11 from 3 points line. Crispin has been rated third in scoring in the Italian league in 2006, named to the Big 10 Conference 1st Team in 2001 and selected as ABA Most Valuable Player in 2004. Congrulations Joe.

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


Standings - Higher League
Higher League Standings
1 Vinnytski Zubry 3-1
2 Kremin-Pol. 3-1
3 Domograd 2-0
4 Avantazh-Pol. 2-2
5 KTU 1-1
6 Koksokhim-Stal 1-3
7 DUEP 0-0
8 KDPU 0-0
9 Impuls 0-0
10 KPU 0-0
11 BC Ternopil 0-2
12 Orlan-NAPSK 0-2


Standings - Higher League
UBL Standings
 1. Cherkasy 6-0 
 2. Kryvbasbasket 4-1 
 3. Polit.Lviv 4-2 
 4. BC Odessa 3-2 
 5. Ferro-ZNTU 3-2 
 6. Dnipro 2-3 
 7. Azoty 2-3 
 8. Budivelnyk 2-4 
 9. Gryfony 1-4 
 10. Hoverla 0-6 


Stats Leaders - Men
Superleague (Round 1-3) Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Anthony Leon Tucker
(BC Donetsk) 21.0
2 Brian Green
(Sumykhimprom) 18.7
3 Dalibor Djapa
(BC-93 Pulsar) 17.7
4 Kenan Bajramovic
(BC Kyiv) 17.7
5 Richard Thomas Guinn
(BC Poltava) 17.0
6 Michal Hlebowicki
(MBC Mykolaiv) 16.7
7 Chris Owens
(BC Donetsk) 16.0
8 Serhii Gladyr
(MBC Mykolaiv) 16.0
9 Ivan Hilevych
(MBC Mykolaiv) 15.7
10 Oleksii Onufriev
(MBC Mykolaiv) 15.0
Rebounds Per Game
1 Abdullahi Kuso
(Sumykhimprom) 11.7
2 Kenan Bajramovic
(BC Kyiv) 9.3
3 Artur Drozdov
(BC Kyiv) 7.0
4 Serhii Lischuk
(Azovmash) 7.0
5 Richard Thomas Guinn
(BC Poltava) 6.7
6 Dalibor Djapa
(BC-93 Pulsar) 6.7
7 Anatolii Dubniuk
(BC-93 Pulsar) 6.7
8 Brian Green
(Sumykhimprom) 5.7
9 Dijon Thompson
(Azovmash) 5.7
10 Olumuyiwa Famutimi
(Khimik) 5.7
Assists Per Game
1 Andres Rodriguez
(BC Donetsk) 6.3
2 Rolandas Yarutis
(BC Poltava) 5.0
3 Wykeen Kelly
(Khimik) 4.7
4 Simonas Serapinas
(Azovmash) 4.3
5 Khalid el-Amin
(Azovmash) 4.0
6 Goran Jeretin
(BC Kyiv) 3.3
7 Pavel Ulyanko
(BC-93 Pulsar) 3.0
8 Illia Shemosiuk
(BC-93 Pulsar) 2.7
9 Anthony Leon Tucker
(BC Donetsk) 2.7
10 James Scoonie Penn
(BC Kyiv) 2.7
Steals Per Game
1 Andres Rodriguez
(BC Donetsk) 2.7
2 Dijon Thompson
(Azovmash) 2.3
3 Brian Green
(Sumykhimprom) 2.3
4 Leonid Yailo
(MBC Mykolaiv) 2.0
5 Dmytro Zabirchenko
(BC Donetsk) 2.0
6 Pavel Ulyanko
(BC-93 Pulsar) 1.7
7 Manuchar Markoishvili
(BC Kyiv) 1.7
8 James Scoonie Penn
(BC Kyiv) 1.7
9 Marc Salyers
(Azovmash) 1.7
10 Clay Tucker
(BC Kyiv) 1.5
Blocks Per Game
1 Andrii Agafonov
(Khimik) 2.0
2 Dalibor Djapa
(BC-93 Pulsar) 1.7
3 Serhii Lischuk
(Azovmash) 1.7
4 Vladimir Belov
(BC-93 Pulsar) 1.5
5 Pavel Ulianko
(BC-93 Pulsar) 1.3
6 Michal Hlebowicki
(MBC Mykolaiv) 1.3
7 Richard Thomas Guinn
(BC Poltava) 1.3
8 Leonid Yailo
(MBC Mykolaiv) 1.0
9 Brian Green
(Sumykhimprom) 1.0
10 Maksym Ivshyn
(BC Poltava) 0.7


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


LPB 2009 Clubs Convention Wrap Up - Toros de Aragua comes back, trades completed - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- The Annual LPB Clubs Convention was held in Porlamar, Margarita, last weekend, and representatives of the 10 clubs had long meetings with the president of the league, Rolando Urdaneta, to evaluate what happened in the 2008 edition and prepare for the 2009 season.

Here are the most important news

FRANCHISE INFO
-The general management of Gatos de Monagas has decided to end a four-year relationship with the city of Maturin and Gilberto Roque Morales Arena due to lack of support of that state's government. The team had moved there in 2004 after years of playing as Toros de Aragua in the city of Maracay and at El Limon Colisseum. President Tulio Capriles has confirmed they're going back to their old name, city and home court for the 2009 season.
-The general management of Deportivo Tachira has requested to move to Vargas state due to lack of support of fans and local goverment, more inclined to support soccer and cycling. Tachira is an expansion franchise that just played its first season at the city of San Cristobal. The league's board has determined they'll review the arena at Vargas state and discuss this matter and announce the possible move within a week.
-Panteras de Miranda have not been sold and there's still a split in the distribution of the franchise's actions in between the family of the late Mariano Gomez, former owner of the team.

LEAGUE INFO
-LPB's 2009 All-Star Game will be played at El Limon Colisseum of Maracay on May 3rd, 2009.
-Regular season calendar will begin on February 27th and the last game of the LPB 2009 Finals will take place in the second week of August.
-Every team in the league will play 44 games, 22 as locals and 22 as visitors. Teams have been split into two geographic zones for the purpose of the calendar, but they're all still in a Big-10 unique conference. This will allow Venezuela's Senior NT to start official practices earlier towards the 2009 FIBA Americas World Cup Qualy tournament to be held in Mexico.
-The league has approved to move back the 3-point line to 6.75mts as FIBA Rules command it.
-The league has approved the use of 3 referees on court the whole season and not just for the playoffs.

TRADES
-Gaiteros del Zulia traded center Miguel Marriaga (206-C-84) to Trotamundos de Carabobo for small forward Alejandro Barrios (205-C-79)
-Gaiteros del Zulia traded power forward and center Luis Julio (199-F-80) to Gatos de Monagas (Toros de Aragua) for shooting guard Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) and small forward Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76, college: Midwestern St.)
-Panteras de Miranda traded point guard Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) and small forward Ruben Contreras (196-F-87) to Marinos de Anzoategui for small forward Deivis Aranguren (192-F-85)
-Gigantes de Guayana announced that they will host a press conference to officially announce the acquisition of Victor David Diaz (195-F-68, college: Houston) and Pedro Montano (201-F-84, college: Wayland Baptist), former players of Cocodrilos de Caracas and Richard Lugo (209-C-73, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: St.Francis,NY), former player of Trotamundos de Carabobo.

I want him...Do you want this one? - by Wolfgang Lucena
The first LPB convention to get ready for the 2009 season has been made it and some team owner and general managers agrees to change some of their professional players.
Gaiteros Del Zulia will be counting with Alejandro Barrios services as well as Trotamundos de Carabobo with Miguel Marriaga Marriaga ' s.
Luis Julio (199-F-80) is going to wear Toros de Araguas uniform while Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) and Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76, college: Midwestern St.) are going to be dancing gaitas with Gaiteros Del Zulia.
Let's hope the best to those professional players with their new organizations.


Toros back to home! - by Wolfgang Lucena

Gatos de Monagas took its way back to Maracay to become Toros de Aragua once again for next season.
Tulio Capriles, announced that Toros de Aragua is returning to Venezuela's Garden City, Maracay. The directory of the LPB approved it as well as Maracay is going to hold the 2009 LPB All-Star Game on May 03, 2009.

'We are expecting an amazing time with our returning to Maracay, the All-Star game will be a full, it should be a great musical-sport event. This is another team that is coming back to Maracay''Tulio Capriles



LNB 2008 - Week 9: Graneros and Caciques to the playoffs - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Graneros de Portuguesa swept Duros de Lara in Guanare to tie Caciques de Trujillo at first place, as Caciques split their series against Centauros de Apure as visitors. With the results, they both advanced to the LNB 2008 playoffs, while Duros is also practically in. Meanwhile, Centauros de Cojedes and Estudiantes de Guarico split their series in San Juan de los Morros and so did Petroleros de Falcon and Tiburones de Vargas in Catia La Mar.



SCOREBOARDS

Graneros de Portuguesa 100- Duros de Lara 95 ET (Fri)
Ciudad de Guanare Colisseum - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter
GRA: 23-13-24-26-14= 100

DUR: 24-18-18-26-9= 95

Scorers
GRA: Amber Marin (208-C-81) 28 points, Pedro Cubillan (187-G-82) 20 points

DUR: Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84, college: S.Carolina) 17 points

-

Graneros de Portuguesa 86 - Duros de Lara 85 (Sat)

Ciudad de Guanare Colisseum - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter
GRA: 17-23-26-20= 86

DUR: 26-17-19-23= 85


Scorers
GRA: Henry Paez (184-G-70) 29 points, Johan Pinero (183-G-76) 14 points

DUR: Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 22 points, Lawrence Wallace (183-G-81) 14 points



Centauros de Apure 79 - Caciques de Trujillo 74 (Fri)
Biruaca Dome - Biruaca, Apure

Quarter by quarter
APU: 26-23-14-16= 79

CAC: 18-18-15-23= 74


Scorers
APU: Lennox McCoy (188-G-77) 15 points, Daniel Dominguez (183-G-71) 15 points, Rafael Perez (185-G-82) 10 points, Elvis Montero (193-G-78) 10 points

CAC: Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 16 points, Windy Graterol (204-C-86) 14 points, Cesar Musset (190-G-78) 12 points



Caciques de Trujillo 101 - Centauros de Apure 98 ET (Sat)
Biruaca Dome - Biruaca, Apure

Quarter by quarter
APU: 22-23-24-18-11= 98

CAC: 27-16-24-20-14= 101


Scorers
APU: Lennox McCoy 31 points, Elvis Montero 19 points

CAC: Windy Graterol 30 points, Edgar Arteaga 20 points, Cesar Musset 18 points, Nestor Moran (178-G-87) 15 points



Petroleros de Falcon 83 - Tiburones de Vargas 69 (Fri)
Gaston Portillo Arena - Catia La Mar, Vargas

Quarter by quarter

TIB: 20-12-18-19= 69

PET: 22-18-20-23= 83


Scorers
TIB: Kyle Cuffe (205-F-82) 20 points, Leonardo Berroteran (192-F/G-81) 16 points

PET: Luis Julio (199-F-80) 17 points, Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) 16 points, Jorge Leon (186-G-79) 13 points, Dean Palacios (196-F-81) 11 points, Jose Yovera (194-G/F-75) 10 points


Tiburones de Vargas 87 - Petroleros de Falcon 76 (Sat)
Gaston Portillo Arena - Catia La Mar, Vargas

Quarter by quarter
Unavailable



Scorers
TIB: Cesar Silva (187-G/F-81) 19 points, Leonardo Berroteran 17 points, Kyle Cuffe 16 points, Douglas Rodriguez (185-G-79) 16 points, Peter Kvietek (203-C-77) 11 points and 12 rebounds

PET: Luis Julio 21 points, Jorge Leon 15 points, Gregory Vargas 13 points, Dean Palacios 11 points



Estudiantes de Guarico 75 - Centauros de Cojedes 72 (Fri)
Ciudad Deportiva Arena - San Juan de los Morros, Guarico

Quarter by quarter
EST: 14-20-16-25= 75

COJ: 21-8-25-18= 72


Scorers
EST: Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 24 points, Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 14 points

COJ: Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 18 points, Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 16 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 15 points



Centauros de Cojedes 92 - Estudiantes de Guarico 81 (Sat)
Villa Deportiva Arena - San Carlos, Cojedes

Quarter by quarter
EST: 23-17-20-21= 81

COJ: 22-23-21-26= 92


Scorers
EST: David Ruffin (193-G/F-84) 19 points, Leonardo Cappare (186-G-80) 15 points

COJ: Roberto Basanta (192-F) 28 points, Darwin Jaramillo 22 points, Marlon Patino 19 points





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

Women News

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


Ragusa and Jolly JBS on top of regional championship - by Eurobasket News
Medvescak - Ragusa 68-72

Ragusa made it in the second round of Adriatic league and together with Jolly JBS remained on top with perfect score 2-0. At the same time it is the second win of Ragusa in Croatian derbies this season. In the opening round Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86) and her teammates were better than Gospic CO 81-65.
Ragusa faced with big problems at the beginning of the game vs Medvescak as the hosts created 19-13 in the first stanza. Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) and Dea Klein-Sumanovac (182-G/F-81) were on fire from the very beginning. They continued in the same rhythm until the half time extending lead of their team to more than solid 10 points. At that time it seemed Medvescak will take this one easily but visitors didn't have the same thought. They showed up after the breather with totally different attitude. Harris and veteran Razija Mujanovic (202-C-67) were unstoppable in offense helping Ragusa to net 24 points in third frame. The hosts had only 12. Until the end of the game, Ragusa kept its lead steady despite the final score could send some other signal. Harris drained 17 points for the winners while Ivona Matic and Matea Vrdoljak (-85) had 14 points each. Razija Mujanovic was the best when it was the most important nailing 12 points. Mirna Mazic, who scored 18 points, and Dea Klein-Sumanovac, who added one less, where better than the others in Medvescak. Ragusa's next rival will be Mladi Krajisnik while Medvescak will play against Buducnost.

Medvescak: Mirna Mazic 18, Dea Klein-Sumanovac 17
Ragusa: Harris 17, Matea Vrdoljak 14, Ivona Matic 14, Razija Mujanovic 12

Jolly JBS beats Buducnost in Adriatic league - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Jolly JBS 73-89

Jolly JBS outplayed Montenegrin Buducnost Podgorica on the road without any extra efforts. It means that Croatian representative is currently on top of regional championship with prefect score 2-0. On the other hand, Buducnost is winless yet. As a reminder, the team from Podgorica suffered defeat in the first round against Jedinstvo Bjelo Polje 56-87. It was Montenegrin derby in the season opener. It was expected that Buducnost improves its game after not so good first round but that didn't happen. After ten minutes, Croatians had plus 7. Until the half time they managed to grab 10-point lead. Kerri Gardin (186-F-84, college: Virginia Tech) was in a game mood and together with Constance Jinks (170-G-81, college: UNLV) dominated at the offensive end. Buducnost improved little bit during the last two frames but it was not enough even to come closer. Kerri Gardin paced Jolly JBS to victory scoring 20 points. Constance Jinks also was great netting one point less while Ivana Jurcevic (174-G-81) stopped on 16 points. Buducnost got 19 points from Comfort. Jelena Culafic (174-G-89) had 17 while Milica Jovanovic (187-F/C-89) followed with 16 points. In the next round Jolly JBS will meet Gospic CO while Buducnost will take on Medvescak.

Buducnost: Comfort 19, Jelena Culafic 17, Milica Jovanovic 16
Jolly JBS: Kerri Gardin 20, Constance Jinks 19, Ivana Jurcevic 16

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


Wels keeps on winning - by Eurobasket News
Powerbasket Wels secured the third win in the season as they toppled Lady Jacks Baden 89:49 at home court. Trailing by one point at the first break the Bundesliga leaders recovered in the second frame and surged ahead to pile up a 36:21 lead at halftime. Lady Jacks Baden struggled to slow the hosts down in the second half and Wels cruised to the impressive victory at the end. Caroline Nwafor (174-F-83) fired 19 points to pace Wels. Eva Breuer (168-G-83) contributed 16 points for the winners. Keller replied with 13 points for Lady Jacks Baden. Pasny netted 10 points as the visitors slipped to 0-2 record.
Klosterneuburg posted the second win in a row beating Graz 70:56 on the road. Sophia Plank (178-G/F-83) fired 27 points to pace the victors. Nina Suritsch (189-F/C-84) contributed 13 points for the winning team. Jochers Duchess built a 7-point lead before the second quarter and stretched it to as many as 9 points at halftime. Graz however refused to give up that early. They trimmed the distance to 6 points before the fourth term. However the rally quickly dried out as the home team managed only 8 points in the final quarter. Klosterneuburg sealed the winning outcome and occupied the second spot in the standings. Elisabeth Lutter (173-F-86) finished with 15 points for Graz as they dropped to 0-3 record.

*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE - Women  


Weekend results and stats - by Eurobasket News
Lemminkainen beat Laisve in the Lithuanian battle in Baltic League. The hosts opened the game with 14:10, but could only have plus 2 finishing the first half. Laisve lost again in the third 18-21 and managed to produce 20-19 in the last period. As a result it was enough for Lemminkainen to take 69:65 victory. Rita Milieskiene (175-G-78) led the winners with 27 points. Zygelyte nailed 13, while Naideniene scored 9. Asta Daujadiene (176-G-73) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort.
Kazakhstan NT is visiting now Belarus and played already two games there. At first Berezina-RCOR beat- Kazakhstan NT in Minsk 71:54. The team from Belarus opened the encounter with 27-13 and improved to four more points at the halftime. Kazakhstan team could answer only with 12-8 in the last period but it was not enough for the total success. Volha Tiamezhnikava (172-G-83) paced all the winners with 20 points. Aksana Dauharukava (184-F-73) posted 18, while Vashkevich nailed 11. Natalia Kuzmicheva (194-F) finished the game with 18 points for the visitors.
Last night Kazakhstan achieved the first victory in the league. The team overcame BC Minsk 2006 78:82 in the capital of Belarus. A 27-14 in the first period was more than enough to triumph in the game. BC Minsk 2006 tried to recover producing 21-11 in the third and 25-24 in the last but lost the game. Anastasia Alishauskaite (-G) paced all the winners with 20 points. Natalia Kuzmicheva scored 19 and Baidussenova added 15. Pantsiuk notched 25 points for the hosts.


BC Minsk 2006 -Kazakhstan NT 78 : 82 ( 14 : 27, 21 : 11, 18 : 20, 25 : 24 )
BC Minsk 2006: Pantsiuk 25, Ramanava 15, Nadzezhka 14
Kazakhstan NT: Anastasia Alishauskaite 20, Natalia Kuzmicheva 19, Baidussenova 15

Lemminkainen - Laisve 69 : 65 ( 14 : 10, 15 : 17, 21 : 18, 19 : 20 )
Lemminkainen: Rita Milieskiene 27, Zygelyte 13, Naideniene 9
Laisve: Asta Daujadiene 20, Kvedaraviciute 11, Alminaite 8

Berezina-RCOR - Kazakhstan NT 71 : 54 ( 27 : 13, 21 : 17, 15 : 12, 8 : 12 )
Berezina-RCOR: Volha Tiamezhnikava 20, Aksana Dauharukava 18, Vashkevich 11
Kazakhstan NT: Natalia Kuzmicheva 18, Baidussenova 7, Volikova 7

*****************************************************
  BELARUS - Women  


Kazakhstan NT loses and wins in Belarus - by Eurobasket News
Kazakhstan NT is visiting now Belarus and played already two games there. At first Berezina-RCOR beat- Kazakhstan NT in Minsk 71:54. The team from Belarus opened the encounter with 27-13 and improved to four more points at the halftime. Kazakhstan team could answer only with 12-8 in the last period but it was not enough for the total success. Volha Tiamezhnikava (172-G-83) paced all the winners with 20 points. Dauharukava posted 18, while Vashkevich nailed 11. Natalia Kuzmicheva (194-F) finished the game with 18 points for the visitors.
Last night Kazakhstan achieved the first victory in the league. The team overcame BC Minsk 2006 78:82 in the capital of Belarus. A 27-14 in the first period was more than enough to triumph in the game. BC Minsk 2006 tried to recover producing 21-11 in the third and 25-24 in the last but lost the game. Anastasia Alishauskaite (-G) paced all the winners with 20 points. Natalia Kuzmicheva scored 19 and Baidussenova added 15. Pantsiuk notched 25 points for the hosts.

BC Minsk 2006 -Kazakhstan NT 78 : 82 ( 14 : 27, 21 : 11, 18 : 20, 25 : 24 )
BC Minsk 2006: Pantsiuk 25, Ramanava 15, Nadzezhka 14
Kazakhstan NT: Anastasia Alishauskaite 20, Natalia Kuzmicheva 19, Baidussenova 15

Berezina-RCOR - Kazakhstan NT 71 : 54 ( 27 : 13, 21 : 17, 15 : 12, 8 : 12 )
Berezina-RCOR: Volha Tiamezhnikava 20, Dauharukava 18, Vashkevich 11
Kazakhstan NT: Natalia Kuzmicheva 18, Baidussenova 7, Volikova 7

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


Tough games over the weekend - by Eurobasket News
A very interesting and tough weekend was in Belgian league as all the games brought interest and intrigue. The key game was played between Declercq Stortbeton Waregem and St-Katelijne Waver as the latter stole 57:58 road victory.
Declercq Stortbeton Waregem controlled three quarters versus St-Katelijne Waver but as it became it was not enough for the total win. The hosts had 5 points advantage entering the third period and added 2 more at the end of the quarter. St-Katelijne Waver woke up in the last stanza and produced 14-6 for 58:57 win. Renee Hendrickx (172-F-88) led the winners with 14 points. Van Dessel netted 11 and Raman scored 10. Nele Deyaert (186-F-79) top-scored for the hosts with 14 points and Lieselot Malfait (191-C-87) netted 12.
In another games Point Chaud lost to Dexia 60:74 and sent them to 3-0 record. N.Namur overcame Ieper 83:72 to improve to 1-1 record. BBC Boom was defeated by Monceau 70:76 in an overtime thriller.
Round 3 is scheduled for October 22nd, however one game was already played. Eurobasket wrote that Dexia Namur outscored 91:62 St-Katelijne Waver in one game from Round 3 scheduled for October 15th. Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) led the winners with 25 points and 12 rebounds.

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


Stats Leaders
Women First A-1 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Danielle Page 24
2 Gergana Koleva 22.5
3 Hristina Ivanova 22.5
4 Dionne Brown 22
5 Svetlana Asenova 19.5
Rebounds Per Game
1 Danielle Page 14.5
2 Agnesa Doychinova 10
3 Stefka Miteva 9.5
4 Kremena Hristova 9.3
5 Galina Georgieva 8
Assists Per Game
1 Ivelina Vrancheva 5.3
2 Veronika Bortelova 5.3
3 Elena Yolovska 5.3
4 SIlvia Peeva 5
5 Teodora Petrova 4.7
Steals Per Game
1 Gergana Koleva 5
2 Delyana Koeva 4
3 Danielle Page 3
4 Silvia Peeva 3
5 Dionne Brown 2.7
Ranking
1 Danielle Page 33
2 Vera Perostiyska 23.3
3 Dionne Brown 21.3
4 Kremena Hristova 20.7
5 Hristina Ivanova 19.5


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


Ragusa and Jolly JBS on top of regional championship - by Eurobasket News
Medvescak - Ragusa 68-72

Ragusa made it in the second round of Adriatic league and together with Jolly JBS remained on top with perfect score 2-0. At the same time it is the second win of Ragusa in Croatian derbies this season. In the opening round Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86) and her teammates were better than Gospic CO 81-65.
Ragusa faced with big problems at the beginning of the game vs Medvescak as the hosts created 19-13 in the first stanza. Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) and Dea Klein-Sumanovac (182-G/F-81) were on fire from the very beginning. They continued in the same rhythm until the half time extending lead of their team to more than solid 10 points. At that time it seemed Medvescak will take this one easily but visitors didn't have the same thought. They showed up after the breather with totally different attitude. Harris and veteran Razija Mujanovic (202-C-67) were unstoppable in offense helping Ragusa to net 24 points in third frame. The hosts had only 12. Until the end of the game, Ragusa kept its lead steady despite the final score could send some other signal. Harris drained 17 points for the winners while Ivona Matic and Matea Vrdoljak (-85) had 14 points each. Razija Mujanovic was the best when it was the most important nailing 12 points. Mirna Mazic, who scored 18 points, and Dea Klein-Sumanovac, who added one less, where better than the others in Medvescak. Ragusa's next rival will be Mladi Krajisnik while Medvescak will play against Buducnost.

Medvescak: Mirna Mazic 18, Dea Klein-Sumanovac 17
Ragusa: Harris 17, Matea Vrdoljak 14, Ivona Matic 14, Razija Mujanovic 12

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


USK Praha and Gambrinus share the lead - by Eurobasket News
USK Praha and Gambrinus remained undefeated after the fifth round of action in the Czech ZBL. Gambrinus hosted Slovanka and thrashed their opponents 117:39 for the 5th straight success. Seven players scored in double figures for Gambrinus in the win. Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) netted 22 points, 6 boards and 7 assists for the winners. Liene Jansone (192-F/C-81, college: Siena) and Timea Beres (192-C-76) added 16 points apiece for the defending champions. Pavla Rakosnikova (168-G-86) was the only player to reach 10-point mark for Slovanka as she had 12 points in the loss.
USK Praha also had little difficulties en route to the victory. Tereza Peckova (191-F-87) nailed 17 points to lift USK Praha to a 111:51 success against BK Tabor on the road. Michaela Ferancikova (190-F-77) added 16 points for USK Praha. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) and Marketa Bednarova (178-F-81) finished with 14 points apiece for the winners. Tereza Vorlova (186-F-86) knocked down 12 points in the loss.
Strakonice caught up with Valosun in the table as they held off the Brno outfit 85:83 at the Starz Arena. Petra Reisingerova (196-C-73) burst out with 31 points and 12 boards to lift the hosts to the victory. Alena Podskalska (181-F-86), Jana Stejskalova (178-F-75) and Kiera Hardy (168-G-85, college: Nebraska) added 13 points apiece for the winners. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) answered with 21 points and 7 rebounds for Valosun in defeat. Both teams are now tied 3-2 record.
Valosun jumped to a 21:18 lead at the first intermission but Strakonice took over in the second quarter and built a 6-point buffer before the fourth term. Valosun trailed by just two points with 7 seconds remaining but accurate free throws from Kiera Hardy sealed the winning outcome for the hosts.

*****************************************************
  DENMARK - Women  


Stats Leaders - Damenligaen
Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Jensen, Horsholm 22.6
2 Adamschik, SISU 21.3
3 Piggott, Horsholm 20.0
4 Olden, Falcon 18.3
5 Preetzmann, Abyhoj 18.3
Rebounds Per Game
1 Jensen, Horsholm 9.0
2 Adamschik, SISU 8.3
3 Olden, Falcon 7.0
4 Duelund, Vaerlose 5.6
5 Kiis, Horsens 5.3
Assists Per Game
1 Thorius, Horsholm 6.0
2 Larsen, SISU 4.0
3 Rosbjerg, Vaerlose 2.6
4 Eskholm. Horsens 2.6
5 Adamschik, SISU 2.6
Blocks Per Game
1 Jensen, Horsholm 1.3
2 Duelund, Vaerlose 1.0
3. Dokkedal, Vaerlose 1.0


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


Standings - 2.Bundesliga - by Cornelius Damm
2.Bundesliga Standings
North
 1. Opladen 5-0 
 2. Jena 5-0 
 3. Osnabrucker 4-1 
 4. Bielefeld 4-1 
 5. Koeln 3-2 
 6. Berlin Baskets 2-3 
 7. Rist-Wedel 2-3 
 8. Hagen SV 2-3 
 9. Quakenbrueck 2-3 
 10. Bonn 1-4 
 11. Hagen Phoe. 0-5 
 12. Gotha 0-5 
South
 1. Leimen 5-0 
 2. Wuerzburg 4-1 
 3. Rhein MB 4-1 
 4. Mainz 3-1 
 5. Gruenberg 3-2 
 6. Herzogenaur. 2-2 
 7. Sandhausen 2-3 
 8. Ludwigsburg 2-3 
 9. Speyer 2-3 
 10. SV Fellbach 1-4 
 11. Viernheim 1-4 
 12. Keltern 0-5 


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


Standings - Women
A1 Standings
 1. Ano Liosa 0-0 
 2. Apollon P. 0-0 
 3. Panathinaikos 0-0 
 4. Kastoria 0-0 
 5. Panionios 0-0 
 6. M.Aleksandros 0-0 
 7. Siemens 0-0 
 8. Esperides 0-0 
 9. Aris H. 0-0 
 10. Athinaikos 0-0 
 11. P.Faliro 0-0 
 12. Apollon K. 0-0 
 13. Olympiada L. 0-0 
 14. Paghiakos 0-0 


*****************************************************
  HOLLAND - Women  


Round 3 is over in Eredivisie - by Eurobasket News
Round 3 closed the doors for the teams in Netherlands. ProBuild Lions and HLB Accountants enjoy 3-0 on the top.
HLB Accountants had a road win over STOL-Grasshoppers 55:70. The guests opened the game with 18-8 in the opening quarter and never looked behind after. The teams went to the lockers for 32-25 and then HLB Accountants improved to 56:43 after three quarters. Marloes Roetgerink (189-C-77) top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 14 rebounds. Kim Hartman (174-G-86) netted 14, while van der Vlies Romee and Laura Kooij (183-F-82) had 12 each.
ProBuild Lions had some problems against Perik Jumpers but survived with 69:64 away from home.
AutoCAD Amazone smashed BV Lely 71:38 trailing 9:18 after the opening quarter. The hosts improved in the second and won the half, 28:24. In the second half there was only one team domianting the court, AutoCAD Amazone. Lely slips away in the final quarter and Amazone show the audience some high class plays. Marijn Neijendorf shoots the last score for Lely for 60:38, but mainly Tabon ends the game off with an 11-0 finish. Audrey Tabon (190-C-85, college: Illinois) collected 19 points and 19 rebounds for the winners. Lateefah Joye (180-G-84, agency: Pinnacle Sports LLC, college: W.Virginia) added 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Maaike van de Bovenkamp also scored 13.
Celeritas-D.w

*****************************************************
  ISRAEL - Women  


The first round results - by Gil Goshen

Without the ill Nicky Anosike Ramla surrendered in Ashdod after a dramatic game, 74 - 82. There wasn't any drama in any of the other games. Bnei Yehuda beat Natanya with 28 points by Grinboym, Ramat Hen won in Holon. Charde Houston scored 39 as Raanana Hertzeliya destroyed Tel Kabir, Ramat Hasharon beat Hapoel.





Ashdod 82 - Ramla 74
Nicky Anosike came in with 40 degree Celsius fever and didn't play until the final 2 minutes of the 3rd quarter. Without her even a great game for Olena Ogorodnikova was not enough for Ramla. Ashdod got a good game from Sherill Baker and a big contribution from the Israelis and held on at the end.

For Ashdod:
Sherill Baker 22 pts, 4 ast
Tamara Moore 17 pts, 8 rebs
Karin Agassi 14 pts
Jennifer Humphry 11 pts, 8 rebs
Brasheeda Elohim 10 pts, 6 rebs
Bat El Lazmi 8 pts

For Ramla:
Olena Ogorodnikova 23 pts
Tan White & Ina Gourevitch 11 pts each
Nicky Anosike 8 pts
Ortal Oren 7 pts
Katia Abramzon 3 pts
Anat Goldberg 1 pt

Bnei Yehuda 86 - Natanya 72

The game was tied at 12 after 5 minutes, when Rivi Grinboym went on an 11-0 run to make it 23-12. She hit a 3 at the buzzer to set the quarter score at 31-19. Bnei Yehuda stayed in front the rest of the way, Natanya didn't give up but the hole was too deep for them to climb out of.

For Bnei Yehuda:
Rivi Grinboym 28 pts
Shira Haelyon 18 pts
Sugiery Monsac 13 pts
Dionnah Jackson 11 pts, 9 rebs, 6 ast
Chen Segal 3 pts

For Natanya:
Natasha Brackett 15 pts
Sarit Arbel 14 pts, 10 rebs
Tamara Ransburg 13 pts, 8 rebs
Ornit Shwartz 13 pts
Taly Noy 8 pts
Ela Karni 6 pts
Navonda Moore 3 pts

Holon 59 - Ramat Hen 73


Ramat Hen never trailed and their biggest lead was 20. Good game for Matalya Belvin who hit 5 for 6 from beyond the arc, 4 in the 1st quarter.
For Ramat Hen:
Matalya Belvin 22 pts
LaToya Pringle 20 pts, 10 rebs
Tamara James 15 pts, 6 rebs
Michal Epstein 12 pts, 5 rebs
Chen Shtain & Shiri Sharon 2 pts each

For Holon:
Ayana Walker 17 pts, 11 rebs
Edwina Brown 15 pts
Edniesha Curry 8 pts
Shiran Zairy 6 pts
Lin Golan & Bar Gilinsky 5 pts each

Raanana Hertzeliya 110 - Tel Kabir 77

For Raanana Hertzeliya:
Charde Houston 39 pts, 10 rebs
Katia Levitzky 28 pts, 7 ast
Shimrit Gigi 16 pts, 8 ast
Lena Mustafina 14 pts
Lital Sokolovich 7 pts
Jessica Dickson & Hadas Levi 2 pts each
Shona Thorburn 2 pts, 7 ast, 5 rebs

For Tel Kabir:
Anna Ziko 30 pts, 7 rebs
Dominique Carter 20 pts, 11 rebs
Ksania Mishkina 8 pts
Shani Levin & Chen Holzer 7 pts each
Liel Ochanon 3 pts

Hapoel Tel Aviv 72 - Electra Ramat Hasharon 89

For Ramat Hasharon:
Kiesha Brown 24 pts
Ebony Hoffman 19 pts
Merav Dori 14 pts
Nomi Kolodny 13 pts
Abiola Wabara 12 pts
Ayelet Cohen 5 pts
Erin Phillips 2 pts

For Hapoel
Diamond Rogers 29 pts, 7 rebs
Alex Anderson 16 pts, 6 rebs
Tieree Willson 16 pts, 6 rebs
Liran Buchris 7 pts
Shachar Alterman 5 pts




Round 1 first team - by Gil Goshen


Round 1 MVP - Rivi Grinboym

Rivi Grinboym with a 28-point performance picked up this season's 1st Round MVP honors. Joining her on the first team are two representatives from the biggest winner Ashdod, Ramat Hen's shot blocking machine and the round's top scorer.


Round 1 First Team
Karin Agassi - Agassi demonstrated exactly how a player should come off the bench and change the game. With no fear, with initiative and lots of heart. Each one of her three 3-pointers was huge for Ashdod in a back and forth affair against Ramla. She finished with 14 points to lead all Israelis on the floor, in just 21 minutes in Ashdod's huge win over the defending champs.

Rivi Grinboym - Phenomenon. In her 4th season in Bnei Yehuda Rivi seems to get better with age, you have to see it to believe it.

Tamara Moore - For three quarters it was really not her day. Moore was frustrated with the officiating and had four fouls heading into the 4th, but she's the reason Ashdod won the game. Nine points in the 4th, leadership, good decision making, key rebounds and one great assist. She finished with 17 points and 8 boards.

Charde Houston - Wow. That's all you can say after looking at her numbers against Tel Kabir. Yes, Tel Kabir isn't exactly an even opponent but 39 points on 16 for 20 shooting, 10 rebounds and 4 assists is not something you see every day. Ranks 5th in the most points scored in a single game list of the past four seasons.

LaToya Pringle - Great game for Ramat Hen's post who dominated her match up with Ayana Walker on her way to 20 points, 10 boards and 6 blocks.




Rivi Grinboym (178-G-78)

*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


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


*****************************************************
  KAZAKHSTAN - Women  


Kazakhstan NT loses and wins in Belarus - by Eurobasket News
Kazakhstan NT is visiting now Belarus and played already two games there. At first Berezina-RCOR beat- Kazakhstan NT in Minsk 71:54. The team from Belarus opened the encounter with 27-13 and improved to four more points at the halftime. Kazakhstan team could answer only with 12-8 in the last period but it was not enough for the total success. Volha Tiamezhnikava (172-G-83) paced all the winners with 20 points. Dauharukava posted 18, while Vashkevich nailed 11. Natalia Kuzmicheva (194-F) finished the game with 18 points for the visitors.
Last night Kazakhstan achieved the first victory in the league. The team overcame BC Minsk 2006 78:82 in the capital of Belarus. A 27-14 in the first period was more than enough to triumph in the game. BC Minsk 2006 tried to recover producing 21-11 in the third and 25-24 in the last but lost the game. Anastasia Alishauskaite (-G) paced all the winners with 20 points. Natalia Kuzmicheva scored 19 and Baidussenova added 15. Pantsiuk notched 25 points for the hosts.

BC Minsk 2006 -Kazakhstan NT 78 : 82 ( 14 : 27, 21 : 11, 18 : 20, 25 : 24 )
BC Minsk 2006: Pantsiuk 25, Ramanava 15, Nadzezhka 14
Kazakhstan NT: Anastasia Alishauskaite 20, Natalia Kuzmicheva 19, Baidussenova 15

Berezina-RCOR - Kazakhstan NT 71 : 54 ( 27 : 13, 21 : 17, 15 : 12, 8 : 12 )
Berezina-RCOR: Volha Tiamezhnikava 20, Dauharukava 18, Vashkevich 11
Kazakhstan NT: Natalia Kuzmicheva 18, Baidussenova 7, Volikova 7

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA - Women  


Latest results from Lithuanian teams - by Eurobasket News
Lemminkainen beat Laisve in the Lithuanian battle in Baltic League. The hosts opened the game with 14:10, but could only have plus 2 finishing the first half. Laisve lost again in the third 18-21 and managed to produce 20-19 in the last period. As a result it was enough for Lemminkainen to take 69:65 victory. Rita Milieskiene (175-G-78) led the winners with 27 points. Egle Zygelyte (166-G-84) nailed 13, while Naideniene scored 9. Asta Daujadiene (176-G-73) ended up with 20 points in the losing effort.

In the National league Lemminkainen thrashed Egle 105:50 in Berzu sport hall. A massive victory in all the quarters led to such a huge win. Rita Milieskiene led the winners with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Martinkute scored 19 for the hosts and collected 4 boards.
Arvi beat Ruta 96:50 also with easy wins in the quarters.Milda Sauliute (175-G-81) top-scored for the winners with 22 points and Shchypakina added 19. Lina Aglinskaite (181-F/C-87) ended up with 23 points for the visitors.

BWBL
Lemminkainen - Laisve 69 : 65 ( 14 : 10, 15 : 17, 21 : 18, 19 : 20 )
Lemminkainen: Rita Milieskiene 27, Egle Zygelyte 13, Naideniene 9
Laisve: Asta Daujadiene 20, Kvedaraviciute 11, Alminaite 8

*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO - Women  


MNT1A : Roling Niksic win against Rudar 87-58 - by Dragan Scepanovic
In first game of 1 Round of Montenegrin 1A woman basketball league Basketball Club ROLING form Niksic win against Basketball Club Rudar from Pljevlja 87-58 (21-16,20-13,32-12,14-17 ).In new team of Basketball Club ROLING from Niksic with two new basketball players Biljana Turcinovic (186-F-89) from Usce SRB , Andjela Djurovic (188-F/C-90) from Buducnost MNT1A , best was Neda Nikolic (178-F/C-91) with 29 points.In team of Basketball Club ROLING good game play Vasa Vucic with 19 points , Biljana Turcinovic score 17 points and Masa Stanisic (172-G-91) 10 points.In team of Basketball Club RUDAR good game play Tamara Srdanovic with 19 points and Maja Gajevic with 12 points

Jolly JBS beats Buducnost in Adriatic league - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Jolly JBS 73-89

Jolly JBS outplayed Montenegrin Buducnost Podgorica on the road without any extra efforts. It means that Croatian representative is currently on top of regional championship with prefect score 2-0. On the other hand, Buducnost is winless yet. As a reminder, the team from Podgorica suffered defeat in the first round against Jedinstvo Bjelo Polje 56-87. It was Montenegrin derby in the season opener. It was expected that Buducnost improves its game after not so good first round but that didn't happen. After ten minutes, Croatians had plus 7. Until the half time they managed to grab 10-point lead. Kerri Gardin (186-F-84, college: Virginia Tech) was in a game mood and together with Constance Jinks (170-G-81, college: UNLV) dominated at the offensive end. Buducnost improved little bit during the last two frames but it was not enough even to come closer. Kerri Gardin paced Jolly JBS to victory scoring 20 points. Constance Jinks also was great netting one point less while Ivana Jurcevic (174-G-81) stopped on 16 points. Buducnost got 19 points from Comfort. Jelena Culafic (174-G-89) had 17 while Milica Jovanovic (187-F/C-89) followed with 16 points. In the next round Jolly JBS will meet Gospic CO while Buducnost will take on Medvescak.

Buducnost: Comfort 19, Jelena Culafic 17, Milica Jovanovic 16
Jolly JBS: Kerri Gardin 20, Constance Jinks 19, Ivana Jurcevic 16

Standings - Women League
1A Standings
 1. BC H.Novi 1-0 
 2. Roling Niksic 1-0 
 3. Rudar 0-1 
 4. BC Kastel 0-1 
Will join on later stage:
 1. Buducnost - 
 2. Jedinstvo - 


*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES - Women  


5-year program for womens basketball - by Hector Santos
Heres a piece of good news for female basketball players of the country. The Womens Philippine Basketball League (WPBL) is not just going to be a one-conference affair but its going to be a five-year long program to sustain the growth of womens basketball in the country.


That was assured by PBL Commissioner Chino Trinidad and Chairman Mikee Romero of Harbour Centre during a press lunch yesterday where the participating teams were formally presented.

'Dr. Romero is so determined top uplift the level of competition in womens basketball thats why we plan to stage this kind of tournament for five years so that female players will have a league of their own,' said Trinidad. 'If we can help our male players theres no reason why cant we help our female players.'

Romero said he was elated with the support of various companies, saying: 'Im thankful for the companies who came here to support our project. As I said before, this is for the womens cause.'

'Its high time that we give them an opportunity to play even after their college days. Basketball is fun, let us support WPBL. The future of womens basketball will start from this project,' said Romero. 'By reviving this tournament, Im sure we can put up a competitive team in the next SEA Games.

To add color to the revival of the league is the expected showdown between fierce rival schools Ateneo and La Salle.

Nutri-C, one of the leading juice drinks in the country today, will have the core of Ateneo as its players while Republic Flour Mills (RFM) of Joey Concepcion, a long-time PBL supporter, will bankroll the participation of the Lady Archers.

Joel Lopa of Nutri-C also lauded the effort of the PBL in reviving the competition, saying: 'With the revival of WPBL, Im sure college players will now have an extra motivation to work and play hard because they have something to look up after their college days.'

Smart Sports big boss Patrick 'Pato' Gregorio said the revival of womens basketball has been his dream even during his time as Executive Director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

'Womens basketball needs a new direction and this was my priority project before. With Mr. Manny V. Pangilinan as president of SBP, we are going to support this project all the way,' said Gregorio.

Aside from Nutri-C-Ateneo and RFM-La Salle, also confirmed to take part in the tournament last played in 1999 are Smart Sports, Chito Narvasas Muscle Tape-Lyceum, Discovery Suite-RP womens team, Romeros Oracle Residences, Bacchus Energy Drink and Ever Bilena of former PBL chairman Dioceldo Sy.

Smart Sports, according to Gregorio, has already made University of the Philippine (UP) as its partner school while Oracle will UAAP champion Far Eastern University as its partner.

Ever Bilena coach Patrick Aquino said they are targeting players from University of Santo Tomas and other colleges to beef up their campaign.

Meanwhile, the drafting will be held tomorrow at the PBL in Ortigas Center with Oracle, a high-end dormitory in front of Ateneo, picking first followed by Smart Sports. The teams who will pick as No. 3, 5 and 7 picks will be known today upon the confirmation of Pharex one of the regular teams in the league.

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


PKM Duda Super Pol Leszno sign Jamie Cavey - by Eurobasket
PKM Duda Super Pol Leszno strengthened their roster with addition of 25-year old American center Jamie Cavey (191-C-83, college: Iowa). Cavey played last season at Iraklis Thessaloniki (Greece). But her best season was so far two years ago when she played for CAB Madeira in Portugal, where in EuroCup games she averaged 13.3ppg and 5.0rpg. She won that year Portuguese Championship and Cup. It will be her third professional season.

*****************************************************
  RUSSIA - Women  


Four teams remain undefeated - by Eurobasket News
A long weekend brought five games in the Russian Superleague. The favorites reached another victories and improved their positions on top.
CSKA had a road victory over Dynamo from Kursk 52:72. The hosts however opened the game with 22-15 in the opening quarter, but could not stay on race later in the game. With the same 22-15 CSKA finished the game in the last period and improved to 3-0 record. Katie Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Ann Wauters (194-C-80) netted 15. Anastasia Bocharova (180-F-77) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort.
UMMC grabbed 57:91 over Chevakata in Vologda. The win was achieved mostly due to the third period when the guesst created 33-9 lead. Sandrine Gruda (191-F/C-87) and Jones top-scored for the winners with 16 points each. Tatiana Bokareva (191-C-86) had the same number of points in defeat collecting also 9 rebounds.
Spartak Moscow region thrashed Slavyanka 115:43 as 7 players reached double digits. Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) was the top-scorer among them with 23 points and 14 rebounds. In another games Dynamo Moscow stun Dynamo N. 102:57 as Kuzina had 26 points and 11 boards. Nadezhda beat Spartak SP 81:61 behind 27 points from Kirsten.

Standings Women D1
A Superleague Standings
 1. CSKA 3-0 
 2. UMMC 2-0 
 3. Spartak V MR 2-0 
 4. Nadezhda O. 2-0 
 5. Dynamo M. 2-1 
 6. Chevakata 2-1 
 7. Shelen 0-0 
 8. BC Moscow 0-0 
 9. Spartak N. 0-0 
 10. Spartak SP 0-2 
 11. Slavyanka 0-2 
 12. Dynamo K. 0-3 
 13. Dynamo N. 0-4 


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


Stats Leaders - 1A women
1A Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Vidacic Jela 26
2 VIdovic Rada 23
3 Stanic Svetlana 22
4 Skoric Maja 20.5
5 Jankovic Bojana 19.5
Rebounds Per Game
1 Velisavljevic Mirja 12.5
2 Vidacic Jela 12
3 Stjepanovic Biljana 11.5
4 Skoric Maja 10
5 Stanic Svetlana 10
Assists Per Game
1 Krnjetin Natasa 7
2 Caran Marina 6.5
3 Prcic Dunja 5
4 Stankovic Biljana 5
5 Mihailovic Ivana 4.5
Blocks Per Game
1 Skoric Maja 1.5
2 Iva Roglic 1.5
3 Todorovic Ivana 1.5
4 Bogicevic Nina 1.5
5 Vukovic Dragana 1
Ranking
1.Vidacic Jela 32.5
2 Roglic Iva 25.5
3 Skoric Maja 22.5
4 Krnjetin Natasa 22
5 Stankovic Biljana 22


A league: Four teams on top with 2-0 - by Dragan Jankovski
Four teams are currently on top in Serbian A league with perfect score 2-0.

Reining champion Hemofarm STADA trashed Loznica at home with plus 40, 92-52. Even before this game the only question was how big difference it will be at the end. Nevena Saponjic (186-C-85) netted 19 points for the winners while Dajana Butulija (175-G-86) helped with 14. Tina Jovanovic (191-F/C-91) shined in Loznica collecting 20 points and 12 boards. Hemofarm has 2-0 while Lozinica is winless yet.

Crvena Zvezda also recorded devastating victory against Usce 100-36 for 2-0 in A league. Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) top-scored for the hosts with 18 points including 4 assists while Andrijana Vasovic (186-F/C-83) followed her with 16 points and 5 boards. As Loznica, Usce still looks for the first win but its players will have to recover from this serious defeat at the first point.

Third undefeated team is Vojvodina NIS. The Tulips easily beat Celarevo 93-58 mostly owing to Jefimija Karakasevic (191-C-89) and Maja Scekic (170-G-87), which scored 14 points each. Karakasevic had 6 more rebounds and 3 assists while Scekic was even better 5 rebs and 5 assists. Maja Skoric was the only player in Celarevo who was able to compete against Vojvodina adding 18 points and 13 rebounds but her team also dropped on 0-2. More info about this game already posted in previous news.

The last team with 2-0 is Proleter, who outplayed Kraljevo 73-63 thanks to 26 points and 12 rebounds by Jela Vidacic (190-C-85). Nina Varagic (191-F/C-81) followed her with 20 points and 11 boards. Ivana Todorovic (187-C-73) netted 18 for Kraljevo, who is another winless team after 2 rounds.

Spartak surprised Partizan in Belgrade 66-62, thus both teams now have 1-1. Rada Vidovic (177-G-79, agency: LBM Management) was the key player for the winning side nailing 28 points. Biljana Stjepanovic (189-C-87) added 15 points and 12 boards for Partizan.

Radivoj Korac beat Kovin without any extra efforts 80-66 and these two teams also have 1-1. Milica Kravic (-85) collected 18 points and 7 boards for Radivoj Korac while Svetlana Stanic (189-C-77) had 22 points and 10 rebounds in Kovin.

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Summary of Extraliga - Round 6 - by Eurobasket News
Maxima Broker remained the only undefeated team after 6 rounds in Slovakian Extraliga. This time MBK Ruzomberok, who also was perfect until this round, faced with great team from Kosice suffering 32-point defeat, 92-60. The hosts entered into this game strongly creating 28-15 already in the first quarter. Until the half time their lead became even bigger 51-31 meaning that this game was already over for 'Ruza'. Linda Frohlich (188-F/C-79, agency: LBM Management, college: UNLV) top-scored in Maxima Broker with 15 points while Cathrine Kraayeveld (193-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) had 4 points less. MBK Ruzomberok got the most from Simona Podesvova (186-F-83), who also scored 15.

Cassovia Kosice outplayed MKB Roznava mostly owing to great tandem Timea Szijjartova (177-G-84) - Zuzana Fabianova (185-C-89) and well played second frame, 30-16. These two players combined 58 points together pushing their team up on 2-4. MBK Roznava remained the only winless team in Extraliga despite 23 points (5 triples) by Zuzana Serbakova (178-F-85).

BSS Kosice also registered home victory but vs Poprad 71-62 improving its score on 3-2 while visitors slipped on 2-4. Dasa Krasnockova (181-F-85) shined for the hosts netting 20 points, including four 3-pointers. Katarina Pindrochova (183-F-88) was behind her with 16 points. Katarina Petrikova (182-F/C-80) was better than the others in Poprad with 16 points.

Nitra smashed PU Presov 87-59 thanks to great first and last quarter (34-19, 24-8). Edita Sujanova (190-C-85) netted 21 points for the hosts while Andrea Oravcova (175-G-87) had 18. Erin Lawless (188-F-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Purdue) added 28 for the loosing side. Nitra currently has 4-1 while Presov is on 2-4.

Stats Leaders - Women
Extraliga Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Sujova, Cassovia 18.0
2 Talajkova, Slovan 16.6
3 Gissendanner, Ca 16.3
4 Sujanova, Nitra 16.0
5 Gresnerova, MBK 15.8
Rebounds Per Game
1 Talajkova, Slovan 12.6
2 Kovacova, Maxima 11.0
3 Lukacovicova, MB 10.8
4 Fluker, MBK Ruzo 9.0
5 Tetemondova, Popr 8.4
Assists Per Game
1 Cohen, Maxima Br 5.3
2 Duffy, MBK Ruzo 4.3
3 Simkulakova, Pop 4.2
4 Benuskova, Roznav 4.0
5 Gresnerova, MBK R 3.4
Steals Per Game
1 Sujova, Cassovia 4.5
2 Zingorova, Cassovia 3.8
3 Benushkova, Rozna 3.6
4 Talajkova, Slovan 3.6
5 Tetemondova, Pop 3.4


*****************************************************
  SWEDEN - Women  


Three games close Round 2 - by Eurobasket News
Vizura - Radnicki I. 92-84
The most pleasant surprise of the last season, Vizura from Belgrade, finally registered first win in Serbian A league. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Radnicki 034 - Sloga 89-79
Radnicki 034 Group took care for the second win in A league while Sloga sinks deeper and deeper after each round. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Tamis - Borac 81-86
The team of head coach Milovan Stepandic remained undefeated after 4 games while Tamis is in the same situation as Sloga and Zdravlje, 0-4. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Zdravlje - Swiss.Lions 70-71
Tight victory for Swisslions Takovo but enough for 4-0. Zdravlje has 0-4. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Novi Sad - Ergonom 81-96
Ergonom is completely different team than it was the last season and it affects its score as well, 3-1. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Masinac - Metalac 79-87
It seems that newcomer Metalac is totally unstoppable this season. Coach Vlade Djurovic and his players recorded fourth consecutive win in A league. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news

Mega HL - Napredak 104-100
Stefan Stojacic and Igor Mijajlovic led Mega Hypo Leasing to second consecutive victory in A1 league. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news



Stats Leaders - Damligan
Damligan Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Halvarsson Telge 29,0
2 Jones Sundsvall 26,00
3 Lavets Brahe 22,00
4 Brannvall Lulea 20,50
5 Belfrage Dolphins 18,5
Rebounds Per Game
1 Halvarsson Telge 11,0
2 Massamba Dolphi 10.5
3 Krantz Sundsvall 9,50
4 Neal Visby 9,00
5 Blair Eskilstuna 8,67
Assists Per Game
1 Janjic Sundsvall 6,50
2 Kausaite Solna 5,67
3 Rutberg Sundsvall 4,50
4 Metcalf Marbo 4,50
5 Yderstrom Telge 4,00
Steals Per Game
1 Marquez Telge 7,00
2 Metcalf Marbo 5,00
3 Kallman Dolphins 3,50


*****************************************************
  TURKEY - Women  


The 2008/2009 season has started! - by Eurobasket News
Saturday and Sunday brought the first games in the 2008/2009 season in Turkish League. Almost all favorites achieved the first victories over the opponents, however Samsun upset Galatasaray at home.
Fenerbahce thrashed Burhaniye bld. 110:75 in their opener of TBBL. In the opening quarter the guests resisted a lot and trailed 22:19 at the end of it. Fenerbahce pushed the tempo later in the half and the game itself reaching the three digits numbers. Matee Ajavon (173-G-86, college: Rutgers) and Emilie Gomis (180-F-83) led the winners with 18 points each. Nevin Nevlin (196-F/C-85, college: Stanford) collected 14 points and 12 boards, while Bakircioglu had 13 points and 8 rebounds. Penn ended up with 18 points and 6 boards in the losing effort.
Samsun edged Galatasaray 63:49 at home for the first win. With an easy 23-6 start the hosts managed to win the opener as they also closed the game at 16-6. McBride top-scored for the winners with 24 points. Alison Bales (201-C-85, college: Duke) netted 14 and Larkins had 8. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) resisted for the visitors with 17 points in defeat.
In another games Besiktas won over Cankaya 88:59. Botas lost at home to Tarsus Bld 63:72, while Ceyhan had a road win over Mersin 80:86.