Eurobasket Daily News Report: 11/06/2008

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 11/06/2008

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Men News

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AUSTRIA

BALTIC LEAGUE

Baltic-League Round: 7 (Regular Season)11/5/2008 5:05:59 PM - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - Siauliai 87-50
Zalgiris showed they should be considered a real force in the Baltic League despite all the woes. They stunned Siauliai 87:50 for the third win in the Elite Division. Mantas Kalnietis stepped up with 18 points, 8 assists and 6 boards for the Kaunas legendary team. Paulius Jankunas added 17 points in the win. Gintaras Kadziulis answered with game-high 23 points for Siauliai.

Tallinna Kalev - VEF Riga 60-89
VEF Riga stayed undefeated in the Challenge Cup competition as they fired down Tallinna Kalev 89:60 on November 2. Maris Gulbis was impressive with 21 points for VEF. Evgeniy Kolesnikov added 16 points and 9 rebounds in the win. Gert Dorbek dropped 18 points for Tallinna Kalev in the loss.

Valmiera - TU/Rock 74-78
TU/Rock closed on the Elite Division leader ASK Riga as the Estonian team earned the fourth victory. They held off Valmiera 78:74 and improved to 4-2 record in the ladder. Tanoka Beard tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds for Tartu. Tanel Tein secured 13 points in the winning case. Rinalds Sirsnins fired 16 points in defeat.

Siauliai - Ventspils 78-74
Siauliai recovered after the hurting loss to Zalgiris to deal with Ventspils 78:74 at the Siauliai Arena. Gintaras Kadziulis notched 21 points, while Saulius Kuzminskas and Vitalijus Stanevicius had 17 points each in the win. Mareks Jurevicus replied with 21 points and 10 rebounds for Ventspils as they slipped to 3-3 record.

Norrkoping - Tallinna Kalev 91-85
Norrkoping stayed among the leaders in the Challenge Cup with a 91:85 win against Tallinna Kalev. The BBL newcomers got 26 points from Kenny Grant. Andrew George Pleick secured 22 points and 6 assists for the winners. Gert Dorbek was solid for Tallinna Kalev with 28 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.

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BELGIUM

Base BC Oostende looks forward to the regular season of EuroCup11/5/2008 4:51:12 AM - by Eurobasket News
STB Le Havre -Base BC Oostende 84:85

Base BC Oostende shows another brilliant game in EuroCup to upset the STB Le Havre in France. EuroCup Qualifying Round 2 saw Belgian team with 85:84 win in the first leg. Devin Green (201-G-82, college: Hampton) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Matt Haryasz

(210-C-84, agency: Octagon, college: Stanford) netted 15, while Rashid Atkins (182-G-75, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Joseph's) posted 14. Bingo Merriex (204-F-80, college: TCU) collected 24 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, whilst T.J. Thompson (177-G-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) nailed 19.
After sending one of the favorites Russian BC Triumph Lyubertsy out of the tournament Base BC Oostende continued their road to the regular season. Rashid Atkins brought the first points for Belgian team and Devin Green made 7:4 in the opening tip. T.J. Thompson however brought his team to 27:26 after the first 10 minutes. Bingo Merriex scored for 31:30, but then Base BC Oostende created a 10-0 run when Devin Green finished with a dunk. Jomby sent the teams to the lockers for 50:47 with a far shot.
In the third period the hosts looked more than well to win the game. T.J. Thompson's jump-shot gave his team 74:61 in the end of the period, but Bellin reduced to 10. In the last quarter the court observed only one team that dominated the court. Base BC Oostende won the period 21-10 and the game 85:84.

STB Le Havre: Bingo Merriex 24+10 rebs, T.J. Thompson 19
Base BC Oostende: Devin Green 20+9 rebs, Matt Haryasz

15, Rashid Atkins 14

Liege hold off Vichy in EuroChallenge11/5/2008 4:01:04 AM - by Eurobasket News
Liege - Vichy 74:67

Belgian Liege celebrated a narrow win over visiting Vichy in the EuroChallenge second qualifying round. Jamar Wilson (185-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Albany) knocked down 21 points to lead the hosts. Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) came up with 18 points for the winners. Amadi McKenzie (201-F-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) responded with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Vichy. William Gradit (197-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Christopher Hill JC) had 14 points for the French side in defeat. Liege marked their advantage early in the encounter as Jamar Wilson and Christopher Hill gave the home team a 1-point cushion midway through the first term. Xavier Collette (184-G-85, agency: LBM Management) stretched it to 11 points before Amadi McKenzie capped the period with 5 straight points and trimmed the distance to 6 points. Liege maintained the lead throughout the second quarter and arrived at halftime ahead by the same 6 points. The teams continued to exchange the baskets as the neither side was able to force the issue. Cage crowned the third term with a free throw and the home team were up 58:52. William Gradit and Reid narrowed the deficit to just 2 points midway through the final frame but Liege held on to the advantage. Jamar Wilson nailed 5 free throws in the crunch time to ensure a hard-fought victory for Liege.
Vichy outrebounded the hosts 31:26 but could not deal with Liege shooting 52% from the field. The teams will now meet in France on November 11.

Liege: Jamar Wilson 21, Christopher Hill 18, Xavier Collette 10
Vichy: Amadi McKenzie 15, William Gradit 14

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BOSNIA

Siroki and Sumykhimprom could not decide on the winner11/5/2008 6:37:18 AM - by Eurobasket News
Siroki - Sumykhimprom 73:73

Siroki Brijeg overcame a 9-point halftime deficit to square things up against Sumykhimprom at home court yesterday. The teams met in the opening leg of the EuroChallenge second qualifying round and left the decision about the winner pretty unclear before the return leg. The Ukrainian team looked the better side early on. Artem Butskyy (185-G-81) and Brian Greene (196-G/F-84, college: Florida A&M) put the visitors ahead and a three-pointer from Lekavicius marked a 16:10 lead for Sumy late in the first period. Matyukhevich capped the frame with a jumper and Sumy were up 18:15. Abdullahi Kuso (206-F-84, college: Tallahasse CC) and Corey Santee (188-G-83, college: TCU) stretched the margin to 8 points early in the second term. Sumy dominated the game at the moments and Macernis gave the visitors a 34:25 advantage at halftime. But Siroki refused to surrender. Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) scored 7 points in less than 2 minutes and the hosts drew things level at 38. Abdullahi Kuso, Brian Greene and Macernis regained the lead for Sumy at 53:44 but the teams entered the final quarter with the visitors ahead by just 2 points 57:55. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) scored 4 points at the start of the fourth stanza and put Siroki in front 59:58. Abdullahi Kuso, Yevgeniy Podorvannyy (194-F/G-78) and Brian Greene answered with 8 points in a row for Sumykhimprom but the home team managed to bounce back. They closed the gap and Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side) converted a free throw with just over a minute left to make it 73:73. The teams failed to score at least a point in the reminder of the contest and left the decision for the game in Ukraine.
Ivo Josipovic tallied 15 points and 13 boards for Siroki. Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) and Sime Spralja added 15 points each for the hosts. Abdullahi Kuso came up with 18 points and 14 boards for Sumykhimprom. Brian Greene finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Siroki: Ivo Josipovic 15+13 boards, Ivan Siriscevic 15, Sime Spralja 15
Sumykhimprom: Abdullahi Kuso 18+14 boards, Brian Greene 13+10 boards

Oldenburg stun Borac Nektar in EuroChallenege second qualifying round opener11/5/2008 4:22:57 AM - by Eurobasket News
Oldenburg - Borac Nektar 76:46

EWE Basket cruised to a comfortable win in the first game of the Eurochallenge second qualifying round against visiting Borac Nektar yesterday. EWE led from the start and never gave up the advantage to finalize a quite soothing cushion before the return leg in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rickey Paulding

(196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) opened the game with 7 straight points to put Oldenburg ahead. Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side)h echoed with 8 points in a row to close the frame as the hosts accumulated a 23:8 advantage. Majstorovic and Foster extended the lead to as many as 17 points and EWE continued to widen the gap. Leading by 24 points late in the first half Oldenburg loosened the grip and Nektar scored 6 points in a row to cut the distance to 18 points at halftime. The hosts maintained the lead well in the third frame. Borac never got closer than 19 points and entered the fourth term behind by 21. The intrigue was never sparked in the final quarter as EWE Basket eased to the win at the end.
Jasmin Perkovic and Rickey Paulding

produced 15 points each for Oldenburg. Marko Scekic (207-F-81, agency: Agency No 10) had 12 points in the win. Milan Janjusevic (197-F-83) answered with 9 points for Borac Nektar. Hrvoje Puljko (193-G-83, agency: Interperformances) and Omari Peterkin (204-F/C-83, college: Boston U.) delivered 8 points each in defeat. The hosts limited their opponents to only 28% accuracy from the field and committed just 10 turnovers down the stretch. The next game in this match-up is scheduled for November 11.

Oldenburg: Jasmin Perkovic 15, Rickey Paulding

15, Marko Scekic 12
Borac Nektar: Milan Janjusevic 9, Hrvoje Puljko 8, Omari Peterkin 8

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CAMEROON

Boumtje Boumtje continues to shock Europe with his Oldenburg11/5/2008 9:54:59 AM - by Eurobasket News
Ruben Boumtje Boumtje (212-C-78, college: Georgetown) continues to shock Europe with his German Oldenburg. The newcomer of EuroChallenge is one step from the regular season of the tournament.EWE Basket cruised to a comfortable win in the first game of the Eurochallenge second qualifying round against visiting Borac Nektar yesterday. EWE led from the start and never gave up the advantage to finalize a quite soothing cushion before the return leg in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rickey Paulding opened the game with 7 straight points to put Oldenburg ahead. Jasmin Perkovic echoed with 8 points in a row to close the frame as the hosts accumulated a 23:8 advantage. Majstorovic and Foster extended the lead to as many as 17 points and EWE continued to widen the gap. Leading by 24 points late in the first half Oldenburg loosened the grip and Nektar scored 6 points in a row to cut the distance to 18 points at halftime. The hosts maintained the lead well in the third frame. Borac never got closer than 19 points and entered the fourth term behind by 21. The intrigue was never sparked in the final quarter as EWE Basket eased to the win at the end. Ruben Boumtje Boumtje collected 5 points and 7 rebounds in the game. The hosts limited their opponents to only 28% accuracy from the field and committed just 10 turnovers down the stretch. The next game in this match-up is scheduled for November 11.
German Ewe Baskets Oldenburg celebrated the second win in the International arena by beating U-Mobitelco at home. Game 2 of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 brought 77:72 over Romanian U-Mobitelco. Rickey Paulding led German side with 20 points and 5 rebounds in Game 1 when Ewe Baskets Oldenburg won 86:60 in Romania. Game 2 started with five consecutive points from the home side. Scekic was the last to score at the end of the opening quarter for 28:17. U-Mobitelco was far away to give up and suggested their game in the second quarter. Romanian side produced 25-8 in it for 6 points lead at the halftime. Gibson with a three sent the teams to the lockers for 36:42.
A 23-13 in the third period saved the hosts and gave them 59:55 entering the last stanza. Having 62:55 Ewe Baskets Oldenburg missed a 0-7 run as Bambale Osby tied the game at 62:62. German Ewe Baskets Oldenburg remembered about the first International game at home and desired a win more. Oldenburg celebrated the second win beating U-Mobitelco at home, 77:72 as Ruben Boumtje Boumtje posted 8 points and made 2 assists and 2 rebounds.

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CBA

Albany inks two players and announces tryout camp11/5/2008 12:09:32 PM - by Gianni Pascucci

The Albany Patroons added to the roster Adrian Walton (6'0''-G-81, college: Fordham) and Louie McCroskey (6'5''-G-85, college: Marist) and announced their Free Agent Basketball Camp, to take place at the Washington Avenue Armory on Saturday, November 29th & Sunday, November 30th, 2008. At the conclusion of the free agent camp, a minimum of 3 players will be invited to play in the Patroons' Veterans Camp beginning on December 3rd, in preparation of opening night on December 12th. For information call the Albany Patroons at 518.694.7160 x29, or email Head Coach Rowland at coachdrowland@yahoo.com

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COLOMBIA

Bucaros won the game two, final tied 1 - 111/5/2008 7:37:54 AM - by Victor Garcia
Bucaros had the return of Marcus Fleming, but was the injury of Nortes Carlos Rogers the fact that changed the game two of the 2008 Federation Cup Final playoff, with Rogers limited the ofensive of Bucaros find open ways to the basket, and Miguel Marriaga ruled the paint in rebounding and scores also 21 pts.
The game began with Bucaros leading easily in the first five minutes, but at the end of the quarter Norte woke up and cut the gap, in the second half the history was almost the same, Bucaros working good defense and running the fastbreak, Renteria leaded Norte from the first half.
In the second half Julio Toro choose to give time on the court to his bench players, while Bucaros David Reyes continued with a great night, Rogers Washington also had a good contribution.
Two different games that shows the strenghts of both teams, in the first one Norte impose its defensive intensity and with good ball control took the rythm of the game in its hands, in a low scoring game Norte has the advantge.
In the second game Bucaros had all his ofensive wheapons on fire, and defeat Norte scoring over hundred points, in the ofensive game Bucaros is most powerfull.
Games 3,4 and 5 will be next weekend in Cucuta.

Bucaros Freskaleche 102 - A. Reyes 31pts, M. Marriaga 21pts + 14 rebs
Norte de Santander 80 - E. Renteria 17pts, M. Wilson 15pt

SERIES TIED 1-1

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CROATIA

Samara cruise past KK Zagreb at home11/5/2008 6:19:58 AM - by Eurobasket News
Samara - KK Zagreb 80:60

Russian Samara made a confident step towards the next round of EuroChallenge. Yesterday they eased past KK Zagreb at home court to build a comfortable lead before the return leg of the matchup. Sergei Demeshkin (200-F-76) led the charge for Samara with 19 points. Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85) added 13 points, while Eric Hicks (198-F-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) and Marque Perry (186-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis) nailed 10 points apiece for the winners. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) was the topscorer for Zagreb as he dropped 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
More than 2000 spectators came to watch Samara playing against Zagreb but witnessed somewhat inconsistent start for their favorites. Samara struggled to find the right spirits and Zagreb capitalized surging ahead. The Croatian team piled up a 22:16 lead after the first quarter but Samara recovered in the second frame. The hosts outscored their opponents for a 44:42 lead at halftime.
The third quarter became decisive in the clash as Samara tightened the defense and limited Zagreb to just 7 points in ten minutes. The hosts used the visitors offensive silence to stretch the margin to 11 points. The buffer proved insurmountable for the Croatian outfit. Moreover Samara extended the damage and grabbed an overwhelming 20-point lead at the end.
The teams will face off on November 11 in Zagreb.

Samara: Sergei Demeshkin 19, Mladen Sljivancanin 13, Eric Hicks 10, Marque Perry 10
KK Zagreb: Ante Tomic 19, Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) 13

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CYPRUS

AEL victorious in Turkey 11/5/2008 4:44:47 AM - by Eurobasket News
Banvit - AEL 93:100

AEL made another step towards EuroChallenge group stage as they held off Banvit in Turkey in the second qualifying round opener yesterday. AEL was just luckier in this battle of ambitions in Bandirma. Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) scored 6 points in a row midway through the opening frame to give AEL a 16:12 advantage. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) cut the deficit to a signle points late in the first quarter before Blanchard sealed it at 24:21 for AEL after ten minutes of action. The teams continued to keep it close in the second period with AEL struggling to clear off. Antoine Agudio (191-G-85) scored 10 points for Banvit in the frame and allowed the hosts to trail by just one point 43:44 at halftime. Banvit finally managed to jump in front as Joseph Crispin (186-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Penn St.) and Yenice fired back-to-back trebles. But AEL surged back in charge and piled up a 7-point lead heading into the fourth term. Vujadin Subotic

(198-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Haris Mujezinovic (205-F-74, agency: Beo Basket, college: Indiana) accounted for key baskets late in the quarter and AEL were up by 7 points with just over 2 minutes to go. Lance Williams and Antoine Agudio gave hope to the hosts as they trimmed the gap to 3 points but it was as close as Banvit could get. Milan Dozet (203-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) netted important jumpers and Vujadin Subotic

was deadly from the stripe to win the game for AEL.
Quincy Taylor knocked down 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 7 assists to lead AEL. Vujadin Subotic

added 17 points, while Haris Mujezinovic had 19 in the win. Lance Williams answered with 18 points for Banvit. Yunus Cankaya (199-F-85) secured 16 points in defeat. The return leg is scheduled for November 11.

Banvit: Lance Williams 18, Yunus Cankaya 16
AEL: Quincy Taylor 24, Haris Mujezinovic 19, Vujadin Subotic

17

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Savanovic got 2 game penalty11/5/2008 5:50:15 AM - by David Dousa
Goran Savanovic (198-G-73), small forward of Prostejov got a 2 games stop and monetary fine for the incident with the referees, he had after a loosing game at USK Prague, last Sunday. Savanovic came to the locker room of the referees, shortly after the game ended. He wanted to hear an explanation of the technical foul, called against him at the end of first half. Prostejov will miss services of the experienced player in two important duels against Liberec and Geofin Novy Jicin.

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DENMARK

Danish Cup Tournament reaches Quarterfinals11/5/2008 4:57:50 AM - by Thomas Quaade

In the yearly DBBF (Danish Basketball Federation) Cup Tournament the Sweet 16 games (1/8 final) has now been played and there was one big surprise. Aalborg BK from the 1. division beat BK BK Amager, a top team in the Canal Digital Liga, and will move on to play Horsholm 79ers 79ers in the quarterfinal.

Aalborg BK - BK BK Amager
In Aalborg the hometeam took advantage of BK BK Amagers lack of knowledge of the team. They came out with fullcourt press and high tempo. It took 10 minutes before the solid BK Amager team bounced back. They did so in great fashion, playing impressive defense and keeping Aalborg BK to only 2 points in a 7 minutes span. At halftime the Copenhagen team took the lead 30-31. But Aalborg BK proved a winners attitude and came back relentless in the 2. half - at one time leading by 21 points with 5 minutes to goand the game seemed over. But BK BK Amager came back once again this time with lightning speed, but Aalborgs guards proved they could hit freethrows and made 19 of 20 shots the last minutes of the game. Final score was 89-80 - this season biggest surprise of Danish Basketball.

Bakken Bears - Roskilde BC
In Aarhus last year Danish Champion Bakken Bears faced a tough task and just barely beat Roskilde BC 68-64 in a game where Roskilde BC lead in almost 38 minutes. Only when Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola J7.4ppg, C) was fouled out with 4 minutes to go, the game changed and Bakken Bears could take the win. Roskilde BC was up 54-62 after great team play and really good defense. Keith Borgan (180-G-83, college: Metro St.) played a great 4th quarter and lead Roskilde BC to was seemed like a major surprise. But Elliah Clarke (198-F-85, college: De Paul) and especially young Morten Sahlertz (198-F-89) wanted it different. Bakken came back (as usual) and won an exciting game. But the game should give Roskilde BC great confidence and hopefully soon that confidence should lead to wins in the Canal Digital Liga.

Horsens IC - Randers Cimbria Basketball
Horsens IC has had a awful beginning to their season. 5 losses and 0 wins. So last night they wanted revenge when Randers Cimbria Basketball came to visit in the cup tournament. But Randers Cimbria Basketball is leading the Canal Digital Liga and Mark Collins (185-G-69, college: Montana St.) crew has been more than good this season. The game was never really close and it was Randers Cimbria Basketball bench in the 3rd quarter, where the visitors won the quarter by 12 points. For the second straight game Chris Nielsen (193-G-85) played outstanding scoring 30 points and making 10 of 10 freethrows.

The other 1/8 final games gave no surprises and here's the results:

BK Skjold/Stevnsgade - SISU Copenhagen 61-102
Herlev Basket - Horsholm 79ers 56-72
Haderslev (3rd div.) - Team FOG Naestved 54-91
Aalborg BK - BK BK Amager 89-80
Fredericia (3rd div.) - Lundergaard (2. div.) 75-88
Bakken Bears - Roskilde BC 68-64
Solrod (2. div.) - Svendborg Rabbits 75-111
Horsens IC - Randers Cimbria Basketball 68-79

This leads us to the following quarterfinals:

Lundergaard - Team FOG Naestved

Aalborg BK - Horsholm 79ers

Randers Cimbria Basketball - SISU Copenhagen

Svendborg Rabbits - Bakken Bears

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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Morban Carlos helps a lot for Bosnian team11/5/2008 9:40:42 AM - by Eurobasket News
Carlos Morban (187-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Florida Intern.) nailed 14 points and had 5 assists for his Bosnian team in EuroChallenge. Siroki Brijeg overcame a 9-point halftime deficit to square things up against Sumykhimprom at home court yesterday. The teams met in the opening leg of the EuroChallenge second qualifying round and left the decision about the winner pretty unclear before the return leg. The Ukrainian team looked the better side early on. Artem Butskyy and Brian Greene put the visitors ahead and a three-pointer from Lekavicius marked a 16:10 lead for Sumy late in the first period. Matyukhevich capped the frame with a jumper and Sumy were up 18:15. Abdullahi Kuso and Corey Santee stretched the margin to 8 points early in the second term. Sumy dominated the game at the moments and Macernis gave the visitors a 34:25 advantage at halftime. But Siroki refused to surrender. Sime Spralja scored 7 points in less than 2 minutes and the hosts drew things level at 38. Abdullahi Kuso, Brian Greene and Macernis regained the lead for Sumy at 53:44 but the teams entered the final quarter with the visitors ahead by just 2 points 57:55. Darko Planinic scored 4 points at the start of the fourth stanza and put Siroki in front 59:58. Abdullahi Kuso, Yevgeniy Podorvannyy and Brian Greene answered with 8 points in a row for Sumykhimprom but the home team managed to bounce back. They closed the gap and Ivo Josipovic converted a free throw with just over a minute left to make it 73:73. The teams failed to score at least a point in the reminder of the contest and left the decision for the game in Ukraine.

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EUROCHALLENGE

EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 2. First leg11/5/2008 7:00:51 AM - by Eurobasket News

Eiffeltowers - Amak 94:66
The Dutch Eiffeltowers sent a strong message they were ready to go ahead with their Eurochallenge campaign as they thumped Amak at home court yesterday. The teams played the opening game of the second qualifying round series with the return leg scheduled for November 11. But Eiffeltowers seems to be well in control after the home game. They bruised the visitors even despite an awful start that saw the hosts trailing by 9 points at the first intermission.
Slobodan Agoc (206-C-77, agency: 011 Sports) and Miroslav Cubrilo (205-C-82) were responsible for several key trebles that put Amak in front 21:13 late in the starting period. Cubrilo then nailed another trey and the Macedonian team enjoyed a 24:15 advantage. Kees Akerboom

Oldenburg - Borac Nektar 76:46
EWE Basket cruised to a comfortable win in the first game of the Eurochallenge second qualifying round against visiting Borac Nektar yesterday. EWE led from the start and never gave up the advantage to finalize a quite soothing cushion before the return leg in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Rickey Paulding

15, Marko Scekic 12
Borac Nektar: Milan Janjusevic 9, Hrvoje Puljko 8, Omari Peterkin 8

Siroki - Sumykhimprom 73:73
Siroki Brijeg overcame a 9-point halftime deficit to square things up against Sumykhimprom at home court yesterday. The teams met in the opening leg of the EuroChallenge second qualifying round and left the decision about the winner pretty unclear before the return leg. The Ukrainian team looked the better side early on. Artem Butskyy (185-G-81) and Brian Greene (196-G/F-84, college: Florida A&M) put the visitors ahead and a three-pointer from Lekavicius marked a 16:10 lead for Sumy late in the first period. Matyukhevich capped the frame with a jumper and Sumy were up 18:15. Abdullahi Kuso (206-F-84, college: Tallahasse CC) and Corey Santee (188-G-83, college: TCU) stretched the margin to 8 points early in the second term. Sumy dominated the game at the moments and Macernis gave the visitors a 34:25 advantage at halftime. But Siroki refused to surrender. Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) scored 7 points in less than 2 minutes and the hosts drew things level at 38. Abdullahi Kuso, Brian Greene and Macernis regained the lead for Sumy at 53:44 but the teams entered the final quarter with the visitors ahead by just 2 points 57:55. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) scored 4 points at the start of the fourth stanza and put Siroki in front 59:58. Abdullahi Kuso, Yevgeniy Podorvannyy (194-F/G-78) and Brian Greene answered with 8 points in a row for Sumykhimprom but the home team managed to bounce back. They closed the gap and Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side) converted a free throw with just over a minute left to make it 73:73. The teams failed to score at least a point in the reminder of the contest and left the decision for the game in Ukraine.
Ivo Josipovic tallied 15 points and 13 boards for Siroki. Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) and Sime Spralja added 15 points each for the hosts. Abdullahi Kuso came up with 18 points and 14 boards for Sumykhimprom. Brian Greene finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Siroki: Ivo Josipovic 15+13 boards, Ivan Siriscevic 15, Sime Spralja 15
Sumykhimprom: Abdullahi Kuso 18+14 boards, Brian Greene 13+10 boards

Samara - KK Zagreb 80:60
Russian Samara made a confident step towards the next round of EuroChallenge. Yesterday they eased past KK Zagreb at home court to build a comfortable lead before the return leg of the matchup. Sergei Demeshkin (200-F-76) led the charge for Samara with 19 points. Mladen Sljivancanin (200-G/F-85) added 13 points, while Eric Hicks (198-F-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) and Marque Perry (186-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis) nailed 10 points apiece for the winners. Ante Tomic (217-C-87) was the topscorer for Zagreb as he dropped 19 points and grabbed 7 rebounds.
More than 2000 spectators came to watch Samara playing against Zagreb but witnessed somewhat inconsistent start for their favorites. Samara struggled to find the right spirits and Zagreb capitalized surging ahead. The Croatian team piled up a 22:16 lead after the first quarter but Samara recovered in the second frame. The hosts outscored their opponents for a 44:42 lead at halftime.
The third quarter became decisive in the clash as Samara tightened the defense and limited Zagreb to just 7 points in ten minutes. The hosts used the visitors offensive silence to stretch the margin to 11 points. The buffer proved insurmountable for the Croatian outfit. Moreover Samara extended the damage and grabbed an overwhelming 20-point lead at the end.
The teams will face off on November 11 in Zagreb.

Samara: Sergei Demeshkin 19, Mladen Sljivancanin 13, Eric Hicks 10, Marque Perry 10
KK Zagreb: Ante Tomic 19, Krunoslav Simon (197-G/F-85) 13

Skyliners - Antalya 60:60
Skyliners were unable to overcome Antalya in Frankfurt in the opening leg of the second qualifying round of EuroChallenge. The teams appeared leveled at 60 after 40 minutes of tense battle. Skyliners entered the fourth term ahead by 6 points but could not capitalize on the lead and allowed Antalya to draw things level at the end.
Marcus Melvin (203-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) and Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Providence) came up with 7 straight points for Antalya early in the game as the visitors jumped to an 11:2 advantage. Evtimov and Titus Ivory

(193-G-79, college: Penn St.) dragged Skyliners within a single point from Antalya late in the opening stanza. Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) nailed 4 straight points early in the second quarter and Skyliners surged ahead 16:15. But Antalya stayed in the race. Victor King (196-G-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Texas A&M) and Michael Green (185-G-85, college: Towson) hit a bunch of freebies late in the half and the Turkish team enjoyed a 27:23 advantage at the interval. Skyliners finally found the right rhythm in the third term. Titus Ivory

buried two three-pointers and the German team gained the speed. When Victor King stepped up with 5 straight points Skyliners jumped to a 38:30 lead with under 4 minutes left in the frame. Derrick Allen and Pascal Roller (180-G-76) soon extended the gap to 13 points and Skyliners seemed to take control over the encounter. But Antalya were not yet ready to fold. Michael Green, Victor King and Marcus Melvin fueled a massive rally bridging two quarters and regained the lead for Antalya at 47:43. The teams traded baskets before Titus Ivory

lifted Skyliners up with three-pointer. Derrick Allen widened the gap to 3 points before Bitim hit from beyond the arc to square things up at 57. Pascal Roller got fouled while attempting a three-pointer and knocked down all of his free throw attempts. Antalya had 4 seconds left but it was just enough for Victor King to drop a buzzer-beating trey and tied the game at the end.
Titus Ivory

led Skyliners with 17 points, while Pascal Roller added 12 for the hosts. Victor King answered with game-high 21 points for Antalya. Michael Green stepped up with 13 points for the visitors.

Skyliners: Titus Ivory

17, Pascal Roller 12, Derrick Allen 10
Antalya: Victor King 21, Michael Green 13, Marcus Melvin 11

Toulon - Ploiesti 103:77
French Toulon closed on the EuroChallenge group stage as they cruised past Ploiesti at home in the second qualifying round opener. Toulon were unstoppable in the first frame. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) and Pierce teamed up for 19 points and the hosts piled up a 35:21 advantage at the first break. The onslaught continued early in the second stanza as Toulon quickly established a 21-point buffer and then cruised throughout the rest of the term. Mike Jones (196-G-84, agency: Passing Lane, college: Maryland) opened the third period with two triples to spark hope for Ploiesti. Wheeler added another three-point bucket as the Romanian team cut the gap to 14 points. However Darrell Tucker

(206-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: USF) and Dontaye Draper were hardly tamed. They soon restored an 18-point lead for Toulon heading into the final period. Austin Nichols (198-F/G-82, agency: ACMT, college: Humboldt St.) nailed 16 points in the fourth frame and led Toulon to the impressive success at the end.
Darrell Tucker

and Austin Nichols finished the game with 30 points apiece for Toulon. Dontaye Draper added 25 points and 11 assists for the hosts. Mike Jones replied with 19 points for Ploiesti. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) knocked down 16 points and collected 8 rebounds in the loss. The teams will see action again on November 11 in Romania.

Toulon: Darrell Tucker

30, Austin Nichols 30, Dontaye Draper 25+11 assists
Ploiesti: Mike Jones 19, Catalin Burlacu 16

Banvit - AEL 93:100
AEL made another step towards EuroChallenge group stage as they held off Banvit in Turkey in the second qualifying round opener yesterday. AEL was just luckier in this battle of ambitions in Bandirma. Quincy Taylor (196-G-82, college: UAB) scored 6 points in a row midway through the opening frame to give AEL a 16:12 advantage. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) cut the deficit to a signle points late in the first quarter before Blanchard sealed it at 24:21 for AEL after ten minutes of action. The teams continued to keep it close in the second period with AEL struggling to clear off. Antoine Agudio (191-G-85) scored 10 points for Banvit in the frame and allowed the hosts to trail by just one point 43:44 at halftime. Banvit finally managed to jump in front as Joseph Crispin (186-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Penn St.) and Yenice fired back-to-back trebles. But AEL surged back in charge and piled up a 7-point lead heading into the fourth term. Vujadin Subotic

was deadly from the stripe to win the game for AEL.
Quincy Taylor knocked down 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 7 assists to lead AEL. Vujadin Subotic

Liege - Vichy 74:67
Belgian Liege celebrated a narrow win over visiting Vichy in the EuroChallenge second qualifying round. Jamar Wilson (185-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Albany) knocked down 21 points to lead the hosts. Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) came up with 18 points for the winners. Amadi McKenzie (201-F-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) responded with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Vichy. William Gradit (197-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Christopher Hill JC) had 14 points for the French side in defeat. Liege marked their advantage early in the encounter as Jamar Wilson and Christopher Hill gave the home team a 1-point cushion midway through the first term. Xavier Collette (184-G-85, agency: LBM Management) stretched it to 11 points before Amadi McKenzie capped the period with 5 straight points and trimmed the distance to 6 points. Liege maintained the lead throughout the second quarter and arrived at halftime ahead by the same 6 points. The teams continued to exchange the baskets as the neither side was able to force the issue. Cage crowned the third term with a free throw and the home team were up 58:52. William Gradit and Reid narrowed the deficit to just 2 points midway through the final frame but Liege held on to the advantage. Jamar Wilson nailed 5 free throws in the crunch time to ensure a hard-fought victory for Liege.
Vichy outrebounded the hosts 31:26 but could not deal with Liege shooting 52% from the field. The teams will now meet in France on November 11.

Liege: Jamar Wilson 21, Christopher Hill 18, Xavier Collette 10
Vichy: Amadi McKenzie 15, William Gradit 14

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EUROCUP

Qualifying Round 2 openers11/5/2008 3:42:45 AM - by Eurobasket News

ASK Riga -Cajasol 83:69

ASK Riga will have plus 14 before the second game against Cajasol in Spain. Game 1 saw Latvian squad with 83:69 ahead in the last game of the first leg. Bruno Sundov (218-C-80) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 8 rebounds. Ricardo Marsh (203-F-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: ODU) nailed 19, while Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82) and Sandis Valters (193-G/F-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 10 each. Warren Carter (206-F-85, college: Illinois) poured in 15 points for the guests and Michal Ignerski (205-F-80, agency: Stanley International, college: Mississippi St.) scored 12. The two sides will meet again next week with the aggregate score of the two games deciding which team will advance to the EuroCup Regular Season.
ASK Riga posted first four points in the game, while Ricardo Marsh made it 12:5 later in the first. Bruno Sundov closed the opening quarter at 27:20. Cajasol changed the picture of the game completely in the second quarter and and even tasted the win at the end. Bruno Sundov however sent the teams to the lockers for 41:41.
In the third period ASK Riga tried harder and remembered about the upcoming trip to Spain. After 20-14 in the frame Latvian side had 61:55 advantage. Helmanis buried a jump shot for a 75:65 advantage later in the fourth. Sandis Valters extended the lead for plus 16, 83:67 but Pecile set up the final score from the free throw line.

ASK Riga: Bruno Sundov 21+8 rebs, Ricardo Marsh 19, Milutin Aleksic 10, Sandis Valters 10
Cajasol: Warren Carter 15, Michal Ignerski 12

Unics -Hapoel Jerusalem 88:66
Russian Unics made a confident start in the Qualifying Round 2 of Eurocup at home. Unics stun Israeli Hapoel Jerusalem 88:66 and will have this difference before game 2. A 9-0 from the start was a good beginning for the Russian titan that dominated Game 1. Terrell Lyday (190-G-79, college: BYU) led the winners with 17 points. Dmitri Sokolov (212-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) nailed 16 and Tariq Kirksay (199-F-79, college: Iona) posted 15. Timothy Bowers (188-G-82, college: Mississippi St.) ended up with 18 points in defeat, while Travis Watson (203-F/C-81, college: Virginia) collected 14 points and 10 rebounds.
Dmitri Sokolov posted first two for his team as Unics score nine consecutive points to prove the ambitions of the tournament. A 22-12 was the end of the first quarter as Terrell Lyday made a jump-shot. The Russian outfit was on top 43:31 at half-time and went in front by as many as 15 in the third quarter but weren't able to put Hapoel Jerusalem away until the fourth. Dmitri Sokolov closed the third frame for 59:47 and then Russian team saw the light in the tunnel. Veremeenko opened the last quarter with a dunk and then Tariq Kirksay nailed five in a row. Having 74:60 lead Unics produced a 7-0 run for 81:60. Popovic was the last to score in the game for 88:66. Game 2 is scheduled in Israel on November 11th.

Unics: Terrell Lyday 17, Dmitri Sokolov 16, Tariq Kirksay 15
Hapoel Jerusalem: Timothy Bowers 18, Travis Watson 14+10 rebs

Panelllinios- BC Kyiv 96:69
BC Kyiv could not find a match against Greek Panelllinios in the opener of the Qualifying Round 2 of Eurocup. The hosts stun Ukrainian team 96:69 and look forward to book the tickets to the regular season of the tournament. Anthony Grundy (189-G-79, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) paced the winners with 24 points. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) nailed 21 and Brad Newley (199-G-85) brought 14. Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) poured in 14 points for the guests and Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) scored 12.
Stanojevic gave BC Kyiv the first lead in the game and Brent Wright kept his team to 15:13. That was all for BC Kyiv in the game as they trailed in the rest of it. Kalaitzidis made a three for 24:18 at the end of the first. Panelllinios pushed the tempo in the second half and extended to 53:35 at the halftime. Anthony Grundy gave his team plus 20 entering the third frame and the lead continued to grow. Jeretin closed the third period at 79:52 for the hosts. Stergiou's three brought the hosts plus 30 entering the last period. The difference went up to 34 points but the Ukrainian side was able to cut the deficit at the end to the 27 points, a difference which seems to be very difficult to be covered. Brent Wright set up the final score at 96:69.

Panelllinios: Anthony Grundy 24, Ivan Radenovic 21, Brad Newley 14
BC Kyiv: Brent Wright 14, Artur Drozdov 12

Galatasaray Cafe Crown - KK Buducnost 85:83

Galatasaray Cafe Crown overcame KK Buducnost in the first leg of the Qualifying Round 2 of Eurocup but will have a tough road to Montenegro in Game 2. Turkish side won 85:83 mostly due to the first half. Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 24 points. Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) netted 23 and Andrija Zizic (207-F/C-80, agency: FCM) scored 14. Vladimir Dasic (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the visitors with 23 points and Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) posted 18.
Vladimir Dasic opened the game with a lay-up as 2500 spectators were not happy in the beginning. The team from Istanbul trailed 4:10, however tied the game at 11:11. Dejan Milojevic gave the hosts 24:22 at the end of the opening quarter. Four times in the second quarter the score was tied and then in the end Galatasaray scored some important baskets. Erden's three brought the hosts 46:38, while Micov posted for 46:40 at the halftime.
The team from Montenegro started the third frame better and Nemanja Gordic nailed three at 48:50. Galatasaray Cafe Crown looked in front for the majority of the period and had 66:62 entering the last quarter. For the first five minutes of the final stanza the hosts remained in front but then Nemanja Gordic gave his team 74:73. It was him to keep the lead at 79:80, but Galatasaray Cafe Crown could benefit from the game. Dejan Milojevic and Milan Gurovic brought his team 85:83 in Game 1.

Galatasaray Cafe Crown: Milan Gurovic 24, Dejan Milojevic 23, Andrija Zizic 14
KK Buducnost: Vladimir Dasic 23, Nemanja Gordic 18

Allianz Swans Gmunden - Crvena Zvezda 82:82

Allianz Swans Gmunden and Crvena Zvezda could not find out the winner of the first leg of the EuroCup Qualifying Round 2 showdown. Trailing in the majority of the game Austrian team tied the game at the end for 82:82. No overtime was needed in the game as the second leg will take place in Serbia. Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) and Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.)top-scored for Allianz Swans Gmunden with 21 points each. Florian Schoninger (186-G-82) netted 12 and two other players posted 10. Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) ended up with 17 points and Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) added 12.
Allianz Swans Gmunden could not match the Serbian squad in the opening quarter as they trailed in the whole period. Deteri Mayes made a jump-shot for 11:20 to close the first period. Vladimir Stimac made the things even worse later in the second for 32:17 Serbian lead. The visitors played better and left the court at 42:30 as Keselj nailed a three.
Allianz Swans Gmunden pulled back into the game in the third quarter as they produced 26-19 in the third frame. Vladimir Stimac with a lay-up made 56:61 at the end of the third. Crvena Zvezda was still in a strong position at 70:63 in the middle of the last stanza. Florian Schoninger drilled one of his three-balls to spark an 8-0 run that was capped by an old fashioned three-point play from Deteri Mayes that put the hosts in front at 71:70. It was him again with 17 seconds remaining to tie the game at 82:82.

Allianz Swans Gmunden: Anthony Fisher 21, Deteri Mayes 21, Florian Schoninger 12
BC Red Star: Tadija Dragicevic 17, Vladimir Stimac 12

BC FMP Zeleznik -Ural Great 69:61
Serbian FMP Zeleznik celebrated the opener of the Qualifying Round 2 of Eurocup at home. The team overcame Russian Ural Great 69:61 with a defensive style of the game. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) led the winners with 22 points and 7 rebounds. Nikola Markovic (208-F/C-89) netted 11 and Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) added 10. Aleksei Surovtsev (202-G-84) top-scored in defeat with 12 points and Vanja Plisnic (207-F/C-80, agency: Beo Basket) scored 11.
Serbian team posted first four points in the game as Dragan Labovic ended up 4-0 run from the hosts. Ural Great needed some time to take the responsibility of the court and pushed the tempo later in the period. Aleksei Surovtsev with a jump-shot made it 25:18 for the visitors. In the second frame the guests controlled to dominate and held the score for good at the halftime. The squads went to the lockers for 45:40, Ural Great.
The third quarter was decisive in the game as the hosts benefit from the game in it. Dragan Labovic tied the game first at 49:49 and then his team never looked behind. Nemanja Protic closed the third frame for 61:55, FMP. For the first five minutes Ural Great was scoreless in the last period due to the great defense from the hosts. They however also did not rush to score and winning the quarter 8-6 won the opener as well, 69:61.

BC FMP Zeleznik: Dragan Labovic 22+7 rebs, Nikola Markovic 11, Nemanja Protic 10
Ural Great: Aleksei Surovtsev 12, Vanja Plisnic 11

Benetton Olympic - CB Gran Canaria 64:92
CB Gran Canaria can already book their tickets to the regular season of EuroCup after the first leg in Switzerland. The Spanish squad beat Benetton Olympic 92:64 in the opening game of their EuroCup Qualifying Round 2. Joel Freeland (208-F-87) paced all the winners with 24 points. Melvin Sanders (196-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma St.) nailed 17 and James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) scored 12. Bruce Fields (197-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Gardner-Webb) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points, while Valentin Wegmann (192-G-79), Harrison and Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) added 10 each.
Bruce Fields scored first in the game as his Benetton Olympic enjoyed the home court. Moreover Perrier David gave his team 10:3 in the middle of the quarter. CB Gran Canaria woke up immediately and tied the game at 10:10. Norris closed the opening frame for 14:12. The Canary Islanders had a 45:21 stranglehold on the game at the break and the second half was an exercise in damage limitation for the Swiss outfit.
Joel Freeland opened the second half with a jump-shot for 47:21. Valentin Wegmann however pulled his team to 43:74 with a far shot. CB Gran Canaria could celebrate at that time and did not mind giving the hosts 21-18 in the last quarter. Kazadi was the last to score in the game for 64:92 as the teams look forward for another game in Spain.

Benetton Olympic: Bruce Fields 19, Valentin Wegmann 10, Harrison 10, Oliver Vogt 10
CB Gran Canaria: Joel Freeland 24, Melvin Sanders 17, James Augustine 12

STB Le Havre -Base BC Oostende 84:85
Base BC Oostende shows another brilliant game in EuroCup to upset the STB Le Havre in France. EuroCup Qualifying Round 2 saw Belgian team with 85:84 win in the first leg. Devin Green (201-G-82, college: Hampton) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Matt Haryasz

15, Rashid Atkins 14

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EUROLEAGUE

Nancy - Panathinaikos 70-8011/5/2008 4:06:13 PM - by Chris Mammides

Greek giants Panathinaikos claimed a narrow win 70-80 at Nancy on Wednesday night in the third week of the Euroleague first Round.
The French team and especially Ricardo Green was amazing in the overall game and he was the top performer from both teams. Coach Monchau had in a very bad day Jeff Greer but Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh) erupted for 24 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out four assists in a genius display for Nancy who had an amazing crowd which never stopped cheering for its team (more than 6500 French Fans appeared in this basketball celebration), Nancy won the French league last year.
Panathinaikos went in front by as many as thirteen points in the second quarter but only led 37-45 at half-time after the home side finished the frame on a 6-0 run.
A Steed Tchicamboud (193-G-81) three-ball put the hosts into a 52-51 advantage with 1:22 remaining in the third quarter but Panathinaikos held their nerve and ended the third quarter with 53-54
Nickolas, Diamantidis and Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86) made an unanswered 7-0 and made the score 53-61 7:29 before the end of the game but the amazing Ricardo Ricardo Greer scored 7 continuous points and put the final winner once more on hold as the score became 68-69 with less than three minutes to go.
Panathinaikos did keep the pressure on, though, and open the gap to 70-76 with 1:33 remaining in the game.
The Greek club scored four consecutive points, after the technical foul called to the home team and Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) mainly with Diamantidis made the final score 70-80. The quarters were: 18-24, 37-45, 52-54, and 70-80.

MVP of the game and top performer was Mike Batiste with his 18 points followed by Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) 14 and Nikola Pekovic 10. On behalf of the French team, top scorer was Ricardo Greer with 26 points and Steed Tchicamboud with 18

Efes Pilsen - Panionios 69-7811/5/2008 3:37:37 PM - by Chris Mammides
Coach Aleksandar Trifunovic Panionios succeeded a road win in Turkey after having a great third quarter. Panionios added his first victory in the euroleague and has now a record of 1-2. The two Americans Lonny Baxter (203-C-79, college: Maryland) and Aaron Miles (186-G-83, college: Kansas) were the top performers and the top scorers of the game with 18 and 15 points respectively. The qauarters were: 13-15, 35-36, 44-59 and the final 69-78. On behalf of Efes Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) was the top scorer with 13 points followed by the ex Panathinaikos player Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) who scored 11. On behalf of the winning site, Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78) added 17 points while Georgallis and Nikolic added 9 points each.<<>><<>>

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FINLAND

Korisliiga Round: 9 (Regular Season)11/5/2008 3:22:02 PM - by Eurobasket News
ToPo - LrNMKY 73-74
Lappeenranta celebrated the third win in the season as the eked out a 74:73 win over ToPo on the road. Demetrius Brown knocked down 25 points and collected 6 rebounds to pace LrNMKY. HL Coleman came up with 18 points and 13 rebounds for Lappeenranta in the win. ToPo answered with 18 points from Eero Lehtinen as they remained at the bottom of the ladder.

KTP - Kataja 85-88
Kataja grabbed the sixth win in the tournament as they pulled away with an 88:85 victory against KTP on the road. Larry Blair was responsible for 27 points and 7 rebounds for Kataja. Sami Lehtoranta and Petri Virtanen knocked down 17 points each for the winning side. Damon Williams answered with 23 points and 11 rebounds for KTP in defeat.

Namika Lahti - ToPo 73-63
Lahti never slowed down in the season as they held off ToPo 73:63 for the 7th win. Sami Pekkola came up with 20 points and 8 rebounds for Lahti as they remained on top of the standings. Ville Vesala maintained the tempo with 15 points for the hosts. ToPo suffered the second loss in the week as they were not helped by 16 points and 8 rebounds from James Allen.

FoKoPo - Pyrinto 118-94
Koripojat celebrated the fourth victory as they thumped Pyrinto 118:94 at home court. Mikko Jalonen paced the winners with 24 points. Teemu Heiskanen added 22 points, while Vincent Hunter had 21 for the winning team. Pyrinto replied with 21 points from Joni Harjula.

Honka - Tarmo 89-75
Honka stayed withing striking distance from the league leaders as they toppled Tarmo 89:75 at home. Monte Cummings, Ben Perkins and Akeem Scott nailed 18 points each for the winners. E.J. Drayton posted 21 points and 10 carons for Tarmo as they fell to 2-7 record.

Kataja - Kouvot 79-77
Kataja surged ahead late in the game and prevailed at the very end against Jouvot 79:77. It was the 7th win for Ray Ailus team. Larry Blair and Jeremiah Wood fired 19 points each for the winners. Petri Virtanen contributed 18 points for Kataja. Brian Swift answered with 18 points for Kouvot.

LrNMKY - KTP 68-95
KTP overcame a 50%-mark earning the 5th win in the competition. Kotka outscored Lappeenranta 95:68 on the road. Durell Vinson exploded with game-high 29 points and 12 boards to lead KTP. Damon Williams added 16 points and 13 rebounds in the win. Lappeenranta answered with 12 points from Demetrius Brown.

Korihait - Componenta 96-86
Korihait shot down Componenta 96:86 and improved to 5-4 record in the ladder. Alain Laroche stepped up with 22 points and 14 boards for the winners. Mark Zoller added 21 points in the win. Darrell Waters netted 20 points for Team Componenta.

KORISLIIGA: FoKoPo scored 118 pts11/5/2008 4:40:55 PM - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 9: Six games tonight. No big upsets, though. FoKoPo (Forssa) scored 118 pts when defeating at home Pyrinto (Tampere) by 24 pts (118-94).
FoKoPo had all five starters in double figures. Finnish guards Mikko Jalonen (186-G-82) - Teemu Heiskanen (188-G-84) combined this time 46 pts! Joni Harjula (189-G-83) led Pyrinto with 21 pts. Both Teams did good job behind the arc: FoKoPo shot treys 57,1% (16/28) and Pyrinto 50,0% (13/26).
Kataja (Joensuu) and Kouvot (Kouvola) made their contest a thriller. Kataja won at home finally by two 79-77 (34-30). Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) led Kataja with 19 pts and 11 rbs. Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) netted 19 pts as well. Brian Swift (178-G-82, agency: Octagon, college: S.Florida) led Kouvot with 18 pts. Korihait (Uusikaupunki) had five key players in double figures when beating Team Componenta (Karkkila) by ten 96-86 (38-44). Alain Laroche (198-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Florida) (Korihait) had game highs 22 pts and 14 rbs. Darrell Waters led TC again. This time Waters tallied 20 pts (17 during the first half). Honka (Espoo) won over Tarmo (Porvoo) 89-75 (48-34). Monte Cummings (193-G-76, college: Florida St.) - Akeem Scott (186-G-83, college: High Point) - Ben Perkins (200-F-79, college: Mc Neese St.) scored 18 pts each for Honka. E.J. Drayton (204-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Charlotte) (Tarmo) had game highs 21 pts and 10 rbs. When YMCA Lahti defeated ToPo (Helsinki) 73-63 (45-33) the winning team got only 11 pts from two American players. Sami Pekkola (201-F-83) led YMCA Lahti with 20 pts. KTP (Kotka) was the only Team tonight winning on the road. KTP did it with clear difference at Lappeenranta, when hosting

YMCA Lappeenranta lost 68-95 (38-43). KTP won the third quarter 11-35 and the game was over. Durell Vinson (201-F-85, college: Wagner) (KTP) had a big night: 29 pts and 12 rbs.

FoKoPo - Pyrinto 118-94 (52-38) (Mikko Jalonen 24, Teemu Heiskanen 22, Vincent Hunter 21 - Joni Harjula 21, Aleksi Huuskonen 19 (treys 6/6), Chis Hester 18).

Kataja - Kouvot 79-77 (34-30 (Jeremiah Wood 19/11, Larry Blair 19, Petri Virtanen 18 - Brian Swift 18, Calvin Walls 17, Matti Nuutinen 11).

Korihait - Team Componenta 96-86 (38-44) (Alain Laroche 22/14, Mark Zoller 21, Josh Gonner 18 - Darrell Waters 20, Marcus Watts 19, Frank Richards 15).

Honka - Tarmo 89-75 (48-34) (Monte Cummings 18, Akeem Scott 18, Ben Perkins 18 - E.J.Drayton 21/10, Mikael Holme 14, Emmanuel Messy 12).

YMCA Lahti - ToPo 73-63 (45-33) (Sami Pekkola 20, Ville Vesala 15, Ilkka Vuori 11 - James Allen 16, Elias Kajander 14, Robert Epps 10).

YMCA Lappeenranta - KTP 68-95 (38-43) (Demtrius Brown 12, Pasi Riihela 10, Jouko Jarvinen 10 - Durell Vinson 29/12, Damon Williams 16/13, Pasi Heinonen 14).

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FRANCE

Aerick SANDERS arrives in Dijon11/5/2008 12:05:21 PM - by Gregory Caru
After 5 poors games,Dijon has decided to cut his Center John Oden(2ppg 3rpg)injured knee.In order to replace this player,Dijon has signed Aerick Sanders,Forward,with good hands,great rebonder,solid inside player who can play 3-4.Sanders is well known in France,last year he played in Strasbourg for 12ppg 6,9rpg with participation in ULEB Cup for 10,2ppg 7rpg.At the beginning of this season,he has played only 2 games,5ppg 3,5rpg in Aliaga Petkim(TUR)but he has prefered to come back in France.Normally,this is a good choice for Dijon who wants to stay in Pro A after slow start.Aerick Sanders (202-F-82, college: San Diego St.)

Liege hold off Vichy in EuroChallenge11/5/2008 4:01:04 AM - by Eurobasket News
Liege - Vichy 74:67

Belgian Liege celebrated a narrow win over visiting Vichy in the EuroChallenge second qualifying round. Jamar Wilson (185-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Albany) knocked down 21 points to lead the hosts. Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) came up with 18 points for the winners. Amadi McKenzie (201-F-86, agency: Hart Sports Mngm) responded with 15 points and 9 rebounds for Vichy. William Gradit (197-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Christopher Hill JC) had 14 points for the French side in defeat. Liege marked their advantage early in the encounter as Jamar Wilson and Christopher Hill gave the home team a 1-point cushion midway through the first term. Xavier Collette (184-G-85, agency: LBM Management) stretched it to 11 points before Amadi McKenzie capped the period with 5 straight points and trimmed the distance to 6 points. Liege maintained the lead throughout the second quarter and arrived at halftime ahead by the same 6 points. The teams continued to exchange the baskets as the neither side was able to force the issue. Cage crowned the third term with a free throw and the home team were up 58:52. William Gradit and Reid narrowed the deficit to just 2 points midway through the final frame but Liege held on to the advantage. Jamar Wilson nailed 5 free throws in the crunch time to ensure a hard-fought victory for Liege.
Vichy outrebounded the hosts 31:26 but could not deal with Liege shooting 52% from the field. The teams will now meet in France on November 11.

Liege: Jamar Wilson 21, Christopher Hill 18, Xavier Collette 10
Vichy: Amadi McKenzie 15, William Gradit 14

Base BC Oostende looks forward to the regular season of EuroCup11/5/2008 4:51:12 AM - by Eurobasket News
STB Le Havre -Base BC Oostende 84:85

Base BC Oostende shows another brilliant game in EuroCup to upset the STB Le Havre in France. EuroCup Qualifying Round 2 saw Belgian team with 85:84 win in the first leg. Devin Green (201-G-82, college: Hampton) top-scored for the winners with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Matt Haryasz

15, Rashid Atkins 14

Toulon shoot down Ploiesti in EuroChallenge11/5/2008 5:25:48 AM - by Eurobasket News
Toulon - Ploiesti 103:77

French Toulon closed on the EuroChallenge group stage as they cruised past Ploiesti at home in the second qualifying round opener. Toulon were unstoppable in the first frame. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) and Pierce teamed up for 19 points and the hosts piled up a 35:21 advantage at the first break. The onslaught continued early in the second stanza as Toulon quickly established a 21-point buffer and then cruised throughout the rest of the term. Mike Jones (196-G-84, agency: Passing Lane, college: Maryland) opened the third period with two triples to spark hope for Ploiesti. Wheeler added another three-point bucket as the Romanian team cut the gap to 14 points. However Darrell Tucker

30, Austin Nichols 30, Dontaye Draper 25+11 assists
Ploiesti: Mike Jones 19, Catalin Burlacu 16

Batum has an average Nba Start11/5/2008 6:01:39 PM - by Umberto Scogni
Nicolas Batum (201-F-88); the young French starlet did not give a powerful start to his Nba career. The Portland Trail Blazers draftee played in 3 games with 6 points average in 14.3 miuntes. He also made 1.7 rebounds per game. His 1.67 average in steals is surprisingly good for a rookie; but it is observed that he has to work on his court vision; and shot selections. He cold only make 1 assists in 3 games; and the total 43 minutes that he played. He made 3 rebounds in only 4 minutes in his last game against Lakers

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FYR MACEDONIA

Eiffeltowers beat Amak in Netherlands11/5/2008 6:53:42 AM - by Eurobasket News
Eiffeltowers - Amak 94:66

The Dutch Eiffeltowers sent a strong message they were ready to go ahead with their Eurochallenge campaign as they thumped Amak at home court yesterday. The teams played the opening game of the second qualifying round series with the return leg scheduled for November 11. But Eiffeltowers seems to be well in control after the home game. They bruised the visitors even despite an awful start that saw the hosts trailing by 9 points at the first intermission.
Slobodan Agoc (206-C-77, agency: 011 Sports) and Miroslav Cubrilo (205-C-82) were responsible for several key trebles that put Amak in front 21:13 late in the starting period. Cubrilo then nailed another trey and the Macedonian team enjoyed a 24:15 advantage. Kees Akerboom

GERMANY

Jasmin Perkovic gets a contract extension11/5/2008 2:47:08 PM - by Manuel Schust
EWE Baskets Oldenburg announced today that Power Forward Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side) extended his contract for one more season. Perkovic will remain with Oldenburg until 2010 just like his teammate Jason Gardner

(178-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona), who signed a contract extension a couple of weeks before.
Perkovic averaged 11.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game in 40 games last season and was Oldenburg's topscorer in the last two BBL games.

MAKSYM SHTEIN AND TBB TRIER VISIT DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 8 AT 18:3011/5/2008 6:53:05 PM - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After the last three games, THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS still have a two game winning streak, because the uncommon tie against Antalya wasnt a win or loss, but moreover a valuable learning experience. Frankfurt now hope to continue with their BBL winning streak with a win on Saturday against TBB Trier. However they will have to derail a motivated Maksym Ukrainian train Shtein and his teammates, who want to bring TBB Trier back to the glory days of the late 90s, where Trier won two German cups. The team has not reached the BBL playoffs since 2004, and this could be the season that they reach the promised land again as the talented team seems to have more team qualities than individual qualities. 'This will be a tough game, but if we play hard then we will have good chances. We have to control the rebounds and just play our best', said Trier American Norman Richardson (196-F/G-77, college: Hofstra). Frankfurt has a 2-1 record on the road this season and have to learn to play with the same intensity at home for 40 minutes.'We have to be ready for Trier. We have to learn to take advantage on our home court and win on a regular basis. We have to play tough defense in order to win', stressed American Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi).

THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS have had mixed memories of TBB Trier in the last three seasons having won three of the last six games. The team has faltered twice in the last three years in the Ballsporthalle. In the 2005-2006 season, Frankfurt won a nail bitter in Trier 77-76 after it was saved twice by big men Bernd Kruel

(210-C/F-76) and Badiane Malick (211-F/C-84, agency: Passing Lane) that made the deciding baskets. In the 2006-2007 season, Frankfurt played a strong game in Trier winning 79 to 68 near the end of the Charles Barton era, but some months later during the begin of Murat Didins second tenure, stunk up the Ballsporthalle with a 90 to 75 loss and gave the fans a bitter farewell present into the summer. Last season, Trier was sent home with a 72 to 59 loss in the Ballsporthalle, but in the last game of the season, where a win or loss decided if the first round opponent would be Leverkusen or Bamberg, Frankfurt played a non spirited game in Trier losing 74 to 64 and it seemed like some players were looking for lawn chairs and a margerita instead of defending and scoring

The last two seasons have been like a whirlwind rollercoaster journey for TBB Trier as they finished in 15th place in the 2006-2007 season and 17th last season and would have been regulated to PRO A, but on account of their financial situation, were able to remain in the BBL, because of the Wildcard option. Last season was so dismal, that they won fewer games only in 1994 and 2002. The team started out hot this season winning three of the first four, but lately have been unlucky losing three of their last four games. At the moment, the team resides in tenth place, but have had a good start playing without American George Evans (202-F/C-71, agency: Court Side, college: George Mason), a slightly tattered James Gillingham

(193-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Bradley), who is back from an injury and still searching for his old form. Belgium coach Yves Defraigne , who came half way through the 2006-2007 season finshed the season with a team he didnt put together finally had full control of the reigns this season and seems to have put together a very competitive team. Even though the team was unable to hold the expensive Caleb Green, they were able to sign many players with European experience. The team has been known for playing small ball the last years, but seem to be setting a new trend this season as they have six players 2,00m or taller. Now the team is more evenly balanced and less predictable.

TBB Trier is led by American Christopher Copeland

(203-F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Colorado), who is averaging 18,9 points, 5,4 rebounds and 2,9 assists. He played at the University of Colorodo and has valuable experience in the D-league, Spain and Holland. He belongs to a list of top power forwards in the BBL and is still an NBA prospect. American Derek Raivio

(190-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), who is 24 years old, but looks like a sophomore in highschool has had a great start averaging 16,3 points, 3,3 rebounds and 3,3 assists per game. After a slow start in Cologne last season, he has really blossomed along the Mosel river and not only showing his strong playmaking skills, but also his scoring point guard qualities. American Norman Richardson, who is a Basketball world traveller having played in countries like Argentina, Venezuela, France, Poland and Croatia, can score but is content with being the third or fourth option in the team. He is averaging11,1 points, 3,1 rebounds and 1,4 assists per game. After playing 11 NBA games for the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls, he has given up the idea of making a return to the best league in the world. 'The NBA was the best time of my life. I am happy that I had the chance to play there, but I found out quickly that I was simply not good enough to play on a consistent level'. American BBL rookie Jamal Shuler (191-G-86) is averaging 10,5 points, 4,3 rebounds and 1,0 assists per game. He has given Trier valuable contribution from the bench from the shooting guard position.

Ex Skyliner Maksym Shtein (206-C-80, agency: LimeLight) is playing in a new paradise in Trier averaging 23 minutes per game, while in Frankfurt he was more prone to catch a splinter at the end of the bench while averaging only seven minutes per game. He is averaging 8,9 points and 2,7 rebounds per game and had some big games against Nordlingen and Tbingen coming from the bench. His ex teammates have a lot of respect for Shtein.'Maksym is playing well and I am really happy for him. He has been stepping up big for the injured George Evans', said American Derrick Allen. Canadian James Gillingham

had a slow start, but has found his rhythm scoring in double digits in three of the last four games. He is averaging 8,0 points, 2,3 rebounds and 1,0 assists per game. This is his fifth season in Trier and he is the heart and soul of the team and always stuck behind the club even in hard times. American Tyrone Riley

(201-F-82, college: USF) is averaging 7,3 points and 4,3 rebounds per game. He played at USF college and two years in Holland and Poland. He can shoot from outside and from inside and gives Trier an added bonus under the boards. TBB Trier has a thin bench, but very talented young Germans, with Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) being the most talented, who opted not to play college Basketball, but too remain in Trier.

THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS never have a weekend, where they can catch a breather and relax, but have to always be behind the ball and be focused for the next challenging team. TBB Trier may only be in tenth place, but they are creating havoc on offense as they are the second highest scoring team in the BBL with 79 points. Only ALBA Berlin scores more points. They also are the fourth best shooting team in the BBL with a field goal percentage of 47%. They also take the most three pointers. Their only disadvantage is their work under the boards as they are hauling down only 29,4 rebounds per game which is only 16th in the BBL.The game will showcase an interesting duel at point guard with Pascal Roller (180-G-76) vs Derek Raivio

(190-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga). 'Derrick is so young and can do it all at the point guard position. He can become a top point guard in Europe if he continues to develop', expressed American Norman Richardson. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS have an added incentive with the recent signing of American Titus Ivory

(193-G-79, college: Penn St.), who was the Skyliner top scorer in the last two games. Even though he has been away from the BBL for some years, he has already done his homework for the Trier game. 'We have to play strong defense and stop Norman Richardson. I played against him in college many years ago. We have to maintain the tempo and get Derrick Allen more involved in the game and control the boards', warned Titus Ivory

. It also wouldnt hurt to get Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) more involved into the game, because the Skyliners will have advantages down low, and he is still finding his rhythm in Frankfurt and what better way to get his self confidence skyrocketing with a good game against TBB Trier. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS host TBB Trier on Saturday November 8th at 18:30.

Its a tie-game in Frankfurt11/5/2008 6:01:50 AM - by Eurobasket News
Skyliners - Antalya 60:60

Skyliners were unable to overcome Antalya in Frankfurt in the opening leg of the second qualifying round of EuroChallenge. The teams appeared leveled at 60 after 40 minutes of tense battle. Skyliners entered the fourth term ahead by 6 points but could not capitalize on the lead and allowed Antalya to draw things level at the end.
Marcus Melvin (203-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) and Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Providence) came up with 7 straight points for Antalya early in the game as the visitors jumped to an 11:2 advantage. Evtimov and Titus Ivory

17, Pascal Roller 12, Derrick Allen 10
Antalya: Victor King 21, Michael Green 13, Marcus Melvin 11

Dortmund: Bolt injured, Nutter arrives11/5/2008 4:20:20 AM - by Moritz Korff
SVD 49 Dortmund (Regionalliga West) have reacted on the ankle-injury of Stephan Bolt (198-F-84, college: Lewis), that will probably keep him out of action until the end of this year. Bolt has been the main man on the Dortmund squad so far this season.
As a temporary replacement the 49ers brought in Jamar Nutter (188-G-84, agency: ABE! Sports and Entertainment, college: Seton Hall), who was released from the Bakken Bears last week. Nutter was supposed to serv as a key player for the reigning Danish champion, but never really lived up to the expectations of the club-officials. In four games in the Canal Digital Liga he averaged 7.2 points, 3 assists as well as 1.7 rebounds and also appeared twice in international competition: He scored 9 points per contest for Bakken in the EuroChallenge. Dortmund also managed to get back veteran Arndt Severing (204-C-73).

Swedish Swingman signs with Waltrop11/5/2008 5:10:07 PM - by Daniel Poerschke
The swedish swingman Richard Maraker (198-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Yuba CC) agreed terms with 1. Regionalliga West club GV Waltrop. Maraker is fresh out of college, where he graduated from NCAA 2 school Cal.St.-Stanislaus. In his first game for Waltrop, Maraker scored 10 points in a loss to league powerhouse Schwelmer Baskets. Head Coach Markus Dueringer was satisfied with his performance, giving the fact, that Maraker just stepped out of the plane only hours before tip-off.

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GREECE

Panionios beat Efes Pilsen in Turkey!11/5/2008 3:39:20 PM - by Chris Mammides
Coach Aleksandar Trifunovic Panionios succeeded a road win in Turkey after having a great third quarter. Panionios added his first victory in the euroleague and has now a record of 1-2. The two Americans Lonny Baxter (203-C-79, college: Maryland) and Aaron Miles (186-G-83, college: Kansas) were the top performers and the top scorers of the game with 18 and 15 points respectively. The qauarters were: 13-15, 35-36, 44-59 and the final 69-78. On behalf of Efes Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) was the top scorer with 13 points followed by the ex Panathinaikos player Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) who scored 11. On behalf of the winning site, Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78) added 17 points while Giannis Georgalis (198-F-83) and Goran Nikolic (205-C-76) added 9 points each.<<>><<>>

Panathinaikos came back to the positive results in the Eurolegue.11/5/2008 4:07:57 PM - by Chris Mammides
Greek giants Panathinaikos claimed a narrow victory 70-80 at Nancy on Wednesday night in the third week of the Euroleague first Round and return to the positive results after the big loss last week in Barcelona.
The French team of Nancy and especially Ricardo Green was amazing in the overall game and he was the top performer from both teams. Coach Monchau had in a very bad day Jeff Greer but Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh) erupted for 24 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished out four assists in a genius display for Nancy who had an amazing crowd which never stopped cheering for its team (more than 6500 French Fans appeared in this basketball celebration), Nancy won the French league last year.
Panathinaikos went in front by as many as thirteen points in the second quarter but only led 37-45 at half-time after the home side finished the frame on a 6-0 run.
A Steed Tchicamboud (193-G-81) three-ball put the hosts into a 52-51 advantage with 1:22 remaining in the third quarter but Panathinaikos held their nerve and ended the third quarter with 53-54
Nickolas, Diamantidis and Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86) made an unanswered 7-0 and made the score 53-61 7:29 before the end of the game but the amazing Ricardo Ricardo Greer scored 7 continuous points and put the final winner once more on hold as the score became 68-69 with less than three minutes to go.
Panathinaikos did keep the pressure on, though, and open the gap to 70-76 with 1:33 remaining in the game.
The Greek club scored four consecutive points, after the technical foul called to the home team and Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) mainly with Diamantidis made the final score 70-80. The quarters were: 18-24, 37-45, 52-54, and 70-80.

MVP of the game and top performer was Mike Batiste with his 18 points followed by Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) 14 and Nikola Pekovic 10. On behalf of the French team, top scorer was Ricardo Greer with 26 points and Steed Tchicamboud with 18

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HOLLAND

(200-F-83, agency: Court Side) scored 8 points in the second term to spark Eiffeltowers to a 25:12 rally that gave them a 4-point cushion at halftime. David Jackson (195-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: Oregon) took over in the third frame as he nailed 8 points to stretch Den Bosch lead to 10 points. The hosts looked unstoppable at the moment. Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) added 8 points and the Dutch side ran away to a 17-point distance. Eiffeltowers continued to mount the pressure in the fourth term and breezed to the final 28-point advantage.
Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) led the winners with 24 points. David Jackson had 16 points, while Jerome Beasley netted 14 for Eiffeltowers. Slobodan Agoc replied with 18 points and 8 rebounds for Amak. Miroslav Cubrilo notched 17 points and 9 boards in defeat.

Eiffeltowers: Anthony Richardson 24, David Jackson 16, Jerome Beasley 14
Amak: Slobodan Agoc 18, Miroslav Cubrilo 17

The Article: Basketball Crowds in Dutch Basketball EreDivisie Pt 211/5/2008 5:38:53 AM - by Terry Cooper
Ladies and Gentlemen, Coaches and Players, Managers and Owners;

I want to correct some things on my ariticle I wrote a few days ago about the Energy that crowds bring to sporthals in EreDivisie basketball which I went to games of ALL teams to see which clubs have good crowd energy and those that bring fair energy. To all those that do or don't know, when you do an investigation you don't have to let anyone know that you are there or what you doing. Yes I write for the Dutch website and although basketball in this country has risen to great levels, doesnt mean that crowd energy came with it. To answer one coaches reply 'No coach I have nothing against this league or any team' I wish all clubs in this league to excel however, one team has to be on top and one has to be on the bottom, the way the ball bounces. The article has been revised based on some current games that fan energy has changed greatly after some victories or battles til the end.

For coaches remember this. In your profession (or anyones profession) there's the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have nothing personal about any coach and if anything I support ALL coaches because you have one tough job. You are teachers and like all teachers of the world your job is to prepare a player to become the best he/she can be as well as place him or her in the right situation so they can grow. Well this is my job, to get the facts and do the research of what I see is going on with the fans of Dutch basketball. So to all that have taken this PERSONALLY I apologize. To the management that emailed, I returned their calls, explained how it was done, and we came to a common ground thank you very much for your understanding.

I am sure we all want the best for the leagues top two leagues to GROW to higher standards and to grow you need a spark to make people see that a change must come. To the coach that emailed me all I can say is thank you for your email however, don't take the pen out of my hand and I won't take the coaching board out of yours...

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HUNGARY

Round 4, wednesday's games11/5/2008 3:06:21 PM - by Tamas Deri
UNIVER KSE KECSKEMET - KAPOSVARI KK 73-61
(26-19, 14-18, 16-13, 17-11)
Kecskemet, Att.: 700, Referees: Benczur, Marton, Szabo G.
KECSKEMET: Haynes 6, Akos Horvath (194-G/F-81) 18/9, Mike Dale (197-G/F-84, college: S.Illinois) 14/6, Szabo Zs. 12/6, Gordon Klaiber (206-F-83, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) 14, Simpson 9, Toth P, Coach: Zsoldos Andras
KAPOSVAR: Kestutis Marciulionis (188-G-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services, college: Delaware) 15/6, Vojvoda 10/6, Balazs Hoffmann (198-F-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 10/3, Welton 18/6, Orosz 6, Kiss K. 2, Coach: Branislav Dzunic

MARSO-VAGEP NYIREGYHAZA - KK DEBRECENI EGYETEM 106-68
(30-19, 23-19, 28-16, 25-14)
Nyiregyhaza, Att.: 600, Referees: Kiraly, Hegedus, Fodor A.
NYIREGYHAZA: Branko Savic (181-G-79) 22/3, Roy Booker

(191-G/F-84, college: SE Missouri St.) 28/9, Siska 4, Sitku 10, Nemanja Jelesijevic (208-C/F-79, agency: Interperformances) 17/3, Lekli 9, Nagy K. 3/3, Wehner 5/3, Farkas A. 4, Mohacsi 4, Makrai M., Coach: Kmezic Zoran
DEBRECEN: Steve Dagostino (180-G-85, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Rose (NY)) 24/6, Kutasi 5/3, Toth G., Kovacs I. 2, Kennerly 14, Takcs D. 9, Erdei 10/6, Varro 4, Szabo T., Kaluha, Balogh A., Coach: Walke Karoly

ATOMEROMU SE - POLAROID-LAMI-VED KORMEND 86-70
(28-17, 14-16, 18-14, 26-23)
Paks, Att.: 1000, Referees: Bognr, Kiss L., Vtek
ATOMEROMU: Darris Nichols (188-G-86, college: W.Virginia) 16, Nick Williams (192-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) 23/3, Charles Gosa (202-F-77, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: N.Mexico St.) 19/3, Ashante Johnson (203-F-76, agency: Edge Sports, college: Kansas) 14, CsaplAr-Nagy E., Kiss Zs. 8/6, Medve 2, Panta 4, Mszros, Morgen, Coach: Sabali Balazs
KORMEND: Auriantal 4, Tamas Kocsis (189-G-85, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 13/9, Hegedus 1, Zbigniew Bialek (203-F-82, agency: AB Agency) 19/6, George Banks (202-C/F-72, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: UTEP) 22/3, McCullough 7/3, Ferencz 4, Toth G., Keresztes, Trummer, Coach: Dragoljub Krivacevic

Round 4: ZTE's home win vs. Falco KC11/5/2008 3:17:21 PM - by Tamas Deri

ZALAKERAMIA ZTE KK - FALCO-SZOVA KC SZOMBATHELY 99-82
(27-26, 24-16, 24-17, 24-23)
Zalaegerszeg, Att.: 3000, Referees: Hartyani, Kapitany, Farkas
ZTE: Louis Hinnant (193-G-84, college: Boston Coll.) 13/3, Calvin Watson (196-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: N.Texas) 21/3, Tamas Kaman (200-F/G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 18/6, Michael Jones (206-F/C-82, college: Arkansas) 24/12, Helbich 7, Trepak 11/3, Gaspar, Baki, Toth A. 2, Simon, Starics 3/3, Bodor, Coach: Volgyi Peter
SZOMBATHELY: Kalman 8, Pankar 6/6, Ciric 2, Ivan Perincic (208-F-77, agency: Agency No 10) 27/6, Zoltan Horvath (207-F/C-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 17/3, Occiti 7/3, Harrelson 13/3, Lakatos 2, Vida, Feigl, Csiszar, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic

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ISRAEL

HaSharon:Bet-Halechmi to replace Weinkrantz on the bench11/5/2008 9:44:17 AM - by Yehonatan Eliahu
Bnei Hasharon appointed Arriel Bet Halechmi as it's new coach, after well respected Moshe Weinkrantz resigned yesterday night. In what turns out to be a very short comeback, Weinkrantz signed with HaSharon on summer after a seven years break from coaching, but now he is leaving due to poor results at the first two games of the season. replaces Weinkrantz is Ariel Bet Halahmi, who coached Naharia last season. He also coached Givat Shmuel and Ashkelon in the past. HaSharon will take on Hapoel Jerusalem on Saturday.

Elsewhere , Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan signed vateran shooter Yariv Yatzkan (196-G-75, agency: Avi Zilberman), who spent the last season in Askelon, and released point guard Ilan Berkovitz (187-G-75, agency: Arik Krayn Services), who didn't lived to the expectations.

Moshe Weinkrantz quit from Bnei Hasharon,Yatzkan back to Ramat-Gan.11/5/2008 10:50:46 AM - by Netanel Dahan
Moshe Weinkrantz quit from Bnei Hasharon, Moshe was the head coach of Bnei Hasharon and during this season he won only one game V.s Hapoel Holon on Gvi'a Winner,Bnei Hasaron didnt hire a replacement for him yet.

Yariv Yatzkan (196-G-75, agency: Avi Zilberman) signed at Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan, Yariv played three years before at Ramat Gan from 1998 till 2001.
Yariv played also at Hapoel Migdal Jerusalem, Hapoel Holon, Bnei Hasharon, before two years he played on France at Etoile Charleville-Mezieres, where he averaged: 16.2ppg, 3.1rpg, and 1.6apg, at the last season he played at Ashkelon he averaged: 6.8ppg, 2.0rpg, 1.1apg and he finished first in the league with 98.0% Free-throw average

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MONTENEGRO

Galatasaray edges KK Buducnost in Game 111/5/2008 2:56:54 AM - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray Cafe Crown - KK Buducnost 85:83

Galatasaray Cafe Crown overcame KK Buducnost in the first leg of the Qualifying Round 2 of Eurocup but will have a tough road to Montenegro in Game 2. Turkish side won 85:83 mostly due to the first half. Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 24 points. Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) netted 23 and Andrija Zizic (207-F/C-80, agency: FCM) scored 14. Vladimir Dasic (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the visitors with 23 points and Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) posted 18.
Vladimir Dasic opened the game with a lay-up as 2500 spectators were not happy in the beginning. The team from Istanbul trailed 4:10, however tied the game at 11:11. Dejan Milojevic gave the hosts 24:22 at the end of the opening quarter. Four times in the second quarter the score was tied and then in the end Galatasaray scored some important baskets. Erden's three brought the hosts 46:38, while Micov posted for 46:40 at the halftime.
The team from Montenegro started the third frame better and Nemanja Gordic nailed three at 48:50. Galatasaray Cafe Crown looked in front for the majority of the period and had 66:62 entering the last quarter. For the first five minutes of the final stanza the hosts remained in front but then Nemanja Gordic gave his team 74:73. It was him to keep the lead at 79:80, but Galatasaray Cafe Crown could benefit from the game. Dejan Milojevic and Milan Gurovic brought his team 85:83 in Game 1.

Galatasaray Cafe Crown: Milan Gurovic 24, Dejan Milojevic 23, Andrija Zizic 14
KK Buducnost: Vladimir Dasic 23, Nemanja Gordic 18

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NBA

Pistons contract extension Hamilton,Thunder signed Steven Hill and waived John Lucas 11/5/2008 9:56:26 AM - by Bruno Baltazar
Detroit Pistons have agreed to a three-year contract extension with Richard Hamilton (6'7''-G-78, college: Connecticut). Two years of the contract are guaranteed and the third is partially guaranteed.
Hamilton's current $62 million, seven-year contract was signed five years ago.
The three-time All-Star helped the Pistons win the 2004 NBA title and advance to the Eastern Conference finals last season for the sixth straight year.

The Oklahoma City Thunder signed 7-foot center Steven Hill (7'0''-C-85, college: Arkansas) to fill out the roster.
Hill played in three preseason games for Portland and was among the Trail Blazers' final cuts. Hill averaged 4.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots as a senior at Arkansas last year. As a junior, he was chosen the Southeastern Conference's defensive player of the year.

Guard John Lucas III was waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder after being inactive for the team's first three games.
Lucas was caught in a logjam at point guard behind starter Earl Watson, first-round pick Russell Westbrook and third-stringer Kyle Weaver, who was acquired in an offseason trade.

Obama wins elections and Spurs keep their bad start,Celtics win against Rockets and Suns win11/5/2008 10:03:08 AM - by Bruno Baltazar
Raja Bell (6'5''-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) hit all six of his 3-pointers and scored 22 points, and the Phoenix Suns shot 63 percent from the field in beating the New Jersey Nets 114-86.
Steve Nash added 12 points and 11 assists, Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) had 18 points and six rebounds and Amare Stoudemire added 14 points.
Vince Carter (6'5''-G-77, college: N.Carolina) had 19 points and Jianlian Yi (7'0''-C/F-87) added 15 and eight rebounds for the Nets.

Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) scored 29 points, Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) added 14 points and 11 rebounds and the Celtics shut down Ron Artest (6'7''-G-79, college: St.John's) and Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) in a 103-99 victory over the Rockets.
Tracy McGrady (6'8''-G/F-79) scored 26 points for Houston and tried to rally the Rockets down the stretch.
The Celtics led 101-97 when McGrady rose for a 3-pointer and was fouled by Tony Allen (6'4''-G-82, college: Oklahoma St.). McGrady landed awkwardly and grabbed his sore left knee as Boston coach Doc Rivers protested the call, claiming McGrady was trying to pass.
Referees reviewed the play as McGrady walked off the blow to his knee. He was given three foul shots and made two, cutting Boston's lead to 101-99.
Kevin House hit two free throws at the other end with 9.6 seconds remaining. Brent Barry (6'6''-G-71, college: Oregon St.) then shot an airball and Garnett caught it to secure the win.
Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) added 13 points and nine rebounds for the Celtics. Yao went 4-for-14 from the field and scored eight points, while Artest missed 13 of 16 shots and scored 15.

Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) scored 30 points, Jason Terry (6'2''-G-77, college: Arizona) added 29 in his first start of the season and the Dallas Mavericks beat San Antonio 98-81 to send the Spurs to their first 0-3 record in 35 years.
Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) led San Antonio with 22 points and Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) scored 19 as the Spurs continue to play without Manu Ginobili. He's not expected back until December after surgery to repair his left ankle.

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NCAA1

2008-09 AP Pre-Season College Basketball All-America Team11/5/2008 1:40:33 AM - by Eurobasket

Hansbrough

Curry

Harangody

Collison

Griffin

Tyler Hansbrough (6'9''-F-85), North Carolina, 72 votes;
Stephen Curry (6'3''-G-88), Davidson, 66 votes;
Luke Harangody (6'8''-F-88), Notre Dame, 58;
Darren Collison (6'0''-G-87), UCLA, 46;
Blake Griffin (6'10''-F), Oklahoma, 45.

Others Receiving Votes (alphabetical):
A.J. Abrams (5'11''-G-86), Texas;
DeJuan Blair (6'7''-F-89), Pitt;
Jon Brockman (6'7''-F-87), Washington;
Chase Budinger (6'7''-F-88), Arizona;
Earl Clark (6'9''-G/F-88), Louisville;
Sherron Collins (5'11''-G-87), Kansas;
James Harden (6'5''-G-89), Arizona State;
Jrue Holiday (6'3''-G-90), UCLA;
Lester Hudson (6'3''-G-84), Tennessee-Martin;
Damion James (6'7''-G/F-87), Texas;
Ty Lawson (5'11''-G-87), North Carolina;
Patrick Mills (6'0''-G-88), Saint Marys, Calif.;
Jeremy Pargo (6'2''-G-86), Gonzaga;
Patrick Patterson (6'9''-F-89), Kentucky;
A.J. Price (6'2''-G-86), Connecticut;
Tyrese Rice (6'1''-G-87), Boston College;
Tyler Smith (6'7''-F-86, college: Iowa), Tennessee;
Hasheem Thabeet (7'3''-C-87), Connecticut;
Sam Young (6'6''-F-85), Pitt

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NCAA2

Swedish Swingman signs with Waltrop11/5/2008 5:10:07 PM - by Daniel Poerschke
The swedish swingman Richard Maraker (198-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Yuba CC) agreed terms with 1. Regionalliga West club GV Waltrop. Maraker is fresh out of college, where he graduated from NCAA 2 school Cal.St.-Stanislaus. In his first game for Waltrop, Maraker scored 10 points in a loss to league powerhouse Schwelmer Baskets. Head Coach Markus Dueringer was satisfied with his performance, giving the fact, that Maraker just stepped out of the plane only hours before tip-off.

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NIGERIA

Abdullahi Kuso top-scores abroad11/5/2008 9:47:34 AM - by Eurobasket News
Abdullahi Kuso (206-F-84, college: Tallahasse CC) and his Ukrainian Sumykhimprom tied the first game of the EuroChallenge second qualifying round in Bosnia. Siroki Brijeg overcame a 9-point halftime deficit to square things up against Sumykhimprom at home court yesterday. The teams met in the opening leg of the EuroChallenge second qualifying round and left the decision about the winner pretty unclear before the return leg. The Ukrainian team looked the better side early on. Artem Butskyy and Brian Greene put the visitors ahead and a three-pointer from Lekavicius marked a 16:10 lead for Sumy late in the first period. Matyukhevich capped the frame with a jumper and Sumy were up 18:15. Abdullahi Kuso and Corey Santee stretched the margin to 8 points early in the second term. Sumy dominated the game at the moments and Macernis gave the visitors a 34:25 advantage at halftime. But Siroki refused to surrender. Sime Spralja scored 7 points in less than 2 minutes and the hosts drew things level at 38. Abdullahi Kuso, Brian Greene and Macernis regained the lead for Sumy at 53:44 but the teams entered the final quarter with the visitors ahead by just 2 points 57:55. Darko Planinic scored 4 points at the start of the fourth stanza and put Siroki in front 59:58. Abdullahi Kuso, Yevgeniy Podorvannyy and Brian Greene answered with 8 points in a row for Sumykhimprom but the home team managed to bounce back. They closed the gap and Ivo Josipovic converted a free throw with just over a minute left to make it 73:73. The teams failed to score at least a point in the reminder of the contest and left the decision for the game in Ukraine. Ivo Josipovic tallied 15 points and 13 boards for Siroki. Ivan Siriscevic and Sime Spralja added 15 points each for the hosts. Abdullahi Kuso came up with 18 points and 14 boards for Sumykhimprom. Brian Greene finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Before that Energy Invest Rustavi tried hard but could not make the levels even with the Ukrainian side. BC Sumykhimprom won the opening game of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 in Tbilisi. Sumykhimprom played with the winner of the Georgian basketball. Ukrainian side however was not in the first places last season but this year already has 1-1 record. BC Sumykhimprom opened the game with 29-25 lead closing the first frame. Energy Invest Rustavi did not allow Ukrainian team to go on a big lead and stayed within some points even at the halftime. BC Sumykhimprom produced 24-21 to go to the lockers for 53:46. In the second half the picture of the game had changed especially in the last period. If in the third Energy Invest Rustavi lost 19-25, then in the last one they did not have any strength to resist. BC Sumykhimprom ended up with the massive 32-16 run and won the opener of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1. Abdullahi Kuso ended up with 14 points and 11 rebounds.
BC Sumykhimprom scored 200 points in two games over Energy Invest Rustavi from Georgia. BC Sumykhimprom won the opening game of EuroChallenge Qualifying Round 1 in Tbilisi 110:81 and had 90:79 at home. Even though Vadim Matyukevych opened the scoring account in the game Radojicic made 3:2 for the guests. Georgian team looked even better in the first and won it 21:19. Zviad Babiashvili improved his team level to 37:32 with 2 minutes in the half. Butskyy closed the curtains at 38:39 still for the visitors. The third frame was the decisive in the game as Ukrainian team was too good for the opponent. After 22-14 in it BC Sumykhimprom enjoyed 60:53 advantage. An offensive 30:26 in the last period totaled BC Sumykhimprom for 200 in two games. Abdullahi Kuso collected 8 points and made the same number of boards in the game.

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PORTUGAL

Interview with Robert Hines,Proliga MVP so far11/5/2008 2:13:28 PM - by Bruno Baltazar
In his senior year in college in USA for St.Francis,NY (NCAA) last season in 28 games you averaged 15.2ppg, 6.1rpg, 2.2apg, 1.0spg, right now in your first professional season you been doing with Angra Basket ,in 6 games you averaging 32ppg ,8.7rpg, 2.3spg,2.8apg,0.2bpg and you the Proliga MVP so far.

Bruno Baltazar-How do you see these numbers? Did you expected to create such a great impact as a professional?
Robert Hines (196-F, college: St.Francis,NY)-Well i'm just really playing basketball and doing what ever it takes for my team to have a chance to win. When I first got here I didn't think I would be able to score the way I do but my coaches believe in me and they put the ball in my hands and told me to go make it happen.

Bruno Baltazar-In your view what is the biggest difference between playing In NCAA and play professionally in Portugal?
Robert Hines-I think in college it's just more of a fast pace game and that's how my college coaches expected me to play by just pushing the ball and playing at a fast pace no matter if the other team scores or not.

Bruno Baltazar-What you think of the league format and the teams level in here?
Robert Hines-I think the league is good, we get to play in our 2nd league and we also play against 1st league teams as well so it just gives me a chance to show people in our league what we can really do but the only thing that I was disappointed about was that we only play once a week but i'm used to it now.

Bruno Baltazar-Do you like the country? You would like to play here next season again and you would like more to play in a continent team rather then playing in a team in an island such as Angra is in an island?
Robert Hines-I think the country is a great place, the food is good and the people are great so I think I fit right in. I don't think I will be here next year but if I do I think would come back to Angra Basket because they have done so much for me and just made me feel right at home but the only thing about this island is there's no mall or anything like that for me to enjoy myself but I have found other things to stay busy.

Bruno Baltazar-Do you like Angra, the teamates, the conditions and the team?
Robert Hines-I love Angra because they gave me a chance to showcase my talents and my teammates are great they really make me feel at home as if I was in college again, but Angra really go out there way to make sure i'm ok and that i'm ready to work.

Bruno Baltazar-What are your personal goals and team goals for this season?
Robert Hines-My personal goal is to win a Championship and lead my team while I do it I will always have dreams of playing the NBA but I feel like that god is taken me level by level to show me that nothing is easy but for right now Angra Basket is looking for a Championship and i'm gonna try my best to lead us there.

Any others comments you want to leave ?
I just want to say thank you to all the people that stood by me and made sure I kept my head on straight my Mother, Coach Nash and his staff and girl friend Antonia David she really keeps me focus sometimes she acts like she's my mother...smh, Oh and to Ricky Cadell and Kayode Ayeni, Ramel Santiago and my Agent Steve Cronin I want to thank yall for being there.

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ROMANIA

Toulon shoot down Ploiesti in EuroChallenge11/5/2008 5:25:48 AM - by Eurobasket News
Toulon - Ploiesti 103:77

French Toulon closed on the EuroChallenge group stage as they cruised past Ploiesti at home in the second qualifying round opener. Toulon were unstoppable in the first frame. Dontaye Draper (180-G-84, college: Charleston) and Pierce teamed up for 19 points and the hosts piled up a 35:21 advantage at the first break. The onslaught continued early in the second stanza as Toulon quickly established a 21-point buffer and then cruised throughout the rest of the term. Mike Jones (196-G-84, agency: Passing Lane, college: Maryland) opened the third period with two triples to spark hope for Ploiesti. Wheeler added another three-point bucket as the Romanian team cut the gap to 14 points. However Darrell Tucker

30, Austin Nichols 30, Dontaye Draper 25+11 assists
Ploiesti: Mike Jones 19, Catalin Burlacu 16

Div.A Round: 5 (Regular Season)11/5/2008 4:16:09 PM - by Eurobasket News
Timisoara - CSU Atlassib 83-82
Timisoara trailed by 11 points at halftime but managed to recover and snatched a narrow 83:82 win over CSU Sibiu today. Rade Dzambic paced the hosts with 17 points. Milos Pesic added 16 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Denarryl Rice fired game-high 25 points for Sibiu in the loss.

Rapid B. - Mures 44-82
Mures sent Rapid Bucureti to the fifth straight loss beating them 82:44 on the road today. Aaron Coombs came up with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds for Mures. Luke McKenna contributed 18 points and 9 boards for Mures in the win. Marius Bulancea answered with 20 points for Rapid.

Rovinari - Craiova 89-72
Rovinari climbed to 3-2 record as they outgunned Craiova 89:72 at home court. Louis Darby led balanced offense with 15 points. Bogdan Popescu, Edjuan Green and Kibwe Trim knocked down 14 points for the winning team. Craiova answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds from Branislav Tomic.

U.Mobitel.CN - Targoviste 78-53
Last season's finalists UMobitelco easily dealt with Targoviste 78:53 today. The hosts thus claimed the third victory in the season today. Matthew Gibson knocked down 24 points, issued 8 assists and grabbed 7 rebounds for the Cluj Napoca team. Mihai Silvasan added 11 points for the winners. Arthur Davis answered with 12 points for Targoviste.

Gaz Metan - Otopeni 79-84
Otopeni stayed atop the ladder as they held on to the 84:79 win against Gaz Metan on the road today. Bojan Obradovic was pivotal with 29 points and 9 boards for the winners. Adrian Blidaru added 26 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Otopeni as they registered the 4th win in the championship. Gaz Metan answered with 30 points from Vladimir Radmanovac.

CS Otopeni Bucuresti sign Brad Byerson11/5/2008 5:25:23 PM - by Eurobasket
CS Otopeni Bucuresti agreed terms with American forward Brad Byerson (201-F, college: Virginia Union, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Byerson played most recently at Virginia Union University (NCAA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball. He actually switched the universities moving from West Virginia (NCAA D1) to Virginia Union (NCAA D2). But that move was quite good choice and his talent exploded in Virginia Union. Last season he was selected All-CIAA Defensive Player of the Year and All-Tournament Team. We received even national recognition being selected to Daktronics NCAA Division II All-South Atlantic Region 1st Team and to NCAA Division II All-Star Game. His stats in 30 games were 16.8ppg, 8.1rpg, 2.4apg, 1.3bpg and 1.3spg.

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RUSSIA

SAUDI ARABIA

Al Hilal add Randle and Krauser to the team's roster11/5/2008 10:23:13 AM - by Mohammed Malas
Ryan Randle (206-F-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Maryland) and Carl Krauser (188-G-81, college: Pittsburgh) will arrive to Saudi Arabia next week to join the trainings of Al Hilal sports club for the upcoming season.

Randle was one of the best imports in Cyprus in the last 2 seasons after he played before that Ponand, Italy and France, While Krauser is a member in the US Virgin Islands National Team, His career contains big countries such as Germany and Puerto Rico.

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SERBIA

Allianz Swans Gmunden survived at home against Crvena Zvezda11/5/2008 3:12:49 AM - by Eurobasket News
Allianz Swans Gmunden - Crvena Zvezda 82:82

Allianz Swans Gmunden and Crvena Zvezda could not find out the winner of the first leg of the EuroCup Qualifying Round 2 showdown. Trailing in the majority of the game Austrian team tied the game at the end for 82:82. No overtime was needed in the game as the second leg will take place in Serbia. Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) and Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.)top-scored for Allianz Swans Gmunden with 21 points each. Florian Schoninger (186-G-82) netted 12 and two other players posted 10. Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) ended up with 17 points and Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) added 12.
Allianz Swans Gmunden could not match the Serbian squad in the opening quarter as they trailed in the whole period. Deteri Mayes made a jump-shot for 11:20 to close the first period. Vladimir Stimac made the things even worse later in the second for 32:17 Serbian lead. The visitors played better and left the court at 42:30 as Keselj nailed a three.
Allianz Swans Gmunden pulled back into the game in the third quarter as they produced 26-19 in the third frame. Vladimir Stimac with a lay-up made 56:61 at the end of the third. Crvena Zvezda was still in a strong position at 70:63 in the middle of the last stanza. Florian Schoninger drilled one of his three-balls to spark an 8-0 run that was capped by an old fashioned three-point play from Deteri Mayes that put the hosts in front at 71:70. It was him again with 17 seconds remaining to tie the game at 82:82.

Allianz Swans Gmunden: Anthony Fisher 21, Deteri Mayes 21, Florian Schoninger 12
BC Red Star: Tadija Dragicevic 17, Vladimir Stimac 12

First Serbian League - results11/5/2008 10:33:10 AM - by Nenad Ilijev
First Serbian League - East
Round 5

Rtanj - Knjazevac 87-83 (Vidosavljevic 26, Markovic 22 - Zdravkovic 14, Cvetkovic 13)
Pirot - Jug 79-93 (Mladenovic 21, Todorovic 18 - Radivojevic 17, Stevanovic 13)
Nis - Ozren 111-36 (Bubalo 26, Pavlovic 22 - Vistica 12, Delcic 11)
Napredak - Bor RTB 80-61 (Sikman 17, Raicevic 16 - Rasic 22, Brankovic 10)
Morava - Junior 84-74 (Stojkovic 24, Arizanovic 14 - Zivkovic 18, Mladenovic 15)
Prokuplje - Mladost 90-97 (Subaric 33, Nedeljkovic 21 - Miladinovic 17, Kantar 10)
Jablanica - Eko Basket 83-81 (Denic 24, Andrejevic 22 - Stanisavljevic 21, Krstic 18)

First Serbian League - West
Round 5

Zlatar - Sloga 93-48 (Filipovic 38, Bjelic N. 21 - Jevtovic 14, Samardzic 11)
Goc - Jagodina 74-85 (Milunovic 22, Kovacevic 15 - Filipovic 25, Canic 18)
Zlatibor - Sabac 84-63 (Todosijevic 24, Citic 22 - Manjencic 19, Grusanovic 12)
Svilajnac Kompo - Prva Petoletka 77-82 (Antic 20, Jokovic 16 - Vuckovic 30, Stasevic 13)
Poliester - Smederevo 85-94 (Golubovic 22, Sestovic 20 - Svilar 26, Mihajlovic 18)
Klik - Krusevac 93-78 (Lazovic 28, Nedeljkovic 26 - Misic 30, Milojevic 21)

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SLOVENIA

Helios wins by 40, Krka use huge third quarter to down Zagorje11/5/2008 2:28:50 AM - by Zeljko Zule
Helios in third quarter scored 17 straight points and routed Alpos Sentjur 102-62 in Round 6 of UPC League. Aljaz Janza (185-G-81) scored 19 points including five 3-pointers and Zeljko Zagorac added 17 points. Alpos commited 23 turnovers. Armin Sadibasic had 11 points and Dean Dunovic 10.
Krka defeated Zagorje 88-65 thanks po a 23-5 run in third quarter. Jure Balazic finished with 19 points and 9 rebounds, Smiljan Pavic scored 13 points and Marko Rakocevic 12. Gilbert Goodrich led the guests with 26 points on shooting 10-of-20 and Ales Primc 17 of his 20 points scored before the half.

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SPAIN

Tau Sign Hite11/5/2008 6:36:46 PM - by Paul Nilsen
Tau Ceramica have signed American Robert Hite (188-G-84, college: Miami, FL) on a temporary contract for a month writes www.acb-basket.com The Cincinatti born player who is 24 has been without a team after spending pre season with the Phoenix Suns. A graduate of the University of Miami where during four years he averaged over 14 points and almost 5 rebounds per game. He then ended up in the NBA playing for Miami Heat during the 2006/07 season when he played 12 games before moving to the D-League with Sioux Falls. In 2007/08 he spent pre-season with New Jersey Nets but moved to Galatasaray where he averaged 9.7 points per game in the Turkish league. Hite also has experience of Europe having played 15 games in the ULEB Cup last year. An all action player ideal for Tau.

Marc Gasol Dominates in the NBA11/5/2008 4:56:25 AM - by Interperformances
70 Spanish center Marc Gasol (212-C-85, agency: Interperformances) was only picked in the second round (#44) of the NBA draft in 2007 and decided to remain in Spain for another year before signing with the Memphis Griizzies. It was a great move because he improved physically and technically and was named MVP of the Spanish ACB League with Akasvayu Girona. He had 27 points and 16 rebounds in the win over Golden State Warriors 90-79. He shot 9-11 from the field and 9-11 from the free throw line. He has a good chance to be selected Rookie of the Year in the NBA.

Freeland pulls CB Gran Canaria over Benetton Olympic11/5/2008 5:05:10 AM - by Eurobasket News
Benetton Olympic - CB Gran Canaria 64:92

CB Gran Canaria can already book their tickets to the regular season of EuroCup after the first leg in Switzerland. The Spanish squad beat Benetton Olympic 92:64 in the opening game of their EuroCup Qualifying Round 2. Joel Freeland (208-F-87) paced all the winners with 24 points. Melvin Sanders (196-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma St.) nailed 17 and James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) scored 12. Bruce Fields (197-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Gardner-Webb) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points, while Valentin Wegmann (192-G-79), Harrison and Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) added 10 each.
Bruce Fields scored first in the game as his Benetton Olympic enjoyed the home court. Moreover Perrier David gave his team 10:3 in the middle of the quarter. CB Gran Canaria woke up immediately and tied the game at 10:10. Norris closed the opening frame for 14:12. The Canary Islanders had a 45:21 stranglehold on the game at the break and the second half was an exercise in damage limitation for the Swiss outfit.
Joel Freeland opened the second half with a jump-shot for 47:21. Valentin Wegmann however pulled his team to 43:74 with a far shot. CB Gran Canaria could celebrate at that time and did not mind giving the hosts 21-18 in the last quarter. Kazadi was the last to score in the game for 64:92 as the teams look forward for another game in Spain.

Benetton Olympic: Bruce Fields 19, Valentin Wegmann 10, Harrison 10, Oliver Vogt 10
CB Gran Canaria: Joel Freeland 24, Melvin Sanders 17, James Augustine 12

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SWEDEN

Norrkoping Dolphins enjoys 6-1 on top11/5/2008 9:31:57 AM - by Eurobasket News
Norrkoping Dolphins improved to 6-1 record in Sweden. Five games were played in Round 8 of Svenska Basketligan.
A 80:73 over Boras Basket saw the leader of the Swedish league in the latest round last night. Trailing 17-24 the favorites won the other quarters to seal the victory. Kenneth Grant led the winners with 20 points. Joseph Mcnaull netted 18 and Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: N.Arizona) posted 17. Dennis Springs (171-G-82, college: Ferris St.) top-scored for the visitors with 26 points, while Ryan McDade added 13.
Uppsala Basket is second with 5-2 record after a home win over Solna Vikings 83:67. In that game the hosts also trailed 13-20 after the opening quarter but then won the rest. Danny Gathings (193-F-80, college: High Point) top-scored for the winners with 27 points. Giedrius Jankauskas (206-F/C-81) posted 16 and Jeff Horowitz (206-C/F-85, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: NC-Wilmington) scored 12. Martin Pahlmblad (193-G-86) ended up with 14 points in defeat.
In another games Sodertalje beat Plannja 95:81. Helsingborg lost at home to Jamtland 59:69 and Gothia was defeated by 08 Stockholm 76:79.

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SWITZERLAND

Freeland pulls CB Gran Canaria over Benetton Olympic11/5/2008 5:05:10 AM - by Eurobasket News
Benetton Olympic - CB Gran Canaria 64:92

CB Gran Canaria can already book their tickets to the regular season of EuroCup after the first leg in Switzerland. The Spanish squad beat Benetton Olympic 92:64 in the opening game of their EuroCup Qualifying Round 2. Joel Freeland (208-F-87) paced all the winners with 24 points. Melvin Sanders (196-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma St.) nailed 17 and James Augustine (208-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) scored 12. Bruce Fields (197-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Gardner-Webb) top-scored for the hosts with 19 points, while Valentin Wegmann (192-G-79), Harrison and Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) added 10 each.
Bruce Fields scored first in the game as his Benetton Olympic enjoyed the home court. Moreover Perrier David gave his team 10:3 in the middle of the quarter. CB Gran Canaria woke up immediately and tied the game at 10:10. Norris closed the opening frame for 14:12. The Canary Islanders had a 45:21 stranglehold on the game at the break and the second half was an exercise in damage limitation for the Swiss outfit.
Joel Freeland opened the second half with a jump-shot for 47:21. Valentin Wegmann however pulled his team to 43:74 with a far shot. CB Gran Canaria could celebrate at that time and did not mind giving the hosts 21-18 in the last quarter. Kazadi was the last to score in the game for 64:92 as the teams look forward for another game in Spain.

Benetton Olympic: Bruce Fields 19, Valentin Wegmann 10, Harrison 10, Oliver Vogt 10
CB Gran Canaria: Joel Freeland 24, Melvin Sanders 17, James Augustine 12

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SYRIA

Al Wehda Damascus sign Christopher Moore11/5/2008 5:20:42 PM - by Eurobasket
Al Wehda Damascus added to their roster 26-year old American forward Christopher Moore (205-F-82, college: Virginia Union, agency: Global Sports Plaza). Moore played last season at Inchon ET Land Black Slamer (Korea). His season was cut last December when he had to leave the team due to an injury. But he averaged solid 12ppg, 7.4rpg, 1.5bpg. He is not uknown player in the region as he previously played in Lebanon and Bahrain. He has also experience playing in Argentina, Bulgaria and in few pro leagues in the States. In 2005-06 he was selected to Eurobasket.com Bulgarian League All-Imports Team.

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TURKEY

was deadly from the stripe to win the game for AEL.
Quincy Taylor knocked down 24 points, grabbed 8 rebounds and dished out 7 assists to lead AEL. Vujadin Subotic

17

Galatasaray edges KK Buducnost in Game 111/5/2008 2:56:54 AM - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray Cafe Crown - KK Buducnost 85:83

Galatasaray Cafe Crown overcame KK Buducnost in the first leg of the Qualifying Round 2 of Eurocup but will have a tough road to Montenegro in Game 2. Turkish side won 85:83 mostly due to the first half. Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the winners with 24 points. Dejan Milojevic (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) netted 23 and Andrija Zizic (207-F/C-80, agency: FCM) scored 14. Vladimir Dasic (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the visitors with 23 points and Nemanja Gordic (194-G-88) posted 18.
Vladimir Dasic opened the game with a lay-up as 2500 spectators were not happy in the beginning. The team from Istanbul trailed 4:10, however tied the game at 11:11. Dejan Milojevic gave the hosts 24:22 at the end of the opening quarter. Four times in the second quarter the score was tied and then in the end Galatasaray scored some important baskets. Erden's three brought the hosts 46:38, while Micov posted for 46:40 at the halftime.
The team from Montenegro started the third frame better and Nemanja Gordic nailed three at 48:50. Galatasaray Cafe Crown looked in front for the majority of the period and had 66:62 entering the last quarter. For the first five minutes of the final stanza the hosts remained in front but then Nemanja Gordic gave his team 74:73. It was him to keep the lead at 79:80, but Galatasaray Cafe Crown could benefit from the game. Dejan Milojevic and Milan Gurovic brought his team 85:83 in Game 1.

Galatasaray Cafe Crown: Milan Gurovic 24, Dejan Milojevic 23, Andrija Zizic 14
KK Buducnost: Vladimir Dasic 23, Nemanja Gordic 18

Its a tie-game in Frankfurt11/5/2008 6:01:50 AM - by Eurobasket News
Skyliners - Antalya 60:60

Skyliners were unable to overcome Antalya in Frankfurt in the opening leg of the second qualifying round of EuroChallenge. The teams appeared leveled at 60 after 40 minutes of tense battle. Skyliners entered the fourth term ahead by 6 points but could not capitalize on the lead and allowed Antalya to draw things level at the end.
Marcus Melvin (203-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) and Marcus Douthit (211-F/C-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Providence) came up with 7 straight points for Antalya early in the game as the visitors jumped to an 11:2 advantage. Evtimov and Titus Ivory

17, Pascal Roller 12, Derrick Allen 10
Antalya: Victor King 21, Michael Green 13, Marcus Melvin 11

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UKRAINE

Siroki and Sumykhimprom could not decide on the winner11/5/2008 6:37:18 AM - by Eurobasket News
Siroki - Sumykhimprom 73:73

Siroki Brijeg overcame a 9-point halftime deficit to square things up against Sumykhimprom at home court yesterday. The teams met in the opening leg of the EuroChallenge second qualifying round and left the decision about the winner pretty unclear before the return leg. The Ukrainian team looked the better side early on. Artem Butskyy (185-G-81) and Brian Greene (196-G/F-84, college: Florida A&M) put the visitors ahead and a three-pointer from Lekavicius marked a 16:10 lead for Sumy late in the first period. Matyukhevich capped the frame with a jumper and Sumy were up 18:15. Abdullahi Kuso (206-F-84, college: Tallahasse CC) and Corey Santee (188-G-83, college: TCU) stretched the margin to 8 points early in the second term. Sumy dominated the game at the moments and Macernis gave the visitors a 34:25 advantage at halftime. But Siroki refused to surrender. Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) scored 7 points in less than 2 minutes and the hosts drew things level at 38. Abdullahi Kuso, Brian Greene and Macernis regained the lead for Sumy at 53:44 but the teams entered the final quarter with the visitors ahead by just 2 points 57:55. Darko Planinic (211-C-90) scored 4 points at the start of the fourth stanza and put Siroki in front 59:58. Abdullahi Kuso, Yevgeniy Podorvannyy (194-F/G-78) and Brian Greene answered with 8 points in a row for Sumykhimprom but the home team managed to bounce back. They closed the gap and Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side) converted a free throw with just over a minute left to make it 73:73. The teams failed to score at least a point in the reminder of the contest and left the decision for the game in Ukraine.
Ivo Josipovic tallied 15 points and 13 boards for Siroki. Ivan Siriscevic (198-G/F-87) and Sime Spralja added 15 points each for the hosts. Abdullahi Kuso came up with 18 points and 14 boards for Sumykhimprom. Brian Greene finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds.

Siroki: Ivo Josipovic 15+13 boards, Ivan Siriscevic 15, Sime Spralja 15
Sumykhimprom: Abdullahi Kuso 18+14 boards, Brian Greene 13+10 boards

BC Kyiv with no match in Greece 11/5/2008 3:38:49 AM - by Eurobasket News
Panelllinios- BC Kyiv 96:69

BC Kyiv could not find a match against Greek Panelllinios in the opener of the Qualifying Round 2 of Eurocup. The hosts stun Ukrainian team 96:69 and look forward to book the tickets to the regular season of the tournament. Anthony Grundy (189-G-79, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) paced the winners with 24 points. Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) nailed 21 and Brad Newley (199-G-85) brought 14. Brent Wright (203-F/C-78, college: Florida) poured in 14 points for the guests and Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) scored 12.
Stanojevic gave BC Kyiv the first lead in the game and Brent Wright kept his team to 15:13. That was all for BC Kyiv in the game as they trailed in the rest of it. Kalaitzidis made a three for 24:18 at the end of the first. Panelllinios pushed the tempo in the second half and extended to 53:35 at the halftime. Anthony Grundy gave his team plus 20 entering the third frame and the lead continued to grow. Jeretin closed the third period at 79:52 for the hosts. Stergiou's three brought the hosts plus 30 entering the last period. The difference went up to 34 points but the Ukrainian side was able to cut the deficit at the end to the 27 points, a difference which seems to be very difficult to be covered. Brent Wright set up the final score at 96:69.

Panelllinios: Anthony Grundy 24, Ivan Radenovic 21, Brad Newley 14
BC Kyiv: Brent Wright 14, Artur Drozdov 12

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Holcomb replaces Wells in Al Wasl11/5/2008 10:25:26 AM - by Mohammed Malas
The american center Randy Holcomb (204-F/C-79, college: San Diego St.) will replace the injured player Jayson Wells in Al Wasl Sports Club...

The ex-San Diego graduate played overseas in many countries the past years such as Japan, Puerto Rico, Spain and Greece adding to his experience in NBA.

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URUGUAY

Bigua returned to the LUB with a win 11/5/2008 11:08:42 AM - by Hector Lopez
Bigua returned to the LUB, after winning the South American championship last week, and beat Trouville 67-62. It was the first game playing with Bigua for the Argentine Ruben Wolkowyski (207-C-73) who scored 8 points (0/5, 3/4 and 2/2) grabbed 11 rebounds made one asistance and lost 6. Also for Bigua Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) scored 14 and took 7 rebounds. For Trouville Levi Stukes (188-G-84) netted 10 and Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) 13 and took 8 rebounds. All the results (incluiding numbers for foreign players) were:
Tabare 73 - Ryan Blankson (198-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Loyola, IL) 11 and 7, Clarence Matthews (201-F-82, agency: 22ft, college: Tennessee St.) 38 and 12
Union Atletica 64 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 19 and 10, Daryl Rufus (207-C-82, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Fayetteville St.) 3 and 6
- - -
Defensor Sporting 89 - Chris Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) 18 and 11, Brian Woodward

(191-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Rhode Island) 30 and 7
Welcome 88 - Jason McCoy (208-F/C, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) 25 and 10, Brandon Morris (186-G, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 26 and 2.
- - -
Cordon 84 - Andrew Washington (191-G-84, agency: Promotex, college: Delaware) 32 and 10, Chris Sockwell (203-F/C-80, college: St.Francis,NY) 16 and 10
Paysandu 75 - Austin Montgomery (196-G, college: Bowling Green) 17 and 4, Gyasi Cline-Heard (202-F-79, college: Penn St.) 9 and 2
- - -
Hebraica Macabi 94 - Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) 26 and 9, Anthony Johnson (198-G/F-79, college: La-Lafayette) 24 and 5
Atenas 77 - Jackie Rogers (203-F-78, agency: CAA Sports, college: Massachusetts) 8 and 1, Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) 16 and 9
- - -
Olimpia 73 - Reque Newsome (203-C-82, college: S.Indiana) 14 and 9, Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) 10 and 10
Sayago 65 - Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, college: Wofford) 12 and 9, Brandon Hassell (209-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Penn St.) 17 and 12
- - -
Malvin 84 - Jarrett Stephens (200-F/C-77, agency: Duran International, college: Penn St.) 13 and 10, Ike Nwankwo (209-C-73, college: Long Beach St.) 4 and 5
Bohemios - Gilsinho de Jesus (195-F/G-79, college: Kansas St.) 9 and 3, Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 10 and 11

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VENEZUELA

LNB 2008 Thirds of Finals - Matchday 2: Estudiantes, Graneros and Cojedes get even11/5/2008 11:43:07 AM - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Estudiantes de Guarico, Graneros de Portuguesa and Centauros de Cojedes all tied their respective Thirds of Finals series in Liga Nacional de Baloncesto, the first and the latter as visitors. Estudiantes and Cojedes go home with the chance of sweeping in the next to games to advance.

SCOREBOARDS

SERIES A (Series tied 1-1)

Estudiantes de Guarico 112 - Caciques de Trujillo 110 ET (Sat)

Ricardo Salas Arena - Valera, Trujillo

Quarter by quarter

CAC: 22-24-23-30-11= 110

EST: 20-17-31-31-13= 112

Scorers

CAC: Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 30 points, Manuel Berroteran (185-G-80) 19 points, Windy Graterol (204-C-86) 18 points

EST: Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 34 points, David Ruffin (193-G/F-84) 26 points, Derwin Ramirez (191-F-82) 14 points, Vladimir Saavedra (200-F-77) 12 points

SERIES B (Series tied 1-1)

Graneros de Portuguesa 88 - Centauros de Apure 78 (Sat)

Lara Figueroa Arena - Guanare, Portuguesa

Quarter by quarter

GRA: 21-22-18-27= 88

APU: 20-12-22-24= 78

Scorers

GRA: Henry Paez (184-G-70) 23 points, Pedro Cubillan (187-G-82) 12 points

APU: Lennox McCoy (188-G-77) 22 points, David Cedeno (190-G-83) 16 points

SERIES C (Series tied 1-1)

Centauros de Cojedes 92 - Duros de Lara 87 (Fri)

Napoleon Rodriguez Arena - Barquisimeto, Lara

Quarter by quarter

DUR: 20-17-33-17= 87

COJ: 30-8-24-30= 92

Scorers

DUR: Francisco Centeno (201-G/F-85) 15 points, Jackson Zapata (198-F-85) 14 points, Jesus Centeno (190-G-85) 13 points, Lawrence Wallace (183-G-81) 12 points, Kenji Urdaneta (188-G-85) 11 points, Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) 7 points, Heissler Guillent (191-G-86) 6 points, Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85) 5 points, Peter Kvietek (203-C-77) 2 points, Carlos Quintero (202-F-85) 2 points, Derson Santos (197-F-84) 0 points, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 0 points

COJ: Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 35 points, Ruben Pachano (185-G-76) 13 points, Roberto Basanta (192-F) 12 points, Luis Ibarra 12 points, Sonny Reyes (181-G-86) 9 points, Jose Manaure 7 points, Darwin Jaramillo (192-F-86) 4 points, Marlon Patino (204-F/C-80) 0 points, Wilmer Luna (176-G-83) 0 points, Hendrick Rios (192-G) 0 points, Luis Parra 0 points

LNB 2008 Thirds of Finals - Matchday 3: Estudiantes, Apure and Duros take the lead11/5/2008 11:54:41 AM - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Estudiantes de Guarico, Centauros de Apure and Duros de Lara took the lead in their respective 2008 Thirds of Finals series of Liga Nacional de Baloncesto, the first ones as hosts and the latter by taking revenge on a defeat suffered at home in the previous match. They're all now one game shy of making it to the Semifinals round.

SCOREBOARDS

SERIES A (EST leads 2-1)

Estudiantes de Guarico 102 - Caciques de Trujillo 97 (Tue)

Villa Olimpica Arena - San Juan de los Morros, Guarico

Quarter by quarter

EST: 23-30-24-25= 102

CAC: 23-25-26-23= 97

Scorers

EST: David Ruffin (193-G/F-84) 30 points, Jose Martinez (196-F-82) 20 points, Jhoyfer Diaz (196-F-87) 16 points, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 11 points

CAC: Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 20 points, Michael Flores (192-G-85) 17 points, Jorge Leon (186-G-79) 17 points

SERIES B (APU leads 2-1)

Centauros de Apure 83 - Graneros de Portuguesa 77 (Tue)

Biruaca Dome - Biruaca, Apure

Quarter by quarter

APU: 19-23-21-20= 83

GRA: 25-17-21-14= 77

Scorers

APU: Lennox McCoy (188-G-77) 22 points, Rafael Perez (185-G-82) 13 points

GRA: Amber Marin (208-C-81) 15 points

SERIES C (DUR leads 2-1)

Duros de Lara 70 - Centauros de Cojedes 65 (Tue)

Napoleon Rodriguez Arena - Barquisimeto, Lara

Quarter by quarter

COJ: 16-21-13-20= 65

DUR: 17-18-17-13= 70

Scorers

COJ: Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 22 points, Ruben Pachano (185-G-76) 13 points

DUR: Peter Kvietek (203-C-77) 14 points, Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84) 13 points

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Women News

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FINLAND - Women

Interview with Erneisha Bailey - by Jay Baptiste
So how has the transition been from playing college ball in the states to playing in Europe?
I wasnt really sure what to think when I came to Europe to play. I was really opened minded and was up for everything that was ahead of me. In college we were spoiled. We had sports trainers, now I get my ankle taped by my coach. I had a locker in our locker room, now I bring my bag with me everywhere and change where ever I can. In college I was thankful for down time because between practices and school I was exhausted. Now down time means sleeping, watching T.V. and lifting weights. I cant wait for practice because it gives me something to do.

What is it like living in Finland?
I am enjoying Finland. For the most part everyone speaks English which isnt intimidating at all. People here are very nice and welcoming.

Have there been any barriers to your success so far. Such as language, culture or even the food that you are eating?
I wouldnt say that there have been barriers since I have been here. I am an open minded person so I can try most things once and decide if I like them or not. My coach sometimes does go off on tangents in Finnish, but there is always a teammate that will translate for me. The one thing that I havent gotten use to is when people in Finland enter homes, gyms or places where they will be for an extended periods of time, they take their shoes off.

How have your new teammates adjusted to your arrival?
My teammates love me. I am the kind of person that can talk to a wall so I wasnt nervous about making new friends with my teammates. I think they like my personality and the fact that I really care about our team and how we do. We have really bonded and I consider a lot of these girls my friends and I am sure that I will continue to talk to them once I leave.

Overall how would you rate your experience playing for Huima and living in Finland?
For this being my rookie season, I would rate Finland pretty high. I am on a team that has the potential to win the whole thing. My team has given me a chance to get my foot in the door as a professional basketball player.

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GERMANY - Women

Big upsets in German Cup Challenge - by Cornelius Damm
As the regular season took a break in Germanys highest basketball leagues the third round (Last Sixteen) of the Cup Challenge was played November 1st/2nd 2008 and brought up some surprises.

KuSG Leimen - BBVL Leipzig Eagles 57 - 49
The biggest upset probably took place in Leimen as the leading team of 2.DBBL Group South overpowered 1.DBBL seventh seeded BBV Leipzig Eagles 57-49. KuSG Leimen allowed Leipzig no more than 16 points in the second half! Eagles top player and so far fifth best scorer of 1.DBBL Annika Danckert (182-F-81) fouled out already early in third quarter having scored nine points. Meanwhile the rest of her starting five squad Elena Diaz (185-F-83, college: Nebraska), Jetta McIntyre (169-G-84, college: Kansas St.) and Caroline Sterner (175-G/F-83) combined for just 20 points. Together with Danckert these players have scored 311 of the totalled 409 points the Leipzig Eagles produced so far in their six encounters in 1.DBBL! The remaining starting five post Cornelia Janzon (190-F/C-81) was the last man standing as she scored 16 points and grabbed 14 boards which was not enough to prevent the tough loss. Leimen head coach Markus Jochum saw the key to this success in true teamwork and so does not want to point out a single player of his squad. Enjoying home court advantage as the only second league team among seven first league teams Leimen will try to shock the 1.DBBL teams again in the next round played end of January 2009 in order to emerge to the Final Four.

SV Union Opladen - Trinos Goettingen 75 - 80
Despite having five foreigners on their roster and facing a lower league team that plays without a single professional, with Trinos Goettingen another 1.DBBL team struggled against a second league team but eventually still survived. As guests at the so far unbeaten top team of 2.DBBL Group North SV Union Opladen they secured this win in the last seconds of the game. Opladen managed to pull away as far as eight points with two minutes and eleven seconds remaining in the game. But Goettingen refused to loose this encounter and crawled back into the game with a tough full court press finishing with an 11-2 run at the end of the game. Top import Jennifer Kerns (172-G-76, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Washington St.) scored 32 points. Sarka Kucerova (180-F-82) added 18 pts. while Dasa Rajecka (189-C-87) produced 13 pts. Opladen that controlled the rebound 47-38 was led by former long time 1.DBBL player Kirsten Kroger (186-F/C-82) with 20 points, Mareike Nettersheim (186-C) with 15 pts and Leonie Prudent (181-F-89) with 14 pts.

Eisvoegel USC Freiburg - TSV 1880 Wasserburg 83 - 79
Ending last season as 1.DBBL fourth best team Eisvogel USC Freiburg started with problems into this season with one single win out of six games. Completely the other way around five time champion TSV 1880 Wasserburg started as usual with only one loss out of six games into the season. Within six days these two teams now faced twice. On Sunday October 26th Wasserburg triumphed 68-63 at home in the regular season of 1.DBBL, to loose on November 1st in the Cup Challenge in Freiburg 79-83. Freiburg wasn't able to beat Wasserburg in the last two years. But things went differently in this game becaus eypecially the young players of Freiburg came up strong at the end with some huge clutch plays. For the winners Mirna Paunovic (185-F/C-76) scored 16 pts, Birte Wehrenbrecht (183-F-80) and Brittney Whiteside (172-G-85, college: Wright St.) added 15 pts. each. Hope Foster (187-F/C-86, college: Bucknell) helped her team with 13 pts. as well. For Wasserburg Rebecca Thoresen (178-F-78) topscored all players with 30 pts. and was assisted by Katharina Kuhn (193-C-80) and Yolanda Paige (168-G-83, college: W.Virginia) who paced their team with 16 pts. and 15 pts.

SV Halle Lions - Herner TC 70 - 69
Call it a thriller! With 30 remaining seconds in the game at the score of 68-68 SV Halle Lions PF and 1.DBBL topscorer Tamara Tatham (185-F-85, college: Massachusetts) committed a flagrant foul on Herner TC PG Nadzeya Drozd (168-G-83, agency: LBM Management) who converted one of two free throws. After the following inbound by Herne the ball got in the hands of 1.DBBL great Katsiaryna Zberch (188-C-78, agency: LBM Management). But Lions PG Amanda Rego (170-G-86, college: San Diego) came up strong, stealing the ball from Zberch and bringing the ball back into the hands of Tatham who was fouled with 2.9 seconds remaining in the game. The Canadian National Player sank both free throws and sealed the game for her team. Tatham overall led the attack of the Lions with 18 pts. Ana-Maria Kammer (179-F/C-86), Susanne Biemer (175-G/F-78) and Nadja Protzig (179-F-89) scored 16 pts., 15 pts. and 12 pts. Herne was paced by 29 pts.including four three pointers from Drozd and 18 pts. from Zberch. Katarina Flasarova (171-G-85) added 13 pts.

evo New Baskets Oberhausen - BC Wildcats Wolfenbuettel 89 - 67
When the top team enjoys home court advantage against the last team in the league that could not win a single game so far, nothing but a victory of evo New Basket Oberhausen was expected. They took control of the game already in the first quarter leading 42-29 at halftime. In the second half Oberhausen brought home a pretty easy win. No one of the home team was on court longer than 23 minutes. Every player was used and ten out of twelve players scored. The most productive scorers were Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) with 22 pts. including 5 three pointers, Heather Ernest (186-F/C-81, college: Maine) with 15 pts and Lea Mersch (170-G-87) who added 11 pts. For the guests Jezabel Ohanian (170-F-77) topscored all players with 28 pts. including 3 three pointers. Shaina Zaidi (173-G-85, college: UCLA) had 15 pts and Anita Teilane (196-C-85) ended up with 11 pts.

Rhein-Main-Baskets - BC Phamaserv Marburg 76 - 108
A typical cup game, the underclass team (in this case Rhein Main Baskets - 2.DBBL) is playing one half above its limits and is able to keep upwith the 1.DBBL team (here German Champion of 2003 BC Pharmaserv Marburg) but eventually falls and pays the price later for the up-tempo play. With a score of 45-49 both teams went into the locker rooms. After the break only one team was playing: Marburg. Especially in the fourth quarter the difference between the first league and the second league team was seen as Marburg won this period 28-08. Still the hosts who want to play for the championship in 2.DBBL in this season definately earned some respect in this game. Best scorer for the Basktes were Svenja Greunke (188-F-89) with 22 pts. including 4 three pointers, Jacqueline Fatsawo (180-F/C-88) with 14 pts. and Nadine Ripper (176-F-88) with 11 pts.

BIG Gotha - TV Saarlouis Royals 63 - 107
Last years championship runner-up and flawless top team in 1.DBBL TV Saarlouis Royals had to take a long trip all the way to Basketball in Gotha to play at the second last team in 2.DBBL Group North. The game looked just like the German championship candidate taking on the newcomer to second league that can already consider staying in the league as a huge success. Saarlouis took control of the game early, leading already 28-13 after first quarter and 52-27 at halftime. In the second half the game was brought home in an easy way and Royals head coach Rene Spandauw could use this game to give all of his players enough time on the court. All eleven of them were able to score. Celeste Trahan (184-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Elizabeth City) led five players in double figures with 24 pts. and 10 reb. for the guests. For Gotha Amber Cunningham (175-G-84, college: Rice) topscored with 23 pts.

DJK Don Bosco Bamberg - Chemcats Chemnitz 41 - 95
In 1.DBBL ChemCats Chemnitz is facing a tough season. The only goal is to stay in the league and already this goal will be tough to achieve. Out of the first six games the Cats could only secure one single win so far. Therefore they were probably pretty happy as the encounters of this round were drawn and Chemnitz received the only remaining third league team. Bamberg had kicked out 2.DBBL Group South third seeded team TG Wuerzburg 57-56 in the previous round. But facing a first league team Bamberg had no chance right from the beginning on as Chemnitz won the first quarter 24-10 to take a 54-20 lead at halftime. In the second half the guests stayed in the rhythm and were able to do some for their self-confidence for the upcoming hard games in 1.DBBL. Import player Chevon Keith (178-G-86, college: W.Carolina) led five players in double digits with 19 pts. for the Chemcats.

The next round (Last Eight) will be played January 24th/25th 2009. The four remaining winners after the upcoming round will play for the German Cup in a Final Four in March 2009.

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ICELAND - Women

Iceland Express league results. - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
One round played tonight where Grindavik upset Keflavik and Hamar keep on winning and is the only team not lost game yet.
Results and leading scorers.

Haukar 71. Fjolnir 60. Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir 18. Slavica Dimovska (Agency Icebasket) 15. Telma Fjalardottir 14 + 14 rebs. Gudbjorg Sverrisdottir 14. For Fjolnir Ashley Bowman. ( Agency Icebasket) 28 pts.
Hamar 67. Valur 51. LaKiste Barkus ( Agency Icebasket) 17 pts. Signy Hermansdottir 15 for Valur.
Snaefell 54. KR 76. Detra Ashley ( Agency Icebasket) 20 pts + 13 rebs for Snaefell. Gudrun Thorsteinsdottir & Sigrun Amundadottir 16. Hildur Sigurdardottir 15. Greta Gudbrandsdottir 14 for KR.
Keflavik 75. Grindavik 78. Ingibjorg Vilbergsdottir 16, Palina Gunnlaugsdottir 16. Birna Valgardsdottir 13 for Keflavik. Petrunella Skuladottir (175-F-85) 19. for Grindavik.

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ISRAEL - Women

Liron Cohen in Slovakia - by Gil Goshen

SPARTAK MOSCOW REGION WAS TOO MUCH FOR MAXIMA BROKER!!!

On the 4th round Maxima Broker lost vs. Spartak Moscow region. 75:89.
It was the first lost of Maxima in the Euroleague this season.
Next week Maxima will play vs. TEO Vilnius ( away ).

For Maxima:

Liron Cohen played 33 min, had 17 points , 8 ast. 3rb.
Cathrine Kraayeveld had 15 points, 9 rb.
Sidney Spencer had 22 points 9 rb
Linda Frohlicj had 6 points 6 rb.

For Spartak:

Sue Bird 15 points 3 rb 2 ast.
Lauren Jackson had 14 points 6 rb.
Diana Taurasi had 25 points , 5 rb, 5 ast,
Sylvia Fowles had 19 points 11 rb.

Liron Cohen (174-G-82)