EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/24/2008

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Men News

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


Jersey Express training camp open to the public - by Eurobasket News
The Jersey Express will open training camp for the upcoming season on Saturday, October 25th @ 9am. The 'Official' practice facility, located at John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, 211 W. Kinney St (enter on Howard St), Newark, NJ will host the three week session.

Opening day of camp is open to the public, and ALL media outlets are invited to catch a sneak peek of the talented players vying for a position on the team. The players will be signing autographs and taking pictures with the fans.

Opening night for the Jersey Express is Saturday, November 15th @ 7pm Vs the Cleveland Rockers. Season tickets are on sale NOW!!!

For Season Ticket information log onto: www.jerseyexpress.net, or www.abalive.com or call 973-586-0006.

Courtesy of the Jersey Express

Southeast Texas Mustangs Professional Basketball Franchise will hold its first Free Agent Tryout Camp this weekend - by Bruno Baltazar
The Southeast Texas Mustangs Professional Basketball Franchise will hold its first Free Agent Tryout Camp on Saturday; October 25th-26h, at the Milton YMCA at 3455 Sarah Street Beaumont, Tx 77705 . This camp will be conducted in order to give free agents an opportunity to be exposed to the Southeast Texas Mustang Coaching Staff.

.WHERE: MELTON YMCA @3455 Sarah Street Beaumont, Tx 77705

.WHEN: OCTOBER 25TH and 26TH 2008

.TIME: 9:00AM to 4:00PM

Free Agent Players are encouraged to come out and showcase their talent to see if you are good enough to play on the Professional Basketball level.
Cost for the Tryout Camp will be:
* $125.00 if you pay in advance via Pre-Registration
* $150.00 if you pay the day of the Camp
* SPECIAL AGENTS PRICE - If an Agent sends 5 or more players and pre-registers those players, then each players fee will be $80.00 per player (all players must be registered together by the same agent)
NOTE: All Payments will have to be made by Cash or Money Order (NO PERSONAL
CHECKS ACCEPTED)
Send ALL Registration Information & Applications to: Southeast Texas Mustangs Professional
Basketball
C/O Coach SC Tucker, General Manager/Head Coach
5115 I-10 South
Beaumont, Texas 77705
You can also fax your application to the Southeast Texas Mustangs Franchise Office: 409-951-5429
For Further Information On The Southeast Texas Mustangs Free-Agent Camp or Southeast Texas Mustang Professional Basketball Call: 409-951-5400 ext. 5504or 5503

Two exotic signings announced in the ABA - by Gianni Pascucci
The Georgia Gwizzlies announced that worldwide star point guard Behdad Sami (5'11''-G-86, college: Linn Benton CC) will rejoin the team for the 2008-09 season. Last year, Behdad became the first Iranian in US history to play professional basketball. He was also featured in the September issue of SLAM Magazine. In 2007-2008, he averaged 17 points and 6 assists with the Gwizzlies before returning to play overseas. Tim Joseph , President/GM of the Washington Raptors announced the latest addition to the Raptors roster - Samuel Boyd, a 6'0', 2007 Oakville High School graduate who plays the 2/3. Boyd is a member of the Chehalis tribe and was a standout on his high school basketball team as well as a local favorite. 'There is some tremendous basketball talent among Native Americans,' stated Joseph. 'Samuel is a rare find in an untapped market and the Washington Raptors are pleased to have him on our team.' Boyd attended Centralia College and is employed at the new Great Wolf Lodge in Rochester, WA.

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Standings
Adriatic L. Standings
 1. KK Split 2-2 
 2. Bosna S. 1-3 
 3. Krka 1-3 
 4. Vojvodina 1-3 
 5. Helios 0-4 
 6. Cibona 2-2 
 7. Olimpija 2-2 
 8. Partizan 4-0 
 9. Zadar 3-1 
 10. Hemofarm 3-1 
 11. Crvena Zvez. 4-0 
 12. Buducnost 3-1 
 13. FMP 1-3 
 14. KK Zagreb 1-3 


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


Market news - by Facundo Iatzky
Quilmes Mar del Plata waived Tyras Wade because he did not have the performance that the team Expected. His replacement is Dixon Carlos (202-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Virginia Tech), a forward who comes from Korea, where he won the championship of this country.
Tyras Wade might go to Ben Hur, a team that released their both foreigners Cedric McGuinnis (206-C-77, college: Georgia Southern) and James Life. Ben Hur is closer to resign Durelle Brown.
Cedric McGuinnis found a team fast because Gimnasia La Plata(TNA) decided sign him in replace of Eddie Washington (10 pts and 6 rebs in 2 games)
Quimsa released DeMarco Johnson. The foreigner just played 2 games. He shwed himself as a player with good skills, but he was not in a good condition.
Quimsa also agreed in terms with Diego Gerbaudo (182-G-89). The young point guard replaces Victor Cajal and returns to Argentina after two years playing in Real Madrid B.

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  AUSTRALIA   


Crocodiles and Taipans celebrate in Round 6 - by Eurobasket News
Two games of NBL Round 6 were played yesterday. Townsville Crocodiles and Cairns Taipans beat their rivals in extremely exciting games, both decided at the very end.

The Crocs outsmarted Sydney Spirit 103-101, thus they have now 4-2 in NBL. Visitors could take this one and it wouldn't be undeserved. However, they slipped on 3-5. The Spirit entered into the last frame with plus 7 and it seemed the Crocs will face with home defeat but during the last ten minutes they intensified defense stopping Sidney Spirit on 20 points. Corey Williams (191-G-77, college: Alabama St.) and his teammates netted 29, what was more than enough for the victory. Williams finished the game draining magnificent 35 points, 22 in the first half. He also dished out 7 assists. Russell Hinder (208-F/C-79, college: Augusta St.) was behind him with 20 points and 5 boards. Derrick Low (188-G-86, college: Washington St.) and Julian Khazzouh (209-C-86) scored 18 points each for the loosing side.

In the other game, Cairns Taipans were better than New Zealand Breakers in over time 101-92. The hosts had fantastic extra five minutes ending it 12-3. Ian Crosswhite (212-F-82, college: Oregon) registered double-double for the winners collecting 19 points and 10 rebounds. David Thomas (204-G/F-76, college: Michigan St.) and Martin Cattalini (202-F-73) followed him adding 17 points apiece. Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) was the best for the Breakers pouring in 21 points. Cairns Taipans now have 5-2 while New Zealand Breakers have one joy less.

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  AUSTRIA   


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


*****************************************************
  BALTIC LEAGUE   


Baltic-League Round: 4 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket
Ventspils - Zalgiris 99-102
Zalgiris snapped their three-game losing skid with a hard-fought overtime victory over Ventspils. With the woes surrounding the Lithuanian powerhouse Zalgiris left it all outside the basketball court yesterday to throw all they had for the win. Dainius Salenga sealed the winning outcome for the visitors at the end. Dainius Salenga nailed 27 points to pace Zalgiris. Jonas Maciulis finished with 20 points, while Willie Deane added 16 for the winners. Mareks Jurevicus answered with 23 points for Ventspils. Janis Strelnieks also had 23 points to go with 8 assists and 5 boards in the loss.

Suduva - Aisciai 91-68
Suduva overcame Aisciai 91:68 and tied them at 2-2 record. Runkauskas Marius led the winners with 30 points. Motiejunas Donatas posted 22 points in the losing effort.

Kaunas Tr. - Neptunas 88-76
Kaunas Triobet won over Neptunas 88:76 behind 24 points from Milaknis Arturas. Vasylius Valdas and Gailius Deividas collected 16 points in defeat each.

Keizarmezs - Liepajas 66-46
Keizarmezs beat Liepajas in a defensive style 66:46. Berzins Arturs shined with 25 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts. Graudins Janis was the only one to reach double digits for the guests, nailing 10 points.

Zemgale - Alytus Alita 93-103
Alytus Alita had a road win over Zemgale 93:103 as Kazevicius Saulius produced 25 points to lead all the winners. Raiskums Kaspars had 21 points and 4 rebounds in defeat.

Valga Welg - VEF Riga 67-75
VEF Riga had a road win over Valga Welg 67:75 to remain undefeated with 4-0 record. Kolesnikov Evgeniy top-scored for the winners with 26 points and 9 rebounds. Vares Veljo scored 23 points for the home side.

TTU KK - ASK/Buki 81-80
TTU KK edged ASK/Buki 81:80 for 3-1 record. Tamm Reimo and Pilk Illimar combined together 45 points for the winners. Gabrans Edmunds finished the night with 17 points for the visitors.

Lietuvos - ASK Riga 76-79
ASK Riga won the battle in Lithuanian handing Lietuvos the second loss in the League, 79:76. Marsh Ricardo led the winners with 22 points for 3-0 record. Eidson Chuck resisted for the hosts with 16 points, 10 assists and 6 rebounds.

TU/Rock - Nevezis 76-80
TU/Rock had unexpected 76:80 loss from the last season's Challenge Cup winner Nevezis Kedainiai. Benas Veikalas scored his BBL career-high 21 points for the winners, making 2/3 three-pointers. Gintaras Leonavicius was 3/3 from the arc and totalled 15 points.

Siauliai - Valmiera 91-79
Siauliai overcame Valmiera 91:79 in Lithuania. Stanevicius Vitalijus paced all the winners with 19 points. Clark Ronald notched 22 points in the losing effort.



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  BELGIUM   


Transfer News - by Peter Buyse


VOO Verviers-Pepinster and forward Duane Irwin have decided to part ways after 4 games in the 2008-2009 season.

In those 4 games Irwin averaged 5.3 ppg and 5.3 apg.

Optima Gent try-out player Todd Babington (196-G-86, college: Austin Peay St.) headed to Holland after he was not signed for the rest of the season by Optima Gent.
He signed till the christmas break at Zorg and Zekerheid Leiden to replace the injured Cedric McGowan.



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  BELIZE   


Belize Basketball Federation and Belize Volleyball Association Joint Statement on GOBs Deferral of Belize Sports Centre Construction - by David Magana
The Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) and the Belize Volleyball Association (BVA) wish to reflect on the decision by the Government of Belize to defer the construction of the proposed Belize Sports Centre at the Marion Jones Sporting Complex.
The BBF and BVA, like other sporting federations and bodies across the country, were anxiously anticipating the many benefits such a sporting facility would have brought towards the development of basketball and volleyball, and sports in general. This is most germane considering the much needed positive alternative for our youth that organised sports presents at this critical time in the nations social development.
While the circumstances of the decision are understandable, Belize remains in the unenviable position of being the only country in the region without international caliber facilities. The BBF and BVA therefore welcome the commitment of the Government to re-programme the intended funds into the refurbishment and renovation of existing sporting facilities.
The BBF and BVA will be immediately submitting detailed recommendations to the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture with regards to improvements of basketball and volleyball facilities across the country and urge other sporting associations and bodies to do the same.

Press Release ; BBF and BVA

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  BOSNIA   


Borac against Oldenburg in the second round of EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Borac Nektar will meet EVE Baskets Oldenburg in the second round of EuroChallenge. As a reminder, Borac skipped first round due to suspension of Politekhnika Lviv by the Ukrainian Basketball Federation, which FIBA Europe accepted. Borac's first rival in this European competition was better than Romanian U-Mobitelco 77-72 (first game 86-60). Rickey Paudling paced Oldenburg to win with 19 points and 13 rebounds and he will for sure be the main treat to Bosnian team. First game will be played in Germany on November 4th. The game in Banja Luka is scheduled for 7 days later.

In the meantime, management board of Bosna ASA BHT decided to support head coach Alen Abaz and his work. Regining Bosnian champion started Adriatic league with a road victory but after that it suffered three consecutive defeats. Despite some rumors that head coach Abaz will most probably be replaced, president of Bosna ASA BHT, Nihad Imamovic, stated that the coach has support by the management board to continue with his work. He also stated that Bosna needs to reinforce its roster for the rest of the season.

'At this moment we need one more player on PG position. It is up to our coaching staff now', said Imamovic.

New point guard will be replacement for Chris Rodgers (193-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Arizona), who was waived after just one game in Bosna's jersey.

In the next round of regional championship Bosna ASA BHT will take on dangerous Buducnost in Podgorica.

*****************************************************
  CHINA   


CBA Registration.......ROUND 1 - by Alex Yam
CBA Registration


The CBA Import Player Registration has come and gone. The majority of teams, have kept their Imports on the hush, but some pretty interesting names have been tossed around including last years big name Jamal Sampson, who eventually led Liaoning Pan Pan to the CBA Finals, as well as former 1st rd draft pick Donnell Harvey, along with a slew of guards.

This CBA season promises to be full of excitement and intrigue as a number of former NBA players will be making the move out East. Given the duration of this coming season, it is a forgone conclusion that teams will be playing musical chairs with their imports.

Brian Butch goes to Jiansu Nangang - by Richard
Butch Brian (211-F/C-84, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wisconsin), has signed with Chinese club Jiansu Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing. Butch joins fellow American and former first round draft pick of the New York Knicks, Donnell Harvey. Jiangsu Nangang Dragons Nanjing is coached by American, Jason Rabedeaux and is off to a 12-0 start in the pre-season.

CBA Registration,,,,,,Round 1 - by Alex Yam


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


Luis Julio will play with Islanders - by Victor Garcia
According team sources Colombian-Venezuelan forward Luis Julio will arrive tonight to the contry to play with San Andres Island team Islanders Sopesa in the playoffs of the 2008 Colombian Basketball Federation Invitational cup.
Julio was playing with Petroleros de Falcn in Venezuelas LNB, and played last year in the finals of the Federation Cup with Arrieros de Antioquia, Julio will brings rebounding and heart in the paint for the Islanders team.Luis Julio (199-F-80)

Federation Cup, Octuber 21 Day 28 results. - by Victor Garcia
Norte using its bench players most of time loss the last game of the preliminary round vs Ovni in Cucuta, Ovni however did not receive points because they arrive to the game just with 7 players, Alvaro Contreras leaded Norte with 20 points, Joey Spiegel did it with Ovni with 28 points, Spiegel is one of the better news of this Cup.
Norte de Santander 81 - A. Contreras 20pts, E. Torres 18pts, J. Hernandez 12pts, A. Barrios 9pts
Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 92 - J. Spiegel 28pts, G. Pea 16pts, J. Lopez 13pts, Mendez 11 pts, F. Mena 10pts.

Piratas finished its worst season ever defeating Arrieros as visitors, for Arrieros was just the first defeat at his home this year.
Arrieros 76
Piratas 84

Bucaros fall at home both teams players mostly with bench players, Indervalle finished very upset after the lack of Fair Play of Ovni in its game against norte, is the second straight year for indervalle without arrive to the playoffs.
Bucaros Freskaleche 101- D. Garcia 27pts, J. Gordon 22pts, L. Pomares 15pts, R. Gutierrez 12pts, J Castrillon 11pts, E.Pereira 9pts, C. Parra 5pts
Valle 121 - D. Gouard 31pts, G.Baker 32pts, D. Cuero 25pts, S.Mosquera 23pts, H.Guevara 10pts, D.Casiani 1pt

Islanders defeated Patriotas in Tunja, Stalin Ortiz and Alejandro Flores leaded Islanders
Patriotas Proactiva 90
Islanders Sopesa 93

Walker walks back and Sowell returns - by Victor Garcia
Arrieros star Jermaine Walker change its mind after a talk with Arrieros directives and will be arriving tomorrow for the first playoff game, Walker is one of the centerpieces of Arrieros this season and had leaved the team one week ago to see his father during his illness.
Kevin Sowell also is back on Islanders, Sowell traveled to his home to to his grandfather funeral, Sowell is part of the great Islanders trio of players

Norte Changes imports for Playoffs - by Victor Garcia
Julio Toro wants to win, in order to do that Norte released its imports Dalvin Thomas and Alejandro Barrios and brings veteran Monty Wilson, Wilson 35 years old is an experienced forward that played succesfully in Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Argentina and Mexico as a proven scorer, Wilson was released from Conquistadores de Guaynabo in the last Puerto Rican BSN.
With Wilson is expected the arrival of a new american center, its name is not yet published to the media.

Federation Cup 2008, Semi Finals playoffs Preview. - by Victor Garcia
ARRIEROS VS NORTE,
Arrieros and Norte will see its faces from tonight at Arrieros home, Arrieros the best team in the preliminary round and Norte that had a great begining but also falls with 11 straight losses, Arrieros can show a good mix of low post and perimeter game, Diego Guevara is the leader of the team thanks to its knowledge and experience, but Aragon and Walker are the unstopable talent in the perimeter, in the paint Enielsen Guevara coming to his 100% could be the x factor for Arrieros in the series and Hebert Bayona who will be back for tonight brings a solid defensive prescense, Bayona is an intimidator and a great rebounder, coch Hernan Giraldo has on his hands a team to win.

Norte is a mistery, the team has talent and good coaching, but needs to be very motivated to face Arrieros changing the previous attitude, Edgar Moreno know how to win and have great help in Eduardo Torres and Eleuterio Renteria, Renteria is not at his 100% recovering from some illnes, the team decided to choose imports and will recieve veteran Monty Wilson, with Wilson in the perimeter coach Toro probably moves Torres to play in the four . but will really have a 4 guards line up, Tapipa Barrios also will leave so the team will have a new enter for the series
Both teams have talent in the perimeter, but if Guevara and Bayona are healthy Arrieros frontcourt is stronger, thats why we think that Arrieros could win in 6 games.

BUCAROS VS ISLANDERS
Bucaros and Islanders will play a very interesting playoff, Bucaros finishes the preliminary round in a great level, with Washington and Fleming proving that they want to be champions, and it is a great help for a talented starting five that shows great improvement in Adan Reyes who has been the most important player of Bucaros this year, Cruz Salcedo is playing as always a great ofensive game, and now with Miguel Marriaga the team has a authentic pivot that had not have in the previous years, thats why coach Parra looks so happy this season.

Islanders lives for its big trio, Ortiz, Sowell and Flores, this three guys can destroy any team in offense, the big challenge for the coach Lopez i show to manage this three characters and keep them motivated and happy, Joe Manuel in great shape will be a great help in both sides of the court but specially in the rebounds, now with the injury of Yuber Hinestroza they are try to find another player to fill the five spot, Luis Julio is one of the candidates.
Bucaros is the favourite, they have a deeper roster and homecourt advantage, could win the playoff in 6 games.

Veteran Carlos Rogers is the new Center of Norte - by Victor Garcia
Norte de Santander willhave today Carlos Rogers arriving to play with the team in the first round of the playoffs against Arrieros, Rogers 37 years old and 2.11 tall is a NBA venteran who played its last NBA season at 2001 in Indiana Pacers.
There is not more information about Rogers activities in the last 6 years, Rogers will replace Alejandro Barrios in the middle of the paint, Norte really needs an post up prescence in the playoffs

Standings
Copa Federacion Standings
 1. Arrieros 22-6 
 2. Bucaros 19-9 
 3. Islanders 18-10 
 4. InderValle 14-14 
 5. Canoneros 14-14 
 6. Alcaldia 11-17 
 7. Condores 7-21 
 8. Piratas 6-22 


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


Cibona outsmarts Maccabi Electra for a wonderful start - by Eurobasket News
Cibona - Maccabi Electra 81-79

Excellent victory by Cibona Zagreb against Israeli giant and last season's runner up Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv. Davor Kus (192-G-78) was clutch player of the game shining at the very end, when it was the most important for his team. Cibona had 71-63 with 4 minutes remaining after what Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) made it from downtown. Kus immediately stepped up for his team with a reverse layup, free throws and a key three-pointer resolving question about the winner in the final two minutes. He finished the game netting 23 points for 32:45 (4/4 FG2, 3/6 3-pts, 6/6 FTs). However, American Rawle Marshall (200-G-82, college: Oakland) was the one who grabbed the MVP award in this game. Marshall drained 20 points for 32 minutes (index value 29). Big guy Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) also was good helping his team with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Maccabi Elektra got the most from D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia), who collected 26 points and 7 boards.
Davor Kus and Marin Rozic (201-F-83) made two triples at the beginning leading their team to 12-8. In the second frame the hosts touched 28-21 but thanks to Carlos Arroyo and D'or Fischer , Maccabi came closer. Finally Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) made a basket for a turn, 31-32. Teams went on the half time tied 36-36. Visitors opened third frame with a basket but Davor Kus and Vedran Princ (191-G-82) led Cibona to 9-point game late in this period. As it is mentioned above, Davor Kus was the man who brought the great win for Cibona on the club's important day. Namely, it was a special game for the hosts, which paid homage to world basketball icon, the late Drazen Petrovic, in the arena named after him on the night after what would have been his 44th birthday.

Cibona: Davor Kus 23, Rawle Marshall 20, Nikola Prkacin 14+4 boards
Maccab Electra: D'or Fischer 26+7 boards, Lior Eliyahu 14+5 boards, Carlos Arroyo 10

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Vojtko is no more the coach for Pardubice - by David Dousa
Pardubice and Ivan Vojtko parted ways upon a mutual agreement today. Third tight loss in this season in Liberec yesterday broke Vojtko's neck. Pardubice had terrible entree in the championship this year, loosing 5 games in a row. Pardubice is negotiating with a new coach already, and promised to publicize his name until the end of this week. In the meantime, Grepl player and assistant coach in one person will be in charge to train and coach the team.

USK victorious in Podebrady, Liberec secured second win in the season - by David Dousa
Karma Basket Podebrady - USK Praha 85:88 (16:21, 42:38, 65:60)
Best scorers: Stria 19, Benes 17, Palenik 13, Spicka 10 - Kotas 19, Hamm 18, Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91) a Platt po 14

Spectaors in a pleasant Podebrady Arena had the chance to see a dramatic duel until the very last whistle of the game. Karma Basket Podebrady took 10 points lead in the 3rd quarter, but in the same period they lost it very quickly again. In the final period the young squad from Prague showed more will to decide the game in their favor and scored several important points in an excellent one on one play. All tactical fouls of Karma Basket Podebrady players were punished with precise free throws shooting of USK players. New aquisition of the home team - Ricky Soliver remained seated on the bench all game long. We will for sure see him helping Karma Basket Podebrady out in one of the upcoming games.



BK Kondori Liberec - BK Synthesia Pardubice 63:61 (19:11, 35:32, 44:49)
Best scorers: Cernosek 18, T. Toth 12, Hampton 10 - Steffel 17, Niparavicius 12, Payne 8

Tomas Toth (195-G-84), Kondors' point-guard decided the game against BK Synthesia Pardubice 30 seconds to go in the game and with a tough defense, they didn't allow BK Synthesia Pardubice an open shot in the rest of the game. BK Synthesia Pardubice recorded their fifth loss in a row and keep on struggling without a win in the league, so far. After a loss in Opava by 2 points in last second and a loss in Prague by 1 point again in last second of the game is this the third game decided in the terminal seconds of a game with a last shot of their opponent.

NBL Round: 5 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Geofin - Kolin 85-69
Geofin improved to 4-1 record after 85:69 over Kolin in the first game of Round 5. Sarovic Robert top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Postell Lavor netted 17. Brown Jonas ended up with 20 points for Kolin that is still winless.

Ostrava - Nymburk 53-101
Nymburk smashed another victim to reach 5-0 record in the league. The defending champions stun Ostrava 53:101 away from home as Venta Matej top-scored for the winners with 16 points. Arnold Marcus resisted with 20 points and 11 rebounds.

Liberec - Pardubice 63-61
Liberec escaped over Pardubice 63:61 on October 22nd. Cernosek Jiri finished the night with 18 points to lead all the winners in the game. Steffel David produced 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Podebrady - USK Praha 85-88
USK Praha remains second with 4-1 record after the road win over Podebrady 85:88. Kotas Lukas nailed 19 points, while Hamm Lawrence scored 18. Stria Lubos top-scored in defeat with 19 points.

Prostejov - Decin 72-63
Prostejov remains undefeated and after 72:63 over Decin improved to 4-0. This game was the last in Round 5 and was played on October 23rd. Pruitt Shaun paced all the winners with 23 points and 13 rebounds.



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


Coleman makes surprise signing - by Thomas Quaade
Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola J7.4ppg, C), who just left Hapoel in Israel, has just played his first Canal Digital Liga game. After several years away from the best Danish league, the National Team starting guard will now play for the new Canal Digital Liga team Roskilde BC. The deal seems to be that Chanan will play for Roskilde in the next couple of games until he receives the contract in Europe that he's looking for.

In his debut for the last place team Roskilde, Colman had a decent night. He played 26 minutes and had 17 points on 5 for 8 shooting. He added 7 of 9 freethrows and 4 rebounds and 3 assists. But it wasn't nearly enough against a undefeated Randers Cimbria Basketball team, which won after a good tough match 82-90.

The games biggest statline had Colas written all over it. 35 points and 24 rebounds - without a doubt one of the very best players in this years Canal Digital Ligaen - Bonell Colas (206-F-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Florida) (206-F-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Florida) seems better than last season (and he was really good last year!!). He was all over the place, scoring, playing defense, rebounding and finishing strong. Without a doubt 'Player of the game', Colas has now taken Mark Collins new team to 3-0 and Randers looks like a good prediction for a playoff spot. But there's many more games to play - the season is still very young.

Roskilde BC - Randers Cimbria Basketball 82-90

RBBC: Dean Thibodeau (204-C-70, college: Dalhousie) 21 points and 10 rebounds, Chanan Colman 17 points and Keith Borgan (180-G-83, college: Metro St.) 17 points (5 assists and 5 steals).

Randers: Bonell Colas 35 points and 24 rebounds, Petar Popovic (201-F-79) 17 points and D.J. Smedley (178-G-84, college: Ill.-Chicago) 13 points (10 rebounds and 5 steals)

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


Former D-Leaguers in NBA Pre-Season Action on Wednesday Night - by Surujh Roopnarine
Memphis Grizzlies (90) at Orlando Magic (101)
MAGIC: Anthony Johnson (6'3''-G-74, college: Charleston) (2pt+6as+2st)

Philadelphia 76ers (118) at New Jersey Nets (100)
76ERS: Louis Williams (6'3''-G-86) (18pt+4rb+2as+2st)
NETS: Maurice Ager (6'4''-G-84, college: Michigan St.) (12pt+4rb), Bobby Simmons (11pt+7rb+2st), Eddie Gill (3pt+2rb), Julius Hodge (2pt+4rb+2as)

Cleveland Cavaliers (79) at Detroit Pistons (97)
PISTONS: Amir Johnson (6'9''-F/C-87) (8pt+6rb+4bs), Will Bynum (1to)

Chicago Bulls (85) at Minnesota Timberwolves (75)
BULLS: Demetris Nichols (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) (2rb)
TWOLVES: Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Missouri St.) (1to)

Washington Wizards (100) at San Antonio Spurs (95)
WIZARDS: Andray Blatche (6'11''-C-86) (6pt+6rb+4to)
SPURS: Desmon Farmer (6'5''-G-81, college: USC) (12pt+2as), Ime Udoka (9pt+5rb+4as+3st), Anthony Tolliver (9pt+5rb)

Portland Trail Blazers (87) at Los Angeles Clippers (75)
CLIPPERS: Mike Taylor (6'2''-G-86, college: Iowa St.) (6pt+3as+5to), Jason Hart (4pt+2rb)

Latest D-Leaguers Released from NBA Training Camp Rosters - by Surujh Roopnarine

Sacramento: Noel Felix (6'9''-C/F-81, college: Fresno St.) & Bobby Jones (6'6''-F-84, college: Washington)

Washington: DerMarr Johnson (6'9''-G-80, college: Cincinnati)

Oklahoma City: Chris Alexander (7'1''-C-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.)

Utah: Kevin Lyde (6'9''-C-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) and Gabe Muoneke (6'7''-F-78, college: Texas)

New Orleans: Courtney Sims (6'11''-C-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Michigan)

Dallas: Cheyne Gadson (6'4''-G-80, college: Oklahoma St.)


San Antonio: Devin Green (6'7''-G-82, college: Hampton) and Darryl Watkins (6'11''-C, agency: Priority Sports, college: Syracuse)

Portland: Luke Jackson (6'7''-F/G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Oregon)

Philadelphia: Jared Reiner (6'11''-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa)

Orlando: Dwayne Jones (6'11''-C-83, college: St.Joseph's)

Denver: Mateen Cleaves (6'2''-G-77, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Michigan St.), Nick Fazekas (6'11''-F-85, college: Nevada) and Smush Parker (6'4''-G-81, college: Fordham)

Cleveland: Ronald DuPree (6'7''-F/G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: LSU)

Chicago: Roger Powell (6'6''-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Illinois)



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


Former Bulldogs star David Ruffin is now playing pro ball in Venezuela - by Gianni Pascucci
David Ruffin (6'4''-G/F-84, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Hartford), a former NCAA D-1 basketball player from the University of Hartford and the 2008 star of the Elmira Bulldogs, was the NPBL regular season scoring champion with an average of 34.6 points per game. Ruffin also proved he was more than just a scorer while posting averages of 7.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals per game. David is now playing for the Venezuelan team Estudiantes de Guarico who partcipates in the LNB, one of two major professional basketball leagues all teh way there. This marks the second Elmira Bulldogs player from the 2008 squad to start play overseas in just over a week's period of time. Last week, the Bulldogs announced that former Elmira Bulldog Jerry Cheves (6'3''-G-84, college: Brockport St.) signed a contract and is currently playing in Division 1 of the Iceland pro basketball league. The 2008 Bulldogs finished with a record of 11-4 while winning regular season and Northern Division championship's before being upset by the Delaware Destroyers in the league title game. 'Pro scouts in Europe have caught on to the superior talent we pride our team on having, the Elmira Bulldogs have officially become a direct ticket to a lucrative payday overseas', stated Bulldogs GM and Head Coach, James R. Schutz.

*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


KML: Close wins to Kalev and Kalev/Cramo - by Janar Filippov
In SEB Estonian Meistriliiga, vice-champion BC Kalev/Cramo was in trouble against Rakvere Tarvas. After leading by 16 in 2nd period, Cramo lost concentration and could not score a single field goal in 12 minutes! Starting the 4th quarter, Tarvas led 46:49 but in the middle of the quarter, Cramo managed a 11:0 run that secured a close 68:67 victory. John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) scored 12 pts, 5 ast, 4 stl, Nate Fox (206-F-77, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Maine) added 10 pts + 9 rb. For Tarvas, a former U20 star Kristo Saage (184-G-85), who was fired from Cramo a year ago due to disciplinary problems and missed whole last season was almost unstoppable - 15 pts, 5 rbs and 6 (!) steals. Karl Vimberg (197-F-89) added 12 pts + 10rb
Tallinna Kalev beat TTU 71:63 after making a 9:0 run in the middle of 4th quarter. Johnny Gray (186-G-83, college: Pacific) scored 7 points during the decisive run and totalled 26 points, incl. 6/9 for 3.

*****************************************************
  EUROCHALLENGE   


AEL end BC Donetsk hopes - by Eurobasket News
AEL - BC Donetsk 79:55

AEL secured a comfortable 79:55 win against BC Donetsk in Limassol yesterday to advance to the next round of EuroChallenge. The first game saw the teams tied at the end and everything was pretty clear before the second leg. You win, you advance. AEL did the trick and quite expectedly entered the second qualifying round.
AEL took the charge right from the start as Milan Dozet (203-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) scored 5 points in a 7:0 opening run. The hosts controlled the situation and led by 8 points at the first break 23:15. The second quarter was an even contest with the teams trading baskets and AEL piling up a 42:32 advantage at halftime.
The home team tipped off the second half with 9 unanswered points to build a massive 51:32 lead. BC Donetsk looked a bit confused at the moment as the Cypriot team cruised comfortably to the win. The Ukrainian newcomers trailed by 21 points before the fourth term and never recovered in the dying stages. Subotic, Haris Mujezinovic (205-F-74, agency: Beo Basket, college: Indiana) and Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) paced the hosts to a confident win at the end. Milan Dozet finished with 22 points for AEL. Quincy Taylor delivered 13 points, while Darrel Mitchell (180-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: LSU) and Haris Mujezinovic added 11 points apiece for the winners. Haywood Owens (204-F-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Texas) and Dmytro Zabirchenko (191-G-84) had 13 points each in the loss.
AEL will next take on Turkish Banvit. The first game of the series is scheduled for November 4 in Turkey.

AEL: Milan Dozet 22, Quincy Taylor 13, Darrel Mitchell 11, Haris Mujezinovic 11
BC Donetsk: Haywood Owens 13, Dmytro Zabirchenko 13

*****************************************************
  EUROLEAGUE   


Eurobasket - global leader in basketball stats - by Richard
Eurobasket established its global leadership role in basketball coverage after implementing this season the stats system for ...79 leagues and international events.
There is no other web site coming any close to that goal.
Eurobasket is well-known of having the biggest basketball database with profiles of over 182,000 players and coaches.
It's also considered as the most reliable basketball source for coaches and team managers involved in professional basketball around the World.
With it's coverage of 406 leagues in 266 countries (another leading number in on-line basketball coverage) it provides unmatching basketball coverage for wide range of basketball people from professionals to fans.
The only item missing so far was ...detailed stats.
'It started as a very small-scale project and we originally scheduled to have just 8-9 top leagues in the world to have stats for. But a big demand to provide stats from other basketball leagues lead us to expand it to other leagues and countries and in consequence when we counted it at the end, we came with a number of 79 leagues and international events we provide the stats for. The project is quite complex and at the top of sophisticated programming, it requires very heavy workload to maintain it properly. But we realized that starting it on a small scale would not make too much sense. Eurobasket is known for the widest basketball coverage on-line and we had to follow that path in adding possibility to track down the stats of every professional team and player in the World.' said Eurobasket manager Marek Wojtera.
Together with a new design implemented also this year, it makes quite big improvement in a very short time.
'On-line competition is very strong. Staying in one place means to be out of business very fast. Contrary to other top web sites in basketball coverage we are in a position of not having any company (like NBA, Euroleague, FIBA, etc.) behind for which we just run the web site. So we always have to be one step ahead of our competition to keep the leading position in basketball coverage. Web sites which try to stay at the top in the popularity ranking constantly have to expand their services, so the customers every year receive more for the same service fee. We are in this business for more that 10 years and we constantly expand and improve practically every year adding new items, improving the web site and expanding services. It's like Google, with it's never-ending process of improving their search engine. Providing stats from U.S. pro leagues is not a big deal and you can find number of web sites providing it very well. Of course we have it in our portfolio too. But this year for the very first time basketball fans can find in one place detailed stats from all European countries, top Japenese and Latin American leagues without switching to any other web sites. You get it for free and we hope you will enjoy having such wide and detailed coverage supported by detailed stats system.' Wojtera said.
So no more need to keep browsing other web sites in order to collect last games info about your favorite players. You have it in one user-friendly format for whichever league you want.

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


Barca destroys Nancy in France - by Eurobasket News
SLUC Nancy - Regal FC Barcelona 54-82

Regal FC Barcelona demonstrated its power the very beginning of Euroleague smashing French SLUC Nancy as a visitor. Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) totally exploded netting 18 points and grabbing 12 boards for 23 minutes. Mostly owing to his and Gianluca Basile's (192-G-75) triples Barca grabbed 12-point lead just after the breather, 37-49. Very soon Fran Vazquez (210-C-83) joined them with pair of dunks extending lead of his team on 17 points. Despite couple of unsuccessful wide open shots, Barca entered into the last ten minutes with huge 45-66. Nancy's players were totally out of concentration during the entire period. They succeeded to score only 10 points after what it was clear that 'Spaniards' will take this one. Actually, they did it in style with plus 28. Except of Ersan Ilyasova, Fran Vazquez also shined for the winners nailing 12 points. Roger Grimau (196-G-79) helped Barca with 9 points and 7 boards. Nancy got the most from Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy), who netted 19 points. Victor Samnick (203-F-79, college: Georgetown) followed him with 11 points and 4 rebounds. All other players in the host team had less than 7 points. It will be very had for Nancy to forget this devastating defeat as in the next round of Group B it will take on Asseco Prokom in Poland. Regal FC Barcelona will meet Greek Panathinaikos.

SLUC Nancy: Lamayne Wilson 19, Victor Samnick 11+4 boards
Regal FC Barcelona: Ersan Ilyasova 18+12 boards, Fran Vazquez 12, Roger Grimau 9+7 boards

Bahrami signs to Pau Lacq Orthez - by Maxime Weber
Samad Bahrami (200-F/G-83, agency: ACMT) will play with 'Elan Bearnais' this weekend against Nancy. He replaced JamesOn Curry (190-G-86) for the season. He was 6rd best scorers during the Olympics with Iran NT and played with Cholet Basket during the preseason before to move at Pau. He praticed with the team since several week and he's happy to get the opporutniy to play his first season in Europe with a great team like Pau.
During the same time, Omar Thomas (197-F-82) left the team and Andre Emmett (196-G/F-82) replaced him. For his first game, Emmett scored 28 points vs Le Havre.

*****************************************************
  GABON   


NATIONAL SEMIDETACHED CADETS AND JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS - by Tim Ndjiki
FIRST EDITION OF NATIONAL SEMIDETACHED CADETS AND JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS IN THE CITY OF LAMBARENE.
The competition was played at the tray of basketball of the High school Charles MEFANE '. It is the first time that the Federation Gabonese of Basketball (FEGABAB), organize such a competition in a city situated at the inside of Gabon. Honour comes back to cadet of ENGONG, club of northern city (Oyem) and the IZO, club junior BB of the city of Lambarn, in absence of clubs of Libreville; they have taken back these competitions.
Four provinces honoured their presence:
The province of the Woleu Ntem with (ENGONG: Cadets and Junior).
The province of the Middle Ogoou (IZO BB: Cadets and Junior)
The province of Ogoou - Lolo (OLAB: Junior),
The Province of Ogoou - Ivindo (Elenga: Cadets and Junior))
Tenors of the two bigger provinces (Estuary and the Maritime Ogoou) having withdrawn, the team of the province of the north, ENGONG BB, took back the national title; shes driven by Christian NDONG.
Of his history, the junior team of the province of the Moyen Ogoou, driven by H. Osman, took back the national title also for the first time.
Absence remarque des Juniors de Stade Mandji de Port-Gentil
Absence noticed of the Junior of Stadium Mandji of Port-Gentil

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


THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS WELCOM THE PADERBORN BASKETS AND RETURN OF NINO GARRIS - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

The Paderborn Baskets snapped their four game losing streak at home in convincing fashion walloping Dsseldorf 91 to 74 last night and THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS want to do the same by stopping their two game losing streak against the old team of Timothy Black (178-G-81, agency: LimeLight, college: Barton (NC)). Coach Murat Didin will be looking to catch his wholesome smile back, while Frankfurts lost son Stefano Garris (200-G/F-79) will return back to Frankfurt with his trademark never changing big smile that most likely will be endorsing some product even after his Basketball days are over. The game also brings back ex Bamberg banger American Chris Ensminger (209-C-73, college: Valparaiso) to the Ballsporthalle, who had unforgettable duels against ex Skyliners Mario Kasun (213-C-80) and Malick Badiane (211-F/C-84). There is also a good chance that Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) will be able to play against his old team. It is still unclear if he will play, because not all of the medical tests have returned for him to be cleared to play. 'If I can play, I will be looking forward to see all the guys again. I am excited to battle Chris Ensminger in the low post and I really want to give the fans a win', said American Greg Jenkins. It is apparent that Frankfurt wants to carry over their fine play from the MBC Nikolaev game into the Paderborn game.


The Paderborn Baskets have a 2-4 record and rest in 14th place. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS are below 500 with a 2-3 record and stand at position 13. Ever since The Paderborn Baskets entered the BBL in the 2006-2007 season, the overall head to head record stands at 2-2. Each team is 1-1 at home. In the first season, Frankfurt had a strong first half, but simply collapsed in the second half losing 76 to 66 in the Maspern Halle in Paderborn. Last season Frankfurt lost a close fight at home 73 to 67, but destroyed Paderborn in the return game on the road 88 to 68 with an unforgettable performance by Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.), who scored 26 points.


This is the third consecutive season for The Paderborn Baskets in the BBL and the first year without scoring machine Timothy Black, who left to conquer new territory in Belgium. He was the leader of the team and his absence this season is similar to the situation that the New England Patriots have this season in American Football without their Mr everything Tom Brady. The only difference is that Brady did not completely go, but is injured and will miss the entire season. Last season Paderborn finished at position eleven, and were never really far from the playoff area. But can the team be better this year without Timothy Black? One thing is clear, coach Douglas Spradley has never had much money to work with for new players, but he has always found a way to find budgetable players who can perform. Douglas Spradley is an instituion in Paderborn the same way Franz Beckenbauer is for Bayern Munich. Even as Spradley flirted with the idea of going to Oldenburg last season, it didnt really get anybody annoyed, because in the end he stayed faithful to Paderborn.


Douglas Spradley has been coach in Paderborn since 2001 and even played for them in the 90s. His teams dominated the second Bundesliga for many years and in the 2005-2006 season did something very rare winning 50 games in a row with the magic trio of Black, Esterkamp and Nolte. In the last two years, Paderborn did not have a really known center, but with the recent signing of Chris Ensminger have an experienced center, who can still play. Even though the injuries to Nathan Peavy (203-F-85, agency: LimeLight, college: Miami, OH) and Bryant Mcallister has shrunk the rotation, it hasnt made the heart of the team any smaller. The team cant be underestimated, because it fights until the last second has elapsed on the clock.


It will be interesting to see how the Skyliner fans welcome Nino 'can you please rap for me' Garris in the Ballsporthalle. Coach Murat Didin is looking forward to seeing his ex player. 'Nino is a good guy. He has much energy and always wants to play. I think he will create muscles in combination with his feelings for Basketball and have a good season in Paderborn'. Stefano Garris came to Frankfurt in the summer of 2005 carrying a lot expectations on his shoulders, but he was very unlucky and was injured so often it seemed like his street clothes were his uniform. He only played 59 games out of a possible 122 games. Sometimes it felt like Garris was on the Basketball court as long as magician David Blane was stuck in Ice for the whole three year period. However he seems to have found a new niche in his hometown. He is averaging 6,3 points, 3,3 rebounds and 1,3 assists per game and has caught the respect of the team already early in the season. 'Garris was a good signing for us. He can help us on defense and he has already proved that he can shoot from outside', commented American Steven Esterkamp (198-F-81, college: Ohio).


The Paderborn Baskets are led by Steven Esterkamp, who is averaging 16,3 points, 5,0 rebounds and 3,2 assists per game. For four years, he was part of the three musketeers with Nolte and Black. He has always been a scorer in Paderborn, but with Black gone, has his role changed any? No my role hasnt changed much from last seasonMarius Nolte (206-C-81) (206-C-81) and I share the leadership role now that Timothy Black is gone, added Steven Esterkamp. American Lavelle Felton (193-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Louisiana Tech), who played at Louisanna Tech and in Jena last season is averaging 12,5 points, 3,2 rebounds and 2,5 assists per game. He is more of a scoring point guard and has shown that this season. American Reggie Golson (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: SE Missouri St.) is averaging 10,7 points and 5,2 rebounds per game. After a strong 2006-2007 season in Paderborn, he fled last year for cake and cheese in France at Cholet averaging a miserable 3,8 points and 2,4 rebounds per game. He seems to be his old self again this season and is the complete package on the court and especially excels getting offensive rebounds, a hole that is currently not being filled for Frankfurt. American Chris Ensminger, who won two BBL titles in Bamberg is averaging 10,5 points, 11,0 rebounds and 1,8 assists per game. He is showing his rebounding instinct from his Bamberg glory days again. In the 2004-2005 season, he was the top rebounder in the BBL, and in the past two games he has shown his Godzilla power grabbing 30 rebounds. 'We finally have a strong guy in the low post with Chris. He will help us a lot', said Steven Esterkamp.


Paderborn crowd magnet German Marius Nolte is averaging 8,8 points and 3,7 rebounds per game. The former A-2 National player has been in Paderborn since 2001 and it wouldnt come as a surprise if the friendly big man ends his Basketball career in Paderborn some day. Nolte and Paderborn go together like bread and butter. American Steven Wright (191-G-83, agency: LimeLight, college: N.Kentucky) is averaging 4,8 points, 2,3 rebounds and 2,0 assists per game. After a solid rookie season in Braunschweig last season, he has had difficulty finding his rhythm in Paderborn. He is only shooting 26,8 % from the field and 25% from the free throw line. American Matt Terwilliger (206-F/C-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ohio St.) is a BBL rookie with a huge body that is averaging 3,3 points and 1,2 rebounds per game. He didnt have much luck at Ohio State having to watch NBA rising star Greg Oden (213-C-88, college: Ohio St.) get most of the minutes and now in Paderborn he got Chris Ensminger planted in front of his nose. Paderborn has a very thin bench with little BBL experience having many young talented German players like Thomas Gajda (200-G/F-89), Domonik Malinowski, Robert Oehle (209-C-88) and Jan Mohring (182-G-90), who are always alert to pounch off the end of the bench with the same type of zeal a cat shows when stomping to grab a little helpless mouse.


Recently THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS lost twice to lesser teams Ulm and Gottingen and cant make the same mistake a third time to Paderborn, which is less talented and experienced than Frankfurt. However the loss of athletic American Keith Simmons (196-G-85, college: Holy Cross) for four to six weeks on account of a knee injury is about as painfull as a ten ton truck falling on your back. The injury plague that was present in the short Charles Barton era seems to be showing its ugly face again. This will be the first giant test of the season for the Frankfurt bench to step up. 'We had this problem before. Now it is important for other players to take a piece of the cake and perform', warned Skyliner Sports director Kamil Novak . Turkish coach Murat Didin went a step further describing the massive condition in gourmet terms. 'Everybody has to add some spice to the soup now'.It is no secret that Frankfurt has had immense deficiencies rebounding. The team will need to find a way to make life uneasy for Ensminger and Nolte, who like the physical style near the basket. 'The team has to be working more near the basket. Our team concentration and intelligence has to be very efficient', stressed Murat Didin . Even without Gordon and Simmons, the coach is confident for a win. 'The key will be our bench'. After the convincing win against Dusseldorf, Paderborn will be motivated to win.' We have to be aggressive on offense and defense and stay out of foul trouble', said Steven Esterkamp. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS host The Paderborn Baskets on Saturday October 25th at 18:30.



German champion takes it against Lottomatica - by Eurobasket News
ALBA Berlin - Lottomatica Roma 68-63

ALBA Berlin celebrated against the last season's Italian runner-up Lottomatica Roma thanks to nice played last stanza 18-11. It is third victory for the host teams tonight in Euroleague. Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) shined for the winners delivering 17 points and missing one board for double-double. Actually he was MVP of the game with index value 21. Adam Chubb (207-F/C-81, college: Pennsylvania) also demonstrated good performance for the winners collecting 12 points and 8 boards. Another big guy did a great job in the paint against tough Italians. It is Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76), who as Chubb also nailed 12 points but with 4 rebounds. ALBA Berlin totally outrebounded Lottomatica finishing the game with 12+16. On the other side Italian team had only 6-16. Interesting is also that Lottomatica had opportunity to shot only 5 free throws during the entire time. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) top-scored for the loosing side with 13 points. Andre Hutson (202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) had 11 while Slovenian Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) stopped on 10 points plus 5 rebounds. In the next round German champion will take on Fenerbahce Ulker. Lottomatica will host DKV Joventut.

ALBA Berlin: Immanuel McElroy 17+9 boards, Adam Chubb 12+8 boards, Aleksandar Nadjfeji 12+4 boards
Lottomatica Roma: Luigi Datome 13, Andre Hutson 11+4 boards, Primoz Brezec 10+5 boards

Boticki to Osnabrueck - by Daniel Poerschke

The P4two Ballers Osnabrueck in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B league decided to release their american guard Andrew Brown (186-G-82, college: Mercer) and their newly aquired belgian big man Stephane Moris (207-F/C-86, agency: Prime Select Sports). They found a quick replacement for Brown in the former Canadian international guard Danny Boticki (193-G-81, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: Idaho St.). Boticki is a well-known face in the 2. Bundesliga, as he has played for Iserlohn, Lich, Mainz and Langen in the last years before.

In the 1. Regionalliga West Omar Rahim asked for his release as the Head Coach at GV Waltrop, because the club could not live up to all the promises they made to him before the start of the current season, although Rahim did a good job at the sideline coaching the Waltrop squad until now. His assistant Markus Duehringer will take over now at the helm.


Also in the 1. Regionalliga West BG Hagen added Max Wigger (190-G-90) to their roster. Wigger started the season with SV Haspe 70 in the 2. Regionalliga West.



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  GREECE   


Olympiakos cruises past Air Avelino on the road - by Eurobasket News
Air Avelino - Olympiakos 69-83

Air Avelino couldn't handle Greek Olympiakos at home in Group A. Despite the hosts had wonderful beginning, Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) and his teammates managed to take control on them and to celebrate comfortable victory at the end. Everything was great for Air Avelino in the first frame as it created 22-14 after ten minutes. It was kind of signal for the Greek team to start playing and it resulted with magnificent 12-26 in the second quarter. At that point of game it was clear that Red machine wormed up and it will be very hard to compete against it. Ex NBA star Josh Childress was in a game mood while Yotam Halperin (196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) and big guy Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) were behind him. Visitors had nice rebounding night registering 9 more than Air Avelino. Despite terrible percentage from behind the arc, Olympiakos made big number of points from the paint thus after 30 minutes it reached plus 8, 54-62. Lat ten minutes Greek team played without routine extending its lead even more. Josh Childress added 14 points and 8 rebounds for Olympiakos spending almost 26 minutes on the court. Zoran Erceg and Yotam Halperin had 11 points apiece. Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) was better than the others in Italian team with 18 points and 5 boards. Travis Best (180-G-72, college: Georgia Tech) had 14 points and 5 assists while Nikola Radulovic (207-F-73) stopped on 10 points. Air Avelino travels to Tel-Aviv next week while Unicaja arrives to Pireus.

Air Avelino: Chris Warren 18+5 boards, Travis Best 14+5 as, Nikola Radulovic 10
Olympiakos: Josh Childress 14+8 boards, Zoran Erceg 11+6 boards, Yotam Halperin 11

Felipe Reyes leads Real Madrid against Panionios 87-66 - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Panionios On Telecoms 87-66

Easy victory for Real Madrid in Group D. In the next round Spanish giant will meet Partizan in Belgrade. On the other side, first appearance of Panionios On Telecoms in Euroleague after many years was unsuccessful. To their credit, Greeks weren't so lucky in Euroleague draw, at least for the very beginning. In the next round Panionios will host reigning Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow, who trashed AJ Milano yesterday 90-64.
Real Madrid dominated during the entire time. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) and his teammates netted 26 points in the first frame while Panionios had 21. Quinton Hosley (198-G/F-84, college: Fresno St.) and Felipe Reyes had 17 points together during the first ten minutes. However, Panionios made quick 7-0 run for 28-29 edge. Reyes and Sergio Llull stepped up for their team helping it to end fist half with 44-37. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game as Real touched 63-47, what was too much for Panionios until the end. Quinton Hosley top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Felipe Reyes collected 16 points and 6 boards reaching the biggest index value in both teams, 19. Giannis Georgalis (198-F-83) and Goran Nikolic (205-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 12 poinst each for the loosing side.

Real Madrid: Quinton Hosley 17, Felipe Reyes 16+6 boards, Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) 10
Panionios On Telecoms: Giannis Georgalis 12, Goran Nikolic 12, Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh) 10+6 boards

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  HOLLAND   


PromotieDivisie Scores Week 5: Initial High Five remain undefeated, Red Giants and Canagroes winless - by Terry Cooper

Week 5 in the Promotie was a turning point for some teams and a wake up call for others as the race to the playoffs is beginning to be a tight race from start to finish. EBBC2 kept the Red Giants winless by winning 99-78 while VBC Akrides cruised by Punch 80-68. GOBA edged the Cangaroes 85-78 while De Pigeons stole a victory on the road over De Groene Uilen 77-65. Leiden2 punished Landstede2 at home 88-71 and Initial High Five won on the road against BV Rooi 86-72. Finally MyGuide2 gave MSV their first loss of the season by coming from behind in the last seconds of the game winning 69-66 thanks to a 3pt basket by Hicham Kherrazi (-88) to give MyGuide a 67-66 lead with 12 seconds remaining. MSV had a final chance to win the game but fell short. Early in the season, there are alot of surprises brewing up from teams of the past. Inital High Five is making an early statement as a threat for the championship. Although the season is early, its going to be a battle to the end to see who will be the champion of the PromotieDivisie. Stay tuned...

Week 5 Scores:


EBBC2 - Red Giants 99-78
VBC Akrides - Punch 80-68
MyGuide2 - MSV 69-66
Goba - Cangeroes 85-78
Groene Uilen - Pigeons 65-77
Leiden2 - Landstede2 88-71
BV Rooi - High Five 72-86



Standings - Promotie Divisie
Prom.Divisie Standings
 1. Initial H5 5-0 
 2. MSV 4-1 
 3. Landstede 2 4-1 
 4. MyGuide 2 4-1 
 5. Akrides 3-2 
 6. Punch 3-2 
 7. Gorinchem 3-2 
 8. EBBC 2-3 
 9. Leiden 2 2-3 
 10. BV Rooi 2-3 
 11. Pigeons 1-4 
 12. Groene 1-4 
 13. Cangeroes 0-5 
 14. Red Giants 0-5 


*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Round 1 - by Balazs Radics
PLANET LEASING DOMBOVAR KC - UNIVER KECSKEMET 74-64 (17-17, 15-14, 25-12, 17-21)
Dombovar, 1000 att. R: Forrai S., Bognar T., Toth K.
DOMBOVAR: LeGrange 11, Clark 11/3, Molnar M., BODI 16/9, DILL 30/3. Sub: Deak, Szoke 4, Balogh L. 2, Simon N., Vas P. Head Coach: Peter Stahl
KECSKEMET: Haynes 10, HORVATH A. 11/3, Toth P. 4, KLAIBER 14/9, Szabo Zs. 9/9. Sub: Dale 14/3, Horti 2. Head Coach: Zsoldos Andrs

ALBACOMP - KAPOSVAR KK 87-70 (26-21, 24-13, 13-18, 24-18)
Szekesfehervar, 2200 att. R: Cziffra, Gorka, Gal J.
ALBACOMP: HANGA 12/3, DOYNE 25/6, Radovic 3, BELL 15/6, MORRISON 18. Sub: Simon 6, Soos /6, Gobi. Head Coach: Peresztegi Nagy Akos
KAPOSVAR KK: MARCIULIONIS 11/3, VOJVODA 12, Hoffmann 10, Welton 15/6, Orosz 6 Sub: Csirke 8/6, Kiss K. 8/3. Head Coach: Dzunics Braniszlav

FALCO SZOVA KC SZOMBATHELY - DEBRECENI EGYETEM KE 104-52 (31-6, 25-19, 19-13, 29-14)
Szombathely, 2500 att. R: Torok, Pli, Nmeth Cs.
SZOMBATHELY: Kalman 7/3, Pankar 11/9, CSIRICS 17/9, Perincsics 11/3, HORVATH Z. 21/3,. Sub: LAKATOS 15/3, VIDA 15/3, Feigl, Csiszar 5/3, Horvath D. 2. Head Coach: Szrecsko Szekulovics
DEBRECEN: ERDEI 12/6, Utasi 7/3, Toth G. 12/6, Kovacs I. 4, Kenerly 11. Sub: Takacs D., Varro 2, Szabo T. 4, Balogh A. Head Coach: Walke Karoly

SZOLNOK OLAJ KK-ZALAKERAMIA-ZTE KK 85-60 (15-18, 23-10, 23-22, 24-10)
Szolnok, 2300 att. R: Hartyani, Benczur, Gyorffy
SZOLNOK: COLEMAN 25/15, CZICZAS 10/6, Gaal 3, Jurkunas 4, BASIT 20. Sub: TAYLOR 11/3, HARAZIN 12, Cseh Gy. Head Coach: Por Pter
ZTE: Hinnant 11/3, Watson 9/3, Kaman 2, JONES 14/6, HELBICH 14. Sub: Trepak 6, Gaspar 2, Simon L. 2, Baki, Tth A. Head Coach: Volgyi Pter

ASE beat NYKK - by Tamas Deri
The team of ASE could win the first game in the season 2008/09 against Nyiregyhaza and showed that the roster is very complete with 4 good foreigners Nichols, Williams, Gosa and Kedzo - and hungarian big man Robert Gulyas in the starting five. Coach Sabali has got also great backups, as Meszaros, Kiss, Csaplar-Nagy can be always a great help for his team.

Even the team of NYKK seems to be strong enough to get into the playoffs. Trivunovic showed his excellent offensive skills last night, but even american guard Roy Booker was int he first half unstopable scored 13 of his 16 points in 12 minutes on the court. Jelesijevic and Sitku build a strong inside wall and the team is lead by experienced point guard Branko Savic.

ATOMEROMU SE - MARSO-VAGEP NYIREGYHAZI KK 82-67
(20-29, 20-10, 22-14, 20-14)
Paks, Att.: 1000, Referees: Kapitany, Kiraly, Farkas
ASE: Darris Nichols (188-G, college: W.Virginia) 14, Nick Williams (192-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) 14/3, Charles Gosa (202-F-77, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: N.Mexico St.) 12, Kedzo 16, Robert Gulyas (213-C-74) 19/3, Kiss Zs., Csaplar-Nagy E. 2, Meszaros Z. 2, Medve 3, Coach: Sabali Balazs
NYIREGYHAZA: Savic 4, Nagy K., Jelesijevic 10/3, Sitku 8, Mitar Trivunovic (196-G-77, agency: 011 Sports) 29/12, Roy Booker (191-G/F-84, college: SE Missouri St.) 16/9, Lekli, Wehner, Coach: Zoran Kmezic

*****************************************************
  IBL   


New team may rise in Chill's wake - by Eurobasket News
As the Toronto Raptors' and Denver Nuggets' brief layover in Edmonton came to a close on Tuesday night, former Edmonton Chill coach Paul Sir was optimistic that the city has not seen its last professional basketball game.

Now, over two months removed from the demise of the Edmonton Chill, Sir said the pieces are falling into place for an investor group to back a new team in time for the International Basketball League's 2009 season.

Sir said he was hoping for an official announcement to be made next week, detailing the team's new name and confirming Edmonton's re-entry into the IBL.

The sooner (the announcement is made) the better and I think that everyone feels like we have a timeline that's getting fairly short,' Sir said.

The Chill had a successful inaugural season in the IBL, posting a 13-9 record and then losing in the playoffs to the eventual league-champion Bellingham Slam.

The team's problems had nothing to do with what took place on the court. Team owner Troy Barns racked up large debts from investors totalling over $100,000 then disappeared when the complaints of him not repaying his debts started to become too public. On Aug. 5, IBL commissioner Mikal Duilio officially ended Barns' association with the league and subsequently removed the Chill as a franchise in the IBL.

Sir said investors haven't been scared off by Barns' alleged actions. He's also confident the public will be receptive to a second IBL team.

'(Investors) realize that it was one person's actions and in terms of being afraid to go forward and bring pro basketball back to Edmonton, I have no reservations at all,' he said.

'The people who came to the games and enjoyed the product on the floor, as we're seeing with the Raptors right now, in our own way we were reaching out to the community in the same way, I think we can continue to do that and continue to build on it.'

Sir also added that some of the original Chill investors are back on board, despite losing cash the first time around.

'They saw what was going on on the court and what was going on in the stands and the buzz around what was being created,' Sir said.

'They know that it's a good thing for Edmonton and the sports community in Edmonton. They're very anxious -- as long as it's done correctly -- to get involved and to bring the IBL back to Edmonton next year.'

Courtesy of http://www.canada.com

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


Samad Nikkhah in Elan-Bearnais France - by Mohammad Ahmadi
Samad Bahrami (200-F/G-83, agency: ACMT) , The Captain of Iran National Basketball Team, signed a Contract with Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez in France Pro League A today and will be with them for upcoming season.
After Beijing 2008 Olympic, He signed a contract with Cholet Basket France Pro League A but after a month, he revoked his contract and now he will be with Elan Bearnais Pau-Lacq-Orthez. He played for Iran national Team in Olympic Games in Beijing 2008 with average 33mpg and 17.2 ppg in 5 matches.

Iran Div1 First Week Results... - by Mohammad Ahmadi

Iran Div1 First Week Results :
In First Week of Iran basketball Division1, 12 team played and the results are :
( Urmia 76 - Saina Kordestan 62 ) -
( Asad Abad Hamedan 97 - Pasargad Mehran Shiraz 79 ) -
( Qazvin 83 - Pouya Tehran 62 ) -
( Naft Omidiyeh 97 - IranNara Gonbad 63 ) -

( Payam Zanjan 64 - Tozin Electric Tehran 77 ) -

( Melli Haffar Ahvaz 101 - Kermanshah 52 )


The other matches cancelled and will be done in future.



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


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


Tre Kelley joins Ashkelon, James Lang joins Rishon - by Tamar Goldman
The American Guard Tre Kelley (183-G-85, agency: CAA Sports, college: S.Carolina) is the latest addition to Ironi Ashkelon, after the club released Michael Jordan (183-G-78, agency: Court Side, college: Pennsylvania) earlier this month. Kelley arrives to Israel after one season with Cibona Zagre, where he averaged in the Adriatic League: 6.3ppg, 1.5rpg, 2.6apg, and in the Euroleague: 11.1ppg, 1.3rpg, 2.5apg. In Feb.'08 kelley moved to Panellinios Athens where he finished the season. Kelley graduated from S.Carolina University in the summer of 2007 and Croatia was his first stop in his carrier as a professional player.

Maccabi Rishon made its first change in the roster with the landing of James Lang (207-C-83), who will replace Dennis Carr (201-F-81, agency: Ronsport, college: Embry Riddle). Lang was drafted on 2003 by the New Orleans (2rd 48 place) but soon moved to the NBDL and the USBL. During 2004/05 season he played in Spain for Drac Inca Mallorca (ESP-LEB2). Next season he returned to the NBDL and on March 2006 signed a 10-day contract with Atlanta Hawks but didnt play and then signed 10-Day contract with Toronto Raptors. In the summer of 2006 he joined Washington Wizards where he played 11 games and in March he moved to Arkansas RimRockers (D-League). Lang arrives to Israel after a season with Utah Flash (D-League) where he averaged 12.4ppg, 7.0rpg, 1.2apg

Cibona outsmarts Maccabi Electra for a wonderful start - by Eurobasket News
Cibona - Maccabi Electra 81-79

Excellent victory by Cibona Zagreb against Israeli giant and last season's runner up Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv. Davor Kus (192-G-78) was clutch player of the game shining at the very end, when it was the most important for his team. Cibona had 71-63 with 4 minutes remaining after what Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) made it from downtown. Kus immediately stepped up for his team with a reverse layup, free throws and a key three-pointer resolving question about the winner in the final two minutes. He finished the game netting 23 points for 32:45 (4/4 FG2, 3/6 3-pts, 6/6 FTs). However, American Rawle Marshall (200-G-82, college: Oakland) was the one who grabbed the MVP award in this game. Marshall drained 20 points for 32 minutes (index value 29). Big guy Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) also was good helping his team with 14 points and 4 rebounds. Maccabi Elektra got the most from D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia), who collected 26 points and 7 boards.
Davor Kus and Marin Rozic (201-F-83) made two triples at the beginning leading their team to 12-8. In the second frame the hosts touched 28-21 but thanks to Carlos Arroyo and D'or Fischer , Maccabi came closer. Finally Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) made a basket for a turn, 31-32. Teams went on the half time tied 36-36. Visitors opened third frame with a basket but Davor Kus and Vedran Princ (191-G-82) led Cibona to 9-point game late in this period. As it is mentioned above, Davor Kus was the man who brought the great win for Cibona on the club's important day. Namely, it was a special game for the hosts, which paid homage to world basketball icon, the late Drazen Petrovic, in the arena named after him on the night after what would have been his 44th birthday.

Cibona: Davor Kus 23, Rawle Marshall 20, Nikola Prkacin 14+4 boards
Maccab Electra: D'or Fischer 26+7 boards, Lior Eliyahu 14+5 boards, Carlos Arroyo 10

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


Market news and rumors - by Gianni Pascucci
Angelico Biella announced the agreement with Slovenian Goran Jurak (203-F/C-77), who inked a two-month contract with an option till the end of season. Former Capo d'Orlando GM Gianmaria Vacirca has been interviewed by Premiata Montegranaro officials to replace the departed Roberto carmenati. The last market rumor tells about Fortitudo Bologna on the way to release Joseph Forte (193-G-81, college: N.Carolina) due to disciplinary reasons. Let's see...

Olympiakos cruises past Air Avelino on the road - by Eurobasket News
Air Avelino - Olympiakos 69-83

Air Avelino couldn't handle Greek Olympiakos at home in Group A. Despite the hosts had wonderful beginning, Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) and his teammates managed to take control on them and to celebrate comfortable victory at the end. Everything was great for Air Avelino in the first frame as it created 22-14 after ten minutes. It was kind of signal for the Greek team to start playing and it resulted with magnificent 12-26 in the second quarter. At that point of game it was clear that Red machine wormed up and it will be very hard to compete against it. Ex NBA star Josh Childress was in a game mood while Yotam Halperin (196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) and big guy Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) were behind him. Visitors had nice rebounding night registering 9 more than Air Avelino. Despite terrible percentage from behind the arc, Olympiakos made big number of points from the paint thus after 30 minutes it reached plus 8, 54-62. Lat ten minutes Greek team played without routine extending its lead even more. Josh Childress added 14 points and 8 rebounds for Olympiakos spending almost 26 minutes on the court. Zoran Erceg and Yotam Halperin had 11 points apiece. Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) was better than the others in Italian team with 18 points and 5 boards. Travis Best (180-G-72, college: Georgia Tech) had 14 points and 5 assists while Nikola Radulovic (207-F-73) stopped on 10 points. Air Avelino travels to Tel-Aviv next week while Unicaja arrives to Pireus.

Air Avelino: Chris Warren 18+5 boards, Travis Best 14+5 as, Nikola Radulovic 10
Olympiakos: Josh Childress 14+8 boards, Zoran Erceg 11+6 boards, Yotam Halperin 11

German champion takes it against Lottomatica - by Eurobasket News
ALBA Berlin - Lottomatica Roma 68-63

ALBA Berlin celebrated against the last season's Italian runner-up Lottomatica Roma thanks to nice played last stanza 18-11. It is third victory for the host teams tonight in Euroleague. Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) shined for the winners delivering 17 points and missing one board for double-double. Actually he was MVP of the game with index value 21. Adam Chubb (207-F/C-81, college: Pennsylvania) also demonstrated good performance for the winners collecting 12 points and 8 boards. Another big guy did a great job in the paint against tough Italians. It is Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76), who as Chubb also nailed 12 points but with 4 rebounds. ALBA Berlin totally outrebounded Lottomatica finishing the game with 12+16. On the other side Italian team had only 6-16. Interesting is also that Lottomatica had opportunity to shot only 5 free throws during the entire time. Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) top-scored for the loosing side with 13 points. Andre Hutson (202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) had 11 while Slovenian Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) stopped on 10 points plus 5 rebounds. In the next round German champion will take on Fenerbahce Ulker. Lottomatica will host DKV Joventut.

ALBA Berlin: Immanuel McElroy 17+9 boards, Adam Chubb 12+8 boards, Aleksandar Nadjfeji 12+4 boards
Lottomatica Roma: Luigi Datome 13, Andre Hutson 11+4 boards, Primoz Brezec 10+5 boards

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


Knights, Bulls through to NBL semis - by Leonard Whyte
Defending champions Urban Knights, and newcomers Port Royal Bulls, have booked their place in the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) semifinal rounds after scoring impressive victories over Runnin' Rebels and St. Georges Slayers respectively to take their best-of-three quarterfinal series 2-1. They now join Tivoli Wizards and Majestic Gardens in the final four, as the teams battle for the NBL title. All this came about after the playing of two decisive game threes at the National Stadium courts on Tuesday night.

In the first game, Bulls outhustled and manhandled former champions Slayers, who never had a grip on the series. They had no answers for Damion Young who torched them for a whopping 36 points and also grabbed 15 rebounds on the way to an 82-71 Bulls victory. National player, Rohan Robinson, was the top scorer for Slayers with 15 points.

Unbeaten season lost
In the game everyone came to see, Rebels let a golden opportunity slip away when they got caught up in the moment and put up very little resistance against the champions. As the team who has given Knights the biggest problems throughout the season, Rebels could have shocked the basketball world with the victory, but Knights were dialed-in from the start. They were hell bent on becoming the first team to end the season unbeaten, but when they lost game 2 to Rebels the goal suddenly changed. The goal is now to defend their title and win back-to-back championships, and Omar Barnes (15 points), and Andrew Whilby (10 points and 14 rebounds) led the way in the 70-58 close-out win over Rebels for whom Greg Warlock and Lynford Brown scored 15 points each.

The best-of-three semifinal round will begin this Saturday with Wizards facing Bulls and Knights going up against majestic. The semifinals of the female league will also be played as Brave Smilers will face JABA Strikers and Waulgrove Bullets will take on Metro Belles. Game times are 6:00 pm and 7:45 pm.

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


Hokkaido alum Jawad Williams makes Cavs' roster - by Kenny
F Jawad Williams (204-F-83, college: N.Carolina), who was playing in the JBL for the Rera Kamuy Hokkaido only a year ago, has finally made it to the NBA. The former North Carolina Tar Heels star made his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers' opening day roster today when the team waived F Ronald Dupree. Williams and Dupree had been battling for the 15th and final roster spot. Williams played in all 35 games for Hokkaido in the 2007-08 JBL season, averaging 24.7 pts a game and 7.1 reb a game.

Williams is one of only a handful of players who have made it to the NBA after playing in Japan in the JBL-the last 2 players to do so were former Daiwa C Ben Handlogten in 2004 with the Utah Jazz and former Toyota swingman Juaquin Hawkins with the Houston Rockets in 2002.

bj League Week 1 - by K. Will
The bj league has opened it's season with 12 Teams divided into two conferences. Each team plays the same opponent twice each week.

Western Conference

Osaka Evessa was on road against the new expansion team Shiga Lakestars. Osaka has saved its face by wining both games on the road. Shiga lost both of their first two home games but the Lakes were putting up fight against the three time champion and showed that they were ready to join league.

Rizing Fukuoka and Ryukyu Golden Kings was quite a up tempo game and ended with the Golden Kings blowing out Rizing in two consecutive games at the Kings home.

Takamatsu Five Arrows showed that they are a chapionship contender by picking up two wins easily against the Oita Heat Devils

Eastern Conference

Tokyo Apache traveled to play Niigata Albirex and came out with a record 1-1 but Apache is playing very well with their addition of Tizzo Johnson (201-F-81, college: NC-Greensboro) and Julius Ashby (205-F/C-82, college: Colorado). Nigata has to improve on having their import players and Japanese players playing together.

Saitama Broncos picked up to wins against the Toyama Grouses. Toyama lost but seems to be a better team than last year which they finshed last place in the eastern conference.

Hamamatsu Phoenix opened their season with a 1-1 start against the Sendai 89ers. Phoenix looked like they were still seeking their way to play the game and the import players were not able to show their best performance. The 89ers had a solid game with a lot a ball movement and their fine team chemistry.

The MVP of the week was Shigeyuki Kinjo (182-G-84) from Ryukyu Golden Kings, Scored 22 with making 6 out of seven from behind the line.

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


LBL Round: 6 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Valmiera - Liepajas 87-81
Valmiera and Liepajas opened Round 6 in Latvian League. The hosts were stronger and deserved a 87:81 victory. Clark Ronald top-scored for the winners with 22 points, while Lloyd Jarryd scored 20. Zorin Alexey ended up with 16 points in defeat.

Keizarm.U21 - Ventsp.Aug. 50-84
Ventspils Augstskola had a road win over Keizarm.U21 on October 22nd. Five players reached the double digits as Auns Martins led them with 23 points. Endzels Edmunds posted 10 points for the hosts.

Keizarmezs - Barons/LMT 69-127
Keizarmezs was smashed by Barons/LMT 69:127 as the latter improved to 2-1 in the standings. In that game seven players posted more than 10 points for the winners and Berzins Kaspars paced them with 28 points 8 rebounds. Berzins Arturs ended up with 19 points for the hosts.

Zemgale - ASK/Buki 74-75
ASK/Buki survived over Zemgale and won 74:75 away from home. Jansons Andrejs led the winners with 24 points and Rudzitis Uldis added 20. Berkis Martins collected 17 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

Liep.Papirs - BA Riga 97-89
Liep.Papirs beat BA Riga 97:89 behind 23 points from Ate Artis. Mejeris Mareks produced 21 points, while Freimanis Arturs and Fridenbergs Kristaps had 16 each. Tukiss Edmunds shined for the guests with 32 points.

Ventspils - VEF Riga 73-66
Ventspils improved to 5-0 after a home win over VEF Riga 73:66. Zakis Ronalds top-scored for the winners with 20 points and Tsiakos Georgios collected 15 points and 10 rebounds. Gulbis Maris erupted with 29 points for the visitors.

Zemgale/Juniors - LU/Ridzene 83-88
Zemgale/Juniors lost to LU/Ridzene 83:88 in the last game of the round. Strelis Ivars and Rozitis Rudolfs top-scored for the winners with 17 points each. Krumins Kalvis finished the night with 21 points in defeat.



Standings - LBAL
LBAL Standings
Austrumi
 1. Salacgriva 2-0 
 2. Lielvarde 2-0 
 3. Jekabpils 1-1 
 4. Pargauja 1-1 
 5. Madona 1-1 
 6. DU/Swedbank 1-1 
 7. Gulbene 0-2 
 8. Sigulda 0-2 
Centrs A
 1. Saulkrasti 2-0 
 2. Livu akvaparks 2-0 
 3. VIA Riga 1-0 
 4. Ridzene M. 1-1 
 5. LU 0-1 
 6. Ogre/Sonora 0-1 
 7. Ridzene 90 0-3 
Centrs B
 1. Turiba 4-0 
 2. Juramalas SS 3-1 
 3. Kursa/MRU 2-1 
 4. VEF Riga 2-1 
 5. BJSS Keizar. 1-1 
 6. Ogre/LDz 1-2 
 7. 3.BJSS 1-2 
 8. DSN 0-3 
 9. Ridzene 91 0-3 
Rietumi
 1. Perkons 2-0 
 2. Dartija 2-0 
 3. Bauska 2-1 
 4. Kuldiga 1-1 
 5. Variants 1-1 
 6. Olaine 1-1 
 7. Talsi 1-1 
 8. Saldus-2 1-3 
 9. Tukums 0-3 


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


Coupe de Luxembourg: 1/16 finals Racing out! DBBL's T71 and Heffingen advance! - by Alex Meyers
During the week, the 1/16th final of the Cup of Luxembourg was played. Arantia of Larochette of Luxembourg's National 3 surprised visiting Mondorf of National 2. DBBL's Racing Luxembourg(Coach Toni Ostojic ) was ousted by National 2 team Basket Esch and N3's Red Miners of Red Miners Kayl slipped past BBC Nitia of Bettembourg. In other action, Heffingen crushed BC Mess as expected and T 71 destroyed Preizerdaul. Coach Goran Lukic, Sean Black (199-G/F-75, college: Florida A&M) and company of Bascharage(N2) advanced past Black Frogs(N3) which features none other than the 1967 born Derek Wilson (200-F/C-67, college: Co.Carolina).

Tuesday October 21, 2008

Mamer(N3) - Petange(N3) 69:102
Arantia(+10)(N3) - Mondorf(N2) 87:56

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

BC Mess(N2)(+10) - Heffingen(DBBL) 71-106
Preizerdaul(N3)(+20) - T 71 (DBBL) 63-90
Red Miners(N3)(+10) - BBC Nitia(N2) 83-80
Black Frogs(N2) - Bascharage(N2) 61-71
Basket Esch(+10) (N2) - Racing(DBBL) 93-73

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Grengewald (N3)(+10) - Arlon(N2) (no result yet)

Teams receiving byes this round: Black Star, Soleuvre, Sparta, Musel Pikes, Amicale, Etzella, Rsidence and Contern

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


Eurobasket - global leader in basketball stats - by Richard
Eurobasket established its global leadership role in basketball coverage after implementing this season the stats system for ...79 leagues and international events.
There is no other web site coming any close to that goal.
Eurobasket is well-known of having the biggest basketball database with profiles of over 182,000 players and coaches.
It's also considered as the most reliable basketball source for coaches and team managers involved in professional basketball around the World.
With it's coverage of 406 leagues in 266 countries (another leading number in on-line basketball coverage) it provides unmatching basketball coverage for wide range of basketball people from professionals to fans.
The only item missing so far was ...detailed stats.
'It started as a very small-scale project and we originally scheduled to have just 8-9 top leagues in the world to have stats for. But a big demand to provide stats from other basketball leagues lead us to expand it to other leagues and countries and in consequence when we counted it at the end, we came with a number of 79 leagues and international events we provide the stats for. The project is quite complex and at the top of sophisticated programming, it requires very heavy workload to maintain it properly. But we realized that starting it on a small scale would not make too much sense. Eurobasket is known for the widest basketball coverage on-line and we had to follow that path in adding possibility to track down the stats of every professional team and player in the World.' said Eurobasket manager Marek Wojtera.
Together with a new design implemented also this year, it makes quite big improvement in a very short time.
'On-line competition is very strong. Staying in one place means to be out of business very fast. Contrary to other top web sites in basketball coverage we are in a position of not having any company (like NBA, Euroleague, FIBA, etc.) behind for which we just run the web site. So we always have to be one step ahead of our competition to keep the leading position in basketball coverage. Web sites which try to stay at the top in the popularity ranking constantly have to expand their services, so the customers every year receive more for the same service fee. We are in this business for more that 10 years and we constantly expand and improve practically every year adding new items, improving the web site and expanding services. It's like Google, with it's never-ending process of improving their search engine. Providing stats from U.S. pro leagues is not a big deal and you can find number of web sites providing it very well. Of course we have it in our portfolio too. But this year for the very first time basketball fans can find in one place detailed stats from all European countries, top Japenese and Latin American leagues without switching to any other web sites. You get it for free and we hope you will enjoy having such wide and detailed coverage supported by detailed stats system.' Wojtera said.
So no more need to keep browsing other web sites in order to collect last games info about your favorite players. You have it in one user-friendly format for whichever league you want.

Wizards waive Dermarr Johnson and Linton Johnson - by Bruno Baltazar
The Washington Wizards waived forwards DerMarr Johnson (6'9''-G-80, college: Cincinnati) and Linton Johnson (6'8''-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Tulane) on Tuesday to cut their roster to the maximum 15 players.
DerMarr Johnson averaged 8.8 points and 19.6 minutes in five exhibition games. Linton Johnson averaged 1.3 points and 12.8 minutes in four games. Both were signed Sept. 22.
The Wizards (1-4) close the preseason with games Wednesday at the San Antonio Spurs, then Friday at the Cleveland Cavaliers. Washington opens the regular season Oct. 29 at home against the New Jersey Nets.

Preseason games recap - by Bruno Baltazar
Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) and Hedo Turkoglu each scored 22 points to lead the Orlando Magic to a 101-90 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies .
J.J. Redick, competing for time at shooting guard, added 15 as the Magic cruised to their sixth straight preseason win.
Reserve Darrell Arthur (6'9''-F-88, college: Kansas) led Memphis with 18 points. Mike Conley (6'1''-G-87, college: Ohio St.) added 13.

Lou Williams scored 18 points and hit five of the Philadelphia 76ers' 14 3-pointers in a 118-100 victory over the New Jersey Nets.
Rookie Marreese Speights also had 18 points and Thaddeus Young (6'8''-F-88, college: Georgia Tech) added 16 as the 76ers finished the preseason with a 4-3 record.
76ers finished 14-of-27 from 3-point range.

Rodney Stuckey (6'4''-G-86, college: E.Washington) scored 20 points, Tayshaun Prince (6'9''-F-80, college: Kentucky) added 17 points and the Detroit Pistons capitalized on LeBron James' absence to beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 97-79.
Cleveland was led by Daniel Gibson's 16 points, while Mo Williams had 14 and Wally Szczerbiak (6'6''-F-77, college: Miami, OH) added 12.

Larry Hughes (6'5''-G-79, college: St.Louis) scored 21 point before leaving the game with a dislocated right shoulder, and the Chicago Bulls beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 85-75.
Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88) scored 17 points after a 30-point performance against Dallas.
Al Jefferson (6'10''-F-85) scored 19 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Minnesota.

Nick Young (6'6''-G/F-85, agency: Priority Sports, college: USC) scored 15 points in his preseason debut to help the Washington Wizards beat the San Antonio Spurs 100-95.
Washington also got 15 points in 23 minutes from Caron Butler (6'7''-F-80, college: Connecticut), Spurs were led by Tim Duncan's 20 points in 22 minutes. Duncan, who made 8-of-9 free throws, also grabbed eight rebounds.

Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) scored 17 points, rookie Greg Oden (7'0''-C-88, college: Ohio St.) had 12 points and 13 rebounds, and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Los Angeles Clippers 87-75.
Oden, the only player to appear in all six of Portland's exhibition games, is averaging 11.5 points and 7.8 boards. Al Thornton (6'8''-F-83, college: Florida St.) had 16 points and eight rebounds for the Clippers.

Dallas waives three players - by Eurobasket News
Dallas Mavericks decided to waive three players Cheyne Gadson (6'4''-G-80, college: Oklahoma St.), JaJuan Smith (6'2''-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee) and Reyshawn Terry (6'8''-F-84, college: N.Carolina).

Cheyne Gadson joined Dallas as a free agent after he changed three teams last season. He started it in Italian Armani Jeans Milano having 7 ppg in 3 Euroleague games. He also appeared 6 times in Serie A adding 7.8 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.8 apg. He was released in November immediately moving to Austin Toros of D-League. His final destination was another D-League team Albuquerque Thunderbirds. He had 7 games with the Thunderbirds averaging 17.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg and 4.1 apg.

JaJuan Smith agreed with the Mavericks as a rookie free agent arriving from Tennessee. He appeared in all 7 pre-season games collecting 4.7 ppg and almost 1 spg for 9.6 minutes per game. In his senior year with Tennessee, Smith had 14.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.7 spg.

Reyshawn Terry was originally 44th overall pick on 2007 NBA Draft selected by Orlando Magic. A the same night the Magic traded him to Dallas for Serbian player Milovan Rakovic. Terry spent last season in Greek team Aris TT Bank averaging 8.8 ppg and 4.5 rpg in 19 Euroleague games. He also had 17 appearances in Greek A1 recording 6.2 ppg and 5.2 rpg. Terry played 5 pre-season games with the Mavs adding 4.4 ppg and 1.2 rpg for 7 minutes per game.

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  NCAA1   


Cincinnati point guard Wright tears knee - by Eurobasket News
Point guard Cashmere Wright (6'2''-G), a freshman who was expected to play a big role for Cincinnati, tore a knee ligament and is out for the season.

The team said Thursday that Wright tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during practice this week.

The Bearcats had hoped that Wright could blend in quickly, allowing Deonta Vaughn (6'1''-G-86) - their top returning scorer - to play at shooting guard. Instead, Vaughn will have to move back to the point guard position.

Last year, junior forward Mike Williams ruptured his Achilles tendon during preseason workouts and missed the season. It was a blow to the teams front line. Williams is expected to play this season.

Courtesy of http://rivals.yahoo.com

Lute Olson to step down as Arizona basketball coach - by Eurobasket News
Lute Olson is stepping down after winning 589 games in 25 seasons as men's basketball coach at the University of Arizona, ESPN.com reports.

The 74-year-old Olson will be replaced by associate coach Mike Dunlap on an interim basis, ESPN said, citing an unidentified person close to the situation. The Wildcats are scheduled to open the regular season on Nov. 17.

Olson, whose contract runs through 2011, took a leave from the team last season while tending to an undisclosed medical condition he said wasn't life-threatening. He previously stated he would return to coaching and athletic department spokesman Rich Paige said he's unaware of any change in plans.

''Right now, Lute is still our coach,'' Paige said in a telephone interview. ''The reports we're seeing are just speculation. We have nothing to report and nothing planned.''

Olson led the Wildcats to the national championship in 1997 and his 780 career wins at Long Beach State, Iowa and Arizona are second to Duke's Mike Krzyzewski among active Division I men's coaches. His 27 National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament appearances are second all-time to Bob Knight.

Courtesy of http://www.bloomberg.com

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  NCAA2   


BEITINGER, WILDCAT MEN'S BASKETBALL RECEIVE PRESEASON DIVISION II RECOGNITION - by Sanjey Noriega
From: wildcatsports.com

ELLENSBURG (Oct. 6) -- Senior Jake Beitinger (6'8''-F) (Port Orchard/South Kitsap HS) and the Central Washington University men's basketball team have been recognized by Sporting News as among the best in the NCAA Division II according to the magazine's preseason basketball publication.

Beitinger, a unanimous first-team all-Great Northwest Athletic Conference selection and second-team all-Division II West Region performer last year, was listed as a second team NCAA DIvision II All-American by Sporting News for this season. He is one of only two players west of the Mississippi River to be recognized on either the first or second team by the publication. Beitinger led Central Washington in scoring (14.8 points per game), rebounding (6.4 rebounds per game), and blocked shots (41) last season.

The Wildcat team is listed seventh among the top 10 teams listed in the publication's preseason ranking. South Carolina Aiken, Findlay (Ohio), Gannon (Pa.), Bentley (Mass.), and Augusta State (Ga.) comprise the top five, followed by Southwest Baptist (Mo.), CWU, Grand Valley State (Mich.), Florida Southern, and C.W. Post (N.Y.).

Central Washington finished with a 21-7 overall record, including a 15-3 GNAC record and second-place finish last season. The Wildcats, who also qualified for the NCAA Division II West Region tournament for the second time in three years, return four players with significant starting experience from last year's squad, with seniors Matt Penoncello (Moscow, Idaho), Johnny Spevak (Edgewood/Puyallup HS), and Giovonne Woods (Lacey/River Ridge HS) joining Beitinger with at least 15 games started from the 2007-08 campaign.

Head coach Greg Sparling has a total of six returning lettermen plus four junior-college transfers, two returning redshirts, and one true freshman on his 2008-09 roster. The Wildcats open this year's schedule on Nov. 22 against Multnomah University (Ore.) at Nicholson Pavilion.

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  PBL   


Millrats add Oates to roster - by Gianni Pascucci
John Oates (6'10''-F-85, agency: Passing Lane, college: Boston Coll.), a member of the 2007-08 Boston College Eagles, has agreed to play for the Manchester Millrats of the Premier Basketball League. The 6'10', 255 lb forward-center started 14 games last season for the ACC Eagles, averaging 4.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. His collegiate career was highlighted by the magical 2004-2005 season, in which the Eagles jumped out to a 20-0 start. Oates' teammates included current NBA players Jared Dudley (Charlotte Bobcats), Sean Williams (New Jersey Nets), and Craig Smith (Minnesota Timberwolves).

Wilmington announces GM, coach - by Gianni Pascucci
The Wilmington Sea Dawgs organization is pleased to announce that William 'Billy' Whittington will be serving as General Manager for the 2009 season. He isn' t a new name for the Dawgs, because he served as Team Manager for the 2007-2008 season as well as acted as assistant coach for away games. The team is also pleased to announce that Dale Kuhl has accepted to become the Head Coach of the team for the 2009 season. Kuhl's last stop as Head Coach was at Spartanburg Methodist University.

RazorSharks re-sign Keith Friel - by Eurobasket News
The 2008 Premier Basketball League Champions, Rochester RazorSharks, announced today the resigning of guard Keith Friel (6'4''-G-77, college: Virginia). Friel, (6'4' / 190lbs. / University of Virginia) who will be returning for his fourth season with Rochester was the team's leading scorer the last two seasons and was named the Playoff MVP last year.

Friel averaged 17.1 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2 apg, and 1.5 spg during the 2008 regular season and set a RazorSharks single-game franchise record by scoring 35 points in last year's championship game including 7 three point field goals. Friel is the RazorSharks all-time leading scorer and leader in 3-point field goals made.

Friel was the 2008 PBL's leader in Free Throw Percentage at 89% making 77 out of 87 attempts on the year, and was ranked second in the league in 3-point field goals, shooting 38%while connecting on 56 out of 147 attempts.

A graduate of Oyster River High School in Durham, New Hampshire, Friel went on to play at the University of Notre Dame before transferring and finishing his college career at the University of Virginia.

Friel says, 'I'm ecstatic to be back with the RazorSharks for my fourth season to keep building on the foundation and rich success that we have had already the past three years. I look forward to building on the success that we shared in our inaugural PBL Championship season, and bringing another championship to the City of Rochester.'

RazorSharks Head Coach Rod Baker says 'Part of our success has been our continuity and our ability to retain good players. Anytime you can bring back your all-time leading scorer you're heading in the right direction,'

The RazorSharks will open training camp in early December with the regular season starting in January. The PBL will release the 2009 Schedule shortly.

Curtesy of the Rochester RazorSharks

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  PHILIPPINES   


Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
 1. Sta Lucia 0-0 
 2. Ginebra 0-0 
 3. Alaska 0-0 
 4. Purefoods 0-0 
 5. Coca-Cola 0-0 
 6. Talk N Text 0-0 
 7. Red Bull 0-0 
 8. Air21 0-0 
 9. San Miguel 0-0 
 10. Rain or Shine 0-0 


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  PORTUGAL   


Porto signed forward Chuck Bailey - by Bruno Baltazar
Porto just signed their 3rd american for this season, Chuck Bailey (200-F-82, college: Detroit Mercy) , 2,00m will play in the positions 3/4 ,born in Detroit,25 years old of age ,started his college in Michigan but after 2 seasons moved to Detroit Mercy of the NCAA1 where he played more minuts ,in the season 2005/06 his senior season averaged 10.1ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.1bpg, FG: 56.7%, FT: 67.3%
in 32 games.
His professional career counts with 2006: Reales de La Vega (DOM-LIDOBA,1T): 3 games, 13.3 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 53% FG
2006-2007: Angers BC 49 (FRA-ProB): 29 games: 11.2ppg, 5.9rpg, 0.9apg, 1.0spg, FGP: 46.1%
2007-2008: During the season signed at BS Odessa (Ukraine-Superleague): 5 games: 3.4ppg, 2.4rpg, released very shortly, in Nov.'07 signed wth Al Hala (Bahrain-Premier League, starting five), released in Jan.'08

Porto coach were looking for mainly a player with defensive and rebounds skills and seemed to find the player he were looking for.

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  PUERTO RICO   


Arroyo and Maccabi outlasted by Cibona - by Luis Ramirez
It was the start of the Euro League Season and Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) was really excited to be playing in Europe after several seasons in the NBA. It may not have been what he had expected as his team fell short against Cibona Zagreb 81-79, with Arroyo scoring 10 points in over 31 minutes of play. He was shot 0 out of 5 from two point range and was only able to make 2 out of 8 from 3 point range. He did make 4 out of 5 from the free throw line. Although Maccabi made a small run during the last minutes of the game it would not be enough to take the win. Maccabi will next meet Gail Gilboa on Sunday.

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  RUSSIA   


Sergei Panov is new GM of NBA Nizhny Novgorod - by Eurobasket News
11-time Russian champion with CSKA Moscow, Sergei Panov (203-F-71), became the new General Manager of B Superleague team NBA Nizhny Novgorod, who currently has 4 wins and 2 defeats. Panov plans to reinforce Novgorod's roster in December in order to reach the promotion in A Superleague. At the same time it is announced that Serbian coach Zoran Lukic will take over the team. Lukic used to work in CSKA, Russian U16 NT as an assistant coach and at the same position in senior NT of India.
Sergei Panov retired from professional basketball in August 2006. Before that, he spent 11 years in CSKA Moscow. Actually only one season from 1994 to 2006 he was out of CSKA. It was on 01/02 when Panov was a member of Ural Great Perm. Panov grabbed impressive 11 championship titles with Russian powerhouse. During these 11 years CSKA reached Euroleague Final Four 3 times winning one trophy in 2006. It is not all as Panov also had two trophies in Russian National Cup. He had important role in Russian National Team from 1991 to 2004. Panov participated on European Championships 93 (Silver), 95, 97 (Bronze), 99 and 01 in Turkey. He was a part of Team Russia at the World Championship 94 (Silver), 98 (Silver) and 02.

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  SERBIA   


Stanojevic moved to BC Kyiv, Nemanja Karalic in Slovenia - by Zoran Popovic
Jovo Stanojevic (207-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) moved from Turkey to Ukraine. Stanojevic started season in Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul, but he will contined career in BC Kyiv. Before Besiktas ColaTurka Istanbul and Kyiv Stanojevic played for Prokom and in season 2007-2008 scored average in Euroleague 9 points, 4.6 rebounds per game and in Polish league he scored 10.3 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 assistants per game. Before Prokom Stanojevic played for Vojvodina 1993-1996, Crvena Zvezda 1996-2000, Maccabi Ranana 2000-2001, Partizan 2001-2002, ALBA 2002-2007. Last season Stanojevic won Polish Championiship with Prokom.
Young Nemanja Karalic signed contract with BC Elektra Sostanj. Karalic started career in BC Beovuk 72 and played for all young categories.

Ivan Paunic knocks out big Triumph Lyubertsy with Oostende - by Dragan Jankovski
Serbian players abroad had pretty good day in EuroCup.

The best result for sure made Belgian team Base BC Oostende, who knocked out Russian millionaires Triumph Lyubertsy 85-70. As a reminder, in the first game in Moscow the score was tied 78-78. Guard Ivan Paunic (194-G-87) once again shined for the winning team. He spent 25 minutes on court collecting 14 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists. Paunic had great 2/2 for FG2, 3/4 from behind the arc and 1/2 free throws. In the first game in Moscow, Paunic had 12 points also with impressive percentages. Two other Serbian players were far away behind him. Veselin Petrovic (194-G/F-77, agency: Beo Basket) had 2 points while Slobodan Ljubotina (207-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) was not on the list of scorers. Unfortunately, Serbian coach Vlada Vukoicic parted ways with Oostende at the beginning of the week. Ex NBAer and center of Serbian National Team, Nenad Krstic (214-C-83), was the best in Triumph with 19 points and 7 rebounds. Ognjen Askrabic (207-C/F-79) stopped on 6 points and 3 assists for 26 minutes.

Galatasaray Cafe Crown trashed Siauliai 94-63 thanks to Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket), who scored 20, and Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket), who added 12 points including 14 rebounds.

Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona), Stevan Nadjfeji (202-F-79) and Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) helped Panelionios to get through the first round aggregating plus 30 in two games against Telekom Basket Bonn. Ostojic led his team with 14 points in just 14 minutes. Radenovic scored 13 while Nadjfeji had one points less but missing only one shot for 18 minutes.

Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82) and his ASK Riga also secured the second qualifying round loosing by only 2 point vs Cholet in France. Aleksic helped ASK Riga with 12 poinst, 5 rebounds and 4 assist in 34 minutes.

Tight victory for Efes Pilsen against Partizan Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Partizan 61-60

Extremely exciting game in Istanbul, where Efes Pilsen grabbed thriller win against Partizan Belgrade. Serbian team had pretty good beginning making plus 3 after 10 minutes, 11-14. Interesting that ex Partisan's star Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) was totally the best player for Efes Pilsen in this game. The hosts entered into the second quarter very aggressively at the defensive end resulting with just 10 points by Partizan. The players of head coach Ergin Ataman were on fire, especially Milos Vujanic and Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's), draining couple of long range strokes until the half time. Everything outcame with comfortable 35-24 for Efes Pilsen. After the breather, Partzan improved its game but despite it Efes extended lead on 12 points. When it seemed that the winner is already known, last season's quarterfinalist shined. Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) and Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) did a great job while inside while Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) had big troubles from the free throw line in Efes missing 5 consecutive attempts. Finaly, Partizan tied the score in the finish but Milos Vujanic was the one who immediately answered with a triple from the pick-end-roll game. Partizan had a great chance at the very end but its guards hurried a little bit missing two lay-ups. Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) made two free throws with routine sealing the victory of his team. Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) hit a triple for Partizan at the buzzer but just for the final 61-60. Milos Vujanic finished the game with 17 points and 4 assists. Marvis Thornton was the last one with double digits in scoring for Efes Pilsen posting exactly 10 points. Novica Velickovic was pretty good in Serbian team adding 16 points and 6 rebounds. Gabonese player Stephane Lasme registered double-double 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Efes Pilsen: Milos Vujanic 17+4 as, Marvis Thornton 10, Kerem Gonlum 9+7 boards
Partizan: Novica Velickovic 16+8 boards, Stephane Lasme 11+14 boards, Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) 10+5 boards

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  SLOVAKIA   


Nitra and Chemosvit victorious in Extraliga - by Eurobasket News
SPU Nitra and Chemosvit opened Round 5 with victories.

SPU Nitra was better than MBK Rieker Komarno 103-71 improving its score in Extraliga on 3-2 while visitors dropped on the same record. The hosts had impressive second half netting 58 points. On the other side, Komarno succeeded to score just 27. Dametri Hill (203-C-74, college: Florida) top-scored for Nitra with 23 points including 7 boards. Eugene Lawrence (185-G-86, college: St.John's) also was great registering double-double 21 points, 6 boards and 10 assists. Roman Vido (204-C-88) stopped on 18 points. Komarno got 25 points and 6 rebounds from Ivan Barisic (200-C-84).

Chemosvit took care for the road victory against Slavia TU Kosice 83-72. Second quarter was crucial period of the game as Chemosvit ended it 19-7. Visitors continued in the same rhythm after the breather resolving question about the winner before the last frame. Peter Sedmak (203-C-85) led Chemosvit in this game collecting 23 points and 13 boards. Zachary Ingles (188-G-83, college: E.Kentucky) also shined with 21 points. Branislav Laco (200-F-77) was third scorer for Chemosvit stopping on 12. At the same time he was the last one with double digits in scoring for Chemosvit.

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  SLOVENIA   


DKV Joventut crushes Olimpija in the last frame - by Eurobasket News
DKV Joventut - Union Olimpija 81-64

DKV Joventut crushed Slovenian champion Union Olimpija registering the first win in Group C. Interesting is that Olimpija finished the game having 42 rebounds while the hosts stopped on 34. The main problem for the visiting team in this game were turnovers, as they committed 20. It was too much against tough Joventut, who knew how to punish them. Olimpija had furious beginning and after triple by Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) it was 6-16. However, Henk Norel and Edu Hernandez-Sonseca helped Joventut to come on 17-18 at the end of the first frame. Second one also was almost leveled until Jan-Hendrik Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) poured in 5 consecutive points for 34-31 at the half time. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) and Pau Ribas (182-G-87) shined for Joventut after the breather and together with Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) set the score on 59-53 after 30 minutes. It seemed that players of head coach Aleksandar Dzikic somehow stopped after that as Joventut created nice 12-1 run for 71-54. It was clear that Olimpija won't be able to treat seriously until the end. Pops Mensah-Bonsu paced Spanish team to victory adding 14 points and 9 rebounds. Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Mc Neese St.), Pau Ribas and Bracey Wright (191-G-84, college: Indiana) scored 11 points apiece. Mirza Begic (218-C-85) shined for the loosing side collecting 17 points and 7 rebounds. Macedonian point guard Vlado Ilievski had 15 points while Marko Milic (199-G-77) netted 2 less. Joventut's next rival is Lottomatica Roma. Olimpija will host powerful Tau Ceramica.

DKV Joventut: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 14+9 boards, Demond Mallet 11+7 as, Pau Ribas 11, Bracey Wright 11
Union Olimpija: Mirza Begic 17+7 boards, Vlado Ilievski 15, Marko Milic 13+4 boards

Elektra inks Karalic, TCG Mercator adds Bursic, Memcic moved to Austria - by Zeljko Zule

Elektra Esotech inked Serbian Nemanja Karalic ex Beovuk for one season.
TCG Mercator signed Marino Bursic (202-F-82, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents).

Fuad Memcic (210-C/F-82, agency: Promotex) inked with Austrian team Traiskirchen.

.



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  SPAIN   


Barca destroys Nancy in France - by Eurobasket News
SLUC Nancy - Regal FC Barcelona 54-82

Regal FC Barcelona demonstrated its power the very beginning of Euroleague smashing French SLUC Nancy as a visitor. Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) totally exploded netting 18 points and grabbing 12 boards for 23 minutes. Mostly owing to his and Gianluca Basile's (192-G-75) triples Barca grabbed 12-point lead just after the breather, 37-49. Very soon Fran Vazquez (210-C-83) joined them with pair of dunks extending lead of his team on 17 points. Despite couple of unsuccessful wide open shots, Barca entered into the last ten minutes with huge 45-66. Nancy's players were totally out of concentration during the entire period. They succeeded to score only 10 points after what it was clear that 'Spaniards' will take this one. Actually, they did it in style with plus 28. Except of Ersan Ilyasova, Fran Vazquez also shined for the winners nailing 12 points. Roger Grimau (196-G-79) helped Barca with 9 points and 7 boards. Nancy got the most from Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy), who netted 19 points. Victor Samnick (203-F-79, college: Georgetown) followed him with 11 points and 4 rebounds. All other players in the host team had less than 7 points. It will be very had for Nancy to forget this devastating defeat as in the next round of Group B it will take on Asseco Prokom in Poland. Regal FC Barcelona will meet Greek Panathinaikos.

SLUC Nancy: Lamayne Wilson 19, Victor Samnick 11+4 boards
Regal FC Barcelona: Ersan Ilyasova 18+12 boards, Fran Vazquez 12, Roger Grimau 9+7 boards

DKV Joventut crushes Olimpija in the last frame - by Eurobasket News
DKV Joventut - Union Olimpija 81-64

DKV Joventut crushed Slovenian champion Union Olimpija registering the first win in Group C. Interesting is that Olimpija finished the game having 42 rebounds while the hosts stopped on 34. The main problem for the visiting team in this game were turnovers, as they committed 20. It was too much against tough Joventut, who knew how to punish them. Olimpija had furious beginning and after triple by Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) it was 6-16. However, Henk Norel and Edu Hernandez-Sonseca helped Joventut to come on 17-18 at the end of the first frame. Second one also was almost leveled until Jan-Hendrik Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) poured in 5 consecutive points for 34-31 at the half time. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) and Pau Ribas (182-G-87) shined for Joventut after the breather and together with Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) set the score on 59-53 after 30 minutes. It seemed that players of head coach Aleksandar Dzikic somehow stopped after that as Joventut created nice 12-1 run for 71-54. It was clear that Olimpija won't be able to treat seriously until the end. Pops Mensah-Bonsu paced Spanish team to victory adding 14 points and 9 rebounds. Demond Mallet (186-G-78, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Mc Neese St.), Pau Ribas and Bracey Wright (191-G-84, college: Indiana) scored 11 points apiece. Mirza Begic (218-C-85) shined for the loosing side collecting 17 points and 7 rebounds. Macedonian point guard Vlado Ilievski had 15 points while Marko Milic (199-G-77) netted 2 less. Joventut's next rival is Lottomatica Roma. Olimpija will host powerful Tau Ceramica.

DKV Joventut: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 14+9 boards, Demond Mallet 11+7 as, Pau Ribas 11, Bracey Wright 11
Union Olimpija: Mirza Begic 17+7 boards, Vlado Ilievski 15, Marko Milic 13+4 boards

Felipe Reyes leads Real Madrid against Panionios 87-66 - by Eurobasket News
Real Madrid - Panionios On Telecoms 87-66

Easy victory for Real Madrid in Group D. In the next round Spanish giant will meet Partizan in Belgrade. On the other side, first appearance of Panionios On Telecoms in Euroleague after many years was unsuccessful. To their credit, Greeks weren't so lucky in Euroleague draw, at least for the very beginning. In the next round Panionios will host reigning Euroleague champion CSKA Moscow, who trashed AJ Milano yesterday 90-64.
Real Madrid dominated during the entire time. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) and his teammates netted 26 points in the first frame while Panionios had 21. Quinton Hosley (198-G/F-84, college: Fresno St.) and Felipe Reyes had 17 points together during the first ten minutes. However, Panionios made quick 7-0 run for 28-29 edge. Reyes and Sergio Llull stepped up for their team helping it to end fist half with 44-37. Third quarter was the crucial one in this game as Real touched 63-47, what was too much for Panionios until the end. Quinton Hosley top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Felipe Reyes collected 16 points and 6 boards reaching the biggest index value in both teams, 19. Giannis Georgalis (198-F-83) and Goran Nikolic (205-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 12 poinst each for the loosing side.

Real Madrid: Quinton Hosley 17, Felipe Reyes 16+6 boards, Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) 10
Panionios On Telecoms: Giannis Georgalis 12, Goran Nikolic 12, Levon Kendall (209-F-84, college: Pittsburgh) 10+6 boards

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  TURKEY   


Tight victory for Efes Pilsen against Partizan Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Partizan 61-60

Extremely exciting game in Istanbul, where Efes Pilsen grabbed thriller win against Partizan Belgrade. Serbian team had pretty good beginning making plus 3 after 10 minutes, 11-14. Interesting that ex Partisan's star Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) was totally the best player for Efes Pilsen in this game. The hosts entered into the second quarter very aggressively at the defensive end resulting with just 10 points by Partizan. The players of head coach Ergin Ataman were on fire, especially Milos Vujanic and Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's), draining couple of long range strokes until the half time. Everything outcame with comfortable 35-24 for Efes Pilsen. After the breather, Partzan improved its game but despite it Efes extended lead on 12 points. When it seemed that the winner is already known, last season's quarterfinalist shined. Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) and Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) did a great job while inside while Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) had big troubles from the free throw line in Efes missing 5 consecutive attempts. Finaly, Partizan tied the score in the finish but Milos Vujanic was the one who immediately answered with a triple from the pick-end-roll game. Partizan had a great chance at the very end but its guards hurried a little bit missing two lay-ups. Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico) made two free throws with routine sealing the victory of his team. Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) hit a triple for Partizan at the buzzer but just for the final 61-60. Milos Vujanic finished the game with 17 points and 4 assists. Marvis Thornton was the last one with double digits in scoring for Efes Pilsen posting exactly 10 points. Novica Velickovic was pretty good in Serbian team adding 16 points and 6 rebounds. Gabonese player Stephane Lasme registered double-double 11 points and 14 rebounds.

Efes Pilsen: Milos Vujanic 17+4 as, Marvis Thornton 10, Kerem Gonlum 9+7 boards
Partizan: Novica Velickovic 16+8 boards, Stephane Lasme 11+14 boards, Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) 10+5 boards

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  UKRAINE   


AEL end BC Donetsk hopes - by Eurobasket News
AEL - BC Donetsk 79:55

AEL secured a comfortable 79:55 win against BC Donetsk in Limassol yesterday to advance to the next round of EuroChallenge. The first game saw the teams tied at the end and everything was pretty clear before the second leg. You win, you advance. AEL did the trick and quite expectedly entered the second qualifying round.
AEL took the charge right from the start as Milan Dozet (203-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) scored 5 points in a 7:0 opening run. The hosts controlled the situation and led by 8 points at the first break 23:15. The second quarter was an even contest with the teams trading baskets and AEL piling up a 42:32 advantage at halftime.
The home team tipped off the second half with 9 unanswered points to build a massive 51:32 lead. BC Donetsk looked a bit confused at the moment as the Cypriot team cruised comfortably to the win. The Ukrainian newcomers trailed by 21 points before the fourth term and never recovered in the dying stages. Subotic, Haris Mujezinovic (205-F-74, agency: Beo Basket, college: Indiana) and Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) paced the hosts to a confident win at the end. Milan Dozet finished with 22 points for AEL. Quincy Taylor delivered 13 points, while Darrel Mitchell (180-G-84, agency: Beo Basket, college: LSU) and Haris Mujezinovic added 11 points apiece for the winners. Haywood Owens (204-F-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Texas) and Dmytro Zabirchenko (191-G-84) had 13 points each in the loss.
AEL will next take on Turkish Banvit. The first game of the series is scheduled for November 4 in Turkey.

AEL: Milan Dozet 22, Quincy Taylor 13, Darrel Mitchell 11, Haris Mujezinovic 11
BC Donetsk: Haywood Owens 13, Dmytro Zabirchenko 13

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Top Two In Action on Friday - by Andy Webb
Newcastle player-coach Fabulous Flournoy is expecting a tough game when Sheffield Sharks arrive at Metro Radio Arena on Friday evening:

Sharks are a bit of an unknown quantity, and I havent seen too much of them said Flournoy, whose side at joint top of the table.

On paper they are a good side, its Atibas [Lyons] first year as a player-coach, and Im pretty sure its a learning curve for him just as it was for myself. I expect hes just settling in, hes got different players and its a massive change when you start to run the team. Give him some time, and Im sure itll be much better for them. Theyve won one by a big margin and lost one by a big margin, which suggests some inconsistency. Im sure itll all come together as he solidifies his style of basketball, and works on the style of defence and offence he wants to play.

Theyre a deeper team than in past years, its going to be an interesting ball game and Im sure when they come to the arena theyll be ready to play and really up for it.

Lyons is aware his team will face arguably the best side in the BBL: I haven't had a chance to see Newcastle, and I am still waiting on tape he said.

But I'm sure they will be tough defensively. Lynard Stewart is always dangerous and Trey Moore can fill it up quickly. They are very deep so you never know who will be that third and fourth guy who steps up for them.

Meanwhile, Skouson Harker wants a good performance from his team when they visit joint-leaders Everton:

We definitely need some continuity. It will take a bit here to get things going, but Anthony [Paez] and Vidmantas [Uzkuraitis] give us some real weapons from the perimeter. That being said though we need to do a better job moving the ball up the floor via the pass, as 80 points just does not cut it. Justin and myself need to come ready this weekend if we are to be successful, as for whatever reason we could not get going versus Sheffield.

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  VENEZUELA   


Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Trujillo 17-9 
 2. Duros 16-9 
 3. Graneros 16-10 
 4. Cojedes 13-13 
 5. Centauros 11-14 
 6. Estudiantes 11-15 
 7. Falcon 11-15 
 8. Tiburones 8-18 




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Women News

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  BELARUS - Women  


Kazakhstan NT finished tour in Belarus - by Eurobasket News
Kazakhstan NT finished tour in Belarus of Baltic league competition. The National team is coming back with 2-2 record.
In their third game Kazakhstan NT beat Viktoria 69:58 in Grodno. The visitors opened the game with 22:13, but then Belarus team bounced back with 15-9 in the second quarter. Kazakhstan NT won the third and the fourth periods to seal the second victory. Baidussenova top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Lioudmila Sedova (187-F/C-79) nailed 12 and Natalia Kuzmicheva (194-F) added 8. Zybrytskaya produced 15 points and Adamik added 13.
Olimpia-Grodno overcame Kazakhstan NT 81:54 last night. In a defensive style of the opening quarter the teams finished with 10:8. Olimpia-Grodno pushed the tempo later and reached 2-0 record in BWBL. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) top-scored for the winners with 25 points. Tatsiana Usovich (185-F-89) netted 21 and Kozun added 12. Natalia Kuzmicheva shined for the guests with 27 points.

Olimpia-Grodno - Kazakhstan NT 81 : 54 ( 10 : 8, 19 : 13, 22 : 14, 30 : 19 )
Olimpia-Grodno: Tatsiana Likhtarovich 25, Tatsiana Usovich 21, Kozun 12
Kazakhstan NT: Natalia Kuzmicheva 27, Dots 7, Lioudmila Sedova 6

Viktoria - Kazakhstan NT 58 : 69 ( 13 : 22, 15 : 9, 13 : 19, 17 : 19 )
Viktoria: Zybrytskaya 15, Adamik 13, Aliaksandra Shymkaviak (166-G-92) 10
Kazakhstan NT: Baidussenova 20, Lioudmila Sedova 12, Natalia Kuzmicheva 8

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  BELGIUM - Women  


Dexia victimize BC Star in Estonia - by Eurobasket News
BC Star - Dexia 58:88

Dexia Namur got to a perfect start of their EuroCup campaign as they thrashed BC Star in Tallinn. The teams opened the action in Group L and Dexia jumped on top of the ladder. Pauline Nsimbo (187-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) came up with a pivotal performance for Belgian powerhouse as she tallied 26 points and 21 rebounds. Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) added 19 points and 12 boards for the winners. Davineia Payne (175-G-83, college: La Salle) and Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) gave an early 5:0 lead for BC Star and they maintained it throughout the first stanza. Davineia Payne scored 11 points in the starting period and BC Star were up 22:14 ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets in the second frame but the visitors used an 11:2 rally late in the frame to surge ahead 35:32 at halftime. Olesya Malashenko scored 7 points in an 11:1 run from Dexia to open the second half. The Belgian team took over at the moment and gradually began running away. Szymanska-Lara capped the third term with a three-pointer that gave Dexia a 59:42 advantage before the fourth quarter. BC Star collapsed defensively in the fourth stanza as Dexia accounted for 29 points leaving not a single chance for success for the hosts. Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87, agency: LBM Management) finished with 12 points and 6 steals for the winners. Davineia Payne answered with 14 points and 8 boards for BC Star. Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) dropped 13 points for BC Star in the loss.
BC Star will next take on Spartk Noginks, while Dexia will host Botas Spor.

BC Star: Davineia Payne 14, Jana Rannaveski 13
Dexia: Pauline Nsimbo 26+21 boards, Olesya Malashenko 19+12 boards, Marjorie Carpreaux 12

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  BOSNIA - Women  


Esperides steal win in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Zeljeznicar - Ravenna Esperides 53:56

Ravenna Esperides eked out a tough victory against Bosnian Zeljeznicar in the EuroCup preliminary round opener in Group I. The game turned out to be a close battle with neither side leading by more than 10 points.
Jackie McFarland (191-F-85, college: Colorado) stepped up for Ravenna just in the right time to build a decisive advantage late in the game. Erica Davis (191-C-85, college: Yale) put the visitors up 49:46 midway through the final term before mcFarland took the stage. She converted back-to-back layups to extend the margin to 7 points. Jackie McFarland then added another basket to give Greek team a 55:46 lead that proved unassailable for Zeljeznicar. Sasa Cado (170-G-89), Emina Tikvesa and Natasa Mikic (181-G-84) trimmed the deficit to 3 points but the hosts simply ran out of time to try to save the game.
Zeljeznicar trailed by just a single point after the starting period 14:15 but Emina Tikvesa and Hadzovic pulled the home team in front 21:15 early in the second stanza. Ravenna bounced back later in the period as they retained a one-point lead at halftime 27:26. Eight points from Erica Davis at the beginning of the third quarter gave Esperides the biggest lead of the game at 37:29. But Zeljeznicar refused to fold. They cut the distance and were down by just 2 points before the fourth term 42:44. Nevertheless a first class performance from Jackie McFarland in the dying stages of the encounter sealed the win for the visitors.
Erica Davis provided 22 points and 16 boards for the winners. Jackie McFarland added 14 points, while Olga Chatzinikolaou (181-G-81) had 8 points for Ravenna. Natasa Mikic fired 17 points and 7 rebounds for Zeljeznicar. Sasa Cado finished with 13 points, while Elisa Bue (178-G-86, college: N.Dakota St.) added 12 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Zeljeznicar: Natasa Mikic 17, Sasa Cado 13
Ravenna: Erica Davis 22+16 boards, Jackie McFarland 14, Olga Chatzinikolaou 8

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  CROATIA - Women  


Gardin's Sibenik is victorious over Union Hainaut - by Eurobasket News
Sibenik - Union Hainaut 79:70

Sibenik won the first game in the local sport complex beating Union Hainaut 79:70 in Euroleague campaign Day 2. A massive 31-19 in the first period and 29-17 in the second were too good for the visitors. Kerri Gardin (186-F-84, college: Virginia Tech) top-scored for the winners with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Ivana Jurcevic (174-G-81) posted 18 and Constance Jinks (170-G-81, college: UNLV) had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) was the only one to reach double digits for the guests.
Jinks nailed a three as the hosts started very offensively in the game. The first period had ended up with 31:19. Kerri Gardin scored first in the second as her team continued to dominate the court. It was her again in the middle of the period for plus 25 on the board. The top-scorer closed the half at 60:36 as Sibenik looked forward for the second half.
The picture however changed in the second one as the guests came back into the game. After 15-14 in the third period Union Hainaut reduced to 74:51 after 30 minutes of the game. An outstanding defense in the last frame allowed the visitors to climb up but not win the encounter. A 19-5 in the period was enough only to close the game at 79:70.

Sibenik: Kerri Gardin 28 points and 11 rebounds, Ivana Jurcevic 18, Constance Jinks 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Union Hainaut: Kathy Wambe 16, Bintou Dieme (167-G-84) 9

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Maltsi leads her team over Ros Casares - by Eurobasket News

USK Praha - Ros Casares 87:72

USK Praha overcame Ros Casares 87:72 in Czech Republic to tie them at 1-1 record in Euroleague campaign. Trailing two points at the half time, the home side won the third and the fourth quarters respectively. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) shined with 29 points and 4 steals. Michaela Ferancikova (190-F-77) added 22, while Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) collected 13 points and 15 boards. Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, college: Florida) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort.
Maltsi played one of the best games and scored three-pointer from the start for her team. USK Praha looked better but Tornikidou made 20:20 at the end of the first period. Moreover Ros Casares started the second period with 6-0 run and had 38:36 advantage at the halftime. Trailing 47:42 to one of the pre-season favorites to win the EuroLeague Women, USK Prague turned on the style and outscored Ros 18-4 over the last minutes of the third quarter. Sonja Kireta scored for 60:51 at the end of the third period. With a 10-0 the hosts started the fourth quarter and led the game to the winning effort.

Gambrinus will take on the leader of the group CSKA in the next game. USK Praha will travel to Croatia for the battle against Sibenik. All the games are scheduled for October 29th.

USK Praha: Evanthia Maltsi 29 points and 4 steals, Michaela Ferancikova 22, Sonja Kireta 13 points and 15 boards.
Ros Casares: Delisha Milton-Jones 18 points, Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) 17



Gambrinus keeps ESB Villeneuve winless - by Eurobasket News
ESB Villeneuve- Gambrinus 63:67

Gambrinus had a road victory over ESB Villeneuve to keep them winless after Round 2. Gambrinus stole 63:67 victory to celebrate the initial win. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) followed her with 17 and Zuzana Zirkova netted 10. Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) produced 17 points in defeat.
Viteckova closed the first run for the visitors as they started with 5-0 run. ESB Villeneuve replied with a confident 13-0 lead and grabbed 13:5. Drljaca closed the opening quarter at 21:17 for the home side. With 19-8 however the team from Czech Republic finished the second period. Horakova sent the teams to the lockers for 29:36. Although ESB Villeneuve had 17-13 in the third, they still trailed 46:49 entering the last stanza. Geraldine Robert hit two free throws early in the fourth quarter to put Lille into a 50:49 lead. An 8-0 run that consisted of two Viteckova three-pointers and a Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) lay-up put Gambrinus in front for good at 57:50. Gambrinus led the way to 67:63 victory to seal the first win this season in the International arena.

ESB Villeneuve: Geraldine Robert 17, Jolene Anderson (173-G-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Wisconsin) 12
Gambrinus: Eva Viteckova 22 points, Hana Horakova 17, Zuzana Zirkova 10

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  ESTONIA - Women  


Dexia victimize BC Star in Estonia - by Eurobasket News
BC Star - Dexia 58:88

Dexia Namur got to a perfect start of their EuroCup campaign as they thrashed BC Star in Tallinn. The teams opened the action in Group L and Dexia jumped on top of the ladder. Pauline Nsimbo (187-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) came up with a pivotal performance for Belgian powerhouse as she tallied 26 points and 21 rebounds. Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) added 19 points and 12 boards for the winners. Davineia Payne (175-G-83, college: La Salle) and Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) gave an early 5:0 lead for BC Star and they maintained it throughout the first stanza. Davineia Payne scored 11 points in the starting period and BC Star were up 22:14 ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets in the second frame but the visitors used an 11:2 rally late in the frame to surge ahead 35:32 at halftime. Olesya Malashenko scored 7 points in an 11:1 run from Dexia to open the second half. The Belgian team took over at the moment and gradually began running away. Szymanska-Lara capped the third term with a three-pointer that gave Dexia a 59:42 advantage before the fourth quarter. BC Star collapsed defensively in the fourth stanza as Dexia accounted for 29 points leaving not a single chance for success for the hosts. Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87, agency: LBM Management) finished with 12 points and 6 steals for the winners. Davineia Payne answered with 14 points and 8 boards for BC Star. Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) dropped 13 points for BC Star in the loss.
BC Star will next take on Spartk Noginks, while Dexia will host Botas Spor.

BC Star: Davineia Payne 14, Jana Rannaveski 13
Dexia: Pauline Nsimbo 26+21 boards, Olesya Malashenko 19+12 boards, Marjorie Carpreaux 12

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  EUROCUP - Women  


Preliminary Round. Day 1 - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Gorzow - MBK Ruzomberok 82:76
The German Scoring Machine Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) exploded with 30 points to lead Gorzow past Ruzomberok in the opening round of EuroCup preliminary round in Group A. Gorzow were unstoppable in the starting frame as they outscored MBK 29:11 and piled up a decisive lead. Ruzomberok recovered in the latter stages of the game as they won three next quarters but failed to overcome a massive first-frame deficit. Lindsay Taylor (203-C-81, college: UCSB) knocked down 17 points and collected 9 caroms for the winners. Tye'sha Fluker (196-C-84, college: Tennessee) answered with 18 points and 14 rebounds for Ruzomberok. Megan Duffy (170-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Notre Dame) added 18 points in the loss.
The teams traded baskets throughout the first three minutes of the encounter before Lindsay Taylor nailed 5 straight points to put Gorzow in charge. Samantha Richards (167-G-83) and Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) stretched the lead to 11 points and Gorzow then breezed to a 29:11 advantage at the first break. Breitreiner, Samantha Richards and Kaczmarczyk extended the lead to massive 27 points midway through the second term however Ruzomberok did not collapse. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84), Monika Chabadova (183-F-89) and Tye'sha Fluker cut the distance to 14 points at halftime. The visitors stayed contestant in the third frame as they narrowed the gap to just 7 points at one point. Megan Duffy nailed 5 straight points for the visitors to spark the hope in the middle of the final period. Lucia Kupcikova and Podesova followed with two free throws and Ruzomberok trailed by 4 points with under 4 minutes to go in the game. However Justyna Zurowska scored two crucial buckets and Breitreiner fired from downtown to seal the win for Gorzow at the end.
Gorzow will play against Targoviste in Romania. Ruzomberok will host Dynamo Moscow.

Gorzow: Anne Breitreiner 30, Lindsay Taylor 17, Justyna Zurowska 13
Ruzomberok: Tye'sha Fluker 18+14 boards, Megan Duffy 18
'
Group B
Dynamo Kursk - Sf. Gheorghe 88:74
Russian Dynamo Kursk got to a winning start of their EuroCup campaign as they held off Sf. Gheorghe at home yesterday. Thus the winners occupied the top spot in preliminary Group B. More than 1000 spectators came to witness their favorites tallying a hard-fought win over Romanian vice champions. Salimata Diatta (178-F/G-81) opened the scoring for the visitors however the hosts soon took over. Nikita Bell (183-G/F-83, college: N.Carolina) and Maria Nikitina (196-C-84) knocked down 5 straight points for Dynamo Kursk as they built a 15:9 advantage late in the first frame. Salimata Diatta and Irena Matovic (186-F-88) however finalized the first stanza at 13:15. Back-to-back trebles from Varvara Psareva (194-C-85) and Anastasia Bocharova (180-F-77) allowed Dynamo to clear off to a 12-point distance at the start of the second term. The home team controlled the tempo and built a 38:32 lead at the interval. Sf. Gheorghe opened the second half aggressively as they posted a 9:2 rally and surged ahead. Not for long though. Irena Vizbariene (196-F/C-77) came up with timely five points for Dynamo as they went on a 15:4 run to regain the advantage. Maria Nikitina and Nikita Bell made it 61:49 for Dynamo at the end of the third frame. Erzsebet Ambrus (187-F-72) and Zoll sparked the hope for the visitors in the fourth term as their three-pointers pulled Sf. Gheorghe as close as 7 points. But it was as close as Sf. Gheorghe could get. Treys from Anastasia Bocharova and Marija Eric (164-G-83) silenced the visiting team and Dynamo eased to the victory at the end. Marija Eric finished with 20 points for Dynamo. Varvara Psareva added 14 points, while Anastasia Bocharova and Irena Vizbariene had 13 points apiece for the winners. Irena Matovic answered with 15 points for Sf. Gheorghe. Erzsebet Ambrus netted 14 points in defeat.

Dynamo Kursk: Marija Eric 20, Varvara Psareva 14, Anastasia Bocharova 13, Irena Vizbariene 13+10 boards
Sf. Gheorghe: Irena Matovic 15, Erzsebet Ambrus 14

'
Group C
Rivas Ecopolis - Crvena Zvezda 84:57
Rivas Ecopolis secured the initial win in the EuroCup preliminary round as they overcame Crvena Zvezda at home court. The Spanish team earned the top spot in Group C now. Catherine Joens (180-G-82) led the charge with 26 points. Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80, college: S.Carolina) added 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) had 13 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) answered with 20 points for Crvena Zvezda. Ana Puric (175-G-82) accounted for 12 points in the loss.
The hosts opened the game with 7 unanswered points and soon piled up a 20:7 lead. Musovic scored 4 points and Nascimiento added two more as the second quarter began with a 6:0 rally from Rivas Ecopolis and they built a 28:9 advantage. Crvena Zvezda cut the distance a little bit due to long-range artillery from Jelena Maksimovic and Iva Prcic (177-G-87). The scoreboard read 42:28 for the home team at the sides change. Rivas Ecopolis maintained the distance throughout the third quarter and enjoyed a 12-point cushion before the final stanza. Ana Puric cut the deficit to 10 points but the hopes evaporated quickly for Crvena Zvezda. Catherine Joens exploded with 11 points for the hosts and they cleared off to a comfortable 23-point distance to never look back again.
The hosts outrebounded their opponents 32:19 and sank impressive 57% from the field, including 52% from downtown.

Rivas Ecopolis: Catherine Joens 26, Petra Ujhelyi 15, Jelena Dubljevic 13
Crvena Zvezda: Jelena Maksimovic 20, Ana Puric 12
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Group D
Szeged - Neuchatel 79:51
Ildiko Szakacs (187-F-81) scored 24 points and Szeged prevailed against visiting Neuchatel in the opening game in Group D of EuroCup. Emoke Furesz (180-G-77) added 19 points for the hosts as they looked dominant throughout the game. Sophie Charlier (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) started the clash with back-to-back trebles to put Neuchatel in front. Soon the visitors stretched the margin to 8 points 18:10 but Szeged came to life in the first period. They went on a 14:2 rally to grab a 24:20 advantage at the first intermission. Sophie Charlier drained another three-pointer early in the second period, while Cameo Hicks (178-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Washington) converted two free throws to put Neuchatel back in front. But this time Szeged quickly denied the deficit and Emoke Furesz and Desire Almind (180-F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) fueled a 16:4 run that allowed the hosts to build a 40:29 lead. Emoke Furesz knocked down a treble to close the first half and Szeged went into locker rooms leading by 11 points. An 8:0 surge midway through the third frame extended the gap to 23 points and Szeged looked well in control from now on. The hosts cruised to the victory in the fourth term and posted the initial success in Pool D.
Desire Almind provided 7 points and 13 rebounds for Szeged. Cameo Hicks notched 29 points and 9 rebounds for Neuchatel. Sophie Charlier added 12 points in defeat. Szeged will take on their archrivals Foton Gyor in the second round. Neuchatel will host Solna Vikings in another fixture in Group D.

Szeged: Ildiko Szakacs 24, Emoke Furesz 19, Desire Almind 7+13 boards
Neuchatel: Cameo Hicks 29, Sophie Charlier 12
'
Group E
Panionios - Athinaikos 59:62
Athinaikos pulled away with a narrow victory over their Greek rivals Panionios away from home at the start of the EuroCup preliminary round in Group E. The teams were all tied at 55 with just over 5 minutes remaining in regulation. Gkouzini scored 4 points and LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) added 2 more to put Athinaikos ahead 61:55. Lori Nero (188-F/C-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Louisville) answered with a layup to cut the deficit and then chipped in two free throws to narrow the gap to two points with 42 seconds left. Prassa netted one free throw to make it 62:59 for Athinaikos and then Sheri Lynette Sam (183-F/G-74, agency: Ronsport, college: Vanderbilt) and Jamie Dell (203-F-79, college: Roberts Wesleyan) missed back-to-back three-point attempts to give the win for Athinaikos.
Nicole Soulis (188-F-85, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) and LaToya Davis led the winners with 13 points apiece. Afroditi Kosma (187-F/C-83) had 8 points and 10 rebounds for Athinaikos. Lori Nero scored game-high 20 points for Panionios. Sheri Lynette Sam added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the first term before Chalivera sealed the outcome at 18:15 for the hosts at the end of the starting quarter. Trebles from Gearlds and Afroditi Kosma dragged Athinaikos in front early in the second frame. The teams then traded baskets and the visitors led by one point 35:34 at halftime. The situation did not change radically in the third frame as Athinaikos kept their opponents at bay. Gearlds capped the quarter with a trey and sent the teams into the final stanza with Athinaikos leading by 5 points.
Athinaikos will take on Ragusa, while Panionios will play against San Jose in the second round.

Panionios: Lori Nero 20, Sheri Lynette Sam 12
Athinaikos: Nicole Soulis 13, LaToya Davis 13+13 boards, Afroditi Kosma 8+10 boards
'
Group G
Mondeville - Aris 65:71
Aris overcame a 7-point deficit before the fourth term to deliver a 71:65 victory over Mondeville on the road. Thus Aris earned the initial win in the EuroCup preliminary round Group G yesterday. Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Aris in the win. Zoi Kechagia (170-G-80) added 12 points, while Sofia Kyriakopoulou (185-F-81) finished with 10 points for the Greek side. Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: De Paul) netted 23 points for Mondeville. Clarisse Costaz (170-G-86) dropped 15 points, dished out 6 assists and pulled down 6 rebounds in the loss.
The teams looked evenly matched in the opening stanza as the lead changed hands for several times before Lenae Williams drained a three-pointer to seal it at 20:18 at the end of the quarter. Lenae Williams and Pauline Jannault (193-F/C-87) extended the margin to 6 points early in the second period but Aris would not go away. They cut the deficit and then surged ahead following the bucket from Tamara Bowie. However back-to-back trebles from Pauline Jannault and Clarisse Costaz allowed the hosts to enjoy a 45:39 advantage at halftime. Lenae Williams and Clarisse Costaz opened the third frame with 5 straight points and Mondeville seemed pretty comfortable leading 50:39. They kept their opponents at bay throughout the reminder of the stanza and entered the final term ahead by 7 points 58:51. But Sofia Kyriakopoulou scored 4 points to fuel Aris comeback effort as they tied things up at 60 with just over 3 minutes remaining. Soon Tamara Bowie converted a three-point play to put the visitors ahead 63:62. Zoi Kechagia fired a jump shot and the advantage grew to 3 points. Tamara Bowie and Tzegiannaki knocked down 4 freebies in the dying seconds and Aris snatched a narrow victory at the end.

Mondeville: Lenae Williams 23, Clarisse Costaz 15
Aris: Tamara Bowie 27+11 boards, Zoi Kechagia 12, Sofia Kyriakopoulou 10
.
Buducnost - Galatasaray 53:89
Turkish Galatasaray breezed past Montenegrin Buducnost in EuroCup preliminary round yesterday. The teams opened the action in Group G with Galatasaray sending strong message to their opponents. The Turkish powerhouse scored 31 points in the first period to stun the hosts and then controlled the situation on the court. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) dropped 24 points to pace Galatasaray. Slyahdemir added 19 points, while Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) contributed 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Lady Comfort (188-C-86, college: Temple) paced the hosts with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87) secured 15 points in the defeat.
Culafic put Buducnost ahead with just 9 seconds gone in the game. However Seimone Augustus fired 12 points in the starting period and Galatasaray ensured a 31:17 advantage. The onslaught continued in the second frame as the visitors extended the lead to as many as 24 points. Seimone Augustus capped the half with 4 straight points and Galatasaray went into dressing room ahead 52:28. Buducnost struggled to come any closer in the third frame as Augustus remained on fire and kept the hosts at arms length. The home side relinquished the battle in the fourth term and Galatasaray celebrated the first win in the tournament.
Buducnost outrebounded the visitors 41:39 but suffered 22 turnovers and shot just 35% from the field in the loss.
Galatasaray will host Mondeville, while Aris will take on Buducnost in Greece in Round 2.

Buducnost: Lady Comfort 20+16 boards, Maja Milutinovic 15
Galatasaray: Seimone Augustus 24, Slyahdemir 19, Tay McWilliams 13
.
Group H
Baschet ICIM Arad - Ibiza 61:66
Ibiza made it loud in Arad as they overcame local powerhouse Baschet ICIM at the start of the EuroCup preliminary round in Group H. Silvia Morales (170-G/F-79) knocked down 17 points to pace Ibiza to the win. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) had 13 points and 13 boards for the winners. Suzana Milovanovic (185-F-79, agency: LBM Management) answered with 22 points for Arad in defeat.
Brown scored five points and Eshe added two more as Arad opened the game with a 7:0 rally. Eshe then added 7 more points to her tally to propel the hosts to a 22:16 lead at the first break. Suzana Milovanovic converted a three-point play to extend the margin to 9 points early in the second period. Ana Jokovic (187-F-79) and Brown later ensured a 12-point lead for the hosts at halftime. However the third frame changed things drastically. The visitors went on an 18:3 run to claim a three-point lead late in the quarter. Only three-pointer from Cutas to crown the frame allowed Arad to knot things up at 46. The teams exchanged the blows throughout the fourth stanza and Ibiza led by one point with less than 2 minutes left. Faeza Bouderra (165-G-82, college: Florida Intern.) hit one of two free throws to make it 63:61 and then Cutas missed one from beyond the arc. Silvia Morales extended the gap to 3 points from the charity stripe, while Sandra Pirsic grabbed an offensive rebound and sealed the win with a jumper.
Baschet ICIM will travel to Lithuania to take on Arvi, while Ibiza will welcome Kara Trutnov in the second round.

Arad: Suzana Milovanovic 22, Ana Jokovic 14
Ibiza: Silvia Morales 17, Sandra Pirsic 13+13 boards, Anna Gomez (180-G-86) 8, Faeza Bouderra 8

Group I
Zeljeznicar - Ravenna Esperides 53:56
Ravenna Esperides eked out a tough victory against Bosnian Zeljeznicar in the EuroCup preliminary round opener in Group I. The game turned out to be a close battle with neither side leading by more than 10 points.
Jackie McFarland (191-F-85, college: Colorado) stepped up for Ravenna just in the right time to build a decisive advantage late in the game. Erica Davis (191-C-85, college: Yale) put the visitors up 49:46 midway through the final term before mcFarland took the stage. She converted back-to-back layups to extend the margin to 7 points. Jackie McFarland then added another basket to give Greek team a 55:46 lead that proved unassailable for Zeljeznicar. Sasa Cado (170-G-89), Emina Tikvesa and Natasa Mikic (181-G-84) trimmed the deficit to 3 points but the hosts simply ran out of time to try to save the game.
Zeljeznicar trailed by just a single point after the starting period 14:15 but Emina Tikvesa and Hadzovic pulled the home team in front 21:15 early in the second stanza. Ravenna bounced back later in the period as they retained a one-point lead at halftime 27:26. Eight points from Erica Davis at the beginning of the third quarter gave Esperides the biggest lead of the game at 37:29. But Zeljeznicar refused to fold. They cut the distance and were down by just 2 points before the fourth term 42:44. Nevertheless a first class performance from Jackie McFarland in the dying stages of the encounter sealed the win for the visitors.
Erica Davis provided 22 points and 16 boards for the winners. Jackie McFarland added 14 points, while Olga Chatzinikolaou (181-G-81) had 8 points for Ravenna. Natasa Mikic fired 17 points and 7 rebounds for Zeljeznicar. Sasa Cado finished with 13 points, while Elisa Bue (178-G-86, college: N.Dakota St.) added 12 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Zeljeznicar: Natasa Mikic 17, Sasa Cado 13
Ravenna: Erica Davis 22+16 boards, Jackie McFarland 14, Olga Chatzinikolaou 8
'
Group K
Lemminkainen - Chevakata 72:94
Chevakata overcame Lemminkainen in Klaipeda to claim the first win in the EuroCup preliminary round. A solid 94:72 victory allowed Russian side to earn the top spot in Group K.
Tatiana Bokareva (191-C-86) opened the scoring with a layup early in the game and Chevakata dominated throughout the first period. Anastasia Pimenova (180-F-81) and Moore capped the quarter with 5 straight points as the Vologda outfit piled up a 9-point advantage. Evgenia Belyakova (182-G-86) scored 8 points in the second frame as Chevakata extended the lead to as many as 22 points. The visitors looked too good for Lemminkainen at the moment as they kept on mounting the lead after the long break. Tatiana Bokareva, Pleshkova and Evgenia Belyakova deepened the damage to 28 points at one point in the period. The victory was obvious for Chevakata and they eased to the final buzzer. Tatiana Bokareva provided 18 points and 7 rebounds for Vologda. Anastasia Pimenova added 15 points, while Evgenia Belyakova secured 12 points for the winners. Rita Milieskiene (175-G-78) answered with 22 points for Lemminkainen. Egle Zygelyte (166-G-84), Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) and Egle Siksniute (196-F/C-91) knocked down 12 points apiece in defeat.
Chevakata outrebounded the home team 39:32 and forced those to 17 turnovers. The visitors also shot solid 52% from the field.
Chevakata will play against Hemofarm, while Lemminkainen will face Vagos in the second round.

Lemminkainen: Rita Milieskiene 22, Egle Siksniute 12+8 boards
Chevakata: Tatiana Bokareva 18, Anastasia Pimenova 15, Evgenia Belyakova 12
'
Group L
BC Star - Dexia 58:88
Dexia Namur got to a perfect start of their EuroCup campaign as they thrashed BC Star in Tallinn. The teams opened the action in Group L and Dexia jumped on top of the ladder. Pauline Nsimbo (187-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) came up with a pivotal performance for Belgian powerhouse as she tallied 26 points and 21 rebounds. Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management) added 19 points and 12 boards for the winners. Davineia Payne (175-G-83, college: La Salle) and Ashley Wallace (183-C-85, college: Pace) gave an early 5:0 lead for BC Star and they maintained it throughout the first stanza. Davineia Payne scored 11 points in the starting period and BC Star were up 22:14 ten minutes into the game. The teams traded baskets in the second frame but the visitors used an 11:2 rally late in the frame to surge ahead 35:32 at halftime. Olesya Malashenko scored 7 points in an 11:1 run from Dexia to open the second half. The Belgian team took over at the moment and gradually began running away. Szymanska-Lara capped the third term with a three-pointer that gave Dexia a 59:42 advantage before the fourth quarter. BC Star collapsed defensively in the fourth stanza as Dexia accounted for 29 points leaving not a single chance for success for the hosts. Marjorie Carpreaux (165-G-87, agency: LBM Management) finished with 12 points and 6 steals for the winners. Davineia Payne answered with 14 points and 8 boards for BC Star. Jana Rannaveski (172-G-87) dropped 13 points for BC Star in the loss.
BC Star will next take on Spartk Noginks, while Dexia will host Botas Spor.

BC Star: Davineia Payne 14, Jana Rannaveski 13
Dexia: Pauline Nsimbo 26+21 boards, Olesya Malashenko 19+12 boards, Marjorie Carpreaux 12


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  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Eurobasket - global leader in basketball stats - by Richard
Eurobasket established its global leadership role in basketball coverage after implementing this season the stats system for ...79 leagues and international events.
There is no other web site coming any close to that goal.
Eurobasket is well-known of having the biggest basketball database with profiles of over 182,000 players and coaches.
It's also considered as the most reliable basketball source for coaches and team managers involved in professional basketball around the World.
With it's coverage of 406 leagues in 266 countries (another leading number in on-line basketball coverage) it provides unmatching basketball coverage for wide range of basketball people from professionals to fans.
The only item missing so far was ...detailed stats.
'It started as a very small-scale project and we originally scheduled to have just 8-9 top leagues in the world to have stats for. But a big demand to provide stats from other basketball leagues lead us to expand it to other leagues and countries and in consequence when we counted it at the end, we came with a number of 79 leagues and international events we provide the stats for. The project is quite complex and at the top of sophisticated programming, it requires very heavy workload to maintain it properly. But we realized that starting it on a small scale would not make too much sense. Eurobasket is known for the widest basketball coverage on-line and we had to follow that path in adding possibility to track down the stats of every professional team and player in the World.' said Eurobasket manager Marek Wojtera.
Together with a new design implemented also this year, it makes quite big improvement in a very short time.
'On-line competition is very strong. Staying in one place means to be out of business very fast. Contrary to other top web sites in basketball coverage we are in a position of not having any company (like NBA, Euroleague, FIBA, etc.) behind for which we just run the web site. So we always have to be one step ahead of our competition to keep the leading position in basketball coverage. Web sites which try to stay at the top in the popularity ranking constantly have to expand their services, so the customers every year receive more for the same service fee. We are in this business for more that 10 years and we constantly expand and improve practically every year adding new items, improving the web site and expanding services. It's like Google, with it's never-ending process of improving their search engine. Providing stats from U.S. pro leagues is not a big deal and you can find number of web sites providing it very well. Of course we have it in our portfolio too. But this year for the very first time basketball fans can find in one place detailed stats from all European countries, top Japenese and Latin American leagues without switching to any other web sites. You get it for free and we hope you will enjoy having such wide and detailed coverage supported by detailed stats system.' Wojtera said.
So no more need to keep browsing other web sites in order to collect last games info about your favorite players. You have it in one user-friendly format for whichever league you want.

Euroleague Round: 2 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket
USK Praha - Ros Casares 87-72
USK Praha overcame Ros Casares 87:72 in Czech Republic to tie them at 1-1 record. Trailing two points at the half time, the home side won the third and the fourth quarters respectively. Maltsi Evanthia shined with 29 points and 4 steals. Ferancikova, Michaela added 22, while Kireta Sonja collected 13 points and 15 boards. Milton-Jones Delisha ended up with 18 points in the losing effort.

Sibenik - Union Hainaut 79-70
Sibenik won the first game in the local sport complex beating Union Hainaut 79:70. A massive 31-19 in the first period and 29-17 in the second were too good for the visitors. Gardin Kerri top-scored for the winners with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Jurcevic Ivana posted 18 and Jinks Constance had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Wambe Kathy was the only one to reach double digits for the guests.

M.Broker - Fenerbahce 76-68
Maxima Broker Kosice is the only team without losses in Group D after Round 2. Slovakian team overcame Fenerbahce 76:68 in Kosice. Israeli Cohen Liron paced the winners with 22 points. Kraayeveld Cathrine netted 20 and Spencer Sidney notched 19. Powell Nicole top-scored for the visitors with 16 points.

TEO Vilnius - Spartak V MR 72-64
An upset came from Lithuania where local TEO Vilnius defeated the defending champions Spartak Moscow region 72:64. Langhorne Crystal top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Streimikyte Jurgita 15 points and 7 boards, while Staugaitiene Daina scored 13. Fowles Sylvia finished the night with 24 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.

Familia Schio - Montpellier 81-76
Familia Schio won the first Euroleague game this season beating Montpellier 81:76 in Italy. A 27-23 in the last period was decisive in the game. Macchi Laura paced all the winners with 20 points and 5 rebounds. NBA star Masciadri Raffaella notched 18, while Antibe Nicole had 17. Mosch Sheana produced 20 points in defeat.

Umana Reyer - MKB Eurol. 70-59
Umana Reyer edged MKB Euroleasing 70:59 in Venice to reach 2-0 record. Hayden-Johnson top-scored for the winners with 23 points. Sottana Giorgia nailed 11 and Ballardini Simona posted 9. Honti Katalin produced 15 points for the Hungarian side.

Wisla Can-Pak - Bourges 66-78
French Champions Bourges had a road win over Wisla Can-Pak 66:78 in Poland. Bourges remained the only undefeated team in the group and improved to 2-0. Brazilian Santos Alessandra led the way with 18 points. Lelas Ana nailed 12, while Ndongue Emmeline and Dumerc Celine chipped in 11 each. Holdsclaw Chamique resisted for Wisla with 22 points.

Besiktas - MiZo Pecs 84-82
Besiktas overcame MiZo Pecs 84:82 in one of the most interesting games in the round. Four quarters weer not enough to find out the winner and only in overtime Turkish side won the encounter. Harper Laura top-scored for the winners with 26 points and massive 19 rebounds. Dabovic Milica scored 18, while Doron Shay netted 13. Vajda Anna collected 27 points and 13 rebounds in defeat.

Halcon A.Per. - Nadezhda O. 77-74
Anke De Mondt buried a three-pointer with seven seconds remaining to lift Halcon Avenida to a 77:74 win over EuroLeague Women newcomers Nadezhda. Halcon Avenida improved to 1-1 record in Group A, while Nadezhda is still winless. Willingham Le'Coe top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Snow followed her with 13 and De Mondt Anke had 12. Ovcharenko Olga resisted for the Russian squad with 25 points.

ESB Villeneu. - Gambrinus 63-67
Gambrinus had a road victory over ESB Villeneuve to keep them winless after Round 2. Gambrinus stole 63:67 victory to celebrate the initial win. Viteckova Eva top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Horakova Hana followed her with 17, while Robert Geraldine produced the same number of points in defeat.

TTT Riga - CSKA 48-89
CSKA remained hot and smashed TTT Riga 89:48 in Latvia. The teams settled down in different parts of the group as CSKA reached 2-0 record now. Belgian Wauters Ann poured in 19 points to lead all the winners. Douglas Katie scored 17 and Russian stars Korstine Ilona and Stepanova Maria posted 9 each. Carson Essence chipped in 12 points for the home side.

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  FRANCE - Women  


Gardin's Sibenik is victorious over Union Hainaut - by Eurobasket News
Sibenik - Union Hainaut 79:70

Sibenik won the first game in the local sport complex beating Union Hainaut 79:70 in Euroleague campaign Day 2. A massive 31-19 in the first period and 29-17 in the second were too good for the visitors. Kerri Gardin (186-F-84, college: Virginia Tech) top-scored for the winners with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Ivana Jurcevic (174-G-81) posted 18 and Constance Jinks (170-G-81, college: UNLV) had 15 points and 12 rebounds. Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) was the only one to reach double digits for the guests.
Jinks nailed a three as the hosts started very offensively in the game. The first period had ended up with 31:19. Kerri Gardin scored first in the second as her team continued to dominate the court. It was her again in the middle of the period for plus 25 on the board. The top-scorer closed the half at 60:36 as Sibenik looked forward for the second half.
The picture however changed in the second one as the guests came back into the game. After 15-14 in the third period Union Hainaut reduced to 74:51 after 30 minutes of the game. An outstanding defense in the last frame allowed the visitors to climb up but not win the encounter. A 19-5 in the period was enough only to close the game at 79:70.

Sibenik: Kerri Gardin 28 points and 11 rebounds, Ivana Jurcevic 18, Constance Jinks 15 points and 12 rebounds.
Union Hainaut: Kathy Wambe 16, Bintou Dieme (167-G-84) 9

Mondeville drops the opener to Aris - by Eurobasket News
Mondeville - Aris 65:71

Aris overcame a 7-point deficit before the fourth term to deliver a 71:65 victory over Mondeville on the road. Thus Aris earned the initial win in the EuroCup preliminary round Group G yesterday. Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Aris in the win. Zoi Kechagia (170-G-80) added 12 points, while Sofia Kyriakopoulou (185-F-81) finished with 10 points for the Greek side. Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: De Paul) netted 23 points for Mondeville. Clarisse Costaz (170-G-86) dropped 15 points, dished out 6 assists and pulled down 6 rebounds in the loss.
The teams looked evenly matched in the opening stanza as the lead changed hands for several times before Lenae Williams drained a three-pointer to seal it at 20:18 at the end of the quarter. Lenae Williams and Pauline Jannault (193-F/C-87) extended the margin to 6 points early in the second period but Aris would not go away. They cut the deficit and then surged ahead following the bucket from Tamara Bowie. However back-to-back trebles from Pauline Jannault and Clarisse Costaz allowed the hosts to enjoy a 45:39 advantage at halftime. Lenae Williams and Clarisse Costaz opened the third frame with 5 straight points and Mondeville seemed pretty comfortable leading 50:39. They kept their opponents at bay throughout the reminder of the stanza and entered the final term ahead by 7 points 58:51. But Sofia Kyriakopoulou scored 4 points to fuel Aris comeback effort as they tied things up at 60 with just over 3 minutes remaining. Soon Tamara Bowie converted a three-point play to put the visitors ahead 63:62. Zoi Kechagia fired a jump shot and the advantage grew to 3 points. Tamara Bowie and Tzegiannaki knocked down 4 freebies in the dying seconds and Aris snatched a narrow victory at the end.

Mondeville: Lenae Williams 23, Clarisse Costaz 15
Aris: Tamara Bowie 27+11 boards, Zoi Kechagia 12, Sofia Kyriakopoulou 10

Gambrinus keeps ESB Villeneuve winless - by Eurobasket News
ESB Villeneuve- Gambrinus 63:67

Gambrinus had a road victory over ESB Villeneuve to keep them winless after Round 2. Gambrinus stole 63:67 victory to celebrate the initial win. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) top-scored for the winners with 22 points. Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) followed her with 17 and Zuzana Zirkova netted 10. Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) produced 17 points in defeat.
Viteckova closed the first run for the visitors as they started with 5-0 run. ESB Villeneuve replied with a confident 13-0 lead and grabbed 13:5. Drljaca closed the opening quarter at 21:17 for the home side. With 19-8 however the team from Czech Republic finished the second period. Horakova sent the teams to the lockers for 29:36. Although ESB Villeneuve had 17-13 in the third, they still trailed 46:49 entering the last stanza. Geraldine Robert hit two free throws early in the fourth quarter to put Lille into a 50:49 lead. An 8-0 run that consisted of two Viteckova three-pointers and a Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) lay-up put Gambrinus in front for good at 57:50. Gambrinus led the way to 67:63 victory to seal the first win this season in the International arena.

ESB Villeneuve: Geraldine Robert 17, Jolene Anderson (173-G-86, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Wisconsin) 12
Gambrinus: Eva Viteckova 22 points, Hana Horakova 17, Zuzana Zirkova 10

French Champions are 2-0 in Group A of Euroleague - by Eurobasket News

Wisla Can-Pak - Bourges 66:78

French Champions Bourges had a road win over Wisla Can-Pak 66:78 in Poland of the Qualifying Round in Euroleague. Bourges remained the only undefeated team in the group and improved to 2-0. Brazilian Alessandra Santos (200-C-73)led the way with 18 points. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) nailed 12, while Emmeline Ndongue (191-F/C-83) and Celine Dumerc (168-G-82) chipped in 11 each. Chamique Holdsclaw (188-F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) (188-F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) resisted for Wisla with 22 points.
Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) gave the hosts the first lead at the beginning of the game but then Wilsa had to follow the guests. Alessandra Santos made it 18:25 and Skerovic closed the opening quarter. Holdsclaw brought the hosts the lead back, first at 29:27 and then at 34:29. Fernandez was the last to score before the break for 41:40 at the halftime.
The third period brought 15-15 and 56:55 at the end as Ewelina Kobryn made a jump-shot. Bourges led 66:63 midway through the fourth quarter after Fernandez made one of two at the stripe for Wisla when they took control. An 8-0 run in the end of the game lifted French Champions Bourges to the second win. Manic set up the final, 78:66 for her squad.

Wisla Can-Pak: Chamique Holdsclaw 22, Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) 12

Bourges: Alessandra Santos 18 points, Ana Lelas 12, Emmeline Ndongue 11, Celine Dumerc 11.



Familia Schio edges Montpellier in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Familia Schio - Montpellier 81:76

Familia Schio won the first Euroleague game this season beating Montpellier 81:76 in Italy. A 27-23 in the last period was decisive in the game. Laura Macchi (187-F-79) paced all the winners with 20 points and 5 rebounds. NBA star Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) notched 18, while Nicole Antibe (187-C/F-74) had 17. Sheana Mosch (177-G-81, college: Duke) produced 20 points in defeat.
Bertal opened the game for the guests that did not give up from the very beginning. Raffaella Masciadri closed the opening quarter at 15:15 bringing her team back from behind. Montpellier looked again better in the second and Gruszczynski made it 19:26. Nicole Antibe sent both teams to the lockers for 35:37 closing the first half.
Only a 19-16 in the third lifted Italian side to lead the game. Again Nicole Antibe was the last in the frame for 54:53. A jump shot by Bertal knotted the game at 60:60 in the middle of the last stanza. Raffaella Masciadri struck with a three-pointer to spark a 7-0 scoring burst for the Italian team that never looked behind after that. Familia Schio won the first Euroleague game this season beating Montpellier 81:76 in Italy.


Familia Schio: Laura Macchi 20 points and 5 rebounds, Raffaella Masciadri Raffaella 18, Nicole Antibe 17.
Montpellier: Sheana Mosch 20, Aurelie Bonnan (187-F-83) 12

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  GREECE - Women  


Esperides steal win in Sarajevo - by Eurobasket News
Zeljeznicar - Ravenna Esperides 53:56

Ravenna Esperides eked out a tough victory against Bosnian Zeljeznicar in the EuroCup preliminary round opener in Group I. The game turned out to be a close battle with neither side leading by more than 10 points.
Jackie McFarland (191-F-85, college: Colorado) stepped up for Ravenna just in the right time to build a decisive advantage late in the game. Erica Davis (191-C-85, college: Yale) put the visitors up 49:46 midway through the final term before mcFarland took the stage. She converted back-to-back layups to extend the margin to 7 points. Jackie McFarland then added another basket to give Greek team a 55:46 lead that proved unassailable for Zeljeznicar. Sasa Cado (170-G-89), Emina Tikvesa and Natasa Mikic (181-G-84) trimmed the deficit to 3 points but the hosts simply ran out of time to try to save the game.
Zeljeznicar trailed by just a single point after the starting period 14:15 but Emina Tikvesa and Hadzovic pulled the home team in front 21:15 early in the second stanza. Ravenna bounced back later in the period as they retained a one-point lead at halftime 27:26. Eight points from Erica Davis at the beginning of the third quarter gave Esperides the biggest lead of the game at 37:29. But Zeljeznicar refused to fold. They cut the distance and were down by just 2 points before the fourth term 42:44. Nevertheless a first class performance from Jackie McFarland in the dying stages of the encounter sealed the win for the visitors.
Erica Davis provided 22 points and 16 boards for the winners. Jackie McFarland added 14 points, while Olga Chatzinikolaou (181-G-81) had 8 points for Ravenna. Natasa Mikic fired 17 points and 7 rebounds for Zeljeznicar. Sasa Cado finished with 13 points, while Elisa Bue (178-G-86, college: N.Dakota St.) added 12 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Zeljeznicar: Natasa Mikic 17, Sasa Cado 13
Ravenna: Erica Davis 22+16 boards, Jackie McFarland 14, Olga Chatzinikolaou 8

Athinaikos beat Panionios in Greek derby in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Panionios - Athinaikos 59:62

Athinaikos pulled away with a narrow victory over their Greek rivals Panionios away from home at the start of the EuroCup preliminary round in Group E. The teams were all tied at 55 with just over 5 minutes remaining in regulation. Gkouzini scored 4 points and LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) added 2 more to put Athinaikos ahead 61:55. Lori Nero (188-F/C-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Louisville) answered with a layup to cut the deficit and then chipped in two free throws to narrow the gap to two points with 42 seconds left. Prassa netted one free throw to make it 62:59 for Athinaikos and then Sheri Lynette Sam (183-F/G-74, agency: Ronsport, college: Vanderbilt) and Jamie Dell (203-F-79, college: Roberts Wesleyan) missed back-to-back three-point attempts to give the win for Athinaikos.
Nicole Soulis (188-F-85, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) and LaToya Davis led the winners with 13 points apiece. Afroditi Kosma (187-F/C-83) had 8 points and 10 rebounds for Athinaikos. Lori Nero scored game-high 20 points for Panionios. Sheri Lynette Sam added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the loss.
The lead changed hands for several times throughout the first term before Chalivera sealed the outcome at 18:15 for the hosts at the end of the starting quarter. Trebles from Gearlds and Afroditi Kosma dragged Athinaikos in front early in the second frame. The teams then traded baskets and the visitors led by one point 35:34 at halftime. The situation did not change radically in the third frame as Athinaikos kept their opponents at bay. Gearlds capped the quarter with a trey and sent the teams into the final stanza with Athinaikos leading by 5 points.
Athinaikos will take on Ragusa, while Panionios will play against San Jose in the second round.

Panionios: Lori Nero 20, Sheri Lynette Sam 12
Athinaikos: Nicole Soulis 13, LaToya Davis 13+13 boards, Afroditi Kosma 8+10 boards

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


Mondeville drops the opener to Aris - by Eurobasket News
Mondeville - Aris 65:71

Aris overcame a 7-point deficit before the fourth term to deliver a 71:65 victory over Mondeville on the road. Thus Aris earned the initial win in the EuroCup preliminary round Group G yesterday. Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) had 27 points and 11 rebounds for Aris in the win. Zoi Kechagia (170-G-80) added 12 points, while Sofia Kyriakopoulou (185-F-81) finished with 10 points for the Greek side. Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: De Paul) netted 23 points for Mondeville. Clarisse Costaz (170-G-86) dropped 15 points, dished out 6 assists and pulled down 6 rebounds in the loss.
The teams looked evenly matched in the opening stanza as the lead changed hands for several times before Lenae Williams drained a three-pointer to seal it at 20:18 at the end of the quarter. Lenae Williams and Pauline Jannault (193-F/C-87) extended the margin to 6 points early in the second period but Aris would not go away. They cut the deficit and then surged ahead following the bucket from Tamara Bowie. However back-to-back trebles from Pauline Jannault and Clarisse Costaz allowed the hosts to enjoy a 45:39 advantage at halftime. Lenae Williams and Clarisse Costaz opened the third frame with 5 straight points and Mondeville seemed pretty comfortable leading 50:39. They kept their opponents at bay throughout the reminder of the stanza and entered the final term ahead by 7 points 58:51. But Sofia Kyriakopoulou scored 4 points to fuel Aris comeback effort as they tied things up at 60 with just over 3 minutes remaining. Soon Tamara Bowie converted a three-point play to put the visitors ahead 63:62. Zoi Kechagia fired a jump shot and the advantage grew to 3 points. Tamara Bowie and Tzegiannaki knocked down 4 freebies in the dying seconds and Aris snatched a narrow victory at the end.

Mondeville: Lenae Williams 23, Clarisse Costaz 15
Aris: Tamara Bowie 27+11 boards, Zoi Kechagia 12, Sofia Kyriakopoulou 10

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  HUNGARY - Women  


An overtime battle in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Besiktas - MiZo Pecs 84:82 OT

Besiktas overcame MiZo Pecs 84:82 in one of the most interesting games in the round. Four quarters weer not enough to find out the winner and only in overtime Turkish side won the encounter. Laura Harper (193-F/C-86, college: Maryland) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and massive 19 rebounds. Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) scored 18, while Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) netted 13. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) collected 27 points and 13 rebounds in defeat. Both teams are now 1-1 in Group A.
The game deserved to be one of the most interesting and the quarters proved it so much. At first MiZo Pecs produced 17-13 in the opening quarter as Kornelia Meszaros (186-F-74) made a lay-up. Besiktas bounced back with 26-15 in the second for 39:32 lead at the halftime. Again MiZo Pecs changed the game in the third and grabbed the lead back at 39:41. After the lead in the whole period Hungarian side enjoyed 52:50 advantage after the third frame. Korana Zanze (195-C-73) made the score 63:53 for the hosts in the middle of the fourth quarter. MiZo Pecs however managed to send the team in extra time, but could not benefit from it. Trailing 80:76 in the extra period, the Turkish team finished strong with an 8-2 run for an 84:82 triumph.

Besiktas: Laura Harper 26 points and 19 rebounds, Milica Dabovic 18, Shay Doron 13.
MiZo Pecs: Anna Vajda 27 points and 13 rebounds, Andrea Somogyi (184-F-86) 16

Umana Reyer holds MKB Euroleasing scoreless in the last 6 minutes of the game - by Eurobasket News

Umana Reyer - MKB Euroleasing 70:59

Umana Reyer edged MKB Euroleasing 70:59 in Venice to reach 2-0 record in the Qualifying Round of Euroleague. Vanessa Hayden-Johnson (194-C-82, college: Florida) top-scored for the winners with 23 points. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) nailed 11 and Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) posted 9. Katalin Honti (178-G-87) produced 15 points for the Hungarian side.
Kathleen Macleod (166-G-86) did not mind to score first for the guests that came to Italy for the win. MKB Euroleasing controlled the first period and won it 19:16. Ballardini and her Italian team had another opinion as for the winner and tied the game at 24:24. Honti however led her team to the lockers for 35:41.
Umana Reyer came back from the lockers being another team. At first the hosts produced 17-9 in the third period for 52:50 advantage. Kathleen Macleod's basket cut Umana Reyer's lead to 60:59 proved to be the last points of the game for the Hungarian side. Umana Reyer outscored them 10-0 the rest of the way, keeping the opponents scoreless. Sottana made a free throw for 70:59 at the end of the game. Umana Reyer edged MKB Euroleasing 70:59 to reach 2-0 record and sent them at 1-1.


Umana Reyer: Vanessa Hayden-Johnson 23 points, Giorgia Sottana 11, Simona Ballardini 9
MKB Euroleasing:Katalin Honti 15, Dora Horti (195-C-87) 12



Szeged hold off Neuchatel in EuroCup preliminary round - by Eurobasket News
Szeged - Neuchatel 79:51

Ildiko Szakacs (187-F-81) scored 24 points and Szeged prevailed against visiting Neuchatel in the opening game in Group D of EuroCup. Emoke Furesz (180-G-77) added 19 points for the hosts as they looked dominant throughout the game. Sophie Charlier (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) started the clash with back-to-back trebles to put Neuchatel in front. Soon the visitors stretched the margin to 8 points 18:10 but Szeged came to life in the first period. They went on a 14:2 rally to grab a 24:20 advantage at the first intermission. Sophie Charlier drained another three-pointer early in the second period, while Cameo Hicks (178-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Washington) converted two free throws to put Neuchatel back in front. But this time Szeged quickly denied the deficit and Emoke Furesz and Desire Almind (180-F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) fueled a 16:4 run that allowed the hosts to build a 40:29 lead. Emoke Furesz knocked down a treble to close the first half and Szeged went into locker rooms leading by 11 points. An 8:0 surge midway through the third frame extended the gap to 23 points and Szeged looked well in control from now on. The hosts cruised to the victory in the fourth term and posted the initial success in Pool D.
Desire Almind provided 7 points and 13 rebounds for Szeged. Cameo Hicks notched 29 points and 9 rebounds for Neuchatel. Sophie Charlier added 12 points in defeat. Szeged will take on their archrivals Foton Gyor in the second round. Neuchatel will host Solna Vikings in another fixture in Group D.

Szeged: Ildiko Szakacs 24, Emoke Furesz 19, Desire Almind 7+13 boards
Neuchatel: Cameo Hicks 29, Sophie Charlier 12

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  ITALY - Women  


Familia Schio edges Montpellier in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Familia Schio - Montpellier 81:76

Familia Schio won the first Euroleague game this season beating Montpellier 81:76 in Italy. A 27-23 in the last period was decisive in the game. Laura Macchi (187-F-79) paced all the winners with 20 points and 5 rebounds. NBA star Raffaella Masciadri (185-F-80) notched 18, while Nicole Antibe (187-C/F-74) had 17. Sheana Mosch (177-G-81, college: Duke) produced 20 points in defeat.
Bertal opened the game for the guests that did not give up from the very beginning. Raffaella Masciadri closed the opening quarter at 15:15 bringing her team back from behind. Montpellier looked again better in the second and Gruszczynski made it 19:26. Nicole Antibe sent both teams to the lockers for 35:37 closing the first half.
Only a 19-16 in the third lifted Italian side to lead the game. Again Nicole Antibe was the last in the frame for 54:53. A jump shot by Bertal knotted the game at 60:60 in the middle of the last stanza. Raffaella Masciadri struck with a three-pointer to spark a 7-0 scoring burst for the Italian team that never looked behind after that. Familia Schio won the first Euroleague game this season beating Montpellier 81:76 in Italy.


Familia Schio: Laura Macchi 20 points and 5 rebounds, Raffaella Masciadri Raffaella 18, Nicole Antibe 17.
Montpellier: Sheana Mosch 20, Aurelie Bonnan (187-F-83) 12

A1 Round: 2 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Faenza - Comense 65-72
Comense made it on the road improving its score on 2-0. On the other side Faenza dropped on 1-1. Vicky Hall shined for the winners with 14 points and 6 rebounds for 30 minutes. Francesca Modica netted 19 points for the losing side.

Lavezzini PA - Taranto 76-67
First win for Lavezzini Parma and the second defeat for Taranto. Francesca Zara scored 15 points for the hosts while Laura Summerton and Daliborka Vilipic had 14 points spiece. Taranto got 20 points from Megan Mahoney.

Familia Schio - Umbertide 74-43
Schio demonstrated its power against Umbertide staying perfect after two rounds. Kara Braxton and Kathrin Ress netted 14 points each. Ress also had 7 more rebounds while Braxton grabbed one less. Umbertitde, who slipped on 1-1, got 12 points apiece from Chiara Rosi and Evelien Callens.

Vomero NA - Priolo 70-64
Vomero celebrated the first win this season while Priolo will have to look for another chance in order to do the same. Scholanda Robinson top-scored in Vomero with 13 points. Florina Pascalau drained 22 for the visiting team.

Ribera - Pozzuoli 87-81
2-0 for Ribera and 0-2 for Pozzuoli. Jami Montaghino paced the host team to victory delivering 26 points (5/5 for 3-pts). Kaayla Chones was behind her with 18 points. Natasa Andjelic had 20 points in Pozzuoli.

Umana Reyer - San Giovanni 64-57
Vanesa Hayden-Johnson kept Umana Reyer undefeated after 2 games in A1. She poured in 17 points and grabbed 6 rebounds for 24 minutes. Iciss Tillis collected 17 points and 5 boards in San Giovanni but it was not enough as her team dropped on 1-1.

Viterbo - Livorno 48-60
Both teams entered into this game with 0-1. Chiara Pastore netted 11 poinst for the winners while Viterbo got 12 points from Bade Krissy.

Umana Reyer holds MKB Euroleasing scoreless in the last 6 minutes of the game - by Eurobasket News

Umana Reyer - MKB Euroleasing 70:59

Umana Reyer edged MKB Euroleasing 70:59 in Venice to reach 2-0 record in the Qualifying Round of Euroleague. Vanessa Hayden-Johnson (194-C-82, college: Florida) top-scored for the winners with 23 points. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) nailed 11 and Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) posted 9. Katalin Honti (178-G-87) produced 15 points for the Hungarian side.
Kathleen Macleod (166-G-86) did not mind to score first for the guests that came to Italy for the win. MKB Euroleasing controlled the first period and won it 19:16. Ballardini and her Italian team had another opinion as for the winner and tied the game at 24:24. Honti however led her team to the lockers for 35:41.
Umana Reyer came back from the lockers being another team. At first the hosts produced 17-9 in the third period for 52:50 advantage. Kathleen Macleod's basket cut Umana Reyer's lead to 60:59 proved to be the last points of the game for the Hungarian side. Umana Reyer outscored them 10-0 the rest of the way, keeping the opponents scoreless. Sottana made a free throw for 70:59 at the end of the game. Umana Reyer edged MKB Euroleasing 70:59 to reach 2-0 record and sent them at 1-1.


Umana Reyer: Vanessa Hayden-Johnson 23 points, Giorgia Sottana 11, Simona Ballardini 9
MKB Euroleasing:Katalin Honti 15, Dora Horti (195-C-87) 12



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  KAZAKHSTAN - Women  


Kazakhstan NT finished tour in Belarus - by Eurobasket News
Kazakhstan NT finished tour in Belarus of Baltic league competition. The National team is coming back with 2-2 record.
In their third game Kazakhstan NT beat Viktoria 69:58 in Grodno. The visitors opened the game with 22:13, but then Belarus team bounced back with 15-9 in the second quarter. Kazakhstan NT won the third and the fourth periods to seal the second victory. Baidussenova top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Lioudmila Sedova (187-F/C-79) nailed 12 and Natalia Kuzmicheva (194-F) added 8. Zybrytskaya produced 15 points and Adamik added 13.
Olimpia-Grodno overcame Kazakhstan NT 81:54 last night. In a defensive style of the opening quarter the teams finished with 10:8. Olimpia-Grodno pushed the tempo later and reached 2-0 record in BWBL. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) top-scored for the winners with 25 points. Tatsiana Usovich (185-F-89) netted 21 and Kozun added 12. Natalia Kuzmicheva shined for the guests with 27 points.

Olimpia-Grodno - Kazakhstan NT 81 : 54 ( 10 : 8, 19 : 13, 22 : 14, 30 : 19 )
Olimpia-Grodno: Tatsiana Likhtarovich 25, Tatsiana Usovich 21, Kozun 12
Kazakhstan NT: Natalia Kuzmicheva 27, Dots 7, Lioudmila Sedova 6

Viktoria - Kazakhstan NT 58 : 69 ( 13 : 22, 15 : 9, 13 : 19, 17 : 19 )
Viktoria: Zybrytskaya 15, Adamik 13, Aliaksandra Shymkaviak (166-G-92) 10
Kazakhstan NT: Baidussenova 20, Lioudmila Sedova 12, Natalia Kuzmicheva 8

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


CSKA storms past TTT Riga - by Eurobasket News
TTT Riga - CSKA 48:89

CSKA remained hot and smashed TTT Riga 89:48 in Latvia. The teams settled down in different parts of the group as CSKA reached 2-0 record now. Belgian Ann Wauters (194-C-80) poured in 19 points to lead all the winners. Katie Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 17 and Russian stars Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) and Maria Stepanova (202-C-79) posted 9 each. Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers) chipped in 12 points for the home side.
CSKA posted the first 10 points in the game and never looked behind after. McCarville's jump-shot brought them already 27-9 after the first 10 minutes. Khammon made it 33:15, but TTT Riga could struggle better in the second. Stepanova sent both teams to the loskers for 44:27 as CSKA looked very well in the half.
Trailing at half-time, TTT Riga were then blown away in the third quarter when CSKA held them to just six points and opened up a 66:33 lead. Lawson-Wade's jump-shot closed the third period. In the last stanza the teams were just killing the time as the winners was known long time before. Stepanova set up the final, 89:48 as CSKA reached 2-0 record in Group B.

TTT Riga: Essence Carson 12, Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) 9
CSKA: Ann Wauters 19 points, Katie Douglas 17, Ilona Korstine 9, Maria Stepanova 9

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


Chevakata win in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Lemminkainen - Chevakata 72:94

Chevakata overcame Lemminkainen in Klaipeda to claim the first win in the EuroCup preliminary round. A solid 94:72 victory allowed Russian side to earn the top spot in Group K.
Tatiana Bokareva (191-C-86) opened the scoring with a layup early in the game and Chevakata dominated throughout the first period. Anastasia Pimenova (180-F-81) and Moore capped the quarter with 5 straight points as the Vologda outfit piled up a 9-point advantage. Evgenia Belyakova (182-G-86) scored 8 points in the second frame as Chevakata extended the lead to as many as 22 points. The visitors looked too good for Lemminkainen at the moment as they kept on mounting the lead after the long break. Tatiana Bokareva, Pleshkova and Evgenia Belyakova deepened the damage to 28 points at one point in the period. The victory was obvious for Chevakata and they eased to the final buzzer. Tatiana Bokareva provided 18 points and 7 rebounds for Vologda. Anastasia Pimenova added 15 points, while Evgenia Belyakova secured 12 points for the winners. Rita Milieskiene (175-G-78) answered with 22 points for Lemminkainen. Egle Zygelyte (166-G-84), Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) and Egle Siksniute (196-F/C-91) knocked down 12 points apiece in defeat.
Chevakata outrebounded the home team 39:32 and forced those to 17 turnovers. The visitors also shot solid 52% from the field.
Chevakata will play against Hemofarm, while Lemminkainen will face Vagos in the second round.

Lemminkainen: Rita Milieskiene 22, Egle Siksniute 12+8 boards
Chevakata: Tatiana Bokareva 18, Anastasia Pimenova 15, Evgenia Belyakova 12

Euroleague two-time defending champions fell in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News
TEO Vilnius - Spartak Moscow region 72:64

An upset came from Lithuania where local TEO Vilnius defeated the defending champions Spartak Moscow region 72:64. Crystal Langhorne (188-F/C-86, college: Maryland) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Jurgita Streimikyte (191-F-72) 15 points and 7 boards, while Daina Staugaitiene (182-G-80, college: Liberty) scored 13. Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) finished the night with 24 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.
Streimikyte opened the night for the hosts that looked very optimistic about the favorite. TEO took control of the first period winning it by 24:13. The hosts did not stop and flew to 39:20 when Crystal Langhorne made a jump-shot. Spartak reeled off the first nine points of the second half to trail 43:34, a run that was capped by a Sylvia Fowles basket that took her points haul to 18.
TEO Vilnius still controlled the third period and won it 16-14. Shchegoleva reduced to 56:39 after thirty minutes of the game. Fowles sparked a 10-0 run by making one of two at the stripe. In that spurt, Diana Taurasi got fouled while attempting a three-pointer to leave the visitors trailing 70:64. Streimikyte was the last to score in the game for 72:64. Both teams are 1-1 now in the middle of the group.

TEO Vilnius:Crystal Langhorne 23 points and 12 rebounds, Jurgita Streimikyte 15 points and 7 boards, Daina Staugaitiene 13.
Spartak Moscow region: Sylvia Fowles 24 points and 11 rebounds, Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) 18

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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Galatasaray storm past Buducnost in Podgorica - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Galatasaray 53:89

Turkish Galatasaray breezed past Montenegrin Buducnost in EuroCup preliminary round yesterday. The teams opened the action in Group G with Galatasaray sending strong message to their opponents. The Turkish powerhouse scored 31 points in the first period to stun the hosts and then controlled the situation on the court. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) dropped 24 points to pace Galatasaray. Slyahdemir added 19 points, while Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) contributed 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Lady Comfort (188-C-86, college: Temple) paced the hosts with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87) secured 15 points in the defeat.
Culafic put Buducnost ahead with just 9 seconds gone in the game. However Seimone Augustus fired 12 points in the starting period and Galatasaray ensured a 31:17 advantage. The onslaught continued in the second frame as the visitors extended the lead to as many as 24 points. Seimone Augustus capped the half with 4 straight points and Galatasaray went into dressing room ahead 52:28. Buducnost struggled to come any closer in the third frame as Augustus remained on fire and kept the hosts at arms length. The home side relinquished the battle in the fourth term and Galatasaray celebrated the first win in the tournament.
Buducnost outrebounded the visitors 41:39 but suffered 22 turnovers and shot just 35% from the field in the loss.
Galatasaray will host Mondeville, while Aris will take on Buducnost in Greece in Round 2.

Buducnost: Lady Comfort 20+16 boards, Maja Milutinovic 15
Galatasaray: Seimone Augustus 24, Slyahdemir 19, Tay McWilliams 13

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  POLAND - Women  


Gorzow outgun MBK Ruzomberok in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Gorzow - MBK Ruzomberok 82:76

The german Scoring Machine Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) exploded with 30 points to lead Gorzow past Ruzomberok in the opening round of EuroCup preliminary round in Group A. Gorzow were unstoppable in the starting frame as they outscored MBK 29:11 and piled up a decisive lead. Ruzomberok recovered in the latter stages of the game as they won three next quarters but failed to overcome a massive first-frame deficit. Lindsay Taylor (203-C-81, college: UCSB) knocked down 17 points and collected 9 caroms for the winners. Tye'sha Fluker (196-C-84, college: Tennessee) answered with 18 points and 14 rebounds for Ruzomberok. Megan Duffy (170-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Notre Dame) added 18 points in the loss.
The teams traded baskets throughout the first three minutes of the encounter before Lindsay Taylor nailed 5 straight points to put Gorzow in charge. Samantha Richards (167-G-83) and Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) stretched the lead to 11 points and Gorzow then breezed to a 29:11 advantage at the first break. Breitreiner, Samantha Richards and Kaczmarczyk extended the lead to massive 27 points midway through the second term however Ruzomberok did not collapse. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84), Monika Chabadova (183-F-89) and Tye'sha Fluker cut the distance to 14 points at halftime. The visitors stayed contestant in the third frame as they narrowed the gap to just 7 points at one point. Megan Duffy nailed 5 straight points for the visitors to spark the hope in the middle of the final period. Lucia Kupcikova and Podesova followed with two free throws and Ruzomberok trailed by 4 points with under 4 minutes to go in the game. However Justyna Zurowska scored two crucial buckets and Breitreiner fired from downtown to seal the win for Gorzow at the end.
Gorzow will play against Targoviste in Romania. Ruzomberok will host Dynamo Moscow.

Gorzow: Anne Breitreiner 30, Lindsay Taylor 17, Justyna Zurowska 13
Ruzomberok: Tye'sha Fluker 18+14 boards, Megan Duffy 18

French Champions are 2-0 in Group A of Euroleague - by Eurobasket News

Wisla Can-Pak - Bourges 66:78

French Champions Bourges had a road win over Wisla Can-Pak 66:78 in Poland of the Qualifying Round in Euroleague. Bourges remained the only undefeated team in the group and improved to 2-0. Brazilian Alessandra Santos (200-C-73)led the way with 18 points. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) nailed 12, while Emmeline Ndongue (191-F/C-83) and Celine Dumerc (168-G-82) chipped in 11 each. Chamique Holdsclaw (188-F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) (188-F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) resisted for Wisla with 22 points.
Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) gave the hosts the first lead at the beginning of the game but then Wilsa had to follow the guests. Alessandra Santos made it 18:25 and Skerovic closed the opening quarter. Holdsclaw brought the hosts the lead back, first at 29:27 and then at 34:29. Fernandez was the last to score before the break for 41:40 at the halftime.
The third period brought 15-15 and 56:55 at the end as Ewelina Kobryn made a jump-shot. Bourges led 66:63 midway through the fourth quarter after Fernandez made one of two at the stripe for Wisla when they took control. An 8-0 run in the end of the game lifted French Champions Bourges to the second win. Manic set up the final, 78:66 for her squad.

Wisla Can-Pak: Chamique Holdsclaw 22, Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) 12

Bourges: Alessandra Santos 18 points, Ana Lelas 12, Emmeline Ndongue 11, Celine Dumerc 11.



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  ROMANIA - Women  


Ibiza go festive in Romania - by Eurobasket News
Baschet ICIM Arad - Ibiza 61:66

Ibiza made it loud in Arad as they overcame local powerhouse Baschet ICIM at the start of the EuroCup preliminary round in Group H. Silvia Morales (170-G/F-79) knocked down 17 points to pace Ibiza to the win. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) had 13 points and 13 boards for the winners. Suzana Milovanovic (185-F-79, agency: LBM Management) answered with 22 points for Arad in defeat.
Brown scored five points and Eshe added two more as Arad opened the game with a 7:0 rally. Eshe then added 7 more points to her tally to propel the hosts to a 22:16 lead at the first break. Suzana Milovanovic converted a three-point play to extend the margin to 9 points early in the second period. Ana Jokovic (187-F-79) and Brown later ensured a 12-point lead for the hosts at halftime. However the third frame changed things drastically. The visitors went on an 18:3 run to claim a three-point lead late in the quarter. Only three-pointer from Cutas to crown the frame allowed Arad to knot things up at 46. The teams exchanged the blows throughout the fourth stanza and Ibiza led by one point with less than 2 minutes left. Faeza Bouderra (165-G-82, college: Florida Intern.) hit one of two free throws to make it 63:61 and then Cutas missed one from beyond the arc. Silvia Morales extended the gap to 3 points from the charity stripe, while Sandra Pirsic grabbed an offensive rebound and sealed the win with a jumper.
Baschet ICIM will travel to Lithuania to take on Arvi, while Ibiza will welcome Kara Trutnov in the second round.

Arad: Suzana Milovanovic 22, Ana Jokovic 14
Ibiza: Silvia Morales 17, Sandra Pirsic 13+13 boards, Anna Gomez (180-G-86) 8, Faeza Bouderra 8

Dynamo Kurks topple Sf. Gheorghe - by Eurobasket News
Dynamo Kursk - Sf. Gheorghe 88:74

Russian Dynamo Kursk got to a winning start of their EuroCup campaign as they held off Sf. Gheorghe at home yesterday. Thus the winners occupied the top spot in preliminary Group B. More than 1000 spectators came to witness their favorites tallying a hard-fought win over Romanian vice champions. Salimata Diatta (178-F/G-81) opened the scoring for the visitors however the hosts soon took over. Nikita Bell (183-G/F-83, college: N.Carolina) and Maria Nikitina (196-C-84) knocked down 5 straight points for Dynamo Kursk as they built a 15:9 advantage late in the first frame. Salimata Diatta and Irena Matovic (186-F-88) however finalized the first stanza at 13:15. Back-to-back trebles from Varvara Psareva (194-C-85) and Anastasia Bocharova (180-F-77) allowed Dynamo to clear off to a 12-point distance at the start of the second term. The home team controlled the tempo and built a 38:32 lead at the interval. Sf. Gheorghe opened the second half aggressively as they posted a 9:2 rally and surged ahead. Not for long though. Irena Vizbariene (196-F/C-77) came up with timely five points for Dynamo as they went on a 15:4 run to regain the advantage. Maria Nikitina and Nikita Bell made it 61:49 for Dynamo at the end of the third frame. Erzsebet Ambrus (187-F-72) and Zoll sparked the hope for the visitors in the fourth term as their three-pointers pulled Sf. Gheorghe as close as 7 points. But it was as close as Sf. Gheorghe could get. Treys from Anastasia Bocharova and Marija Eric (164-G-83) silenced the visiting team and Dynamo eased to the victory at the end. Marija Eric finished with 20 points for Dynamo. Varvara Psareva added 14 points, while Anastasia Bocharova and Irena Vizbariene had 13 points apiece for the winners. Irena Matovic answered with 15 points for Sf. Gheorghe. Erzsebet Ambrus netted 14 points in defeat.

Dynamo Kursk: Marija Eric 20, Varvara Psareva 14, Anastasia Bocharova 13, Irena Vizbariene 13+10 boards
Sf. Gheorghe: Irena Matovic 15, Erzsebet Ambrus 14

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Dynamo Kurks topple Sf. Gheorghe - by Eurobasket News
Dynamo Kursk - Sf. Gheorghe 88:74

Russian Dynamo Kursk got to a winning start of their EuroCup campaign as they held off Sf. Gheorghe at home yesterday. Thus the winners occupied the top spot in preliminary Group B. More than 1000 spectators came to witness their favorites tallying a hard-fought win over Romanian vice champions. Salimata Diatta (178-F/G-81) opened the scoring for the visitors however the hosts soon took over. Nikita Bell (183-G/F-83, college: N.Carolina) and Maria Nikitina (196-C-84) knocked down 5 straight points for Dynamo Kursk as they built a 15:9 advantage late in the first frame. Salimata Diatta and Irena Matovic (186-F-88) however finalized the first stanza at 13:15. Back-to-back trebles from Varvara Psareva (194-C-85) and Anastasia Bocharova (180-F-77) allowed Dynamo to clear off to a 12-point distance at the start of the second term. The home team controlled the tempo and built a 38:32 lead at the interval. Sf. Gheorghe opened the second half aggressively as they posted a 9:2 rally and surged ahead. Not for long though. Irena Vizbariene (196-F/C-77) came up with timely five points for Dynamo as they went on a 15:4 run to regain the advantage. Maria Nikitina and Nikita Bell made it 61:49 for Dynamo at the end of the third frame. Erzsebet Ambrus (187-F-72) and Zoll sparked the hope for the visitors in the fourth term as their three-pointers pulled Sf. Gheorghe as close as 7 points. But it was as close as Sf. Gheorghe could get. Treys from Anastasia Bocharova and Marija Eric (164-G-83) silenced the visiting team and Dynamo eased to the victory at the end. Marija Eric finished with 20 points for Dynamo. Varvara Psareva added 14 points, while Anastasia Bocharova and Irena Vizbariene had 13 points apiece for the winners. Irena Matovic answered with 15 points for Sf. Gheorghe. Erzsebet Ambrus netted 14 points in defeat.

Dynamo Kursk: Marija Eric 20, Varvara Psareva 14, Anastasia Bocharova 13, Irena Vizbariene 13+10 boards
Sf. Gheorghe: Irena Matovic 15, Erzsebet Ambrus 14

Anke De Mondt lifts Halcon over EuroLeague newcomers - by Eurobasket News
Halcon Avenida - Nadezhda 77:74

Anke De Mondt buried a three-pointer with seven seconds remaining to lift Halcon Avenida to a 77:74 win over EuroLeague Women newcomers Nadezhda. Halcon Avenida improved to 1-1 record in Group A, while Nadezhda is still winless. Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, college: Auburn) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Snow followed her with 13 and De Mondt Anke had 12. Olga Ovcharenko (184-F-79) Olga resisted for the Russian squad with 25 points.
Olga Ovcharenko scored first for the visitors and Nadezhda looked better in the first quarter. In the end of the period Halcon Avenida however grabbed the lead for 24:18. Nadezhda came back into the game in the second period and finished it with 39:40 at the halftime. In a back-to-back third period the hosts produced 20-18 for 57:56 advantage. Petra Stampalija (190-C-80) almost buried the intrigue for 70:61 with 4.33 in the game, but Russian team did not give up. Christon sparked a 7-0 run with a three-ball and two free throws. Begona Garcia (175-G-76) tied the game at 74:74 with a made jump shot 11 seconds from the end only for De Mondt to steal the headlines with the game-winner. Halcon Avenida improved to 1-1 record in Group A, while Nadezhda is still winless. The next games are scheduled for October 29th.

Halcon Avenida: Le'Coe Willingham 21 points and 9 rebounds, Snow 13, De Mondt Anke 12.
Nadezhda: Olga Ovcharenko Olga 25 points, Shameka Christon (186-G/F-82, college: Arkansas) 18

Chevakata win in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Lemminkainen - Chevakata 72:94

Chevakata overcame Lemminkainen in Klaipeda to claim the first win in the EuroCup preliminary round. A solid 94:72 victory allowed Russian side to earn the top spot in Group K.
Tatiana Bokareva (191-C-86) opened the scoring with a layup early in the game and Chevakata dominated throughout the first period. Anastasia Pimenova (180-F-81) and Moore capped the quarter with 5 straight points as the Vologda outfit piled up a 9-point advantage. Evgenia Belyakova (182-G-86) scored 8 points in the second frame as Chevakata extended the lead to as many as 22 points. The visitors looked too good for Lemminkainen at the moment as they kept on mounting the lead after the long break. Tatiana Bokareva, Pleshkova and Evgenia Belyakova deepened the damage to 28 points at one point in the period. The victory was obvious for Chevakata and they eased to the final buzzer. Tatiana Bokareva provided 18 points and 7 rebounds for Vologda. Anastasia Pimenova added 15 points, while Evgenia Belyakova secured 12 points for the winners. Rita Milieskiene (175-G-78) answered with 22 points for Lemminkainen. Egle Zygelyte (166-G-84), Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) and Egle Siksniute (196-F/C-91) knocked down 12 points apiece in defeat.
Chevakata outrebounded the home team 39:32 and forced those to 17 turnovers. The visitors also shot solid 52% from the field.
Chevakata will play against Hemofarm, while Lemminkainen will face Vagos in the second round.

Lemminkainen: Rita Milieskiene 22, Egle Siksniute 12+8 boards
Chevakata: Tatiana Bokareva 18, Anastasia Pimenova 15, Evgenia Belyakova 12

CSKA storms past TTT Riga - by Eurobasket News
TTT Riga - CSKA 48:89

CSKA remained hot and smashed TTT Riga 89:48 in Latvia. The teams settled down in different parts of the group as CSKA reached 2-0 record now. Belgian Ann Wauters (194-C-80) poured in 19 points to lead all the winners. Katie Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) scored 17 and Russian stars Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) and Maria Stepanova (202-C-79) posted 9 each. Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers) chipped in 12 points for the home side.
CSKA posted the first 10 points in the game and never looked behind after. McCarville's jump-shot brought them already 27-9 after the first 10 minutes. Khammon made it 33:15, but TTT Riga could struggle better in the second. Stepanova sent both teams to the loskers for 44:27 as CSKA looked very well in the half.
Trailing at half-time, TTT Riga were then blown away in the third quarter when CSKA held them to just six points and opened up a 66:33 lead. Lawson-Wade's jump-shot closed the third period. In the last stanza the teams were just killing the time as the winners was known long time before. Stepanova set up the final, 89:48 as CSKA reached 2-0 record in Group B.

TTT Riga: Essence Carson 12, Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) 9
CSKA: Ann Wauters 19 points, Katie Douglas 17, Ilona Korstine 9, Maria Stepanova 9

Euroleague two-time defending champions fell in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News
TEO Vilnius - Spartak Moscow region 72:64

An upset came from Lithuania where local TEO Vilnius defeated the defending champions Spartak Moscow region 72:64. Crystal Langhorne (188-F/C-86, college: Maryland) top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Jurgita Streimikyte (191-F-72) 15 points and 7 boards, while Daina Staugaitiene (182-G-80, college: Liberty) scored 13. Sylvia Fowles (198-C-85, college: LSU) finished the night with 24 points and 11 rebounds in defeat.
Streimikyte opened the night for the hosts that looked very optimistic about the favorite. TEO took control of the first period winning it by 24:13. The hosts did not stop and flew to 39:20 when Crystal Langhorne made a jump-shot. Spartak reeled off the first nine points of the second half to trail 43:34, a run that was capped by a Sylvia Fowles basket that took her points haul to 18.
TEO Vilnius still controlled the third period and won it 16-14. Shchegoleva reduced to 56:39 after thirty minutes of the game. Fowles sparked a 10-0 run by making one of two at the stripe. In that spurt, Diana Taurasi got fouled while attempting a three-pointer to leave the visitors trailing 70:64. Streimikyte was the last to score in the game for 72:64. Both teams are 1-1 now in the middle of the group.

TEO Vilnius:Crystal Langhorne 23 points and 12 rebounds, Jurgita Streimikyte 15 points and 7 boards, Daina Staugaitiene 13.
Spartak Moscow region: Sylvia Fowles 24 points and 11 rebounds, Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) 18

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  SERBIA - Women  


Rivas Ecopolis cruise past Crvena Zvezda - by Eurobasket News
Rivas Ecopolis - Crvena Zvezda 84:57

Rivas Ecopolis secured the initial win in the EuroCup preliminary round as they overcame Crvena Zvezda at home court. The Spanish team earned the top spot in Group C now. Catherine Joens (180-G-82) led the charge with 26 points. Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80, college: S.Carolina) added 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) had 13 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) answered with 20 points for Crvena Zvezda. Ana Puric (175-G-82) accounted for 12 points in the loss.
The hosts opened the game with 7 unanswered points and soon piled up a 20:7 lead. Musovic scored 4 points and Nascimiento added two more as the second quarter began with a 6:0 rally from Rivas Ecopolis and they built a 28:9 advantage. Crvena Zvezda cut the distance a little bit due to long-range artillery from Jelena Maksimovic and Iva Prcic (177-G-87). The scoreboard read 42:28 for the home team at the sides change. Rivas Ecopolis maintained the distance throughout the third quarter and enjoyed a 12-point cushion before the final stanza. Ana Puric cut the deficit to 10 points but the hopes evaporated quickly for Crvena Zvezda. Catherine Joens exploded with 11 points for the hosts and they cleared off to a comfortable 23-point distance to never look back again.
The hosts outrebounded their opponents 32:19 and sank impressive 57% from the field, including 52% from downtown.

Rivas Ecopolis: Catherine Joens 26, Petra Ujhelyi 15, Jelena Dubljevic 13
Crvena Zvezda: Jelena Maksimovic 20, Ana Puric 12

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Gorzow outgun MBK Ruzomberok in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Gorzow - MBK Ruzomberok 82:76

The german Scoring Machine Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) exploded with 30 points to lead Gorzow past Ruzomberok in the opening round of EuroCup preliminary round in Group A. Gorzow were unstoppable in the starting frame as they outscored MBK 29:11 and piled up a decisive lead. Ruzomberok recovered in the latter stages of the game as they won three next quarters but failed to overcome a massive first-frame deficit. Lindsay Taylor (203-C-81, college: UCSB) knocked down 17 points and collected 9 caroms for the winners. Tye'sha Fluker (196-C-84, college: Tennessee) answered with 18 points and 14 rebounds for Ruzomberok. Megan Duffy (170-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Notre Dame) added 18 points in the loss.
The teams traded baskets throughout the first three minutes of the encounter before Lindsay Taylor nailed 5 straight points to put Gorzow in charge. Samantha Richards (167-G-83) and Justyna Zurowska (188-C-85) stretched the lead to 11 points and Gorzow then breezed to a 29:11 advantage at the first break. Breitreiner, Samantha Richards and Kaczmarczyk extended the lead to massive 27 points midway through the second term however Ruzomberok did not collapse. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84), Monika Chabadova (183-F-89) and Tye'sha Fluker cut the distance to 14 points at halftime. The visitors stayed contestant in the third frame as they narrowed the gap to just 7 points at one point. Megan Duffy nailed 5 straight points for the visitors to spark the hope in the middle of the final period. Lucia Kupcikova and Podesova followed with two free throws and Ruzomberok trailed by 4 points with under 4 minutes to go in the game. However Justyna Zurowska scored two crucial buckets and Breitreiner fired from downtown to seal the win for Gorzow at the end.
Gorzow will play against Targoviste in Romania. Ruzomberok will host Dynamo Moscow.

Gorzow: Anne Breitreiner 30, Lindsay Taylor 17, Justyna Zurowska 13
Ruzomberok: Tye'sha Fluker 18+14 boards, Megan Duffy 18

Maxima Broker Kosice conquers Group D of Euroleague - by Eurobasket News
Maxima Broker Kosice- Fenerbahce 76:68

Maxima Broker Kosice is the only team without losses in Group D of the Qualifying Round in Euroleague. Slovakian team overcame Fenerbahce 76:68 in Kosice. Israeli Liron Cohen (174-G-82) paced the winners with 22 points. Cathrine Kraayeveld (193-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) netted 20 and Sidney Spencer (191-F-85, college: Tennessee) notched 19. Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, college: Stanford) top-scored for the visitors with 16 points.
Spencer posted first three in the early beginning of the game. Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers) however closed the 9-0 run for the guests that took 3:9 after the next three minutes. Yilmaz kept the visitors in front for 24:19 after 10 minutes. It did not take too much time for the hosts to tie the game. Frohlich made first 30:30 and then another free throw gave her team a minimum lead. With 23-18 in the third frame Maxima Broker Kosice stayed in front of the campaign. Gomis could reduce to 55:51 at the end of the third period. Tammy Sutton-Brown's jump shot gave the visitors from Turkey a 66:65 lead with less than 3 minutes in the game. That was however their last one as Maxima Broker Kosice produced an 8-0 run for 73:66. Cohen closed Game 2 from the free throw line giving her team 76:68 victory.


Maxima Broker Kosice: Liron Cohen 22 points, Cathrine Kraayeveld 20 and Sidney Spencer 19
Fenerbahce: Nicole Powell 16

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  SPAIN - Women  


Maltsi leads her team over Ros Casares - by Eurobasket News

USK Praha - Ros Casares 87:72

USK Praha overcame Ros Casares 87:72 in Czech Republic to tie them at 1-1 record in Euroleague campaign. Trailing two points at the half time, the home side won the third and the fourth quarters respectively. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) shined with 29 points and 4 steals. Michaela Ferancikova (190-F-77) added 22, while Sonja Kireta (198-C-76) collected 13 points and 15 boards. Delisha Milton-Jones (186-F-74, college: Florida) ended up with 18 points in the losing effort.
Maltsi played one of the best games and scored three-pointer from the start for her team. USK Praha looked better but Tornikidou made 20:20 at the end of the first period. Moreover Ros Casares started the second period with 6-0 run and had 38:36 advantage at the halftime. Trailing 47:42 to one of the pre-season favorites to win the EuroLeague Women, USK Prague turned on the style and outscored Ros 18-4 over the last minutes of the third quarter. Sonja Kireta scored for 60:51 at the end of the third period. With a 10-0 the hosts started the fourth quarter and led the game to the winning effort.

Gambrinus will take on the leader of the group CSKA in the next game. USK Praha will travel to Croatia for the battle against Sibenik. All the games are scheduled for October 29th.

USK Praha: Evanthia Maltsi 29 points and 4 steals, Michaela Ferancikova 22, Sonja Kireta 13 points and 15 boards.
Ros Casares: Delisha Milton-Jones 18 points, Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) 17



Anke De Mondt lifts Halcon over EuroLeague newcomers - by Eurobasket News
Halcon Avenida - Nadezhda 77:74

Anke De Mondt buried a three-pointer with seven seconds remaining to lift Halcon Avenida to a 77:74 win over EuroLeague Women newcomers Nadezhda. Halcon Avenida improved to 1-1 record in Group A, while Nadezhda is still winless. Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, college: Auburn) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Snow followed her with 13 and De Mondt Anke had 12. Olga Ovcharenko (184-F-79) Olga resisted for the Russian squad with 25 points.
Olga Ovcharenko scored first for the visitors and Nadezhda looked better in the first quarter. In the end of the period Halcon Avenida however grabbed the lead for 24:18. Nadezhda came back into the game in the second period and finished it with 39:40 at the halftime. In a back-to-back third period the hosts produced 20-18 for 57:56 advantage. Petra Stampalija (190-C-80) almost buried the intrigue for 70:61 with 4.33 in the game, but Russian team did not give up. Christon sparked a 7-0 run with a three-ball and two free throws. Begona Garcia (175-G-76) tied the game at 74:74 with a made jump shot 11 seconds from the end only for De Mondt to steal the headlines with the game-winner. Halcon Avenida improved to 1-1 record in Group A, while Nadezhda is still winless. The next games are scheduled for October 29th.

Halcon Avenida: Le'Coe Willingham 21 points and 9 rebounds, Snow 13, De Mondt Anke 12.
Nadezhda: Olga Ovcharenko Olga 25 points, Shameka Christon (186-G/F-82, college: Arkansas) 18

Ibiza go festive in Romania - by Eurobasket News
Baschet ICIM Arad - Ibiza 61:66

Ibiza made it loud in Arad as they overcame local powerhouse Baschet ICIM at the start of the EuroCup preliminary round in Group H. Silvia Morales (170-G/F-79) knocked down 17 points to pace Ibiza to the win. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) had 13 points and 13 boards for the winners. Suzana Milovanovic (185-F-79, agency: LBM Management) answered with 22 points for Arad in defeat.
Brown scored five points and Eshe added two more as Arad opened the game with a 7:0 rally. Eshe then added 7 more points to her tally to propel the hosts to a 22:16 lead at the first break. Suzana Milovanovic converted a three-point play to extend the margin to 9 points early in the second period. Ana Jokovic (187-F-79) and Brown later ensured a 12-point lead for the hosts at halftime. However the third frame changed things drastically. The visitors went on an 18:3 run to claim a three-point lead late in the quarter. Only three-pointer from Cutas to crown the frame allowed Arad to knot things up at 46. The teams exchanged the blows throughout the fourth stanza and Ibiza led by one point with less than 2 minutes left. Faeza Bouderra (165-G-82, college: Florida Intern.) hit one of two free throws to make it 63:61 and then Cutas missed one from beyond the arc. Silvia Morales extended the gap to 3 points from the charity stripe, while Sandra Pirsic grabbed an offensive rebound and sealed the win with a jumper.
Baschet ICIM will travel to Lithuania to take on Arvi, while Ibiza will welcome Kara Trutnov in the second round.

Arad: Suzana Milovanovic 22, Ana Jokovic 14
Ibiza: Silvia Morales 17, Sandra Pirsic 13+13 boards, Anna Gomez (180-G-86) 8, Faeza Bouderra 8

Rivas Ecopolis cruise past Crvena Zvezda - by Eurobasket News
Rivas Ecopolis - Crvena Zvezda 84:57

Rivas Ecopolis secured the initial win in the EuroCup preliminary round as they overcame Crvena Zvezda at home court. The Spanish team earned the top spot in Group C now. Catherine Joens (180-G-82) led the charge with 26 points. Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80, college: S.Carolina) added 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) had 13 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Jelena Maksimovic (192-C-82) answered with 20 points for Crvena Zvezda. Ana Puric (175-G-82) accounted for 12 points in the loss.
The hosts opened the game with 7 unanswered points and soon piled up a 20:7 lead. Musovic scored 4 points and Nascimiento added two more as the second quarter began with a 6:0 rally from Rivas Ecopolis and they built a 28:9 advantage. Crvena Zvezda cut the distance a little bit due to long-range artillery from Jelena Maksimovic and Iva Prcic (177-G-87). The scoreboard read 42:28 for the home team at the sides change. Rivas Ecopolis maintained the distance throughout the third quarter and enjoyed a 12-point cushion before the final stanza. Ana Puric cut the deficit to 10 points but the hopes evaporated quickly for Crvena Zvezda. Catherine Joens exploded with 11 points for the hosts and they cleared off to a comfortable 23-point distance to never look back again.
The hosts outrebounded their opponents 32:19 and sank impressive 57% from the field, including 52% from downtown.

Rivas Ecopolis: Catherine Joens 26, Petra Ujhelyi 15, Jelena Dubljevic 13
Crvena Zvezda: Jelena Maksimovic 20, Ana Puric 12

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  SWEDEN - Women  


Lulea BBK celebrates in Round 3 opener - by Eurobasket News
Lulea BBK - Umea Comets 68-61

In the early opener of Round 3, Lule BBK managed to beat Umea Comets improving its score in Damligan on 2-1. On the other side, the Comets are still looking for the first joy. Anna Brannvall (180-F/C-82) demonstrated great performance in this game. She top-scored for the wining team draining 22 points. Elin Soderstrom (179-F-83) also was good but far away from Brannvall. Eszter Csontos (179-G/F-82) and Annica Grafstrom (182-F-80) had 11 points apiece. Umea Comets got the most from Anna Osterman, who netted 18. Shannon Daly (163-G, college: S.Dakota) had 16 while the same number of points also delivered Amy Mohr (186-C, college: Fort Lewis).
The hosts entered into this game strongly making plus 5 during the first 10 minutes. However, Anna Osterman and her teammates improved in the next frame taking 1-point lead until the half time, 38-39. Anna Brannvall stepped up for her team after the breather. She dominated at the offensive end leading Lulea BBK to 16 points in third stanza. On the other side the Comets had 12 meaning that the hosts once gain grabbed back their lead. During the last 10 minutes Umea succeeded to score even less, 10 points. It for sure was not enough for the win against dangerous Lulea BBK.

Lulea BBK: Anna Brannvall 22, Elin Soderstrom 12, Eszter Csontos 11, Annica Grafstrom 11
Umea Comets: Anna Osterman 18, Shannon Daly 16, Amy Mohr 16

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  SWITZERLAND - Women  


Szeged hold off Neuchatel in EuroCup preliminary round - by Eurobasket News
Szeged - Neuchatel 79:51

Ildiko Szakacs (187-F-81) scored 24 points and Szeged prevailed against visiting Neuchatel in the opening game in Group D of EuroCup. Emoke Furesz (180-G-77) added 19 points for the hosts as they looked dominant throughout the game. Sophie Charlier (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) started the clash with back-to-back trebles to put Neuchatel in front. Soon the visitors stretched the margin to 8 points 18:10 but Szeged came to life in the first period. They went on a 14:2 rally to grab a 24:20 advantage at the first intermission. Sophie Charlier drained another three-pointer early in the second period, while Cameo Hicks (178-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Washington) converted two free throws to put Neuchatel back in front. But this time Szeged quickly denied the deficit and Emoke Furesz and Desire Almind (180-F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) fueled a 16:4 run that allowed the hosts to build a 40:29 lead. Emoke Furesz knocked down a treble to close the first half and Szeged went into locker rooms leading by 11 points. An 8:0 surge midway through the third frame extended the gap to 23 points and Szeged looked well in control from now on. The hosts cruised to the victory in the fourth term and posted the initial success in Pool D.
Desire Almind provided 7 points and 13 rebounds for Szeged. Cameo Hicks notched 29 points and 9 rebounds for Neuchatel. Sophie Charlier added 12 points in defeat. Szeged will take on their archrivals Foton Gyor in the second round. Neuchatel will host Solna Vikings in another fixture in Group D.

Szeged: Ildiko Szakacs 24, Emoke Furesz 19, Desire Almind 7+13 boards
Neuchatel: Cameo Hicks 29, Sophie Charlier 12

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  TURKEY - Women  


An overtime battle in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Besiktas - MiZo Pecs 84:82 OT

Besiktas overcame MiZo Pecs 84:82 in one of the most interesting games in the round. Four quarters weer not enough to find out the winner and only in overtime Turkish side won the encounter. Laura Harper (193-F/C-86, college: Maryland) top-scored for the winners with 26 points and massive 19 rebounds. Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) scored 18, while Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) netted 13. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) collected 27 points and 13 rebounds in defeat. Both teams are now 1-1 in Group A.
The game deserved to be one of the most interesting and the quarters proved it so much. At first MiZo Pecs produced 17-13 in the opening quarter as Kornelia Meszaros (186-F-74) made a lay-up. Besiktas bounced back with 26-15 in the second for 39:32 lead at the halftime. Again MiZo Pecs changed the game in the third and grabbed the lead back at 39:41. After the lead in the whole period Hungarian side enjoyed 52:50 advantage after the third frame. Korana Zanze (195-C-73) made the score 63:53 for the hosts in the middle of the fourth quarter. MiZo Pecs however managed to send the team in extra time, but could not benefit from it. Trailing 80:76 in the extra period, the Turkish team finished strong with an 8-2 run for an 84:82 triumph.

Besiktas: Laura Harper 26 points and 19 rebounds, Milica Dabovic 18, Shay Doron 13.
MiZo Pecs: Anna Vajda 27 points and 13 rebounds, Andrea Somogyi (184-F-86) 16

Galatasaray storm past Buducnost in Podgorica - by Eurobasket News
Buducnost - Galatasaray 53:89

Turkish Galatasaray breezed past Montenegrin Buducnost in EuroCup preliminary round yesterday. The teams opened the action in Group G with Galatasaray sending strong message to their opponents. The Turkish powerhouse scored 31 points in the first period to stun the hosts and then controlled the situation on the court. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) dropped 24 points to pace Galatasaray. Slyahdemir added 19 points, while Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) contributed 13 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Lady Comfort (188-C-86, college: Temple) paced the hosts with 20 points and 16 rebounds. Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87) secured 15 points in the defeat.
Culafic put Buducnost ahead with just 9 seconds gone in the game. However Seimone Augustus fired 12 points in the starting period and Galatasaray ensured a 31:17 advantage. The onslaught continued in the second frame as the visitors extended the lead to as many as 24 points. Seimone Augustus capped the half with 4 straight points and Galatasaray went into dressing room ahead 52:28. Buducnost struggled to come any closer in the third frame as Augustus remained on fire and kept the hosts at arms length. The home side relinquished the battle in the fourth term and Galatasaray celebrated the first win in the tournament.
Buducnost outrebounded the visitors 41:39 but suffered 22 turnovers and shot just 35% from the field in the loss.
Galatasaray will host Mondeville, while Aris will take on Buducnost in Greece in Round 2.

Buducnost: Lady Comfort 20+16 boards, Maja Milutinovic 15
Galatasaray: Seimone Augustus 24, Slyahdemir 19, Tay McWilliams 13

Maxima Broker Kosice conquers Group D of Euroleague - by Eurobasket News
Maxima Broker Kosice- Fenerbahce 76:68

Maxima Broker Kosice is the only team without losses in Group D of the Qualifying Round in Euroleague. Slovakian team overcame Fenerbahce 76:68 in Kosice. Israeli Liron Cohen (174-G-82) paced the winners with 22 points. Cathrine Kraayeveld (193-F-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) netted 20 and Sidney Spencer (191-F-85, college: Tennessee) notched 19. Nicole Powell (188-G/F-82, college: Stanford) top-scored for the visitors with 16 points.
Spencer posted first three in the early beginning of the game. Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers) however closed the 9-0 run for the guests that took 3:9 after the next three minutes. Yilmaz kept the visitors in front for 24:19 after 10 minutes. It did not take too much time for the hosts to tie the game. Frohlich made first 30:30 and then another free throw gave her team a minimum lead. With 23-18 in the third frame Maxima Broker Kosice stayed in front of the campaign. Gomis could reduce to 55:51 at the end of the third period. Tammy Sutton-Brown's jump shot gave the visitors from Turkey a 66:65 lead with less than 3 minutes in the game. That was however their last one as Maxima Broker Kosice produced an 8-0 run for 73:66. Cohen closed Game 2 from the free throw line giving her team 76:68 victory.


Maxima Broker Kosice: Liron Cohen 22 points, Cathrine Kraayeveld 20 and Sidney Spencer 19
Fenerbahce: Nicole Powell 16

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  WNBA - Women  


Eurobasket - global leader in basketball stats - by Richard
Eurobasket established its global leadership role in basketball coverage after implementing this season the stats system for ...79 leagues and international events.
There is no other web site coming any close to that goal.
Eurobasket is well-known of having the biggest basketball database with profiles of over 182,000 players and coaches.
It's also considered as the most reliable basketball source for coaches and team managers involved in professional basketball around the World.
With it's coverage of 406 leagues in 266 countries (another leading number in on-line basketball coverage) it provides unmatching basketball coverage for wide range of basketball people from professionals to fans.
The only item missing so far was ...detailed stats.
'It started as a very small-scale project and we originally scheduled to have just 8-9 top leagues in the world to have stats for. But a big demand to provide stats from other basketball leagues lead us to expand it to other leagues and countries and in consequence when we counted it at the end, we came with a number of 79 leagues and international events we provide the stats for. The project is quite complex and at the top of sophisticated programming, it requires very heavy workload to maintain it properly. But we realized that starting it on a small scale would not make too much sense. Eurobasket is known for the widest basketball coverage on-line and we had to follow that path in adding possibility to track down the stats of every professional team and player in the World.' said Eurobasket manager Marek Wojtera.
Together with a new design implemented also this year, it makes quite big improvement in a very short time.
'On-line competition is very strong. Staying in one place means to be out of business very fast. Contrary to other top web sites in basketball coverage we are in a position of not having any company (like NBA, Euroleague, FIBA, etc.) behind for which we just run the web site. So we always have to be one step ahead of our competition to keep the leading position in basketball coverage. Web sites which try to stay at the top in the popularity ranking constantly have to expand their services, so the customers every year receive more for the same service fee. We are in this business for more that 10 years and we constantly expand and improve practically every year adding new items, improving the web site and expanding services. It's like Google, with it's never-ending process of improving their search engine. Providing stats from U.S. pro leagues is not a big deal and you can find number of web sites providing it very well. Of course we have it in our portfolio too. But this year for the very first time basketball fans can find in one place detailed stats from all European countries, top Japenese and Latin American leagues without switching to any other web sites. You get it for free and we hope you will enjoy having such wide and detailed coverage supported by detailed stats system.' Wojtera said.
So no more need to keep browsing other web sites in order to collect last games info about your favorite players. You have it in one user-friendly format for whichever league you want.

Angela Taylor named Mystics General Manager - by Eurobasket News
Washington Mystics Chief Operating Officer Greg Bibb announced today that Angela Taylor is joining the team's front office as the club's Vice-President and General Manager. For the last two seasons, Taylor has served as the Vice President of Business Operations for the Minnesota Lynx.
Prior to joining the Lynx, Taylor spent 10 years at the WNBA league office in various positions within the player personnel department, including serving as Senior Director of Player Personnel. Taylor will assume her duties with the Mystics on October 27.

'Angela brings a wealth of basketball and business experience to the Washington Mystics,' Bibb stated. 'We are very fortunate to have someone with over 15 years experience in the WNBA joining our ranks. Angela has been involved with the League since its inception. She has experienced success at all levels of the game...as a player, as a coach, as a basketball administrator and as a business leader. We are excited to welcome her to the Mystics family and I'm eager to begin working with her to create a winning basketball team.'

As the Lynx's Vice President of Business Operations, Taylor oversaw all of the organization's business operations and was instrumental in its growth. In 2007, the Lynx led the WNBA in group sales while posting a 48% increase from the 2006 season. Minnesota increased its overall sales revenue by 12% in 2008.

Taylor brings over 15 years of player personnel experience to the Mystics. As the WNBA's Senior Director of Player personnel, she implemented and oversaw the league's regional scouting program. Specifically, she supervised the scouting team in the identification and evaluation of elite players. In addition, she helped identified collegiate and international women's basketball players for the league's annual draft.

'First, I'd like to thank Sheila Johnson, Ted Leonsis, and the other partners in Lincoln Holdings for giving me the opportunity to join the Washington Mystics organization. Their commitment to the WNBA, vision for the Mystics, and desire to bring a WNBA Championship to Washington, DC were integral to my decision to accept the job,' said Taylor. 'I look forward to putting together a great coaching staff and to building a championship caliber team for the loyal Mystics fans. I also want to thank Timberwolves/Lynx Owner Glen Taylor and Lynx COO Roger Griffith for giving me the opportunity to work with the Lynx organization over the last two years.'

Prior to joining the WNBA league offices, Taylor served as an assistant coach at Stanford University and Texas A&M University. She also coached at the University of Arizona. While at Stanford, she helped guide the team to back to back Final Fours in 1996 and 1997.

In 2005, Taylor co-founded The CHANCE Foundation, an organization whose mission is to Create Hope and Access for our Nation's Children through Education. The CHANCE Foundation helps provide at-risk youth with the support, guidance, tools and resources needed to navigate the college application process. She is also involved in numerous community and philanthropic activities which include serving on the board of Ronnie Lott's All-Stars Helping Kids Foundation. She also served on the board of the Stanford Athletic Department, YWCA of Minneapolis and Foundation IX.

A native of Mountain Home, Idaho, Taylor graduated from Stanford University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In addition, she was a member of the 1990-1992 National Basketball Championship Teams and was named co-captain of the 1992-1993 squad. Taylor received her MBA in 2002 from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University.

Tickets for the 2009 season are currently on sale and can be purchased by calling the Mystics Sales Office at 1-877-DC-HOOP1 or by visiting the Mystics web site at www.washingtonmystics.com.

The Washington Mystics organization is dedicated to providing affordable entertainment, serving as an impactful community partner and maintaining accessibility to positive female role models. Supported by passionate fans, the Mystics are elite, hardworking athletes continually striving to win a Championship.

Courtesy of the Washington Mystics