EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/22/2008

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  ARGENTINA   


Standings - Liga B
Liga Standings
North Region-Northeast
 1. Sport Club 1-0 
 2. Rocamora 1-0 
 3. Alvear 1-0 
 4. Estudian.C. 0-0 
 5. Almagro 0-0 
 6. Colon SF 0-1 
 7. Union Fuerza 0-1 
 8. La Union 0-1 
North Region-Northwest
 1. Brown SV 1-0 
 2. Banda Norte 1-0 
 3. Sportivo 7 J. 1-0 
 4. Anzorena 1-0 
 5. Barrio Parque 0-1 
 6. Facundo 0-1 
 7. Union E. 0-1 
 8. Sargento 0-1 
South Region-Center
 1. Rosario Cent. 1-0 
 2. Racing G. 1-0 
 3. Gimnasia VP 1-0 
 4. Nautico Hacoaj 1-0 
 5. Velez Sarsfield 0-1 
 6. Banco Nacion 0-1 
 7. San Martin J. 0-1 
 8. Gimnasia BR 0-1 
South Region-South
 1. El Sureno 1-0 
 2. Union Vecinal 1-0 
 3. Jorge Newbery 1-0 
 4. Deportivo M. 1-0 
 5. Ciud.Bragado 0-1 
 6. Atletico Regina 0-1 
 7. Independ.T. 0-1 
 8. Huracan 0-1 


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  AUSTRALIA   


Ogilvy named first team All-SEC - by Eurobasket News
Sophomore Andrew Ogilvy (208-C-88), the SECs leading freshmen scorer in 2007-08, was named as a first-team, All-SEC preseason selection by the leagues media members in an announcement made by the SEC today in Birmingham, Ala. The Commodores were picked by the media to finish fourth in the SEC East, behind Tennessee, Florida and Kentucky by the leagues media.

Ogilvy, who averaged 17.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game as a freshman last year, was joined on the first team by sophomore Patrick Patterson of Kentucky, junior Tyler Smith of Tennessee, sophomore Nick Calathes of Florida, and junior Devan Downey of South Carolina. Smith was chosen as the leagues preseason Player of the Year.

Tennessee was the medias favorite to win the East with 172 total points (23 first-place votes), ahead of second-place Floridas 143 points (five first-place votes). Florida returns four starters, including seven of its top eight scorers, from last years 24-win team. Kentucky, Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Georgia round out the top six.

In the West, Alabamas 151 total points (11 first-place votes) were slightly ahead of LSUs 147 points (11 first-place votes). Ole Miss received eight first-place votes and were picked third with 136 points. Alabama returns a total of nine letterwinners from last years squad. LSU returns 10 lettermen and a total of five starters for new head coach Trent Johnson while Ole Miss brings back three starters from last years team that advanced to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament. Mississippi State, Auburn and Arkansas round out the top six in the West.

LSUs Marcus Thornton heads up the second team, and was joined by Mississippi State junior forward/center Jarvis Varnado, Alabama senior guard Ronald Steele, LSU junior forward Tasmin Mitchell, Ole Miss sophomore guard Chris Warren and Alabama senior guard Alonzo Gee.

Points were compiled on a 6-5-4-3-2-1 basis for each division. Each media member also voted for one team as an overall conference champion and a five-player All-SEC Team.

The 2008-09 SEC Media Preseason Poll tips off SEC Basketball Media Days, Oct. 22-23 at the Birmingham Marriott in Alabama. The 2008-09 season begins Nov. 14, with conference play set to begin Jan. 10. The 2009 SEC Tournament will be held March 12-15 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla.

Courtesy of http://rivals.yahoo.com

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  AUSTRIA   


Tartu Rock wins, Basket Swans advances - by Eurobasket News
Tartu Rock - Basket Swans 75:60

Tartu Rock won Game 2 of of their EuroCup qualifier over the Austrain Basket Swans 75:60. The latter however advanced to the next stage due to the more confident win in Game 1. Basket Swans defeated Tartu Rock in Gmunden in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. Trailing 24:25 after the opening quarter Austrian team looked better in the next three periods and sealed 86:64 victory. Basket Swans wins 146-139 as a total of two games.
Tanoka Beard (205-F/C-71, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) closed 5-0 run from the hosts that flew to score the first points. Tartu Rock played really well and shocked the Austrian side with 28:12 in the opening quarter when Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) made a jump-shot. Sokk made two free throws at the end of the second quarter as his team already forgot about minus 22 from the opener. Tartu Rock had 48:25 and had 1 point advantage advancing to the next stage.
Basket Swans woke up in the third period after 17-14 in it. Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) kept his team alive for 62:42 after thirty minutes. Kullamae brought the last chance for the hosts at the end for 74:56, but Basket Swans looked optimistic. Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) made 4 free throws to close the game at 75:60. Tanoka Beard led Tartu with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Tsintsadze nailed 13, whilst Doronin and Talts had 10 each. Deteri Mayes top-scored for the visitors with 23 points and Anthony Fisher scored 17.


Tartu Rock: Tanoka Beard 16+7 rebs, Giorgi Tsintsadze 13, Marek Doronin (200-F/G-83) 10, Janar Talts (205-C-83) 10
Basket Swans: Deteri Mayes 23, Anthony Fisher 17

Stats Leaders
ABL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Rhinehart, Piraten 34
2. Bobb, Dukes 30
3. Mayes, Swans 26
4. Speiser, UBC 25
5. Grier, UBSC 24
6. Arnold, Bulls 23
6. Youngblood, Gunners 23
8. Thomas, Knights 22
8. Fears, Bulls 22
8. Moric, Gunners 22
Rebounds Per Game
1. Klette, WBC 16
2. Kugerl, Bulls 11
3. Grier, UBSC 9
3. Youngblood, Gunners 9
5. N'Diaye, Bulls 8
5. Moric, Gunners 8
5. Rhinehart, Piraten 8
5. Strait, WBC 8
5. O'Neal, Clubs 8
Assists Per Game
1. O'Neal, Clubs 8
2. Schreiner, UBC 6
2. Ray, Panthers 6
4. Fisher, Swans 5
5. Jandl, UBC 4
5. Prince, WBC 4
5. Kugerl, Bulls 4
5. Mayer, Swans 4
5. Hartley, Piraten 4
5. Danek, Lions 4
5. Archibald, WBC 4
5. Boone, Panthers 4
5. Husanovic, Piraten 4
Steals Per Game
1. Mitchell, Lions 4
2. Bobb, Dukes 3
2. MLanegger, Bulls 3
2. Hartley, Piraten 3
2. Ray, Panthers 3
2. Archibald, WBC 3
2. Youngblood, Gunners 3
2. Boone, Panthers 3
Blocks Per Game
1. Youngblood, Gunners 3
2. Kugerl, Bulls 2
2. Grier, UBSC 2
2. Colwell, Swans 2
Ranking
1. Rhinehart, Piraten 32
2. Bobb, Dukes 29
3. Kugerl, Bulls 27
4. Moric, Gunners 25
4. Klette, WBC 25
4. Youngblood, Gunners 25
7. Archibald, WBC 24
8. Arnold, Bulls 21
8. Thomas, Knights 21
8. Mayes, Swans 21
8. Zekovic, Lions 21
8. Colwell, Swans 21
8. Sullinger, Panthers 21


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  BELARUS   


Meshcharakou shines for Spartak - by Eurobasket News
Yegor Meshcharakou (205-F-76, agency: Octagon, college: George Washington) 's effort was not enough in Ploiesti for Spartak St. Petersburg in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti beat Spartak St. Petersburg 79:76. Yegor Meshcharakou shined with 28 points and 4 rebounds in defeat, while Andrew Wisniewski collected 11 points and 10 boards.
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti started easily and Griffith made 5-0 in the beginning of the first quarter. Spartak St. Petersburg woke up immediately and trailed only 1 point at the end of the first. Wheeler made a three-pointer for 25:24 home lead. The game remained tough later in the half and it was expected another battle in the second. Anyway Andrew Wisniewski made a jump-shot for 42:38 at the halfftime. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti continued to lead the game but enjoyed only 5-7 points in the third. Andrew Wisniewski closed the third period at 61:56. The most interesting part of the game was in the middle of the last period when Joseph Blair (208-C/F-74, college: Arizona) tied the game at 72:72. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti desired to win a bit more and after Catalin Burlacu scored five more the game finished at 79:76 for the home side.
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 clash over Spartak St.Petersburg. In Game 2 the Russian squad won 69:68 but it was not enough for the total success. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti beat Spartak St. Petersburg 79:76 and had plus 3 before game 2. Romanian team wins 147-145 as a total and advances to the next round. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti started very confident and had 10-3 in the opening tip. Jones scored at the end of the period for 18:11 for the visitors. Spartak St.Petersburg seemed to wake up later in the game and reduced to 28:29 at the halftime. Rakovic gave his team the first lead in the first seconds of the second half, 30:29. Blair kept the hosts alive for 51:47 at the end of the third. The most interesting part of the encounter was at the end when Wisniewski scored for 69:64. Burlacu and Hargrove however were perfect from the free throw line to close the game at 69:68. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 clash over Spartak St.Petersburg as Romanian side had plus three before the second game. Yegor Meshcharakou scored 2 points and made 3 rebounds for just 15 minutes in the court.

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  BOSNIA   


Elvir Ovcina joins Interperformances - by Interperformances
7'0' power forward Elvir Ovcina (212-F/C-76, college: Syracuse) has signed a representation agreement with Interperformances. Elvir is one of the best players of the Bosnian National team and in the last three seasons he played for Telindus Oostende, team winner of the Belgian Cup 2007/2008. He has played college ball with Syracuse, one of the top NCAA Division UI schools, and since then he played in the strongest European leagues, from the German bundesliga to the Greek A1.

CBC Siroki wins 180-168 on aggregate over Svendborg Rabbits - by Eurobasket News
CBC Siroki - Svendborg Rabbits 80:76

CBC Siroki wins 180-168 on aggregate over Svendborg Rabbits in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1. In Game 2 Bosnian team celebrated 80:76 and qualified to the next stage. Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) led the winners with 18 points and 6 assists. Josip Bilinovac (195-G-90) posted 14, while Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) added 11. Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) shined again for the Danish team with 19 points, 11 boards and 8 assists, while Ivan Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) collected 16 points and 11 rebounds.
CBC Siroki won the opener of the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 in Denmark. Sime Spralja was unstoppable with 34 points for the winners and Johnell Smith made a triple-double with massive 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in defeat. In Game 2 Sime Spralja posted 10 points but his team advanced. Ivan Hoger however opened the game for the visitors and then Dujmovic made it 21:19 at the end of the first. Sumic pulled his Siroki to 49:44 at the halftime. In the third period Svendborg Rabbits bounced back with 12-11 to cut to 60:56. Andersen gave the guests even 65:67 with 5 minutes to go. Josip Bilinovac however brought the win for the home side, 80:76. Svendborg Rabbits will now concentrate on the national league.

CBC Siroki: Kevin Braswell 18+6 ast, Josip Bilinovac 14, Ivan Siriscevic 11
Svendborg Rabbits: Johnell Smith 19+11 rebs+8 ast, Ivan Hoger 16+11 rebs

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  CHILE   


Dimayor: New foreigners for Catolica - by Daniel Valencia
After the departure of Juan Pablo Montas and Ivan Lopez Universidad Catolica sign two new foreing player to play alongside with Keddric Mays (183-G).

The first to arrive was the cuban player Kiyotsis Balves (200-F-80). He is a forward with experience in the Cuban league and he was also part of the National Team in 2005. After ten games with Catolica he is averaging 6.3 points.

After Balves arrived Andre Williams (202-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: Oklahoma St.). He is a forward from Oklahoma State university with playing experience in Sweden, Argentina and Slovakia. In his first seven games with Universidad Catolica he is averaging 15.9 points per game.

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  CHINA   


Two iranian stars to play in CBA - by Mohammed Malas
According to their agent Hussein Karimi (Huss Sports Agency), Iran's men national team player Kamran Jamshidvand (187-F-80) will play in China this season with CBA side Shaanxi Dongshen Kylins, While Amir Amini (196-G-84) who won the Asian Universities Championship before few days will be part of Qingdao Double Star Club to be with the american center Amal McCaskill on the same team.

Those players will play under the new rule which CBA issued, Each team can have one asian player besite the import to raise the basketball in the yellow continent, More asian players will sign in the upcoming few days.

Myron Allen coming to China - by Richard

610 Sports Management & John Wang announces Xinjiang Gyang Hui Flying Tigers basketball team (China-CBA) announces the signing of Allen Myron (180-G-79, college: Lee JC) he's a former NBA D League player avg 10.8 pts in the NBA D League and in 2008 he led BOSNIA BC IGOKEA PARTIZAN ALEKSANDROVAC to playoffs. Myron is a high flying athlete that can bring many aspects to the team in China. He can shoot pass and easily get the whole team involved. Myron said it's nice to live and visit a country that host a strong league and I'm glad to showcase my talent in the CBA. Welcome to China Myron.


Courtesy of 610 Sports Management



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  COLOMBIA   


Standings
Copa Federacion Standings
 1. Arrieros 22-5 
 2. Bucaros 19-8 
 3. Islanders 17-10 
 4. Canoneros 14-13 
 5. InderValle 13-14 
 6. Alcaldia 11-16 
 7. Condores 6-21 
 8. Piratas 5-22 


Jermaine Walker leaves Arrieros - by Victor Garcia
American Forward Jermaine Walker receive permission from the directives of the Arrieros team to go home and visit his father, Walker suposed to be back on Octuber 15 , but the player did not return, Walker still under contract with Arrieros in Colombias Basketball Federation Cup is reported talking with a team in Asia.
The directives of the Arrieros de Antioquia team, will go to FIBA to show the players contract breach, the team manager and coach talked to the player but Walker refused to be back.

Federation Cup 2008, Octuber 20 Day 27 results. - by Victor Garcia
Norte got the 4th place in standings and qualified for the semifinal playoff defeating Ovni easily 111-69, Ovni arrived to Cucuta just with 8 players and completed the 10 required players with two local players, (is something to check for the organization), Eduardo Torres leads Norte, while Joey Spiegel was the best in Ovni
Norte de Santander 111 - E. Torres 23 pts, E. Renteria 20 pts, A.Barrios 15 pts + 11 rebs, D. Thomas 14 Pts, J. Hernandez 14 pts
Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 66 - J. Spiegel 25 pts + 6 rebs, F. Mena 17 pts, J. Lopez 11 pts

Bucaros had the talent of Marcus Fleming and Rogers Washington combined to defeat Indervalle and sent them home, indervalle played with heart but at the end can not stop the imports of Bucaros.
Bucaros Freskaleche 94
Indervalle 84

Arrieros defeated Piratas in Medellin, in a relaxed game for the green team, Arrieros is closet o put a record in the Federation Cup with just 5 losses for a 0.820 eficiency, Piratas is finishing one of the worst seasons of its history in the bottom of the standings.
Arrieros 91
Piratas 77

Islanders without Kevin Sowell and with many injuries lost in Tunja against Patriotas, San Islanders is the third seed for the playoffs.
Patriotas Proactiva 89
Islanders Sopesa 81

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  COSTA RICA   


Changes in Costarican basketball - by Gianni Pascucci
Some interesting changes have been announced in the Costarican basketball organization. The main novelty will be the separation between the local Basketball Fedartion (FeCoBa) and the Liga de Baloncesto Superior (LBS). The male first division, in consequence, will try to organize itself like an independent, professional league, whose new name could be Unabasquet (Union de Asociaciones de Basquetbol). The new league will be run by a Council formed by the Presidents of all the teams. The final result should be a ten-teams league, with an independent schedule and an agile admionistration. The female teams of the Costarican First Division opted to stay, for now, in the FeCoBa, but they should join the Unabasuet organization in two or three seasons.

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  CROATIA   


KK Zagreb tastes another win over BK Prostejov - by Eurobasket News
KK Zagreb - BK Prostejov 79:73

KK Zagreb tasted another win over BK Prostejov in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1. Game 2 saw Croatian team celebrating 79:73 victory at home. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) led the winners with 23 points. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) collected 17 points and 19 rebounds, while Mario Dundovic (200-F/C-77, agency: Court Side) added 11. Rashaan Ames (184-G-78, college: Shaw) top-scored in defeat with 20 points, whilst Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois) had 14 points and 12 rebounds. KK Zagreb wins 148-134 as a total of two games.
KK Zagreb won the opener of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 first-leg at BK Prostejov. The latter tried hard but could not stay in race with Croatian team in the last period 61:69. BK Prostejov had a good start tonight and led to 20:16 after the opening quarter. They pulled level on aggregate at 42:34 to go in the third quarter after a basket by Rashaan Ames. Prostejov were still on top in the game at 46:39 in the third quarter when Zagreb stole the initiative with a 12-0 run. The game and the encounter was done at that time. KK Zagreb won the third period 23-15 and the last 26-25 to seal the victory. KK Zagreb tasted another win over BK Prostejov in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 and advanced to another round.

KK Zagreb: Krunoslav Simon 23, Ante Tomic 17+19 rebs, Mario Dundovic 11
BK Prostejov: Rashaan Ames 20, Shaun Pruitt 14+12 rebs, Hurl Beechum (196-F-73, college: Iowa St.) 13

Croatians celebrate in Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Coach Drazen Anzulovic, Jure Lalic (212-C-86) and Pankracije Barac (196-G-81, agency: Agency No 10) were victorious one more time in Belgian championship. After 3 rounds there are only two undefeated teams. The first one is Aalstar and the second Charleroi, who was better than Oostende in the last round 82-68. Drazen Anzulovic's team struggeled to make a bigger difference until the last quarter. Jure Lalic and his teammates totally trashed Oostende during these ten minutes 30-10 celebrating more than comfortable victory at the end. Their rival dropped on 0-3 and mostly probably will hire Sharon Drucker as a new head coach. However, nothing is officially announced by the club yet. Jure Lalic spent 21 minutes on the court adding 7 points, 2 rebounds one assist and one steal. Third Croatian in Charleroi Pankracije Barac got 5 minutes from Drazen Anzulovic scoring 2 points.

Ivan Skara (204-F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) and Antonio Bicvic (199-F-82) had good performance in Slovakian championship. Skara and his team Banska Bystrica outsmarted SPU Nitra at home 85-80 remaining perfect in Extraliga with score 4-0. Croatian power forward helped his team with 16 points. On the other hand, MBK Handlova suffered thriller defeat against Chemosvit 82-83. Antonio Bicvic collected 23 points and 5 assists for Handlova.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


KK Zagreb tastes another win over BK Prostejov - by Eurobasket News
KK Zagreb - BK Prostejov 79:73

KK Zagreb tasted another win over BK Prostejov in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1. Game 2 saw Croatian team celebrating 79:73 victory at home. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) led the winners with 23 points. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) collected 17 points and 19 rebounds, while Mario Dundovic (200-F/C-77, agency: Court Side) added 11. Rashaan Ames (184-G-78, college: Shaw) top-scored in defeat with 20 points, whilst Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois) had 14 points and 12 rebounds. KK Zagreb wins 148-134 as a total of two games.
KK Zagreb won the opener of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 first-leg at BK Prostejov. The latter tried hard but could not stay in race with Croatian team in the last period 61:69. BK Prostejov had a good start tonight and led to 20:16 after the opening quarter. They pulled level on aggregate at 42:34 to go in the third quarter after a basket by Rashaan Ames. Prostejov were still on top in the game at 46:39 in the third quarter when Zagreb stole the initiative with a 12-0 run. The game and the encounter was done at that time. KK Zagreb won the third period 23-15 and the last 26-25 to seal the victory. KK Zagreb tasted another win over BK Prostejov in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 and advanced to another round.

KK Zagreb: Krunoslav Simon 23, Ante Tomic 17+19 rebs, Mario Dundovic 11
BK Prostejov: Rashaan Ames 20, Shaun Pruitt 14+12 rebs, Hurl Beechum (196-F-73, college: Iowa St.) 13

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  DENMARK   


CBC Siroki wins 180-168 on aggregate over Svendborg Rabbits - by Eurobasket News
CBC Siroki - Svendborg Rabbits 80:76

CBC Siroki wins 180-168 on aggregate over Svendborg Rabbits in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1. In Game 2 Bosnian team celebrated 80:76 and qualified to the next stage. Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) led the winners with 18 points and 6 assists. Josip Bilinovac (195-G-90) posted 14, while Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) added 11. Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) shined again for the Danish team with 19 points, 11 boards and 8 assists, while Ivan Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) collected 16 points and 11 rebounds.
CBC Siroki won the opener of the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 in Denmark. Sime Spralja was unstoppable with 34 points for the winners and Johnell Smith made a triple-double with massive 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in defeat. In Game 2 Sime Spralja posted 10 points but his team advanced. Ivan Hoger however opened the game for the visitors and then Dujmovic made it 21:19 at the end of the first. Sumic pulled his Siroki to 49:44 at the halftime. In the third period Svendborg Rabbits bounced back with 12-11 to cut to 60:56. Andersen gave the guests even 65:67 with 5 minutes to go. Josip Bilinovac however brought the win for the home side, 80:76. Svendborg Rabbits will now concentrate on the national league.

CBC Siroki: Kevin Braswell 18+6 ast, Josip Bilinovac 14, Ivan Siriscevic 11
Svendborg Rabbits: Johnell Smith 19+11 rebs+8 ast, Ivan Hoger 16+11 rebs

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  D-LEAGUE   


Breakers working out for D-Fenders 2008-09 roster - by Gianni Pascucci
The Santa Barbara Breakers are drawing attention for the outstanding 18-0 record and West Coast Pro Basketball League title they accomplished this past spring/summer. Glenn Carraro, General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers NBDL team, the D'Fenders, contacted President Curt Pickering about the availability of Breaker players. Pickering submitted roster players, minus Tyler Newton and Adam Zahn, who are currently playing in Japan, and was later informed by Carraro what players the D'Fenders wanted to work out. Attending the three days a week try-outs were: Mark Peters (5'11''-G-81, college: Cal-Riverside), Justin Johnson (6'0''-G-83, college: Mississippi), Allan Purnell (6'4''-G-82, college: Pacific), Rashid Byrd (7'0''-C-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC), Josh Merrill (6'9''-F-74, college: UCSB), Zack Fray (6'6''-F-83, college: Santa Ana CC), Jeremy Vague (6'9''-F/C-79, college: Utah St.) and Armand Thomas (6'9''-F-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge). This is for sure a confirm of the good quality of the Breakers roster. The D'Fenders will begin their 2008-09 training camp at the end of this month.

Latest Pre-Season Roster Changes involving Former D-Leaguers - by Surujh Roopnarine

As Training Camps near to a close, a few more hopefuls have seen their chance of sticking on an NBA roster fade away as more and more cuts will come leading up to the regular season.


Chicago: Waived D-League All-Star Elton Brown (6'9''-F/C-83, college: Virginia) and Darius Washington (6'2''-G-85, college: Memphis)
Memphis: Waived 2008 D-League All-Star Slam Dunk Champion Brent Petway (6'9''-F-85, college: Michigan)
Milwaukee: Waived Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: college: Valparaiso) and former Utah Flash point man Kevin Kruger (6'2''-G-83, college: UNLV)
Philadelphia Waived Antywane Robinson (6'8''-F-84, college: Temple)



Former D-Leaguers in Action During Monday Nights NBA Pre-Season Schedule - by Surujh Roopnarine
Orlando Magic (109) at Atlanta Hawks (103)
MAGIC: Anthony Johnson (6'3''-G-74, college: Charleston) (9pt+4rb+8as), Dwayne Jones (1rb)

New York Knicks (114) at New Jersey Nets (106)
KNICKS: Anthony Roberson (6'1''-G-83, college: Florida) (2pt+1rb+1st)
NETS: Bobby Simmons (6'7''-F/G-80, college: Florida St.) (11pt+1rb+2as), Julius Hodge (8pt+3rb+3as), Eddie Gill (5pt+2rb+2st), Maurice Ager (2pt+1rb)

Charlotte Bobcats (108) at Phoenix Suns (111)
BOBCATS: Andre Brown (6'9''-F/C-81, college: De Paul) (14pt+8rb), Matt Carroll (6pt+2rb), Shannon Brown (4pt)
SUNS: Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA) (18pt+7rb+3as+6to), Robert Hite (14pt+2rb+2as), Louis Amundson (6pt+1rb+2bs)

Reno Bighorns hold N.Y. tryouts - by Eurobasket News
The Reno Bighorns will go to great distances to find a player -- even all the way across the country.

The Bighorns wrapped up their second round of open tryouts Saturday in New York City at the Madison Square Garden Training Center, home of their NBA affiliate Knicks.

The event drew just 34 participants, but according to Jason Glover, the Bighorns' director of basketball operations, the talent level was as high as expected.

'The talent was very good, one through 30,' he said. 'They all played at a high level and not all could play at the NBA or D-League level, but there were some very good players.'

Players at the tryout included: Jomo Belfor (6'0''-G-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: JMU), who played guard at James Madison University 2004-06 and played high school basketball with Chicago Bulls guard Ben Gordon; Alexis Foyle, who according to his cousin Orlando Magic center, Adonal Foyle's Web site, didn't play basketball until he was 19 years old because his high school in the Carribean didn't offer it.

He went to play collegiately at BYU-Hawaii; and DeAndre Bowden, played with the Arkansas RimRocker, a now defunct D-League team in 2006-07. Only 17 players will be invited to camp from the expansion draft, league draft, allocated players and tryout participants. Camp begins in mid-November.

Courtesy of http://news.rgj.com

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  EBA   


Avengers Nova Big Bump Classic - by Justin Moore
Alexandria Avengers
1ST ANNUAL NOVA BIG BUMP CLASSIC

NOV 8TH & 9TH

$400 PER TEAM

GUARANTEED 3 GAMES .WIN MOVE ON LOOSE GO HOMEREAL EASY!!!!

PRIZE: 1ST PLACE TEAM TROPHY AND PRIZE MONEY AWARDED


DEADLINE: OCT 29TH

Tournament is open to first 16 teams to remit deposits.
A deposit of $200 is due by OCT 29th remaining balance due before first game is played.
No checks will be accepted during the tournament.
For more info contact Coach Nic @ 202-270-7087
Payments are to be sent to Alexandria Avengers


COME TEST YOUR TEAM AGAINST THE BEST IN DC, MD &VA.

THERE WILL BE TEAMS FROM THE ABA, EBA, NPBL AND MUCH MORE!!!

AGENTS & SCOUTS WIL BE ON HAND FOR PLAYERS WHO WANT TO FURTHER THERE PRO CAREER.

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  ESTONIA   


Tartu Rock wins, Basket Swans advances - by Eurobasket News
Tartu Rock - Basket Swans 75:60

Tartu Rock won Game 2 of of their EuroCup qualifier over the Austrain Basket Swans 75:60. The latter however advanced to the next stage due to the more confident win in Game 1. Basket Swans defeated Tartu Rock in Gmunden in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. Trailing 24:25 after the opening quarter Austrian team looked better in the next three periods and sealed 86:64 victory. Basket Swans wins 146-139 as a total of two games.
Tanoka Beard (205-F/C-71, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) closed 5-0 run from the hosts that flew to score the first points. Tartu Rock played really well and shocked the Austrian side with 28:12 in the opening quarter when Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) made a jump-shot. Sokk made two free throws at the end of the second quarter as his team already forgot about minus 22 from the opener. Tartu Rock had 48:25 and had 1 point advantage advancing to the next stage.
Basket Swans woke up in the third period after 17-14 in it. Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) kept his team alive for 62:42 after thirty minutes. Kullamae brought the last chance for the hosts at the end for 74:56, but Basket Swans looked optimistic. Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) made 4 free throws to close the game at 75:60. Tanoka Beard led Tartu with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Tsintsadze nailed 13, whilst Doronin and Talts had 10 each. Deteri Mayes top-scored for the visitors with 23 points and Anthony Fisher scored 17.


Tartu Rock: Tanoka Beard 16+7 rebs, Giorgi Tsintsadze 13, Marek Doronin (200-F/G-83) 10, Janar Talts (205-C-83) 10
Basket Swans: Deteri Mayes 23, Anthony Fisher 17

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  EUROCHALLENGE   


EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1. Second Games - by Eurobasket News

KK Zagreb - BK Prostejov 79:73

KK Zagreb tasted another win over BK Prostejov in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1. Game 2 saw Croatian team celebrating 79:73 victory at home. Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) led the winners with 23 points. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) collected 17 points and 19 rebounds, while Mario Dundovic (200-F/C-77, agency: Court Side) added 11. Rashaan Ames (184-G-78, college: Shaw) top-scored in defeat with 20 points, whilst Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois) had 14 points and 12 rebounds. KK Zagreb wins 148-134 as a total of two games.
KK Zagreb won the opener of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 first-leg at BK Prostejov. The latter tried hard but could not stay in race with Croatian team in the last period 61:69. BK Prostejov had a good start tonight and led to 20:16 after the opening quarter. They pulled level on aggregate at 42:34 to go in the third quarter after a basket by Rashaan Ames. Prostejov were still on top in the game at 46:39 in the third quarter when Zagreb stole the initiative with a 12-0 run. The game and the encounter was done at that time. KK Zagreb won the third period 23-15 and the last 26-25 to seal the victory. KK Zagreb tasted another win over BK Prostejov in EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 and advanced to another round.

KK Zagreb: Krunoslav Simon 23, Ante Tomic 17+19 rebs, Mario Dundovic 11
BK Prostejov: Rashaan Ames 20, Shaun Pruitt 14+12 rebs, Hurl Beechum (196-F-73, college: Iowa St.) 13



Zlatorog - BC Amak 69:78

Macedonian BC Amak advanced to the next round in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying. The team had a road win over Zlatorog 69:78 and celebrated the success. Miroslav Cubrilo (205-C-82) led the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Eftim Bogojev (185-G-80) netted 17, while Aleksandar Sovkoski (191-G/F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Slobodan Agoc (206-C-77, agency: 011 Sports) added 11 each. Berdier Aponte top-scored for the hosts with 16 points and Ante Masic (200-G/F-85) added 15. BC Amak S.P. wins 148-145 on aggregate.
Zlatorog looked better in the second half of the first game and won 70:76. Macedonian BC Amak however overcame a six-point deficit from the first game to bounce Zlatorog in Lasko, Slovenia. The guests scored first five points in the game for 5-0 in the start. Frye closed the opening quarter at 20:13 for the visitors. Amak outrebounded their opponent 30-26 and took their largest lead at 75:63 early in last quarter. Ante Masic reduced to 75:68 with 30 seconds in the game. Miroslav Cubrilo made 76:68 from the free throw line as Berdier replied for 76:69. Miroslav Cubrilo set up the final, 78:69 as Macedonian BC Amak advanced to the next round in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying.

Zlatorog: Berdier Aponte 16, Ante Masic 15
BC Amak S.P.: Miroslav Cubrilo 20+9 rebs, Eftim Bogojev 17, Aleksandar Sovkoski 11, Slobodan Agoc 11


Spartak St.Petersburg- CSU Asesoft Ploiesti 69:68

CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 clash over Spartak St.Petersburg. In Game 2 the Russian squad won 69:68 but it was not enough for the total success. Yegor Meshcharakou's effort was not enough in Ploiesti for Spartak St. Petersburg in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti beat Spartak St. Petersburg 79:76 and had plus 3 before game 2. Romanian team wins 147-145 as a total and advances to the next round.
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti started very confident and had 10-3 in the opening tip. Jones scored at the end of the period for 18:11 for the visitors. Spartak St.Petersburg seemed to wake up later in the game and reduced to 28:29 at the halftime. Milovan Rakovic (207-C-85) gave his team the first lead in the first seconds of the second half, 30:29. Blair kept the hosts alive for 51:47 at the end of the third. The most interesting part of the encounter was at the end when Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary) scored for 69:64. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) and Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Virginia Union) however were perfect from the free throw line to close the game at 69:68. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 clash over Spartak St.Petersburg as Romanian side had plus three before the second game.
Andrew Wisniewski top-scored for the Russian team with 20 points. Milovan Rakovic nailed 19, while Blair scored 11. Catalin Burlacu ended up with 25 points for the guests and Darius Hargrove added 13.

Spartak SP: Andrew Wisniewski 20, Milovan Rakovic 19, Blair 11
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti: Catalin Burlacu 25, Darius Hargrove 13



EWE Baskets - U-Mobitelco 77:72

German Ewe Baskets Oldenburg celebrated the second win in the International arena by beating U-Mobitelco at home. Game 2 of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 brought 77:72 over Romanian U-Mobitelco. Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) paced all the winners with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Jason Gardner (178-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) had 13, while Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side) scored 10. Branko Cuic (196-G-78) and Bambale Osby (203-F-86, college: Maryland) top-scored for the visitors with 18 points. EWE Baskets wins 163-132 as a total in two games.
Rickey Paulding led German side with 20 points and 5 rebounds in Game 1 when Ewe Baskets Oldenburg won 86:60 in Romania. Game 2 started with five consecutive points from the home side. Scekic was the last to score at the end of the opening quarter for 28:17. U-Mobitelco was far away to give up and suggested their game in the second quarter. Romanian side produced 25-8 in it for 6 points lead at the halftime. Gibson with a three sent the teams to the lockers for 36:42.
A 23-13 in the third period saved the hosts and gave them 59:55 entering the last stanza. Having 62:55 Ewe Baskets Oldenburg missed a 0-7 run as Bambale Osby tied the game at 62:62. German Ewe Baskets Oldenburg remembered about the first International game at home and desired a win more. Oldenburg celebrated the second win beating U-Mobitelco at home, 77:72.

EWE Baskets: Rickey Paulding 19+13 rebs, Jason Gardner 13, Jasmin Perkovic 10
U-Mobitelco: Branko Cuic 18, Bambale Osby 18

CBC Siroki - Svendborg Rabbits 80:76
CBC Siroki wins 180-168 on aggregate over Svendborg Rabbits in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1. In Game 2 Bosnian team celebrated 80:76 and qualified to the next stage. Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) led the winners with 18 points and 6 assists. Josip Bilinovac (195-G-90) posted 14, while Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) added 11. Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) shined again for the Danish team with 19 points, 11 boards and 8 assists, while Ivan Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) collected 16 points and 11 rebounds.
CBC Siroki won the opener of the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 in Denmark. Sime Spralja was unstoppable with 34 points for the winners and Johnell Smith made a triple-double with massive 39 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in defeat. In Game 2 Sime Spralja posted 10 points but his team advanced. Ivan Hoger however opened the game for the visitors and then Dujmovic made it 21:19 at the end of the first. Sumic pulled his Siroki to 49:44 at the halftime. In the third period Svendborg Rabbits bounced back with 12-11 to cut to 60:56. Andersen gave the guests even 65:67 with 5 minutes to go. Josip Bilinovac however brought the win for the home side, 80:76. Svendborg Rabbits will now concentrate on the national league.

CBC Siroki: Kevin Braswell 18+6 ast, Josip Bilinovac 14, Ivan Siriscevic 11
Svendborg Rabbits: Johnell Smith 19+11 rebs+8 ast, Ivan Hoger 16+11 rebs

BC Sumykhimprom -Energy Invest Rustavi 90:79
BC Sumykhimprom scored 200 points in two games over Energy Invest Rustavi from Georgia. Energy Invest Rustavi tried hard but could not make the levels even with the Ukrainian side. BC Sumykhimprom won the opening game of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 in Tbilisi 110:81 and had 90:79 at home tonight. Corey Santee (188-G-83, college: TCU) and Brian Greene (196-G/F-84, college: Florida A&M) led the winners with 20 points each, while Vadim Matyukevych (208-C-80) posted 12. Levan Tsekvava (190-G-89) collected 20 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, whilst Zviad Babiashvili (200-F-78) produced 15 in defeat. BC Sumykhimprom wins 200-160 as a total of two games.
Even though Vadim Matyukevych opened the scoring account in the game Radojicic made 3:2 for the guests. Georgian team looked even better in the first and won it 21:19. Zviad Babiashvili improved his team level to 37:32 with 2 minutes in the half. Butskyy closed the curtains at 38:39 still for the visitors. The third frame was the decisive in the game as Ukrainian team was too good for the opponent. After 22-14 in it BC Sumykhimprom enjoyed 60:53 advantage. An offensive 30:26 in the last period totaled BC Sumykhimprom for 200 in two games. Energy Invest Rustavi can be proud of the second game in Ukraine showing good basketball.

BC Sumykhimprom: Corey Santee 20, Brian Greene 20, Vadim Matyukevych 12
Energy Invest Rustavi: Levan Tsekvava 20+10 rebs, Zviad Babiashvili 15

Banvit BC - CSU Atlassib 112:77
Wnen Banvit won EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 first leg in Romania it became known that they would have more chances to advance. That time Turkish side opened the game confident and after the win in three quarters led to 67:74 road win. Banvit BC proved it once again beating CSU Atlassib at home 112:77. Antoine Agudio (191-G-85) led the winners with 26 points. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) nailed 20 and Joseph Crispin (186-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Penn St.) scored 16. Bryant Matthews (201-G/F-82, college: Virginia Tech) produced 31 points in the losing effort and Michael Harrison (206-F-84, agency: Interperformances) netted 19. Banvit BC wins 186-144 as a total.
Joseph Crispin gave the hosts a comfortable 3-0 start making a shot from behind the line. Antoine Agudio was the last with a lay-up for 26:21 at the end of the first. Banvit BC controlled the second quarter as well and had 53:47 entering the third period. Right from there the court saw only one team, the hosts. With 31-18 in the third Banvit BC improved to 84:65 after thirty minutes. Joseph Crispin scored again far from the court with 5 seconds. In the last quarter the teams were killing time as a result of the encounter was known so far. Turna made an alley-oop for 112:77 win.

Banvit BC: Antoine Agudio 26, Lance Williams 20, Joseph Crispin 16
CSU Atlassib: Bryant Matthews 31, Michael Harrison 19


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  EUROCUP   


EuroCup Qualifying Round 1. Second games - by Eurobasket News

Galatasaray Cafe Crown - BC Siauliai 94:63

Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) leads Galatasaray over the Baltic team in Game 2 of EuroCup qualifier. Turkish sdie won 94:63 and advanced to the next stage. Milan Gurovic produced 20 points as his team won all the quarters. Huseyin Besok (212-C-75, agency: Interperformances) posted 18, whilst Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) collected 12 points and 14 rebounds. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) ended up with 13 points and Andrius Slezas (200-F-75) scored 12. Galatasaray Cafe Crown wins 167-136 on aggregate.
On October 14th BC Siauliai and Galatasaray tied in Lithuania in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. Gintautas Vileita scored a free throw for 73:73 as the teams will get ready for another battle. At home the Turkish side was too good from the start. Huseyin Besok with a lay-up made it 22:18 closing the opening quarter. The game was done in the second period after 29-13 in the frame. Again Huseyin Besok made it 51:31 at the halftime. In the third period BC Siauliai could not struggle anymore. Lithuanian team scored last in the quarter but trailed 47:77 at that time. With 17-16 Galatasaray Cafe Crown finished the EuroCup qualifier Round 1 and advanced to the next stage.

Galatasaray Cafe Crown: Milan Gurovic 20, Huseyin Besok 18, Dejan Milojevic 12+14 rebs
BC Siauliai: Gintaras Kadziulis 13, Andrius Slezas 12



BC FMP Zeleznik -EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67

BC FMP Zeleznik overcame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67 to advance to the next stage of their EuroCup qualifier. Serbian team was too good from the start and made the difference for the positive outcome. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) paced all the winners with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) netted 16 and Filip Covic (180-G-89) added 11. Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) and CC Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.) ended up with 14 points in defeat. BC FMP Zeleznik wins 143-133 as a total in two games.
Amsterdam beat BC FMP Zeleznik in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. The capital of Holland saw 66:60 tough win but the second game was expected to be decisive. BC FMP Zeleznik opened it with 16:13 as Nemanja Protic made two free throws at the end. A 7-0 from the start in the second was a good continuation of the run that lifted the hosts up. Again Nemanja Protic closed the half at 38:29 that at that time saw Serbian team in the next stage.
A 23-12 in the third period brought 61:41 after three quarters. Dragan Labovic's three was the last in the period as Serbian side started to celebrate. EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam reduced to minus 15 but could not come closer. BC FMP Zeleznik overcame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67 and advanced to the next stage of their EuroCup qualifier.

BC FMP Zeleznik: Dragan Labovic 22+8 rebs, Nemanja Protic 16, Filip Covic 11
EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam: Teddy Gipson 14, CC Harrison 14


Unics- Energa Czarni 89:50

Unics escapes from the upset and reaches another Round of their EuroCup qualifier. Russian team smashed Polish Energa Czarni 89:50 to advance to Round 2. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) and Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) led the winners with 17 points apiece. Vladzimir Veremeenko (208-F-84) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) netted 13. Jason Straight (188-G-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wyoming) finished the night with 16 points being the only player for his team to reach double digits. Unics wins 151-126 as a total.
When Energa Czarni surprised Unics in Poland in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier Unics had lots of negative feedback from the public. Polish side beat Russian titan 76:62 and felt more comfortable advancing to the EuroCup stage after the first game. In the second game Unics flew to 6-0 run winning the opening tip of the game. The Russian squad did not slow down and won the first period 25:13. With 29-17 in the second frame Unics felt the taste of victory as Sokolov sent the teams to the lockers for 54:30.
Zamanskiy made it 65:35 early in the third and it became clear that there would not be any upset for the favorites. Tariq Kirksay closed the frame at 75:40 with a lay-up. In the last quarter Energa Czarni could not clap the door and catch the train leaving to another round. Unics led the game to a 89:50 and advanced to the next stage.

Unics: Marko Popovic 17, Tariq Kirksay 17, Vladzimir Veremeenko 14+11 rebs, Terrell Lyday 13
Energa Czarni: Jason Straight 16, Marcin Sroka (199-F-81, agency: Promotex) 8


Tartu Rock - Basket Swans 75:60

Tartu Rock won Game 2 of of their EuroCup qualifier over the Austrain Basket Swans 75:60. The latter however advanced to the next stage due to the more confident win in Game 1. Basket Swans defeated Tartu Rock in Gmunden in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. Trailing 24:25 after the opening quarter Austrian team looked better in the next three periods and sealed 86:64 victory. Basket Swans wins 146-139 as a total of two games.
Tanoka Beard (205-F/C-71, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) closed 5-0 run from the hosts that flew to score the first points. Tartu Rock played really well and shocked the Austrian side with 28:12 in the opening quarter when Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) made a jump-shot. Sokk made two free throws at the end of the second quarter as his team already forgot about minus 22 from the opener. Tartu Rock had 48:25 and had 1 point advantage advancing to the next stage.
Basket Swans woke up in the third period after 17-14 in it. Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) kept his team alive for 62:42 after thirty minutes. Kullamae brought the last chance for the hosts at the end for 74:56, but Basket Swans looked optimistic. Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) made 4 free throws to close the game at 75:60. Tanoka Beard led Tartu with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Tsintsadze nailed 13, whilst Doronin and Talts had 10 each. Deteri Mayes top-scored for the visitors with 23 points and Anthony Fisher scored 17.


Tartu Rock: Tanoka Beard 16+7 rebs, Giorgi Tsintsadze 13, Marek Doronin (200-F/G-83) 10, Janar Talts (205-C-83) 10
Basket Swans: Deteri Mayes 23, Anthony Fisher 17



Telekom Baskets - Panellionis 70:85

Panellionis won the second leg of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1 in Germany. Telekom Baskets won the opening quarter, but nothing more and allowed Greek team to win 70:85. Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Brad Newley (199-G-85) and Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) scored 13 each, whilst Stevan Nadjfeji (202-F-79) nailed 12. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) ended up with 12 points and Artur Kolodziejski (195-F/G-79) posted 10. Panellionis wins 154-124 on aggregate.
Greek Panellionis won the opener of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1 in Athens. The home side beat German Telekom Baskets 69:54 as Jurica Golemac led the winners with 16 points. Telekom Baskets opened Game 2 with 4 consecutive points and had 14-2 in the beginning. It was almost enough for the total success, but the German side could not hold the lead. Panellionis climbed to 24:18 closing the first frame. The things got worse for the hosts when Panellionis reduced to 40:36 at the halftime. In the third frame Greek side took the full control of the game and scored 30 points in the quarter. Papamakarios made it 66:59 after 30 minutes and the winner was known. Strasser was the last to score in the game for 70:85 Greek success.

Telekom Baskets: Earl Rowland 12, Artur Kolodziejski 10
Panellionis: Djuro Ostojic 14+4 rebs, Brad Newley 13, Ivan Radenovic 13, Stevan Nadjfeji 12


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  EUROLEAGUE   


Tau Ceramica wins the opener of Euroleague 2008/2009 - by Eurobasket News
Tau Ceramica -Fenerbahce 80:70

Tau Ceramica wins the opener of Euroleague 2008/2009. In Spain the team overcame Fenerbahce Ulker 80:70 in the fully-packed Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria. Trailing 19-21 after the opening quarter, the Spanish squad bounced back for the first success. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) led all the winners with 24 points. Will McDonald (196-F) collected 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks, while Pete Mickeal (198-F-78, college: Cincinnati) added 15. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) top-scored for the Turkish side with 13 points and Oguz Savas (208-C-87) together with Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) both added 11.
Gasper Vidmar opened the scoring account for the league in the opening tip of the game. Igor Rakocevic however capped a 7-0 run with an easy basket to pull his team ahead. Tau Ceramica struggled a lot, but Fenerbahce had a 19:21 edge after the first period. Oguz Savas tied the game at 32:32 and then the hosts had a 42:34 halftime margin.
The game continued in the same current in the third period as Tau held 8-10 points. Basak brought Fener within single digits, 59:50, but Will McDonald and a final basket by Savas fixed the score at 62:52 after 30 minutes. Devin Smith scored a three for 68:62 as the teams battle in the middle of the last period. Mrisc sank a running triple to get the Turkish side back in the game, 70:68. Tau however closed the game with 10-2 run and won the opener of Euroleague 2008/2009.

Tau Ceramica: Igor Rakocevic 24 points, Will McDonald 17+8 rebounds +5 blocks, Pete Mickeal 15+8 rebs
Fenerbahce: Devin Smith 13, Oguz Savas 11, Rasim Basak 11, Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) 10

Standings
Euroleague Standings
Group A
 1. Olympiakos 0-0 
 2. Unicaja 0-0 
 3. Maccabi T-A 0-0 
 4. Cibona 0-0 
 5. Le Mans 0-0 
 6. Air AV 0-0 
Group B
 1. Nancy 0-0 
 2. Zalgiris 0-0 
 3. Prokom 0-0 
 4. Montepaschi 0-0 
 5. Regal Barca 0-0 
 6. Panathinaikos 0-0 
Group C
 1. Tau 1-0 
 2. DKV Joven. 0-0 
 3. ALBA 0-0 
 4. Lottomatica 0-0 
 5. Olimpija 0-0 
 6. Fener.Ulker 0-1 
Group D
 1. Panionios 0-0 
 2. Partizan 0-0 
 3. Real Madrid 0-0 
 4. CSKA 0-0 
 5. Efes Pilsen 0-0 
 6. Armani MI 0-0 


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  FRANCE   


ProB Round: 5 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Evreux - Maurienne 90-75
Evreux took it easily against Aix-Maurienne jumping on 3-2 in Pro B. On the other side visitors dropped on 2-3. Lamar Karim paced the hosts to victory draining 22 points and dishing out 7 assists. Nicholas Pope followed him with 18 points, 5 boards and 6 assists. Aix-Maurienne got 15 points and 4 assists from Yannick Gaillou.

St.Vallier - St.Quentin 95-81
Saint Vallier grabbed third victory this season mostly owing to Cedric Melicie and Callistus Eziukwu, which combined 36 points and 21 rebounds. Saint-Quentin slipped on 1-4 despite 27 points and 9 boards by Joah Tucker.

Nanterre - Brest 82-66
Another easy win for the hosts. Ivan Almonte shined in Nanterre collecting 21 points and 6 boards while Jermaine Dearman had one point less than him also including 6 boards. Tuukka Kotti added 13 points and 12 rebounds in Brest. Both teams have the same score now, 3-2.

Limoges - Clermont 57-65
Clermont made s surprise beating Limoges on the road 65-57. Both teams entered into this game with 2-2. Errrick Craven collected 18 points and 9 assists for the winning side while Limoges got 16 points from Aurelien Salmon.

Le Portel - Antibes 75-67
Willie Jenkins led Le Portel to pretty good 4-1 in Pro B scoring 17 points and grabbing 11 rebounds tonight. Gabriel Kennedy had 23 points and 7 boards in Antibes but his team remained winless, 0-5.

St-Etienne - Charleville 78-84
The team of head coach Nikola Antic managed to beat Saint-Etienne as a visitor and to improve on 3-2. Xavier Corosine top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Nate Carter also delivered 21 but for the hosts, which now have 1-4.

Poitiers - Boulazac 76-68
Poitiers outplayed Boulazac moving up on 4-1 while the loosing side dropped on 1-4. Pierre-Yves Guillard helped the winning team with 20 points and 8 boards. Kenny Younger also was good scoring 18 points. Thomas Andrieux had 15 points Boulazac.

Quimper - Paris-Levall. 57-81
As it was expected, Paris-Levallois cruised past Quimper on the road remaining perfect in Pro B, 5-0. The hosts are still looking for the first joy. Rodney Elliott netted 16 points in Paris-Levallois while Kelyn Block once again shined in Quimper netting 19.

Bourg - Nantes 71-68
After beating Nantes at home, Bourg is together with above mentioned Paris-Levallois on top with 5 victories. Justin Ingram collected 18 points, 4 rebs and 5 assists for the winners while Gary Chathuant followed him with 17 points and 7 boards. Vernard Hollins netted 19 points including 5 boards in Nantes, who now has 2-3.



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  FYR MACEDONIA   


BC Amak makes another step towards EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Zlatorog - BC Amak 69:78

Macedonian BC Amak advanced to the next round in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying. The team had a road win over Zlatorog 69:78 and celebrated the success. Miroslav Cubrilo (205-C-82) led the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Eftim Bogojev (185-G-80) netted 17, while Aleksandar Sovkoski (191-G/F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Slobodan Agoc (206-C-77, agency: 011 Sports) added 11 each. Berdier Aponte top-scored for the hosts with 16 points and Ante Masic (200-G/F-85) added 15. BC Amak S.P. wins 148-145 on aggregate.
Zlatorog looked better in the second half of the first game and won 70:76. Macedonian BC Amak however overcame a six-point deficit from the first game to bounce Zlatorog in Lasko, Slovenia. The guests scored first five points in the game for 5-0 in the start. Frye closed the opening quarter at 20:13 for the visitors. Amak outrebounded their opponent 30-26 and took their largest lead at 75:63 early in last quarter. Ante Masic reduced to 75:68 with 30 seconds in the game. Miroslav Cubrilo made 76:68 from the free throw line as Berdier replied for 76:69. Miroslav Cubrilo set up the final, 78:69 as Macedonian BC Amak advanced to the next round in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying.

Zlatorog: Berdier Aponte 16, Ante Masic 15
BC Amak S.P.: Miroslav Cubrilo 20+9 rebs, Eftim Bogojev 17, Aleksandar Sovkoski 11, Slobodan Agoc 11

Feni Industri outplays Swisslion Pelister - by Eurobasket News
Feni Industri - Swisslion Pelister 84-75

Feni Industri recorded important victory against Swisslion Pelister in Macedonian Superleague, Round 2. Reining Mac-champion had many problems at the very beginning of this game. The team from Bitola came to Kavadarci to take this one. The hosts struggled a lot at both ends of the court, what resulted with 13-27 after ten minutes. It was serious signal for players of head coach Emil Rajkovic to wake up. Zlatko Gocevski (206-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) stepped up for Feni cutting the margin on 8 points until the half time, 37-45. The hosts continued in the same rhythm after the breather. Goran Samardziev (188-G-81) joined Gocevski leading Feni to first lead in this game. It was 57-56 in 28th minute. Swisslion Pelister couldn't recover form this shock. Namely, they had 5-21 at the very beginning and now they had to fight in order to take back the lead. It didn't work as Goran Samardziev was on fire extending advantage of Feni to the final 9-points. Zlatko Gocevski was hero of the game as he drained 29 points for 27 minutes. Goran Samardziev followed him with 18 points. Giorgi Talevski (203-F-76) and Dimitar Karadzovski (189-G-84, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 16 points each for the loosing side.

Feni Industri: Zlatko Gocevski 29, Goran Samardziev 18
Swisslion Pelister: Giorgi Talevski 16, Dimitar Karadzovski 16

Ilievski victorious, Gecevski and Samardziski defeated - by Eurobasket News
This week-end was pretty good for Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) but on the other side Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) and Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86) suffered defeats.

Vlado Ilievski and his Union Olimpija celebrated on the road against Krka Novo Mesto 73-79. It was Slovenian derby, which helped Olimpija to improve its record on 2-2. Macedonian point guard was the best scorer for the winners with 14 points. At the same time he had 7 more assists and 3 rebounds for 32 minutes. On Thursday, Slovenian champion will take on DKV Joventut in the opening round of Euroleague. The game will be played in Badalona.

Todor Gecevski and his Croatian champion Zadar faced with thriller defeat against Partizan in Belgrade 80-83. Gecevski was pretty good but unfortunately at the end of regular time he made a mistake (back court) allowing Partizan to reach the over time. During these 5 minutes Partizan was better staying perfect in regional championship. Todor Gecevski collected 19 points and 5 boards for 37 minutes.

Big guy Predrag Samardziski and his Serbian team FMP Zeleznik also was defeat in thriller but against Split CO on the road 64-68. He spent 36 minutes on the court having 12 points and magnificent 15 rebounds. FMP currently has 1-3.

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  GEORGIA   


BC Sumykhimprom scored 200 points in two games over Energy - by Eurobasket News
BC Sumykhimprom -Energy Invest Rustavi 90:79

BC Sumykhimprom scored 200 points in two games over Energy Invest Rustavi from Georgia. Energy Invest Rustavi tried hard but could not make the levels even with the Ukrainian side. BC Sumykhimprom won the opening game of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 in Tbilisi 110:81 and had 90:79 at home tonight. Corey Santee (188-G-83, college: TCU) and Brian Greene (196-G/F-84, college: Florida A&M) led the winners with 20 points each, while Vadim Matyukevych (208-C-80) posted 12. Levan Tsekvava (190-G-89) collected 20 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, whilst Zviad Babiashvili (200-F-78) produced 15 in defeat. BC Sumykhimprom wins 200-160 as a total of two games.
Even though Vadim Matyukevych opened the scoring account in the game Radojicic made 3:2 for the guests. Georgian team looked even better in the first and won it 21:19. Zviad Babiashvili improved his team level to 37:32 with 2 minutes in the half. Butskyy closed the curtains at 38:39 still for the visitors. The third frame was the decisive in the game as Ukrainian team was too good for the opponent. After 22-14 in it BC Sumykhimprom enjoyed 60:53 advantage. An offensive 30:26 in the last period totaled BC Sumykhimprom for 200 in two games. Energy Invest Rustavi can be proud of the second game in Ukraine showing good basketball.

BC Sumykhimprom: Corey Santee 20, Brian Greene 20, Vadim Matyukevych 12
Energy Invest Rustavi: Levan Tsekvava 20+10 rebs, Zviad Babiashvili 15

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  GERMANY   


Ewe Baskets Oldenburg looks for another victim - by Eurobasket News
EWE Baskets - U-Mobitelco 77:72

German Ewe Baskets Oldenburg celebrated the second win in the International arena by beating U-Mobitelco at home. Game 2 of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 brought 77:72 over Romanian U-Mobitelco. Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) paced all the winners with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Jason Gardner (178-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) had 13, while Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side) scored 10. Branko Cuic (196-G-78) and Bambale Osby (203-F-86, college: Maryland) top-scored for the visitors with 18 points. EWE Baskets wins 163-132 as a total in two games.
Rickey Paulding led German side with 20 points and 5 rebounds in Game 1 when Ewe Baskets Oldenburg won 86:60 in Romania. Game 2 started with five consecutive points from the home side. Scekic was the last to score at the end of the opening quarter for 28:17. U-Mobitelco was far away to give up and suggested their game in the second quarter. Romanian side produced 25-8 in it for 6 points lead at the halftime. Gibson with a three sent the teams to the lockers for 36:42.
A 23-13 in the third period saved the hosts and gave them 59:55 entering the last stanza. Having 62:55 Ewe Baskets Oldenburg missed a 0-7 run as Bambale Osby tied the game at 62:62. German Ewe Baskets Oldenburg remembered about the first International game at home and desired a win more. Oldenburg celebrated the second win beating U-Mobitelco at home, 77:72.

EWE Baskets: Rickey Paulding 19+13 rebs, Jason Gardner 13, Jasmin Perkovic 10
U-Mobitelco: Branko Cuic 18, Bambale Osby 18

Panellionis-with the same difference in Game 2 - by Eurobasket News
Telekom Baskets - Panellionis 70:85

Panellionis won the second leg of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1 in Germany. Telekom Baskets won the opening quarter, but nothing more and allowed Greek team to win 70:85. Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Brad Newley (199-G-85) and Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) scored 13 each, whilst Stevan Nadjfeji (202-F-79) nailed 12. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) ended up with 12 points and Artur Kolodziejski (195-F/G-79) posted 10. Panellionis wins 154-124 on aggregate.
Greek Panellionis won the opener of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1 in Athens. The home side beat German Telekom Baskets 69:54 as Jurica Golemac led the winners with 16 points. Telekom Baskets opened Game 2 with 4 consecutive points and had 14-2 in the beginning. It was almost enough for the total success, but the German side could not hold the lead. Panellionis climbed to 24:18 closing the first frame. The things got worse for the hosts when Panellionis reduced to 40:36 at the halftime. In the third frame Greek side took the full control of the game and scored 30 points in the quarter. Papamakarios made it 66:59 after 30 minutes and the winner was known. Strasser was the last to score in the game for 70:85 Greek success.

Telekom Baskets: Earl Rowland 12, Artur Kolodziejski 10
Panellionis: Djuro Ostojic 14+4 rebs, Brad Newley 13, Ivan Radenovic 13, Stevan Nadjfeji 12

Giessen avoids insolvency - by Manuel Schust
Besides their first win this season against vice-champion Telekom Baskets Bonn there is another good news from Hesse. Today the LTi Giessen 46ers announced that their financial problems are solved. A rescue package of 230.000 Euros paid by sponsors and a loan of about 150.000 Euros could be acquired to avoid insolvency.
Earlier this season the 46ers had to face serious financial problems and it was not certain wheather the team would be able to play the whole season.
The whole german basketball community is relieved and happy that Giessen, an original member of the Bundesliga, will remain in the league.

Clif Brown out for six weeks! - by Manuel Schust
Bad luck for BG 74 Goettingen! Topscorer Clif Brown (200-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Niagara) has broken his left hand and will not be able to play for about six weeks. The injury occured in last weeks game against Frankfurt when Brown was tried to get a loose ball and jumped into the frontrow of the audience. Goettingen had to deal with the same injury at the beginning of the season as Chris Oliver (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Radford) had to sit out several weeks. Brown led Goettingen in Scoring and Rebounding so far and was the best player of the team so far, averaging 18.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game while shooting 55% from the floor.

Ehingen: Best arrives as Brown exists - by Moritz Korff
According to local newspaper Schwaebische Zeitung, Erdgas Ehingen/Urspringschule (2. Bundesliga Pro B) have parted with Jamaal Brown (201-F-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) after the game against Muenchen and landed another import player instead. Brown appeared in four games for the Steeples this season and scored close to 16 points per contest. In the loss against Muenchen he netted 8 points.
Brown will be replaced by Tyler Best (206-F/C-83, college: IPFW). The 25-year-old center will make his debut in a cup-game against Chemnitz already today. Best played college-basketball at UNC-Charlotte (NCAA1) Paris Junior College and IPFW (NCAA1). As a senior he posted 8.8 points, 5 rebounds and a team-high 3.2 assists per contest for the Mastodons. During 2007-08, his first pro-season, Best shortly suited up for Club Trouville (Uruguay) and moved to Denmark in January 08. He averaged 10.1 points and 4.1 rebounds for SISU. The Lafayette, Indiana native is a good shooter for a player of his size and can knock down the midrange jumper as well the three-pointer. For SISU he hit 12 treys in 14 games in this past season.

John Goldsberry out for the whole season! - by Manuel Schust
Tough news for Brose Baskets Bamberg: Point Guard John Goldsberry (191-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Wilmington) who followed Chris Fleming from Quakenbrueck to Bamberg, will have to sit out for the whole season. The 25-year old had surgery in August because of a cartilage damage. Additional examinations were made and the doctors found out that Goldsberry's convalescence will take more time. Until he is fully recovered 6-8 months will pass by. Brose Baskets Bamberg now aim to hire a replacement for Goldsberry.

Michael Haynes - Tubingen Tigers - Interview - by Aaron Reilly


DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS REACH NEXT ROUND OF EURO CHALLENGE DEFEATING MBC NIKOLAEV 76 TO 70 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It was a typical cool autumn day, but any bad omen with black storm clouds never even made it near the Ballsporthalle as THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS came to work and succeeded to beat MBC NIkolaev 76 to 70. All of a sudden, the long standing disease of not being able to win international games is slowly being eroded as Frankfurt has built a healthy two game winning streak in international competition. Frankfurt next play Antalya in the next round starting November 4th in the Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt. Frankfurt led from the start, never trailed in the game and controlled the game throughout. We really wanted to win, but Frankfurt was simply stronger. They played very well and had a bit more luck than we did in certain situations, said Sergiy Gladyr (196-G/F-89). After two very tough loses in the BBL, Frankfurt had to win in order to gain some new self confidence for the next game against Paderborn. We simply couldnt lose this game. We played a lot better then against Gottingen and this was a good step for us. We were more motivated and focused and had more energy and heart then against Gottingen, explained American Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi).
At times it was so quiet in the Ballsporthalle, that one could of easily heard a pin hit the ground as only 1,030 people witnessed the game. However THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS kept their eyes focused on the court and quickly showed MBC Nikolaev that no one would invade their territory and catch a quick lead. In the first few minutes, it looked like Keith Simmons (196-G-85, college: Holy Cross) was working overtime, because he scored the first six Frankfurt points. Nikolaev looked very sloppy in the early going turning over the ball and making fouls. The Frankfurt onslaught continued as Simmons found Wysocki backdoor and Evtimov regained his dangerous shooting touch scoring five unanswered points. Frankfurt was up 13 to 2 and MBC Nikolaev seemed helpless and rattled. Even though MBC Nikolaev is more known for their outside shooting than for their inside game, they managed their only two buckets inside from American Anthony Wilkins (201-G-80, college: Kent St.). Big man Michal Hlebowicki, who can score from inside or out hit a three pointer bringing MBC Nikolaev back to 15 to 8. However Frankfurt was calmer on offense and were hitting most of their shots. Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) and Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) hit two consecutive jump shots and Frankfurt was back to a big lead of 19 to 8. The nice thing about international games is seeing the young talent around Europe. 19 year old Sergiy Galdyr is one of these very talented young players, who gave many observers in the Ballsporthalle something to think about with his bombs from outside. His shooting instinct is very similar to Ilian Evtimov. However, MBC Niklaev needed much more help than Gladyr, because Frankfurt was on fire from outside as they were launching three pointers from all over the place. Keith Simmons and Ilian Evtimov were next from behind the three point line. Frankfurt led 25 to 16 after one quarter. It seemed like a riddle, why Nikolaev was trailing, since they were shooting 60% from the field. However the seven turnovers were a plausible reason, why they were nine points behind the home team.
In the second quarter, American Derrick Allen finally scored his first points of the game with a pretty move inside. However, Frankfurt was caught off guard as MBC Nikolaev rallied to go on an eight to two run. Gladyr now showed that he also possesses skill inside as he made Derrick Allen look old more than once. Hlebowicki also nailed a three pointer and MBC Nikolaev only trailed 29 to 24. Frankfurt quickly scored four points with hoops from Evtimov and Allen(mini hookshot) to lead 34 to 24. However MBC Nikolaev never backed down as they continued to fight going on a six to zero run. Hlebowicki made hitting two three pointers look as easy as when Derrick Allen is making his ballerina moves inside. Then Olexiy Onufriyev (200-F-82) made a difficult left handed shot inside and Frankfurt led only 34 to 32. It really didnt matter where Gladyr was on the court, he would dazzle the crowd from everywhere. His next showcase was a penetration move from the wing ending with a reverse layup. The confidence that Gladyr was showing with 19 was simply exceptional. However that was the last points of the quarter for MBC Nikolaev as THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS had some extra fire going on a 11-0 run. That was the biggest problem for MBC Nikolaev, not being able to stop Frankfurt on offense on a consistent level and not being able to go on a run when they had to. American Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) demonstrated that he not only knows how to block shots, but he also can pull out the fadeaway jumper out of his suitcase. He scored two in a row and distant memories of Antonio Meeking may have caught up with one or the other in the Ballsporthalle. Pascal Roller (180-G-76) closed out the run with his stop and pop jumper. Frankfurt led 47 to 34. Frankfurt was shooting 52% which was far better than MBC Nikolaev and and they were out rebounding them 21 to 14.
If there was one big attraction, then it was the play of Sergiy Gladyr, who continued to fascinate the arena with incredible shots. His spin move brought MBC Nikolaev back to 49 to 37. However in this phase, both teams were scoring. The defense of MBC Nikolaev was never a factor in this game as they had problems getting successful consecutive stops on Frankfurt and not finding a clue how to close the zone. The daylight that Frankfurt was finding in the zone of MBC Nikolaev was happening on a consistent level. Derrick Allen was getting the ball more inside and doing damage with his mini hook shot. An important confidence booster also was the way Frankfurt was able to hold the lead. Captain Pascal Roller also came up with clutch three pointers. However Frankfurt lost some intensity in the waning minutes of the third quarter as MBC Nikolaev went on a 9-0 run. In this phase, it was once again the strength of Gladyr, who hit from outside and hit an off balance shot in the zone. Frankfurt led only 58 to 54 after three quarters. The field goal percentage was almost identical, but MBC Nikolaev was shooting better from three point land as Frankfurt was in a slump at 35,3%. The rebounding was deadlocked at 28 a piece.
Even though it was a close game, THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS still had a seven point cushion from the first game that they had won. A loss with six or less points would of not been the end of the world, but a victory would of looked sweeter. MBC Nikolaev came closer in the fourth quarter, even if they were lucky at times. A Gladyr airball was luckily caught by an open standing Igor Silkovskyi, who laid it up and in and Frankfurt had a slim 60 to 58 lead. At times, Frankfurt caught MBC Nikolaev sleeping as Anthony King got a rebound off a missed Frankfurt free throw and slammed it home. Little used American Shawan Robinson (187-G-83, college: Clemson) came in and used his opportunity by sinking an open three pointer. Frankfurt led comfortably again 65 to 58. However it was once again Sergiy Superman, MR Incredible Gladyr, who hit a three pointer as the shot clock buzzer sounded. MBC Nikolaev continued to threaten, but Frankfurt was able to score in bunches, which wasnt going to help the comeback of MBC Nikolaev any. Derrick Allen hit another mini hook shot and Anthony King showed new Skyliner Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) that the next practices could be interesting under the hoops as he scored in traffic. Pascal Roller hit another three pointer and Frankfurt led 73 to 65. Sergiy Gladyr did his last good deed of the day scoring a free throw to cut the Frankfurt lead to 73 to 70. He then left the game exhausted and took a seat at the end of the bench and put his feet up. Even though his team lost a hard fought battle in the end of the day 76 to 70, it was apparent too surely many spectators in the Ballsporthalle that a Basketball star in the making was evolving in Gladyr.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS had five players in double figures. Ilian Evtimov led the team with 17 points. American Derrick Allen brought back memories from the first half of 2007-2008 when his stats line almost always read double double, as he poured in 13 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Captain Pascal Roller hit big three pointers and ended the day with 13 points and seven assists. American Anthony King had a respectable game with ten points and five rebounds in 21 minutes. MBC Nikolaev was led by Sergiy Gladyr with 24 points. Michael Hlebowicki added 22 points and nine rebounds.
The two most important stats on this day for THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS were their 18 assists and only six turnovers, which spoke for their discipline on offense and the smart playmaking by Pascal Roller. Both teams were almost even from the field and were dead even rebounding at 38. This was a tough game for us. We did a better job under the boards than in the first game, but it was never easy against Frankfurt since they had so many post players crashing the boards. The key for them was their quick start and that they made big shots and giant plays down the stretch, commented American Anthony Wilkins. Even though Frankfurt won, rookie Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85, college: Drake) was not totally happy about the performance. We played good defense and played well together, but we did have some scoring gaps in the game. The most important thing was the victory and that THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS advanced to the next round in the Euro Challenge. The win also will give the team a big boost with their self confidence in preparation for the next two BBL games with Paderborn and Nordlingen. Rebounding has been the problem in the last weeks, but the improvement against MBC Nikolaev was evident. The team doesnt need to get ex Skyliner assistant coach Simon Cote (rebounding has to do with effort) back for a seminar in rebounding, because the team has Greg Jenkins and a fast emerging Anthony King, who is quietly showing that he can use his potential to his advantage at the professional level. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS host the Paderborn Baskets on Saturday October 25th at 18:30.
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Reutlingen topscorer becomes free agent - by Moritz Korff

Though leading TSG Reutlingen in scoring and being ranked third in the Oberliga in points per contest (28.2 ppg, 2.2 three-pointers per game) Kevin Van Hook (181-G-83, college: Corban) is no longer a member of TSG Reutlingen. With 2 wins and 2 losses Reutlingen is currently sixth in the Obrliga-table. This past weekend van Hook led TSG to a 109:68 home win against Zuffenhausen and scored 24 points in the game. The graduate of NAIA's Corban College is still in Germany and now looking for a new place to play. Kevin can be contacted by e-mail: Showtime1227@aol.com

To replace van Hook, Reutlingen brought in Dre Baldwin (195-G/F-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Penn.St. Altoona), a former player of Penn State Altoona (NCAA3).



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  GREECE   


Standings - A1
A1 Standings
 1. Panathinaikos 2-0 
 2. Olympiakos 2-0 
 3. AEL 1964 1-0 
 4. Panionios 1-0 
 5. AEK 1-1 
 6. Olimpia L. 1-1 
 7. ESTIA Egaleo 1-1 
 8. Panellinios 1-1 
 9. Aris 1-1 
 10. PAOK 1-1 
 11. Kavala/P. 0-0 
 12. Trikalla 0-2 
 13. C.C. Marousi 0-2 
 14. VAP Kolossos 0-2 


Panellionis-with the same difference in Game 2 - by Eurobasket News
Telekom Baskets - Panellionis 70:85

Panellionis won the second leg of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1 in Germany. Telekom Baskets won the opening quarter, but nothing more and allowed Greek team to win 70:85. Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Brad Newley (199-G-85) and Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) scored 13 each, whilst Stevan Nadjfeji (202-F-79) nailed 12. Earl Rowland (188-G-83, college: St.Mary's, CA) ended up with 12 points and Artur Kolodziejski (195-F/G-79) posted 10. Panellionis wins 154-124 on aggregate.
Greek Panellionis won the opener of EuroCup Qualifying Round 1 in Athens. The home side beat German Telekom Baskets 69:54 as Jurica Golemac led the winners with 16 points. Telekom Baskets opened Game 2 with 4 consecutive points and had 14-2 in the beginning. It was almost enough for the total success, but the German side could not hold the lead. Panellionis climbed to 24:18 closing the first frame. The things got worse for the hosts when Panellionis reduced to 40:36 at the halftime. In the third frame Greek side took the full control of the game and scored 30 points in the quarter. Papamakarios made it 66:59 after 30 minutes and the winner was known. Strasser was the last to score in the game for 70:85 Greek success.

Telekom Baskets: Earl Rowland 12, Artur Kolodziejski 10
Panellionis: Djuro Ostojic 14+4 rebs, Brad Newley 13, Ivan Radenovic 13, Stevan Nadjfeji 12

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  HOLLAND   


FMP passes the test at home over Amsterdam - by Eurobasket News
BC FMP Zeleznik -EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67

BC FMP Zeleznik overcame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67 to advance to the next stage of their EuroCup qualifier. Serbian team was too good from the start and made the difference for the positive outcome. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) paced all the winners with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) netted 16 and Filip Covic (180-G-89) added 11. Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) and CC Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.) ended up with 14 points in defeat. BC FMP Zeleznik wins 143-133 as a total in two games.
Amsterdam beat BC FMP Zeleznik in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. The capital of Holland saw 66:60 tough win but the second game was expected to be decisive. BC FMP Zeleznik opened it with 16:13 as Nemanja Protic made two free throws at the end. A 7-0 from the start in the second was a good continuation of the run that lifted the hosts up. Again Nemanja Protic closed the half at 38:29 that at that time saw Serbian team in the next stage.
A 23-12 in the third period brought 61:41 after three quarters. Dragan Labovic's three was the last in the period as Serbian side started to celebrate. EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam reduced to minus 15 but could not come closer. BC FMP Zeleznik overcame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67 and advanced to the next stage of their EuroCup qualifier.

BC FMP Zeleznik: Dragan Labovic 22+8 rebs, Nemanja Protic 16, Filip Covic 11
EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam: Teddy Gipson 14, CC Harrison 14

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  IBL   


Explosion Basketball tickets on sale - by John Gary
courtesy oursportscentral.com It has been a long time for the fans in the Pacfic Northwest,but now they have something to cheer about. Tickets for the Snohmoish County Explosion have gone on sale for the 2009 season.As other teams in Snohomish County have rasied prices,the Explosion have reduced ticket prices by as much as 50 percent. Courtside season tickets are priced at 150 dollars for the season as well as 70 dollars for the lower level seating. in addition, the six game flex pass is on sale and makes a perfect stocking stuffer.

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  ICELAND   


Pall Axel Vilbergsson is on fire ! - by Einar Johannsson
Second round of Iceland Express league was played sundaynight and mondaynight and now there are three teams at the top with victory in both games; KR, Grindavik and Tindastoll.

Sunday games:

KR - Keflavik
KR shooting great from outside with Jon Stefansson, Jakob Sigurdarson and Helgi Magnusson all playing great and KR team shooting 17 for 29 in 3 point shots. Gunnar Einarsson and Sverrir Sverrisson with solid game for Keflavik. Final score was 93-72.
Game stats

Thor Akureyri - Breidablik
Thor came strong back after loosing badly against Keflavik away in first round. They played aggressive defense and kept control on the game from first to last minute and a 21-0 run in 3rd quarter killed the game, going from 5 pts lead to 26. Cedric Isom had very solid game for hometeam and Odinn Asgeirsson is coming back from injurys. Gudmundur Jonsson had also great second half.
Final score 95-71.
Game stats

Tindastoll - FSu
A game between two teams that had good wins in 1st round and FSu started the game strong leading for most part of the first half. Home team came strong into second half and got a lead that they never gave away and ended up winning 86-72. Darrel Flake & Ben Luber had good game as rest of starting five, all scoring 13+. Vesteinn Sveinsson leading scorer for FSu with 19.
Game stats

Monday games:

IR - Stjarnan
Very importand 81-82 win for Stjarnan away against strong IR team. Stjarnan lost in overtime first round so it was nice for them to get a win with winning basket coming outside the 3pt line with 8 sec to go. IR without a win in those first two games and have big games against Keflavik away and Njardvik at home in upcoming games. Jovan Zdravevski & Justin Shouse with good game for Stjarnan while Hreggvidur Magnusson was leading scorer for IR.
Game stats

Njardvik - Grindavik
A game where Pall Axel Vilbergsson (197-F/G-78) looked like he could not miss a shot. Shooting 8 for 10 in 3pt shots and 15 for 20 total, scoring 41 pts and grabbing 14 rebounds he was simply outstanding. He had 39 & 15 in first round.
Njardvik doing well first half offensively having very good performance from Hjortur Einarsson. Second half Grindavik played better defense and Brenton Birmingham stepped it up in offense along with Vilbergsson and a good win for Grindavik putting them in 2-0 (along with KR and Tindastoll) but Njardvik still looking for a win. Final score 84-98.
Game stats

Skallagrimur - Snaefell
Both teams looking for the first win and Snaefell never gave Skallagrimur a chance in this game, starting strong and basically finishing the game in first half. Sigurdur Thorvaldsson and Jon Olafur Jonsson key players in offense for Snaefell but Thorsteinn Gunnlaugsson leading scorer for home team.
Game stats

Third round is on thursday and friday and then Grindavik will play TIndastoll in a top game of the round, Breidablik will play KR, Keflavik will play IR, Stjarnan will play Njardvik, FSu will play Skallagrimur and Snaefell will play Thor Akureyri.

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  IRAN   


IRAN Basketball Division 1 (Second League) Started Oct16th with 19 Teams - by Mohammad Ahmadi

The teams in this season are :

Pasargad Mehran Shiraz,

Tarabari Qom,

Tarbiyat Gilan,

IranNara Gonbad,

Naft Omidiyeh,

Malavan Bandar Anzali,

Zoghal Sang Shahroud,

Pouya Tehran,

Petrochimi Razi Mahshahr,

Qazvin, Kermanshah,

Melli Haffari Ahvaz,

Saina Kordestan,

Urmia,

Tozin Electric Tehran,

Aluminium Arak,

Persepolis Behbahan,

Asad Abad Hamedan

Payam Zanjan.
Two of these teams will come up to Super League for next season and two of them will go down for Division 2 (Third League) in Iran Basketball.



Shocking News : Saba Battery in being Canceled and Disbanded !!! - by Mohammad Ahmadi
Saba Battery Basketball Club, which is the WABA Cup Finalist -05,
Asian Club Championships -07 (Champion), 08 (Champion) and WABA Club Championships -08 (Finalist), is being disbanded by Saba Battery Company. If they couldnt find any other sponsor for club, this team can not participate this season and one of the most glorious Iranian basketball team will be finished and the coaches and their great players doesnt know what to do for this season because all of other teams have taken their players.


Iran, The Champion of Asian University Men Basketball - by Mohammad Ahmadi
Iran University Men Basket won China 78-71 in final Match of Second Asian University Men Basketball Tournament. Before that, Iran Univeristy Men Basketball defeated Lebanon in semifinal to be China opponent in final match. in that match Iran defeated Lebanon 88-68. To reach the final match, Iran passed Hong Kong, Lorea republic, Chinese Taipei and Lebanon. China, Korea Republich and Lebanon b standing second to fourth palce in these games, can be with Iran in World university Men Basketball

Market News - by Mohammed Malas
- Tony Madison (190-G-71, college: New Orleans) will join Vincent Jones (210-C-77, college: Jackson St.) in Petrochimi for the upcoming season..

The american veteran is one of the famous imports ever who is still playing in the middle east as he went to Lebanon (9 seasons), Saudi Arabia and finally Iran in the last 2 seasons.

- Gorgon basketball team signed officially with the american guard Joshua Reisman (188-G-82, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Gonzaga) to play with them for the upcoming season.

Reisman played only in Mexico outside of the untied states and is looking to improve his career by playing well in Iran.

- The american players Chris Charles (213-F/C-81, college: Villanova) and Mike Brownlee (188-G-75, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Charleston) are the new pair in the roster of Aararat.

Charles was graduated from Villanova University (NCAA), Then he had the chance to play in Serbia for 2 seasons, While Brownlee is familiar to the iranian basketball and in the same team as he will continue with them for an additional season after his good performance.

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  IRELAND   


Stats Leaders - Men
Superleague Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Behan, Killester 26.0
2. Bentley, Elks 25.0
3. Reed, Hoops 24.0
4. OReilly, UCC 24.0
5. Parker, UCD 24.0
Rebounds Per Game
1. Nagel, Elks 17.0
2. Deas, Hoops 13.3
3. Donaghy, Tigers 12.0
4. Ighorado, Star 10.3
5. Pompey, Limerick 10.0
Assists Per Game
1. Kinevane, Limerick 9.0
2. Reed, Hoops 7.6
3. Bentley, Elks 6.0
4. Grennell, Killester 6.0
5. Hadley, Tigers 5.0
Steals Per Game
1. Donaghy, Tigers 4.0
2. Taylor, Hoops 3.0
3. Grennell, Killester 3.0
Blocks Per Game
1. Young, UCC 3.5
2. James, Neptune 3.0
3. Trimmer, DCU 2.6


UCC Demons and Killester extend perfect run - by Eurobasket News
UCC Demons came from behind in the fourth term to narrowly edge DCU Saints 82:86 away from home. The teams were all tied at 37 at the interval but the Saints dominated the third quarter and stepped in front by 6 points in the third frame. However the UCC Demons used three triples from Ryne Hamblet (196-G-85, college: Bowling Green) to recover late in the game. Collin OReilly was accurate from the charity stripe in the final seconds to seal the winning outcome for the UCC Demons. Ryne Hamblet finished with game-high 29 points for the Demons. Colin O'Reilly (197-F-84, college: Post) added 26 points for the league leaders. Michael Trimmer (204-C-67, college: Wooster) was responsible for 16 points and 11 boards for DCU Saints.
Killester needed an extra period to overcome Limerick Lions 79:75 at the IWA Clontarf. Michael Bonaparte (196-F-82, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Coll.of the Ozarks) fired 26 points to pace Killester. Henry Madden (198-F-75, college: Oregon) added 22 points, while Jim Grabowski (201-F, college: SW Baptist) had 16 points for the winning team. Coffee and Kinavan answered with 19 points apiece for the Lions.
The spectators enjoyed another overtime thriller at the Queens University. UCD/Marian pulled away with a narrow 87:78 overtime win against hosting Belfast Star. Belfast led by two points at halftime but UCD/Marian forced the extra term and eked out the victory. Michael Parker (190-G-80, agency: Prossin Sports, college: Springfield) produced 23 points for the winners. David Ryan (201-F-84, college: Siena) knocked down 20 points and collected 8 rebounds for UCD/Marian. Kevin Foley (193-G/F-83) answered with 16 points and 9 caroms for Belfast in the loss.

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  JORDAN   


Exclusive: Zamalek gets Wright's signature!! - by Mohammed Malas
After checking with the player himself, Asia-Basket can assure now that Jordan National Team player Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) will play in egypt in the upcoming season and exactly in Zamalek......

Rasheim played with Jordan in Stankovic Cup which ended before around a week and he's looking to add a new experience to his career...The american naturalized player will join the egyption side right after his participation with the NT in Arab Cup for nations (Tunisia from October 25th till November 5th)

Asia-Basket hopes for Rasheim the best ...

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  KUWAIT   


Taylor signs for Al Jahraa - by Ali Ahmed
Al Jahraa basketball team management agreed terms with the American Forward Cedric Taylor (202-F-79, college: Pikeville) to play for them this season 2008/2009.


Explosive dunker…Exceptional athlete who finishes around the basket. Really good jump shot out to 3-point range and good ball handling skills at 6'8. Flat out gets it done inside and out on both ends of the court.


Awards/Achievements:
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan Forward of the Year -04
Eurobasket.com All-Swedish Basketligan 1st Team -04
Eurobasket.com Swedish Basketligan All-Imports Team -04
Swedish Basketligan All-Stars Game -05
Kuwait League Semifinals -08

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  LITHUANIA   


Gurovic leads Galatasaray over the Baltic team - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray Cafe Crown - BC Siauliai 94:63

Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) leads Galatasaray over the Baltic team in Game 2 of EuroCup qualifier. Turkish sdie won 94:63 and advanced to the next stage. Milan Gurovic produced 20 points as his team won all the quarters. Huseyin Besok (212-C-75, agency: Interperformances) posted 18, whilst Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) collected 12 points and 14 rebounds. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) ended up with 13 points and Andrius Slezas (200-F-75) scored 12. Galatasaray Cafe Crown wins 167-136 on aggregate.
On October BC Siauliai and Galatasaray tied in Lithuania in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. Gintautas Vileita scored a free throw for 73:73 as the teams will get ready for another battle. At home the Turkish side was too good from the start. Huseyin Besok with a lay-up made it 22:18 closing the opening quarter. The game was done in the second period after 29-13 in the frame. Again Huseyin Besok made it 51:31 at the halftime. In the third period BC Siauliai could not struggle anymore. Lithuanian team scored last in the quarter but trailed 47:77 at that time. With 17-16 Galatasaray Cafe Crown finished the EuroCup qualifier Round 1 and advanced to the next stage.

Galatasaray Cafe Crown: Milan Gurovic 20, Huseyin Besok 18, Dejan Milojevic 12+14 rebs
BC Siauliai: Gintaras Kadziulis 13, Andrius Slezas 12

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  LUXEMBOURG   


Sparta(2-1) sneeks past Contern(0-3) for 4 point overtime victory! Struggling Heffingen falls to 0-3! - by Alex Meyers

Contern and Heffingen find themselves on bottom of the DBBL barrel with identical 0-3 records after three weeks of play. Here is the scoop:

Sparta 79 - Contern 75 1OT

Bertrange, Luxembourg
Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) took over in regulation to send the game to overtime and played hero in extra time to bring his club to their 2nd win of the DBBL season. Smith and Sparta were not to be denied a home win despite being down by as many as 14 points mid way thru the third quarter. Contern showed they are capable of playing well this season but could not retain the late game lead losing it in overtime as Smith took over. Smith, top scorer for the entire weekend did not let his team down as usual, topped with 32 points while adding 5 assists and 3 steals. Christian Wulff gave 12 points and 6 assists. Sparta's balance and bench were the keys to this win with Engel, De Marchi, Nittler and Palumbo scoring 7 points each. However, Sparta's poor 3 point shooting, free throw shooting and rebounding were the three main reasons for their struggle throughout the match.

Brandon Gary (202-F-83, college: Hutchinson JC) had a superb match for Contern with 26 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 3 steals. Eric Jeitz was not too shabby adding 23 points. Ken Diederich couldn't buy a basket and was held to 3 points. Yves Braun and Gilles Becker also struggled in scoring with only 3 and 4 points. When these three veterans don't score, Contern will have difficulty to win in the DBBL. Sparta travels to Mersch to face undefeated Black Star for the game of the week on Saturday, October 25th and Contern will host Racing.

Sparta: 28 field goals, 10 three pointers, 13 for 21 free throws, 35 rebounds, 19 fouls and 14 turnovers
Wulff 12, Smith 32, Klein 2, Hublart 3, Engel 7, also De Marchi 7, Hoffmann 2, Palumbo 7, Nittler 7.

Nittler fouled out at 38'
Contern: 29 field goals, 4 three pointers, 13 for 16 free throws, 37 rebounds, 18 fouls and 16 turnovers
Gary 26, Fasbender 10, Bissener 6, Becker 4, Jeitz 23, also Torres, Florentin, Diederich 3 and Braun 3.

Score by quarters: 1st Q 21-21, Halftime 32-40, 3rd Q 55-59, 4th Q 70-70, 1OT Final 79-75
245 Spectators

Heffingen 63 - Residence 78


Heffingen dropped its third straight loss at the hands of visting Residence. The home squad never had the lead and were down by as many as 25 points mid 4th quarter. Jay Anderson (206-F-81, college: Oregon) led all scorers with 26 for Heffingen. He also grabbed 11 defensive rebounds(no offensive), had a blocked shot and 2 steals getting little help from his young and inexperienced teammates. Anderson shot 10/10 from the charity stripe 2/3 from 3 point line and a respectful 6/12 from the field. The rest of his teammates went 3/18 from beyond the arc for a miserable 16%. Heffingen learned that they have to play more with their import player if they want to win in the DBBL.


Residence had three key players contribute majorly in the scoring category. Residence's Pit Koster, who is playing with a mask because of a broken nose, led his team with 26, followed by William Brand (196-F-80, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Albany) and Frank Mangen with 16 points each. Residence's key to vicory was their 25 defensive rebounds. They superbly kept Hefingen off the offensive glass.

Heffingen must travel to Remich to play at Musel Pikes(ouch!*#&!) Residence will play host to Amicale on Saturday, October 25th!

Heffingen: 18 field goals, 5 three pointers, 22 for 37 free throws, 23 fouls and 9 turnovers
J.Thesen 7, D.Weyrich 3, Zender 3, Anderson 28, Scholtus 5, also M.Weyrich, Hetto 8, Feltes 3, K.Thesen 4 and C.Weyrich 2
Unsportsmanlike fouls 34' & 37' D. Weyrich, Technical fouls 34' & 36' C. Weyrich, D. Weyrich fouled out 37'
Residence: 27 field goals, 7 three pointers, 17 for 23 free throws, 32 rebounds, 19 fouls and 19 turnovers
Brand 16, Koster 26, F.Mangen 16, Julien 8, Abdiu 5, also Felten, Bichel 3, Hemmen, S. Mangen, Kayser 2 and Leschek 2

Score by quarters: 1st Q 16-23, Halftime 30-40, 3rd Q 41-58, Final 63-78
130 Spectators



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


Ivan Koljevic moves to Cherkassy Monkeys - by Eurobasket News
Ukrainian team Cherkassy Monkeys announced signing of Montenegrin point guard Ivan Koljevic (186-G-84). 24-year old player spent last season in Russian team Ural Great Perm. He appeared 21 times in Russian Superleague averaging 7.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg and 1.4 apg. He also played 9 games in FIBA EuroCup recording 8.7 ppg, 2 rpg and 2.7 apg. His Ural managed to reach play-off semifinals as well as FIBA EuroCup quarterfinals. During the summer Koljevic played for Montenegrin National Team on European Championship division B. He got a chance in three games collecting 6 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 1.3 apg. Koljevic started season 06/07 in Lagun Aro Bilbao but in January he moved to Zalgiris Kaunas. For 15 games in total in Zalgiris' jersey Koljevic had around 5 ppg, 1 rpg and 1.5 apg. That season his team won the title in Baltic league. In the past he also played for Olympiakos, Buducnost and Lovcen. He was a member of S&M U20 National Team on European Championship 2004 in Brno. In 2003 he participated on Global Games in Dallas with U18 S&M. Koljevic's new team Cherkassy Monkeys currently have 6-0 in UBL.

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  NAIA   


Reigning NAIA champion gets a new coach - by Eurobasket News
Five days before its season opener, the coach of two-time defending NAIA Division I basketball champion Oklahoma City University left on Monday to take a major-college job.

Oklahoma City athletic director Jim Abbott said Tommy Wade, who had been the Stars coach since April 10, told Abbott he was taking a job within the basketball program at Oklahoma State.

Oklahoma State athletic department spokesman Mike Noteware said he couldn't confirm that Wade had been hired but said an announcement could come Tuesday.

Wade is a native of Hopkinsville, Ky., which is about 35 miles from Madisonville, Ky., the hometown of new Oklahoma State coach Travis Ford.

Abbott moved quickly to fill his vacancy, promoting assistant Kevin Morrissey to lead a program that is considered among the elite in the small-college ranks. The 35-year-old Morrissey, a former head coach at Oklahoma Citys Sooner Athletic Conference rival, St. Gregorys, had become Wades assistant in June.
Oklahoma City will host Wiley (Texas) on Saturday in the Stars season opener. The NAIA preseason rankings will come out next week, and the Stars are expected to be in the top 10.

Oklahoma City has won six NAIA titles, the most of any school, and reached the past three national title games under coach Ray Harper, who left in April to become an assistant at Western Kentucky. Harper had deep Kentucky roots, having spent nine seasons at his alma mater, Kentucky Wesleyan, and guiding that program to NCAA Division II titles in 1999 and 2001.

Courtesy of http://rivals.yahoo.com

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  NBA   


Davis Will Be Fine. - by Bryan Floyd
The Clippers said Monday afternoon that point guard Baron Davis has a partial tear of a ligament in his left ring finger, but that the injury won't require surgery and that he will wear a splint and can resume playing in a week.Whew. Go ahead and restore him to a borderline first-round pick. With the news on Deron Williams also positive today, things are looking much better than they were 12 hours ago. It's possible Baron could even be ready for the Clippers' season opener on Wed. Oct. 29

Yesterday preseason recap - by Bruno Baltazar

Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) had 29 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Orlando Magic to a 109-103 preseason victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas), who led the Hawks with 26 points.
Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) added 13 points and five assists, Al Horford had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Bibby scored 13 points and doled out five assists.
Lewis scored 25 points and pulled down eight rebounds for the Magic.

Wilson Chandler (6'8''-F-87, college: De Paul) scored 22 points in his first start of the preseason, leading the New York Knicks to a 114-106 victory over the New Jersey Nets .
Robinson led the Knicks with 26 points. Marbury had nine points on 3-of-3 shooting and six assists in just 16 minutes.
Chandler slid over to the power forward spot to replace David Lee, who has a sprained right ankle. Chandler was 10-of-15 from the field and grabbed eight rebounds.
Devin Harris (6'3''-G-83, college: Wisconsin) scored 21 points for New Jersey, still winless this preseason in North America.

Brook Lopez, playing extra minutes with fellow center Josh Boone out, had 19 points and nine rebounds, and Vince Carter (6'5''-G-77, college: N.Carolina) scored 13 points.
Boone felt a rapid heartbeat at practice last Friday and is being held out until additional testing Wednesday.

Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA) made two layups in the closing seconds of the second overtime and the Phoenix Suns celebrated Amare Stoudemire's return to action with a 111-108 victory over the Charlotte Bobcats.
Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) led the Suns with 18 points and nine rebounds. Barnes also scored 18 points, while Hite had 14. Stoudemire finished with 11 points and four rebounds in 17 minutes.
D.J. Augustin led the Bobcats with 19 points, including 11-of-12 from the free throw line. He also had eight rebounds and five assists. Jason Richardson finished with 15 points, all in the fourth period and the first overtime..

LaMarcus Aldridge (6'11''-C-85, college: Texas) scored 24 points, Brandon Roy added 21 and the Portland Trail Blazers never trailed in a 112-98 victory over the Sacramento Kings in a preseason game .
Rookie guard Rudy Fernandez made four 3-pointers and had 16 points for the Blazers, while Greg Oden (7'0''-C-88, college: Ohio St.) added 13 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Portland made 12 of 25 3-pointers.
Kevin Martin (6'7''-G/F-83, college: W.Carolina) scored 34 points and John Salmons added 27 for the Kings, who lost their fifth straight. The Kings (1-6) conclude the preseason Thursday against visiting Houston. Sacramento travels to Minnesota on Oct. 29 for its season opener.



Jazz's Williams to miss two weeks with sprained ankle - by Bruno Baltazar
The Utah Jazz will be opening the regular season without their top player.
Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84, college: Illinois) is out for at least two weeks with a sprained ankle, Williams was injured in a preseason game at Chicago.
Results from an MRI done Monday morning showed no damage to the bone and tendons around the ankle, but the second-degree sprain will keep Williams out of the lineup for a minimum of two weeks, the Jazz said. That would include the first two games of the regular season, which starts next Wednesday when the Jazz host Denver.
Utah is likely to be extra cautious with the team's young leader, who averaged almost 19 points and 10.5 assists last season and has led the Jazz to the playoffs in two of his three years in the NBA.
The Jazz knew Williams would be out for a while after he was carried off the court Saturday after landing on Chicago rookie Derrick Rose's foot on a 3-pointer in the first quarter.
If Williams is out only two weeks, he could be back in time for the third game. A three-week recovery would leave Utah shorthanded through the first six games. Anything beyond that isn't something the Jazz want to think about just yet.
'We have a system here and it doesn't really take one set point guard to run the system,' said Ronnie Price, who is most likely to temporarily inherit the starting job. 'We hope that he has a quick, safe recovery. Until he gets back, we're going have to do without.'
Price has also been hurting with a bruised lower right leg and veteran Brevin Knight, who came to Utah in a summer trade, is out with a jammed left thumb and didn't practice Monday.
Sloan has been tinkering with the lineup during the preseason and already had options beyond Price and Knight in mind before Williams' MRI results were released Monday afternoon.
Swingman C.J. Miles has played some at the point since training camp and Sloan said forward Andrei Kirilenko and shooting guard Ronnie Brewer can also run the offense.
'All those things kinda give you hope if someone gets hurt, maybe you can hang in there a little bit until the guys are back,' Sloan said.
But none can run Sloan's system as well as Williams, who got a huge contract extension over the summer and then won an Olympic gold medal with the U.S. national team.
The Jazz would rather have Williams healthy for the end of the season than in November. And the diagnosis Monday from the team doctor could have been much worse, considering how Williams dropped to the court in pain and had to be carried off by Brewer and Miles.

Weatherspoon, former Illini star, NBA player dies - by Bruno Baltazar
Nick Weatherspoon, a former University of Illinois basketball star who played seven seasons in the NBA, has died. He was 58.
The university said in a news release Saturday that Weatherspoon died in his hometown of Canton, Ohio, on Friday. The cause of death wasn't immediately known.
Weatherspoon left Illinois after the 1972-73 season as the school's career scoring leader with 1,481 points -- still the 10th best in Illini history.
The 6-foot-7 forward was a member of the NBA's all-rookie team in 1973-74 and played for Washington, Seattle, Chicago and San Diego. He had his best season for San Diego in 1978-79, averaging 13.8 points in 82 games. He averaged 9.0 points in 453 regular-season games and 9.1 points in 31 playoff games.

Miles, former No. 3 overall pick, waived by Celtics - by Bruno Baltazar
The Boston Celtics have waived forward Darius Miles (6'9''-F/C-81), who missed the past two seasons with knee injuries and who was suspended without pay for 10 games this season for violating the NBA's anti-drug program.
The Celtics said Monday that its training camp roster now has 15 players.
Boston signed Miles as a free agent Aug. 22. He averaged 1.8 points and 1.3 rebounds in six preseason games.
Miles' suspension will begin with the first game of the regular season for which he is eligible and physically able to play.
The 27-year-old was selected third overall by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2000 draft. He has averaged 10.6 points and 5.2 rebounds in his career.The historical comeback seems to be further from real now with this waiving.

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


Weatherspoon, former Illini star, NBA player dies - by Bruno Baltazar
Nick Weatherspoon, a former University of Illinois basketball star who played seven seasons in the NBA, has died. He was 58.
The university said in a news release Saturday that Weatherspoon died in his hometown of Canton, Ohio, on Friday. The cause of death wasn't immediately known.
Weatherspoon left Illinois after the 1972-73 season as the school's career scoring leader with 1,481 points -- still the 10th best in Illini history.
The 6-foot-7 forward was a member of the NBA's all-rookie team in 1973-74 and played for Washington, Seattle, Chicago and San Diego. He had his best season for San Diego in 1978-79, averaging 13.8 points in 82 games. He averaged 9.0 points in 453 regular-season games and 9.1 points in 31 playoff games.

NCAA suspends Tigers' freshman center Catalin Baciu - by Eurobasket News
Catalin Baciu (212-C-88), Clemson's 7-foot-2 freshman center, has been suspended by the NCAA for the seasons first five games because of his participation with a professional basketball team.

Clemson is awaiting word on an appeal it hopes will reduce Baciu's suspension.

The term of the suspension equals the number of games Baciu, a 20-year-old native of Romania, played as a 15-year-old for Mobitelco, a club team that plays in Romanias top pro division.

John Jordan, who coached Baciu for two seasons at Veritas Christian Academy in Fletcher, N.C., said the NCAAs ruling seems excessive because Baciu was not a paid member of the team.

'It was more of a privilege than anything', Jordan said.

'I just dont think this is right'.

NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from playing on a professional team, regardless of whether they are employed.

Baciu was a high-profile member of the countrys junior national team. So Mobitelco, based in his hometown of Cluj-Napoca, gave him a cameo run as a bench-warmer, Jordan said.

Jordan said Baciu played about 30 seconds in four of the games, then about two minutes in the other.

Baciu, a slender 230-pounder, is expected to provide relief minutes in Clemsons regular rotation.

If his suspension is upheld, he would be slated to miss the Tigers opening three-game tournament in Charleston from Nov. 14-16 as well as the Nov. 19 home opener against Wofford and the Nov. 22 game at Charlotte.

'He seems to accept that some things are beyond his control, Jordan said. But I'm sure hes disappointed'.

Courtesy of http://www.thestate.com

Vols picked to win SEC title - by Eurobasket News
Tennessee was predicted to defend its 2008 Southeastern Conference men's basketball championship in a voting by a select panel of both SEC and national media members. Each SEC school selected two media members that cover their team and six additional writers from across the nation were selected by the conference office to form the 30-member voting panel.

The Volunteers are coming off an appearance in the Sweet 16 of the 2008 NCAA Tournament and a school record 31 wins. They earned 23 first-place votes, topping Floridas five votes and Kentuckys two as the SEC Champion. Tennessee returns six letterwinners, including starters Tyler Smith and Wayne Chism.

Tennessee was the medias favorite to win the East with 172 total points (23 first-place votes), ahead of second-place Floridas 143 points (five first-place votes). Florida returns four starters, including seven of its top eight scorers, from last years 24-win team. Kentucky, Vanderbilt, South Carolina and Georgia round out the top six.

In the West, Alabamas 151 total points (11 first-place votes) were slightly ahead of LSUs 147 points (11 first-place votes). Ole Miss received eight first place votes and were picked third with 136 points. Alabama returns a total of nine letterwinners from last years squad. LSU returns 10 lettermen and a total of five starters for new head coach Trent Johnson while Ole Miss brings back three starters from last years team that advanced to the semifinals of the National Invitation Tournament. Mississippi State, Auburn and Arkansas round out the top six in the West.

Tennessee junior forward Tyler Smith was the choice of the media for SEC Mens Basketball Player of the Year with 17 votes, followed by nine votes for Kentucky sophomore Patrick Patterson. South Carolina junior guard Devan Downey received two votes while LSU senior guard Marcus Thornton and Florida sophomore guard/forward Nick Calathes each garnered one vote.

Smith, Patterson, Downey and Calathes were joined on the All-SEC First Team by Vanderbilt sophomore center A.J. Ogilvy.

LSUs Thornton led All-SEC Second Team honors and was joined by Mississippi State junior forward/center Jarvis Varnado, Alabama senior guard Ron Steele, LSU junior forward Tasmin Mitchell, Ole Miss sophomore guard Chris Warren and Alabama senior guard Alonzo Gee.

Points were compiled on a 6-5-4-3-2-1 basis for each division. Each media member also voted for one team as an overall conference champion and a five-player All-SEC Team.

The 2008-09 SEC Media Preseason Poll tips off SEC Basketball Media Days, Wednesday and Thursday, at the Birmingham Marriott. The 2008-09 season begins November 14, with conference play set to begin January 10. The 2009 SEC Tournament will be held March 12-15 at the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla.

Courtesy of http://collegebasketballnews.scout.com

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  PALESTINE   


Day 4: Orthodoxi Beit Sahour & Ibdaa Dheisheh to the next round - by Tamara Awartani
Orthodoxi Beit Sahour vs. De La Salle 99 - 91
A tense breathtaking game where orthodoxi Beit sahour played hard from the start to win the game and prove to be qualified to be among division one & move to the next round. 1st quarter started off on a fast & strong pace for Orthodoxi & lead it 24 - 17, while De La Salle started off slow but had better team work, Paul Garorra scored 14 points for Orthodoxi, while Fadi Yaghmour and Labib Faidi scored for De La Salle. Orthodoxi continued to lead in the 2nd quarter 31 23, continuing their game, Paul scored 11points, while De La Salle tried to minimize the gap, through Tawfiq Richard, Murad Bakri & Fadi Yaghmour. In the 3rd quarter, De La Salle gave Orthodox a hard time, but they still managed to lead 22-21 but De La Salle kept playing strong to lead the 4th quarter 30 22 & specially through Tawfiq Robert and Hassan Awad who were brilliant in scoring 3points but not enough to win the game.
Orthodoxi Beit Sahour best players were Paul Garraro, Maher Qassis, Odai Hilal 3point shooter, Samer Abu Eitah, Nizar Jeineh.
De La Salle best players were Fadi Yaghmour, Murad Bakri, Labib Faidi, Hassan Awad. However, Ammar Nofal & Michael Li were missing, main De La Salle players.

Ibdaa vs. Qalandia 80 - 65
Ibdaa insisted on showing everyone that theyre back on track, still strong enough & have the skills to take the lead. 1st quarter tended to have a lot of competition, both teams being tough & aggressive, Ibdaa lead it 18-14. 2nd quarter had a lot of up & downs for both teams, 3points shooting, finished for Ibdaa leading 23-17. 3rd quarter Ibdaa lead it 20-14, where their experience played a role in driving & scoring. 4th quarter, qalandia kept on playind hard throughout the game, leading it 20-18, not giving Ibdaa an easy win.
Ibdaa best players were Iyad Abdallah, Nader Yousef, Bilal HajMeer, Yahia Al Khatib, Husam Obaid, Abdallah Jaber.
Qalandia best players were Ismael Ahmad, Mohammed Tayeh, Nizar Shehadeh, Mohammed Aziz, Fakher abu Halawa, Adham Hamzawi, Hisham Awad.

Standings - Men
PBBA Standings
1. Bethlehem 2-0
2. Arab Orthodox 1-0
3. Takafi 1-0
4. Ibdaa 2-0
5. Beit Sahour 2-0
6. Al Fara 0-0
7. Celisian 0-0
8. Orthodox 0-0
9. Aramax Serria 0-0
10. Ania or Wadi J. 0-0
11. Ebal 0-0
12. Oscar Camp 0-0
13. Islami 0-0
14. Balata 0-0
15. Jensafot 0-0
16. Terrasanta 0-0
17. Al Ahli 0-0
18. Catholic Action 0-2
19. Al Bira 0-2
20. De La Salle

0-2



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  PARAGUAY   


Top 5 individual Awards - by Gianni Pascucci
Ricardo Ozuna (185-G/F-82) was the best player of this last part of season in Paraguay. He was named the Top 5 MVP, the Top 5 Best Scorer (328 points in total), and the Best Domestica Player. The other awards went to Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abil.Christian), awarded as the Best Top 5 Import player, and to Victor Brizuela (195-F-76), who was the Best Three-Point Shooter

Libertad wins Top 5 - by Gianni Pascucci
Defeating Sol de America, 86-74 in Game 4 of the Finals, Libertad was crowned the champion of the Top 5 Tournment. The star of the last game was Victor Brizuela (195-F-76), who replaced well the injured Renaldo Johnson (201-F-79, agency: Tank Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.) scoring 27 points for the black and white team, well assisted by the usual shooting from Ricardo Ozuna (185-G/F-82) (23 pts). The most outstanding players in Sol were Gustavo Paniagua (186-G-80) and Guillermo Araujo (204-C-82), who ended the game with 20 points each. Now, Libertad willl challenge again.... Sol de America, for the title of Absoluer Paraguayan Champion, in the so-named 'Super Cup Series'. This is a playoff between the Liga Nacional winner (Sol) and the Top 5 winner (Libertad), best of seven games, that will start in Asuncion on saturday, October 25.

*****************************************************
  PBL   


Millrats add Young, Hazelton - by Gianni Pascucci
Just after announcing the signing of Al Stewart, the Manchester Millrats announced the re-signing of former Manchester Central High School and Southern New Hampshire University star P.J. Young (6'6''-F, college: S.New Hampshire). He was the lone Millrat to play in all 40 games last season, and averaged 12.5 points and 7.3 rebounds. Over the second half of the season, he managed to score 18 points per game which helped him earn a spot on the All Star Team. He was widely recognized as the team's best defender. 'P.J. was a leader on and off the court for us last season, and we are thrilled to have him back for another year,' stated Millrats GM Ian McCarthy. Anther player who fills the Manchester roster is former 2000 McDonald's All-American Scott Hazelton (6'8''-F-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Rhode Island), who now calls Manchester, New Hampshire home, where he operates a basketball academy and breeds dogs. Hazelton spent most of his three years since college playing overseas in countries such as Portugal, Luxembourg, and Sweden. 'Scott is a tremendous offensive player, and at 6'8 creates mismatch problems,' stated Ian McCarthy. 'He is equally comfortable posting up or playing on the perimeter. He will be a great weapon for our team.'

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  PHILIPPINES   


Collegiate basketball awards at Pavilion - by Eurobasket News
Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas President Manny V. Pangilinan leads an array of illustrious guests in the 2008 Collegiate Basketball Awards when the UAAP and NCAA Press Corps together with Smart pay tribute to the finest performers in varsity hoops tonight at the Manila Pavilion.

Pangilinan, the chief patron of UAAP champion Ateneo and three-time NCAA titlist San Beda, will be the guest of honor in the 7 p.m. event that will also be attended by top sports and school officials including SBP vice chair Ricky Vargas and Smart Sports head Patrick Gregorio.

But taking center stage are Norman Black of the Blue Eagles and Frankie Lim of the Red Lions, who were named Coaches of the Year after guiding their respective teams to the championship.

Ateneos Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Chris Tiu, San Beda's Sam Ekwe, La Salles JV Casio and San Sebastians Jason Ballesteros also earned spots in the elite Mythical Team, the highest player commendation from the scribes covering the collegiate beat.

The Philippine Collegiate Championship League, meanwhile, will unveil its search for the best collegiate squad in the country during the awards night sanctioned by the Philippine Sportswriters Association and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, Harbour Centre, Burger King, Nike, Hapee Toothpaste, Magnolia Health Tea and Magnolia Fruit Drink.

Former Ateneo stalwart Danny Francisco will deliver an inspirational speech to the awardees including University of Santo Tomas Jervy Cruz (Scoring Champion); Ateneos Nonoy Baclao (Sultan of Swats), Eric Salamat (Energy Player), Tiu (Super Senior) and Al-Hussaini (Sudden Impact); San Bedas Ogie Menor (Mr. Extra Effort), Pong Escobal (Court General) and Ekwe (Chairman of the Board); La Salles Rico Maierhofer (Sixth Man); and Mapuas Neil Pascual (Super Senior).

Ric dela Cruz of the Journal Group of Publications will also be honored posthumously.

Courtesy of http://www.mb.com.ph

Red Bull beats Ginebra in KFC PBA Philippine Cup - by Eurobasket News
Red Bull ended its slump with a good opportunity presenting itself for the taking.

The Barakos asserted themselves early and went on to score their first win in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup with a 100-94 whipping of the badly crippled Barangay Ginebra Kings Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

'It was the best time to beat Ginebra because they're not complete. We also caught them on an off-night. So two things worked against them and we just pounced on it,' said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

'We're still learning. With five newcomers, kailangan pa namin ng time for adjustments. But I think we can get there and make good account of ourselves. Our goal is to improve every game, win or lose,' Guiao added.

The Barakos showed marked improvement in their game against the Kings, succeeding on where two teams before them failed.

Despite a lineup minus Mark Caguioa, Rafi Reavis and Billy Mamaril, Ginebra opened the season with back-to-back wins over defending champion Sta. Lucia Realty and Fiesta Cup runner-up Air21.

But Ginebra's streak ended there.

Gabby Espinas, Cyrus Baguio, Carlo Sharma, Paolo Hubalde and Rich Alvarez all finished in double figures as Red Bull arrested their slump as well as Ginebra's roll. The Barakos tied Air21, Purefoods and Coca-Cola at 1-3.

It was Red Bull's first win since winning the one-game battle for third place in the Fiesta Conference against Magnolia (now San Miguel Beer). Before that game, the Barakos were swept away by the Kings in their best-of-seven semifinals playoff.

The Barakos scored some measure of revenge by imposing their will early and having an answer on every Ginebra challenge in the contest marred by the early ejection of Ronald Tubid due to a flagrant foul penalty 2.

After three lead changes, the Barakos raced to a 30-22 lead in the first quarter and held sway the rest of the way.

A basket each by Espinas, Baguio and Sharma in a 6-2 exchange all but settled the outcome of the game at 90-75 with three minutes left to play.

The Barakos controlled the game with a 42.3-percent shooting as against the Kings' 33-percent clip.

Jayjay Helterbrand sizzled with 15 points in the first half but was limited to seven in the last two quarters.

Compounding Ginebra's woes was Alex Crisano's ouster on fouls with over five minutes left in the contest.

Helterbrand made 15 points in the first 24 minutes but Red Bull had two players in Baguio and Espinas with a productive first half, combining for 21. (NC)


The scores:

Red Bull 100 -- Espinas 18, Baguio 15, Sharma 14, Hubalde 12, Alvarez 12, Rodriguez 8, Chan 7, Cruz 6, Duncil 5, Membrere 3, Najorda 0, Hrabak 0.

Ginebra 94 -- Helterbrand 22, Pacana 18, Salvacion 12, Wilson 10, Cabatu 8, Crisano 8, Artadi 6, Menk 6, Tubid 4, Escalona 0, Holper 0, Valenzuela 0.

Quarterscores: 30-22, 51-39, 70-62, 100-94

Courtesy of www.pba.ph

*****************************************************
  POLAND   


Unics escapes from the upset - by Eurobasket News
Unics- Energa Czarni 89:50

Unics escapes from the upset and reaches another Round of their EuroCup qualifier. Russian team smashed Polish Energa Czarni 89:50 to advance to Round 2. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) and Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) led the winners with 17 points apiece. Vladzimir Veremeenko (208-F-84) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) netted 13. Jason Straight (188-G-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wyoming) finished the night with 16 points being the only player for his team to reach double digits. Unics wins 151-126 as a total.
When Energa Czarni surprised Unics in Poland in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier Unics had lots of negative feedback from the public. Polish side beat Russian titan 76:62 and felt more comfortable advancing to the EuroCup stage after the first game. In the second game Unics flew to 6-0 run winning the opening tip of the game. The Russian squad did not slow down and won the first period 25:13. With 29-17 in the second frame Unics felt the taste of victory as Sokolov sent the teams to the lockers for 54:30.
Zamanskiy made it 65:35 early in the third and it became clear that there would not be any upset for the favorites. Tariq Kirksay closed the frame at 75:40 with a lay-up. In the last quarter Energa Czarni could not clap the door and catch the train leaving to another round. Unics led the game to a 89:50 and advanced to the next stage.

Unics: Marko Popovic 17, Tariq Kirksay 17, Vladzimir Veremeenko 14+11 rebs, Terrell Lyday 13
Energa Czarni: Jason Straight 16, Marcin Sroka (199-F-81, agency: Promotex) 8

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  PORTUGAL   


Standings - Proliga
Proliga Standings
 1. Esgueira 4-0 
 2. Queluz 3-1 
 3. Sangalhos 2-2 
 4. Angra 2-2 
 5. Sampaense 2-2 
 6. Maia 1-3 
 7. Electrico FC 1-3 
 8. Seixal 1-3 
 9. Illiabum 1-3 
 10. Atletico 1-3 
 11. Galitos FC 0-3 
 12. Barcelos 0-4 


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  ROMANIA   


U Mobitelco occupy the top position in Division A - by Eurobasket News
U Mobitelco secured the second consecutive win at the start of Division A regular season. On the weekend the Cluj-Napoca outfit overcame visiting Dinamo Bucuresti 90:67. Bambale Osby (203-F-86, college: Maryland) produced 19 points for the winners. Mike Kinsella (213-C-84, college: Marquette) finished with 15 points for Mobitelco. Chris Reaves (191-G-84, agency: N.E.T., college: Chaminade) answered with 15 points for Dinamo.
The visitors led by 3 points after the first period but one of the leagues favorites U Mobitelco denied the deficit in the second frame and jumped to a 5-points advantage at halftime. The hosts took over in the second half and sealed the winning outcome long before the final buzzer.
CS Otopeni also remained perfect at the start as they prevailed against ELBA Timisoara 84:75. Otopeni trailed 21:24 at the first intermission however a storming 28:9 second frame allowed the home team to feel comfortable at the interval. ELBA Timisoara refused to give up as they cut the distance to minimal before the fourth term. However Otopeni proved strength late in the game pulling away with a hard-fought victory. Adrian Blidaru (182-G-85) and Bojan Obradovic (206-F/C-77, agency: Beo Basket) fired 20 points apiece for Otopeni. Slobodan Popovic knocked down 18 points for the winners. Rade Dzambic (188-G-80, college: NYIT) nailed 19 points for ELBA Timisoara.
CS Ploiesti secured the first win in the season as they toppled CS Energia Rovinari 89:80. Arvydas Cepulis (195-G-79) was responsible for 26 points for the winners. Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Virginia Union) added 17 points and 7 rebounds for the winning team. Louis Darby (196-G-84, college: Long Beach St.) chipped in 20 points for Rovinari.

Ewe Baskets Oldenburg looks for another victim - by Eurobasket News
EWE Baskets - U-Mobitelco 77:72

German Ewe Baskets Oldenburg celebrated the second win in the International arena by beating U-Mobitelco at home. Game 2 of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 brought 77:72 over Romanian U-Mobitelco. Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) paced all the winners with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Jason Gardner (178-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) had 13, while Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side) scored 10. Branko Cuic (196-G-78) and Bambale Osby (203-F-86, college: Maryland) top-scored for the visitors with 18 points. EWE Baskets wins 163-132 as a total in two games.
Rickey Paulding led German side with 20 points and 5 rebounds in Game 1 when Ewe Baskets Oldenburg won 86:60 in Romania. Game 2 started with five consecutive points from the home side. Scekic was the last to score at the end of the opening quarter for 28:17. U-Mobitelco was far away to give up and suggested their game in the second quarter. Romanian side produced 25-8 in it for 6 points lead at the halftime. Gibson with a three sent the teams to the lockers for 36:42.
A 23-13 in the third period saved the hosts and gave them 59:55 entering the last stanza. Having 62:55 Ewe Baskets Oldenburg missed a 0-7 run as Bambale Osby tied the game at 62:62. German Ewe Baskets Oldenburg remembered about the first International game at home and desired a win more. Oldenburg celebrated the second win beating U-Mobitelco at home, 77:72.

EWE Baskets: Rickey Paulding 19+13 rebs, Jason Gardner 13, Jasmin Perkovic 10
U-Mobitelco: Branko Cuic 18, Bambale Osby 18

Banvit BC conquers Round 1 of EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Banvit BC - CSU Atlassib 112:77

Wnen Banvit won EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 first leg in Romania it became known that they would have more chances to advance. That time Turkish side opened the game confident and after the win in three quarters led to 67:74 road win. Banvit BC proved it once again beating CSU Atlassib at home 112:77. Antoine Agudio (191-G-85) led the winners with 26 points. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) nailed 20 and Joseph Crispin (186-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Penn St.) scored 16. Bryant Matthews (201-G/F-82, college: Virginia Tech) produced 31 points in the losing effort and Michael Harrison (206-F-84, agency: Interperformances) netted 19. Banvit BC wins 186-144 as a total.
Joseph Crispin gave the hosts a comfortable 3-0 start making a shot from behind the line. Antoine Agudio was the last with a lay-up for 26:21 at the end of the first. Banvit BC controlled the second quarter as well and had 53:47 entering the third period. Right from there the court saw only one team, the hosts. With 31-18 in the third Banvit BC improved to 84:65 after thirty minutes. Joseph Crispin scored again far from the court with 5 seconds. In the last quarter the teams were killing time as a result of the encounter was known so far. Turna made an alley-oop for 112:77 win.

Banvit BC: Antoine Agudio 26, Lance Williams 20, Joseph Crispin 16
CSU Atlassib: Bryant Matthews 31, Michael Harrison 19

NCAA suspends Tigers' freshman center Catalin Baciu - by Eurobasket News
Catalin Baciu (212-C-88), Clemson's 7-foot-2 freshman center, has been suspended by the NCAA for the seasons first five games because of his participation with a professional basketball team.

Clemson is awaiting word on an appeal it hopes will reduce Baciu's suspension.

The term of the suspension equals the number of games Baciu, a 20-year-old native of Romania, played as a 15-year-old for Mobitelco, a club team that plays in Romanias top pro division.

John Jordan, who coached Baciu for two seasons at Veritas Christian Academy in Fletcher, N.C., said the NCAAs ruling seems excessive because Baciu was not a paid member of the team.

'It was more of a privilege than anything', Jordan said.

'I just dont think this is right'.

NCAA rules prohibit student-athletes from playing on a professional team, regardless of whether they are employed.

Baciu was a high-profile member of the countrys junior national team. So Mobitelco, based in his hometown of Cluj-Napoca, gave him a cameo run as a bench-warmer, Jordan said.

Jordan said Baciu played about 30 seconds in four of the games, then about two minutes in the other.

Baciu, a slender 230-pounder, is expected to provide relief minutes in Clemsons regular rotation.

If his suspension is upheld, he would be slated to miss the Tigers opening three-game tournament in Charleston from Nov. 14-16 as well as the Nov. 19 home opener against Wofford and the Nov. 22 game at Charlotte.

'He seems to accept that some things are beyond his control, Jordan said. But I'm sure hes disappointed'.

Courtesy of http://www.thestate.com

CSU Asesoft Ploiesti survives in Russia to advance - by Eurobasket News
Spartak St.Petersburg- CSU Asesoft Ploiesti 69:68

CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 clash over Spartak St.Petersburg. In Game 2 the Russian squad won 69:68 but it was not enough for the total success. Yegor Meshcharakou's effort was not enough in Ploiesti for Spartak St. Petersburg in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti beat Spartak St. Petersburg 79:76 and had plus 3 before game 2. Romanian team wins 147-145 as a total and advances to the next round.
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti started very confident and had 10-3 in the opening tip. Jones scored at the end of the period for 18:11 for the visitors. Spartak St.Petersburg seemed to wake up later in the game and reduced to 28:29 at the halftime. Milovan Rakovic (207-C-85) gave his team the first lead in the first seconds of the second half, 30:29. Blair kept the hosts alive for 51:47 at the end of the third. The most interesting part of the encounter was at the end when Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary) scored for 69:64. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) and Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Virginia Union) however were perfect from the free throw line to close the game at 69:68. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 clash over Spartak St.Petersburg as Romanian side had plus three before the second game.
Andrew Wisniewski top-scored for the Russian team with 20 points. Milovan Rakovic nailed 19, while Blair scored 11. Catalin Burlacu ended up with 25 points for the guests and Darius Hargrove added 13.

Spartak SP: Andrew Wisniewski 20, Milovan Rakovic 19, Blair 11
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti: Catalin Burlacu 25, Darius Hargrove 13

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  RUSSIA   


CSU Asesoft Ploiesti survives in Russia to advance - by Eurobasket News
Spartak St.Petersburg- CSU Asesoft Ploiesti 69:68

CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 clash over Spartak St.Petersburg. In Game 2 the Russian squad won 69:68 but it was not enough for the total success. Yegor Meshcharakou's effort was not enough in Ploiesti for Spartak St. Petersburg in the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti beat Spartak St. Petersburg 79:76 and had plus 3 before game 2. Romanian team wins 147-145 as a total and advances to the next round.
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti started very confident and had 10-3 in the opening tip. Jones scored at the end of the period for 18:11 for the visitors. Spartak St.Petersburg seemed to wake up later in the game and reduced to 28:29 at the halftime. Milovan Rakovic (207-C-85) gave his team the first lead in the first seconds of the second half, 30:29. Blair kept the hosts alive for 51:47 at the end of the third. The most interesting part of the encounter was at the end when Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary) scored for 69:64. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) and Darius Hargrove (193-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Virginia Union) however were perfect from the free throw line to close the game at 69:68. CSU Asesoft Ploiesti won the EuroChallenge Cup Qualifying Round 1 clash over Spartak St.Petersburg as Romanian side had plus three before the second game.
Andrew Wisniewski top-scored for the Russian team with 20 points. Milovan Rakovic nailed 19, while Blair scored 11. Catalin Burlacu ended up with 25 points for the guests and Darius Hargrove added 13.

Spartak SP: Andrew Wisniewski 20, Milovan Rakovic 19, Blair 11
CSU Asesoft Ploiesti: Catalin Burlacu 25, Darius Hargrove 13

Unics escapes from the upset - by Eurobasket News
Unics- Energa Czarni 89:50

Unics escapes from the upset and reaches another Round of their EuroCup qualifier. Russian team smashed Polish Energa Czarni 89:50 to advance to Round 2. Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) and Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) led the winners with 17 points apiece. Vladzimir Veremeenko (208-F-84) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) netted 13. Jason Straight (188-G-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wyoming) finished the night with 16 points being the only player for his team to reach double digits. Unics wins 151-126 as a total.
When Energa Czarni surprised Unics in Poland in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier Unics had lots of negative feedback from the public. Polish side beat Russian titan 76:62 and felt more comfortable advancing to the EuroCup stage after the first game. In the second game Unics flew to 6-0 run winning the opening tip of the game. The Russian squad did not slow down and won the first period 25:13. With 29-17 in the second frame Unics felt the taste of victory as Sokolov sent the teams to the lockers for 54:30.
Zamanskiy made it 65:35 early in the third and it became clear that there would not be any upset for the favorites. Tariq Kirksay closed the frame at 75:40 with a lay-up. In the last quarter Energa Czarni could not clap the door and catch the train leaving to another round. Unics led the game to a 89:50 and advanced to the next stage.

Unics: Marko Popovic 17, Tariq Kirksay 17, Vladzimir Veremeenko 14+11 rebs, Terrell Lyday 13
Energa Czarni: Jason Straight 16, Marcin Sroka (199-F-81, agency: Promotex) 8

Standings - Superleague B
B Superleague Standings
 1. Avtodor 7-0 
 2. Revda 7-0 
 3. Magnitogorsk 6-1 
 4. Chelabinsk 5-2 
 5. Krasnodar 4-3 
 6. N.Novgorod 3-2 
 7. Kursk 3-2 
 8. Naltchik 3-4 
 9. Zaretchny 3-4 
 10. Severstal 2-3 
 11. Saransk 2-4 
 12. Rjazan 2-5 
 13. Lok.Novos. 2-5 
 14. Irkutsk 0-7 
 15. Ural Ekater. 0-7 


Stats Leaders - Superleague B
Superleague B Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Smilyanich SAR 25.0
2 Kalashnikov KUR 17.4
3 Evgrafov REV 16.7
4 Bazhenov SEV 16.6
5 Mateyunas SAR 16.4
Rebounds Per Game
1 Ekimov REV 10.3
2 Karaulov NOV 9.6
3 Manihin MAG 9.0
4 Lanchakov IRK 8.4
5 Kalashnikov KUR 8.4
Assists Per Game
1 Glazunov MAG 7.9
2 Igumnov KUR 7.4
3 Mateyunas SAR 7.0
4 Golovin REV 5.4
5 Bazhenov SEV 5.4
Steals Per Game
1 Peresipkin SAR 3.0
2 Fabrichnikov KUB 2.8
3 Bailey, NOV 2.4
Blocks Per Game
1 Feryabnikov MAG 2.5
2 Yakovenko SAR 2.4
3 Belov, KUR 2.0


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  SERBIA   


Coach Vukoicic parts ways with Base BC Oostende - by Dragan Jankovski
Vlada Vukoicic is no more head coach of Belgian D1 team Base BC Oostende. It was announced yesterday by the Belgian media stating that the official termination of the contract will be signed today.
Oostende suffered three defeats at the beginning of domestic championship. However, the team demonstrated wonderful performance against Russian billionaires Triumph Luybertsy in Moscow 78-78. It was Ivan Paunic (194-G-87), who shined on that game. This decision is kind strange as Oostende will have a chance tonight to knock Triumph out of the competition and to reach the second qualifying round in EuroCup. Vlada Vukoicic agreed terms with Oostende as soon as he finished obligations with Hemofarm STADA this summer. He joined the team from Vrsac in March this year moving from FMP. With FMP Zeleznik Vukoicic won Adriatic league in 2006 and was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Adriatic League Coach of the Year'. In 2007 his FMP became the Serbian National Cup Radivoj Korac winner. Vukoicic won the Gold medal with U20 Serbia on European Championship 2007 in Nova Gorica.

Tamis Petrohemija decided to reinforce its roster after 4 consecutive defeats. New member of the team from Pancevo is Djordjo Djordjic (198-F-78). Experienced power forward started this season on Iceland but as all other players Djordjic also was released due to serious financial problems in the country. Before Iceland, Djordjic played in Romania, Prokuplje, Smederevo and Sremska Mitrovica.

Serbian B league, round 3: Proleter Naftagas to strong for young team Crvena Zvezda II - by Zoran Popovic
Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin-Crvena Zvezda 2nd team 108-81 (34-22, 25-13, 17-18, 32-28)

In the last match of the third round in Serbian B league Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin made easy win against Crvena Zvezda 2nd team. Proleter players made break and 12 points advantage in the first quarter. They continues in the second quarter and on the half time advantage was +24 points for Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin. In the second half Proleter players continued in the same rhytam and routinely finished match. The most efficient in Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin was Dejan Becin (207-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 24 points, great game showed young Vukosavljevic with 19 points and Vid Zarkovic (185-G-75) who scored 14 points. The best game for the guests showed young Filip Sepa (199-G/F-90) who scored 25 points.

Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin: Djordjevic, Pekovic, Vulin 13, Kravic 11, Cuc 2, Dejan Becin 24, Stanojevic 12, Rajkovic 7, Sevic 2, Vid Zarkovic 14, Barac 4, Vukosavljevic 19.
Crvena Zvezda 2nd team: Milosevic 14, Sepa 25, Stevovic 3, Radosavljevic 12, Gagic 6, Rondovic 2, Nedovic 11, Kovacevic, Djordjevic, Dj.Majstorovic 2, Lukic, D.Majstorovic.

FMP passes the test at home over Amsterdam - by Eurobasket News
BC FMP Zeleznik -EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67

BC FMP Zeleznik overcame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67 to advance to the next stage of their EuroCup qualifier. Serbian team was too good from the start and made the difference for the positive outcome. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) paced all the winners with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) netted 16 and Filip Covic (180-G-89) added 11. Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) and CC Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.) ended up with 14 points in defeat. BC FMP Zeleznik wins 143-133 as a total in two games.
Amsterdam beat BC FMP Zeleznik in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. The capital of Holland saw 66:60 tough win but the second game was expected to be decisive. BC FMP Zeleznik opened it with 16:13 as Nemanja Protic made two free throws at the end. A 7-0 from the start in the second was a good continuation of the run that lifted the hosts up. Again Nemanja Protic closed the half at 38:29 that at that time saw Serbian team in the next stage.
A 23-12 in the third period brought 61:41 after three quarters. Dragan Labovic's three was the last in the period as Serbian side started to celebrate. EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam reduced to minus 15 but could not come closer. BC FMP Zeleznik overcame EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam 83:67 and advanced to the next stage of their EuroCup qualifier.

BC FMP Zeleznik: Dragan Labovic 22+8 rebs, Nemanja Protic 16, Filip Covic 11
EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam: Teddy Gipson 14, CC Harrison 14

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


Pezinok and Bystrica remain on top - by Eurobasket News
Nothing has changed on top of Slovakian Extraliga after 4 rounds.

AB Cosmetics Pezinok trashed Inter Bratislava at home 113-73 mostly owing to Dusan Snopko (195-G-75) and Andrej Lukjanec (203-F/C-69), which were in a game mood. The hosts totally devastated Inter in the last frame pushing it down on 2-2. Dusan Snopko drained 25 points for the winners while Andrej Lukjanec had 2 lees than him. Vincent Polakovic (203-F-84, college: USF) shined for the loosing side netting 29 points.

SKP Banska Bystrica celebrated 5-point win against SPU Nitra also at home, 85-80. Bystrica ended first stanza 27-18 after what Nitra took control on this game. Thanks to pretty good last ten minutes (18-11), the hosts remained on top together with above mentioned Pezinok. Eduard Znanec (205-F/C-76) paced Bystrica to win pouring in 22 points. Croatian Ivan Skara (204-F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) was behind him with 16. Nitra, who currently has 2-2, got 27 points from Roman Vido (204-C-88).
HBK Prievidza grabbed road victory vs Dolny Kubin 93-85 improving its score on 3-1. On other hand, Dolny Kubin will try look for another chance in order to record the first win this season. Greg Immink (178-G-83, college: Hope (MI)) scored 22 for the winners while Gabriel Szalay (215-C-86) had 19 points. Danilo Savovic (194-F-86) top-scored for the hosts also with 19 points.

Levice had an easy job against Spisska Nova Ves 94-68. Thus after this game the hosts jumped on 3-1 while SNV slipped on 1-3. Nenad Milosevic (188-G-83) was unstoppable draining 31 points for Levice. Marcel Madaj (200-F-78) had 15 in SNV.

Another devastating victory in this round. MBK Rieker Komarno won over Slavia TU Kosice 116-51 moving up on 3-1 while Kosice has 1-3. Igor Majoros (200-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: SW Baptist) led the scorers in Komarno with 19 points while Marek Jurik (191-G/F-78, agency: Promotex) had 17. Alexander Lutter (189-F, agency: Pro Agents-Basketball Careers) and Michal Batka (205-C-87) netted 16 points apiece for the loosing side.

In the last game of the round Chemosvit celebrated in thriller against MBK Handlova 83-82 thanks to winning triple at the buzzer by Zachary Ingles (188-G-83, college: E.Kentucky). He was clutch player of the game collecting 25 points. Handlova got 24 from Dom Johnson (183-G-85, college: Illinois St.) and a point less by Antonio Bicvic (199-F-82). It was the first win for Chemosvit this season thus both teams have 1-3 now.

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  SLOVENIA   


Amak shock Zlatorog in EuroChallenge Cup - by Zeljko Zule
Amak rocketed into the EuroChallenge Qualiyfing Round 2 by overcoming a six-point deficit from the first game to bounce Zlatorog 78-69 in Lasko, Slovenia, Macedonian team will face Eiffel Towers of BNetherland, which edged Kormend, in the next round.
Zlatorog made several runs but had the lead just twice (25-24, 27-26) and shot just 12 percent (2-of-17) behind the arc. Ali Berdier scored 16 points but he missed plenty of shots including potential overtime free-throw at 69-76 just five seconds to go. Ante Masic netted 15 points including two 3-pointers and Salih Nuhanovic collected 12 points and 6 rebounds.
Amak outrebounded their opponent 30-26 and took their largest lead at 75-63 early in last quarter.
Miroslav Cubrilo had 20 points and 9 rebounds, Eftim Bogojev scored 17 points, Aleksandar Sovkoski (191-G/F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) all of his 11 points including three crucial 3-pointers netted in last quarter and Slobodan Agoc added 11 points.

Dragic shines in Phoenix, Preldzic great in Fenerbahce - by Eurobasket News
Point guard Goran Dragic (194-G-86, agency: Interperformances) and his Phoenix Suns were better than Charlotte Bobcats in a pre-season game 111-108. It was extremely exciting one, decided in two over times. Dragic was on a pretty high level spending 41 minutes on the court, the most in his team. He finished the game collecting 8 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists. The Bobcats got 18 points and 9 boards from Shaquille O'Neal. Goran Dragic once again proved how European guards could be good overseas. As a reminder, he spent last season in Union Olimpija winning Slovenian championship as well as National Cup.

Meanwhile, another Slovenian had magnificent performance during the week-end. It is Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket), who shined in jersey of Fanerbahce Ulker. His team trashed Casa TED Kolejliler 83-46 in Turkish TBL season opener. Preldzic got 20 minutes in this game nailing 16 points including 2 rebounds and 2 assists. He had nice shot percentage making 3/4 FG2, 2/4 3-pts and 4/4 free throws. Last night Fenerbahce participated in another opener. It was Euroleague but unfortunately Turkish team couldn't handle Tau Ceramica in Spain suffering defeat 70-80. Emir Preldzic also was good in this game scoring 9 points and grabbing 3 rebounds for 25 minutes.

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  SPAIN   


Tau Ceramica wins the opener of Euroleague 2008/2009 - by Eurobasket News
Tau Ceramica -Fenerbahce 80:70

Tau Ceramica wins the opener of Euroleague 2008/2009. In Spain the team overcame Fenerbahce Ulker 80:70 in the fully-packed Fernando Buesa Arena in Vitoria. Trailing 19-21 after the opening quarter, the Spanish squad bounced back for the first success. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) led all the winners with 24 points. Will McDonald (196-F) collected 17 points, 8 rebounds and 5 blocks, while Pete Mickeal (198-F-78, college: Cincinnati) added 15. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) top-scored for the Turkish side with 13 points and Oguz Savas (208-C-87) together with Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) both added 11.
Gasper Vidmar opened the scoring account for the league in the opening tip of the game. Igor Rakocevic however capped a 7-0 run with an easy basket to pull his team ahead. Tau Ceramica struggled a lot, but Fenerbahce had a 19:21 edge after the first period. Oguz Savas tied the game at 32:32 and then the hosts had a 42:34 halftime margin.
The game continued in the same current in the third period as Tau held 8-10 points. Basak brought Fener within single digits, 59:50, but Will McDonald and a final basket by Savas fixed the score at 62:52 after 30 minutes. Devin Smith scored a three for 68:62 as the teams battle in the middle of the last period. Mrisc sank a running triple to get the Turkish side back in the game, 70:68. Tau however closed the game with 10-2 run and won the opener of Euroleague 2008/2009.

Tau Ceramica: Igor Rakocevic 24 points, Will McDonald 17+8 rebounds +5 blocks, Pete Mickeal 15+8 rebs
Fenerbahce: Devin Smith 13, Oguz Savas 11, Rasim Basak 11, Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) 10

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  SWITZERLAND   


SAM Basket Massagno replaces Jason McGriff with Chris Grimm - by Eurobasket News
SAM Basket Massagno decided to replace American power forward / center Jason McGriff (206-C-84, college: Mountain St.) with another USA player Chris Grimm (207-F/C-84, college: Marquette). Massagno currently has 1 win and 2 defeats in LNA. This week-end, the team suffered serious one against Vacallo on the road 89-69. After that game McGriff and Massagno parted ways, despite the player had 23 points and 13 rebounds. In his first game with Massagno against Nyon, McGriff had 12 points and 6 rebounds. It was the first European team for McGriff as he came out from Mountain State University this year. Last season his school managed to get into the NAIA D1 final.

Chris Grimm spent last season in Sion Herens Basket. He appeared 22 times in LNA recording 8.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg. It is not the only team in Switzerland so far. On season 06/07 he helped Lugano tigers to reach the final of LNA play-off as well as the final of Swiss Cup. At the end of the season Grimm was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Swiss LNA Honorable Mention -07'. He came out from strong Marquette University in 2006. In the last two years with Marquette he had just 1 ppg and around 1.6 rpg.

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  SYRIA   


TeamUnity to send a tour team to Syria! - by Mohammed Malas
TeamUnity agency leaded by the two Jordanian partners Hend Abu Farie and Gheith Najjar will make a tour team with organization of Syria Sports Company (Owned by Kamil Azzouz and Ashraf Aitony) to come to Aleppo city in Syria in the period between the 24th of october until the 6th of november to play at least 9 games during their time there, The team may go to Damascus and Beirut in Lebanon.

The tour team will consist of 12 american players from all the potisions in order to show their level of performance to teams esspecially from who will participate in Aleppo International Tournament (7 to 14th of November), The head coach of the tour team will be Gary Kloppenburg (Assistant coach in WNBA team Indiana Fever) and the assistant is Bobby Rouse.

TeamUnity roster:

NAMES

Position

Height

MR.GHEITH A. NAJJAR

GM

JORDAN

Mrs. HEND ABUFARE

M

JORDAN

Gary Kloppenburg

COACH

USA

Bobby Rouse

COACH

USA

Jeremy Law (196-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.)

PG

196

Nathanael Reed (191-G-80, college: Bethune-Cookman)

PG

191

Tyrone Anderson (193-G-84, college: Concord)

G

193

Ryan Holmes (197-F/G-82, college: Philander Smith)

G

197

Chad Hendrick (197-G/F-79, college: Houston)

G

197

Peter Mulligan (197-F/G-82, college: Manhattan)

G

197

Clifton Lee (200-F-83, college: Northwestern St.)

F

200

Wayne Oliver (201-F/C-80, college: W.Hills JC)

F

201

William Pippen (203-F-80, college: Middle Tenn.St.)

F

203

Eric Vierneisel (201-F-85, college: California)

F

201

Rashid Byrd (213-C-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC)

C

213

Rob Summers (213-C-84, college: W.Virginia)

C

213



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  TURKEY   


Latest Market News in TBL - by Baha Kurtulus
Pinar Karsiyaka SK Izmir has released Keith Brumbaugh and signed Gerald Brown (193-G-84, college: Providence) (Loyola, MD (NCAA): 33 games: 18.6ppg, 4.8rpg, 1.9apg, 1.6spg)

Erdemir has released Russel Robinson and signed Sean Colson (182-G-75, college: Charlotte) (2007-2008: Hyeres-Toulon Var Basket (France-ProA, starting five), injured in Feb.'08: 16 games: Score-1(21.4ppg), 2.9rpg, Assists-1(8.3apg), 1.1spg)

Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi has signed Eddie Basden (196-G/F-83, college: Charlotte). Basden is well known in Turkey, because he played in Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul two years ago.( 2006-2007: Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA), waived in Oct.'06, then joined Fenerbahce Ulker Istanbul Istanbul (Turkey-TBL) Turkish League: 27 games: 4.7ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.2apg, 1.6spg )
Last season he played in Telekom Baskets Bonn (Germany-1.Bundesliga): 27 games: 8.6ppg, 3.9rpg, 1.9apg, Steals-1(1.7spg)

Banvit BC conquers Round 1 of EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Banvit BC - CSU Atlassib 112:77

Wnen Banvit won EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 first leg in Romania it became known that they would have more chances to advance. That time Turkish side opened the game confident and after the win in three quarters led to 67:74 road win. Banvit BC proved it once again beating CSU Atlassib at home 112:77. Antoine Agudio (191-G-85) led the winners with 26 points. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) nailed 20 and Joseph Crispin (186-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Penn St.) scored 16. Bryant Matthews (201-G/F-82, college: Virginia Tech) produced 31 points in the losing effort and Michael Harrison (206-F-84, agency: Interperformances) netted 19. Banvit BC wins 186-144 as a total.
Joseph Crispin gave the hosts a comfortable 3-0 start making a shot from behind the line. Antoine Agudio was the last with a lay-up for 26:21 at the end of the first. Banvit BC controlled the second quarter as well and had 53:47 entering the third period. Right from there the court saw only one team, the hosts. With 31-18 in the third Banvit BC improved to 84:65 after thirty minutes. Joseph Crispin scored again far from the court with 5 seconds. In the last quarter the teams were killing time as a result of the encounter was known so far. Turna made an alley-oop for 112:77 win.

Banvit BC: Antoine Agudio 26, Lance Williams 20, Joseph Crispin 16
CSU Atlassib: Bryant Matthews 31, Michael Harrison 19

Gurovic leads Galatasaray over the Baltic team - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray Cafe Crown - BC Siauliai 94:63

Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) leads Galatasaray over the Baltic team in Game 2 of EuroCup qualifier. Turkish sdie won 94:63 and advanced to the next stage. Milan Gurovic produced 20 points as his team won all the quarters. Huseyin Besok (212-C-75, agency: Interperformances) posted 18, whilst Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) collected 12 points and 14 rebounds. Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) ended up with 13 points and Andrius Slezas (200-F-75) scored 12. Galatasaray Cafe Crown wins 167-136 on aggregate.
On October BC Siauliai and Galatasaray tied in Lithuania in the first leg of their EuroCup qualifier. Gintautas Vileita scored a free throw for 73:73 as the teams will get ready for another battle. At home the Turkish side was too good from the start. Huseyin Besok with a lay-up made it 22:18 closing the opening quarter. The game was done in the second period after 29-13 in the frame. Again Huseyin Besok made it 51:31 at the halftime. In the third period BC Siauliai could not struggle anymore. Lithuanian team scored last in the quarter but trailed 47:77 at that time. With 17-16 Galatasaray Cafe Crown finished the EuroCup qualifier Round 1 and advanced to the next stage.

Galatasaray Cafe Crown: Milan Gurovic 20, Huseyin Besok 18, Dejan Milojevic 12+14 rebs
BC Siauliai: Gintaras Kadziulis 13, Andrius Slezas 12

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Kashif Gumbs talks about his summer experience - by David Edole
BELMONT - Every summer, Belmont Abbey College hopes its basketball players will hone their skills and improve through offseason play or training.

For senior Kashif Gumbs (185-G-87, college: State Fair CC) that meant representing his home country in stiff international competition.

Gumbs played for a United States Virgin Islands team that won a silver medal in the FIBA Central Basketball tournament in Cancun, Mexico. Gumbs said his offseason experience should pay off for the Crusaders this season.

'Getting to play against some of the best players in your country and in the world will help me here at the Abbey,' said Gumbs, who played last season for the Crusaders.

Gumbs' team lost to Puerto Rico in the championship game, but their finish automatically qualifies them for next summer's FIBA Tournament of the Americas.

A 6-foot-4 swingman, Gumbs will have to try out again to make his home country's team. But he certainly enjoyed the experience he had this summer.

'To me, playing for your country is like playing for the NBA,' Gumbs said. 'I thought it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.'

Gumbs also was thankful Abbey officials, including Crusaders head coach Stephen Miss, were able to ensure his participation since he missed the first week of school playing for his team.

'Everybody here at the Abbey has supportive of me,' Gumbs said.

Gumbs was able to earn a spot on his home country's team by going back to the Virgin Islands for the first time since 2000. He expects it to be more difficult to make next summer's team.

'There's 12 roster spots, so it'll be a challenge,' Gumbs said. 'But I'm already looking forward to it.'

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  UKRAINE   


BC Sumykhimprom scored 200 points in two games over Energy - by Eurobasket News
BC Sumykhimprom -Energy Invest Rustavi 90:79

BC Sumykhimprom scored 200 points in two games over Energy Invest Rustavi from Georgia. Energy Invest Rustavi tried hard but could not make the levels even with the Ukrainian side. BC Sumykhimprom won the opening game of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 in Tbilisi 110:81 and had 90:79 at home tonight. Corey Santee (188-G-83, college: TCU) and Brian Greene (196-G/F-84, college: Florida A&M) led the winners with 20 points each, while Vadim Matyukevych (208-C-80) posted 12. Levan Tsekvava (190-G-89) collected 20 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, whilst Zviad Babiashvili (200-F-78) produced 15 in defeat. BC Sumykhimprom wins 200-160 as a total of two games.
Even though Vadim Matyukevych opened the scoring account in the game Radojicic made 3:2 for the guests. Georgian team looked even better in the first and won it 21:19. Zviad Babiashvili improved his team level to 37:32 with 2 minutes in the half. Butskyy closed the curtains at 38:39 still for the visitors. The third frame was the decisive in the game as Ukrainian team was too good for the opponent. After 22-14 in it BC Sumykhimprom enjoyed 60:53 advantage. An offensive 30:26 in the last period totaled BC Sumykhimprom for 200 in two games. Energy Invest Rustavi can be proud of the second game in Ukraine showing good basketball.

BC Sumykhimprom: Corey Santee 20, Brian Greene 20, Vadim Matyukevych 12
Energy Invest Rustavi: Levan Tsekvava 20+10 rebs, Zviad Babiashvili 15

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Week 4 - Team of the Week - by Andy Webb
Two Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders players feature in the fourth BBL Team of the week following their stunning 108-79 victory at Marshall MK Lions on Sunday.

Point guard Matt Martin (188-G-85, college: Montana) and forward Tony Windless Tony Windless (196-F-70, college: Sam Houston St.) took the honours after a fine win for Rob Paternostros team. Martin drained six three pointers as he finished with 27 points, and added six assists and four steals. For Windless, his return to Milton Keynes proved sweet as he finished with a double-double of 25 points and ten rebounds.

The pair drew praise for Riders coach Paternostro: Tony had a magnificent game from the beginning, and theres no doubt that facing your former team makes it a big game for a players. I thought Matt shot the ball really well, Im not sure of the exact stats, but I think he only turned the ball over twice all weekend.

It was part of a successful weekend for the pair as Martin scored 20 points and Windless 11 in Saturdays 99-75 BBL Cup victory against Worthing Thunder.

Newcastle Eagles Trey Moore (192-G-75, college: Mississippi St.) takes the other guard spot on the team as the Eagles continued their good start to the campaign with a 72-70 win at Airwaves Plymouth Raiders. Moore proved deadly from inside the arc and also from the foul line as he finished with 28 points, five rebounds and four assists to help the Eagles to a fourth straight BBL Championship victory.

Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) continued his fine start to life as an Everton Tigers player with a dominant display in their 88-69 BBL Cup victory at Scottish Rocks. The 68 American poured in 28 points and collected 15 rebounds including seven at the offensive end as well as dishing out four assists to lead his team to victory and give himself the second forward spot in the team.

PAWS London Capital centre Ibrahim Gariba (206-C-84) is their longest serving player, and he becomes the first from his team to gain a team of the week nomination. The 69 Londoner pulled down 20 rebounds to go with his 24 points when Capital travelled to Cheshire to face the Jets on Sunday. Unfortunately for Gariba and his team-mates, his efforts proved in vain as they slipped out of the BBL Cup with a 88-72 loss.

Week 4 - Round Up - by Andy Webb
Two undefeated teams remain atop the BBL Championship table after the weekends action.

On Friday night the Everton Tigers had moved clear at the top after a 72-70 defeat of the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders on Merseyside had improved their record to 4-0. A late three pointer from GB International Richard Midgley (191-G-83, college: California) enough to give his side some daylight and they hold on for the win.

Sunday saw the Newcastle Eagles join the Tigers with a 4-0 record. The Eagles also overcame the Raiders but this time by a more comfortable 73-91 margin with Trey Moore scoring 28 points at the Plymouth Pavilions. It was a massive 29-6 run over the half-time break that broke open what had previously been a tight game, as British pair Darius Defoe (16) and Andrew Bridge (15) supported Moore's efforts.

Elsewhere over the weekend in the Championship the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders jumped up to sixth, making history in the process, as they recorded their largest ever victory over the Marshall MK Lions and beat them in Milton Keynes for the first time in three-and-a-half years. The Riders won 79-108 with Matt Martin scoring 27 points and former Lion Tony Windless adding 25.

Guildford Heat secured their second win of the season by putting together a superb 12-2 run in the closing minutes to see off BiG Storage Cheshire Jets at The Spectrum 96-86. It had been a tight match all the way through as the lead switched back and forth between the two teams until Heat broke clear helped by three-pointers from Brad Jones and Keonta Howell.

Four teams involvement in the BBL Cup ended this weekend as the first round of matches took place.

There were mixed fortunes for two of the league's most successful Cup teams as the Sheffield Sharks progressed to face the Guildford Heat in the quarter-finals, whilst the Scottish Rocks crashed out at the hands of Everton, who go on to face the reigning champions: the Marshall MK Lions.

The Sharks, who have won the Cup on four occasions but not since 2004, overpowered the Worcester Wolves by 89-80 in the Midlands as Birmingham-born Chris Sanders poured in 23 points and snatched 7 rebounds. The Rocks, who have reached three finals and two semi-finals in the last five years and not been knocked out in the first round since 2002, were hammered 69-88 in Glasgow by the in-form Tigers.

An exhibition of three-point shooting by Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders was enough to beat Worthing Thunder 99-75 and seal their place in the last eight where they will face Airwaves Plymouth Raiders. Six three-pointers in the final five minutes turned a relatively tight match into a rout and left Riders coach Rob Paternostro delighted with his team's performance at both ends of the court. As a team Leicester were 15 of 24 from deep.

Elsewhere, the BiG Storage Cheshire Jets also made it through to face the Newcastle Eagles in the quarter-finals after an 88-73 defeat of the PAWS London Capital. Chez Marks led the scoring with 20 points in a game in which the Jets maintained a double-figure lead from the first period onwards.

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  VENEZUELA   


Hernan Salcedo to Marinos, Rafael Guevara to Gaiteros - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Marinos de Anzoategui made another surprising move towards the 2009 edition of LPB, as they have already assured the services of forward Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80), of Gaiteros del Zulia, in exchange for guard Rafael Guevara (194-F-79), who'll be returning to the team where he began his pro career in Venezuela.

Salcedo, Most Valuable Player of LPB 2008 and a runner up with Gaiteros del Zulia, is currently playing in Mexico for the second straight season with Angeles de Puebla, while Guevara was supposed to play for Tiburones de Vargas in LNB but is currently inactive.

Marinos has already announced Puerto Rican coach Flor Melendez, and also acquired guard Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) and Ruben Contreras (196-F-87) via trade from Panteras de Miranda, in a move that sent Deivis Aranguren (192-F-85) to Caracas. They're also trying to get Diego Guevara (184-G-77) from Guaros de Lara.

Diego Guevara still a Guaro, for now - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Guard Diego Guevara (184-G-77) is still a member of Guaros de Lara, despites what was wrongfully announced, at least for now. A reported trade that would have sent Guevara to Marinos de Anzoategui in exchange for Erick Herrera (184-F-80) and Kervin Bracho (204-F/C-78) was denied by both Guaros owner, Carlos Garcia, and general manager of Marinos, Gianni Patino, on Monday night, after the news had been spread all over the country in the afternoon, quoting previous statements made by the LPB's executive president, Rolando Urdaneta, and Patino himself.

When contacted, agent Carlos Sifuentes Brito did not comment on the matter to respect his client's wishes. 'I wouldn't want to trade Diego, but we can't make him stay here if he doesn't want to keep playing for us. We gotta respect his will. That's why I want to confirm that he wants to leave directly from him, because I have offers of Marinos de Anzoategui, Cocodrilos de Caracas and Deportivo Tachira', had said Garcia on Monday at noon. 'Besides, if I was forced to trade him it would have to be for two very important players', he added.

However, after the statements made by Patino and Urdaneta, the news spread all around and both teams got in touch to deny the situation. 'That's completely false. I've complained before the president of the league because of this. We've established a deadline to make our decision and we'll contact the player first', said Garcia. Patino, in a very responsible attitude, explained why he got confused with the news.

'We had just arrived to Puerto La Cruz when we heard the news on the radio. At first, we were excited and we thought that the owner had reached an agreement directly with Guaros. That's why we said it was a done deal to a few journalists, but then we confirmed it was false and that's why I want to apologize to the fans and journalists about this', said Patino.

What's clear is that the possibility of seeing Diego Guevara wearing a Guaros uniform again is getting a lot more complicated. Though the owners and general managers refused to quote names, close sources said that Guaros was asking about Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) and David Cedeno (190-G-83), but got the Herrera-Bracho combo as a response. Deportivo Tachira might be offering Carlos Morris (194-G-75) and Cocodrilos may have put Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) and Rosmel Blanco (205-C-76) on the table, though Guaros might have wanted players such as Juan Herrera (197-F-81) or Jesus Centeno (190-G-85). Time will tell and the next 48 hours are gonna be crucial.

Ivan Garcia out of Duros, could go overseas - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Head coach Ivan Garcia , one of the most promising young basketball coaches in Venezuela, was surprisingly released of his duties by the general management of Duros de Lara, as he was just one game shy of reaching the playoffs in Liga Nacional de Baloncesto after a season in which he's spent the most part of it at first place.

Assistant coach Silverio Leal will have to lead the team against Tiburones de Vargas in Barquisimeto and Centauros de Cojedes in San Carlos for the final week of regular season action. 'Those are decisions often made in this sport and that's why I can't say I'm surprised. Duros has its reasons to have made that decision and I won't question that. It's up to them to determine why they chose to to that', said Garcia in a short phone interview.

Garcia may now pursue a job overseas, just as Jorge Arrieta did a few days ago when he became head coach of Angeles de Puebla in Mexico. Garcia was the assistant coach of Guillermo Narvarte for Trotamundos de Carabobo in LPB and has been a very successful coach both in LNB, with teams such as Guacharos de Maturin and Macizos de Guayana, and LPB, with stints at Gatos de Monagas and Panteras de Miranda.

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  WCBL   


Breakers working out for D-Fenders 2008-09 roster - by Gianni Pascucci
The Santa Barbara Breakers are drawing attention for the outstanding 18-0 record and West Coast Pro Basketball League title they accomplished this past spring/summer. Glenn Carraro, General Manager of the Los Angeles Lakers NBDL team, the D'Fenders, contacted President Curt Pickering about the availability of Breaker players. Pickering submitted roster players, minus Tyler Newton and Adam Zahn, who are currently playing in Japan, and was later informed by Carraro what players the D'Fenders wanted to work out. Attending the three days a week try-outs were: Mark Peters (5'11''-G-81, college: Cal-Riverside), Justin Johnson (6'0''-G-83, college: Mississippi), Allan Purnell (6'4''-G-82, college: Pacific), Rashid Byrd (7'0''-C-81, college: E.Oklahoma St. JC), Josh Merrill (6'9''-F-74, college: UCSB), Zack Fray (6'6''-F-83, college: Santa Ana CC), Jeremy Vague (6'9''-F/C-79, college: Utah St.) and Armand Thomas (6'9''-F-81, college: Cal.St. Northridge). This is for sure a confirm of the good quality of the Breakers roster. The D'Fenders will begin their 2008-09 training camp at the end of this month.



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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Adelaide jumps on 3-0 in WNBL - by Eurobasket News
Adelaide - Perth 93-76

Adelaide celebrated in the last game of Round 3 staying on top of WNBL as the only team with score 3-0. On the other side, Perth Lynx remains on just one win in 4 appearances this season.
The hosts entered into this game strongly. Since the very beginning it was clear that Rebecca Duke (183-F-87) and Cayla Francis (192-C-89) are in a game mood. Perth's defense wasn't on a good level during the first ten minutes as Adleide drained 29 points. On the other side Kate Malpass (176-G-88) and her teammates had only 14. Visitors slightly improved after that but they couldn't come any closer in the second frame. After the breather Kate Malpass and Melissa Marsh (175-G-85) shined at the offensive end. Malpass was on fire, especially from behind the arc making 4 of 5 attempts in total, what resulted with 21-28 in third stanza. Finally visitors were able to see some light at the end of the tunnel. However, killing tandem Rebecca Duke - Cayla Francis once again stepped up for Adelaide taking back double digit lead and later celebrating comfortable victory. Rebecca Duke top-scored for the winners with 25 points including 8 rebounds. Cayla Francis also was fantastic collecting 19 points and 17 boards. Kate Malpass drained 26 for Perth while Melissa Marsh had 22 and 6 rebounds.

Adelaide: Rebecca Duke 25+8 boards, Cayla Francis 19+17 boards, Angela Marino (166-G-86) 15
Perth: Kate Malpass 26, Melissa Marsh 22+6 boards

Kristi Harrower named 'Nivea Player of the Week' on return - by Eurobasket News
Beijing silver-medallist Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) has been named the Nivea Player of the Week for Round 3 in her return to the ADF WNBL.

Harrowers appearance led the Bendigo Spirit to their first victory of the 2008/09 season. The Spirit defeated the Dandenong Rangers 82-81 in overtime at the Geelong Arena on Friday night.

The Australian Defence Force Opal was a force to be reckoned with in her season debut. She posted 34 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 2 steals. Harrower nailed five of seven 3-point attempts, at 71 percent.

The 163cm World Champion point guard said she was surprised to get the nod but is happy to be back on court.

For me Im just happy to get the first game out of the way and also to get a win, Harrower said.

I was lucky that because I had a hot hand my team was running some plays for me to get baskets so that made my job a lot easier.

The team has gained confidence from the win but Harrower said there is still room for improvement in the side.

I think were starting to get some confidence, Harrower said.

The thing is we dont want to rely on myself a lot, we want everybody to score and step up.

As much as it was good to have a win, and to win by one point when we were down in the fourth quarter, we know we still have a long way to go.

Harrower was the highest-scorer of the round, followed closely by Opals teammate Rohanee Cox who put up 31 points for the Townsville Fire.

Sydney Unis Alicia Poto turned in another stellar effort with 26 points to lead the Flames to a 15-point win on Saturday, handing the Canberra Capitals their first loss of the season which bumped them off the top of the ladder.

By Kimberley Lewis for WNBL Media
Courtesy of http://www.wnbl.com.au

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Dunav and Lukoil continue domination in A1 - by Eurobasket News
Dunav Ekont and Lukoil Neftochimk outplayed their rivals in style remaining perfect in A league after 3 games.

Dunav trashed Slavia 85-48 pushing it down even more on 0-3. Once again Danielle Page (188-F-86, college: Nebraska) shined for the winning team collecting 22 points and magnificent 17 rebounds. Nataliya Topalova (187-F-80) was behind her with 16 points and 5 boards. Teodora Petrova (180-G-79) was the only player in Slavia able to compete against tough hosts finishing the game with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.

Lukoil Neftochmik beat Minyor 94-75 mostly owing to fantastic Dionne Brown (188-F/C-82, college: Baylor), who stopped on 31 points and 8 rebounds. Olena Samburska (172-G-89, agency: LBM Management) had 19 points while Elena Yolovska (183-F-74) added one points less. Mynor got 22 points from Svetlana Asenova.

Beroe 2007 took care for another impressive victory of the round smashing NSA 71-48. Thus the hosts currently have 2-1 while NSA is winless yet in A league. Galina Georgieva (185-C-88) top-scored for the hosts adding 16 points and 7 boards. Galina Stancheva (170-G-85) followed her with 14 points.

Montana 2003 succeeded to grab road victory against Toni 07 88-51 and it is the only one for the visiting teams in this round. Vera Perostiyska (196-C-82, college: Florida Intern.) again was the key player in Montana pouring in 20 points and grabbing 5 boards. Ivelina Vrancheva (175-G-82, agency: Ronsport) also was good scoring 18 points and dishing out 6 assists. Gergana Koleva (170-G-82) was a way better than the others in Toni 07 delivering 21 points. Montana currently has 2-1 whiel Toni is on 0-2.

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  DENMARK - Women  


Horsholm trashes Aabyhoj for 3-0 - by Eurobasket News
In the battle between two undefeated teams after two games in Dameligaen, Horsholm devastated Aabyhoj on the road 75-38. A way more exciting game was expected but the visiting team was on extremely high level while the hosts totally disappointed. Aabyhoj scored just 21 points during the entire first half while on the other side Horsholm netted 48. The only real question was how big difference it will be at the end. Kristine Jensen was great in the winning team collecting 28 points and 13 rebounds. Nicole Piggott (180-F-85, college: Oakland) also was good helping her team with 18 points and 11 boards.

Vaerlose outplayed Virum 68-47 improving its score on 2-1 while Virum still waits for the first joy. Trine Alma Knudsen (165-G) top-scored for the hosts with 16 points. At the same time she had 5 more rebounds for 28 minutes. Ivana Kostic (170-G-85) scored 17 points for the loosing side.

Falcon also registered easy victory vs Horsens 73-55. Prue Kenny (178-G-86, college: Stetson) netted 19 while Lisa Olden (188-C-86, college: USF) had one point less than her helping Falcon to register second win. Actually, beside 18 points Olden had 10 more rebounds. Horsens got 16 points and 13 boards from Tina Matthews but it was not enough for her team, who stay winless in Damligaen.

And another comfortable win for the hosts. SISU beat Amager 73-49 jumping on 2-1. Visitors slipped on 1-1. Jackie Adamshick (183-F-84, agency: 22ft, college: Villanova) was totally the best player of this game delivering 25 points including impressive 17 rebounds. Emilie Ramberg (173-G-79) collected 15 points and 7 rebounds for Amager.

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  FRANCE - Women  


Changes at Mondeville - by Leslie Anderson

Olivier Hirsch spell as head coach of USO Mondeville is over. With just one win in six outings this season the club decided it was best for all parties that the club finds a new coach.

Hirsch and his assistant Mickael Dejardin will be replaced by an interim head coach Didier Godefry, who is currently running the youth teams.

Mondeville are currently in 11th place, with the only victory coming in round two against LFB new comers Reze Nantes Basket 44.



Standings - NF1 (Women) - by Leslie Anderson
NF1 Standings
 1. La Roche-sur-Lion 6-0 
 2. Armentieres 5-1 
 3. SI Graffenstaden 5-1 
 4. Limoges 5-1 
 5. Strasbourg ABC 5-1 
 6. Charleville 4-2 
 7. Toulouse 3-3 
 8. Ifs 2-4 
 9. Nice 2-4 
 10. Voiron 2-4 
 11. Laveyron 2-4 
 12. Rennes 2-4 
 13. Colomiers 2-4 
 14. Pleyber Christ 1-5 
 15. CFBB 1-5 
 16. Dunkerque 1-5 
 17. Lot-et-Garonne 0-0 
 18. Mourenx 0-0 


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  GERMANY - Women  


Halle and Saarlouis step to step - by Eurobasket News
Halle and Saarlouis improved to 5-0 record in the German DBBL. Both favorites grabbed road wins in Round 5 of the league.
Saarlouis had a road victory over Donau-Ries 71:81. The game did not have a pleasant start for the guests that trailed 22-18 after the opening quarter. Later in the half as well as in the game TV Saarlouis Royals dominated the court and won fifth straight game. Romy Bar (188-F-87) top-scored for the winners with 23 points, while Fantasia Goodwin (179-G/F-85, agency: LBM Management) added 20. Megan Vogel (180-G/F-85, college: S.Dakota St.) collected 23 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.
Halle meanwhile overcame Leipzig 62:71 away from home. The favorites took the lead early in the first period leading 21-20 after the first 10 minutes. In the second quarter Halle increased to 7 more points winning the period 22-15. Tamara Tatham (185-F-85, college: Massachusetts) led the winners with 19 points and 8 boards. Annika Danckert (182-F-81) had 22 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.
In another games Herner smashed Chemnitz 81:52. Goettingen lost at home to Wasserburg 65:80 as the latter improved to 4-1 record. Freiburg was defeated by Oberhausen 71:79, while Marburg beat Wolfenbuttel 71:64.

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  GREECE - Women  


Standings -A2 Women - by Richard
A2 Standings
Group North
 1. Artemis Volou 0-0 
 2. Pylaia 0-0 
 3. Aris Thessal. 0-0 
 4. AO Serron 0-0 
 5. Aias Evosmou 0-0 
 6. Komotini 0-0 
 7. PAOK 0-0 
 8. Apollon K. 0-0 
 9. Iraklis 0-0 
 10. Panathlitikos 0-0 
 11. Titanes Dramas 0-0 
 12. Veroias 0-0 
 13. Velvento 0-0 
 14. Enosi Kavalas 0-0 
Group South
 1. Rethymnou 0-0 
 2. Panagitsas 0-0 
 3. Sporting 0-0 
 4. Eleutheria M. 0-0 
 5. Attalos 0-0 
 6. FEA Neas 0-0 
 7. Kronos AD 0-0 
 8. Aris T. 0-0 
 9. Asteras 0-0 
 10. Paraskevis 0-0 
 11. Argyroupolis 0-0 
 12. Hania 0-0 
 13. Amarillida 0-0 
 14. Proteas V. 0-0 


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  IRELAND - Women  


Mel Thomas to play in Ireland - by Eurobasket News
Former Mount Notre Dame girls' basketball star Mel Thomas (175-G-85) will continue her playing career this winter in the Basketball Ireland Women's Superleague.

Thomas scored 1,098 career points at the University of Connecticut before a knee injury (torn ACL) ended her college career in January. She appeared in 16 games last season averaging 10.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 2.8 apg. In 2007 Thomas was a member of USA National Team on Panamerican Games in Rio de Janeiro.

Thomas will leave Wednesday to join her new team in Ireland, the Bausch and Lomb Waterford Wildcats.

Thomas was Ohio Ms. Basketball at Mount Notre Dame in 2004. At that time she led the Cougars to the Division I state championship.

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  ISRAEL - Women  


Standings (W)
D1 Standings
 1. Electra Ramat 1-0 
 2. Ramat Hen 1-0 
 3. M.Ashdod 1-0 
 4. Bnot Hash. 1-0 
 5. B.Yehuda 1-0 
 6. M.Tel Kabir 0-1 
 7. Elitzur Holon 0-1 
 8. Natanya 0-1 
 9. Elizur Ram. 0-1 
 10. Hap.T-A 0-1 


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  ITALY - Women  


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


Serie A1 - Day-2: stats and results - by Carlo Grilli

Banco di Sicilia Ribera - Pallacanestro Pozzuoli 87 - 81
(19-29, 45-45, 63-66)
BANCO DI SICILIA RIBERA: Falauto Perez S. dnp, Colico R. , Creamer M. 9 (1/2), Romagnoli A. , Riccardi E. 7 (0/1, 1/1), Jami Montagnino (173-G-85, college: Tulane) 26 (5/5, 5/5), Chones K. 18 (6/8), Moody M. 6 (2/2), Perfetti C. 11 (2/3, 1/1), Page J. 10 (5/6). Coach Anselmo Paolo Francesco
G.M.A. PHONICA POZZUOLI: Paparo N. 2 (1/1, 0/1), Aties Isaac Z. 6 (3/4), Favento S. dnp, Andjelic N. 20 (3/5, 4/4), Aili F. 16 (8/10, 0/1), Ferazzoli I. 6 (3/4), Benko L. 2 , Minervino M. (0/1), Grasso A. 11 (5/7), Dixon T. 18 (6/11, 2/5). Caoch Palumbo Carlo Fulvio

Club Atletico Faenza - Pool Comense 65 - 72
(9-12, 29-39, 47-55)
CLUB ATLETICO FAENZA: Moises P. 12 (3/4, 2/4), Erkic M. 10 (3/7, 0/1), Ramon E. 1 (0/1, 0/2), Modica F. 19 (3/6, 4/6), Santucci L. (0/1), Bandini E. dnp, Bjelica M. 8 (1/2, 1/5), Gardner Combs A. 7 (3/7), Zampella A. 6 (0/4, 2/5), Alexander M. 2 (1/4, 0/1). Coach Rossi Paolo
POOL COMENSE: Fassina M. dnp, Bestagno E. dnp, Hall V. 14 (5/10, 0/1), Mara Invernizzi (181-F-78) 4 (2/3), Slavcheva G. 11 (1/4, 3/4), Limoura L. 9 (4/8), Smith B. 10 (5/9), Donvito V. 7 (3/4, 0/1), Fazio M. 9 (3/8, 1/2), Sarni S. 8 (1/2, 2/5). Coach Montini Walter

Famila Wber Schio - Liomatic Umbertide 74 - 43
(20-12, 31-27, 52-35)
FAMILA WBER SCHIO: Antibe N. 12 (5/9), Moro E. 5 (1/2, 1/3), Kara Braxton (198-C-83, college: Georgia) 14 (6/10), Feaster A. 3 (0/3, 1/4), Pantani C. 2 (1/1), Masciadri R. 9 (0/2, 3/5), De Pretto V. (0/1), Maiorano M. 2 (1/2, 0/3), Ress K. 14 (6/8), Macchi L. 13 (2/4). Coach Orlando Sandro
LIOMATIC UMBERTIDE: Rubino J. 2 (1/4, 0/1), Rossi C. 12 (1/3, 2/4), Battisodo V. 1 (0/2), Giorgi S. dnp, Gelfusa L. (0/1), Bonaldo E. (0/1, 0/2), Callens E. 12 (4/12, 0/1), Perovanovic I. (0/4), Hodges D. 10 (3/7, 0/4), Willis C. 6 (2/5, 0/1). Coach Serventi Lorenzo

Vomero Basket Napoli - Acer Erg Priolo 70 - 64
(29-25, 42-30, 53-44)
NAPOLI BASKET VOMERO: Taru Tuukkannen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) 10 (5/13, 0/2), Gatti G. 11 (3/4, 1/3), Mauriello P. , Giauro S. 7 (3/5), Paterna S. 5 (1/4, 1/1), Gentile I. 4 (1/1, 0/4), Laaksonen N. 10 (4/4), Robinson S. 13 (5/6, 0/3), Stamegna L. dnp, Dos Santos C. 10 (4/8). Coach Fossati Fabio
ACER ERG PRIOLO: Gianolla A. 12 (1/6, 0/1), Bonfiglio S. 2 (1/3, 0/1), Green D. 13 (5/11, 1/2), Milazzo O. (0/1), Cirov T. 4 (2/3, 0/2), Cesnaviciute K. dnp, Seino T. 2 (1/2, 0/2), Sciacca B. 9 (2/3, 1/5), Pascalau F. 22 (8/14), Bona G. dnp. Coach Coppa Santino

Umana Venezia - Bracco Geas Sesto San Giovanni 64 - 57
(14-14, 26-30, 42-43)
UMANA VENEZIA: Corradini L. , Sottana G. 5 (1/3, 1/5), Ballardini S. 3 (0/5, 1/5), Mariangela Cirone (171-G-76) 14 (2/3, 2/4), Andrade M. 5 (1/5, 1/1), Nadalin J. 4 (2/7), Giauro E. 2 (1/1), Jokic D. 8 (3/6), Vujovic A. 6 (0/1, 2/5), Hayden V. 17 (8/11. Coach Riga Massimo
BRACCO GEAS SESTO SAN GIOVANNI: Arturi G. (0/2), Tillis I. 17 (4/14, 1/5), Genta J. dnp, Penicheiro T. 9 (3/8, 0/1), Zanon M. 5 (1/4, 1/2), Calastri A. dnp, Twehues K. 6 (1/1, 1/4), Crippa M. 3 (1/4), Frantini M. 2 (1/2), Machanguana C. 15 (6/12). Coach Galli Roberto

Lavezzini Parma - Cras Basket Taranto 76 - 67
(16-6, 37-21, 44-38)
LAVEZZINI PARMA: Stabile S. 2 (0/1), Pieropan I. dnp, Paparazzo E. 5 (1/1, 1/1), Zanoni I. 13 (4/9, 0/1), Zara F. 15 (0/3, 3/4), Vilipic D. 14 (4/6), Laura Summerton (191-C-83) 14 (5/8, 1/2), Porter N. 4 (2/3, 0/3), Screen J. 9 (0/1, 1/5), Pozzati A. dnp. Coach Scanzani Maurizio
CRAS BASKET TARANTO: Mahoney M. 20 (6/7, 1/4), Siccardi V. dnp, Bello M. (0/1), Zimerle A. 17 (1/5, 5/8), Sauret Gillespie A. 2 (1/4), David I. 2 (1/2), Prado F. (0/2), Godin E. 6 (3/7, 0/1), Batkovic S. 12 (2/6, 2/5), Greco M. 8 (1/5, 1/4). Coach Ricchini Roberto

Gescom MCI Viterbo - Women Basket Livorno 48-60

(16-18, 26-29, 32-46)
GESCOM MCI VITERBO: Micovic M. 5 , Magaddino E. 2 , Arioli C. 4 , Franchetti M. 4 , Brown A. 11 , Piroli V. dnp, Morris A. 6 , Bade K. 12 , Danzi D. 4 , Nicolini E. dnp. Coach Agresti Claudio
WOMEN BASKET LIVORNO: Franchini M. 4 , Pastore C. 11 , Pavicevic B. 8 , Hairston K. 7 , Buccianti E. 6 , Francesca Mariani (188-F-85) 6 , Gaither K. 7 , Bagnara B. 5 , Montagna S. dnp, Ruzickova M. 6. Coach Papini Giovanni


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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Basket Esch win twice over the week - by Eurobasket News
The DBBL defending champions Basket Esch registered two victories during the last weeks action. First the league favorites overcame Amicale 83:55 at home. The visitors challenged Basket Esch in the first half. The teams exchanged the blows with the hosts leading by just 4 points at the interval. However Basket Esch was a different team after the long break as they surged ahead and piled up a 20-point advantage before the fourth quarter. Amicale did not find a proper answer for this rally and lost the battle at the end. Alicia Gladden (180-F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Florida St.) fired 16 points and pulled down 9 boards for Basket Esch. Gaelle Pousseur (182-F/C-82) contributed 15 points, while Ninon Sitz (180-G/F-88) added 12 for the winners. Lisa Lee (183-F-84, college: Charleston So.) answered with 20 points and 9 boards for Amicale.
T71 Dudelange became another victim of Basket Esch as they surrendered 54:58 on the weekend. Alicia Gladden came up with 21 points and 7 boards for the winners. Gaelle Pousseur contributed 13 points as Basket Esch improved to 5-0 record. Alexandra Kugener (178-F/C-83) replied with 14 points for T71. Melissa Dennett (188-F-83, college: Colorado St.) had 12 points and 20 boards in the loss.
Etzella maintained their perfect record with a cruising victory against Amicale 81:61. Katie Donovan (183-F-82) exploded with game-high 34 points to pace Etzella to the fourth straight success. Joelle Agnes (182-F/C-88) dropped 12 points for the winning team. Tina Fehlen (179-F/C-89) responded with 13 points for Amicale.

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  NCAA1 - Women  


SU guard Cintia Johnson will miss senior season - by Eurobasket News
Cintia Johnson (5'4''-G-87), the scrappy, former starting point guard for Syracuse University's women's basketball team, will forgo her senior season. 7Johnson Johnson released a statement through SU that she will graduate early, in December, and then 'focus on my family.' She is expecting a child in January, according to SU officials.

'My experience at Syracuse was a wonderful one that prepared me for a bright future both personally and professionally,' she stated. 'I wish my teammates the best of luck in the future.'

Johnson said she plans on pursuing a professional basketball career overseas at a later date.

The Syracuse native starred at Nottingham High School for six seasons - amassing 1,169 points, 742 assists and 640 steals - before taking her game to SU in 2005.

The 5-foot-4 guard played in 26 of 27 games her freshman season, drawing 18 starts, before starting all 29 games as a sophomore. That season, she averaged 32.9 minutes, 4.8 points, 3.9 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game.

Last year, Johnson returned to a reserve role as the Orange won 22 games - the most in program history - and made the NCAA Tournament for only the fourth time. Her numbers dropped to 13.3 minutes, 0.9 points, 1.6 assists and 1.2 rebounds per game.

Johnson's departure reduces SU's number of currently available players from 15 to 11 with the start of the season looming Nov. 14 at Siena.

Last week, junior college transfer Lynnise Nixon (Monroe Community College) tore her left Achilles tendon and is feared lost for the season. Head coach Quentin Hillsman also announced that two members of his top-15 ranked incoming freshman class are still at home awaiting initial academic clearance.

Those two, Shakeya Leary, of New York City, and Lynnae Lampkins, of Upper Marlboro, Md., are expected to be on campus at the beginning of the second semester, when they will become eligible to play immediately.

Johnson's loss will not impact the starting five, but may provide more opportunity for Chanieka Williams to back up starting point guard Tasha Harris. Williams, a 5-9 guard from Seattle, is a redshirt freshman, having sat out last year recovering from ACL surgery to her right knee.

Starting guard Erica Morrow also can play the point, as can acclaimed junior college transfer Juanita Ward and Tyler Ash, the All-Central New York player of the year last season out of Liverpool. Ash, a point guard in high school, has been working out more at the shooting guard and small forward positions in the preseason.

Courtesy of http://www.syracuse.com

CD's Thomas picks Maryland - by Eurobasket News
One of the best young high school players in Pennsylvania chose a newcomer to the upper echelon of women's college basketball as her next stop.

Central Dauphin jun ior Alyssa Thomas gave University of Maryland coach Brenda Frese a ver bal commit ment last weekend following her second unofficial visit to the College Park campus.

'I just felt I was ready,' said the 6-1 Thomas, who averaged 18.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, four assists and four steals a game last season as a sophomore for the PIAA Class AAAA champion Rams.

'I was getting tired of all the e-mails and mail. It started Sept. 1 and from the first day it was ridiculous. So I decided to get it over with before the season started.'

Thomas said the only other school she seriously considered was Penn State, although the guard-forward pretty much had her choice of schools.

'She was getting attention from schools nationally,' Central Dauphin coach Bill Wolf said. 'She was always going to stay relatively close to home. I think this is a great fit for her.

'What makes her a special player is she makes the players around her better.'

As a freshman it was pretty clear Thomas had all the tools. But it was her sophomore season, and plenty of offseason ball, that put Thomas on the map.

There were a couple of state playoff games that showed what lie ahead. Against arguably the top defensive team in the state, Downingtown East, Thomas dropped in 30 points, pulled down 10 boards and recorded four blocks in a seven-point victory.

A couple weeks later she followed that up with 18 points and 18 rebounds in the state championship, as the Rams rallied from a double-digit deficit early in the second half to claim a seven-point win over Mt. Lebanon.

Thomas was originally offered a scholarship by Frese during an unofficial visit this past summer and the CD junior 'was very surprised.'

After all, Maryland has quickly climbed to the upper echelon of women's college basketball, having won a national championship in 2006 and advanced to the Elite Eight in 2008. The Terps enter the 2008-09 ranked No. 6 in the nation in Athlon's preseason poll.

And initial indications had Thomas taking her time to make this decision. But once the recruiting hurricane hit category five status last month, the landscape changed.

'I never would have expected a school [like Maryland] to offer me. I was very excited,' said Thomas, a first-team all-state selection who is 92 points shy of reaching 1,000 for her career.

'It just felt right. I liked all the girls, the school and everything in general. I loved it and want to be part of it.'

Courtesy of http://www.pennlive.com

Nicky Anosike named 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year - by Eurobasket News
The NCAA announced that Minnesota Lynx forward and former University of Tennessee standout Nicky Anosike (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) has been named the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year.

Anosike becomes just the second basketball player to win the award since its inception in 1991, the other being former University of Connecticut star Rebecca Lobo in 1995. Anosike received the award--one of the most prestigious that the NCAA bestows--at the 18th annual NCAA Woman of the Year Awards Dinner at the Murat Centre Egyptian Room in Indianapolis, Indiana. Accepting the award on her behalf was her mother, Ngozi Anosike and her head coach at Tennessee, Pat Summitt. Anosike is currently playing in Israel for Elitzur Ramle of the Israeli women's league.

The NCAA Woman of the Year Award honors senior student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership. Applicants submitted a personal statement describing benefits she has gained from her experience as a student-athlete. To be eligible for this honor, female student-athletes must have earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and competed during the 2007-08 academic year. Each individual must have completed intercollegiate eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2008 spring season and carry a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5.

'I am truly honored and blessed to be selected from a great group of collegiate women athletes for this prestigious award,' said Anosike. 'I thoroughly enjoyed my four years as a Lady Vol and left Tennessee not only a more complete basketball player, but a better individual as well. To be recognized for my service and commitment to my academics, community and basketball is very special to me. This award means a lot and I cannot thank the NCAA, my former and current teammates and my family enough for their support.'

Before spending the 2008 season with the Minnesota Lynx, Anosike graduated from the University of Tennessee in May 2008 with a triple major in political science, legal studies and sociology. For her academic efforts, Anosike was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll all four years at Tennessee and to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American Second Team in 2007-08. In 2008, Anosike was also awarded the Boyd McWhorter Postgraduate Scholarship, presented annually by the Southeastern Conference since 1986 to the league's top male and female scholar-athletes.

Anosike completed her illustrious four-year career at Tennessee as one of only four Lady Vols to amass 600+ points, 500+ rebounds, 100+ blocks, 100+ steals and 125+ assists in a career. Anosike was twice named to the NCAA Women's Final Four All-Tournament team and was a member of one SEC regular-season and three SEC Tournament championship teams. Anosike played on two USA U19 Women's Basketball World Championship teams and the 2007 USA Pan-American team before entering the WNBA with the Lynx.

A member of the Southeastern Conference's Community Service Team, Anosike has assisted the Second Harvest Food Bank by delivering 'Blocks for Turkeys' to those less fortunate over the holidays and participated in the Volunteer Athletic Scholarship Fund (VASF) where she signed autographs and talked with fans and donors. Anosike has also led warm-ups for runners and walkers at the Race for the Cure and helped with the FCAIA Team and Toys Project, buying and distributing toys for young boys and girls who would not otherwise receive gifts for Christmas.

'I could not be more proud of and happier for Nicky Anosike,' said Lynx head coach Don Zierden. 'This award speaks volumes about her character, good will and commitment to things she cares deeply for and I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to coach her this past WNBA season. She is a woman of great integrity, morality and serves as an example for all of us. She is such a great person, both on and off the court, and it is great for the NCAA to recognize her for her excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.'

The original list of candidates of 130 female student-athletes for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award was narrowed down to a top three list for each division (I, II, III). A committee comprised of representatives from NCAA member schools and conferences selected the top 30 honorees and then nine finalists were named, three from each division. The Committee on Women's Athletics selected Anosike from the nine finalists. Joining Anosike as finalists were Susan Ackermann, Salisbury University (lacrosse), Jennifer Artichuk, Delta State University (swimming and diving), Shanti Freitas, Smith College (swimming and diving), Arianna Lambie, Stanford University (cross country, track and field), Samantha Mitchell, Mount Olive College (volleyball, track and field), Lindsey Ozimek, University of North Carolina, Charlotte (soccer), Sarah Schettle, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh (track and field, cross country, swimming and diving), and Heather Walker, Georgian Court University (volleyball, softball).

An hour-long broadcast of the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year Banquet will air on ESPN2 at 4:30pm on Dec. 5.Past winners of the award.


Past winners of the award

2007 - Whitney Myers, Swimming, University of Arizona

2006 - Anne Bersagel, Cross Country/Track, Wake Forrest University

2005 - Lauryn McCalley, Diving, University of Tennessee

2004 - Kelly Albin, Lacrosse, University of California, Davis

2003 - Ashley Jo Rowatt, Swimming and Diving, Kenyon College

2002 - Tanisha Silas, Track and Field, University of California, Davis

2001 - Kimberly A. Black, Swimming, University of Georgia

2000 - Kristy Kowal, Swimming, University of Georgia

1999 - Jamila Demby, Track and Field, University of California, Davis

1998 - Peggy Boutilier, Lacrosse and Field Hockey, University of Virginia

1997 - Lisa Anne Coole, Swimming and Diving, University of Georgia

1996 - Billie Winsett-Fletcher, Volleyball, University of Nebraska

1995 - Rebecca Lobo, Basketball, University of Connecticut

1994 - Tanya Jones, Track and Field, University of Arizona

1993 - Nnenna Lynch, Cross Country and Track and Field, Villanova University

1992 - Catherine Byrne, Swimming and Diving, University of Tennessee

1991 - Mary Beth Riley, Track and Field, Canisius College

Courtesy of the NCAA

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  ROMANIA - Women  


Targoviste, Arad and Alexandria share the lead - by Eurobasket News
Alexandria fired outstanding 130 points to bury CS Universitatea Iulia 130:62 in the third round. Alexandria built a massive 38:17 lead after the opening frame and continued to capitalized on a holey hosts defense. Alexandria accounted for 65 points in the second half and finalized an outstanding victory at the end. Crenguta Teodorescu (176-F-90) led the charge with 20 points. Amy Denson (186-F-84, college: Arizona St.) had 17 points, while Tiffany Porter contributed 15 points in the win. Carmen Negru answered with game-high 25 points for Iulia.
Targoviste breezed past Universitatea Craiova 81:26 at home court. The hosts held their opponents beyond 10 points in each frame and deservedly celebrated a stunning victory at the end. Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) paced the home side with 18 points. Chrissy Givens (180-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) added 16 points, while Toma Larisa had 15 points for Targoviste. Andra Haas (174-F-87) netted 10 points in defeat.
Arad outscored Iasi 23:9 in the first quarter and never looked back en route to a tremendous 95:52 success.
Govora added the second win to their stats as they shot down Sf. Gheorghe 63:45. Diaconu was impressive with game-high 27 points for Govora. Marijana Ivovic (196-C-79) piled up 12 points for the winners. Judit Kajdacsi (191-C-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and Vass answered with 8 points apiece for Sf. Gheorghe.

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  SLOVENIA - Women  


Odeja cruise past Rogaska in opener - by Eurobasket News
Odeja tipped off the Slovenian League regular with a stunning win over Rogaska 99:56 on the road. Teja Oblak (172-G-90) secured 26 points to pace the visitors. Tina Cadez (176-G-89) and Klavdija Oblak (170-G-88) added 16 points apiece for the winners. Mateja Baloh (173-F-87) responded with 22 points for Rogaska in the loss. The teams opened the game trading the baskets with Odeja leading by just 2 points at the first break. The tempo slowed down in the second frame as the sides teamed up for just 27 points in the stanza and Odeja stretched the margin to 5 points. The visitors broke free in the third quarter. They outgunned Rogaska 29:10 and arrived at three-quarter time up by unassailable 24 points. Rogaska collapsed in the fourth term conceding 33 points and losing the second straight game in the season. Rogaska outrebounded Odeja 37:30 but suffered intolerable 40 turnovers down the stretch.
Jezica earned the first win in the season as they held off Domzale 77:68. Tina Trebec (189-F/C-90) came up with 23 points for the winners. Petra Lesnjak (175-F-88) added 14 points and 8 rebounds as Jezica climbed to 1-1 record. Barbara Skof (182-F-80) was impressive for Domzale with 20 points and 17 rebounds but her performance did not prevent the team from falling to 0-2 record at the start.
AJM Maribor ensured the second win in a row as they prevailed against Konjice 64:58 on the road. Katarina Ilijev (177-G-81) finished with 15 points for the winners. Marusa Furman (184-C-86) and Alma Pehadzic (173-G-82) knocked down 13 points each for the league leaders. Spela Javornik (178-F-85), Kobale and Nastja Kvas (177-G-89) finished the game with 12 points apiece for Konjice.

Stats Leaders - Women
1A Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1.T. Oblak, Odeja 26.0
2.Skof, Domzale 21.0
3.Sanders, HIT Kr. 21.0
4.Tisler, Maribor 21.0
5.Baric, Celje 20.0
Rebounds Per Game
1.Skof, Domzale 13.5
2.Sanders, HIT Kr. 13.0
3.Brown, Celje 12.0
4.Erzen, Triglav 11.0
5. Tisler, Maribor 11.0
Assists Per Game
1.Ciglar, Celje 6.0
2.Duric, Triglav 6.0
3. Baric, Celje 4.0
4.Panic, Jezica 4.0
5.Felc, HIT Kr. 3.0
Ranking
1.T. Oblak, Odeja 32.0
2.Tisler, Maribor 31.0
3.Sanders, HIT Kr. 28.0
4.Skof, Domzale 23.5
5.Erzen, Triglav 22.0


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  WNBA - Women  


Nicky Anosike named 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year - by Eurobasket News
The NCAA announced that Minnesota Lynx forward and former University of Tennessee standout Nicky Anosike (6'4''-C-86, college: Tennessee) has been named the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year.

Anosike becomes just the second basketball player to win the award since its inception in 1991, the other being former University of Connecticut star Rebecca Lobo in 1995. Anosike received the award--one of the most prestigious that the NCAA bestows--at the 18th annual NCAA Woman of the Year Awards Dinner at the Murat Centre Egyptian Room in Indianapolis, Indiana. Accepting the award on her behalf was her mother, Ngozi Anosike and her head coach at Tennessee, Pat Summitt. Anosike is currently playing in Israel for Elitzur Ramle of the Israeli women's league.

The NCAA Woman of the Year Award honors senior student-athletes who have distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in the areas of academic achievement, athletics excellence, service and leadership. Applicants submitted a personal statement describing benefits she has gained from her experience as a student-athlete. To be eligible for this honor, female student-athletes must have earned a varsity letter in an NCAA-sponsored sport and competed during the 2007-08 academic year. Each individual must have completed intercollegiate eligibility in her primary sport by the end of the 2008 spring season and carry a minimum cumulative grade-point average of 2.5.

'I am truly honored and blessed to be selected from a great group of collegiate women athletes for this prestigious award,' said Anosike. 'I thoroughly enjoyed my four years as a Lady Vol and left Tennessee not only a more complete basketball player, but a better individual as well. To be recognized for my service and commitment to my academics, community and basketball is very special to me. This award means a lot and I cannot thank the NCAA, my former and current teammates and my family enough for their support.'

Before spending the 2008 season with the Minnesota Lynx, Anosike graduated from the University of Tennessee in May 2008 with a triple major in political science, legal studies and sociology. For her academic efforts, Anosike was named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll all four years at Tennessee and to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American Second Team in 2007-08. In 2008, Anosike was also awarded the Boyd McWhorter Postgraduate Scholarship, presented annually by the Southeastern Conference since 1986 to the league's top male and female scholar-athletes.

Anosike completed her illustrious four-year career at Tennessee as one of only four Lady Vols to amass 600+ points, 500+ rebounds, 100+ blocks, 100+ steals and 125+ assists in a career. Anosike was twice named to the NCAA Women's Final Four All-Tournament team and was a member of one SEC regular-season and three SEC Tournament championship teams. Anosike played on two USA U19 Women's Basketball World Championship teams and the 2007 USA Pan-American team before entering the WNBA with the Lynx.

A member of the Southeastern Conference's Community Service Team, Anosike has assisted the Second Harvest Food Bank by delivering 'Blocks for Turkeys' to those less fortunate over the holidays and participated in the Volunteer Athletic Scholarship Fund (VASF) where she signed autographs and talked with fans and donors. Anosike has also led warm-ups for runners and walkers at the Race for the Cure and helped with the FCAIA Team and Toys Project, buying and distributing toys for young boys and girls who would not otherwise receive gifts for Christmas.

'I could not be more proud of and happier for Nicky Anosike,' said Lynx head coach Don Zierden. 'This award speaks volumes about her character, good will and commitment to things she cares deeply for and I feel truly blessed to have had the opportunity to coach her this past WNBA season. She is a woman of great integrity, morality and serves as an example for all of us. She is such a great person, both on and off the court, and it is great for the NCAA to recognize her for her excellence on the court, in the classroom, and in the community.'

The original list of candidates of 130 female student-athletes for the NCAA Woman of the Year Award was narrowed down to a top three list for each division (I, II, III). A committee comprised of representatives from NCAA member schools and conferences selected the top 30 honorees and then nine finalists were named, three from each division. The Committee on Women's Athletics selected Anosike from the nine finalists. Joining Anosike as finalists were Susan Ackermann, Salisbury University (lacrosse), Jennifer Artichuk, Delta State University (swimming and diving), Shanti Freitas, Smith College (swimming and diving), Arianna Lambie, Stanford University (cross country, track and field), Samantha Mitchell, Mount Olive College (volleyball, track and field), Lindsey Ozimek, University of North Carolina, Charlotte (soccer), Sarah Schettle, University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh (track and field, cross country, swimming and diving), and Heather Walker, Georgian Court University (volleyball, softball).

An hour-long broadcast of the 2008 NCAA Woman of the Year Banquet will air on ESPN2 at 4:30pm on Dec. 5.Past winners of the award.


Past winners of the award

2007 - Whitney Myers, Swimming, University of Arizona

2006 - Anne Bersagel, Cross Country/Track, Wake Forrest University

2005 - Lauryn McCalley, Diving, University of Tennessee

2004 - Kelly Albin, Lacrosse, University of California, Davis

2003 - Ashley Jo Rowatt, Swimming and Diving, Kenyon College

2002 - Tanisha Silas, Track and Field, University of California, Davis

2001 - Kimberly A. Black, Swimming, University of Georgia

2000 - Kristy Kowal, Swimming, University of Georgia

1999 - Jamila Demby, Track and Field, University of California, Davis

1998 - Peggy Boutilier, Lacrosse and Field Hockey, University of Virginia

1997 - Lisa Anne Coole, Swimming and Diving, University of Georgia

1996 - Billie Winsett-Fletcher, Volleyball, University of Nebraska

1995 - Rebecca Lobo, Basketball, University of Connecticut

1994 - Tanya Jones, Track and Field, University of Arizona

1993 - Nnenna Lynch, Cross Country and Track and Field, Villanova University

1992 - Catherine Byrne, Swimming and Diving, University of Tennessee

1991 - Mary Beth Riley, Track and Field, Canisius College

Courtesy of the NCAA