EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/19/2008

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Men News

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


Nashville Broncs hold first position in ABA power rankings - by Gianni Pascucci
The Nashville Broncs continue to hold the #1 position in the ABA Power Rankings, a listing of the top 24 teams. 'We have some very strong teams in the league and several are pressing Nashville for the top position,' said Joe Newman , ABA CEO. 'But as long as the Broncs keep winning, it is going to be hard to knock them off. Maybe we can get a couple of games between these top teams before the season ends though they are in different conferences.'
See down the rankings:
1. Nashville Broncs
2. Maywood Buzz
3. South Texas Showboats
4. Southeast Texas Mustangs
5. Kentucky Bisons
6. Cleveland Rockers
7. Jersey Express
8. Salt Lake City Saints
9. Knoxville Thunderbolts
10. Chicago Steam
11. Mississippi Blues
12. Kansas City Spartans
13. Los Angeles Push
14. Las Vegas Aces
15. Houston Takers
16. Washington Raptors
17. San Francisco Rumble
18. Modesto Bearcats
19. West Texas Whirlwinds
20. Aurora Force
21. Detroit Hoops
22. Georgia Gwizzlies
23. Phoenix Fury
24. West Virginia Blazers

Last ABA results - by Gianni Pascucci
Marcus Fisher (6'5''-F-85) scored 22 points and Maurice Latham (6'6''-F-84, college: Campbell) scored 20 to lift the New Hope Trailblazers to a 98-95 triumph over the Jersey Express at Drew's Baldwin Gym. Lance Hazel (6'1''-G-84, college: Queens (NY)) scored 23 points and Isaiah Hunter (6'2''-G-84, college: ODU) scored 17 for the Express who drop to 2-2 on the season. Despite the loss, the Express looked more and more like a team beginning to find out what their capabilities are. New Hope led by eight points early in the fourth quarter but a 9-2 run with the help of a Donte Chisolm (6'0''-G-86, agency: 22ft) 3-pointer brought the Express to within 86-85 with eight minutes left. There were three lead changes and two ties in the final period, and then Jason Clark (6'8''-F-82, college: Virginia) sank a free throw with 14.4 seconds left to extend his team lead to two points. The Maywood Buzz defeated the powerful Beijing Aoshen Olympian 119-104 to in the season opener for the Olympian. 'I told my young guys before the game that this team has only lost about ten games in three seasons,' stated head coach Burrel Lee III. 'They had the same team as last season missing only current LA Laker Sun Yue and we beat them.' Being down 13 points at halftime, the Buzz inserted an all guard lineup with their biggest player being 6'4' and Bejing having players 6'6, 6'11, 7'3 and 6'9. The Buzz outscored them by 28 points in the second half. The Buzz were led by guards Wesley Stokes (6'0''-G-82, college: San Diego St.) (27 points, 7 assists), Kenny Wright (6'1''-G-81) (24 points and 7 assists) and Jamar Cramer (6'3''-G) (22 points and 6 assists). The Mississippi Blues opened their season against a tough West Texas Whirlwind team and came away with the victory. The Blues came out slow with the Whirlwinds jumping to a 12 point lead. But Ronald Ellis (6'1''-G-83, college: Grambling St.) brought the Blues back with 8 quick points to make the score 22-18. It went back and forth from there until the Blues took the lead at halftime by ten. The Whirlwinds came out strong in the third quarter to tie the score at 79 each but that would be the closest the Whirlwinds would get. The Blues outscored them 34-15 in the fourth quarter to win 113-94. Roderick Smith (6'8''-C-83, college: Jackson St.) had a double double for the Blues with 23 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. Ron Ellis added 21 points and 4 rebounds while Jonathan Oliver (6'3''-G-81, college: Tougaloo) came off the bench to score 18 and 3 steals.

Gwizzlies get luck of the Irish,sign Boston native 6"11 Mike Commane - by Richard
The American Basketball Association Georgia Gwizzlies strengthen it's frontcourt today by adding 26 year old, 6'11 260 pound Mike Commane (6'11''-C-82, college: Stonehill) of Boston,Ma.Commane who played briefly in Spain, will join the team January 2nd weekend after taking a physical exam. He joins the list of Gwizzlies ballplayers who will be pushed this season to get an invitation to a NBA summer pro league team in 2009.

Courtesy of Gwizzlies

Las Vegas Aces updating - by Gianni Pascucci

After a brief sting under a diffferent coaching, team owner Todd Triplett is back at the helm in Vegas. His team, the Las Vegas Aces, are 3-0 now, led by Lou Kelly (6'5''-G/F-79, college: UNLV) and Johnny McClenton (6'6''-F-81, college: Bethune-Cookman). Kelly scored 64 points (!!) against Arizona Rhinos the last week and leads the Aces in points. The other top scorers are McClenton and Antwan Roberson (6'7''-F-80, college: Jacksonville JC). NBA veterans Tony Farmer (6'10''-F/C-70, college: Nebraska) and Anthony Miller (6'9''-C-71, college: Michigan St.) are in the team too. Coach Triplett has agreed with 4 teams in Luxembourg, Europe to play in a 6 day tournament at the end of December-January. He looks forward to go back to the country where he started his coaching career. The Aces are very excited about going to Europe for teh Xmas break. The team's new official website site is www.2kaces.com



Standings
ABA Standings
Northeast Div.
 1. Cleveland R. 2-0 
 2. Jersey Expr. 2-2 
 3. S.Chicago BS 1-0 
 4. New Hope T. 1-0 
 5. W.Virginia W. 0-0 
 6. W. Virginia B. 0-0 
 7. New York I. 0-0 
 8. Montreal M. 0-0 
 9. Westchester P. 0-0 
 10. Aurora Force 0-1 
 11. Detroit Hoops 0-2 
Northwest Div.
 1. Maywood B. 3-0 
 2. Salt Lake S. 2-0 
 3. Washington R. 1-0 
 4. LA Push 1-0 
 5. Sacramento 0-0 
 6. Alaska Dream 0-0 
 7. S.Francisco R. 0-1 
 8. Beijing O. 0-1 
 9. Modesto B. 0-2 
Southeast Div.
 1. Nashville B. 6-0 
 2. Knoxville T. 1-3 
 3. Kentucky W. 0-0 
 4. Kentucky B. 0-0 
 5. Tri-City Racers 0-0 
 6. Georgia G. 0-0 
 7. Atlanta V. 0-0 
 8. Bahama PS 0-0 
 9. Kansas City 0-0 
Southwest Div.
 1. South Texas 4-1 
 2. Las Vegas A. 3-0 
 3. Texas M. 3-1 
 4. Mississippi B. 1-0 
 5. Arizona R. 1-0 
 6. Texas City R. 0-0 
 7. W.Texas W. 0-1 
 8. Fury 0-1 
 9. Houston T. 0-2 


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  ARGENTINA   


Regatas slow down Penarol in Liga Americas - by Eurobasket News
Regatas de Corrientes struck back after the starting loss in Liga Americas. They defeated the reigning champions Penarol in Mar Del Plata to stay in the race for the Final Four appearance. The win was the courtesy of veteran Alejandro Montecchia (180-G-72, agency: Interperformances). The teams were tied at 67 when he took the floor. Alejandro Montecchia converted a jumper to put Regatas ahead 69:67. Few moments later Montecchia stole the ball and got fouled. He was perfect from the stripe to seal an important 71:67 win for Regatas at the end.
Regatas looked the better side in the first half. They outscored the hosts 21:18 in the starting period and kept on piling up the lead in the second term. Penarol scored only 8 points in the stanza and Regatas enjoyed a 7-point advantage at halftime. But the Liga Americas reigning and the only champions Penarol were not about to drop this one that easily. They stepped on the gas in the third frame and turned a deficit into a 6-point lead before the fourth quarter. But Regatas stayed in the race and tied the scoreline at 67 late in regulation. Alejandro Montecchia then stepped up for Regatas leading them to the first win in the tournament.
Damian Tintorelli (202-C-81, agency: Players Group) produced 21 points and 10 boards to lead Regatas. Alejandro Montecchia added 12 points and 5 boards for the winners. Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-G-78) answered with 16 points for Penarol. Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) had 13 points and 11 boards in the loss.

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  CBA   


Skyrockets win in debut over Chicago Steam - by Gianni Pascucci
The Minot Skyrockets opened their 2008-09 season yesterday night, with a clear win in the CBA-ABA interleague game with the Chicago Steam. Final score was 110-84. The Skyrockets kept a better inside scoring all game long, Chicago was limited by some absences in the backcourt, due to injuries, and stayed in the race only thanks to 3pt shooting. The game best performers were for Minot Aaron Spears (6'10''-C-84, agency: Interperformances, college: St.John's) with 24 points, 11 boards, Lee Scruggs (6'11''-F/C-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Georgetown) with 14 points, 11 boards, 2 blocks, veteran Ronnie Fields (6'4''-G-77, agency: Edge Sports) with 18 points, 7 boards, 7 assists and Royce Parran (5'9''-G-85, college: Chicago St.) with 17 points, 4 assists. Chcago had a good performing from Eric Smith (6'1''-G-83, college: Campbell), who ended the game at 23 points, 5 boards, 7 assists (5-10 in 3pointers), Chris Hopson with 21 points, 9 boards, 3 assists and Michael Henderson (6'5''-F, college: Chicago St.) with 20 points, 10 boards.

Standings
CBA Standings
 1. E.Kentucky 3-0 
 2. Albany P. 2-0 
 3. Minot S. 0-0 
 4. Lawton Ft.Sill 0-0 


*****************************************************
  CHILE   


Concepcion lose the second straight at Liga Americas - by Eurobasket News
Concepcion were unable to find the rhythm as they lost the second game at the Liga Americas. Yesterday the Chilean powerhouse was taught a good lesson by the undefeated Bigua of Uruguay.
Bigua opened the game aggressively and piled up an early 9:2 lead. Later Bigua added a 8:0 rally to enjoy a 19:11 advantage after the starting frame. Concepcion struggled offensively and managed just 7 points in the second period. Bigua capitalized building a massive 43:18 lead at halftime. The Chilean team did not say die however. They finally adjusted and things start to glue well for them. A tough defense allowed Concepcion to win the third frame 17:14 but it was not enough to revive the intrigue in this one. Bigua controlled the situation and though the teams exchanged the buckets in the final term Concepcion could not get any closer. Bigua secured a 76:54 victory at the end sending Concepcion to 0-2 record in Group B. Joaquin Osimani (193-F-87) paced Bigua with 11 points. Jefferson Agba (210-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle) responded with game-high 20 points and 13 boards for Concepcion. Andre Hardwick (201-F/C-83, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: CSU Bakersfield) had 9 points in the losing effort.
The Chilean team will take on Regatas de Corrientes today.

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


CBA Round: 14 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Jilin - TianJin R. 81-88
Tianjin edged Jilin 88:81 to take 5-9 record in the standings. Theron Smith had 35 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Darryl Watkins collected 19 points and 9 rebounds. Soumaila Samake paced Jilin with 30 points and 14 rebounds.

Xinjiang - Shaanxi 109-95
Xinjiang advanced to a 13-1 record on top after 109:95 over Shaanxi. Juan Mendez scored 25 points and Xu Guochong notched 19. Brandon Robinson scored 19 for Shaanxi.

Zhejiang C. - Yunnan 115-74
Zhejiang produced 115:74 over Yunnan as Zhang Dayu came back to the court with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks. Samuel Hoskin had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Ding Jinhui had 19 points and 8 rebounds.

Shanxi Zh. - Shandong 118-122
Shandong outscored Shanxi Zhongyu 122:118 behind 36 points and 9 rebounds from Mack Tuck. Sun Jie added 27 points and Wang Gang had 16. Donta Smith shined with 41 points for Zhongyu, while Olumide Oyedeji had 27 points and 30 rebounds.

Qingdao DS - Liaoning 89-100
Liaoning edged Qingdao 100:89 as Zhang Qingpeng had 27 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals. Li Guang paced Qingdao with 21 points, 8 assists and 4 steals.

Jiangsu - Beijing 102-107
Jones Dontae top-scored not only for his team but in Round 14 as well. He had 54 points and 15 rebounds to lead Beijing to a 107:102 upset of Jiangsu. Donnell Harvey produced 35 points and 15 rebounds in defeat.

DongGuan - Guandong 100-105
Guangdong overcame Dongguan 105:100 at home. Zhu Fangyu had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners, while Michael Harris led Dongguan with 27 points and 15 rebounds.

Zhejiang G. - Bayi 94-101
Bayi had a road win over Zhejiang Guangsha 101:94. Wang Zhizhi had 28 points and 8 rebounds and Wang Zhongguang scored 24 points and had 9 assists. Nigel Dixon provided Guangsha with 29 points and 9 rebounds.

Fujian - Shanghai 112-88
Fujian smashed Shanghai 112:88. Gong Songlin top-scored with 33 points and Chris Porter had 19 points and 13 rebounds. DaJuan Tate provided 28 points and 13 rebounds for Shanghai.



Xinjiang Defeats Shaanxi, Beijing Upsets Jiangsu, Guangdong Bests Dongguan for Second Place - by Arthur Volbert

Juan Mendez scored 25 points as Xinjiang advanced to a 13-1 record with a 109-95 win over Shaanxi. Xu Guochong scored 19 and Myron Allen had 18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals. Mengke Bateer had 10 points and 8 assists. Mai Wulan added 12 points. Brandon Robinson scored 19 for Shaanxi. He Ben scored 16. Yang Wengbo, listed as born in 1990, scored 15. Dai Yong and Li Benson each scored 10. Young 7-footer Zheng Zhun had 8 points and 4 rebounds in 19 minutes.

Jones Dontae (202-F-75, college: Mississippi St.) had 54 points and 15 rebounds to lead Beijing to a 107-102 upset of Jiangsu, knocking the Dragons out of second place. Zhang Yunsong had 21 points and 9 rebounds. David Harrison scored 19 and grabbed 15 rebounds. Xie Libin had 11 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Donnell Harvey led Jiangsu with 35 points and 15 rebounds. Jameel Watkins had 19 points and 22 rebounds. Zhang Cheng scored 21. Yi Li had 15 points and 6 assists. Hu Xuefeng had 12 points, 7 assists and 4 steals.

Guangdong edged Dongguan 105-100 as Zhu Fangyu had 21 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists. Guangdong gained sole possession of second place with a 11-3 record. Jason Dixon had 21 points and 17 rebounds and Tyler Amaya had 20 points and 6 rebounds. Du Feng and Liu Xiaoyu each scored 14. Michael Harris led Dongguan with 27 points and 15 rebounds. Qiu Biao scored 25 points. Wang Jing scored 15 and Meng Duo scored 14. Zhang Kai had 11 points and 5 rebounds.

Wang Zhizhi had 28 points and 8 rebounds as Bayi defeated Zhejiang Guangsha 101-94. Wang Zhongguang scored 24 points and had 9 assists. Mo Ke had 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Nigel Dixon led Guangsha with 29 points and 9 rebounds. Rodney White, a new import, scored 20 points and Jin Lipeng had 17.

After a one-game absence Zhang Dayu had 21 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks to lead Zhejiang to a 115-74 slaughter of Yunnan. Samuel Hoskin had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Ding Jinhui had 19 points and 8 rebounds. Luo Zhi scored 16 and Zhang Yongpeng had 10 points and 7 rebounds in 20 minutes. Gabe Muoneke did not play for Yunnan and Keith Closs had only two points in 20 minutes. Li Tao led Yunnan with 15 points and Zhao Anan had 14.

Zhang Qingpeng had 27 points, 11 assists, 6 rebounds and 5 steals as Liaoning edged Qingdao 100-91. Awvee Storey had 21 points and 6 rebounds. Yang Ming scored 14 and Li Xiaoxu had 11. Li Guang led Qingdao with 21 points, 8 assists and 4 steals, though he did have 6 turnovers. Chris Williams replaced Amal McCaskill as one of Qingdao's imports and had 7 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists, shooting just 2 of 13. Yu Gaofeng scored 19 points and Lu Keming had 16. Frans Steyn had 12 points and 14 rebounds.

Shandong defeated Shanxi Zhongyu 122-118 as Mack Tuck had 36 points and 9 rebounds. Sun Jie added 27 points and Wang Gang had 16. Li Jingyu added 13 points. Donta Smith had 41 points for Zhongyu. Olumide Oyedeji had 27 points and 30 rebounds. Wei Mingliang scored 11 and Ba Zhichao had 10.

Fujian swamped Shanghai 112-88 as Gong Songlin scored 33. Chris Porter had 19 points and 13 rebounds. Yang Chao scored 15 and Liu Yudong had 14 points and 8 rebounds. Matt Frieje had 12 points and 6 rebounds. DaJuan Tate had 28 points and 13 rebounds for Shanghai. Peng Fei scored scored 15, Wang Ligang scored 12 and Meng Lingyuan had 11.

Tianjin defeated Jilin 88-81 as Theron Smith had 35 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Darryl Watkins had 19 points and 9 rebounds. Xu Guijun had 12 points and Wang Hao had 11. Soumaila Samake led Jilin with 30 points and 14 rebounds. Wang Bo added 17 and Yang Yuming scored 12.



Standings - CBA
CBA Standings
 1. Xinjiang 13-1 
 2. Guandong 11-3 
 3. Jiangsu 10-4 
 4. DongGuan 10-4 
 5. Zhejiang C. 9-5 
 6. Bayi 9-5 
 7. Shandong 8-6 
 8. Shaanxi 8-6 
 9. Beijing 7-7 
 10. Shanxi Zh. 7-7 
 11. Jilin 7-7 
 12. Liaoning 6-8 
 13. Zhejiang G. 6-8 
 14. Fujian 6-8 
 15. TianJin R. 5-9 
 16. Yunnan 2-12 
 17. Qingdao DS 2-12 
 18. Shanghai 0-14 


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  CROATIA   


Olympiakos too strong for Cibona - by Eurobasket News
Olympiakos - Cibona 93-64

The Reds gave a real basketball lesson to Cibona. It was totally unexciting derby game of Group A as both teams entered into this round with 5-2 record. Olympiakos was too good for the Croatians jumping on top of Group A. After today's game between Unicaja and Air Avelino it will be known will the Reds share that place or not. Olympiakos had couple of players in a game mood. Giannis Bourousis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) and Yotam Halperin (196-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services) delivered 13 points each (Bourousis had 6 more rebs). Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78, agency: Interperformances) came up with 12 points, 8 boards and 5 assists, while Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) added 12 points and 5 rebs. Zoran Erceg (210-C/F-85) helped the hosts with 11 points. Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) was way better than the others in Cibona netting 18 points. Marin Rozic (201-F-83) stopped on 11 pts and 6 rebounds.
Cibona opened the game with 7-9 and later 15-17 lead. Visitors were pretty good in defense keeping plus two until the end of the first stanza, 20-22. However, coach Velimir Perasovic and his players couldn't even dream what will happen to them after that. Papaloukas led his Olympakos to impressive 13-0 run, 33-25. Giannis Bourousis and Nikola Vujcic also stepped up for the hosts with few nice high-low plays. After Vujcic's basket (number 2.000 in Euroleague) it was 43-28. Until the half time the Reds stretched their lead to 19, 50-31. The rest of the game also belonged to Olympiakos. It was 62-38 and 77-49 at the end of third stanza. The only question was how big difference it will be at the end. Zoran Erceg finished this game with a triple and the final score 93-64.

Olympiakos: Giannis Bourousis 13+6 boards, Yotam Halperin 13, Nikola Vujcic 12+8 boards+5 as, Josh Childress 12+5 boards, Zoran Erceg 11
Cibona: Earl Calloway 18, Marin Rozic 11+6 boards

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  CYPRUS   


Resignation of Haris Papadopoulos - by Nasios Orinos
December 17, 2008
I would like to publicly announce my resignation from the
position of General Manager of AEL Athlopaidies Ltd, after
having handed in my official resignation to Mr Michael
Loizides on November 25, 2008.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the members
of the board and the presidents, Mr Andreas Sophokleous and
Mr Michael Loizides for their cooperation throughout the
years. I would especially like to thank the members of FIBA
Europe who have wholeheartedly supported our efforts to
enhance and improve basketball in Cyprus and to raise
Proteas EKA AEL as a force to be reckoned with in European
basketball.
A great big thank you also goes out to my colleagues and the
staff of AEL Athlopaidies Ltd, for the four amazing
basketball years that we have spent together and for all
that we have accomplished as a team. Four All Star Games,
one EuroCup Final Four, four Championships, one Cup and
three Super Cups are no small feat!
I would also like to express my gratitude to the fans and
friends of the team, the partners and suppliers, the
President and members of the Board and the staff of the
Cyprus Basketball Federation for their excellent
collaboration and for standing by us and experiencing with
us the difficult moments and the moments of joy and victory.
Finally, to the members of the press because they are the
ones who have helped to showcase all the hard work that we
have put into the team these past few years.
I leave this position with my head held high and with the
satisfaction of knowing that the team is first in the ranks
for the Championship and has a strong chance to make it to
the final sixteen in Eurochallenge.
In closing, I would like to wish you all the best for the
future, every success to all the teams of AEL Athlopaidies
Ltd.
Yours sincerely,
Haris Papadopoulos

Panayiotis Yiannaras: A coach with an excellent record, never been called in the National Basketball team - by Nasios Orinos


Coach Yiannaras Panayiotis knows what it feels to be disregarded, despite having achieved more than most of his colleagues did. The 36 year-old reached the pinnacle of his Career when he was appointed as a head coach of Enosis Paralimniou Men's Basketball team (Div A) in 2000-2002. Additionally, in 1998-1999 he worked as an assistant coach in AEK Larnakas Men's Baskeball team (Div A). The last 3 years he has been serving as the assistant coach of Keravnos Men's Basketball team (Div A), with which he won 1 championship and 1 cup, being also a Eurochallenge Cup Finalist.

He has been coaching basketball since 1994. For a strange reason though, has never been called at any level of the Cyprus National team. A person who has worked as an assistant and a head coach in Men's Basketball (Div A) and despite the fact that he has probably won more titles, in a higher level, than any of the other coaches who have ever coached in the national team he is wondering why. 'To be honest, I am doing my job and hoping that someone will notice', Panayiotis said to eurobasket.com.

Taking a closer look at his record, coach Yiannaras is a terrific talent. He has passed from quite a few teams so far, including Enosis Paralimniou Men's basketball team, AEK Larnakas Men's Basketball team, AEL Limassol women's team and Keravnos Strovolou junior and women's team and of course Men's team. Besides his success as Keravnoss assistant coach (1 championship and 1 cup), in his career he managed to win 6 more titles out of which 3 were championships. Specifically, his achievements include:

Division B championship finalist (1996-1997)
Division B cup winner (1997-1998)
Women's league champion (2002-2003)
Women's league champion (2003-2004)
Women's cup finalist (2003-2004)
Women's league champion (2004-2005)
Women's league cup winner (2004-2005)
Women's league supercup winner (2004-2005)
Men's league cup winner as an assistant coach (2006-2007)
FIBA Eurochallenge cup finalist (2006-2007)
Men's league champion as an assistant coach (2007-2008)


Finally, through his coaching years he managed to develop very good players, all who have been top in their league. One of them, is the well known Panayiotis Trissokas.

When you have a record like this it is disappointing to stay away. To cut the story short Yiannaras Panayiotis is only 36 years old, has worked in few of the best teams on the island and has quite a few titles on his resume.
Despite all these he has not been called and never coached a single hour in the Cyprus National team, at any level. Why?

We believe that the so-called 'basketball experts' should give us an answer!!!



Learning never ends!! - by Nasios Orinos

One of the most educated Basketball Coaches in Cyprus, Konstantinos Filippopoulos once more is educating himself as he does nearly every year.

The talented Head coach is to attend some very serious basketball seminars which will take place in Europe and in the States, at the end of December beginning of January. Filippopoulos is following all the Basketball trends the last five years and is among the local Head coaches that are more updated than many of the foreign Head coaches who are coming on the island with supposidly good credentials and months later everybody realizes that they are much better in theory and not so good in practice.


Its quite pity for the specific coach who even though proved him self to be a very good coach (in his last two attempts in the Cyprus league, with Keravnos Strovolou in womens league and in Achilleas Kaimakli as an assistant coach, two years ago went amazingly good having in mind all the factors), is still unemployed. Last summer he was very close to book in some European leagues but unfortunately for him there was a kind of a gap in the financial issue.


Eurobasket.com wishes the Cypriot Head coach all the best in his new trip and hopes to see him back on the island even more wiser.



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  D-LEAGUE   


Erie Bayhawks Hope to Continue Early Season Success - by Jim Dod
In March of 2008 Erie, Pennsylvania was awarded an NBA Development League franchise. Known as the Erie Bay Hawks, they are affiliated with the NBAs Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers. Each player that is carried on a D-League roster has the chance throughout the season to establish themselves and hopefully earn a call-up to the NBA.

It is common for any team at any level to struggle in their inaugural season. Although it is still early, this however is not the case with The BayHawks. They are off to a 6-2 start, currently in the midst of a 4-game win streak, one-half game behind the Central Division leading Iowa Energy. With five rookies straight out of college and three with no professional experience, Erie is the youngest team in the D-League.

Although its our first year, our expectations are high, said Head Coach John Treloar. Our goals are to continue to develop the young players on our roster and of course, make the playoffs. Being balanced offensively along with leading the league in defensive field-goal percentage has helped us get off to a good start.

Coach Treloars coaching background includes being an assistant to the 2006 LSU team that went to the NCAA Championship and coaching internationally in Germany and Venezuela. Also a veteran Head Coach and GM in the CBA, Treloars teams advanced to the playoffs seven out of his eight years, competing against such recent NBA head coaches as George Karl, Terry Stotts, Eric Musselman and Flip Saunders.

Erik Daniels is currently leading The BayHawks in scoring at 21ppg, followed by Ivan Harris at 16.5ppg and Oliver Lafayette with 15.9ppg respectively.

The Erie Bay Hawks upcoming games are Thursday at home against The Dakota Wizards, and Friday @ Fort Wayne. Each game has a 7:30pm EST tip-off

D-League Round: 19 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Sioux Falls - Colorado 99-98
Sioux Falls Skyforce grabbed thriller road victory against the 14ers thanks to rookie Gary Forbes, who made two free throws with 4.5 seconds to go. It means that the Skyforce improved on 7-2 record, while Colorado fell on 5-2. Forbes finished the game with 26 points for 34 minutes. Gary Ervin and Carl Elliott netted 17 points apiece. Sonny Weems answered with 24 points and 7 rebounds for the hosts. Eddie Gill also shined collecting 23 points, 7 boards and 10 assists.



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  EBA   


NJ LIghtning announce Roster - by Justin Moore
The Newiest EBA team from the Jersey area have release there roster for the 09 season.



NJ LIGHTNING EBA MENS PRO BASKETBALL TEAM


2 Maurice Boatright 62 190 St Pauls College

3 Jonathan Birriel 66 220 CSI

4 Michael Fagan 64 215 St Johns University

5 Shinji Miyoto 510 170 Japan Pro BJ

7 Taisuke Hayama 510 180 Manhattan CC

8 Edward Gaines 62 185 CSI

9 Rich Sintyago 63 180 Manhattan CC

10 Eric Maddox 511 175

11 Darren Trimmingham 60 180

12 Chris Straub 63 170 Kingsborough

13 Bryan Henderson 66 240 Sheridan College

15 Louis Dowd 63 235

20 William Modeste 61 200 Polytechnic

23 Dion Johnson 64 190

24 Laron Young 64 180

30 Takaharu Tsugawa 61 180 SW Adventist University

31 Jeff Vincent 60 190 Philadelphia Power EBA

32 Sean Brock 510 190 Stevens Institute

34 William James 61 180

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Diamantidis is officially in the top list in Euroleague! - by Chris Mammides
Panathinaikos's record is now 6-2 in the Euroleague after the last night's victory 83-69 over the French Nancy but that was more or less expected as the Greens are much better in general than the French what was expected and happended also was the fact taht Diamantidis added his 200th steal in the European courts of Euroleague and is now officially the fifth player in the list. It is most certain than in a couple of years (he is only 27) Dimitris will be heading for the top position.
In regards to the game now, Panathinaikos couldn't use Pekovic and in his place, Obradovic use the talented giant from Georgia, Shermandini who actually scored his first ever points in the Eurolegue.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20   


Standings
Standings
Group E
1. Italy4-1
2. Lithuania4-1
3. Turkey4-1
4. Ukraine2-3
5. Croatia1-4
6. Israel0-5
Group F
1. Serbia4-1
2. Monteneg.3-2
3. Spain3-2
4. France3-2
5. Latvia2-3
6. Russia0-5
Classification
1. Bulgaria2-1
2. Greece2-1
3. Slovenia2-1
4. Georgia0-3


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  FINLAND   


Standings - Division I
1st Division Standings
 1. Kauhajoki 8-1 
 2. JKS 7-3 
 3. Salon Vilpas 6-3 
 4. BC Nokia 5-4 
 5. Huima 4-5 
 6. Lapua 4-5 
 7. Honka 4-5 
 8. LoKoKo 4-6 
 9. HNMKY 3-6 
 10. Jyvaskyla 3-6 
 11. Ura Basket 3-7 


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  FRANCE   


PAO books a spot for the Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - SLUC Nancy 83-69

Panathinaikos made it easily against SLUC Nancy in Athens becoming the third team from Group B who already secured a place for the Top 16. As a reminder, Regal Barca and Montepaschi already did it last week. Greek and Italian champ currently have the same 6-2 record. Barca is on top with 7-1. Nancy fell on 2-6, but with a chance to reach fourth place at the end. Today's game between Asseco Prokom and Zalgiris in Kaunas will be very important for Nancy. Stratos Perperoglou (203-G-84) was a key player for the Greens as he netted 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) delivered 12, while Costas Tsartsaris (210-F-79) added one points less, but including 7 rebounds. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) collected 10 points and 6 rebounds. Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh) shined in Nancy with 21 points and 6 boards. Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) had 14, while John Cox (195-G-81, college: USF) contributed with 11 pts in loss.
It seems that just 10 minutes in the second quarter was enough for PAO in this game. After 17-15 in the first and 21-22 at the beginning of the next period, the hosts totally took control on Nancy. Dimitris Diamantidis and Antonis Fotsis made 3 bombs creating 9-0 run. Mike Batiste joined them soon after that for 32-22. Nancy didn't give up and through Samnick cut the margin on 32-27. However, PAO answered with 7-0 until the half time for comfortable plus 12, 39-27. After that moment Nancy never threatened. PAO Had plus 15 at the middle of third stanza, 49-34. Until the end of the game Nancy succeeded to came on minus 9 (55-46), but nothing more than that.

PAO: Stratos Perperoglou 16+8 boards, Dimitris Diamantidis 12, Costas Tsartsaris 11+7 boards, Mike Batiste 10+6 boards
Nancy: Ricardo Greer 21+6 boards, Lamayne Wilson 14, John Cox 11

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Rabotnicki celebrates against Dinamo in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News
Balkan League, Round 6: Dinamo B. - F.Rabotnicki 66-72

Fersped Rabotnicki grabbed very important road victory against the Romanian Dinamo Bucharest. With this win Rabotnicki jumped on third place in Group B with 3-2 record. Dinamo remains the last ranked team in the group with only 1 win in 5 appearances. Toni Grncarov (191-G-80) was the best scorer in Rabotnicki with 16 points. Toni Simic (210-C-76, agency: Interperformances) registered the only double-double in both teams, 12 points and 11 boards. Ognen Stojanovski (189-G-85) netted 12, while Dime Tasovski (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances) helped the winners with 10 points. Dinamo got 13 pts from Razvan Popa (195-F-75). Viorel Mocanu (205-C-77) and Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) posted 12 apiece. It is important to mention it's the second win for Rabotnicki vs Dinamo this season.
First quarter belonged to visitors, 14-19. However, the hosts woke up after that responding with 17-13. Toni Grncarov and his teammates intensified their defense after the breather forcing Dinamo to pull up many tough shots. It resulted with only 13 points by the hosts in third stanza meaning that Rabotnicki entered into the crucial ten minutes with plus 4. After 9-0 run visitors reached 47-59. Dinamo answered with 7-1 cutting the margin on 6 points with 45 seconds to go. Dime Tasovski stepped up for Rabotnicki after that keeping Dinamo on distance until the very end.

Dinamo: Razvan Popa 13, Viorel Mocanu 12+6 boards, Kiril Pavlovski 12+5 boards
Rabotnicki: Toni Grncarov 16, Toni Simic 12+11 boards, Ognen Stojanovski 12, Dime Tasovski 10

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  GERMANY   


Ex Jena Coach Sean Mccaw Interview - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Sean McCaw (205-F-73, college: S.Utah), who became head coach of Science City Jena in Febuary 2008 finished the 2007-2008 as coach, but couldnt save the team from deregulation. This season in PRO A, he formed a formidable team with ex BBL players Alexander Seggelke and Ryan De Michael plus talented Americans Jeremy Black and Henry Uhegwu and not to forget multi talented American Drew Williamson who is working his way up the Basketball ladder. Science City Jena started the season well, but fell into a slump losing six of its last ten games. Sean McCaw and management came to an agreement that he step down from his position as head coach. One day after the announcement, Sean Mccaw was willing to talk to Eurobasket and tell his side of the story.



Even though the team lost 6 of its last 10 games and last three in a row, it comes as bit of a surprise that you have stepped down. What were the reasons for this decision?

It all comes down to wins and losses in this business. I have to be thankful to the club that I even had a chance to coach this season and part of last season in the BBL. I would never want the club to be in a difficult situation so in the end after talking it over with the management, we decided that the best thing for the club would be for me to step down. No drama involved at all. I am probably much critical of myself than any manager or fan could ever be so it was the right decision for everyone involved.


What have been the primatry reasons that the club has been losing games recently?

Its been a combination of a few different factors that dont need to be discussed in the public, but the one thing I will say, is that if we would have had the same record at home that we have on the road, I probably wouldnt be doing this interview right now. Of course we were underacheiving, but the fact that our own public didnt get to see us win (1 out of 5) cast a different light on the situation. Also for the players, it was hard not to win at home. Its a mental thing. You really feel like people look at you different when you walk down the street after a home loss.

The 61-48 loss to MBC was bitter. Was that a signal to you that something had to change. Were you surprised how the team played and lost?

This is going to sound funny or naive on my part, especially after such a loss, but I actually saw some really good things that made me optimistic after watching that game on film afterwards. That was the ONLY time after a loss that I felt the guys gave it EVERYTHING they had. MBC was for sure a good team. One thing that was missing the last weeks was an intensity and desire from the very beginning of the game. The guys had that against MBC. They also ran our defensive plan almost to perfection. Of course if you shoot 28% from the field and have 21 turnovers, you arent going to win many ballgames no matter how well you play on defense.

What does the team need to be successful in the future?

Well in my opinion, a monkey could coach those guys to a winning season becuase the team has a lot of potential. They just have to realize it for themselves and take more responsiblity. Whoever the club decides to bring in will inherit good players and will make his job a little easier. If you dont have talent to start with, it would be tough, but those guys know how to play.

What type of coach does the team need now to be successful?

Thats not something I can really say. Of course people will say that they need the opposite of me. Someone that has alot of experience, is more tough on the guys ect., but I do not really share that opinion totally. A change is needed yes, but I am not sure THAT team will do well with a dictator on the sideline. Just my opinion.

You will stay with Jena and work in other areas of the organization. What types of things will you be doing?

Actually before I was named head coach during last season, I was already in talks with the management to come onto the staff in some way. I can imagine working in the areas of scouting and working with agents about future players prospects. I also love working with kids so we will see what direction my journey will take me. I need a little time away but I will talk with the management in the next days and we will define my role with the club.

Do you think that you will coach again in the future?

No question about it. One thing I do know, is that I will be a DAMN good coach one day. I would welcome the chance to be an assistant to gain experience but eventually I will be a head coach again. But, only time will tell.

Thanks Sean for answering some questions!!! Have a nice holiday season!

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Meet The Giessen 46ers In The Hessen Derby And Two Old Friends Murat Didin And Simon Cote Meet Face To Face For The First Time As Coaches - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners want to go into the short holiday season with a victory in Giessen on Saturday. In professional sports, there are certain delicacies like rivalries that sometimes cause great joy or sorrow for fans. In Basketball in the NBA, there was the loved Boston Celtics-Los Angeles Lakers Rivalry of the 80s, in Baseball without doubt the most famous and nastiest rivalry between The Boston Redsox and The New York Yankees or in Professional Hockey between The Boston Bruins and The Montreal Canadians of the 70s and 80s and in the BBL since ten years between Frankfurt and Giessen, which always brings out the best in the players and extra hidden energy of the fans. Skyliner captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76) remembers two games against Giessen. 'I recall Many years ago when Rick Stafford (192-G-72, college: Alaska-Anch.) was playing in Giessen, we had a tough game where I wasnt shooting well and I had some trash talking with Rick or three years ago, when we easily won in Giessen as Desmond Ferguson (201-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Detroit Mercy) hit seven three pointers. That was a big win in a season that started off bad'. The game will also mark a reunion with ex Skyliners assistant coach Simon Cote , and Robert Maras (216-C-78, agency: Court Side), who both won the BBL title in 2004 and Gerrit Terdenge (205-F-75, college: Fresno St.), who also played in Frankfurt. 'It will be great seeing those guys. I especially remember Simon Cote as always being a funny guy, but at the same time very disciplined and always having a story', commented Pascal Roller. The big highlight, which will surely be scrutinized by fans will be the first head to head showdown between Murat Didin and Simon Cote , who was his assistant in the 2004-2005 season. 'I am really happy for Simon, because he was always looking to find a head coaching job for a traditional Basketball team. He is a hardworking guy and will be ready for the triangle defense. He is a family guy. His parents and aunt have Basketball in their hearts and in their blood. The reason that Simon is such a good coach is because of the same DNA', joked coach Murat Didin .

A very big special quality about the Hessen derby is that the two cities are only 65 kilometers apart, which gives fans the opportunity to be at both games. This is a charmed quality of service in the BBL that the distances are not as far, but in the NBA for example in a Los Angeles-Boston series, it is very rare for fans to travel around the NBA, unless your actor Jack Nicholson, who can travel with a private jet, champagne and some models clinging to his arms. The Frankfurt-Giessen series is so close in comparison as if a kid had to only walk down the street to get some candy in the drug store. The two cities are in size as different as are the skyscraper Messe turm in Frankfurt and a two story University building in Giessen. The town of Giessen is known as a University location and almost half of the population are stundets. Giessen is one of the few cities in Germany that has a Budhist temple and one of Electronic music most known German DJs Chris Liebing. Giessen is diminutive, but have a huge heart for Basketball. 'Giessen loves Basketball! It is tradition there,' added Murat Didin .

In the last years, The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have dominated the Hessen derby posting a 4-2 record. Frankfurt has demonstrated a special confidence and calmness that makes the Osthalle in Giessen look more like their own personal lounge area than a hostle Giessen playground with naughty kids throwng sticks and stones. Who could forget the onslaught before Christmas 2005 as Frankfurt routed Giessen 96 to 63 with seven three pointers from Desmond Ferguson. Two years ago under the guidance of Charles Barton, Frankfurt won a nail bitter 73 to 67 as Frankfurt showed nerves of steal in the dwindling minutes of the fourth quarter. Last season, Frankfurt won a tight game, even though it seemed like they were never in any real danger of losing as Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) led the team with 19 points and an energized Alex King (200-F/G-85) flew into the arena with a special sized made superman cape and steered the team off the bench scoring in double figures. 'I like fun rivalries. I remember how it was with Leverkusen playing against Cologne. It will be tough task and tough to play in Giesen', warned Derrick Allen.

The Giessen 46ers are currently the oldest BBL team. They have won five German titles and three Cups. Their big success came in the 70s and their last big achievement was reaching the 2005 BBL semi finals, where they played Bamberg tough, but couldnt get by them. In the last three years, the club has been struggling as they won less on the court and have been plagued by financial difficulties. The team fulfilled the life long dream of Simon Cote to coach a professional Basketball team. It was not an easy start for him, because he came late and had many players and couldnt start from scratch and choose his own players. On top of that, there has been tension in the front office. Sport director Jens Gelhar had to step down after the Ludwigsburg game which never began and can be titled as the cross country trip to nowhere. Vladimir Bogojevic replaced him, who had made a name in the BBL winning three straight titles with ALBA Berlin, having 56 international caps for Germany and leading Kaiserslautern to 3rd place in the PRO A last season in his rookie coaching year. He started his Basketball career in Giessen 14 years ago as a player and wants to regain that fresh energy now in his new job, which he once had as a player.

Even though Giesen has a lot of talent and potential, it seems like the financial situation creeps into the foreground and puts a roadblock onto the court. Recently the club was treading water and needing funds and it was Christoph Syring that saved the club and has become manager of the team. Management seems to have been making strides in the last weeks in the financial area. Now it would be essential if the club could put 1 and 1 together and also make some noise on the court with wins. The team started off the season with a four game losing streak, then won two of three games, then lost three games in a row and now have won two of the last four games and hover at 17th place. The team showed that they can beat any one on any given day as they beat The Telekom baskets Bonn and TBB Trier. The Frankfurt win against Oldenburg has made some fans insane thinking that a team like Giessen will be a cake walk for Frankfurt. 'Someone told me, that we would beat Giessen by 50 points. I looked at them in a crazy way. Giessen can play well. If we arent focused, then it will be a nightmare. We look better on paper, but sometimes on the court it can be a total different story', warned Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.). Giessen also have been informed of the big Frankfurt run in recent weeks. 'Frankfurt is a good team. If they play like they did against Triumph Moscow, then they will be hard to beat, warned Giessen 46er Jannik Freese (208-F/C-86).

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have been playing awe-inspiring Basketball winning 12 of their last 15 games in a two month period. With the end of 2008 coming to an end, there are some questions that need to be answered. Will Frankfurt return in 2009 with 13 players, or will the roster shrink? 'The guys know what the situation is. They are all very mature and continuing to work very hard. I wish that they can all stay. We want to keep the roster strong and keep every guy', expressed coach Murat Didin . The coaching staff has not been focusing on letting the players know daily updates about their status, but rather kept it quiet. 'We dont talk about this topic with the players. The whole competition is already difficult enough for the players, but they are very professional', added Skyliner sports director Kamil Novak . Another question that is important when a team has 13 players is who will have to sit and watch in street clothes? 'We are always looking at performances. Frankfurt has had an injury phobia the last years, so it wasnt always an issue about having a player in jeans and sweater watching. We look from practice to practice and then decide on game day', explained coach Murat Didin .

American Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) has returned from his seven month absence and played very efficient as if he had never been away. 'My comeback is coming along well. It is going along better than I thought. It is great that we are winning. I still do have a little pain in my shooting hand, but that will go away', described Jimmy McKinney. Ilian Evtimov, who had a strong shooting game against Oldenburg, but had problems in the Eurochallenge getting off shots in the zone. 'I had a lot of hurried shots against BC Kalev. I was trying to get to the free throw line, but I didnt get the calls', stated Ilian Evtimov. After ranking himself a 6.5 out of 10 at the poker table at the Skyliner Christmas party, Ilian Evtimov revealed that he may add a new shot to his repertoire of fadeaway jumpers, outside shot and his running hook shot, but also delete another shot. 'I have to get rid of my scoop shot. Coach doesnt like that shot. He wants to keep my shots simple, but I am thinking of presentating a new shot, my slam dunk', expressed a smiling Ilian Evtimov. The two big men Americans Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) and Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) have played great basketball and it would be a pity if either had to go. 'They both have a lot of self confidence. Greg is so important for his presence and rebounding strength, while Anthony is important for his timing and shot', commented Pascal Roller. Coach Murat Didin knows the secret to their success. 'Anthony is improving so much, because both are pushing each other in practice. Greg is always getting stronger and back to the way he was before his injury'.

The Giessen 46ers are led by German Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84), who is averaging 11,8, 2,4 rebounds and 3,3 assists per game. He is a solid point guard, who can also score if he has too. At the moment, he is shooting 40% from the field and from three point range. American Maurice Jeffers (194-G/F-79, college: St.Louis), who was drafted by the Sacremento Kings in 2001 is averaging 11,2 points, 4,7 rebounds and 1,2 assists per game. He has been consistent for most of the season and has had some strong defensive games. American Michael Umeh (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: UNLV) is averaging 11,1 points, 3,5 rebounds, 1,6 assists per game. The product of Nevada-Las Vegas can be a scoring machine, but on off days, his scoring input is difficult to compensate. His shooting could be titled Cobra, because at times it can be deadly. Ex Skyliner Robert Maras, who played 66 games for the German National team is averaging 8,5 points, 4,3 rebounds and 1,2 assists per game. He is a vital part of the Giessen inside game and will need to produce against the many Skyliner options. German Gerrit Terdenge, who also had a fine career playing 82 times for the German National team is a very versatile forward/center, who can battle inside, but also step outside and hit the three pointer.

American Corey Rouse (203-F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: E.Carolina), who played at East Carolina University is averaging 6,7 points and 4,8 rebounds per game. This is his second season in Giessen and he is still searching to find the form he had in Nurnberg, since he has not blommsed in Giessen into the player he once was in Nurnberg. It cant be forgotten, that he was the main option in Nurnberg and in Giessen, he is surrounded by many scorers. However, he is still dangerous and capable of making a double double on any given night. German Florian Hartenstein (206-C-77, agency: LimeLight, college: Oregon), who played at the University of Oregon is the captain and heart and soul of the Giessen 46ers. He has been on the roster since 2001. He is averaging 6,2 points and 2,6 rebounds. Even though he is 31years old and in the twilight of his career, he is having his best season in Giessen. Who could forget his inspiring game against Regal FC Barcelona in the pre season, where superman entered his body for a game and he made moves in the zone that would of even had Dwight Howard (207-F-85) asking, 'Who is that guy'? German Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87, agency: Court Side) is averaging 5,9 points and 2,5 rebounds per game. He is a huge German talent, who is also playing for the Giessen cooperation partner Lich and leading the PRO A with 26 points per game. Recently acquired American Ricky Hickman (190-G-83, college: NC-Greensboro) and German Jannik Freese help from the bench.

No game is easy in the BBL and sometimes the most difficult games are the ones where a team is a big favourite. Giessen has nothing to loose, and will have the home court advantage, but the Skyliner fans will be making noise too, so somewhere during the game the home court advantage may change depending how much the Giessen fans are in the game. Frankfurt knows what awaits them in the Osthalle. 'We will not be overconfident. The key will be to keep our intensity throughout the game', warned captain Pascal Roller. On paper, Frankfurt scores more points and also grab more rebounds. A big stat eye opener are the 9,2 assists average for Giessen. If Frankfurt can disrupt the playmaking and play strong defense, then Frankfurt will have good chances to win. 'We have to defend well. Umeh is up and down and not let him shoot. We need to contain Robert Maras and contain the three pointer of Gerrit Terdenge. Get our fans behind us and keep the gym quiet will be the key for us', stated Derrick Allen. 'We have to be focused for 40 minutes. We need to play from minute to minute and just fight. We also have to find a way to keep the game open in the last five minutes', added Giessen 46er Jannik Freese. Win or lose, all The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will return home on Sunday or Monday for a week for Christmas including Jimmy McKinney, who will go home to St Louis. He is still unsure if he will moonlight and have a special short second job to entertain his two sons Ethan and Jimmy Earl. 'I am sure they would laugh seeing me as Santa Claus, but I am not sure if I should dress up, but I am thinking about it', joked Jimmy McKinney. The Giessen 46ers host The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on Saturday December 20th at 20:00.

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  GREECE   


Diamantidis is officially in the top list in Euroleague! - by Chris Mammides
Panathinaikos's record is now 6-2 in the Euroleague after the last night's victory 83-69 over the French Nancy but that was more or less expected as the Greens are much better in general than the French what was expected and happended also was the fact taht Diamantidis added his 200th steal in the European courts of Euroleague and is now officially the fifth player in the list. It is most certain than in a couple of years (he is only 27) Dimitris will be heading for the top position.
In regards to the game now, Panathinaikos couldn't use Pekovic and in his place, Obradovic use the talented giant from Georgia, Shermandini who actually scored his first ever points in the Eurolegue.

PAO books a spot for the Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Panathinaikos - SLUC Nancy 83-69

Panathinaikos made it easily against SLUC Nancy in Athens becoming the third team from Group B who already secured a place for the Top 16. As a reminder, Regal Barca and Montepaschi already did it last week. Greek and Italian champ currently have the same 6-2 record. Barca is on top with 7-1. Nancy fell on 2-6, but with a chance to reach fourth place at the end. Today's game between Asseco Prokom and Zalgiris in Kaunas will be very important for Nancy. Stratos Perperoglou (203-G-84) was a key player for the Greens as he netted 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) delivered 12, while Costas Tsartsaris (210-F-79) added one points less, but including 7 rebounds. Mike Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) collected 10 points and 6 rebounds. Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh) shined in Nancy with 21 points and 6 boards. Lamayne Wilson (204-F-80, college: Troy) had 14, while John Cox (195-G-81, college: USF) contributed with 11 pts in loss.
It seems that just 10 minutes in the second quarter was enough for PAO in this game. After 17-15 in the first and 21-22 at the beginning of the next period, the hosts totally took control on Nancy. Dimitris Diamantidis and Antonis Fotsis made 3 bombs creating 9-0 run. Mike Batiste joined them soon after that for 32-22. Nancy didn't give up and through Samnick cut the margin on 32-27. However, PAO answered with 7-0 until the half time for comfortable plus 12, 39-27. After that moment Nancy never threatened. PAO Had plus 15 at the middle of third stanza, 49-34. Until the end of the game Nancy succeeded to came on minus 9 (55-46), but nothing more than that.

PAO: Stratos Perperoglou 16+8 boards, Dimitris Diamantidis 12, Costas Tsartsaris 11+7 boards, Mike Batiste 10+6 boards
Nancy: Ricardo Greer 21+6 boards, Lamayne Wilson 14, John Cox 11

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  HOLLAND   


PromotieDivisie News: Simon Fluks leaves EJ/MyGuide2 for Upstairs Weert - by Terry Cooper
Upstairs Weert has added EJ/MyGuide2 player Simon Fluks (196-F-88) to its roster for the rest of the season. He started this season with the second team of Amsterdam and helped them maintain a first place position so far in the league. Fluks was a member of the MyGuide Amsterdam in 2007-08. He begins with Upstairs Weert right away. Hopefully this will enable other PromotieDivisie players to make a similar move to play in a higher level of competition that gives them more exposure whether in Holland or other parts of Europe.

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  HONG KONG   


Group Stage: Super Kung Sheung Cup - by Cheung Suet-pan
The 17th Super Kung Sheung Cup International Basketball Invitation Championship began at this tuesday. Six teams are seperating in two groups before the semi-finals, which are qualified according to their places in the groups. Hong Kong international team finished in the top of the group with victories over teams Singapore and Philipine. Meanwhile, another favourite of the championship, Southern California Fukienese Assocaition Basketball Team reamined perfect reord with victories over India and Thailand team.

At the last day of the group games, Southern California Fukienese Assocaition Basketball Team which defeated India at the first day by 87:81, would require another victory to clinched the first place in the group. However, their opponent Thailand team had an unexpected performence, though they are smaller and inexprienced than the American. They made a little suprise, which the Thai once took the lead with 55-54 when still six minutes left in the 3rd quater. However, Thailand team show inexprienced performence in defence as the top three scorers were all fouling out at the last quater, the game finally was 103-90 in favor to the American. Thai sharp shooter D. Apiromvilaichai fnished 23pts, who was fouled out when 5:39 remaining in the game. Centre Chaiwat Kaedum (190cm,120kg,25yrs) had 15pts, and power forward P.Chet Guedradub (185cm,80kg,22yrs) had 14pts, and both were fouled out. Southern California Fukienese Assocaition Basketball Team led by forward Andrew David (199cm,96kg,26yrs) with 27pts, shooting gaurd Ray Reed (188cm,84kg,22yrs) with 25pts and two dunks as a present to the crowd.

Hong Kong international team played against Phillipines team in the last group match, which was only exciting in the frist quater, when the young Phillipines team dashed a 14-2 run. However, Hong Kong excellent long range shooting which inclueded, forward Lau Chi Kin's (183cm,29yrs,South China) four first half three pointers, and the buzzer beater there pointer of point guard Lo Yin Ting (175cm,21yrs,South China) made Hong Kong enlarged the winning margin by 20pts with 54-34 at the half. And the second half got no more suprise, and Hong Kong got the victory by 105-86. Filipino big man June Fajardo got 22pts, and was fustrated in the game resulting for a technical foul call.

Hong Kong will face India team in the semi-final game, while Southern California Fukienese Assocaition Basketball Team will play against Phillipines team on the another side. Singapore team and Thailand team will played for the fifth place of the tournament.

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  ICELAND   


KR still not lost a game - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
KR is still on a winning road, have won first 11 games in the league. Tonight did not have problem beating Thor 97-69. Well ballanced scoring from KR Helgi Magnusson Jakob Sigurdarson & Jason Douirisseau all with 17 pts Magnusson also with 10 assist. Jon Arnor Stefansson 16. Cedric Isom 30 pts + 13 rebs for Thor.
Njardvik lost bad at home to Snaefell 55-85 Fridrik Stefansson 15 + 15 rebs for Njardvik. Logi Gunarsson16 For Snaefell Sigurdur Thorvaldsson 21 Jon Olafur Jonsson 20. Slobodan Subasic 17
Finally Stjarnan pick up a win when they beat FSU 87-79 Justin Shouse had a good game for Stjarnan 28 pts & 13 assist. Jovan Zdravevski 21. For FSU Tom Thomas Viglianco (206-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Birmingham Souther) 19 + 14 rebs.

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  ISRAEL   


Standings - National League
National League Standings
 1. Bar.Netanya 10-0 
 2. Hod Hasharon 7-3 
 3. Macc.Ashdod 6-4 
 4. Elitzur Ramla 6-4 
 5. Hap.Afula 6-4 
 6. Hap.Tivon 6-4 
 7. Lev Hashar. 5-5 
 8. Ironi N-Ziona 4-6 
 9. Megido/Yok. 4-6 
 10. Kohav Yair 4-6 
 11. Elitzur Yavne 4-6 
 12. Natzrath Elite 3-7 
 13. Hap.Beeri 3-7 
 14. Benyamina 2-8 


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  ITALY   


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


AJ Milano beats Partizan in style - by Eurobasket News
AJ Milano - Partizan 73-59

It was extremely important game for both teams. It seems that Partizan's players were not able to forget last week/s thriller defeat in Madrid as they totally disappointed in this game. On the other side, the winning squad was on a pretty high level keeping its hopes for the Top 16 alive. Both teams now have 3-5 record in Group D. Efes Pilsen or Panionios will join them today. Luca Vitali (201-G-86) and Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) led the scorers in AJ Milano with 14 points each. David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) this time stopped on 12, while Mindaugas Katelynas (205-F-83, college: Chattanooga) almost registered double-double, 10 points and 9 boards. Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) was the only one who shined in Partizan delivering 19 points. Big guy Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) scored 9.
Early beginning sent a clear signal about the secnario for the rest of the game. AJ Milano made 7-0 and later 12-3. David Hawkins and Jobey Thomas shined for the hosts after that setting the score on 24-11. However, Milenko Tepic managed to push his team to 26-16. Novica Velickovic joined Tepic in the second quarter and together with him and Jan Vesely made 4-14 run for 30-27. However, Marco Mordente (long range triple) and David Hawkins closed the first half with 7-3 run for AJ Milano, 41-34. Second half totally belonged to the hosts and Partizan never threatened. Actually visitors came on 49-40, but soon after than Mindaugas Katelynas and Marco Mordente paced their team to 57-40. AJ Milano kept its leading without any extra efforts until the very end.

AJ Milano: Luca Vitali 14, Jobey Thomas 14, David Hawkins 12+4 boards, Mindaugas Katelynas 10+9 boards
Partizan: Milenko Tepic 19, Zarko Rakocevic 9

Barca devastates Montepaschi stopping it on just 3 pts in the first quarter - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Montepaschi 87-61

Regal Barca once again demonstrated its power in Euroleague. This time Italian champ, Montepaschi Siena, faced with it suffering 26-point defeat in Palau Blaugrana. With this victory Barca jumped on top of Group B alone with almost perfect 7-1 record. Montepaschi and PAO share the second place with 6-2 (both qualified for Top 16). Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) top-scored for the winning squad with 17 points. Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) had 14, while Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) netted one point less. Lubos Barton (200-F/G-80, college: Valparaiso) and David Andersen (212-C-80) posted 10 points each. Visitors had only one player with double-digits in scoring and it was Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) with 17 pts (also had 5 rebs). Ksistof Lavrinovic contributed with 9 points and 5 rebs.
What to say about the first quarter. Barca created quick 6-0 and later 13-0 lead. Daniel Santiago made it for 15-0, after what Montepaschi finally scored the first basket. Actually it was a triple by Lavrinovic, and at the same time the only points for his team in the first period!? Gianluca Basile drained a 3-pointer and David Andersen closed the first quarter with another bomb for magnificent 25-3. It was just the beginning, but it was clear that this game is almost over for the Italians. Barca had 34-11 in the second quarter, but Montepachi finally woke up cutting the margin on 20 at the half time, 44-23. Nothing has changed after the breather. Barca still was the team which dominated. Juan Carlos Navarro and his teammates extended lead to 30 points after 30 minutes, 71-41. Everything was said and done so Barca slowed down until the end. Despite that fact, Montepaschi couldn't end this game better than minus 26.

Regal Barca: Juan Carlos Navarro 17, Daniel Santiago 14+4 boards, Gianluca Basile 13, Lubos Barton 10+10 boards, David Andersen 10+4 boards
Montepaschi: Henry Domercant 17+5 boards, Ksistof Lavrinovic 9+5 boards

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


Louisville to face Ole Miss on ESPN tonight - by Leonard Whyte
Louisville, KY (12-18-2008): The University of Louisville mens basketball team, featuring freshman center, Samardo Samuels, will face University of Mississippi tonight in the SEC/Big East Invitational tournament. The game will be broadcasted live on ESPN beginning 9:00 p.m. ET from the U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. Louisville, ranked 9th in the nation, will be going for their fifth straight victory, but are 0-2 against Ole Miss all-time.

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  LATVIA   


LBL D2 Round: 18 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Valmiera U21 - LU/Ridzene 67-60
Valmiera U21 outscored LU/Ridzene at home court. Oskars Virsis produced 18 points and 8 assists for the winners. Maris Ziedins added 17 points in the victory. Kristers Zeidaks answered with 20 points and 10 boards for Ridzene in defeat.

Liep.Papirs - Cesis 90-73
Liepajas Papirs celebrated just the third victory as they trounced Cesis. Mareks Mejeris poured in 27 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead the way for Liepajas Papirs. Artis Ate added 19 points for the winning team. Martins Tiss responded with 15 points for Cesis in the loss.

Kandava - Jurmala 73-91
Jurmala thumped Kandava on the road. Janis Ramma topscored with 27 points in the eighth win for Jurmala. Atis Ozols had 21 points, 8 boards and 5 assists in the win. Kandava got 20 points, 8 boards and 6 assists from Girts Celms.

Zemgale/Juniors - Livani 89-100
Livani managed the ninth win in the LBL Second Division. They held off Zamgale/Juniors on the road behind 29 points and 8 boards from Oskars Kalnins. Kristaps Melnbardis added 19 points and 9 boards for the winners. Kalvis Krumins answered with 24 points for Zemgale in defeat.



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  LIGA AMERICAS   


Standings
Liga Americas Standings
Group A
 1. Arecibo 2-1 
 2. Merengueros 2-1 
 3. Minas 2-1 
 4. Pioneros 0-3 
Group B
 1. Bigua 2-0 
 2. Regatas C. 1-1 
 3. Penarol 1-1 
 4. U.Concepc. 0-2 
Group C
 1. Dep.Castro 0-0 
 2. Flamengo 0-0 
 3. Libertad 0-0 
 4. Universo/BRB 0-0 
Group D
 1. Liceo 0-0 
 2. Quimsa 0-0 
 3. Halc. Xalpa 0-0 
 4. Soles 0-0 


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  LUXEMBOURG   


Amicale humiliates Black Star 81-41! - by Alex Meyers
Saturday, December 13, 2008

Amicale 81 - Black Star 41

Steinsel, Luxembourg
Black Star had problems to score in the 2nd and 3rd quarters last Saturday night in Steinsel playing their worst basketball of the season. Only Billy McDaniel (201-F/C-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ark.-Monticello) managed to reach double figures in in scoring with only 16 points. Patrick Arbaut was held to only 3 points playing only 21 Amicale was unstoppable with 5 players reaching double figures. Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) scored 13 followed by Tom Rausch and Chris Scholtes with 12 each. Christopher Jones and Christian Schartz each scored 11. Amicale faces Etzella on the road next and Black Star will be in big trouble as they must host Jan Enjebo, Martin Rajniak, Tim Whitworth and Co. T71 has been fine tuning and want to go into the Christmas break in a good direction for making the top 6.

Amicale: 32 field goals, 9 three pointers, 8 for 15 free throws, 30 rebounds, 8 fouls and 12 turnovers
Schartz 11, DePree 13, Scholtes 12, Haan 3, Ney 6, also Rausch 12, Kartheiser 7, Gillardin, Cortese 2 and Birenbaum 4
Black Star: 18 field goals, 0 three pointers, 5 for 8 free throws, 29 rebounds, 14 fouls amd 17 turnovers
Becker 2, Tuffel 7, McDaniel 16, Hoffmann, Pat.Arbaut 3, also Weckering 4, Schroeder, Muepu, Di Bartholomeo, Yan.Arbaut 8 and Phi.Arbaut 1

Score by Quarters: 1st Q 20-15, Halftime 48-24, 3rd Q 65-29, Final 81-41
358 Spectators

T71 wins close one over visiting Contern! Residence beats Racing! - by Alex Meyers

Saturday, December 13, 2008

T71 91 - Contern 86

Dudelange, Luxembourg
The game between these two teams was very close, especially in the first half. In the middle of the third quarter T71 went on a nice run, increasing its lead to as many as 13 points. Contern out-played T71 in the fourth, but it was too little too late for the visitors who suffered their 5th loss and dropped to a 6th place tie with Black Star. All 8 players scored for T71, with Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Drexel)(11 Rebounds) leading the way with a game high 31 points. Martin Rajniak had 24 points and 9 rebounds. Gilles Ruffato and Michael Kostur added 15 and 10 respectively. Eric Jeitz was top-scorer for Contern with 23 points. Brandon Gary (202-F-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Hutchinson JC) had 10 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocked shots. Ken Diederich scored 18 and Gilles Becker 15. This weekend Contern hosts Sparta and T71 goes to Mersch to face Black Star. Both games are on Saturday, December 20th.

T71: 34 field goals, 6 three pointers, 17 for 20 free throws, 32 rebounds, 21 fouls and 13 turnovers; Kostur 27' fouled out
Whitworth 31, Rajnial 24, Kostur 10, Ruffato 15, Kieffer 5, also Bemtgen 2, Klein 2 and Siebenbour 2
Contern: 26 field goals, 8 three pointers, 26 for 29 free throws, 29 rebounds, 16 fouls and 11 turnovers
Unsprtsmanlike Fouls: 4' Diederich and 39' Braun; Technical Foul: 12' Coach Amelow
Becker 15, Jeitz 23, Diederich 18, Gary 20, Bissener 2, also Braun 8, Fasbender and Torres

Score by quarters: 1st Q 23-23, Halftime 50-47, 3rd Q 72-62, Final 91-86
250 Spectators


Racing 70 - Residence 78

Racing: 26 field goals, 8 three pointers, 10 for 17 free throws, 36 rebounds, 28 fouls and 17 turnovers

Weynandt 11, Schroeder 8, Pires 4, Archbold 26, Haas 5, also Klose 5, Garcia 2, Ural, Schmit 3, Grand 6 and Hochmuth

Residence: 27 field goals, 7 three pointers, 17 of 32 free throws, 38 rebounds, 15 fouls and 22 turnovers

Abdiu, Leschek 6, F.Mangen 8, Koster 21, Hall 30, also Hemmen 5, Julien 3, S.Mangen 5 and Torres



Score by quarters: 1st Q 18-17, Halftime 34-35, 3rd Q 56-57, Final 70-78
100 Spectators



Etzella crushes Heffingen cruising in 4th Q to with by 23!! - by Alex Meyers

Satruday, December 13, 2008




Heffingen 74 - Etzella 97


Heffingen, Luxembourg
Heffingen was coming off their first win but their success was short lived as it was back to solid ground having to face Etzella last Saturday night at home. Etzella got off to a strong start taking care of business early with a 19 point lead at the end of the first quarter. The game was pretty much over at that point and Etzella was able to put things on automatic pilot until the last buzzer. Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, college: Montevallo) had a field day with 34 points, 15 rebounds, 5 steals and a blocked shot. Tim Giver crushed his former teammates as well adding 22 points in just 30 minutes of play. Jim Garganese is back for Etzella his presence was also felt by Heffingen as he chipped in with 12 points in only 16 minutes. Jairo DelGado is also back but he was held to only 6 points. Nelson DelGado is still rehabilitating his sprained ankle.


For Heffingen, Willie Irick (198-F-84, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Oklahoma City) had a double-double with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Joel Thesen had 12 and three others had 8 points: Daniel Weyrich, Claude Weyrich and Max Schmit. Heffingen, playing without Pit Hetto(broken thumb) was down by as many as 35 during this lop-sided affair. Heffingen drops to 1-10 on the season and get a break this weekend as they will face Residence for a battle of the bottom. Etzella will go to Contern to try and get revenge for a first round home loss. Both games are on Saturday evening, December 20,


Heffingen: 30 field goals, 3 three pointers, 11 for 17 free throws, 32 rebounds, 23 fouls and 23 turnovers
J. Thesen 12, C. Weyrich 8, D. Weyrich 8, Scholtus 6, Irick 25, also Feltes, Kauffmann 3, Schmit 8, K. Thesen and M. Weyrich 4
Etzella:34 field goals, 12 three pointers, 17 for 23 free throws, 31 rebounds, 19 fouls and 11 turnovers
E. Ferreira 2, Giver 22, Kennedy 34, J. DelGado 6, Ittenbach 5, also Kerger 2, Wiesenbach, Pravisani 4, Jacoby 4, Garganese 12, Bensighir 6 and S. Fereira

Score by Quarters: 1st Q 12-31, Halftime 28-54, 3rd Q 47-80, Final 74-97
210 Spectators



*****************************************************
  MALI   


test firefox - by Eurobasket
Nestor Kommatos (203-F-77) agreed financial terms with his ex club, AEL 1964. The experienced forward already played in the game of the sixth week of the A1 league and he show that he will be a serious help for the Larissa team and Head Coach Vangelis Alexandris . Giorgos Diamantopoulos agreed financial terms with Marousi

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


NBA Round: 51 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Celtics - Hawks 88-85
The defending champion celebrated at Philips Arena registering the 24th win in 26 appearances. Kevin Garnett nailed 18 points and pulled down 8 rebounds. Paul Pierce also delivered 18 points, but with one board less. Ray Allen helped with 16 pts and 5 rebs. Joe Johnson of Atlanta Hawks led the scorers in this game with 20 points. His team fell on 15-10.

Warriors - Pacers 120-127
Danny Granger poured in 41 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out 6 assists for the Pacers leading them to 9th victory of the season (9-16). Jarrett Jack and Marquis Daniels helped him combining 47 points and 14 boards. Jamal Crawford answered for the losing side with 29 pts and 9 rebs. Warriors 7-19.

Bucks - 76ers 88-93
The 76ers grabbed 5-point home win vs Milwaukee Bucks mostly owing to Louis Williams, who nailed 25 points, including 4 rebounds for 32 minutes. Andre Miller followed him with 19 pts. Charlie Bell and Luke Ridnour netted 14 points each for the Bucks. Both teams have 11 wins now. The 76ers stayed on 14 failures, while the Bucks dropped on 16.

Mavericks - Raptors 96-86
Dallas Mavericks outplayed Toronto Raptors on the road moving up on 14-10 record. Dirk Nowitzki stepped up with 27 points and 10 rebounds, while Jason Terry also netted 27 pts, having 7 boards and 8 assists beside that. Josh Howard stopped on 20 pts. Jermaine O'Neal top-scored in loss with 19 points. Raptors 10-15.

Wizards - Pistons 74-88
14-9 for the Pistons and 4-19 for the Wizards after this game. AI (Allen Iverson) came up with 28 points and 6 rebounds for the winning squad. Rodney Stuckey followed with double-double, 18 points and 11 assists. Mike James contributed with 16 points in defeat.

Jazz - Nets 103-92
Turkish super star Mehmet Okur paced his Utah Jazz to road win vs New Jersey Nets nailing 23 points and pulling down 9 rebounds for 29 minutes. Paul Millsap was behind him with double-double, 18 points and 12 rebs, while Kyle Korver had 18 points and 9 rebs. Vince Carter drained 32 points for the Nets. Jazz 16-11, Nets 12-12.

Cavaliers - Timberwolves 93-70
LeBron James collected 32 points and 6 rebounds, while Delonte West helped the Cavs with 21 points and 5 assists. Al Jefferson was totally the best player for the host team with 20 points and 11 rebounds. Cavs 21-4, Timberwolves 4-21.

Clippers - Bulls 109-115
Ben Gordon and Andres Nocioni nailed 22 points each for the Bulls, helping them to beat LA Clippers for 12-13. Drew Gooden also shined for the hosts with 18 points and 11 boards. Zach Randolph had 30 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists for the Clippers. Marcus Camby scored 19 points and pulled down magnificent 27 rebounds! Bulls 12-13, Clippers 7-18.

Spurs - Hornets 83-90
New Orleans Hornets crushed San Antonio Spurs, thus both teams are on 15 wins now. David West had 21 points and 9 rebounds, while Chris Paul helped the Hornets with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 12 assists. San Antonio got 20 points, 5 rebs and 4 as from Tony Parker. Manu Ginobili added 17 points, 9 boards and 5 assists. Hornets 15-7, Spurs 15-9.

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


St. Mary's tops Oregon 78-73 - by Carl Berman
The St. Mary's Gaels became the second straight West Coast Conference team to defeat the Oregon Ducks with a 78-73 victory at McArthur Court tonight. Only 7,163 fans attended the game due to winter weather conditions. It was the second year in a row that the Gaels have bested the Ducks.

St. Mary's controlled much of the game, moving out to a 42-35 halftime lead after starting the game with a 9-1 surge. St. Mary's pulled away to a 12 point lead early in the second half before Oregon tied it at 55 with a little over 9 minutes left. But Oregon could not take the lead and St. Mary's pulled away at the close for the victory. St. Mary's gathered two key offensive rebounds at the end of the game. First Diamon Simpson (6'7''-F-87) scored on an offensive putback to give the Gaels a 72-68 lead. Then after Patrick Mills missed his second free throw, Omar Samhan grabbed the rebound which led to two free throws by Carlin Hughes to ice the game. Mills had an off shooting night but still managed 22 points to lead the Gaels. He took control at the end of the game, hitting his only three of the night and then continually driving past Duck defenders to get to the foul line. Simpson and Sanham made the undersized Ducks pay on the boards, Simpson finishing with 18 rebounds to go along with 16 points while Samhan grabbed 12 rebounds while scoring 15. Tajuan Porter lead the Ducks with 16 points. St. Mary's moves to 8-1 on the season while the Ducks drop to 4-6.

*****************************************************
  NIGERIA   


Special 23rd Champions Cup for men: El Shabab beat Union Bank 74 57 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
El Shabab Arabi basketball club of Libya Wednesday beat Union Bank basketball club in both sides Group B last game of the of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men played in Sousse, Tunisia.

El Shabab Arabi won the fisrt quarter (27 19) but trailed 11 12 in the second quarter. In the second half, Union Bank failed to stop El Shababs offensive, lost the two last quarters (13 18 et 13 18)..

Mayerjr James of El Shabab scored game 25 points while his teammates Mrsal Med and Tagoub Alamine poured 15 points each.

Yusuf Abubakar hit 22 points for Union Bank.

With this win, El Shabab registered 9 points and ended the preliminaries at the 2nd place of the Group B while Union Bank is placed is ranked 4th with 7 points with a quarter-final date against host Etiole Sahel of Tunisia.

El Shabab Arabi and Union Bank booked their ticket for the quarter finals. Michael Ohiero (191-G-88, college: Customs)

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


Kinsey joins the Millrats - by Gianni Pascucci

After suddenly being released by Vermont on December 12th, Mario Kinsey (6'2''-G-82, college: Sam Houston St.) now finds himself a member of the Manchester Millrats, a fierce division rival to Vermont. Kinsey was rated the #14th Best Minor League Player in the Country last April according to www.probasketballnews.com. He starred for the ABA's Texas Tycoons, but saw his championship quest end in two consecutive postseasons at the hands of the Frost Heaves. In 2007, Vermont dismantled the visiting Tycoons 143-95 in a lopsided title game. In 2008, Texas met Vermont again, this time in the quarterfinals, but came up short 106-100. In Manchester, Kinsey is now part of a team that has experienced success against Vermont, going 4-2 against the champs last year, in their inaugural season.



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


CAB signs Soderberg - by Luis Rocha
CAB that is having a great season so far, decide to make a change in its roster, they let go Jacob Chrisman (206-C-82, agency: Duran International, college: BYU-Hawaii) and open their doors to Lance Soderberg (206-F/C-82, college: Azusa Pacific). Lance has played last season in Portugal (Belenenses), and get great numbers, as result of that he is once again here. CAB knows perfectly what kind of player has in their hands, and if Lance can perform as he did last season it will be great news for CAB. He can score outside and inside, can play back to the board, can rebound, a solid player that has in defense hes only difficulty, there he can still improve.

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


Rabotnicki celebrates against Dinamo in Bucharest - by Eurobasket News
Balkan League, Round 6: Dinamo B. - F.Rabotnicki 66-72

Fersped Rabotnicki grabbed very important road victory against the Romanian Dinamo Bucharest. With this win Rabotnicki jumped on third place in Group B with 3-2 record. Dinamo remains the last ranked team in the group with only 1 win in 5 appearances. Toni Grncarov (191-G-80) was the best scorer in Rabotnicki with 16 points. Toni Simic (210-C-76, agency: Interperformances) registered the only double-double in both teams, 12 points and 11 boards. Ognen Stojanovski (189-G-85) netted 12, while Dime Tasovski (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances) helped the winners with 10 points. Dinamo got 13 pts from Razvan Popa (195-F-75). Viorel Mocanu (205-C-77) and Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) posted 12 apiece. It is important to mention it's the second win for Rabotnicki vs Dinamo this season.
First quarter belonged to visitors, 14-19. However, the hosts woke up after that responding with 17-13. Toni Grncarov and his teammates intensified their defense after the breather forcing Dinamo to pull up many tough shots. It resulted with only 13 points by the hosts in third stanza meaning that Rabotnicki entered into the crucial ten minutes with plus 4. After 9-0 run visitors reached 47-59. Dinamo answered with 7-1 cutting the margin on 6 points with 45 seconds to go. Dime Tasovski stepped up for Rabotnicki after that keeping Dinamo on distance until the very end.

Dinamo: Razvan Popa 13, Viorel Mocanu 12+6 boards, Kiril Pavlovski 12+5 boards
Rabotnicki: Toni Grncarov 16, Toni Simic 12+11 boards, Ognen Stojanovski 12, Dime Tasovski 10

Div.A Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Mures - Otopeni 80-60
Mures beat Otopeni 80:60 in Regular Season Round 13. Cooley JuJuan paced all the winners with 18 points, while Largent Corey nailed 16. Popovic Slobodan posted 15 points in defeat and Ilie Eugen had 12.

Targoviste - Timisoara 72-78
Targoviste lost at home to Timisoara 72:78 as Velickovic Uros and Pesic Milos top-scored for the winners with 25 points each. Samailovic Srboljub produced 22 points in defeat, whilst Davis Arthur collected 19 points and 11 rebounds.

Rapid B. - CSU Atlassib 59-114
Rapid was smashed at home by CSU Atlassib 59:114 behind 27 points from Matthews Bryant. Calota Octavian nailed 19 and Scott Cortney netted 18. Vlaicu Catalin shined for the hosts with 32 points and 14 rebounds.

CSU Brasov - Oradea 90-67
Dragusin Ionut led CSU Brasov over Oradea in a 90:67 win with 26 points and 11 rebounds. Lazar Laszlo nailed 20 and Hora Horia chipped in 14 for the visitors.

Ploiesti - Craiova 97-84
Ploiesti improved to 10-2 on top after the win over Craiova 97:84. Cepulis Arvydas shined with 37 points, while Jones Mike produced 20 and Hargrove Darius netted 19. Tomic Branislav finished the night with 24 points in defeat.



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  RUSSIA   


Real Madrid crushes CSKA in Moscow - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow - Real Madrid 78-82

After tiny home win against Partizan Belgrade, Real Madrid managed to crush the defending champion in Moscow. It is the second Euroleague defeat for CSKA, who already booked a spot for the Top 16. On the other side, Real Madrid is also very close to reach it. Spanish giant is currently the second ranked team in Group D with 5-3 record. Big guy Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) paced Real to magnificent victory in Moscow nailing 19 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. Alex Mumbru (201-F-79) helped with 14 points, 5 boards and 4 assists, while Louis Bullock (186-G-76, college: Michigan) added 13 pts. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) stopped on 12. CSKA got the most from Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke), 14 points and 7 rebs. Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland) and J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) had 12 points apiece.
First quarter was totally leveled, 20-20. During the following few minutes Khryapa and Terence Morris shined for CSKA leading it to plus 9, 32-23. However, Massey immediately answered for Real with couple of baskets from the paint as well as from the FT line. After triple by Marko Tomas, the score was tied once again, 41-41. Sergio Llull of Real made 2 FTs after that, but Croatian Zoran Planinic drained a 3-pointer setting the score on 44-43 after 20 minutes. Third stanza belonged to CSKA, who had 51-46 and later 64-57. Thanks to alley-oop by Jeremiah Massey, Real cut the margin on 64-59 before the last quarter. Jeremiah Massey and Axel Hervelle shined for the visitors and soon after that Felipe Reyes completed nice 10-0 run for 67-69 edge. Savrasenko made it for CSKA, but Alex Mumbru replied with a triple. Khryapa committed a turnover and Trajan Langdon missed for the hosts. Felipe Reyes and Louis Bullock made it on the other side (FTs and two triples) for unreachable 72-80.

CSKA Moscow: Trajan Langdon 14+7 boards, Terence Morris 12+6 boards, J.R. Holden 12+5 as
Real Madrid: Felipe Reyes 19+6 boards, Alex Mumbru 14+5 boards+4 as, Louis Bullock 13, Jeremiah Massey 12

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


AJ Milano beats Partizan in style - by Eurobasket News
AJ Milano - Partizan 73-59

It was extremely important game for both teams. It seems that Partizan's players were not able to forget last week/s thriller defeat in Madrid as they totally disappointed in this game. On the other side, the winning squad was on a pretty high level keeping its hopes for the Top 16 alive. Both teams now have 3-5 record in Group D. Efes Pilsen or Panionios will join them today. Luca Vitali (201-G-86) and Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) led the scorers in AJ Milano with 14 points each. David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) this time stopped on 12, while Mindaugas Katelynas (205-F-83, college: Chattanooga) almost registered double-double, 10 points and 9 boards. Milenko Tepic (198-G-87, agency: Beo Basket) was the only one who shined in Partizan delivering 19 points. Big guy Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) scored 9.
Early beginning sent a clear signal about the secnario for the rest of the game. AJ Milano made 7-0 and later 12-3. David Hawkins and Jobey Thomas shined for the hosts after that setting the score on 24-11. However, Milenko Tepic managed to push his team to 26-16. Novica Velickovic joined Tepic in the second quarter and together with him and Jan Vesely made 4-14 run for 30-27. However, Marco Mordente (long range triple) and David Hawkins closed the first half with 7-3 run for AJ Milano, 41-34. Second half totally belonged to the hosts and Partizan never threatened. Actually visitors came on 49-40, but soon after than Mindaugas Katelynas and Marco Mordente paced their team to 57-40. AJ Milano kept its leading without any extra efforts until the very end.

AJ Milano: Luca Vitali 14, Jobey Thomas 14, David Hawkins 12+4 boards, Mindaugas Katelynas 10+9 boards
Partizan: Milenko Tepic 19, Zarko Rakocevic 9

Lower league results, II Serbian league - by Zoran Popovic

North sector, round 11

Odzaci-Crvenka 107-85 (28-21, 28-18, 22-22, 29-24)

Odzaci: Apic 13, Stanimirovic 8, Zaric 14, Stevanovic 6, Japundzic 13, Krtinic 8, Golubovic 14, Ilic 2, Ristic 11, Hanc 4, Gadzic 14, sotirovic.
Crvenka: Ostrogonac 17, Raketic 9, Golubovic 6, Popovic 12, Mikulic 3, Blazic13, Subotic, Jovanovic 2, Djuric 8, Milulic 15.

Backa Palanka-Apatin 96-82 (24-21, 31-28, 35-17, 16-16)

Backa Palanka: Stancevic 15, Bosnjak, Smiljic 2, Piljak, Jerkov 36, Karanovic 10, Bajic 23, Kovacevic 2, Dragutinovic 4, Boskovic 3, Babic.
Apatin: Mandic, Miljanic 3, Maljkovic8, Jovanic 9, Copic, Zikovic 16, Jovic 35, Matijevic, Loncar 5, Pejin 4, Marijanovic 2.

Roling-Hemofarm Stada MT 89-72 (18-18, 26-17, 27-24, 18-15)

Roling: Milosavljevic 16, Kojic 9, Jeremic 3, Sajic 14, Skrpinac, Cvijovic, Lisica 12, Grabovicki 7, Milovic 7, Lucic 2, Radak, Bozic 9.
Hemofarm Stada MT: Bulic 13, Kambic 22, Lekic 13, Knezevic, Smiljkovic, Tripkovic 7, Cirovic 2, Petkovic 7, Igrutinovic 9, Alamanja.

Top-Stara Pazova 85-77 (18-15, 21-15, 23-23, 23-24)

Top: Sredojevic, Gusic 6, Djurovic 3, Nogavica 6, Vugrincic, Mudrinski 2, Jevtic 16, Jocic 3, Kneevic 11, Ivelja 23, Stanic 15.
Stara Pazova:Ratkov 2, Bursac 4, Cobanovic 19, Bulovic 15, Ivanis 12, Miletic , Puletic, Kalik 17, DSjuricic 8., Vujinovic, Grujin, Milosevic.

LSK-Dinamo 61-71 (13-15, 19-23, 9-17, 20-17)

LSK: Tomic 9, Katic 9, Jandric 3, Curak 7, B.Curak 19, Lalic, M.Ratic 2, Zeljkovic 2, Stajic, Mirceta 4, Stacenski 6.
Dinamo: Djaovic, Jereminov 7, Nikolic, Doskovic 3, Zafirovic 2, Babic 21, Golubovic, Stanojevic26, Radenkovic 13, Vukovic.

Hajduk-Vojvodina 71-65 (18-15, 21-18, 12-17, 20-15)

Hajduk; Setuljev 9, Vladetic, Lovrencic, Radovic, Lescesin 21, Skrbic 3, Manojlovic, Jurisin 15, Zekovic 22, Borovic, Pjevac, Ljubanic.
Vojvodina: Marinkovic 8, Somborski 11, Sijacki, Gajin 15, Konrad, Miskovic 11, R.Toroman 10, B.Toroman, Berbakov, Radenkov 10.

Center sector, round 9.

Astra-Girasol Basket 85-63 (29-6, 13-18, 24-22, 19-17)

Astra: Marovic 14, Jevdjenic 20, Markovic 8, Vlajic 3, Rusovac 4, Mirkovic 2, Milosevic 11, Jovanovic 8, Ristanovic 6, Jevtic, Eglandzija 8.
Girasol Basket: Latanovic 2, Ilic 1, Stankovic 4, Bulatovic 13, Milenkovic 11, Kosovic 8, Tisma 4, Novosel 12, Kapicic 8.

Kasta-Superfund MT 110-83 (19-13, 37-20, 25-25, 29-25)

Kasta: Milenkovic, Kricka 18, Beselinovic, Milanovic 1, Stamenkovic 24, Milatovic 24, Damjanovic 16, Radovanovic 7, Aleksic 5, Zujovic 6, Malic 2, Jovanovic 7.
Superfund MT: Rajic, Keselj 21, Prljevic 6, Ristic 5, Cvetic, Dimitrijevic 9, Jovanovic 6, Marin 15, Saric 2, Vukovic 4, Kankaras 15.


Best 98-Mladenovac 93-91 (21-27, 22-15, 24-23,26-26)

Best 98; Slavkovic 11, Paljevic 11, Baskalovic 3, Ardalic 14, Gacic, Maricic 11, Radisic, Stankovic 4, Tadic 17, Colovic 1, Musikic 2. Boskovic 19.
Mladenovac: Micic, P.Simic, Stosic 28, Z.Simic 3, Zdravkovic, Aleksic, Ivkovic 10, Jeftic 27, Milosavljevic, Lukaj 10, Stepic 16.

Rakovica Basket-Union 88-79 (13-18, 39-22, 19-19, 17-20)

Rakovica Basket: Ristic 9, Trojanovic 13, Crnomarkovic, Micic, Nonovic 13, Jovic, Zivkovic 36, Miljanovic 4, Bojovic 2, Bankovic, Curguz, Saptovic 22.
Union: Bualo 2, Krznanic 3, Stanisic 6, Cvetic 4, M.Knezevic 4, U.Knezevic 8, Lazic 11, Drakulovic 18, Damjanovic 21, Puzovic 2.



*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


Standings - ACB
ACB Standings
 1. Tau 11-1 
 2. Unicaja 10-2 
 3. Barcelona 9-3 
 4. G.Canaria 8-4 
 5. Joventut 8-4 
 6. Real 8-4 
 7. Pamesa 7-6 
 8. Granada 7-6 
 9. Bilbao 6-6 
 10. Ricoh Man. 6-7 
 11. Fuenlabrada 5-7 
 12. Zaragoza 4-8 
 13. Bruesa 4-8 
 14. Menorca 4-8 
 15. Estudiant. 3-9 
 16. Murcia 3-10 
 17. Cajasol 1-11 


Barca devastates Montepaschi stopping it on just 3 pts in the first quarter - by Eurobasket News
Regal Barca - Montepaschi 87-61

Regal Barca once again demonstrated its power in Euroleague. This time Italian champ, Montepaschi Siena, faced with it suffering 26-point defeat in Palau Blaugrana. With this victory Barca jumped on top of Group B alone with almost perfect 7-1 record. Montepaschi and PAO share the second place with 6-2 (both qualified for Top 16). Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) top-scored for the winning squad with 17 points. Daniel Santiago (216-C-76, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) had 14, while Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) netted one point less. Lubos Barton (200-F/G-80, college: Valparaiso) and David Andersen (212-C-80) posted 10 points each. Visitors had only one player with double-digits in scoring and it was Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) with 17 pts (also had 5 rebs). Ksistof Lavrinovic contributed with 9 points and 5 rebs.
What to say about the first quarter. Barca created quick 6-0 and later 13-0 lead. Daniel Santiago made it for 15-0, after what Montepaschi finally scored the first basket. Actually it was a triple by Lavrinovic, and at the same time the only points for his team in the first period!? Gianluca Basile drained a 3-pointer and David Andersen closed the first quarter with another bomb for magnificent 25-3. It was just the beginning, but it was clear that this game is almost over for the Italians. Barca had 34-11 in the second quarter, but Montepachi finally woke up cutting the margin on 20 at the half time, 44-23. Nothing has changed after the breather. Barca still was the team which dominated. Juan Carlos Navarro and his teammates extended lead to 30 points after 30 minutes, 71-41. Everything was said and done so Barca slowed down until the end. Despite that fact, Montepaschi couldn't end this game better than minus 26.

Regal Barca: Juan Carlos Navarro 17, Daniel Santiago 14+4 boards, Gianluca Basile 13, Lubos Barton 10+10 boards, David Andersen 10+4 boards
Montepaschi: Henry Domercant 17+5 boards, Ksistof Lavrinovic 9+5 boards

Real Madrid crushes CSKA in Moscow - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow - Real Madrid 78-82

After tiny home win against Partizan Belgrade, Real Madrid managed to crush the defending champion in Moscow. It is the second Euroleague defeat for CSKA, who already booked a spot for the Top 16. On the other side, Real Madrid is also very close to reach it. Spanish giant is currently the second ranked team in Group D with 5-3 record. Big guy Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) paced Real to magnificent victory in Moscow nailing 19 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. Alex Mumbru (201-F-79) helped with 14 points, 5 boards and 4 assists, while Louis Bullock (186-G-76, college: Michigan) added 13 pts. Jeremiah Massey (202-F-82, college: Kansas St.) stopped on 12. CSKA got the most from Trajan Langdon (192-G-76, college: Duke), 14 points and 7 rebs. Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland) and J.R. Holden (185-G-76, college: Bucknell) had 12 points apiece.
First quarter was totally leveled, 20-20. During the following few minutes Khryapa and Terence Morris shined for CSKA leading it to plus 9, 32-23. However, Massey immediately answered for Real with couple of baskets from the paint as well as from the FT line. After triple by Marko Tomas, the score was tied once again, 41-41. Sergio Llull of Real made 2 FTs after that, but Croatian Zoran Planinic drained a 3-pointer setting the score on 44-43 after 20 minutes. Third stanza belonged to CSKA, who had 51-46 and later 64-57. Thanks to alley-oop by Jeremiah Massey, Real cut the margin on 64-59 before the last quarter. Jeremiah Massey and Axel Hervelle shined for the visitors and soon after that Felipe Reyes completed nice 10-0 run for 67-69 edge. Savrasenko made it for CSKA, but Alex Mumbru replied with a triple. Khryapa committed a turnover and Trajan Langdon missed for the hosts. Felipe Reyes and Louis Bullock made it on the other side (FTs and two triples) for unreachable 72-80.

CSKA Moscow: Trajan Langdon 14+7 boards, Terence Morris 12+6 boards, J.R. Holden 12+5 as
Real Madrid: Felipe Reyes 19+6 boards, Alex Mumbru 14+5 boards+4 as, Louis Bullock 13, Jeremiah Massey 12

Fenerbahce Ulker blasts DKV Joventut in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce Ulker - DKV Joventut 89-63

Fenerbahce Ulker celebrated against DKV Joventut much easier than anyone expected. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) and his teammates demonstrated wonderful performance registering the fourth win and tying for third place in Group C. Both sides are currently on the same 4-4 record after 8 appearances. If these two teams end regular season with the same digits, Fener will become better ranked squad because of two wins vs Joventut. Devin Smith, who came off the bench, shined for the winners collecting 16 points and 8 rebounds. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) also was great nailing 14 points and grabbing 8 rebs. Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) and Omer Onan (194-G-78, agency: Interperformances) had 14 points apiece. Jan-Hendrick Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) came up with 17 points and 5 boards in Joventut. Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) added 14, while Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca (212-C-83) stopped on 10 points, plus 6 rebs.
Opening quarter was a great signal what Joventut could expect until the end, 21-13. Emir Preldzic, Omer Onan and Devin Smith took care for 8-0 run after that. It was 33-17 at the beginning of the second frame. Later, Fener reached 42-25 ending the first half with plus 17, 46-29. Jan-Hendrick Jagla and Simas Jasaitis stepped up for Joventut in the next quarter cutting the margin on 55-43. Damir Mrsic and Devin Smith, together with Oguz Savas, closed this period with 12-0 for huge 67-45. Last ten minutes were just the formality.

Fenerbahce Ulker: Devin Smith 16+8 boards, Emir Preldzic 14+8 boards, Mirsad Turkcan 14, Omer Onan 14
DKV Joventut: Jan-Hendrick Jagla 17+5 boards, Simas Jasaitis 14+4 boards, Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca 10+6 boards

San Jose too strong for Botas in the second game - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: San Jose - Botas 81-68

San Jose made it at home against the dangerous Botas. The Turkish representative had 67-65 after the first game, but Eshaya Murphy (180-G-85, college: USC) and her teammates did a great job celebrating with plus 11 in total (146-135). Murphy was a key player for the hosts as she delivered 24 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Rosa Perez (169-G-81) helped the winners with 15 points, 7 boards and 6 assists, while Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) added 12 points and 10 boards. Patricia Arguello (178-F-87) was the last one with double-digits in scoring for San Jose, 10 points. Botas got 18 points and 4 rebounds from Angela Tisdale (170-G-85, college: Baylor). Elvan Capali (-92) shined with double-double, 16 pts plus 13 rebs, while Durdane Gulsah Gumusay (180-F-89) had 11 pts.
Botas' players had big troubles from behind the arc in this game. They had 34 attempts making just 6. On the other side, San Jose had much better percentage. It is important to mention than the hosts were unmistakable from the FT line in this match (11/11). Third period was the crucial period. The score was tied at the half time 34-34. Eshaya Murphy and her teammates put into the fifth gear during the following ten minutes, what resulted with comfortable 63-48. At that point of game the winner as well as the EuroCup 1/8 finalist was already known.

San Jose: Eshaya Murphy 24+11 boards, Rosa Perez 15+7 boards+6 as, Kimberly Butler 12+10 boards, Patricia Arguello 10
Botas: Angela Tisdale 18+4 boards, Elvan Capali 16+13 boars, Durdane Gulsah Gumusay 11

Barbour left Tenerife - by Richard

Tenerife Rural decided to resolve the contract with Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Kentucky), due to attitude of the player during latest weeks. Then Barbour left the canary team while is the LEB Golds top scorer 18'9 points and the recordman with points 50, and in value 54 in that game, 3 weeks ago.

Felix Munoz dimissed as head coach in Beirasar Rosalia

Courtesy of Llorence Morro



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  SYRIA   


Army & Al Jalaa choose their imports for Dubai Tournament - by Mohammed Malas
- Army club head coach Imad Othman had finally chosen his 3rd imports for Dubai International Tournament (Dubai, UAE 20-28 December) with the american duo Chad Hendrick (197-G/F-79, college: Houston) and Marvin Black (201-F-80, agency: EM-PA, college: Marshall), Derrick Davenport (208-C-78, college: TCU) arrived to Damascus yesterday and is ready to do his best with his collegues in the tournament.

Davenport's experience is rich with good clubs in Europe as he played there in France, Russia, Italy and Turkey.....

- John Thomas (205-F/C-75, college: Minnesota) and Roderick Riley (210-C-81, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Prairie View A&M) will complete the imports list of al Jalaa with the american forward Damond Williams (197-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Mc Neese St.) for Dubai International Tournament which will start next Saturday....

Thomas's NBA and D-League experience is amazing and will look to add Syria to Spain and China to his overseas career, While Riley previousley took the chance to play in Germany, Ukraine and South Korea adding to NBA D-League.

*****************************************************
  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Defence Force wins 2008 Club Championships - by Albert-Lee Young
Led by their national stand-out forward Stephen Lighter Lewis, Defence Force rallied from being a game down against the reigning champs Detour Shak Attack to win the best of three NBFTT club championships 2-1. Trailing 44-30 at half-time in the third & decisive game, Lighter took charge of the game scoring 10 of his 25pts in the last quarter to stage a massive turnaround for the army team in an 80-68 win. He was ably assisted by centre Kievan Bacquain with 19pts & 12rebs. Shak Attack won game1 92-78 but lost the second 81-75. Both teams will play their first game on Friday 19th Dec in the 2008 Super10 Tournament.

UTT defeat Flour Mills 91-85 - by Don Farrell
Less than 24 hours after losing on the buzzer to Petrotrin Jazz 77-76, NFM suffered its second consecutive loss, going down to the University of T&T (UTT) 91-85 in the Mens Division of the Stag Super 10 Basketball League (SBL) when the competition continued at the Jean Pierre Complex, Mucurapo, Monday night.
UTT coached by American Terry Layton has made an ideal start to its debut in the premier league, winning two staight matches. The other being against Caledonia Clippers, (110-71) last Wednesday.
Kenyatta Alfred, who was the topscorer in UTTs opening match remained consistent offensively, scoring 25 points. His teammate Shawn Lawrence helped with a double-double, netting 20 points and sealing 14 rebounds. Jeffrey Harris was the only other player scoring in double-digits adding 11 points.
For the former two-time champion of the league, point-guard Shorn Edwards led with 18 points and forward David King assisted with 17, hitting three three-pointers.
In the first match, Valencia Heat recorded its first victory after two matches with a 96-68 win over Caledonia Clippers.
Forwards Fabrice Fisher and Wayne Richards both netted 15 points and Stefan Davis had 11.
For Clippers, the losers of its two matches, Shorn Solomon scored 15 points and Casey Belgrave 14.
Action continues tonight with Clippers seeking its first victory of the competition against Diego Martin All Stars in the second match of the double-header. In the nights opening match Royal Extra Lions will get its first taste of action when they take on Mirak Stars.
Mirak will be looking to bounce back after its 72-62 loss against Diego Martin last Wednesday.

Results
Caledonia Clippers (35) 68 (Shorn Solomon 15 pts/9 rebs/2 stls, Casey Belgrave 14 pts/2 stls, Roland Sylvester 12 pts/2 rebs/6 stls) v Valencia Heat (41) 96 (Fabrice Fisher 15 pts/8 rebs, Wayne Richards 15 pts/7 rebs/4 stls, Stefan Davis 11 pts/7 rebs).

NFM (40) 85 (Shorn Edwards 18 pts/2 assts/2 rebs/5 stls, David King 17 pts/3 rebs, Kerry Westfield 12 pts, Kerry Joseph 12 pts/4 stls) v UTT (40) 91 (Kenyatta Alfred 25 pts/2 assts/3 rebs/4 stls, Shawn Lawrence 20 pts/14 rebs, Jeffrey Harris 11 pts/2 rebs).

Manning meets with NBA officials - by Don Farrell
The NBA has made a commitment to Brian Manning to offer technical assistance in developing youth coaches and in the establishment of a professional basketball league in T&T.
Manning met with NBA officials last week in what he described as extremely positive and fruitful discussions. The NBA has promised to provide him with instructors for youth coaches and table officials at all levels in an effort to improve the standard of basketball played in the country.
There are not youth programmes in T&T. Every youth coach should get instructions to help improve basketball starting at the school level, said Manning, son of Prime Minsiter Patrick Manning.
He went on to share that he is looking to start these programmes early next year in venues throughout T&T.
Where professional basketball is concerned, the NBA will assist in sourcing a qualified CEO with significant experience to manage the proposed professional basketball league.
I am looking to establish a professional league similiar to that of the football Pro League where you have players from region competing, continued Manning.
The Pro League will focus on men competition in its initiation.
Assistance has also been offered in the area of effectively branding and marketing the league.

courtesy: Super10 Basketball

*****************************************************
  TUNISIA   


Special 23rd Champions Cup for men: El Shabab beat Union Bank 74 57 - by Olusegun Ikuesan
El Shabab Arabi basketball club of Libya Wednesday beat Union Bank basketball club in both sides Group B last game of the of the 23rd Africa Champions Cup for men played in Sousse, Tunisia.

El Shabab Arabi won the fisrt quarter (27 19) but trailed 11 12 in the second quarter. In the second half, Union Bank failed to stop El Shababs offensive, lost the two last quarters (13 18 et 13 18)..

Mayerjr James of El Shabab scored game 25 points while his teammates Mrsal Med and Tagoub Alamine poured 15 points each.

Yusuf Abubakar hit 22 points for Union Bank.

With this win, El Shabab registered 9 points and ended the preliminaries at the 2nd place of the Group B while Union Bank is placed is ranked 4th with 7 points with a quarter-final date against host Etiole Sahel of Tunisia.

El Shabab Arabi and Union Bank booked their ticket for the quarter finals. Michael Ohiero (191-G-88, college: Customs)

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  TURKEY   


Fenerbahce Ulker blasts DKV Joventut in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce Ulker - DKV Joventut 89-63

Fenerbahce Ulker celebrated against DKV Joventut much easier than anyone expected. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) and his teammates demonstrated wonderful performance registering the fourth win and tying for third place in Group C. Both sides are currently on the same 4-4 record after 8 appearances. If these two teams end regular season with the same digits, Fener will become better ranked squad because of two wins vs Joventut. Devin Smith, who came off the bench, shined for the winners collecting 16 points and 8 rebounds. Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) also was great nailing 14 points and grabbing 8 rebs. Mirsad Turkcan (206-F-76) and Omer Onan (194-G-78, agency: Interperformances) had 14 points apiece. Jan-Hendrick Jagla (213-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Penn St.) came up with 17 points and 5 boards in Joventut. Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82) added 14, while Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca (212-C-83) stopped on 10 points, plus 6 rebs.
Opening quarter was a great signal what Joventut could expect until the end, 21-13. Emir Preldzic, Omer Onan and Devin Smith took care for 8-0 run after that. It was 33-17 at the beginning of the second frame. Later, Fener reached 42-25 ending the first half with plus 17, 46-29. Jan-Hendrick Jagla and Simas Jasaitis stepped up for Joventut in the next quarter cutting the margin on 55-43. Damir Mrsic and Devin Smith, together with Oguz Savas, closed this period with 12-0 for huge 67-45. Last ten minutes were just the formality.

Fenerbahce Ulker: Devin Smith 16+8 boards, Emir Preldzic 14+8 boards, Mirsad Turkcan 14, Omer Onan 14
DKV Joventut: Jan-Hendrick Jagla 17+5 boards, Simas Jasaitis 14+4 boards, Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca 10+6 boards

San Jose too strong for Botas in the second game - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: San Jose - Botas 81-68

San Jose made it at home against the dangerous Botas. The Turkish representative had 67-65 after the first game, but Eshaya Murphy (180-G-85, college: USC) and her teammates did a great job celebrating with plus 11 in total (146-135). Murphy was a key player for the hosts as she delivered 24 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Rosa Perez (169-G-81) helped the winners with 15 points, 7 boards and 6 assists, while Kimberly Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) added 12 points and 10 boards. Patricia Arguello (178-F-87) was the last one with double-digits in scoring for San Jose, 10 points. Botas got 18 points and 4 rebounds from Angela Tisdale (170-G-85, college: Baylor). Elvan Capali (-92) shined with double-double, 16 pts plus 13 rebs, while Durdane Gulsah Gumusay (180-F-89) had 11 pts.
Botas' players had big troubles from behind the arc in this game. They had 34 attempts making just 6. On the other side, San Jose had much better percentage. It is important to mention than the hosts were unmistakable from the FT line in this match (11/11). Third period was the crucial period. The score was tied at the half time 34-34. Eshaya Murphy and her teammates put into the fifth gear during the following ten minutes, what resulted with comfortable 63-48. At that point of game the winner as well as the EuroCup 1/8 finalist was already known.

San Jose: Eshaya Murphy 24+11 boards, Rosa Perez 15+7 boards+6 as, Kimberly Butler 12+10 boards, Patricia Arguello 10
Botas: Angela Tisdale 18+4 boards, Elvan Capali 16+13 boars, Durdane Gulsah Gumusay 11

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Tigers hit again - by George Manousidis

Everton Tigers leapfrogged the Scottish Rocks to sit proudly at the summit of the BBL Championship table thanks to a 102-120 victory over the Worcester Wolves last night.

Both teams traded baskets throughout much of the opening quarter with the Wolves ended up on top 34-31 at the end of the period.

In the second quarter, a 10-2 run from the Wolves took their lead out to 48-37, however the Tigers responded immediately with a 14-2 burst of their own to bring themselves back into contention before finishing the half tied at 59 points each.

In the second half, both sides continued to trade baskets, but the Tigers held a slender lead at 78-82 going into the final minute of the third period.

Another 17-4 burst across the final quarter break from the Tigers saw the score reach 80-95. The Wolves tried valiantly to get themselves back into the game, but to no avail as the Tigers ran out comfortable winners.

Andre Smith led all scorers in the game with an impressive 34-point haul for the Tigers, while Wolves' player/coach Skouson Harker led the Wolves scoring with 26 points.

Worcester Wolves 102 (34,59,80) (Smith 34, Gross 26, Bailey 25)

Everton Tigers 120 (31,59,90) (Harker 25, Paez 24, Brown 21)




Standings - EBL2
EBL2 Standings
 1. Leeds C. 8-2 
 2. London Mets 7-2 
 3. NEWI N. 7-2 
 4. Colchester 6-4 
 5. Leicester W. 5-4 
 6. Plymouth II 4-3 
 7. Kent C. 4-4 
 8. Plymouth MC 4-4 
 9. Aston A. 4-5 
 10. Northumbria 2-5 
 11. Northampton 1-7 
 12. Birmingh.U. 0-10 


Standings - BBL
BBL Standings
 1. Everton T. 10-1 
 2. Scottish R. 10-3 
 3. Newcastle E. 9-3 
 4. Plymouth R. 9-4 
 5. MK Lions 6-7 
 6. Leicester R. 6-7 
 7. Worthing T. 6-8 
 8. Guildford H. 5-5 
 9. Sheffield S. 5-8 
 10. Cheshire J. 5-9 
 11. Worcester W. 5-9 
 12. London C. 1-13 


Standings - EBL Conf.
Standings
 1. GIB NT 6-0 
 2. Reading R. 6-1 
 3. Manchester M. 4-0 
 4. Leopards 3-2 
 5. Bristol A. 3-3 
 6. Cardiff C. 3-3 
 7. Sheffield A. 2-4 
 8. Derby T. 2-5 
 9. Coventry C. 2-5 
 10. Teeside M. 0-8 
 11. Taunton T. - 


*****************************************************
  URUGUAY   


Bigua won its second game - by Hector Lopez
Bigua defeated Concepcion (Chile) 76-54 and is the only leader of the Group B for the second edition of the Americas League, which is played in Mar del Plata Argentina. For the same group Regatas Corrientes (Argentina) beat Penarol Mar del Plata (Argentina) 71-67 and now both have one win and one defeat. Concepcion is 0-2. The serie will finish tonigth playing Regatas-Concepcion and Bigua-Penarol. Only one team will advance to the Final Four. The best scorer for Bigua was Joaquin Osimani (193-F-87)i with 11points, while Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) grabbed 7 rebounds. For Concepcion Chinwuba Uzoma scored 20.



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Women News

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


USK Praha topple Lotos in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
USK Praha - Lotos 69:64

The Czech Republic vice champions USK Praha held off Lotos at home court for the fourth win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round. Lotos however secured the third spot in the ladder despite the defeat. Now both teams made it to the Last 16 stage. Lotos will take on Fenerbahce, while USK Praha will face Spartak Moscow Region in the eighth-finals best-of-three series.
USK Praha led throughout the first period but points from Alana Beard (180-G/F-82, college: Duke) and Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) allowed Lotos to tie things up at 16 with ten minutes gone in the game. Sonja Kireta (198-C-76), Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) and Cash Swin (187-F-79, college: Connecticut) nailed 7 straight points for the hosts at the start of the second frame. But the Polish team was not intimidated. Alana Beard, Emilja Podrug (190-C-79) and Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) fueled a 12:2 rally that gave the visitors a 30:27 lead late in the first half. Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) accounted for the last bucket of the half as they teams went into the dressing rooms knotted up at 33.
Katerina Elhotova and Lindsay Whalen dropped 11 points in a row for the hosts to open up a double digit lead early in the second half. Lotos did not find a proper answer as they entered the final period trailing by 10 points 47:57. But Lotos refused to fold as Alana Beard, Emilja Podrug and Monique Currie narrowed the distance to a single point 62:63 with just over 3 minutes left. Sonja Kireta and Michaela Ferancikova (190-F-77) came up with timely baskets that silenced the visitors.
Sonja Kireta paced USK Praha with 18 points and 7 boards. Katerina Elhotova contributed 17 points for the winners. Alana Beard dropped 20 points for Lotos in the loss.

USK Praha: Sonja Kireta 18, Katerina Elhotova 17, Lindsay Whalen 16
Lotos: Alana Beard 20, Ivana Matovic 17

Jelena Milovanovic propels MKB Euroleasing past Gambrinus - by Eurobasket News
Gambrinus - MKB Euroleasing 73:76

Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) knocked down a late three-pointer to lift MKB Euroleasing to a hard-fought win in Brno. The Hungarian team thus improved at 6-4 record and finished in the second place in Group B. The Czech champions remained in the fourth spot, which allowed them to reach Last 16 stage. Gambrinus will now take on Bourges Basket, while MKB Euroleasing will play against Wisla in the best-of-three eighth-finals series. The first games are scheduled for January 27 in France and Hungary respectively.
The game between Gambrinus and MKB Euroleasing was a heated battle right from the start. The visitors led throughout the opening frame however Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) and Tamika Whitmore (187-C/F-77, college: Memphis) secured a 19:19 tie after ten minutes of action. Hamchetou Maiga (184-G/F-78, college: ODU), Tamika Whitmore and Fergyverneky secured a 26:21 lead for the hosts at the start of the second frame. Gambrinus maintained the pressure and went into the locker room leading by 4 points 42:38. Katalin Honti (178-G-87) and Dora Horti (195-C-87) teamed up for 6 points to open the second half as MKB Euroleasing returned into the drivers seat. The teams traded baskets throughout the rest of the period but Hamchetou Maiga, Timea Beres (192-C-76) and Tamika Whitmore ensured a narrow 58:55 advantage for Gambrinus with one quarter to go. Milovanovic stepped up with 11 points for the visiting team as they took a 70:69 lead with just over 3 minutes remaining. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) and Hamchetou Maiga responded with 4 points in a row giving Gambrinus a 73:70 cushion with just 2 minutes left on the clock. But MKB Euroleasing prepared a decent answer. Holt drained a three-pointer to square things up and then Jelena Milovanovic followed Tamika Whitmores turnover with a go-ahead trey to seal the win for the visitors.

Gambrinus: Eva Viteckova 17, Tamika Whitmore 15, Hamchetou Maiga 13
MKB Euroleasing: Jelena Milovanovic 21, Dora Horti 16, Katalin Honti 14

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  FRANCE - Women  


TTT Riga pip Lille at home - by Eurobasket News
TTT Riga - Lille 77:70

Latvian champions TTT Riga earned the fourth win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round yesterday. They defeated Villenueve in Riga to finish the stage at 4-6 record. Both teams however failed to make it to the Last 16 stage. TTT Riga finished at the fifth spot, while Lille remained at the bottom of the ladder at 3-7.
Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) scored 11 points in the starting frame and TTT Riga ensured a 22:14 lead for the hosts. Fatimatou Sacko (183-F-85) answered with 8 second-quarter points to ignite a comeback effort from Villenueve. Lille organized a 9:2 run that put the visitors ahead by 2 late in the first half. Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers) closed the half with 4 straight points as TTT Riga held a 36:34 advantage at halftime.
The lead changed hands for numerous times in the third frame. Finally Tatyana Troina, Elizaveta Kityzina (195-C-80) and Essence Carson spurred the hosts to a 53:46 advantage late in the third quarter. Laurie Datchy (175-G/F-90) and Fatimatou Sacko allowed Lille to enter the fourth period trailing by only 2 points. Laurie Datchy and Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) tipped off the fourth quarter with 7 unanswered points to propel the visitors to a 60:55 advantage. TTT Riga reacted immediately as they exploded with a 14:0 rally to pile up a 9-point lead. The French team never got closer than 4 points and TTT Riga secured another win in the Euroleague action.
Tatyana Troina topscored with 26 points for TTT Riga. Essence Carson added 16 points, while Merike Anderson (181-G/F-81) had 11 points for the winning team. Fatimatou Sacko answered with 26 points and 7 boards for Lille. Geraldine Robert delivered 17 points, 8 boards and 5 assists in the loss.

TTT Riga: Tatyana Troina 26, Essence Carson 16, Merike Anderson 11
Lille: Fatimatou Sacko 26, Geraldine Robert 17

Dynamo Kursk advances to the EuroCup 1/8 finals - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: Dynamo K. - Mondeville 72-51

Dynamo Kursk had an easy job against French USO Mondeville advancing to the EuroCup 1/8 finals. As a reminder in the first game in France Dynamo also celebrated 48-68. It means that the Russian representative aggregated fantastic 140-99 in two matches. Anastasia Fomina (175-G-83) this time scored the most for Dynamo, 13 points. Varvara Psareva (194-C-85) and Ksenia Lapteva (183-G-83) netted 11 points each, while Psareva also had 11 more rebounds beside that. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) finished the game with 10 points and 6 boards. Paoline Salagnac (176-G-84) led the scorers in Mondeville with 13 points. Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: De Paul) added 12, while Pauline Jannault (193-F/C-87) stopped on 11 pts and 8 boards.
Since the very beginning it was clear that Dynamo is too strong for Mondeville. The hosts had impressive 7-0 start, later ending the first frame with plus 9, 18-9. Nothing has changed during the following 10 minutes as the host totally controlled rhythm of the game. After 20 minutes it was 35-17 meaning that this 1/16 final was already over for Mondeville. Actually, visitors succeeded to close the gap on 14 pts at the beginning of the third stanza, but it was their maximum in this game. Anastasia Fomina and her teammates immediately answered setting the score on 53-37 after 3 periods. Last ten minutes were just the formality.

Dynamo Kursk: Anastasia Fomina 13, Varvara Psareva 11+11 boards, Ksenia Lapteva 11, Sandra Valuzyte 10+6 boards
Mondeville: Paoline Salagnac 13+5 boards, Lenae Williams 12+4 boards, Pauline Jannault 11+8 boards

Bourges storms into Last 16 - by Eurobasket News
Bourges Basket - MiZo Pecs 75:48

Bourges Basket claimed a comfortable win over MiZo Pecs and sealed the birth in the Euroleague Top 16. Bourges won the competition in Group A and would take on Gambrinus in the eighth-finals. MiZo Pecs also advanced to the next round as they clinched the fourth place in the pool. The Hungarian team will face Umana Reyer Venezia in the best-of-three series.
Endene Miyem (188-F-88) scored 18 points to lead the way for Bourges. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) contributed 15 points and 5 boards for the winners. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) topscored for Pecs with 14 points. Kelly Mazzante (183-G-82, college: Penn St.) added 10 points in the loss.
Anna Vajda and Kelly Mazzante put the visitors in charge early in the contest but the hosts soon hit back. They capped the first period with a 13:5 rally to ensure a 19:14 lead. Anna Vajda and Ryksanyi tied the scoreline at 19 at the start of the second frame. But the home team once again closed the quarter strong as Endene Miyem and Catherine Melain (184-F-74) secured a 39:29 lead for Bourges at the interval. Ana Lelas and Endene Miyem teamed up for 9 points early in the third quarter as the hosts cleared off to a 17-point distance. Bourged looked too good for the visitors at the moment and the fourth quarter began with the home team leading by 19 points. The French team held off their opponents to 9 points in the fourth term and eased to the seventh win in the Euroleague season.

Bourges: Endene Miyem 18, Ana Lelas 15, Catherine Melain 11
MiZo Pecs: Anna Vajda 14, Kelly Mazzante 10

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  GREECE - Women  


Athinaikos outplays Cesis 158-129 in two games - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: Athinaikos - Cesis 90-72

As it was expected, Athinaikos registered an easy win in the second game of the EuroCup 1/16 finals against Cesis, advancing to the next stage with plus 29 in total (158-129). Athinaikos also was better than Cesis in the first match 68-57. The hosts had couple of players in a game mood, but the best one was Katie Gearlds (186-G/F-84, college: Purdue), who nailed 23 pts. Nicole Soulis (188-F-85, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) was behind her with 15, while Vasiliki Volonaki (179-F-80) netted 2 points less. Polymnia Sarekgou (185-G-72) had 12 points and LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) came up with double-double, 11 points and 11 boards. Cesis' best player was Nykesha Sales (183-F/G-76, college: Connecticut) with 18 pts and 6 rebounds. Ieva Tare (185-F-74) this time stopped on 11+5.
Athinaikos had wonderful beginning. After just ten minutes the hosts created comfortable 26-11. It was a clear signal what Cesis can expect until the end. Five players with more than 10 points was too much for Cesis. Katie Gearlds and her teammates extended it even more until the half time, 51-31. After that Athinaikos slowed down keeping its lead without any extra efforts. Third stanza was totally leveled 23-23, while the last one belonged to the loosing side, 16-18.

Athinaikos: Katie Gearlds 23, Nicole Soulis 15, Vasiliki Volonaki 13, Polymnia Sarekgou 12+5 boards, LaToya Davis 11+11 boards
Cesis: Nykesha Sales 18+6 boards, Ieva Tare 11+5 boards

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  HUNGARY - Women  


Bourges storms into Last 16 - by Eurobasket News
Bourges Basket - MiZo Pecs 75:48

Bourges Basket claimed a comfortable win over MiZo Pecs and sealed the birth in the Euroleague Top 16. Bourges won the competition in Group A and would take on Gambrinus in the eighth-finals. MiZo Pecs also advanced to the next round as they clinched the fourth place in the pool. The Hungarian team will face Umana Reyer Venezia in the best-of-three series.
Endene Miyem (188-F-88) scored 18 points to lead the way for Bourges. Ana Lelas (183-G/F-83) contributed 15 points and 5 boards for the winners. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) topscored for Pecs with 14 points. Kelly Mazzante (183-G-82, college: Penn St.) added 10 points in the loss.
Anna Vajda and Kelly Mazzante put the visitors in charge early in the contest but the hosts soon hit back. They capped the first period with a 13:5 rally to ensure a 19:14 lead. Anna Vajda and Ryksanyi tied the scoreline at 19 at the start of the second frame. But the home team once again closed the quarter strong as Endene Miyem and Catherine Melain (184-F-74) secured a 39:29 lead for Bourges at the interval. Ana Lelas and Endene Miyem teamed up for 9 points early in the third quarter as the hosts cleared off to a 17-point distance. Bourged looked too good for the visitors at the moment and the fourth quarter began with the home team leading by 19 points. The French team held off their opponents to 9 points in the fourth term and eased to the seventh win in the Euroleague season.

Bourges: Endene Miyem 18, Ana Lelas 15, Catherine Melain 11
MiZo Pecs: Anna Vajda 14, Kelly Mazzante 10

Jelena Milovanovic propels MKB Euroleasing past Gambrinus - by Eurobasket News
Gambrinus - MKB Euroleasing 73:76

Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) knocked down a late three-pointer to lift MKB Euroleasing to a hard-fought win in Brno. The Hungarian team thus improved at 6-4 record and finished in the second place in Group B. The Czech champions remained in the fourth spot, which allowed them to reach Last 16 stage. Gambrinus will now take on Bourges Basket, while MKB Euroleasing will play against Wisla in the best-of-three eighth-finals series. The first games are scheduled for January 27 in France and Hungary respectively.
The game between Gambrinus and MKB Euroleasing was a heated battle right from the start. The visitors led throughout the opening frame however Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) and Tamika Whitmore (187-C/F-77, college: Memphis) secured a 19:19 tie after ten minutes of action. Hamchetou Maiga (184-G/F-78, college: ODU), Tamika Whitmore and Fergyverneky secured a 26:21 lead for the hosts at the start of the second frame. Gambrinus maintained the pressure and went into the locker room leading by 4 points 42:38. Katalin Honti (178-G-87) and Dora Horti (195-C-87) teamed up for 6 points to open the second half as MKB Euroleasing returned into the drivers seat. The teams traded baskets throughout the rest of the period but Hamchetou Maiga, Timea Beres (192-C-76) and Tamika Whitmore ensured a narrow 58:55 advantage for Gambrinus with one quarter to go. Milovanovic stepped up with 11 points for the visiting team as they took a 70:69 lead with just over 3 minutes remaining. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) and Hamchetou Maiga responded with 4 points in a row giving Gambrinus a 73:70 cushion with just 2 minutes left on the clock. But MKB Euroleasing prepared a decent answer. Holt drained a three-pointer to square things up and then Jelena Milovanovic followed Tamika Whitmores turnover with a go-ahead trey to seal the win for the visitors.

Gambrinus: Eva Viteckova 17, Tamika Whitmore 15, Hamchetou Maiga 13
MKB Euroleasing: Jelena Milovanovic 21, Dora Horti 16, Katalin Honti 14

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  ICELAND - Women  


Hamar needed double overtime - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Hamar needed double overtime to win Grindavik last night Final score 87-84.
Julia Demirer with double-double 2 pts & 25 rebs. LaKiste Barkus 32 for Hamar. Ingibjorg Jakobsdottir 17 for Grindavik.
Snaefell 57 Valur 70. Signy Hermannsdottir (190-C-78, college: Cameron) had a big night 35 pts. 12 rebs. 8 assist & 8 blocks for Valur. Berglind Gunnarsdottir 20 for Snaefell.
Haukar 89 KR 62 Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir 29 for Haukar. Hildur Sigurdardottir 20 Sigrun Amundadottir 16 + 15 rebs for KR
Keflavik 99 Fjolnir 50. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir 23 for Keflavik.

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  ISRAEL - Women  


Ramla goes through the EuroCup 1/16 finals - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: Ramla - Olivais 67-62

Ramla was better than Olivais in the second game of the EucoCup 1/16 finals jumping to the next stage with 144-122 in total. In the first game in Portugal the Israeli representative won 77-60. LaTanya White (170-G-82, college: Mississippi St.) demonstrated nice performance for the winning squad collecting 19 points and 7 rebounds. Nicky Anosike (192-C-86, college: Tennessee) also was on high level registering double-double, 12 points and 16 rebounds. Adva Baranes followed them with 11 pts. As usual, Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) top-scored for Olivais with 18 points, including 6 rebounds. Filipa de Freitas (165-G) netted 12, while Ana Santos (-86) contributed with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
It seems that Ramla played as much as it needed for the victory. LaTanya White and her teammates had decent 19-15 after ten minutes. After Ana Santos's basket at the middle of the second frame Olivais cut the margin on 30-28. However, the score was never tied in this period. After the breather visitor finaly managed to do it 42-42, but Ramla immediately grabbed back the small lead. Interesting is that Olivais was pretty close until the end, but Ramla always had advantage. Visitors attempted 33 times from behind the arc making 10 of those. The most powerful weapon for the hosts were rebounds (50-30).

Ramla: LaTanya White 19+7 boards, Nicky Anosike 12+16 boards, Adva Baranes 11
Olivais: Ambrosia Anderson 18+6 boards, Filipa de Freitas 12, Ana Santos 10+11 boards

Ivory Latta signed with Maccabbi Ramat Chen - by Gil Goshen


After 8 games with. Ceyhan team the great point guard from Atlanta Dream
decided to leave Turkey and join to Maccabbi Ramat Chen from Israel.
Ivory Agency GG Basketball will play together with her former teammate from N.C LaToya Pringle .

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Career:
McConnells, S.C. (York Comprehensive)
2003-2004: N.Carolina (NCAA)
2004-2005: N.Carolina (NCAA)
2005-2006: N.Carolina (NCAA): 35 games: 18.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 5.2apg, 2.3spg, FG: 45.5%, 3PT: 40.1%
2006-2007: N.Carolina (NCAA): 38 games: 16.2ppg, 2.1rpg, 4.2apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 41.1%, 3Pts: 40.2%, FT: 85.5%
2007: Drafted by Detroit Shock (WNBA,1rd(11))
2007: Detroit Shock (WNBA): Regular Season: 31 games: 3.0ppg; Play-Offs: 10 games: 1.9ppg
2007-2008: Elitzur Maclaren Holon (ISR-D1,1T): 19 games: Score-2(22.7ppg), 3.8rpg, 4.1apg, 1.1spg, 2FGP: 44.0%, 3PT: 39.4%, FT: 79.5%
2008: Atlanta Dream (WNBA): 34 games: 11.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 3.6apg, 1.3spg, FGP: 36.2%, 3PT: 34.4%, FT: 80.2%
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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  ITALY - Women  


CSKA victorious against Umana Reyer - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Umana Reyer 80:72

CSKA wrapped up their Euroleague Qualifying Round in style as they rolled past Umana Reyer in Moscow. The victory saw the hosts climbed at 6-4 record at the third spot in Group B. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) notched an impressive double-double of 19 points and 14 boards to lead the charge. CSKA will now take on Perfumerias in the eighth-finals. Venezia secured the top spot in the pool despite the loss and would take on MiZo Pecs in the Last 16 series.
The lead changed hands for several times in the starting period before Rebecca Khammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.) sealed the outcome at 23:21 for the hosts. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) and Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) quickly put the visitors ahead in the second frame but Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) and Katie Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) answered for CSKA. The hosts regained the lead and ensured a 38:37 advantage at halftime.
Venezia once again was the better side at the start of the frame as they tipped off the second half with an 11:2 rally. CSKA failed to bounce back and Umana Reyer managed to enter the final quarter up by 5 points. Ilona Korstine ignited a 7:0 run from the home team early in the fourth quarter to put CSKA in front. Umana Reyer kept it close but Ann Wauters, Janel McCarville (188-C-82, college: Minnesota) and Rebecca Khammon closed the regulation with 7 straight points to post the victory for the Russian team.
Rebecca Khammon nailed 15 points for CSKA. Edwige Lawson-Wade (167-G-79) and Katie Douglas had 13 points apiece for the winning team. Simona Ballardini notched 16 points for Venezia. Mery Andrade (181-F-75, college: ODU) had 15 points in the loss.

CSKA: Ann Wauters 19+14 boards, Rebecca Khammon 15, Edwige Lawson-Wade 13, Katie Douglas 13
Umana Reyer: Simona Ballardini 16, Mery Andrade 15

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  LATVIA - Women  


Athinaikos outplays Cesis 158-129 in two games - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: Athinaikos - Cesis 90-72

As it was expected, Athinaikos registered an easy win in the second game of the EuroCup 1/16 finals against Cesis, advancing to the next stage with plus 29 in total (158-129). Athinaikos also was better than Cesis in the first match 68-57. The hosts had couple of players in a game mood, but the best one was Katie Gearlds (186-G/F-84, college: Purdue), who nailed 23 pts. Nicole Soulis (188-F-85, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) was behind her with 15, while Vasiliki Volonaki (179-F-80) netted 2 points less. Polymnia Sarekgou (185-G-72) had 12 points and LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) came up with double-double, 11 points and 11 boards. Cesis' best player was Nykesha Sales (183-F/G-76, college: Connecticut) with 18 pts and 6 rebounds. Ieva Tare (185-F-74) this time stopped on 11+5.
Athinaikos had wonderful beginning. After just ten minutes the hosts created comfortable 26-11. It was a clear signal what Cesis can expect until the end. Five players with more than 10 points was too much for Cesis. Katie Gearlds and her teammates extended it even more until the half time, 51-31. After that Athinaikos slowed down keeping its lead without any extra efforts. Third stanza was totally leveled 23-23, while the last one belonged to the loosing side, 16-18.

Athinaikos: Katie Gearlds 23, Nicole Soulis 15, Vasiliki Volonaki 13, Polymnia Sarekgou 12+5 boards, LaToya Davis 11+11 boards
Cesis: Nykesha Sales 18+6 boards, Ieva Tare 11+5 boards

TTT Riga pip Lille at home - by Eurobasket News
TTT Riga - Lille 77:70

Latvian champions TTT Riga earned the fourth win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round yesterday. They defeated Villenueve in Riga to finish the stage at 4-6 record. Both teams however failed to make it to the Last 16 stage. TTT Riga finished at the fifth spot, while Lille remained at the bottom of the ladder at 3-7.
Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) scored 11 points in the starting frame and TTT Riga ensured a 22:14 lead for the hosts. Fatimatou Sacko (183-F-85) answered with 8 second-quarter points to ignite a comeback effort from Villenueve. Lille organized a 9:2 run that put the visitors ahead by 2 late in the first half. Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers) closed the half with 4 straight points as TTT Riga held a 36:34 advantage at halftime.
The lead changed hands for numerous times in the third frame. Finally Tatyana Troina, Elizaveta Kityzina (195-C-80) and Essence Carson spurred the hosts to a 53:46 advantage late in the third quarter. Laurie Datchy (175-G/F-90) and Fatimatou Sacko allowed Lille to enter the fourth period trailing by only 2 points. Laurie Datchy and Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) tipped off the fourth quarter with 7 unanswered points to propel the visitors to a 60:55 advantage. TTT Riga reacted immediately as they exploded with a 14:0 rally to pile up a 9-point lead. The French team never got closer than 4 points and TTT Riga secured another win in the Euroleague action.
Tatyana Troina topscored with 26 points for TTT Riga. Essence Carson added 16 points, while Merike Anderson (181-G/F-81) had 11 points for the winning team. Fatimatou Sacko answered with 26 points and 7 boards for Lille. Geraldine Robert delivered 17 points, 8 boards and 5 assists in the loss.

TTT Riga: Tatyana Troina 26, Essence Carson 16, Merike Anderson 11
Lille: Fatimatou Sacko 26, Geraldine Robert 17

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  POLAND - Women  


USK Praha topple Lotos in Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
USK Praha - Lotos 69:64

The Czech Republic vice champions USK Praha held off Lotos at home court for the fourth win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round. Lotos however secured the third spot in the ladder despite the defeat. Now both teams made it to the Last 16 stage. Lotos will take on Fenerbahce, while USK Praha will face Spartak Moscow Region in the eighth-finals best-of-three series.
USK Praha led throughout the first period but points from Alana Beard (180-G/F-82, college: Duke) and Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) allowed Lotos to tie things up at 16 with ten minutes gone in the game. Sonja Kireta (198-C-76), Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) and Cash Swin (187-F-79, college: Connecticut) nailed 7 straight points for the hosts at the start of the second frame. But the Polish team was not intimidated. Alana Beard, Emilja Podrug (190-C-79) and Ivana Matovic (197-C-83) fueled a 12:2 rally that gave the visitors a 30:27 lead late in the first half. Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) accounted for the last bucket of the half as they teams went into the dressing rooms knotted up at 33.
Katerina Elhotova and Lindsay Whalen dropped 11 points in a row for the hosts to open up a double digit lead early in the second half. Lotos did not find a proper answer as they entered the final period trailing by 10 points 47:57. But Lotos refused to fold as Alana Beard, Emilja Podrug and Monique Currie narrowed the distance to a single point 62:63 with just over 3 minutes left. Sonja Kireta and Michaela Ferancikova (190-F-77) came up with timely baskets that silenced the visitors.
Sonja Kireta paced USK Praha with 18 points and 7 boards. Katerina Elhotova contributed 17 points for the winners. Alana Beard dropped 20 points for Lotos in the loss.

USK Praha: Sonja Kireta 18, Katerina Elhotova 17, Lindsay Whalen 16
Lotos: Alana Beard 20, Ivana Matovic 17

Perfumerias to face CSKA in Euroleague Last 16 - by Eurobasket News
Perfumerias - Wisla 72:59

Spanish Halcon Avenida ensured the seventh win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round. The Spanish team bruised Wisla at home court. The victory allowed them to finish at the second spot in Group A. Perfumerias will now face dangerous CSKA in the best-of-three eighth-finals series. The first game is scheduled for January 27 in Salamanca. Wisla also reached the Last 16 stage. There they will play against MKB Euroleasing from Hungary.
Wisla led for some time early in the game before Perfumerias took over. Anke De Mondt (180-F/G-79), Petra Stampalija (190-C-80) and Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, college: Auburn) secured a 31:20 lead for the hosts at the first intermission. Perfumerias easily maintained the lead throughout the second frame. Skerovic capped the quarter with 3 points to cut the distance to 10 points at halftime 33:43.
The visitors used a 6:0 run midway through the third quarter to come as close as 2 points. But Michelle Snow (196-C-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) and Petra Stampalija ensured a 52:45 advantage for Perfumerias at three-quarter time. Ciocan and Le'Coe Willingham quickly restored a 10-point cushion for the hosts at the start of the fourth period and Perfumerias never looked back en route to the win.
Le'Coe Willingham came up with 24 points and 17 boards for the home team. Petra Stampalija added 17 points for the winners. Sladana Maksimovic (193-C-84) answered with 13 points for Wisla. Dominique Canty (175-G/F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Alabama) and Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) had 12 points apiece in the loss.

Perfumerias: Le'Coe Willingham 24+17 boards, Petra Stampalija 17, Michelle Snow 12
Wisla: Sladana Maksimovic 13, Dominique Canty 12, Marta Fernandez 12

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Liga Feminina round 9 - by Luis Rocha
ESSA for the second time in 2 days saw the third quarter finish with their chances. This tiem they didnt play with her new player Alexis Castro (183-F-86, college: Vermont), and Olivais after a 27-11 relaxed in the final quarter.
CAB didnt take no prisioners this weekend, this time the victim was Barcelos that loose 78-47. The Barcelos team was too tired to play with a relaxed CAB. B.Viagem won at home against Santarem 70-54. After the firast quarter with 21-10, the home team played ina very quiet way, and Santarem could then leveled the game , but never in a way that would permit them to won the game. A motivated Unio won at home over Povoa 62-42. This time Povoa let Tina Thompson (-G) out and put Rachel Folcik (185-C-85) in....things didnt went well as in the day before. Good performance from Ana Oliveira (175-F-83, college: UTSA) (Unio) , 19 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Nice game at Algs, many thinked that the home team, after a hard game against Olivais the day before, will go down at the hands of a rested Vagos. Wrong idea, Alges was fresher all the time, and even without a seconfd foreign player to help inside, destroyed the inside game of the opponnet taking the win from there. Natalia Andre (185-C-74) was great with 12 points and 13 rebounds, while Amanda Jackson (175-G-85, college: Miami, OH) was scoring (25) without proper guarding. The round MVP was Aja Parham (183-G/F-84, college: Boston Coll.) (Olivais). She scored 30 points, grabbed 11 boards and stealed 7 balls, great game to a known and very capable player thats being helping Olivais into a great season.

Ramla goes through the EuroCup 1/16 finals - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: Ramla - Olivais 67-62

Ramla was better than Olivais in the second game of the EucoCup 1/16 finals jumping to the next stage with 144-122 in total. In the first game in Portugal the Israeli representative won 77-60. LaTanya White (170-G-82, college: Mississippi St.) demonstrated nice performance for the winning squad collecting 19 points and 7 rebounds. Nicky Anosike (192-C-86, college: Tennessee) also was on high level registering double-double, 12 points and 16 rebounds. Adva Baranes followed them with 11 pts. As usual, Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) top-scored for Olivais with 18 points, including 6 rebounds. Filipa de Freitas (165-G) netted 12, while Ana Santos (-86) contributed with 10 points and 11 rebounds.
It seems that Ramla played as much as it needed for the victory. LaTanya White and her teammates had decent 19-15 after ten minutes. After Ana Santos's basket at the middle of the second frame Olivais cut the margin on 30-28. However, the score was never tied in this period. After the breather visitor finaly managed to do it 42-42, but Ramla immediately grabbed back the small lead. Interesting is that Olivais was pretty close until the end, but Ramla always had advantage. Visitors attempted 33 times from behind the arc making 10 of those. The most powerful weapon for the hosts were rebounds (50-30).

Ramla: LaTanya White 19+7 boards, Nicky Anosike 12+16 boards, Adva Baranes 11
Olivais: Ambrosia Anderson 18+6 boards, Filipa de Freitas 12, Ana Santos 10+11 boards

Liga Feminina round 8 - by Luis Rocha
ESSA lost at home against Vagos. Things were even at the break, but in the third quarter Vagos solve the game with a parcial of 38-9.....ESSA debut Alexis Castro (183-F-86, college: Vermont) with a performance under her cpacities.Unio beat Barcelos 76-73 in a close game that even went to overtime. Great game at Alges. The home team lost 74-82, but they were always capable to turn things very hard to Olivais. Ambrosia Anderson (186-F-84, college: BYU) (Olivais) was great (29 points - 11 boards) and the lack of a strong center in Algs was maybe the reason to this defeat.CAB smashed Povoa 84-37. The absence of RAchel Folcik in Povoa, dont explain everything, it was a very poor performance. Breanne Watson (185-F-85, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Washington) (CAB) was great 26 points and 11 boards..B.Viagem had the game won at the end of the first quarter, they get a 30-7 lead and from that it was down hill for ESguiera, they only had a breathe when B:Viagem let some of their best players out. Final result 76-45, Esgueira really needs another good player to level things up in the roster. Dejeanette Flournoy (188-C, college: Ill.-Chicago) was once again the round MVP. Suddenly she s showing her cpacities and what a great job shes doing. She scored 31 points, and grabbed 16 rebounds, apart giving 6 assists.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


CSKA victorious against Umana Reyer - by Eurobasket News
CSKA - Umana Reyer 80:72

CSKA wrapped up their Euroleague Qualifying Round in style as they rolled past Umana Reyer in Moscow. The victory saw the hosts climbed at 6-4 record at the third spot in Group B. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) notched an impressive double-double of 19 points and 14 boards to lead the charge. CSKA will now take on Perfumerias in the eighth-finals. Venezia secured the top spot in the pool despite the loss and would take on MiZo Pecs in the Last 16 series.
The lead changed hands for several times in the starting period before Rebecca Khammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.) sealed the outcome at 23:21 for the hosts. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) and Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) quickly put the visitors ahead in the second frame but Ilona Korstine (183-G-80) and Katie Douglas (185-G/F-79, college: Purdue) answered for CSKA. The hosts regained the lead and ensured a 38:37 advantage at halftime.
Venezia once again was the better side at the start of the frame as they tipped off the second half with an 11:2 rally. CSKA failed to bounce back and Umana Reyer managed to enter the final quarter up by 5 points. Ilona Korstine ignited a 7:0 run from the home team early in the fourth quarter to put CSKA in front. Umana Reyer kept it close but Ann Wauters, Janel McCarville (188-C-82, college: Minnesota) and Rebecca Khammon closed the regulation with 7 straight points to post the victory for the Russian team.
Rebecca Khammon nailed 15 points for CSKA. Edwige Lawson-Wade (167-G-79) and Katie Douglas had 13 points apiece for the winning team. Simona Ballardini notched 16 points for Venezia. Mery Andrade (181-F-75, college: ODU) had 15 points in the loss.

CSKA: Ann Wauters 19+14 boards, Rebecca Khammon 15, Edwige Lawson-Wade 13, Katie Douglas 13
Umana Reyer: Simona Ballardini 16, Mery Andrade 15

Besiktas finish Euroleague season on a high - by Eurobasket News
Nadezhda - Besiktas 72:76

Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) scored 23 points to pace Besiktas past Nadezhda in the final game of the Euroleague Qualifying Round in Group A. The win though did not allow the Turkish team to enter the Last 16 stage. Both Nadezhda and Besiktas appeared out of competition claiming the fifth and the sixth spots in the pool.
Laura Harper (193-F/C-86, college: Maryland) and Shay Doron ignited a quick start for the visitors as they piled up a 9:3 lead. Besiktas maintained the advantage and led by 5 points after ten minutes. Mujde Yuksel (180-F-81) and Doron fired from downtown early in the second term to keep Besiktas in charge. Nadezhda could not get closer than 4 points and trailed 39:44 at the interval.
Mujde Yuksel, Zanze and Laura Harper extended the gap to 11 points at the start of the third frame. However Betty Lennox (173-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech) answered with 5 points to keep the hosts in the game. Nadezhda closed the gap late in the stanza and Garcia made it 56:56 entering the fourth quarter. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-F/C-87), Zane Tamane (196-C-83, college: W.Illinois) and Betty Lennox gave the hosts a 72:68 lead with under two minutes remaining but it was not enough for the win. Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) hit back-to-back trebles to retain the lead for Besiktas. Doron then sealed the outcome from the charity stripe securing the third victory for the Turkish team.
Laura Harper provided 19 points and 18 boards for Besiktas. Milica Dabovic and Mujde Yuksel added 11 points in the win. Zane Tamane responded with 19 points and 10 boards for Nadezhda. Betty Lennox had 23 points in the losing effort.

Nadezhda: Betty Lennox 23, Zane Tamane 10+10 boards
Besiktas: Shay Doron 23, Laura Harper 19+18 boards

Dynamo Kursk advances to the EuroCup 1/8 finals - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: Dynamo K. - Mondeville 72-51

Dynamo Kursk had an easy job against French USO Mondeville advancing to the EuroCup 1/8 finals. As a reminder in the first game in France Dynamo also celebrated 48-68. It means that the Russian representative aggregated fantastic 140-99 in two matches. Anastasia Fomina (175-G-83) this time scored the most for Dynamo, 13 points. Varvara Psareva (194-C-85) and Ksenia Lapteva (183-G-83) netted 11 points each, while Psareva also had 11 more rebounds beside that. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) finished the game with 10 points and 6 boards. Paoline Salagnac (176-G-84) led the scorers in Mondeville with 13 points. Lenae Williams (186-F-79, college: De Paul) added 12, while Pauline Jannault (193-F/C-87) stopped on 11 pts and 8 boards.
Since the very beginning it was clear that Dynamo is too strong for Mondeville. The hosts had impressive 7-0 start, later ending the first frame with plus 9, 18-9. Nothing has changed during the following 10 minutes as the host totally controlled rhythm of the game. After 20 minutes it was 35-17 meaning that this 1/16 final was already over for Mondeville. Actually, visitors succeeded to close the gap on 14 pts at the beginning of the third stanza, but it was their maximum in this game. Anastasia Fomina and her teammates immediately answered setting the score on 53-37 after 3 periods. Last ten minutes were just the formality.

Dynamo Kursk: Anastasia Fomina 13, Varvara Psareva 11+11 boards, Ksenia Lapteva 11, Sandra Valuzyte 10+6 boards
Mondeville: Paoline Salagnac 13+5 boards, Lenae Williams 12+4 boards, Pauline Jannault 11+8 boards

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  SPAIN - Women  


Perfumerias to face CSKA in Euroleague Last 16 - by Eurobasket News
Perfumerias - Wisla 72:59

Spanish Halcon Avenida ensured the seventh win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round. The Spanish team bruised Wisla at home court. The victory allowed them to finish at the second spot in Group A. Perfumerias will now face dangerous CSKA in the best-of-three eighth-finals series. The first game is scheduled for January 27 in Salamanca. Wisla also reached the Last 16 stage. There they will play against MKB Euroleasing from Hungary.
Wisla led for some time early in the game before Perfumerias took over. Anke De Mondt (180-F/G-79), Petra Stampalija (190-C-80) and Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, college: Auburn) secured a 31:20 lead for the hosts at the first intermission. Perfumerias easily maintained the lead throughout the second frame. Skerovic capped the quarter with 3 points to cut the distance to 10 points at halftime 33:43.
The visitors used a 6:0 run midway through the third quarter to come as close as 2 points. But Michelle Snow (196-C-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) and Petra Stampalija ensured a 52:45 advantage for Perfumerias at three-quarter time. Ciocan and Le'Coe Willingham quickly restored a 10-point cushion for the hosts at the start of the fourth period and Perfumerias never looked back en route to the win.
Le'Coe Willingham came up with 24 points and 17 boards for the home team. Petra Stampalija added 17 points for the winners. Sladana Maksimovic (193-C-84) answered with 13 points for Wisla. Dominique Canty (175-G/F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Alabama) and Marta Fernandez (178-F-81) had 12 points apiece in the loss.

Perfumerias: Le'Coe Willingham 24+17 boards, Petra Stampalija 17, Michelle Snow 12
Wisla: Sladana Maksimovic 13, Dominique Canty 12, Marta Fernandez 12

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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women  


Defence Force takes game 1 in national finals - by Don Farrell
Rhonda John-Davis scored 24 points and took 20 rebounds to lead Defence Force to a tight 64-60 win over the reigning national champions Courts Horizon in Game One of the Womens finals. She found support in Crystal George (18 pts, six rebs) and Stacey Sparks (7 pts, 11 rebs) while Courts Horizons captain and nationa playmaker Pietra Gay (25 pts, 12 rebs) and national centre Chezelle Griffith (24 pts, 17 rebs) were each outstanding. Game-two is tonight at Maloney from 8.30 pm.

Scores:
Game 1;
Defence Force (19;28;48) 64 (Rhonda John-Davis 24 pts, 20 rebs, 5 stls, Crystal George 18 pts, 6 rebs, Stecey Sparks 7 pts, 11 rebs) beat Courts Horizon (13;28;38) 60 (Pietra Gay 25 pts, 12 rebs, Chezelle Griffith 24 pts, 17 rebs, 4 stls)



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  TURKEY - Women  


Besiktas finish Euroleague season on a high - by Eurobasket News
Nadezhda - Besiktas 72:76

Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) scored 23 points to pace Besiktas past Nadezhda in the final game of the Euroleague Qualifying Round in Group A. The win though did not allow the Turkish team to enter the Last 16 stage. Both Nadezhda and Besiktas appeared out of competition claiming the fifth and the sixth spots in the pool.
Laura Harper (193-F/C-86, college: Maryland) and Shay Doron ignited a quick start for the visitors as they piled up a 9:3 lead. Besiktas maintained the advantage and led by 5 points after ten minutes. Mujde Yuksel (180-F-81) and Doron fired from downtown early in the second term to keep Besiktas in charge. Nadezhda could not get closer than 4 points and trailed 39:44 at the interval.
Mujde Yuksel, Zanze and Laura Harper extended the gap to 11 points at the start of the third frame. However Betty Lennox (173-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech) answered with 5 points to keep the hosts in the game. Nadezhda closed the gap late in the stanza and Garcia made it 56:56 entering the fourth quarter. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-F/C-87), Zane Tamane (196-C-83, college: W.Illinois) and Betty Lennox gave the hosts a 72:68 lead with under two minutes remaining but it was not enough for the win. Milica Dabovic (175-G-82) hit back-to-back trebles to retain the lead for Besiktas. Doron then sealed the outcome from the charity stripe securing the third victory for the Turkish team.
Laura Harper provided 19 points and 18 boards for Besiktas. Milica Dabovic and Mujde Yuksel added 11 points in the win. Zane Tamane responded with 19 points and 10 boards for Nadezhda. Betty Lennox had 23 points in the losing effort.

Nadezhda: Betty Lennox 23, Zane Tamane 10+10 boards
Besiktas: Shay Doron 23, Laura Harper 19+18 boards

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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Standings - Women
EBL Standings
 1. UWIC Archers 8-0 
 2. Sheffield H. 7-1 
 3. Northumbria 6-3 
 4. London HA 5-6 
 5. Nottingham W. 4-3 
 6. Rh.Rebels 3-4 
 7. Solent S. 3-4 
 8. Leeds C. 3-5 
 9. Manchester M. 3-5 
 10. London M. 2-7 
 11. Sevenoaks S. 1-7 


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  WBCBL - Women  


Columbus signs a true Hidden Gem! - by Willie McCray
12/18/08
Columbus, OH

Jeannie Saunders (5'8 - G - Salem International University) is one of the most productive and well-rounded players I have ever come across in all my years of basketball. She simply does whatever it takes to win. Jeannie has virtually no weaknesses in her game. She is a true Hidden Gem in every sense of the word. Jeannie Saunders has WNBA talent and I do not throw those words around much at all. I fully expect her to be an instant impact player and leader for this team, as well as one of the best players in the entire WBCBL league.'

- Coach Jones