Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/29/2008

Copyright � 1997-2008 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com

Men News

*****************************************************

BELGIUM

Van den Spiegel wins with Real - by Bertrand Larsimont

Tomas Van Den Spiegel (214-C-78) played his first game for Real Madrid today. Real with the Belgian center won over Manresa in the Spanish competitition: 83-56.
Van den Spiegel played almost 19 minutes, scored 7 points and grabbed 6 rebounds, what will be his major task in the top Spanish team. Axel Hervelle (205-F-83), the other Real's Belgian star, did not play against Manresa. Hervelle was operated after the game against Regal FC Barcelona on December 20th. Axel Hervelle got injured (broken nose) in a contact with his Real mate Felipe Reyes at the end of the Spanish Clasico which ended on the 87-67 score for Barcelona last week. Hervelle now trains again and should be back on the court for the competition in the next few weeks.

Van den Spiegel left a good impression after Real's game against Manresa today.

Here is what can be read about Van den Spiegel's debut on Real Madrid's official website:

'Van den Spiegel makes his debut
The encounter was tight at first. Both teams scored through Felipe Reyes and Josh Asselin. Louis Bullock also did well and one of his ventures in offence allowed the Madridistas to distance themselves in the score for the first time (12-9). Joan Plaza didn't wait too long to allow Tomas van den Spiegel to make his debut and made him come in for Felipe Reyes on the 7-minute mark. The Belgian centre soon showcased his quality with four points in only two minutes he scored the latter two from an amazing dunk-.'

See http://www.realmadrid.com/cs/Satellite/en/1202758448790/noticia/Cronica/Sealing_2008_with_a_victory.htm for more info.

Div. II Regular Season - Round 16 (boxscores) - by Bertrand Larsimont

Bent Schoenen Waregem vs. De West Hoek Zwevezele 82-88
Waregem: --
Zwevezele: W. Dobbelaere 11; J. Bourdeaux 15; B. Heinle 14; B. Verdickt 11; B. Bobb 7; Deceuninck 15; L. L'Hote 15.

BCO Carnieres vs. CEP Fleurus 56-64
Score evolution: 7-12, 22-35, 41-45 and 56-64.
Stephen Tison (176-G-84) had 21 points (5 three-pointers) and 6 assists for the visitors. Both CEP centers Tomek Rozewicz (8 points, 10 rebounds and 4 blocks) and Sam Semijejero (7 points and 9 rebounds) defended well against experienced BCO center Daniel Goethals who nevertheless scored 19 points.
Carnieres: Thelen 4; Ballau 2; Poppe 9; Jonniaux 18; Lena 4; Goethals 19.
Fleurus: J. Vanesse 13; S. Tison 21; L. Pourtoit 5; A. Jadin 8; T. Rozewicz 8; B. Penninck 2; S. Semijejero 7.

Jaga Radiators Hasselt vs. BC Ninane 79-75
Hasselt: Souveryns 14; Geysen 2; Hendrix 11; Westphalen 2; R. Van Poelgeest 16; Van Hove 15; Smolders 2; Clemente 8; Baert 9.
Ninane: Hubert 2; Klimanek 3; Tihon 8; Offermann 22; Delsaute 12; Hawley 21; Lebecque 6; Vanbergen 2.

BBC Bree vs. Jako Pitzemburg Mechelen 95-61
Bree: O. Hodge 19; K. Reed 9; Norvell 5; Orsulic 10; Meeks 17; Moons 3; Moss 10; Vucica 12; Van Camp 10.
Pitzemburg: B. Van Breedam 8; S. Veldeman 9; L. Swaeb 12; M. Van Gelder 12; D. Bilet 7; D. Van Den Brande 4; R. Claes 5; S. Pottiez 4.

Kangoeroes Wilebroek vs. Royal Alsec Nivelles 112-94
Kangoeroes: Gorremans 6; Follens 23; Roelandts 18; Casteels 6; Clarysse 3; Kalonji 4; D. D'Haens 10; R. Petrauskas 19; T. Van De Keere 23.
Nivelles: Karavokyros 6; J. Defosse 11; M. Pirlot 5; Seny 25; F. Muylaert 2; El Mouttalibi 23; Van Den Eynde 14; Buja 8.

Essor Charleroi vs. Falco Ghent 81-63
Special mention for Essor players Renauld Leclercqs (198-F-81) who hit 4 three-pointers in this game and Real Kitieu who grabbed 7 rebounds.
Charleroi: Leclercqs 21; Bearzotti 10; Kitieu 4; Gevaert 3; Stache 8; Pellisier 10; Sperolini 8; Vermeulen 17.
Falco: Lootjens 1; Fransen 3; Huyghe 1; F. Bwatu 14; Van Haevermaet 12; De Schepper 9; J. Van De Vondel 9; J. Selhorst 6; Brysse 8.

Royal Alsec Niveles vs. BBC Bree 60-91 (played on 2008-12-23)
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 14-37, 29-58, 41-73 and 60-91.
Nivelles: Karavokyros 3; M. Renard 2; J. Defosse 3; Seny 5; F. Muylaert 3; El Mouttalibi 23; Van Den Eynde 13; S. Buja 8.
Bree: O. Hodge 15; K. Reed 18; Orsulic 10; Meeks 10; Moons 4; R. Moss 18; Vucica 15; Van Camp 1.

Bye: BBC Boom and Sint-Jan Antwerp

*****************************************************

CBA

Albany takes its revenge - by Gianni Pascucci
The Albany Patroons rebounded from last night's loss to defeat the NYC Internationalz 103-91 in their second, consecutive meeting. The Pats man of the game was Shaun Fountain (5'11''-G-78, agency: Duran International, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee), who scored 21 points, including 12 points in the final period. Lucious Jordan (6'2''-G/F-83, college: Albany) scored 10 points in the second quarter to help Albany take a 48-36 half time lead. Albany had trouble again with NYC's half-court pressure and trailed after three quarters 68-67. The Patroons received strong contributions from Renaldo Norman (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Edward Waters) who scored 19 points and Gabriel Freeman (6'6''-F-85, college: Costa Mesa JC) with a double-double, including 18 points and 13 rebounds. The NYC Internationalz were led one time more by Marvin McCullough (5'10''-G84) who ended the game at 23 points and 5 assists. Center Gordon Malone (6'10''-F/C-74, agency: Tank Sports, college: W.Virginia) added 19 points and collected 16 rebounds, but it wasn't enough.

*****************************************************

CHILE

Dimayor: Boston is one step away from the finals - by Daniel Valencia
With a huge performance by the american duo of Joe Chapman (193-G-84, agency: AMI, college: Marquette) and B.J. Puckett (205-F-83, agency: AMI, college: Clayton St.), Boston College took a 2-1 lead in the semifinals series against CD Universidad de Concepcion after defeating the visitors 102-82. With the home court advantage, Boston is now one game away to reach their first ever trip to Dimayor's final series.

Game 3

Boston College 102 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 82
Bos: Joe Chapman 34 pts. B.J. Puckett 32 pts.
Ucon: Erron Maxey 21 pts. Jefferson Agba 17 pts.

Boston lead series 2-1

*****************************************************

CHINA

Shanxi Edge Fujian! - by Ogoh
Shanxi Zhongyu edged visiting Fujian 119 to 115 points in overtime tonight in one of the games played around the CBA. Boths team had come into the game with an equal record of 9 wins and 9 losses each. However it was Shanxi ,who had Wells Bonzi (196-F-76, college: Ball St.) playing in front of the home crowd for the first time since he replaced Donta Smith who took the day. Fujian won the first two quarters 25-20 and 34-36 to end the first half 61-54. The third quarter had Shanxi winning it by a 10 point margin at 28-18 but lost the fourth period 19 to 22 points to tie full time scores at 101-101. Scores after overtime was 119-115 in favour of Shanxi. Wells Bonzi put up a spectacular perfomance for the home crowd, scoring 52pts in 9 of 17 shooting from 2 pts range and 8 of 13 from 3pts.He also grabbed 14 boards. Oyedeji Olumide (207-C/F-81) added 22pts and had 26 rebounds. They both combined for over half of the total points scored by Shanxi Zhongyu. Porter Chris (201-F-78, college: Auburn) led Fujian in scoring with 26pts and 9 rebs. Gong Songlin (195-G/F-81) added 23pts.Point guard for Fujian,Lu Xiaoming (176-G-79) had 13pts and 10 assists.

Xinjiang Defeats Liaoning to Extend Record to 17-2 - by Arthur Volbert
Xinjiang defeated Liaoning 108-91 to run its league-leading record to 17-2. Mendez Juan (202-F-81, college: Niagara) scored 37 points and grabbed 10 rebounds. Allen Myron (180-G-79, college: Lee JC) had 29 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists and 6 steals. Allen is the only starting point guard in the CBA who is an import. Most teams use their imports for big men or scorers. But with Bateer on the team, whose NBA experience gives him the quality of an import, Xinjiang can afford to use an import at point guard. Bateer had 9 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists today.

Xu Guochong added 15 points. Xue Yuyang, who was a second-round NBA draft choice a few years ago, played only 9 minutes. He is being used less and less as his basketball deficiencies outweigh his physical capabilities. In his place, Xinjiang is playing a shooting guard -- seemingly alternating playing Mulati, born in 1985, and Makan, a highly promising prospect born in 1992. Mulati played today. Xinjiang jumped off to a 38-19 first quarter lead and the game was a rout thereafter.

Liu Xiangtao scored 24 points for Liaoning and Zhang Qingpeng had 19. Awvee Storey had 16 points and 7 rebounds. Raw but promising big man Han Dejun had 14 points and 9 rebounds in 32 minutes. Li Xiaoxu played only 12 minutes and scored 3 points.

Guangdong kept pace with Xinjiang, bringing its record to 15-4, with a 105-90 destruction of Beijing. Guangdong jumped off to a 28-7 first quarter lead. Zhu Fangyu scored 21 points and Du Feng scored 20. Jason Dixon had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Wang Shipeng scored 13 and Zhou Peng scored 10. Dontae Jones had 38 points and 12 rebounds for Beijing. David Harrison had 26 points, 14 rebounds and 7 blocks. Chen Lei had 16 points and 7 assists.

Jiangsu defeated 112-89 as Jameeel Watkins had 26 points and 12 rebounds. Donnell Harvey scored 20 points, grabbed 15 rebounds and blocked 4 shots. Meng Da scored 12 and Hu xuefeng 11. Each had 5 assists. Liu Hao led Tianjin with 17 points. Xu Lei and Wang Hao each scored 14. Xu Guijun scored 13 and Darryl Watkins had 11 points and 9 rebounds. Theron Smith did not play.

Lee Benson had 49 points, 17 rebounds, 9 assists and 3 blocks as Shaanxi edged Dongguan 120-118. Brandon Robinson had 27 points and 14 rebounds. Zhang Wei scored 14 and Dai Yong scored 12. Chen Zhaosheng had 11 points and 7 rebounds. Chen was born in 1975 as is one of the few older players who is still excelling. Michael Harris led Dongguan with 38 points and 14 rebounds. Zhang Kai had 33 points and 16 rebounds and, born in 1982, he keeps getting better as he gains experience. Qiu Biao had 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Meng Duo added 12 points. Song Kangming had 8 rebounds in 18 minutes.

Shanxi Zhongyu defeated Fujian in overtime 119-115. Bonzi Wells had 52 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Bonzi is putting up big numbers but Zhongyu is still a mid-level team. Olumide Oyedeji had 26 points and 22 rebounds. Wei Mingliang scored 15 points. Young Duan Jiangpeng scored 10 but only hit 4 of 16 shots. Chris Porter led Fujian with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Gong Songlin scored 23 and Matt Frieje had 21. Liu Yudong scored 17 points. Lu Xiaoming had 13 points and 10 assists.

Shandong edged Bayi in overtime 92-91. Guo Lei scored 21 points. New import Garnett Thompson had 20 points and 14 rebounds. Mack Tuck had 15 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists but also had 9 turnovers. Li Jingyu, born in 1991, had 12 points and is more and more becoming a player to watch. Cao Zhenhua had 8 points and 8 rebounds. Mo Ke led Bayi with 20 points and 9 rebounds. Li Ke had 16 points. Hu Ke had 13 points and 11 rebounds. Li Nan had 13 points and Wang Zhongguang and Zhang Bo each scored 11. Wang Zhizhi again did not play. Neither did Wang Lei so Bayi was missing its two top players.

Nigel Dixon had 30 points and 12 rebounds as Zhejiang Guangsha beat Qingdao 113-90. Rodney White added 28 points and 5 rebounds. Zhang Nan scored 24. Chris Williams scored 34 points for Qingdao. Frans Steyn added 14 points, 13 rebounds and 6 steals. Xie Zhongjie scored 14 points and Liu Mingtao and Le Keming each scored 11. Point guard Li Guang had one of those awful games that young players have with 7 points, 1 assist and 6 turnovers.

Liu Wei returned to the Shanghai lineup from suspension and had 27 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists as the Sharks defeated Zhejiang 120-117 to gain their second victory. DaJuan Tate had 31 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Wang Yong scored 23 points and Peng Fei had 20. Luo Xudong had 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Kirk Snyder led Zhejiang with 47 points and 13 rebounds. Samuel Hoskin did not play. Ding Jinhui had 18 points, 10 rebounds and 3 assists. Luo Zhi scored 11 and Liu Weiwei and Sui Xiaolong each scored 10.

Soumaila Samake had 32 points and 17 rebounds and Leon Rogers had 30 points and 8 rebounds as Jilin defeated Yunnan 99-95. Yang Yuming added 12 points and young Zhong Cheng had 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks. Hu Guang, who once played even with Vince Carter in a dunking contest, led Yunnan with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Zhao Anan scored 20 points. Keith Closs had 13 points and 13 rebounds. Li Lin and Zhang Yi each scored 10.

New NBA Player would be in Tryout in Liao Ning - by Robert Wang
CBA has been last for 19 rounds from November, but Liao Ning team still could not find out their new center. This team needs all players tryout in China before they sign with them regardless NBA players or europe vet, or former players who played in China already. They have brought former NBA star Vin Baker for a tryout, then they did not sign him. The next tryout player was NBA big guy Justin Williams, but he still did not sign with team yet. Some info. said they would bring the current NBA big guy Dwayne Jones (211-C-83, college: St.Joseph's) for a tryout. Liao Ning team has provided the contract for Dwayne Jones and DJ would be in China soon. Former player Chris Alexander who played in China 4 years ago would also be in China in the tryout, too. Then team would test who is the best fit for Liao Ning then they would keep either one. good luck!

*****************************************************

CYPRUS

Cyprus League-Day 10 - by Michael Aristidou
Cyprus league continued last night with two matches. Keravnos Strovolou won Omonia Nicosia by 82-58 and Proteas EKA AEL Limassol won difficult InterCollege Etha Engomis 78-64. In Strovolos Keravnos Strovolou had an eazy night against Omonia Nicosia. Keravnos Strovolou team had an early lead in the second quarter and manage to close half time with a 17 point lead(44-29). Nothing changes in third period and final score was 82-58. First scorer for Keravnos Strovolou was Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) with 17(1) followed by new signing Jason Straight (188-G-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wyoming) who had 14(1). On Omonia Nicosia side after the many changes they made in the team its look like they need some time to get together. First scorer was Giorgos Neophytou (193-G-83, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) with 19(1). Also in Nicosia Proteas EKA AEL Limassol won InterCollege Etha Engomis in their ground in a difficult way thanks to their defense in the second half. First period was 23-21 for InterCollege Etha Engomis and the half time ended with a minor lead for AEL (42-44). Second half started with good defenses from both sides and Ael made a five point lead at the end(53-58). In the last period Ael team played even better and manage to got a lead five minutes before the end ao the game by 13p.(54-67). Nothin changes in the remaining minutes and final score was 64-78 for Proteas EKA AEL Limassol. First scorer for Ael was LaVell Blanchard (201-G-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Michigan) and Milan Dozet (203-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) with 20p. For InterCollege Etha Engomis Marko Car (188-G/F-85) had 17(2).

*****************************************************

DENMARK

Canal Digital League Round 11. - by Thomas Soltau

Aabyhoj VS Bakken (74-92): Bakken is back to its usual dominating self, and cross-town rivals Aabyhoj had little to say about it in this game.
A commanding 54-33 half-time lead evidently showed the strength level between the two teams on this night.
Aabyhoj fought for their chance, with four players scoring in double figures, but the 20 points of Ivan Miskovic (203-F/C-84, college: Alaska-Fairb.) and a stellar team effort form the entire Bakken team was too much to handle.

Roskilde VS Amager (74-78): Maybe Amager was sleeping a bit on the lower ranked Roskilde team, because their defense was definitely not ready from the start.
Roskilde jumped out early gaining a 30-17 lead after the first quarter.
Head coach Jesper Sorensen could not at all have been happy, but this Amager team was able to gather themselves and held Roskilde to only 11 points in the second quarter.
In the end Amager was able to secure the win after a very close game.
Amager got solid double-digit scoring from four players, while Keith Borgan (180-G-83, college: Metro St.) led Roskilde with 33 points.

Horsens IC VS Svendborg (63-84): This was a relative easy victory for Svendborg.
Horsens ran out of gas after the first quarter and Svendborg could secure the win after that point.
William Pharis (206-F/C-81, agency: Promotex, college: Arkansas) and Ivan Hoger (225-C-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) were the leading scorers with 21 and 20 points.
Some concerns for Svendborg is the situation with Johnell Smith (186-G-80, college: New Orleans) and Ivan Hoger, both players will be sidelined for some time to rest.
The club has said that they wish to make sure that their key players are a 100 percent fit, before they allow them to play again. Svendborg does not wish to jeopardize their chances in the Play-Offs and therefore would rather risk losing a few games in Januar, if they have to play without their main guys for a while.

Naestved VS Randers (64-89): After an even first quarter nothing seemed to work for Naestved. The ball just did not go in the net for the home team.
7-17 Free throws is also a first for a Geoff Kotila team.
Naestved pretty much beat themselves this night, while Randers played a solid game and saw Bonell Colas (206-F-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Florida) and young Dane Chris Nielsen (193-G-85) but up big numbers.
Colas had 25 points and 12 rebounds, while combo-guard Chris Nielsen produced the high score of 31 points on 12 for 19 shooting.

Horsholm VS SISU (83-78): An important game for both teams, trying to better their positions in the standings to secure a better spot for either Play-Offs or relegation play.
The game was thrilling to the spectators. SISU led most of the way, but a strong home-team rally ensured the tie and a chance to go into overtime play.
SISU again leaned heavily on the play of their imports, Mychal Kearse (193-G-83, college: Mt.St.Mary's) and Jesse Pellot-Rosa (193-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth), who scored 31 and 17 points for them, while Horsholms attack was more balanced and in the end, proved to be more productive when the game was on the line.
For Horsholm Jesse Pellot-Rosa had 23 points and 8 steals, while four other players also scored 10 or more points.

*****************************************************

D-LEAGUE

D-League Round: 27 (Regular Season) - by Surujh Roopnarine
Reno Bighorns (83) at Erie BayHawks (88)
Ivan Harris (6'7''-F-84, college: Ohio St.) scored a season-high 30 points to lead the Erie BayHawks to an 88-83 home victory over the visiting Reno BigHorns. Harris, an Ohio State product, connected on 15-26 from the field while playing all but 1:08 of the entire game. Teammate Erik Daniels (6'9''-G/F-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Kentucky) followed with 12 points and a game high 16 rebounds. Antonio Meeking (6'8''-F-81, college: Louisiana Tech) continued his strong play for an inept BigHorns squad wit a team high 18 points.
BIGHORNS: Antonio Meeking (18pt+5rb), Damone Brown (17pt+9rb+5to), David Noel (6'6''-G/F-84, college: N.Carolina) (17pt), Patrick Ewing (9pt+11rb)
BAYHAWKS: Ivan Harris (30pt+9rb), Maureece Rice (18pt), Erik Daniels (12pt+16rb), Jackie Manuel (13pt+9rb)

Bakersfield Jam (117) at Fort Wayne Mad Ants (115)
Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) buried a 17 foot jumper with no time remaining on the shot clock and only 28 seconds left in regulation to secure a 117-115 road victory for the top ranked Bakersfield Jam over the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. Bakersfield took control of the game early by hitting 13 of 15 free throws for a 31-25 first quarter lead. The Jam extended that lead in the second quarter and took a nine-point advantage into the half.
The Jam extended their lead to as much as 16 in the third quarter before the Mad Ants started to climb back. Johnson, the prime-time scorer from Jackson State, scored a season-high 33 points to lead the Jam, including 15-17 from the free-throw line. Derrick Byars (6'8''-G/F-84, college: Vanderbilt) and Nick Lewis (6'10''-F/C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: San Diego) followed with 22 and 21 points respectively. Fort Wayne Received strong scoring contributions from current D-League assist leader Walker Russell (6'0''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) (23) and DeWitt Scott (6'6''-F-85, college: IPFW) (22).
JAM: Trey Johnson (33pt), Nick Lewis (21pt+1orb), Derrick Byars (22pt+5rb), Terrance Thomas (14pt+10rb)
MAD ANTS: Walker Russell (23pt+8as+6st), DeWitt Scott (22pt), Coleman Collins (18pt+9rb), Ron Howard (16pt)

Los Angeles D-Fenders (90) at Austin Toros (98)
Austin extended their winning streak to eight, as Andre Brown (6'9''-F/C-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: De Paul) tallied 18 points and 15 rebounds in a 98-90 victory over the visiting Los Angeles D-Fenders. Marcus Williams (6'7''-F-86, college: Arizona) also scored 18 points for the Toros, whose winning streak is the second-longest in franchise history. Charles Gaines (6'7''-F-81, college: S.Mississippi) scored 17 points while Malik Hairston (6'6''-G-87, college: Oregon) added 16 and Brian Morrison 12. Dwayne Mitchell (6'5''-G-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: La-Lafayette) scored 19 points and C.J. Giles (6'11''-F/C-85, college: Oregon St.) added 18 and 15 rebounds for the D-Fenders, who have lost two in a row and six of seven.
D-FENDERS: Dwayne Mitchell (19pt+7rb), C.J. Giles (18pt+15rb+5bs), Joe Crawford (17pt+6rb), Brandon Heath (16pt)
TOROS: Andre Brown (18pt+15rb), Charles Gaines (15pt+13rb), Marcus Williams (18pt+5rb), Malik Hairston (16pt+7rb)

Sioux Falls Skyforce (83) at Idaho Stampede (100)
The Idaho Stampede exploded for 36 fourth quarter points as they extended a one point lead into a 17 demolition of the visiting Sioux Falls Skyforce, 100-83, last night in Boise. With the victory, Idaho remains undefeated on their home court this season. Luke Jackson (6'7''-F/G-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Oregon) and Jamaal Tatum (6'2''-G-84, college: S.Illinois) paced Idaho with 22 points a piece. Carl Elliott (6'4''-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) led Sioux Falls with 19 points.
SKYFORCE: Carl Elliott (19pt), Glen McGowan (17pt+10rb), Bobby Jones (12pt+8rb), Frank Williams (11pt+5to)
STAMPEDE: Luke Jackson (22pt+10rb+6as), Jamaal Tatum (22pt+5rb+5as), Brent Petway (15pt+7bs), Jermareo Davidson (14pt+9rb)

Albuquerque Thunderbirds (98) at Anaheim Arsenal (101)
The Anaheim Arsenal held off a fourth quarter rally from the visiting Albuquerque Thunderbirds to secure a 101-98 victory last night. James White (6'6''-G-84, agency: Court Side, college: Cincinnati) scored 10 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter while Noel Felix (6'9''-C/F-81, college: Fresno St.) and Marcus Campbell (7'0''-C-82, agency: SportsTalent, college: Mississippi St.) combined for 38 points and 21 rebounds in the frontcourt. D-League leading scorer Will Conroy (6'2''-G-82, college: Washington) could not be slowed by Anaheim as he scored 17 of his 26 points in the fourth quarter as Albuquerque stormed back into the contest. He scored nine straight points for the T-Birds to cut the deficit to 98-96 with 33 seconds to go. Felix made two free throws before David Noel answered with a bucket, keeping it a two-point game with 19 seconds left. Anaheim's Geno Carlisle (6'3''-G-76, college: California) left the door open by splitting two foul shots with 17 seconds to play, but Conroy and Noel missed shots on Albuquerque's final possession.
T-BIRDS: Will Conroy (26pt+5rb+8as+6to), David Noel (23pt+10rb+6to), David Monds (22pt+8rb), Jasper Johnson (11pt)
ARSENAL: James White (27pt+7rb), Noel Felix (22pt+8rb), Marcus Campbell (16pt+13rb), Geno Carlisle (12pt+5as)

*****************************************************

EGYPT

7th place game in Dubai, Itthad Alexanria Vs Jeish Army Damascus - by Sherif Soliman
After loosing the quarter Final game from Zien(Jor) by 23 po. (81-58), Itthad will look for the 1st win today when facing Jiesh of Damascus, Itthad reached the quarter final when Chanviel (Leb) didnt show up and the committe considered itthad wining 20-0 according to the rules.Todays game will be very important for itthad players who lost all the game played in Dubai.They will have a very difficult game in cairo facing Gezira on the 31st . However, Egyptian teams couldnt reach the semi -final in the last cuople of years when the rules allowed three imports witch make things very hard for Egyptian teams.Derrick Franklin (208-C-81, college: Columbus St.)

*****************************************************

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: 77 pts made was enough to win - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 18: Four games tonight and in three of them 77 pts made was enough to win. Torpan Pojat (Helsinki) defeated visitor Kouvot (Kouvola)
77-74. The game MVP was Isaac Spencer (198-F-78, agency: Tank Sports, college: Murray St.) (ToPo) with 28 pts. Panu Vertio (196-G/F-86) added 15 pts, which is his career best on top level. In Uusikaupunki visitor YMCA Lahti scored 77 pts, which was four pts more than Korihait was able to score. Sami Pekkola (201-F-83) (YMCA Lahti) netted game high 25 pts. In Karkkila hosting Team Componenta was down by 22 pts during the half time (22-44) vs YMCA Lappeenranta. Visitor YMCA LPR made 77 pts in the game and won finally by nine pts. Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola) led the winning team with 18 pts. In Porvoo local Tarmo had 77 pts done already at the end of the third quarter. Jouni Gronroos coaching first time ever Tarmo and first time on the top level in three years, had a good start for his new team. Tarmo crushed FoKoPo (Forssa) by 35 pts: 93-58. DeWayne Richardson (202-F-77, college: Fairmont St.) was the game MVP with 22 pts and 15 rbs.

Torpan Pojat - Kouvot 77-74 (39-39) (Isaac Spencer 28, Panu Vertio 15, James Allen 11 - Tuomas Iisalo 16, Matt Williams 13/13, Samu Kaaresvirta 12).

Korihait - YMCA Lahti 73-77 (44-37) (Josh Gonner 19, Bojan Sarcevic 14, Mark Zoller 13 - Sami Pekkola 25, Vesa Makalainen 23/10, Ilkka Vuori 10).

Team Componenta - YMCA LPR 68-77 (22-44) (Frank Richards 18, Kenneth Henderson 16/14, Darrell Waters 13 - Chanan Colman 18, HL Coleman 17, Jouko Jarvinen 16).

Tarmo - FoKoPo 93-58 (44-33) (DeWayne Richardson 22/15, Magen McNeil 19, Victor Morris 17 - Esa Maki-Tulokas 13, Ray Cunningham 12, Ronald Yates 11).

Korisliiga Round: 18 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Componenta - LrNMKY 68-77
Componenta lost at home to LrNMKY 68:77 as Colman Chanan top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Richards Frank had the same number of points in the losing effort, whilst Henderson Kenneth collected 16 points and 14 boards.

Korihait - Namika Lahti 73-77
Namika Lahti improved to 13-5 on top after a road win over Korihait 73:77. Pekkola Sami paced all the winners with 25 points, while Makalainen Vesa added 23. Gonner Josh brought 19 points for the home side.

Tarmo - FoKoPo 93-58
Tarmo overcame FoKoPo 93:58 behind 22 points and 15 boards from Richardson DeWayne. A newcomer McNeil scored 19 and Morris had 17. Maki-Tulokas finished the night with 13 points in defeat.

KTP - Honka 76-77
KTP was beaten by Honka 76:77 and fell at 12-6. Cummings Monte top-scored for the winners with 19 points and Scott Akeem collected 18 points and 11 boards. Williams Damon had 22 points and 15 caroms in defeat.

Kataja - Pyrinto 109-83
Kataja beat Pyrinto 109:83 for 13-5 record. Wood Jeremiah top-scored for the winners with 32 points and 11 rebounds, whilst Blair Larry had 30 points. Rice Kurtis chipped in 15 points in the losing effort.

ToPo - Kouvot 77-74
ToPo sensationally beat Kouvot 77:74 in Regular Season Round 18. Spencer Isaac paced all the winners with 28 points, while Vertio Panu added 15. Iisalo Tuomas ended up with 16 points in defeat.

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Kataja	13-5
2. Lahti	12-5
3. Kouvot	12-5
4. KTP	12-6
5. Korihait	9-7
6. Honka	9-8
7. FoKoPo	8-9
8. Componenta	7-10
9. LrNMKY	6-10
10. ToPo	6-10
11. Pyrinto	5-13
12. Tarmo	3-14

*****************************************************

GERMANY

Brian Brown returns to Trier - by Manuel Schust
TBB Trier welcomes a familiar face: Brian Brown (191-G-79, agency: Passing Lane, college: Ohio St.), who spent two seasons from 2004 to 2006 at Moselle River, signed a two month contract that is valid until February 2009.
He will replace team captain James Gillingham (193-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Bradley), who suffered a foot injury and will be sidelined for at least 6 weeks.
Trier also got the option to sign Brown for the rest of the season.
After spending last season with Eisbaeren Bremerhaven, where he averaged 10.7 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game, the 29-year old american signed with Anwil Wloclawek in November 2008. After just 5 games with the polish club, Brown left the team and decided to return to Germany, where he started his overseas career in 2002 with Telekom Baskets Bonn.

Mirolybov joins Chemnitz in latest coaching switch - by Moritz Korff
Another coaching switch - a somehow unexpected one - took place in German basketball at the end of 2008. As BV Chemnitz 99 (2. Bundesliga Pro A) announced on its website, Anton Mirolybov has been appointed the new head coach and will leave Hertener Loewen immediately to join the Niners. He inked a contract that runs through the summer of 2010. The Finnish coach will be the successor to Torsten Loibl who move to the position as a sport director.
Meanwhile, the Lions from Herten reacted right away and named Toni Hed their new head coach. The 40-year-old Croatian worked for the coaching staff at FC Bayern Muenchen most recently.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners Surprise Maccabi Tel Aviv 73-70 In Friendly Game - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It is typical to come off a plane from The United State and be tired, cranky and have excessive jetlag in the bones, but to stand on the Basketball floor some hours later and face Maccabi Tel Aviv one of Europes top addresses is really only something that could come from the manuscript of Murat Didin. Somehow The Deutsche Bank Skyliners found a way on Christmas Eve to schedule two games against the Euroleague winner of 2004 and 2005. Frankfurt played without Americans Lorenzo Gordon, Jimmy Mckinney, Derrick Allen and Anthony King and were still able to pull off a 73-70 win. Maccabi Tel Aviv were also shorthanded as current Euro league all time leading scorer American Marcus Brown and American Jason Williams sat out.

It is really a game that one can not overvalue since the Frankfurt players had returned back from vacation and Maccabi Tel Aviv had arrived only a few hours before game time. This was a friendly game. Maccabi Tel Aviv are trying to find their way in the Eurolague. I know coach Pini Gershon well, who has a lot of experience and he is doing a good job upgrading his team. Both teams fought very hard and it was a nice return after a week of vacation, expressed Frankfurt coach Murat Didin. Maccabi Tel Aviv are also back after vacation and are gearing up for the Euroleague and the Israel league starting up on January 11th. Even though it was only a practice game, it was obvious that the 46 time Israel champion was taking this Sunday night duel against Frankfurt very serious. It was a long day for us with travel, but there was no excuse for losing like this. We need to play better than that. We have to communicate better on offense and defense to be successful, warned seven year NBA veteran Carlos Arroyo. Even if some Skyliners might not have admitted it, one could sense that the opponent was being held in high esteem.I was really excited to go head to head against Maccabi Tel Aviv. We knew who they were and had a lot of respect for them. We wanted to play hard and see how we measure up. I think we did a fine job, commented American Keith Sminnons.

The game started off a bit wild, but that was no surprise as both teams still had some travel woes in their legs. For children, a paradise is the toy department in any store, and for many onlookers this evening, the BCM was a paradise with many zestfully players like ex NBA player Carlos Arroyo, or 2000 Chicago Bulls NBA draft pick Marcus Fizer, or ex NBA player of the Portland Trailblazers Marcus Brown, but it was one of the other Americans Chester tre Simmons, who got hot and who might have had some puzzled if Keith Simmons had secretly changed clubs overnight? Simmons was red hot scoring 11 of the first 13 Maccabi points showing his dangerous play hitting three pointers, finishing off the fast break, making a steal under the basket and scoring and making a catch and pop jumper. Frankfurt was keeping pace, but was still lagging behind Maccabi Tel Aviv as they were turning over the ball too much and not shooting consistently. Skyliner Pascal Roller, who had had problems as off late with his shooting consistency, might of clandestinely been wishing for his shot to return as a Christmas gift and Santa Claus just might of fulfilled his wish, as the captain was as dominant as ever from outside. Roller hit from outside to cut the Maccabi Tel Aviv lead to 15-10, but Frankfurt was suffering what most BBL teams had been seeing the last weeks against Frankfurt, as Pini Gershon was able to use his deep bench and play more bodies than Murat Didin. Puerto Rican National Player Carlos Arroyo, who last played for the Orlando Magic, showed his sweet shooting ability giving Macabbi Tel Aviv a 20 to 13 lead. Pascal Roller hit a three pointer late and American Marcus Fizer follwed with a hoop. After one quarter, the 36 time Israel cup holder had a commanding26 to 16 lead. Frankfurt was doing the best they could with the eight players, but still showed that even after one week off, that rust had not accumulated much during the holidays.

In the second quarter, Maccabi Tel Aviv continued to dominate, but Frankfurt kept their foot in the door never letting the opponents lead by more than 11 points. Greg Jenkins had his hands full down low, but showed real fighter qualities doing the best job he could against the heavier Marcus Fizer. The fadeaway jumper of Greg Jenkins seems be as well oiled as a Ferrarri Formula one car is on race day. Jenkins hit one over Fizer and has a simple solution for not getting intimidated by the opponent. For me this was just another game, but in the back of my mind, I knew they were a great team. I never let a name effect my game, stated American Greg Jenkins. As Pascal Roller continued to show his soft touch from down town, it was time for ex BBL star D or Fischer to make an entrance. Fischer has made huge leaps since Oldenbug and has really stepped up his game. Last season he was top rebounder for Bree in the Belgian league and now he is an important role player for Maccabi Tel Aviv. Coach Murat Didin loves a big man who can run and Fischer quickly showed his awakeness scoring on the fast break and then making a put back under the hole. Macabi Tel Aviv still led 31-21.

Up to this point, Ilian Evtimov had seen better days. His outside shot was as cold as the Bering Strait, so instead of continuing to shoot bricks, he decided to go inside and muscled his way for two points on the reverse layup. Frankfurt continued to stay in the game, but Maccabi didnt have any scoring slumps either as they were scoring often inside as Frankfurt had little resistance. Yaniv Green made a sweet left handed lay in underneath. Pascal Roller made another deep three pointer with a hand in his face. American Chester Simmons returned to close out the second quarter with a very athletic lay in the zone. Maccabi Tel Aviv led 40-32 at half time. Maccabi Tel Aviv was shooting an astounding 62% from the field and were dominating the paint with a 18-6 margin. They also had the rebounding upper hand with 16-14. Both clubs had problem with the turnovers as Maccabi had 12 and Frankfurt 10.

Maccabi Tel Aviv kept control of the game in the third quarter as they continued to find many ways to score. Pascal Roller kept drowning shots, but Maccabi always had an answer as Marcus Fizer and Chester Simmons scored. German Konrad Wysocki, who been some what quiet on the scoring list sunk an outside jumper. But instead of making some stops on defense, Frankfurt allowed an unmarked D Or Fischer to march into the zone and finish with a very delicate two handed soft dunk that looked like he was protecting the rim from any damage. However then may off come the turning point of the game as Greg Jenkins blocked Green. Frankfurt could not capitalize on the next possession, but had to watch Carlos Arroyo sink another outside shot, but that was all the scoring Maccabi Tel Aviv would do for some minutes as Frankfurt went on a 15-3 run and take a 56-55 lead after three quarters.

In this run phase, Frankfurt stepped up the intensity as they were doing the job on both ends of the floor. It didnt help Maccabi Tel Aviv that they werent hitting shots. Frankfurt countered with a Pascal Roller shot clock buzzer beater, a Konrad Wysocki reverse layup, an Ilian Evtimov hoop with some kind of new shot creation with a mini hook lay up, and another Pascal Roller outside shot, where he was abstracted by an opponent. Greg Jenkins made a tip in off an Evtimov miss. Maccabi Tel Aviv led only 53-51, but then it was time for them to score again as Carlos Arroyo showed his calmness making a runner in the lane, showing that not only Chris Paul has mastered this shot. After a Jenkins steal, Titus Ivory showed his ferocious outside shot with a three pointer and Konrad Wysocki ended the quarter with the Frankfurt lead. We started to play better defense in the second half. We got some easy transition baskets and ran the floor well, added American Keith Simmons.

The fourth quarter didnt really turn into a nail bitter until the last two minutes as Frankfurt held the lead and only let Maccabi Tel Aviv closer down the stretch. Maccabi Tel Aviv came out with a lot of intensity and was able to take the lead one more time 58 to 57 on another acrobatic Carlos Arroyo shot as he scored while falling. Frankfurt retook the lead 58-57 with two Titus Ivory free throws and would never relinquish the lead again. Ilian Evtimov finally regained his outside shooting touch hitting a three pointer from downtown Frankfurt as that ball seemed to be up and not wanting to come down. Carlos Arroyo continued to show his scoring ability and versatility as he took a quick step to his left and drained an outside shot. However Frankfurt went on a mini 5-0 run to lead 66-61. Konrad Wysocki scored on a fast break from a tasty pass from Titus Ivory. Ivory followed with a steal and Ilian Evtimov scored off an offensive rebound. Frankfurt was a tick better than Maccabi Tel Aviv and time was running out, but the top Israel team had an extra kick left to make the game exciting with the minutes winding down. Now Maccabi Tel Aviv showed their complete class as a top European Basketball team keeping their nerves on board and going on a 6-0 run to cut the Frankfurt lead to 66-65. Yaniv Green made the Frankfurt zone his personal own property making two easy buckets down low with minimal Frankfurt resistance on defense. Carlos Arroyo then made a free throw. Greg Jenkins then might have made his prettiest hoop since his arrival in Frankfurt and showed why The Deutsche Bank Skyliners gave him a contract until the end of the season. Greg Jenkins is known for possessing a potent fade away jumper, but in this instance he put extra spices in with a few head fakes, a body fake that looked like a piece of art and the jumper not giving Green any chance for stopping him.

Frankfurt led 68-65, but Maccabi Tel Aviv was not swept away, but still had a surprise in Pini Gershons side pocket as little used American Derrick Sharp sunk a huge three pointer knotting the game at 68-68. Derrick Sharp might be 37, but is still an important role player, who was averaging 10ppg two years ago in Euroleague play. He has played for Maccabi Tel Aviv since 1996 and shows that one does not have to change teams each season for the best contract that is available. In the past, in a situation like this, Frankfurt would have been prone to lose tight games, but this season, Frankfurt not only has the special quality of letting themselves believe that winning is always possible, but the onlookers are having more and more difficulty of getting scared that something could go wrong. Evtimov brought out his most dangerous weapon, the outside shot and hit giving Frankfurt a71-68 lead. Maccabi Tel Aviv struck back as Arroyo found Green inside with a crsip bounce pass for two points. Titus Ivory made two free throws and Frankfurt led 73-70. Maccabi Tel Aviv had enough time in the world with a bout 40 seconds, but couldnt bounce back as Carlos Arroyo missed a fade away jumper in the lane. Frankfurt surely didnt want to keep the excitement to keep going, but did as Konrad Wysocki missed both free throws. Frankfurt still led 73-70 with a bout 20 seconds to go, but instead of going for a three pointer, Maccabi Tel Aviv went for two as Carlos Arroyo tried the exact shot form almost the same spot, but missed again and Frankfurt was able to win, even if it was only a meaningless practice game. We hit more shots down the stretch. We turned the ball over less, rebounded better and got more second chance hoops. Greg Jenkins also did a fine job down low, described Keith Simmons.

Pascal Roller led The Deutsche Bank Skyliners with 21 points. Ilian Evtimov and Konrad Wysocki added 13 points a piece. Maccabi Tel Aviv was led by Chester Simmons with 18 points. Carlos Arroyo chipped in with 17 points .Yaniv Green added 12 points. Ex BBL player and Oldenberg center D Or Fischer didnt see the best Frankfurt Basketball two years ago, but was impressed by the new Deutsche Bank Skyliners. They are a real good team. They will be fighting for the BBL title this season. The competition and win against Maccabi Tel Aviv not only was a nice awakening back into German life for some jet lagged players, but will also help to further strengthen the self confidence for the Eurochallenge. Murat Didin gave his players another belated Christmas present with the famous opponent and his players a gift in return with a win.

*****************************************************

HOLLAND

Eiffel Towers and Amsterdam to play in the semis - by Eurobasket News
Both Eiffel Towers and MyGuide Amsterdam made it to the semifinal stage of the Haarlem Basketball Week international tournament.
Eiffel Towers claimed the second win at the competition as they shot down Puerto Rican Capitanes de Arecibo 74:71 yesterday. The battle turned out to be a spectacular battle of well-matched teams. The Puerto Rican team got to a better start. They dominated the boards and jumped ahead early in the game. Den Bosch struggled to stop their opponents defensively and trailed by 8 points at the first intermission. The things got even worse for Eiffel Towers in the second period. Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) came off the bench for Capitanes to extend the gap to as many as 18 points. Eiffel Towers managed to cut the margin to 15 points at halftime.
However it was a different Den Bosch team on the court after the long break. The shots were dropping from everywhere for the Dutch team and their defense did a good job containing the Capitanes aggressiveness. Den Bosch cut the gap to just 2 points heading into the final term. Capitanes looked stunned and failed to stop Eiffel Towers. Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) and Kees Akerboom (200-F-83, agency: Court Side) sealed the winning outcome for Den Bosch.
Kees Akerboom finished with 25 points to lead the way for Den Bosch. Jerome Beasley added 23 points and 15 boards for the winners. Angel Figueroa answered with 26 points and 9 rebounds for Capitanes de Arecibo in the loss.
Eiffel Towers will now await the outcome of the quarterfinal between Israel and Minas to get to know their semifinal opponents.

*****************************************************

INDIA

59th National Basketball starts on 31st Dec - by Anil Kumar

Surat will hold the 59th Karp Jyothi National Basketball Championship from December 31 to January 7 next. It is for the first time that a national-level basketball tournament is being organised in the state by Gujarat State Basketball Association, Surat District Basketball Association and Youngsters Basketball club.

More than 50 teams and 800 players from across the country will participate in the event. The champion will get the cash prize, while all the players participating in the event will get memento.

The matches will be played at SMC Indoor Stadium, while prelimnary competition will be held in an indoor stadium of VNSGU and outdoor court at SVR college.

Shafique Sheikh, organising secretary of the event, said 28 men and 25 women teams from all over India will participate in the event and will play 120 matches. Based on their performance, teams are divided into six groups A, B, C and D. Eight hundred National and International players will take part in this competition.

''Group A and B will comprise 10 top-seeded teams of 58th National Basketball Championship, while Group C to F will be of remaining teams. Two teams from C to F groups will qualify for knockout stage, while four teams each from A and B will be qualifying for the stage. Teams which cannot qualify will play loser's knockout,'' Mr Sheikh added.

National Basketball Championship is the highest level championship in the country and best performer players will be selected for National team from the event. International players like S Robinson, S Siraz, Anup Kumar, Dilip Rana, Shiv Kumar and Ejazzuddin will participate in the event.

''We have developed a special village at Amroli for comfortable stay during event including transportation to the venue. For the first time, champion team will be given cash prize, while all players participating in the competition will be honoured with memento. The event will definitely improve the standard of the game in Gujarat and especially in Surat,'' Shaktisinh Gohil, organising president, said.

He added that event will cost around Rs 60 lakh and the entire amount has been funded by private companies Karp Impex and Jyoti CNC Automation.

*****************************************************

IRAN

Iranian ballers comemmorate Aidin Nikkhahs demise - by Houman Bagheri

Iranian ballers comemmorate Aidin Nikkhah's demise - by Houman Bagheri
TEHRAN - Iran national team and Saba played a symbolic match, commemorating the first death anniversary of Aidin Nik-khah Bahrami. In the match, which was held in Tehran's Azadi Stadium, the ballers on both sides had Idin's picture on their jerseys, while all Saba players wore No.9, and all players on the national side were on the court with No. 8 shirts.

Aidin Nikkhah Bahrami, was one of the most prominent figures in Iranian basketball who helped the national team qualify for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. His brother, Samad who played for the Iranian national team during Olympic Games is now a member of Frances lan Barnais Pau-Orthez.

Aidin died in a car accident on December 27, 2007 on TehranChalus road along with his fiance.

God Bless You Aidin. We all miss you!

*****************************************************

ISRAEL

Israel fire down Astana Tigers - by Eurobasket News
Israel - Astana Tigers 88:73

Israel National Team claimed the second win at the Haarlem Basketball Week in Amsterdam. They wrapped up the Pool B action with a tough win over Kazakhstan team Astana. Thus Israel advanced into the quarterfinal stage where they would take on the tournaments defending champions Minas from Brazil. The Astana Tigers slipped at 1-2 record but still made to the playoffs. They are scheduled to play against Netherlands for a chance to reach semis.
Astana were the first to strike as they won the opening frame. The Tigers held on to a 2-point lead after ten minutes of action. Israel however soon got into action and surged in front. Yuval Naimy (185-G/F-86) stepped up for the Israeli team as they piled up a 41:37 lead at halftime. The things got even better for Israel as they accumulated a 15-point lead midway through the third frame. The Tigers trimmed the gap to 12 points with one quarter to go. But Israel looked solid in the final ten minutes of the encounter and sealed the winning outcome at the end.
Robert Rothbart (216-C-86) had 19 points to topscore for Israel. Yuval Naimy contributed 18 points, while Anton Shoutvin (206-C/F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 10 points in the win. Aleksandr Tiutiunik (198-F-90) fired 18 points for Astana. Anton Ponomarev (209-C-88) posted 16 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

Israel: Robert Rothbart 19, Yuval Naimy 18, Anton Shoutvin 10
Astana Tigers: Aleksandr Tiutiunik 18, Anton Ponomarev 16+11 boards

*****************************************************

ITALY

Cantu wins third in a row - by Gianni Pascucci
In another anticipated game of the Serie A Round 12, played yesterday night in Camt, home team NCG defeated Solsonica Rieti 88-69 making an important step toward the Italy Cup Final Eight. In a well distributed offensive game, five players of Cantu ended the game in double digits, with Sundiata Gaines (185-G-86, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Georgia) being the game MVP at 15 pts, 1 rebound, 4 steals and 6 assists. Jason Rich (191-G-86) and Nicolas Mazzarino (181-G-75, agency: Players Group) added 15 each they too, while the best players in Rieti were Jerry Green (191-G-80, college: Cal-Irvine) with 14 pts and Vangelis Sklavos (202-F-77) with 13 pts.

Standings - SerieA

SerieA Standings

1. Montepaschi	11-0
2. La Fortezza	8-4
3. Premiata	7-4
4. Banca Tercas	7-4
5. Armani MI	6-5
6. Lottomatica	6-5
7. Benetton	6-5
8. NGC Cantu	6-6
9. Scavolini	5-6
10. Eldo Caserta	5-6
11. Fortitudo	5-6
12. Air AV	5-6
13. Angelico BI	4-7
14. Snaidero	3-8
15. Solsonica	3-9
16. Carife FE	3-9

*****************************************************

JORDAN

Zain ready for the battle - by Eurobasket News
Zain reached a Final of 20th Dubai International Tournament. In the Quarterfinal game the team from Jordan overcame Al Ittihad Alexandria from Egypt 81:56. The favorites took 24:18 after the opening quarter and increased to 39:29 at the halftime. The margin was plus 20 at the end of the third frame and Zain easily led the way to the victory. Ontario Lett (198-F-79, agency: BrezoPro, college: Pittsburgh) and Zeid Abbas (203-F-83) led Zain with 13 points each. Derrick Franklin (208-C-81, college: Columbus St.) scored 17 points for Al Ittihad Alexandria.
In the semifinal game Zain edged Al Jalaa Aleppo 73:69 in a real thriller. Even though the favorite won the first period 21-17 and had 37-34 at the halftime, Al Jalaa Aleppo stepped in front for 54-52 before the last quarter. Only at the end of the game the team from Jordan could grab the victory and advanced to the Final. Ontario Lett top-scored for Zain with 22 points, whilst Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) had 16. Michel Maadanli (196-G-81, agency: Huss Sport Agency) produced 15 points for Al Jalaa Aleppo.
In the Final game of 20th Dubai International Tournament Zain will face Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut from Lebanon tonight.

*****************************************************

KAZAKHSTAN

LEBANON

Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut reaches the Final - by Eurobasket News

Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut reaches the Final in 20th Dubai International Tournament.
The Quarterfinal game saw Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut beating Al Jeish Army Damascus 85:77. It was a great game while the team from Lebanon was the favorite even before the matchup. Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut started the game with 30:20 taking full control of the game. Al Jeish Army Damascus won the second period and reduced to 45:38 at the halftime. The game remained tough in the second half and the board showed 60:51 at the end of the third frame. At the end the team from Syria could come closer but Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut saved an important victory. Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) led the winners with 31 points, while Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) netted 21. Chad Hendrick (197-G/F-79, college: Houston) produced 23 points for Al Jeish Army Damascus.
In the semifinal game Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut overcame An Nasr from UAE 86:71. The team from Lebanon easily opened the game with 31-11 and never looked behind after. Knight Johnson (199-F-77, college: Louisville) and Fadi El Khatib led the winners with 18 points each. Saleh Sultan had 16 for An Nasr, while Trello Galloway scored 15.

In the Final game of 20th Dubai International Tournament Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut will face Zain from Jordan tonight.

*****************************************************

LITHUANIA

LKL Round: 12 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Sakalai - Kaunas Tr. 95-89
Sakalai gained just the third victory in the season as they held off Kaunas Triobet at home court. Vytautas Sarakauskas nailed 21 points for Sakalai. Nerijus Strazdauskas had 15 points in the winning case. Povilas Butkevicius and Adas Juskevicius answered with 12 points each for Kaunas Triobet in defeat.

Lietuvos - Neptunas 106-80
Lietuvos Rytas posted the eighth win in the LKL as they rallied past Neptunas in Vilnius. Michailis Anisimovas scored 18 points and grabbed 9 boards to lead the way. Minduagas Lukauskis added 18 points in the win. Deividas Gailius scored 24 points and pulled down 8 rebounds for Neptunas in the losing effort.

*****************************************************

NCAA1

Devendorf returns to Orange - by Kevin Cochran
Syracuse guard Eric Devendorf (6'4''-G-87) has completed the requirements necessary to be reinstated, coach Jim Boeheim said in a statement released by the school Saturday.

Devendorf practiced with the team Friday night and was expected to play in Tuesday's Big East opener against Seton Hall, though it will be up to Boeheim as to whether he will play and how much.

Devendorf, the second-leading scorer for Syracuse (No. 14 ESPN/USA Today, No. 17 AP), was ordered by the University Appeals Board to perform 40 hours of community service before he would be eligible to play again after a dispute with a fellow student.

Devendorf was suspended beginning with last Saturday's 72-65 win at Memphis (No. 21 ESPN/USA Today, No. 23 AP) and also missed an 82-71 win over Coppin St. on Monday.

The school's appeals board ruled last Friday that Devendorf could petition to be readmitted if he completed the community service.

A decision by a judicial hearing board initially recommended suspending Devendorf, a 6-foot-4 junior, for at least the remainder of the academic year for allegedly hitting a female student in the jaw with the heel of his hand during an off-campus altercation Nov. 1.

But according to Pete Moore, the director of athletic communications at Syracuse, the University Appeals Board's findings determined it was a verbal dispute and 'basically a violation of the student code of conduct.'

The female student's lawyer has maintained his client never said Devendorf hit her and that her statement to police was misconstrued in their report on the incident.

Courtesy: ESPN.com

Mountaineers Maul Buckeyes - by Kevin Cochran

West Virginia held 15th-ranked Ohio St. to 20 second-half points in a runaway 76-48 victory over the Buckeyes Saturday afternoon at Value City Arena in Columbus.

The Mountaineers (10-2) completely dominated a Buckeye team that came into the game with the nations longest winning streak at 14 and winners of 65 of their last 67 in Columbus against non-ranked teams. OSU also was working on a 12-game home winning streak and was 42-4 at the VCA while ranked in the Top 25.

All of that goes by the wayside on Saturday.

'It's nice to play well here', said W.Virginia coach Bob Huggins . 'I have a ton of friends and family who were at this game and have spent the majority of my life here (in Ohio). We needed to play hard against a very good basketball team today. I have wonderful kids that play hard. I wish they would grow to be 6-10, but these kids do what they need to do to win games.'

'We weren't very good,' said Ohio St. coach Thad Matta . 'Its just that simple. W.Virginia had a lot to do with it. We couldnt capitalize on momentum and really let our guard down on defense.'

Alex Ruoff (6'6''-G) scored 17 points to lead four W.Virginia double-figure scorers. Dasean Butler (6'7''-F-88) contributed 16 points, Darryl Bryant (6'2''-G) scored 11 and Devin Ebanks (6'9''-F) added 10.

'After we went up early in the first half, they got their big run and that was it for us,' said Matta.

The Mountaineers went on their big run in the second half when Butler was on the bench after picking up his fourth foul.

William Buford (6'5''-G) and Jeremie Simmons (6'2''-G) scored 11 points each, while Evan Turner (6'7''-G) scored 10 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Ohio St., which drops to 9-1.

Touted 7-foot Buckeye center B.J. Mullens (7'0''-C) finished the game 1 of 5 from the floor for 4 points.

Ohio St. was a frigid 7 of 27 shooting (25.9 percent) in the second half and finished the game shooting only 31 percent.

The Mountaineers were much better close to the basket, hitting 31 of 65 overall for 47.7 percent. Behind the 3-point arc W.Virginia was only 4 of 20.

'We didnt want Ohio St. to have structure on the defensive end and I thought we did a good job of spreading them out by not letting their big guys stay underneath the basket,' said Huggins.

WVU also beat Ohio St. on the glass, 42-38, and forced 12 Buckeye turnovers.

Courtesy: MSNsportsnet.com

*****************************************************

NICARAGUA

Super Santiago won National League - by Gianni Pascucci
The team Super Santiago de Jinotepe, Carazo confirmed its top ranking winning the Nicaragua National League two weeks ago in Managua. In the final game, Super Santiago defeated Tiburones de Chontales 78-66 led by Manuel McKenzie (192-F-83), who scored 25 points. The other best performers at the winning side were Anthony Gayle (185-G-80) with 16, Carlos Gonzalez (177-G-80) and Maycal Abner (198-F-82) with 11 pts each. Michael Moreno (-G/F) and Carlos Rocha (-G/F) were the best in Tiburones, with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Fupade Coast, this time separated from Super Santiago, took the bronze medal, thanks to a win, 84-78 over San Luis in the 'Little Final' with Troy Watson (197-F/C-82) leading the way at 22 points and Elijah Allen (193-F-73) adding 20

*****************************************************

PARAGUAY

A new team in Liga Metro 2009 - by Gianni Pascucci
Asncion based team Deportivo Sajonia triumphed in Division 2-Ascenso in mid-december and will make its debut in Metropolitan League First Division in 2009. The Orangemen of Sajonia defeated in the Finals Ex Alumnos de San Jose 2-1 (with a clear 71-56 win in the decisive third game). The team coach is veteran player Hector Torres, nicknamed 'Panther' and Sajonia is lead on the court by Francisco Yugovich (175-G-81), a former Libertad player who serves also as coach assistant.

*****************************************************

PBL

Green Mountaing Tip-Off Day 1 results - by Gianni Pascucci
The Vermont Frost Heaves opened the Green Mountain Tip-Off pre-season tournment defeating the Quebec Kebs 96-85 at the Barre Auditorium in Barre, Vt. with a 96-85 win over the Quebec City Kebekwa. Greg Plummer (6'4''-G-83, agency: Huss Sport Agency, college: Eckerd) paced the Frost Heaves scoring 15 points. Joe Williams (6'7''-C-79, college: Austin Peay St.) added 14 pts and Joe Nixon (6'5''-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: DePauw) 13 at the winning side. Charles Fortier (6'4''-G-79) ended the game with 15 points for Quebec, and teammate Larry House (6'4''-F/G-80, college: Creighton) added 13 points and nine rebounds. In the second game of the night, the Manchester Millrats shot past the Montreal Sasquatch 105-98 with Sam Carey (6'8''-F-85, agency: Passing Lane) leading the way at 17 points, Desmond Ferguson (6'7''-G/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: Detroit Mercy) adding 16, and P.J. Young (6'6''-F, college: S.New Hampshire) ending at 13. Former SNHU star Bobby Miller (5'10''-G-74, college: S.New Hampshire) led the Montreal team with 24 points in a losing effort. Montreal will take on Quebec City in the third-place game today at 1:05 p.m, while Vermont will face Manchester in this afternoon's championship game at 4:05 p.m. Despite the Frost Heaves won back-to-back the last two ABA championships before migrating to the Premier Basketball League, Manchester was responsible for all of Vermont's losses last season, beating them in 4 out of 6 games. It will be a very tough game...

*****************************************************

PUERTO RICO

Capitenes drop third in a row in Holland - by Eurobasket News
Capitanes de Arecibo failed to make it to the quarterfinal stage of the international tournament in Netherlands. The Puerto Rican powerhouse lost the third consecutive game yesterday and occupied the last spot in Pool B.
Capitanes de Arecibo came up short against Eiffel Towers 71:74. The battle turned out to be a spectacular battle of well-matched teams. The Puerto Rican team got to a better start. They dominated the boards and jumped ahead early in the game. Den Bosch struggled to stop their opponents defensively and trailed by 8 points at the first intermission. The things got even worse for Eiffel Towers in the second period. Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) came off the bench for Capitanes to extend the gap to as many as 18 points. Eiffel Towers managed to cut the margin to 15 points at halftime.
However it was a different Den Bosch team on the court after the long break. The shots were dropping from everywhere for the Dutch team and their defense did a good job containing the Capitanes aggressiveness. Den Bosch cut the gap to just 2 points heading into the final term. Capitanes looked stunned and failed to stop Eiffel Towers. Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) and Kees Akerboom (200-F-83, agency: Court Side) sealed the winning outcome for Den Bosch.
Kees Akerboom finished with 25 points to lead the way for Den Bosch. Jerome Beasley added 23 points and 15 boards for the winners. Angel Figueroa answered with 26 points and 9 rebounds for Capitanes de Arecibo. Jeff Aubry (205-C-76, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Cornell) added 21 points and 17 rebounds in the loss.
Capitanes will now take on the winless Francis Marion University for the seventh place at the tournament.

*****************************************************

SLOVENIA

Zlatorog inks Hunter, Olimpija extends Robinson, Miletic ruturns to Gussing - by Zeljko Zule

Zlatorog inked American Vincent Hunter (208-F-84, college: Arkansas) ex Forssan Koripojat for the reminder of the season. He averaged 32 minutes, 17,1 points (2P 86-137 - 63%, 3P 18-47 38%, FT 65-92 - 71%), 6,6 rebounds, 1,2 assists, 0,9 steals and 1,4 blocks in 17 fames of Finnish League.

Union Olimpija has decided to extend the contract with Frank Robinson (193-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) for the reminder of the season.
Dragan Miletic (195-G-82, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) has returned to Austrian team Gussing Knights. He arrives from Furstenfeld Panthers and played just one game this season (16 minutes, 4 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist).

*****************************************************

SOUTH KOREA

KBL Round: 18 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
SK Knights - Samsung Th. 86-97
Samsung Thunders had a road win over SK Knights 86:97 in Regular Season Round 18. Haynes Aaron stepped up with 36 points and 14 rebounds to lead all the leaders. Shannon Terrence had 18 points in the losing effort.

ET Land B.Sl. - KT&G Kites 96-82
ET Land beat KT&G Kites 96:82 on December 28. Powell Carlos top-scored for the winners with 32 points and 9 rebounds, while Jung Young-Sam posted 22. Chandler Marquin shined for the guests with 41 points and 12 boards.

Orions - Mobis Phoebus 88-81
Orions handed Mobis Phoebus the 9th loss upsetting them 88:81. Daniels Chris paced all the winners with 25 points and Kim Seung-Hyun had 20. Blankson Odartey ended up with 22 points in defeat.

KTF M.Wings - KCC Egis 62-65
KTF Wings lost to KCC Egis 62:65 as the latter moved to 11-14 record. Mitchell Carl led the winners with 19 points and 10 rebounds, while Choo Seung-Kyun scored 14. Peters James nailed 18 points for the hosts.

ET Land B.Sl. - KTF M.Wings 69-75
ET Land was beaten by KTF M.Wings 69:75 in the only game scheduled for December 26. Thomas Steve and Peters James combined 46 points for the winners. Powell Carlos produced 25 points in the losing effort.

KCC Egis - Dongbu Promy 87-76
KCC Egis sent Dongbu Promy from the only first place after 87:76 at home. Choo Seung-Kyun chipped in 35 points for the hosts, while Brand Micah netted 17. Okosa Reggie produced 19 points and 11 boards in defeat.

Mobis Phoebus - Samsung Th. 65-73
Mobis Phoebus suffered another loss after being defeated by Samsung 65:73. Haynes Aaron top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Leather Terrence had 16 points and 10 boards. Ham Ji-Hoon finished the night with 22 points for the home side.

KT&G Kites - LG Sakers 72-66
KT&G Kites stun LG Sakers 72:66 on December 27. Chandler Marquin notched 21 points and made 11 boards, whilst Yang Hee-Jong scored 16. Crump Brandon ended up with 22 points in defeat.

*****************************************************

SYRIA

Al Jalaa Aleppo stops in the semis, while Al Jeish Army Damascus lost in the Quarterfinal game - by Eurobasket News
The 20th Dubai International Tournament will not see the representatives from Syria in the Final. In the semifinal game Zain edged Al Jalaa Aleppo 73:69 in a real thriller. Even though the favorite won the first period 21-17 and had 37-34 at the halftime, Al Jalaa Aleppo stepped in front for 54-52 before the last quarter. Only at the end of the game the team from Jordan could grab the victory and advanced to the Final. Ontario Lett (198-F-79, agency: BrezoPro, college: Pittsburgh) top-scored for Zain with 22 points, whilst Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) had 16. Michel Maadanli (196-G-81, agency: Huss Sport Agency) produced 15 points for Al Jalaa Aleppo.
The Quarterfinal game saw Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut beating Al Jeish Army Damascus 85:77. It was a great game while the team from Lebanon was the favorite even before the matchup. Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut started the game with 30:20 taking full control of the game. Al Jeish Army Damascus won the second period and reduced to 45:38 at the halftime. The game remained tough in the second half and the board showed 60:51 at the end of the third frame. At the end the team from Syria could come closer but Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut saved an important victory. Ahmad Ismail led the winners with 31 points, while Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) netted 21. Chad Hendrick (197-G/F-79, college: Houston) produced 23 points for Al Jeish Army Damascus.

*****************************************************

TANZANIA

JKT, ABC shine in Kili RBA League - by Carlos Pereira
By Kimani Kim

The Dar es Salaam Premier Basketball League (Kili RBA) tournament yesterday took off at a blistering start with the local teams fighting for the title.
In the match played at the National Indoor Stadium JKT beat Mgulani 80-38 in a one-sided encounter.
Charles Makene and Himid Choka who posted 18 and 15 points respectively were the match's top marksmen.
JKT finished the first half leading 45-26. Mgulani scored their points through Ibrahim Dua and Edmund Pastory who each posted 10 points.
The second match at the same venue saw the National Basketball League (NBL) winners ABC thrashing debutantes Claws 93-42 in another one-sided encounter.
Gilbert Butungi and veteran Haleluya Kavalambi were the match heroes yesterday.
Kavalambi slammed home 16 points while his team mate posted 16 points.
Claws banked on the Joseph Kisusi who scored 18 points and Elijah Masai who chalked 6 points.

*****************************************************

TURKEY

Standings - TB2L

TB2L Standings

Group A
1. Trabzonspor	9-2
2. Bornova	9-2
3. Genc Telekom	8-3
4. Edirne Genclik	8-3
5. Vestel	7-4
6. Pamukkale	6-5
7. Akcakoca P.	5-6
8. FMV Isik	4-7
9. Eyup	3-8
10. Orman	3-8
11. Bursa B-bol	2-9
12. TED Istanbul	2-9
Group B
1. Tofas	11-0
2. ITU	9-2
3. Gelisim	8-3
4. Beykoz	7-4
5. Canakkale	6-5
6. Duzce Genclik	6-5
7. Genc Banvit.	6-5
8. Pertevniyal	5-6
9. Yesilyurt	3-8
10. Usak	3-8
11. Ankara Basket	2-9
12. Mulkiye	0-11

*****************************************************

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

UConn men's basketball: Huskies happy to have freshman Walker back in mix - by David Edole

The Kemba Walker (185-G-90) who wowed observers of the UConn mens basketball team earlier this season made an appearance on Friday.

He hit a 3-pointer early in the second half at the XL Center and back-pedaled to halfcourt. Moments later, he poked the ball from Fairfields Herbie Allen, picked up the steal and drove downcourt only to lose it toward the corner.

But what appeared to be a lost play was saved when the freshman sprinted, jumped and rescued the possession, a sequence perhaps only the speedy Walker could pull off.

Kemba made a little bit of a comeback, coach Jim Calhoun said.

It isnt the type that will make headlines outside of this one. But with nine points, four assists and three steals in the No. 2 Huskies 75-55 win, Walker seemed capable of weathering the inevitable freshman slump.

Since returning from the Virgin Islands where he never scored fewer than 11 points or played fewer than 29 minutes at the Paradise Jam a stretch that included his best game, a 23-point outburst against La Salle Walker hasnt displayed the same kind of jump.

In the five games before Friday, he averaged just 5.0 points and 2.6 assists, failing once to even shoot (at Buffalo) and then to score when he played a season-low 12 minutes against Gonzaga.

The atmosphere was crazy at (Gonzaga), Walker said. I never really played in a game like that.

It proved that while hes one of the countrys best freshmen, hes still just a freshman. His scoring average dipped below double figures following Fridays game (9.9) for the first time since the season opener.

He was windshield wiping early, not going at you, Calhoun said, waving his arms to drive home his point. When he goes straight ahead right at you, hes a son of a gun. And once he made a shot (Friday), his defense got much better. We need his quickness in these games coming up.

Walker could feel the difference. He played fast, he said, and that helped him find an offensive flow. Still playing as UConns top reserve, he had one of the games best passes, too, a no-look dish from the top of the key to the hoop that Hasheem Thabeet dunked home.

Im just trying to get back in my groove, Walker said. (Fridays game) kind of gave me a little bit confidence, trying to get my game to how I was in the beginning of the season. I had a couple bad games, and I just lost confidence a little bit.

Walker also battled flu-like symptoms prior to traveling to Seattle a bug has hit the team of late but the freshman brushed off any excuses.

Its just me, he said.

Thats all the Huskies are asking for for Kemba to be Kemba.

I thought he played good, Jerome Dyson said of Walker. Hes back to pushing the ball. If he keeps doing that, I think hell be fine.

Walker will get his first taste of Big East competition Monday when No. 12 Georgetown visits the XL Center. The Hoyas (9-1) lost their point guard from a season ago in the graduated John Wallace, but have won six straight thanks to sophomore guards Austin Freeman (13.7 points per game) and Chris Wright (13.2).

Freeman is coming off a 5-for-6 shooting performance from the 3-point line in Georgetowns last win, a 76-38 clubbing of Florida International. UConns guards, on the other hand, were sporadic against Fairfield, Calhoun said, a game after carrying the Huskies past Gonzaga.

I dont think were as ready as we can be for the Big East, Dyson said. I definitely feel like were in a good position to win a lot of games in the Big East, but theres always room for improvement. We still have to put together full games and not have let-ups. Once we do that and put our offense together with guards and bigs, I think well be what we want to be.'

By MATT STOUT

Norwich Bulletin

Posted Dec 27, 2008 @ 11:39 PM

*****************************************************

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Al Riyadi - 3rd consecutive 20th Dubai Int'l Toutnament Title - by Mohammed Malas

* Sunday 28/12:

# Final game:

Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB) 77 - Zain (JOR) 74 (Qs: 25-21, 43-47, 66-62 & 77-74)
- Best scorers:
Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) '21 pts' from Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
Zeid Abbas (203-F-83) '18 pts' from Zain
Fadi El Khatib (197-F-79, agency: Pro Management Agency) '16 pts' Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut

Joseph Vogel (211-C-73, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Colorado St.) '14 pts' from Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut

Ali Mahmoud (182-G-83) '14 pts' from Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) from Zain

# Final standings (1st 4 positons):
1- Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut (LEB)
2- Zain (JOR)
3- Al Jalaa Aleppo (SYR)
4- An Nasr (UAE)

# All Asia-Basket 20th International Dubai 1st team:
Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) of Zain
Saleh Sultan (178-G-89) of An Nasr
Damond Williams (197-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Mc Neese St.) of Al Jalaa Aleppo
Oscar Yebra (200-F-74, agency: Court Side) of Mahram
Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76) of Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut

# All Asia-Basket 20th International Dubai 1st team:
Michel Maadanli of Al Jalaa Aleppo
Fadi El Khatib of Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut
Trello Galloway of An Nasr
Zeid Abbas of Zain
Joseph Vogel (211-C-73, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Colorado St.) of Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut

*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

Sunsational Tournament Team Preview - by David Edole

TEAM OVERVIEW
University of Mary Washington
The University of Mary Washington continued to excel as one of the premier womens basketball programs in the nation. In 2007-08 the eagles finished with a 28-3 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16. The Eagles achieved another first last winter when they spent the first two months of the season ranked first in the nation. This season, the Eagles opened the season with eight straight wins including a win over the number one ranked team Kean University. Senior forward Ashton Mitchell had 18 points and 11 rebounds in the win over Kean (N.J.) 67-58. All region forward Mitchell is not the only talented player on the roster. Katy Larson, a senior guard, is a deft passer leads the team with 27 assists. This may be one of the better passing team in the nation. The Eagles had dished out 142 assists on 227 field goals. Mary Washington also has eight players averaging between 5.4 and 12.0 points per game. The 12th-ranked Eagles also comes to the islands with the most decorated coach as Deena Applebury, the 2007 WBCA National Coach of the Year, won the CAC Coach of the Year award for the fourth straight season.

Randolph Macon College
RMC flies into the St. Thomas with a two game win streak and will take on Mary Washington in their first game. However, RMC does have Old Dominion Athletic Conference player of the year in junior Molly Ariail. This season the 6-foot-2 center has continued to put up impressive numbers. She is averaging 19 points and 8.8 boards. Senior guard Amanda Hiltunen has scored over 1,000 points in her career and has been on a teat this season. Hiltunen, a 5-foot-6 guard, is averaging 20.4 points per game and is a perfect 35-of-35 at the free throw line
Head coach Carroll LaHaye is the all time winningest coach at RMC. She has amassed 434 win including the record breaking 432 over Elizabethtown.

Cabrini College
First-year head coach Bernadette Laukaitis inherits a veteran-laden team in 2008-09, returning 14 letterwinners and welcomed eight seniors. Cabrnini College returns their top scorer, rebounder and assist player. Senior Kayleen Smith was the team's top scorer last season, averaging a whopping 10.5 points per game. Brittany McLeod, a 5-11 senior forward, averaged 6.5 boards and point guard Deana DiAmico dished out 137 helpers. The Cabrini women's basketball team has been picked to finish second in the Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) but has there eyes set on first place.
McLeod has been named to the CSAC Womens Basketball Honor Roll after registering her second double-double of the season in a win over Franklin & Marshall, 70-61. McLeod shot 8-for-13 from the field overall, scoring a season-high 16 points. She corralled a season-best 16 rebounds. McLeod also led the Cabrini defensive effort, tallying six blocked shots.
Through six games, McLeod lists second on the team with 9.3 points per contest. She leads the Blue & Gray with 7.0 rebounds per game and seven blocked shots. DiAmico has switched gears this season. She leads Cabrini in scoring with 16 points per outing. The junior scored a season-high 28 points in a victory over Albright College. She scored all her points after halftime, on 9-for-13 shooting overall and 7-for-9 shooting from long range. DiAmico's 30-foot shot at the horn forced the game into overtime.
Cabrini (5-1, 1-0) is riding a five-game win streak and opens the tournament Tuesday, against Randolph-Macon College.

Elizabethtown College
Head coach Yvonne Kauffman is in her 39th season on the Blue Jay bench with over 640 victories to rank third all-time among NCAA Division III coaches and 20th overall among coaches at all three levels of the NCAA.
The Blue Jays is in the midst of a five game win streak, theyre longest since posting nine consecutive victories during the 2003-04 season.
The backcourt is the strength of the Blue Jays who starts four guards. Senior Megan Quinn has started every game this year and amassed 15.4 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. The 5-foot-10 guard also tallied 21 steals on the season. Super sub Megan Strohman, a 5-foot-4-sophomore guard, is putting up norms of 10.1 points and is shooting a sizzling16-18 (89%) at charity stripe. Junior guard Courtney Kofeldt is a three-point threat-shooting specialist and has connected on 18-of-46 attempts thus far. Senior guard Megan Romano started every game at the point and leads the Blue Jays with 18 assists while chipping in 5.7 points per game.
Senior forward Jenn Montague who puts up 9.0 points and 9.6 rebounds provides post play. The Blue Jays will b visiting St. Thomas for the second time.

Montclair State University
Karin Harvey, a former assistant with the Red Hawks for two seasons, spent the past year as the interim head coach, comes into the season with the interim tag removed. Harvey led Montclair State to a 19-11 mark this past season, the second highest win total by a first-year coach in program history.
Mont Clair State is a high scoring team. They have four players averaging in double figures. Their leading scorer Jaime Ericson (15.8) comes off the bench. Starters Jamilee Pflug, a sophomore guard, contirbutes12.4 points, Catherine Cristino, a junior forward, chips in 11.1 points, Kisandra Ayanbeku, a junior forward, tallies 11.0 points and 9.7 boards. Senior Marianned McGovern (8.2 points and 4.1 boards) and junior guard Jackie Berry (8.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists) rounds out the starting five.
Montclair State (5-4) is on a four game win streak and will take on Elizabethtown on the 29th at 6:00 pm before meeting 12th-ranked Mary Washington on Tuesday, December 30 at 8:00 pm.

Sunsational Hoops Classic Schedule
Monday December 29, 2008
6:00 pm Montclair State vs. Elizabethtown
8:00 pm Mary Washington vs. Randolph Macon College

Tuesday December 30, 2008
6:00 PM Cabrini College vs. Randolph Macon College
8:00 pm Montclair State vs. Mary Washington

Wednesday December 31, 2008
6:00 pm Elizabethtown vs. Cabrini College