EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/20/2008

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Men News

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


Again schedule changes in West Coast - by Gianni Pascucci

The Washington Raptors, the same ABA team that was't able to reach Anchorage to play the Alaska Dream some days ago, experienced the same disappoint yesterday. In fact, just after announcing a history-making four game series with the Sacramento Heatwave on Friday, Dec 19; Saturday, Dec 20; Sunday, Dec 21 and Tuesday, Dec 23, the Raptors officials discovered that the Sacramento team would not be available for the Friday and Saturday 2 game home series. In consequence, the team had to find a replacement, and the Fresno Rebels stepped ahead. This team was scheduled to start in 2009, and all the game played in this season should have been 'exhibitions', but everything came together quickly and they asked to be included in this season's ABA schedule. 'They have a very strong team with well known players,' added Regina Joseph , Raptors President. 'The fans and sponsors of the Raptors have been anticipating back-to-back games but were thrilled with the news of this history-making series. The games will be played at Pierce College in Lakewood (a suburb of Tacoma). It is located at 9401 Farwest Drive SW in Lakewood, WA 98498. Tip-off time for all games is 7:15pm; the gym will open to the public at 6pm. For more information, visit www.washingtonraptors.com



An European addition for the Wild - by Gianni Pascucci

The West Virginia Wild strengthened its backcourt by signing Ivan Cubela (6'7''-F-84), a swingman from Croatia. Cubela, who played in various European teams, is a genuine professional. The Wild Director of Scouting/Player Personnel Thaddeus Breckenridge said, 'I think Ivan has a chance to play in the NBA someday or at least get a serious look. He reminds me of Tony Kukoc from his Chicago Bull days. Ivan can fill it up from the outside and take you off the dribble and finish at the rim.' Cubela will join the team in January after the paperwork has been accepted to come to the US. He hopes to join a list of international NBA player who have come to the US and had great careers. For more information, visit www.westvirginiawild.com



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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Miljan Rakic signed for Bosna - by Zoran Popovic
Former player of KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac, Miljan Rakic (193-G-86) is new member of Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo. Rakic started this season in KK Novi Sad Panonska Banka and on 13 games in Serbian Swisslion league scored average 11.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.1 assistants, 1.1 stolen balls per game. Miljan Rakic started career in KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac, played for them in period 2003-2008 and in February 2008 he moved in KK Masinac Krajlevo. Miljan Rakic was member of Serbia and Montenegro U18, U20 National team and Serbian University National team. Rakic won Adriatic league with Hemofarm in season 2004-2005.

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  ARGENTINA   


TNA Round: 13 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Group North
Union - La Union 91-87
Union outsmarted La Union in derby game of Group North. Migoel Isola top-scored for the winners with 23, while Axiers Sucre had 2 points less. Sucre also grabbed 13 more rebounds beside that. Wendell Gibson replied with 20 points and 11 boards for La Union. Both teams had 10-2 record before this game.

San Mart.C. - Obera TC 94-77
San Martin Corrientes outplayed Obera TC 94-77 improving on 8-5 record in Group North. Alex Carcamo was a key player for the hosts as he nailed 33 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Obera got 20 points from Willie Davis staying on just 3 wins in 10 appearances.

Atl.Echague - Alma Juniors 73-63
Sebastian Porta and Javier Ledesma drained 18 points apiece leading their Atletico Echague to fourth victory this season. Matias Tomatis led the scorers in Alma Juniors with 21 pts. The hosts are currently on 4-9, while Alma Juniors fell on 6-7.

A.Espanola - A.Italiana 59-69
Asociacion Italiana cruised past Asociacion Espanola on the road thanks to Derrick Miller and his 23 points. Juan Angel helped with 15. Zachary Williams contributed with 15 pts and 10 boards in loss. A. Italiana 6-7, A. Espanola 4-9.

Group South
San Mart.MJ - Belgrano SN 91-76
San Martin MJ crushed Belgrano SN moving up on 7-6 in Group South. Visitors remain on top of the standings, together with Pedro Echague (8-5). Pablo Bruna scored 26 points for the winners. Gabriel Diaz delivered 22 for Belgrano.

Firmat SF - P.Echague 84-89
8-5 for Pedro Echague and 6-7 for Firmat SF after this game. Willard Ford came up with 29 points and 13 rebounds for the winners, while Diego Eiguren helped adding 4 points less. Matias Cudos delivered 23 pts for Firmat.

Ciclista - Argentino 77-74
Important win for Ciclista as both teams entered into this game with 6-6 record. Hakeem Rollins demonstrated impressive performance for the hosts delivering 27 points and grabbing 10 boards. Selem Safar netted 20 pts in defeat.

GimnasiaLP - C.Entrerriano 85-67
Lucas Perez led the scorers for the host squad with 18 points. Pablo Bendel helped with 14. Ricardo Centeno came up with double-double for Central Entrerriano collecting 13 points and 11 rebounds. Both teams are on 5-8 now.



Univerisdad de Concepcion successful on Day 3 of Liga Americas - by Eurobasket News
Universidad de Concepcion secured the only win in the second edition of the Liga Americas. Yesterday the Chilean team held off Regatas de Corrientes 96:94 in the thriller. The win however left did not allow Concepcion to leave the last spot in Group B. Regatas also missed the Final Four stage finishing at the third position.
The Argentinean team got to the better start as Alejandro Montecchia (180-G-72, agency: Interperformances) paced Regatas. He nailed 8 points in the starting frame and Regatas enjoyed a 21:18 lead at the first break. The situation hardly changed in the second period as Regatas maintained the gap and arrived at halftime leading by 5 points 42:37. However Concepcion stayed in the contest after the long break and soon knotted things up at 58. Regatas led late in regulation but a basket from Andre Hardwick (201-F/C-83, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: CSU Bakersfield) sealed a tie to force the first overtime. Regatas once again surged ahead but Concepcion had the answer one more time. Agba hit a late bucket to send the clash into the second extra period. There Marcelo Hernadez drained a timely three-pointer and then Eduardo Marechal (186-G-85) sealed the win from free throw line.
Erron Maxey (198-F-78, college: Providence) knocked down 26 points to lead Concepcion. Andre Hardwick contributed 21 points and 15 boards for the winners. Damian Tintorelli (202-C-81, agency: Players Group) answered with 21 points and 8 boards for Regatas. Alejandro Montecchia and Ramzee Stanton (193-F-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: W.Chester) added 14 points apiece in the loss.

Penarol lose to Bigua, fail to reach Final Four - by Eurobasket News
The Liga Americas reigning champions Penarol Mar Del Plata came up short of defending their title. Yesterday they lost the crucial battle in Group B to Uruguayan Bigua and missed the Final Four stage. Bigua in the meantime posted the third straight win in the competition and entered the next stage undefeated.
Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) dropped 35 points for the South Americans club champions. Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) and Martin Osimani (194-G-81, college: Duquesne) added 14 points each in the winning case. Byron Johnson (201-F/C-80, college: Belm.Abbey) and David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) produced 18 points apiece for Penarol. Byron Johnson added 13 boards to his tally.
The teams traded baskets early in the encounter before the visitors fired with a 6:0 run to cap the first frame leading 21:16. Bigua kept on dominating with Leandro Garcia Morales piling up points. The visitors built a 37:25 cushion at halftime. Bigua maintained the distance throughout the third frame but several accurate attempts from David Jackson saw their lead evaporate. Penarol stepped on the gas in the final stanza and the hosts surged ahead 53:51 midway through the stanza. Bigua reacted with an 11:2 rally that saw them regain the advantage. The seesaw action continued before Fernando Malara (194-F-80, agency: Interperformances) sealed the regulation with the bucket to make it 66:66. However an accurate free throw shooting from Leandro Garcia Morales allowed Bigua to eke out a tough win at the end.

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  BALKAN LEAGUE   


Balkan-League Round: 6 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Feni Indistrija - Radnicki 034 92-60
Macedonian champion Feni Industri smashed Serbian team Radnicki 034 Group in Kavadarci securing a spot for the BIBL quarterfinals. After 5 appearances Macedonians have almost perfect 4-1 record in Group A. On the other side, Radnicki 034 is on poor 1-4. As a remainder, Radnicki celebrated the first win in BIBL last week against Swisslion Takovo. American Donald Cole once again demonstrated wonderful performance for Feni. He spent 26 minutes on the court nailing 18 points and pulling down 9 rebounds. Zlatko Gocevski also shined collecting 16 points and 5 boards. Gjorgi Cekovski and Marjan Gjurov helped with 13 points each. Radovan Pesic contributed with 13 points in loss. The last one with double-digits in scoring for Radnicki was Ivan Milosevic, 10 points.


Swiss.Lions - CSU Brasov 76-55
CSU Brasov couldn't handle Swisslion Takovo on the road suffering the fourth defeat in Balkan league, Group A. On the other hand, the Serbian representative already booked a spot for the quarterfinals. Brasov and Radnicki 034 are at the bottom of Group A with 1-4. Radovan Markovic shined for the winners delivering 18 points. Vladimir Popovic helped him with 14, while Nemanja Kovacevic had 12 pts. The hosts got 14 points and 8 boards from Sasa Mijajlovic. Andrei Mandache, who scored 13 pts, was the last one with more than 10. Alex Hartman stopped on 8 pts.


Group B
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 was the best scorer in Rabotnicki with 16 points. Toni Simic registered the only double-double in both teams, 12 points and 11 boards. Ognen Stojanovski netted 12, while Dime Tasovski helped the winners with 10 points. Dinamo got 13 pts from Razvan Popa. Viorel Mocanu and Kiril Pavlovski posted 12 apiece. It is important to mention it's the second win for Rabotnicki vs Dinamo this season.



Round 8, Group A

Radnicki 034 - CSU Brasov 79-77
It was an early Round 8 game, which belonged to Radnicki 034 Group 79-77. After this win Radnicki jumped on 2-4 in Group A, while CSU Cuadripol remained on just 1 joy (1-5). Danilo Draskovic was totally the best player in Radnicki with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Petar Beader helped him with 16 pts and 8 boards. Ionut Dragusin shined for the loosing side collecting 20 points and 20 rebounds.

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  BARBADOS   


Holder, Haynes help Pioneers to successful start - by Justin Marville
TWO OF BARBADOS top junior basketballers are back home for the holidays.

And they come bearing stories of their teams great success.

Athletic forwards Andre Holder and George Haynes enjoyed mixed individual performances after completing the first half of their freshman year at the Western Oklahoma State University.

Competing in the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I field, the two 6-foot 9-inch local products have helped the Pioneers rattle off 13 successive wins after dropping the season opener.

And Holder has been a major contributor in that resounding 13-1 mark, ranking second on the team in field goal percentage (61.3) and blocks (1) per game while starting ten of those 14 contests.

Though posting modest numbers of 3.5 points per game while averaging just 2.4 rebounds, Pioneers head coach Rolando De La Barrera still expects a lot from the 19-year-old junior, describing Holder as one of the teams most talented freshman frontcourt players.

The former St Michael School and Barbados Community College stalwart briefly flashed his prodigious ability in a 13-point performance last month against Sheppard Air Force, going an impressive six for eight from the field in a 101-60 Pioneers rout.

De La Barrera, a renowned evaluator of foreign talent, also figures that Haynes will be a valuable contributor to the side, but his season has so far been curtailed by injury woes.

Restricted to just six appearances due to an infected cyst in his foot, Haynes still managed to shoot above 50 per cent while scoring five points per game although hobbled by the injury.

But it is at the defensive end of the floor that Haynes coach expects his improving big man to make the biggest impact, and he has shown just that by registering a block and 3.2 rebounds per contest in limited playing time.

George is a very good shot blocker, posted De La Barrera on the teams webpage.

He is incredibly long and will develop into a defensive force for the Pioneers.'

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  BELGIUM   


Various News D1 - by Peter Buyse


Good news and bad news for Optima Gent, Graham Brown (205-C-84, college: Michigan) succesfully underwent knee surgery last week but will be out for quite some time. He already missed this past weekend's game at Aalst and is not scheduled to return back to Belgium before Jan 15.
On a brighter note for the Gent team they were able to reach an agreement with national team guard Roel Moors (188-G-78) for the remainder of the season.

Former Oostende forward Eric Hicks (198-F-83, college: Cincinnati) is expected to arrive in Oostende tomorrow for some medical tests. The tests are necessary before Oostende makes a decision on signing him for the rest of the season. Hicks started the season at Samara before he injured his knee.

Mons forward Julian Sensley (206-F-82, college: Hawaii) is back in the US dealing with a family situation and will not be on the roster for the last game of 2008.


Antwerp shooting guard Thomas Lamot (190-G-87) is still suffering from back problems and will not be on the roster for their game vs Mons.

He is expected to be back for the game on Jan 3rd vs Verviers.



Amsterdam Haarlem Basketball Week - by Peter Buyse


For those who can not get enough of basketball games during the christmas break, it is time to head for Amsterdam as of Dec 21st.
The world renowned Haarlem Basketball Week has changed names to AmsterdamHaarlem Basketball Week and is taking place in Amsterdam between Dec 21st and Dec 30th.
What makes the AHBW always intersting is the variety of teams that participate. Teams rarely seen in Europe such as Capitanes de Arecibo, the reigning Puerto Rican champion and Minas Tenis Clube from Brazil, last years tournament winners. Also back from last year are the Astana Tigers from Khazachstan. Add to that the Israeli Olympic team, the Dutch NT, NCAA D2 team Francis Marion, Amsterdam and Den Bosch and you got something to look forward to during this time of the year.

There are on average 2 games a day starting on the 21st at 15.30 and finishing with the final game on the 30th at 20.00.

Also back are the Luvabulls the Chicago Bulls cheerleader accompanied by Benny the Bull, the Bulls mascotte.

Check out the schedule and much more on

http://www.amsterdamhaarlembasketballweek.nl/2008/index.php



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  BELIZE   


U-12 Team Returns Home!!! - by David Magana
Between December 10-14, Belize entered a team of male 12 and Under athletes to play in a Central American Minibasket-ball tournament. The games were hosted by the Guatemalan Basketball Federation and played at the Teodoro Palacios Flores Gymnasium in Guatemala City. The games were played under the Minibasktball rules that encourage all youth to participate and enjoy the sport. In these games there are no declared winners as all teams receive medals. Given that this was Belizes first international exposure for this age group in over 30 years and that the team had just over a month to prepare, Belize made a good showing by winning three out of the five games they played, having the third best record in the tournament. They defeated teams from Guatemala, El Salvador and Costa Rica. The trip was an education for the athletes that participated as it provided exposure to international competition, playing in different climatic conditions, playing away from home, and playing as a national team under international referees. The Belize Basketball Federation (BBF) executives that accompanied the team made contacts with Central American federations and received invitations to participate in other upcoming tournaments for all age groups male and female. The BBF would like to publicly thank all those who sponsored the team by making financial contributions and parents and friends who accompanied and supported the team.

Belize Olympic & Commonwealth Games Asso.
Ministry of Youth and Sports and Culture
Belize Tourism Board
Joseph and Taylor
Belize Bank
Belize Ship Handlers
Peoples Store- Orange Walk
First Caribbean Bank
Advance Advertising
Spooners Studio
Mr. Rodney Card
Jordan Usher
Roman Alvarez
Mr. Martin Marshaleck
Mr. Louis Leslie
Mr. Andy Quelyn
Mr. Albert Vasquez
Mrs. Therese Vasquez
Mr. Roman Alvarez
Mr. Alan Slusher
Ms. Elena Usher

Press Release BBF

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  CANADA   


2 Canadians See Weekend Action IN Spains ACB - by John Gary
courtesy basketball canada Canadian senior mens national team member Carl Englishscored 14 points, but his teamKalise Gran Canaria, fell 82-76 to CB Granada on saturday in Spains ACB Pro League.English was 5-7 from two point range but only 1-6 from behind the three point arc. He is the teams leading scorer at 14.4 points per game. James Augustine also had 14 points for Gran Canaria,now in a three way tie for fourth in the ACB with an 8-4 record.

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  CHILE   


Univerisdad de Concepcion successful on Day 3 of Liga Americas - by Eurobasket News
Universidad de Concepcion secured the only win in the second edition of the Liga Americas. Yesterday the Chilean team held off Regatas de Corrientes 96:94 in the thriller. The win however left did not allow Concepcion to leave the last spot in Group B. Regatas also missed the Final Four stage finishing at the third position.
The Argentinean team got to the better start as Alejandro Montecchia (180-G-72, agency: Interperformances) paced Regatas. He nailed 8 points in the starting frame and Regatas enjoyed a 21:18 lead at the first break. The situation hardly changed in the second period as Regatas maintained the gap and arrived at halftime leading by 5 points 42:37. However Concepcion stayed in the contest after the long break and soon knotted things up at 58. Regatas led late in regulation but a basket from Andre Hardwick (201-F/C-83, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: CSU Bakersfield) sealed a tie to force the first overtime. Regatas once again surged ahead but Concepcion had the answer one more time. Agba hit a late bucket to send the clash into the second extra period. There Marcelo Hernadez drained a timely three-pointer and then Eduardo Marechal (186-G-85) sealed the win from free throw line.
Erron Maxey (198-F-78, college: Providence) knocked down 26 points to lead Concepcion. Andre Hardwick contributed 21 points and 15 boards for the winners. Damian Tintorelli (202-C-81, agency: Players Group) answered with 21 points and 8 boards for Regatas. Alejandro Montecchia and Ramzee Stanton (193-F-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: W.Chester) added 14 points apiece in the loss.

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  CHINA   


Dongguan Hands Xinjiang Second Loss - by Arthur Volbert
Harris Michael (198-F-83, college: Rice) had 38 points and 21 rebounds as Dongguan slipped by league-leading Xinjiang 96-90. Xinjiang's record is now 13-2 while Dongguan shares third place in the CBA with Jiangsu, having an 11-4 record. Zhang Kai added 24 points and 9 rebounds. Qiu Biao scored 19. Powerful but poor-shooting young big man Song Kangming had 4 points and 9 rebounds. Myron Allen scored 28 points for Xinjiang. Mengke Bateer had 22 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Juan Mendez had 18 points and 17 rebounds.

Guangdong maintained second place with a 12-3 record by beating Zhejiang Guangsha 111-101. Dong Hanlin scored 18 to lead a balanced Guangdong attack. Liu Xiaoyu and Tyler Amaya scored 16 and Du Feng added 13. Jason Dixon scored 12. Young 7-footer Wang Zheng had 9 points and 7 rebounds. Rodney White led Guangsha with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Nigel Dixon had 28 points and 11 rebounds. Yu Junkai scored 14, Zhang Nan had 11 and Jia Nan added 10.

Jiangsu maintained its share of third place with a 110-96 win over Fujian. Donnell Harvey had 26 points and 22 rebounds for Jiangsu. Jameel Watkins added 19 points and 16 rebounds. Hu Xuefeng had 14 points and 7 assists. Yang Li and Meng Da each scored 13. Chris Porter had 24 points and 26 rebounds for Fujian. Matt Frieje scored 21 points. Yang Genglin had 11 points and 5 rebounds in 10 minutes. Zhu Shilong and Yang Chao scored 10.

Shanghai gained its first victory of the season with a 114-96 drubbing of 2-13 Yunnan. DaJuan Tate had 38 points and 11 rebounds. Wang Ligang had 24 points and 7 rebounds. Peng Fei had 22 points and 8 rebounds. Meng Lingyuan and Wang Yong each scored 12 points. Li Lin had 32 points and 7 rebounds for Yunnan. Keith Closs had 20 points and 12 rebounds. Gabe Muoneke did not play, making a bad team even worse. Li Tao and Hu Guang each scored 13 and Xu Xu added 12.

Zhejiang squeaked past Bayi 111-110 as Samuel Hoskin had 22 points and 11 rebounds. Kirk Snyder had 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Luo Zhi scored 17 and Liu Weiwei added 16. Zhang Yongpeng added 10. Wang Zhizhi had 24 points and 6 rebounds for Bayi. Wang Lei added 21 points. Mo Ke had 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 blocks. Wang Zhongguang had 16 points and 7 assists. Chen Ke scored 15 and young center Xu Zhonghao added 10.

Olumide Oyedeji had 26 points, 13 rebounds and 7 blocks as Shanxi Zhongyu beat Qingdao 106-95. Ji Le and Donta Smith each scored 16 and Zhai Jinshuai scored 15. New import Chris Williams led Qingdao with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Li Guang scored 24 points and Lu Keming added 22. Frans Steyn had 14 points and 9 rebounds.

Liaoning edged Tianjin 100-98 as Awvee Storey, in his best performance of the year, had 33 points and 10 rebounds. Liu Xiangtao scored 22. Zhang Qingpeng and Li Xiaoxu each scored 16. Theron Smith had 36 points and 8 rebounds for Tianjin. Darryl Watkins had 26 points and 15 rebounds. Liu Hao scored 16.

Mack Tuck had 43 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists as Shandong edged Shaanxi 104-101. Cao Zhenhua had 16 points and 8 rebounds. Sun Jie scored 16 and highly promising youngster Li Jingyu added 15. Brandon Robinson scored 39 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Shandong. Lee Benson had 33 points and 25 rebounds. Chen Zhaosheng and Dai Yong each scored 10 and Zhang Wei added 9 as Shaanxi's five starters played almost the entire game.

Jilin outlasted Beijing 94-89. Soumaila Samake had 37 points and 17 rebounds. Wang Bo added 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Dontae Jones had 37 points and 14 rebounds for Beijing. David Harrison had 24 points and 12 rebounds. Du Jiang had 9 points and 6 rebounds.

CBA Round: 15 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Jilin - Beijing 94-89
Jilin overcame Beijing 94:89 as Soumaila Samake poured in 37 points and 17 rebounds. Dontae Jones had the same number of points in defeats adding also 14 rebounds.

DongGuan - Xinjiang 96-90
The key game of the round was played between Dongguan and league-leading Xinjiang. Harris Michael nailed 38 points and made 21 rebounds as Dongguan beat the favorite Xinjiang 96:90. Myron Allen scored 28 points for Xinjiang.

Bayi - Zhejiang C. 110-111
Zhejiang stun Bayi 111:110 behind 22 points and 11 rebounds from Samuel Hoskin. Kirk Snyder had 21 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Wang Zhizhi had 24 points and 6 rebounds for Bayi.

Guandong - Zhejiang G. 111-101
Guangdong improved to 12-3 record by beating Zhejiang Guangsha 111:101. Dong Hanlin led five players who reached double digits with 18 points. Rodney White led Guangsha with 34 points and 10 rebounds, while Nigel Dixon had 28 points and 11 rebounds.

Jiangsu - Fujian 110-96
Jiangsu is third after 110:96 win over Fujian. Donnell Harvey paced the winners with 26 points and 22 rebounds. Chris Porter had 24 points and 26 rebounds for Fujian.

Shanghai - Yunnan 114-96
Shanghai celebrated the initial victory of the season with a 114:96 over Yunnan. DaJuan Tate top-scored for the winners with 38 points and 11 rebounds. Li Lin had 32 points and 7 rebounds for Yunnan.

Shanxi Zh. - Qingdao DS 106-95
Shanxi Zhongyu overcame Qingdao 106:95 in Regular Season Round 15. Olumide Oyedeji top-scored for the winners with 26 points, 13 rebounds and 7 blocks. Chris Williams led Qingdao with 27 points and 11 rebounds.

Liaoning - TianJin R. 100-98
Liaoning beat Tianjin 100:98 to take 7-8 record. Awvee Storey led the winners with 33 points and 10 rebounds. Theron Smith nailed 36 points and 8 rebounds for Tianjin.

Shaanxi - Shandong 101-104
Shandong outscored Shaanxi 104:101 as Mack Tuck shined with 43 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Brandon Robinson scored 39 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Shandong.



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  D-LEAGUE   


NBA DL Preview: Austin @ Albuquerque - by Jay Gadsden
Today's d-league spotlight is on the matchup between Austin and Albuquerque, which will take place tonight from Albuquerque's home arena. The match is the second in a two-game back-to-back stretch, and Austin is looking to leave Albuquerque on a winning note.

The two team's are seemingly headed in separate directions, with the Thunderbirds sitting toward the bottom of the table with a dismal 1-6 record, and a winless home record. However on the bright side for Albuquerque is that the majority of their games thus far have been on the road, so they're hoping their fortunes change now that they begin a brand new home stretch. Also, Coach John Coffino will have to manage to keep his players focused despite all of the rumors that are swirling around a possible NBA call-up for Will Conroy, the Thunderbirds' talented guard who's averaging 24.6 ppg, 7.5 apg and 4.3 rpg.

Meanwhile the Toros, led by former Missouri head coach Quin Snyder, have a comfortable 5-3 record, and are currently sitting in second place in their division. They are paced by a steady backcourt of Malik Hairston and have gotten great frontcourt contributions from Marcus Williams and Charles Gaines.

The game is set to tip off this evening at 9:00 pm ET live from Albuquerque.

D-League Round: 20 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Rio Grande - Tulsa 89-80
Rio Grande Valley Vipers celebrated on the road against the 66ers improving on 5-5 record. On the other side, the hosts faced with 7th defeat in 9 appearances. Alpha Bangura led the scorers in Rio Grande with 19 points. Smush Parker and Kendall Dartez had 17 pts each. Ronald DuPree responded with 25 pts in loss.

Idaho - Anaheim 82-97
James White poured in 28 points for the hosts leading them to third victory of the season. Noel Felix scored 16, while Cedric Bozeman helped with 1 point less. Ernect Scott delivered 19 pts for Idaho. Arsenal 3-6, Stampede 7-2.

Austin - Albuquerque 127-121
127 points by Austin Toros were more than enough for the victory in Albuquerque. It was very exciting game, decided in overtime. Malik Hairston came up with 33 points, 9 rebounds and 6 boards for the winning squad. David Noel nailed 25 pts for the hosts. Toros 6-3, Thunderbirds 1-7.

Dakota - Erie 102-79
Dakota Wizards had an easy job vs Erie Bayhawks mostly owing to David Bell and Quemont Greer, which combined 41 points and 9 rebounds. The Bayhawks got 22 points and 5 rebs from Ivan Harris. Wizards 4-5, Bayhawks 6-3.

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  EBA   


Elmira Geared up for 09 EBA Campaign! - by Justin Moore
Elmira Bulldogs RELEASE 2009 ROSTER, SEASON OPENER IN ELMIRA SATURDAY JANUARY 3RD !!!!!


The Elmira Bulldogs are pleased to announce that they will be back for thier 2nd season as a professional basketball team in Elmira, NY. The 2009 schedule is out and the Bulldogs roster is loaded for a championship run. The Elmira Bulldogs will open the season at home at the Chemung County YMCA on Saturday, January 3rd @ 7:15 vs. the Newark (Garden City) Rebels who hail from Newark, New Jersey.


The 2009 roster is as follows :


Dan Cromwell, 7'1/C, Victor, NY, Lemoyne College
*Cromwell is a true 7 footer who just arrived home last week from playing professional basketball over seas in Montenegro where he averaged over 15 points per contest. Before turning pro Dan was a star player for NCAA D-2 Lemoyne College where he scored 14 points against Syracuse University in a game inside the famed Carrier Dome.


Eric Bressett (6'8''-C-85), 6'8/C, Elmira, NY, Corning Community College
*Bressett is a native of Elmira, NY who was a dominant post player for Elmira's South Side High School back in the mid 90's. He most recently played for Corning Community College during the 2005-2006 season where he averaged 15.2 points and 7 rebounds per game en route to being named 1st team all conference and 2nd team all region.


Demaija Stewart, 6'7/PF, London, England, Saint Leo University
*This native of London, England is no stranger to professional basketball. Stewart comes to the Bulldogs having played numerous seasons of pro ball over-seas, most recently for the Genesis Brighton Bears of the British Basketball League (BBL) where he averaged 6 points and 6 rebounds per contest. Played at NCAA D-2 Saint Leo University before turning pro.


Brandon Lawley, 6'7/PF, Jamaica-Queens, NY, Mansfield University
*Lawley joined the team for the final 3 games of the 2008 season for the Elmira Bulldogs starting the final two contests. In both starts for the Bulldogs in 2008 (both playoff games), Lawley scored 14 points and hauled in 14 rebounds in each contest. Played at NCAA D-2 Mansfield University before turning pro.


Demontric Doddles, 6'7/SF/PF, Lawton, OK, Mansfield University
*Doddles averaged 14.2 points, 6.2 rebounds per game while playing in every contest on the season. A well rounded player who can shoot, rebound and take player's off the dribble. Played at NCAA D-2 Mansfield University before turning pro.


Kevin Hill (6'5''-G/F, college: Mansfield (PA)), 6'5/SF, Mansfield, PA, Mansfield University
*Hill appeared in 8 games in 2008 for the Elmira Bulldogs averaging 13.1 points per contest and hitting 5 or more three pointer's in a game on 3 of those 8 occasions. Kevin Hill and Brandon Lawley were also team mates at NCAA D-2 Mansfield University before turning pro.


Telron Spell, 6'4/SG, Stamford, CT, University of Bridgeport
*Telron played last season for the Westchester Monarchs who played the Elmira Bulldogs twice last season. Telron scored 34 and 36 points against the Bulldogs in Elmira in those two contests. Spell was named to the NPBL All-Star team with averages of 27 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists per game. Before turning pro Telron Spell was the leading scorer at NCAA D-2 University of Bridgeport.


Kenny Gethers (6'3''-G/F), 6'4/SF, Syracuse, NY, R.I.T.
*Kenny is a former all conference and all region player who averaged 18.2 points and 12 rebounds per game for Onondaga Community College before moving on to NCAA D-3 Rochester Institute of Technology where he was a two time all conference selection averaging 14.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per contest.


Aubin Scott (6'2''-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports), 6'2/PG, Hempstead, NY, Long Island University
*Aubin Scott is a former NCAA D-1 starter from Long Island University (LIU) where he averaged 9.8 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3 assists per contest. Scott earned first team Nassau County Honors as a senior in high school and is regarded as one of the top guards in the New York City area.


Patrick Quinn, 6'0/SG, Long Island, NY, New England College
*Quinn is a 3 point sharp shooter who played pro basketball last season for the Boston Blizzard of the ABA. Quinn led New England College in scoring and 3-point makes before turning pro.


Ervin Bell, 6'0/PG, Lyons, NY, Lyons/Fulton HS
*A freakish athlete who is a high school basketball legend in the Finger Lakes & Wayne County regions of New York State. A all-state basketball player who was a regular on the 'Finger Lakes Times Fab 5' a honor bestowed upon the best player's in the Finger Lakes. Bell furthered his legacy when he decided to go out for the Lyons High School football team as a sophmore and was instantly regarded as one of the best high school football player's in the state, Bell recieved 3rd team all-state honors in football on the season. Off court problems at a young age derailed what was sure to be a promising future as a NCAA D-1 basketball player.

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Euroleague Round: 8 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Le Mans - Maccabi T-A 73-87
Four participants of Group A which booked a spot for the Top 16 are already known. Israeli giant Maccabi Electra became one of those after nice road victory against Le Mans. Lior Eliyahu stepped up for his team with double-double, 19 points and 10 rebounds. Carlos Arroyo and Omri Casspi also drained 19 points apiece (Arroyo had 7 more assists). Brian Chase answered with 17 points in defeat. Dewarick Spencer netted 14, while Alain Koffi registered double-double, 12 points and 11 boards.

Unicaja - Air AV 72-68
Unicaja was too strong for Air Avelino joining Olympiakos on top of Group A with 6-2 record after 8 rounds. Of course with this win Unicaja also secured a spot for the next stage. Marcus Haislip came up with 17 points and 5 boards, while Carlos Cabezas had 2 points less. Robert Jr. Archibald helped the hosts with 13 pts. Air Avelino got 16 points and 6 rebounds from Chris Warren. Drake Diener added 15 pts coming off the bench.

Olympiakos - Cibona 93-64
The Reds gave a real basketball lesson to Cibona. It was totally unexciting derby of Group A, despite both teams entered into this round with pretty decent 5-2 record. Olympiakos had couple of players in a game mood. Giannis Bourousis and Yotam Halperin delivered 13 points each (Bourousis had 6 more rebs). Nikola Vujcic came up with 12 points, 8 boards and 5 assists, while Josh Childress added 12 points and 5 rebs. Zoran Erceg helped the hosts with 11 points. Earl Calloway was way better than the others in Cibona netting 18 points. Marin Rozic stopped on 11 pts and 6 rebounds.


Group B
Panathinaikos - 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 champs 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 the fourth place at the end. Stratos Perperoglou was a key player for the Greens as he netted 16 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. Dimitris Diamantidis delivered 12, while Costas Tsartsaris added one point less, but including 7 rebounds. Mike Batiste collected 10 points and 6 rebounds. Ricardo Greer shined in Nancy with 21 points and 6 boards. Lamayne Wilson had 14, while John Cox contributed with 11 pts in loss.

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 top-scored for the winning squad with 17 points. Daniel Santiago had 14, while Gianluca Basile netted one point less. Lubos Barton and David Andersen posted 10 points each. Visitors had only one player with double-digits in scoring and it was Henry Domercant with 17 pts (also had 5 rebs). Ksistof Lavrinovic contributed with 9 points and 5 rebs.

Zalgiris - Prokom 79-68
Lithuanian champ finally grabbed the first Euroleague win this season. On the other side, it is the 6th failure for the Polish champ, who is now on the same record as SLUC Nancy. One place for the Top 16 from Group B is still available. Paulius Jankunas and Dainius Salenga combined 43 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Jonas Maciulis followed with 11 pts and 5 boards. Experienced Patrick Burke had wonderful performance for Asseco Prokom collecting 18 points and 20 boards (7 off). Daniel Ewing had 16, while David Logan netted 2 pts less.


Group C
Fener.Ulker - DKV Joven. 89-63
Fenerbahce Ulker celebrated against DKV Joventut much easier than anyone expected. Devin Smith 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 also was great nailing 14 points and grabbing 8 rebs. Mirsad Turkcan and Omer Onan had 14 points apiece. Jan-Hendrick Jagla came up with 17 points and 5 boards in Joventut. Simas Jasaitis added 14, while Eduardo Hernandez-Sonseca stopped on 10 points, plus 6 rebs.

ALBA - Tau 68-73
Serbian scoring machine Igor Rakocevic paced his Tau to 6th win in Group D. Rakocevic spent 29 minutes on the court delivering 24 points. Tiago Splitter added 15 points and 8 boards, while Pete Mickael stopped on one point less. ALBA got the most from Rashad Wright, 17 points. Tau already booked a spot for the Top 16, while ALBA also has some chances to do it (3-5).

Lottomatica - U.Olimpija 74-69 OT
Overtime home win by Lottomatica for 6-2 in Group D and a spot in Top 16 (same as Tau). Sani Becirovic demonstrated magnificent performance for the team from Rome nailing 23 points, including 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Andre Hutson was the second scorer in Lottomatica with 10 pts. Saso Ozbolt netted 12, while Jaka Klobucar had 11 points for Olimpija (1-7).


Group D
Panionios - Efes Pilsen 64-78
Crucial win for Efes Pilsen, who is now just a short step away from the Top 16 (4-4). On the other side, Panionios also has a chance to reach it, but it will be very difficult task now. Marvis Thonrton netted 18, while Kerem Gonlum delivered 17 points for the winners. Marinos Raicevic stepped up for Panionios with 22 pts. The Greeks will meet Partizan on the road and AJ Milano at home in the last two game.

CSKA - 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 paced Real to magnificent victory in Moscow nailing 19 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. Alex Mumbru helped with 14 points, 5 boards and 4 assists, while Louis Bullock added 13 pts. Jeremiah Massey stopped on 12. CSKA got the most from Trajan Langdon, 14 points and 7 rebs. Terence Morris and J.R. Holden had 12 points apiece.

Armani MI - 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. Luca Vitali and Jobey Thomas led the scorers in AJ Milano with 14 points each. David Hawkins this time stopped on 12, while Mindaugas Katelynas almost registered double-double, 10 points and 9 boards. Milenko Tepic was the only one who shined in Partizan delivering 19 points. Big guy Zarko Rakocevic scored 9.

Sani Becirovic of Lottomatica Roma is MVP of the Round - by Eurobasket News
Lottomatica Roma not only advanced to the Top 16 with a tense overtime victory on Thursday, but its star guard also became the Week 8 MVP. No sooner did Sani Becirovic (195-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) receive his trophy as November MVP in an on-court ceremony before the game than he went out and started earning the weekly honor, too. From the moment he stepped off the bench in the first quarter all the way through overtime, Becirovic was Roma's leader in a crucial 74-69 home win against his former team, Union Olimpija. Becirovic finished with 23 points on 13-for-14 free-throw shooting while adding 7 rebounds, 5 assists, a steal, a block and 11 fouls drawn for the week-high performance index rating of 38. Patrick Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) of Asseco Prokom also posted monster numbers in Week 8. Burke had 18 points and 20 rebounds in his team's road loss against Zalgiris. Burke finished the game with a 33 index rating and became just the eighth player to pull down at least 20 boards in a Euroleague game. Felipe Reyes (203-F/C-80) of Real Madrid and Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) each had index ratings of 28. Reyes put up 19 points on 9-for-10 free throws, 6 rebounds and 11 fouls drawn in Madrid's epic road win against CSKA. Meanwhile, Jankunas shined with 23 points and 5 rebounds to lead Zalgiris to its first Euroleague victory this season. Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) of Cibona, with a 26 index rating, completed the top individual performances of the week.

Courtesy of www.euroleague.net

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Tarmo is after a new Coach and some Players - by Rauno Hurmalainen
The Christmas break had hardly started as it has been happening in Porvoo. Team Tarmo (3-14 record) has dissolved three contracts and is now after a new Coach
and a few Players. Last Monday Tarmo and Pasi Pekkola (195-F-81) (9,9 ppg) agreed, that the player will transfer to YMCA Lahti for the rest of this season. On Wednesday Team and Esa Maki-Tulokas (198-F-82, college: LIU Brooklyn) (8,8 ppg - 3,8 rpg) agreed, that the Player is free to transfer to any team and tonight Tarmo's board has informed, that Head Coach Lars Ekstrom , 45, is no more coaching in Porvoo. Ekstrom, coaching his sixth season on top level in Finland, has had a tough fall, when coaching his second season in Porvoo. Last season Tarmo made the play-off-games under Ekstrom with 18-24 record during the regular season and then with 2-3 record in the play-off-games.

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  FRANCE   


Rick Hughes comes back in France! - by Gregory Caru
In order to replace Draper left in Ostende(BEL),Hyeres-Toulon has decided to sign Rick Hughes.This player is a Power Forward who can also play Center,he has good jump and dunk,good hands,he's very interesting on the low post,a great player,very exciting, with a big experience(Age:35)He has already played in European Championships( Frankfurt GER,Terano ITA)and in France,Dijon(02-03)for 15,3ppg 6,5rpg in 15 games and after Strasbourg for 24,1ppg 8,7rpg a very good season.Last year,and during 2 years, he was in Leon(SPA)with another good stats 13,9ppg 5rpg 59%FG.He will be charged to help Masingue,Milling and Tucker in the paint.Normally a very good player for HTV.Rick Hughes (204-C/F-73, agency: Interperformances, college: Thomas More)

Maccabi Electra cruises past Le Mans for the Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans - Maccabi T-A 73-87

Four participants of Group A which booked a spot for the Top 16 are already known. Israeli giant Maccabi Electra became one of those after nice road victory against Le Mans. Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) stepped up for his team with double-double, 19 points and 10 rebounds. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) and Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) also drained 19 points apiece (Arroyo had 7 more assists). Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) answered with 17 points in defeat. Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) netted 14, while Alain Koffi (207-C-83) registered double-double, 12 points and 11 boards.
Maccabi had magnificent first half. Lior Eliyahu and his teammates did a great job at the offensive end nailing 49 points for 20 minutes. In the first quarter Maccabi already earned 9-point lead, 16-25. Next one also belonged to visitors, which went into the second half with nice 36-49. It was too much for Le Mans. After first Euroleague basket by Elton Brown, Maccabi had 37-53. Until the end of third stanza Israeli giant jumped on plus 17, 49-66. Everything what Le Mans was capable to do until the end was minus 12. In the next round Maccabi will host Olympiakos. Le Mans also will play at home vs Air Avelino.

Le Mans: Brian Chase 17, Dewarick Spencer 14, Alain Koffi 12+11 boards
Maccabi: Lior Eliyahu 19+10 boards, Carlos Arroyo 19+7 as, Omri Casspi 19

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  GERMANY   


Josh Mueller from Bremen to Hagen - by Moritz Korff
Josh Mueller (180-G-82, college: S.Dakota) has left the Bremen Roosters and agreed to terms with another club from the 2. Bundesliga Pro A instead. The 25-year-old point guard will now suit up for Phoenix Hagen. The Firebirds were looking for a new player to run the point after both Malte Schwarz (188-G-89) and Chase Griffin (188-G-83, college: Pepperdine) suffered injuries recently.
Mueller's departure from Bremen is not the only move that has been made inside the Roosters organization: The club announced yesterday to have parted with manager Patrick Elzie.

Gruenheid and Koeln 99ers part ways - by Manuel Schust
Yesterday Guido Grunheid (209-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) helped to snap Cologne's 5 game losing streak in their 79 - 73 home game win against New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig. The German A2 national player had his best game this season scoring 14 points, but the club and Grunheid decided to part ways.
The 26-year old Forward rejoined Cologne after a one year stint in the Netherlands with Hanzevast Capitals Groningen. In 13 games with Koeln 99ers he averaged 7.7 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.
Grunheid already signed a new contract and will be heading to greek team ESTIA Egaleo.
After losing Yassin Idbihi (208-F-83, college: Buffalo) the 99ers lost their second german national player within weeks and will be looking for a replacement on the forward position.

BBL All Stars nominated - by Manuel Schust
The names of the starters for the 2009 BBL All-Star Game had been voted by the fans and revealed a couple of days ago.
Now the coaches of the teams with the best regular season record so far - Luka Pavicevic for team north and Michael Koch for team south named the bench-players.
The following players were nominated:

Team North

Starter
Jason Gardner (178-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) EWE Baskets Oldenburg
Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) ALBA Berlin
Rickey Paulding (196-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Missouri) EWE Baskets Oldenburg
Ansu Sesay (206-C/F-76, college: Mississippi) ALBA Berlin
Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: LimeLight, college: Canisius) Artland Dragons

Bench-players
Kyle Bailey (188-G-82, college: Santa Clara) BG 74 Gttingen
Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) ALBA Berlin
Zygimantas Jonusas (200-F-82) Eisbren Bremerhaven
Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) New Yorker Phantoms Braunschweig
Brant Bailey (202-F-77, college: Wisc.-Stevens Point) GIANTS Dusseldorf
Robert Turner (206-C-82, college: Pepperdine) Koeln 99ers
Chris Ensminger (209-C-73, agency: LimeLight, college: Valparaiso) Paderborn Baskets

Team South

Starter
Pascal Roller (180-G-76) Deutsche Bank Skyliners
Brandon Woudstra (191-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Northwestern (IA)) EnBW Ludwigsburg
Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton) Deutsche Bank Skyliners
Jeff Gibbs (188-F-80, college: Otterbein) ratiopharm Ulm
Tim Ohlbrecht (211-C/F-88, agency: Pro One Sports) Brose Baskets

Bench-players
Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) LTi Giessen 46ers
Derek Raivio (190-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) TBB Trier
Winsome Frazier (193-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: Mississippi St.) Telekom Baskets Bonn
Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) Brose Baskets
Richard Chaney (196-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Troy) Walter Tigers Tbingen
Omari Westley (201-F-82, college: Cleveland St.) Giants Noerdlingen
Ken Johnson (210-C-78, college: Ohio St.) Telekom Baskets Bonn

Tau crushes Alba at the O2 Word arena in Berlin - by Eurobasket News
Alba - Tau 68-73

Reining Spanish champion was too strong for the German champ in Berlin registering the 6th win in Group D. Tau currently shares the top position in the group with Italian Lottomatica Roma. Both teams already qualified for the Top 16. Alba also has some chances to do it in the last two games. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) once again shined in Tau. He spent 29 minutes on the court delivering 24 points. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points and 8 boards, while Pete Mickeal (198-F-78, college: Cincinnati) stopped on one point less. ALBA got the most from Rashad Wright (189-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia), 17 points. Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) followed with 11 points and 5 boards, while Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) and Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76) stopped on 10 pts each.
Game is decided at the very end thanks to Tau's 8-2 run. It is important to mention that this defeat is the first one for ALBA this season in O2 World arena. Tau created 22-24 in the first and later extended it in the second quarter on 41-44. Igor Rakocevic was on fire, what was enough for 52-59 for the Spanish giant after 30 minutes. Mostly owing to Immanuel McElroy, Alba made 6-0 run at the middle of the last stanza for 66-65 edge. Rakocevic drained 3 FTs after what Rashad Wright turned the ball over. Tiago Splitter made a basket with a foul for Tau and it was 66-71. ALBA came on minus 3 after that, but Pete Mickeal resolved question about the winner with turn-around jumper with 29 seconds to go.

ALBA: Rashad Wright 17, Immanuel McElroy 11+5 boards, Steffen Hamann 10, Aleksandar Nadjfeji 10
Tau: Igor Rakocevic 24, Tiago Splitter 15+8 boards, Pete Mickeal 14

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  GREECE   


Transfer news - by Chris Mammides

Nikos Kritsalos (192-G-77) is officially player of AO Sporting Athens as after nearly three months the case was solved legally and the court decided that Kritsalos is a player of the Patisia team.
Sokrates Gizogiannis (202-F/C-82) is very close to sign with AEP Olimpias Patron. There are only some final discussions in regards to the length of the contract.
Evangelos Sakellariou (196-F/G-89) agreed financial terms with Pagrati. The talented player who started the seazon in Air Avellino decided to come back to Greece as his time in the court was not sufficient.

Giannis Sioutis (184-G-73), the experience point guard agreed terms with I.C.B.S. untill the end of the seazon

Costas Pashalis (208-C-75) is in discussions with A.G.O Rethymno Aegean. The experience center is without a team since June 2008.

The Greek German guard Konstantinos Stavropoulos (197-F-75, college: Ill.-Chicago) agreed terms (three weeks ago) with the team of Keravnos Aigio Helesi. Since he arrived in the team of Head Coach Nikos Pavlou , Keravnos is counting three consecutive victories.

Stavros Mikoniatis is officially in the technical team of A.G.O Rethymno Aegean (Technical Advisor) and will be helping the Head Coach Fotis Takianos

Sotiris Nikolaidis (186-G-74) the experienced point guard agreed terms with Ilysiakos Athens

Michalis Tanakidis (192-G-85) and Apollon Patras split ways. The young player decided to proceed with his military duties.



Efes Pilsen grabs the crucial win in Athens - by Eurobasket News
Panionios - Efes Pilsen 64-78

Crucial win for Efes Pilsen, who is now just a short step away from the Top 16. The team of the head coach Ergin Ataman now has 4-4 record in group D (3rd place). On the other side, Panionios also has a chance to reach the next stage, but it will be very difficult task now. Coach Aleksandar Trifunovic and his players fell on 3-5, the same as Partizan and AJ Milano. Interesting is that in the last two rounds Panionios will meet these two teams (Partizan on the road and AJ Milano at home). Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) top-scored for Efes Pilsen with 18 points. Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) delivered 17, while Michail Kakiouzis (206-C-76) stopped on 15 points and 5 rebounds. Marinos Raicevic (208-C-81, agency: Interperformances) stepped up for Panionios with 22 pts. Lonny Baxter (203-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) contributed with 12 points and 6 boards, while Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78, agency: FCM) 11 pts and 9 as.
Efes Pilsen opened the game in style reaching plus 14 after 10 minutes, 11-25. Close to the half time Efes jumped on huge 19-37, but later with two lay-ups Branko Cvetkovic helped Panionios to close the gap on 27-37. Marinos Raicevic and Lonny Baxter led 18-4 run for the hosts in third stanza for 37-41. However, Marvis Thornton and his teammates recovered from it quickly heading into the last quarter with plus 7, 52-59. Following few minutes were crucial as Efes made 7-0 run keeping Panionios on distance until the end.

Panionios: Marvis Thornton 18, Kerem Gonlum 17, Michail Kakiouzis 15+5 boards,
Efes Pilsen: Marinos Raicevic 22, Lonny Baxter 12+6 boards, Giannis Kalambokis 11+9 boards

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  HOLLAND   


FEB Results: Round 19 - by Sanders Jackson


Thursday night in FEB action, Aris Friesland owns Eiffel Towers once again at home, while defending FEB champion Eclipse Jet/MyGuide and Hanzevast Capitals ran up the scoring numbers on their opponents, and Matrixx Magixx won in a low scoring battle vs. ZZ Leiden.

In Leeuwarden, Aris Friesland were the majority of the game playing catchup vs. Eiffel Towers, but in the end came out on top, winning in a 92-91 thriller. While both teams gave each other little defensive resistance (Aris 65.9% FG, Eiffel 69.7%, 12 of 25 three-pointers), however Aris did a good job of forcing Eiffel to turn the ball over 25 times. The 'Killer B's' Tristan Blackwood (183-G-85) and Matt Bauscher (188-G-85, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) were on their A-game, with Blackwood scoring 19 pts. and Bauscher adding 18 pts. and 9 assists. Both Jayme Miller (205-F-85, agency: Passing Lane) and Rein Van der Kamp (202-F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy) contributed to the cause, adding 16 pts. each. Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) led all scorers with 25 pts. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for Aris and improved their record to 6-11.


In the Sporthallen-Zuid, defending FEB champs Eclipse Jet/MyGuide took no prisoners vs. Landstede Basketball, giving their opponents no breathing room from the outset, winning in a 109-59 blowout. Eclipse Jet/MG led 29-15 at the end of the 1st quarter and it snowballed from there, leading 54-26 at the half. Eclipse Jet/MG shot a sizzling 79.5% FG total, with a whopping 56-12 bench scoring advantage and 42-25 rebounding advantage. CC Harrison (194-G-76, agency: Court Side, college: N.Carolina St.) led six Eclipse Jet/MG players in double figures with 19 pts. Robby Bostain (191-G/F-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Furman) led Landstede with 14 pts. Eclipse Jet/MG get back on the winning track with a 12-2 record.


In the Martiniplaza in the Hanzevast Capitals-BlueStream Seals matchup, scoring was also not a problem, but in the 4th, Hanzevast stepped up when needed, winning in an 112-100 track meet. The three-point line was friendly for both teams (Hanzevast 14 of 28, BlueStream Seals 13 for 21!), but Hanzevast was more aggressive in getting to the free throw line (24-13 difference). Will Whittington (191-G/F-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Marist) was hot for Hanzevast, pouring in a game-high 29 pts., including 6 three-pointers, to lead five Hanzevast players in double figures. Darnell Dialls (203-F/C-86, agency: Court Side) led five BlueStream Seals players in double figures with 23 pts. Hanzevast improves to 11-6, moving in a tie with Matrixx Magixx for 2nd place in the FEB standings.


IIn the Horstacker, Matrixx Magixx and ZZ Leiden were the total opposite of the scoring end from their counterparts, with a low scoring affair. But an ugly win is better than a pretty loss, with Matrixx keeping pace with a 55-49 win. The score was 9-8 at the end of the 1st quarter. Matrixx forced ZZ to cough up the ball 25 times and had 26 steals. Darnell Wilson (198-F-85, agency: Court Side, college: Canisius) led Matrixx with 17 pts., 8 rebounds and 5 steals. Matrixx improves to 11-6 and a tie with Hanzevast Capitals for 2nd place in the FEB standings.



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  ISRAEL   


Maccabi Electra cruises past Le Mans for the Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Le Mans - Maccabi T-A 73-87

Four participants of Group A which booked a spot for the Top 16 are already known. Israeli giant Maccabi Electra became one of those after nice road victory against Le Mans. Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) stepped up for his team with double-double, 19 points and 10 rebounds. Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) and Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) also drained 19 points apiece (Arroyo had 7 more assists). Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) answered with 17 points in defeat. Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) netted 14, while Alain Koffi (207-C-83) registered double-double, 12 points and 11 boards.
Maccabi had magnificent first half. Lior Eliyahu and his teammates did a great job at the offensive end nailing 49 points for 20 minutes. In the first quarter Maccabi already earned 9-point lead, 16-25. Next one also belonged to visitors, which went into the second half with nice 36-49. It was too much for Le Mans. After first Euroleague basket by Elton Brown, Maccabi had 37-53. Until the end of third stanza Israeli giant jumped on plus 17, 49-66. Everything what Le Mans was capable to do until the end was minus 12. In the next round Maccabi will host Olympiakos. Le Mans also will play at home vs Air Avelino.

Le Mans: Brian Chase 17, Dewarick Spencer 14, Alain Koffi 12+11 boards
Maccabi: Lior Eliyahu 19+10 boards, Carlos Arroyo 19+7 as, Omri Casspi 19

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  ITALY   


Lottomatica beats Olimpija in OT booking a spot for Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Lottomatica - U.Olimpija 74-69 OT

Lottomatica Roma outsmarted Slovenian champion, Union Olimpija, in overtime for 6-2 record in Group D. The same digits also has Tau. With this victory Lottomatica secured a spot for the Top 16. On the other side Olimpija stays on just 1 win in 8 appearances. Slovenian Sani Becirovic (195-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) demonstrated magnificent performance for the team from Rome nailing 23 points, including 7 rebounds and 5 assists. He grabbed the MVP award for Round 8. Andre Hutson (202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) was the second scorer in Lottomatica with 10 pts. Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) netted 12, while Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87) had 11 points for Olimpija.
Lottomatica was better team during the entire time. After 10 minutes it was 22-16, and later at the half time 34-31. The hosts touched plus 10 after the breather (43-33), but Olimpija managed to cut the margin on 9 before the last 10 minutes of regular time. Mostly owing to Saso Ozbolt, Jaka Klobucar but also Vladimir Golubovic and Mirza Sarajlija, visitors created fantastic 15-6 run. It was 58-58 with 3 minutes to go. Later, actually with just 3.6 seconds to go and just 1 second on the shot clock Saso Ozbolt drew an unsportsmanlike foul on Becirovic scoring two free throws after that for 62-62 at the end of the regular time. In the last two minutes of the extra time Olimpija didn't succeed to score any point. It was 66-67 after what Andre Hutson and his teammates closed the game with 6-0 run. Mirza Begic missed free throws and dunk for Olimpija in the finish.

Lottomatica: Sani Becirovic 23+7 boards+5 as, Andre Hutson 10,
Olimpija: Saso Ozbolt 12, Jaka Klobucar 11

Unicaja outsmarts Air Avelino in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Air Avelino 72-68

Unicaja was too strong for Air Avelino joining Olympiakos on top of Group A with 6-2 record after 8 rounds. Of course with this win Unicaja also secured a spot for the next stage. Cibona and Maccabi did the same meaning that Air Avelino will have just 2 more appearances in this Euroleague season. Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) came up with 17 points and 5 boards for Unicaja, while Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) had 2 points less. Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) helped the hosts with 13 pts. Air Avelino got 16 points and 6 rebounds from Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina). Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) added 15 pts, coming off the bench.
Unicaja grabbed this one thanks to well played last quarter. After ten minutes it was 20-17 for the hosts. Air Avelino managed to close the gap on 2 pts until the half time, 35-33. Totally different picture was seen on the court after the breather. Air Avelino was the team who dominated creating 11-5 run, 40-44. Unicaja came on minus 1, but Chris Warren made a lay-up for 45-48. Antonio Porta was concentrated from the FT line at the end of third period for 49-53 after 30 minutes. Jimenez and Rodriguez stepped up for the hosts after that tying the score on 53-53. At the very end Rodriguez made important offensive rebound on 69-66, after what Jimenez made on FT. Visitors missed on the other side and Omar Cook sealed the victory and participation in the Top 16 for his team.

Unicaja: Marcus Haislip 17+5 boards, Carlos Cabezas 15, Robert Jr. Archibald 13
Air Avelino: Chris Warren 16+6 boards, Drake Diener 15

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  LITHUANIA   


LKL Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - Sakalai 93-72
Zalgiris posted the tenth straight win beating Sakalai at home court. Dainius Salenga paced the hosts with 16 points. Arturas Milaknis added 15 points for Zalgiris. Laurynas Samenas answered with 13 points for Sakalai.

Neptunas - Aisciai 79-73
Neptunas held off Aisciai at home behind 18 points and 10 boards from Deividas Gailius. Valdas Vasylitis contributed 15 points for the winners. Donatas Motiejunas answered with 19 points for Aisciai.

Techasas - Nevezis 70-93
Nevezis outscored Techasas on the road for the sixth win in the season. Valdas Dabkus notched 24 points and 8 boards to lead the charge. Povilas Veikals added 17 points for the winners. Chris Hill had 19 points, 6 assists and 4 boards for Techasas.



Zalgiris celebrates the first Euroleague win - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - Asseco Prokom 79-68

Lithuanian champ finally grabbed the first Euroleague win this season. On the other side, it is the 6th failure for the Polish champ, who is now on the same record as SLUC Nancy. One place for the Top 16 from Group B is still available. Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) and Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) combined 43 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) followed with 11 pts and 5 boards. Experienced Patrick Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) had wonderful performance for Asseco Prokom collecting 18 points and 20 boards (7 off). Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, college: Duke) had 16, while David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) netted 2 pts less.
Zalgiris opened the game in style creating 9-0 run. Daniel Ewing and his teammates woke up after that, but the hosts managed kept 9-point lead, 18-7. Until the end of the first frame Prokom succeeded to cut the margin on 23-17 thanks to Daniel Ewing's triple at the last possession. David Logan and Patrick Burke joined him after that pacing Prokom to wonderful 12-0 run. Zalgiris recovered from that shock immediately taking lead 37-33. This time David Logan made the last basket in the quarter for 37-35 at the half time. Crucial period of the game was finish of third stanza. Paulius Jankunas, Jankunas and Milaknis with few successful jumpers pushed Zalgiris on 63-54. During the last 10 minutes the hosts touched plus 17 (74-57), what was out of Prokom's reach until the end.

Zalgiris: Paulius Jankunas 23+5 boards, Dainius Salenga 20+4 boards, Jonas Maciulis 11+5 boards
Asseco Prokom: Patrick Burke 18+20 boards, Daniel Ewing 16, David Logan 14

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  MEXICO   


The All-Star Game Break - by Harold Valenzuela
Most of the time the all star game is carried out in the middle of the season of any professional league, nevertheless the LNBP has been played 75% of the season regular rol.

Analyzing the present situation of the league, the South Zone has 5 of the first 8 teams of the general table, being the team leader of the league the Halcones UV Xalapa, we will focus today in analyzing the champion team.

It was to be expected the leadership, they have the best base of national players of the league, such as: Pedro el peri, Meza, Gustavo el titan Ayon, the experimented Victor Mariscal, Ramses lulo Benitez, Victor Avila and the sharpshooter Ray Castillo, furthermore they have great American players; in first place they have the spectacular ALL STAR MVP and the 2-time dunk champion LeRoy Hickerson, a player with great physical abilities, the second American is the brain of the team and for me, the most valuable player Abdul Mills, this player has great experience and excellent handling of game, knows when to run, when to pass, when to shot and mainly he knows how to organize the team and take advantage of the characteristics of each of his teammates; something extra that makes him very hard to defend is that he is a left-handed. The third American of the team is Sam Bowie, the homonym of the player who was selected first in the 84 NBA draft, the year when Michael Jordan was selected third, is a player with a lot of experience here in Mexico, he has been fundamental part of champions teams. In 2001 he was champion in the LNBP with the extinct team of Gallos de Pelea of CD. Juarez, in the 2006 season he was champion with the Frayles de Guasave in the CIBACOPA.

If we added to the team the experienced of one of best (if he is not the best one) coaches of Mexico Adolfo Sanchez , the team of Xalapa is the candidate to authenticate the title that they themselves own.

One of the main preoccupations of any team are the injuries, how tired arrives the team to the playoffs; this seems to be the perfect case for the Halcones, Headed by Andre Stoglin the coaching staff know how to rested his players, giving a total rotation to the team, Xalapa is the team with greater balance of minutes between his players, there are some games where one American rests, they only play the necessary time; and with their excellent base of Mexicans, the team of Xalapa had consolidated like the best team of the LNBP in the last years.

Xalapa will win the title again.

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  NBA   


NBA Round: 52 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Spurs - Magic 78-90
Orlando Magic outplayed San Antonio Spurs at Amway Arena mostly owing to Jameer Nelson, who collected 24 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Rashard Lewis netted 15, while Dwight Howard helped the Magic with 14 points and 13 rebounds. Tim Duncan contributed with 19 points and 9 rebounds in loss. Magic 20-6, Spurs 15-10.

Suns - Trail Blazers 119-124
Brandon Roy drained amazing 52 points for the Trail Blazers leading them to 17-10 record. Roy had 5 more rebounds and 6 assists beside that shooting 14/17 for FG2, 5/7 for 3-pts and 19/21 from behind the arc. Amare Stoudemire came up with 23 points, 8 boards and 8 assists for the loosing side. Matt Barnes, who came off the bench, was behind him adding 2 pts less. Suns 15-11.



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  NCAA1   


No. 1 Tar Heels top Evansville on historic night - by Rick Ross
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (AP) -Phil Ford stood at midcourt, waiting for
Tyler Hansbrough (6'9''-F-85) to take the microphone and address the home crowd.
As the reigning national player of the year walked up, Ford playfully bowed in reverence before giving him a hug.
Now even the famed point guard who flawlessly ran Dean Smith's ''
Four Corners'' offense is looking up at Hansbrough as the storied program's all-time leading scorer.

Hansbrough scored 20 points Thursday night to break Ford's 30-year-old mark and help top-ranked
North Carolina beat Evansville 91-73, a game that was completely overshadowed by the 6-foot-9 senior's record pursuit.
He needed just nine points coming in, making the record an almost certainty
considering that he's failed to reach double figures just six times in his career.
But that didn't mean Hansbrough was oblivious to all the attention about a record that
had stood through the careers of names like Michael Jordan, James Worthy and Antawn Jamison.
I'm usually not nervous before games, and I was a little nervous before tonight just because
I felt like there was a lot of pressure,'' said Hansbrough, who sat between Ford and coach
Roy Williams during the postgame news conference. ''One thing for me,
I didn't want us to strictly focus on trying to break a scoring record.
We had a game and I was trying to do whatever I could to help the team.''

Hansbrough finished 7-for-14 from the field and had nine rebounds for
North Carolina (10-0), which shook off a slow start and stretched the lead to double figures against the Purple Aces
(7-2) shortly after Hansbrough passed Ford midway through the first half.
Ford, now an assistant coach to fellow Tar Heel alumnus
Larry Brown with the NBA's Charlotte Bobcats, finished his career in 1978 with 2,290 points.
''I think everyone who knows me knows how much I love this program and to be a small part of this historic moment for
Tyler is a dream come true for me,'' Ford said. ''I wouldn't have missed it for the world.
''It's an honor to be compared in the same breath with Tyler.
When I look at how hard he plays and how he listens to Coach Williams, as a player, that's what I tried to do.''

Hansbrough tied Ford on a jumper from the left wing with 14:05 left in the first half,
then set the record by muscling in a bank shot over James Haarsma and Pieter van Tongeren with 7:41 to go.
As soon as the record-setting shot went through the net, officials briefly stopped the game to allow
Ford, Williams and athletics director Dick Baddour to present Hansbrough with the game ball.
students who carried small signs saying
Phil Ford 2,290'' on one side turned it around to reveal ''Tyler 2,291+'' on the other.
Hansbrough waved to acknowledge the roaring crowd and handled the
historic moment with his typically reserved demeanor,
though he seemed eager to get back to the game and away from the focus being on him.
After the game, the school showed a video montage of Hansbrough's career highlights that included congratulations from several former players.
That's when Hansbrough took the microphone from Ford and emotionally addressed the crowd.
''I never dreamed I'd be here and be the all-time leading scorer,''
Hansbrough said as he stood alone at midcourt. ''
This is a great honor to be here and to represent you guys every night in this uniform.''
It was a moment that fellow senior and roommate
Bobby Frasor said showed how much Hansbrough appreciated the record even though he didn't want to dwell on it in recent days.
''I've never seen him tear up or choke up like that,'' Frasor said. ''
But Tyler really does care about all this stuff and he knows what he accomplished is pretty special.''
Still, the Tar Heels seemed a little tight and the home crowd anxious to see Hansbrough set the record early.
But in the minutes afterward, the Tar Heels settled down and outscored Evansville 22-10 the rest of the half to take a 46-28 lead.

It lightened the mood enough that Williams - who said he was counting down a player's points in his head for probably the first time -
was able to tease Hansbrough on the bench after he missed a two-handed dunk on his first shot following the record.
''I said, 'Boy, I'm really glad that's not the basket that would've broken the record,''' he said with a laugh.
The Tar Heels maintained a comfortable margin the rest of the way, cracking the 90-point mark for the seventh straight game.
Hansbrough left the game for good with the Tar Heels leading 83-58 with 5:33 to play. He still has a chance this season to pass
Sam Perkins for the program's career rebounding record and break the
Atlantic Coast Conference career scoring mark set by Duke's J.J. Redick in 2006.
''Whatever Tyler gets, he deserves,'' Evansville coach Marty Simmons said. ''
I've been a big fan of his since he was in high school.
It's good to see guys that work the hardest be rewarded the most.''
Ty Lawson added 16 points for the Tar Heels , while Danny Green had 14, including the 1,000th of his career.
Shy Ely scored 23 points to lead Evansville, which was off to its best start since going 10-1 in 1981-82.
The Purple Aces were playing the No. 1 team for the first time since 1980 and just the third time ever.

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  POLAND   


Zalgiris celebrates the first Euroleague win - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - Asseco Prokom 79-68

Lithuanian champ finally grabbed the first Euroleague win this season. On the other side, it is the 6th failure for the Polish champ, who is now on the same record as SLUC Nancy. One place for the Top 16 from Group B is still available. Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) and Dainius Salenga (197-F-77) combined 43 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) followed with 11 pts and 5 boards. Experienced Patrick Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) had wonderful performance for Asseco Prokom collecting 18 points and 20 boards (7 off). Daniel Ewing (191-G-83, college: Duke) had 16, while David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) netted 2 pts less.
Zalgiris opened the game in style creating 9-0 run. Daniel Ewing and his teammates woke up after that, but the hosts managed kept 9-point lead, 18-7. Until the end of the first frame Prokom succeeded to cut the margin on 23-17 thanks to Daniel Ewing's triple at the last possession. David Logan and Patrick Burke joined him after that pacing Prokom to wonderful 12-0 run. Zalgiris recovered from that shock immediately taking lead 37-33. This time David Logan made the last basket in the quarter for 37-35 at the half time. Crucial period of the game was finish of third stanza. Paulius Jankunas, Jankunas and Milaknis with few successful jumpers pushed Zalgiris on 63-54. During the last 10 minutes the hosts touched plus 17 (74-57), what was out of Prokom's reach until the end.

Zalgiris: Paulius Jankunas 23+5 boards, Dainius Salenga 20+4 boards, Jonas Maciulis 11+5 boards
Asseco Prokom: Patrick Burke 18+20 boards, Daniel Ewing 16, David Logan 14

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  SERBIA   


Dusan Katnic leads Mega HL to semifinals of Serbian Cup - by Dragan Jankovski
In the last quarterfinal game of Serbian Cup Mega Hypo Leasing outplayed Mladost Cacak on the road 78-73. It means that the Belgrade's team advanced to the semifinals, where it will take on Metalac. In the other semifinal game Zdravlje Actavis will meet Sloga. Golden guy from the U19 FIBA World Championship in Novi Sad as well as from the U18 European Championshp in Madird, Dusan Katnic (193-G-89) scored 27 points for the winners (6 triples). Aleksandar Mitrovic (201-G-90) netted 15, while Igor Mijajlovic (193-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) had 14 points. Schedule for the semifinal games in not announced yet.

The winner of the Serbian Cup will take a place at the Final 8 tournament of the National Cup Radivoj Korac, which is scheduled for February.

Miljan Rakic signed for Bosna - by Zoran Popovic
Former player of KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac, Miljan Rakic (193-G-86) is new member of Bosna ASA BH Telecom Sarajevo. Rakic started this season in KK Novi Sad Panonska Banka and on 13 games in Serbian Swisslion league scored average 11.0 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.1 assistants, 1.1 stolen balls per game. Miljan Rakic started career in KK Hemofarm Stada Vrsac, played for them in period 2003-2008 and in February 2008 he moved in KK Masinac Krajlevo. Miljan Rakic was member of Serbia and Montenegro U18, U20 National team and Serbian University National team. Rakic won Adriatic league with Hemofarm in season 2004-2005.

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  SLOVAKIA   


East won first All-Stars after five years - by Martin Galajda
East won first Slovakian All-Stars game after five years. East defeated West 134:127. Best scorer and MVP was vote Dom Johnson (183-G-85, college: Illinois St.) from Handlova, which scored 31 points. Thee Point Shootout won Igor Majoros (200-F-80, agency: Promotex, college: SW Baptist) from Komarno and Slam Dunk Contest Lorenzo Williams (191-G-84, college: Rice) from Pezinok.

West - East 127:134 (41:31, 32:39, 31:26, 23:38)
West: Immink 18, Szalay 16, Williams 14, Snopko 11, Ridzon 8 (Majoros 17, Hill 15, Polakovic 10, Lukjanec 10, Milosevic 8)
East: Johnson 31, Bicvic 15, Skara 13, Avalic 11, Ingles 5 (Sedmak 20, Bilik 12, Batka 11, Znanec 10, Lutter 6)
FT: 9/6 - 4/4, 3pts: 17 - 12, Fouls: 4 - 4, Refs: Sudek, Pipiska, Zenis, Att: 2000

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  SLOVENIA   


Zagorje surprised Koper - by Uros Vujic
Zagorje recorded an important victory 81-101 at Koper.Koper took the lead early in the second quarter (36-25), but the players from Zagorje had enough strenght to come back and the half time score was 44-40. In the third quarter Zagorje came out strong, took the lead and registered an important victory despite several injuries that have hurt the team in the past weeks . Gil Goodrich (178-G-82, college: Bowie St.) was magnificant again, scoring 35 points, collecting 8 rebounds and dishing 6 assists. He had huge help in Joshua Johnson, who produced 22 points and collected remarkable 19 boards, David Paris had 14 points and 10 boards and the new memeber Miroslav Juric produced 12 points and showed his experience and leadership ability by shooting 6/6 from the foul line. Experienced Ales Kunc led the home team with 21 points and 8 boards and Grega Nachbar scored 14 points and had 3 assists for Koper.

Lottomatica beats Olimpija in OT booking a spot for Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Lottomatica - U.Olimpija 74-69 OT

Lottomatica Roma outsmarted Slovenian champion, Union Olimpija, in overtime for 6-2 record in Group D. The same digits also has Tau. With this victory Lottomatica secured a spot for the Top 16. On the other side Olimpija stays on just 1 win in 8 appearances. Slovenian Sani Becirovic (195-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) demonstrated magnificent performance for the team from Rome nailing 23 points, including 7 rebounds and 5 assists. He grabbed the MVP award for Round 8. Andre Hutson (202-F-79, college: Michigan St.) was the second scorer in Lottomatica with 10 pts. Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81, agency: World Sport Agency) netted 12, while Jaka Klobucar (198-G-87) had 11 points for Olimpija.
Lottomatica was better team during the entire time. After 10 minutes it was 22-16, and later at the half time 34-31. The hosts touched plus 10 after the breather (43-33), but Olimpija managed to cut the margin on 9 before the last 10 minutes of regular time. Mostly owing to Saso Ozbolt, Jaka Klobucar but also Vladimir Golubovic and Mirza Sarajlija, visitors created fantastic 15-6 run. It was 58-58 with 3 minutes to go. Later, actually with just 3.6 seconds to go and just 1 second on the shot clock Saso Ozbolt drew an unsportsmanlike foul on Becirovic scoring two free throws after that for 62-62 at the end of the regular time. In the last two minutes of the extra time Olimpija didn't succeed to score any point. It was 66-67 after what Andre Hutson and his teammates closed the game with 6-0 run. Mirza Begic missed free throws and dunk for Olimpija in the finish.

Lottomatica: Sani Becirovic 23+7 boards+5 as, Andre Hutson 10,
Olimpija: Saso Ozbolt 12, Jaka Klobucar 11

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  SOUTH KOREA   


KBL Round: 15 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
KT&G Kites - KCC Egis 88-82
Chandler Marquin produced 28 points and 11 rebounds as KT&G Kites beat KCC Egis 88:82. Joo Hee-Jung ended up with 20 points for the hosts, while Lee Hyun-Ho had 12. Brand Micah chipped in 24 points for the guests.

SK Knights - Mobis Phoebus 84-87
SK Knights lost to Mobis Phoebus 84:87 as Kim Hyun-Joong and Ham Ji-Hoon led the way with 16 points each. Blankson Odartey netted 15 and Kim Hyo-Bum scored 14. Shannon Terrence ended up with 28 points in the losing effort.

KTF M.Wings - LG Sakers 81-74
KTF M.Wings overcame LG Sakers 81:74 to celebrate the fifth victory in the league. Song Young-Jin top-scored for the winners with 19 points, while Johnson's Ivan 36 points and 12 rebounds were not enough in defeat.

Orions - Samsung Th. 84-93
Samsung stole a road victory over Orions in Regular Season Round 15 on December 19th. Leather Terrence led the winners with 26 points and 12 rebounds, while Lee Kyu-Sup nailed 23. Daniels Chris ended up with 27 points and 10 boards in defeat.

ET Land B.Sl. - KCC Egis 79-73
ET Land beat KCC Egis 79:73 as Powell Carlos shined with 34 points for the winners. Brand Micah finished the night with 21 and Ha Seung-Jin collected 16 points and 12 caroms.

Dongbu Promy - Samsung Th. 57-80
Dongbu Promy sensationally was beaten by Samsung 57:80. Leather Terrence and Haynes Aaron stepped up with 23 points each, while the first one added 18 more rebounds to his stats. Kim Joo-Sung had 13 in defeat and Okosa Reggie collected 12 points and 12 boards.

ET Land B.Sl. - Orions 74-69
ET Land triumphed over Orions 74:69 as Kim Sung-Chul led the way with 20 points. Little Donald collected 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Powell Carlos posted 16. Daniels Chris finished the night with 15 points in the losing effort.



Egis Continue Losing Trades Seo Jang-hoon To BlackSlamer - by Rick Ross
The KCC Egis center Seo Jang-Hoon was traded to the
ET Land BlackSlamer Friday.
A two-three swap involving Seo and guard Kim Tae-hwan of the Egis and the
BlackSlamer's forward Cho Woo-hyun, guard
Jung Sun-kyu and rookie Kang Byung-hyun saw the quintet change colors.

It means the 34-year-old, who arrived at the Egis from the SK Knights,
has once again changed his team during the season.
When the 2.07-meter tall veteran didn't appear on court Wednesday against the
KT&G Kites, rumors of a trade began to gather pace.
Seo had already indicated his disappointment at a lack of running time on court,
which has been gradually getting shorter since the rookie center Ha Seung-jin arrived at the Egis.
And with the pair failing to produce a synergy effect while playing together, the Egis decided to trade.
Now the dream of an Egis ''Korean Twin Towers'' in the Korean Basketball League (KBL) lies in tatters.

The Black Slamer manager Choi Hee-am, who coached Seo at
Yonsei University, plans to play his new center against the
Dongbu Promy Sunday, though any inclusion in the team
will be dependent on his physical condition.

By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

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  SPAIN   


Tau crushes Alba at the O2 Word arena in Berlin - by Eurobasket News
Alba - Tau 68-73

Reining Spanish champion was too strong for the German champ in Berlin registering the 6th win in Group D. Tau currently shares the top position in the group with Italian Lottomatica Roma. Both teams already qualified for the Top 16. Alba also has some chances to do it in the last two games. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) once again shined in Tau. He spent 29 minutes on the court delivering 24 points. Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points and 8 boards, while Pete Mickeal (198-F-78, college: Cincinnati) stopped on one point less. ALBA got the most from Rashad Wright (189-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia), 17 points. Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) followed with 11 points and 5 boards, while Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) and Aleksandar Nadjfeji (203-F-76) stopped on 10 pts each.
Game is decided at the very end thanks to Tau's 8-2 run. It is important to mention that this defeat is the first one for ALBA this season in O2 World arena. Tau created 22-24 in the first and later extended it in the second quarter on 41-44. Igor Rakocevic was on fire, what was enough for 52-59 for the Spanish giant after 30 minutes. Mostly owing to Immanuel McElroy, Alba made 6-0 run at the middle of the last stanza for 66-65 edge. Rakocevic drained 3 FTs after what Rashad Wright turned the ball over. Tiago Splitter made a basket with a foul for Tau and it was 66-71. ALBA came on minus 3 after that, but Pete Mickeal resolved question about the winner with turn-around jumper with 29 seconds to go.

ALBA: Rashad Wright 17, Immanuel McElroy 11+5 boards, Steffen Hamann 10, Aleksandar Nadjfeji 10
Tau: Igor Rakocevic 24, Tiago Splitter 15+8 boards, Pete Mickeal 14

Unicaja outsmarts Air Avelino in Malaga - by Eurobasket News
Unicaja - Air Avelino 72-68

Unicaja was too strong for Air Avelino joining Olympiakos on top of Group A with 6-2 record after 8 rounds. Of course with this win Unicaja also secured a spot for the next stage. Cibona and Maccabi did the same meaning that Air Avelino will have just 2 more appearances in this Euroleague season. Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) came up with 17 points and 5 boards for Unicaja, while Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) had 2 points less. Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) helped the hosts with 13 pts. Air Avelino got 16 points and 6 rebounds from Chris Warren (196-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Carolina). Drake Diener (196-G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) added 15 pts, coming off the bench.
Unicaja grabbed this one thanks to well played last quarter. After ten minutes it was 20-17 for the hosts. Air Avelino managed to close the gap on 2 pts until the half time, 35-33. Totally different picture was seen on the court after the breather. Air Avelino was the team who dominated creating 11-5 run, 40-44. Unicaja came on minus 1, but Chris Warren made a lay-up for 45-48. Antonio Porta was concentrated from the FT line at the end of third period for 49-53 after 30 minutes. Jimenez and Rodriguez stepped up for the hosts after that tying the score on 53-53. At the very end Rodriguez made important offensive rebound on 69-66, after what Jimenez made on FT. Visitors missed on the other side and Omar Cook sealed the victory and participation in the Top 16 for his team.

Unicaja: Marcus Haislip 17+5 boards, Carlos Cabezas 15, Robert Jr. Archibald 13
Air Avelino: Chris Warren 16+6 boards, Drake Diener 15

Laurent Gomis joins Cantabria - by Robert Mayor


Laurent Gomis joins Cantabria - by Robert Mayor
French guard is new Cantabria Lobos player for the remainder of the season. Team was looking for a shooter and Laurent Gomis (180-G-85), after one week trainning with Quino Salvo team, becomes the first of several signings. Player with experience with Levallois, Dieppes andl Lons Le Saunier, comes from Switzerland, where played past season.

Also in Cantabria, Edu Ruiz could be the next signing according to several medias. Club is looking for a 'big man', and Ruiz could be the choosen.

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  TURKEY   


Efes Pilsen grabs the crucial win in Athens - by Eurobasket News
Panionios - Efes Pilsen 64-78

Crucial win for Efes Pilsen, who is now just a short step away from the Top 16. The team of the head coach Ergin Ataman now has 4-4 record in group D (3rd place). On the other side, Panionios also has a chance to reach the next stage, but it will be very difficult task now. Coach Aleksandar Trifunovic and his players fell on 3-5, the same as Partizan and AJ Milano. Interesting is that in the last two rounds Panionios will meet these two teams (Partizan on the road and AJ Milano at home). Marvis Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) top-scored for Efes Pilsen with 18 points. Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) delivered 17, while Michail Kakiouzis (206-C-76) stopped on 15 points and 5 rebounds. Marinos Raicevic (208-C-81, agency: Interperformances) stepped up for Panionios with 22 pts. Lonny Baxter (203-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) contributed with 12 points and 6 boards, while Giannis Kalambokis (195-G-78, agency: FCM) 11 pts and 9 as.
Efes Pilsen opened the game in style reaching plus 14 after 10 minutes, 11-25. Close to the half time Efes jumped on huge 19-37, but later with two lay-ups Branko Cvetkovic helped Panionios to close the gap on 27-37. Marinos Raicevic and Lonny Baxter led 18-4 run for the hosts in third stanza for 37-41. However, Marvis Thornton and his teammates recovered from it quickly heading into the last quarter with plus 7, 52-59. Following few minutes were crucial as Efes made 7-0 run keeping Panionios on distance until the end.

Panionios: Marvis Thornton 18, Kerem Gonlum 17, Michail Kakiouzis 15+5 boards,
Efes Pilsen: Marinos Raicevic 22, Lonny Baxter 12+6 boards, Giannis Kalambokis 11+9 boards

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  UKRAINE   


UBL Round: 23 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Gryfony - DniproAzot 72-69
Gryfony secured just the third win as they narrowly defeated DniproAzot. Anthony Slack poured in 22 points and grabbed 12 boards to lift Gryfony to a rare win. Predrag Miletic added 19 points for the winners. Ricky Henderson answered with 15 points for DniproAzot in the loss.

Kryvbasbasket - BC Odessa 82-79
Jarrett Howell knocked down 20 points and Kryvbasbasket narrowly defeated BC Odessa at home court. Odessa led by double digits in the first half before the hosts rallied back to secure the 15th win in the season. Dmitri Korablev added 15 points for the winners. Aleksei Poltoratskiy answered with 23 points and 8 boards for Odessa in defeat.

Hoverla - Budivelnyk 83-79
Hoverla shocked visiting Budivelnyk grabbing just the seventh win in the season. Damien Kinloch notched 18 points and 8 boards to lead the hosts. Patrick Sparks added 16 points for Hoverla. Tomas Delininkaitis responded with 20 points, 5 assists and 4 steals in the losing case.

Polit.Lviv - Cherkasy 96-80
Politekhnika-Halychyna eased past Cherkasy in the key match up of the round. Yaroslav Zubrytskyi nailed 23 points to pace the home team. Alexander Kudrautsau added 19 points as the Lviv team improved at 14-7 record. Cherkasy were not rescued by 19 points and 9 boards from Miljan Pupovic.



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  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


20th Dubai Int'l Tournament to kick-off tomorrow - by Mohammed Malas
The 20th edition of Dubai International Tournament is starting tomorrow and will resume untill the 28th of the December under the participation of 10 teams which were devided to 2 groups '5 with each'.

# Groups Draw:
- Group A:
Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut 'Titleholders - Lebanon'
Champville 'Lebanon'
Al Ittihad Alexandria 'Egypt'
Al Jalaa Aleppo 'Syria'
An Nasr 'UAE'
- Group B:
Zain 'RunnerUps - Jordan'
Al Moutahed Tripoli 'Lebanon'
Mahram 'Iran'
Al Jeish Army Damascus 'Syria'
UAE National Team

# TV Coverage:
Dubai Sports Channel and Future TV network will broadcast the tournament live, You can follow up the tournament games through Jordan4Ever Website.

# First round games schedule (GMT):
- Saturday 20/12:
12:15 Champville X An Nasr
15:00 Mouttahed X Army
17:00 UAE X Zain
- Sunday 21/12:
12:45 Mouttahed X Mahram
15:00 Riyadi X Jalaa
17:00 Ittihad X An Nasr
- Monday 22/12:
12:45 Mahram X UAE
15:00 Jalaa X Ittihad
17:00 Zain X Army
- Tuesday 23/12:
10:45 Mahram X Army
12:45 UAE X Mouttahed
15:00 Riyadi X Ittihad
17:00 Champville X Jalaa
- Wednesday 24/12:
12:45 Jalaa X An Nasr
15:00 Riyadi X Champville
17:00 Zain X Mahram
- Thursday 25/12:
10:45 Ittihad X Champville
12:45 Army X UAE
15:00 Riyadi X An Nasr
17:00 Zain X Mouttahed

# Tournament's system:
- 1st round: Teams play one time against each other then best 4 teams will quality to Quarter Finals.
- Quarter Finals: A) 1st A X 4th B, B) 1st B X 4th A, C) 2nd A X 3rd B, D) 2nd B X 3rd A.
- Semi-Finals: Winner A X Winner C, Winner B X Winner D.
- Final Game

# Participating teams imports:
- Al Ittihad Alexandria (EGY):
Derrick Franklin (208-C-81, agency: KMG Sports Management, college: Columbus St.) 'USA'
Chauncey Leslie (183-G-81, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Iowa) 'USA- On Loan from Al Sharjah Club (UAE)'
Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) 'Ivory Coast - On Loan from Al Wasl (UAE)'
- Al Jalaa Aleppo (SYR):
John Thomas (205-F/C-75, college: Minnesota) 'USA'
Roderick Riley (210-C-81, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Prairie View A&M) 'USA'
Damond Williams (197-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Mc Neese St.) 'USA'
- Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB):
Nate Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) 'USA'
Sean Lampley (201-F-79, college: California) 'USA'
Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) 'Egypt'
- Al Jeish Army Damascus (SYR):
Derrick Davenport (208-C-78, college: TCU) 'USA'
Marvin Black (201-F-80, agency: EM-PA, college: Marshall) 'USA'
Chad Hendrick (197-G/F-79, college: Houston) 'USA'
- Al Moutahed Tripoli (LEB):
Tony Williams (202-F-78, agency: ACMT, college: Louisville) 'USA'
Tyrone Grant (202-F-77, agency: Megasport, college: St.John's) 'USA'
Darren Kelly (190-G-78, college: Texas) 'USA'
- Champville (LEB):
Andre Muse (196-G-86, college: Quincy) 'USA'
Chris Charles (213-F/C-81, agency: Rice and Rice, college: Villanova) 'USA'
William Pippen (203-F-80, college: Middle Tenn.St.) 'USA'
- Zain (JOR):
Ontario Lett (198-F-79, agency: BrezoPro, college: Pittsburgh) 'USA'
LaShawn Malloy (209-C/F-84, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Orleans) 'USA'
Mike Christensen (203-G/F-85, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: New Hampshire) 'USA'
- An Nasr (UAE):
Reggie Butler (207-C-77, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Xavier) 'USA'
Trello Galloway (201-G/F-79, college: Georgia St.) 'USA'
Guillermo Scholtis (217-C-78) 'Argentina'
- Mahram (IRI):
Unknown Yet!

* If you have any corrections or additions on the imports list please send an e-mail to mohammed_malas@hotmail.com.

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  URUGUAY   


Bigua advanced to the Final Four of the Americas League - by Hector Lopez
Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) scored 35 points leading Bigua to defeat Penarol Mar del Plata 84-77, winning the group B for the Americas League and advancing to the Final 4 to be played in February. Penarol, with a last second two-point shot, forced an over time 66-66. Two three-points shots by Mauricio Aguiar (199-F-83, agency: Players Group) and free throws by Garcia Morales gave the lead to Bigua, during the overtime of the game played in Mar del Plata. For the Uruguayan team was its eigth international win without defeats, because last month Bigua won the South American Championship with a 5-0 record. Garcia Morales scored 4 three-point shots and 13/13 free shots. Pearol (Argentina), Regatas Corrientes (Argentina) and Concepcion (Chile) finisihed with a 1-2 record. For Bigua Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) scored 14 points and grabbed 8 rebounds while Ruben Wolkowyski (207-C-73) netted 7 points and 11 rebounds. For Penarol Byron Johnson (201-F/C-80, college: Belm.Abbey) and David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) scored 18 points each one. By quarters Bigua 21-16, 37-25, 49-42, 66-66.



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Women News

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  BELARUS - Women  


Troina top-scores again - by Eurobasket News
Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) together with Latvian champions TTT Riga earned the fourth win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round. They defeated Villenueve 77:70 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 scored 11 points in the starting frame and TTT Riga ensured a 22:14 lead for the hosts. Fatimatou Sacko 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 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 and Essence Carson spurred the hosts to a 53:46 advantage late in the third quarter. Laurie Datchy and Fatimatou Sacko allowed Lille to enter the fourth period trailing by only 2 points. Laurie Datchy and Geraldine Robert 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 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.
Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) and her UMMC Ekaterinburg stormed past Union Hainaut Basket 85:56 in Russia. Gruda Sandrine led her team to 9-1 record with 15 points, while Abrosimova Svetlana and Stepanova Maria nailed 11 each. Yelena Leuchanka scored 6 points and made 5 rebounds to show 100% from the field. Nnamaka Chioma produced the same number of points in the losing effort.
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 and Monique Currie allowed Lotos to tie things up at 16 with ten minutes gone in the game. Sonja Kireta, Katerina Elhotova and Cash Swin 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 and Ivana Matovic fueled a 12:2 rally that gave the visitors a 30:27 lead late in the first half. Lindsay Whalen 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 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. Ekaterina Snytsina (188-F-85) scored 5 and Natalia Marchanka (170-G-79) had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.

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  BELGIUM - Women  


Wauters to face De Mondt in Euroleague - by Eurobasket News
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. Belgian 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 sealed the outcome at 23:21 for the hosts. Simona Ballardini and Giorgia Sottana quickly put the visitors ahead in the second frame but Ilona Korstine and Katie Douglas 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 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 and Katie Douglas had 13 points apiece for the winning team. Simona Ballardini notched 16 points for Venezia. Mery Andrade had 15 points in the loss.
Anke De Mondt and her Spanish Halcon Avenida ensured the seventh win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round. The Spanish team bruised Wisla at home court 72:59. 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 and Le'Coe Willingham 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 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.
UMMC Ekaterinburg stormed past Union Hainaut Basket 85:56 in Russia. Gruda Sandrine led her team to 9-1 record with 15 points, while Abrosimova Svetlana and Stepanova Maria nailed 11 each. Nnamaka Chioma produced the same number of points in the losing effort. Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) collected 2 points and 2 rebounds.

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  BRAZIL - Women  


Castro struggles abroad - by Eurobasket News
Latvian champions TTT Riga earned the fourth win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round. They defeated Villenueve with Brazilian Iziane Castro (183-G/F-82) 77:70 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 scored 11 points in the starting frame and TTT Riga ensured a 22:14 lead for the hosts. Fatimatou Sacko 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 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 and Essence Carson spurred the hosts to a 53:46 advantage late in the third quarter. Laurie Datchy and Fatimatou Sacko allowed Lille to enter the fourth period trailing by only 2 points. Laurie Datchy and Geraldine Robert 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 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.Iziane Castro notched 9 points in the losing effort.
Before that French Lille added pain to Umana Reyer sending those to the second straight defeat in the Euroleague action. In the meantime it was just the third success for Lille in this edition of the top women's club basketball tournament. Umana Reyer slipped at 7-2 record but still remained on top of Group B, while Lille could not climb out of the last spot in the ladder. Iziane Castro and Ljubica Drljaca gave Lille a 12:5 lead midway through the opening stanza. Iziane Castro later finalized her 11-point first quarter haul and secured a 19:13 advantage for the visitors. Sacko, Jolene Anderson and Iziane Castro opened the second frame with 9 unanswered points for Lille. Venezia came back to life only late in the second term. Simona Ballardini and Sottana capped the first half with back-to-back buckets to trim the deficit to 6 points. Geraldine Robert and Florence Lepron however restored a 10-point buffer early in the third stanza. Lille kept in front throughout the rest of the period and led by 6 points 57:51 before the final quarter. Mariangela Cirone and Jenifer Nadalin gave hope to the fans as they dragged the hosts within 4 points with under two minutes left. Jenifer Nadalin then made it 66:69 with just 65 seconds to go. However Iziane Castro, Laurie Datchy and Ljubica Drljaca buried 4 free throws to silence the home team. Iziane Castro finished the game with 25 points to lead Lille. Ljubica Drljaca added 14 points in the winning case. Simona Ballardini knocked down 16 points and 6 rebounds for Umana Reyer. Daliborka Jokic had 15 points and 8 boards in the loss.

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  D.R. CONGO - Women  


Ngoyisa and her Valenciennes finished the Euroleague campaign - by Eurobasket News
Mudju Ngoyisa (195-C-82) and her French Valenciennes finished the Euroleague campaign with 3-7 record. UMMC Ekaterinburg stormed past Union Hainaut Basket 85:56 in Russia. Gruda Sandrine led her team to 9-1 record with 15 points, while Abrosimova Svetlana and Stepanova Maria nailed 11 each. Nnamaka Chioma produced the same number of points in the losing effort.Mudju Ngoyisa brought her team 4 points and 6 rebounds.
Before that Amaya Valdemoro knocked down 19 points and Ros Casares breezed past Valenciennes in Euroleague 91:61. Delisha Milton-Jones added 17 points as Ros Casares remained in the second spot in Group C. Delisha Milton-Jones opened the game with a three-pointer to get things rolling for the visitors. She tallied 7 points in the starting frame and Ros Casares enjoyed a 17:14 lead at the first break. The visitors maintained the lead and when Roneeka Hodges fired twice from behind the arc Ros Casares closed the first half with a 9-point advantage. Milton-Jones, Roneeka Hodges and Elisa Aguilar teamed up to extend the gap to 20 points early in the third frame. Ros Casares eased to a 24-point buffer Valenciennes never recovered in the fourth quarter and Ros Casares secured the seventh victory in the tournament. Roneeka Hodges came up with 13 points, while Laia Palau had 11 for the winners. Clemence Beikes responded with 10 points for Valenciennes. Kathy Wambe, Mudju Ngoyisa and Vedrana Grgin-Fonseca had 9 points each in the loss. Union Hainaut outrebounded their opponents 36:33 but could not fight Ros Casares 51% accuracy from the field.

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  ESTONIA - Women  


Tartu wins over Audentes in the latest - by Eurobasket News
Tartu wins over Audentes in the latest game of the Estonian league. Tartu grabbed the lead from the beginning of the game after 17-11 in the opening quarter. Later on the guests remained in front and could hold off the opponents. Laina Mesila (182-G/F-87)-Kaarmann top-scored for the winners with 21 points, while Liisi Sokman (168-G-88) and Kadri Tein had 17 each. Mailis Pokk (185-C-92) produced 23 points in the losing effort.
Meanwhile Merike Anderson (181-G/F-81) and her Latvian champions TTT Riga earned the fourth win in the Euroleague Qualifying Round. They defeated Villenueve 77:70 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 scored 11 points in the starting frame and TTT Riga ensured a 22:14 lead for the hosts. Fatimatou Sacko 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 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 and Essence Carson spurred the hosts to a 53:46 advantage late in the third quarter. Laurie Datchy and Fatimatou Sacko allowed Lille to enter the fourth period trailing by only 2 points. Laurie Datchy and Geraldine Robert 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 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.

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  EUROCUP - Women  


Eurocup, the Eighth-final match-ups - by Carlo Grilli
After Sixteenth-Finals conclusion, the Eighth-Finals will be played over two legs: first game on January 29; return leg on February 5, 2009.
Here below the match-ups:

Ravenna Esperides vs. Dynamo
K.V. Imperial AEL vs. Galatasaray
Panionios G.S.S. vs. Dynamo Kursk
Cras Basket Taranto vs. Tarbes GB
CB Feve San Jose vs. Ibiza - PDV
Athinaikos BC vs.Elitzur Ramla
Lavezzini Basket vs. Chevakata Vologda
ZKK Hemofarm Vrsac vs. Dexia W Namur

Eurocup Round: 8 (1/16 Finals, second games) - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm - Spartak N. 92-87
Serbian champion confirmed its quality against Spartak Noginsk aggregating 165-144 in two 1/16 final games. Biljana Stankovic scored 23, while Tamara Radocaj added 21 points and 5 boards for Hemofarm. Nelli Nevzorova shined in loss with 20 points and 10 boards.

Dynamo M. - Solna Vikings 89-57
As it was expected, Dynamo Moscow smashed Solna Vikings advancing to 1/8 finals in style (164-115). Oksana Zakalyuzhnaya stepped up in Dynamo with 26 points and 14 rebounds (8 off). Solna got the most from Elisabeth Egnell, 16 points.

Lavezzini PA - Gospic 82-66
Lavezzini outplayed Gospic CO in Parma by 16 points, what was more than enough for the 1/8 finals. In the first game Gospic won 60-55. Daliborka Vilipic came up with 29 points and 9 boards for the hosts. Laura Summerton added 3 points less. Jelena Ivezic was better than the others in Gospic with 16 pts.

Taranto - Sf.Gheorghe 80-60
Easy job for Taranto, who ended the 1/16 finals with 151-126. Once again Suzy Batkovic was the leading player in Taranto collecting impressive 28 points and 11 boards. Irena Matovic netted 12 for Sf. Gheorghe, coming off the bench.

EBE Ibiza-PDV - Extrugasa 80-61
Another victory for Ibiza in Spanish EuroCup derby against Extrugasa. The winners aggregated 159-122. Silvia Morales had 13, while Sancho Lyttle and Shannon Johnson delivered 12 points apiece in victory. Maria Gomez collected 17 points and 8 boards in Extrugasa.

Dexia - Trutnov 83-69
Second comfortable win for Dexia Namur in 1/16 finals for 167-141. Pauline Akonga Nsimbo was totally the best player for the winning side nailing 30 points and pulling down 17 rebounds.

Esperides - Challes 51-51
It is interesting, but the second game between Esperides and Challes ended without the winner, 51-51. That's a good result for Esperides, who celebrated 62-77 in the first one. Olga Chatzinikolaou netted 12 points for Esperides. Martina Luptakova answered with 16 pts and 7 rebs in Challes.

Chevakata - U.Neuchatel 82-65
Chevakata outplayed Neuchatel with plus 17, what was enough for the nex stage. The final score in two games is 152-149 for Chevakata. Irina Sokolovskaya was a key player for the hosts netting 20 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. Nakia Sanford followed her with 16 points and 8 boards. Kadie Riverin had 22, while Katalina Kurtosi contributed with 18 points in defeat.

Szeged - Panionios 59-64
After plus 1 in the first game, Panionios managed to beat Szeged on the road in the second one also aggregating 117-111. Lori Nero had 11 points and 6 boards for the winners. Aiketerina Deli, Pelagia Papamichail and Dafni Stavrakaki scored 10 points apiece. Olena Zherzherunova replied with 17 points for Szeged.

Galatasaray - Targoviste 75-66
Galatasaray once again was better than Targoviste having impressive 171-133 in two games. Seimone Augustus led the scorers in Galata with 20 points. Chrissy Givens had 26 pts and 7 boards in Targoviste.

Rivas Ecopolis - AEL 70-79
AEL grabbed fantastic road victory against Rivas Ecopolis ending the 1/16 finals with 141-128. Shyra Ely shined for the winners registering double-double, 15 points and 14 rebounds. Azra Becirovic was the leading scorer of the team with 17 pts. The Spanish team got 20 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists from Jelena Dubljevic.

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 this time scored the most for Dynamo, 13 points. Varvara Psareva and Ksenia Lapteva netted 11 points each, while Psareva also had 11 more rebounds beside that. Sandra Valuzyte finished the game with 10 points and 6 boards. Paoline Salagnac led the scorers in Mondeville with 13 points. Lenae Williams added 12, while Pauline Jannault stopped on 11 pts and 8 boards.

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, who nailed 23 pts. Nicole Soulis was behind her with 15, while Vasiliki Volonaki netted 2 points less. Polymnia Sarekgou had 12 points and LaToya Davis came up with double-double, 11 points and 11 boards. Cesis' best player was Nykesha Sales with 18 pts and 6 rebounds. Ieva Tare this time stopped on 11+5.

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 and her teammates did a great job celebrating with plus 11 in total. Murphy was a key player for the hosts as she delivered 24 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Rosa Perez helped the winners with 15 points, 7 boards and 6 assists, while Kimberly Butler added 12 points and 10 boards. Patricia Arguello was the last one with double-digits in scoring for San Jose, 10 points. Botas got 18 points and 4 rebounds from Angela Tisdale. Elvan Capali shined with double-double, 16 pts plus 13 rebs, while Durdane Gulsah Gumusay had 11 pts.

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 demonstrated nice performance for the winning squad collecting 19 points and 7 rebounds. Nicky Anosike also was on high level registering double-double, 12 points and 16 rebounds. Adva Baranes followed them with 11 pts. As usual, Ambrosia Anderson top-scored for Olivais with 18 points, including 6 rebounds. Filipa de Freitas netted 12, while Ana Santos contributed with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

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  GABON - Women  


Geraldine shines in Europe - by Eurobasket News
Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) has a great contribution for her French Villenueve in Europe. Latvian champions TTT Riga defeated Villenueve in the Euroleague Qualifying Round 77:70 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 scored 11 points in the starting frame and TTT Riga ensured a 22:14 lead for the hosts. Fatimatou Sacko 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 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 and Essence Carson spurred the hosts to a 53:46 advantage late in the third quarter. Laurie Datchy and Fatimatou Sacko allowed Lille to enter the fourth period trailing by only 2 points. Laurie Datchy and Geraldine Robert 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 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.
Before that French Lille added pain to Umana Reyer sending those to the second straight defeat in the Euroleague action. In the meantime it was just the third success for Lille in this edition of the top women's club basketball tournament. Umana Reyer slipped at 7-2 record but still remained on top of Group B, while Lille could not climb out of the last spot in the ladder. Iziane Castro and Ljubica Drljaca gave Lille a 12:5 lead midway through the opening stanza. Iziane Castro later finalized her 11-point first quarter haul and secured a 19:13 advantage for the visitors. Sacko, Jolene Anderson and Iziane Castro opened the second frame with 9 unanswered points for Lille. Venezia came back to life only late in the second term. Simona Ballardini and Sottana capped the first half with back-to-back buckets to trim the deficit to 6 points. Geraldine Robert and Florence Lepron however restored a 10-point buffer early in the third stanza. Lille kept in front throughout the rest of the period and led by 6 points 57:51 before the final quarter. Mariangela Cirone and Jenifer Nadalin gave hope to the fans as they dragged the hosts within 4 points with under two minutes left. Jenifer Nadalin then made it 66:69 with just 65 seconds to go. However Iziane Castro, Laurie Datchy and Ljubica Drljaca buried 4 free throws to silence the home team. Iziane Castro finished the game with 25 points to lead Lille. Ljubica Drljaca added 14 points in the winning case. Simona Ballardini knocked down 16 points and 6 rebounds for Umana Reyer. Daliborka Jokic had 15 points and 8 boards in the loss.

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  GREECE - Women  


Panionios celebrates in Szeged - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup, 1/16 Finals: Szeged - Panionios 59-64

After plus one in the first game, Panionios managed to beat Szeged on the road in the second one also advancing to the next stage with 117-111 in total. Hungarian representative had a nice chance to get through the 1/16 finals, but Lori Nero (188-F/C-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Louisville) and her teammates were on high level when it was the most important. Nero netted 11 points and grabbed 6 boards in this game. Aikaterina Deli (166-G-75), Pelagia Papamichail (189-F/C-86) and Dafni Stavrakaki (175-G-83) scored 10 points apiece. Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management) replied with 17 points for Szeged. Emoke Furesz (180-G-77) and Petra Russai (188-C-76) had 11 pts each.
Szeged was better at the early beginning creating 9-4 lead. Aikaterina Deli and Lori Nero immediately stepped up for Panionios leading 8-2 run. The hosts made it at the last possession in the first stanza for 15-14. Second half also was pretty leveled. This time Panionios added the last point in the period for 33-31. After jump shot by Tomova, Szeged had 46-40 at the half way of third stanza. However, once again Panionios managed to come closer, 48-46. Beginning of the last frame was crucial as Panionios made 9-0 run. Until the end of the game Szeged touched minus 2, but nothing more than that.

Szeged: Olena Zherzherunova 17, Emoke Furesz 11+6 boards, Petra Russai 11+4 boards
Panionios: Lori Nero 11+6 boards, Aikaterina Deli 10+5 boards, Dafni Stavrakaki 10+5 as, Pelagia Papamichail 10

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  HUNGARY - Women  


Panionios celebrates in Szeged - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup, 1/16 Finals: Szeged - Panionios 59-64

After plus one in the first game, Panionios managed to beat Szeged on the road in the second one also advancing to the next stage with 117-111 in total. Hungarian representative had a nice chance to get through the 1/16 finals, but Lori Nero (188-F/C-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Louisville) and her teammates were on high level when it was the most important. Nero netted 11 points and grabbed 6 boards in this game. Aikaterina Deli (166-G-75), Pelagia Papamichail (189-F/C-86) and Dafni Stavrakaki (175-G-83) scored 10 points apiece. Olena Zherzherunova (191-F-78, agency: LBM Management) replied with 17 points for Szeged. Emoke Furesz (180-G-77) and Petra Russai (188-C-76) had 11 pts each.
Szeged was better at the early beginning creating 9-4 lead. Aikaterina Deli and Lori Nero immediately stepped up for Panionios leading 8-2 run. The hosts made it at the last possession in the first stanza for 15-14. Second half also was pretty leveled. This time Panionios added the last point in the period for 33-31. After jump shot by Tomova, Szeged had 46-40 at the half way of third stanza. However, once again Panionios managed to come closer, 48-46. Beginning of the last frame was crucial as Panionios made 9-0 run. Until the end of the game Szeged touched minus 2, but nothing more than that.

Szeged: Olena Zherzherunova 17, Emoke Furesz 11+6 boards, Petra Russai 11+4 boards
Panionios: Lori Nero 11+6 boards, Aikaterina Deli 10+5 boards, Dafni Stavrakaki 10+5 as, Pelagia Papamichail 10

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  MALI - Women  


Maiga posts 13 points twice - by Eurobasket News
Hamchetou Maiga (184-G/F-78, college: ODU) and her Czech champions remained in the fourth spot, which allowed them to reach Last 16 stage in Euroleague. 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 and Tamika Whitmore secured a 19:19 tie after ten minutes of action. Hamchetou Maiga, 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 and Dora Horti 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 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 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 Whitmore's turnover with a go-ahead trey to seal the win for the visitors.
Before that the last seasons Euroleague finalists Gambrinus secured the fourth win in the this years competition. They held off TTT Riga in Group B action 83:76. Gambrinus got an outstanding start to the game. The hosts nailed 14 unanswered points to grab the lead. However TTT Riga soon recovered and answered with a 13:2 rally to cut the deficit. Ieva Kublina tied the teams late in the first term before Eva Viteckova dropped two freebies for Gambrinus 25:23 lead at the first break. The lead changed hands for several times throughout the second term before Hana Horakova, Timea Beres and Eva Viteckova capped the half with 7 straight points to give Gambrinus a 45:38 lead at halftime. Hana Horakova and Tamika Whitmore stretched the margin to 12 points early in the third quarter. The hosts maintained the lead however Essence Carson and Aija Brumermane allowed TTT Riga to head to the final stanza down by just 5 points. Ieva Kublina and Essence Carson squared things up once again midway through the fourth quarter. However Hamchetou Maiga and Hana Horakova converted layups, and then Hana Horakova chipped in three free throws for Gambrinus to pull away in this one. Hana Horakova finished with 23 points to pace the hosts. Tamika Whitmore added 22 points and 10 boards for the winners. Hamchetou Maiga had 13 points and 5 assists.

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Mery Andrade wins Group B with her Venezia - by Eurobasket News
Even though CSKA wrapped up their Euroleague Qualifying Round in style, Umana Reyer finished first in Group B in Euroleague. The victory saw the hosts climbed at 6-4 record at the third spot in Group B. Ann Wauters 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. Mery Andrade (181-F-75, college: ODU) and her 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 sealed the outcome at 23:21 for the hosts. Simona Ballardini and Giorgia Sottana quickly put the visitors ahead in the second frame but Ilona Korstine and Katie Douglas 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 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 and Katie Douglas had 13 points apiece for the winning team. Simona Ballardini notched 16 points for Venezia. Mery Andrade had 15 points in the loss.
Ticha Penicheiro (180-G-74, college: ODU) and her San Giovanni are 7-3 in the Italian standings. Faenza outsmarted San Giovanni in derby game jumping also on 7-3 score in Serie A1. The hosts, as well as Taranto, have exactly the same digits. Angela Zampella, who came off the bench, led the scorers in Faenza with 19 pts (also had 6 rebs). Adriana Moises Pinto registered double-double, 15 points and 12 boards. Ticha Penicheiro top-scored for her team with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 7 steals.

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


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  ROMANIA - Women  


Galatasaray aggregates 171-133 vs Targoviste in two games - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup, 1/16 Finals: Galatasaray - Targoviste 75-66

Galatasaray once again outplayed Targoviste, thanks to impressive second half (45-24). It means that Galata aggregated 171-133 in two games. With this excellent performance the Turkish representative once again proved its highest ambitions in EuroCup this season. At the next stage Galata will meet Cypriot AEL. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) led the scorers in Galata with 20 points. Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) added 10 points, missing only one board for double-double. Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) and Isil Alben (170-G-86) netted 9 points each. Chrissy Givens had 26 pts and 7 boards in Targoviste. Monika Boriga (176-G/F-74) followed her with 12, while Gabriela Toma (190-C-74) contributed with 11 points and 6 rebs.
Galata totally outrebounded its rival in this game. The hosts had 15+24, while Targoviste's players grabbed just 4+24. Visitors had fantastic first stanza ending it 9-24. It was a signal for Seimone Augustus and her teammates to wake up, what they immediately did. Until the HT they closed the gap on 13 points. As it is mentioned above, the second half totally belonged to Galata. The hosts stopped Targoviste on just 7 points in third frame, netting 18 on the other side. It was not enough for Galata, who smashed its opponent also in the last one 27-17.

Galatasaray: Seimone Augustus 20+4 boards, Yasemin Horasan 10+9 boards, Tay McWilliams 9, Isil Alben 9
Targoviste: Chrissy Givens (180-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) 26+7 boards, Monika Boriga 12, Gabriela Toma 11+6 boards

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Dynamo Moscow advances to EuroCup 1/8 finals in style - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: Dynamo M. - Solna Vikings 89-57

As it was expected, Dynamo Moscow smashed Solna Vikings in the second game of the EuroCup 1/16 finals advancing to the next stage. Powerful Russian team was better than Solna also in the first game aggregating 164-115. Oksana Zakalyuzhnaya (199-C-77) stepped up in Dynamo with 26 points and 14 rebounds (8 off). Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) also was on high level collecting16 points and 6 assists. Jannell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) and Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) helped with 12 points apiece. Solna got the most from Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87, college: Boston Coll.), 16 points. Ida Andersson (191-C-83) was behind her with 2 pts less.
Dynamo Moscow was better team during the entire time. It was expected because difference in quality level between these two squads is huge. Solna shined at the very beginning, but despite that fact Dynamo grabbed plus 4 after 10 minutes, 23-19. The hosts made magnificent 20-4 run in the second stanza. It mans that Dynamo had 43-26 at the half time and if Solna had any hope for the next stage it immediately dissapeared. After that moment Dynamo slowed down keeping its lead without any extra efforts. Actually, during the last ten minutes Solna's players gave up letting Dynamo to freeze them on minus 32.

Dynamo Moscow: Oksana Zakalyuzhnaya 2+14 boards, Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 16+6 as, Jannell Burse 12+6 boards, Marina Kuzina 12
Solna Vikings: Elisabeth Egnell 16, Ida Andersson 14+4 boards

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  SERBIA - Women  


Milovanovic's outstanding effort - by Eurobasket News
Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) knocked down a late three-pointer to lift MKB Euroleasing to a hard-fought win in Brno in the last game of the Group stage in Euroleague. 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 and Tamika Whitmore secured a 19:19 tie after ten minutes of action. Hamchetou Maiga, 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 and Dora Horti 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 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 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.
Before that resurrected CSKA could not match MKB Euroleasing in Hungary in Round 9 of Euroleague. Jelena Milovanovic scored 27 points and grabbed 8 boards to propel the hosts to a solid victory. MKB Euroleasing thus reached CSKA in Group B ladder as both teams are now tied at 5-4 record. The home team stunned the visitors early on as they opened the encounter with 11 unanswered points. MKB Euroleasing maintained the lead throughout the opening frame and ensured a 23:11 advantage at the first break. Jelena Milovanovic nailed 7 straight points for the home team early in the second period as the advantage grew to 16 points. Liudmila Sapova stepped up with 5 points in a row for CSKA late in the quarter and the Russian team trailed by 8 points at halftime.
Ann Wauters and Korstine dragged the visitors as close as 6 points midway through the third frame. But a bunch of free throws from Jelena Milovanovic allowed MKB Euroleasing to enjoy a 58:49 lead before the final period. Ratkaine, Tijana Krivacevic and Katalin Honti kept CSKA at bay throughout the rest of the contest and MKB Euroleasing earned a key victory. Katalin Honti finished with 16 points for MKB Euroleasing. Tijana Krivacevic had 9 points in the win. Rebecca Khammon answered with 19 points for CSKA. Ann Wauters and Katie Douglas added 13 points apiece in defeat.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Ibiza outplays Extrugasa in Spanish EuroCup derby - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: EBE Ibiza-PDV - Extrugasa 80-61

EBE Ibiza-PDV once again was better than Extrugasa in Spanish EuroCup derby. The winners aggregated 159-122 advancing to the 1/8 finals, where they will take on another Spanish team - San Jose. Silvia Morales (170-G/F-79) led the scorers in Ibiza with 13 points. Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) and Shannon Johnson (169-G-74, college: USC) delivered 12 points apiece. Regina Gomez (176-G-82) was the last one with double-digits in scoring for Ibiza netting 10 pts. Extrugasa got the most from Maria Gomez (170-G-82), 17 points and 8 rebounds. Taru Tuukkanen (190-C-77, college: Xavier) scored 15, while Katia Da Silva (187-C-77) contributed with 12 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.
First half was almost leveled, 23-22. At the beginning of the second quarter it was 29-29, but soon after that Ibiza created fantastic 12-0 run closed by Regina Gomez's lay-up. After 20 minutes the hosts had decent 43-36. Crucial period of the game was beginning of third period. Ibiza took care for another nice run, this time 8-0. It was plus 15 for Ibiza and counting 79-61 from the first game it was clear who will end this Spanish derby as a winner. Ibiza's next rival San Jose was better than Botas in two games.

Ibiza: Silvia Morales 13, Sancho Lyttle 12+7 boards, Shannon Johnson 12, Regina Gomez 10
Extrugasa: Maria Gomez 17+8 boards, Taru Tuukkanen 15, Katia Da Silva 12+6 boards

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  SWEDEN - Women  


Dynamo Moscow advances to EuroCup 1/8 finals in style - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/16 Finals: Dynamo M. - Solna Vikings 89-57

As it was expected, Dynamo Moscow smashed Solna Vikings in the second game of the EuroCup 1/16 finals advancing to the next stage. Powerful Russian team was better than Solna also in the first game aggregating 164-115. Oksana Zakalyuzhnaya (199-C-77) stepped up in Dynamo with 26 points and 14 rebounds (8 off). Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) also was on high level collecting16 points and 6 assists. Jannell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) and Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) helped with 12 points apiece. Solna got the most from Elisabeth Egnell (185-F-87, college: Boston Coll.), 16 points. Ida Andersson (191-C-83) was behind her with 2 pts less.
Dynamo Moscow was better team during the entire time. It was expected because difference in quality level between these two squads is huge. Solna shined at the very beginning, but despite that fact Dynamo grabbed plus 4 after 10 minutes, 23-19. The hosts made magnificent 20-4 run in the second stanza. It mans that Dynamo had 43-26 at the half time and if Solna had any hope for the next stage it immediately dissapeared. After that moment Dynamo slowed down keeping its lead without any extra efforts. Actually, during the last ten minutes Solna's players gave up letting Dynamo to freeze them on minus 32.

Dynamo Moscow: Oksana Zakalyuzhnaya 2+14 boards, Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 16+6 as, Jannell Burse 12+6 boards, Marina Kuzina 12
Solna Vikings: Elisabeth Egnell 16, Ida Andersson 14+4 boards

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  TURKEY - Women  


Galatasaray aggregates 171-133 vs Targoviste in two games - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup, 1/16 Finals: Galatasaray - Targoviste 75-66

Galatasaray once again outplayed Targoviste, thanks to impressive second half (45-24). It means that Galata aggregated 171-133 in two games. With this excellent performance the Turkish representative once again proved its highest ambitions in EuroCup this season. At the next stage Galata will meet Cypriot AEL. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) led the scorers in Galata with 20 points. Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) added 10 points, missing only one board for double-double. Tay McWilliams (189-F/C-70, college: St.Edward's) and Isil Alben (170-G-86) netted 9 points each. Chrissy Givens had 26 pts and 7 boards in Targoviste. Monika Boriga (176-G/F-74) followed her with 12, while Gabriela Toma (190-C-74) contributed with 11 points and 6 rebs.
Galata totally outrebounded its rival in this game. The hosts had 15+24, while Targoviste's players grabbed just 4+24. Visitors had fantastic first stanza ending it 9-24. It was a signal for Seimone Augustus and her teammates to wake up, what they immediately did. Until the HT they closed the gap on 13 points. As it is mentioned above, the second half totally belonged to Galata. The hosts stopped Targoviste on just 7 points in third frame, netting 18 on the other side. It was not enough for Galata, who smashed its opponent also in the last one 27-17.

Galatasaray: Seimone Augustus 20+4 boards, Yasemin Horasan 10+9 boards, Tay McWilliams 9, Isil Alben 9
Targoviste: Chrissy Givens (180-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) 26+7 boards, Monika Boriga 12, Gabriela Toma 11+6 boards