Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/28/2008

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Men News

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BOSNIA

Damir Krupalija plays tomorrow Allstar game in Paris! - by Nedzad Kladusak
Damir Damir Krupalija (205-F/C-79, college: Illinois) has been voted in the all import team of the french leagueand which will face tomorrow face the domestic team in Paris Bercy Arena! Last season he came to Dijon making of a PRO B-candidate a play-off candidate. Already in his first year he has been the first choice of Eurobasket France when they elected the All-Bosman player of the PRO A.
But not only experts and coaches appreciate his basketball skills and his formidable attitude on and off the court. The supporters of Dijon gave him the title player of the year whitnessing his very amiable personality.
However Mensur Bajramovic, the headcoach of the bosnian NT never found a way to make use of the complete skillset of Damir Krupalija. This summer
Damir Krupalija didn t join the final workout after being told that other players will be in better positions to make it among the last 12.
Anyway Damir Krupalija is a great messenger of the bosnian basketball in France, a country that is regularly producing NBA players and which will maybe be the final obstacle to the EC in Poland,

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BRAZIL

Minas come up short against Eiffel Towers in Amsterdam - by Eurobasket News
Minas failed to extend their winning streak to three games at the Haarlem Basketball Week in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Minas took on one of the leaders of the Dutch championship Eiffel Towers. Minas looked solid in the first half but ran out of steam in the second part of the game losing the battle and slipping at 2-1 record.
Eiffel Towers lost their opener to Netherlands National Team but managed to rebound in the second game. They faced the defending champions Minas from Brazil. A high-octane first frame saw Minas grab a 27:26 lead. But the Dutch team adjusted their defense in the second term. Moreover the Eiffel Towers reserve players turned out much more productive in this one. Eiffel Towers ougunned Minas 19:11 in the second period to enjoy a 45:38 advantage at halftime. The pressure grew on the visitors in the third stanza. Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) and Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) looked consistent leading Eiffel Towers to a 17-point cushion with one quarter to go. The Dutch team controlled the situation and soon the margin ballooned to as many as 21 points. Minas however fought bravely and closed the game with a 7:1 rally to lose by 15 points.
Anthony Richardson scored 18 points for Den Bosch. Jerome Beasley added 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Kees Akerboom (200-F-83, agency: Court Side) had 12 points for the winners. Joseph Shipp (197-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: California) answered with 22 points for Minas. Leandro Da Cruz (202-F/C-81) finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

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CBA

Firts loss for Albany - by Gianni Pascucci
The Albany Patroons suffered their first loss of the season. They felt 104-111 to the ABA NYC Internationalz after an hard fight. The main factor of the Internationalz win was a half-court pressure defense that took Albany out of their offensive flow after that the Pats had ended the first quarter ahead 23-17. Alexus Foyle (6'6''-F-78, college: BYU-Hawaii) was the game top scorer with 33 points for NYC, and Marvin McCullough (5'10''-G-84) contributed 18 points and played a solid floor game leading to the victory. Albany's Shaun Fountain (5'11''-G-78, agency: Duran International, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) scored a team high 33 points and Gabriel Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) had a double-double, contributing 18 points in a game high 21 rebounds. Patroons host the NYC Internationalz again tonight, December 27th at 7:05 pm.

Standings

CBA Standings

1. E.Kentucky	6-0
2. Albany P.	2-1
3. Minot S.	1-0
4. Lawton Ft.Sill	0-0

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CYPRUS

Christmass changes in the Cyprus teams - by Chris Mammides

Omonia Nicosia made the most changes at this period. Renos Pittalis team dismiss three players, the Cyprus International Mouhtaris, the Cyprus guard Giannis Prokopiou (182-G-80) and one of the top performers of the Cyprus league the first five weeks, Vladimir Mijovic (207-F-84). The replacemets at this stage are Antreas Antreas Stylianou (196-F/C-76), ex player of Philips College and the Israeli with Italian passpost, Gideon Riati (203-F-83, college: St.Petersburg JC). According to official news there are at least anotehr two signitures within the next two or three days, a power forward and a center.

In the mean time Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD and Seastar Apoel Nicosia are ready to announce their new players within the coming days.

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DENMARK

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year - by Thomas Soltau
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Eurobasket Denmark is wishing everyone a 'late' Merry Christmas and an 'early' Happy New Year.

The first part of the Danish season is over, and we have seen a lot of good basketball, and a league that is constantly growing. Better teams, better players and a more competitive environment surrounding the Canal Digital League.

It is an exciting time for Danish Basketball, along with the growth of the CDL, the media and television is expanding its coverage, better youth programs are being established for our young talents, and the Danish Basketball Federation is also doing great work to further Danish basketball in all areas.

So it is on a very positive note that Danish Basketball is entering 2009.

All the best to everyone.

Eurobasket Denmark

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D-LEAGUE

NBA -> D-League Player Assignments - by Surujh Roopnarine
The Phoenix Suns have assigned second year swingman Alando Tucker (6'6''-F-84, college: Wisconsin) to the Iowa Energy. Tucker was assigned to the Albuquerque Thunderbirds from Phoenix last season, when he appeared in 21 games and averaged 27.7 points and 6.0 rebounds. The former Wisconsin standout was originally selected by the Suns with the 29th overall selection in the 2007 NBA Draft and played in six games for Phoenix during his rookie season, averaging 3.7 points and 1.3 rebounds. Tucker has yet to make an appearance with the Suns this season after missing the first 22 games due to injury.

A week after receiving his first NBA call-Up, rookie forward Malik Hairston (6'6''-G-87, college: Oregon) has been re-assigned to the Austin Toros by the San Antonio Spurs.
Originally selected in the second round (48th overall) of the 2008 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns, Hairston was traded to San Antonio where he spent 2008 training camp. Hairston was waived by the Spurs on Oct. 26 before spending 11 games with the Toros and earning a GATORADE Call-Up to San Antonio on Dec. 22. Hairston started in 11 Toros games this season and where he averaged 19.5 points, 5.9 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals.

Joey Dorsey (6'9''-F-85, college: Memphis), a driving force behind Memphis' 2008 NCAA Finals Runner-Up squad, has been assigned to the Rio Grande Valley Vipers by the Houston Rockets. The rookie forward has played in three games for Houston this season, totaling two points in six minutes of floor time. A bundle of energy and ferocity, the undersized forward will be well served to tune his still very raw offensive game while in the D-league. He could provide a similar impact to that of former UMass standout Stephane Lasme, who parlayed his success in the D-League into a short NBA stint with Miami last season.

Other Transactions
Austin Toros: signed former UCLA Bruin Brian Morrison (6'2''-G-82, college: UCLA). Morrison was with Fort Wayne earlier this season.
Sioux Falls Skyforce: Announced that former Iowa State center Chris Alexander (7'1''-C-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.) has left the team. The 28 year old center averaged 6.9 points, 8.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in 11 games this season.

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Sioux Falls S.	9-3
2. Iowa E.	6-1
3. Erie BH	6-4
4. Dakota W.	6-6
5. Ft.Wayne MA	4-5
Southwest Division
1. Austin T.	9-3
2. Colorado 14ers	6-3
3. Rio Grande VV	6-7
4. Tulsa 66ers	3-9
5. Albuquerque T.	2-8
West Division
1. Bakersfield J.	9-2
2. Idaho S.	8-4
3. Utah F.	5-5
4. Anaheim A.	3-8
5. LA D-Fenders	3-8
6. Reno B.	1-10

Stats Leaders

D-League Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1.W. Conroy, ABQ 24.2
2.M. Williams, AUS 22.5
3.J. Crawford, LAD 21.9
4.C. Sims, IOW 21.7
5.A. Meeking, REN 21.5
5.C. Sims, IOW 23.8

Rebounds Per Game

1.C. Sims, IOW 12.7
2.C. Hunter, FWN 11.4
3.J. Davidson, IDA 10.9
4.D. Monds, ABQ 10.4
5.C. Gaines, AUS 9.8

Assists Per Game

1.W. Russell, FWN 11.0
2.S. Parker, RGV 8.4
3.M. Cleaves, BAK 7.9
4.C. Stinson, IOW 7.4
5.W. Conroy, ABQ 7.2

Steals Per Game

1.C. Elliott, SIF 3.25
2.D. Mitchell, LAD 2.8
3.W. Conroy, ABQ 2.67
3.D. Noel, ABQ 2.67
5.D. Coleman, COL 2.44

Top D-League Alum Performers in the NBA - by Surujh Roopnarine
Points Per Game
Kelenna Azubuike (6'5''-G/F-83, college: Kentucky): 13.2ppg
Matt Barnes (6'7''-F-80, college: UCLA): 12.5ppg
Ramon Sessions (6'3''-G-86, college: Nevada): 12.2ppg - Assigned Player
Rafer Alston (6'2''-G-76, college: Fresno St.): 12.1ppg
Louis Williams (6'3''-G-86): 11.9ppg - Assigned Player

Rebounds Per Game
Matt Barnes: 5.7rpg
Kelenna Azubuike: 5.2rpg
Chris Anderson: 5.2rpg
Andray Blatche (6'11''-C-86): 4.8rpg - Assigned Player
Amir Johnson (6'9''-F/C-87): 4.5rpg - Assigned Player

Assists Per Game
Rafer Alston: 5.2apg
Ramon Sessions: 4.9apg - Assigned Player
Jose Juan Barea (5'11''-G-84, college: Northeastern): 3.3apg - Assigned Player
Anthony Johnson (6'3''-G-74, college: Charleston): 3.1apg
Aaron Brooks (6'0''-G-85, college: Oregon): 2.6apg - Assigned Player

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: OT needed in Kotka - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 18: The Christmas break is over. Two games tonight. Kataja (Joensuu) almost crushed Pyrinto (Tampere) 109-83, when Jeremiah Wood (200-F-85, agency: Court Side) (32/11) and Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) (30/7a) both scored over 30 pts for the hosts. In Kotka OT was needed. KTP won the rbs 57-41, but was shooting at home so poorly (1 - 54,5%, 3 - 11,1%), that Honka was dominating during the first half (leading already by 16 pts). However Ville Makalainen (194-F-85) tied 65-65, when eight seconds remaining. OT was close, but Akeem Scott (186-G-83, college: High Point) became the hero by scoring from the FT line with one second left once and Honka won by one 76-77.

Kataja - Pyrinto 109-83 (55-42) (Jeremiah Wood 32/11, Larry Blair 30/7a, Sami Lehtoranta 21 - Kurtis Rice 15, Chris Hester 12, Olli Ahvenniemi 10).

KTP - Honka OT 76-77 (65)(37-43) (Damon Williams 22/15, Durell Vinson 21/12, Ville Makalainen 13 - Monte Cummings 19, Akeem Scott 18/11, Elias Kajander 14).

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FRANCE

Gravelines has signed Russell Carter - by Gregory Caru
This is the truce in France but some team are trying to search players in order to progress.So, Gravelines(8-3)has decided to sign Russell Carter,Forward,because of Nick George left in Casale Monferrato(ITA Lega-2).Russell Carter is well known in Europe,especially in Italy,because he has already played in Rieti Lega-1(07-08)for 8,9ppg 2,9rpg in 19 games and in Sassari Lega-2 for 16,8ppg 4,4rpg.At the beginning of this season he played in Tulsa 66ers(NBDL) with 8,9ppg 5rpg but he has prefered to return in Europe in order to demonstrate that he can play for a big team in Pro A.This is a great athlete who can score and defend,take rebounds,with a good mentality,he will help Stanley and Skinn on posts 2-3.Russell Carter (196-G-85, college: Notre Dame)

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HOLLAND

Eiffel Towers and Amsterdam victorious on Day 4 - by Eurobasket News
Eiffel Towers and Amsterdam gained victories in Round 4 of the Haarlem Basketball Week. The international tournament tipped off in Amsterdam on December 21 with eight squads from around the world fighting for the trophy.
Eiffel Towers lost their opener to Netherlands National Team but managed to rebound in the second game. They faced the defending champions Minas from Brazil. A high-octane first frame saw Minas grab a 27:26 lead. But the Dutch team adjusted their defense in the second term. Moreover the Eiffel Towers reserve players turned out much more productive in this one. Eiffel Towers ougunned Minas 19:11 in the second period to enjoy a 45:38 advantage at halftime. The pressure grew on the visitors in the third stanza. Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) and Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) looked consistent leading Eiffel Towers to a 17-point cushion with one quarter to go. The Dutch team controlled the situation and soon the margin ballooned to as many as 21 points. Minas however fought bravely and closed the game with a 7:1 rally to lose by 15 points.
Anthony Richardson scored 18 points for Den Bosch. Jerome Beasley added 16 points and 8 rebounds, while Kees Akerboom (200-F-83, agency: Court Side) had 12 points for the winners. Joseph Shipp (197-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: California) answered with 22 points for Minas. Leandro Da Cruz (202-F/C-81) finished with 16 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.
EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam earned the third straight win beating Israeli team. Amsterdam dominated in the first half. They piled up a 22:16 lead after ten minutes of action and kept on stretching the gap in the second term. The scoreboard read 36:22 for Amsterdam at the interval. But Israel were far from being done. Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) sparked a comeback effort from the visitors. Israel won the third frame and got as close as 3 points from Amsterdam. Moreover Israel tied it all at 68 at the end of regulation. The teams thus headed into an overtime. But the home team still managed to eke out the victory. Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) came up with some timely buckets to seal it for Amsterdam. He finalized a 22-point, 7-boards tally to pace Amsterdam. Avis Wyatt (211-F/C-84, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Virginia St.) had 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winning team. Omri Casspi notched 18 points and 12 boards for Israel. Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87, agency: Interperformances) added 10 points in the loss.

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ISRAEL

Israel lose overtime battle in Amsterdam - by Eurobasket News
Amsterdam - Israel 80:76 (OT)

Israel fell at 1-1 record at the Haarlem Basketball Week as they dropped their second outing at the tournament. Israel was outscored by EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam who earned the third straight win. Amsterdam dominated in the first half. They piled up a 22:16 lead after ten minutes of action and kept on stretching the gap in the second term. The scoreboard read 36:22 for Amsterdam at the interval. But Israel were far from being done. Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) sparked a comeback effort from the visitors. Israel won the third frame and got as close as 3 points from Amsterdam. Moreover Israel tied it all at 68 at the end of regulation. The teams thus headed into an overtime. But the home team still managed to eke out the victory. Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) came up with some timely buckets to seal it for Amsterdam. He finalized a 22-point, 7-boards tally to pace Amsterdam. Avis Wyatt (211-F/C-84, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Virginia St.) had 18 points and 9 rebounds for the winning team. Omri Casspi notched 18 points and 12 boards for Israel. Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87, agency: Interperformances) added 10 points in the loss.
Israel will play against the Astana Tigers from Kazakhstan today.

Amsterdam: Teddy Gipson 22, Avis Wyatt 18
Israel: Omri Casspi 18+12 boards, Yogev Ohayon 10, Robert Rothbart (216-C-86) 9

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ITALY

News about Earl Boykins - by Stefano Pini

It wasn't without consequence Christmas game for Virtus Bologna. Earl Boykins (168-G-76, college: E.Michigan) was scoreless in 17' with only a field goal attempted. The pointguard, in the past days, asked to come back home for 4 days to have some Holydays, but the team denied his request. So, his bad performance, was seen like a kind of strike.

Boykins - started likewise to the Usa after the game - and Virtus Bologna will part away in the next days. When agents and team staff will find a deal.

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LUXEMBOURG

Contern annihilates Sparta! ! Yves Braun hits 5 of 5 from 3 point range!!! - by Alex Meyers
December 20, 2008

Contern 86 - Sparta 61

Contern, Luxembourg
Contern was on fire from deep hitting nearly 60%(14 for 24) from beyond the three point arc, where veteran Yves Braun went 5 for 5, scoring 17 points to help his team to the big win going into Christmas break with a nice message for all the teams in the DBBL! Contern can be a team to reckon with! Winning 6 of their last 7 matches, Contern gained important momentum and confidence to keep their winning ways alive for a good 2009, in hopes of a berth in the top 6 playoff group! Balanced scoring, team defense and a strong 2nd quarter led to the 25 point home victory. Brandon Gary (202-F-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Hutchinson JC)(12 rebounds) had 18, Eric Jeitz 15 and two players: Ken Diederich & Gilles Becker had 14 each. Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) was held to a season low 15 points as Julien Hublart led Sparta in scoring with 17. Fabio Palumbo score 10 for Sparta who has lost now two in a row going into the holiday pause, dropping to 8-4 which is good enough for 2nd palce in the DBBL. Sparta must face Etzella next on Thursday, January 8th in Ettelbruck in the Luxembourg Cup 1/4 Finals. Contern will play also in the Cup of Luxembourg on the same evening in Walferdange against Residence.

Contern: 32 field goals, 14 three pointers, 8 for 13 free throws, 37 rebounds, 18 fouls and 18 turnovers
Becker 14, Diederich 14, Jeitz 15, Fasbender 3, Gary 18, also Braun 17, Bissener 2, Gindt 3 and Torres
Sparta: 24 field goals, 4 three pointers, 9 for 18 free throws, 33 rebounds, 14 fouls and 13 turnovers; Bench Technical foul 38'
Smith 15, Hublart 17, Wulff 4, Palumbo 10, Hoffmann 2, Engel 8, Klein 2, Nittler 3 and Tripodo

Score by quarters: 1st Q 14-13, Halftime 38-25, 3rd Q 67-50, Final 86-61
250 Spectators

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

Amicale 81 - Black Star 41

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

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

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

T71 hands short-handed Black Star another loss before holiday break! Whitworth drops 41 points!! - by Alex Meyers
December 20, 2008

Black Star 56 - T71 73

Mersch, Luxembourg
T71 won again on the road to improve their chances for a top 6 finish in qualification for the DBBL title. With the win, T71 finishes 2008 with a mega-respectable 8-4 record. It's good enough for a 3-way tie for 2nd place, much more than anyone would have expected after losing 2 starters in Tom Schumacher and Frank Muller. Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Drexel) scored 41 points to lead the way for the winners of Dudelange. Up by 15 at the first quarter's end and by 21 at the half, T71 made quick work of putting to rest any hopes for a Black Star victory. Martin Rajniak added 13 and Gilles Ruffato 11. For Black Star, Billy McDaniel (201-F/C-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ark.-Monticello)(ill with flu) was held to 20 points followed by Jannik Tuffel with 11 and Gilles Di Bartholomeo with 10. Missing from Black Star's roster were key players Daniel Norell(work), Pit Hoffmann(back problem) and Yannick Arbaut(knee problem). Without these players, Black Star had not much chance as their bench responded with a mere 3 points compared to T71's 13. T71 played a solid game defensively going up by as many as 23 points early in the 4th quarter. Black Star drops to 6-6 and its looking difficult for them to make the top six playoff group this season.

Jan Enjebo is pleased with his team, but will try to push it to and beyond its potential in 2009. You will not see this team resting on its laurels. You can expect good things in the future from T71. Why, because his opponents are well scouted, his team is going to be in excellent physical condition and his players will be focused and mentally prepared for each game. T71 will face Basket Esch on Wednesday, January 7, 2009 in the 1/4 Finals of the Luxembourg Cup. The game will be played on Esch's home turf and Basket Esch will have a +10 lead to begin the game.

Black Star Mersch: 18 field goals, 3 three pointers, 17 for 23 free throws, 15 fouls
Pat. Arbaut 8, McDaniel 20, Tuffel 11, Di Bartholomeo 10, Becker 8, also Muepu 1, Phi. Arbaut 2, Weckering, Schroeder, Besenius
T71: 30 field goals, 6 three pointers, 7 for 13 free throws, 18 fouls
Whitworth 41, Rajniak 13, Ruffato 11, Seibenbour, Kieffer, Bemtgen, Kostur 5, Hoffmann, Klein 8, Arbau, Laures and Steinmetz

Score by quarters: 1st Q 10-25, Halftime 20-41, 3rd Q 41-59, Final 56-73
145 Spectators

Scoring Leaders - DBBL

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Hall, Residence 31.8
2 Irick, Heffingen 31.6
3 Whitworth, T71 29.6
4 Brady, Racing 26.7
5 Kennedy, Etzella 25.8
6 Smith, Sparta 25.7
7 McDaniel, B.Star 25.6
8 Delgado, Etzella 22.6
9 Gary, Contern 21.8
10 Archbold, Rac 21.2

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MALTA

Luxol to take on Compleet in MBA Shield final - by Eurobasket News
BUPA Luxol knocked down Siggiewi to reach the MBA Shield final. Luxol opened the game impressively as they scored the first 17 points of the encounter. Siggiewi found themselves trailing by 14 points at halftime 22:36. Peter Shoults (168-G-85) allowed Siggiewi to trim the deficit to 7 points at the third frame but Luxol stayed alert. Marko Matjevic fired twice from downtown for BUPA to take a 56:39 advantage. Luxol maintained the gap and came away with a 76:57 victory at the end. Marko Matjevic scored 21 points for Luxol. Dirk Schembri (193-F-85) topscored with 23 points in the win. Luke Camilleri (-89) secured 18 points for Seggiewi. Peter Shoults finished with 16 points in the loss.
Compleet prevailed against Depiro in another semifinal clash. Depiro got to a brave start as they led 17:3 early on. Compleet IS answered with 13 straight points to close the first frame trailing by a single point 16:17. Kristin Baldacchino (184-G-81) fired 15 points in the second term leading Compleet to a 41:27 advantage at halftime. Compleet stretched the buffer to as many as 28 points in the third frame and never looked back en route to a 90:46 win. Kristin Baldacchino accounted for 27 points. Addison Bonnici (195-F-84) added 14 points for the winners. E Vella had 9 points in the losing effort.

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MONTENEGRO

Standings - 1A

1A Standings

1. Danilovgrad	7-2
2. Ulcijn	7-2
3. Primorje-M.	6-3
4. ABS Primorje	6-3
5. Mornar Bar	6-3
6. Jedinstvo	4-5
7. Mogren	4-5
8. Lovcen	4-5
9. Rudar	1-8
10. Niksic	0-9

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NCAA1

Huskies slam Stags - by Kevin Cochran
Connecticut's starting frontcourt of Jeff Adrien (6'7''-F-86) and Hasheem Thabeet (7'3''-C-87) combined for 41 points and 25 rebounds to lead the second-ranked Huskies to a hard-fought 75-55 mens basketball victory over in-state rival Fairfield Friday evening before a crowd of 13,771 at the XL Center.

The Huskies are now 11-0 on the season, while the Stags, who saw their seven-game win streak snapped, drop to 8-4 on the year.

Connecticut's two big men dominated the contest from the outset, making 18 of 25 shots from the field, mostly dunks and layups against the smaller Stags. Adrien, who recorded his 37th career double-double, led the Huskies with 21 points and 14 rebounds. He has now grabbed at least five rebounds in 36 consecutive contests. Adrien has made 26 of his last 40 shots from the field.

Thabeet was equally impressive in the interior for Connecticut. He made 10 of 14 field goal attempts, and grabbed 11 rebounds to give him his 15th career double-double and sixth in 11 games this season. He swatted away six Fairfield shots, among 11 rejected by the Huskies. Thabeet has now made 35 of his last 49 shots, an impressive 71 percent.

Connecticut's leading scorer this season, Jerome Dyson (6'4''-G-87), was held to 10 points, but he had a season-high six assists against just one turnover. Freshman point guard Kemba Walker (6'1''-G-90) had nine points and four assists, while A.J. Price (6'2''-G-86) had six points and five assists.

The Huskies, coming off a thrilling overtime victory over seventh-ranked Gonzaga, struggled at the outset, trailing 14-13 midway through the opening half after a three-pointer by Mike Evanovich (6'9''-F). But the Huskies quickly went on an 8-0 run that was started on a dunk by Adrien and finished by three consecutive baskets by Thabeet. Fairfield got as close as five points only one more time, trailed 42-26 at intermission, and never seriously threatened again.

The Huskies made at least half of their field goal attempts for the sixth time this year, and enjoyed a 48-22 advantage in points in the paint.

Greg Nero (6'7''-F) led the Stags with 16 points, while Anthony Johnson (6'8''-F) had six points and nine rebounds in the contest.

The Huskies will play their BIG EAST Conference opener on Monday, December 29 when they entertain Georgetown at the XL Center. Game time is set for 7:00 p.m. and the contest will be televised-nationally by espn2.

Courtesy: Uconnhuskies.com

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NORWAY

Div1 Stats Leader

1Div Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 OT Trobe, Tr.h. 23.7
2 K.Osland,OSI 21.3
3 S.Enge,Sandvika 19.7

Rebounds Per Game

1 R.Beqiri, Kr.sand 12.0
2 H.Mostafa, Stav. 12.0
3 R.Paulsen, Stav. 9.8

Assists Per Game

1 A.Torsvoll, Stv. 5.8
2 T.Tomic,Kr.sand 5.5
2 T.Randolph,Langh. 4.8

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Harstad	12-2
2. Tromso	12-3
3. Ulriken	11-4
4. Asker	8-5
5. Gimle	5-9
6. Ammerud	4-8
7. 3B	3-11
8. Fjellhamar	0-13

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Timus, Tromso 28.4
2 Paunovic, Fjellh. 23.2
3 Sharma, Fjellh. 22.8

Rebounds Per Game

1 Christensen, Tr. 10.9
2 Finger, Tromso 10.9
3 Dunn, Gimle 9.0

Assists Per Game

1 Rogers, Harstad 8.9
2 Issalhi, Tromso 5.0
2 Defares, Ammerud 4.8

BLNO - 2008 update - by Kaare Vangen
4760 16 85 244. That's an important number for fans of Harstad Vikings. Vikings are in deep trouble financially and might have to file for bankrupcy on Dec 29 unless they come up with at least 2-300.000 NOK really fast. So if you are a supporter of Vikings you can put money on the account and maybe save them. Vikings have success on the court but lack money. Troms Storm, the number two team, is also in deep trouble and can be forced to close business as well. Both teams play well but that doesn't help as long as they don't have money.

In Bergen Ulriken Eagles play well and have seen Audun Eskeland (176-G-85) return to the PG. Coach Jay Anderson has been out due to health problems and subs Eskeland and Bullock have coached the team well. Gimle has had some extraordinary matches and Brede Ellingsen (188-G-88) is a new star. Ammerud and 3B lag behind but fight hard for the last (?) spot in the playoff. Fjellhamar has let the opponents score 100+ in 10 of 13 matches so far and seem to be lost.

Standings - 1Div.

1Div. Standings

1. Froya	11-1
2. Sandvika	10-2
3. Centrum	8-4
4. Langhus	6-5
5. OSI	5-7
6. Kristiansand	4-4
7. NTNUI	4-5
8. Varden	4-8
9. Stavanger	3-6
10. Trondheim	2-7
11. Persbraaten	1-9

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PBL

Vermont announces three additions - by Gianni Pascucci
The Vermont Frost Heaves announced the signing of three additional players for their 2009 Premier Basketball League roster. They are rookies Thomas Sanders (6'3''-G-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Gardner-Webb) and Chris Gaynor (5'10''-G-86, college: Winthrop), and veteran Greg Stevenson (6'6''-F-78, agency: SportsTalent, college: Richmond)

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POLAND

New point guard in Czarni Slupsk- Antonio Burks - by Marek Hossa
After J.Stright is out of Czarni's team, they was looking for some PG in Slupsk.Antonio Burks (183-G-80, agency: Court Side, college: Memphis) is 28 old USA player. He was two years in NBA 2004-2006 Memphis Grizllers.Played in europe, Cervena Zvezda. After played in Belgrad he was signed by two team : Cervena and Lukoil ( Bulgaria ) and was disqualificated for this two signs.Burks should be in Slupsk at 29 december.Czarni still looking for new power forward and center.

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SAUDI ARABIA

Booker signs for Al Hilal - by Ali Ahmed
Al Hilal basketball team management agreed terms with the American center Kenyon Booker (206-C, college: Shaw) to play for them this season 2008/2009.

Kenyon is a very versatile and athletic player who can rebound with the best of them. A quick jumper who can also step out on the perimeter and play as a small forward, he can easily change the tempo of a game.

Expect good things in the very near futre from this player as he has finaly settled in the MidEast.

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SCOTLAND

BUCCANEERS KNOCK FURY OFF PERCH, GIVE RIVALS KINGS A PRESENT - by Sandy Sutherland
Santa duly delivered for Edinburgh Kings in what may turn out to have been a pivotal weekend in the Scottish League.
Kings took advantage of an amazing upset at Musselburgh, where East Lothian Buccaneers flayed Falkirk Fury 92-56, to go two points clear at the top of the table after trouncing Troon Tornadoes 67-40 at the Citadel Centre, Ayr in a match the final quarter of which Kings' coach Danny Costello described as 'ugly'.
Kings were without their Irish cap Paul Cummins, who flew home early due to a family illness, but they still had the men to do the job against a Troon side which lost its discipline in the final quarter, resulting in Scottish internationalist Neil Campbell being sent from the hall.
'I've never seen our boys defend so hard - it was a great win - our defence was fabulous,' purred Costello and certainly the stats bear him out as the home team managed only 11 points, 10, 12 and seven in the four respective quarters.
Kings took a 24-11 first quarter lead helped by a jump shot from near halfway from Laurie Costello which went in off the backboard but though he was then forced to sit out after picking up his third foul Kings were still 38-21 up at the half.
By the end of the third it was 57-33 and even though Kings missed five out of six free throws when the technicals started flying they still won the quarter 10-7 with the bench getting a good run.
Simon Flockhart with 19 points, Garreth Lodge 15, Paddy Campbell 14 and Laurie Costello 11 took the champions clear while Andy Pearson led Troon with 11, the only home player in double figures.
Kings' task of taking an outright lead in the table was helped by local rivals Buccaneers who had totally upset the formbook against a feckless Fury at Musselburgh.
'Everything went right for us on the night,' said their delighted team manager Brian Ramsey.
East Lothian were led by Grant Gibson with 24, Eoghan Dover with 20 and Rob Jansson with 16 and scored 15 three-pointers while Fury had Keith Bunyan with 14 and younger brother Jonny with 13.
In all there were seven technical fouls as the visitors lost their cool in what was another bad-tempered finish.
St Mirren easily accounted for Glasgow Storm 88-67 at Scotstoun in the other pre-Christmas game and are now joint second with Falkirk.

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SERBIA

Hemofarm in talks with Maccabi's Simmons - by Zoran Klansic
Hemofarm Versac is in talks with American guard - Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Washington) ,according to reports in Serbia.
Versac is in Good position in the Adriatic league(11-3) and on the way to the second round in the Eurocup.but according to reports still want to strengthen the squad.
Simmons,a surplus requirement at Maccabi Electra managed to play only 4 games in the Euroleague this season avreging :5.8ppg,3.3rpg and 0.8 apg.
Simmons already played in several top flight european time as PAOK Thessaloniki ,Gran Canaria , Hapoel Galil Elyon ,Hapoel Holon and Maccabi Electra.

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SWITZERLAND

Neuchatel and Luzern on top in LNB - by Eurobasket News
Union Neuchatel Basket and the Luzern Lions remain atop of the LNB ladder after twelve rounds played. The both teams are knotted at 9-3 record with Bernex and Academie Fribourg trailing by one win.
Neuchatel overcame Vernier 77:70 at home court for the ninth victory. The league leaders stunned their opponents 25:10 in the starting frame and held off any comeback efforts from Vernier. Thomas Kaiser (185-G-84) proved his status one of the best scorers in the league pouring in 27 points. Ivica Radosavljevic (207-C-83) added 22 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. Christophe Varidel (185-G-89) tallied 18 points for Vernier. Christopher Blachut (192-F/C-85) pulled down 18 boards for the visitors but did not prevail them from falling at 3-9 record.
Luzern thumped Martigny-Rhone to stay level with Neuchatel. Rolf Stallkamp (200-F-78) scored 19 points to lift the Lions to a 108:79 victory. Julio Anthony (193-G-86, college: E.Illinois) added 18 points for the winners.
Bernex stayed one win shy of the leaders as they held off Chene 70:64 before the home crowd. Bernex trailed by two points at the first intermission but they soon adjusted and enjoyed a 32:31 lead at halftime. Bernex limited their opponents to only 9 points in the third quarter and piled up a 9-point buffer before the fourth stanza. Chene failed to come up with a decent answer and lost the game. Matthieu N'Dong (189-F-85) had 20 points and 9 boards for Bernex. Christopher Ekwa (196-G/F-85) added 13 points in the win. Toufik Zidi (200-F-77) notched 25 points and 15 boards for Chene.

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TANZANIA

Ten teams in action as Kili RBA resumes - by Carlos Pereira
By Joseph Mchekadona.

Kili RBA League continues this afternoon when 10 men's teams will be in actions at the Indoor National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.
Six teams from Group 'B' and four from group 'A' will be fighting for crucial points.
The first match will pit Mgulani against JKT, Crowns will play ABC and Pazi meet Prisons in Group B.
In Group 'A', Savio will face Hooplife and TM Rockets will play Oilers.
So far seven matches have been played in the league which will end in March, next year.

The event is organised by Basketball Dar es Salaam under the sponsorship of Kilimanjaro beer, a Tanzania Breweries Limited brand.

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

Analysis: Bell, Diaw bringing winning attitude to Bobcats - by David Edole
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ -- The Charlotte Bobcats have played 358 games as an NBA franchise, and only eight times have they walked into an arena as a team with a winning record.

At the beginning of their fifth season, the Bobcats' roster was light on experience, postseason or otherwise. They had made incremental progress since coming into the league, and brought in Larry Brown this summer to help take the squad to the next level.

Brown's methods take time to bear fruit, but the Bobcats' improvement was accelerated when they traded Jason Richardson, Jared Dudley and a second-round pick to Phoenix for Raja Bell (196-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.), Boris Diaw and Sean Singletary on Dec. 10. Richardson was the most talented player in the deal, but sometimes quantity is more important than quality.

'We got two starters for one,' Brown said of Bell and Diaw before Friday's 95-87 win in New Jersey. 'That's the way I look at it. We'll never replace J-Rich, but we got two really quality guys.'

Bell and Diaw have started all seven games since arriving in Charlotte. The Bobcats lost the first two games with the new additions, but have gone 4-1 since, showing improvement on both sides of the ball.

In the 23 games before Bell and Diaw arrived, the Bobcats scored 103.5 points per 100 possessions and allowed 108.2. In the seven games since, they've scored 107.4 points per 100 possessions and allowed 101.1.

'I don't know that any of us that came over can really take credit for that,' Bell says modestly, even though he's clearly an upgrade over Richardson on the defensive end. 'What we did realize when we got here was that this team plays hard every night. They're in a lot of ball games and they always give themselves the chance to win. If you're doing that, you're busting your butt every night and you don't have a defeated attitude, some good things can happen.'

That showed on Friday, as the Bobcats held the Nets, who came in as the sixth-most efficient offense in the league, to just 87 points on 40 percent shooting. The high-scoring backcourt of Vince Carter and Devin Harris shot just 12-for-35 from the field.

On the other end, the Bobcats turned the ball over 17 times, but shot 50 percent from the floor and assisted on 26 of their 35 field goals. Raymond Felton and Emeka Okafor were the high scorers, but Diaw filled the boxscore with 16 points, eight boards and seven dimes.

Diaw has played inside more with the Bobcats, giving Okafor some much needed help on the boards. In Phoenix, he was averaging 3.8 rebounds per game, but he's pulled down 8.3 boards per contest in Charlotte. Still, it's his other abilities that Brown likes the most.

Brown values guys that can handle the ball. He's a former point guard who hasn't been afraid to use a doubly diminutive backcourt of Felton and D.J. Augustin for long stretches in order to get better ball movement from his offense.

So it says a lot that just two weeks after Diaw arrived in Charlotte, Brown was able to trust the 6-8 forward with the ball several times down the stretch of Friday's win. It paid off, as Diaw picked up a key assist in the fourth quarter and then hit the biggest basket of the game, a drive that stopped a Nets run that had cut the Charlotte lead to two.

'You always want the confidence from your coach,' Diaw said afterward. 'I think he trusts the fact that I'm going to make the right play, passing the ball to the right guy or shooting the ball if I'm open.'

'LB recognizes that Boris is the kind of player that can not only create for himself, but create for other players on the court,' Bell added.

Another guy that Brown can trust with the ball is a great thing to have in Charlotte.

'[Diaw] has always been somebody that's been like a point guard,' Brown added. 'He's a terrific passer.'

In addition to their skills, Diaw and Bell bring experience. They've been through countless big-pressure situations, going deep into the playoffs with the Suns. Before their arrival, the Bobcats were 1-8 in games decided by five points or less. They were in games, but just couldn't finish. The new guys will help them do that, not only with their experience, but with the added depth that they create.

'Our next step is expecting to win,' Bell concluded. 'Good teams know the teams that they're supposed to beat. And against everyone else, they battle their butt off and try to get a win. We have to become a team like that, where we walk into a building and we know that we're going to take care of business.'

By John Schuhmann, NBA.com
Posted Dec 27 2008 12:04AM

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UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Semi Finals - 20th Dubai Int'l Tournament - by Mohammed Malas
* Saturday 27/12:

Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) 86 - An Nasr (UAE) 71 (Qs: 31-11, 52-30, 70-44 & 86-71)
- Best scorers:
Knight Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) '18 pts' from Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) '18 pts' from Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
Saleh Sultan (178-G-89) '16 pts' from An Nasr
Trello Galloway (201-G/F-79, college: Georgia St.) '15 pts' from An Nasr
Omar El Turk (186-G-81, college: Dawson Coll.) '15 pts' from Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut

Zain (JOR) 73 - Al Jalaa Aleppo (SYR) 69 (Qs: 21-17, 37-34, 52-54 & 73-69)
- Best scorers:
Ontario Lett (198-F-79, agency: BrezoPro, college: Pittsburgh) '22 pts' from Zain
Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) '16 pts' from Zain
Michel Maadanli (196-G-81, agency: Huss Sport Agency) '15 pts' from Al Jalaa Aleppo
Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) '14 pts' from Zain

# 7th place game (GMT):
- Sunday 28/12:
8:45 Al Jeish Army Damascus (SYR) X Al Ittihad Alexandria (EGY)

# 5th place game (GMT):
- Sunday 28/12:
10:45 Al Moutahed Tripoli (LEB) X Mahram (IRI)

# 3rd place game (GMT):
- Sunday 28/12:
12:45 Al Jalaa Aleppo (SYR) X An Nasr (UAE)

# Final game - 20th Dubai International Tournament (GMT):
- Sunday 28/12:
15:00 Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) X Zain (JOR)

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UNITED KINGDOM

USBL

USBL Alum Jason Miller Joins BK Prostejov - by Surujh Roopnarine
Former Kansas Cagerz big man Jason Miller (6'10''-F/C-80, college: Oklahoma St.) has signed with BK Prostejov of the Czech Republic. Miller will be on a 2-3 month try-out as he replaces Pavel Stanek (6'8''-F/C-76, agency: Court Side) who is out due to illness. This season Miller was playing with BG 74 Goettingen in Germany where he averaged 6.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 10 games. Miller will provide depth at the PF and C positions behind Shaun Pruitt (6'10''-C-85, agency: N.E.T., college: Illinois) and Ian Hanavan (6'8''-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Evansville). The former Oklahoma State Sooner played the 2005 and 2007 campaigns with the Kansas Cagerz. He was named to the USBL All-Defensive Team in 2007.

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Women News

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BALTIC LEAGUE - Women

Spartak return from Belarus with four victories - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Saint Petersburg will definitely remember a warm welcome give by Belarus teams in Round 13. Spartak were treated well enough as they earned four wins in as many games played. The victories allowed the BWBL freshmen to improve at 7-1 record in the ladder.
Spartak followed the win over Berezina with a comprehensive success over Minsk-2006 88:56. The teams looked quite even in the first period as Spartak led by just two points after ten minutes. However as the visitors stepped on the gas Minsk failed to match the effort. The Saint Petersburg outfit claimed a 15-point advantage at halftime. Minsk-2006 collapsed in the third stanza as they the gap was avalanched to as many as 29 points before the fourth term. Spartak slowed down but still secured an easy victory in the fourth quarter.
Olga Speranskaya (180-G-78) topscored with 21 points for Spartak. Svetlana Makhlina (180-G-85) added 11 points and 6 assists for the winners. Yuliya Shcharbakova (172-G-85) finished with 12 points for Minsk-2006 in defeat.
Spartak had little problems against Victoria in Grodno. Spartak raced to a comfortable 93:41 victory improving at 6-1 record.
Finally Spartak clinched a 102:74 success against Olimpia and occupied the second spot in the ladder.

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MALTA - Women

Hibs Medsea and Luxol reach MBA Shield Final - by Eurobasket News
The MBA Shield defending champions Hibs Medsea reached the main game of this years tourney. Hibs took care of Honey Athleta to advance to the final. Medsea looked dominant right from the start as they built a 22:6 lead at the first intermission. The lead grew to 28 points at halftime 45:17. Hibs Medsea slowed down a bit in the second half but it never influenced the outcome as Medsea claimed a 70:47 victory.
Luxol will join Hibs Medsea in the title decider. Luxol had to outscore Depiro to enter the final. They led 14:6 after ten minutes of action and opened the second term with a 7:2 run to balloon the gap. But S Micallef ignited a comeback effort from Depiro as they trimmed the distance to just 4 points at halftime 28:32. Luxol fought hard in the second half and succeeded in keeping Depiro in bay throughout the rest of the contest. Luxol finalized a 69:58 triumphed that propelled them into the Final. Mandy Sciortino topscored with 25 points for Luxol. S Micallef was the best scorer for Depiro.
The Final game of the MBA Shield is scheduled for February 10, 2009.

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MONTENEGRO - Women

Standings - Women League

1A Standings

1. BC H.Novi	7-0
2. BC Kastel	3-3
3. Roling Niksic	2-3
4. Rudar	0-6
Will join on later stage:
1. Buducnost	-
2. Jedinstvo	-

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NORWAY - Women

Stats Leaders

Kvinneligaen Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 N.K.Sand A/BVIF 22.0
2 T.Ytrehus Ullern 19.6
3 A.Flesland, Hop 18.6

Rebounds Per Game

1 N.K.Sand A/BVIF 12.3
2 L Johannesen,H. 10.8
3 M O'Loughlin,Am. 10.0

Assists Per Game

1 B.Beilegaard, N.str. 4.7
2 A.Sdal,Nords. 4.0
3 R.Tyssoy Hop 5.0

Standings - Women

Kvinneligaen Standings

1. Asker/BV	7-0
2. Gimle	4-1
3. Ullern	3-2
4. Hop	2-3
5. Nordstrand	1-3
6. Elite Nord	0-0
7. Ammerud	0-3
8. Ulriken	0-5