EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 10/6/2008

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Men News

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


Active off season for Mustangs - by Eurobasket News
The SETX Mustangs (formerly the RGV Silverados) have had an active off season to say the least. The ABA professional basketball franchise has changed cities and leagues in the off season.

The Mustangs are settling in fine to their new home in Beaumont, TX and the Golden Triangle area. Their new home arena has been a perfect fit for the Mustangs as well. The Ford Arena is a plush basketball facility and the administration there is very excited about their new basketball franchise. The Mustangs will tip-off their season on Saturday night; December 6, 2008 as they begin play in the American Basketball Association (ABA).

In addition to moving to a new city and changing leagues, the Mustangs are under new leadership with Dr. Jordan Maswoswe taking over full ownership control of the second year professional basketball franchise. Maswoswe has entrusted his franchise into the hands of veteran professional basketball coach and administrator Steve Tucker.

Tucker has been in professional basketball for many years now and has started, built, and led numerous professional basketball franchises.

'It is an honor to be with the Mustangs and to be leading this organization! Dr. Jordan entrusted a great responsibility on me and I want to build something very special with this pro basketball franchise. We for sure have an excellent owner and a great place to play. This is also a great sports community and I feel that they'll really love their Mustangs this upcoming basketball season and for many seasons to come.'

The SETX Mustangs have been fast at work in preparation for this upcoming ABA Season. The ABA has 40 teams around the USA that will compete for the 2008-09 ABA Championship. The Mustangs will play in the Southwest Division of the ABA. The Southwest Division will consist of the Houston Takers, South Texas Showboats, West Texas Whirlwinds, Mississippi Blues, and the SETX Mustangs.

The ABA regular season will tip-off the first of December and will conclude the first week of March 2009. The ABA Championship Finals will be held the third weekend of March in Nashville, TN. The ABA All-Star Game will be played in late January at a site to be named later.

The Mustangs are considered a prime contender for the ABA Championship as Coach Steve Tucker coached teams have always been considered as some of the best teams in the ABA both when Tucker coached the Texas Tycoons (22-10) and the Jacksonville Jam (31-9). Both the Tycoons and Jam finished as one of the top five teams in the ABA National Power Ranking, which ranks the top teams in the ABA on a weekly basis. It is rumored that the Mustangs will be one of the top 5 ranked teams in the Pre-Season ABA Power Rankings heading into the 2008-09 season.

Southeast Texas Mustangs SEASON TICKETS will go ON SALE in mid-October. For further information on the SETX MUSTANGS call #409/951-5500 or go online to www.setxmustangs.com or www.abalive.com.

Courtesy of The SETX Mustangs

South Texas Showboats win big 101-70 vs Army - by Eurobasket News
With all the talk about having a new minor-league basketball team in San Antonio, we think this is a great start for them. The new expansion team in San Antonio finally had the chance to put the hard work to the test against a very physical and hard-working ARMY team.

'I put this team together for the fans and the youth of San Antonio. We only want to bring families back together in the gym. Our games are affordable and we are trying to put together a strong team, that this city can be proud of.'said owner and head coach Benjamin Mireles.

The South Texas Showboats showed great balance and fought through a very physical game.

'There were a lot of fouls called in this game and they really didn't let the guys play. I was very disappointed in our free throw shooting tonight.' said training coach Minifee.

The team shot 51% from the field and 43% from the 3 point line but shot very poorly at the free throw line at 48%. This teams style of play depends on all around defense and running consistently and that is exactly what they did by running away with a win over the ARMY 101-70. The Showboats were up by 15 at halftime 44-29. They came in the second half and did not keep up the same energy as they did in the first allowing 41 points in the second half. They were still able to push through for the win. The Showboats also had a tough time with their only big man(Jason McNeil) out for most of the game with 4 fouls in the first 12 minutes of the game. Guys like James Ellison, and Glen Croom came up off the bench with 14 rebounds combined on the defensive end to help out with the absence of the big guy.

'We had to come in and produce. That is our job and that is what we have to do here and play our role.' said Ellison.

Players of the game: ( 4 Former San Antonio H.S. Athletes) Chris Woods (6'1''-G/F)(Fox Tech H.S) 18 points / 8 rebounds, Kenny Wilson(John Jay H.S) 24 points(on 9-15), Langston Grady(John Jay H.S) 14 points / 9 rebounds and Jamar Chatman (6'2''-G)(Madison H.S) 14 points. 'All the players came out to play tonight but our style of play consist of a defensive minded team. We lost our momentum during the game when we had some of our other players on the floor. I was really disappointed that I did not have the same energy on the floor all night. So in reality, we didn't do our job as a team.' said head coach and owner Ben Mireles. There will be more games to come as the Showboats play against the Airforce Saturday Oct 11, 2008 at Lackland Airforce in San Antonio, TX.

Courtesy of the South Texas Showboats

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


Liga A 1st round highlights - by Facundo Iatzky
Best 5:
Juan Pablo Cantero (186-G-82) of Sionista
Erron Maxey (198-F-78, college: Providence) of Quimsa
Federico Kammerichs (203-F-80) of Regatas (MVP) 15 pts 16 reb 5 bl
Brice Assie (201-F-83, college: W.Connecticut) of Independiente
Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) of Penarol

Second team:
David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) of Penarol
Juan Cangelosi (195-G-81) of Estudiantes
Mariano Franco (200-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency) of Gimnasia
Camargo Dionisio Gomez (203-F-80, college: Arkansas) of el nacional
Gabriel Fernandez (204-C-76) of boca jrs

Best scorers:
Mariano Franco 24
Erron Maxey 23
David Jackson 20

Rebounds:
Federico Kammerichs 16
Brice Assie 13
Camargo Dionisio Gomez 13

Assists:
Anthony Johnson (198-G/F-79, college: La-Lafayette) 5
Juan Pablo Cantero 5
Julian Olmedo (187-G-77) 5

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


Rich Saturday - by Eurobasket News

Baltic League was reach for 2 games in the Elite Division and 7 in the Challenge Cup last night.
Barons/LMT beat Siauliai and tied them at 1-1 record in Elite Division. Latvian team celebrated 87:71 victory in Arena Riga. Alexander paced all the winners with 22 points. Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) and Skele netted 14 each, while Henning posted 8. Virginijus Praskevicius (206-C/F-74) top-scored in defeat with 23 points, whilst Kadziulis scored 14,. The result after the first ten minutes was 20:14 in Barons favour. Three-pointer from Kravcenko side made it 23:14 for Latvian side at the beginning of the second quarter. The hosts remained in front with 38:29 entering the second half. Both team produced more offensive style in the game in the third period and after 28:21 Barons could celebrate the win. In the last period the squads tied at 21:21 that gave 87:71 as a total.
Ventspils survived in the game versus Kalev/Cramo 71:69 in Latvia. Trailing 15:21 after the opening quarter the home side managed to win the second and the last frames. The teams scored some back-to-back baskets and then Kalev made a run of 6:0 by Valmo Kriisa (190-G-74) and Pace. It gave the visitors 15:21 advantage entering the second quarter. Ventspils made a 9:0 spurt leading the game with the result 24:21 and had 31:30 at the halftime. Then both teams exchanged the shots and till the end of the quarter Kalev diminished the difference in the result till the minimum. In the end of the game Jurevicus and Linehan exchanged two free-throws and the result was 67:61 for Ventspils that led to 71:69 victory. Ronalds Zakis (205-F/C-87) led the winners with 20 points. Tyrone Brazelton (180-G-86, college: W.Kentucky) scored 10 and Umbrasko added 9. Linehan poured in 12 points in the losing effort, while Arbet had 11.
In Challenge Cup Zemgale registered their first victory this season. Latvian team overcame Valga Welg 86:77 only due to the first half. The hosts started with 19:14 in the opening quarter and increased to 44:24 later in the game. Estonian team won the third and the last quarters but could not catch up with the opponent. Krumins and Matiss Rozitis (191-F-84) led the winners with 16 points each. Anderson top-scored for the guests with 23 points that fell at 0-2. Veljo Vares (200-F/G-81) scored 21 and Kaldre posted 11 in the losing effort.
Neptunas won the battle of the Lithuanian teams in Challenge Cup. The team had a road win over Aisciai 69:72. Deividas Gailius (200-F-88) led the winners with 18 points. Motiejunas and Dimsa provided 17 points apiece for the home side.
Kaunas TRIOBET overcame Keizarmezs 80:58 in Lithuania. The home side looked better throughout the whole game and truthfully celebrated the win in the game. Milaknis top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Juozas Ramanauskas (207-C-85) posted 11. Berzins ended up with 18 points in the losing side.
Techasas was stronger than Tallinna Kalev 73:50. Even though the guests scored the last 6 points in the game Lithuanian team had more than enough for the total win. Bolds top-scored for the winners with 13 points, whilst Hill netted 12. Kivinukk finished the night with 11 points for Estonian team.
In another Lithuanian game Sakalai beat Alytus 89:79. Belousov top-scored for the home team with 24 points. Dilus scored 17 and Arvydas Siksnius (196-F-87, college: Weatherford JC) provided 15. Varnelis, Aleksandrovas and Janisius all scored 17 in defeat.
Suduva smashed ASK/BUKI for the first team for both teams. Lithuanian squad provided 104:67 winning all the aspects of the match-up. Marius Runkauskas (189-G-86) posted 20 points for the winners and Andrejs Jansons (202-F-80, agency: Stanley International) had 22 in defeat.

TTU overcame Liepajas 76:65 in the only win for the Estonian teams last night. Pilk led the winners with 20 points.



Standings - Men
BBL Standings
Elite Division
 1. Zalgiris 1-0 
 2. Lietuvos 1-0 
 3. BK Ventspils 1-0 
 4. Siauliai 1-0 
 5. ASK Riga 1-0 
 6. Kalev/Cramo 1-1 
 7. Nevezis 0-1 
 8. TU/Rock 0-1 
 9. Valmiera 0-1 
 10. Barons/LMT 0-1 
Challenge Cup
Group A
 1. VEF Riga 2-0 
 2. Techasas 1-0 
 3. Norrkoping 1-1 
 4. Pirita 0-0 
 5. Valga Welg 0-1 
 6. Zemgale 0-1 
 7. Alytus Alita 0-1 
 8. Sakalai 0-1 
Group B
 1. Neptunas 1-0 
 2. Aisciai 1-0 
 3. TTU KK 1-0 
 4. Keizarmezs 0-0 
 5. Kaunas Tr. 0-0 
 6. Triobet/Dalkia 0-1 
 7. Liep.Lauvas 0-1 
 8. ASK/Buki 0-1 
 9. Suduva 0-1 


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


School's Division 1 preview - by Justin Marville


School's Division 1 preview - by Justin Marville


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


Two Div. III, five Div. II and nine Div. I teams remaining in Belgian Cup - by Bertrand Larsimont
Two Div. III teams, five Div. II teams and nine Div. I teams remain in the Belgian Cup race. Here is the program of the Belgian Cup Eigth Finals (two-legged match-ups to be played in the coming weeks):

Optima Ghent vs. VOO Verviers-Pepinster
BBC Kangoeroes Willebroek (Div. II, + 5) vs. Spirou Basket Charleroi
Sint Jan Antwerp (Div. II, + 5) vs. Belgacom Liege Basket
BC Haneffe (Div. III, + 10) vs. Generali Okapi Aalstar
CEP Fleurus (Div. II, + 5) vs. Base BC Oostende
Bree BBC (Div. II, + 5) vs. Dexia Mons-Hainaut
Jaga Radiators Hasselt (Div. II, + 5) vs. Antwerp Diamond Giants
Centre Ardenne Neufchateau (Div. III, + 10) vs. Spotter Leuven

Division I action starts in Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Three games opened the Division I basketball in Belgium yesterday. Last years runners-up Oostende will face Hainaut later tonight.
Liege left no chance for visiting Antwerp 84:55 to open the season. It all looked pretty stunning for the visitors in the opening frame as they trailed 6:28 at the end. Antwerp however managed to slow the hosts down a bit after the intermission and cut the distance to 16 points. But Liege took over again after the long break and sealed a thumping victory at the end.
Okapi Aalstar prevailed against Leuven 74:58 away from home. The visitors jumped to a 21:12 lead after the starting period however Leuven denied the difference in the second quarter. They cut the distance to just 2 points at halftime and the tension grew. Both teams were plagued by mistakes in the third quarter however Aalstar succeeded extending the gap to 6 points. Leuven struggled to come up with a big comeback effort in the final period and dropped the game at the end. Trevor Huffman (187-G-79, agency: Duran International, college: Kent St.) finished with 17 points and 6 rebounds for Aalstar. Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) and Mo Charlo (201-F-83, college: Nevada) added 13 points apiece for the winning side. James J.J. Miller (180-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina A&T) answered with 21 points for Leuven. DeMario Anderson (193-G-85, college: Quinnipiac) had 15 points in defeat.
Finally Optima Gent received 20 points and 11 boards from Monwell Randle to overcome Verviers-Pepinster 81:66 at home court. Domien Loubry (186-G-85) provided 18 points and 7 assists for the hosts. Munda Hockins (188-G-88) answered with 15 points for Pepinster. Gent led by just 6 points at the interval but ran away to a 13-point distance in the decisive third quarter to ensure the winning outcome in the final stanza.

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  BOSNIA   


Sloboda Dita trashes Brcko Distrikt with amazing plus 86 - by Eurobasket News
Most probably the last check of Sloboda Dita before the beginning of D1 totally failed. The reason is not defeat nor bad performance by Tuzla's players. It is weak Brcko Distrikt, which last season was one of the candidates for Bosnian top division. After opening ten minutes it was clear that Sloboda is better team but there for sure was not any sign that it will be such devastating victory. Dalibor Persic (193-G-85) and Zlatan Halibegovic (187-G-87) were on fire leading their team to plus 17 after ten minutes, 29-12. It was really nothing what Brcko Distrikt suffered in the second frame. Sloboda this time stopped on unbelievable 40 points while Brcko had just 12. At the beginning of the game there was around 50 people but half of those immediately left the gym after 20 minutes. The rest of the game didn't change anything. Tuzla continued with smashing its rival ending the second half 54-13, final score 123-37!? Dalibor Persic was the best scorer for Sloboda Dita netting 26 points. Zlatan Halibegovic was behind him with 21 while Miralem Halilovic (202-F-91) and Drasko Albijanic (211-C-86) followed with 19 points. Experienced Ranko Velimirovic (203-F/C-72, agency: Beo Basket) and Mirza Hrncic (203-F/C-86) had 9 points apiece.

Bosnian championship starts next week-end. Sloboda Dita for sure won't have an easy job against dangerous Hercegovac Bileca on the road.

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  BULGARIA   


Lukoil Akademik and Levski beat Apollon Limassol - by Eurobasket News
Two Bulgarian teams, Lukoil Akademik and Levski, celebrated in a friendly games against Cypriot Apollon Limassol.

Current Bulgarian champion Lukoil took its one 90-69. It is important to be mentioned that Lukoil played this game without its first star Todor Stoykov. It was not so exiting game as Lukoil dominated during the entire time. Difference in quality level between these two teams was big. Serbian power forward Nenad Canak (204-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) demonstrated pretty good performance for the winners scoring 20 points. Hristo Nikolov (200-F-85) and Chavdar Kostov (196-G-88, agency: Interperformances) were behind him adding 14 points apiece. American point guard Antonio Burks (183-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Memphis) and Tim Pickett (193-G/F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida St.) had 12 points each. The good news is that Nigerian Kenny Adeleke arrived to Sophia.

Levski Sophia also was better than Cypriot team in a high-scoring game 114-111. Game is decided after two overtimes, 18-15. Marcus Hall (185-G-85, college: Colorado) once again was the key player in Levski draining 31 points. Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78, agency: Interperformances) also was great adding 25 points. Iskren Ivanov (186-G-89) had 18 while Asen Velikov (188-G-86) stopped on 15 points. On the other side, Apollon got 21 points from Kenny Satterfield (188-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: Cincinnati). Brown and Robinson had 20 points apiece. These two teams met each other in another friendly this week-end but report will be available soon.

Dimitar Angelov arrives to Lukoil Akademik - by Eurobasket News
National Team player Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) agreed terms with reining Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik. Angelov spent last season in Olimpia GE Larissa, which competed in Greek A1 league. For 21 regular season games he averaged 5.7 ppg and 2.1 rpg. Actually he started 07/08 in Tundja Yambol but in December he joined Larissa. He had 7 appearances for Yambol in Bulgarian A1 recording impressive 21 ppg, 6.9 rpg and 2 apg. Before Yambol, Angelov used to play in Levski Sophia, BC Kyiv, CSKA Sophia and Aris. He started basketball career in Yambolgaz, where he played until 2002. Actually that season Yambolgaz became domestic league winner. In 2003 Angelov won FIBA Champions Cup with Aris Thessaloniki. Two years later he celebrated in Bulgarian National Cup with CSKA Sophia (MVP).
Dimitar Angelov was a part of Bulgarian National Team, which booked a spot for EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. He also played for Bulgarians on EuroBasket 2005 in Belgrade. In 3 games he had 9.3 ppg, 1 rpg and 2.7 apg. This summer he played 8 games for his country adding 9.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 1.4 apg.

Standings A2
Division A Standings
 1. Slavia 0-0 
 2. Sliven 0-0 
 3. Chernomor. 0-0 
 4. NSA 0-0 
 5. Spart.MVR 0-0 
 6. Beroe SZ 0-0 
 7. Sportist Svoge 0-0 
 8. Vidabasket 0-0 
 9. Overgas 0-0 
 10. Dunav 2007 0-0 


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


NBA China? - by Alex Yam
NBA China


Beijing has come and gone, lasting images of a spectacular opening/closing ceremonies, China has cemented itself as both a global power in sports and marketing. Perhaps, no sport has seen the meteoric rise in popularity as the game of Basketball, NBA or not. The Redeem Team might have won the gold, but China took the ultimate prize, recognition as a global juggernaut.

The NBA season is upon us, as is the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) season, Chinas version of the universally regarded toughest league in the world. Given the numerous rule changes regarding Imports playing time, and also the number of games, more and more top notch current and former NBA players are making the trek to the East.

Derek Anderson, David Harrison, Kirk Snyder, James White, are just a few of the names that have recently surfaced as possible American players, who are contemplating the move to the far East. The lure for players of this caliber is the shorter season, less games, and financial flexibility, (with some players making more then the NBA minimum), but none more important then the chance to become a global star in a country that boasts over 1 billion people, with more then a third enthralled with the game of basketball.

So whether you pay attention to China basketball or not, you may be forced to as your favorite player, may become the next great export.

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  CROATIA   


Cibona and Zagreb CO suffer defeats - by Eurobasket News

Last season's runner up Hemofarm STADA defeated Croatian Euroleague team Cibona Zagreb 86-76. After totally leveled first frame, Hemofarm took control on Cibona grabbing 9-point lead at the half time. It seems crucial period of this game was a beginning of the second frame when Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) led Hemofarm to 11-2 run. Later, Cibona tried to do something through Davor Kus (192-G-78) and Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) suceeding to come on minus five but then Boris Savovic (206-F-87), Milivoje Bozovic (210-C/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for Hemofarm stopping Cibona on their way. At the end it was comfortable 10-point victory. Milan Macvan shined in Hemofarm scoring 18 points including 5 rebounds. Milivoje Bozovic also was pretty good for the winning team adding double-double, 17 points and 11 boards. Davor Kus netted 18 points in Cibona while Nikola Prkacin had 15 points and 4 boards.

Hemofarm STADA: Macvan 18 (5 rebs), Bozovic 17 (11 rebs), Pavkovic 11
Cibona: Kus 18, Prkacin 15 (4 rebs), Calloway 13 (6 rebs, 6 as)



Vojvodina Srbijagas managed to beat Zagreb CO on the road 90-81 thanks to well played first 24-12 and the last quarter. Serbian team had advantage of 14 points at the half time but after that its players somehow stopped. Center Ante Tomic (217-C-87) led Zagreb to 30-21 in third frame and a turn was close to happen. However, Marko Sutalo (194-G-83) came on the scene helping his team to record precious road win in the last quarter 20-13. Sutalo was the best scorer of this game with 32 points. Marko Popovic (193-G-84) had 13 points and 5 assists while Marko Pekovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Jovanovic (214-C-82) scored 11 points each. Zagreb got 20 points and 12 rebounds from Ante Tomic. Krunoslav Simon (198-G/F-85) had 18 points and 4 assists.

Vojvodina Srbijagas: Sutalo 32, Popovic 13 (5 as), Pekovic 11, Jovanovic 11
Zagreb CO: Tomic 20 (12 rebs), Simon 18 (4 as), Babic 12



Cedevita beats Dubrava in a high-scoring friendly - by Eurobasket News
Cedevita - Dubrava 97:85

Cedevita celebrated against Dubrava 97-85 in the last check before the beginning of A1 league. Cedevita, which registered great results during the pre-season, continued in the same rhythm also in this game. It is important to be mentioned that it was the first game of Cedevita's new acquisition Vladimir Kuljanin (208-C-85, college: NC-Wilmington). Players of head coach Zdravko Radulovic dominated during the entire time. It was a high-scoring game, where Cedevita adapted in style. Opening frame ended 30-22 for the host team. Frano Colak (205-C-77, agency: Court Side) and Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) was the key players for Cedevita from the early beginning. Second quarter also belonged to Cedevita meaning that the host had double digit lead at the half time. Dubrava didn't have any problems at the offensive end but its players struggled a lot in defense. On the other side, Cedevita's defense also was not on a high level but it managed to net 97 points and the end, what was more than enough for the victory. Frano Colak drained 23 points for the winners, including 3 triples. Ramel Bradley was behind him with 20 points and also 3 long range strokes. Dubrava got 18 points from Tomislav Culjak (204-F/C-80). Petar Cosic (183-G-85, agency: Interperformances) and Zeljko Sakic (202-F-88) also were good adding 15 points apiece.

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


Standings - Basketligaen
Basketligaen Standings
 1. Bakken 2-0 
 2. Randers 1-0 
 3. Svendborg 1-0 
 4. Horsholm 0-0 
 5. Amager BK 0-0 
 6. Naestved 0-0 
 7. Horsens IC 0-0 
 8. SISU 0-1 
 9. Roskilde 0-1 
 10. Aabyhoj 0-2 


Stats Leaders - Basketligaen
Canal Digital Ligaen Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Bonell Colas 29
2 Christopher Gilliam 25
3 Mychal Lamont 24
4 Joseph Donnell 20
5 Christopher Gilliam 18
Rebounds Per Game
1 Bonell Colas 9
2 Ivan Miskovic 8
3 Joseph Donnell 7
4 Ronny Laier 5
5 Joseph Donnell 5
Assists Per Game
1 Anders Hejgaard 6
2 Jamar Nutter 5
3 Anders Hejgaard 5
4 Andreas Jakobsen 5
5 Mads Sorensen 4


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


Former D-Leaguers in Opening Pre-Season NBA Action - by Surujh Roopnarine
The 2008-09 NBA pre-season tipped off tonight as four teamss were in action. As the prep-season winds on, we will track the performances of former D-Leaguers (focusing mostly on free agent acquisitions) as they try to make an NBA opening night roster and improve their situations in the rotations.

Detroit Pistons (95) vs. Miami Heat (91) OT
PISTONS: Will Bynum (5'11''-G-83, college: Georgia Tech) (4p), Amir Johnson (2pt+4rb)
HEAT: Eddie Basden (6'5''-G/F-83, college: Charlotte) (1as)

Golden State Warriors (103) vs. New Orleans Hornets (106) - OT
WARRIORS: Kelenna Azubuike (6'5''-G/F-83, college: Kentucky) (12pt+3rb), C.J. Watson (6pt+2rb), Justin Williams (1pt+2bs)
HORNETS: Devin Brown (6'5''-G/F-78, college: UTSA) (8pt+7rb),

*****************************************************
  EGYPT   


Mahmoud Ahmed Ali keeps his president chair - by Sherif Soliman
Egyptian Federation elections held on the 29th ,Mahmoud Ahmed Ali kept his chair for the next 4 years after a great victory over Adel Sabry 18-7.The current president found no resistance from his oponent who lost the elections for the 3rd time.The 5 board members, Ihab Mohsen(shams club)16 votes,Mohamed Abd El Motelb(Itthad)14 v,Hussin Morsy 14,Gaser Reyad(Gezira) 12v,Magdy Abo Ferekha( Alexandria0 11v,The big surprise was the big loss for Hany abd Monem & Sherif Elsanadeely who got only 6 votes each.

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  ESTONIA   


TTU the only team to win from Estonia - by Eurobasket News

Ventspils survived in the game versus Kalev/Cramo 71:69 in Latvia. Trailing 15:21 after the opening quarter the home side managed to win the second and the last frames. The teams scored some back-to-back baskets and then Kalev made a run of 6:0 by Kriisa and Pace. It gave the visitors 15:21 advantage entering the second quarter. Ventspils made a 9:0 spurt leading the game with the result 24:21 and had 31:30 at the halftime. Then both teams exchanged the shots and till the end of the quarter Kalev diminished the difference in the result till the minimum. In the end of the game Jurevicus and John Linehan (175-G-78, college: Providence) exchanged two free-throws and the result was 67:61 for Ventspils that led to 71:69 victory. Ronalds Zakis (205-F/C-87) led the winners with 20 points. Brazelton scored 10 and Umbrasko added 9. John Linehan poured in 12 points in the losing effort, while Arbet had 11.
In Challenge Cup Zemgale registered their first victory this season. Latvian team overcame Valga Welg 86:77 only due to the first half. The hosts started with 19:14 in the opening quarter and increased to 44:24 later in the game. Estonian team won the third and the last quarters but could not catch up with the opponent. Krumins and Rozitis led the winners with 16 points each. Anderson top-scored for the guests with 23 points that fell at 0-2. Veljo Vares (200-F/G-81) scored 21 and Sven Kaldre posted 11 in the losing effort.
Techasas was stronger than Tallinna Kalev 73:50. Even though the guests scored the last 6 points in the game Lithuanian team had more than enough for the total win. Demarius Bolds (170-G-84, college: Missouri Western) top-scored for the winners with 13 points, whilst Hill netted 12. Erki Kivinukk (199-F-73) finished the night with 11 points for Estonian team.

TTU overcame Liepajas 76:65 in the only win for the Estonian teams last night. Illimar Pilk (195-F-88) led the winners with 20 points.



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


KORISLIIGA: Good American Players needed - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 2: The opening weekend with two first rounds has already showed, that some teams have succeeded signing decent foreigner
(American) players, but then there are players who are out of shape or don't belong into top level of Finnish Basketball. Kataja (Joensuu) is one Team,
that is satisfied with Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side), Quinnel Brown (198-G/F-83, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn) and Ty Harrelson (193-G-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Wayland Baptist). This trio combined 67 pts as Kataja crushed Team Componenta (Karkkila) on the
road 59-90. Kouvot (Kouvola) was down by two (35-37) at home vs newcomer FoKoPo (Forssa), but won finally anyway by 34 pts (93-59). Kouvot
three Americans Ronny LeMelle (196-G-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn), Calvin Walls (201-F-85, agency: Court Side) and Brian Swift (178-G-82, agency: Octagon, college: S.Florida) combined 53 pts.

Team Componenta - Kataja 59-90 (31-45) (Frank Richards 25, Clifton Jones 10/12 - Jeremiah Wood 28/13, Quinnell Brown 20).

Kouvot - FoKoPo 93-59 (35-37) (Ronny LeMelle 24/11, Calvin Walls 16 - Ray Cunningham 12, Latece Williams 12).

YMCA Lahti - Pyrinto 79-77 (46-36) (Sami Pekkola 20, Bilal Abdullah 13 - Kurtis Rice 21, Kevin Smith 19).

Korihait - Tarmo 89-67 (47-31) (Alain Laroche 20/11, Jussi Kumpulainen 16 - Esa Maki-Tulokas 16, Mikael Holme 11).

ToPo - KTP 64-68 (33-37) (James Allen 23/10, Elias Kajander 17 - Damon Williams 16, Darrell Waters 13).





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


Stats Leaders - Korisliiga
Korisliiga Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Scott, Honka 28,0
2 Coleman, LrNMKY 27,0
3 Wood, Kataja 25,5
4 Kulha, LrNMKY 24,0
5 Allen, ToPo 22,0
Rebounds Per Game
1 Wood, Kataja 14,0
2 Jones, TC 13,5
3 Cunningham, Fo 13,5
4 Zoller, Korihait 12,0
5 Coleman, LrNMKY 11,0
Assists Per Game
1 Blassingame, LrN 10,0
2 Abdullah, Lahti 6,0
3 Vuori, Lahti 5,0
4 Lehto, Pyrinto 5,0
5 Williams, KTP 3,5
Steals Per Game
1 Brown, Kataja 4,5
2 Lehtoranta, KTP 3,5
3 Sarcevic, Korihait 3,0
Blocks Per Game
1 Lehtoranta, Kataja 2,9
2 Vinson, KTP 2,0
3 Nikkila, Pyrinto 2,0
2FGP
1
2
3
3FGP
1
2
3
Free Throws
1
2
3


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Kiril Pavlovski officially in Dinamo Bucharest - by Eurobasket News
Romanian team Dinamo Bucharesti officially announced signing of Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) on a one-year deal. Macedonian big guy started last season in Swedish team Areskundskraft Basket averaging 5.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg for 15 games in Basketligan. In January this year he agreed terms with Slovanian Kraski Zidar. He had much better digits in Slovenian A1 than it was in Sweden. In 15 games Pavlovski added 10.7 ppg and 7.6 rpg. In 2007 Pavlovski won Macedonian Cup with Vardar Osiguranje Skopje. At the same year he was named 'Eurobasket.com Macedonian League All-Defensive Team -07'. In the past Pavlovski won four titles in Macedonian championship. All of those he grabbed with Rabotnicki Skopje. On season 03/04 he spent some time in Serbian team Crvena Zvezda but very soon he returned to Rabotnicki. Kiril Pavlovski was a member of Macedonian U20 National Team.

In the meantime Swisslion Pelister officially agreed terms with Serbian player Bojan Popovic (206-F-81), who already spent last season there. However, the team announced that Popovic is still a far away from the right shape. Thus following few weeks will be crucial about his staying in the club.

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


ProA Game Day 2 - by Manuel Schust
Just two days after Game Day 1, ProA teams competed again.

Mitteldeutscher BC Weissenfels outrebounded the teckpro Braves Kaiserslautern 42-24 and won its first homegame this season 78-70. Gregory Burks (175-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Prairie View A&M) shined again with 20 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds. Daniel Ruffin's (178-G-84, college: Bradley) 20 points and Pele Paeley's (193-G-84, college: Co.Carolina) 19 were not enough for the Braves, who made just 8 of 16 from the charity stripe.

LTi Lich lost their first homegame against FC Bayern Muenchen 86-89. Lich commited 20 turnovers that were forced by 14 steals from Bayern. Jannik Freese (208-F/C-86) had a nice game (21 points, 9 rebounds) after being the most effective player of game day 1. His teammate Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87, agency: Court Side), who also has a licence to play for Giessen 46ers, had a huge performance producing 27 points and 13 rebounds. FC Bayern Muenchen was led by Jamar Howard (196-F-83, college: Wichita St.) (24) and Kelvin Parker (183-G-82, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: NW Missouri St.) (19).


TV Langen had to face their second loss as they had to surrender to BBC Bayreuth. The team from Hesse had a nice start, but after the first quarter Bayreuth took over and easily won 60-71. Jaivon Harris (197-G-82, college: Ohio) led the upper franconians with 18 points and was followed by LaShon Sheffield (186-G-84, college: Tarleton St.) (17) and Dan Oppland (203-F-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Valparaiso) (16). Langen commited 21 turnovers and was led by Robin Benzing (208-F-89, college: Michigan) (14 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks).

Rouven Roessler (200-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports) must have had other hopes about his first homegame. His team BG Karlsruhe suffered a tough 52-87 home loss against Phoenix Hagen. Roessler made just 2 of 12 shot attempts and only Justin Howard (208-C-81, college: Mercer) (16 points and 17 rebounds!) was able to score in double figures. With shooting percentages under 25% it is almost impossible to win a basketball game. Hagen made almost 50% of their shots and had an easy time in Karlsruhe. They were led by Zach Freeman (201-F/C-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Illinois Wesleyan) (24 points and 8 rebounds).

Science City Jena outrebounded Cuxhaven BasCats 49-39, but still was not able to walk away victorious. One of the main reasons for that was their low field goal percentage, making just 36% of their attempts. Cuxhaven dominated the third quarter and could win a game (68-76) between two teams we should consider to be in the top 5 of this league. Jenas Point Guard Drew Williamson (183-G-84, college: ODU) had a huge game, producing 21 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Cuxhavens best scorer was Brandon Watkins (182-G-81, college: Penn St.) with 19, Edward Seward (206-C-78, college: Norfolk St.) added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

ETB Wohnbau Baskets Essen controlled the boards and were able to win every quarter against VfL Kirchheim Knights. In the end it was a 90-73 win. Richmond Pittman (198-F-83, college: Cent.Conn.St.) had a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds and Brandon Lincoln (193-G-83, college: Oregon) added 19 points for Essen. The Knights were led by Gordon Scott (195-G/F-76, agency: Court Side, college: Idaho), who scored 18 points.

FC Schalke 04 lost their first homegame against BV Chemnitz 99 81-85. It was a close game with both teams making 50% of their shots. But Chemnitz made 8 three pointers and outrebounded Schalke. Nate Gerwig (206-F/C-83, college: Kent St.) had a double-double for the guests, producing 19 points and 13 rebounds and Nikita Khartchenkov (201-F-87, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) scored 21 points. Schalke was led by Melvin Hall (183-G-85, college: S.Indiana) (24), Brady Brink (195-F-86, college: St.John's (MN)) (21p., 10 r.) and Sascha Kesselring (209-C-85, agency: LimeLight) (18).

USC Heidelberg and Bremen Roosters will meet on Wednesday 15th of Octobre.

Standings - Pro B
ProB Standings
 1. Osnabrueck 0-0 
 2. Wolfenbuettel 0-0 
 3. Rhoendorf 0-0 
 4. Landshut 0-0 
 5. B'guessbach 0-0 
 6. Freiburg 0-0 
 7. Crailsheim 0-0 
 8. Mainz 0-0 
 9. SU Braunsch. 0-0 
 10. Herten 0-0 
 11. T.Muenchen 0-0 
 12. Ehingen 0-0 
 13. Speyer 0-0 
 14. Franken Hexer 0-0 
 15. Stahnsdorf 0-0 
 16. Hannover 0-0 


Bundesliga Game Day 3: A Weekend of Fantastic Finishes! - by Michael Taylor
Bundesliga Game Day 3 provided basketball fans with several fantastic finishes. In Oldenburg, Koln's Zaryon Fereti beat the buzzer to give the 99ers a last second upset win. In Artland, the Dragons dodged an upset bullet with a tight 69-68 victory over Giessen. In Dusseldorf, ratiopharm Ulm edged the Giants 72-71 as two last second Giant shot rimmed out. In Nordlingen, the surprising 'Aufsteiger' improved to 3-0 with an overtime home win against Tubingen. The exciting 2008-2009 Bundesliga season is now in full effect!


Saturday October 4th
ratiopharm Ulm 72 Giants Dusseldorf 71
Jeff Gibbs stuffed the stat sheet with 18pt 20reb 5ast 3blk to lead ratiopharm Ulm over Giants Dusseldorf 72-71 in an exciting early season game at Burg-Wachter Costello in Dusseldorf Saturday night. Ulm raced to a 30-21 lead after 1Q and extended their advantage to 52-39 at half. Ulm's Lee Humphrey (17pt 5 for 8 threes) ignited the first half run with excellent 3pt shooting. A strong second half team, Dusseldorf stormed back with a 21-12 3Q and Ulm maintained a 64-60 lead after three. Dusseldorf evened the score at 66 late in the game and held a 71-68 lead with under one minute to play. Ulm's Romeo Travis scored on a transition dunk pulling his team to 71-70 and after a timeout, Travis made a key shot block sparking an Ulm defensive stop. With only 1 team foul against them, Dusseldorf attempted to waste the final 18 seconds using their fouls and Gordon Geib disrupted the last possession with 3 fast fouls. However, Ulm's Dru Joyce penetrated baseline and the ball eventually found Jeff Gibbs who scored with 8 seconds remaining regaining the lead for Ulm 72-71. After the teams exchanged timeouts, the Giants had two solid looks for the win but both rimmed out before the final buzzer. For the game Ulm shot 46% from the floor, 7 for 17 (41%) from three and 17 of 27 FT (63%). Behind Gibbs work on the boards, Ulm outrebounded the Giants 41-35. Dusseldorf hit 33% from the field,made 7 of 23 from three (30%) and drilled 22 of 25 FT (88%). Brant Bailey led Dusseldorf with 13pt 9reb while Fred Peete scored 13pt and TJ Carter 11pt 7reb. Ulm improved to 3-0 while Dusseldorf fell to 2-1.

Nordlingen 76 Walter Tigers Tubingen 73 (OT)
Surprising Bundesliga rookie Nordlingen won their 3rd straight game to start their first Bundesliga season at 3-0 with an exciting 76-73 overtime home win over Walter Tigers Tubingen Saturday night in Nordlingen. The game was even throughout, tied at 35 at half and 64 at regulation. Omari Westley led Nordlingen with 23pt 6reb while Monta McGee chipped in 13pt 11reb and Osvaldo Jeanty 13pt to the win. Varnie Denis scored 12pt 5reb 4ast. Head Coach Andreas Wagner saw his team shoot 44% from the floor, 8 for 23 (34%) from three and 16 for 21 FT (76%). Daniel Fountain paced Tubingen with 18pt with help from Jermaine Anderson 14pt 5reb and Rasko Katic 11pt. Tubingen hit 43% from the floor, made 6 of 21 threes (28%) but only 11 of 26 FT (42%). Nordlingen also outrebounded the strong Tigers 38-36. Nordlingen assumes first place in the Bundelsiga using points scored as tie-breaker. Tubingen drops to 1-2.

Koln 99ers 75 Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 73
Zarryon Fereti raced to the rim for the game winning basket moments after Je'kel Foster had tied the game and Head Coach Drasko Prodanovic and his 99ers celebrated a fantastic 75-73 finish and road win at Ewe Arena Saturday night in Oldenburg. The Thunderbirds asserted themselves early doubling up the 99ers 18-9 in the 1Q. Koln responded with a 21-16 2Q trimming Oldenburgs lead to 34-30 at half. Oldenburg maintained and took a 56-51 lead into the 4th. Koln's exciting win was their first of the season. Robert Turner topscored for Koln with 21pt while Fereti added 20pt on 4 of 8 3pt shooting and his game winner. Jason Gardner, Rickey Paulding and Je'kel Foster each scored 15pt to pace Oldenburg. Milan Majstorovic added a 10pt 11reb double double for the Thunderbirds. Koln shot 37% from the floor and made 8 of 22 (36%) threes along with 17 of 25 FT (68%) while Oldenburg sank 42% of their shots including 6 of 18 threes (33%) and 21 of 25 FT (84%). Both teams are now 1-2.

Artland Dragons 69 LTi Giessen 46ers 68
Head Coach Thorsten Liebenath and his Artland Dragons picked up their first win of the season against the coaches former team in a thrilling 69-68 game Saturday night at Artland Arena. Visiting Giessen edged ahead 22-20 after 1, but the even game was tied at 41 at half. Artland pushed ahead with a strong 3Q establishing a 59-48 lead. The 46ers comeback gave them a chance to win trailing by one in the last possession, but their 3pt attempt was off. Lamont McIntosh scored 18pt 3ast while Darren Fenn had an 18pt 10reb double double to lead the Dragons production. Adam Hess added 16pt 3reb 3ast on 3 of 6 threes. The Dragons shot 44% and made 7 of 24 (29%) with 10-17 FT (58%). Giessen was led by Gerit Terdenge with 14pt 6reb and Corey Rouse 12pt 9reb. The 46ers hit 47% from the floor , 6 of 21 threes (28%) and 14 of 17 FT (82%). Giessen dominated the boards 40-29 but suffered 24 turnovers compared with Artlands 13. Artland is now 1-2 while Giessen drops to 0-3.

NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig 56 BG74 Gottingen 49
NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig earned their first win of the season with a hardfought 56-49 home win over rival BG74 Gottingen Saturday night at Volkswagonhalle in Braunschweig. The guests from Gottingen opened a 17-15 lead after 1Q but the Phantoms responded to take a 32-29 halftime lead. Braunschweig took control with a 13-5 3Q and went into the 4th leading 45-34. Head coach Emir Mutapcic and his Phantoms held off a Gottingen comeback for the 56-49 win. Will Franklin led Braunschweig with 15pt while Kyle Visser added 11pt 8reb and Jonathan Levy 10pt 5reb in the win. Jason Miller produced a 12pt 10reb double double for Gottingen. In the fairly even game statistically, Braunschweig held an advantage in two key areas FT (Braun 12-18 66%; Got 8-18 44%) and turnovers (Braun 11; Got 17). Both teams are now 1-2.

TBB Trier 85 Paderborn Baskets 67
Trier exploded to a 31-18 1Q and built a 55-39 halftime lead in earning a convincing 85-67 home win over Paderborn Baskets Saturday at Trier Arena. F Chris Copeland was in top form scoring 31pt on 12 of 16 shooting along with 7reb in the win. Derek Raivio added 21pt on 4 of 6 threes and Norman Richardson 19pt 5reb 3 for 6 threes. Recently signed Chris Ensminger led Paderborn with 15pt 8reb while Reggie Golson added 13pt 5reb and Bryant McAllister 11pt. Trier shot 46% from the field making 12 of 28 threes (42%) and 21 of 31 FT (67%) while Paderborn made 39% from the floor, 3 of 14 (21%) from three and 10 of 14 FT (71%). Head Coach Yves Defraigne and his Treir team improve to 2-1. Paderborn slips to 1-2.

Thursday October 2nd
Deutsche Bank Skyliners 65 Eisbaren Bremerhaven 55
Frankfurt put four players in double figures in their solid 65-55 home win over Eisbaren Bremerhaven Thursday night at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt. Lorenzo Gordon powered his way to a 16pt 11reb double double, Keith Simmons added 13pt 6reb, Ilian Evtimov chipped in 12pt 6reb and Pascal Roller 11pt 6ast for Head Coach Murat Didin's team. Skyliners started 19-16 after 1Q and pushed to a 42-29 halftime lead. After a strong third, Skyliners led 53-35 before earning the win. Bremerhaven was led by Marcus Slaughter (13pt 8reb) and Jeb Ivey (12pt 6reb) in the loss. For the game, Frankfurt hit 39% from the floor and Bremerhaven made 38%. Eisbaren outrebounded Frankfurt 41-38 but Bremerhaven suffered 18turnovers compared with 12 from Frankfurt. Skyliners shot 12 of 23 FT (52%) but Bremerhaven made only 2 of 8 (25%). Skyliners upped their record to 2-1 while Bremerhaven slipped to 1-2.

Sunday October 5th
ALBA Berlin v Telekom Baskets Bonn 5pm BBL.TV

Monday October 6th
brose Baskets Bamberg v EnBW Ludwigsburg 7:30pm

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


FEB Results: Both Eiffel Towers And ZZ Leiden Win On Road; Rotterdam Basketbal. Matrixx Magixx Cruise To Wins - by Sanders Jackson


Saturday night in the debut weekend of the 2008-09 FEB eredivisie, both Eiffel Towers and ZZ Leiden got the job done on the road, Eiffel winning a topper vs. rival West-Brabant Giants, and ZZ Leiden finally winning on the road over Landstede Basketball. Matrixx Magixx finally got it together in the 4th quarter to hold off Upstairs Weert, while Rotterdam Challengers helped head coach Terrence Stansbury get a win in his coaching debut with a blowout 80-51 win over Aris Friesland.

In Bergen-op-Zoom in the marquee matchup of the weekend, it was a good return to Bergen-op-Zoom for former West-Brabant Giants star Devonne Giles (203-F-83, college: Texas Tech), whose 20 pts. led the way for Eiffel, who held off West-Brabant in an 86-81 win. Eiffel jumped out early to a 24-14 1st quarter lead (46-33 halftime lead), but the Giants got the momentum swing starting in the 3rd and continuing until the last seconds. Two free throws by Dutch international Kees Akerboom (199-F-83, agency: Court Side) gave Eiffel an 84-81 lead within the last ten seconds. With West-Brabant Giants having a chance to tie and send the game into overtime, a three-point attempt by Giants' Arvin Slagter (190-G-85) came up short, sealing the win for Eiffel.


ZZ Leiden traveled on Saturday to a place to take on an opponent who was a thorn in their side during the 2007-08 season, Landstede Basketball, and did not leave empty-handed, with hot shooting Bubba Walther (193-G-85, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Akron) leading the way, leading ZZ Leiden to an 88-76 win. With ZZ leading 47-33 at halftime, by that time both Walther and David Chiotti (206-F/C-84, agency: Court Side, college: N.Mexico) had scored 36 of ZZ's 47 points. Walther would score a game-high 32 pts. with Chiotti adding a double-double of 20 pts. and 11 rebounds. Only three players for Landstede showed up to play, with

Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84, college: Furman) scoring 26 pts., Robby Bostain (191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman) scoring 23 pts., and Nikki Hulzebos (206-F-86, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) with 12 pts. and 15 rebounds.


In the Horstacker, Matrixx was neck-and-neck with Upstairs Weert throughout the first three quarters before getting it together when it mattered the most, taking control of the tempo in the last 5 minutes and going on to a 77-70 win. Baskets by Matrixx's Frank Tolbert (193-G-86, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Auburn) and

Ryan Sears (185-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Creighton) gave Matrixx the edge it needed, while costly turnovers by Upstairs afterwards sealed their doom. Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) led Mtrixx with 19 pts.


It was a good debut to the FEB season for both Rotterdam Challengers and new head coach Terrence Stansbury, who jumped out to a 23-12 lead at the end of the 1st quarter and never looked back, cruising to an 80-51 blowout win. The Rotterdammers were led by Phil Grant (202-G/F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Iona) with a game-high 26 pts. The Rotterdammers also forced 24 Aris turnovers.



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


Bball weekend in Zalaegerszeg - by Tamas Deri
Zalakeramia ZTE KK is testing american forward Michael Jones (206-F/C-82, college: Arkansas) and played two friendly game against croatian team KK Darda this weekend. The 206 cm tall forward played well in both games, the management of ZTE KK is satisfied with his services until now.
Yesterday there was a big ceremony in the famous gym of Zalaegerszeg, as the team won in 1988 20 years ago the first titles of clubs history. It happened the first time in Hungary that the same team could win the championship and the cup in one season.

3rd of October 2008, Friday

Zalakeramia ZTE KK Darda 76-71
(21-13, 24-19, 18-15, 13-24)
ZTE KK: Hinnant 12/3, Calvin Watson (196-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas) 18/3, Kaman 2, Jones 16, Helbich 9/6, Trepak 7/3, Simon -, Gaspar 5/3, Baki 3/3, Toth 4, Coach: Volgyi Peter

4th of October 2008, Saturday

Zalakeramia ZTE KK Darda 108-80
(29-19, 28-26, 22-15, 29-20)
ZTE KK: Hinnant 13/9, Watson 17/6, Kaman 12, Jones 26/6, Helbich 13, Baki 8/6, Trepk 2, Simon 3, Gaspar 6/3, Toth 5, Coach: Volgyi Peter

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


Q. Ata lands Milligan - by Tamar Goldman
Elitzur Q. Ata added its fourth foreigner this week when signing the American F/C Dante Milligan (206-F-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: Massachusetts). The 24 years old palter arrives to Israel straight from Massachusetts University where he averaged last season 9.0ppg, 5.4rpg, 1.9bpg in 36 games. Before landing in Q. Ata Milligan tried his luck Spain ( Basquet Mallorca: Spain-LEB Gold) and in France ( Rouen Basket: France-ProA), but didnt not sign

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


Montepaschi Siena beat Premiata Montegranaro in friendly game - by Nicola Martinelli
Montepaschi Siena and Premiata Montegranaro played, at Foligno, a friendly game for continue the training for the 2007/08 season. In 5th October, the opening season day before the delayed for the law problem of Napoli and Capo d'Orlando, coach Simone Pianigiani can't use the 2007/08 best Euroleague PointGard Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) sidelined by a problem at his left knee. Brandon Hunter (201-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Ohio) debut for Premiata Montegranaro. The former Biella center replaces the former Nba All-Star Shawn Kemp.

MONTEPASCHI SIENA PREMIATA MONTEGRANARO 72 45 (16-10; 40-23; 56-32)

MONTEPASCHI: Domercant 9, Finley 14, Eze 9, Carraretto 2, Sato 7, Lavrinovic 13, Kaukenas 12, Ress, Metreveli, Centanni n.e., Lechthaler 2, Stonerook 4. All. Pianigiani.

PREMIATA: Hunter 13, Rice, Garrii 7, Portannese, Cavaliero 2, Mladjan 3, Filloy 4, Chiaramello, Pettinella n.e., Temperini n.e., Halliwell, Taylor 16. All. Finelli.

Standings - SerieA
SerieA Standings
 1. Armani 0-0 
 2. Pall.Cantu 0-0 
 3. Lottomatica 0-0 
 4. Benetton 0-0 
 5. Scavolini 0-0 
 6. Eldo 0-0 
 7. Upim 0-0 
 8. Montepaschi 0-0 
 9. Carife 0-0 
 10. Snaidero 0-0 
 11. Basket NA 0-0 
 12. Solsonica 0-0 
 13. Angelico 0-0 
 14. Banca Tercas 0-0 
 15. Air AV 0-0 
 16. Upea 0-0 
 17. Premiata 0-0 
 18. La Fortezza 0-0 


Standings - B1
A Standings
Group A
 1. Cremona 0-0 
 2. Vigevano 0-0 
 3. Treviglio 0-0 
 4. Ozzano 0-0 
 5. Cagliari 0-0 
 6. Forli 0-0 
 7. Agricola G. 0-0 
 8. Fidenza 0-0 
 9. Omegna 0-0 
 10. Casalpuster. 0-0 
 11. Lumezzane 0-0 
 12. Vado Ligure 0-0 
 13. Jesolosandona 0-0 
 14. Castelletto 0-0 
Group B
 1. Molfetta 0-0 
 2. Osimo 0-0 
 3. Palestrina 0-0 
 4. Matera 0-0 
 5. Fossombrone 0-0 
 6. Potenza 0-0 
 7. Ferentino 0-0 
 8. Barcellona 0-0 
 9. Ostuni 0-0 
 10. S.Antimo 0-0 
 11. Siena Virtus 0-0 
 12. Trapani 0-0 
 13. Firenze 0-0 
 14. Latina 0-0 


Standings - Lega 2
Lega2 Standings
 1. Cimberio VA 0-0 
 2. Carmatic PI 0-0 
 3. Basket LI 0-0 
 4. Trenkwalder 0-0 
 5. Basket RC 0-0 
 6. Umana Reyer 0-0 
 7. Banco Sard. 0-0 
 8. Edimes PV 0-0 
 9. Aget IM 0-0 
 10. Enel Brindisi 0-0 
 11. Fileni JE 0-0 
 12. Harem SC 0-0 
 13. Pallacan.RO 0-0 
 14. Fastweb CM 0-0 
 15. Vanoli SO 0-0 
 16. Castelnovo 0-0 
 17. Prima VE 0-0 


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


Standings - JBL
JBL Standings
 1. Panasonic 3-0 
 2. Aishin 2-1 
 3. Hitachi S. 2-1 
 4. Toshiba 2-1 
 5. Toyota 1-2 
 6. Mitsubishi 1-2 
 7. Hokkaido 1-2 
 8. Tochigi Brex 0-3 


Toyota and Hokkaido pick up first win of the season - by Kenny
Led by 9-year JBL veteran forward Charles O'Bannon (198-G/F-75, college: UCLA) and his 35 points and 9 rebounds, the Toyota Alvark won its first game of the season by defeating the Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins 75-67 on Sunday (Oct. 5th). Toyota not only got a dominating performance from O'Bannon, but they also a solid output from longtime JBL veteran F Michael Takahashi, who contributed to the win with 14 pts/13 reb. Toyota had started out the season 0-2 after losing their first 2 games of the season to Hitachi last weekend. Mitsubishi, who now stands at 1-2 just like Toyota, was led by F Jun Uzawa with 16 pts/7 reb and F Carl Thomas with 14 pts/10 reb in the loss.

In other action on Sunday, Rera Kamuy Hokkaido also won its first game of the season by hanging on for a close 74-70 victory over the Link Tochigi Brex. Hokkaido was paced by 38-year old veteran G Takehiko Orimo, who had 19 points on 4-for-8 shooting from 3-point range, and C Tyler Newton, who played 35 minutes and had 18 pts/12 reb. Tochigi now falls to 0-3 with this loss. Tochigi experimented with a new starting lineup with C James Cripe starting his first game of the season and F Randy Orr starting the game on the bench. Cripe ended up with 13 pts/10 reb in 30 min of play while G Takuya Kawamura, currently the league leader in points, finished with 15 points. Tochigi got a solid effort from PG Yuta Tabuse, who scored only 2 points but contributed with 5 assists, and C Shunsuke Ito, who came off the bench to put up 14 pts/9 reb.

Also on Sunday, Aisin, the defending JBL champions, got a putback from new import F Daryan Selvy with only 40 seconds left in the game to break a 59-59 deadlock and carry the Sea Horses to a 61-59 win over the Hitachi Sunrockers. With the victory, Aisin now goes to 2-1 to move into a 3-way tie for 2nd place in the JBL standings along with Hitachi and Toshiba. C J.R. Sakuragi put up 16 pts/7 reb while F David Young had 12 points to lead Aisin while Hitachi got 12 points apiece from F Joji Takeuchi and F Tyler Smith.

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  LATVIA   


Barons/LMT and Ventspils register another wins in BBL - by Eurobasket News

Barons/LMT beat Siauliai and tied them at 1-1 record in Elite Division. Latvian team celebrated 87:71 victory in Arena Riga. Alexander paced all the winners with 22 points. Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) and Skele netted 14 each, while Henning posted 8. Praskevicius top-scored in defeat with 23 points, whilst Kadziulis scored 14,. The result after the first ten minutes was 20:14 in Barons favour. Three-pointer from Kravcenko side made it 23:14 for Latvian side at the beginning of the second quarter. The hosts remained in front with 38:29 entering the second half. Both team produced more offensive style in the game in the third period and after 28:21 Barons could celebrate the win. In the last period the squads tied at 21:21 that gave 87:71 as a total.
Ventspils survived in the game versus Kalev/Cramo 71:69 in Latvia. Trailing 15:21 after the opening quarter the home side managed to win the second and the last frames. The teams scored some back-to-back baskets and then Kalev made a run of 6:0 by Kriisa and Pace. It gave the visitors 15:21 advantage entering the second quarter. Ventspils made a 9:0 spurt leading the game with the result 24:21 and had 31:30 at the halftime. Then both teams exchanged the shots and till the end of the quarter Kalev diminished the difference in the result till the minimum. In the end of the game Mareks Jurevicus (198-F-85) and Linehan exchanged two free-throws and the result was 67:61 for Ventspils that led to 71:69 victory. Ronalds Zakis (205-F/C-87) led the winners with 20 points. Tyrone Brazelton (180-G-86, college: W.Kentucky) scored 10 and Umbrasko added 9. Linehan poured in 12 points in the losing effort, while Arbet had 11.
In Challenge Cup Zemgale registered their first victory this season. Latvian team overcame Valga Welg 86:77 only due to the first half. The hosts started with 19:14 in the opening quarter and increased to 44:24 later in the game. Estonian team won the third and the last quarters but could not catch up with the opponent. Krumins and Rozitis led the winners with 16 points each. Anderson top-scored for the guests with 23 points that fell at 0-2. Veljo Vares (200-F/G-81) scored 21 and Kaldre posted 11 in the losing effort.

TTU overcame Liepajas 76:65 in the only win for the Estonian teams last night. Illimar Pilk (195-F-88) led the winners with 20 points.

Kaunas TRIOBET overcame Keizarmezs 80:58 in Lithuania. The home side looked better throughout the whole game and truthfully celebrated the win in the game. Milaknis top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Ramanauskas posted 11. Berzins ended up with 18 points in the losing side.
Suduva smashed ASK/BUKI for the first team for both teams. Lithuanian squad provided 104:67 winning all the aspects of the match-up. Marius Runkauskas (189-G-86) posted 20 points for the winners and Jansons had 22 in defeat.



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  LITHUANIA   


Triobet, Techasas, Suduva and Sakalai win the latests - by Eurobasket News
Lithuianian teams were in the route of attention last night in Baltic League.
Barons/LMT beat Siauliai and tied them at 1-1 record in Elite Division. Latvian team celebrated 87:71 victory in Arena Riga. Alexander paced all the winners with 22 points. Gustas and Armands Skele (192-G-83, agency: Agency No 10) netted 14 each, while Henning posted 8. Virginijus Praskevicius (206-C/F-74) top-scored in defeat with 23 points, whilst Kadziulis scored 14,. The result after the first ten minutes was 20:14 in Barons favour. Three-pointer from Kravcenko side made it 23:14 for Latvian side at the beginning of the second quarter. The hosts remained in front with 38:29 entering the second half. Both team produced more offensive style in the game in the third period and after 28:21 Barons could celebrate the win. In the last period the squads tied at 21:21 that gave 87:71 as a total.
Neptunas won the battle of the Lithuanian teams in Challenge Cup. The team had a road win over Aisciai 69:72. Gailius led the winners with 18 points. Donatas Motiejunas (213-C-90) and Dimsa provided 17 points apiece for the home side.
Kaunas TRIOBET overcame Keizarmezs 80:58 in Lithuania. The home side looked better throughout the whole game and truthfully celebrated the win in the game. Milaknis top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Juozas Ramanauskas (207-C-85) posted 11. Berzins ended up with 18 points in the losing side.
Techasas was stronger than Tallinna Kalev 73:50. Even though the guests scored the last 6 points in the game Lithuanian team had more than enough for the total win. Bolds top-scored for the winners with 13 points, whilst Hill netted 12. Kivinukk finished the night with 11 points for Estonian team.
In another Lithuanian game Sakalai beat Alytus 89:79. Belousov top-scored for the home team with 24 points. Dilus scored 17 and Siksnius provided 15. Varnelis, Andrius Aleksandrovas (197-F-86) and Janisius all scored 17 in defeat.
Suduva smashed ASK/BUKI for the first team for both teams. Lithuanian squad provided 104:67 winning all the aspects of the match-up. Marius Runkauskas (189-G-86) posted 20 points for the winners and Jansons had 22 in defeat.

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  MONTENEGRO   


MNT 1/16 Final of CUP : Mornar Bar 2 easy win vs Niksic 2 77-61 - by Dragan Scepanovic
In first game of 1/16 Final of Montenegrin Cup 2009 in city of Bar , Basketball Club Mornar 2 easy win against Basketball Cub Niksic 2 77-61 ( 19-11,18-14,22-14,18-22).In young team of Basketball Club Mornar Bar best player`s are Nemanja Radovic and Scepanovic with 11 points , and in Basketball Club Niksic 2 Krivokapic score 19 points, Draganic score 14 points and Abramovic score 11 points.
MORNAR Bar 2 - NIKSIC 2 77-61
MORNAR Bar 2 : Vulevic 8 ,Vujanovic ,Scepanovic 11, V. Mihajlovic 9, Damjanovic 6 , Radovic 11, D. Mihajlovic 9, Unkasevic 2, Kragulj 4, Cebalovic 2, Vujosevic 4, Pekovic 8
NIKSIC 2 : Ljeskovic 1, Draganic 14, Deretic 7, Abramovic 11, Calasan 5 , Samardzic 2, Kovac , Erakovic 2, Tausan , Krivokapic 19

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  NBA   


NBA China? - by Alex Yam
NBA China


Beijing has come and gone, lasting images of a spectacular opening/closing ceremonies, China has cemented itself as both a global power in sports and marketing. Perhaps, no sport has seen the meteoric rise in popularity as the game of Basketball, NBA or not. The Redeem Team might have won the gold, but China took the ultimate prize, recognition as a global juggernaut.

The NBA season is upon us, as is the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association) season, Chinas version of the universally regarded toughest league in the world. Given the numerous rule changes regarding Imports playing time, and also the number of games, more and more top notch current and former NBA players are making the trek to the East.

Derek Anderson, David Harrison, Kirk Snyder, James White, are just a few of the names that have recently surfaced as possible American players, who are contemplating the move to the far East. The lure for players of this caliber is the shorter season, less games, and financial flexibility, (with some players making more then the NBA minimum), but none more important then the chance to become a global star in a country that boasts over 1 billion people, with more then a third enthralled with the game of basketball.

So whether you pay attention to China basketball or not, you may be forced to as your favorite player, may become the next great export.

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  NICARAGUA   


Tigres win "Viejas Glorias" tournment - by Gianni Pascucci
Defeating Fupade Coast-Super Santiago 98-94 in final game, Tigres de la UdeM became the champions of the first edition of the tournment named Viejas Glorias de Baloncesto, in which for the first time were meeting themselves the titleholders of the two top Nicaraguan leagues. The game was very spectacular and close till the end. Veteran Jason Walters (196-G-71, college: Mt.Senario) was the game top scorer at 29 points, Keyshane Reed (183-G-84) added 26 at the winning side and Lester Ferrety 22. In Fupade, Carlos Gonzalez (177-G-80) was the main performer with 23 points, followed by Jose Perez (180-G-80) with 20 and by Alvin Camacho (191-G/F-78) with 17

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  POLAND   


ISS Sportino Inowroclaw sign Eddie Miller - by Eurobasket
ISS Sportino Inowroclaw signed 23-year old American guard Eddie Miller (191-G-85, college: Fresno St.). Miller played most recently at Fresno State University (NCAA) in the U.S. In 32 games he averaged 15.0ppg, 2.9rpg and 1.0apg. It will be his first year in professional basketball. He started his initial game in Polsnd on the bench. He played in total 15 games in lost effort to Asseco Prokom (52-80), where he scored just 3 points and had one rebound.

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  PORTUGAL   


LPB day 1 boxscores - by Portugal Eurobasket
As Day 1 on LPB ended this Sunday with matches Atletico-Fisica, Sampaense-Ovarense and Esgueira-Belenenses, check now all the boxscores of the 11 games in the start of the new season with a crossed round. Benfica, Ovarense, FC Porto, Academica, CAB Madeira, Ginasio, Vitoria and Vagos all won their first matches while Barreirense, Fisica and Belenenses lost to Proliga teams Sangalhos, Atletico and Esgueira.

DAY 1

Queluz-Academica, 50-65
Illiabum-FC Porto, 78-88
Electrico-Benfica, 61-102
Sampaense-Ovarense, 71-86 (statistic not available yet)
Sangalhos-Barreirense, 69-68
Maia BC-Ginasio, 91-95 (OT)
BC Barcelos-Vagos, 71-85
Atletico-Fisica, 89-86
Esgueira-Belenenses, 73-61
Seixal-Vitoria, 61-87
AngraBasket-CAB Madeira, 64-80

LPB day 1 (crossed round) - by Luis Rocha
LPB started this weekend. Eleven games, this round cross teams from LPB and Proliga. Atletico, Benfica, Ginasio, Porto, Vagos, Ovarense, Esgueira, Sangalhos, Vitoria, Academica and Cab, were the winners. Although many could thought that the teams from LPB, would take easy wins, that was not the real deal, in fact some major surprises happenned. Atletico a team that struggle with great difficulties to present a competitive roster, hosted last season champions Fisica and beat them 89-86,uUthinkable. Belenenses that was near dissolution went to Esgueira, and lost 61-73, the team from Proliga is at this moment a more structured team and Belenenses has a lot of ground to cover , if they really want to be worthy of being in LPB. Finally Barreirense went to Sangalhos and once again show everybody that their players are too inconsistent, with great potential, but very inconsistant. Sangalhos at home played in a very secure manner, avoiding turn-overs and with a lot of patience in defense, getting many points on errors from Barreirense. The quality of players and level of play is for the moment, far less from desirable. There are still teams that search for players in the market, and I doubt very much, if some of the ones (specially foreign) can keep on playing In Portugal. The lack of money in many clubs, lead them to start practicing too late, and sign players just the week before of the start of the season, that enables them to present better performances, its a kind of round circle, a vicious circle that avoid the progrss of portuguese basketball.
The round MVP was Ginasio`s Dustin Brown (202-F-83, college: Loyola Marymount). he scored 32 points, grabbed 19 rebounds and gave 4 assists. Nice job for a player that has no secrets to keep, he already play here last season, Ginasio was well advise in signing him, he wont let them down.

Day 2 next weekend - by Portugal Eurobasket
FC Porto won't play next week as Julio Matos team would face Lusitania in the schedule but the Azores club wasn't able to participate as they didn't gather all the conditions imposed by the Portuguese Federation (FPB). Therefore, Ovarense hosts Academica, Vagos travels to Barreirense, Fisica face CAB Madeira, Ginasio and Vitoria meet in Figueira da Foz and Belenenses and Benfica play the Lisbon derby. Lots of interests in Ovarense-Academica as both teams faced each other in pre-season matches and also the clash between Ginasio and Vitoria as both teams conquered wins in day 1. As for Fisica, Belenenses and Barreirense they will try to get their first points next weekend.

Top performances this weekend - by Portugal Eurobasket

As already written in Eurobasket Portugal, Dustin Brown got MVP honors in day 1 of LPB. But he wasn't the only one achieving a good performance, as other players scored above 20 points. And we also will include Proliga top players, as Pedro Bagio (194-F-79) managed 34 points, for instance. We will present now those players from the 22 teams that debuted in this new competition (Galitos Barreiro didn't play as they would face Lusitania).

POINTS:
Pedro Bagio (Atletico), 34*
Dustin Brown (Ginasio), 32
Chad McKenzie (Barreirense), 31
Miguel Salvador (Fisica), 28
Willie Taylor (Vitoria), 26
Robert Hines (AngraBasket), 26*
Jason Smith (CAB Madeira), 24
Donte Minter (VItoria), 23
Joao Campos (Esgueira), 23*
Francisco Machado (BC Barcelos), 23*
Dan Coleman (Vagos), 22
Pedro Nuno (Vagos), 22
Aylton Medeiros (Belenenses), 22
Kevin Martin (FC Porto), 22
Sergio Ramos (Benfica), 22
Scooby Johnson (Academica), 21
John Torson (Ginasio), 21
Rui Monteiro (Maia Basket), 21*
Christian Burns (FC Porto), 21
Louis Truscott (Benfica), 20

* Proliga players



Standings - LPB
LPB Standings
 1. Benfica 1-0 
 2. Ovarense 1-0 
 3. Porto Ferpinta 1-0 
 4. Ginasio 1-0 
 5. CAB 1-0 
 6. Academica 1-0 
 7. Guimaraes 1-0 
 8. Vagos 1-0 
 9. Lusitania 0-0 
 10. Belenenses 0-1 
 11. Barreirense 0-1 
 12. Fisica 0-1 


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


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  PUERTO RICO   


Carmona on fire in Mexican League - by Luis Ramirez
Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83, agency: Next Level) drilled 49 points with Mexican League team Fuerza Regia as his team beat Venados de Nuevo Laredo 129-119. Carmona shot 19 out of 39 from the field with 6 three pointers and shot 5 out of 7 from the free throw line. Along with Carmona his teammate Ivan Lopez scored 11 points with 4 rebounds in the win. On the losing team team Manuel de Jesus scored 20 points. In other Mexican League action Ricardo Melendez scored 30 points as his team Tecos UAG beat Postros 95-89. Melendez shot 9 out of 15 from the field with 4 three pointers and shot perfect from the free throw line 8 out of 8. In other action in the Mexican League, Orlando Santiago scored 18 points and had 9 assists but his team Panteras lost to Barreteros 87-78.

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  SCOTLAND   


TEEN FURY TOPPLES KINGS - by Sandy Sutherland

Two remarkable teenagers helped unbeaten Falkirk
Fury topple the champions Edinburgh Kings 78-72
at the Mariner Centre on October 3.
Ali Fraser and Jonny Bunyan are both first year
juniors having been prominent members of the
Scotland cadet men's team who won the European C
Championship in Gibraltar last June and they
are part of a young Falkirk side who look
increasingly like genuine title contenders.
Fraser top-scored with 22 points and Bunyan
netted 18, his older brother Keith adding 17 in
one of the better Scottish League games so far
this season.
Another youngster Daniel Donnelly, who is not
long out of the junior ranks, scored 21,
including the three-pointer which sealed victory
for the home side.
'It's only what they've been doing in training,'
claimed Fury coach John Bunyan senior, who still
believes that the league is extremely tight:
'Whoever wins the title will lose at least two
games,' he predicted.
That may be a small crumb of comfort for Kings
whose only hope now is that their rivals start
losing games in the mix.

Scottish international centre Simon Flockhart replied with 25 for Kings,
Garreth Lodge adding 14 and Paddy Campbell 13
but at times they had no answer to Fraser who
scored 10 in the first quarter after which Fury
led 20-15.
By half-time it was back to 42-42
St Mirren are also still unbeaten, following up
their 56-54 away win over Kings by thrashing
Glasgow Storm 76-42 at Linwood and Troon
Tornadoes defeated Grampian Flyers 88-68 at
Ellon.


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  SERBIA   


A1 league: Saturday's games, no win for the hosts - by Dragan Jankovski
Saturday was a great day for the visiting teams as each of them went home celebrating.

Radnicki Invest Inzenjering outsmarted Radnicki 034 Group in Kragujevac 78-77. It was extremely interesting game with lot of turns. The hosts Radnicki 034 had wonderful third quarter finishing it 24-13. Visitors played slightly better during the last ten minutes but despite it Radnicki 034 was pretty close to victory. Namely, they had 77-75 with 10 seconds remaining when experienced Zlatko Bolic (195-G-74, agency: Beo Basket) grabbed the ball. After pick-and-roll he was looking for a good shot position but he didn't get it. In the last second, actually at the buzzer, he attempted from extremely difficult situation and made a triple for a big joy and the first win of his team in A1. Bolic finished the game with 27 points. Ognjen Kuzeta (194-G-87) and Andelko Mandic (198-F-76) also were good adding 15 points each. Danilo Draskovic (207-C-86) had 14 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts.

Borac Cacak unexpectedly registered an easy win on the road in Kraljevo 83-72. Its opponent Sloga had not so good shooting night making only 4 of 21 attempts from behind the arc. Borac was better during the entire time and deserved the second victory in A1. Miljan Radisavljevic (185-G-88) led Borac to win scoring 22 points. Ivan Zigeranovic (212-C-84) followed him adding 16 points and 6 boards. Nemanja Dasic (191-G-86) was a way better than the others in Sloga netting 25 points.

Swisslions Takovo had to work very hard in Belgrade in order to beat Vizura 77-72. Young Belgrade's team had wonderful plus 12 after opening ten minutes, 23-11. However, trio Sasa Ocokoljic (183-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) - Radovan Markovic (194-G-82) - Vladimir Vlaskovic (197-G-77) shined for the Swisslions in the second frame cutting the margin on just 2 points. Second half belonged to visitors as then ended 15-17 third and 17-22 last quarter for tough second win, 2-0. Experienced point guard Sasa Ocokoljic led Swisslions scoring 19 points. Radovan Markovic had 18 while Vladimir Vlaskovic scored one points less. Stefan Balmazovic (200-F-89) added 16 points in Vizura.

In the last game which was played on Saturday, newcomer Tamis Petrohemija suffered home defeat against Napredak Rubin 76-79. Dragan Markovic (202-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) and Bosko Jovovic (205-F/C-83) scored 14 points each for the winning team. Bojan Jovicic (184-G-77) top-scored in Tamis with 19 points.

Today will play Mega Hypo Leasing - Metalac and Zdravlje Actavis - Ergonom.

Serbian B league: Proleter, Vojvodina Zlatiborac and Crnokosa won at the start of the season - by Zoran Popovic
Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin - Mladost Cacak 95-59 (32-12, 18-22, 20-11, 25-14)

Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin players made easy win againts new member of Serbian B league Mladost Cacak. Domestic players made huge advantage at the end of the first period (32-12), and they continued in the third and fourth which was too much for the guests from Cacak.

Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin: Pekovic 10, Vulin 11, Kravic 10, Cuc, Becin 16, Stanojevic, Rajkovic 12, Sevic, Zarkovic 9, Barac 7, Vukosavljevic 19, Krstic 2
Mladost Cacak: Rakovic 3, Papic 14, Terzic, Azanjac 6, Avramovic 4, Tresac 14, Marinkovic, Dukanac 13, Todorovic, Grcic, Smolovic, Jakovljevic 6.

KK Vojvodina Zlatiborac Novi Sad - Radnicki 102-87 (32-22, 24-20, 24-19, 22-26)

KK Vojvodina Zlatiborac Novi Sad dominates during the all match. The best game in the opening of new season showed youngster Danilo Andjusic (190-G-91, agency: Beo Basket) who scored 29 points for 28 minutes spent in game. Great game showed Nemanja Knezevic with 20 points and 12 rebounds. More efficient then others in Radnicki was Radojicic who scored 25 points and Jeftic 18 points.

KK Vojvodina Zlatiborac Novi Sad: Vukoje 5, Spajic, S. Knezevic 11, Nem. Knezevic 20, Drakulic 9, Neb. Knezevic 2, Glisic 3, Kostic 10, Andjusic 29, Savic, Roncevic 11.
Radnicki: Ljubas 7, Radojicic 25, Stankovic 2, Huskic 5, A. Nastic 8, Jeftic 18, M. Nastic, Koprivica 5, Boricic 8, Jovanovic 7, Janjusevic 2.

KK Crnokosa Kosjeric - Kikinda 56-55 (14-16, 12-6, 18-20, 12-13)

Players of both teams were very nervous during the all match, they made lot of mistakes with low procent of shot. Afther one scored free throu of Bogojevic, Kikinda had chance to win but Bogdanovic missed last shot 2 seconds before the end of the match.

KK Crnokosa Kosjeric: Rakic 8, Vasiljevic, Obradovic 4, Puzic 5, Djurovic 1, Djukanovic, Vukosavljevic 15, Bogojevic 8, Karaklajic, Kovac 9 , Belic, Mirkovic 4.
Kikinda: Mladenovic, Ilic,6, Bogdanovic 12, Djerina, Krajnovic 4, Vokic 13, Cazic, Tesla, Trkulja, Simic 8, Zeljkovic 5, Mihajlovic.

Victories for Hemofarm STADA and Vojvodina in Adriatic league - by Dragan Jankovski
Last season's runner up Hemofarm STADA defeated Croatian Euroleague team Cibona Zagreb 86-76. After totally leveled first frame, Hemofarm took control on Cibona grabbing 9-point lead at the half time. It seems crucial period of this game was a beginning of the second frame when Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) led Hemofarm to 11-2 run. Later, Cibona tried to do something through Davor Kus (192-G-78) and Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) suceeding to come on minus five but then Boris Savovic (206-F-87), Milivoje Bozovic (210-C/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) and Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) stepped up for Hemofarm stopping Cibona on their way. At the end it was comfortable 10-point victory. Milan Macvan shined in Hemofarm scoring 18 points including 5 rebounds. Milivoje Bozovic also was pretty good for the winning team adding double-double, 17 points and 11 boards. Davor Kus netted 18 points in Cibona while Nikola Prkacin had 15 points and 4 boards.

Hemofarm STADA: Macvan 18 (5 rebs), Bozovic 17 (11 rebs), Pavkovic 11
Cibona: Kus 18, Prkacin 15 (4 rebs), Calloway 13 (6 rebs, 6 as)


Vojvodina Srbijagas managed to beat Zagreb CO on the road 90-81 thanks to well played first 24-12 and the last quarter. Serbian team had advantage of 14 points at the half time but after that its players somehow stopped. Center Ante Tomic (217-C-87) led Zagreb to 30-21 in third frame and a turn was close to happen. However, Marko Sutalo (194-G-83) came on the scene helping his team to record precious road win in the last quarter 20-13. Sutalo was the best scorer of this game with 32 points. Marko Popovic (193-G-84) had 13 points and 5 assists while Marko Pekovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Marko Jovanovic (214-C-82) scored 11 points each. Zagreb got 20 points and 12 rebounds from Ante Tomic. Krunoslav Simon (198-G/F-85) had 18 points and 4 assists.

Vojvodina Srbijagas: Sutalo 32, Popovic 13 (5 as), Pekovic 11, Jovanovic 11
Zagreb CO: Tomic 20 (12 rebs), Simon 18 (4 as), Babic 12

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  SPAIN   


LEB Gold Round: 3 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Caceres - Gandia Basq. 92-75
Caceres 2016 C.B. managed to grab the first victory in LEB Gold. Brown Lelton was the key player for Caceres collecting 20 points and 5 assists for 29 minutes. Zan Vrecko and Jason Robinson netted 13 points each for the loosing side.

Mallorca - Valladolid 79-73
First win for Mallorca and the first defeat for Valladolid this season. Jason Keep paced Mallorca to victory registering double-double, 16 points and 10 boards. Valladolid got 13 points from Christopher Hernandez.

Cl.Rincon - Leon 86-77
Clinicas Rincon improved its score in LEB Gold on 2-1 while Leon dropped at the same one. Raimundo Lopez led Cl. Rincon to win draining 22 points for 20 minutes. Craig Bradshaw was better than the others in Leon scoring 19 points and missing only one board for double-double.

Los Barrios - Tenerife 74-75
Los Barrios remained winless after three rounds while at the same time Tenerife improved to 2-1. Antwain Barbour shined for the winners scoring 17 points. The same number reached Ricardo Guillen of Los Barrios but he grabbed 8 more rebounds.

La Laguna - Melilla 77-75
La Laguna grabbed this tight victory against Mellila mostly owing to pretty good performance by Jason Detrick, who collected 21 points, 5 boards and 4 assists for 30 minutes. Cuthbert Victor of Mellila impresses everyone adding 30 points and 8 rebounds but it was not enough for the win. Both teams currently have 2-1.

Plus Pujol - Alicante 78-81
In the game between two undefeated teams, Alicante celebrated keeping the top with 3-0. Jose Urtasun netted 17 while Martynas Andriuskevicius had one point less than him helping Alicante to stay in the right track. Joaquim Colom added 18 points for the hosts.

Illescas - Burgos 86-78
It is the first joy for Illescas in LEB Gold this season while at the same time it is the first defeat for Burgos. Illescas' leading player in this match was Dexter Lyons, who nailed 25 points and grabbed 6 boards for 32 minutes (3/3 for 3-pts). Diego Garcia shined in Burgos scoring 20 points.

Leche Rio - Rosalia 85-83
Leche Rio Breogan was better than Rosalia improving its score in LEB Gold on 2-1. On the other hand Rosalia had a nice chance for the first victory but unfortunately to coach Felix Munoz, it didn't happen. Spencer Gloger was the top scorer in Breogan with 16 points. Ignacio Ordin and Javier Roman had 14 points apiece. Patrick Carroll shined in Rosalia with 26 points and 6 boards.

Vic - La Palma 92-63
Both teams had score 1-1 before this game. Now situation is different as Vic totally smashed La Palma at home. Mattew Kiefer led is team to victory notching 20 points including 7 rebounds. Juan Palacios had 2 points less than him. Francis Koffi scored 13 for the loosing side.



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


Fribourg handles Lugano at the start of LNA - by Eurobasket News
Fribourg got to the winning start of the LNA season as they toppled their key rivals Lugano Tigers 80:73 at home. The Tigers led by 3 points at the first break 26:23 but failed to capitalize on the advantage. Dennis Harrison (183-G-72, college: Hawaii) paced the hosts as they denied the deficit and stepped in front 44:41 at the interval. A close game in the second half saw Fribourg maintain the cushion and they drove to a hard victory at the end. Dennis Harrison knocked down 16 points and collected 7 rebounds for Fribourg. Vladimir Buscaglia (197-G-80, college: American) added 12 points, while Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) and Tresor Quidome (192-G-80, agency: Interperformances) had 11 points each for the winners.
BBC Nyon surprised one of the last season favorites Birstal Starwings 83:68 at home. Leading by to points at the interval BBC Nyon cleared off to a safe distance after the break and celebrated the initial win in the season. Sheray Thomas (203-F-84, college: Kentucky) and Ray Henderson (203-F/C-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Clemson) paced the Starwings with 15 points.
SAV Vacallo Basket drove to a comfortable 78:62 home win over the Geneva Devils. Slaven Smiljanic (192-G-78, college: Texas St.-San Marcos) produced 17 points for Vacallo. Matt Schneiderman (205-F/C-81, college: N.Iowa) contributed 16 points in the winning case. Mike Jefferson (178-G-84, agency: AMI, college: High Point) answered with 17 points for the Devils. Rashard Lee (198-F-77, college: Tennessee) provided 13 points in defeat. The hosts used a massive 22:9 rally in the opening period to build a decisive lead. Geneva never rebounded in the latter stages of the game and had to surrender at the end.

Luzern and Neuchatel Basket victorious in LNB - by Eurobasket News
The Swiss basketball had a big day yesterday with LNA and LNB enjoyed the opening rounds.
LNB saw some hot action over the day with teams getting ready for an exciting fight for the chance to advance to the LNA. Union Neuchatel Basket made the first step towards the aim as they overwhelmed Vernier 81:65 on the road in Round One. Neuchatel looked better from the start as they jumped to a 22:13 lead after the starting stanza. Vernier cut the distance to 7 points at the interval but failed to revive the intrigue in the second half. The visitors played solid game and stretched the gap to as many as 14 points before the fourth quarter. Neuchatel then rolled to comfortable victory at the end. Thomas Studer (198-F-84) knocked down 19 points for Neuchatel. Kevin Plesel (202-F-87) added 17 points for the winners.
The Luzern Lions also celebrated success on the road. They held off Martigny-Rhone Basket 81:72 to claim the initial victory in the season. The Lions raced to a 48:37 lead at halftime and never looked back in the second half. Julio Anthony (193-G-86, college: E.Illinois) posted 22 points for Luzern. Rolf Stallkamp (200-F-78) and Patrice Gregoire (200-F/C-79) added 14 points each for the winners.
Luzern will next take on Pully, who defeated the Zurich Wildcats 70:53 in the first round.

*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Virgin Islands referee speaks~ - by David Edole
The question and answer series that I have published through the month of September and now October have been given a name, 'The V.I. Basketball Chronicles. I hope the series gives the reader an insight to the basketball game that is played in the Virgin Islands. In this third installment, I spoke to one of the best referee's not only in the Virgin Islands but also in the entire Caribbean and Central America. He just happens to be from St. Croix and is extremely young. Kendell 'KC' Henry started officiating internationally when he was just 17 years old. Now 24, Henry has been through the rigors as an official at many different levels. He has seen it all, been abused by parents, coaches and fans. Throughout all of this, his maturation as an official has moved at a staggering pace where he is presently considering making a move to a bigger stage.

EDOLE: Why did you want to be an official?
HENRY: At the beginning, I was a table official in a high school game and I watched how referee Henry 'Hank' Jones was in total control of the game. He was on top of everything from clock management, tempo and presence. I like his style. So I approached him after the game and he couldn't believe my enthusiasm of wanting to become a referee. That same week, I had a meeting with Mr. Jones and another official Renwick Lynch. They took a tenth grader under their wing and the rest is history.

EDOLE: What was you first game like? Any jitters?
HENRY: The first period of the game was total jitters. The game that started it all was a game between then rivals Good Hope and Central High School. It was a double header with a girl's game first followed by a boys' game. Good Hope had Jade Jones and the twins and Central's coach was also a referee Clement 'Champ' Heyliger. I did not know Heyliger at the time. Mr. Hugh Clarke, who was head of scheduling, pitched me into the fire.

EDOLE: What does a person go through to become an official? I want to know about the training sessions?
HENRY: Jones, Lynch and I had weekly training sessions at John H. Woodson middle school. They taught me about, angles, the use of the triangle, positioning and gave me an illustrated rulebook. I was given the task of going to games and watch them work
We would then meet later and talk about what just happened.

EDOLE: How did you get hooked up with FIBA?
HENRY: Renwick Lynch traveled to Cuba with the Virgin Islands Senior Women national team as a manager. Upon his return to St. Croix, he informed me that I was better than most officials that he saw. Then we learned that the V.I. basketball federation would be hosting an officials certifying session. Lynch and I took it serious. We studied everyday and ran many miles.
Fred Hogan, FIBA technical commissioner, held the clinic over a three-day weekend. Mr. Hogan saw Lynch and I ref a game in the Choices Basketball Association Friday night. After the game Mr. Hogan asked if I could officiate another game the following night, he said, 'I want to see you work.'
The second night I was the senior official and I did the game with Scott Cofield. After the game Mr. Hogan came up to me and shook my hand. He said I will be a good referee and that is how my FIBA career began.

EDOLE: What abut your first game internationally and tell me about all the places officiating has taken you?
HENRY: My first tournament was junior women Under 15 Centrobasket that was held in San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic. My first game was Bahamas versus the host team. The gym was loud and the crowd hostile. When I blew my whistle or the horn sounded the players could not hear it. In my first tourney I was nominated to do the Championship game. I was honored. The game was Puerto Rico versus Dominican Republic. Imagine that atmosphere.
I have officiated both men and women at CBC in Jamaica (2006) and women at the CBC Puerto Rico (2007). I was again given the pleasure of calling the women's gold medal game (PR versus DR). I was once again call to blow my whistle in 2008 at the CBC for juniors that was held in Antigua (including bronze medal game) and in Cancun Mexico Centrobasket (2008). The bronze medal game between Cuba and Dominican Republic, which featured NBA players, was one of my better works. I could not do the championship game because the Virgin Islands were in the game in both tourneys.

EDOLE: Wow, it sounds like you have been real busy internationally.
HENRY: In Mexico, I had the pleasure of meeting Jeffery D. Collins. Mr. Collins is an NCAA referee and he has officiated the past two final fours. I officiated 2-to-3 games with him and held my own.
Mr. Collins is a seasoned referee, he officiates in all of the Big NCAA Division I conference. I used that time we had as roommates to pick his brain. He told me to be the best you have to do the worst game you can get. The kind of games that an official has to control everything from the clock, coaches, parents, table which staffs an inept crew. You have to do everything. He also said your as good as the lowest basketball played that included Elementary and High School. I embraced his 25 years of knowledge in the game.

EDOLE: I heard through the grapevine that you are the only FIBA liscensed official in the Virgin Islands.
HENRY: Yeah, I am. We lost a lot of good strong referees. However, those guys failing that test do not take away their knowledge, love and passion for the game. I can see them passing the next test when it is offered. We also need to get more people involved in becoming officials.

EDOLE: I know that you are the Technical Advisor of St. Croix basketball, who is in charge of scheduling and training sessions. Who are you guys actively recruiting to bring into the officiating family?
HENRY: I am trying to recruit ex high school and CBA players to officiate elementary, middle school and high school games. They know the rules and have an idea of what the game is about. My mission over the next five is to train as much young people as I can. By the time they reach my age it would be norm for a young referees.

EDOLE: Since you spoke of Choices Basketball Association (CBA). I heard that coaches and players would rather see the league falter than blame them selves for loses.
HENRY: President of the CBA, Mr. Kevin Sheppard, wrote two letters at the end of last season. I can't remember his words exactly but it said everyone keeps blaming the referees. The refs don't shoot the ball, miss lay ups, travel, double dribble or throw a bad pass. But at the end of every game if you ask any fan, player or coach why they lost. The number one excuse in the Virgin Islands is the referee.
I have yet to hear a coach strategize his game plan based on the team he is facing. I hear coaches strategizing on who the officials will be.

EDOLE: That brings me to the coaching clinic that was held two summers ago on St. Croix. What did you get out of it?
HENRY: Coaches from the entire Virgin Islands were in attendance. I asked Mr. Pena, How do they control the players and fans in Puerto Rico for kids five to seven years old?
He told everyone in attendance that we were doing it wrong. He said eliminate the scoring and allow the referee to blow the whistle. He said this will pacify parents and their would be no winner and loser. The purpose at that age group is to learn the game of basketball.

EDOLE: Where do you see yourself in the next five years?
HENRY: I have been making contact with NCAA DI, DII personnel and the Superior Basketball League in Puerto Rico. It is looking good that something will break my way. I have been in communication with Mr. Collins and Mr. Curtis Shaw (OVC basketball officials coordinator) both have taken my intentions of becoming an NCAA official seriously. They have been keeping me abreast to any NCAA camp that is on the horizon.
I told them I just wan to get into a camp. I don't want a hook up or favor. I want my skills to get me in the door. I want to prove I can handle basketball at any level.
The Puerto Rico league is another avenue. They saw me perform during the CBC this past summer. The PR league is strong with ex NBA players and officials. If I could get there I have another league to add to my officiating resume.

EDOLE: Are they any pitfalls in officiating?
HENRY: This past summer my fellow CBC brethren criticized me because of my officiating style. They felt FIBA was pushing me and not them. FIBA will only push you when they see you put in the work. I have a strong work ethic, any thing that FIBA puts out I get it.
An official needs to take the initiative the Internet is there. Ten years ago you had to wait for correspondence from FIBA. This generation has it made. They are many websites and illustrative books that explain basketball rules.
We as basketball officials in the Virgin Islands need to put our heads together to make the sport better. It is not the federation's fault basketball is not improving. It is simple minds and we need to get out of it.

EDOLE: Thanks Mr. Kendell Henry for this eye opener into the life as an official. Is their anything else you want to add?
HENRY: For the past five (5) years that I have been an official. I have seen the caliber of basketball going in the wrong direction in the Virgin Islands. It has hit rock bottom and falling lower. We are competing at the age of seven and not learning the game. We worry about who don't like me and the ref comes to the game with his mind made up of who is going to win.
A snake has a head and in this case it is a coach. He cusses at the ref; the parent sees it then they start doing the same followed by the kids. The lack of respect for an official has created an official dearth. Officials are dying out and young people are afraid to pick up a whistle.
Making calls is based on judgment. A ref job is to be in the best position to make his or her best judgment. NBA's Joey Crawford said it best when he stated 'I have never officiated a perfect quarter.' So if he Mr. NBA has not officiated a perfect quarter, who am I?

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  UKRAINE   


Superleague Round 1 full stats - by Alexander Muzyka
Oct. 4

Azovmash - BC Poltava 83:72 (19:9, 22:27, 25:16, 17:20)
A: van den Spiegel 13 + 7 rbs, Thompson 13 + 6 rbs, Nsonwu 13 + 4 rbs, Serapinas 12 + 6 ast + 5 rbs, Salyers 11 + 5 ast, Skutelnik 9, Baida 7, el-Amin 3, Lischuk 2 + 4 rbs
P: Guinn 19 + 5 rbs, Jarutis 17 + 6 ast + 4 rbs, Sirutavicius 11, Kieza 8, Novikov 6, Rozhkov 5, Ivshyn 4, Senkevych 2, Korshunov 0, Grier 0

Sumykhimprom - MBC Mykolaiv 84:79 (14:15, 19:24, 25:24, 26:16)
S: Santee 17, Kuso 14 + 20 rbs, Greene 14, Matiukevych 11 + 6 rbs, Butskyi 6, Podorvannyi 5, Griffin 2 + 5 rbs, Macernis 2, Lemyk 0
M: Onufriev 16 + 8 rbs, Hlebowicki 13 + 5 rbs, Gladyr 13 + 5 tos, Wilkins 10 + 5 rbs, Hilevych 10 + 4 rbs, Tonchenko 6, Raievskyi 6 + 5 rbs, Yailo 5

BC Kyiv - BC Donetsk 70:67 (19:11, 25:16, 17:23, 9:17)
K: C.Tucker 18 + 7 rbs, Bajramovic 15 + 11 rbs, Penn 11, Wright 8 + 5 rbs, Jeretin 10, Saltovets 4, Markoishvili 2, Stack 2, Pustozvonov 0, Kravtsov 0
D: P.J.Tucker 19 + 6 rbs + 4 tos, I.Kryvych 13 + 4 rbs, Botichev 8 + 7 rbs, Burgess 6 + 5 rbs, Djokic 6, Kojenets 6, R.Kryvych 4 + 4 rbs, Zabirchenko 3, Rodriguez 2

Khimik - BC-93 Pulsar 98:81 (20:21, 27:22, 30:19, 21:19)
Kh: Jackson 15, Kolchenko 14, Famutimi 13, Kelly 11 + 6 ast + 5 rbs, Riabchuk 10, Bratic 10, Cakic 9 + 8 rbs + 4 ast, Bader 9, Khodov 5, Zavadskyi 2, Agafonov 0 + 4 rbs, Sizov 0
P: Djapa 23 + 10 rbs, Briantsev 20 + 5 rbs, Dubniuk 10, Ulianko 9, Shemosiuk 8 + 4 rbs + 4 ast, Diatlovskyi 8, Artymovych 3, Zakhozhyi 0, Nerush 0, Koval 0, Riabinin 0

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Tigers Open With Win - by Andy Webb

Sheffield Sharks 61 (16,28,41) (Rivers 21, Gorman 16, Sanders 10)
Everton Tigers 80 (18,42,59) (Smith 29, Bailey 19, Dorsey 14)



Everton Tigers began their league campaign in style with a comprehensive 61-80 win at Sheffield Sharks.

Both sides were making their debuts in the BBL Championship this season and it was the Tigers who gelled best with close season signings Andre Smith (203-F-85, college: N.Dakota St.) (29 points) and Marcus Bailey (196-G/F-81, college: Wyoming) (19 points) marking their first appearances with excellent performances.

Sharks, meanwhile, had few positives apart from 21 points in 27 minutes for Sherman Rivers (185-G-81, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: William & Mary) and 16 from Matt Gorman, who suffered from foul trouble throughout the match.

A tight first quarter was only split by point-guard Richard Midgley's buzzer beater to give Tigers a 16-18 lead. The match was broken open in the second period as Everton put together a 14-0 run to go ahead 20-38 on the way to a 28-42 half time advantage.

Sharks couldn't get much going offensively in the third quarter too and Tigers stretched out to 41-59 heading into the final stanza on the back of excellent play by Smith and Bailey.

There was a brief rally by Sheffield in the fourth quarter as a Sherman Rivers bucket closed the gap to 52-63 but Everton responded with 5 points through Smith to move clear for good.

Sharks player/coach Atiba Lyons was disappointed in losing his first match in charge: 'They had a core of players coming back from last season and in the end that proved the difference. We have to let this sit on our stomachs for a few days and then get a solid week's practice before next weekend.'



Big Saturday In the BBL - by Andy Webb
'Big Saturday' in the BBL Championship saw the early pacesetters pick up important victories in the race for the title in the BBL.

Newcastle Eagles got their title race back on track thanks to a 98-84 victory over the BBL newcomers Worthing Thunder. The Eagles showed their experience in the BBL as they went from trailing 22-21 after the first period, to leading by 20 points at 36-56 at the half, mainly thanks to 11-0 and 15-0 runs in the quarter.

Airwaves Plymouth Raiders also kept up the pressure on the leaders thanks to a come-from-behind 86-82 victory at PAWS London Capital. A 20-6 Raiders burst in the third quarter took the score out to 56-65, and the visitors made sure of the victory from the free-throw line.

The BiG Storage Cheshire Jets also moved level on points with the Raiders and Eagles thanks to a thrilling 90-89 victory over the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders. A Shawn Myers (198-G/F-69, college: W.Georgia) basket with 6 seconds remaining was enough for the Jets to take the victory, despite LaTerell Williams making 1 of his 2 free throws as time expired in the game.

Scottish Rocks got their BBL Championship campaign off to a winning start with a 92-77 victory over the Worcester Wolves. The Wolves closed to within a single point at 38-39 at the start of the third period, but a 21-3 burst from the Rocks took the score out to 41-60 to break the game open.

The final game of the day saw the Guildford Heat get their Championship campaign back on track thanks to an 81-76 victory over early pacesetters Marshall MK Lions. A 17-6 run in the third for the Heat took the score out to 55-48, and the Heat never trailed from that point.

BBL Championship
Guildford Heat 81 (18,38,64) (Jones 22, Williams 17, McKnight 14)
Marshall MK Lions 76 (12,42,54) (Brown 23, New 18, McNally 10)

Guildford Heat picked up their first victory of their BBL Championship campaign thanks to a 81-76 victory over the Marshall MK Lions at the Guildford Spectrum on Saturday evening. The Heat jumped out to an early 10-0 start thanks to six points from Dean Williams, but the Lions responded with a 12-6 burst of their own to get back to within four points at 16-12. The second period saw the Lions continue to close the deficit slightly with an 11-2 tear to close out the first half leading by four points at 38-42 going into the locker rooms. The Heat came out for the second half firing on all cylinders, and a 17-6 run to open up the third period took the score out to 55-48. A 6-0 response from the Lions got them back to within a point at 55- 54, but the Heat closed out the third period with a 9-0 burst to lead 64-54 going into the final stanza. The final period saw the Heat continue to hold off the challenge from the Lions as they got to within six points at 69-63 off the back of a 9-2 burst midway through the final period, but the Heat netted their final ten points from the foul-line to secure the victory. Brad Jones led the Heat scoring with 22 points, but it was Terrell Brown who led all scorers in the game with 23 points for the Lions. Heat Head Coach Paul James commented at the end of the game, 'It's great to get our first win of the season under our belts.' 'Was a tough game tonight, but it's great to get the job done and show that we were strong enough to do it.'

BBL Championship
Worcester Wolves 77 (13,28,51) (Brown 25, Harker 23, JOhnson 11)
Scottish Rocks 92 (21,36,64) (Shelton 22, Yanders 20, Davis 17)

Scottish Rocks got their BBL Championship campaign off to a winning start thanks to a 77-92 victory over the Worcester Wolves at Worcester University on Saturday evening. Early 9-2 and 9-0 runs from the Rocks saw them take an early 21-13 lead at the end of the first quarter. The Rocks continued their strong start and an 11-0 burst at the start of the second period took the score out to 32-13, but a 15-4 response from the Wolves to close out the first half trailing by eight points at 28-36 going in at the half. The second half saw the Wolves contine where they left off at the end of the first half with a 10-3 tear to get to within a single point at 38-39. The Rocks broke the game open with a 21-3 burst to take the score out to 41-60, and went into the final stanza leading 51-64. The final quarter saw the teams trade baskets throughout the quarter as the Rocks ran out eventual winners. Blake Shelton top-scored for the Rocks with 22 points, while Justin Brown led all scorers netting 25 points for the Wolves.

BBL Championship
Worthing Thunder 84 (22,36,56) (Woods 22, Patten 19, Ivanovskis 17)
Newcastle Eagles 98 (21,56,78) (Moore 19, Bridge/Sullivan 17)

Newcastle Eagles got back to winning ways in the BBL Championship thanks to an 98-84 victory over Worthing Thunder on Saturday evening. Both sides traded baskets in the early going, but it was the home side who held a slender advantage after the first period 22-21. The second quarter saw the Eagles began to stamp their authority with an 11-0 and 15-0 runs to take the score out to 34-54 towards the end of the first half. The second half saw the Eagles continue to show their experience at this level over their less-experienced opponents, but the Thunder enjoyed a 13-2 burst in the final period to get the score back to 74-85, but the Eagles held on for the comfortable victory. Jonathon Woods led all scorers in the game with 22 points for the home side, while Trey Moore led the Eagles scoring with 19. Eagles assistant coach Billy Spragg commented at the end of the game: 'The result and the two points are important to get out of this game.' 'We have got to work hard if we are to maintain the high standards that we set for ourselves and keep going for the rest of the year.' 'This was a key game, and our experience and talent was enough to see us through.'

BBL Championship
Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders 89 (15,46,64) (Swanson 19, Martin/Wellington 18)
BiG Storage Cheshire Jets 90 (25,48,76) (Marks 28, Myers 17, Davis 14)

BiG Storage Cheshire Jets moved themselves level on points with three other clubs at the top of the BBL Championship table thanks to a thrilling 90-89 victory over the Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders at the John Sanford Centre on Saturday evening. A Shawn Myers basket with 6 seconds remaining took the score to 90-88. The Riders came down the floor and LaTrell Williams was fouled and sent to the line with 1.2 seconds remaining. Williams made the first, but the second bounced out, and no-one could pull down the rebound as time expired to give the Jets the victory. Earlier in the game, the Jets opened up an early ten point at 13-23 off the back of a 9-2 burst in the opening period. The Riders came back with an 8- 3 tear of their own to trail by three at 32-35. The second half saw the Jets start strong once again, and a 12-0 burst in the third period gave them an eight point advantage at 60-68. Early in the final period, Myers had helped the Jets open up a ten-point advantage at 71-81, before a 12-2 Riders run tied the game up at 83-83 before the events of the closing stages began. Tommy Swanson led the Riders scoring with 19 points, but it was Chez Marks who led all scorers in the game with 28 points for the Jets.

BBL Championship
PAWS London Capital 82 (28,45,63) (Gariba 22, McCallums 21, Mills 11)
Airwaves Plymouth Raiders 86 (23,40,67) (Lasker 21, Moore 19, Durham 18)

Airwaves Plymouth Raiders kept up the pressure on the leaders in the BBL Championship thanks to a come-from-behind 82-86 victory over the PAWS London Capital at the Capital City Academy on Saturday evening. The Capital led throughout the opening half of basketball, and took a five-point lead into the locker rooms at 45-40. The Raiders took control in the third period and overturned the deficit thanks to a 20-6 run to take the score out to 56-65. The final quarter saw the teams trading baskets, but it was the Raiders who maintained their cool, and secured the victory from the foul-line. Andrew Lasker led the scoring for the Raiders with 21 points, while Ibrahim Gariba led all scorers in the game with 22 points for the home side.

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  URUGUAY   


Standings - LUB
LUB Standings
 1. Atenas 10-2 
 2. Defensor 9-3 
 3. Malvin 8-4 
 4. Tabare 8-4 
 5. Bigua 7-5 
 6. Olimpia 7-5 
 7. Hebraica 7-5 
 8. Trouville 5-6 
 9. Bohemios 4-7 
 10. Sayago 4-7 
 11. Paysandu 4-8 
 12. Un.Atletica 4-8 
 13. Welcome 3-9 
 14. Cordon 2-10 


Atenas, the leader, beat Sayago 97-76 - by Hector Lopez
Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) scored 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds while Darryl Dora (206-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Texas Tech) added 19 points and 11 rebounds when Athens, the LUB leader beat Sayago 97-76 for the 12th round. For Sayago Brandon Hassell scored 14 points and toolk 9 rebounds and Howard Wilkerson netted 13. The results were:
Defensor Sporting 86 - Brian Woodward (191-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Rhode Island) 28 points and 4 rebounds, Chris Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) 15 and 11
Olimpia 73 - Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) 11 and 5, Reque Newsome (203-C-82, college: S.Indiana) 4 and 5
- - -
Bohemios 72 - Joe Webb (201-G/F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Bellevue) 6 and 1, Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 2 and 2
Welcome 64 - JR Morris (196-G-82, college: Seton Hall) 8 and 3, Brad Kanis (218-C-84) 9 and 5- - -

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  VENEZUELA   


Fernando Lucena international - by Carlos Santander
Fernando Lucena (182-G-86) arrived in San Andres, Colombia last Thursday 02/10/2008 to join Sopesa Islanders Basketball Club. Fernando Lucena joined Islanders to take over the point guard position. On his first international basketball game, Fernando Lucena, made 10 points and 7 assist coming from the bench, to help Islanders defeated Arrieros de Medellin. Yesterday 05/10/2008, Fernando Lucena was in the five starts, at this time the Venezuelan point guard contributed with 18 points and 8 assist to defeat Arrieros de Medellin once again. Fernando Lucena had a great international debut. By the end of the game, Arrieros de Medellin's point guard Diego Guevara (184-G-77, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Charlotte), went to Fernando Lucena to congratulated him for his good hustle during both games.

Carmelo Cortez doesn't respect rules - by Carlos Santander
The South America Basketball Confederation (CONSUBASKET) and its president, the Venezuelan Carmelo Cortez is in serious problems with FIBA (International Basketball Federation).
FIBA decide to impose a strong sanction and get rid of any powers related with basketball competitions to CONSUBASKET, also imposed a fine of $50.000 (fifty thousand American dollar) due a contract violation with MOLTEN which is the official basketball brand for FIBA competition. The Venezuelan Carmelo Cortez , whom is the president of CONSUBASKET, also got another sanction because he didn't show off himself at FIBA meeting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. So far, every official South America basketball competitions will be handle it by FIBA
Unfortunately any results of the last U15 South American championship for men played last week at Guanare Venezuela are not valid due Carmelo Cortez 's disrespect.

Standings - LNB
LNB Standings
 1. Duros 12-6 
 2. Trujillo 12-6 
 3. Graneros 11-7 
 4. Centauros 9-9 
 5. Falcon 8-10 
 6. Estudiantes 7-11 
 7. Cojedes 7-11 
 8. Tiburones 6-12 




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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Canberra win two straight at the start - by Eurobasket News
The Canberra Capitals secured two consecutive wins at the start of the new WNBL campaign. They opened the season with a 65:51 win over the Bendigo Spirit. The Capitals led at every change and finalized a confident win at the start. Michelle Musselwhite (176-G/F-82) knocked down 15 points for Canberra. Jessica Bibby provided 13 points, while Abby Bishop (189-C-88)e and Tracey Beatty (202-C-79) came up with 8 points apiece in the win. Eleanor Haring (185-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Oregon) secured 15 points for the Spirit. Kelly Wilson and Gabrielle Richards added 10 points apiece in the loss.
Canberra then dealt with the Bulleen Boomers 89:73 at the Veneto Club. The teams were all square late in the first period but the Capitals then surged ahead and ballooned their lead to 13 points at halftime. Bulleen struggled to recover in the second half and suffered the first loss in the season. Tracey Beatty poured in 20 points for the Capitals. Abby Bishop secured 19 points in the win. Elyse Penaluna (193-C-88) replied with 18 points for the Boomers.
The newcomers Logan Thunder made their debut the one to remember thumping the Perth Lynx 96:74 at the Insports Arena. Sarah Graham (-G-89) contributed 21 points for the Thunder. Natalie Purcell (183-F-82, college: SE Missouri St.) was helpful with 18 points, while Brittany Davis (188-F-84, college: Florida) had 16 for the winners. Deanna Smith (179-G-80, agency: LBM Management) dropped 20 points for the Lynx. Perth thus fell to 0-2 record courtesy of the previous loss to Townsville 65:90.

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Slavia adds Teodora Petrova from Spanish Burgos - by Eurobasket News
Slavia Sophia announced signing of another acquisition for the upcoming season. It is shooting guard / small forward Teodora Petrova (180-G-79), who started 07/08 in local rival CSKA-AD Sophia. Later she agreed terms with Spanish team Arranz-Jopisa Burgos. Petrova appeared 17 times in LFB averaging 4.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg. Petrova had wonderful 06/07 season with CSKA. She was one of the best team's players leading it to trophy in domestic championship. At the same time CSKA became the National Cup winner. Petrova played 27 games for CSKA that season averaging 12.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.9 apg. She ended it as a fifth best assistant. CSKA also took a part in EuroCup, where Petrova had 12.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.3 apg for 8 games. She was second leading shooter for 3-pts with 55.9%. In the past, she also played for Lukoil Neftochimik as well as her new-old team Levski. In 2007 she was named 'Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League 1st Team -07'. A year before she got even bigger award 'Eurobasket.com All-Bulgarian League Forward of the Year -06'. At the same year she won her first title in Bulgarian championship and it happened with Lukoil Neftochimik.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Second round leaves USK Praha and Gambrinus on top - by Eurobasket News
Two Czech Republican titans Gambrinus and USK Praha already on top after the second round. Both teams are 2-0 and remain undefeated as well as Trutnov that has 1-0 record.
ZVVZ USK Praha smashed Valosun Brno 93:58 in the capital of the country. The favorites did not leave any chances for the opponents throughout the game. Michaela Ferancikova (190-F-77) led the winners with 19 points. Matic followed her with 16, while Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) collected 15 points and 12 rebounds. Veronika Vlkova (175-G/F-84) ended up with 11 points in the losing effort.
The defending champions of the league Gambrinus overwhelmed BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary away from home. The visitors were stronger in all the aspects and solved their task reaching three digits in the end. Gambrinus celebrated 106:57 victory and left BK Lokomotiva Karlovy Vary winless at 0-2 record. Michaela Horakova (177-F-92) led the winners with 21 points and 2 rebounds. Liene Jansone (192-F/C-81, college: Siena) nailed 20, whilst Zirkova posted 18. Sedlackova finished the game with 13 points in the losing effort.
In another games Trutnov smashed BK Tabor 104:46 for the first win in the League. Darina Misurova (163-G-81) top-scored for her team and in Round 2 with 31 points. Eva Kotlanova (175-G-88) finished the game with 10 points in defeat. Sparta Praha lost to Strakonice 74:77, while the game between Slovanka and Hradec is scheduled for tonight.

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  DENMARK - Women  


Dameligaen 2008/2009 is open! - by Eurobasket News
Two games opened Dameligaen 2008/2009 last night in Denmark. Abyhoj started with a confident win, while for Vaerlose and BK Amager four quarters were not enough.
Abyhoj overcame Lemvig 86:57 trailing 15-19 after the opening quarter. The hosts found its game later in the second and went to the lockers with 37:35. They reached another wins in two last quarters to win the opener. Ida Preetzmann (178-G-90) led the winners with 27 points. Nina Bogh Gross Vinther scored 12, while Stephanie Mannemar Jensen posted 11. Claudia Cecilia Lampe Porras ended up with 22 points in defeat as Ashley Wettengel (178-F, college: John Brown) notched 16.
Four quarters were not enough for Vaerlose and BK Amagerin another game of the opening day. BK Amager stole the victory from the hosts 83:80 with 13-10 in overtime. Before that the hosts had 20-12 in the second period and enjoyed the lead almost until the end of the fourth frame. Emilie Ramberg (173-G-79) notched 20 points for the winners. Catharina Palm Jensen added 13, whilst Lotte Tobiasen and Sussie Fobian Kruuse had 11 each. Alberte Dokkedal (186-F-91) produced 22 points in the losing effort and Chelsea Elizabeth Luhta had 20.


Abyhoj - Lemvig 86:57
Abyhoj: Ida Preetzmann 27, Nina Bogh Gross Vinther 12, Stephanie Mannemar Jensen 11
Lemvig: Claudia Cecilia Lampe Porras 22, Ashley Wettengel 16

Vaerlose - BK Amager 80:83
Vaerlose: Alberte Dokkedal 22, Chelsea Elizabeth Luhta 20
BK Amager: Emilie Ramberg 20, Catharina Palm Jensen 13, Lotte Tobiasen 11, Sussie Fobian Kruuse 11

Stats Leaders - Damenligaen
Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Ida Tryggedsson 27
2 Alberte Dokkedal 22
3 Claudia Cecilia 22
4 Chelsea Luhta 20
5 Emilie Ramberg 20
Rebounds Per Game
1 Ashley Wettengel 9
2 Emilie Hesseldal 8
3 Claudia Cecilia 7
4 Lotte Tobiasen 7
5 Tine Duelund 6
Assists Per Game
1 Bianca Morsoe 5
2 Emilie Ramberg 3
3 Anne Deleuran 2
4 Jannie Vium 2
5 Ashley Wettengel 2
Blocks Per Game
1 Claudia Cecilia 2
2 Sussie Fobian 1
3 Alberte Dokkedal 1
4 Emilie Ramberg 1
5 Anne Rosbjerg 1


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  GERMANY - Women  


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


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  GREECE - Women  


Aris Holargos past easy from Kontopefko - by George Manousidis
Making quite good appearance mainly in the second half-time, the Aris Holargos prevailed to GS Agia Paraskevis with 86-55 in the Kontopefko and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Greek Cup, which will face FEA Neas Halkidonas. Despite the tiredness from the trip to Bosnia, the players of Aris Mavridis presented attitude and seriousness from the start by taking a double-digit difference. GS Agia Paraskevis approached towards the end of halftime with 34-44.But in the second half Aris Holargos make a 22-0, converted the 44-55 to 44-77 and the game becomes formality. Mavridis had the opportunity to rest for a while some main players and to give time to participate all the athletes, which left several good impressions.

Theoni Tzegiannaki (162-G-85) after the hand injury play again and say about the game: I am very happy to have returned, the good think in this game was that all the players enjoyed, we had quite good cooperation both in defense and offence. It was a good game for us before the game with Mladi Krajisnik Banja Luka for Eurocup where I hope we can take the qualification and improve the image we had in the first mats. Greek Cup is for us one of the key objectives and this certainly helped that we had easy draw for the first time in our history, so will demand entering our final four and hope to succeed. Our mind, now is in the next game from Euro Cup with Mladi Krajisnik Banja Luka, and I hope to make the qualification reality.

Quarters:19-28, 34-44, 47-74, 55-86

GS Agia Paraskevis (Alexopoulos): Kyriakidou, Eleni Georgousi (172-G-85) 12 (3), Limniati 1, Xanthou 7, Raftopoulou, Botsari 4, Ghiota Troizi 12 (1), Dragonea 5, Nitouleskou 9, Boni 1, Menelaou 4.
Aris Holargos (Mavridis): Theoni Tzegiannaki 7, Ouzouni, Spinou 2, Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) 22 (1), Magklara 10 (2), Papageorgaki, Zoi Kechagia (170-G-80) 11, Margari 2, Panagiota Karagiorgos (190-F-84, college: Concordia (NY)) 2, Boukoyala, Brooke Reves (188-F-75) 21 (1), Kyriakopoulou 9 (1 ).

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  ITALY - Women  


Memorial Pallavicino in Parma: day one. Taranto signed Godin - by Carlo Grilli
In the first semis of the last tournament before season start, Parma beat Livorno 67-56; Natalie Porter (185-F-80) top scored the hosts pouring in 24 points (and shooting 6 on 9 from 3-pts range); in the second semis Como (Brooke Smith (191-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Stanford) 23) defeated Faenza (Emanuela Ramon (187-F-82) 21) 87-77. Today the two finals.
Elsewhere: Taranto replaced injured Rebekkah Brunson by Elodie Godin (190-FC-85). The French power-forward has already joined the team and will debut on Sunday, October 12th against Faenza.

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  LATVIA - Women  


TTT Riga win LSBL opener - by Eurobasket News
TTT Riga grabbed the first win in the LSBL as they toppled Liepaja away from home in the first round. TTT Riga dominated the game and cruised to a 97:46 success at the end. Tatyana Troina (188-C-81, college: S.Carolina) knocked down 24 points for TTT Riga. Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) added 16 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Sabine Niedola (182-F-91) answered with 19 points and 11 boards for Liepaja.
TTT Riga opened the game with a 29:7 run in the first period and never looked back again. The visitors outrebounded their opponents 47:30 and forced Liepaja to 23 turnovers.
TTT Juniors secured a tough 66:58 win over visiting RTU-Merks. The teams kept it close throughout the game and neither side was able to secure the decisive lead. However the hosts used a 23:16 fourth term to pull away with victory at the end. Anete Steinberga (192-C-90) tallied 17 points and 14 rebounds for TTT Juniors. Liene Priede (180-G-90) added 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Anna Gailite (197-C-90) had 17 points and 13 caroms in the loss.
DU/Swedbank prevailed over SK Riga 66:62 on the road. The hosts piled up a 4-point lead at halftime but failed to maintain the advantage throughout the second half. DU spurred ahead in the fourth period and sealed the win. Evelina Zile chipped in 16 points for DU. Karina Egle (187-F/C-87) added 13 points for the winning side. Ilze Gotfrida (180-F-91) answered with 20 points and 9 boards for SK Riga.

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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


DBBL enjoys first round - by Eurobasket News
The DBBL tipped off yesterday with ten teams fighting for this trophy this year. The reigning champions Basket Esch picked up from where they left last season as they bumped the ambitious newcomers Grengewald 75:67. Alicia Gladden (180-F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Florida St.) and Ninon Sitz (180-G/F-88) scored 25 points apiece to pace Basket Esch on the road. The league favorites built a 40:26 lead at halftime and rolled to the win at the end. Jayme Sweere (175-G-85) fired game-high 29 points and 10 rebounds for Grengewald. Stephanie Hinger dropped 17 points in the loss.
Amicale overcame Contern 67:62 at home. Contern used a 22:9 rally in the third frame to pull ahead by 10 points before the fourth term. But Amicale denied the deficit and celebrated a tough win at the end. Lisa Lee (183-F-84, college: Charleston So.) tallied 32 points and 16 rebounds for the hosts. Anne Menster (179-F/C-82) had 11 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Amanda Stowe (186-F/C-79, agency: Next Level, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) answered with 26 points and 10 rebounds for Contern.
T71 Dudelange held off Musel Pikes 85:79. Melissa Dennett (188-F-83, college: Colorado St.) scorched Muel Pikes with 47 points and 11 boards to lead Dudelange to the hard win. Musel Pikes accumulated a 4-point advantage at the interval but failed to stop Dennett in the second half. The former Freiburg forward paced the hosts to the first win in the season. She converted 20/27 field goals and 7/11 free throws. Rachel Wagener (167-G-86) contributed 11 points in the win. Christine Fisher responded with 22 points and 9 rebounds for Musel Pikes.

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  PARAGUAY - Women  


Female playoffs tied - by Gianni Pascucci
Sol de America defeated 77-71 Olimpia Asuncion in Game 2 of the Female League playoffs, and now it is necessary another game to label the Clausura winner. Carolina Caraves (-G/F) shined in Sol, scoring 20 points, and Andrea Gomez added 14 points at the winning side. The best oin Olimpia were this time Carina Pena (-C-84) and Heidy Closs (-G/F), with 15 and 14 pts, respectively. Game 3 will be played the next weekend

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  POLAND - Women  


PLKK Round: 5 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
MUKS Pozn. - AZS Gorzow 76-83
AZS Gorzow increased to 5-0 record after a road win over Muks 76:83. Breitreiner led the winners with 21 points, while Zohnova netted 20. Sissoko posted 25 for the hosts and Semmler added 21 in defeat.

Cukierki - Inea AZS P. 74-79
Inea AZS had a road win over Cukierki 74:79 mostly due to the opening quarter. Howard top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Golumbiewska ended up with 23 points for the home side.

Duda Leszno - AZS J.Gora 57-71
AZS J.Gora won over Duda Leszno 71:57 with 18-5 from the start. Skorek and Coleman provided 21 points for the winners. Budnik top-scored with 12 points in defeat.

Energa Torun - LKS 64-53
Energa Torun beat LKS at home to improve to 2-3 record. The hosts celebrated 64:53 victory as Moore top-scored with 19 points. Tlumak and Jasnowska followed her with 12 apeice and Zytomirska scored 14 in defeat.

PTK Pabian. - CCC 55-80
CCC had a road win over PTK Pabian.55:80 winning all the quarters in the game. Carter paced the winners with 21 points. Mieloszynska provided 17 and Robbins notched 13. Pawlak top-scored for the guests with 14 points.

Lotos PKO BP - Utex Row 79-62
Lotos PKO BP overcame Utex Row 79-62 with 18:10 in the opening quarter. Matovic led all the winners with 20 points. Leciejewska posted 14 and Maslowski netted 10. Perkins had a great night in the losing effort with 28 points.



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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


BSS Kosice struggles hard against the defending champions - by Eurobasket News
The game between BSS Kosice and the defending champions of Slovak Republic Maxima Broker Kosice became the most interesting in the round. BSS Kosice went on an early lead and closed the opening quarter at 17:15. It took a while for the visitors to take only 2 points lead entering the second half. Maxima Broker Kosice produced 19-14 in the third for 7 points deficit and held it till the end of the game. Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) led the winners with 23 points. Ckosova scored 13 and Kovacova posted 8. Dasa Krasnockova (181-F-85) top-scored for the hosts with 16 points and Aubreyova netted 15.
MBK Ruzomberok had no difficulties reaching 2-0 record. The team overcame AT Gemtex MBK Roznava at home 80:44. The second team of the previous year won all the quarter in the game closing it with 20-15 in the last. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Chabadova notched 13 and Podesvova together with Flukerova added 11. Oaddamsova finished the game with 12 points in the losing effort.
In another games Presov defeated Slovan Bratislava 75:70, even though the visitors won the last frame 23-15. Lawlessova top-scored with 23 points, whilst Talajkova-Kozmonova netted 20 in defeat.
Poprad was stronger than Cassovia Kosice 91:75 as Eva Kmetova (188-C-87) paced all the winners with 22 points.

MBK Ruzomberok - AT Gemtex MBK Roznava 80:44 (15:7, 22:12, 23:10, 20:15)
MBK Ruzomberok: Lucia Kupcikova 14, Chabadova 13, Podesvova 11, Flukerova 11
AT Gemtex MBK Roznava: Oaddamsova 12, Nikola Ciulisova (185-C-89) 8, Benuskova 6

BSS Kosice - Maxima Broker Kosice 57:64 (17:15, 17:21, 14:19, 9:9)
BSS Kosice: Dasa Krasnockova 16, Aubreyova 15, Stantienova 11
Maxima Broker Kosice: Anna Jurcenkova 23, Ckosova 13, Kovacova 8

Presov - Slovan Bratislava 75:70 (24:20, 19:10, 17:17, 15:23)
Presov: Lawlessova 23, Kulteova 14, Karavajevova 13
Slovan Bratislava: Talajkova-Kozmonova 20, Alexandra Riecka (170-G-78) 12, Malinkova 11

Poprad - Cassovia Kosice 91:75 (25:16, 16:22, 26:16, 24:21)
Poprad: Eva Kmetova 22, Simkulakova-Petrikova 18, Tetemondova 14
Cassovia Kosice: Sujova-Szijjartoova 19, Gissendannerova 16, Zingorova 10, Fabianova 10

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  WBCBL - Women  


ABA Team Acquires Texas Fire - by Willie McCray
ABA Team Acquires Texas Fire
10/4/08
Houston, TX

The Houston Takers owner Larry Leonard II is now the owner of the Houston franchise if the Womens Blue Chip Basketball League. The decision was made over the weekend when Leonard learned that the team was left vacant last season.' When I started in this basketball world, I wasn't at all schooled in basketball business, but thats not the case now. I understand now what it takes and can't wait to get started this upcoming season in May,' Larry Leonard stated.

Larry Leonard II owns the Houston Takers a part of the American Basketball Association and is truly looking forward for an exciting season and an amazing chance to bring home the title. 'Im always looking for chances to invest and make money and right the real estate is looking crazy, so why not invest in basketball. The city of Houston has been through a lot these last few days and bringing another fine sport and league to this area is going to be fun. I think the city will have no problem supporting us as we give our fans fast and affordable womens basketball,' Leonard said.

For more information, please call us at 877-407-1199 or email us at houstontakers@yahoo.com.

Larry Leonard, II
Owner, ABA Houston Takers
Email houstontakers@yahoo.com

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  WNBA - Women  


Shock wins third WNBA title in six years - by Eurobasket
So you want to win a championship? No problem. According to the Detroit Shocks new Championship How-To Book, all you have to do is:

1. Trade your biggest star.
2. Lose another to a knee injury.
3. Follow that up, moments later, with one of the ugliest sports brawls in recent memory.
4. Watch so many of your players get suspended for that brawl, the league must stagger them in alphabetical order.
4.5. This is not mandatory, but if at all possible, see if you can get your highest-profile assistant coach suspended, too.
5. Try the cheapest, most transparent PR stunt you can think of you know, like adding your 50-year-old former coach to your roster.
6. Dont play a single game of the final round in your home arena.

There you go. Thats all it takes! Just follow those six steps and oh, wait. Forgot one thing.
We have the best players in the world, coach Bill Laimbeer said Sunday. No question about it.
Yeah, that helps.
The Shock swept its way to its third championship in six years Sunday night. The final score of Game 3 of the WNBA Finals was 76-60, but in deference to the battered San Antonio Silver Stars, lets call it a three-round knockout.
The Shock outrebounded San Antonio, 44-27, including 16-4 in the fourth quarter at Eastern Michigans Convocation Center. Detroit absolutely destroyed San Antonios little star, Rebecca Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.), who missed nine of 10 shots and had more turnovers (four) than assists (three).
Three titles in six years probably qualifies this franchise as a WNBA dynasty. But like other modern sports dynasties, the Shock has had to change on the fly. And that was most apparent two months ago, in the wake of a disastrous game against the Los Angeles Sparks, when rebounding fiend Cheryl Ford (6'3''-F/C-81, college: Louisiana Tech) tore her anterior cruciate ligament and the Shock responded with a nationally televised brawl.
Seven players and assistant coach Rick Mahorn were suspended. It was an embarrassment for both franchises, and for the league, but once everybody stopped blushing, Laimbeer had a bigger concern: replacing Ford.
He promptly stole Tay McWilliams (6'3''-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) from the Washington Mystics. She had 13 points and eight rebounds Sunday.
We knew Bill was going to work his magic, forward Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) said. If we dont have Taj, I dont think were here,
If they dont have Smiths performance Sunday, they are still here, in the Finals, hoping to wrap it up in Game 4. With the Shock clinging to a two-point lead early in the fourth quarter, Smith poured in 11 points to turn a tight Game 3 into a blowout.
She was the Finals MVP by acclimation; even the Silver Stars would have stuffed the ballot box for her.
Somewhere, maybe Swin Cash was watching. Cash was the face of the franchise and an extremely important player on the 2003 and 2006 title teams, but she and Laimbeer did not see eye-to-eye. Sometimes, it was unclear if they were even looking at each other. After the Shock lost in last years Finals, Laimbeer traded Cash.
Some die-hard Cash fans probably thought theyd see former coach Nancy Lieberman, now an ESPN analyst, suit up for the Shock before it won another championship. And for reasons Ill never understand, that actually happened this summer.
But then the Shock resumed one of the quickest, most remarkable rebuilding jobs youll ever see in sports. Without Cash, and then without Ford, the Shock still led the league in scoring differential and rebounding differential.
As the final seconds wound down Sunday night, the architect of the dynasty, Laimbeer, the former Bad Boy, held his hands up in triumph. Hed done it again. In the locker room soon after, Laimbeer took a giant swig of champagne, then looked at the bottle, as though he didnt know what he was drinking.
Uh, Bill, you should recognize that stuff by now. And you might just be drinking it again next year at this time after all, Ford is coming back, and who is going to doubt this team?
That, however, is a challenge for another day. Sunday night, the Shock had something else in mind.
Party! said starting guard Deanna Nolan, a Flint native.
Thats never been a problem for you, huh?
Thats never a problem, she said. Especially in Detroit.
Especially for this franchise.

Courtesy of Detroit Free Press