EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/24/2008

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Men News

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


Other games results - by Gianni Pascucci
The Knoxville Thunderbolts badly needed a win Sunday night to snap a three-game losing streak. They got it in resounding fashion, blowing out the Georgia Gwizzlies 133-94. Five Thunderbolts hit double figures, led by newcomer Gordon Chase (6'2''-F-86, college: Georgetown, KY) who scored 27 points. Scott Williams (6'2''-G, college: Carson-Newman) added 24. Andy Tipton (6'8''-F, college: Carson-Newman), Michael Blue (6'5''-F-85) and Chris Wiley (6'0''-G-81, college: Knoxville) each had 17. Joseph Manuel (6'4''-G, college: Auburn-Montgomery) and Kevin Reinhardt (6'5''-F-83, college: Georgetown, KY) each scored 20 for the Gwizzlies. Knoxville plays Saturday night at Grace Christian against the Bahama All Pro Show. Boris Siakam (6'7''-F-85, college: W.Kentucky) scored 21 points to lead ABA Kentucky Bisons to a 114-108 win over the Nashville Broncs on Sunday at the SportsCenter. It was the #1 rated Broncs' first loss of the season. Nashville led at halftime, 57-49, but the Bisons' Michael James (5'9''-G-85, college: Florida Intern.), Teco Dickerson (6'2''-G-82, college: W.Kentucky) and Siakam fueled the comeback. Siakam scored 14 second half points, 10 coming in the third period as the Bisons tied the score at 82. Dickerson finished with 12 points, including 3 three pointers in the final period, and James added 10 points after intermission to finish with 16. Aubrey White (6'3''-G-85) scored 17 for the Bisons and LaMar Owen (6'5''-F-83, college: S.Illinois) ended with 10. Nashville was led by Josh Cooperwood (6'4''-G-80, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Tennessee St.) with 24 points, followed by Terrence Woods (6'3''-G-81, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Florida A&M) with 17, Ronnie McMahan (6'5''-F-72, college: Vanderbilt) and Adam Sonn (6'7''-F-80, college: Belmont) with 18 each.

Fresno and Washington announce merge - by Gianni Pascucci
The Fresno Rebels and the Washington Raptors of the ABA announced a merger between the two organizations. Dominick Young (5'10''-G-74, college: Fresno St.), Diego Redd , Regina Joseph , and Tim Joseph have been in discussion regarding the successful outcome, impact, and benefits this will provide the new club. Dominick Young, the first player to be drafted by the ABA in 2000, will become the Raptors' head coach. The Fresno-Washington Raptors will be a California based organization, but some games of its schedule, like the ones vs. Phoenix Fury, Salt Lake City Saints, Beijing Aoshen Olympian, and Modesto Bearcats will be played in Washington. The final details of the merger will take place this week, which will result in the Fresno Rebels dissolving

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


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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Today is the last round in 2008 - by Dragan Jankovski
The last round of Adriatic league in 2008 will be played today. The defending champion, Partizan Igokea, will have a chance to end it on the first place after game in Novo Mesto against Krka. The Black-and-whites are currently the top ranked team in the league with 12 wins and only 1 defeat. The only failure of the head coach Dusko Vujosevic and his players happened in eternal derby against Crvena Zvezda, Round 8.

Crvena Zvezda will meet FMP in Serbian derby. When we take a look on the standings it is clear that FMP is not that strong as it used to be. The team of Svetsilav Pesic wants to end this year in Adriatic league celebrating, and if Partizan suffers defeat in Novo Mesto, Zvezda will grab the top.

Hemofarm STADA went to Zagreb for the game against Cibona. The Croatian Euroleague team registeres nice results in Euroleague and already booked as spot for Top 16. In Adriatic league Cibona is currently on the fourth place with 9 wins and 4 defeats. Hemofarm share the second palce with Crvena Zvezda.

Vojvodina Srbijagas made a surprise in the last round against the Croatian champion Zadar. However, the Tulips will host another Croatian Team, Zagreb, trying to avoid the last place in 2008. As a reminder, Vojvodina outplayed Zagreb on the road in the opening day of Adriatic league.

Olimpija will meet Buducnost trying to grab the sixth win, while Split will take on Zadar in Croatian derby.

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  BELGIUM   


Oostende and Gent News - by Peter Buyse


Base Oostende and Optima Gent are the teams who are busiest during this time of the season.

For Gent we can only report outgoing players. Jesse Kimbrough and Ike Ofoegbu will more than likely not be on the team's roster upon their return after the break.
Roel Moors was already signed to replace Kimbrough for the rest of the season. Ofoegbu may be replaced but that is not sure yet.

Big changes once again at Base Oostende who see Eric Hicks return to the team. Devin Green has asked to be released and has in the mean time been replaced by Robert Hite (188-G-84, college: Miami, FL). Hite started the season playing in the EBA league for Lugo, later on he moved to LEB Gold team Melilla before finally ending up in ACB team Tau Vitoria. Hite had an outsanding Uleb Cup season with Galatasaray during the 2007-08 season when he averaged 16.0ppg and 4.5rpg.

Played 12 games for the Miami Heat and 19 games for the D-League's Sioux Falls during the 06-07 season.

Green is rumoured to be headed to Ukraine.



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  BOSNIA   


Mirza Teletovic jumps on 12-1 in ACB with Tau - by Eurobasket News
Mirza Teletovic (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) continues with magnificent performance this season. Ten days ago Teletovic was the top scorer of ACB - Round 13 with 27 points against Bilbao. Of course his Tau celebrated 97-79. Teletovic missed only 3 times in this game (6/7 FG2, 3/4 for 3-pts, 6/7 FTs). Few days later he collected 13 points and 5 rebounds in road win against Alba. It was the first Euroleague defeat this season for the German champ in Berlin. Tau is currently the leading team of Group C with 6-2. Italian Lottomatica has the same record.
In the previous round of ACB, Tau grabbed another victory. It was against CAI Zaragoza on the road 84-94. Mirza Teletovic was third scorer in his team with 14 points. He also had 8 rebounds beside that in 27 minutes. Tau Ceramica is currently the top ranked team in ACB with almost perfect 12-1 record. Unicaja and Regal Barca followed with 10-3. In the next round of ACB, Tau will meet MMT Estudiantes. Next Tau's appearance in Euroleague is scheduled for January 8.

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  BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Randy George at Scottish Rocks - by David Edole
Randy George (200-F-81, college: Henderson St.) of Virgin Gorda who started his UK pro career in Sheffield last year has stepped his game up and moved a six-hour drive further up north with the Scottish Rocks where he immediately hit stardom.

George, who was ranked the number one defensive player in Sheffield last year, topping their stats in rebounds, and also ended the season as their top dunker. He missed the coveted UK dunk champion trophy by one point in the UK annual slam dunk competition.

Randy is averaging 9 points and 6 rebounds and is currently ranked 4th in the Bristish Basketball League in field goal percentage at 57%. Scotland has proved to be a blessing for George, though as even without bouncing a ball the people of Scotland have embraced him and everytime he touches a ball the fans expect a dunk.

Locally on the streets of Scotland George cannot walk out for a bite to eat without giving autographs to youngsters who all want to be like Chino George. As for the 2009 season, George has lived up to his reputation as the king of dunks, hammering some extremely aggressive in game.

He has also maintained his defensive position as the Rocks go into the Christmas break in second place in the British league behind the Everton Tigers.

I spoke to Randy about his feelings of the league this year: 'We are off to a pretty good start and one game left before the Xmas break. We play Cheshire jets this coming Sunday at our home, the Kelvin Hall Arena. We have gelled pretty well as a team and we are getting better everyday. There is things we need to work on as a team, but in time everything will fall in place.'

George also expressed his confidence in his new players. 'I believe in everyone on this team, just as equally they put their trust in me to get the job done. We have a great group of guys here and we all get along pretty well. We all come to practice everyday with one goal in mind, that's to win the championship and we know we can accomplish that, it just takes hard work and believing in each other. We take it one game at a time though.'

Finally Goerge spoke about his move to Scotland. 'As for me, I'm happy to be here, I'm comfortable and most of all making the best of the opportunities given to me by player coach Sterling Davis. I take pride in doing what I do, basketball is much more than what shows up on the stats sheet for me. I do the little things to make me better and to make the team better, whether it's score, rebound, block a shot or just dive for a loose ball. I play power forward here, however I won't say I'm a forward or center, I'm simply a basketball player who just goes out and works hard.'

Randy George ended by sending a message of peace to all in the BVI. 'I Hope everyone has a safe and happy Christmas and hope the new year brings everyone Peace, joy and prosperity.'

By PAUL 'One The Ball' HEWLETT
BVI News Sports Correspondent

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  CAPE VERDE   


National team Player Jeff Xavier Leads Providence in Loss - by Pedro Gomes
Chestnut Hill, Mass. - The Providence College men's basketball team fell to Boston College by a score of 81-76 on Saturday, December 20 at Conte Forum in Chestnut Hill, Mass. Senior Jeff Xavier (185-G-85) led the Friars with 16 points.

Boston College jumped out to a 13-5 lead and led 25-14 at the 9:12 mark of the first half behind seven early points from junior Joe Trapani. A three-pointer by Jeff Xavier cut the BC advantage to 27-21 with 6:49 remaining in the half but the Eagles entered intermission with a 35-26 lead.

Both teams shot under 35 percent from the field in the first half and the Eagles outrebounded Providence, 18-17. Xavier paced the Friars with seven first-half points on three-of-seven shooting.

The Friars trimmed the BC advantage to 39-33 at the 15:22 mark of the second half and a three-point play by senior Weyinmi Efejuku (Fresh Meadows, N.Y.) moved the Friars to within two with 13 minutes to play in the game. The Eagles responded with a 7-0 run to extend the lead back to nine, 49-40, with 10:40 to go. Behind seven points from Rice, BC moved the lead to 66-52 with 4:15 remaining.

The Friars outscored BC 22-10 over the next 3:46 and trailed by two, 76-74, with 29 seconds left in the contest, but could not take the lead in the game's final minute.

Sophomore Marshon Brooks (Stone Mountain, Ga.) scored all 13 of his points in the game's final five minutes to give the Friars a chance at the end. PC shot 76.5 percent from the free throw line in the second half and outscored BC in the paint by a score of 44-30 for the game. Senior Weyinmi Efejuku (Fresh Meadows, N.Y.) chipped in 13 points and four rebounds for the Friars.

http://friars.cstv.com/sports/m-baskbl/recaps/122008aab.html

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  CHINA   


Zhejiang Defeats Dongguan 115-107 - by Arthur Volbert
Zhejiang defeated Dongguan 115-107 as Hoskin Sam (206-F/C-79, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: De Paul) had 35 points, 18 rebounds and 4 steals. Kirk Snyder had 30 points, 19 rebounds and 9 assists. Ding Jinhui, recovering from last round's awful game, had 22 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals. Luo Zhi scored 11 and Sui Xiaolong scored 10. Michael Harris led Dongguan with 39 points, 17 rebounds and 4 blocks. Qiu Baio scored 24. Zhang Kai had 15 points and 7 rebounds. Wang Jing scored 13 and Meng Duo scored 12. Zhejiang improved to an 11-6 record while Dongguan, now without Jamal Sampson, dropped to 11-6.

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  CROATIA   


Croatian champ parts ways with coach Aleksandar Petrovic - by Eurobasket News
Croatian champion Zadar decided to terminate the contract with the head coach Aleksandar Petrovic. It means that Petrovic became the seventh coach in Adriatic league who got fired or resigned. According to Zadar's president Kristijan Magas, the team was unsatisfied with results in the first half of the season. Assitanst coach Denis Pleslic will lead Zadar in today's Adriatic league game against Split.

Aleksandar Petrovic agreed with Zadar in March 2007. He led it last season to championship title, beating Split in the play-off final 3-2. Zadar also reached the semifinals in Adriatic league and was runner-up in regular season. Before Zadar, Petrovic used to work in Italian Scafati and Fabriano. He also worked in Spain as a HC of Caprabo Lleida and San Fernando Sevilla. Petrovic also had experience from Poland as well as from Croatian Euroleague team Cibona Zagreb (many years).

According to the rumors, the main candidate for Zadar's bench is the current HS of Belgian Charleroi, Drazen Anzulovic. Charoleroi makes fantastic results in D1 this season. It currently has 9 wins and only 2 defeats. Dexia Mons-Hainaut is on top with 10-2.

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  CYPRUS   


Week 9: Round Up - by Chris Mammides

The results for the last week of the first round were as follows:
Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD - Intercollege Etha Engomis 63-80
Etha succeeded the road win which was looking for against the (probably) weekest team of the Cyprus league this period, team of ENAD. The quarters were: 19-28, 35-48, 51-62, 63-80 while the points for the two teams were as follows:
Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD: Domakoj 7, Matic 14, Tatic 17, Kaskiris 8, Forman 8, Johnson 2 and Wilson 7
Intercollege Tha Engmomis: Livadiotis 3, Spencer 6, Dalibagic 13, Tack 11, Car 7, D. Papadopoulos 5, N. Papadopoulos 7, Scott Merritt (208-F-82, college: Marquette) 24, Mayfield 3, Trepalovac 1

Omonoia Nicosia - Aspis Apoel Nicosia 59-87
Apoel thrashed the sidmantle team of Omonia with 28 points difference. The quarters were: 10-33, 25-51, 40-66, 59-87. The points for the two teams were as follows:
Omonia: Smith 6, Zaric 8, Jenkins 17, Neofytou 16, Mijovic 10, Zagorov 2.

Apoel: Van Dorpe 6, Brokeboro 16, Kantic 15, Bozov 8, Anastasiadis 12, Cooper 18, Tsiatinis 2, Garcia 10.

.

Pizza Express Primetel Apollon - Frederic Achilleas Kaimakliou 81-73
Vecchio's team was much better than its opponent and won quite easily. The quarters were as follows: 21-17, 41-29, 60-51, 81-73

The points for the two teams were as follows:

Pizza Express Primetel Apollon: Sho 15, Lewis Sims (203-F/C-73, college: New Orleans) 26, Sallivan 4, Jones 3, Dusa 1, Brown 18, Robinson 9, Eglisnski 5

Frederic Achilleas: Harris 13, Mponu 1, Zugiovic 24, Stilianou 6, Grcac 19, McKleiton 10

.

BMC AEK Larnakas - Proteas EKA AEL 57-62

A derby took place in Larnaca last night and the Limassol team succeeded another road win and finish in the top position in the first round.

The quarters were: 17-11, 31-25, 42-42, 57-62.
BMC AEK: Johnson 11, Miskovic 11, Dujovic 15, Anderson 5, Milicic 8, Van de Harre 7

Proteas EKA AEL: Mitsel 18, Milan Dozet (203-G/F-79) 15, Taylor 4, Palalas 2, Blanchart 10, Mujezinovic 6 and Radojevic 7





A1 Stats Leaders
A1 - Regular Season Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Greer, Keravnos 125
2 Anderson, AEK 112
3 Bradford, Achilleas 106
4 Zujovic, Achilleas 98
5 Grgat, Achilleas 93
6 Smith, Omonia 89
Rebounds Per Game
1 Trisokas, Kerav. 50
2 Van De Hare, AEK 46
3 Grgat, Achilleas 42
4 Garcia, Apoel 39
5 Collins, Etha 37
Assists Per Game
1 Foreman, ENAD 33
2 Smith, Omonia 30
3 Andreson, AEK 23
4 Cooper, Apoel 21
5 Bradford, Achilleas 19
Steals Per Game
1 Taylor, AEL 16
2 Forman, ENAD 11
3 McClendon, Achilea 10
4 Rosnowski, Apollon 9
5 Trisokkas, Keravnos
Blocks Per Game
1 Van De Harre, AEK 8
2 Davis, AEK 7
3 Trepalovac, Etha 5
4 Radojevic, AEL 5
4 Van Dorpe, Apoel 5
4 Buckman,Keravnos 5
2FGP
1 Brown, Apolon 81.5%
2 Taylor, AEL 69%
3 Andreson, AEK 64.5%
4 Damjavic, Kerav 64.5%
5 Grgat, Achilleas 62%
3FGP
1 Rosnowsk, Apol 47.5%
2 Matic, ENAD 47%
3 Greer, Keravnos 44.5%
2 Zujovic, Achilleas 39%
5 Bradford, Achileas 38%
Free Throws
1 Greer, Keravnos 80.0
2 Sims, Apollon 80
2 Radunovic, Apoel 80
3 Smith, Omonia 80
4 Neofitou, Omonia 75
5 Damjanovic, Kerav 75
Ranking
1 Greer, Keravnos
2 Mijovic, Omonia
2 Radunovic, Apoel
3 Anderson, AEK
3 Zujovic, Achilleas
4 Smith, Omonia
5 Sims, Apollon


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  D-LEAGUE   


Los Angeles D-Fenders (100) at Dakota Wizards (95) - by Surujh Roopnarine
Los Angeles snapped a four game losing streak as they won on a usually very difficult Dakota home floor in Bismark, 100-95. Rookie Joe Crawford (6'5''-G-86, college: Kentucky) scored a team-high 21 points on 7-13 shooting off the bench as the D-Fenders shot 47.9% from the field as a whole. Veteran point guard Maurice Baker (6'1''-G-79, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Oklahoma St.) was the night's high scorer with 23 points for Dakota which couldn't capitalize on 25 turnovers from Los Angeles.
D-FENDERS: Joe Crawford (21pt+6rb), Darren Cooper (18pt), Brandon Heath (18pt+5to), Cheyne Gadson (14pt+5rb)
WIZARDS: Maurice Baker (23pt+5as), Renaldo Major (19pt), Hamed Haddadi (9pt+14rb), Will Frisby (17pt+9rb)

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  EUROCUP   


Nenad Krstic returns to NBA - by Dragan Jankovski
Number of Serbian players in NBA increased last night. Namely, center of Serbian National Team, Nenad Krstic (214-C-83), who played first half of the season for Russian Triumph Lyubertsy, agreed 3-year deal with NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. Per team's policy the financial details are not announced, but according to some of the US media Krstic supposes to earn about $15 million for 3 years. His ex team New Jersey Nets have 7 days to match this offer and to keep rights on Krstic. However, it is almost sure that the Nets won't do it.

Nenad Krstic left the Nets this summer for 6 million euros in Russian Triumph (2- year deal). In two EuroCup games Krstic had 16 ppg and 8.5 rpg. He also played 4 games in EuroChallenge (12 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and 7 games in Russian Superleague (10.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg). Before Triumph, he spent four seasons with the Nets. Unfortunately, Krstic suffered ACL injury in December 2006 returning next season with 6.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg. He had the best digits in NBA on 05/06, before the injury. He played 26 games averaging 16.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg. Krstic grew up as a player in Partizan Belgrade. He left the Black-and-whites in 2004. He was originally as 24th pick on 2002 NBA Draft.

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Transfer News - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Several transfer news taking place just before Christmas time. Vincent Hunter (208-F-84, college: Arkansas) (FoKoPo) and Charles Thomas (203-F-86, college: Arkansas) (FoKoPo) are leaving Finland and playing next in Southern Europe. Joonas Suotamo (208-F-86) earned his degree in 3,5 years at Penn State. The following players have transfered in Finland (name, average pts - rbs, old team, new team):
Magen McNeil (198-F-83, college: Arcadia) (27,3 ppg - 11,2 rpg), JKS - Tarmo
Matt Williams (200-F-77, college: Montana) (20,8 ppg - 7,1 rpg), Honka, Tapiola - Kouvot
Esa Maki-Tulokas (198-F-82, college: LIU Brooklyn) (8,8 ppg - 3,8 rpg), Tarmo - FoKoPo
Elias Kajander (196-F-80) (11,7 ppg - 4,9 rpg), Torpan Pojat - Honka
Joonas Suotamo (0,6 ppg - 0,8 rpg), Penn State - YMCA Lappeenranta

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  GERMANY   


Jason Miller has left Goettingen - by Moritz Korff
BG 74 Goettingen (1. Bundesliga) have parted company with Jason Miller (208-F/C-80, college: Oklahoma St.). The 28-year-old center who joined the Violets coming from Jena during the summer will return to the USA due to family reasons. In the past weeks Miller only received very little playing time and didn't see any action in the most recent games against Bremerhaven and Noerdlingen. His final appearance on the Goettingen team was on December 13, when the Violets took on Tuebingen and edged past the Tigers 65:64. Miller scored a single point in 2:29 minutes on the hardwood in this game.

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  GREECE   


A2: Round 11 (Regular Seazon) - by Chris Mammides
Olympiada Patras Dafni 54-68
The last game of Coach Nikos Ekonomou in Olympiadas bench as he was replaced after this new negative result by Coach Thanasis Lionas
The quarters: 9-16, 23-39, 35-52, 54-68
Olympiada Patras: Kantartzis 14, Predrag Kosanovic (203-F-76) 16
Dafni: Giannis Kakiouzis (205-F-78) 21 and Petrodimopoulos 20

Peristeri - Panerythraikos 97-74
An easy night for Darrel Lewis (192-G-76, college: Lincoln (MO)) and his team mates took place in Peristeri on Sunday night.
Quarters: 24-16, 42-39, 75-58, 97-74
Peristeri: Darrel Lewis 20, Bucci 12 and Kokkalis and 13 each.
Panerythraikos: Doumanis and Tomaras 12 each

MENT Keravnos Aigiou 62-70
Anotehr road win for Head Coach Pavlou and his team, this time MENT suffered the loss in Orfanoss top performing game this season.
The quarters: 11-20, 21-27, 36-46, 62-70
MENT: Mandic 14 (1),
Keravnos Aigiou: Kiriakidis 11, Orfanos 18 and Stavropoulos 11

Pagrati Ermis Lagkada 91-69
Pagrati thrashed the team of Coach Baxevanis with 22 points difference having in a great shape the trio Siristatidis, Maheras and Koukas.
The quarters: 25-22, 42-33, 62-51, 91-69
Pagrati: Koukas 13, Siristatidis 15, Maheras 16.
Ermis Lagkada: Papakonstantinou 19, Dimitriadis 17 and Kontopoulos 10.

Near East - Iraklis 84-72
A Derby took place in Kesariani in the first loss of Coach Hatzikiriakidis in Iraklis bench; the Greek Coach has a 4-1 record since he arrived in Iraklis.
The quarters: 24-21, 44-40, 62-56, 84-72.
Near East: Nikou 14, Koutroulias 22
Iraklis: Totsios 14, Christou 12, Liakiopoulos 12

ICBS -Apollon . 88-60
Koronidis and Vardianos night was not good at all, especially from the parameter where they had 3/11 so the negative result came reasonably and broke the small record of 4-0 for Coach Papadopoulos. On the other hand coach Tsotsoumanos team was a real team in the court and its not coincident that five players ended the game with double figures
The quarters: 21-16, 46-33, 69-47, 88-60
ICBS: Ceskovic 17, Kourtis 16, Sizopoulos 15 and Kounas 16
APollon Patras: Vardianos 14, Koronidis and Georgitsis 13 each.

Xanthi - KAOD 72-78
The Dramas team succeeded a great road win and push even more the team of Xanthi which will spent the Xmas in the last positions in the league
The quarters:: 12-10, 31-32, 48-52, 72-78
Xanthi: Koukouravas 12, Jelenic 15, Kantic 19
KAOD: Zupic 18, Maslarinos 18, Maslarinos 14, Rodostoglou 18,

Rethymno - Ilysiakos 84-68
Theodoros Panaras (195-F-76) was great in the win over Ilysiakos and after nearly a month the team of Rethymno played some decent basketball.
Quarters: 29-18, 45-36, 63-47, 84-68
Rethymno: Theodoros Panaras 26, Panagiotopoulso 15
Ilysiakos: Karidas 14, Grace 20 and Mali 16.

B Division: Round 11 - Results and Scorers - by Chris Mammides
Pierikos/Arhelaos - Ikaroi Serron 59-70
Quarters:16-15, 24-27, 39-45, 59-70
Top Scorers :
Pierikos/Arhelaos: Kothras and Raptis 10 each
Ikaroi Serron : Konstantinos Pehlivanis (192-F-79) 14, Giorgos Asimakis (196-F-84) 16, Thanasis Topouzis (205-F/C-78, college: S.Illinois) 10

Amyntas - Apollon Kalamarias 65-63
Quarters: 21-14, 34-29, 51-45, 65-63
Top scorers:
Amyntas: Martin Lazaridis (203-F-87) 18, Giannaletsos 10
Apollon Kalamarias: Kyriakos Troulialis (180-G-80) 12, Nanis 11

Ikaros Kallitheas - AIAS Evosmou 73-58
Quarters: 24-22, 41-32, 52-47, 73-58.
Top scorers:
Ikaros Kallitheas: Alexis Falekas (190-G-76) and Emmanouilidis 13 each, Martzos 11
AIAS: Fotis Triantafillidis (187-G-81) 15, Souflias 14 and Bellos 10.

Lavrio - Arkadikos 72-80
Quarters: 19-21, 40-40, 58-64, 72-80
Top Scorers:
Lavrio: Dionysios Giannakopoulos (195-G/F-82) 14, Trikaliotis 11
Arkadikos: Giannis Manos (186-G-71) 30, Sokratis Manavopoulos (205-F-81) 21

Doukas - Goumenisa 86-74
Quarters: 23-19, 39-39, 63-55, 86-74
Top scorers:
Doukas: Zakinthinos 14, Giorgos Galliotos 23, Rigas Papargilopoulos (202-F-86) 21, Gavanopoulos 13
Goumenisa : Bagi (187-G-75) 28, Karipidis 12

Halkida - P. Faliro 97-59
Quarters: 35-11, 58-25, 74-40, 97-59
Top scorers:
Halkida: Pasalidis 21, Frousklias 14, Psaropoulos 15, Paris Katsimpas (183-G-83, college: Park) 14
P. Faliro: Alexandros Schortsianitis (197-F-87) 13, Konomi 10

Anagennisi/Floga - Komotini 66-63
The quarters: 18-13, 33-36, 45-51, 66-63.
Top scorers:
Anagennisi/Floga: Bourdanos 17, Nikos Moisiadis (180-G-80) 28.
Komotini: Tsakonitis 14, Giannis Foutsitzis (198-F, college: S.New Hampshire) 21, Ktistou 10

OFI - Sporting 88-66
Quarters: 24-20, 50-38, 66-52, 88-66.
Top Scorers:
OFI: Tselios 17, Tsakiridis 12, Vagenas 19, Barlas 11.
Sporting: Nikos Kritsalos (192-G-77) 28, Tsopis 13.

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


Travis Reed Not Back To Hanzevast Capitals. - by Fred Roggen
Travis Reed (203-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Long Beach St.) not back to Hanzevast Capitals. He came Tuesday not by a medical examination, Reed was disabled by a stress fracture the last six months and is therefore not healed sufficiently.
The risk is too great that a fracture occurs when Reed overburdened his leg, after examination by an orthopedist.
Hanze Capitals has therefore decided not to proceed with Travis Reed.
The Capitals are now looking for another center.

Eredivisie Round: 20 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Den Helder - Amsterdam 87-102
In Den Helder, BlueStream Seals put up a big challenge vs. battle tested Eclipse Jet/MG, jumping to leads of 24-14 in the 1st quarter (28-20 at the end of the 1st quarter) and 42-32 midway through the 2nd quarter. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news by the local correspondent Sanders Jackson

Aris Friesland - Landstede 94-86
In Leeuwarden, Aris Fresland capped off an excellent week and with good feelings heading into the Christmas break with a 94-86 win over Landstede Basketball. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news by the local correspondent Sanders Jackson

West-Brabant - Rotterdam 68-80
In Bergen-op-Zoom, the game tempo changed in the favor of the guests Rotterdam Challengers in the 2nd quarter, thanks to their more abundance of quickness and tough defense, helping the Rotterdammers to a big halftime lead, which they managed to retain in the second half, winning convincingly over West-Brabant Giants 80-68. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news by the local correspondent Sanders Jackson

Eiff.Towers - M.Magix 92-67
In the Maaspoort early Sunday evening, Eiffel Towers also got back on track after the Thursday loss in Leeuwarden, venting out their frustrations on Matrixx Magixx, with a dominant second half making the difference and rolling to a 92-67 blowout win. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news by the local correspondent Sanders Jackson

Hanzev.Cpt - Upstairs Weert 74-72
Sunday early evening in the Martiniplaza, the team of Marco van den Berg and Hanzevast Capitals also head into the holidays on a positive note, holding off Upstairs Weert 74-72. *More comments for this game already posted in previous news by the local correspondent Sanders Jackson

*****************************************************
  HONG KONG   


Final: Super Kung Sheung Cup - by Cheung Suet-pan
Following the surprisingly lost to the Philippine team, Sothern California Fukienese Association basetball team was unable to qualify into the Final. On the another side, Hong Kong international team got another easy victory on India team. The finalists of the 17th Super ung Sheung Cup International Invitation Championship were Hong Kong and the Philippine team; which two had played before in the group game with a 19pts margin Hong Kong's victory.

The Final was playeed on Sunday afternoon, and there is no suprise inside it. Hong Kong won over Philippine team again with 100-61. It made Hong Kong clinched the championship titles six times in eight years. But as a perparation to the next year East Asian Game, it looks like to be too much easy, and not a real classy opponents as they will face in the Asia regional event.

The Championship MVP award was given to Lau Chin-kin, a full-time fireman who scored a total of 14 three pointers in five games. He got 24 pts in the final and expressed to play in more competitive league games in future. Also, Sothern California Fukienese Association basketball team finally finished thrid in the championship, they won over India team by 87-68.

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Hencsey extends contract with Kormend - by Balazs Radics
Tamas Hencsey passed his probation period as the Head Coach of BC Kormend and offered a contract extension until the end of the season, after the team was performing well in the last weeks of the Hungarian Championship. Hencsey said: 'It is a honor that the board has offered me this responsible task and this is really a special feeling coaching Kormend as a local person. I am aware of the huge responsibility that I have to carry with this position but I will do my best to make the team better and reach our aims!'

*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Bogavac to join Mahram basketball team - by Houman Bagheri
TEHRAN -- Montenegrin player Neboja Bogavac is likely to join Mahram basketball team. The team's manager, Hamidreza Samadzadeh said that the former Le Mans Sarthe Basketball team player is in the UAE now to participate in Mahrams training. The Iranian team is now in Dubai, taking part in the 20th Dubai International Tournament. Samadzadeh added, Neboja Bogavac will have to participate in our physical test. during the Dubai tournament, and then the technical committee will decide on him.'

Courtesy Tehran Times

Mahram defeats UAE in Dubai basketball tourney - by Houman Bagheri
Tehran- Mahram of Iran thrashed the UAE national team 82-69 on Monday in the 2nd day of the 20th Dubai International Basketball Tournament. Mahram, who had defeated Al Moutahed Tripoli of Lebanon on Sunday, beat the hosts in Group B consecutively. Montenegrin player Nebojsa Bogavac is playing with Mahram in the Dubai tournament and will most likely join the team after the event.
A total of 10 teams are divided in two groups of five in the 20th Dubai International Basketball Tournament.

Courtesy Tehran Times



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


IRISH NEWS & DEMONS BEAT TRALEE - by Ozell Wells

Cup Semi-Finals January 10 2008 in Dublin:
Neptune vs DART Killester
UCC Demons vs Tralee Tigers


Previously undefeated DART Killester lost to DCU Saints in overtime 91-88
UCD Marian 82-76 over Hoops
Belfast Star 99-85 over Elks
Neptune 78-67 over Limerick Lions
UCC Demons 83-69 over Tralee Tigers

The Following New is courtesy of Coach Douglas Leichner :

In a preview of the Cup semi-finals, UCC Demons beat the Tralee Tigers 83-69 at the Mardyke Arena. The Demons were led by Jerrah Young (201-F-85, agency: Dynasty Sports, college: Toledo) with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 4 blocks. Jerrah was a warrior and battled against veteran Roy Smallwood (202-F-81, college: UTEP)(14 points). 'Young impressed me with his defensive effort on a very talented front court. Tralee Tigers were led by Carl Hadley (193-F, college: Sam Houston St.)'s 31 points. Carl Hadley is an explosive scorer. We tried a variety of defenders on him. As surprising as it may seem, I feel like we held Carl Hadley to 31 points. It was a great win being without our starting back court of Ryne Hamblet (196-G-85, college: Bowling Green) and Shane Coughlin (188-G-79). I like the effort the UCC Demons displayed against adversity.' -Coach Leichner'



Standings - EBS Superleague
SuperLeague Standings
Conference A
 1. Killester 11-1 
 2. UCD Marian 8-3 
 3. DCU Saints 7-5 
 4. Belfast Star 3-8 
 5. Ulster Elks 1-11 
Conference B
 1. UCC Demons 10-1 
 2. Neptune 6-4 
 3. Hoops 5-6 
 4. Limerick 3-7 
 5. Tigers 1-9 


Standings - EBS Division I
Division Standings
North Conference
 1. Lisburn 11-0 
 2. Ballon 8-2 
 3. Tolka Rovers 7-3 
 4. Ballina 7-5 
 5. Falcons 3-10 
 6. Sligo 3-10 
 7. Queens 2-8 
 8. Portlaoise 2-9 
South Conference
 1. St.Mary's 11-1 
 2. Moycullen 9-2 
 3. Titans BC 7-2 
 4. St.Brendan 5-6 
 5. St. Pauls 4-6 
 6. Taste of Eu. 4-7 
 7. Limerick 4-9 
 8. Waterford 2-9 


*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


Ashkelon released Fobbs - by Tamar Goldman

Two days after achieving a home win over Q. Ata in the Israeli Cup that gave the club a ticket to the quarter finals, Ashkelon released the American Center, Eddy Eddy Fobbs (211-C-80, college: Sam Houston St.). Eddy Fobbs started the season well and had good numbers during the pre-season matches, including 21 points Vs. Hapoel Jerusalem in Winner Cup Tournament. But since the season started Eddy Fobbs disappeared and in the eight games the team had he averaged 4 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 1.5 bpg. The Israeli Center Amit Tamir (210-C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: California) along with the two Americans Louis Trescott and Rahshon Turner (201-F-75, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) will have to fill Eddy Fobbs place.

*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Siena signed McDonald, Ferrara released Riley - by Antonello Varallo
Montepaschi Siena announced the agreement with veteran player Arriel McDonald (191-G-72, college: Minnesota). Not drafted by NBA, he arrived in Europe in 1994-1995. In his long career, McDonald played in Belarus(Castors Braine), Slovenia (Interier Krsko and Olimpija Ljubljana,he received slovenian citizenship in 1997), Israel (Maccabi Tel-Aviv), Greece (Panathinaikos A.O. Athens), Russia (Dynamo Moscow) and Spain (Girona), winning two Slovenian Championships (-97-99) and two Greek Championships (03, 04). Besides, he joined European Championships in Turkey -01 with Slovenian National Team.

After the ink of Rick Apodaca (192-G-80,college:Hofstra), Carife Ferrara released Mykal Riley 198-F-85,college:Alabama), who ended his first experience in Italian League with an average of 7.3 ppg. in 9 games and a season high of 19 points, scored in his last match played against Roma.

Serie A, Week 11, Top 5 players - by Stefano Pini
Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83) 24 points, 8 in the OT. With his natural born leader - Sani Becirovic - sidelined and Brandon Jennings with few impact, Lottomatica found a huge performace by his italian soldier to win the derby against Rieti. For Nando Gentile is the 2nd win in a row in Serie A as headcoach.

Jaycee Carroll (188-G-83, agency: Priority Sports). 24 points, 14 in the last quarter. Amazing victory for Teramo at Bologna in a rally. Banca Tercas reaches the 2nd place in the standing. Jaycee is not only a shooter. Every week he can fill the score with rebounds or steals (4 against Bologna).

Joseph Forte (193-G-81, agency: Megasport, college: N.Carolina) 19 points, 3 assists. Udine is at the 2nd victory a row. They left the last place in the standing. Joe has a big impact also against Avellino. The struggle against relegation is just begun.

Stefano Mancinelli (203-F-83, agency: Megasport) 20 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists against Milano. He is the soul of GMac, a team full of athletes and talent. When he plays aggressive in offense, everything is easier for his team.

Ksistof Lavrinovic. 19 points in 22'. Siena had to rescue the game lost against Barcelona. They expressed a big defense. In offense there is always the ability of Ksistof to produce a lot in a while.

*****************************************************
  KUWAIT   


Sulaibikhat Signs the son of Ex-NBA player Zaid Abdul-Aziz'Don Smith'. - by Corey Washington
Sulaibikhat has had the pleasure of signing American PG Yusef Aziz (196-G-81, college: Seattle Pacific) son of Ex-NBA player Zaid Abdul-Aziz'Don Smith'. Aziz has stepped out of the shadows of his father and is making his own mark here in Kuwait.


Aziz has played in Holland and Brazil, with some NBA D-League Experience, and has worked outs with the Atlanta Hawks and Seattle Supersonics. Aziz has noticed that Kuwait has slept on his presence here and plans on changing that. After leading his team of young under experienced players to two impressive wins since joining the club, Aziz put up big numbers in both wins and had big games against tougher opponents where he proved he would be the last thing standing in the way of any team taking a win over Sulaibikhat. Yousef Aziz is sure to make big things happen this year.



Sulaibikhat is an new expansion team looking to build on all aspects of the organization. They will have trouble competing with top teams in the league until they have a big man presence on the floor to help the charge Yousef Aziz has aleady began.

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*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


LBL Round: 19 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
ASK/Buki - Valmiera 92-105
Valmiera earned the eighth win in LBL as they easily overcame ASK/Buki away from home. Ingus Bankevics fired game-high 29 points for the winners. Janis Poznaks added 20 points for Valmiera. Andrejs Jansons, Uldis Rudzitis and Arturs Brunins answered with 16 points each for ASK/Buki in the loss.

Barons/LMT - VEF Riga 84-79
Kaspars Berzins nailed 37 points to lead Barons/LMT past VEF Riga to the 6th win. Corey Smith added 12 points and 8 boards for the winning team. Evgeniy Kolesnikov had 26 points and 6 boards for VEF Riga in the loss.

Ventspils - Liepaja 75-77
Liepaja proved their top position in the ladder is not accidental rallying past Ventspils on the road. Curtis Nash fired 24 points to lead Liepaja to a thrilling victory. Arturs Stalbergs added 12 points for the winning team. Juris Umbrasko had 22 points for Ventspils in the loss.

Valmiera - VEF Riga 67-63
Ronald Clark scored 21 points and grabbed 7 boards and Valmiera toppled VEF Riga. Ingus Bankevics added 15 points for the winners as they clinched the 7th win in the season. Evgeniy Kolesnikov answered with 17 points for VEF Riga in defeat.

Zemgale - Keizarmezs 81-75
Zemgale celebrated the sixth success in the championship as they held off Keizarmezs at home court. Martins Berkis shone for the hosts with 28 points and 6 boards. Jekabs Rositis added 12 points in the win. Lauris Blaus replied with 14 points for Keizarmezs.



*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Zalgiris fifth, Siskauskas triumphs - by Eurobasket News
Lithuanian Zalgiris participated in the United league VTB that was held in Moscow from December 20-22 as a debut tournament of the recently created League. Five countries sent their representatives to participate in the capital of Russia. Khimky and CSKA reached the Final as the latter triumphs in VTB united league debut.
Lithuania was represented by Zalgiris, Russia had CSKA, Khimky and Dynamo Moscow. BC Kyiv and Azovmash came from Ukraine, while Latvia sent ASK Riga and Poland Prokom. All the teams started with the Quarterfinal stage where the winners were sent to the semifinals. In the first semifinal game CSKA overcame BC Kyiv 88:58. Lorbek led the winners with 16 points, while Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) netted 15. Khimky grabbed the stunning 67:61 victory over Dynamo to reach the final. In the Final game CSKA triumphed over Khimky 70:66 as Viktor Khryapa paced all the winners with 15 points. Milton Palacio ended up with 19 points in the losing effort.
Zalgiris lost the opener to BC Kyiv 67:74 but then beat ASK Riga 95:67. In the game for the fifth place Lithuanian titan overcame Azovmash 82:78. The top players for the team were Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) averaging 16 points per game and Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) with 15.
The Team of the tournament includes 2 players from CSKA, Khimky and BC Kiev. The MVP of the tournament was named Ramunas Siskauskas from CSKA. J.R. Holden got the best point guard award, while Anton Ponkrashov from Khimky was named the best shooting guard. Manuchar Markoishvili from BC Kyiv got shooting forward award and Kenan Bajramovic power forward. Mike Wilkinson from Khimky was named the best center.

*****************************************************
  MOZAMBIQUE   


Ferroviario from Maputo is again Mozambique champion - by Carlos Pereira
For th 4th time Ferroviario from Maputo is Mozambique champion~.
They have beat Maxaquene, in the final play off by 2-1.(78-80 ; 78-77 and 91-78).
For the third place Costa do Sol beat Desportivo Maputo by 91-78.


Ferrovirio Roster

Bruno Dias
Custodio Muchate
Edson Monjane
Felisberto Macuacua
Fuzi Mazibuko
Gerson Novela
Hermelindo Novela
Jeronimo Bispo
Octavio Magolico
Orlando Novela
Recildo Tiua
Ricardo Alipio

Coach : Carlos Niquice (Bitcho)

*****************************************************
  NAIA   


Gold Rush wins exhibition at NCAA D-I Alcorn - by Richard
LORMAN, Miss. -- Seniors Shaun Dumas (5'11''-G-85) and Kelechi Okoroha (6'4''-G-86) combined for 38 points Saturday to lead Xavier (LA) to a 68-49 men's basketball victory over Alcorn St..
Xavier (7-3), an NAIA Division I member, counted the game as an exhibition, but Alcorn St. (3-10) is including the game in its record and statistics.
Dumas scored 20 points, and Okoroha had 18 points and 12 rebounds to help the Gold Rush earn its first victory against an NCAA Division I opponent since a 76-71 victory at Southern on Nov. 13, 2000.
Olumide Olafioye scored 12 points and Michael Harvey 10 for Xavier.
Troy Jackson (6'3''-G-84) scored 28 points but was the only Alcorn player with more than seven. Jackson scored 16 of the Braves' 18 first-half points.
Xavier outscored the Braves 10-0 in the first eight minutes but never trailed despite an Alcorn rally which tied the score at 13 and 15. A pair of Harvey 3-pointers and another by Dumas sparked an 11-0 run in the final five minutes of the half to give Xavier a 32-18 halftime lead.
In the second half Xavier maintained a double-digit lead for all but 15 seconds and twice led by 22 points.
Xavier outshot the Braves 50 to 25 percent -- 59 to 13 percent in the first half -- and outrebounded them 35-31.
This was the first meeting between Xavier and Alcorn since the 1978-79 season, and it was Xavier's first victory over the Braves since a two-game sweep in 1938-39.
This was the second and final exhibition of the season for Xavier, which lost 63-56 at Southern -- another NCAA D-I and Southwestern Athletic Conference member -- on Nov. 11.
Xavier's next game will start at 8 p.m. on Dec. 30 at Paul Quinn in the HBCU Classic at Dallas. Alcorn will next play at 1 p.m. on Dec. 28 at DePaul.

Courtesy of Xavier University

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


NBA Round: 56 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Warriors - Magic 81-113
Orlando Magic was too strong for the GS Warriors jumping on 22-6 record. Jameer Nelson drained 22 points, also registering 5 rebounds and 7 assists for 28 minutes. He was unmistakable in this game making 9/9 FG2 and 4/4 from beyond the arc. Rashard Lewis also demonstrated nice performance collecting 21 points and 5 boards. The Warriors got 18 points from Jamal Crawford, dropping on 8-21.

Rockets - Nets 114-91
Ming Yao, who nailed 24 points and pulled down 16 rebounds, paced his Houston Rockets to road victory against New Jersey Nets. Aaron Brooks was behind him with 22 pts and 6 assists. Keyon Dooling answered with 17 points and 5 assists for the hosts. Rockets 19-9, Nets 13-14.

Lakers - Grizzlies 105-96
LA Lakers grabbed 22nd win of the season thanks to Kobe Bryant and his 36 points for 38 minutes. Pau Gasol had 15 pts, 7 rebs and 6 as, while Andrew Bynum stopped on 2 points less. Rudy Gay shined for the hosts with 23 points and 7 boards, while OJ Mayo also was on high level adding 22 pts and 6 as. Grizzlies 9-18.

Kings - Spurs 85-101
San Antonio Spurs had couple of players in a game mood against the Kings, what was more than enough for nice 16-point win. Tony Parker was the best one collecting 18 pts and 6 assists. Roger Mason netted 11, while George Hill, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan drained 10 points apiece. Only Jacque Vaughn didn't succeed to score for the Spurs. On the other side, John Salmons shined for the Kings with 22 points. Spurs 17-10, Kings 7-22.

Trail Blazers - Nuggets 89-97
Chauncey Billups and Nene Hilario combined 38 points, 14 rebounds and 12 assists leading the Nuggets to 18-10. Linas Kleiza helped the winning squad with 17 pts. Portland got 20 points from LaMarcus Aldridge and 15 from Travis Outlaw. Trail Blazers 17-11.

Raptors - Clippers 97-75
Toronto Raptors made it in LA mostly owing to Chris Bosh, who stepped up with 31 points and 7 rebounds. Jermaine O'Neal shined once again delivering 23 points and grabbing 9 boards. Eric Gordon and Zach Randolph had 19 points each in loss. Randolph also grabbed 8 rebounds beside that. Raptors 11-17, Clippers 8-20.

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


Frost Heaves Sign Guard Benson Callier - by Richard
South Burlington, VT The Vermont Frost Heaves are pleased to announce the signing of Benson Callier (6'6''-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: W.Kentucky) for the 2008/2009 Season. Benson hails from St. Petersburg, Florida and graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2007.

Callier is a 66 guard and he played 30 games for the Butte Daredevils of the CBA during the 2007/2008 season. While a member of the Daredevils he averaged 15.6 points and 7.2 rebounds per game. His field goal percentage was 51.1% and he averaged 44.2% from beyond the arc. In March of 2008 he played with the Gary Steelheads of the IBL and played in 20 games for the Steelheads.

The Frost Heaves kickoff their inaugural PBL season with the Green Mountain Tip Off on Saturday December 27, 2008. A pre-season tournament featuring Vermont, Manchester, Montreal and Quebec City. All games are being held at the Aud in Barre and will be webcast live on the Northeast Sports Network. Tickets are available through the Flynn Box Office by calling 1-800-86-FLYNN, First in Fitness in Montpelier and Allen Lumber in Barre.

For more information go to www.vermontfrostheaves.com
Courtesy of Adam Dantus

PBL Webmaster



Holiday Songs Fill Hearts of Seniors - by Richard
Detroit, MI - A local nursing home was filled with Christmas spirit. The Detroit Panthers, a professional basketball team, replaced shooting balls for spreading holiday cheer by singing Christmas carols to residents at Boulevard Temple in Detroit. With an eagerness to reach out to those in the community, who are often overlooked and forgotten, several Panthers wanted to let residents of Boulevard Temple know that someone cares.

Armed with a list of holiday favorites, Corey Gupton, Darrius Muriel, Kyle Johnson, Stanes Bufford and Arthell Woods, assistant coach, made their way through the five-story building singing and touching the hearts of not only the seniors but also staff. The residents really enjoyed the Panthers singing, stated Ashley Stewart, Assistant Activity Director for Boulevard Temple. It was wonderful to see them clapping and joining in on Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman and other songs. Our staff also enjoyed the caroling and we hope they come back next year. For one player on the team it really pulled at his heart to visit and spend time with the seniors. My grandmother raised me and when she was placed in a nursing home, it really hurt me to see so many senior citizens there with no family ever to visit, stated Muriel. So when I was presented with the chance to sing Christmas carols to the seniors I was overjoyed and wanted badly to participate. I have a special place in my heart for seniors citizens.

The Detroit Panthers, a team within the Premier Basketball League, is a very community and family oriented organization. With their home opening game Saturday, January 3, 2009, at Wylie E. Groves High School in Beverly Hills starting at 6:00 p.m.; the Panthers halftime show will feature Detroits own Spain Middle Schools drumline and cheer team. Tickets are just $10 per person.

The Detroit Panthers are committed to bestow upon the community a spirit of caring while providing their fans with high quality sportsmanship and full energy basketball. For further information on the Detroit Panthers visit www.detroitpanthers.com. For media related information please contact Phoenicia Jackson at phoenicia@detroitpanthers.com.

--
Adam Dantus
PBL Webmaster

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


Prokom participated in the United league - by Eurobasket News
Prokom participated in the United league VTB that was held in Moscow from December 20-22 as a debut tournament of the recently created League. Five countries sent their representatives to participate in the capital of Russia. Khimky and CSKA reached the Final as the latter triumphs in VTB united league debut.
Poland was represented by Prokom, Russia had CSKA, Khimky and Dynamo Moscow. BC Kyiv and Azovmash came from Ukraine, while Latvia sent ASK Riga and Lithuania Zalgiris. All the teams started with the Quarterfinal stage where the winners were sent to the semifinals. In the first semifinal game CSKA overcame BC Kyiv 88:58. Lorbek led the winners with 16 points, while Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) netted 15. Khimky grabbed the stunning 67:61 victory over Dynamo to reach the final. In the Final game CSKA triumphed over Khimky 70:66 as Viktor Khryapa paced all the winners with 15 points. Milton Palacio ended up wit 19 points in the losing effort.
Prokom lost the opener to Dynamo Moscow 54:75 and then was defeated by Ukrainian Azovmash 57:88. In the last game of the tournament, the Polish side struggled hard but lost to ASK Riga 56:76. After three games played the top players in the team were Ronnie Burrell (204-F-83, agency: Pro One Sports, college: NC-Greensboro) with 9.7 points per game, Patrick Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) with 8.3 and David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) with 8.0.
The Team of the tournament includes 2 players from CSKA, Khimky and BC Kiev. The MVP of the tournament was named Ramunas Siskauskas from CSKA. J.R. Holden got the best point guard award, while Anton Ponkrashov from Khimky was named the best shooting guard. Manuchar Markoishvili from BC Kyiv got shooting forward award and Kenan Bajramovic power forward. Mike Wilkinson from Khimky was named the best center.

Last 17th round DBE game, suprise in Zgorzelec - by Marek Hossa
Yesterday on last game 17th round between PGE Turow Zgorzelec and PBG Basket Poznan was small suprise when Poznan won in Zgorzelec Turow was playing without best PG Copeland, also coach S.Filipovski was not able to do his work ( suspended by DBE ).
The best player was Adam Wojcik (207-F-70, agency: Beo Basket) with 20 points and 7 rebounds ( 22 eval . ). Poznan won after great play In last three minutes. Wojciks free throws and M.Davis's shot was decided , after this Poznan was leading 67-60 in 38 min.. It was obvious that Poznan will win after these shoots.PGE Turow Zgorzelec and PBG Basket Poznan 64-72 . After Poznan's won they are only 13 place In table but it looks like this team can make big progress on second round.

*****************************************************
  PUERTO RICO   


Two more BSN to recess for 2009 - by Luis Ramirez
The Mayaguez Indians and the Fajardo Cariduros have informed the BSN that they plan to recess next year. According to sources within the Mayaguez team it seems that they were not able to find a viable arena for the upcoming season. Their usual arena is undergoing repairs for the 2010 Centro American Games to take place in Mayaguez. The Indians had planned to play in the nearby town of Cabo Rojo but apparently were not able to get an agreement from the Municipal officials. As for Fajardo who had been actively looking to sell the franchise apparently did not find a buyer for the team. Some of the players who will be looking for a new team will be for Mayaguez: Giovanni Jimenez, Angel Caballero, Keenan Jourdon and Eddie Casiano among others, Casiano is mulling a coaching job and is not expected to participate as a player next season. For Fajardo, Kevin Hamilton, Jesse Pellot, Javier Mojica among others.
It is expected that the upcoming season will have the following teams: Arecibo, Bayamon, Carolina, Guayama, Guaynabo, Humacao, Ponce Quebradillas, San German and Santurce. Quebradilla is coming from a recess and Guayama had given some indications at the end of last season that it might also recess, so stay tuned.

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


Nenad Krstic returns to NBA - by Dragan Jankovski
Number of Serbian players in NBA increased last night. Namely, center of Serbian National Team, Nenad Krstic (214-C-83), who played first half of the season for Russian Triumph Lyubertsy, agreed 3-year deal with NBA's Oklahoma City Thunder. Per team's policy the financial details are not announced, but according to some of the US media Krstic supposes to earn about $15 million for 3 years. His ex team New Jersey Nets have 7 days to match this offer and to keep rights on Krstic. However, it is almost sure that the Nets won't do it.

Nenad Krstic left the Nets this summer for 6 million euros in Russian Triumph (2- year deal). In two EuroCup games Krstic had 16 ppg and 8.5 rpg. He also played 4 games in EuroChallenge (12 ppg, 6.8 rpg) and 7 games in Russian Superleague (10.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg). Before Triumph, he spent four seasons with the Nets. Unfortunately, Krstic suffered ACL injury in December 2006 returning next season with 6.6 ppg and 4.4 rpg. He had the best digits in NBA on 05/06, before the injury. He played 26 games averaging 16.4 ppg and 6.8 rpg. Krstic grew up as a player in Partizan Belgrade. He left the Black-and-whites in 2004. He was originally as 24th pick on 2002 NBA Draft.

Serbian teams in Adriatic league today - by Dragan Jankovski
The last round of Adriatic league in 2008 will be played today. The defending champion, Partizan Igokea, will have a chance to end it on the first place after game in Novo Mesto against Krka. The Black-and-whites are currently the top ranked team in the league with 12 wins and only 1 defeat. The only failure of the head coach Dusko Vujosevic and his players happened in eternal derby against Crvena Zvezda, Round 8.

Crvena Zvezda will meet FMP in Serbian derby. When we take a look on the standings it is clear that FMP is not that strong as it used to be. The team of Svetsilav Pesic wants to end this year in Adriatic league celebrating, and if Partizan suffers defeat in Novo Mesto, Zvezda will grab the top.

Hemofarm STADA went to Zagreb for the game against Cibona. The Croatian Euroleague team registeres nice results in Euroleague and already booked as spot for Top 16. In Adriatic league Cibona is currently on the fourth place with 9 wins and 4 defeats. Hemofarm share the second palce with Crvena Zvezda.

Vojvodina Srbijagas made a surprise in the last round against the Croatian champion Zadar. However, the Tulips will host another Croatian Team, Zagreb, trying to avoid the last place in 2008. As a reminder, Vojvodina outplayed Zagreb on the road in the opening day of Adriatic league.

Olimpija will meet Buducnost trying to grab the sixth win, while Split will take on Zadar in Croatian derby.

Rajko Kljajevic is averaging 18.2 ppg - by Interperformances
23 years old Serbian Rajko Kljajevic (204-F-85, agency: Interperformances) is having another great season and merits a tryout with the National Team. The 6'9' forward is averaging 18.2 ppg, hitting 55.6% from the 2 and has improved his outside shooting with 40% from the 3. He also shows his versatility with 5.9 rpg and 2.4 apg. for Radnicki 034 Group in the Serbian league. In the last game against Novi Sad, Rajko was the high scorer with 23 points, collected 8 rebounds and handed out 4 assists.

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  SOUTH KOREA   


KBL Finalizes Rules for Ethnic Korean Draft - by Rick Ross
The Korean Basketball League (KBL) finally announced rules for an ethnic-Korean draft Monday.
The order, the most controversial issue, will be decided by a lottery pick, like the rookie draft.
Two rival factions have been created among the 10 professional teams.
One side has insisted that the four lower teams get priority in the ethnic-Korean draft pick
with the other siding with the decision of the KBL.
Teams can possess only one ethnic-Korean and all picked players get the same salary as a rookie,
ranging from 45 million to 100 million won.

But because the rule for ethnic-Koreans sees teams pick by draft instead of through selecting free agents
(FA), They have the chance to sign a contract with the same team twice in a period of three years,
similar to the rule governing import players.
That means, if they play for three years with one team,
they should move on to another outfit instead of signing an extension or getting FA status.
The problem with teams having ethnic-Koreans in the same situation will be resolved later.
Ethnic-Koreans are eligible for the draft when they acquire South Korean nationality,
or either of their parents is a Korean.
The draft will be held before the rookie draft on Feb. 3, 2009,
but the schedule has not yet been specified.

As of Tuesday, only five candidates aۥ
Sandrin Eric (206-F/C-78, agency: Tank Sports, college: Seattle Pacific), Anthony Galloway, Jarod Stevenson, Gregory Stevenson and Tony Akins aۥ
had submitted applications for the draft.

The application deadline is Dec. 31.

By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

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


Brewer returns - by Robert Mayor
MMT Estudiantes and Corey Brewer (188-G-75, college: Oklahoma) reached an agreement and guard will play for capital team untill end of season. Veteran american player knows well the club after playing two season an reaching one ACB Final.

After several years playing for Virtus, Aris, KK Zadar, Spirou Charleroi and ASK Riga, guard arrives to MMT Estudiantes averaging with his last team 13 points and more than 3 assists per game.

Lakovic, out for two more weeks - by Natxo Mendaza
Slovenian point-guard Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78), who missed the last three games of Regal F.C. Barcelona, will remain sidelined for two more weeks after the doctors found a hidden injury on his left leg. Medical examinations revealed that Lakovic got a small fissure on his fibula that will need a longer than expected treatment. According to the last diagnosis Lakovic will have to rest for 15 days, so he won't be able to play until January.

Tyler Tiedeman has season high 29 points - by Interperformances
6'7' small forward Tyler Tiedeman (201-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Boise St.) scored a season high of 29 points for Basquet Mallorca in the Spanish LEB Gold league shooting 4-5 from the 2, 6-8 from the 3 and 3-4 from the free throw line. This is his rookie season in Europe and he is averaging 11,9 ppg with a 41,9% from behind the three-point line in 26,4 minutes on the court. Last year he averaged 13,9 ppg for Boise State in the NCAA. Mallorca won against Vic 88-83.

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  SWITZERLAND   


LNA Round: 12 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Monthey - MGS 81-66
Monthey had little problems with the bottom-table MGS at home court. Sebastien Maio scored 19 points, while Herman Alston added 15 points to lead the hosts to the 7th win in the season. Chris Jordan answered with 18 points, 7 boards and 4 assists for MGS in the loss.

Geneva - Vacallo 64-66
Vacallo scored a narrow road victory over Geneva. Martin Mihajlovic came up with 22 points for the league leaders. Matt Schneidermann added 16 points and 8 boards for Vacallo as they improved at 11-1 record. Mike Jefferson delivered 17 points and 6 assists for the Devils.

Lausanne - Boncourt 67-61
Lausanne came from behind to knock down Boncourt at home. Shaun Durant paced the Lausanne to the victory with 21 points. Tony Brown contributed 17 points for the hosts as they climbed at 7-5 record. Jeff Fahnbulleh drained 26 points and pulled down 12 rebounds for Boncourt in defeat.

Starwings - Nyon 92-85
Starwings continued their recovery as they held off Nyon before the home fans. Mike Coffin nailed 20 points and dished out 13 assists for the winners. Sheray Thomas and Raymond Henderson had 18 points each for the Basel team. Stephen Sir notched 20 points for Nyon in the losing case.

Lugano Tigers - Fribourg 86-65
The LNA defending champions Fribourg stayed limping as they came up short against Lugano on the road. Derek Stockalper fired 29 points to pace the Tigers. Josh Almanson had 21 points in the winning effort. Dennis Harrison topscored for Fribourg with 16 points.



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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO   


Young joins Saudi team - by Don Farrell

Ohod Basketball Club decided to replace their import Brian Waters (188-G-85, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Elon) with Ian Young (191-G-81, college: Auburn)...

The American CBA's side Albany Patrons was the last team which Young played in last season, He has also an experience in playing in Bosnia, Germany and France.

He joins another Trinidadian in Winston 'Spongy' Benjamin who is at Al Ahli.Benjamin who is from South Trinidad played for Marist College and is a member of the Trinidad and Tobago national team.



Jazz, Shak Attack stay unbeaten - by Don Farrell

Forward Louie Davis connected on seven three-pointers to register a League-best 33 points as Petrotrin Jazz defeated Royal Extra Lions 96-69 when competition in the Stag Super 10 Basketball League (SBL) continued at the Southern Indoor Sports Arena, Pleasantville, San Fernando yesterday.

It was Jazz second victory since its opening match 77-76 win over National Flour Mills. Davis got good support from Curlan Dottin, who had 17 points, and national centre Miguel Williams with 12.

Veteran Barry Shoulders Sandy was Lions best performer with 17 points.
In the featured match of three, Detour Shak Attack defeated Mirak Stars 75-64 to improve their record to 2-0, while stars fall to 1-3.

Power-forward Andrew Ifill was Shak Attacks chief point producer with 27 points and eight rebounds, while centre Steve McSween added 16 points.

For Mirak Stars forward Delroy Agard netted 20 and Kevin Sargeant 17.

In the programmes middle match-up, reigning South Zone champion team Marabella Raptors handed Caledonia Clipprs its fourth consecutive loss on the season behind a 103-66 scoreline.

Raptors man-to-man defence proved a major hurdle for Clippers who fell behind 35-10 in the first quater and never recovered.

Forward Kirk Baptiste top-scored for Raptors with 24 points and Ako Pascal had 22.

For Clippers veteran Roland Sylvester and the young and talented forward Andre Jennings each sank 12 points.

super10 basketball



Profile on Kyle Rowley - Northwestern University - by Don Farrell

Class:
Freshman

Hometown:
Arima, Trinidad

Kyle Rowley


High School:
Lake Forest (Ill.) Academy

Height / Weight:
7-0 / 280

Position:
Centre





High School: Competed for two years at Lake Forest Academy ... Named the Independent School League co-Player of the Year and a first-team all-conference selection ... Averaged 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocks per game during the 2007-08 season ... Former Wildcat guard Nate Pomeday was an assistant coach of his at Lake Forest Academy ... Played with Trinidad and Tobago's under-18 national team during the summer of 2007 ...


Invited to participate in the 2008 NBPA Top 100 Camp prior to declaring himself as collegiate prospect for 2008-09 ... First-team all-conference selection in track and field, placing first in the shot put and second in the discus ... Competed on the AAU circuit for Full Package for two years.


Personal: Born Kyle Christian Rowley on 1/21/90 ... Son of Keith and Cheryl Rowley ... Chose Northwestern over Indiana, Georgetown, Wisconsin, Ohio State, Pittsburgh and Oregon State ... Intends to major in journalism or business administration.



*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


TBL Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Galatasaray - Oyak Renault 68-67
Galatasaray escaped with 68-67 home win against Oyak Renault remaining on top of TBL, together with Efes Pilsen (10-1). Huseyin Besok was a key player for Galata nailing 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds for 32 minutes. Actually, he was the only one with double-digits in scoring for the hosts. Alex Gordon shined in Oyak Renault collecting 21 points and 5 assists. His team fell on 4-7.

Banvit - Fener.Ulker 79-112
Fenerbahce Ulker scored 112 points, what was too much for Banvit in this game. It means that Fener jumped on 8-3 record (same as Turk Telekom), while the hosts slipped on 7-4. Oguz Savas led the scorers in Fener with 19 points. Gasper Vidmar had 17, while Semih Erden and Damir Mrsic netted 16 points apiece. Lance Williams and Joseph Crispin combined 45 points in defeat.

Erdemir - Mersin 80-81
Sixth victory for Erdemir and at the same time ninth defeat for the hosts. Lester McCalebb had another good game in his team netting 21 points and dishing out 9 assists. Inanc Koc helped him with 18 pts and 6 boards. Nathan Funk came up with 17 pts in loss.

Darussafaka - T.Telekom 71-78
Important road victory for Turk Telekom, who currently share third place with Fenerbahce Ulker (8-3). Michael Wright shined for the winners draining 24 points and grabbing 6 boards. Tutku Acik helped with double-double, 12 points and 11 rebs. Darussafaka got 20 points and 7 rebounds from Maarten Leunen, falling on 5-6.

TED Koleji - Efes Pilsen 63-77
Efes Pilsen was too strong for TED Koleji joining Galatasaray on top of the standings with almost perfect 10-1 record. Preston Shumpert came up with 17, while Kaya Peker added 13 points and 10 rebounds for Efes. LaQuan Prowell replied with 20 points and 9 boards for the hosts. TED Koleji 1-10.

Antalya - Aliaga 84-70
Nedim Yucel paced his Antalya to home win vs Aliaga collecting 22 points and 6 assists. Ersin Gorkem followed with 15 pts, 4 rebs and 4 as. Aubrey Reese once again shined for the visitors adding 23 points and 5 assists for 28 minutes. Both teams are currently on 6-5.

Karsiyaka - Kepez Bld 85-70
5-6 for Karsiyaka and 1-10 for Kepez Bld after this game. Hakan Koseoglu stepped up for the hosts almost registering triple-double 20 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Leon Williams also was great scoring even more, 21 points, including 9 boards. Robert Traylor came up with 26 points and 13 boards in defeat.

Selcuk Uni. - Besiktas 74-78
Both teams entered into this round with 4-6 record after 10 appearances. Besiktas grabbed it mostly owing to Haluk Yildrim and his 21 points. Yildrim made pretty decent 5 of 7 attempts from beyond the arc. Monty Mack led the scorers in Selcuk with 17 pts.

Saunders moved to Kepez - by Sinan Can
BEKO Basketball League's struggling side Kepez Belediyespor agreed terms with Edmund Saunders (203-F/C-78, college: Connecticut) who got cut by Mutlu Aku Selcuk Universitesi. Antalya team had their first win against Erdemir the week before after arrival of experienced coach Halil Uner, decided to send Bosnian PF Edin Bavcic back home. Uner's team will fill the spot with Saunders who has played for Beykoz at 2006-2007 season. Saunders averaged 9.5 points and 8.1 rebounds in 11 games this year for Mutlu Aku Selcuk University.

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


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  UKRAINE   


BC Kyiv and Azovmash return from Moscow - by Eurobasket News
The United league VTB was held in Moscow from December 20-22 as a debut tournament of the recently created League. Five countries sent their representatives to participate in the capital of Russia. Khimky and CSKA reached the Final as the latter triumphs in VTB united league debut.
Russia was represented by CSKA, Khimky and Dynamo Moscow. BC Kyiv and Azovmash came from Ukraine, while Poland was represented by Prokom, Latvia by ASK Riga and Lithuania by Zalgiris. All the teams started with the Quarterfinal stage where the winners were sent to the semifinals. In the first semifinal game CSKA overcame BC Kyiv 88:58. Lorbek led the winners with 16 points, while Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) netted 15. Khimky grabbed the stunning 67:61 victory over Dynamo to reach the final. In the Final game CSKA triumphed over Khimky 70:66 as Viktor Khryapa paced all the winners with 15 points. Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) ended up wit 19 points in the losing effort.
BC Kyiv clinched the third place which is a great achievement for the team against some Euroleague representatives. At first Kyiv beat Zalgiris 74:67 and then lost to the winner, CSKA 58:88. In the game for the third place Ukrainian side beat another favorite Dynamo Moscow 86:73.
Meanwhile Azovmash lost to Khimky 54:74 in the Quarterfinal.After that the team overcame Prokom 88:57 and lost the game for the fifth place to Zalgiris 82:78. The Team of the tournament includes 2 players from CSKA, Khimky and BC Kiev. The MVP of the tournament was named Ramunas Siskauskas from CSKA. J.R. Holden got the best point guard award, while Anton Ponkrashov from Khimky was named the best shooting guard. Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) from BC Kyiv got shooting forward award and Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) power forward. Mike Wilkinson (204-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Wisconsin) from Khimky was named the best center.

*****************************************************
  UNITED ARAB EMIRATES   


Day 4 - 20th Dubai Int'l Tournament (Updated) - by Mohammed Malas

* Tuesday 23/12:

# Group A:

Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) 82 - Al Ittihad Alexandria (EGY) 79 (Qs: 18-30, 47-45, 68-61 & 82-79)
- Best scorers:
Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) '31 pts' from Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
Derrick Franklin (208-C-81, college: Columbus St.) '20 pts' from Al Ittihad Alexandria

Al Jalaa Aleppo (SYR) 73 - Champville (LEB) 68 (Qs: 18-24, 38-36, 54-57 & 73-68)
- Best scorers:
Damond Williams (197-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Mc Neese St.) '25 pts' from Al Jalaa Aleppo

# Group A standings:
1- Al Jalaa Aleppo (SYR) 2-1
2- Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) 2-0
3- Champville (LEB) 1-1
4- An Nasr (UAE) 1-1
5- Al Ittihad Alexandria (EGY) 0-3

# Group B:

Mahram (IRI) 80 - Al Jeish Army Damascus (SYR) 72
- Best scorers:
Oscar Yebra (200-F-74, agency: Court Side) '26 pts' from Mahram

Al Moutahed Tripoli (LEB) 75 - UAE National Team 54
- Best scorers:
Ibrahim Khalfan (181-F-79) '24 pts' from UAE National Team
Mazen Mneimneh (192-G-86) '21 pts' from Al Moutahed Tripoli
Tony Williams (202-F-78, agency: ACMT, college: Louisville) '21 pts' from Al Moutahed Tripoli

# Group B standings:
1- Mahram (IRI) 3-0
2- Al Moutahed Tripoli (LEB) 2-1
3- Zain (JOR) 2-0
4- Al Jeish Army Damascus (SYR) 0-3
5- UAE National Team 0-3

* The American-Bulgarian giant Lauderdale Priest (221-C-73, college: Central State) will join Mahram (IRI) today to be the 3rd import in the team.

# Day 5 - 20th Dubai International Tournament (GMT):

- Wednesday 24/12:
12:45 Jalaa X An Nasr
15:00 Riyadi X Champville
17:00 Zain X Mahram





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Women News

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Powerful Dunav remains perfect after 13 rounds - by Eurobasket News
Dunav Econt smashed Minor 93-63 in Round 13 of A1 league, ending the first half of the season with perfect 12-0 record. The hosts let Minor to score just 7 points in the first quarter, what was a clear signal there is no any chance for surprise. After 20 minutes of the game, question about the winner was already resolved, 43-21. Natalia Topalova-Shopova (187-F-80) shined for Dunav collecting 21 points and 8 rebounds. Zornitza Kostova (176-G-82) followed her with 18 pts, while Veronika Bortelova (170-G-78) had 12 points and 10 assists. On the other side, Minor got 22 points and 10 boards from Agnesa Doychinova-Petrova (188-F-73) falling on 5-6.

Lukoil Neftochimik also made easy win in this round keeping the second place with 11-1. This time Lukoil was better than Rilski Sportist 94-69. Danyel Crutcher (188-F-86, agency: Merit Sports, college: Illinois) top-scored for the wining squad with 26 points. She also had 9 more rebounds beside that. Elena Yolovska (183-F-74) shined adding 18 points and 8 boards. Hristina Ivanova (184-F-89) stepped up for the loosing side delivering 28 points. Her Rilski dropped on 5-6 (same as Minor).

In game number 3, Beroe 2007 outplayed Slavia 87-59 for 6-6 record after 12 appearances. Slavia end this year on the seventh place with 4-8. Katya Kordova (176-G/F-86) was a key player for the host with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Zoya Stanoeva replied netting 15 points in defeat.

The last game of Round 13 between Tony 7 and NSA is scheduled for January 18.

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  GERMANY - Women  


Recap of DBBL Round 14 - by Moritz Korff
TSV 1880 Wasserburg - WWK Donau-Ries 81:67
Even without coach Hans Brei who was hit by influenza and had to stay in bed the German champ was able to get away with a win in the last game of the year. Coach Assistant Wanda Guyton led the league leader to success against the Donau-Ries and saw Carlene Hightower (180-F-86, college: La Salle) play a great game: She scored 26 points (including 3/3 from beyond the arc) and pulled down 8 rebounds. Yolanda Paige (168-G-83, college: W.Virginia) followed with 16 points, Jasmina Ilic (185-G/F-85, college: Colorado) and Rebecca Thoresen (178-F-78) each had 14 points. The visitors got 26 points and 10 boards from Megan Vogel (180-G/F-85, college: S.Dakota St.), former Wasserburg guard Alexandra Mueller (176-G-83) netted 15 points in defeat, Tanya Broering (177-G-84, agency: LBM Management) added 14 points and 12 rebounds.

TV Saarlouis Royals - ChemCats Chemnitz 68:56
The Royals climbed to the second place in the DBBL-ladder by overcoming Chemnitz at home. Celeste Trahan (184-C-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Elizabeth City) dropped 14 points in the win, Fantasia Goodwin (179-G/F-85, agency: LBM Management) had 12. The ChemCats were paced by Corrie Fertitta (185-F-86, college: Radford) who earned 18 points and 9 rebounds, Martina Bozikov (188-F-84) finished the contest ith 13 points.

SV Halle Lions - BC Pharmaserv Marburg 52:55
The Lions dropped to a 10-4 record after falling short to Marburg in the last encounter prior to the christmas break. Halle-coach Peter Kortmann did not spend the game on the bench as he had been ruled out for one game because of 'unsportsmanlike behavior'. His troops struggled to make their shots, but also the Blue Dolphins only hit 33% from the floor as well. Tamara Tatham (185-F-85, college: Massachusetts) produced 21 points and 12 rebounds for the Lions in the loss, Marburg was led by Margret Skuballa (186-F-87) who netted 13 points.

Eisvoegel USC Freiburg - Trinos Goettingen 72:80
Freiburg will finish the year on a relegation-spot as the Kingfishers suffered defeat on their homefloor against the Violets from Goettingen on match day 14. Michaela Abelova (185-G-85) who put in 16 points was one of five Goettingen athlets who finished the game in double-figure scoring. Jaysie Chambers (188-F, college: Ill.-Chicago) had 14, Jennifer Kerns (172-G-76, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Washington St.) and Anna Sykorova (190-C-85) added 13 apiece and Suska Berger (187-F-85) earned 12 points. Freiburg's Sarah Hayes (173-G-84, agency: Regeneracom Sports, college: Brown) replied with 22 points/8 boards/6 steals, Mirna Paunovic (185-F/C-76) had 21 points and Charmaine Callahan (183-F/C-83) scored 16.

BC Wolfenbuettel Wildcats - Herner TC 75:79
Herne overcame Wolfenbuettel on the road and handed the Wildcats their 11th loss of this current season. The HTC-players hit 14 of 21 shots from behind the three-point line: Nadzeya Drozd (168-G-83, agency: LBM Management) put in 28 points, Katsiaryna Zberch (188-C-78, agency: LBM Management) netted 17 points. For Wolfenbuettel Jezabel Ohanian (170-F-77) scored 23 points, Shaina Zaidi (173-G-85, college: UCLA) had 17.

evo New Basket Oberhausen - BBV Leipzig Eagles 67:75
An away win at Oberhausen helped the Leipzig Eagles to improve to an 8th place in the DBBL-standings. Annika Danckert (182-F-81) led the point-production for Leipzig and scored 23, followed by Caroline Sterner (175-G/F-83) with 16. Kyle DeHaven (175-G-84, college: Delaware) came close to a triple-double as she produced 10 points, 9 boards and 7 steals (plus 5 assists). On the other end Birte Thimm (180-F-87) put in 14 points in the loss, Sarah Austmann (179-G/F-85) closed the contest with 13.

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  ITALY - Women  


A1 Round: 11 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Pozzuoli - Lavezzini PA 73-69
Pozzuoli managed to crush Lavezzini Parma handing it the second defeat of the season. However, despite this loss Lavezzini remains on top of A1 alone with 9-2 record. The hosts moved up on 5-6. Tamecka Dixon was a key player for Pozzuoli as she collected 24 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Daliborka Vilipic was better than the others in Lavezzini with 27 points and 13 boards.

Viterbo - Taranto 51-65
Cras Taranto cruised past the last ranked Viterbo on the road for the second place in A1 and 8-3 record (same as Faenza). Anna Zimerle scored 16, while Megan Mahoney this time stopped on 15 points in Taranto. Viterbo got 14 points from Maria Marchesano, falling on poor 1-10.

Livorno - Priolo 49-55
Priolo grabbed very important road victory against Livorno thanks to Florina Pascalau, who delivered 20 points and grabbed 6 rebounds (8/12 FG2, 4/4 FTs). Susanna Bonfiglio helped with 12 points. The loosing squad got 15 points from Krissy Bade. After this round Priolo improved on 5-6, while Livorno fell on 3-8.

Faenza - Umbertide 70-63
Milka Bjelica nailed 21 points and pulled down 13 rebounds leading her Faenza to home win vs Umbertide. Adriana Moises Pinto followed her with 15 pts. Evelien Callens had 21, while Doneeka Hodges added 15 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Faenza 8-3, Umbertide 4-7.

Comense - San Giovanni 74-63
Comense was too strong for San Giovanni, thus both teams are on 7-4 record now (same as Schio and Venezia). Brooke Smith stepped up for the hosts with double-double, 17 points and 12 rebounds. Melissa Fazio also shined netting 17 pts. Clarisse Machanguana contributed with 16 points and 7 boards in loss.

Ribera - Umana Reyer 67-93
Ribera faced with 9th defeat this season, while at the same time it was the 7th win for Umana Reyer. The team from Venezia got the most from Aleksandra Vujovic, 19 points. Simona Ballardini netted 18, while Jenifer Nadalin helped with 12 pts. Jami Montagnino replied with 22 points in defeat. Molly Creamer had 19.

Familia Schio - Vomero NA 84-61
Schio registered comfortable 23-point win vs Vomero, jumping on 7-4 record in Serie A1. Elisabetta Moro top-scored for the winners with 19 points. Nicole Antibe also had important role for the hosts delivering 14. Scholanda Robinson answered with 13 pts for the loosing side. Her Vomero dropped on 4-7.

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  LATVIA - Women  


Cesis unable to stop TTT Riga - by Eurobasket News
Cesis - TTT Riga 62:66

TTT Riga climbed out of a deep 8-point deficit before the final term to secure the 14th straight win in the LSBL. This time TTT Riga overcame Cesis on the road in the battle of the league leaders. The loss sent the Gintaras Kruckauskas team at 10-2 record. The hosts entered the game ready to challenge the defending champions. Cesis was the better side in the starting frame as they managed to pile up a 6-point advantage. However as TTT Riga dominated inside they soon slowed the hosts down. Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) and Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers) helped the visitors to cut the distance to 4 points at halftime. The teams traded baskets in the third quarter however Cesis once again looked more consistent and extended the margin to as many as 8 points before the fourth term. Cesis were close to winning this one but failed to capitalize late in the game. TTT Riga tightened their defense in the final stanza and it was the clue to success in this one. Cesis scored just 7 points in the fourth stanza and TTT Riga celebrated a narrow victory.
Tatyana Troina scored 25 points to lead TTT Riga. Ieva Kublina (193-C-82, college: Virginia Tech) added 12 points and 11 boards for the winning team. Nykesha Sales (183-F/G-76, college: Connecticut) answered with 13 points from Cesis. Sandra Dijon (195-C-79) finished with 12 points in the loss. TTT Riga outrebounded their opponents 42:34 and forced those into 20 turnovers.

Cesis: Nykesha Sales 13, Sandra Dijon 12
TTT Riga: Tatyana Troina 25, Ieva Kublina 12+11 boards, Essence Carson 9

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  LITHUANIA - Women  


LMKL Round 10 - by Irmantas Griksas
Aistes-Atletas Kaunas-TEO Vilnius 31-76 Defending champions, TEO Vilnius Vilnius took 9th victory in a row in Kaunas. Noelle Quinn (183-G-85, college: UCLA) had 16 points (5/5 2pts) for TEO Vilnius. Kornelija Balciunaite (177-F-81) was the only one in double digits for Aistes-Atletas Kaunas, 16 points (11 rebounds).

Egle Panevezys-Arvi Marijampole 37-118 Arvi Marijampole proved why they are at the top of the table right now.Greta Sniokaite (173-G-91) led the Arvi Marijampole with 26 points, Vaida Pacauskiene (176-G-79) added 23. Egle Panevezys was led by Simona Martinkute (187-C/F-86) 10 points (9 turnovers).

Laisve Kaunas-TEO Vilnius 55-90 TEO Vilnius stays undefeated. Another easy victory in Kaunas, this time coasting past Laisve Kaunas. Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) had another great game for TEO Vilnius 22 points (10 rebounds). Laisve Kaunas guard Jolanta Marmiene also had 22 points.

Lemminkainen Klaipeda - Egle Panevezys 125-50 Easy home win for Klaipeda Lemminkainen Klaipeda, and impressive defense during the first half (63-17). Egle Zygelyte (166-G-84) put on and amazing performance for Lemminkainen Klaipeda scoring 26 points (19 minutes) 100% shooting from the game.

LMKL Round 11 - by Irmantas Griksas
Alytus- Egle Panevezys 65-74 Egle Panevezys bounced back after 75 point loss in Klaipeda and got the important poin in Alytus Alita. Dalia Kacinkeviciute (187-C-88) played 40 minutes and led the losing team with 22 points. Simona Martinkute and Egle Duleckyte (162-G-91) (162-G-91) scored 18 points each for Egle Panevezys.

Arvi Marijampole-Aistes-Atletas Kaunas 88-67 Arvi Marijampole got the win and finnished the year on top of the table. 5 players scored in double digits for Arvi Marijampole, Lazanne Murphy led them all with 16 points. Santa Okockyte (175-G-92) had for 29 Arvi Marijampole.

Lemminkainen Klaipeda-Ruta Siauliai 91-69 Lemminkainen Klaipeda had impressive 3rd quarter scoring run 29-12 and had much needed win at home. After this game Lemminkainen Klaipeda moved up to the 4th place.
Lemminkainen Klaipeda: Rita Mileskiene 22 points, Alesia Pusko 22 points.
Ruta Siauliai: Lina Aglinskaite (181-F/C-87) 26 points.

Standings - LMKL
LMKL Standings
 1. Arvi 11-1 
 2. TEO Vilnius 10-0 
 3. Laisve 6-5 
 4. Lemminkain. 6-5 
 5. Aistes-Atletas 5-5 
 6. Ruta Siauliai 3-8 
 7. Alytus 1-9 
 8. Egle Panev. 1-10 


Stats Leaders - LMKL
LMKL Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Aglinskaite, Ru 21.9
2. Petronyte, TEO 21.3
3. Balciunaite, Aist 16.2
4. Marmiene, Laisve 16.0
5. Pacauskiene, Arvi 14.8
Rebounds Per Game
1. Balciunaite, Ais 10.2
2. Galdikaite, Alytus 9.3
3. Petronyte, TEO 8.9
4. Svaryte, Ruta 8.3
5. Langhorne, TEO 7.7
Assists Per Game
1. Wilson, TEO 6.4
2. Zygelyte, Lemm 4.3
3. Rinkeviciute, TEO 3.8
4. Gutkauskaite, Ruta 3.1
5. Sauliute, Arvi 2.9
2FGP
1. Staugaitiene, TEO 70.5
2. Petronyte, TEO 69.6
3. Langhorne, TEO 65.0
3FGP
1 Kvederaviciute, Laisve 50.0
2 Packauskiene, Arvi 50.0
3 Preskienyte, Alytus 47.6
Free Throws
1. Mileskiene, Lemm 90.9
2. Sauliute, Arvi 90.0
3. Naidiene, Lemm 90.0


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  MOZAMBIQUE - Women  


Desportivo is the champion - by Carlos Pereira

Desportivo from Maputo is Mozambique champion.
They have beat Polittecnica from Maputo, in the final play off by 2-1.(57-64 ; 47-44 and 70-43).
After the Africa clubs championship in Kenya, Desportivo win at home also the national championship.


Desportivo Roster


Anabela Cossa
Catia Halar
Delinda Ngulela
Dilar Dessai
Filomena Micato
Leia Dungue
Lidia Nhatave
Nadia Rodrigues
Nalia Simeao
Odelia Mafanela
Ondina Nhamposse
Sy Lycka
Valerdina Manhonga
Yolanda Jones

coach : Nazir Sale



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  RUSSIA - Women  


Standings - B Superleague - by Eurobasket News
B Superleague Standings
 1. Spartak M. 11-1 
 2. Spartak N. 10-4 
 3. Gloria M. 8-4 
 4. Mytischi-MGUL 8-4 
 5. Energy Iv. 7-5 
 6. Neftyanik 6-8 
 7. Spartak P. 5-5 
 8. Krasnoyan. 5-7 
 9. Syktyvkar 2-10 
 10. Tver 0-14 


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  SERBIA - Women  


Partizan and Crvena Zvezda victorious in Round 11 - by Eurobasket News
Partizan and Crvena Zvezda celebrated in Round 11 of Serbian A league. Both teams jumped on 8-3 record for 3/4 place. Derby of the round between Hemofarm and Vojvodina is scheduled for tomorrow.

Partizan was better than Celarevo 85-65 thanks to Jelena Dangubic (177-G-82) and her 21 points. It seems that just 20 minutes were enough for the hosts in this game. Dangubic and her teammates had furious first quarter nailing 27 points. On the other side, Celarevo had many troubles at the offensive end stopping on 15. The host continued in the same rhythm after that reaching huge 54-32 at the half time. For the rest of the game Partizan slowed down keeping its lead without any extra efforts. Except of Dangubic, Bojana Jankovic (185-F-83) also was good netting 14 points. Ljiljana Tomasevic (174-G-88) helped with 11. Marina Moraca (180-F-85) led the scorers in defeat with 18 pts.

Crvena Zvezda blasted Loznica in Belgrade 97-36. Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) was the best player in this game with 25 points. Smiljana Ivanovic (176-G-88) also shined draining 4 points less. Of course, poor Loznica didn't have any player with double-digits, falling on 2-9.

In other games Kraljevo suffered hoem defeat against Radivoj Korac 70-79, while Proleter beat Spartak 57-69. Kovin outplayed Usce with plus 34, 108-74.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Roneeka Hodges and Ruth Riley arrive to Rivas Ecopolis - by Ivan Villar
Rivas Ecopolis is doing a great season until the moment. But they lost Cathy Joens for rest of season because she fell injured in her knee. Managers quickly have worked to bring new players for second part of season. Ruth Riley (196-C-79, college: Notre Dame) is a center who played in Lugo a few years ago. Roneeka Hodges left Ros Casares because she wasn't playing much minutes. She was best scorer of last season in Spain playing for Gran Canaria. So Rivas seems to be a serious alternative to powerful Ros Casares and Perfumerias Avenida.

Roneeka Hodges and Ruth Riley arrive to Rivas Futura - by Ivan Villar


Maite Checa finished her contract with Hondarribia-Irun - by Ivan Villar
Maite Checa (185-F-77) is free player actually. She had signed a contract for 3 months with vasc team of Hondarribia.The forward has played quite well in Hondarribia but club didn't extend her contract. So Maite Checa is waiting to know what team will be interested for her.She announced to be proud of being player of Hondarribia Irun because she played there in different seasons. Hondarribia Irun manager wishes best luck for Maite Checa in the future.

Candice Wiggins signs by Ros Casares until end of season - by Ivan Villar
Ros Casares probably has the best team of its history.Valencian team walks alone leading spanish league with balance 12-1. But they also decided to sign the best 6th player of WNBA, Candice Wiggins (180-G-87, college: Stanford).She was number 3 on last draft and will replace Roneeka Hodges who has signed by Rivas Futura. Now Ros Casares has more reasons to conquer Euroleague.Isma Canto also has a difficult job because he has 12 players who would be stars in others teams.