EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 11/24/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


Alaska Dream Challenge Day 1 results - by Gianni Pascucci
The Alaska Dream succefully opened ther Challenge Tournment in Fairbanks defeating the #4 ranked San Francisco Rumble 139-113. The game was a true 'uptempo clinic' and the Dream players showed all their skills. Marques Echols (6'2''-G, agency: Prime Select Sports, college: Seattle Pacific) was the game top scorer at 28 points, teammates Jeremiah Ward (6'2''-G, college: Humboldt St.) added 24 pts and Andrew Smith (6'8''-F-83, college: Alaska-Fairb.) 20 at the winning side, while Derek Foster (6'0''-G-81, college: Cal-Santa Cruz) was the best performer in San Francisco with 26 pts, and Kenneth Smith (6'3''-G-83, college: E.Washington) added 20. In the other game of Day 1, the Maywood Buzz prevailed over the Las Vegas Aces, 119-107, with 2008 ABA All-Star Kenny Wright (6'1''-G-81) leading their attack at 31pts, Isaac Burton (6'3''-G-73, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Arizona St.) adding 20 points and Joey Saavedra (6'3''-G-84, college: LA Harbor CC) 18 pts. The Las Vegas Aces was led by Lou Kelly (6'5''-G/F-79, college: UNLV) with 28 points and Johnny McClenton (6'6''-F-81, college: Bethune-Cookman) with 16.

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  ANGOLA   


Petro de Luanda beat Promade de Cabinda - by Carlos Pereira

On saturday Petro de Luanda beat Promade by 103-75 at the pavilion of Sporting de Cabinda, in a second round encounter of the 31st edition of the national championship.

By halftime, Petro were already ahead by 53-40. Petro de Luanda was stronger than Promade, less experienced, since they were ahead in the scorecards in the first quarter by 25-24.

In the second quarter Petro showed their maturity and ended the phase ahead by 53-40.

In the third quarter the advantage was of 83-53.

Carlos Morais of Petro de Luanda was the game's top shooter with 23 points.

The game was officiated by Francisco Pacheco, Isaias Luamba and Figueiredo Cruz.


Box score

Promade de Cabinda: Mario Correia (17), Paulo Barros(10), Dominig Samba(10), Longonda Rock(9), Augusto Sangunga(8), Luis Matias), Luis Fernandes(5), Henrique Bad(4), Helder Goncalves), Edgar Chocolate(00), Raimundo Muila((00) e Paulo Papy(00).
Coach: Jose Carlos Guimaraes.

Petro de Luanda: Carlos Morais(23), Eduardo Mingas(22), Heshimou Evans(18), Paulo Santana(18), Frederick (10), Roberto Fortes (8), Victor de Carvalho (3), Fernando Albano(00), Vladimir Pontes(00), Hermergildo Tondala (00) e Francisco Horacio(00).
Coach : Alberto de carvalho Gingunba



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  ARGENTINA   


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


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


NBL Round: 10 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Tigers - Taipans 99-98
Melbourne Tigers celebrated in extremely exciting game vs Cairns Taipans moving up on 8-4 record in NBL. Nigerian scoring machine Ebi Ere once again shined for the hosts draining 22 points, but with not so good shot percentage. Larry Abney and David Thomas scored 20 points each for the loosing side.

Breakers - Dragons 112-98
Very important home victory for the New Zealand Breakers as both teams now are at the top of the standings leveled, 11-3. As usual, Kirk Penney was a key player for the Breakers nailing 27 points. The South Dragons got 16 points from Adam Gibson as well as from Joe Ingles.

Spirit - 36ers 110-108
It was another exciting game and another victory by the hosts in this round. Derrick Low was central figure of the game with 24 points (5 triples). Adam Ballinger and Julius Hodge combined 55 points and 15 rebounds for the 36ers.

36ers - Dragons 100-106
Second defeat for Adelaide 36ers in just few days. The team of head coach Brian Goorijan succeeded to forget the failure vs New Zealand Breakers grabbing this one. Joe Ingles top-scored for the winners with 27 points. Adam Ballinger and Julius Hodge once again were on a great level, this time adding 56 points and 15 boards together.

Crocodiles - Hawks 121-113
121 points by the Crocs were more than enough for the fifth joy in NBL. Corey Williams netted 25, while Daniel Egan scored 4 points less for the hosts. Glen Saville contributed with 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists in defeat (6-7).

Taipans - Wildcats 85-101
0-2 for Cairins Taipans in just 3 days. The Perth Wildcats took this one thanks to Shawn Redhage, who collected 22 points, 6 boards and 4 assists. The Wildcats now have 9-6. Cairns Taipans got 20 poinst and 10 boards from Larry Abney.



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  BELGIUM   


D1 Round: 9 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
M.Hainaut - Gent 90-70
Dexia Mons-Hainaut outplayed Optima Gent at home with plus 20. It means that the hosts improved on pretty good 6-2 record, while Gent dropped on 2-6. Elton Nesbitt and Julian Sensley netted 20 points each for the winning squad. Sensley also had 10 more rebounds beside that. Gent got 11 points from Graham Brown, as well as from Kevin Melson.

Antwerp - Charleroi 88-76
Antwerp Diamond Giants handed the first loss to Spirou Basket Charleroi in D1, thus there is no more undefeated teams in the league. Timothy Black was on fire pacing Antwerp to fourth victory with 27 points (5 triples). Jerry Johnson contributed with 18 points in defeat.

Aalstar - Liege 80-78
Generali Okapi Aalstar escaped with a tiny overtime victory vs Belgacom Liege Basket mostly owing to Stephane Pelle, who collected 21 points and 7 rebounds. Matt Lojeski helped the hosts adding 19 pts. Liege got the most from Jamar Wilson, 19 points and 4 assists.

Oostende - Leuven 81-79
The team of head coach Sharon Drucker finally had reason for a joy in Belgian top division. Oostende outsmarted Spotter Leuven, who faced with fourth failure in eight games. Base BC Oostende has 1-6. Devin Green posted 16 while, Nick Fazekas and Matt Haryasz delivered 14 points apiece. James J.J. Miller came up with 24 points for Leuven.



Div. II Regular Season - Round 12 and various news - by Bertrand Larsimont

Basket Bree vs. Jaga Radiators Hasselt 93-73
Despite a great start by the visitors of Hasselt (6-16 after five minutes in this game), Bree made the difference in the paint and from the free-throw line (18/25).
The Basket Bree team remains impressive when playing home at the Expodroom. Ronnie McCollum (192-G-78, college: Centenary), excluded at the end of the Sint-Jan vs. Basket Bree game played on Nov. 2nd, will be suspended from Dec. 16th, 2008 to Jan. 15th, 2009 (four games).
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 20-23, 46-36, 73-56 and 93-73.
Bree: O. Hodge 8; E. Norvell 7; H. Orsulic 15; M. Meeks 13; R. McCollum 15; R. Moss 11; J. Vucica 22; T. Van Camp 2.
Hasselt: W. Jacobs 3; D. Souveryns 25; W. Geysen 5; M. Hendrix 10; Westphalen 2; R. Van Poelgeest 2; G. Vanhove 14; L. Smolders 1; D. Clemente 6; H. Baert 5.

BC Ninane vs. Falco Ghent 75-80
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 17-22, 47-40, 65-63 and 75-80.

Sint-Jan Antwerp vs. Essor Charleroi 95-64
Thomas Van De Vondel (197-F/G-80, agency: Stanley International) with 33 points in just 30 minutes and Witse Van Schil (188-G-83) with 15 points and 8 assists led their team Sint-Jan to an easy win. Essor never seemed able to challenge their hosts (except in the third quarter). The 'Jantjes' of Coach Tony van den Bosch kept running down the court and had very easy baskets in fastbreak situation.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 16-13, 48-27, 69-49 and 95-64.
Sint-Jan: W. Van Schil 15; P. Van Rillaer 4; W. Lemaire 10; L. Tielens 11; T. Van De Vondel 33; V. Verbeeck 13; S. Tielens 7; Ceyssens 2.
Essor: S. Vermeulen 17; L. Bearzotti 12; E. Mampuya 11; R. Leclercqs 10; Gevaert 6; Pellisier 5; Sperolini 2; J.F. Stache 2.

BCO Carnieres vs. Kangoeroes Willebroek 71-73
Short win for the visitors in the small gym of Carnieres on Friday night. Kangoeroes has hired former Leuven's Lithuanian center Raimondas Petrauskas (200-F-79, agency: Court Side, college: American) until the end of the season. Kangoeroes and Division I club Basket Groot Leuven would like to set a joint project in the future.

CEP Fleurus vs. Bent Schoenen Waregem 84-70
Due to injury, Waregem's Jorn Steinbach and Steve Robeyst missed the game. CEP's Polish player Tomek Rozewicz started strongly in the paint (11 points and 15 rebounds in this game). Despite two very good quarters by the visitors of BS Waregem, CEP Fleurus kept the lead at the half (39-35). In the third quarter, Waregem's experienced players Wouter De Wilde (205-F-76, agency: Agency No 10) and Bart Cleymans (195-G/F-74) suddenly tried to spoil the game and influence the referees. Strange attitude also by former Belgian Lion Erik Cleymans who was present at Bonsecours to support his brother Bart: through the whole game, he kept criticizing and shouting at the referees from the stands. Very nervous and frustrated, Wouter Dewilde kicked water bottles on the sideline after being sent out from the game. Much more positive was the talent and the gentleman's attitude showed by young Waregem's players Sander De Leersnyder, Arne Steinbach and Bram Raes as well as the nice fighting spirit by their 32-year-old guard Fred Van Vooren. The CEP men of Coach Bastianini remained calm and their showman Sam Semijejero (196-F/C-77) as well as the fast playing trio Stephen Stephen Tison (176-G-84), Ludo Pourtoit (182-G-88) and Amaury Jadin (189-G-86) led the home team to a crucial win.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 22-14, 39-35, 61-52 and 84-70.
Fleurus: J. Vanesse 12; S. Tison 16; L. Pourtoit 16; A. Jadin 12; T. Rozewicz 11; B. Penninck 8; S. Semijejero 9.
Waregem: F. Van Vooren 6; S. De Leersnyder 15; B. Bogaert 6; W. De Wilde 9; B. Cleymans 22; B. Raes 8; A. Steinbach 2.

BT Power Wevelgem vs. BBC Boom 82-80
After five years at the head of BT Power Wevelgem, Peter Castelein is not coach of the team anymore and has been replaced by Luc Margodt.

Jako Pitzemburg Mechelen vs. De West Hoek Zwevezele 58-57
Short win for the hometeam, playing in front of a very sparse attendance due to a snowstorm hitting Begium.

Brian Heinle (206-C-78, agency: Court Side, college: Cal.St. Northridge) will play for Zwevezele until the end of the season.

Bye: Royal Alsec Nivelles



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  BOSNIA   


Bosnian League 13 - 9TH week - by Elvir Halilovic
Results:
Novi Grad Atal - Igokea Partizan 71:106
Grude - Hercegovac 81:63
Leotar - Siroki Eronet 78:80
Borac Nektar - Sloboda Dita 77:88
Zrinjski HTM - Posusje 73:65
Vitez - Slavija 114:104


Borac Nektar - Sloboda Dita 77:88
(18:32, 24:24, 15:15, 20:17).
Banjaluka, SD Borik; Att.: 2.000; Ref.: Obradovic, Okuka, Drmic
BORAC NEKTAR: Vucic, Janusevic 12, Puljko 21, Peterkin 4, Mladenovic 4, Milekic, Djurasovic 11, Richardson 7, Pavlovic, Milinovic 5, Garma 11
SLOBODA DITA: Jakubovic, Jovanovic 33, Halilovic 4, Velimirovic 17, Hrncic 8, Halilbegovic 1, Albijanic 6, Persic, Leric 15, Markovic 4, Alibasic, Golijanin

Zrinjski HTM - Posusje 73:65
(12:13, 18:19, 23:15, 20:18)
Mostar, SD Bijeli brijeg; Att.: 400; Ref.: Pehar, Krizanac, Nakic
ZRINJSKI HTM: Bisko, Sarenac, Norac 7, Gligora 8, Sesar 19, Petric, Simovic 1, Peraica 23, Vujcic, Vuckovic 15, Brecic
POSUSJE: S. Rezo 10, Cutura 2, Soda 19, Susak, Zaper 2, Galic 18, Ramljak 3, T. Mustapic 6, Djerek 2, K. Mustapic, Planinic 3

Standings - BIH League
D1 Standings
 1. Zrinjski MC 8-0 
 2. Igokea 7-1 
 3. Sloboda Dita 7-2 
 4. BoracNektar 5-3 
 5. Siroki Eronet 5-3 
 6. SL IAT Leotar 5-3 
 7. Slavija 3-4 
 8. Mladost MG 3-5 
 9. Grude 3-5 
 10. Posusje 3-6 
 11. Vitez 2-6 
 12. Hercegovac 2-6 
 13. Novi Grad 0-9 
Will join on later stage:
 1. Bosna S. - 


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


Levski better than CSKA in derby game of NBL - by Valentin Anguelov

With the derby game between CSKA and Levski finished the first quarter of the regular season in National Basketball League. The 'Blues' won 90-76 despite playing without Vasko Evtimov and not showing good play at all.

There was a derby but only on paper as it wasn't like the games from years back. Levski was in front for most of the game and despite the attempts of CSKA's players for something more in the game the boys of Titi Papazov recorded their 5th win and will be third in the standings with the same record as Spartak Pleven, 5 wins and 2 losses. Lukoil Academic is at the top with 6 and 1.

After this round all teams have played 7 games and after the three top teams are following Euroins Cherno More and Rilski Sportist with 4 wins and 3 losses, Yambol and CSKA with 2 and 5 and Sliven with no wins.

With Evtimov out, Stefan Georgiev (206-C/F-78, agency: Interperformances) played his best game of the season and finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds despite playing only 24 minutes.

His brother Zlatin Georgiev scored 12 points for second straight game and added also 6 rebounds and 2 steals.

Marcus Hall added his regular points, today 16, but again finished with highest number of turnovers - 6.

'The Blue' players showed good shooting from outside - 11 from 25 for 44 % but went only 7 times to the free throw line with 5 successfull attempts.

Very good game for CSKA had Krum Doychinov who scored his highest for the season 21 points. He added also 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Milos Sakota added 18 points while Nikos Bohoridis finished with 15.

Next friday will start the second quarter of games from the regular season when Lukoil Academic will host Sliven, Yambol - Levski and CSKA - Euroins Cherno More.


FULL STATS OF THE CSKA - LEVSKI GAME



NBL Round: 7 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Sliven - Rilski S-list 69-97
Rilski Sportist cruised past Sliven on the road with plus 28. Dragoslav Papic shined for the winners collecting 22 points and 8 rebounds for 33 minutes. Leven Belberov had 19, while Bogdan Boev netted 3 points less. Sliven got the most from Todor Tenev, 23 points and 6 boards. Rilski improved on 4-3, while Sliven will have to look for some other chance in order to grab the first win this season (0-7).

Yambol - Spartak P. 87-95
Rob Preston and Hrisimir Dimitrov combined 43 points, 18 rebounds and 7 assists together for Spartak Pleven pacing it to fifth victory this season. On the other side, Scott O'Gallagher once again was on a pretty high level for Yambol draining 26 points. However, it was not enough for his team, who dropped on 2-5 in NBL.

CSKA - Levski 76-90
With the derby game between CSKA and Levski finished the first quarter of the regular season in National Basketball League. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news by the local correspondent Valentin Anguelov

Lukoil A. - ChernoMore 92-83
After second win in Eurohold Balkan League Bulgarian Euroins Cherno More scared the champion of the country Lukoil Academic on their own court. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news by the local correspondent Valentin Anguelov

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  CHINA   


CBA Round 4 Game Result - by Robert Wang
CBA round 4 game just finished tonight.
Jiang Su 119:85 Shang Hai , Ba Yi 88:100 Dong Guan , Fu Jian SBS 113:104 Zhe Jiang, Yun Nan 87:103 Guang Sha, Shaan Xi 86:103 Guang Dong , Bei Jing 98:84 Tian Jin , Shan Xi 79:105 Xin jiang , Ji Lin 116:83 Qing Dao, Liao Ning 111:99 Shan Dong. Liao Ning team and Bei Jing team won their first game at the new season. While Qing Dao just won their first game but lost the game again tonight.

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  CYPRUS   


Keravnos beats AEL in a close game!! 81-78 - by Nasios Orinos

The 'geniuses' of eurobasket.com, as they were characterized by Keravnosbc.com, have clearly predicted two days ago, that Keravnos would have won this game. Keravnos could not afford to lose, as this would mean the end of the season.


Teams had 2 quarters each, with AEL getting the 1st and the 4th, and Keravnos the 2nd and the 3rd. AEL got off on a strong start and was ahead on the score in the 1st quarter by 3 (16-19). At the 2nd quarter, and specifically on the 13, Alekxandar Radojevic was sent on the bench for getting a technical (said something to the referees) allowing its opponent to partying under the basket with Buckman getting the ball inside and delivering without difficulty.
Keravnos was ahead to the score, leading even by 12, (58-46) and finishing the 3rd period with 61-52. AEL stepped in determined in the 4th period and with good defence on Greer, managed on the 35 to sank a couple of 3-pointers, cut the lead to 6 and slowly advanced to a 2 point lead, 67-69.
The last 2 minutes were indeed magnificent. Keravnos kept a 4 point lead but AEL's Mitchell and Taylor, insisted sanking 3-pointers, showing how badly wanted this game. During those minutes Keravnos pulled down 3 crucial offensive rebounds, managing to win the game, 81-78.


Statistically speaking, Keravnos pulled down a total of 29 rebounds with AEL getting 25. As already said, offensive rebounds for Keravnos were +3 (Keravnos pulled a total of 9 offensive Rebounds, AEL pulled 6 offensive rebounds), and those were the ones that have given it the victory.
Worth mentioning for both teams is the fact that Keravnos had 7 more steals than AEL in the 2nd half (in the 1st half steals were 4-3 respectively) but AEL had 11 more assists than Keravnos in the 2nd half (in the 1st half assists were 5-4 respectively). On total Keravnos went to the fee throw line 23 times, with 17 being successful, whereas AEL hit 7 out 12.

Generally speaking, Keravnos had indeed guts and passion and proved that it cannot be beated in its court. The team has slowly started to find its way and people in the club are confident for even better days.

In regards to AEL's defeat, has definitely contributed the fact that Radojevic had deliberately stayed out long and was not there to pull down rebounds especially at the fourth period. More over we believe that Dragan and his players have given too much attention to the referees instead of concentrating on the game, managing to get 3-technicals giving their opponent 6 easy points that turned out to be important.

AEL has proved that it is a great team and will be a great contender. No other team would stand so well and fight the game equallly until the last second, against Keravnos in Strovolos. Add to that, the fact that it had played for 27 minutes without its building block (Radojevic).

Dragan Raca has proven once more that is not accidentally holding the best coaching record in Cyprus. He dared to sit Radojevic on the bench for 27 minutes and played the game as if nothing happened until the end. Dragan surely has guts and he certainly made his point. He well communicated to his player that discipline in the team is of high importance and that if he wants to play he has to be a professional. This should be a lesson for all coaches!


Quarters: 1st=16-19, 2nd=40-36, 3rd=61-52, 4th=81-78



Krasic in, Marjanovic out - by Chris Mammides

Keravnos Strovolou and Paris Papaellinas management decided to add in the current roster the bosman player Barisa Krasic (203-F-78) in the position of the power forward/cetner Marjanovic due to his serious injury earleir on this week. Krasic will actually play in the most crucial game of the regular seazon against Dragan Raca's team Proteas EKA AEL.

So Keravnos Strovolou will play against the strongest team of the league (until now) with a new adding which could be the 'secret ace' in the Strovolos Head Coach sleeve.
For more news in a while and after the end of the game tonight.



Week 4: Round Up - by Chris Mammides

The results for the fourth week of the Cyprus league were as follows:
Intercollege Etha - Seastar Apoel 58-59
Top scorers were:

Joseph Garcia (206-C-75, college: UTEP) with 19 points and Rasheed Brokenborough (191-G-77, college: Temple) with 13 points from Apoel while from the home team, top scorer was Car with 18 points. The quartres of the game were: 9-20,28-31,45-44 and 58-59. Coach Stylianides debute in Apoel's bench was successfull in a very pour game though.
Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD- Pizza Express Primetel Apollon 80-71
Top scorers were:

Forman with 22 points and Wilson with 15 while from Apollon only Sims tried his best succeeding 18 points. The quarters were: 21-14, 43-28, 61-49, 80-71
Proteas EKA AEL - Achilleas Kaimakliou 97-68

Top scorers were:

Blanhart with 25 points followed by Aleksandar Radojevic (220-C-76, college: Barton County CC) with 18 while from Achilleas Ivan Grgat (210-F/C-74), Zujovic and Bradfors scored 22, 17 and 19 respectively. The quarters were: 22-14, 45-35, 78-51, 97-68
BMC AEK - Keravnos 76-77

Top scorers were:

From Keravnos LaMarr Greer (196-G-76, college: Florida St.) and Backman with 25 and 20 points respectively while from the home site, Ronald Alexander (213-F/C-84, college: Miss.Valley St.) and Anderson with 16 and 13 respectively.

The quarters were: 23-15,51-33,65-56,76-77



Standings - Division A
Division A Standings
 1. Keravnos 5-0 
 2. AEL 3-1 
 3. Apollon 2-2 
 4. APOEL 2-2 
 5. AEK 2-2 
 6. Achilleas K. 2-2 
 7. ENAD 2-3 
 8. Omonia 1-3 
 9. Etha 0-3 


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  EGYPT   


First round results for the Egyptian season 2009 - by Sherif Soliman

The Egypyian season started last night, This season will be totaly different, we can see Gezira with a new team with the age average of 20 years, Also we can find Ahly who made the best deals this season by signing ahmed Sakr,Mohamed Kerdany from Gezira and Samir Gouda from Zamalek,We can also expect a lot from Itthad, Somouha andSporting the tree Alxandrian teams they have all the reasons to win a chapion this season.However last night results cwascas follows:

Itthad 81 - 57 Olympi

Gezira 92- 64 Shams

Somouha 64- 53 Shorta

Zamalek 73 - 65 Geish

Sporting 99- 80 Shark insurance



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  EUROCUP   


Veteran Fucka back in Fortitudo - by Andrej Ljajic
Fortitudo Bologna brought back the 37-years old veteran Gregor Fucka (214-C-71, agency: Interperformances). Fucka has been training with Fortitudo Bologna for the past month and should adjust to the squad quickly. Fucka will be used as a back-up for centers Bagaric and Achara. Fortitudo Bologna starts his Eurocup campaign against Artland Dragons, which is expected to be an easy win, and they will fight against FMP and Valencia to get a place in the last 16. Fortitudo Bologna is now on the 10th place in the Italian domestic league with 3 wins and 4 losses.

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Unicaja's Haislip out for at least 3 weeks - by Andrej Ljajic
After a contact with Barcelona's David Andersen, Unicaja's power forward Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) will be sidelined for at least 3 weeks due to a leg injury. Haislip got injured late in the game against Barcelona in the Spanish league. Even when Haislip returned to the game in the fourth quarter, it was already confirmed yesterday and Haislip would miss some time due to a double muscle tear in his left thigh. Further research confirmed the bad news, as Haislip will miss three Euroleague games against Maccabi Electra, Le Mans and Olympiacos.

The first derby was Green! - Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 86-69 - by Chris Mammides
Live from OAKA:
Without Perperoglou and with not very good psychology due to the last results in both Eurolegue and in the Greek league (suffered its first loss against Panellinios last week), Zeljko Obradovic 's Greens thrashed Giannakis Reds with 17 points difference, (the game went up to 22 points) and with final score: Panathinaikos Olympiakos 86-69.
Zeljko Obradovic did it again, even though this season everybody was claiming that Olympiakos is much stronger than ever and that this could be the season to break the home court of the Greens, this will delay for another round (at least) Panathinaikos had an amazing Pekovic and an amazing duet in the point guards position as Diamantidis and Jasikevicius were simply amazing. On the other hand, Giannakis team was not in a very good day with 18 false balls and with the red stars remaining in a shallow night as Thodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77) ended the game with 2 points and 6 false balls while Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) scored 11 with a medium performance. Only Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) tried to change the status of the game but he was all alone, the Israeli guard scored 20 points in 25 minutes. The MVP of the game was definitely the Monte Negro center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86), the talented center in his very first derby in the Greek league proved to be ready to become the Green center for the years to come, Pekovic scored 21 points with 9/9 in the paint, dashing down 4 rebounds and having a TENDEX of 1.284 what else could Zeljko Obradovic be expecting from his center, and all these in something less than 18 minutes in the court, from a close distance was the three dimensional Dimitris Diamantidis, the three times top defender in the Euroleague, finished the game with the following amazing stats: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals while Adrew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) first Greek derby was not bas at all as the American top scorer in Euroleague finished the game with 15 points. The difference of the two teams in assists (17vs9) and in steals (7vs3) was much bigger than the one of rebounds as the two teams in the specific sector were more or less the same, 35 greens and 32 Red rebounds.

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Kouvot "D" was poison for FoKoPo - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 13: Two contests tonight. Kataja (Joensuu) defeating at home Team Componenta (Karkkila) 86-73 (38-31). Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) led Kataja (9-4) with 21 pts and 22 rbs! Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) added 21 pts and gave nine assists. Team Componenta (5-8) was led by Frank Richards (188-G-82, college: Kansas St.), 26 pts. Kenneth Henderson (203-F-82, college: Texas Arlington) played his first game on TC roster. Henderson's start was not bad at all: 17 pts/12 rbs. In Forssa hosting FoKoPo was leading 64-57 with 5 minutes to go, but Kouvot (Kouvola) had a strong end of the game. American PG Brian Swift (178-G-82, agency: Octagon, college: S.Florida) took Kouvot to the lead (64-66) with 1:09 to go and the same man made a 2-pointer (64-68), when there were 33 seconds on the clock. Ronny LeMelle (196-G-81, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Auburn) made one FT with two seconds to go and also the final result 66-71. FoKoPo (6-7) had only two players (Vincent Hunter (208-F-84, college: Arkansas) and Teemu Heiskanen (188-G-84)) in double figures. LeMelle led Kouvot (9-4) with 18 pts.

Kataja - Team Componenta 86-73 (38-31) (Jeremiah Wood 21/22, Larry Blair 21/9a, Juho Nenonen 16 - Frank Richards 26, Kenneth Henderson 17/12, Darrell Waters 12/11).

FoKoPo - Kouvot 66-71 (38-42) (Vincent Hunter 25/11, Teemu Heiskanen 13 - Ronny LeMelle 18, Brian Swift 12, Roope Suonio 12).



Korisliiga Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
KTP - ToPo 109-68
KTP climbed on top of the ladder at least for one day as they opened Round 13 with a cruising 109:68 win over ToPo. Ville Makalainen fired 24 points to pace KTP. Damon Williams had 16 points, 10 assists and 5 boards for the winners. ToPo responded with 16 points from James Allen.

Honka - LrNMKY 100-81
Honka dealt with Lappeenranta 100:81 to climb at 8-5 record in the standings. Six Honka players scored in double figures in the game. Monte Cummings and Sasu Salin led the charge with 17 points each. Ben Perkins scored 16 points, grabbed 7 rebounds and dished out 4 assists in the win. Demetrius Brown responded with 20 points and 10 boards for LrNMKY.

Pyrinto - Namika Lahti 75-77
Bilal Abdullah and Ville Vesala scored three points in the final minute of the game and Namika Lahti escaped with a 77:75 win over Pyrinto today. Bilal Abdullah finished a dramatic clash with 23 points to lead Lahti. Ray Nixon delivered 21 points for the winners. Kurtis Rice responded with 20 points for Pyrinto in the loss.

Tarmo - Korihait 75-86
Korihait fired down Tarmo 86:75 on the road. Alain Laroche scored 21 points and pulled down 6 boards, while Bojan Sarcevic had 19 points in the winning case. Emmanuel Messy was unstoppable for the hosts with 29 points and 10 rebounds.

Kataja - Componenta 86-73
Kataja secured a minimal distance to the league leading Lahti as they handled Team Componenta 86:73 at home court today. Jeremiah Woods tallied massive 21 points and 22 rebounds for Kataja. Larry Blair added 21 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds for the winning team. Frank Richards answered with 26 points for Componenta as they fell at 5-8 record.

FoKoPo - Kouvot 66-71
Kouvot stayed in the second place in the standings after the round. Kouvot fired down FoKoPo 71:66 away from home. Ronny LeMelle netted 18 points for the winners. Brian Swift and Roope Suonio added 12 points each for Kouvot. Vincent Hunter replied with 25 points and 11 boards for FoKoPo as they suffered the seventh defeat.



1st Division Round: 8 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Salon Vilpas - HNMKY 74-65
Salon Vilpas grabbed the fifth win in the tournament as they held off HNMKY 74:65 at home court. Aubrey Conerly came up with 28 points, 7 assists and 7 steals to pace the Vikings. Amani Daanish ensured 15 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Sauli Silvonen replied with 13 points for the Helsinki team.

Kauhajoki - LoKoKo 108-81
Kauhajoki secured the sixth win in the tournament and remained on top. This time Kauhajoki bettered LoKoKo 108:81 at home. Eric Washington delivered 25 points and 12 boards for the winners. Brandon Polk came up with 20 points for the league leaders. LoKoKo stayed winless despite game-high 29 points from Jonathan Heard.

Ura Basket - BC Nokia 81-103
Jason Holmes fired 30 points to lead Nokia to a 103:81 win over Ura Basket on the road. It was the fifth victory for the team in eight games played. Matt Dlouhy tallied 23 points and 14 boards in the victory. Armondo Surratt poured in 42 points for Ura Basket in the loss.

Lapua - JKS 103-105
Kevin Francis nailed three points in the final 23 seconds of the game as JKS pulled away with a narrow 105:103 victory over Lapua. He finished with impressive 43 points and 14 rebounds for the winning team. Magen McNeil contibuted 34 points and grabbed 11 boards for JKS. Kyle Carhart answered with 25 points for Lapua in the loss.

HNMKY - PuHu 85-98
PuHu improved at 3-3 record as they trounced HNMKY 98:85 on the road. Anthony Davis chipped in 29 points and collected 11 rebounds to lead PuHu. Marko Piplovic delivered 25 points and 11 caroms for the winners. Jose Domingues Del Villar responded with 14 points and 7 rebounds for HNMKY.

Huima - Honka 83-97
Honka earned the third win as they overwhelmed Huima 97:83 behind 21 points from Antti Raami. Matt Williams contributed 19 points in the victory. Reijo Ojanen managed 24 points for Huima. Justice Graham contributed 19 points and 9 assists as the hosts dropped at 4-3 record.



*****************************************************
  GAMBIA   


Mboge debuts in Sweden - by Rolando Delabarrera
Gambian small forward Yusupha Mboge is starting his pro career in sweden. The 6'7'' leaper is suiting up for the KFUM Kalmar Saints. You can track down some info on the club in Eurobasket and they presently have a Youtube site as well. Mboge reported his team won their first game 92-89 and he had 10 points and 11 rebounds in his pro debut with the club. Mboge is a talented athlete with an impressive vertical and short range game. In earlier writings I pointed out that he had the most ' US style play' of any of the players I saw on my trip to Gambia two summers ago. Mboge and Njagu Taal both attended the Courtside Pro Camp in Germany this past summer.Yusupha Mboge (199-G-84, agency: Court Side)

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


Pascal "Mr Reliable" Roller Saves The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Against The New York Phantoms Braunschweig 81 To 75 In OT - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Even when the world is coming to an end for a person, mans best friend the dog will always stick by him, and when The Deutsche Bank Skyliners need the big hoop in crunch time, it is always captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76) who shows he is as dependable as mans best friend the trusty dog. After his last second shot in Nordlingen that brought the team into overtime, Pascal Roller did it again with two seconds remaining lifting his team into overtime against Braunschweig. This great shot was a bit overshadowed by the first official BBL encounter between brother Konrad and Kevin Wysocki (198-F-87). Five year older Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) was happy to play against his brother. 'It was a nice feeling to play against each other. It wasnt easy for my brother to come in so late in the game. He didnt want to make mistakes. The two quick fouls showed that he was very excited.' Kevin Wysocki was a bit disappointed of the loss, but happy to duel against his brother Konrad. 'It was a nice experience to play against him. We should of won the game in the regular time, but we were a bit weakened due to all the guys who had fouled out'. With the come from behind win, Frankfurt climb to position seven and The New York City Phantoms Braunschweig stay at position 11. 'This was a tough loss for us. We had a great opportunity to win, but give credit to Frankfurt for winning in overtime', expressed Kyle Visser (211-C-85, agency: Octagon, college: Wake Forest).


In front of 4,700 zealous fans, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners raced out to a 10-0 lead showing an offensive explosion that had the Ballsporthalle fans in awe early on. The first quarter was extremely insane as it was a game of runs. Four of the first five hoops were produced in the zone as Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) had little work making three quick hoops in the zone. In the first four minutes, Frankfurt displayed a fierce defense with much intensity that would weaken a bit as the game progressed. However Basketball would be tedious, when the game wouldnt have runs. Braunschweig came storming back on a 10-2 run. They werent slipping into the zone, but moreover hitting most everything from out. After German Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85) flew into the zone for a layup, Braunschweig would take their first lead. It seemed like Braunschweig coach Emir Mutapcic had an invisible magic wane as Braunschweig was as shot certain as was Michael Jordan (199-F-63, college: N.Carolina) in his prime in crunch time for The Chicago Bulls.

Braunschweig went on a 12-0 run with four consecutive three pointers. American BBL rookie Jeremy Crouch (196-G-85, college: Bradley) came in and drained two three pointers. Braunschweig led 16 to 12 and ever since the 10-0 run by Frankfurt, the Phantoms had gone on a 16 to 2 run. The intensity of the Frankfurt defense had dipped below the freezing point. However the first quarter ended with one last run by Frankfurt of 5-0. Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) first introduced his new turn around jumper in Bamberg that would of even made Minnesota Timberwolves GM Kevin Mchale smile and unleased it again against Braunschweig. Pascal Roller and Max Weber (201-G/F-85) followed with free throws and Frankfurt led 17-16 after one quarter. After taking a 8-1 lead on rebounds, Frankfurt got a bit lazy as they only led 12-8 after 10 minutes. Frankfurt also was shooting lousy from three point land.

The first few minutes of the second quarter were very narrow, but The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were able to keep the slim lead. Braunschweig got some hoops from Americans Dustin Salisbery (196-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) and Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska), while Frankfurt got points from Ilian Evtimov and Keith Simmons (196-G-85, college: Holy Cross). Frankfurt lost some concentration as Braunschweig went on a 9-1 run, taking their first big lead of game 30 to 24. Braunschweig was getting too easy hoops in the paint and getting important offensive rebounds. Americans Jason Cain (208-F-85, college: Virginia) and Dustin Salisbery scored inside in this phase. Ilian Evtimov stopped the run as he scored a three pointer from the V.I.P room. However with little time left, American Kyle Visser stole the ball and sent American William Franklin (183-G-85, college: Bradley) on the fast break for the hoop. The New York Phantoms Braunschweig led 32 to 29 at half time. The most unsatisfying stat was that Frankfurt had let up 14 of 16 points in the paint in the second quarter. Frankfurt was shooting only 29% from three point land, was losing the rebound fight 19-18, turned over the ball ten times and probably had coach Murat Didin asking for an extra pack of headache pills.

The New York Phantoms Braunschweig held on to their lead in the third quarter, but could not run away with the lead at first. After a Kyle Visser hoop in the zone, Derrick Allen followed up with a mini hook shot. Andrew Drevo then made a mid distance jumper with a sprawling Anthony King coming at him. Braunschweig led 36 to 31, but would have a short lapse as Evtimov scored and captain Pascal Roller finally hit his first shot on a catch and pop sequence. After Kyle Visser grabbed an offensive rebound and scored, it was Pascal Roller again with a jump shot after a De Mello steal. The score was tied again at 38. Now Braunschweig gained the momentum going on a 13-2 run as they showed just how dangerous they can be when they play inside out. American William Franklin is more known as a shooting point guard, but he showed flashes of passing brilliance as he leaped in the zone and surprisingly found an open Jason Cain, who finished with a nifty reverse layup. American Jeremy Crouch sunk a long three pointer. Braunschweig led 51 to 40. However Frankfurt had had enough and closed the Braunschweig scoring a bit ending the third quarter with a 8-3 run. Ilian Evtimov showed his beautiful passing finding Keith Simmons sneaking into the zone from the wing with a two handed slam dunk. Later Ilian Evtimov drained an open three pointer. Braunschweig led 54 to 48 after three quarters. Both teams were still shooting miserably from three point land, but the rebounds were even, but Frankfurt already had 15 turnovers, even though they have a season average of 13.


The New York Phantoms showed little nerves in the beginning of the fourth quarter as they made Frankfurt work for every basket. After Derrick Allen and Andrew Drevo traded hoops in the zone, American Kyle Visser made a two handed slam dunk with Konrad Wysocki a step too late. Frankfurt then created some extra energy going on a 7-2 run. American Derrick Allen hit a mid distance jumper and a hoop in the zone barrelling past Andrew Drevo, who fell backwards showing his acting skills still need polishing as the referee wasnt about to fall for that. American William Franklin made two easy hoops in the lane, past a Roller,who had to hold back because of four fouls and Keith Simmons, who was a step late. Pascal Roller then sunk a big three pointer cutting Braunschweigs lead to only 62 to 60. Braunschweig wasnt caving in as Nils Mittmann (201-F/C-79, agency: Agency No 10) hit a huge three pointer with Allen in his face. After a few free throws, Ilian Evtimov made a big steal from Jeremy Crouch and American Titus Ivory (193-G-79, college: Penn St.) finished with a left handed lay up. Braunschweig led only 67 to 64, After a Simmons free throw, Salisbery could only make one free throw. Braunschweig led 68 to 65 with eight seconds to play. Frankfurt brought the ball up quickly and as usual it was time for Pascal Mr reliable Roller to save the day and he did making a three pointer sending the Ballsporthalle into a frenzy. 'We had great pressure defense and Roller made a great shot. Even if Pascal has not made his usual shots in the game, you can count on him always to make the big shot', said Konrad Wysocki.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had two advantages going into overtime with the Roller shot momentum and the fact that Andrew Drevo, Kyle Visser and Jason Cain had fouled out. Coach Mutapcic had had loud words for Kyle Visser in the fourth quarter and wasnt happy with his play. 'Coach wasnt too happy about my fouls. He is a very emotional man, but a good coach. We have a fine relationship', commented Kyle Visser. Frankfurt had the better start going on a 4-0 lead with Wysocki free throws and an Evtimov layup. Then Kevin Wysocki made his big entrance getting two quick fouls, but then making a layup. After William Franklin hit a free throw, Frankfurt led only 75 to 72. Now the whole tide of the game changed After Americans Titus Ivory scored in the zone and Keith Simmons made an off balance shot. Ilian Evtimov then made a big steal and iced the game with two free throws.'Our strong defense led us to victory in overtime', commented Derrick Allen. The last second three pointer by William Franklin didnt change anything as Frankfurt had dominate the overtime period and deserved to win. 'In the overtime, it really helped that we had the fans behind us. Our emotions were high and that big Pascal Roller shot to get us into overtime helped us win it in overtime', stated Konrad Wysocki.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by Ilian Evtimov with 23 points and five rebounds. American Derrick Allen produced 15 points and three rebounds. German Pascal Roller chipped in with 13 points and American Keith Simmons had a nice debut back from his injury with 12 points, six rebounds and three assists. The New York Phnatoms Braunschweig were led by American William Franklin with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. Americans Andrew Drevo, Dustin Salisbery and Jeremy Crouch chipped in with 11 points a piece.

This was not an easy win for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners as they had to exercise tough labor to win in overtime. It was a game that Braunschweig could of won, but let slip out of their hands as too many key players fouled out and Frankfurt gained the momentum with the big Roller shot. In the end, both teams were shoddy from three point land as Frankfurt didnt show a good example with their 27% or Braunschweig with their 31%. One aspect that should be commended was their comeback in winning the rebound duel 48 to 40. They started out well rebounding, lost control, but picked it up near the end of the fourth quarter and in overtime. The team also played more intelligent and control Basketball only giving up one turnover in the last 15 minutes of play. Frankfurt quietly won their fourth game out of their last five games and are back in the playoff zone. In crunch time, the Frankfurt defense was a wall, but could be more consistent for 40 minutes. Frankfurt might of taken a chaper out of the Nordlingen win as this win was very similar to the ending in overtime. The gang of Murat Didin showed a new quality that has more to do with character than skill. 'We showed incredible preserverence, never gave up and showed great fighting spirit', explained an elated Titus Ivory. In the next weeks, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will have double duty as the Euro challenge starts. The next game is on Tuesday in Estonia against BC Kalev Cramo and the next BBL game on Saturday November 29th at 18:30.



ProA Round: 9 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Kirchheim - teckproBraves 83-78
Kirchheim overcame teckproBraves 83:78 in Round 9 of Pro A. Baumann Adam top-scored for the winners with 26 points, while Tomasevic Radivoj netted 18. Paeley Pele ended up with 25 points for the visitors.

Chemnitz - Hagen 87-78
Chemnitz edged Hagen 87:78 behind 24 points from Khartchenkov Nikita. Gerwig Nate ended up with 20 points, while Freeman Zach posted 18 points in the losing effort.

Heidelberg - ETB Wohnbau 86-84
Heidelberg overcame ETB Wohnbau 86:84 as the team celebrated the initial win in the League. Hodges Jibril paced all the winners with 32 points, while Schroter Sebastian had 21 points for the guests.

Lich - Schalke 75-65
Lischka Johannes led Lich over Schalke in a 75:65 win with 29 points and 6 rebounds. Evans Yannick produced 20 points in the losing effort as both teams are 3-6 in the league.

Bayreuth - Bremen 81-69
Bayreuth improved to 8-1 record on top after the win over Bremen 81:69. Oppland Dan paced all the winners with 24 points and 14 rebounds. Mueller Josh chipped in 17 points for the visiting team.

Cuxhaven - B.Muenchen 82-78
Cuxhaven topped Muenchen 82:78 for 6-3 record in Pro A. Watkins Brandon and Porter Josh combined 42 points to lead all the winners. Parker Kelvin paced 6 players who reached double digits for the guests with 18 points.

Karlsruhe - Jena 86-88
Jena was one of two teams in the round to celebrate the victory away from home. Karlsruhe lost at home 86:88 as Jena improved to 5-4 record. Williamson Drew led the winners with 18 points and Uhegwu Henry posted 17. Roessler Rouven had the same number of points in defeat.

Langen - MBC 71-96
MBC had a 71:96 road win over Langen to improve to 7-2 in the second position. Chavis Will top-scored for the winners with 16 points, while Chappell Brandon nailed 15 in defeat.



Tom Conboy strengthens the frontcourt of TV Werne - by Daniel Poerschke
TV Werne BB of the 2. Regionalliga West added another recent NCAA D3 graduate to their roster: Tom Conboy (203-F, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Macalester) will be the new man in the middle for Head Coach Ivan Rosic. Conboy played college ball at Macalester and was recognized as a NABC Division III West Region 1st Team and D3hoops.com All-West Region 1st Team Member in 2008. The versatile forward was touring China during the last weeks with a select team from the Santa Barbara Breakers playing against local CBA teams. He played his first game for Werne today, a close loss to 1. Regionalliga West club BG Dorsten in a WBV-Cup game.

1.Bundesliga Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Telekom B. - EnBW L'burg 76-67
Telekom overcame EnBW L'burg 76:67 in Round 11 of BBL. Frazier Winsome and Strasser, Johannes combined 41 points for the winners. Jones Domonic and Watts Dane ended up with 16 points each in defeat, while McCray David posted 13.

LTi 46ers - Pad.Baskets 79-68
LTi Giessen 46ers defeated Paderborn Baskets 79:68 for 3-8 record. Umeh Michael led the winners with 16 points, while Worthy Brandon had 12. Esterkamp Steven and McAllister Bryant produced 15 points each in defeat.

Art.Dragons - Noerdlingen 83-74
Artland Dragons edged Giants Nordlingen 83:74 at home behind 23 points from Adam Hess. Chad Prewitt added 18 while Darren Fenn had 16 for the Dragons. Lamont McIntosh led an 11-1 run that sealed the outcome for the winners.

EWE Baskets - Brose Baskets 76-73
EWE Baskets Oldenburg outscored Brose Baskets 76:73 at home on Saturday. Rickey Paulding led the way for Oldenburg with 19 points. Filiberto Rivera had 17 points for Brose Baskets that went down to 5-5.

Dt.Bank SKY - NY Phantoms 81-75
Deutsche Bank Skyliners topped New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig 81:75 in overtime. Evtimov Ilian top-scored for the winners with 23 points and Allen Derrick netted 15. Franklin William led the way for his team with 21 points.

Bremerhaven - ratiopharm 86-90
ratiopharm Ulm upset Eisbaren Bremerhaven 86:90 behind 25 points from Romeo Travis. Gibbs Jeff collected 18 points and 11 rebounds, while Callahan Craig scored 25 points for the home side.

ALBA - TBB Trier 89-78
Alba Berlin improved to 8-1 to keep leading the standings. The favorite overcame TBB Trier 89:78 at home on Sunday. Immanuel McElroy led the winners with 14 points. Adam Chubb added 13, Casey Jacobsen and Rashad Wright each got 12. Copeland Christopher scored 18 points for the visitors.

Koeln 99ers - Goettingen 76-77
BG 74 Gottingen beat Koln 99ers 76:77 away from home. Turner Robert and Terrell Julian paced the winners with 18 points each. Bailey Kyle top-scored for the hosts with 20 points.

Duesseldorf - Walter Tigers 75-71
Giants Dusseldorf cruised past Walter Tigers Tubingen 75:71. Winters Brendan paced all the winners with 18 points, while Lottich Matt and Campbell Pete had 12 each. Anderson Jermaine finished the night with 21 points for the guests.



Standings - 1. Bundesliga
1.Bundesliga Standings
 1. ALBA 8-1 
 2. Oldenburg 7-3 
 3. Art.Dragons 7-4 
 4. Bonn 7-4 
 5. Ulm 7-4 
 6. Goettingen 6-2 
 7. Frankfurt 6-4 
 8. Duesseldorf 6-4 
 9. Bamberg 5-5 
 10. Braunschweig 5-5 
 11. Ludwigsb. 5-5 
 12. Trier 5-6 
 13. Tuebingen 5-6 
 14. Noerdlingen 4-7 
 15. Paderborn 3-7 
 16. Giessen 3-8 
 17. Koeln 99ers 3-8 
 18. Bremerhaven 1-10 


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  GREECE   


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


Standings - B Division
B Standings
 1. Komotini 6-1 
 2. Arkadikos 6-1 
 3. Apollon K. 5-2 
 4. Ikaros K. 5-2 
 5. OFI 5-2 
 6. Amyntas 4-3 
 7. Lavrio 4-3 
 8. Periko-Arhelao 4-3 
 9. Doukas 4-3 
 10. Anagennisi 3-4 
 11. Ikaroi Serron 3-4 
 12. AIAS Evosmou 3-4 
 13. Goumenissa 2-5 
 14. Sporting 1-6 
 15. Halkida 1-6 
 16. P.Faliro 0-7 


Greek Cup: Quarter Finals - by Chris Mammides
The four teams which qualified in the Semi Finals of the Greek cup (which will take place in one months time) are: Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus, Panathinaikos Athens, Panionios ON Telecoms Athens and Marousi
Olympiakos S.F.P. Pireus beat AEK for a second consecutive time after another easy night. The final score was 81-66 and Vassilopoulos and Thodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77) together with Greer were the top performers and the top scorers. Vassilopoulos scored 12 points and dashed down 4 rebounds, while Thodoros Papaloukas who was the MVP of the game scored 11 points, 2 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in less than 16 minutes. On behalf of AEK top scorer was once more Bryant with 14 points, 5 rebounds, 2 stelas and 3 block shots.
Panathinaikos Athens beat Panellinios 90-81 with the deficit reaching at a point the 23 points, just three days after their in between game for the Greek league and the victorious result of Panellinios over Panathinaikos Athens 81-71. Panellinios played without Ostojic and Radenovic as they were both in the injury list, while Panathinaikos Athens played for 34 minutes without the brain of the team, Dimitris Diamantidis as he was expelled from the referees due to inappropriate behavior (he had a personal fight with Golemac). Pekovic Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Fotsis were the top performers and scorers with the two Americans scoring 15 points each while Fotsis added another 11. From Coach Zouros team, top scorer was Anthony Grundy with 19 followed by Nadjfeji with 15.
Panionios ON Telecoms Athens succeeded the win of the cup as Trifunovic players beat Aris in Alexandreion melathron with the NBA score 94-99. Panionios ON Telecoms Athens went very strong in the game and was able to develop a huge deficit for the home team (even to 10 points) Coach Mazzon's players gave their best shot at the end and even though were able to take the game in the overtime, the extra five minutes couldnt continue within the same tempo while Aaron Miles (186-G-83, college: Kansas) was unstoppable. The American guard was the MVP of the game with his 31 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists, followed by Levon Kendall who added 16 points. On behalf of the home team, top scorer was Nelson Spenser with 23 followed by Sekulic in his best game since he arrived this season in Greece with 22 points and 15 rebounds.
Lastly, Soulis Markopoulos Costa Cafe Marousi beat in a dramatic game in Agios Thomas the team of Olympia Larissas 70-69 with Andre Glyniadakis's (215-C-81) best game the last three years, the Greek center scored 18 points from a close distance was Keys who finished the game with 13 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. From Olympia Larissas, top scorers were Castle and Schultze with 14 and 16 points respectively while for another game Jamel Thomas remain invisible as he ended the game with 6 points.

A1 Round: 7 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Kavala/P. - Aris 68-74
Aris outsmarted Kavala on the road mostly owing to Spencer Nelson, who stepped up with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Keydren Clark and Dimitris Tsaldaris helped the winning squad with 14 poinst apiece. Will Daniels shined for the hosts delivering 18 points and pulling down 5 boards. Aris currently has almost perfect 6-1 record and it stays on top of A1 together with PAO, Olympiakos and Panellinios. Kavala fell on 1-3.

PAOK - Olimpia L. 77-70
Costas Vasiliadis led PAOK to extremely important home win vs Olimpia draining 25 points for 31 minutes. Mamoutou Diarra stepped up with 14 poinst and 7 boards for the hosts. Michael King contributed with 16 points in defeat. Both teams entered into this game with 2-4.

C.C. Marousi - Panionios 70-78
Costa Cafe Marousi couldn't handle Panionios at home facing with 9-point defeat, the fourth one this season. On the other hand, Panionios improved its record on 4-2. Lonny Baxter had 16, while Aaron Miles scored 14 points and dished put 7 assists for the winners. Loukas Mavrokefalidis registered double-double for Marousi, 18 poinst and 10 boards.

VAP Kolossos - Panellinios 79-86
Panellinios Athens continued with great performance this season celebrating 6th victory in 7 appearances. This time the players of head coach Elias Zouros were better than VAP Kolossos on Rhodes 86-79. Manolis Papamakarios top-scored for Panellinios with 18 points. Jurica Golemac and Brad Newley poured in 17 points apiece, while Anthony Grundy stopped on one point less. Lans Harris and Steven Smith combined 45 points for Kolossos, but their team slipped one more time and it now has 3-4.

AEL 1964 - Trikalla 73-71
AEL 1964 escaped with a tiny home victory against Trikalla thanks to Samuel Mejia and Torin Francis. Meija had 20 points, while Francis posted 18 pts and grabbed 14 boards. Williams Avery was on a high level for the visiting team netting 19 points. AEL 2-4, Trikalla 0-6.

Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 86-69
Without Perperoglou and with not very good psychology due to the last results in both Eurolegue and in the Greek league (suffered its first loss against Panellinios last week), Zeljko Obradovic 's Greens thrashed Giannakis Reds with 17 points difference, (the game went up to 22 points) and with final score: Panathinaikos Olympiakos 86-69. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news by the local correspondent Chris Mammides

AEK - ESTIA Egaleo 71-57
AEK didn't have to work very hard in order to beat Egaleo in Athens. The hosts had 5 players with double digits in scoring. The best ones were Christos Tapoutos and Nikos Hatzis, which delivered 13 points each. Egaleo got 17 points from Donnie McGrath. AEK 3-4, Egaleo 1-6.

The first derby was Green! - Panathinaikos - Olympiakos 86-69 - by Chris Mammides
Live from OAKA:
Without Perperoglou and with not very good psychology due to the last results in both Eurolegue and in the Greek league (suffered its first loss against Panellinios last week), Zeljko Obradovic 's Greens thrashed Giannakis Reds with 17 points difference, (the game went up to 22 points) and with final score: Panathinaikos Olympiakos 86-69.
Zeljko Obradovic did it again, even though this season everybody was claiming that Olympiakos is much stronger than ever and that this could be the season to break the home court of the Greens, this will delay for another round (at least) Panathinaikos had an amazing Pekovic and an amazing duet in the point guards position as Diamantidis and Jasikevicius were simply amazing. On the other hand, Giannakis team was not in a very good day with 18 false balls and with the red stars remaining in a shallow night as Thodoros Papaloukas (200-G-77) ended the game with 2 points and 6 false balls while Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) scored 11 with a medium performance. Only Yotam Halperin (196-G-84) tried to change the status of the game but he was all alone, the Israeli guard scored 20 points in 25 minutes. The MVP of the game was definitely the Monte Negro center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86), the talented center in his very first derby in the Greek league proved to be ready to become the Green center for the years to come, Pekovic scored 21 points with 9/9 in the paint, dashing down 4 rebounds and having a TENDEX of 1.284 what else could Zeljko Obradovic be expecting from his center, and all these in something less than 18 minutes in the court, from a close distance was the three dimensional Dimitris Diamantidis, the three times top defender in the Euroleague, finished the game with the following amazing stats: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals while Adrew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) first Greek derby was not bas at all as the American top scorer in Euroleague finished the game with 15 points. The difference of the two teams in assists (17vs9) and in steals (7vs3) was much bigger than the one of rebounds as the two teams in the specific sector were more or less the same, 35 greens and 32 Red rebounds.

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  HOLLAND   


FEB Results: Round 13 - by Sanders Jackson


Saturday night in round 13 of the FEB competition, Landstede Basketball and Rotterdam Challengers both won impressively at home vs. Eiffel Towers and Matrixx Magixx respectively, Hanzevast Capitals win once again a nailbiter at home, while BlueStream Seals get back on the winning track.

In the ZBC-hal, strong defensive and heady play made all the difference for Landstede Basketball, with Landstede steamrolling over Eiffel Towers 71-62. Landstede forced Eiffel into 38.2% FG and only 6 of 22 from the three-point line, including shutting down top scoring threats Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota), Devonne Giles (203-F-83, college: Texas Tech) and Kees Akerboom (200-F-83, agency: Court Side), who all failed to reach double figures in scoring. Landstede forced an Eiffel meltdown in the 2nd quarter, in which Eiffel scored only 5 pts! Landstede led 34-21 at halftime and did not relinquish its grip on the game. Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84, college: Furman) played big for Landstede, with a double-double of 19 pts. and 11 rebounds. David Jackson (195-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) was the only Eiffel player to reach double figures. Landstede moves now to 5-7, while Eiffel finished off a bad week and falls to 8-4.


In the Topsportcentrum, the Rotterdam Challengers made Matrixx Magixx previous impressive win over defending Dutch champion seem like a stroke of luck, with the Rotterdam Challengers winning in an 87-50 blowout. Th eRotterdammers jomped out to a 20-9 start at the end of the 1st quarter, and dominated every quarter, holding Matrixx to pitiful shooting numbers of 27.5% FG and 5 of 20 from the three-point line. The Rotterdammers had no such problem finding the basket, with shooting numbers of 54.8% FG and 12 of 22 from the three-point line. Phil Grant (202-G/F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Iona) led Rotterdam with 18, Bobby Walker (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) added 17 and Charles Richardson (178-G-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Nebraska) had numbers of 16 pts., 5 assists and 6 steals. The Rotterdammers improve to 6-5 while Matrixx falls to 8-5.


In the Martiniplaza on Saturday night, Hanzevast Capitals held a comfortable 1st half margin vs. reeling Aris Friesland, but managed to avert a 2nd half comeback thanks to strong backcourt play from Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) and Torey Thomas (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Holy Cross), winning a 103-101 nailbiter. Hanzevast led at halftime 54-45 but Aris Friesland made an impressive comback, but in the end Hanzevast's depth was much better than their northern rivals. Jansen and Thomas led Hanzevast with 23 pts. and 5 assists each, with Jansen coming away with 5 steals. Hanzevast also had a 36-13 bench scoring difference and made 14 three-pointers. Aris Friesland, who shot 72.1 % FG and dished out 32 assists, were led by Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) with a game-high 28 pts. Hanzevast gets back on track after the heartbreaker vs. Eclipse Jet/MyGuide, creeping closer to the top of the FEB at 8-4.


In Den Helder, with two teams thirsting for a win, BlueStream Seals overcame a 62-53 3rd quarter deficit to find their second win, dominating the 4th quarter to win 84-82 over struggling ZZ Leiden. BlueStream Seals outscored ZZ 31-20 in the 4th to snatch the victory. Matt Witt (183-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: E.Kentucky) led five BlueStream Seals players in double figures. Seamus Boxley (201-C-82, college: Portland St.) led ZZ with 19 pts. and 10 rebounds. BlueStream Seals improve to 3-8, while ZZ Leiden falls to 1-10 and their 10th straight loss.



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  HUNGARY   


Round 7, saturday's games - by Tamas Deri
ALBACOMP - ENTERNET NTE HEGYVIDEK 104-60
(27-14, 18-15, 24-15, 35-16)
Szekesfehervar, Att.: 2000, Referees: Forrai, Nemeth Cs., Magyari T.
ALBACOMP: Balazs Simon (188-G-80, agency: Court Side) 15/3, Doyne, Adam Hanga (201-G-89, agency: FCM) 23, Scott Morrison (212-C-86, college: Portland St.) 20, Keller 11/3, Henrik Gobi (206-C-71, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 23, Antal 2, Madar 5/3, Veszter 5, Coach: Peresztegi Nagy Akos
HEGYVIDEK: Grujak 12, Peter Farago (188-G-84) 10/6, Kovats 4, Peter Hajmasy (194-F-88) 12, Fulop 8, Lazar 4, Krasznai 2, Beak 4, Baross 2, Mocsai 2, Coach: Kovats Laszlo


KAPOSVARI KK - SZOLNOKI OLAJ 87-61
(23-12, 18-20, 26-15, 20-14)
Kaposvar, Att.: 800, Referees: Palla, Benczur, Torok
KAPOSVAR: Kornel Kiss (187-G-87) 16/6, David Vojvoda (191-G/F-90, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 14, Balazs Hoffmann (198-F-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 10, Larry Welton (196-F, college: Aurora) 28/6, Laszlo Orosz (207-C-71, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 19, Markus T., Coach: Dzunic Branislav
SZOLNOK: Coleman 5/3, Cziczas 6/6, Wilson 9/3, Jurkunas 13/9, Basit 8, Szabo P. 12/6, Harazin 6, Gaal 2, Coach: Por Peter


DEBRECENI KE - POLAROID-LAMI-VED KORMEND 84-90
(28-32, 17-18, 20-13, 19-27)
Debrecen, Att.: 500, Referees. Hartyani, Gorka, Fodor A.
DEBRECEN: Steve Dagostino (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Rose (NY)) 16/3, Kutasi 6/3, Toth 16/3, Joe Kennerly (204-C/F-84, agency: Passing Lane, college: Cent.Oklahoma) 16, Gary Ware (206-F/C-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: Purdue) 17, Maxwell 13/6, Takacs D., Kovacs I., Erdei, Coach: Walke Karoly
KORMEND: Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 19/15, Fodor G. 6, Ferencz 4, George Banks (202-C/F-72, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: UTEP) 17/3, Zbigniew Bialek (203-F-82, agency: AB Agency) 19/3, Auriantal 14, Archie 7/3, Trummer 2, Keresztes 2, Coach: Krivacevic Dragoljub


UNIVER KECSKEMET - PECSI VSK 75-58
(18-15, 20-15, 12-17, 15-11)
Kecskemet, Att.: 1200, Referees: Foldhazi, Hegedus, Pozsonyi
KECSKEMET: DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, college: Kent St.) 20/6, Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81) 12/6, Toth P., Klaiber 10/3, Danielson 10/9, Mike Dale (197-G/F-84, college: S.Illinois) 17/9, Szabo Zs. 6/3, Tornoczky, Horti, Coach: Zsoldos Andras
PECS: Wittmann 2, Kelley 6, Denes 7/3, Grebenar 6, Zoltan Bencze (213-C-81) 19, Spivey 6/3, Aleksic 9/3, Toth N. 3/3., Coach: Stojan Ivkovic



ZALAKERAMIA-ZTE KK - PLANET-LEASING DOMBOVAR KC 99-90
(11-20, 32-25, 23-16, 33-29)
Zalaegerszeg, Att.: 1500, Referees: Cziffra, Gyorffy, Kiss L.
ZALAKERAMIA: Louis Hinnant (193-G-84, college: Boston Coll.) 24/6, Calvin Watson (196-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas) 23/12, Kaman 10/3, Jones 3/3, Srdjan Helbich (205-F/C-76) 20, Trepak 2, David Gaspar (193-G/F-82) 15/12, Simon L. 2, Toth A., Coach: Volgyi Peter
DOMBOVAR: Jerome LaGrange (192-G-78, college: Livingstone) 14, Deak, Clark 4, Ferenc Bodi (198-F-77) 16/3, Anthony Dill (200-F-81, college: Texas St.-San Marcos) 31/6, Bryan McCullough (198-F/G-83, agency: AMI, college: NC-Asheville) 15/6, Szoke 10/3, Balogh L., Simon N., Coach: Peter Stahl

Round 7, best five - by Tamas Deri
Point Guard: Alvin Cruz (186-G-82, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Niagara), 25 points (4/6 2pts, 5/6 3pts, 2/2 FTs), 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 fouls against, 2 steals, 38 minutes
Shooting Guard: Calvin Watson (196-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas), 23 points
Small Forward: Charles Gosa (202-F-77, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: N.Mexico St.), 22 points (7/9 2pts, 1/5 3pts, 5/7 FTs), 7 rebounds, 4 fouls against, 1 steal, 1 assist, 34 minutes
Power Forward: Anthony Dill (200-F-81, college: Texas St.-San Marcos), 31 points, ( 9/11 2pts, 2/4 3pts, 7/7 FTs), 6 fouls against, 5 rebounds, 34 minutes
Center: Scott Morrison (212-C-86, college: Portland St.), 20 points (8/14 2pts, 4/ 6 FTs), 13 rebounds, 6 fouls against, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 33 minutes

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  ITALY   


Wins for Avellino and Fortitudo on Saturday night - by Gianni Pascucci
The anticipated games of Serie A Round 7 featured two interesting meetings, the first one being the classic showdown between Fortitudo Bologna and Treviso. After a so-so start, Fortitudo Bologna was able to defeat Benetton 73-61, celebrating in this way the international sponsor 'GMAC Real Estate', for the first time on the white and blue playing shirts. Thanks to 23 points (22 of then scored in the second half), Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) was the main factor in the Fortidudo win. Marcelo Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports) well assisted him, with 17 pts, 3 steals, 2 assits, and Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83, agency: Megasport) and Uros Slokar (210-F/C-83) added 10 points each at the winning side. With 19 and 10 points, respectively, Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson) and Judson CJ Wallace (205-F/C-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Princeton) were the last to surrender in a Benetton without a great personality, that was unable to grab the win when the home team was in trouble. In the other game of the night, Air Avellino defeated Armani Jeans Milano 68-61, pointing above all on a tough defense, and then on the scoring performance from Marko Tusek (203-F-75) (16 pts), Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) (15 pts) and Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) (15 he too). The home team stayed ahead in the score almost all the game, and its win is more clear that it could seem. Milano suffered the absence of Pape Sow in the middle and was outrebounded by Avellino, and its main offensive weapons, Thomas and Hawkins weren' t able to beat the home players good defense. The best losing efforts came from Mike Hall (203-F-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington), with 12 pts and 13 rebs, and Luca Vitali (201-G-86), with 12 pts and 1 assist

SerieA Round: 7 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Fortitudo - Benetton 73-61
Fortitudo opened the round with a comfortable 73:61 win over Benetton. Jamont Gordon nailed 23 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 4 assists for the winners. Marcelo Huertas added 17 points for Fortitudo. Gary Neal responded with 19 points for Benetton as they fell at 4-3 record.

Montepaschi - Premiata 88-62
Montepaschi eased past Premiata 88:62 for the 7th straight win in the Seria A. Ksistof Lavrinovic stepped up with 17 points to lead balanced Siena's offense. Rimantas Kaukenas completed an impressive Lithuanian duet with 16 points in the win. Ricky Minard responded with 17 points for Premiata.

Air AV - Armani MI 68-61
Air Avellino shot down Armani Jeans 68:61 at home court. Marko Tusek stepped up with Air Avellino with 16 points and 14 boards. Chris Warren and Drake Diener secured 15 points apiece in the win. Mike Hall and Luca Vitali responded with 12 points each for Amrani Jeans in the loss.

NGC Cantu - La Fortezza 69-87
La Fortezza cruised past Cantu 87:69 on the road. Earl Boykins was a usual catalyst for Bologna as he fired 23 points. Keith Langford contributed 17 points and 10 boards for the winners. Jason Rich led Cantu with 23 points.

Scavolini - Lottomatica 106-93
Scavolini led from the start and posted a comfortable 106:93 victory over Lottomatica. Ramel Curry scored 25 points as Scavolini registered the 4th win in the season. Michael Hicks produced 24 points in the winning case. Allan Ray notched 20 points for Lottomatica in the losing case.

Solsonica - Angelico BI 91-78
Solsonica shot down Angelico Biella 91:78 at home court. The hosts trailed by as many as 8 points before the fourth quarter but managed to recover and ensured the third victory in the tournament. Pervis Pasco nailed 25 points and collected 15 boards for Rieti. Mario Gigena had 21 points in the win. Reece Gaines topscored with 17 points for Biella.

Snaidero - Banca Tercas 77-88
Banca Tercas climbed at 4-3 record after they handled Snaidero an 88:77 defeat in Udine. Giuseppe Poeta notched 25 points to pace Banca Tercas. Valerio Amoroso fired 15 points in the win. Rashad Anderson accounted for 19 points and 6 boards for Snaidero as the hosts slipped at dissappointing 1-6 record in the ladder.



Lega2 Round: 8 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Pallacan.RO - Aget IM 92-95
Aget Imola narrowly defeated Pallacanestro Roseto 95:92 in the opening game of Round 8. Imola led at every change but needed to withstand a desperate comeback effort from the hosts to celebrate a tough win at the end. Joseph Bunn came up with 22 points for Imola. Federico Pugi delivered 19 points for the visitors. Danilo Pinnock scored 22 points and made 6 interceptions for Roseto. Jaime Lloreda added 20 points and 11 boards in the loss.

Fileni JE - Fastweb CM 84-73
Fileni Jesi outgunned Fastweb Casale 84:73 at home and stayed in the second spot in the Lega Due ladder. Antonio Maestranzi secured 24 points to pace Fileni Jesi. Michele Maggioli had 21 points and 10 rebounds in the victory. Zabian Dowdell dropped 24 points in the losing effort.

Carmatic PI - Umana Reyer 53-56
Umana Reyer rebounded from a 4-point halftime deficit to knock down Carmatic Pistoia 56:53 on the road. Nathan Green secured 14 points and 6 rebounds for the Venezia team. Guido Rosselli led Carmatic with 11 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Edimes PV - Cimberio VA 74-83
Cimberio Varese won against Edimes Pavia 83:74 away from home and maintained the league-leading position with 7-1 record. Niccolo Martinoni fired 17 points off the bench to pace Varese. Giacomo Galanda and Randolph Childress delivered 14 points apiece for the winners. Paul Marigney poured in 25 points for Edimes Pavia.

Harem SC - Vanoli SO 87-91
Vanoli led through the major part of the game but needed to overcome some tense minutes late in the game to secure a 91:87 victory over Harem Scafati. Troy Bell exploded with 27 points for the winning team. Quadre Lollis earned 22 points as Soresina improved at 5-3 record. Ronald Davis produced 24 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Harem Scafati in defeat.

Banco Sard. - Basket LI 93-89
Banco Sardegna came back from behind to notch a 93:89 win over Basket Livorno. Jason Rowe dropped 32 points to lead the winners. Troy Ostler was responsible for 26 points and 7 rebounds for Livorno.

Enel Brindisi - Trenkwalder 49-58
Trenkwalder celebrated the fifth success in the contest as they upset Enel Brindisi 58:49 on the road. Robert Fultz led Reggio Emilia with 14 points in this low-scoring affair. Nicolo Melli delivered 12 points and 18 boards for the visitors. Marco Killingsworth scored 12 points and coralled 10 boards for Enel Brindisi.



Italian Legadue. Regular Season. Round 8. Review. The round of season highs - by Antonello Varallo
Cimberio Varese strengthened its leadership winning against Edimes Pavia. Edimes, now coached by Walter De Raffaele,had 25 points scored by Paul Marigney (192-G-82,college:St.Mary's,CA), who erased last awful performance signing 7 three pointers, but it was not enough.Varese found a new hot prospect, Niccolo Martinoni (202-G\SF-89), who coming from the bench scored his season high with 17 points. Cimberio won with youth and experience: Randolph Childress (190-G-72, college:Wake Forest) scored 14 points and served 11 assists, while Giacomo Galanda (211-F\C-75) added 14 poinst collecting 13 rebounds. The promotion rush of Varese is easily overcoming all obstacles.
Fileni Jesi are trying to draft Varese. They won against another title contender, Casale Monferrato, thanks to Antonio Maestranzi (178-G-84,college:N.Illinois), who scored 24 points with 5/7 from three pointers.Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) did his usual performance scoring 21 points, collecting 10 rebounds and giving 2 blocks.Also Damien Ryan (1,93-G-79) and veteran Marco Sambugaro (196-G-71) gave their contribution scoring 7 three pointers.For Casale, points machine Zabian Dowdell(191-G-84,college:Virginia Tech) scored 24 points, but of his teammates, only Simone Pierich (198-F-81) gave a good contribution equalizing his season high, 20 points.
Harem Scafati wasted a good chance losing a home match against Vanoli Soresina, that won against Fileni Jesi too.Troy Bell ((186-G-80, college: Boston College) and Quadre Lollis (200-PF-73, college:MontanaSt) were the heroes of this amazing match. They scored 49 points (27 Bell, 22 Lollis)nullifying the good efforts of Ronald Davis (190-G-82, college:Wisc.Milwaukee) and Joel Salvi (199-F-78,college:Rutgers)and ruining the back from an injury of Dillion Sneed (203-C-84,college:E.Tenn.St.)
Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia reached the third position after an away win against Enel Brindisi. Enel had lost only a home match, against Fileni Jesi, but against Reggio Emilia its leader Marcus Hatten (186-G-80, college:St.John's) did his season low with only 8 points,while for Reggio Emilia the rising star Niccolo Melli (205-F-91) scored 12 points and collected 18 rebounds, while his teammate Robert Fultz also did well scoring 14 points and serving 5 assists in only 19 minutes.
Aget Imola gained another win, this time against Roseto, thanks to Simone Pugi (206-F-85), one of the revelations of this season. Pugi also scored his season high (19),and was a valid aid for Joseph Bunn (198-F-75,college:Phillis(OK)), who scored 22 points with an astonishing 16/16 from free throws. For Roseto, Jaime Lloreda (201-F-80,college:LSU) made his debut with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while Danilo Pinnock (196-G-83,college:George Washington) redeemed his last embarassing performance scoring 22 points.
Banco di Sardegna Sassari gained a home win against Livorno after an extra time. Other two players made their season high: Jason Rowe (178-G-78, college: Loyola, MD) scored 32 points for Sassari,Troy Ostler (209-F-78,college:Hawaii) answered with 26 points for Livorno. Congratulations!
Umana Venezia won their first away match storming Pistoia. Umana and Carmatic don't have a great scorer in their rosters, so the match was decided by the experience of Nate Green (196-G-77, college: Indiana St.). For the former Avellino player, 14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 4 steals...
Finally, with the away win against Rimini, Prima Veroli reached the play off zone.

Best Italian starting five of the week
Pg Robert Fultz, Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia: he's learning to be decisive playing few minutes
Sg Niccolo Martinoni, Cimberio Varese: Varese are leading thanks to its italian players, and Niccolo is the proof
Pf Simone Pugi, Aget Imola: game after game, he is showing his talent
Pf Niccol Melli, Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia: he was born in 1991...yes,1-9-9-1!!!
C Michele Maggioli, Fileni Jesi: points, rebounds, blocks: a true leader

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  JAPAN   


BJ League Round: 12 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Golden Kings - 89ers 108-105
Golden Kings improved their positions on top with 10-1 record after two overtimes win over 89ers 108:105. Newton Jeff had unbelievable 40 points and 30 rebounds! Holm Chris collected 35 points and 19 rebounds in defeat and Tucker Rashad scored 19 points.

Apache - Evessa 91-90
Apache took a lead in the Eastern Division with 6-4 record after beating Evessa 91:90. Humphrey John paced all the winners with 31 points, whilst Aoki Cohey added 20. DeWitz Nick nailed 26 points in defeat and Washington Lynn collected 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Phoenix - Five Arrows 73-79
Phoenix first lost at home to Five Arrows 73:79 on November 21st. Sparks Rasheed paced all the winners with 19 points. Ellis Andy finished the night with 24 points for the home side.

Phoenix - Five Arrows 101-102
In the second game between these two teams Five Arrows were stronger again, 102:101. James Gordon led the winners with 30 points and 14 rebounds, while Gardener Michael collected 24 points and 15 assists in the losing effort.

Broncos - Heat Devils 75-64
Broncos overcame Heat Devils 75:64 as Warren Reginald led the winners with 19 points and 12 rebounds. Price Jefferey top-scored for the Heat with 22 points, whilst Reichel Dave netted 17.

Grouses - Rizing 71-80
Grouses lost at home to Rizing 71:80 as the latter improved to 4-7 record. Parker Michael and Sturns Michael had agreat night for the winners providing 27 points apiece. Camara Babacar ended up with 20 points and 16 boards in defeat.

Albirex - Lakestars 73-81
Lakestars had a road 73:81 victory over Albirex on November 22nd. Nash Bobby poured in 18 points to lead all the winners in the game. Takeno Akitomo produced the same number of points in the losing effort.

Apache - Evessa 69-78
Apache was beaten by Evessa 69:78 in the start of the round scheduled on Novemebr 19th. Washington Lynn top-scored for the winners with 23 points and 19 rebounds. Humphrey John shined for the hosts with 32 points and 7 rebounds.



Hitachi sneaks one by Aisin - by J.D. Greene
Fans were on the edge of their seats Saturday afternoon as Hitachi and Aisin battled it out in a match that went down to the last shot, a familiar situtation for the Sun Rockers. Although Hitachi led going into the second half, Aisin showed they wouldn't go down without a fight, coming back late in the fourth quarter to regain the lead. But a last-second 3-point shot by Lamar Rice (201-F-82, college: Georgetown, KY) gave Hitachi the win, 69-68. Shusaku Oya led Hitachi with 20 points, while J.R. Sakuragi contributed 25 points and 10 rebounds for Aisin. Aisin will have a chance for revenge in their second meeting on Monday.

Elsewhere in the JBL on Saturday, Link Tochigi Brex showed some team chemistry at home grabbing their first win with their new coach, beating Hokkaido 93-82. Takuya Kawamura led the Brex with 19 points while Randy Orr (207-C/F-82, college: Georgia Perimeter) contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds. Both players were 3 for 4 from 3-point land. Yuta Tabuse also collected 17 points and 4 assists. The Brex and Rera Kamuy will meet again on Sunday.

Toyota claimed a victory over Mitsubishi, 89-78 with help from Michael Takahashi 's 31points and 4 assists and Charles O'Bannon's 27 points and 9 rebounds. The Alvark also took home a win against Mitsubishi Friday night, 80-65.

Panasonic beat Toshiba 88-69. Ace Custis helped out the Trians with 21 points and 4 assists in the first meeting of two this weekend.

Standings - JBL
JBL Standings
 1. Panasonic 11-3 
 2. Aishin 10-3 
 3. Hitachi S. 8-5 
 4. Toshiba 8-6 
 5. Toyota 7-7 
 6. Tochigi Brex 5-9 
 7. Mitsubishi 3-11 
 8. Hokkaido 3-11 


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  JUCO   


MC Germantown Mens Basketball Sets High Goal - by C Martin
The 2008-09 MC Germantown Mens Basketball Team appears to be starting the season seven spots away from their goal. Last year, the Gryphons captured the Region XX and District 7 Championships along with finishing one game shy of a National Championship. I dont get caught up in preseason polls because our ultimate goal is to be #1 in March, said Coach Joyner.

The Gryphons have six sophomores returning and a very talented freshmen class. Sophomores Brandon Simms, Robert Pettis, Desmin Wade, Mitchell Dudley, and Dave Karlson were all starters at one time last season so they are coming into this year with a lot of experience.
Just one day after pulling out a 83-71 road victory over Anne Arundel Community College, the MC Germantown Gryphons hung on to beat Reading Area CC, PA 103-92. MC Germantown was able to withstand a furious run that allowed Reading to take a 84-81 lead with six minutes remaining in the second half. Dave Karlson converted on a put back in which he was fouled to tie the game 84-84. The game was sealed when Robert Pettis threw a lob to Dave Karlson for a thunderous dunk with two minutes remaining. 'This was a midseason war today. Reading CC really came out fired up and played well,' said Coach Joyner.

The Gryphons were led by Dave Karlson and Carl Scott who scored 17pts apiece. Also in double figures were Desmin Wade 16pts., Robert Pettis 12pts., and Brandon Simms 11pts.

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  LATVIA   


LBL Round: 14 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Zemgale - Barons/LMT 84-94
Barons/LMT secured the fourth win in the season as they upset Zemgale 94:84 on the road. Demetrius Alexander fired 36 points to lead Barons. Giedrius Gustas had 23 points and 7 assists for the winners. Edgars Krumins knocked down 28 points for Zemgale. Edgars Rekis added 12 points in the loss.

VEF Riga - ASK/Buki 82-84
ASK Buki earned the third win in the championship as they narrowly defeated VEF Riga 84:82 on the road. Gundars Rauza knocked down 21 points, grabbed 6 boards and issued 5 assists for the winners. Arturs Brunins added 16 points in the win. Evgeniy Kolesnikov finished with 31 points for VEF Riga in the loss.

Liepaja - Valmiera 94-76
Liepaja stormed past Valmiera 94:76 in a key game of the round. Vilums Ugis led the winners with 29 points and 13 rebounds, while Bankevics Ingus finished the night with 18 points in the losing effort.

ASK/Buki - Keizarmezs 95-72
ASK/Buki overcame Keizarmezs 95:72 on November 23. Brunins Arturs paced all the winners with 21 points. Blaus Lauris top-scored in the game with 22 points in the losing effort.



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  LITHUANIA   


LKL Round: 9 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Techasas - Kaunas Tr. 82-77
Techasas got 16 points from Paulius Staskunas and overwhelmed Kaunas Triobet 82:77 today. Chris Hill secured 15 points in the third win in the season for the Panevezys team. Sarunas Vasiliaskas responded with 20 points for Kaunas Triobet as they suffered the fifth defeat. Both teams are now tied at 3-5 record in 6th spot in the ladder.

Suduva - Nevezis 70-76
Nevezis pulled away with a 76:70 victory against Suduva. Darius Silinskis delivered 21 points and 8 rebounds for Nevezis. Aidas Viskontas scored 18 points and dished out 7 assists for the winners. Tomas Cerneckis responded with 13 points for Suduva in defeat.

Aisciai - Zalgiris 71-84
Zalgiris keep on winning despite all the financial woes. The LKL defending champios grabbed the 8th straight win as they drove past Aisciai 84:71 away from home. Jonas Maciulis came up with 21 points for the Kaunas powerhouse. Mantas Kalnietis dropped 19 points in the victory. Paulius Beliavicius scored 13 points for Aisciai.



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  LUXEMBOURG   


Sparta wins handily against Racing! - by Alex Meyers
Friday, November 21, 2008

Sparta 89 - Racing 66

Bertrange, Luxembourg
Sparta had monster 1st half last Friday night at home against Racing improving their record to 6-2 to obtain a tie for the DBBL lead with Amicale. Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) scored his average of 26 points and was assisted by three others with doubles figures: Julien Hublart 17, Pit Hoffman 11 and Xavier Engel with 10. The score at the half was 55-32 as the home squad cruised the rest of the way to win for the sixth time in 8 games. Racing drops to 2-6 with the 23 point loss comitting 26 costly turnovers which Sparta capitalized on frequently throughout the contest. Racing's Jordan Brady (198-F-83) scored 17 before fouling out, Dave Schroeder added 13 and Enrique Gracia-Bourne 10 for Racing. This coming Saturday, November 29th, Racing will host Black Star and Sparta will face T71 in Dudelange.

Sparta: 32 field goals, 9 three pointers, 16 for 23 free throws, 33 rebounds, 16 ouls and 18 turnovers
Engel 10, Smith 26, Hublart 17, Hoffmann 11, Wulff 11, also Wolzfeld 2, Palumbo 8, Nittler. Mutombo, Klein 4, Evans
Racing: 26 field goals, 3 three pointers, 11 for 23 free throws, 22 rebounds, 23 fouls and 26 turnovers
Brady, Schroeder 13, Haas 2, Weynandt 5, Pires 7, also Garcia-Bourne 10, Groos, Klose 8, Schmit 4 and Ural

Score by quarters: 1st Q 29-17, Halftime 55-32, 3rd Q 73-50 Final 89-66

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  MONTENEGRO   


MNT1A 6 Round : Ulcinj win against ABS 82-76 - by Dragan Scepanovic
In first game of Montenegrin 1A Opportunity League Basketball Club Ulcinj win in city of Ulcinj against Basketball Club ABS Primorje from Herceg Novi 82-67 ( 19:25, 11:14, 31:16, 21:21 ).In team of Basketball Club Ulcinj best are Jankovic ho score 22 points and Zeljko Jovanovic (192-F/G-86) whit 20 points.In team of Basketball Club ABS Primorje once again best player was Vasilije Seferovic (193-G/F-85) whit 16 points.For team of Basketabll Club Ulcinj and Head Coach Dragan Radovic this is 4 win in schampionship .

ULCINJ - ABS PRIMORJE Herceg Novi 82:76 ( 19:25, 11:14, 31:16, 21:21 )

Ulcinj - School Center Marshal Tito. Spest: 1.000. Reff: Rutesic, Vojinovic, Kaludjerovic ( Niksic)
ULCINJ Lakovic 3, Stanic 4, Kalezic, Zeljko Jovanovic 20, Jankovic 22, Paunovic 4, Cetkovic 3, Malovic, Elmir Forto (206-C, college: Auburn-Montgomery) 2, Ivanovic 4, Miljan Vukotic (204-F/C-77) 7, Djordjevic 13.
ABS PRIMORJE : Bulatovic, Radovanovic 4, Boricic 6, Djecevic, Pajevic 9, Ilic 6, Medic, Bacovic 10, Vujovic 11, Vasilije Seferovic 16, Mandic 14, Lucic

NIKSIC - JEDINSTVO B.Polje 92:63 ( 26:16, 26:10, 20:19, 20:18 )

Niksic -Sport Center. Spest: 200. Reff: Lepetic (Herceg Novi), Jokic (Podgorica), Sundic (Podgorica)
NIKSIC : Samardzic, Nikola Djokovic (191-G-89) 3, Filip Barovic (206-F-90) 2, Nemanja Vranjes (188-G/F-88) 27, Ma. Kuveljic 6, Mi. Kuveljic 8, Djurkovic 13, Goran Gajovic (199-G/F-88) 9, Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88) 10, Medenica 8, Sturanovic 4, Dubljevic 2.
JEDINSTVO : Ljuca, Musovic 3, Vucetic, Miljic 2, Popovic 14, Omerovic 4, Babaca 4, Kovacevic, Tokalic, Crouel 14, Ignjatovic 5, Jekson 17.

Goran Gajovic go to Arbitration against BC Niksic - by Dragan Scepanovic
Goran Gajovic (199-G/F-88) send letter for Arbitration to Basketball Federation of Montenegro for breaking out contract whit Basketball Club Ibon Niksic .Gajovic cast imputations upon Basketball Club Niksic for the reason of not pay monthly salaries more that 60 days .Goran Gajovic in season 2007-2008 for Basketball Club Niksic in MNT1A ,MNT Super League, MNT Semi Final of Play-Off and MNT Cup play 33games : 11.6 ppg,4.8 rpg,1.2 apg,1.2 spg. Gajovic play for NT of Montenegro U18 EC 2007 in Poland and U20 EC 2008 in Italy.

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


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


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  NBA   


Thunder fire Carlesimo; Brooks named interim coach - by Bruno Baltazar
With the relocated Oklahoma City Thunder off to an NBA-worst 1-12 start, P.J. Carlesimo was fired as coach and replaced on an interim basis by assistant Scott Brooks .
The firing followed a 105-80 loss to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night, the Thunder's 10th straight setback.Brooks made his debut Saturday night in a rematch with the Hornets in New Orleans, and general manager Sam Presti said Brooks would finish the season.
'This isn't about one person,' Presti said. 'There's accountability for everybody involved -- players, coaches, myself and anyone involved with our basketball team. We understand that.'
The Thunder also let go assistant Paul Westhead, who guided the Phoenix Mercury to the 2007 WNBA title and won an NBA title in 1980 with the Los Angeles Lakers.

P.J. Carlesimo was expected to produce a winner around Kevin Durant, but he never really stood a chance. P.J. Carlesimo inherited a roster shredded by the trades of stars Ray Allen and Rashard Lewis after a decision to rebuild.

'We have to get better no matter who the coach is,' Durant said Saturday night in New Orleans. 'To start off like we did my first year and now this year is tough to deal with. If we continue to work hard, things will start to turn around for us.'

P.J. Carlesimo had questioned his team in recent games for failing to give full effort, performances resulting in a string of blowouts. The last six losses were by double-digits, and most of those were even more out of hand before the Thunder rallied.

The loss Friday night served as a reminder of how the Hornets rebuilt from an 18-win season to a playoff contender during a two-year stay in Oklahoma City brought on by Hurricane Katrina. The Hornets improved by 20 wins their first season in Oklahoma City, and by last season were pushing the San Antonio Spurs in a second-round playoff series.

'When you're hitting these struggles, there's different factors. I don't think it's necessarily professional and appropriate for me to dwell or dig into all of them,' Presti said. 'I'd rather just stay focused on the direction we're going.'

Brooks, an 11-year NBA veteran, played on Houston's 1994 NBA championship team and bounced around with seven teams before becoming a Denver assistant in 2003. He also worked for Sacramento and joined P.J. Carlesimo 's staff last season in Seattle.

'Things aren't good,' Brooks said Saturday night in New Orleans. 'It's a challenge to get our guys motivated to play every night. ... Our team needs direction. I have clear plans to make this team play with much more energy and passion.'

Brooks has been a fill-in head coach a few times. He served as Sacramento's coach for two games in February 2007 when Eric Musselman was suspended for driving under the influence, and he substituted for George Karl in Denver when Karl was suspended for four games during the 2005-06 season. Brooks lost all four of those games in Denver, but won both when in charge of the Kings.

Despite all the excitement leading to the season -- with the team selling out its full allotment of season tickets in five days -- only three of the eight home games have sold out: opening night, a visit from the NBA champion Boston Celtics and the return of the beloved Hornets.

'The first thing for us is coming to the floor with a passion and competing and playing a style of basketball that our fans are going to get behind and enjoy, and that our players are going to enjoy,' Presti said.

NBA Round: 26 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Bucks - Bobcats 79-74
Milwaukee Bucks made it in Charlotte mostly owing to Australian big guy Andrew Bogut, who nailed 12 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Ramon Sessions top-scored for the Bucks with 18 points. Emeka Okafor shined for the hosts collecting 16 points and 18 rebounds. Bucks 7-8, Bobcats 3-9.

Rockets - Magic 100-95
Another victory by the visiting teams. This time Houston Rockets celebrated in Orlando improving their record on 9-5. Ming Yao dominated in the paint netting 22 points and pulling down 13 rebounds. Jameer Nelson had 21 points for the loosing side (9-4).

Hawks - Cavaliers 96-110
LeBron and his teammates were strong enough to beat Atlanta Hawks at home and now they have pretty good 10-3. The Hawks dropped on 8-5. James this time collected 24 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists for 36 minutes. Maurice Williams had one point less. Maurice Evans contributed with 21 points in defeat.

Pacers - Heat 100-109
Dwayne Wade once again stepped up for the Heats leading it to 7th victory this season. He spent 40 minutes on the floor draining 38 points including 4 rebounds and 8 assists. Marquis Daniels and Danny Granger combined 48 points for the Pacers (5-7).

Clippers - Nets 95-112
Fifth joy for the Nets and at the same time eleventh failure for the Clippers so far. Jianlian Yi netted 27, while Vince Carter posted 26 points for the winners. Baron Davis came up with double-double for loosing squad, 30 points and 10 assists.

Wizards - Knicks 117-122
122 points by the New York Knicks at the Madison Square Garden were enough for 7-6. Quentin Richardson had 34 points and 12 rebounds, while Nate Robinson stepped up adding 27 points, 6 rebs and 6 assists for the Knicks. Antawn Jamison shined for the Wizards delivering 29 points, including 13 boards. However, his team now has poor 1-10.

Jazz - Grizzlies 103-94
Big guy Mehmet Okur and Ronnie Brewer scored 44 points together for the Jazz pacing it to decent 9-5 record. The same number of points combined O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay for the Grizzlies (4-9).

Thunder - Hornets 97-109
David West had another great game for the Hornets and together with Chris Paul led them to 7-5. West had 33 points and 8 rebounds, while Paul registered triple-double, 29 points, 10 rebounds and impressive 16 assists. The Thunder got 30 points from Kevin Durant facing with defeat number 13.

Trail Blazers - Suns 92-102
9-5 for the Phoenix Suns and 8-6 for the Trail Blazers after this game. The team of head coach Terry Porter got the most from Shaquille O'Neal, who nailed 19 points and grabbed 17 rebounds. Brandon Roy scored 26 points for the visitors.



Knicks trade Randolph, Collins to Clips for Mobley, Thomas and also trade Crawford for Harrington - by Bruno Baltazar
Los Angeles Clippers filled their void in the post Friday, acquiring forward Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) and guard Mardy Collins (6'6''-G-84, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) from the New York Knicks for Cuttino Mobley (6'5''-G-74, college: Rhode Island) and Tim Thomas (6'10''-F-77, college: Villanova).
Clippers had been lacking an inside presence. 'We're looking for ways to become more competitive,' he said.Dunleavy huddled with the remaining Clippers as they warmed up for the game.
Randolph, the 19th overall pick in the 2001 draft, led the Knicks with 20.5 points and 12.5 rebounds. He has career averages of 16.4 points and 8.2 rebounds over seven seasons.
'He's good for us now and in the future,' Dunleavy said. 'It was something we felt like we had to do.'

The deal means either Marcus Camby or Chris Kaman will have to become a reserve. While the Clippers could make another quick trade, Dunleavy said the three could play together.

'Other than Chris Kaman right now, we probably don't have a guy who should be dominant in the low post,' Dunleavy said. 'This gives us two big guys that are pretty proficient in the low post. Marcus Camby is a great complement to both of those guys.'
Mobley averaged 13.7 points for the Clippers. Thomas, who signed with the Clippers in 2006, averaged 9.5 points. He played with the Knicks for parts of two seasons.
Collins, a former Temple Owls standout, averaged 2.2 points and 1.7 assists in nine games.

Golden State Warriors traded disgruntled forward Al Harrington (6'9''-F-80) to the Knicks for guard Jamal Crawford (6'5''-G-80, college: Michigan) on Friday in a swap that addresses both the Warriors' injury problems and New York's salary cap concerns.
The swap of two veteran scorers solves problems for both clubs. Harrington hadn't played for the Warriors in more than two weeks after angering coach Don Nelson with a public trade request, while the high-scoring Crawford's departure will save the Knicks about $10 million against the salary cap by 2010.

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  NCAA1   


Mason to miss season - by Kevin Cochran
St. John's All-BIG EAST senior swingman Anthony Mason (6'7''-F-87) will miss the rest of the 2008-09 season, head men's basketball coach Norm Roberts announced on Friday night. Mason Jr. will undergo surgery to repair a torn peroneal tendon in his right foot.

'We are all disappointed and feel for Anthony,' said Roberts. 'This is an unfortunate situation, but it is part of the game. We believe that Mase will come back from this, a stronger player and a stronger person.'

Mason Jr. suffered the injury during this week's NIT Season Tip-Off Opening Rounds and a MRI and ultrasound of the foot on Friday afternoon revealed the extent of the injury. John Kennedy, M.D., of the Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan performed the examination on Friday. Last Tuesday Mason Jr. had received a MRI and ultrasound examination as well, both of which did not indicate a tear in the tendon.

Kennedy, who performed surgery on Mason Jr.'s left ankle in April 2008, will perform the corrective surgery on Mason Jr.'s foot, tentatively scheduled for Dec. 1, but it may be pushed back until after St. John's fall semester final exams. Rehabilitation from the surgery is expected to last approximately three months.

'I am obviously disappointed, but I am going to make the best of this situation,' said Mason Jr. 'I am going to look into getting my year back, and use the time to rehab and work on my game. I'll be with my teammates every step of the way this season, watch as our chemistry develops and have a good year, and look forward to an even better year next year.'

Mason Jr. led the Red Storm in the NIT opening rounds earlier in the week, scoring 18.0 points per game across the two contests and making 44.4 percent of his field goals.

He averaged a team-best 14.0 ppg in 22 contests a season ago, and stepped up his production in BIG EAST contests by scoring 15.7 ppg. His ability to fill up the stat sheet did not go unnoticed, as he earned honorable mention All-BIG EAST honors and first team All-Met accolades from the Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association (MBWA).

After scoring six points in St. John's season-opening win over LIU, he followed with a 24-point effort against Cornell (Nov. 17) and a 12-point game against Boston College (Nov. 18). He now ranks sixth on the St. John's all-time 3-point shooting chart with 109 career 3-point field goals.

Bayno takes leave from Lions - by Kevin Cochran

Loyola Marymount Athletics has announced that Bill Bayno is taking a leave of absence, effective immediately, as the head coach of the LMU men's basketball team. Assistant Coach Max Good will serve as acting head coach during Bayno's leave.

'Recently, I was diagnosed with a serious medical condition, in part, related to the stress and anxiety of head coaching,' says Bayno. ' It will require treatment which will force me to take a leave of absence. It is unfortunate and I feel badly for the University, the coaching staff and most of all my players and their families, all of whom I will miss very much. I ask for privacy for myself and my family and I thank you for your prayers and support.'

'The LMU Family's greatest concerns are for the wellbeing of Bill and the team,' said LMU Atheltics Director Dr. William Husak. 'His health is the most important thing he needs to focus on right now. He has done great things in his brief time at LMU and has earned the love and respect of all. I have asked Max Good to be our acting head coach during this time period and I have great confidence that Max and the rest of the staff will continue the process Bill began. All of us at LMU are concerned for Bill's wellbeing and he and his family are in our thoughts and prayers.'

Courtesy: Loyola Marymount Athletics



Missouri upsets USC - by Kevin Cochran
DeMarre Carroll (6'8''-F-86) scored a career high 29 points and added 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season to lift Missouri Basketball to an 83-72 win over No. 19 USC in the fourth-place game of the 2008 O'Reilly Auto Parts Puerto Rico Tip-Off on Sunday afternoon in San Juan.

Carroll dominated against the larger USC front line, hitting 11-of-17 shots from the floor and 3-of-3 shots from three-point range, while also adding the season high 11 rebounds, three steals, two assists and a blocked shot.

For the three-game event, including games against Xavier, Fairfield and the No. 19 Trojans, Carroll averaged 20.3 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals for the Tigers, who improved to 4-1 on the young season.

'I thought we had a great all-around effort today and DeMarre sure made a lot of plays to keep us going against a good USC team,' Head Coach Mike Anderson said. 'I think our bench played excellent and really allowed us to impose our style late in the game, during some crucial minutes.'

The Mizzou bench certainly performed well, scoring 27 points as a whole, outscoring the Trojan bench 27-18. The Tigers continued to be one of the nation's most unselfish teams as well, dishing 20 assists, while committing just 12 turnovers against a good USC backcourt.

Delaware transfer Zaire Taylor (6'4''-G-86) dished five assists and helped force Daniel Hackett (6'5''-G-87) into eight turnovers. While Missouri was out-rebounded 39-34 on the afternoon, the Tigers actually trailed 10-1 in rebounding early in the game and out-glassed the Trojans 33-29 over the game's final 34 minutes.

'That was certainly a big factor in the ball game,' Anderson said. 'They are a great rebounding team. They were physical early on, but when you have such a young team you have to withstand some of those early blows and find you comfort level. We were able to withstand them early and played well in the second half.'

Missouri outscored USC 46-29 in the final 20 minutes as the Tigers battled back from a 12 point deficit to shoot in front by as many as 13 in the second half. Missouri used a 15-3 run in the final six minutes to build up that margin.

Missouri returns to action next Sunday against yet another returning NCAA Tournament opponent, Oral Roberts, at Mizzou Arena.

Courtesy: MUTigers.com

Stepheson to sit out season - by Kevin Cochran

USC forward Alex Stepheson's (6'9''-F) waiver petition for immediate eligibility to compete at USC after transferring this fall from N.Carolina has been denied by the NCAA. He will not be eligible for competition at USC in the 2008-09 basketball season.

USC will consult with Alex and his family on the next course of action.

Stepheson played the last two seasons at N.Carolina where he appeared in 75 games, making 52.7 percent of his shots. Last season, he averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds while leading the Tar Heels in rebounds six times. Stepheson prepped at Harvard-Westlake HS in North Hollywood where he averaged 20.4 points and 17.8 rebounds as a senior.

QUOTE FROM USC HEAD COACH Tim Floyd :

We were disappointed to learn about this decision, but I respect the NCAA process. We understand this has been a very complicated process and appreciate the efforts of the USC staff, the NCAA, N.Carolina and Alex and his family.

Alex would have really helped our team this season and would have had a big impact in the Pac-10, but we will have to move beyond this now. He practiced hard and showed us the kind of player he is. I'm confident he'll work even harder now and prepare himself for next season. Even though it appears he won't be suiting up for us this year, he'll be an integral part of our Trojan basketball team.


Courtesy: USC Athletics



Top 5 Underrated Players in NCAA - by Kaliph Ross
Robert Vaden UAB excellent shooter big time scorer always ready for the big game just ask Kentucky 33 points 28 in second half.on Dec 15.

Eric Maynor VCU great floor leader knows how to get the ball in the paint great on the ball defender makes teammates look better CAA player of the year as a junior remind me of celtics guard Sam Cassell.

Deshawn Sims Michigan 6'8 235 Jr. great body good hands another big time player to come out of Pershing. Harris may be the star but Sims could end up being the better pro.

Damian James Texas good size averaged a double double last season overshadowed by Augustin and Abrams last season look for him to have a big year along with Abrams and enter the 2009 draft.

Jerome Jordan Tulsa Very raw his best basketball is definetly in front of him must get stronger and become a better rebounder I see a little and I stess a little Marcus Camby in his game.

TOP 5 POST PLAYERS IN NCAA - by Kaliph Ross
BLAKE GRIFFIN OKLAHOMA CAN RUN THE FLOOR GOOT SHOOTER GREAT HANDS REMIND ME OF FORMER BLUE DEVIL CARLOS BOOZER.
TYLER HANSBROUGH NORTH CAROLINA INTENSE PLAYER PLAYS HARD ALL THE TIME WILL BE A LOTTERY PICK COME JUNE.
HASEEM THABEET UCONN 7 FOOTER WITH DECENT HAND NEEDS TO GRT MORE TOUCHES TO STAY MOTIVATED WILL LEAD THE NCAA IN BLOCKS THIS SEASON.
PATRICK PATTERSON KENTUCKY GREAT BODY SOFT TOUCH NEED TO DEVELOP A GO TO SHOT AND BECOME A BETTER FREE THROW SHOOTER BUT HE'S ONLY A SOPHMORE.
LUKE HARANGODY NOTRE DAME UNSTOPPABLE IN THE PAINT SOFT TOUCH MUST GET IN BETTER CONDITION TO BE EFFECTIVE AT NEXT LEVEL CAN YOU SAY MARK MADSEN?

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  NCAA2   


#2 in the Nation South Carolina Aiken defeats two formidable foes on the road!!! - by Lucius Jones
The S.Carol.-Aiken Pacers beat a nationally ranked Barton (NC) team 81-76 mainly on the strength of their stifling defense, holding Barton (NC) to under 33%FG, 20% 3pt, and 13 TO's. Barton (NC) managed to stay in the game with 38 points off the bench and were led by Eddie Kershaw (6'6''-F) and his 22points on 7-11FG and 2-4 3pt 2-6FT.

S.Carol.-Aiken, the #1 team in the nation in several publications, was led by NCAA Pre-Season Player of the Year Chris Commons (6'8''-F, college: Findlay (OH)). Chris Commons scored 27points on 10-15FG and 7-7FT and added 7rebs, 1ast, 1stl. The 08' 1st team All American and 2nd in the NCAA D2 nation scorer looks to be focused on leading his Pacers to a very successful season.

Another player with dominating talent and quality production was Josh Dollard (6'7''-F-86), the former Auburn leading scorer and rebounder. Dollard put up 17points,9rebs, and 4asts.

Senior Cordaryl Ballard (6'4''-G/F-87, college: Morehead St.) has developed into a consistent third scoring threat and a great third rebounder as well. He contributed 11points on 4-7FG, 3-7FT, 6rebs, 1ast, and has maintained his defensive stopper status to the tune of 4stls and great pressure.

Javonte Clanton (6'1''-G, college: Niagara) added 7 points on 1-2FG and 5-6FT with 2rebs and 3asts to boot.

Mark Brown (6'2''-G) scored 8 points off the bench on 2-3 3pt and 2-2FT.

S.Carol.-Aiken then defeated Mount Olive, another nationally ranked team 93-80. In this game S.Carol.-Aiken used a balanced effort to win the game as all five starters scored in double figures.

Player of the Year candidate, Chris Commons again led the Pacers with 20points on 8-15FG and a 4-11FT performance to go with his 8rebs(5off), 2asts, and 2stls.

Kingsley Oguchi (6'2''-G) also scored 20 points on 6-7 3pt shooting and 2-2FT. He also ended with 3rebs, 4asts, and 2stls.

Cordaryl Ballard dropped 18points on 2-2FG, 2-3 3pt, 8-11FT, and 4rebs, 3asts, 1stl, 1blk.

Javonte Clanton ended with 14 points on 2-4FG, 1-3 3pt, and 7-10FT with 3asts, 1stl, 1reb.

Josh Dollard added 11points on 4-6FG and 3-5FT, and 7rebs and 1blk.

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  PANAMA   


METROBASKET 2008 Teams Statistics.- - by Eddie Munoz
Metrobasket 2008 a league supported by the Basketball League of Panama's District and the President Prof. Arquimedes Bedoya and according the rules of FEPABA have eight teams disputing the title who was won by Parque Lefevre last season in a very disputed game over Fuerte 21. This season the statistics and positions at this moment posting this new are the following: 1. place FUERTE 21 with perfect record of 6 - 0 in the 2nd place tied PARQUE LEFEVRE and CALLE P W with record of 4 - 1 in the 4th place three teams SAN CRISTOBAL, POWER CLUB and JUAN DIAZ ARE tied with 2 - 3 record, SAN MIGUELITO in 7th place 1 - 5 and ESTRELLAS KIWANIS 0 - 6 a team of high school players that are included in this major league so they can develop their skills in basketball.

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  PBL   


The Panthers ink Gupton - by Gianni Pascucci
The Detroit Panthers annonced the signing of explosive center/forward Corey Gupton (6'6''-F-83, college: Park). A graduate from Park University, Gupton is a big play guy in the middle. He played with the Panthers even last season, when the team was in the American Basketball Association

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  POLAND   


DBE Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Polpharma - Kotwica 91-68
Polpharma won over Kotwica 91:68 to open Round 13 in DBE. The win remained the on top with 10-2 record as Barkley Erick led the winners with 24 points. Tuljkovic Mujo nailed 21 and Hicks Michael posted 13. Cielebak Tomasz collected 14 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.

PBG Basket - Bank BPS 70-84
PBG Basket lost to Bank BPS 70:84 as Weeden Tony top-scored for the winners with 31 points. Tica Vladimir had 16 and Kuebler Michael added 11. Wojcik Adam and McLean Alex posted 17 points in the losing effort.

Polonia - En.Czarni 100-95
Polonia overcame Energa Czarni 100:95 with 26 points from Adams Tommy. Frasunkiewicz Przemyslaw followed him with 18 and Johnson Kevin collected 17 points and 16 rebounds. Bennett Demetric finished the night with 19 points for the visitors.

Gornik W. - Turow 65-75
Turow improved to 9-3 after a road win over Gornik 65:75. Miljkovic Damir top-scored for the winners with 19 points, whilst Daniels Chris had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Greene Daryl replied with 20 points for the home side.

Anwil - Atlas Stal 75-89
Anwil lost to Atlas Stal 75:89 as the latter improved to 6-6. Daniels Alan was unstoppable with 38 points and 8 rebounds. Pluta Andrzej top-scored with 25 points in the losing effort.

Znicz J. - Sportino I. 68-76
Znicz was beaten at home by Sportino 68:76 as Landry Kyle led the latter with 26 points and 14 rebounds. Lee Tony posted 16 and Zytko Lukasz had 13. Reynolds Grady resisted with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.



1Liga Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Prokom II - MMKS DG 78-87
Prokom II lost at home to MMKS DG 78:87 in Round 11 of Liga 1. Five players scored in double digits for the winners as Kozinski Krzysztof led all of them with 22 points. Lapeta Adam had a great night for the hosts scoring 28 points and making 16 boards.

Big Star - Siarka T. 99-89
Big Star improved to 9-2 on top after the win over Siarka 99:89. Mielczarek Krzysztof top-scored for the winners with 27 points and Kulig Damian posted 15. Marciniak Michal ended up with 24 points and 11 boards in defeat.

MOSiR Kr. - Sudety JG 71-68
Mosir is another team with 9-2 on top after 71:68 over Sudety. Pluta Piotr paced all the winners with 30 points, while Salamonik Marcin netted 13. Wojdyla Tomasz and Niesobski Rafal had 15 points each for the visitors.

Polonia 2011 - Znicz Basket 89-70
Lewandowski Przemyslaw led his Polonia 2011 over Znicz Basket in a 89:70 victory with 18 points and 8 rebounds. Dloniak Jakub ended up with 20 points in the losing effort.

Stal SW - Zastal ZG 69-62
Stal SW overcame Zastal ZG 69:62 to tie them at 4-7 record. Partyka Rafal paced all the winners with 19 points, while Piechowicz Marek and Andrzejewski Tomasz had 12 each. Wisniewski Lukasz produced 16 points in defeat.

Zubry - Sokol L. 64-59
Zubry edged Sokol 64:59 as five players scored in double digits for the winners. Kujawa Tomasz led the way with 13 points and Misiewicz Andrzej collected 12 points and 12 rebounds. Pisarczyk Tomasz chipped in 21 points and made 13 rebounds for the guests.



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  SERBIA   


Serbian B league. round 8: Proleter Naftagas to strong for Crnokosa - by Zoran Popovic
Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin-KK Crnokosa Kosjeric 84-67 (26-17, 16-23, 21-15, 21-12)

Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin players won and third match in the serie. Domestic players won the first quarter, but the guests from Kosjeric made break in the second quarter and finished half time 42-40. In the second half Proleter players played more aggressive then guests and to the end of third period advantage growth on +8 and in the last quarter on +17. The most efficient player in Proleter was Becin who scored 26 points and Vulin who add 20 points. In KK Crnokosa Kosjeric the best role showed Vukosavljevic with 20 points.

Proleter Naftagas Zrenjanin: Djordjevic, Pekovic, Vulin 20, Kravic 3, Cuc, Becin 26, Stanojevic 6, Rajkovic 9, Sevic, Zarkovic 6, Barac, Vukosavljevic 14.
KK Crnokosa Kosjeric: Rakic 9, Vasovic, Vasiljevic, Puzic 17, Djurovic 11, Ercevic, Vukosavljevic 20, Karaklajic, Kovac, Belic 5, Mirkovic 5.

Other matches of the 8th round will be played today.

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  SLOVAKIA   


BK ASK Inter Slovnaft Bratislava sign Jerome Gumbs - by Eurobasket
BK ASK Inter Slovnaft Bratislava signed 26-year old former U.S. Virgin Islands international forward Jerome Gumbs (194-F-82, college: USF). Gumbs played most recently at Planet Leasing Dombovar KC (Hungary). Inter did not start the season too well and now it's closer to the bottom of the standings than to the top. They hope to improve their 4-9 record and still be able to make it to the play-offs. Gumbs was tested before the season by Dombovar in Hungary, but did not sign. Last season he played for T 71 Dudelange in Luxembourg (16 games: 23.8ppg, 10.7rpg, 2.2apg), and two years ago at Ciclista Olimpico in Argentinian second division (TNA). It was so far his best season when he was 4th best scorer in the league with 21.0ppg.

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  SLOVENIA   


Nerat steps down as coach (B-1 League - Round 9) - by Zeljko Zule

Mitja Nerat stepped down as head coach of Konjice after an 1-8 start. Konjice was defeated by local rival Rogla 58-73 in Round 9 of B-1 League. All top teams won their matches. Parklji never trailed in road win over Hrastnik, Rudar had two players with a double-double and Rogaska extended their winning streak to five games.
Round 9:
Rudar-Triglav 84-75 (Rucigaj 30 pts+11 rbs, Jovanovic 15 pts+10 rbs / Dimnik 21, Korosec 12)
Gradisce Cerknica-Sencur CPK 75-80 (Dolinar 17 pts+10 rbs, Lukic 14 / Horvat 23, Cresnar 14)
Rogla-Konjice 73-58 (Sivka 17, Smaka 14 / Ciganovic 13, Gacnik 10)
Radenska Creativ-Kraski zidar Jadran 82-86 (T.Novak 20, A.Novak 19 / Jakhel Kolarevic 19 pts+11 rbs, Pantelic 15)
Hrastnik-Parklji 64-82 (Pelko 14, Brecko 13 / Muric 17, D.Pusic 13)
Jance-Rogaska 70-87 (Abramovic 19, Milasinovic 18 / Pungartnik 18, Smajlovic 14)

MFC.2 Branik-Litija 86-67 (Gavric 18, Mesko 15 / Mesic 16, Delic 14)



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  SOUTH KOREA   


KBL Round: 8 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Dongbu Promy - Samsung Th. 78-81
Dongbu Promy fell at 7-3 record after the hoem defeat from Samsung 78:81. The latter played well in the end and celebrated the 6th victory. Leather Terrence led the winners wth 32 points and 14 boards, while Okosa Reggie scored 16 points and made 10 rebounds in defeat.

KCC Egis - KTF M.Wings 69-70
KCC Egis lost to KTF M.Wings 69:70 in a great game from both teams. Peters James paced all the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Lim Jae-Hyun and Seo Jang-Hoon posted 18 each for the hosts.

Orions - LG Sakers 86-76
Orions improved to 6-5 record after beating LG Sakers 86:76. Thompson Garnett led the winners with 22 points and Daniels Chris followed him with 15. Crump Brandon finished the night with 20 points for the visitors.

KT&G Kites - SK Knights 79-77
KT&G Kites are share the top position now with 7-3 record with Promy after a home win over SK Knights 79:77. Chandler Marquin and Warner Calvin led the way with 17 points each for the winners. Shannon Terrence edned up with 25 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

KTF M.Wings - Orions 83-79
KTF M.Wings outscored Orions 83:79 on November 22nd. Peters James was unstoppable with 31 points and 7 boards for the winners. Thompson Garnett collected 24 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.

Samsung Th. - ET Land B.Sl. 83-89
Little Donald led ET Land in a road 83:89 win over Samsung with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Powell Carlos supported him with 17 points and Kim Sung-Chul added 13. Lee Kyu-Sup had 21 points for the hosts and Leather Terrence collected 19 points and 15 rebounds.

Mobis Phoebus - KCC Egis 81-69
Mobis Phoebus stun KCC Egis 81:69 as Dunston Bryant top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Blankson Odartey netted 19 and Ham Ji-Hoon had 11. Lim Jae-Hyun notched 17 points in the losing effort.



Standings
KBL Standings
 1. KT&G Kites 7-3 
 2. Dongbu Promy 7-3 
 3. Mobis Phoebus 6-4 
 4. Samsung Th. 6-5 
 5. KCC Egis 6-5 
 6. Orions 6-5 
 7. ET Land B.Sl. 4-6 
 8. LG Sakers 4-6 
 9. KTF M.Wings 4-7 
 10. SK Knights 2-8 


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  SPAIN   


LEB Gold Round: 10 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Melilla - Caceres 69-59
Melilla was better than Caceres at home getting closer to Alicante, who faced with first defeat this season. Tenerife also has the same score as Melilla (8-2). Cuthbert Victor stepped up for the hosts delevering 18 points and grabbing 9 boards for 29 minutes. Wayne Simien shined in Caceres with 15 points and also 9 rebounds. His team currently has 4-6 record.

Tenerife - Alicante 110-107
Tenerife became the first team who succeeded to beat powerful Alicante. Antwain Barbour had amazing performance draining fantastic 50 points (8 triples)! At the same time he had 8 more rebounds. Kyle Hill and Jose Urtasun combined 47 points for the loosing squad. Tenerife 8-2, Alicante 9-1.

Valladolid - Rosalia 79-69
As it was expected, Valladolid celebrated against Rosalia at home jumping on 6-4 in LEB Gold. Rosalia slipped one more time having poor 1-9. Christopher Hernandez top-scored for the winners with 17 points. Robert Battle also was on a high level collecting 11 points and 16 boards. Rosalia got 22 points and 10 rebounds from Harding Nana, who came in off the bench.

Leon - La Palma 75-64
6-4 for Leon and 3-7 for La Palma after this game. Craig Bradshaw posted 18, while Anthony Stacey and Eulis Baez stepped up with 16 points apice for the hosts. Thomas Terrel shined in La Palma draining 23 points.

Burgos - Vic 85-75
10-point home win for Burgos mostly owing to Bosnian center Nedzad Siananovic, who nailed 17 points and pulled down 14 rebounds. Diego Garcia had one points more than Sinanovic, but with just 3 boards. Mattew Kiefer registered 19 points and 12 rebs in loss. Burgos 6-4, Vic 3-7.

Gandia Basq. - Leche Rio 57-86
Leche Rio cruised past poor Gandia on the road moving up in LEB Gold on 6-4. On the other side Gandia remains on just one win in ten games. Daniel Lopez scored 13 points for the visitors. Jose Fernandez and William Phillips followed him with 12 points each. Bulgarian PG Bozhidar Avramov and Howard Brown posted 10 points apiece for the hosts.

Illescas - Plus Pujol 100-77
Illescas blasted Plus Pujol at home thanks to Reggie Moore and Jose Alonso, which combined 44 points and 11 rebounds. Rafael Hettsheimeier was a way better than the others delivering 19 points and missing only one board for double-double.

Cl.Rincon - La Laguna 77-85
Jaime Heras led La Laguna to road win vs Clinicas Rincon registering 17 points and 6 rebounds (5 of 8 from behind the arc). Vitor Faverani had 18 points and 5 rebounds for the hosts. Both teams entered into this game with 5-4.

Mallorca - Los Barrios 84-78
Mallorca succeeded to beat dangerous Los Barrios at home, thus both teams are on the same record now (4-6). Marc Blanch top-scored in Mallorca with 18 points. Ross Schraeder responded adding 14 points and 4 rebounds.



ACB Round: 10 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Cajasol - Pamesa V. 69-74
Very important road victory for the head coach Neven Spahija and his Pamesa. Cajasol Sevilla is the last ranked team in the league, but it succeeded to crush Real in Madird (Round 5). Big guy Kosta Perovic nailed 20 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for Pamesa today. Albert Mirales helped him with 10 points, while the good thing for Pamesa is also that Vule Avdalovic is getting into the right shape after he recovered from serious knee injury, which he suffered last season. Warren Carter scored 15 points in defeat. Pamesa 6-4, Cajasol 1-8.

Tau - CB Murcia 105-60
Tau Ceramica totally destroyed CB Murcia in Vitoria with plus 45. It means that Tau remains on top of the league with almost perfect 8-1 record. Scoring machine Igor Rakocevic drained 25 points for the hosts. Tiago Splitter had 16, while William McDonald added one point less. Murcia got 16 points and 6 boards from Lamont Barnes dropping on 3-7.

Iurbentia B. - DKV Joven. 100-116
DKV Joventut celebrated vs Iurbentia Bilbao in a high-scoring game mostly owing to Bracey Wright and Luka Bogdanovic, which combined 47 points. Interesting is that Joventut nailed 40 points in the second quarter. The team of head coach Txus Vidorreta got 24 points from Luke Recker. Joventut 6-4, Bilbao 4-5.

Ricoh Man. - MMT Estudia. 68-60
Ricoh Manresa made it at home against MMT Estudiantes jumping on decent 5-5 record. Guillem Rubio stepped up for the hosts with 15 points and 4 rebounds. Javier Rodriguez added 12 points missing only one assist for double-double. Pancho Jasen once again was on a high level in Estu scoring 14 points. However, his team needed a way more facing with 7th failure in 10 games.

Unicaja - Regal Barca 82-71
In derby game of Round 10 between two Spanish Euroleague teams, Unicaja outplayed Regal Barca in Malaga with plus 9. Unicaja had furious first quarter finishing it 21-10. However, Barca managed to come closer later but the hosts were strong enough when it was the most important finishing the last 10 minutes 21-15. Jiri Welsch this time was the leading scorer in Unicaja with 18 points, including 5 rebounds. Marcus Haislip and Boniface Ndong helped with 17 points. JC Navarro also netted 17 points but for Barca. David Andersen nailed 16 and pulled down 8 rebounds. Unicaja 8-2, Barca 6-3.

Granada - A.G. Fuenla 71-63
5-5 for Granada and 4-5 for Fuenla after this game. Curtis Borchardt shined for the winning squad collecting 19 points and 11 rebounds for 23 minutes. Saul Blanco and Brad Oleson stopped on 14 points apiece for the loosing side.

Bruesa - CAI Zaragoza 77-67
Bernard Hopkins paced Bruesa to third victory this season pouring n 21 points for 26 minutes. He missed only 2 shots during the entire time. Bojan Popovic also did a great job scoring 17 points and grabbing 5 boards. Taurean Green and Paolo Quinteros answered with 40 poinst together, but despite it their Zaragoza slipped on 4-5.

Real Madrid - Kalise G.C. 95-80
Real Madrid became the second team in ACB who succeeded to beat Granca this season. It was comfortable 15-point win, thanks to great played last quarter 31-21. Center Felipe Reyes dominated in the paint nailing 20 poinst and pulling down 16 rebounds for 31 minutes. Jeremiah Massey had one point less than him. Granca got the most from James Augustine, 15 points and 10 rebounds. Real Madrid 5-4, Granca 7-2.

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  TAIWAN   


Dmedia changes ownership - by Chris Wang
The name dmedia Numen was in the past as the team has been taken over by two local companies and will be renamed after the the name of its primary sponsor KKL -- Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor (KKL) Inc., said Numen team management according to a local newspaper report.

The ownership change took place amid a baseball game fixing scandal which is still under investigation and involves dmedia's mother company.

Dmedia became the first corporate to own professional teams in Taiwan's basketball and baseball leagues after purchasing a team in Taiwan's pro baseball league CPBL and renamed the team dmedia T-Rex in February.

The CPBL expelled dmedia T-Rex in late October after allegations of game fixing and gangster involvement. Organized crime took over the team earlier last year and used cash bribes and threats against players before the games in order to reap gambling profits, prosecutors said.

Word is that prosecutors were also suspicious of dmedia Numen's possible involvement of game-fixing. Numen management denied all the allegations however.

KKL is a highly successful semi state-owned liquor company in Kinmen, an outlying island located very near China's southeast coast but is controlled by Taiwan government. Kaoliang, the Chinese word for sorghum, sells so well that the distillery generates an annual revenue of close to US$70 million for the county government.

Hongya International Inc. and De-heng Marketing firm took over dmedia management, Chinese-version newspaper Liberty Times reported.

It's not clear whether KKL will keep NUMEN as the team nickname. I think they will find a new one.

Anyway, KKL will be a brand new team next season and actually weaker as it lost its top two scorers -- import Jonathan Sanders and Ouyang Ching-heng. Sanders left Taiwan and Ouyang signed with Taiwan Mobile.

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  TURKEY   


Standings - TB2L
TB2L Standings
Group A
 1. Bornova 6-0 
 2. Trabzonspor 5-1 
 3. Edirne Genclik 4-2 
 4. Pamukkale 3-3 
 5. Genc Telekom 3-3 
 6. FMV Isik 3-3 
 7. Vestel 3-3 
 8. Akcakoca P. 3-3 
 9. Eyup 2-4 
 10. Orman 2-4 
 11. Bursa B-bol 2-4 
 12. TED Istanbul 0-6 
Group B
 1. Tofas 6-0 
 2. ITU 5-1 
 3. Gelisim 4-2 
 4. Beykoz 4-2 
 5. Yesilyurt 3-3 
 6. Canakkale 3-3 
 7. Genc Banvit. 3-3 
 8. Duzce Genclik 3-3 
 9. Usak 2-4 
 10. Ankara Basket 2-4 
 11. Pertevniyal 1-5 
 12. Mulkiye 0-6 


Standings - TBL
TBL Standings
 1. T.Telekom 7-0 
 2. Efes Pilsen 6-1 
 3. Galatasaray 6-1 
 4. Fener.Ulker 5-2 
 5. Banvit 5-2 
 6. Mersin 4-3 
 7. Aliaga 4-3 
 8. Antalya 4-3 
 9. Darussafaka 4-3 
 10. Karsiyaka 3-4 
 11. Oyak Renault 3-4 
 12. Selcuk Uni. 3-4 
 13. Erdemir 1-6 
 14. Besiktas 1-6 
 15. TED Koleji 0-7 
 16. Kepez Bld 0-7 


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Aska scores 20! - by David Edole
The Murray State Racers scored an 89-61 win over Western Kentucky in the 146th meeting between the two at the Regional Special Events Center in front of 7,038 Saturday night.
The Racers got the job done on defense where they jumped to an early 17-6 lead and never looked back in upping their record to 2-1.
We really set the tone of the game in the first 15 minutes with our defense, MSU Head Coach Billy Kennedy said. We made some easy baskets and that went a long way in how the rest of the game went.
By the time the game was a little more than 13 minutes old, the Racers had a 20-point at 31-11 and led 44-23 at halftime.
The Racers pushed in front 58-30 with 15:11 remaining before WKU cut the lead to 19, but MSU quickly made it a 24-point advantage with 6:57 left.
The win proved to be MSUs largest margin of victory in the series that began in 1932. The Racers won by 28 points tying the 55-27 win over the Hilltoppers on Jan. 19, 1946.
When the dust settled from the Racers stampede there were many to thank for it.
Freshman Ivan Aska (201-F) continues to impress in his young MSU career finishing the night with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting and 4-of-5 from the free throw line. Hes the first MSU freshman to score 20 points in seven years. Aska added six rebounds in 26 minutes of floor time.
Ivan was a force in the middle, Kennedy said. When you get 20 points with a freshman on the inside, thats huge.
Isacc Miles had a strong night with 15 points, while Danero Thomas and Jewuan Long each added 12.
The Racers bench provided 30 points in the game with Tony Easley (four points, six rebounds), Matt Fraliex (eight points, and Tyler Holloway (five points) all contributing key minutes to the MSU victory.
We had good balance tonight all the way, Kennedy said. Everyone that played scored except Georges and Jarad. We won this game on the defensive end and we won it by rebounding the ball. We finished around the basket and got to the free throw line.
Indeed the Racers had one of the best games in a long time from the line where they made 22-of-23 for an amazing 95 percent.
The Racers shot 56 percent from the field (31-of-55), while holding the Hilltoppers to 39 percent (21-of-53).
MSUs advantage on the boards was significant at 39-27.

Notes
Ivan Aska is three games into his Racer career and already has shown to be a talented player. His 20 points against WKU marked the best Racer freshman performance since Danero Thomas scored 19 at Rider on Feb. 27, 2007 and the first to score at least 20 points since Cuthbert Victor had 27 against Tennessee State on Jan. 30, 2001. Aska is leading the Racers with 13.7 points per game and second on the squad with 6.7 rebounds per game. He is shooting 60 percent from the field (17-of-28) and 77 percent (7-of-9) from the free throw line.

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  UKRAINE   


UBL Round: 16 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Gryfony - BC Odessa 81-100
BC Odessa claimed the 9th win in the season as they outgunned Gryfony 100:81 in Symferopil. Justin Love knocked down 21 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Andrei Kalnichenko came up with 18 points for the winners. Anthony Slach responded with 24 points and 9 rebounds for Gryfony as they remained at the bottom of the ladder with just two wins in thirteen games.

Polit.Lviv - Ferro-ZNTU 90-66
Politekhnika-Halychyna marked the tenth win in the season as they outgunned Ferro-ZNTU in Lviv today. Yaroslav Zubrytskyi scored 14 points to lead the charge. Anton Ageev added 13 points, while Gediminas Navickas had 12 points in the win. Jason Fontenet nailed 17 points for Ferro as they fell at 6-8 record.

Hoverla - Dnipro 82-75
Hoverla got just the fourth win in the season as they knocked down one of the league's top picks Dnipro 82:75 at home court. Patrick Sparks came up with 22 points, 6 assists and 6 rebounds to pace Hoverla. Tate Decker added 18 points and 6 rebounds for the winning team. Oleksandr Panchenko dropped 19 points for Dnipro. Darnell Lazare contributed 16 points as the visitors slipped at 9-6 record.

Kryvbasbasket - Cherkasy 83-76
Kryvbasbasket held off undermanned Cherkasy 83:76 today to topple the ladder. Jarrett Howell secured 15 points and 6 assists to lead the hosts. Dmitri Korablev added 14 points and 7 rebounds for Kryvbasbasket in the key game of the round. Volodimir Kholopov could use only 7 players in the game and Evgeni Annyenkov scored 23 points in the loss.

DniproAzot - Budivelnyk 78-96
Budivelnik showed they are in good form at the moment bruising DniprAzot 96:78 on the road. John DeGroat was unstoppable for the Kyiv outfit with 32 points. Derrick Zimmerman scored 17 points, while Brian Wethers added 12 for the winners. Jerel Allen had 15 points for DniproAzot in the defeat.



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  URUGUAY   


Bigua will play Liga de las Americas - by Hector Lopez
Bigua, the South American Clubs champions, scored 7 three-point shots out of 8, and 5/5 in two-point shots, in the second quarter to crush Defensor Sporting 96-58 winning the Super 4 tournament and classsifing to play the Liga de las Americas. The Uruguayan team will be in the same grouop with Pearol and Regatas, from Argentina and Concepcion from Chile, playing in Mar del Plata (December 16-18). For Bigua, Mauricio Aguiar (199-F-83, agency: Players Group) scored 19 points (3/4, 5/6 0/0) Ruben Wolkowyski (207-C-73) added 18 points (2/3, 7/5 2/2) and grabbed 6 rebounds, while Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) netted 15 (3/5, 2/4, 2/2) . For Defensor Sporting Brian Woodwar scored 12 and Chris Jackson 2 and took 6 rebounds). Bigua has completed 15 games wuthout a defeat: 10 playing the Urugauayn League, 5 for the South American Championship and two for the Super4.



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Women News

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Gambrinus smash Strakonice in Round 10 - by Eurobasket News
Gambrinus earned the 9th win in the season as they rolled past Strakonice 94:36 in Round 10. However the start was not so dull for Strakonice. Jitka Musilova (184-C/F-84) stepped up with three smooth three-pointers in the opening term and the visitors trailed by just 3 points 19:22 at the first intermission. However the defending champions opened the second period with a 13:0 run to clear off. Gambrinus mounted the pressure and held Strakonice to just 3 points in the quarter. It allowed the home team built a 48:22 advantage at the interval.
The game turned into a one-way traffic in the second half. The Brno outfit breezed to the ninth win in the championship leaving Strakonice at 5-5 record. Hana Horakova (182-F/G-79) finished with 18 points for Gambirnus. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) and Liene Jansone (192-F/C-81, college: Siena) added 11 points apiece in the win. Jitka Musilova responded with 15 points for Strakonice.
Hradec Kralove scored the fifth win in the season as they narrowly defeated Trutnov 80:78 on the road. Hradec Kralove led throughout the major part of the game but Trutnov managed to cut the deficit to just 3 points with 34 seconds left in regulation. Darina Misurova (163-G-81) knocked down a jumper to drag Trutnov even closer before time ran out for the hosts. Iva Komzikova (174-G-85) netted 19 points to pace Hradec Kralove. Milena Steffanova (179-F-81) contributed 15 points and 6 rebounds in the win. Michaela Hartigova (192-C-83) replied with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
Valosun remained in the third spot as they toppled Karlovy Vary 99:76 for the sixth win. Veronika Vlkova (175-G/F-84) fired 25 points to pace Valosun. Nicole Louden (172-G-83, college: Auburn) was helpful with 24 points and 10 caroms. Blanka Sedlackova (171-G-84) answered with 17 points for Karlovy Vary in defeat.

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  GREECE - Women  


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


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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Lemminkainen edges Vagos to close Round 5 of EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Lemminkainen -Vagos 82:67

Lemminkainen edges Vagos 82:67 at home to close Round 5 of EuroCup. The game was played on Sunday and brought lots of interest in Klaipeda. After the tough three quarters the hosts produced 28-13 in the last period to seal the second win in the group. Alesia Pushko (-81) led the winners with 24 points. Rita Milieskiene (175-G-78) nailed 20 and Egle Zygelyte (166-G-84) posted 15. Carver finished the night with 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Paula Domingues Seabra (165-F-78) scored 15.
Egle Zygelyte opened the game with a lay-up and Teixeira quickly reduced for 2:2. Usaite led her team to 11:4, while Nascimento pulled back for 17:14. Paula Domingues Seabra closed the first quarter at 22:17 as the Baltic side looked forward for the second. Trailing however 28:22 the guests tied the game at 30:30. Naideniene remained her team in front at 39:37 at the half time.
In the third period the visitors produced 17-15 and tied the game after 30 minutes. Nascimento's shot showed 54:54 after thirty minutes of the game. After 59:58 in the fourth the Baltic team created an 11-0 run for 70:58 and did not slow down at the end. Paula Domingues Seabra was the last to score in the game as Lemminkainen had 82:67 at the buzzer.

Lemminkainen: Alesia Pushko 24, Rita Milieskiene 20, Egle Zygelyte 15
Vagos: Carver 18+10 rebs, Paula Domingues Seabra 15

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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


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


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  POLAND - Women  


PLKK Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
AZS J.Gora - Energa Torun 69-73
AZS J.Gora lost to Energa Torun 69:73 in Round 13 of Polish League. Moore Sheena paced all the winners with 24 points, while Chaney Quianna netted 15. Skorek Magdalena and Coleman Ryan scored 20 points each for the hosts.

PTK Pabian. - LKS 68-65
PTK Pabianice overcame LKS 68:65 as Jankowska Leona shined with 21 points for the winners. Szemraj Anita netted 20, while Kenig Katarzyna scored the same number of points in the losing effort.

Lotos PKO BP - Wisla Can-Pak 72-63
The game between Lotos PKO BP and Wisla Can-Pak was expected more than any other games as two EuroLeague representative struggled for another win. Lotos won 72:63 to tie Wisla at 10-2 record. Leciejewska Magdalena top-scored for the winners with 17 points and Currie Monique scored 15. Kobryn Ewelina struggled hard for the visitors netting 24 points.

CCC - AZS Gorzow 65-63
Another thriller that brought more interest in Round 13 was played in Polkowice. CCC stopped the fabulous run of the Gorzov at 11 straight wins. CCC beat AZS Gorzow 65:63 as Robbins Jillian led the winners with 20 points. Zohnova Katerina scored 17 points for the guests.

Duda Leszno - Utex Row 72-78
Duda Leszno lost at home to Utex Row 72:78 as Trafimava Nataliya top-scored for the winners with 24 points and 7 rebounds. Shields Ashley ended up with 28 points and 10 boards in defeat.

Inea AZS P. - MUKS Pozn. 78-54
Inea AZS outscored MUKS Poznan 78:54 to get 6-5 record. Walich Joanna top-scored for the winners with 15 points and Mrozinska Natalia had 13. Antczak Paulina was the only one to reach double digits for the guests having 13 points.



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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Lemminkainen edges Vagos to close Round 5 of EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Lemminkainen -Vagos 82:67

Lemminkainen edges Vagos 82:67 at home to close Round 5 of EuroCup. The game was played on Sunday and brought lots of interest in Klaipeda. After the tough three quarters the hosts produced 28-13 in the last period to seal the second win in the group. Alesia Pushko (-81) led the winners with 24 points. Rita Milieskiene (175-G-78) nailed 20 and Egle Zygelyte (166-G-84) posted 15. Carver finished the night with 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Paula Domingues Seabra (165-F-78) scored 15.
Egle Zygelyte opened the game with a lay-up and Teixeira quickly reduced for 2:2. Usaite led her team to 11:4, while Nascimento pulled back for 17:14. Paula Domingues Seabra closed the first quarter at 22:17 as the Baltic side looked forward for the second. Trailing however 28:22 the guests tied the game at 30:30. Naideniene remained her team in front at 39:37 at the half time.
In the third period the visitors produced 17-15 and tied the game after 30 minutes. Nascimento's shot showed 54:54 after thirty minutes of the game. After 59:58 in the fourth the Baltic team created an 11-0 run for 70:58 and did not slow down at the end. Paula Domingues Seabra was the last to score in the game as Lemminkainen had 82:67 at the buzzer.

Lemminkainen: Alesia Pushko 24, Rita Milieskiene 20, Egle Zygelyte 15
Vagos: Carver 18+10 rebs, Paula Domingues Seabra 15

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  SPAIN - Women  


LFB Round: 9 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Mann Filter - Halcon A.Per. 54-73
Perfumerias cruised past Mann Filter in Zaragoza jumping on 7-2 record in LFB. Isabel Sanzhez top-scored for the winners with 14 points. Petra Stampalija came off the bench delevering 12. LaToya Thomas was a way better than the others in Mann Filter adding 22 points and 8 boards. Her team now has 3-6.

Rivas Ecopolis - San Jose 65-62
3-point home victory for powerful Rivas Ecopolis mostly owing to Montenegrin player Jelena Dubljevic, who collected 21 points and 10 rebounds for 33 minutes. Catherine Joens netted 16 points also helping the hosts to stay undefeated after 9 rounds. Eshaya Murphy drained 18 for the losing side (3-6).

Hondar.-Irun - Cadi la Seu 71-62
Stacey Lynn Lovelace-Tolbert stepped up with 22 points and 14 rebounds leading Hondarribia-Irun to fifth victory this season. On the other side, Cadi la Seu got 12 points from Bozena Blace facing with 6 defeat in 9 appearances.

Extrugasa - Mariana 65-75
7-2 for Mariana and 2-7 for Extrugasa after this game. Armintie Price once again shined for the visiting team, this time scoring 19 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. Linda Page helped with 15 points. Mandisa Stevenson contributed with 13 points and 7 boards in defeat.

Olesa - Real C.Vigo 80-72
Olga Podkovalnikova demonstrated wonderful performance for Olesa pacing it to pretty good 7-2 in LFB. She spent 29 minutes on the floor registering double-double, 24 points and 12 boards. Tracy Reid followed her with 19 points and 9 rebounds. Celta Vigo also got 19 points from Alba Torrens but including 6 rebs (3-6 record).

Estudiantes - Gran Canaria 74-67
Estudiantes grabbed third win this season thanks to Swedish NT player Elin Eldebring and her 25 points. Granca got 18 points from Iva Perovanovic, while Ines Kresovic added 16 points, 7 boards and 5 assists. However, it was not enough for the visitors, which remain on just one win so far.

EBE Ibiza-PDV - Ros Casares 57-65
EBE Ibiza-PDV wasn't able to handle the team from Valencia dropping on not so good 2-7 record. Amaya Valdemoro had 17 points and 5 rebounds, while Delisha Milton-Jones netted 14 points for the winners. Sandra Pirsic scored 13 points in loss. Ros Casares moved up on almost perfect 8-1.

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  TURKEY - Women  


Standings - TBBL
TBBL Standings
 1. Fenerbahce 5-0 
 2. Besiktas 4-1 
 3. Mersin 4-2 
 4. Samsun 3-1 
 5. Galatasaray 3-2 
 6. TED Kayseri 3-2 
 7. Tarsus Bld 2-3 
 8. Botas 2-3 
 9. Ceyhan 2-3 
 10. Cankaya 1-5 
 11. Burhaniye bld. 0-6 


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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


Edwards with a double double - by David Edole
The Nova Southeastern University women's basketball team was unable to hold off Valdosta State as the Sharks fell 73-70 in overtime on Sunday afternoon at the University Center Arena. NSU now drops to 0-3 on the season, while the Blazers improve to 4-0.
NSU got off to a hot start, opening the game with a 14-4 run. LaShawnna Edwards began the run with two jumps and a layup. Stephanie Sarosi hit a jumper at 12:33 to put the Sharks up 11-4. Priscilla Perez knocked back a 3-pointer just 30 seconds later to increase the Sharks' lead to seven. Sarosi closed out the run with a jumper and also drew the foul. Her free throw was good as NSU was up by 10 points with 11:27 left in the half.

The Sharks eventually pushed their lead to 11 before the Blazers scored six-straight to make it 18-13 in favor of NSU at the 7:01 mark. NSU gained an eight-point cushion, but Valdosta State cut the Sharks' lead down to five with a 3-pointer by Michelle Thompson. However, the Sharks went on to outscore Valdosta State 11-6 in the final 5:18 of the half as NSU held a 32-22 advantage going into halftime.

The teams traded points to open the second half. A layup by Edwards gave NSU the 12-point 38-26 advantage at 17:24, but the Blazers made it a seven-point game with a layup and free throw from Thompson and a layup by Tamika Booker.

The Sharks used a 7-2 run to regain another 12-point lead as Lindsey Newpher's (Jr., Depew, Okla.) shot from behind the arc put NSU up 45-33 at 12:20. However, after the Valdosta State and NSU traded jumpers, the Blazers went on a 14-1 run that resulted in them taking the lead. Leschelle Matthews hit a 3-pointer at 5:53 that gave the Blazers a 49-48 edge.

After NSU regained the lead on a Sarosi jumper, a 3-pointer from Shakeda Richie put Valdosta State up 52-50 with 4:07 remaining in regulation. NSU answered with an Abbie Tepe (So., Cincinnati, Ohio) 3-pointer and an Edwards jumper as the Sharks held a 55-52 edge at the 3:02 mark.

Valdosta State eventually deadlocked the game at 58-all with 1:16 remaining as Jenia Babina hit a jumper. Just 13 seconds later, Tepe sank a free throw as NSU took a one-point lead. Booker's jumper with 51 seconds to go allowed Valdosta State to go up 60-59. A jumper by Tepe returned to the lead to the Sharks, but Richie made one of her free throws with 21 seconds to go that evened the game at 61-all, which proved to be the score at the end of regulation.

In overtime, NSU took a three-point, 66-63 advantage as Newpher calmly sank a pair of free throws at the 3:18 mark. However, Thompson hit a long-range shot at 2:28 that tied the game 66-66, while Brittany Hudson's layup put the Blazers up 68-66. The Sharks made three free throws, including the game-tying and go-ahead by Sarosi, in order to hold a 69-68 lead with 1:28 left. However, a Richie jumper gave the Blazers the lead for the final time as Valdosta State outscored NSU 5-2 in the final 1:13.

NSU was 42.9 percent (24-of-56) from the floor, while the Blazers were 42.2 percent (27-of-64). NSU pulled down 39 rebounds. Valdosta State grabbed 41 rebounds.

Both Sarosi and Edwards recorded double-doubles, while Tepe and Newpher reached double-digits in points. Sarosi had 17 points and 10 rebounds and was 5-for-5 from the charity stripe. Edwards scored 14 points and grabbed 16 boards and also had all four of NSU's steals. Tepe totaled 12 points and had a game-high six assists. Newpher chipped in with 11 points.

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  WNBA - Women  


Sue Bird assists in first EuroLeague dunk to Sylvia Fowles - by Bruno Baltazar
The stats haven't trickled out on the Web, maybe Polish center Margo Dydek has dunked in a EuroLeague game, but history is believed to have been made Wednesday when Storm PG Sue Bird (5'9''-G-80, college: Connecticut) picked up a loose ball and dished ahead to Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) (Chicago) for a one-handed slam. The splashy bucket was part of Fowles' 19 points in a 70-62 win.

Fowles joined Bird and Storm PF Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) on the defending EuroLeague Champion Spartak Moscow team this offseason. Fowles, who rebounded from a knee injury to appear in 17 WNBA games last summer, is third in Euro scoring at 18.5 and third in rebounding (11.4).

But it's all about the dunk. Check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTRUQDC-NGA

Cortesy of:
http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/storm/2008/11/20/sue_bird_feeds_sylvia_fowles_f.html

Shock Re-Sign Bill Laimbeer - by Bruno Baltazar
Detroit Shock announced that they re-signed head coach and general manager Bill Laimbeer to a two-year contract.
'Bill has established himself as a premier professional basketball coach and general manager,' said President of Palace Sports & Entertainment, Tom Wilson. 'His ability to assemble talent -- both players and coaches -- and inspire his teams to become champions has led to the ultimate prize for the Shock in three of the last six seasons. The Palace is fortunate to have such an impressive leader guiding our WNBA team into the future.'

Heading into his eighth season as head coach of the Shock in 2009, Laimbeer has compiled quite the coaching resume.

When Laimbeer took the reigns of the franchise in 2002, he orchestrated a historic worst-to-first turn around helping him earn coach of the year honors in 2003.

In addition to their 2008 WNBA Championship, Laimbeer guided the club to their third consecutive Eastern Conference Championship, at the same time becoming the all-time leader in both post-season and WNBA Finals victories. His six consecutive playoff appearances are tied for second most all-time, and his three WNBA Championships with the Shock (2003, 2006 and 2008), land him just one shy of the record held by Hall of Fame coach Van Chancellor, who guided Houston to the first four WNBA titles.

Since being named head coach on June 19, 2002, Laimbeer has tallied a regular-season record of 136-90.