EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 11/27/2008

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Men News

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


Nasville Broncs hold number one ranking in ABA Power Rankings - by Gianni Pascucci

The ABA Nashville Broncs held onto the #1 ranking in the ABA Power Rankings for the second straight week based on an unblemished 5-0 start to the new ABA season. 'As the season gets underway, we're beginning to see some real movement in the rankings,' stated Joe Newman, ABA CEO. 'Lots of changes this week with the biggest moves being made by the Alaska Dream, the Maywood Buzz and the South Texas Showboats. With quite a few games this week, we should be getting a better picture of the league. This will make some teams happy, others not so happy. Nothing like a few wins to change things.' The new rankings are as follows:

1. Nashville Broncs
2. Alaska Dream
3. Maywood Buzz
4. South Texas Showboats
5. San Francisco Rumble
6. San Diego Wildcats
7. Beijing Aoshen Olympian
8. Jersey Express
9. Kentucky Bisons
10. Knoxville Thunderbolt
11. Winston-Salem Storm
12. SE Texas Mustangs
13. Montreal Matrix
14. Washington Raptors
15. WV Blazers
16. Gallup Outlaws
17. Cleveland Rockers
18. Modesto Bearcats
19. Las Vegas Aces
20. Houston Takers
21. Chicago Steam
22. West Texas Whirlwind
23. Georgia Gwizzlies
24. Mississippi Blues



Former ABA All-Star Greg Plummer Joins Vermont Frost Heaves - by Surujh Roopnarine
Former Strong Island Sound ABA All-Star Greg Plummer (6'4''-G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Eckerd) has been signed by the two-time ABA Champion Vermont Frost Heaves for the 2008-09 season. Vermont, now a member of the Premier Basketball League was familiar with Plummer as he participated in a free agent camp in Toronto a few months ago and because Frost Heaves Head Coach Will Voigt coached Plummer in the 2006 ABA All-Star Game in Halifax. Plummer played with Frayles de Gusave last summer in the CIBACOPA where he averaged 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 10 games. Most recently, Plummer was selected in the 10th Round of the 2008 D-League Draft by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.Plummers most productive season as a professional came during the 2006-07 season with the Sound where the sharp-shooter from Eckerd averaged 20.4 points on 51.8% shooting (40.1% 3PT) in 31 games, while helping lead the Sound to the round of 16 of the ABA Playoffs, where they were summarily defeated by the Frost Heaves. The 64 Plummer has played domestically in the ABA, USBL and CBA as well as internationally in Luxembourg, and Mexico.

ABA Georgia Gwizzlies Market news !! - by Richard

ABA Georgia Gwizzlies frontline signees and free agents: Steven Bennett (6'10''-C), Xavier Morton (6'9''-F/C-80, college: Clark Atlanta), Jamal Nuh (6'8''-F, college: Arkansas Tech), Marcus Dixon (6'8''-C-84, college: Albany St.), Jeremiah Tinch (6'8''), A.J. Stallworth (6'9''-C-79, agency: Prossin Sports Management, college: Life), Ray Raines (6'8''-C).The team open it's season Friday December 5 against the No.1 ranked team in the ABA,the Nashville Broncs.Seven other positions will be filled after Saturday tryouts and signed free agents from this past summer.' Nashville great owner Scott Lumley and Nashville basketball fans will see a ballgame that will be talked about for decades',states Gwizzlies Embry Malone


Courtesy of Gerorgi Gwizzlies



Coach Darrell Hairston to manage Gwizzlies Open Tryout Saturday - by Richard

The American Basketball Association Georgia Gwizzlies associate Head Coach Darrell Hairston ,nephew of former NBA Los Angeles Lakers great 'Happy' Hairston of the 1970's Wilt Chamberlain-Jerry West years,will run the organization open tryout. Hairston last season was an assistant coach for the CBA Atlanta Krunk team. The tryout will start at 12:00pm and end at 4:00pm est. All participants of the tryout names will be posted on www.usbasket.com and www.oursportscentral.com in an ABA free-agent draft pool. For further information please go to: www.gwizzliesbasketball.com

Courtesy of ABA Georgia Gwizzlies



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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Milan Minic is the HC of Vojvodina Srbijagas - by Dragan Jankovski
After Zoran Sretenovic's resignation, Vojvodina Srbijagas didn't wait too long with hiring the new head coach. The Tulips agreed terms with experienced Milan Minic, who used to work for many European clubs in the past. Season 01/02 Minic spent in Greece, actually in Aris Thessaloniki. Interesting is that before he also worked as a coach in Olympiakos and AEK Athens. In 2003 Minic took over Rhein Energy Koln. He also had short role as an assistant coach in Olympiakos on season 04/05. In 2006 he joined Aleksandar Djordjevic in AJ Milano, once again as assistant coach and scout. Minic spent last season in Russian team Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. He agreed terms with Lokomotiv in December last year leaving five months later.
Milan Minic spent many years working with Yugoslavian and later Serbian National Team as an assistant coach and scout. His biggest achievement as a head coach is winning the German Bundesleague Cup in 2004 with Koln.

Vojvodina Srbijagas is currently the last ranked team in Adriatic league with 1-8 record. The Tulips for sure not count on win in the next round as they will take on Partizan Igokea in Pionir. They will have a chance in Round 11 against Helios Domzale in Novi Sad.

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  ARGENTINA   


Super 8 - by Ana Soifer

This Wednesday, Deportivo Libertad from Sunchales, winner of the last edition and also of the first one in 2005, will play against Gimnasia Esgrima Comodoro Rivadavia from Comodoro Rivadavia at 6.30 pm in the one that will be the game that gives the beginning to the Zanella Super 8 Clarin Deportivo. While, Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires Sanitarias will face Nacional from Monte Hermoso at 9 pm.
The 4th edition Zanella super 8 Clarin Deportivo, will take place at Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires Sanitarias gym from Wednesday 26 to Saturday 29.
The games schedule will be the following:

November 26th (Wednesday)
1. Deportivo Libertad-Gimnasia Esgrima Comodoro Rivadavia 6.30 pm
2. Obras Sanitarias Buenos Aires-El Nacional Monte Hermoso 9 pm (on TV TyC Sports)

Thursday 27th
3. Atenas Cordoba-Asociacion Quimsa Santiago del Estero 7.30 pm
4. Regatas Corrientes-Bahia Blanca Estudiantes de Bahia Blanca 10 pm (on TV TyC Max)

Friday 28th
Winner game 1- winner game 4
Winner game 2- Winner game 3

Saturday 29th
Final, 8.30 pm (on TV TyC Max, at 11.30 pm)



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


EiffelTowers leaves Austria with a victory - by Eurobasket News
Allianz Swans - EiffelTowers 75:84

Dutch EiffelTowers won the first game of the EuroChallenge Regular Season in Austria. The winners overcame Allianz Swans 84:75 in a tough opener. Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) led the winners with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Devonne Giles (203-F-83, college: Texas Tech) collected 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Jackson netted 11. Elijah Palmer (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Duquesne) top-scored in defeat with 20 points and Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) scored 14.
Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) gave his team an early lead an then Huffman brought 12:6 in the game. Anthony Fisher posted two for 17:12 as the hosts however remained with this number until the end of the period. The Dutch side sparked a 12-0 run and finished first the opening period with 20:17. Devonne Giles closed the run early in the second for 24:17.Their biggest lead for EiffelTowers in the first half was 34:24. Anthony Richardson sent the teas to the lockers with a lay-up for 41:34. In the third period the game was even and as a result the score in the frame was 21:21. Anthony Fisher made a lay-up for 55:62 after thirty minutes of the game. When Akerboom brought his team 80:65 it became clear that Dutch EiffelTowers would leave Austria with a win. EiffelTowers overcame Allianz Swans 84:75 when Anthony Richardson made a great dunk.

Allianz Swans: Elijah Palmer 20, Anthony Fisher 14, Deteri Mayes 12
EiffelTowers: Anthony Richardson 26+6 rebs, Devonne Giles 14+10 rebs, Jackson 11

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


Garrison edge rivals for league title - by Justin Marville
BILLED as the Clash Of The Titans, the United Insurance Schools' Basketball League regular season finale couldn't have asked for a bigger stage.

And fittingly, it was graced with the tournament's greatest performance.

Overcoming a sensational 45 points from Darren Hunte, the Garrison Secondary edged long-time adversaries Start De Town St Michael School 76-74 in the game of the season, to capture the coveted Division 2 league championship on Tuesday.

The contest appeared as if it would fall perilously short of its top billing as the visiting Garrison side threatened to run away with the game in the early stages.

Unaffected by the raucous home support, guards Justin Maloney and Jodie Williams jumped all over their opposition in the first quarter, directing an initial 10-2 run that led to an eventual 16-8 advantage by the end of the period.

And they did it without any contributions on the offensive end from 6ft 6in centre John Jones, who failed to even touch the ball in that quarter after being surrounded by three St Michael defenders on every possession.

But once Williams was kept out of the open court, Jones' continued absence became near fatal for the visitors in the ensuing period as they suddenly had to deal with more than the deafening noise of the home crowd.

Taking over the game's proceedings with ruthless efficiency, Hunte proved unstoppable in the second quarter as he picked apart the Garrison defence from just about anywhere on the floor.

And if there was a price of admission then the patrons would've certainly got their money's worth when, with 1:25 left in the half, the athletic swingman hit a thunderous one-handed dunk over an outstretched Jones along the baseline.

It proved to be the signature highlight of St Michael's huge comeback, in which Hunte scored all 19 second-quarter points to reduce the deficit to three (30-27).

That momentum carried over to the subsequent period, where Hunte was at his very best, scoring a further 14 points to spark a 24-12 run that put the hosts in front 51-42.

But just as Hunte's earlier dunk ignited the home team, Jones' jarring response quickly deflated them, as the towering centre broke free of his shackles to get his revenge.

Hauling in a missed free-throw attempt, the Garrison big man made a two-handed slam in a crowd of opposing players that sent the visitors' bench in a frenzy.

They then regained the lead on another spectacular highlight. Going around the back to avoid an oncoming defender in transition, Williams quickly crossed up another opposing player in the same dribble before deftly laying-up over a third one to put his team up 52-51.

And the versatile Garrison guard wasn't done yet, hitting three clutch treys while playing great denial defence on Hunte at the other end in helping the visitors to extend their advantage to 74-70 with two minutes left to play.

That lead quickly disappeared, however, as Shakeir Bayne responded with a magnificent up-and-under lay-up, while Hunte made good on two free-throws to tie the game with 53 seconds on the clock.

But Maloney, resolute during the entire contest, found Kemar Gittens underneath for the go-ahead basket after breaking down the defence off the dribble.

It proved to be the game winner, as Jones and Williams missed chances to put away the game, while, for St Michael, Raheem Elliot missed a difficult lay-up attempt and Hunte's half-court heave before the final buzzer fell short.

Maloney ended with 22 points, Williams added 19, and John and Kevin Jones chipped in with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

'This one is special,' said a overwhelmed Garrison head coach Orland Roach. 'To win [at] St Michael against St Michael is something really special.'

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  BELGIUM   


Spirou hold off Crvena Zvezda in Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Spirou - Crvena Zvezda 71:65

Spirou overcame a first period deficit to knock down visiting Crvena Zvezda in the EuroCup regular season opening game for both teams. Almost 6000 spectators came to support Spirou and their favorites lived up to the highest expectations. However the start of the game was not a sweet one for the hosts. Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.), Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) and Leroy Andre Owens (192-G-80, college: Houston) nailed 7 points for the visitors as Crvena Zvezda led 7:0 at the start. Spirou soon got back to life as they closed the quarter trailing by just one point 14:15. The second quarter turned out to be a tight battle with several lead changes. The hosts finally laid claim and piled up a 30:25 lead. Len Matela (206-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Bowling Green) closed the frame with a three-pointer to give Spirou a 38:33 advantage at halftime.
Crvena Zvezda would not go away as they cut the distance to minimum once again. Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, college: JMU) and Wes Wilkinson (207-F-84, college: Nebraska) came up with important baskets late in the quarter as Charleroi cleared off to a 54:46 distance. Marko Marinovic nailed 5 points in a row early in the fourth quarter and Crvena Zvezda narrowed the margin. The teams remained close before Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) drained a crucial three-pointer that allowed Spirou to got away to a 66:62 distance. Matt Walsh later knocked down 3 free throws to seal the winning outcome for the hosts in this one.
Len Matela finished with 17 points for Spirou. Matt Walsh had 13 points, while Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Rider) added 12 points and 6 assists for the winners. Marko Marinovic responded with 17 points for Crvena Zvezda. Leroy Andre Owens secured 13 points in defeat.

Spirou: Len Matela 17, Matt Walsh 13, Jerry Johnson 12
Crvena Zvezda: Marko Marinovic 17, Leroy Andre Owens 13

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  CANADA   


Canada Basketballs Mike MacKay Holds Winnipeg Clinic - by John Gary
courtesy basketball canada Canada Basketballs manager of coach,education and development is bringing his knowledge and skills to Manitoba. Mike MacKay will hold the,'Steps to Success Coaching Clinic,' on saturday and sunday december 12-13 at West Kildonan Cllegiate, 101 Ridegecrest Ave. in Winnipeg. Clinic hours both days are from 9am-4pm. Deadline for registration for the clinic,presented by the JRB Girls and Boys Basketball Club is wednesday Dec.10.

Quebec City releases the 2009 roster - by Gianni Pascucci

The Quebec Kebs staff has jus sent to Usbasket.com the full team roster for teh upcoming, PBL 2009 season, that is as follows:


# Player Pos. Ht Wt YOB College YearsPro
5 Jonas Pierre C 6-11 240 1980 Lincoln 4
6 Michael Anderson F 6-8 205 1986 VCU R
7 Samuel Audet-Sow F 6-6 215 1980 Laval 4
8 Larry House F/G 6-4 220 1980 Creighton 5
9 Jean-Philippe Morin F 6-7 232 1983 Laval R
11 Yul Michel G 6-2 175 1980 Brandon R
14 Simplice Njoya C/F 6-10 245 1981 Memphis 2
15 Dominique Soucy G 6-3 190 1981 Laval 2
21 Alexandre Prophete F 6-5 212 1983 Sainte-Foy 2
22 Charles Fortier G 6-4 212 1979 Laval 2
50 William Floyd G 5-11 180 1980 Kean R
51 Filose Tshimbomba C 6-8 260 1986 Edouard-Montpetit 2
x Charles Gagnon F 6-4 195 1984 Sainte-Foy R
x Marc-Andr Lefebvre F 6-1 185 1983 Laval R
x Daniel Renaud G 5-8 150 1982 Limoilou 1
Head Coach : Charles Dube-Brais (2nd year)
Assistant Coaches : Donald Lapointe (1st year) and Patrick Lemay (3rd year)
Trainer : Jean-Philippe B.-Poulin (2nd year)



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  CHINA   


Dongguan Defeats Guangdong and Is Only Undefeated Team - by Arthur Volbert
Dongguan shocked Guangdong 112-102 in a battle of unbeatens. Dongguan is now the CBA's only undefeated team. Harris Michael (198-F-83, college: Rice) led Dongguan with 35 points and 19 rebounds. Jamal Sampson, wearing #34, had 20 points and 12 rebounds. Dongguan has the best set of imports in the CBA. Qiu Biao, an emerging star, had 16 points and 6 rebounds and young Meng Duo added 15 points. Zhu Fangyu led Guangdong with 34 points. Jason Dixon had 15 points and 13 rebounds. Tyler Amaya, Guangdong's other import, had only 6 points in 10 minutes.

Shaanxi handed Xinjiang its first loss 87-75 as Zhang Wei had 28 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Brandon Robinson, wearing #22, had 24 points and 20 rebounds. Lee Benson had 15 points and 14 rebounds. Juan Mendez led Xinjiang with 26 points and Myron Allen added 17. Mengke Bateer had 15 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.

Liaoning defeated Qingdao 110-92 as Liu Xiangtao and Yang Ming each scored 20 points. Zhang Qingpeng scored 15 and Li Xiaoxu scored 14. Gu Liye had 12 points and 7 rebounds. Liaoning won its second straight game since Gu returned to the lineup. Frans Steyn had 20 points and 13 rebounds for Qingdao. Amal McCaskell had 16 points and 13 rebounds. Young Li Guang continued his stellar play with 12 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 4 steals.

Shanxi Zhongyu defeated Shandong 103-96 as Donta Smith had 24 points, Olumide Oyedeji scored 23 and Wei Mingliang scored 22. Sun Jie and Mack Tuck each scored 29 for Shandong and Priest Lauderdale added 22.'

Jilin edged Tianjin 94-85 as Yang Yuming scored 22 and Leon Rogers scored 20. Theron Smith scored 30 for Tianjin and Liu Hao added 19.

Jiangsu overcame Beijing 105-98 as Hu Xuefeng had 29 points and 9 assists. Jameel Watkins had 26 points and 11 rebounds. Donnell Harvey had 21 points and 13 rebounds. Dontae Jones led Beijing with 46 points and 11 rebounds. Chen Lei had 21 points and 4 assists.

Bayi smashed Zhejiang Guangsha 113-88 as Li Nan scored 20 points. Wang Zhizhi scored 16 and Mo Ke added 14. Li Ke scored 13. Delehei had 10 points and 9 rebounds and Xu Zhonghao had 6 points and 8 rebounds to lead Bayi's younger players. Nigel Dixon led Guangsha with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Kasib Powell scored 17 points.

Fujian beat winless Shanghai 109-101 behind Matt Frieje's 30 points and 17 rebounds. Chris Porter had 26 points and 16 rebounds. Gong Songlin scored 24 points. DaJuan Tate had 30 points and 11 rebounds for Shanghai. Liu Wei scored 27 and Wang Yong added 21. Shanghai only has one import, a distinct disadvantage in the CBA this season.

Zhejiang defeated Yunnan 86-79 as Kirk Snyder had 30 points and 12 rebounds. Samuel Hoskin had 18 points and 6 rebounds. Among Zhejiang's young native stars, Ding Jinhui had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists and 7-foot Zhang Dayu had 10 points and 5 rebounds. Gabe Muoneke had 30 points and 12 rebounds for Yunnan and Keith Closs had 18 points and 6 rebounds.

CBA 5th Game Result - by Robert Wang
CBA just finished the 5th game tonight and here is the result:
Guang Dong 102:112 Dong Guan, Shang Hai 101:109 Fu Jian SBS, Ba Yi 113:88 Guang Sha, Yun Nan 79:86 Zhe Jiang Wan Ma, Bei Jing 98:105 Jiang Su, Shaan Xi 87:75 Xin Jiang, Tian JIn 85:94 Ji Lin , Shan Dong 96:103 Shan Xi , Liao Ning 110:92 Qing Dao. Liao ning had been won for games at home while Shan Dong lost their first game at home. Guang Dong lost their first game against his naborhood Dong guan team. michael Harris helped his team receiving 35 points and 19 rebounds.

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  CROATIA   


Zadar faces with big problems according to coach Petrovic - by Eurobasket News
After yesterday's impressive EuroCup victory 87-79 against Greek CC Maroussi, head coach of the reigning Croatian champion, Aleksandar Petrovic, stated that his team currently faces with many problems. According to him, the biggest one is that the players are not paid for their service.

'You saw how many problems we have. The players are not paid and most probably the strike will start tomorrow. Despite all the troubles, Zadar's players are trying to do their job as best as they can. I want to congratulate them on that attitude', said Aleksandar Petrovic just after the game.

Management of the team, actually President Kristijan Magas, stated that he has no idea why the coach Petrovic mentioned strike as all players are paid. Sports Director of the club Pino Giergia also stated that Zadar doesn't have any problems with paying the players.

'Aleksandar's words are not good for our club. Information that we didn't pay our players is totally incorrect. Our coach is not telling the truth. I never heard that any coach in the World tries to organize the strike', said Giergia.

It is not the only problem for Zadar. According to coach Petrovic, Marlon Garnett's appearance for the next game against FMP is under the big question mark due to injury. The good this is that injury is not serious and he will maybe miss just next week-end. As a reminder, Malik Dixon still struggles with injury and he didn't play aganst Maroussi.

Cibona beats Air Avelino in thriller - by Eurobasket News
Cibona - Air Avelino 82-79

Cibona outsmarted Air Avelino in 'Basketball Center Drazen Petrovic' improving on almost perfect 4-1 record in Group A. On the other side Italian team dropped on 2-3. It was very exciting game, decided in extra 5 minutes. Actually, Cibona had a chance to grab this one in regular time but Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) missed an inside lay-up, after what Tamar Slay (204-F-80, college: Marshall) made two free throws for 70-70. The hosts had a possession with 30 seconds remaining, but Rawle Marshall (200-G-82, college: Oakland) missed a triple. However, Marin Rozic (201-F-83) grabbed the ball but his successful jump shot came too late. Cibona entered into the extra five minutes creating mini 4-0 run. Kus was once again successful for his tam, but than Travis Best (180-G-72, college: Georgia Tech) and Drake Diener stepped up for Air Avelino. Best made a 3-ponter and a lay-up, while Diener joined him with 2 FTs tying the score on 77-77. After that moment big guy Nikola Prkacin shined making 4-0 on his own (lay-up and two FTs). Drake Diener notched 2 free throws for Air Avelino, after what Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) made just one for Cibona. Travis Best had a chance to send two teams to another over time, but he missed it from beyond the arc.
Davor Kus (192-G-78) top-scored for the winnings squad netting 23 points. Earl Calloway followed with 14, while Jared Homan (206-C-83, college: Iowa St.) added 9 points and 6 rebounds. Former Cibona's player Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) shined in Air Avelino collecting 20 points and 4 rebounds. Eric Williams (206-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) had 12 pts and 6 boards, while Travis Best contributed with 11+5. In the next round Cibona will meet Le Mans, while Air Avelino will take on Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Cibona: Davor Kus 23, Earl Calloway 14, Jared Homan 9+6 boards
Air Avelino: Chris Warren 20+4 boards, Eric Williams 12+6 boards, Travis Best 11+5 boards+4 as

Decent performance by Croatian colony in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Croatians had decent performance in the last round of Slovakian championship. Rudolf Jugo (180-G-84), who signed with Dolny Kubin recently, was one of the best Croatian players in Extraliga this week-end. His team was better than Nitra 84-78 registering the second win in the league. Jugo paced it scoring 13 points for 14 minutes. In Round 13 Jugo was even better adding 16 points for 17 minutes vs Kosice. Dominik Stefanac (209-C-82) also shined with 14 points and 5 assists for 34 minutes against Nitra, while Ognjen Petrovic (189-G-77) was not in the roster for this game.

Jure Lozancic (211-C-83, agency: 011 Sports, college: Jacksonville) of Spisska Nova Vas also was on a high level in the last round. Unfortunately his SPN faced with home defeat against current leader HBK Prievidza 79-82. Lozancic spent 25 minutes on the court collecting 18 points and 5 steals. In the previous round against Nitra he had 16 points and 4 steals for 21 minutes. His SNV now has 7-7 score after 14 games.

Ivan Barisic (200-C-84) of Komarno netted 13 points and grabbed 8 steals against Handlova. Marko Vlaic (206-C-81) of Handlova answered with 12 points and 5 steals for 23 minutes. His teammate Antonio Bicvic (199-F-82) stopped on 2 points in that game (Round 14).

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  CYPRUS   


Eurochallenge: Telecom Baskets - Keravnos Strovolou 78-55! - by Chris Mammides
Telecom Baskets brought the team of Keravnos Strovolou back to reality as by playing simple basketball and great shooting and defending performance bury all the dreams of the visiting Keravnos Strovolou 78-55 in the German city of Bonn on Thursday. The mood of the American players of the German team was made clear from the very first quarter as the aggressiveness, the great defending skills (Johnson made 6 block shots in the first 9 minutes) and the result was 22-8 in the first ten minutes with the Strovolos team having Greer as the tom scorer with 5 points and Hart with Trisokkas scoring 2 points while from the German team top scorer the first ten minutes was a player which was not to be afraid from the scouting made from the Cyprus site as Flomos 8 points came without a lot of effort. The defense of Keravnos was like a Swiss cheese and the Germans were able to score many easy baskets from the paint and from the parameter.
The second quarter was exactly the same as the first since the Germans of the Telecom Baskets mainly with Strasser and Rowland could not be stopped, the ex Panathinaikos player Michael Koh who is the head coach of the German team succeeded to get the best of his players and with simple basketball good team work and tough defense kept the deficit in +20 points as the half time ended with 43-22 with the Strovolos site being unable to do anything as the Americans of Keravnos, Woolridge (is obviously too little for the team) and Buckman were in an amazingly bad night while Jarret Hart was overdoing it with his shots (but he was most of the time in the court!), the three Americans produce 4 points by the end of the first half with Greer trying for the best but being all alone with Trisokkas.
It was obvious that the Strovolos site was not able to do anything against Kohs Germans, the weaknesses of Keravnos were so many and so obvious (lack of Rebounding, lack of defense, bad offence and not clear mind) Greer was the only source of scoring for Keravnos in the second quarter but due to the very good German defense he was kept in a very low productivity.
The third quarter started with the second basket from Hart but thats was it as the Germans with Strasser were simply keeping the difference over twenty point by playing with clear mind and trouble-free passing game. The hosts never let any doubt into the outcome of the game as Johannes Strasser hit a three on the opening possession and Winsome Frazier followed with triples on the next two trips down court as Telecom Baskets opened a big lead that it never let up. The lead grew to 27 points in the third period and rested at 62-38 at the end of the third quarter. Keravnos got some scoring from Krasic (8 points) and Trisokkas (8 points and 11 rebounds) while Greer remain to 9 points.
Keravnos never got closer than 17 the rest of the way, as the fourth quarter was just a typical case for the Germans who got rid of the Cypriots quite early.
Johannes Strasser led the way for Telecom Baskets with 15 points and 4 assists. Rowland scored 15 points and 6 rebounds, while Arthur Kolodjieski scored 12 points with 4/6 three pointer. Timothy Clifford added 10 points 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
From the disappointing site of Keravnos Strovolou who made his worst European debut the last decade, the top performer for Keravnos was Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80) with 10 points and 12 rebounds followed by Krasic and Damjanovic who scored 10 points each. It is worth mentioning the fact that the American and Bossman players of the home site who suppose to be the players to add in the productivity of Keravnos had the following statistics:
Andre Woolridge 2 points and 2 rebounds in 22 points
Brad Buckman 2 points and 3 rebounds in 15 minutes
Jarret Hart 7 points and 2 rebounds in 31 minutes with 1/7 in twos!
Sotiris Karapostolou 0 points, 0 rebounds in 10 minutes
Lavell Greer 9 points, in 37 minutes with 2/11 in 2s and 3s.
While the other four Cypriot players played in total of 5 minutes in a game that the home team lost by 23!! Zahariou didnt play and Yiannas played 4 minutes and Razis played 1 minute!
With this productivity the team of Keravnos has to reconsider its European dreams!!

New coach for Intercollege ETHA - by Michael Aristidou
InterCollege Etha Engomis has change their coach due to continus run without win. Adamou Kyriakos was dismissed and the new coach was announced this morning. Antonis Konstantinidis will take over ETHA for the rest of the season. ETHA new coach is the head coach for women national team of Cyprus. Despite the fact that he will be coaching ETHA Konstantinidis will remain at his place in the national team. ETHA is currently at the last place in the league with 0-4 run.

Standings - Division B
Division B Standings
1. Digenis 5-0
2. A.Yermasogias 2-0
3. Achilleas Agrou 2-0
4. Asteras 2-1
5. Olympos A. 2-1
6. APOP Paphou 2-3
7. Philips Coll. 2-3
8. Paralimni 1-0
9. Doxa 1-1
10. Athanasiou 0-0
11. Onisilos 0-3
12. Enosis K. 0-4
13. Argonaftes 0-4


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  DENMARK   


Standings - 1st Division
1st Division Standings
 1. Aalborg 8-0 
 2. Herlev 6-2 
 3. Skjold 6-2 
 4. Vaerlose 5-3 
 5. Aarhus BF 5-3 
 6. Hobas 4-4 
 7. Falcon 4-4 
 8. Lemvig 3-5 
 9. Jonstrup 2-6 
 10. Odense 2-6 
 11. Virum 2-6 
 12. ALBA 1-7 


Danish Cup Tournament reaches semifinals - by Thomas Quaade
In the DBBF cup tournament the quarterfinal games has now been played and the 4 semifinal teams has been found - they are:

Bakken Bears - after beating and giving Svendborg Rabbits a basketball lesson away, the Bakken Bears team will now officially take the drivers seat in this years cup. With the addition of Eric Bell (190-G-75, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: New Paltz St.) and an improving Elliah Clarke (198-F-85, college: De Paul) and Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.), this team looks almost certain to be in the finals in both the cup tournament and in the Danish Championships.

Randers Cimbria Basketball - winning at home against SISU Copenhagen was no real surprise. This new Randers Cimbria Basketball team lead by Bonell Colas (206-F-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Florida) has improved and done really well this season so far. A win in Svendborg Rabbits last weekend just shows that they mean business. But getting by Bakken Bears in the semifinals is almost impossible - not if it was one game but in two games Bakken Bears will be very strong.

Team FOG Naestved - after new coach Geoff Kotila took over, this 'always in the bottom' team has gotten very good quickly. There is no question about it - coach Kotila is absolutely one of the very best coaches in Denmark - EVER! Yes, Naestved got a little bit better players this season. Yes they have found players who are actually playing defense but their whole seriousness about them has changed as well. This could be the biggest surprise team of the year. They are heavy favorites against Aalborg BK.

Aalborg BK - the 'Cup Killers' as they have been named. This 1. division team has surprised everyone in this years Cup Tournament and the fairytale is as real as it gets. Beating BK Amager made people look but then say, hmmm BK Amager didn't take them seriously. But then Horsholm 79ers got beat in the quarterfinals and now people are truly impressed. Can they make it to the finals?

The results from the quarterfinal games:

Svendborg Rabbits - Bakken Bears 83-104

Randers Cimbria Basketball - SISU Copenhagen 89-79

Lundergaard - Team FOG Naestved 61-108

Aalborg BK - Horsholm 79ers 71-70

Which gives us the following semfinals:

Bakken Bears - Randers Cimbria Basketball

Team FOG Naestved - Aalborg BK

The womens tournament has also reached the semifinals - here the teams are:

Falcon - Horsens IC (it's really Horsens BC Pirates)
Sisu Copenhagen - Aabyhoj

One big surprise in the 8th round of the 1. division - by Thomas Quaade

Lemvig - Stevnsgade

In the Danish 1. division for men Lemvig BK came out as the big winner in this weekends round. They we're facing the top team BK Skjold/Stevnsgade, who had only lost to Aalborg BK this season. But Lemvig BK wanted it differently and made a huge upset beating BK Skjold/Stevnsgade by 98-75. Lemvig BK was hot from the outside making a total of 15 out of 20 3s in the game and it was a great team effort. Mike Haiduc (203-C, college: Dominican (IL)) was once again the topscorer for the home team with 24 points. For BK Skjold/Stevnsgade it was a very bad day. They didn't have their 2 American players with them for this game and apparantly that was enough as this seasons biggest upset in the 1. division was a reality.

Vaerlose - Jonstrup
Elsewhere Vaerlose BBK beat an improving Jonstrup team in a close game 57-56. It was not the veterans day for Vaerlose BBK, who had to rely on the young guns in this important game. Morten Christensen (9 points), Bjorn Holmgreen (8 points), Christian Dissing (7 point) and Chris Cronenberg (7 points) came up big in this lowscoring game. It was Bjorn Holmgreen, who scored on 1 of 2 freethrows with 8 seconds left of the game and the score tied at 56-56. Jonstrups last offense ran out in the sand and Vaerlose BBK wins again. Daniel Pierre (-F/C) was once again best in scoring for Jonstrup with 18 points.

Odense - Falcon
In Fjordager BK Odense, Falcon was visiting but without Jorg Rottgardt (191-G-81), but still managed to win. Fjordager BK Odense was without their star Michael Guldbaek (188-G/F-80) but lead in the 4th quarter by 70-61. Falcon wanted it differently and won their 3rd straight game 77-89 with an outstanding effort from their PG Mikael Nielsen (177-G-90), who finished the game with great fashion. Jakob Pedersen (188-F-80) finished with 17 points for Fjordager BK Odense.

Other games from this weekend:

Aalborg BK - Aarhus BF 92-61
Hobas - Herlev Basket 79-88
Virum - ALBA 91-62



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  D-LEAGUE   


Former ABA All-Star Greg Plummer Joins Vermont Frost Heaves - by Surujh Roopnarine
Former Strong Island Sound ABA All-Star Greg Plummer (6'4''-G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Eckerd) has been signed by the two-time ABA Champion Vermont Frost Heaves for the 2008-09 season. Vermont, now a member of the Premier Basketball League was familiar with Plummer as he participated in a free agent camp in Toronto a few months ago and because Frost Heaves Head Coach Will Voigt coached Plummer in the 2006 ABA All-Star Game in Halifax. Plummer played with Frayles de Gusave last summer in the CIBACOPA where he averaged 19.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists in 10 games. Most recently, Plummer was selected in the 10th Round of the 2008 D-League Draft by the Sioux Falls Skyforce.Plummers most productive season as a professional came during the 2006-07 season with the Sound where the sharp-shooter from Eckerd averaged 20.4 points on 51.8% shooting (40.1% 3PT) in 31 games, while helping lead the Sound to the round of 16 of the ABA Playoffs, where they were summarily defeated by the Frost Heaves. The 64 Plummer has played domestically in the ABA, USBL and CBA as well as internationally in Luxembourg, and Mexico.

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  EGYPT   


Second round results - by Sherif Soliman
Six games was held last night in the Egyptian super league. Tow surprises happened last night when Ahly lost from Jiesh 61-64,Also Gasco beated Sporting the cup winners 79-77 in the last second,The other three games results went as follows , Itthad 75 - 60 Shark insurance , Shorta 87- 78 Olympi, Somouha 85 - 81 Shams after overtime. Also Zamalek crushed Gezira 84-67 in the 4th peroid,weal Badr killed Gezira players and no one was able to stop him,On the other hand Gath Joseph didnt help gezira especialy in defence letting zamalek players making easy lay ups and rebounds.Wael Badr (193-G-78)

Super League Standings
Superleague Standings
 1. Zamalek 2-0 
 2. Al Ittihad 2-0 
 3. Somouha 2-0 
 4. Shorta-Police 1-1 
 5. Gasco 1-1 
 6. Ahly 1-1 
 7. Sporting 1-1 
 8. Gezira 1-1 
 9. Geish Army 1-1 
 10. Shams 0-2 
 11. Al Olympi 0-2 
 12. Shark ins. 0-2 


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


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


Gerson back on Maccabi's bench - by Andrej Ljajic
Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv announced the return of the legendary coach Pini Gershon . He will return to the club's bench for the third time this decade. Gershon won 3 continental titles with Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv between 2001 and 2005. He will probably sign until the 2010/2011 season. Gershon will be on the bench as soon as possible, it is expected at the home game against Unicaja on thursday. is hiring ends the brief tenure of Efy Birenboim, who had a 2-2 record in Euroleague play and lost his last game on the road by 19 points to Olympiacos, althoug a subsequent domestic defeat to Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem led to Tuesday's move.

Asseco Prokom Sopot - Panathinaikos 60-67 - by Chris Mammides
Another victory was added in Obradovic's series with Panathinaikos, this time in the european courts. The green team beat the very good Polish team in Sopot with 60-67 having in a great night the two key players in the derby against Olympiakos last week, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) and Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86) scored 15 points wach and they shared the top scoring position from a close distance Vassilis spanoulis who scored 12 points.
Panathinaikos had a wonderfull second quarter which was mainly the reason of the green victory as Pekovic and his team-mates oversored the the Polish with 6-20. The specific quarter was the key to the positive result. Dimitris Diamantidis at the end with three consecutive goal fouls could characterised as the MVP of the game as upon the danger of David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) and Patrick Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) (the ex Green center), the amazing Greek all around player was there to keep the difference into a safe distance.
The quarters were: 18-16, 24-36, 37-48 and the final 60-67.
Dimitris Diamantidis with 15 points 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 1 block shot and 7 winning fouls was the MVP followed by Nikola Pekovic with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82) with 12 points and 4 rebounds
From the good team of Prokom top scorer was David Logan with 16 points while the veteran ex Green player Patrick Burke scored 11 points

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Huge tragedy - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Joensuu. Kataja's executive manager and training director Antti Papinaho , 31, has died in a car accident on Tuesday night. The accident took place at Suomussalmi 8:00 p.m. as Papinaho's car hit a reindeer, turned over and fell into the lake. Papinaho's pregnant wife Hanna, 29, had a miraculous escape, but Antti, the driver was drowned. Papinaho was earlier the Head Coach of PuHu (Vantaa) and Kataja (Joensuu). Finnish Basketball Association will arrange coming weekend a silent moment for the memory of Antti Papinaho.

PuHu filed for bankruptcy - by Rauno Hurmalainen
HELSINKI/VANTAA. PuHu (Vantaa), 32 yo Basketball Club has filed for bankruptcy. Team PuHu gave up both with their men's (1.Division) and
women's (SM-sarja) teams. There will be 11 teams left in the 1. Division and only eight teams on women's top league. All PuHu players are now
free agents. PuHu was a successful Club, but financial problems were finally too big. PuHu won silver (2005) and bronze (2003) during 10 years
on men's Top League. On women's side PuHu was on top level 23 seasons winning Finnish Cup twice and Finnish Championship also twice (plus
four silver and three bronze).

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  FRANCE   


Hyeres-Toulon defeats Ural Great in France - by Eurobasket News
Hyeres-Toulon - Ural Great 94:83

Hyeres-Toulon opened the EuroChallenge Regular season with a home win over Ural Great. The team from France won all the quarters of the game to seal 94:83 victory. Austin Nichols (198-F/G-82, agency: ACMT, college: Humboldt St.) led the winners with 28 points. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) netted 26 and Darrell Tucker (206-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: USF) followed them with 22. Vanja Plisnic (207-F/C-80, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the Russian team with 21 points.
The hosts started with 5-0 record winning the opening tip of the game. Ural Great bounced back and Vanja Plisnic had 12:7 with his team. Austin Nichols however closed the first period with a three for 22:21. In the majority of the second frame the Russian team was in front until 39:40. Darrell Tucker finished 6-0 run from the hosts to seal 43:40 outcome at the halftime.
Perincic scored for 56:49 and Milling made it 66:59 at the end of the third. Austin Nichols led his team to the last but productive run for 80:70 with 5 minutes to go. The closest Ural Great would get the rest of the way was at 81:76 following a three-pointer from Roman Khamitov. Rindin was the last to score in the game for 94:83.

Hyeres-Toulon: Austin Nichols 28, Dontaye Draper 26, Darrell Tucker 22
Ural Great: Vanja Plisnic 21, Ralph Biggs (199-F-76, agency: Court Side, college: Towson) 19

Roanne overcome ASK Riga in the opener - by Eurobasket News
Roanne - ASK Riga 79:75

Roanne needed an overtime to prevail against ASK Riga at the start of the EuroCup regular season. The teams opened the action in Group A in France and the hosts clinched a dramatic success.
The teams traded baskets early in the game with neither side able to clear off. Samba Dia (201-F-84, college: SMSU-West Plains) and Chris Monroe (191-G-81, college: George Washington) fired from beyond the arc to secure a 19:15 lead for Roanne at the first intermission. The things did not change radically after the break as the teams continued to keep it close. Corey Brewer (188-G-75, college: Oklahoma) knocked down a pair of free throws late in the half and ASK Riga secured a 28:27 lead at the interval. The lead changed hands numerous times during the third quarter. However ASK Riga still enjoyed a one-point advantage heading into the final term. Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82), Corey Brewer and Andrius Mazutis (180-G-81) saw ASK Riga grab a 65:60 lead late in regulation. Nevertheless Roanne bounced back. Mohamed Kone (211-C-81, college: Valparaiso) and Chris Monroe nailed triples in the crunch time to knot things up at 66 at the end of the normal time. Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi), Samba Dia and Chris Monroe put the hosts in charge in the extra period. Corey Brewer once again drew things level at 75 before Aaron Harper converted a layup and then sealed the winning outcome for Roanne from charity stripe.
Chris Monroe knocked down 20 points and pulled down 7 rebounds to pace Roanne. Aaron Harper added 19 points, while Mohamed Kone secured 12 in the win. Corey Brewer fired game-high 27 points for ASK Riga. Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) and Bruno Sundov (218-C-80) delivered 9 points each in the losing case.

Roanne: Chris Monroe 20, Aaron Harper 19, Mohamed Kone 12
ASK Riga: Corey Brewer 27, Uvis Helmanis 9, Bruno Sundov 9

Cholet Basket brings the initial win from Switzerland - by Eurobasket News
Benetton Olympic -Cholet Basket 63:82

Cholet cruised to an 82:63 win over Benetton Olympic in Switzerland. The wins in all quarters allowed the guests to win the EuroChallenge Regular Season opener. Nando De Colo (202-G-87) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Thomas Larrouquis (197-F/G-85) Thomas had 13. Michael Mokongo (180-G-86, agency: ACMT) Michael ended up with 11 points in the losing effort.
The game was knotted at 4:4 but then the visitors produced a 15-0 run that put the French outfit into a 19:4 lead. Rodrigue Beaubois (186-G-88, agency: Court Side) closed the opening quarter for 23:13. In the second frame the picture of the game did not change as Cholet Basket dominated the court. Michael Mokongo sent the teams to the lockers for 44:30.
Fields climbed up with his team to 37:48 and Dennis Harrison (201-F-79, college: Nando De Colorado) made it 45:56. Michael Mokongo again was the last to score in the period for 47:63. There were no chances the hosts could catch up with the winners and the board showed 63:82 at the end for the visitors.
In another game of the Group Lokomotiv Rostov won the opening game of EuroChallenge Regular season at home. The Russian team overcame BC Sumykhimprom from Ukraine with a massive 28-13 start. House top-scored for the winners with 30 points and 7 rebounds.

Benetton Olympic: Dennis Harrison 19, Allen 14+12 rebs,
Cholet Basket: Nando De Colo 18, Thomas Larrouquis 13, Rodrigue Beaubois 11, Michael Mokongo 11

Montepaschi Siena takes it easily against SLUC Nancy - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi Siena - SLUC Nancy 86-63

Montepaschi Siena didn't have to work very hard in order to beat SLUC Nancy at home jumping on 4-1 in Group B. Greek champion Panathinaikos celebrated today and it also improved on the same score, while Regal Barca will have a chance to become third team with 4-1 tomorrow. SLUC Nancy remains on just 1 win in 5 appearances. Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) delivered 16 points for the winning team in this game. Romain Sato (194-G-81, college: Xavier) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Ksistof Lavrinovic netted 12 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Experienced Cyril Julian (205-F/C-75, agency: Octagon) was a way better than the others in Nancy registering 21 points and 7 boards. Michel Morandais (197-G/F-79, college: Colorado) posted 10 and he was the last one with double-digits in scoring for the loosing team.
Montepaschi Siena resolved question about the winner already in the first half. Terrell McIntyre poured in 26 points in the opening quarter, while Nancy stopped on 17. Visitors fell on just 8 points in the next one, what Montepachi exploited to create huge 45-26 after 20 minutes. The hosts slowed down after that celebrating an easy victory. SLUC Nancy faced with many problems at the offensive end. The hosts played very aggressively forcing Nancy to commit 21 turnovers. It is too much for one Euroleague game, especially against powerful Montepaschi on the road.

Montepaschi Siena: Terrell McIntyre 16, Romain Sato 13+5 boards, Ksistof Lavrinovic 12+13 boards
SLUC Nancy: Cyril Julian 21+7 boards, Michel Morandais 10+6 boards

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


Three newcomers bolster Osnabrueck roster - by Moritz Korff
The P4two Ballers Osnabrueck (2. Bundesliga Pro B) announced the signings of three players today. Derek Coleman (180-G-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Robert Morris), Mihajlo Pesic (206-F/C-81, agency: Court Side) and Steve Janzen (191-G-82, college: Trinity Western) have been added to the squad of coach Michael Buehren, which is currently 11th in the Pro B table.
Coleman spent this past season, his first as a pro, in Holland and appeared in 40 Eredivisie-games for Upstairs Weert (10.8ppg, 6.1apg, 2.7rpg, 1.7spg). Most recently the 24-year-old was a member of the Manchester Millrats (Premier Basketball League).
Meanwhile Pesic already onws some Pro B-experience. The former Yugoslavian U16-international with Irish passport joined hapa Ansbach in January 08 and moved to USC Freiburg the next month. He averaged 24.8 points and 7.2 boards in 5 contests for the Piranhas and had 11.0 points and 4.3 rebounds per outing (8 games) for Freiburg. He made the 2007-08 Eurobasket.com All-2. Bundesliga Pro B Bosmans Team. If Pesic will be able to suit up for his new team against Hannover on Sunday, is unsure yet, because he is having the flu.
The Canadian-German shooter Janzen returns to the place where he spent the opening months of the 2007-08 campaign. After 9 games played in the Regionalliga North (15.1 ppg) he moved back to Canada. When exactly Janzen is going to make his comeback on the Ballers' team remains to be seen. Also, there have not been given any information yet, if any players will get cut to clear space for the newcomers. At this point of time, after signing Coleman, coach Buehren has three imports on his team. Only two per game are allowed to play in the league.

Turow thump Brose Basket in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Brose Basket - Turow 39:69

Turow looked impressive and secured a solid win over Brose Basket in the EuroCup regular season opener in Group F.
What looked like a tough battle in the opening quarter turned into a one-way traffic further on. Turow and Brose traded baskets in the starting frame and were all square at 12 after ten minutes. Donald Copeland (177-G-84, college: Seton Hall) nailed two trebels and Robert Witka (205-F-81) added another one for Turow to open the second frame with a 13:0 run. Damir Miljkovic (194-G-80) and Robert Witka kept on scoring for Turow as the visitors extended the lead to 18 points. Bamberg managed just 5 points in the quarter and Turow built a 37:17 lead at halftime. The scoring woes continued for the hosts in the second half. They accounted for miserable 7 points in the third stanza and Donald Copeland and Darian Townes (208-F/C-84) stretched the buffer to unassailable 25 points heading into the fourth term. Donald Copeland knocked down 4 points and Radonjic added a three-pointer for Turow to silence the home team early in the final period.
Donald Copeland led all scorers with 25 points and 7 assists for Turow. Darian Townes produced 10 points, while Damir Miljkovic added 8 in the win. Eric Taylor (201-F-76, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: St.Francis,PA) finished with 10 points and 6 caroms for Bamberg. Alexander Johnson (208-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida St.) delivered 8 points in the loss.
Turow will next take on Spirou at home court. Brose will look for the improvement against Crvena Zvezda in Serbia.

Brose Basket: Eric Taylor 10, Alexander Johnson 8
Turow: Donald Copeland 25, Darian Townes 10, Damir Miljkovic 8

Darius Hall out for 7 weeks! - by Manuel Schust
In yesterday's Eurocup win against Fortitudo Bologna Darius Hall (201-C/F-73, agency: Stanley International, college: W.Kentucky) suffered a fracture of the metacarpal bone. The 35-year old veteran already has undergone surgery and will be out for about 7 weeks.
This also means that the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck will miss Hall during the whole group phase in Eurocup.
Hall, who joined the Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck in 2004, had a good season so far, averageing 9.0 points and 2.6 rebounds in just 16 minutes per game. He also had a career-high in BBL scoring 24 points against Paderborn Baskets two weeks ago.
Now with Hall out, the Dragons will hope that Dirk Madrich (211-C-83, agency: Court Side) can step up and fill the gap. The 25-year old german was topscorer in yesterday's game against Bologna with 20 points.

Artland Dragons defeat Fortitudo - by Eurobasket News
Artland Dragons - Fortitudo 87-78

Artland got 20 points from Dirk Madrich (211-C-83, agency: Court Side) to knock down Fortitudo in the EuroCup regular season opener for both teams. Drew Neitzel (183-G-85, college: Michigan St.) secured 17 points for the German team in the win. Fortitudo wasted game-high 29 points from D.J. Strawberry (196-G-85, college: Maryland).
Fortitudo got to a better start to the game as they led by as many as 7 points early on. However McIntosh nailed a three-pointer to give the Dragons a reason to raise the spirit. The hosts narrowed the gap however still trailed by 2 points at the first break. Fortitudo maintained the lead throughout the second period as Fucka and D.J. Strawberry kept on delivering steadily. The Italian team enjoyed a 43:38 lead at the interval. D.J. Strawberry added seven more points for Fortitudo as the start of the third frame and the visitors held on to the advantage. However Artland found the right answer. Adam Hess (201-G/F-81, college: William & Mary) nailed 7 points for the home team as they surged in front 52:50. D.J. Strawberry responded with a three-pointer that put the visitors back in charge. Artland were down by just a single point before the fourth quarter. The Dragons opened the final stanza on a 13:0 rally that put them ahead for good. The hosts soon extended the lead to 10 points and easily secured the winning outcome at the end. Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: LimeLight, college: Canisius) netted 16 points, while Adam Hess came up with 14 for the winners. Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) responded with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Fortitudo.

Artland Dragons: Dirk Madrich 20, Drew Neitzel 17, Darren Fenn 16
Fortitudo: D.J. Strawberry 29, Jamont Gordon 13

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  GREECE   


Asseco Prokom Sopot - Panathinaikos 60-67 - by Chris Mammides
Another victory was added in Obradovic's series with Panathinaikos, this time in the european courts. The green team beat the very good Polish team in Sopot with 60-67 having in a great night the two key players in the derby against Olympiakos last week, Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) and Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86) scored 15 points wach and they shared the top scoring position from a close distance Vassilis spanoulis who scored 12 points.
Panathinaikos had a wonderfull second quarter which was mainly the reason of the green victory as Pekovic and his team-mates oversored the the Polish with 6-20. The specific quarter was the key to the positive result. Dimitris Diamantidis at the end with three consecutive goal fouls could characterised as the MVP of the game as upon the danger of David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) and Patrick Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) (the ex Green center), the amazing Greek all around player was there to keep the difference into a safe distance.
The quarters were: 18-16, 24-36, 37-48 and the final 60-67.
Dimitris Diamantidis with 15 points 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals, 1 block shot and 7 winning fouls was the MVP followed by Nikola Pekovic with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists and Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82) with 12 points and 4 rebounds
From the good team of Prokom top scorer was David Logan with 16 points while the veteran ex Green player Patrick Burke scored 11 points

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  GUATEMALA   


Sat-Markvision triumphs in Game 1 - by Gianni Pascucci
A three pointer hit by Enrique Samayoa (193-F-82) with only two seconds left in the overtime gave the win to Sat-Markvision, 94-93 over Elte Sport, at the end of a very close and battled Game 1 of the Clausura Finals. The partial scores were 14-19, 38-38; 53-74 and 89-89. The main performers at the losing side were Juan Jose Rosales (181-G-82) with 18 points and Paulo Castillo (199-C-78) with 22, Enrique Samayoa was the best in Sat with 30 points plus the game winning basket. Game 2 will be played tomorrow, thursday 27, in the Gimnasio de la Universidad Popular.

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


EiffelTowers leaves Austria with a victory - by Eurobasket News
Allianz Swans - EiffelTowers 75:84

Dutch EiffelTowers won the first game of the EuroChallenge Regular Season in Austria. The winners overcame Allianz Swans 84:75 in a tough opener. Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) led the winners with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Devonne Giles (203-F-83, college: Texas Tech) collected 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Jackson netted 11. Elijah Palmer (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Duquesne) top-scored in defeat with 20 points and Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) scored 14.
Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) gave his team an early lead an then Huffman brought 12:6 in the game. Anthony Fisher posted two for 17:12 as the hosts however remained with this number until the end of the period. The Dutch side sparked a 12-0 run and finished first the opening period with 20:17. Devonne Giles closed the run early in the second for 24:17.Their biggest lead for EiffelTowers in the first half was 34:24. Anthony Richardson sent the teas to the lockers with a lay-up for 41:34. In the third period the game was even and as a result the score in the frame was 21:21. Anthony Fisher made a lay-up for 55:62 after thirty minutes of the game. When Akerboom brought his team 80:65 it became clear that Dutch EiffelTowers would leave Austria with a win. EiffelTowers overcame Allianz Swans 84:75 when Anthony Richardson made a great dunk.

Allianz Swans: Elijah Palmer 20, Anthony Fisher 14, Deteri Mayes 12
EiffelTowers: Anthony Richardson 26+6 rebs, Devonne Giles 14+10 rebs, Jackson 11

*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


UCC DEMONS CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING IN CORK!!! - by Ozell Wells

The Americans of the UCC Demons celebrated a traditional Thanksgiving in Cork!

By Coach Doug Leichner

Jerrah Young (201-F-85, agency: Dynasty Sports, college: Toledo) and Ryne Hamblet (196-G-85, college: Bowling Green) enjoyed a bountiful meal prepared by my wife Traci. She made sure we had the Turkey and all the trimmings similar to those found in the States. We all felt stuffed and tired after the meal.
'Thanksgiving is a time to reflect upon all the blessings that we have received in the past year. It is the purest holiday in the USA as gifts are not exchanged and it is more about being with family and friends. I am thankful for the work ethic exhibited by the Demons in training and games. Also, the leadership provided by our veterans Shane Coughlin (188-G-79) and Niall O'Reilly (196-F-80) has been tremendous. Our team is off to a good start and with continued hard work and leadership positive things are in store for the Demons. Happy Thanksgiving!'
Douglas Leichner

'Time has really flown by. Its already Thanksgiving. We are bringing over our American traditions to Ireland and celebrating a nice Thanksgiving dinner with Coach and his family for the holiday. I am very grateful to still have the luxury of celebrating this day despite not being in the USA'
Jerrah Young

'Im really thankful to have a place to celebrate Thanksgiving. This holiday is very important to celebrate with friends and family. I just want to say Thank You to Coach and his family for welcoming me to celebrate Thanksgiving with them. I really feel like I am with friends and family'
Ryne Hamblet

EUROBASKET IRELAND PAGE EXTENDS WARM WISHES TO COACH LEICHNER AND THE UCC FAMILY AND WISH THEM THE BEST DURING THIS FESTIVE TIME OF YEAR!



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  ISRAEL   


Bnei Hasharon lose to Turk Telekom at home - by Eurobasket News
Bnei Hasharon - Turk Telekom 54-76

Serkan Erdogan (190-G-78, agency: Interperformances) nailed 15 points and Turk Telekom got the initial win in the EuroCup regular season yesterday. The Turkish team outscored Bnei Hasharon in Israel to take the lead in Group D.
Turk Telekom was the better side right from the start. The visitors jumped to an 8:2 lead before Bnei Hasharon managed to cut the deficit to 2 points at the first intermission 12:14. Turk Telekom responded early in the second term. They scored eight straight points and clear off to a 10-point distance. Bnei Hasharon failed to rebound and they trailed by as many as 8 points at halftime. Turk Telekom quickly stretched the margin to 18 points in the third frame and dominated completely at the moment. But Bnei Hasharon refused to bow. They cut the deficit to 9 points with one quarter to go 45:54. Serkan Erdogan came up for Turk Telekom in the final stanza as he drained 8 consecutive points and put the visitors ahead for good.
Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Turk Telekom. Bekir Yarangume (198-F-79) delivered 11 points for the winners. Ugonna Onyekwe (203-F-79, college: Pennsylvania) responded with 12 points for Bnei Hasharon. Richard Roby (198-G-85) had 10 points in the loss.

Bnei Hasharon: Ugonna Onyekwe 12, Richard Roby 10
Turk Telekom: Serkan Erdogan 15, Erwin Dudley 13+10 boards, Bekir Yarangume 11

Q. Ata lands Turner - by Tamar Goldman
The American center Larry Turner (210-C-82, college: Tennessee St.) joins Elitzur Q. Ata after the club realest the forward Terrence Roberts (206-F-84, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Syracuse) last week. The player started his carrier in Oklahoma University on 2003/04 season and after two years moved to Tennessee St. Right after Turner Graduated in the spring of 2007 he was drafted by Minot Skyrockets (CBA,1rd(8)) and by Fort Wayne Mad Ants (D-League,1rd(7)), where he played during the 2007/08 season. in August of 2008 Turner signed at Reales de La Vega (Dominican Rep.-LIDOBA, starting five) but left in Nov.

National League Round: 7 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Hod Hasharon - Hap.Tivon 89-82
Hod Hasharon defeated Hap.Tivon 89:82 in Round 7 of the National league. Hamilton Blake paced all the winners with 19 points and Nahum Shai scored 16. Haris Andre finished the night with 23 points and 12 rebounds in defeat.

Natzrath Elite - Ironi N-Ziona 93-92
Natzrath Elite overcame Ironi N-Ziona 93:92 as Tavor Ziv paced the winners with 23 points and 11 assists. Brandy Stanley collected 22 points ad 10 rebounds, while Zagury Eilon posted 26 points for the guests.

Lev Hashar. - Elitzur Ramla 81-72
Lev Hasharon outscored Elitzur Ramla 81:72 due to the outstanding effort of Auter Adrian who poured in 37 points for the winners. Peterson Damon collected 21 points and 12 boards in the losing effort.

Benyamina - Hap.Afula 75-92
Benyamina lost at home to Hapoel Afula 75:92. Carr Dennis shined for the winners with 31 points and 17 boards, while Pereg Adi netted 18. Shulman Eyal ended up with 23 points for the home side.

Bar.Netanya - Macc.Ashdod 95-68
Netanya improved to 7-0 record after defeating Ashdod 95:68. Gueta Eliran top-scored for the winners with 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Asenti Eran nailed 16 and Weinstein Shawn notched 15. Rokni Yariv finished the night with 19 points and 13 boards in defeat.

Megido/Yok. - Elitzur Yavne 81-92
Megido was beaten by Elitzur Yavne 81:92 as Williams Armond led the winners with 22 points. Almoznino top-scored in the game with 24 points in the losing effort.



Standings - National League
National League Standings
 1. Macc.Netanya 7-0 
 2. Elitzur Ramla 5-2 
 3. Hap.L.Hashar. 4-3 
 4. Macc.H.Hash. 4-3 
 5. Macc.Ashdod 4-3 
 6. Kiryat Tivon 4-3 
 7. Hap.Afula 4-3 
 8. Hap.Beeri 3-3 
 9. Ironi N-Ziona 3-4 
 10. Elitzur Yavne 3-4 
 11. Elitzur K.Yair 2-4 
 12. Hap.Y./Megido 2-5 
 13. Hap.N.Elite 2-5 
 14. Benyamina 1-6 


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  ITALY   


Montepaschi Siena takes it easily against SLUC Nancy - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi Siena - SLUC Nancy 86-63

Montepaschi Siena didn't have to work very hard in order to beat SLUC Nancy at home jumping on 4-1 in Group B. Greek champion Panathinaikos celebrated today and it also improved on the same score, while Regal Barca will have a chance to become third team with 4-1 tomorrow. SLUC Nancy remains on just 1 win in 5 appearances. Terrell McIntyre (175-G-77, college: Clemson) delivered 16 points for the winning team in this game. Romain Sato (194-G-81, college: Xavier) had 13 points and 5 boards, while Ksistof Lavrinovic netted 12 points and pulled down 13 rebounds. Experienced Cyril Julian (205-F/C-75, agency: Octagon) was a way better than the others in Nancy registering 21 points and 7 boards. Michel Morandais (197-G/F-79, college: Colorado) posted 10 and he was the last one with double-digits in scoring for the loosing team.
Montepaschi Siena resolved question about the winner already in the first half. Terrell McIntyre poured in 26 points in the opening quarter, while Nancy stopped on 17. Visitors fell on just 8 points in the next one, what Montepachi exploited to create huge 45-26 after 20 minutes. The hosts slowed down after that celebrating an easy victory. SLUC Nancy faced with many problems at the offensive end. The hosts played very aggressively forcing Nancy to commit 21 turnovers. It is too much for one Euroleague game, especially against powerful Montepaschi on the road.

Montepaschi Siena: Terrell McIntyre 16, Romain Sato 13+5 boards, Ksistof Lavrinovic 12+13 boards
SLUC Nancy: Cyril Julian 21+7 boards, Michel Morandais 10+6 boards

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


Artland Dragons defeat Fortitudo - by Eurobasket News
Artland Dragons - Fortitudo 87-78

Artland got 20 points from Dirk Madrich (211-C-83, agency: Court Side) to knock down Fortitudo in the EuroCup regular season opener for both teams. Drew Neitzel (183-G-85, college: Michigan St.) secured 17 points for the German team in the win. Fortitudo wasted game-high 29 points from D.J. Strawberry (196-G-85, college: Maryland).
Fortitudo got to a better start to the game as they led by as many as 7 points early on. However McIntosh nailed a three-pointer to give the Dragons a reason to raise the spirit. The hosts narrowed the gap however still trailed by 2 points at the first break. Fortitudo maintained the lead throughout the second period as Fucka and D.J. Strawberry kept on delivering steadily. The Italian team enjoyed a 43:38 lead at the interval. D.J. Strawberry added seven more points for Fortitudo as the start of the third frame and the visitors held on to the advantage. However Artland found the right answer. Adam Hess (201-G/F-81, college: William & Mary) nailed 7 points for the home team as they surged in front 52:50. D.J. Strawberry responded with a three-pointer that put the visitors back in charge. Artland were down by just a single point before the fourth quarter. The Dragons opened the final stanza on a 13:0 rally that put them ahead for good. The hosts soon extended the lead to 10 points and easily secured the winning outcome at the end. Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: LimeLight, college: Canisius) netted 16 points, while Adam Hess came up with 14 for the winners. Jamont Gordon (193-G/F-87, college: Mississippi St.) responded with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Fortitudo.

Artland Dragons: Dirk Madrich 20, Drew Neitzel 17, Darren Fenn 16
Fortitudo: D.J. Strawberry 29, Jamont Gordon 13

Cibona beats Air Avelino in thriller - by Eurobasket News
Cibona - Air Avelino 82-79

Cibona outsmarted Air Avelino in 'Basketball Center Drazen Petrovic' improving on almost perfect 4-1 record in Group A. On the other side Italian team dropped on 2-3. It was very exciting game, decided in extra 5 minutes. Actually, Cibona had a chance to grab this one in regular time but Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) missed an inside lay-up, after what Tamar Slay (204-F-80, college: Marshall) made two free throws for 70-70. The hosts had a possession with 30 seconds remaining, but Rawle Marshall (200-G-82, college: Oakland) missed a triple. However, Marin Rozic (201-F-83) grabbed the ball but his successful jump shot came too late. Cibona entered into the extra five minutes creating mini 4-0 run. Kus was once again successful for his tam, but than Travis Best (180-G-72, college: Georgia Tech) and Drake Diener stepped up for Air Avelino. Best made a 3-ponter and a lay-up, while Diener joined him with 2 FTs tying the score on 77-77. After that moment big guy Nikola Prkacin shined making 4-0 on his own (lay-up and two FTs). Drake Diener notched 2 free throws for Air Avelino, after what Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) made just one for Cibona. Travis Best had a chance to send two teams to another over time, but he missed it from beyond the arc.
Davor Kus (192-G-78) top-scored for the winnings squad netting 23 points. Earl Calloway followed with 14, while Jared Homan (206-C-83, college: Iowa St.) added 9 points and 6 rebounds. Former Cibona's player Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina) shined in Air Avelino collecting 20 points and 4 rebounds. Eric Williams (206-C-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Wake Forest) had 12 pts and 6 boards, while Travis Best contributed with 11+5. In the next round Cibona will meet Le Mans, while Air Avelino will take on Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Cibona: Davor Kus 23, Earl Calloway 14, Jared Homan 9+6 boards
Air Avelino: Chris Warren 20+4 boards, Eric Williams 12+6 boards, Travis Best 11+5 boards+4 as

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  JAPAN   


BJ League Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Albirex - Lakestars 69-71
Albirex lost to Lakestars 69:71 in a tough game from both sides. Rourke Ryan led the winners with 21 points, while Schafer Ray collected 17 points and 14 rebounds. Akingbade Dokun ended up with 18 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort.

Grouses - Rizing 91-77
Grouses bettered their bottom position after the win over Rizing 91:77. Webb Rodney shined with 28 points and 12 rebounds, while Woodyard Terrence collected 23 points and 14 boards. Parker Michael had a great night in defeat with 38 points and 14 rebounds.

Golden Kings - 89ers 87-84
Golden Kings improved to 11-1 on top after the win over 89ers 87:84. Kinjo Shigeyuki led the way with 21 points and Newton Jeff collected 17 points and 16 boards. St.Preux Bobby finished the night with 29 points and 11 boards in defeat.

Broncos - Heat Devils 65-63
Broncos defeated Heat Devils 65:63 behind 21 points and 15 rebounds from Warren Reginald. Price Jefferey had 24 points and 13 rebounds in the losing effort.



New expansion team for 09-10 bj League - by K. Will
The bj league has announced that they will be a new expansion team joining the bj league for the 2009-2010 season.

The team will be located in Kyoto and the name of the team will be Hannares. Kyoto is located north of Osaka and one of the bigger cities in west Japan. So far the league is preparing to begin the next season with 13 teams but they have not announced how they will divide the teams into the conferences. Kyoto has not announced any of their staff or players yet.

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  LATVIA   


Dynamo Moscow cruise past Barons in Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Barons/LMT - Dynamo Moscow 61:80

The stars-packed Dynamo Moscow left not a single chance for Barons/LMT in the EuroCup regular season opener for both teams yesterday. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) secured 24 points and 5 boards for the winners. Jannero Pargo (187-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) had 14 points, while Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU) added 10 as Dynamo improved at 1-0 record in Group B. The teams were on level terms at 16:16 in the opening frame before Dynamo went on a run. They scored 8 points to clear off to a 25:18 advantage at the first break. Monya delivered 5 points in a 9:0 rally from the visitors early in the second period. Dynamo built a 16-point lead midway through the frame and extended to 19 points late in the second quarter. Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) and Charles Rhodes (203-F/C-85, college: Mississippi St.) cut the distance to 14 points at the interval. Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85, agency: FCM) tipped off the second half with back-to-back trebles to ignite the intrigue. However it all went for nothing as Dynamo quickly answered with points from Jannero Pargo and Travis Hansen to restore a 16-point cushion. The Moscow outfit enjoyed a 21-point lead heading into the fourth quarter with Barons struggling to adjust defensively. Dynamo cruised to the win from now on and did it in stye with Bostjan Nachbar finalizing his impressive tally.
Giedrius Gustas scored 16 points to lead Barons. Darnell Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75, agency: CAA Sports, college: Alabama) added 11 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Dynamo Moscow will next host Lukoil, while ASK Riga will travel to Russia to take on Unics in Kazan.

Barons/LMT: Giedrius Gustas 16, Darnell Demetrius Alexander 11
Dynamo Moscow: Bostjan Nachbar 24, Jannero Pargo 14, Travis Hansen 10

Roanne overcome ASK Riga in the opener - by Eurobasket News
Roanne - ASK Riga 79:75

Roanne needed an overtime to prevail against ASK Riga at the start of the EuroCup regular season. The teams opened the action in Group A in France and the hosts clinched a dramatic success.
The teams traded baskets early in the game with neither side able to clear off. Samba Dia (201-F-84, college: SMSU-West Plains) and Chris Monroe (191-G-81, college: George Washington) fired from beyond the arc to secure a 19:15 lead for Roanne at the first intermission. The things did not change radically after the break as the teams continued to keep it close. Corey Brewer (188-G-75, college: Oklahoma) knocked down a pair of free throws late in the half and ASK Riga secured a 28:27 lead at the interval. The lead changed hands numerous times during the third quarter. However ASK Riga still enjoyed a one-point advantage heading into the final term. Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82), Corey Brewer and Andrius Mazutis (180-G-81) saw ASK Riga grab a 65:60 lead late in regulation. Nevertheless Roanne bounced back. Mohamed Kone (211-C-81, college: Valparaiso) and Chris Monroe nailed triples in the crunch time to knot things up at 66 at the end of the normal time. Aaron Harper (199-G/F-81, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mississippi), Samba Dia and Chris Monroe put the hosts in charge in the extra period. Corey Brewer once again drew things level at 75 before Aaron Harper converted a layup and then sealed the winning outcome for Roanne from charity stripe.
Chris Monroe knocked down 20 points and pulled down 7 rebounds to pace Roanne. Aaron Harper added 19 points, while Mohamed Kone secured 12 in the win. Corey Brewer fired game-high 27 points for ASK Riga. Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) and Bruno Sundov (218-C-80) delivered 9 points each in the losing case.

Roanne: Chris Monroe 20, Aaron Harper 19, Mohamed Kone 12
ASK Riga: Corey Brewer 27, Uvis Helmanis 9, Bruno Sundov 9

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  LITHUANIA   


AEL destroys BC Siauliai - by Eurobasket News
Proteas EKA AEL - BC Siauliai 102:76

AEL destroyed BC Siauliai in their EuroChallenge Regular Season opener in Limassol. The team from Cyprus blew Lithuanian team 102:76 away with massive victories in all the quarters. Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) had a wonderful night and was voted MVP of the game with 27 points. LaVell Blanchard (201-G-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Michigan) netted 22, while Haris Mujezinovic (205-F-74, agency: Beo Basket, college: Indiana) posted 18. Saulius Kuzminskas (210-C/F-82, college: California) ended up with 27 points and 12 boards in defeat, while Gintaras Kadziulis (193-G-80) nailed 19.
The game was tied when Darrel Mitchell made a lay-up for Proteas to give the home side a 19:17 lead at the end of the first quarter. BC Siauliai tried hard but lost confidence in the second period and was blown away 16-31. Haris Mujezinovic made it 50:33 sending the teams to the lockers. In the third period Lithuanian team lost 24-28 and trailed 57:78 after three quarters. Birgelis reduced the gap a bit in the end for 102:76.
In another game of the group Dutch EiffelTowers won the first game of the EuroChallenge Regular Season in Austria. The winners overcame Allianz Swans 84:75 in a tough opener. Richardson led the winners with 26 points and 6 rebounds. Giles collected 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Jackson netted 11. Palmer top-scored in defeat with 20 points and Fisher scored 14.

Proteas EKA AEL: Quincy Taylor 27, LaVell Blanchard 22, Haris Mujezinovic 18
BC Siauliai: Saulius Kuzminskas 27+12 rebs, Gintaras Kadziulis 19

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  LUXEMBOURG   


Etzella(7th place) loses 4 of last 5 games as Contern wins 5th in a row! Amicale steals close one from Musel Pikes to lead DBBL!!! - by Alex Meyers
Saturday, November 22, 2008

Contern 75 - Etzella 57

Contern, Luxembourg
Contern's Brandon Gary (202-F-83, college: Hutchinson JC) grabbed 23 rebounds to go with his 25 points while holding Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, college: Montevallo) to only 15 points. Etzella continues to struggle against the top 6 teams of the DBBL losing now 4 of their last 5 games. With the loss they drop to a lowly 7th place in the league. Its the lowest they have been in a long, long time. Still without Jairo DelGado, Jim Garganese and Raphael Albaladejo, Etzella is having a hard time finding a way to win without experienced players coming from the bench. Besides long time veteran guards Tim Giver and Nelson DelGado, Etzella has noone else with any experience at the top level of basketball in Luxembourg and they are now paying the price with several losses. Marcus Kennedy has done a good job as import with an average of nearly 23 points and 15 rebounds per game, but in this game, he only scored 1 point in the entire second half. Etzella's big three need some help as shown by their 18 point road loss last weekend. Kennedy and Giver each had 15 and DelGado 14 but noone else had more than 5 points. For Contern, Gary had help from Eric Jeitz (21 points) and Ken Diederich(13 points). Gilles Becker and Yves Braun combined for 14 more points and Eric Bissener took 10 rebounds! Etzella took early control winning the first quarter easily, holding Contern to only 9 points. Etzella still had Contern down by 4 at the half but he rest of the match belonged to Contern who led by as many as 18 points late in the game. Contern plays during the week in the 1/8th Final of the Luxembourg Cup against Black Star and Etzella against Southside Petange. This coming weekend Contern travels Saturday to Walferdange facing Residence to seek their 6th win in a row and Etzella must play host to the DBBL's co-leader Musel Pikes on Sunday, November 30th.

Contern: 29 field goals, 6 three pointers, 11 for 13 free throws, 46 rebounds 13 fouls and 8 turnovers
Jeitz 21, Gary 25, Becker 6, Diederich 13, Fasbender, also Braun 8, Torres and Bissener 2
Etzella: 21 field goals, 6 three pointers, 9 for 12 free throws, 31 rebounds, 16 fouls and 10 turnovers
N. DelGado 14, Giver 15, Kennedy 15, Jacoby 4, Kerger 2, also Wiesenbach 5, Pravisani, Ittenbach, S. Ferreira, E. Ferreira 2 and Benseghir

Score by quarters: 1st Q 9-14, Halftime 26-30, 3rd Q 54-45, Final 75-57
400 spectators

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Musel Pikes 77 - Amicale 82

Remich, Luxembourg
Amicale won a huge one on the road last Sunday afternoon in Remich defeating Musel Pikes by a mear 5 points in the final minutes of a very close match. Amicale had 5 players reach double figures in scoring. 6th man Raul Birenbaum played one of his best games ever, leading the way with 20 points followed by Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion)(17 points and 10 rebounds). Christopher Jones, Chris Scholtes and Christian Schartz added 12 points each to balance things out for Amicale. Musel Pikes' Guy Schmit scored 19, Samy Picard 18, Laurent Schwartz 16 and Chris Braier (195-F-84, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Lawrence) 15 to go along with his 12 rebounds. With the victory amicale takes over as leader of the DBBL although tied at 6-2 with Sparta and Musel Pikes, Amicale is in first due to the fact that they beat Sparta also the weekend before last. Amicale is feeling comfortable winning now 5 in a row and will face Musel Pikes again this week in the Cup at home in Steinsel. Amicale will take on Heffignen at home on Saturday, November 29th and Musel Pikes will go to Ettelbruck to face Etzella on Sunday, November 30th.

Musel Pikes: 23 field goals, 7 three pointers, 24 for 30 free throws, 33 rebounds, 14 fouls and 14 turnovers
Schwartz 16, G. Schmit 19, Braier 15, Picard 18, Schmitz 4, also C. Schmit, Kirch 5 and Dentzer
Amicale: 33 field goals, 9 three pointers, 7 for 12 free throws, 26 rebounds, 24 fouls and 17 turnovers
Schartz 12, Jones 12, DePree 17, Scholtes 12, Ney 6, also Steinmetz, Rausch, Molitor, Kartheiser, Haan 3 and Birenbaum 20

Score by quarters: 1st Q 22-23, Halftime 41-43, 3rd Q 53-64, Final 77-82
265 Spectators

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  NBA   


NBA Round: 29 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Warriors - Wizards 100-124
After firing the coach Eddie Jordan, Washington Wizards picked up the pace easily beating GS Warriors by 24 points. Caron Butler was leading scorer of the game with amazing 35 points, includng 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Antawn Jamison and Andray Blatche drained 25 poinst apiece (both registered double-double). Corey Maggette netted 17 for the loosing side. Wizards 2-10, Warriors 5-9.

Cavaliers - Knicks 119-101
LeBron James paced his Cavaliers to victory in Madison Square Garden draining 26 points. Delonte West also shined with 16, while Wally Szczerbiak had one point less. Quentin Richardson responded scoring 22 points for the hosts. The Cavaliers now have 11-3, while the Knicks dropped on 7-7.

Suns - Thunder 99-98
Phoenix Suns made in Oklahoma City mostly owing to Steve Nash, who collected 20 points, 8 rebounds and impressive 15 assists. Amare Stourdemire top-scored for the winners with 22 points. The hosts got 29 points from Kevin Durant. Phoenix Suns 10-5, OC Thunder 1-14.

Pacers - Mavericks 106-109
Jason Terry, Dirk Nowitzki and Antoine Wright combined 77 points for the Mavs leading them to 7th win this season. Danny Granger contributed with 22 points and 9 rebounds in defeat. Troy Murphy also was on a high level registering double-double, 21 points and 14 rebounds. The Pacers are on 5-8 record now.

Nets - Lakers 93-120
LA Lakers trashed New Jersey Nets in Staples Center improving on almost perfect 12-1 record. On the other side NY Nets faced with 7th defeat in 13 appearances. Spanish superstar Pau Gasol stepped up for the hosts with 26 points and 8 rebounds. Devin Harris had 21 points, 4 rebs and 6 assists in loss.

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  NCAA1   


A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING NOTE TO YOU & YOURS - by Rick Ross
To each and every one of you and your families, friends, and loved ones,
I wish an extremely safe and blessed Thanksgiving holiday. I pray that, if only for one day,
you can completely leave anything that even resembles work behind and just live in the
moment with those whom you love and cherish the most. We go through this thing called life just once,
so take the time to, not only show your love, but to actually say the words.
It may not seem like much, but sometimes hearing it means more to a soul that you could possibly ever imagine.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and if you get the opportunity at any point to lift someone else up,
don't hesitate to give of yourself. We have to remember that it's not about us,
it's what we contribute to the lives of others and in what ways we can genuinely touch their
spirits by letting them know that, no matter what they've been through, they are of no less
value than anyone else and that they matter just as much.
It all comes back to you in the most unexpected ways, but it does come back. Peace,
love, and many continued blessings to you and yours always.

James Hodges

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  NCAA2   


West Liberry St trumps Wheeling Jesuit 113-80! - by Lucius Jones
By: Don Clegg

Unbeaten W.Liberty St. closed out the Wendy's Classic in impressive fashion Tuesday night, blasting Wheeling Jesuit 113-80, at the Hilltoppers' Academic, Sports and Recreation Center. W.Liberty St. head coach Jim Crutchfield had been concerned by his team's slow starts in the Hilltoppers' first three victories but that wasn't a problem against their arch rivals. 'We came out of the blocks tonight about as well as we have in any game since I came here,' Crutchfield said. 'We were playing fast, we were reacting well and we were making good decisions. 'Senior guard Ben Howlett (6'0''-G) drained two quick 3-pointers as W.Liberty St. (4-0) needed just 3 1/2 minutes to bolt out to a 12-2 lead and Coach Danny Sancomb talented but youthful Cardinals (1-3) never quite recovered.

Howlett, who would finish with a game-high 30 points, fueled the early Hilltopper blitz by pouring in 15 of those lightings during the first seven minutes of the game. After trailing by as many as 15 points, Wheeling Jesuit began chipping away at the margin and finally got it back under double figures, 37-28, on an Adam McFerran 3-pointer with 6 minutes left in the opening half. The Cards were still in range, 47-34, as the clock ticked past the 4-minute mark but back-to-back 3-pointers from Corey Pelle and Barry Shetzer (6'5''-G) followed by Kameron Law's thunderous dunk off a fast break turned out the lights on the visitors. W.Liberty St. closed the half on a 13-0 run to take a whopping 60-34 lead into the locker room.

Wheeling Jesuit did manage to cut the lead to 75-60 midway through the second half but Shetzer drilled consecutive 3-pointers as the Hilltoppers reeled off 11 unanswered points in a span of 67 seconds to crush the rally. 'You have to play hard and you have to play smart in this league,' Sancomb said. 'We didn't do either one tonight. 'It doesn't matter whether you're 18 or 22, effort has to come from within and we didn't have it tonight. 'We've played four games now and we need to get better. We'll get back in the gym, work hard and learn from our mistakes.'

Howlett had plenty of support in the scoring column as three of his teammates joined him in double figures. John Woloscinzuk came off the bench to hit 5 3-pointers and finished with 22 points. Pelle added 17 points to go along with 8 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals while Shetzer chipped in with 10markers. W.Liberty St. hit 17-of-43 3-point attempts, won the battle of the boards by a 53-42 margin, came up with 15 steals and forced the Cardinals into 19 turnovers. McFerran paced Wheeling Jesuit with 14 points while Maqsood Harrington added 13. 'That was the best game I can remember us playing for a while,' Crutchfield said. 'It was just one of those rare nights when everybody played well and this was a great night for it to happen. 'It's definitely going to make the turkey taste better on Thanksgiving.'

#1 in the NCAA D2 Nation, Findlay beats Lake Erie 84-55! - by Lucius Jones
A few lofty streaks stayed intact for The Findlay (OH) Oilers versus Lake Erie The now 61 game regular season home winning streak was continued, as was Head Coach Ron Niekamp 's amazng success story as he won his 300th game at Findlay (OH).

The lone bright spot for Lake Erie was a strong performance off the bench by Veljko Lalovic (6'9''-C-86) who scored 12points on 3-4Fg 1-1 3pt and 5-6FT to go along with 6rebs and 1blk in 18mins of action.

Findlay (OH) was again led by 2008 1st team All American and Pre Season NCAA D2 Player of the Year, Josh Bostic (6'5''-G/F-87) Josh Bostic was responsible for 21points on 6-13FG, 1-4 3pt, and 8-10FT to go along with 8rebs, 5asts, and 1stl in 29mins.

Painesville native, Morgan Lewis (6'4''-F-87) in a homecoming game of sorts again played like an All American for 2009 with a Pippen-like performance of 14points on a quality 7-11FG and also added 6rebs(3off), 3asts, and 2stls in his 30mins of play.

Lee Roberts (6'7''-F/C-87) contributed 13points on 5-7FG, 1-1FT, 8rebs(4off) and 1steal,block, and assist as well in only 23mins.

Marcus Parker (5'9''-G-87) added 9pts and 6asts. Nathan Hyde (6'3''-G) showed again the top tier depth the Oilers possess with 13points on 4-6FG,3-5 3pt, and 2-2FT in 13mins. Nick Coon (6'3''-G) also dropped 8points on 1-1FG, 1-13pt, and 5-6FT, 2rebs,1ast,1stl in 10 mins of point guard play.

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


Three new players join the Frost Heaves - by Gianni Pascucci
The Vermont Frost Heaves announced the addition of three more players to their upcoming 2009 roster. The first one is Chris Cayole (6'7''-F-85, college: St.Michael's), a former St. Michaels starter who returns for his second season with the Frost Heaves. The other two are African player Regis Koundjia (6'8''-F-83) and Greg Plummer (6'4''-G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Eckerd), who played last summer for the Frayles de Guasave in Mexican CIBACOPA league

Quebec City releases the 2009 roster - by Gianni Pascucci

The Quebec Kebs staff has jus sent to Usbasket.com the full team roster for teh upcoming, PBL 2009 season, that is as follows:


# Player Pos. Ht Wt YOB College YearsPro
5 Jonas Pierre C 6-11 240 1980 Lincoln 4
6 Michael Anderson F 6-8 205 1986 VCU R
7 Samuel Audet-Sow F 6-6 215 1980 Laval 4
8 Larry House F/G 6-4 220 1980 Creighton 5
9 Jean-Philippe Morin F 6-7 232 1983 Laval R
11 Yul Michel G 6-2 175 1980 Brandon R
14 Simplice Njoya C/F 6-10 245 1981 Memphis 2
15 Dominique Soucy G 6-3 190 1981 Laval 2
21 Alexandre Prophete F 6-5 212 1983 Sainte-Foy 2
22 Charles Fortier G 6-4 212 1979 Laval 2
50 William Floyd G 5-11 180 1980 Kean R
51 Filose Tshimbomba C 6-8 260 1986 Edouard-Montpetit 2
x Charles Gagnon F 6-4 195 1984 Sainte-Foy R
x Marc-Andr Lefebvre F 6-1 185 1983 Laval R
x Daniel Renaud G 5-8 150 1982 Limoilou 1
Head Coach : Charles Dube-Brais (2nd year)
Assistant Coaches : Donald Lapointe (1st year) and Patrick Lemay (3rd year)
Trainer : Jean-Philippe B.-Poulin (2nd year)



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


PAO celebrates against Asseco Prokom in Sopot - by Eurobasket News
Asseco Prokom - Panathinaikos 60-67

After fantastic victory in big derby of Greek championship against Olympiakos, the team of head coach Zeljko Obradovic outsmarted Polish champion Asseco Prokom on the road. It means that PAO improved 4-1, while Prokom fell on 2-3.
Polish champion had decent first quarter ending it with 18-16 lead thanks to Ronnie Burrell's (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) jumper. During the following ten minutes Greek powerhouse totally trashed its opponent. Namely, PAOs defense looked wonderful resulting in just 6 points of Prokom for the entire period. On the other hand PAO delivered 20 creating comfortable plus 12 at the half time, 24-36. After triple by Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) at the half way of third stanza, PAO reached 13-point lead. Archibong and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) answered for Prokom cutting the margin on 8 points. Batiste made it at the PAO's last possession for 37-47. Despite extremely low-scoring second quarter and just 37 points until the last one, Prokom's players didn't give up. Filip Dylewicz (202-F-80, agency: Beo Basket) and his teammates created impressive 8-0 run. Soon after that Nesovic drained a triple tying the score on 50-50. It was a king of signal to Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket), who immediately stepped up for his team and with a 3-pointer set the score on 54-58. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) made it from the line extending PAO's lead on unreachable 6 points.
Dimitris Diamantidis and center Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) poured in 15 points each for the Greek champion. Vassilis Spanoulis was behind them with 12, but including clutch 3-pointer. David Logan contributed with 16 points in defeat. Asseco Prokom also got 11 points from Patrick Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) and 8 from Ronnie Burrell.

Asseco Prokom: David Logan 16, Patrick Burke 11+4 boards, Ronnie Burrell 8+8 boards
PAO: Dimitris Diamantidis 15+5 boards, Nikola Pekovic 15, Vassilis Spanoulis 12+4 boards

1Liga Round: 12 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Sudety JG - Znicz Basket 74-85
Znicz secured the fourth win in the seasona as they upset Sudety on the road. Jakub Dloniak fired 23 points for pace the Pruszkow team. Dominik Czubek delivered 20 points in the win. Rafal Nielobski answered with 22 points and 6 assists for Sudety in the loss.

Zastal ZG - Siarka T. 70-64
Zastal got closer to Siarka in the standings beating them 70:64 in this round. Bartosz Sarzalo scored 18 points for the winners. Pawel Wiekiera secured 15 points and 8 rebounds for Zastal. Krzysztof Zych delivered 18 points and 6 boards for Siarka as they fell at 6-6 record still one win ahead of Zastal.

MMKS DG - MOSiR Kr. 77-78
MOSiR stayed atop of the ladder as they pulled away with a narrow 78:77 win over MMKS Dabrowa Gornicza on the road today. Marcin Salamonik led balanced Krosno offense with 22 points. Piotr Pluta scored 21 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in the win. Tomasz Milewski and Marcin Malcherczyk had 18 points apiece for MMKS in defeat.

Sokol L. - Big Star 79-76
Sokol Lancut stopped Big Star at home today. Bartosz Dubiel nailed 25 points and pulled down 12 caroms as Sokol earned the seventh win in the championship. Tomasz Pisarczyk posted 16 points and 15 boards for the winning team. Big Star wasted game-high 31 points from Lukasz Pacocha to lose just for the third time this season. Miroslaw Frankowski added 17 points in the loss.

AZS AWF K-ce - Prokom II 80-77
Katowice eked out an 80:77 victory over Prokom II today. Artur Donigiewicz led balanced offense with 20 points and 8 boards. Mariusz Piotrkowski netted 14 points for the victors. Mateusz Kostrzewski came up with 16 points for Prokom II. Jakub Zalucki finished with 12 points as Prokom II 4-8 record.

Polonia 2011 - AZS Kalisz 92-67
Polonia stayed in the third spot as they cruised past Kalisz for the 8th win in the competition. Jaroslaw Mokros knocked down 16 points in the win. Piotr Pamula secured 14 points for the Warsaw outfit. Dariusz Kalinowski dropped 16 points in the losing effort.



Turow thump Brose Basket in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Brose Basket - Turow 39:69

Turow looked impressive and secured a solid win over Brose Basket in the EuroCup regular season opener in Group F.
What looked like a tough battle in the opening quarter turned into a one-way traffic further on. Turow and Brose traded baskets in the starting frame and were all square at 12 after ten minutes. Donald Copeland (177-G-84, college: Seton Hall) nailed two trebels and Robert Witka (205-F-81) added another one for Turow to open the second frame with a 13:0 run. Damir Miljkovic (194-G-80) and Robert Witka kept on scoring for Turow as the visitors extended the lead to 18 points. Bamberg managed just 5 points in the quarter and Turow built a 37:17 lead at halftime. The scoring woes continued for the hosts in the second half. They accounted for miserable 7 points in the third stanza and Donald Copeland and Darian Townes (208-F/C-84) stretched the buffer to unassailable 25 points heading into the fourth term. Donald Copeland knocked down 4 points and Radonjic added a three-pointer for Turow to silence the home team early in the final period.
Donald Copeland led all scorers with 25 points and 7 assists for Turow. Darian Townes produced 10 points, while Damir Miljkovic added 8 in the win. Eric Taylor (201-F-76, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: St.Francis,PA) finished with 10 points and 6 caroms for Bamberg. Alexander Johnson (208-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida St.) delivered 8 points in the loss.
Turow will next take on Spirou at home court. Brose will look for the improvement against Crvena Zvezda in Serbia.

Brose Basket: Eric Taylor 10, Alexander Johnson 8
Turow: Donald Copeland 25, Darian Townes 10, Damir Miljkovic 8

*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Stats Leaders - UZO Liga
LPB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1Jeffrey Cadore, Fisica 24
2 Madison, CAB 23.8
3 Smith, CAB 23.2
4 Williams, Academica 21
5 Brown, Ginasio 19.4
Rebounds Per Game
1 Jeffrey Cadore,Fisica 14
2 Johnson, Academica 11
3 Coleman, Vagos 10.9
4 Brown, Ginasio 10.4
5 Kevin, Porto 10
Assists Per Game
1 Costa, Ginasio 5.3
2 Smith, CAB 4.7
3 Fernandes, Ovarense 4.6
4 Reed, Benfica 4.3
5 Hill, Vagos 4


*****************************************************
  ROMANIA   


Standings
Div.A Standings
 1. Ploiesti 7-1 
 2. Timisoara 7-2 
 3. Otopeni 6-2 
 4. CSU Atlassib 6-2 
 5. Rovinari 6-3 
 6. U.Mobitel. CN 5-3 
 7. CSU Brasov 5-3 
 8. Pitesti 5-4 
 9. Gaz Metan 5-4 
 10. Craiova 3-5 
 11. Mures 3-5 
 12. Dinamo B. 2-6 
 13. Targoviste 2-6 
 14. Oradea 1-8 
 15. Rapid B. 0-9 


Wins for Sibiu and Oradea - by Vasile Racovitan
CSU Atlassib Sibiu and CSM Leonardo Oradea won the games played on Wednesday, beating CSU Cuadripol Brasov and CS Rapid Neoset Bucuresti, respectively.
The games scheduled in the middle of the week were restant from Round 8.
CSU Atlassib Sibiu had a great test before meeting champions CSU Asesoft Ploiesti and overcame CSU Cuadripol Brasov, 76-66. Cortney Scott (196-F-82, college: Oakland) was the topscorer for the winners, with 20 points, followed by Earl Brown (186-G-78, college: Loyola, IL), with 17. Rashaun Broadus (183-G-84, college: BYU) had 16 points for CSU Cuadripol Brasov, while Ionut Dragusin (221-C-85) crashed the boards, collecting 18 rebounds to add to his 8 points.
In an encounter between the sides that occupy the last two places in the standings, CSM Leonardo Oradea beat CS Rapid Neoset Bucuresti 89-59. Rolland Torok (198-C-90) scored 29 points for the home side, while Catalin Vlaicu (204-C-86) had 26 for CS Rapid Neoset Bucuresti.

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


Hyeres-Toulon defeats Ural Great in France - by Eurobasket News
Hyeres-Toulon - Ural Great 94:83

Hyeres-Toulon opened the EuroChallenge Regular season with a home win over Ural Great. The team from France won all the quarters of the game to seal 94:83 victory. Austin Nichols (198-F/G-82, agency: ACMT, college: Humboldt St.) led the winners with 28 points. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) netted 26 and Darrell Tucker (206-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: USF) followed them with 22. Vanja Plisnic (207-F/C-80, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the Russian team with 21 points.
The hosts started with 5-0 record winning the opening tip of the game. Ural Great bounced back and Vanja Plisnic had 12:7 with his team. Austin Nichols however closed the first period with a three for 22:21. In the majority of the second frame the Russian team was in front until 39:40. Darrell Tucker finished 6-0 run from the hosts to seal 43:40 outcome at the halftime.
Perincic scored for 56:49 and Milling made it 66:59 at the end of the third. Austin Nichols led his team to the last but productive run for 80:70 with 5 minutes to go. The closest Ural Great would get the rest of the way was at 81:76 following a three-pointer from Roman Khamitov. Rindin was the last to score in the game for 94:83.

Hyeres-Toulon: Austin Nichols 28, Dontaye Draper 26, Darrell Tucker 22
Ural Great: Vanja Plisnic 21, Ralph Biggs (199-F-76, agency: Court Side, college: Towson) 19

Dynamo Moscow cruise past Barons in Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Barons/LMT - Dynamo Moscow 61:80

The stars-packed Dynamo Moscow left not a single chance for Barons/LMT in the EuroCup regular season opener for both teams yesterday. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) secured 24 points and 5 boards for the winners. Jannero Pargo (187-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) had 14 points, while Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU) added 10 as Dynamo improved at 1-0 record in Group B. The teams were on level terms at 16:16 in the opening frame before Dynamo went on a run. They scored 8 points to clear off to a 25:18 advantage at the first break. Monya delivered 5 points in a 9:0 rally from the visitors early in the second period. Dynamo built a 16-point lead midway through the frame and extended to 19 points late in the second quarter. Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) and Charles Rhodes (203-F/C-85, college: Mississippi St.) cut the distance to 14 points at the interval. Kaspars Berzins (213-F/C-85, agency: FCM) tipped off the second half with back-to-back trebles to ignite the intrigue. However it all went for nothing as Dynamo quickly answered with points from Jannero Pargo and Travis Hansen to restore a 16-point cushion. The Moscow outfit enjoyed a 21-point lead heading into the fourth quarter with Barons struggling to adjust defensively. Dynamo cruised to the win from now on and did it in stye with Bostjan Nachbar finalizing his impressive tally.
Giedrius Gustas scored 16 points to lead Barons. Darnell Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75, agency: CAA Sports, college: Alabama) added 11 points and 6 rebounds in defeat. Dynamo Moscow will next host Lukoil, while ASK Riga will travel to Russia to take on Unics in Kazan.

Barons/LMT: Giedrius Gustas 16, Darnell Demetrius Alexander 11
Dynamo Moscow: Bostjan Nachbar 24, Jannero Pargo 14, Travis Hansen 10

Reining champion luckily escapes with 63-62 victory in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - CSKA Moscow 62-63

Reigning Euroleague champion survived in Belgrade, despite Serbian champ had five-game winning shot attempts at the last possession. CSKA Moscow remains the only unbeaten team in Group D with 5-0 record. On the other hand, Partizan faced with another thriller defeat slipping on 2-3. It is also important that Partizan's seven-game home winning streak in Euroleague is over.
CSKA Moscow 3-point lead with 4 minutes remaining in the game, 57-60. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) made it after the offensive rebound, but Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) and Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) responded with one FT and a jumper, respectively. Novica Velickovic shined once again for the host stealing the ball and making the basket for 62-62. Almost 7.000 spectators in Belgrade's sports hall Pionir get wild trying to give an extra power to their team in order to crush the defending champion. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) was fouled at the next CSKA s possession making just on FT for 62-63. Partizan had the ball and 35 second to go. The hosts attempted 5 times during those 35 seconds but unfortunately none of them finished inside the basket.
Erazem Lorbek and Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) top-scored for CSKA with 11 poinst apiece. Lorbek also had 5 rebounds beside that. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) and Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) netted 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds apiece. Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 14 points for the hosts. Novica Velickovic had 10 points, while Uros Tripkovic scored 8. In the next round CSKA will host PAO. Partizan goes to Madrid.

Partizan: Milenko Tepic 14, Novica Velickovic 10+7 boards, Uros Tripkovic 8
CSKA Moscow: Erazem Lorbek 11+5 boards, Zoran Planinic 11, Ramunas Siskauskas 10+4 boards, Nikos Zisis 10+4 boards

*****************************************************
  SEBL   


More SEBL player signings... - by David Archer
#s#
#e#6


Favors


Sawadogo


Puckett


Davis


Crain
Former SEBL players have signed with various teams in leagues around the globe

Some of the signings are listed below...

Charles Davis (6'8''-F-84) of Aliaga Petkim (TUR) (6'8''-F-84, college: Alabama)
Herman Favors (5'9''-G-84) of Olympique Antibes (FRA)
Aristide Sawadogo (7'0''-C-81) of Team Brussels
B.J. Puckett (6'9''-F-83) of Boston College Santiago (CHI)
Leroy Davis (6'5''-F-81) of Loros de Colima (MEX)
Ahmed Tijjani (6'9''-F-74) of Forssan Koripojat (FIN) (6'9''-F-74, college: SMU)
Mike Crain (6'2''-G-84) of East Kentucky Miners
Kitwana Rhymer (6'10''-C-78) of Kryvbasbasket-Lux Kryvyi Rih (UKR) (6'10''-C-78, college: Massachusetts)

For more information about the SEBL please visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/sebl

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SEBL represented well in D-League Draft... - by David Archer
#s#
#e#5


Scott


Williams


Mattear


Perique
The SEBL was well represented in the recent D-League Draft. The following players were drafted...

2008 NBA D-League Draft

PICK TEAM SELECTION
30 Idaho Stampede Ernest Scott of Wellington Saints (NZL) (6'7''-F-82, college: Valdosta St.)
48 Austin Toros Ezra Williams of Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (TUR) (6'4''-G-80, college: Georgia)
102 Fort Wayne Mad Ants Derrick Allen of Fort Wayne Mad Ants (6'5''-G-85, college: Valdosta St.)
107 Dakota Wizards Darius Mattear of Dakota Wizards (6'6''-F-81, college: UTEP)
117 Rio Grande Valley Vipers Lance Perique of Cartersville Baseline Warriors (6'8''-G/F-83, college: Georgia St.)

Other SEBL player signings... - by David Archer
#s#
#e#6


Smith


Moon


Dean


Beasley


Slater
Former SEBL players have signed with various teams in leagues around the globe, including renewed or extended contract negotiations.

Some of the signings are listed below...

Larry Cox (6'10''-C-84) of Kahraba Zouk (LEB)
Anthony Slater (5'9''-G-79) of Washington Raptors
DeAntoine Beasley (6'6''-G/F-79) of Airwaves Plymouth Raiders (ENG)
Mike Dean (6'2''-G-82) of East Kentucky Miners
Jamario Moon (6'8''-F-80) of Toronto Raptors (played with Rome Gladiators SEBL entry in 2005)
Josh Smith (6'9''-F-85) of Atlanta Hawks (played with Knicks-1 when SEBL was in transition from former name of Wilkins Pro Am)


For more information about the SEBL please visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/sebl

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More SEBL player signings... - by David Archer
#s#
#e#5


Law


Perique


Montgomery


Ward
Former SEBL players have signed with teams around the US Minor League, as well as, around the globe.

Some of the signings are listed below...

Jeremy Law (6'5''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) (6'5''-G-82) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors, now Montreal (PBL)
Lance Perique (6'8''-G/F-83) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors, now Montreal (PBL)
Joseph Montgomery (6'1''-G-79) NBL England
Xavier Morton (6'9''-F/C-80) of Georgia Gwizzlies
Charles Ward (6'7''-F-79) of Wilmington Sea Dawgs
Shawn Jones (6'1''-G-70) of Augusta Groove

For more information about the SEBL Summer Pro League, please visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/sebl

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SEBL player signings in leagues around the globe... - by David Archer
#s#
#e#6


Spivey


Karim


Wooten


Scott


Thomas
Former SEBL players have signed with various teams in leagues around the globe

Some of the signings are listed below...

Jermaine Spivey (6'3''-G-72) of PVSK Panthers Pecs (HUN)
Lamar Karim (5'10''-G-83) of ALM Evreux Basket (FRA)
Ronell Wooten (6'4''-G-85) of Ferro-ZNTU Zaporozhye (UKR)
Ernest Scott (6'7''-F-82) of Wellington Saints (NZL)
Delvin Thomas (6'7''-F/C-78) of Santos Reales de San Luis Potosi (MEX)

For more information about the SEBL please visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/sebl

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Even more SEBL player signings... - by David Archer
#s#
#e#6


Johnson


Miller


Hundley


LeMelle


Reed
Listing of more SEBL player signings in leagues around the globe. The SEBL Summer Pro League and SEBL Independent League continues to make an impact in the world of professional basketball...

Player signings:

Jamal Johnson (6'7''-C-81) of Belgrano San Nicolas (ARG)
Darnell Miller (6'5''-G-82) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors, signs in Puerto Rico
Terrence Hundley (6'3''-G-85) of Hopsi Polzela (SLO)
Ronny LeMelle (6'5''-G-81) of Kouvot Kouvola (FIN)
Jonathan Reed (6'0''-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Clayton St.) (6'0''-G-81) of Shamrock Rovers Hoops (IRL)
Shaun Stegall (6'7''-F-85, college: Kennesaw St.) (6'7''-F-85) of Al Ittihad Aleppo (SYR)
Rodney Mayes (6'6''-F, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: W.Virginia Tech)

For more information about the SEBL please visit http://www.leaguelineup.com/sebl

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Summer Hill surprises Truett-McConnell with sweep on Saturday night... - by David Archer

Summer Hill puts perfect record on the line Saturday in Americus...

Cartersville, GA - After a huge 92-84 win over nationally ranked Truett McConnell College last weekend, the 5-0 Summer Hill Blue Devils have gotten off to the best start in its four-year history. The Blue Devils will now have their streak tested against another nationally ranked team in the South Georgia Tech Jets in Americus on Saturday night.

The Blue Devils got out to a strong start, leading by as many as 18-8 early in the game against Truett. But, after key players got in foul trouble, the Bears capitalized while Summer Hill's reserves fought to maintain. Truett battled back and led by as many as seven with a trapping defense that caused the Devils' offense to come a slow crawl. Richard Davis (6'2''-G) and Darrell Waters provided much needed inside buckets and Tim Fortenberry nailed two long treys to get the local team going again and Summer Hill was able to reclaim the lead, going into the half up 44-39. In the second half, with the first unit back, Summer Hill was able to work back out to an 11-point spread at one point, only to see foul trouble mount again. Courtney George, Darryl Williams and Josh White (6'4''-F, college: Atlanta Metro JC) all had to sit for an extended period of time.

However, the SH reserves came in ready to relieve this time. Davis played his most steady stretch the entire season, scoring a chuck of timely points with smart shots and freethrows. Jamie King and Nagee Smith also helped to weather the Bear defensive press. The defensive aggressiveness by both teams was 'war-like' and produced a lot of freethrow attempts for both team. Though Duece Jackson and his Truett pack made several runs down the stretch, Summer Hill was able to keep them at bay. Josh White's steal and slam with just over a minute left, gave the Devils a 90-82 lead that seemed to provide the spread needed to hold on. After Williams and George eventually fouled out and several missed freethrows once the Bears were forced to foul, Roman Gilliam (5'10''-G) came in cold but iced the victory with two clean freethrows in the closing seconds. Jackson led Truett with 28 points on the night, while Meau Jones had 16 points and Brandon Hosely 15. Travis Ellison also had eight and Scotty Thomas five. For Summer Hill, Davis finished with a season-high 23 points, while White had 19, George a dozen, Fortenberry seven and Waters six. Getting in the act also was Brandon Harris (6'5''-F) with six, Williams five, Smith four and King three. Marcus Henderson, Jeff Hawkins (5'11''-G-82, college: Kansas) and Gilliam all finished with two points each. Summer Hill will now face another tough task in South Georgia Tech, who has started out the season at 5-1 and is ranked in the Top 25 in the country. The Blue Devils are 0-3 all-time against the Jets in a 7:30pm tilt inside the 'Hangar' on the campus of SGTC in Americus.

Boxscore: http://www.leaguelineup.com/gamesum_basketball.asp?sid=110529333&GameID=5023008&url=summerhill
--------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Hill Lady Devils 70 Truett McConnell Lady Bears 62...


Cartersville, GA - In the first game of the evening, the Lady Devils opened their season with a 70-62 win over the Truett Lady Bears. After falling behind by as many as 13 in the early going, the Lady Devils settled down and began to dominate the flow of the game. By half-time Truett found themselves down 33-31, then couldn't contain the Lady Devil's inside presence. The size difference allow Summer Hill's girls to balance the offense out in order to pull away for a double-digit lead in the latter stages of the game. Melissa Winters and Mattatha Brunson both had 12 for Summer Hill (1-0), while Shameka Doxie, Leah Kessenich (-F/C, college: Missouri-Rolla) and Shakenda Stallings all had nine. Shannon Hanson and Tamera Watkins had seven and six, respectively, as Chaunte Byers had four and Shagera Irwin and Tiesha Jackson each collected one point in the victory. The Lady Devils will also be on the road at South Georgia Tech this Saturday where they tip off at 5:30pm.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Summer Hill Blue Devils (blue squad) 73 Clayton State Club Team 63...

Cartersville, GA - The Blue squad led early, then bogged down in a muck of turnovers and ill-advised shots. Despite playing less than capable basketball, the Men in Blue only trailed by one at the half to a good shooting Clayton State team. After regrouping, applying some strong pressing defense to establish control in the seconf half, the Devils were able to cool Clayton off and begin to pull away down the stretch.

Nagee Smith led all scorers with 27 points, while Darrell Waters had 11. Brieon Brazier finished with 10, while Jarmond Bailey had seven, Demetrius Metcalf six, Jamie King four and Gary Warner three. Brice Kellog, Ken Shaw and Ben Pierre all had two, while Isaiah Riobe got one point in the win. The Devils blue squad moved to 2-3 on the year.

Boxscore: http://www.leaguelineup.com/gamesum_basketball.asp?sid=110529333&GameID=6543122&url=summerhill



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


Milan Minic is the HC of Vojvodina Srbijagas - by Dragan Jankovski
After Zoran Sretenovic's resignation, Vojvodina Srbijagas didn't wait too long with hiring the new head coach. The Tulips agreed terms with experienced Milan Minic, who used to work for many European clubs in the past. Season 01/02 Minic spent in Greece, actually in Aris Thessaloniki. Interesting is that before he also worked as a coach in Olympiakos and AEK Athens. In 2003 Minic took over Rhein Energy Koln. He also had short role as an assistant coach in Olympiakos on season 04/05. In 2006 he joined Aleksandar Djordjevic in AJ Milano, once again as assistant coach and scout. Minic spent last season in Russian team Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu. He agreed terms with Lokomotiv in December last year leaving five months later.
Milan Minic spent many years working with Yugoslavian and later Serbian National Team as an assistant coach and scout. His biggest achievement as a head coach is winning the German Bundesleague Cup in 2004 with Koln.

Vojvodina Srbijagas is currently the last ranked team in Adriatic league with 1-8 record. The Tulips for sure not count on win in the next round as they will take on Partizan Igokea in Pionir. They will have a chance in Round 11 against Helios Domzale in Novi Sad.

Pamesa cruise past FMP - by Eurobasket News
Pamesa - FMP 83:58

Spanish Pamesa got to a perfect start of their EuroCup campaign as they thrashed FMP at home court. The win lifted the Spanish favorites to the top spot in Group G. The Serbian team will have to win against Artland at home in the next round to keep their situation in the pool under control. FMP capitalized on some sloppy attitude from Pamesa in the opening minutes to jump ahead. However Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) scoring allowed the hosts to quickly gain the lead as they were up 14:12 at the first intermission. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) nailed three-pointers for FMP as they grabbed a 22:20 advantage. The Serbian team maintained the advantage for some time in the second term. Neverthelss Pamesa went to the locker rooms as leaders. Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico) and Shammond Williams (187-G-75, college: N.Carolina) ignited a 13:0 run for the hosts as they piled up a 36:27 lead at halftime. Shammond Williams and Albert Oliver (187-G-78) extended the gap to 11 points early in the third frame. The distance remained at the end of thirty minutes of play. The Spaniards went on another stunning run as they accounted for 14 unanswered points early in the fourth quarter leaving no doubts about the outcome. The hosts cruised in the reminder of the contest posting the initial win at the tournament.
Kosta Perovic scored 16 points and collected 11 boards to lead Pamesa. Ermal Kuqo (207-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 points, while Shammond Williams delivered 11 points in the win. Dragan Labovic finished with 20 points for FMP. Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86) dropped 11 points and collected 8 rebounds in the loss.

Pamesa: Kosta Perovic 16+11 boards, Ermal Kuqo 13, Shammond Williams 11
FMP: Dragan Labovic 20, Predrag Samardziski 11

Janis Blums leads Bilbao past Hemofarm - by Eurobasket News
Bilbao - Hemofarm 78:67

Spanish Bilbao secured the winning start of their EuroCup campaign. Yesterday they defeated Hemofarm in the regular season opener in Group H. Marko Banic (204-F-84) and Janis Blums (190-G-82) saw the hosts fly to the 16:5 advantage early in the game. Bilbao dominated at the moments and ensured a 27:13 lead late in the starting period. Hemofarm did not allow Bilbao to kill the intrigue in the second quarter. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) and Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) maitnained the pressure on the home team and Hemofarm trailed by just 8 points at the interval. Vladan Vukosavljevic dragged the visitors within four points midway through the third frame. Bilbao fired an 8:2 rally to get some breathing space. However the visiting team had the last laugh as they cut the distance back to 5 points. Janis Blums was pivotal in the fourth quarter as he accounted for some key buckets for Bilbao to manage a 10-point advantage with less than 6 minutes remaining. Hemofarm came up short on some vital possessions in the crunch time allowing the hosts to pull away with the victory.
Janis Blums topscored with 19 points for Bilbao. Marko Banic added 14 points, while Salvador Guardia (205-F-74) had 9 for the winners. Vladan Vukosavljevic knocked down game-high 25 points for Hemofarm. Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) delivered 15 points in the loss.

Bilbao: Janis Blums 19, Marko Banic 14, Salvador Guardia 9
Hemofarm: Vladan Vukosavljevic 25, Bojan Krstovic 15

Spirou hold off Crvena Zvezda in Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Spirou - Crvena Zvezda 71:65

Spirou overcame a first period deficit to knock down visiting Crvena Zvezda in the EuroCup regular season opening game for both teams. Almost 6000 spectators came to support Spirou and their favorites lived up to the highest expectations. However the start of the game was not a sweet one for the hosts. Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.), Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) and Leroy Andre Owens (192-G-80, college: Houston) nailed 7 points for the visitors as Crvena Zvezda led 7:0 at the start. Spirou soon got back to life as they closed the quarter trailing by just one point 14:15. The second quarter turned out to be a tight battle with several lead changes. The hosts finally laid claim and piled up a 30:25 lead. Len Matela (206-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Bowling Green) closed the frame with a three-pointer to give Spirou a 38:33 advantage at halftime.
Crvena Zvezda would not go away as they cut the distance to minimum once again. Dwayne Broyles (196-F/G-82, college: JMU) and Wes Wilkinson (207-F-84, college: Nebraska) came up with important baskets late in the quarter as Charleroi cleared off to a 54:46 distance. Marko Marinovic nailed 5 points in a row early in the fourth quarter and Crvena Zvezda narrowed the margin. The teams remained close before Matt Walsh (197-F/G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Florida) drained a crucial three-pointer that allowed Spirou to got away to a 66:62 distance. Matt Walsh later knocked down 3 free throws to seal the winning outcome for the hosts in this one.
Len Matela finished with 17 points for Spirou. Matt Walsh had 13 points, while Jerry Johnson (183-G-82, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Rider) added 12 points and 6 assists for the winners. Marko Marinovic responded with 17 points for Crvena Zvezda. Leroy Andre Owens secured 13 points in defeat.

Spirou: Len Matela 17, Matt Walsh 13, Jerry Johnson 12
Crvena Zvezda: Marko Marinovic 17, Leroy Andre Owens 13

Reining champion luckily escapes with 63-62 victory in Belgrade - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - CSKA Moscow 62-63

Reigning Euroleague champion survived in Belgrade, despite Serbian champ had five-game winning shot attempts at the last possession. CSKA Moscow remains the only unbeaten team in Group D with 5-0 record. On the other hand, Partizan faced with another thriller defeat slipping on 2-3. It is also important that Partizan's seven-game home winning streak in Euroleague is over.
CSKA Moscow 3-point lead with 4 minutes remaining in the game, 57-60. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) made it after the offensive rebound, but Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) and Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) responded with one FT and a jumper, respectively. Novica Velickovic shined once again for the host stealing the ball and making the basket for 62-62. Almost 7.000 spectators in Belgrade's sports hall Pionir get wild trying to give an extra power to their team in order to crush the defending champion. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) was fouled at the next CSKA s possession making just on FT for 62-63. Partizan had the ball and 35 second to go. The hosts attempted 5 times during those 35 seconds but unfortunately none of them finished inside the basket.
Erazem Lorbek and Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) top-scored for CSKA with 11 poinst apiece. Lorbek also had 5 rebounds beside that. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) and Nikos Zisis (195-G-83) netted 10 points and grabbed 4 rebounds apiece. Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) answered with 14 points for the hosts. Novica Velickovic had 10 points, while Uros Tripkovic scored 8. In the next round CSKA will host PAO. Partizan goes to Madrid.

Partizan: Milenko Tepic 14, Novica Velickovic 10+7 boards, Uros Tripkovic 8
CSKA Moscow: Erazem Lorbek 11+5 boards, Zoran Planinic 11, Ramunas Siskauskas 10+4 boards, Nikos Zisis 10+4 boards

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  SLOVENIA   


Krka rally from a 16-point third quarter deficit - by Zeljko Zule
Krka rallied from a 47-63 third quarter deficit to defeated Luka Krka 86-82 and Helios scored 18 unanswered points to beat TCG Mercator in Round 9 of UPC League.
Luka Koper-Krka 86-89: Koper in first quarter scored 15 straight points and lead 78-76 in the fourth before Krka started their comeback as led by 87-82 with 1:19 remaining. Jure Balazic finished with 22 points and Simon Petrov added 14 with an 11-for-12 mark from the free throw line. Koper did not win in the month of November. Ales Kunc (208-C-73, agency: VTBM/SRBM, college: Missouri St.) scored 30 points on shooting 12-of-15 before he fouled out. Denis Toroman had 15 points but he missed free throw at 85-87 under nine second to play.
TCG Mercator-Helios 64-92: Helios went on an 18-0 run spanning halftime to take a lead 47-29 early in the third quarter. Domen Zerak led all scorers with 16 points and Alexei Lashkevich 14 for the guests, as the two were the only scorers in double figures for Helios. Ljek Nicaj had 14 to lead TCG Mercator and Simon Finzgar added 11.

Zlatorog inks Krejic, Konjice brings back Sivka and names Benic as coach - by Zeljko Zule

Zlatorog inked Dario Krejic (194-G-78, agency: VTBM/SRBM) of TCG Mercator till end of the season. He averaging 31,0 minutes, 17,4 points (2P 29-47, 3P 17-49, FT 30-36), 3,6 rebounds, 1,3 assists and 1,9 steals in 8 games of UPC League.

Konjice inked their former member Bostjan Sivka (200-F/C-76) ex Rogla an have appointed Slobodan Benic as their coach to replace Mitja Nerat. Sivka grew up with Konjice and moved to local rival Rogla in 2000. He is the top scorers in Rogla's history. Benic also played for Konjice from 1993 to 1995.

Parklji added to their roster Tim Vrbancic (203-F/C-90).

Grosuplje (D2) inked Janez Turk (203-F/C-79) ex Postojna.



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  SOUTH KOREA   


A SPECIAL THANKSGIVING NOTE TO YOU & YOURS - by Rick Ross
To each and every one of you and your families, friends, and loved ones,
I wish an extremely safe and blessed Thanksgiving holiday. I pray that, if only for one day,
you can completely leave anything that even resembles work behind and just live in the
moment with those whom you love and cherish the most. We go through this thing called life just once,
so take the time to, not only show your love, but to actually say the words.
It may not seem like much, but sometimes hearing it means more to a soul that you could possibly ever imagine.
Happy Thanksgiving to all, and if you get the opportunity at any point to lift someone else up,
don't hesitate to give of yourself. We have to remember that it's not about us,
it's what we contribute to the lives of others and in what ways we can genuinely touch their
spirits by letting them know that, no matter what they've been through, they are of no less
value than anyone else and that they matter just as much.
It all comes back to you in the most unexpected ways, but it does come back. Peace,
love, and many continued blessings to you and yours always.

James Hodges

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  SPAIN   


Janis Blums leads Bilbao past Hemofarm - by Eurobasket News
Bilbao - Hemofarm 78:67

Spanish Bilbao secured the winning start of their EuroCup campaign. Yesterday they defeated Hemofarm in the regular season opener in Group H. Marko Banic (204-F-84) and Janis Blums (190-G-82) saw the hosts fly to the 16:5 advantage early in the game. Bilbao dominated at the moments and ensured a 27:13 lead late in the starting period. Hemofarm did not allow Bilbao to kill the intrigue in the second quarter. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) and Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) maitnained the pressure on the home team and Hemofarm trailed by just 8 points at the interval. Vladan Vukosavljevic dragged the visitors within four points midway through the third frame. Bilbao fired an 8:2 rally to get some breathing space. However the visiting team had the last laugh as they cut the distance back to 5 points. Janis Blums was pivotal in the fourth quarter as he accounted for some key buckets for Bilbao to manage a 10-point advantage with less than 6 minutes remaining. Hemofarm came up short on some vital possessions in the crunch time allowing the hosts to pull away with the victory.
Janis Blums topscored with 19 points for Bilbao. Marko Banic added 14 points, while Salvador Guardia (205-F-74) had 9 for the winners. Vladan Vukosavljevic knocked down game-high 25 points for Hemofarm. Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) delivered 15 points in the loss.

Bilbao: Janis Blums 19, Marko Banic 14, Salvador Guardia 9
Hemofarm: Vladan Vukosavljevic 25, Bojan Krstovic 15

Real Madrid victorious in Istanbul vs Efes Pilsen - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Real Madrid 81-95

Excellent victory for Real Madrid in Istanbul. It was very important game for both teams as they had the same 2-2 record in Group D before this round. Quinton Hosley (198-G/F-84, college: Fresno St.) shined for Real draining 24 points for 23:41 on the court. He had 6/7 FG2, 3/4 from behind the arc and 3/4 FTs. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) also was on a high level for the Spanish team adding 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Sergio Llull (178-G-87) and Louis Bullock (186-G-76, college: Michigan) stopped on 11 points apiece. Ex player of Real Madrid, Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico), was MVP of the game with index rate 27. He scored 22 points and made 5 steals. Point guard Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) delivered 18, while Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) contributed with 14 points in defeat.
After opening 4-2 for Efes, Real Madrid quickly grabbed 9-11 and later 11-17. Opening ten minutes ended with plus 6 for the 'Spaniards'. At the beginning of the second frame Real touched 17-25. Mostly owing to Milos Vujanic and Marvis Thornton, Efes Pilsen cut the margin on 21-27. Thornton continued in the same rhythm and together with Kakiousiz led his team to 38-39. However, Jeremiah Massey, Quinton Hosley and Felipe Reyes stepped up for Real creating 7-0 run. Vujanic made a lay-up at the buzzer for 40-46 at the half time. At the middle of third quarter the hosts came on minus 3, but it was their maximum in the second half. Real immediately answered and after FT by Jeremiah Massey visitors grabbed double-digit lead with 30 seconds to go in third stanza. Until the end of the game Real managed to keep its lead steady.

Efes Pilsen: Charles Smith 22+5 st, Milos Vujanic 18, Marvis Thornton 14
Real Madrid: Quinton Hosley 24, Jeremiah Massey 17+7 boards, Sergio Llull 11+6 boards, Louis Bullock 11+5 as

Pamesa Prepare Nielsen Swoop - by Paul Nilsen
Australian power forward Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) has arrived in Valencia and is on the verge of becoming the first signing of new Pamesa Coach Neven Spahija. The player is understood to be undergoing a medical with a view to moving to the ACB from Lietuvos Rytas with the 30 year old Australian international likely to take the place of Greek Dimos Dikoudis who has been left out of the team due to disciplinary reasons.

Nielsen has played the last few seasons in Lithuania and before that was in the Greek A1 league with PAOK. An intelligent player who is a great passer for a big guy will be a nice fit for Pamesa and complimentary to the in-form Kosta Perovic. However Pamesa fans wont be counting their chickens until the ink is dry - Van Den Spiegel arrived in Valencia and was pictured in a team scarf before the deal went belly-up.

Pamesa cruise past FMP - by Eurobasket News
Pamesa - FMP 83:58

Spanish Pamesa got to a perfect start of their EuroCup campaign as they thrashed FMP at home court. The win lifted the Spanish favorites to the top spot in Group G. The Serbian team will have to win against Artland at home in the next round to keep their situation in the pool under control. FMP capitalized on some sloppy attitude from Pamesa in the opening minutes to jump ahead. However Kosta Perovic (217-C-85) scoring allowed the hosts to quickly gain the lead as they were up 14:12 at the first intermission. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) nailed three-pointers for FMP as they grabbed a 22:20 advantage. The Serbian team maintained the advantage for some time in the second term. Neverthelss Pamesa went to the locker rooms as leaders. Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico) and Shammond Williams (187-G-75, college: N.Carolina) ignited a 13:0 run for the hosts as they piled up a 36:27 lead at halftime. Shammond Williams and Albert Oliver (187-G-78) extended the gap to 11 points early in the third frame. The distance remained at the end of thirty minutes of play. The Spaniards went on another stunning run as they accounted for 14 unanswered points early in the fourth quarter leaving no doubts about the outcome. The hosts cruised in the reminder of the contest posting the initial win at the tournament.
Kosta Perovic scored 16 points and collected 11 boards to lead Pamesa. Ermal Kuqo (207-C-80, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 points, while Shammond Williams delivered 11 points in the win. Dragan Labovic finished with 20 points for FMP. Predrag Samardziski (214-C-86) dropped 11 points and collected 8 rebounds in the loss.

Pamesa: Kosta Perovic 16+11 boards, Ermal Kuqo 13, Shammond Williams 11
FMP: Dragan Labovic 20, Predrag Samardziski 11

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  SWITZERLAND   


Cholet Basket brings the initial win from Switzerland - by Eurobasket News
Benetton Olympic -Cholet Basket 63:82

Cholet cruised to an 82:63 win over Benetton Olympic in Switzerland. The wins in all quarters allowed the guests to win the EuroChallenge Regular Season opener. Nando De Colo (202-G-87) top-scored for the winners with 18 points and Thomas Larrouquis (197-F/G-85) Thomas had 13. Michael Mokongo (180-G-86, agency: ACMT) Michael ended up with 11 points in the losing effort.
The game was knotted at 4:4 but then the visitors produced a 15-0 run that put the French outfit into a 19:4 lead. Rodrigue Beaubois (186-G-88, agency: Court Side) closed the opening quarter for 23:13. In the second frame the picture of the game did not change as Cholet Basket dominated the court. Michael Mokongo sent the teams to the lockers for 44:30.
Fields climbed up with his team to 37:48 and Dennis Harrison (201-F-79, college: Nando De Colorado) made it 45:56. Michael Mokongo again was the last to score in the period for 47:63. There were no chances the hosts could catch up with the winners and the board showed 63:82 at the end for the visitors.
In another game of the Group Lokomotiv Rostov won the opening game of EuroChallenge Regular season at home. The Russian team overcame BC Sumykhimprom from Ukraine with a massive 28-13 start. House top-scored for the winners with 30 points and 7 rebounds.

Benetton Olympic: Dennis Harrison 19, Allen 14+12 rebs,
Cholet Basket: Nando De Colo 18, Thomas Larrouquis 13, Rodrigue Beaubois 11, Michael Mokongo 11

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  TURKEY   


Bnei Hasharon lose to Turk Telekom at home - by Eurobasket News
Bnei Hasharon - Turk Telekom 54-76

Serkan Erdogan (190-G-78, agency: Interperformances) nailed 15 points and Turk Telekom got the initial win in the EuroCup regular season yesterday. The Turkish team outscored Bnei Hasharon in Israel to take the lead in Group D.
Turk Telekom was the better side right from the start. The visitors jumped to an 8:2 lead before Bnei Hasharon managed to cut the deficit to 2 points at the first intermission 12:14. Turk Telekom responded early in the second term. They scored eight straight points and clear off to a 10-point distance. Bnei Hasharon failed to rebound and they trailed by as many as 8 points at halftime. Turk Telekom quickly stretched the margin to 18 points in the third frame and dominated completely at the moment. But Bnei Hasharon refused to bow. They cut the deficit to 9 points with one quarter to go 45:54. Serkan Erdogan came up for Turk Telekom in the final stanza as he drained 8 consecutive points and put the visitors ahead for good.
Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds for Turk Telekom. Bekir Yarangume (198-F-79) delivered 11 points for the winners. Ugonna Onyekwe (203-F-79, college: Pennsylvania) responded with 12 points for Bnei Hasharon. Richard Roby (198-G-85) had 10 points in the loss.

Bnei Hasharon: Ugonna Onyekwe 12, Richard Roby 10
Turk Telekom: Serkan Erdogan 15, Erwin Dudley 13+10 boards, Bekir Yarangume 11

Real Madrid victorious in Istanbul vs Efes Pilsen - by Eurobasket News
Efes Pilsen - Real Madrid 81-95

Excellent victory for Real Madrid in Istanbul. It was very important game for both teams as they had the same 2-2 record in Group D before this round. Quinton Hosley (198-G/F-84, college: Fresno St.) shined for Real draining 24 points for 23:41 on the court. He had 6/7 FG2, 3/4 from behind the arc and 3/4 FTs. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) also was on a high level for the Spanish team adding 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Sergio Llull (178-G-87) and Louis Bullock (186-G-76, college: Michigan) stopped on 11 points apiece. Ex player of Real Madrid, Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico), was MVP of the game with index rate 27. He scored 22 points and made 5 steals. Point guard Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) delivered 18, while Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) contributed with 14 points in defeat.
After opening 4-2 for Efes, Real Madrid quickly grabbed 9-11 and later 11-17. Opening ten minutes ended with plus 6 for the 'Spaniards'. At the beginning of the second frame Real touched 17-25. Mostly owing to Milos Vujanic and Marvis Thornton, Efes Pilsen cut the margin on 21-27. Thornton continued in the same rhythm and together with Kakiousiz led his team to 38-39. However, Jeremiah Massey, Quinton Hosley and Felipe Reyes stepped up for Real creating 7-0 run. Vujanic made a lay-up at the buzzer for 40-46 at the half time. At the middle of third quarter the hosts came on minus 3, but it was their maximum in the second half. Real immediately answered and after FT by Jeremiah Massey visitors grabbed double-digit lead with 30 seconds to go in third stanza. Until the end of the game Real managed to keep its lead steady.

Efes Pilsen: Charles Smith 22+5 st, Milos Vujanic 18, Marvis Thornton 14
Real Madrid: Quinton Hosley 24, Jeremiah Massey 17+7 boards, Sergio Llull 11+6 boards, Louis Bullock 11+5 as

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Peltier scores 32! - by David Edole
For the second time in less than two weeks, the Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzlies have defeated Carl Albert State College, Poteau, Okla., on the basketball court.
The Grizzlies (5-4) earned their most recent win over the Vikings Saturday, Nov. 22, at the West Plains Civic Center by the score of 96-78.
The contest proved close in the first half, with both teams showing improvement since their first battle on Nov. 12. At halftime, the Grizzlies held a narrow 47-45 advantage. In the second half, though, the Grizzlies turned up the heat and outscored the Vikings 49-33 to take the win.
Carl Albert played well the first half and had an unbelievable shooting percentage, Grizzly Head Coach Yancey Walker said. The Vikings connected on 61.5 percent of their shots from the field in the first period and was 50 percent from the three-point line. Walker said the Grizzlies made several adjustments at halftime that cut the Vikings shooting by nearly 20 percentage points and kept them off the offensive boards.
Meanwhile, the Grizzlies increased their offensive output, connecting on 69 percent of their shots from the field in the second half, compared to 59 percent in the first half. They also shot 63 percent from the three-point line in the second half.
Overall, the Grizzlies hit 12 of 22 long-range shots, with eight of them coming from sophomore Devon Peltier (178-G). Peltier, a 5-11 guard from St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, led all scorers with 32 points. He was followed in the Grizzly scoreboard by sophomore point guard Anthony Allison with 20 points and sophomore center Chris Williams with 12. Other Grizzlies scoring included freshmen Taylor Jones with 9, Rae-Vonn Banks 8 and Terrell Bruce 7, sophomore Logan Nutt 6, and freshman Xavier Jones 2.
Williams led the team in rebounding with eight, and Nutt led the team in assists with 14. Banks had two blocks, and Peltier was credited with four steals.
Walker noted Peltier hit 12 of 18 field goals for the night, Allison hit six of 10 and made eight of 13 free throws, and Williams connected on six of his eight basket attempts.

BASKETBALL ACADEMY FOR THE AMERICAS: BASKETBALL FOR YOUNG PLAYERS - by David Edole
You cannot evade your future responsibilities of tomorrow by ignoring them today.

The basketball program presented by the Basketball Academy of the Americas is designed to strengthen the development and future growth of basketball in the continents and is called 'Basketball for Young Players' Project and has been in the works for the past 6 years and has enjoyed great acceptance. It is based on technical and practical elements that are aimed on improving training for coaches and referees who will then train young players.

This educational process has attracted much interest from the coaches. The primary purpose of this educational program is to bring under one roof guidance and training of coaches and referees for every one of the national federations.

The implementation of this educational program reflects the findings made by FIBA-Americas in many of the countries where basketball is played. These show that there isn't basic development plan in place; young players are subject to physical and mental abuse by parents and coaches alike; there is no training and that the only objective is to win above any other consideration. This, in the end discourages the children and fails to motivate them to stay connected to the sport.

The pressure, competition and social demands beyond their natural skills are other components that infringe on the development of basketball at an early age. To strengthen our program is necessary to establish an education program with specialized personnel, progressively targeting administrators, parents, coaches, players and others. The development of an appropriate competition plan adjusted to the needs of children is critical for this generational transition.

The growth and development of our players and coaches should be based on the implementation of a well defined and organized development program. This should be developed through a structured and supervised educational process. It is logical to think that any organization that does not establishes a basketball program, either a league or club without an educational project, will not have any positive growth and development and will remain stagnant.

Given the revolutionary pace at which the sport of basketball is moving right now globally, I think it is relevant to assess and reassess what is happening in each of the organizations that promote basketball from its foundation.

If our leaders want to be part of that evolution, this is the time to give basketball a new organizational structure. See what is being done or needs to be established. See if they are complying with requirements, standards and with the guidelines set out by the FIBA Americas National Federations Manual.

We are calling on leaders, managers, coaches and players to make an assessment of their work plan and measure their federation, League, Club and Association's growth, which ever the case may be. It is time for structural changes, new approaches, to set new goals and strategies to put the basketball in the country's newspapers front pages. Let us not forget that 'We Are the Basketball'

By: Victor 'Vitito' Ojeda, Coach

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  VENEZUELA   


Venezuelans Abroad - Update - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelans playing in foreign countries continued to have starring roles in their respective teams and saw some action in the last week around the world. Here's a short summary of their performances:

MEXICO (LNBP)
-Juan Herrera (197-F-81) scored 28 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, with 2 assists, 2 steals, a turnover and 3 fouls in a triumph of Santos Reales de San Luis over Fuerza Regia de Monterrey, 95-85, in Matchday 26.

-Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) scored 14 points with 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 turnovers and a foul in a defeat of Angeles de Puebla against Tecos de Guadalajara, 83-74, in Matchday 26.

-Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) finished up with 14 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, 2 turnovers and 3 fouls in a defeat of Angeles de Puebla against Tecos de Guadalajara, 83-74, in Matchday 26.

-Pedro Brito (202-F/C-82) chipped in 11 points, 5 rebounds, an assist, 2 turnovers and 3 fouls in a tight victory of Panteras de Aguascalientes against Algodoneros de Torreon, 90-87, in Matchday 26.

-Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) ended up with 12 points, 8 rebounds, an assist, 2 steals, a turnover and 2 fouls, while Lobos UAC de Saltillo defeated Barreteros de Zacatecas, 91-88, in Matchday 26.

-Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) scored 17 points with 4 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, a block, 3 turnovers and 3 fouls, in a defeat of Fuerza Regia de Monterrey against Santos Reales de San Luis, 95-83, in Matchday 26.

-Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) was released by Fuerza Regia de Monterrey after Matchday 26's defeat against Santos Reales de San Luis, 95-85. In his last match, he finished up with 4 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, a steal, a turnover and 3 fouls.

-Carlos Morris (194-G-75) scored 12 points with 5 rebounds, 2 assists, a turnover and 3 fouls in a victory of Venados de Nuevo Laredo over Bucaneros de Campeche, 96-87, in Matchday 26.


ARGENTINA (TNA)

-Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) was a starter for Union de Sunchales in Matchday 7, as his team got back in the track of victory by taking down Alma Juniors de Esperanza, 88-78. He scored 21 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead his teammates.


SPAIN (LEB Gold - EBA A - U20)
-Javier Roman (207-F/C-80) came off the bench for Leche Rio Breogan Lugo as they won against Gandia Basket, 86-57. He played 10 minutes and had 1 point, 3 rebounds, a block, 2 turnovers and 2 fouls.

-Jhornan Zamora (194-F-89) was a starter for Zarzuela Maristas Boecillo in EBA A, and his team defeated Ferrol CB, 94-87. He played 26 minutes and had 13 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 6 steals, 2 turnovers and a foul.

-Javinger Vargas (206-C-90), who belongs to Beirasar Rosalia in the U20 league, hasn't seen any action lately


ITALY (LEGA A)

-Hector Romero (202-F-80) underwent surgery in his left hand's pinky finger, after sustaining an injury over a week ago. He'll be out of action for at least 5 weeks.

-Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) was a starter in Matchday 7 of the 2008-2009 season for Snaidero Udine, as his team lost against Bancas Tercas Teramo, 88-77. Torres played 38 minutes, and ended up with 10 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, a block, 5 turnovers and 3 fouls.


FRANCE (PRO A)

-John Cox (195-G-81) and his team, Sluc Nancy Basket, won against Gravelines, 100-76, in Matchday 8 of the 2008-2009 season. Cox played 20 minutes and supported his team with 15 points, 2 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 fouls





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Women News

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Dubljevic paces Rivas Ecopolis to win against Dunav - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Rivas Ecopolis - Dunav Econt 85-71

Rivas Ecopolis sealed a spot for the EuroCup 1/16 finals celebrating against reigning Bulgarian champion Dunav Econt. With this victory the Spanish team will end Preliminary Round as a second ranked team of Group C with score 4-2. Dunac Econt didn't have any chance to reach the next stage registering only one win. It happened in the last round against Crvena Zvezda. Second team from Group C which already qualified for the 1/16 finals is Elitzura Ramla. Israeli representative will play its last game in Preliminary Round tomorrow and most probably will stay perfect. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) was a key player for Rivas Ecopolis in this game. She spent 31 minutes on the court collecting 19 points and 9 rebounds. Catherine Joens (180-G-82) helped with 18, while Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80, college: S.Carolina) scored 16 points. Actually, Ujhelyi also had 6 more rebounds beside that. Bulgarian champ got the most from Zornitza Kostova (176-G-82), who led all the scorers with 21 points. Natalia Topalova-Shopova (187-F-80) and Danielle Page (188-F-86, college: Nebraska) combined 24 points and 15 boards. Crucial period of this game was second quarter, which Rivas Ecopolis ended 28-18. During the first ten minutes Spanish team earned 2-point lead. As it is mentioned above, this game didn't mean anything for the Bulgarians as 1/16 finals was already out of their reach. Anyway, they played as best as they can finishing last quarter 14-18 for the final 85-71.

Rivas Ecopolis: Jelena Dubljevic 19+9 boards, Catherine Joens 18, Petra Ujhelyi 16+8 boards+4 as
Dunav Econt: Zornitza Kostova 21+4 as, Natalia Topalova-Shopova 13+8 boards, Danielle Page 11+7 boards

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  CROATIA - Women  


Panionios outguns Croatian Ragusa in Group E - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Panionios GSS - Ragusa 86-70

At the last day of the Preliminary Round Sheri Lynette Sam (183-F/G-74, agency: Ronsport, college: Vanderbilt) paced Panionios GSS to victory against Croatian representative Ragusa. It is the second win for Panonios in EuroCup, both made vs Ragusa. Visitors didn't have any reason for a joy this season as they faced with 6 failures in Group E. Sam Sheri was totally the best player for the hosts collecting 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Pelagia Papamichail (189-F/C-86) posted 15, while Aikaterina Deli (166-G-75) delivered one point less. Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86) and Matea Vrdoljak (186-F-85) combined 46 points for the loosing squad.
First quarter sent a clear signal what spectators in Nea Smirni can expect until the end. Sheri Lynette Sam took control on their opponent in just few minutes closing first stanza with 30-17. After jump shot by Aikaterina Deli with 2 minutes to go until the half time, Panionios touched plus 17, 50-33. It was their biggest lead in the first half. Visitors started to play slightly better in third frame. Panionios' players again were decent at the offensive end, but their defense was not on a good level. However, they didn't let Ragusa to some closer than 15 points until the end of the period. Totally different picture on the court was seen after that. Thanks to tandem Ivona Matic and Matea Vrdoljak, Ragusa succeeded to cut the margin on 9 points in 38th minute, 78-69. During the last 90 seconds Panionios created impressive 10-3 run setting the score on 86-70.

Panionios GSS: Sheri Lynette Sam 15+7 boards+4 as, Pelagia Papamichail 15, Aikaterina Deli 14
Ragusa: Ivona Matic 24+5 boards+4 as, Matea Vrdoljak 22+4 boards

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  EUROLEAGUE - Women  


Euroleague Round: 7 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Group Group A
Nadezhda O. - Halcon A.Per. 83-62
Nadezhda earned the first Euroleague win in the season as they held off Pool A leaders Halcon Avenida in Orenburg. Shameka Christon lived up to her topscorer status chipping in 20 points for the hosts. Nadezhda newcomer Betty Lennox added 17 points off the bench for the winners. LeCoe Willingham accounted for 16 points in just the second loss for Avenida. The Spanish team remained on top of the standings in Group A.

Bourges - Wisla Can-Pak 72-51
Bourges stayed in the dominant position in Group A as they knocked down Wisla for the fifth win today. Alessandra Santos tallied 15 points and 10 boards, while Ana Lelas had 15 points and 8 boards to pace Bourges to another solid win in the EuroLeague. Ewelina Kobryn answered with 14 points for the Polish powerhouse as Wisla slipped at 4-3 record.

Group Group B
MKB Eurol. - Umana Reyer 65-71
Umana Reyer kept perfect record in the Euroleague tournament as they upset MKB Euroleasing in Sopron. The Italian powerhouse came from behind in the final stanza to post the sixth straight success. Mery Andrade knocked down 16 points to lead Venezia. Simona Ballardini added 12 points in the win. Tijana Krivacevic responded with game-high 20 points for MKB Euroleasing off the bench.

Gambrinus - ESB Villeneu. 81-61
Gambrinus eased past Lille 81:61 at home court. It was just the second victory for the Czech champions in this edition of the Euroleague. Eva Viteckova secured 17 points in the winning case. Tamika Whitmore was helpful with 14 points for Gambrinus. Ljubica Drljaca scored 14 points for Villenueve as they slipped at 1-4 record in the ladder.

Group Group C
Ros Casares - USK Praha 88-69
Ros Casares got closer to Group C leaders UMMC as they defeated USK Praha 88:69 tonight. Delisha Milton-Jones notched 19 points, 6 steals and 6 boards for the Spanish champions. Anna Montanana added 15 points for the winners as they enjoyed 5-2 record. USK Praha responded with 18 points and 6 rebounds from Swin Cash. Michaela Ferancikova delivered 14 points in the losing case.

Union Hainaut - Sibenik 80-69
Mudju Ngoyisa scored 17 points and grabbed 10 boards to lift Union Hainaut to the third win in the EuroLeague. Today Hainaut held off Sibenik 80:69 at home court. Kathy Wambe chipped in 15 points, while Laetitia Kamba netted 13 for the winners. Constance Jinks led all scorers with 24 points for the Croatian team.

Group Group D
Fenerbahce - M.Broker 84-74
Fenerbahce showed strength against Kosice at home court. Esmeral Tuncluer nailed 18 points and the Turkish team rushed to a solid win. Tammy Sutton-Brown and Emilie Gomis were responsible for 16 points each. Kosice slipped at 4-3 record despite 17 points from Cathrine Kraayeveld.



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  FINLAND - Women  


Parker from PuHu to PeKa - by Esko Saarinen
After PuHu (Vantaa) finished its playing in championshiips league their american player Rebekah Parker was free to join another team. On wednesday evening Parker joined to PeKa (Kotka) and is ready to start playing immediatedly. The next match is away-match against EBT (Espoo) on saturday. After Parker's coming to PeKa the former PeKa player Carithia Rivers is out of the team. Parker's height is 180 and it is a bit more than Rivers (173). PeKa needs more fighting in rebounds and hope Parker will join in this part of the game. Parker is best score in 3 points line and has the figures 25/50 wich means 50 %. Free throws she has scored 52/56 and 2 point throws 47/94.

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  FRANCE - Women  


Challes better than Sf. Gheorghe in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Challes - Sf. Gheorghe 77-63

Challes grabbed it easily jumping on 4-2 record in Group B. With this victory French team secured a spot for the 1/16 finals. Sylvia Janostinova (193-F/C-78) was totally the best player for Challes collecting 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Martina Luptakova (184-F-77) also shined for the hosts adding 15 points and 6 boards, while Ivona Bogoje (193-C-76) netted 12 missing only one board for double-double. Romanian representative got the most from Judit Kajdacsi (191-C-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services), who drained 16 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) contributed with 14 pts and 5 boards.
First quarter belonged to Challes 23-18. Ivana Bogoje made a jump shot at the buzzer for plus 5. At the middle of the next frame it already was plus 11 for the hosts, 37-26. Soon after that Challes touched plus 14, but Sf. Gheorghe suceded to cut the margin on 9 points before the half time. It happened thanks to Ildiko Vass and her long range triple. Nothing has changed until the last two minutes of third quarter as Challes kept 9-13 lead. In the last 90 seconds visitors made 5-0 coming on 61-55. Three minutes was enough for Challes to answer creating 11-4 run for unreachable 72-61.

Challes: Sylvia Janostinova 17+7 boards+4 as, Martina Luptakova 15+6 boards, Ivona Bogoje 12+9 boards
Sf. Gheorghe: Judit Kajdacsi 16+9 boards, Ildiko Vass 14+5 boards

Mondeville cruises past ZKK Buducnost - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Mondeville - Buducnost 86-68

Mondeville was too strong for Montenegrin champion Buducnost celebrating comfortable 18-point win. Paoline Salagnac (176-G-84) led the scorers in Mondeville with 20 points. Rankica Sarenac (202-C-74) and Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: De Paul) also did a great job for their team netting 18 and 15 points respectively. Mondeville ended Preliminary Round on the second place in Group G with score 3-3. Lady Comfort (188-C-86, college: Temple) one more time demonstrated pretty decent performance for Buducnost collecting 19 points and 7 boards. Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87), who was Buducnost's best player in the last game, this time posted 13 points and dished out 4 assists. Maxienne White (185-F/C-84, agency: Promotex, college: S.Alabama) finished the match with one point less. Montenegrin team stayed on just one win from the last round.
Mondeville's players had a good game and a fact that they dished out 28 assists in total talks everything about it self. The hosts also had a good shooting day. During the opening ten minutes they netted impressive 33 points. Buducnost also was good, but not enough scoring 21. In the second frame Paoline Salagnac and Rankica Sarenac picked up where they left off in the first one. Lenae Williams also was on fire, what resulted in 56-33 at the half time. After that moment it was clear that Montenegrin champion won't have any chance until the end.

Mondeville: Paoline Salagnac 20, Rankica Sarenac 18+7 boards, Lenae Williams 15+6 as,
Buducnost: Lady Comfort 19+7 boards, Maja Milutinovic 13+4 as, Maxienne White 12

Tarbes ends Preliminary Round undefeated - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Tarbes - Ribera 66-55

Tarbes did a great job in Preliminary Round of EuroCup ending it as a top ranked team of Group J with perfect 6-0 record. This time Tarbes was too strong for Italian Ribera celebrating decent 11-point win. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (195-C-86) once again was on a high level for French representative scoring 13 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Tanisha Wright (180-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) posted 12, while Elizabeth Ann Moeggenberg (185-F-84, college: Michigan St.) delivered one point less. Julie Anne Page (188-F/C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: E.Washington) and Molly Creamer (177-G-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) responded with 13 points each.
First quarter was totally leveled. Actually Tarbes had 15-13, but Romagnoli made a jump shot for the visitors with less than a minute to go, after what both teams had one unsuccessful attempt. In 27th minute Wright posted 2 FTs for Tarbes for plus 5, 31-26. Until the end of the half time Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui and her teammates extended lead to 6. Third quarter didn't change anything as Challes all the time had 5-9 point lead. Crucial period of the game was middle of the last stanza as Tabres made 14-6 run setting the score on 62-50. Except of the better offensive game, Tarbes also outjumped its rival. The hosts grabbed 13+28 matched with 11+22 by Ribera. Italian team also didn't have so brilliant shot percentage making 16 of 39 attempts for FG2. Its players had only 8 of 17 from the FT line.

Tarbes: Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 13+15 boards, Tanisha Wright 12+6 boards, Elizabeth Ann Moeggenberg 11+5 boards
Ribera: Julie Anne Page 13+6 boards, Molly Creamer 13

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  GERMANY - Women  


Jasmina Ilic to Wasserburg - by Moritz Korff
TSV Wasserburg have reacted to the injury problems and signed Jasmina Ilic (185-G/F-85, college: Colorado) until Christmas. The 23-year-old Serbian international will help out in the post, in her first game for the German champ against Halle on Sunday Ilic registered 18 points and 5 rebounds.
Wasserburg needed a new player, because Jana Furkova (185-C/F-84), who is suffering from a torn ACL is unable to play and because Katharina Kuehn (193-C-80) will have to undergo knee surgery in December.

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  GREECE - Women  


Panionios outguns Croatian Ragusa in Group E - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Panionios GSS - Ragusa 86-70

At the last day of the Preliminary Round Sheri Lynette Sam (183-F/G-74, agency: Ronsport, college: Vanderbilt) paced Panionios GSS to victory against Croatian representative Ragusa. It is the second win for Panonios in EuroCup, both made vs Ragusa. Visitors didn't have any reason for a joy this season as they faced with 6 failures in Group E. Sam Sheri was totally the best player for the hosts collecting 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Pelagia Papamichail (189-F/C-86) posted 15, while Aikaterina Deli (166-G-75) delivered one point less. Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86) and Matea Vrdoljak (186-F-85) combined 46 points for the loosing squad.
First quarter sent a clear signal what spectators in Nea Smirni can expect until the end. Sheri Lynette Sam took control on their opponent in just few minutes closing first stanza with 30-17. After jump shot by Aikaterina Deli with 2 minutes to go until the half time, Panionios touched plus 17, 50-33. It was their biggest lead in the first half. Visitors started to play slightly better in third frame. Panionios' players again were decent at the offensive end, but their defense was not on a good level. However, they didn't let Ragusa to some closer than 15 points until the end of the period. Totally different picture on the court was seen after that. Thanks to tandem Ivona Matic and Matea Vrdoljak, Ragusa succeeded to cut the margin on 9 points in 38th minute, 78-69. During the last 90 seconds Panionios created impressive 10-3 run setting the score on 86-70.

Panionios GSS: Sheri Lynette Sam 15+7 boards+4 as, Pelagia Papamichail 15, Aikaterina Deli 14
Ragusa: Ivona Matic 24+5 boards+4 as, Matea Vrdoljak 22+4 boards

Galatasaray blasts Aris in EuroCup 97-45 - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Galatasaray - Aris 97-45

Devastating victory by Galatasaray, who ended Preliminary Round on top of Group G unbeaten (6-0). The hosts demonstrated wonderful performance, despite they booked a spot for the 1/16 finals seven days ago. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) stepped up for the winning side pouring in 19 points for 23 minutes. She finished the game with only one missed shot (8/8 FG2, 1/2 from behind the arc). Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Marina Kress (193-F/C-80) netted 12 points and grabbed 5 boards. Aris had just two players able to compete against powerful Galata. Aristea Magklara (168-G-83) posted 17, while Sofia Kyriakopoulou (185-F-81) had 14 points in defeat. The Greek representative slipped on 2-4.
Galatasaray was better than Aris in every single quarter. After first one the hosts earned plus 14. During the next 10 minutes Aris once again scored 12, but Galata was even better than in the first draining 28. Visitors tried to change something from behind the arc, but it didn't work. Galata picked up where it left off in the first half reaching huge 74-33 before the last frame. The only question was how big difference it will be at the end, and it was 52!

Galatasaray: Seimone Augustus 19+4 boards, Tay McWilliams 13+6 boards+4 as, Marina Kress 12+5 boards
Aris: Aristea Magklara 17+5 boards, Sofia Kyriakopoulou 14

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  GUATEMALA - Women  


Mystics wins Game 1 - by Gianni Pascucci
Female team 'Mystics' triumphed in Game 1 of the Liga Metropolitana Fianl Series, defeating Constructora de la Pena 73-70. Game 2 will be played on tomorrow, thursday 26, and could be decisive, given tah the female finals are best of three games. In case of another win, Mystics will be crowned champion..

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  ICELAND - Women  


Wednesday results - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Haukar take the top seat after they beat Keflavik in last minutes 80-77. Keflavik leading by 10 at halftime 46-36. good third quarter from Haukar (27-17) tight the game up.
Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir (178-F-85) had a good game for Haukar 28 pts. Ragna Brynjarsdottir 11 + 20 rebs. Telma Fjalardottir 13 + 13. Slavica Dimovska 16.
For Keflavik Birna Valgardsdottir (181-G-76) 31 Svava Stefansdottir 22.
Snaefell 52. Hamar 80. Sara Andresdottir 18 Berglind Gunnarsdottir 14 for Snaefell. LaKiste Barkus 21 + 12 rebs. Julia Demirer 18 + 17 rebs for Hamar.
Valur. 79. Fjolnir 59. Signy Hermannsdottir 26. for Valur. Ashley Bowman 27 for Fjolnir

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  ITALY - Women  


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


Tarbes ends Preliminary Round undefeated - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Tarbes - Ribera 66-55

Tarbes did a great job in Preliminary Round of EuroCup ending it as a top ranked team of Group J with perfect 6-0 record. This time Tarbes was too strong for Italian Ribera celebrating decent 11-point win. Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (195-C-86) once again was on a high level for French representative scoring 13 points and pulling down 15 rebounds. Tanisha Wright (180-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) posted 12, while Elizabeth Ann Moeggenberg (185-F-84, college: Michigan St.) delivered one point less. Julie Anne Page (188-F/C-83, agency: LBM Management, college: E.Washington) and Molly Creamer (177-G-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Bucknell) responded with 13 points each.
First quarter was totally leveled. Actually Tarbes had 15-13, but Romagnoli made a jump shot for the visitors with less than a minute to go, after what both teams had one unsuccessful attempt. In 27th minute Wright posted 2 FTs for Tarbes for plus 5, 31-26. Until the end of the half time Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui and her teammates extended lead to 6. Third quarter didn't change anything as Challes all the time had 5-9 point lead. Crucial period of the game was middle of the last stanza as Tabres made 14-6 run setting the score on 62-50. Except of the better offensive game, Tarbes also outjumped its rival. The hosts grabbed 13+28 matched with 11+22 by Ribera. Italian team also didn't have so brilliant shot percentage making 16 of 39 attempts for FG2. Its players had only 8 of 17 from the FT line.

Tarbes: Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 13+15 boards, Tanisha Wright 12+6 boards, Elizabeth Ann Moeggenberg 11+5 boards
Ribera: Julie Anne Page 13+6 boards, Molly Creamer 13

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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Mondeville cruises past ZKK Buducnost - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Mondeville - Buducnost 86-68

Mondeville was too strong for Montenegrin champion Buducnost celebrating comfortable 18-point win. Paoline Salagnac (176-G-84) led the scorers in Mondeville with 20 points. Rankica Sarenac (202-C-74) and Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: De Paul) also did a great job for their team netting 18 and 15 points respectively. Mondeville ended Preliminary Round on the second place in Group G with score 3-3. Lady Comfort (188-C-86, college: Temple) one more time demonstrated pretty decent performance for Buducnost collecting 19 points and 7 boards. Maja Milutinovic (176-G-87), who was Buducnost's best player in the last game, this time posted 13 points and dished out 4 assists. Maxienne White (185-F/C-84, agency: Promotex, college: S.Alabama) finished the match with one point less. Montenegrin team stayed on just one win from the last round.
Mondeville's players had a good game and a fact that they dished out 28 assists in total talks everything about it self. The hosts also had a good shooting day. During the opening ten minutes they netted impressive 33 points. Buducnost also was good, but not enough scoring 21. In the second frame Paoline Salagnac and Rankica Sarenac picked up where they left off in the first one. Lenae Williams also was on fire, what resulted in 56-33 at the half time. After that moment it was clear that Montenegrin champion won't have any chance until the end.

Mondeville: Paoline Salagnac 20, Rankica Sarenac 18+7 boards, Lenae Williams 15+6 as,
Buducnost: Lady Comfort 19+7 boards, Maja Milutinovic 13+4 as, Maxienne White 12

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  POLAND - Women  


Dynamo Moscow ends Preliminary Round unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Dynamo Moscow - AZS Gorzow 85-58

Dynamo Moscow once again demonstrated its power in EuroCup. This time the team of head coach Natalia Hejkova blasted Polish AZS Gorzow by 27 points. It means that Dynamo ended Preliminary Round undefeated advancing to the 1/16 finals from top of Group A. AZS Gorzow is third ranked team with 2-4 record, but unfortunately to them it was not enough for the next stage. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) was a key player for the hosts netting 22 points and dishing out 5 assists for 25 minutes. She had wonderful 6 of 7 from beyond the arc. Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) helped the winning squad with 15, while Jannell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) had 10 points and 7 boards. AZS Gorzow got the most from Lindsay Taylor (203-C-81, college: UCSB), 19 points and 4 rebounds. Samantha Richards (167-G-83) stopped on 8 points and 6 assists.
Dynamo Moscow entered into this game strongly sending a clear signal that it wants to resolve question about the winner as soon as possible. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota and her teammates created impressive 27-11 already in the first quarter. AZS Gorzow had big troubles in defense as the hosts were very motivated to end Preliminry Round unbeaten. Until the half time they created comfortable plus 24, 54-30. The same picture on the court was seen after that. Dynamo was the team who dominated extending its lead even more, 69-40. Interesting is that AZS Gorzow scored just 10 points in third quarter. The hosts slowed down during the last ten minutes keeping their lead without any extra efforts.

Dynamo Moscow: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 22+5 as, Marina Kuzina 15, Jannell Burse 10+7 boards
AZS Gorzow: Lindsay Taylor 19+4 boards, Samantha Richards 8+6 as

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Liga Feminina round 5 - by Luis Rocha
Another simple round that shows that some teams ares till missing players to turn their rosters more strong .. Barcelos won against Povoa 73-66 at home, tewo teams very similar in forces, but with different styles of play. Barcelos took some advantage in the home factor, but the game was always very close, only in the last quarter Barcelos could get a bigger margin and won. CAB played away against Uniao, but they have no worries to won a simple game. They beat the home team 76-51, and showed for the first time Breanne Watson (185-F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Washington) that 'brooke' everything in the court with 31 points and 9 rebounds. Esgueira played at home and won 76-66 over Santarem. They played very well since the start and Santarem show that they still miss a player or two to be more competitive.Esgueira maintain the pace and by the end they were able to rest some players and gave minutes to some others, maybe they will profit in future. Fianally Alges playing at home didnt have any problem to get the win over ESSA. They won 74-46 (the biggest margin of the round) but above all that, what ruin the game was the desastrous beggining for ESSA, they leave the first quarter trilling by 18 (26-8), and by the break the difference was up to 26 points.... Coach Nuno Manaia will have to start figuring out what magic wonder to perform , in order to pull his team up again.In the second half Alges rested.
The MVP of the round was Santarem's Nataliya Yakovleva (-C-79), she scored 25 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, setealed 9 balls, and gave 5 assists, hard work, but no pay....

Watson signs with CAB - by Luis Rocha
CAB signed Breanne Watson (185-F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Washington), to replace the vacancy in their roster after the depart of Ebony Twiggs (191-C-83, college: Cheyney) Watson made college in Washington, there she was build into a great ball player. She has a strong body, she knows how to defend close to the basket, and in offense she has a powerfull shot from 4-5 m from the basket, wich turns heh very dificult to defend. She is from Canada and has played for the National Team. Last season she played in Finland withn very good stats, she finished with 16.3ppg, 9.6rpg, 1.5spg, FGP: 46.0%, 3PT: 39.1%, FT: 75.6%. It seems a really nice add for CAB.

Santarem adds Kelly - by Luis Rocha
Santarem with a not so nice start in Liga Feminina, decided to get a boost to their roster and sign Tameka Kelly (186-F/C, agency: Pinnacle Sports LLC).Kelly is lean and quick, will score most of its points inside the paint, and will certainly help Santarem, into breaking some difficulties shown in many games.Kelly has no european experience, but being a good hard working player, she must be able to pick up things real quick, and step up the performances for her new team, Santarem will certaily welcome that.

Chevakata destroys AD Vagos with plus 47 - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Chevakata - AD Vagos 97-50

Vologda-Chevakata drained 97 points against AD Vagos finishing the game with magnificent plus 47. With this victory Chevakata sealed the first place in Preliminary Group K having 5-1 record. AD Vagos ended the competition winless. Of course Russian representative advanced to the 1/16, while the second team from Group K who goes to the next stage is Hemofarm Vrsac. Anastasia Pimenova (180-F-81) led the scorers in Chevakata with 19 points. Irina Sokolovskaya (186-F-83) had 17 points and 8 boards, while Elena Volkova (175-G-83) helped adding 16 points and 4 rebs. AD Vagos had only two players in a game mood today. The first one is Carver Amanda, who scored 19, while the other one is Fernanda Neves Beling (180-F-82), who finished the game notching 16 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.
Chevakata was better in all basketball elements against the Portuguese representative. The hosts grabbed 51 rebounds matched with only 22 by AD Vagos. At the same time Anastasia Pimenova and her teammates had much better shot percentage. Interesting is that Chevakata drained 15 triples in this game (26 attempts). There is another curiosity regarding this game and it is that AD Vagos scored only 17 points during the entire second half (7 in second quarter). On the other side Chevakata had 49.

Chevakata: Anastasia Pimenova 19, Irina Sokolovskaya 17+8 boards, Elena Volkova 16+4 boards,
AD Vagos: Carver Amanda 19, Fernanda Neves Beling 16+6 boards

Standings - Women
Liga Feminina Standings
 1. B.Viagem 5-0 
 2. CAB Madeira 4-2 
 3. Alges 3-1 
 4. Uniao Mad. 3-3 
 5. Olivais 2-0 
 6. AD Vagos 2-1 
 7. Esgueira 2-3 
 8. CD Povoa 2-3 
 9. BCBarcelos 2-3 
 10. Barreiro 0-4 
 11. Santarem 0-5 


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  ROMANIA - Women  


Challes better than Sf. Gheorghe in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Challes - Sf. Gheorghe 77-63

Challes grabbed it easily jumping on 4-2 record in Group B. With this victory French team secured a spot for the 1/16 finals. Sylvia Janostinova (193-F/C-78) was totally the best player for Challes collecting 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Martina Luptakova (184-F-77) also shined for the hosts adding 15 points and 6 boards, while Ivona Bogoje (193-C-76) netted 12 missing only one board for double-double. Romanian representative got the most from Judit Kajdacsi (191-C-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services), who drained 16 points and pulled down 9 rebounds. Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) contributed with 14 pts and 5 boards.
First quarter belonged to Challes 23-18. Ivana Bogoje made a jump shot at the buzzer for plus 5. At the middle of the next frame it already was plus 11 for the hosts, 37-26. Soon after that Challes touched plus 14, but Sf. Gheorghe suceded to cut the margin on 9 points before the half time. It happened thanks to Ildiko Vass and her long range triple. Nothing has changed until the last two minutes of third quarter as Challes kept 9-13 lead. In the last 90 seconds visitors made 5-0 coming on 61-55. Three minutes was enough for Challes to answer creating 11-4 run for unreachable 72-61.

Challes: Sylvia Janostinova 17+7 boards+4 as, Martina Luptakova 15+6 boards, Ivona Bogoje 12+9 boards
Sf. Gheorghe: Judit Kajdacsi 16+9 boards, Ildiko Vass 14+5 boards

MBK Ruzomberok beats Targoviste, not enough for the 1/16 finals - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: MBK Ruzomberok - Municipal Targoviste 75-69

MBK Ruzomberok outplayed Municipal Targoviste at home by 6 points, but it was not enough for the 1/16 finals. The second place in group A belongs to Romanian representative, who together with first ranked Dynamo Moscow, goes to the next stage. Both teams ended Preliminary Round with 2-4 record. Actually AZS Gorzow has the same digits reaching position number 3. Dynamo Moscow was totally untouchable in Group A with 6 wins. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) top-scored for Ruza in this game with 17 points. Simona Podesvova (186-F-83) also was on a pretty high level registering double-double, 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Tye'sha Fluker (196-C-84, college: Tennessee) stopped on 11 points and 9 rebs. Chrissy Givens (180-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) responded with 19 points and 8 boards for the loosing side. Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) contributed with 15, while Gabriela Toma (190-C-74) had one point less.
Everything started good for the visitors as they had 16-19 after opening ten minutes. However, after that moment Lucia Kupcikova and Simona Podesvova stepped up for the hosts leading them to 34-29 turn until the half time. The same trend continued after the breather. After jump shot by Lucia Kupcikova with 2 minutes remaining in third quarter, MBK Ruzomberok reached double digit lead, 49-38. Thanks to Chrissy Givens Targoviste succeeded to cut the margin on 9 poinst before the last stanza. At the middle of it visitors made 15-5 run coming on 68-66. The hosts were more focused at the very end, but as it is mentioned above it was not enough for the 1/16 finals.

MBK Ruzomberok: Lucia Kupcikova 17, Simona Podesvova 14+10 boards, Tye'sha Fluker 11+9 boards
Targoviste: Chrissy Givens 19+8 board+4 as, Cynthia Valentin 15, Gabriela Toma 14+6 boards

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Chevakata destroys AD Vagos with plus 47 - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Chevakata - AD Vagos 97-50

Vologda-Chevakata drained 97 points against AD Vagos finishing the game with magnificent plus 47. With this victory Chevakata sealed the first place in Preliminary Group K having 5-1 record. AD Vagos ended the competition winless. Of course Russian representative advanced to the 1/16, while the second team from Group K who goes to the next stage is Hemofarm Vrsac. Anastasia Pimenova (180-F-81) led the scorers in Chevakata with 19 points. Irina Sokolovskaya (186-F-83) had 17 points and 8 boards, while Elena Volkova (175-G-83) helped adding 16 points and 4 rebs. AD Vagos had only two players in a game mood today. The first one is Carver Amanda, who scored 19, while the other one is Fernanda Neves Beling (180-F-82), who finished the game notching 16 points and grabbing 6 rebounds.
Chevakata was better in all basketball elements against the Portuguese representative. The hosts grabbed 51 rebounds matched with only 22 by AD Vagos. At the same time Anastasia Pimenova and her teammates had much better shot percentage. Interesting is that Chevakata drained 15 triples in this game (26 attempts). There is another curiosity regarding this game and it is that AD Vagos scored only 17 points during the entire second half (7 in second quarter). On the other side Chevakata had 49.

Chevakata: Anastasia Pimenova 19, Irina Sokolovskaya 17+8 boards, Elena Volkova 16+4 boards,
AD Vagos: Carver Amanda 19, Fernanda Neves Beling 16+6 boards

Dynamo Moscow ends Preliminary Round unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Dynamo Moscow - AZS Gorzow 85-58

Dynamo Moscow once again demonstrated its power in EuroCup. This time the team of head coach Natalia Hejkova blasted Polish AZS Gorzow by 27 points. It means that Dynamo ended Preliminary Round undefeated advancing to the 1/16 finals from top of Group A. AZS Gorzow is third ranked team with 2-4 record, but unfortunately to them it was not enough for the next stage. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) was a key player for the hosts netting 22 points and dishing out 5 assists for 25 minutes. She had wonderful 6 of 7 from beyond the arc. Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) helped the winning squad with 15, while Jannell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) had 10 points and 7 boards. AZS Gorzow got the most from Lindsay Taylor (203-C-81, college: UCSB), 19 points and 4 rebounds. Samantha Richards (167-G-83) stopped on 8 points and 6 assists.
Dynamo Moscow entered into this game strongly sending a clear signal that it wants to resolve question about the winner as soon as possible. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota and her teammates created impressive 27-11 already in the first quarter. AZS Gorzow had big troubles in defense as the hosts were very motivated to end Preliminry Round unbeaten. Until the half time they created comfortable plus 24, 54-30. The same picture on the court was seen after that. Dynamo was the team who dominated extending its lead even more, 69-40. Interesting is that AZS Gorzow scored just 10 points in third quarter. The hosts slowed down during the last ten minutes keeping their lead without any extra efforts.

Dynamo Moscow: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 22+5 as, Marina Kuzina 15, Jannell Burse 10+7 boards
AZS Gorzow: Lindsay Taylor 19+4 boards, Samantha Richards 8+6 as

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


MBK Ruzomberok beats Targoviste, not enough for the 1/16 finals - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: MBK Ruzomberok - Municipal Targoviste 75-69

MBK Ruzomberok outplayed Municipal Targoviste at home by 6 points, but it was not enough for the 1/16 finals. The second place in group A belongs to Romanian representative, who together with first ranked Dynamo Moscow, goes to the next stage. Both teams ended Preliminary Round with 2-4 record. Actually AZS Gorzow has the same digits reaching position number 3. Dynamo Moscow was totally untouchable in Group A with 6 wins. Lucia Kupcikova (184-F-84) top-scored for Ruza in this game with 17 points. Simona Podesvova (186-F-83) also was on a pretty high level registering double-double, 14 points and 10 rebounds, while Tye'sha Fluker (196-C-84, college: Tennessee) stopped on 11 points and 9 rebs. Chrissy Givens (180-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) responded with 19 points and 8 boards for the loosing side. Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) contributed with 15, while Gabriela Toma (190-C-74) had one point less.
Everything started good for the visitors as they had 16-19 after opening ten minutes. However, after that moment Lucia Kupcikova and Simona Podesvova stepped up for the hosts leading them to 34-29 turn until the half time. The same trend continued after the breather. After jump shot by Lucia Kupcikova with 2 minutes remaining in third quarter, MBK Ruzomberok reached double digit lead, 49-38. Thanks to Chrissy Givens Targoviste succeeded to cut the margin on 9 poinst before the last stanza. At the middle of it visitors made 15-5 run coming on 68-66. The hosts were more focused at the very end, but as it is mentioned above it was not enough for the 1/16 finals.

MBK Ruzomberok: Lucia Kupcikova 17, Simona Podesvova 14+10 boards, Tye'sha Fluker 11+9 boards
Targoviste: Chrissy Givens 19+8 board+4 as, Cynthia Valentin 15, Gabriela Toma 14+6 boards

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  SPAIN - Women  


Dubljevic paces Rivas Ecopolis to win against Dunav - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Rivas Ecopolis - Dunav Econt 85-71

Rivas Ecopolis sealed a spot for the EuroCup 1/16 finals celebrating against reigning Bulgarian champion Dunav Econt. With this victory the Spanish team will end Preliminary Round as a second ranked team of Group C with score 4-2. Dunac Econt didn't have any chance to reach the next stage registering only one win. It happened in the last round against Crvena Zvezda. Second team from Group C which already qualified for the 1/16 finals is Elitzura Ramla. Israeli representative will play its last game in Preliminary Round tomorrow and most probably will stay perfect. Jelena Dubljevic (192-C-87) was a key player for Rivas Ecopolis in this game. She spent 31 minutes on the court collecting 19 points and 9 rebounds. Catherine Joens (180-G-82) helped with 18, while Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80, college: S.Carolina) scored 16 points. Actually, Ujhelyi also had 6 more rebounds beside that. Bulgarian champ got the most from Zornitza Kostova (176-G-82), who led all the scorers with 21 points. Natalia Topalova-Shopova (187-F-80) and Danielle Page (188-F-86, college: Nebraska) combined 24 points and 15 boards. Crucial period of this game was second quarter, which Rivas Ecopolis ended 28-18. During the first ten minutes Spanish team earned 2-point lead. As it is mentioned above, this game didn't mean anything for the Bulgarians as 1/16 finals was already out of their reach. Anyway, they played as best as they can finishing last quarter 14-18 for the final 85-71.

Rivas Ecopolis: Jelena Dubljevic 19+9 boards, Catherine Joens 18, Petra Ujhelyi 16+8 boards+4 as
Dunav Econt: Zornitza Kostova 21+4 as, Natalia Topalova-Shopova 13+8 boards, Danielle Page 11+7 boards

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  TURKEY - Women  


Galatasaray blasts Aris in EuroCup 97-45 - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup: Galatasaray - Aris 97-45

Devastating victory by Galatasaray, who ended Preliminary Round on top of Group G unbeaten (6-0). The hosts demonstrated wonderful performance, despite they booked a spot for the 1/16 finals seven days ago. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) stepped up for the winning side pouring in 19 points for 23 minutes. She finished the game with only one missed shot (8/8 FG2, 1/2 from behind the arc). Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds, while Marina Kress (193-F/C-80) netted 12 points and grabbed 5 boards. Aris had just two players able to compete against powerful Galata. Aristea Magklara (168-G-83) posted 17, while Sofia Kyriakopoulou (185-F-81) had 14 points in defeat. The Greek representative slipped on 2-4.
Galatasaray was better than Aris in every single quarter. After first one the hosts earned plus 14. During the next 10 minutes Aris once again scored 12, but Galata was even better than in the first draining 28. Visitors tried to change something from behind the arc, but it didn't work. Galata picked up where it left off in the first half reaching huge 74-33 before the last frame. The only question was how big difference it will be at the end, and it was 52!

Galatasaray: Seimone Augustus 19+4 boards, Tay McWilliams 13+6 boards+4 as, Marina Kress 12+5 boards
Aris: Aristea Magklara 17+5 boards, Sofia Kyriakopoulou 14

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


Paradise Jam: Schedule - by David Edole
First round games:
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Game 1:
Villanova vs. Wisconsin
(2:00 pm local time/1:00 pm EST)
Game 2:
University of Central Florida vs. Baylor
(4:30 pm local time/3:30 pm EST)
Game 3:
Texas Tech vs. Iowa
(7:00 pm local time/6:00 pm EST)
Game 4:
South Florida vs. California
(9:30 pm local time/8:30 pm EST)

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Second round games:
Friday, November 28, 2008
Game 1:
Wisconsin vs. University of Central Florida
(2:00 pm local time/1:00 pm EST)
Game 2:
Baylor vs. Villanova
(4:30 pm local time/3:30 pm EST)
Game 3:
Iowa vs. South Florida
(7:00 pm local time/6:00 pm EST)
Game 4:
California vs. Texas Tech
(9:30 pm local time/8:30 pm EST)

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Third round games:
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Game 1:
University of Central Florida vs. Villanova
(2:00 pm local time/1:00 pm EST)
Game 2:
Wisconsin vs. Baylor
(4:30 pm local time/3:30 pm EST)
Game 3:
South Florida vs. Texas Tech
(7:00 pm local time/6:00 pm EST)
Game 4:
California vs. Iowa
(9:30 pm local time/8:30 pm EST)