EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 12/31/2008

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Men News

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


Weekend games results - by Gianni Pascucci
The S.E.Texas Mustangs clearly defeated the Texas City Rangers on the road, 114-95, extending their win streak to six. DeRon Rutledge (6'6''-F-75, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) scored 26 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Mustangs. Currye Todd (6'4''-G-85, college: Lamar) added 16 points and other three Mustangs scored in double figures.Texas City Rangers were led by Sylvester Simple (6'8''-F/C-82, college: Wiley), who scored 27 points and grabbed 13 rebs. Courtney Captain (6'1''-G-85, college: E.Carolina) scored 16 long range points, and Gordon Ward (6'5''-F-84) had a double/double with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Jersey Express and the West Virginia Blazers played the second half of a back-to-back on Sunday afternoon with the Express defeating the Blazers 119-106 following a 117-114 battle the previous evening at Drew University. Jersey was led by rookie Jamal Webb (6'5''-G-85, agency: Rice and Rice, college: SUNY Maritime) who came off the bench to drop in 21 points. Lance Hazel (6'1''-G-84, college: Queens (NY)) scored 16 and Isaiah Hunter (6'2''-G-84, college: ODU) finished with 14. The 3-point shooting of Desi Crisp (6'4''-G/F-80, college: NC-Pembroke), who finished with 28 points, led West Virginia. In the opening game, Phillip Smith (6'7''-F) led the team with his personal high of 31 points, Isaiah Hunter added 19 pts and 7 assists. Corey Love (6'5''-C-83, college: Bluefield St.) led the Blazers with a game high 37 and Desi Crisp added 24.

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


*****************************************************
  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


Ilievski moves to Tau Ceramica, Helios makes Mijanovic ninth fired coach - by Zeljko Zule

Union Olimpija today announced that Macedonian NT member Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) will be loaned to Tau Ceramica of Spanish ACB League for rest of the season, effectively immediatelly.
Ilievski averaged 34,5 minutes, 13,5 points (2P 13-28, 3P 13-41, FT 16-21), 1,7 rebounds, 2,2 assists and 1,2 steals in 6 games of Euroleague and 33,0 minutes, 15,8 points (2P 33-70, 3P 20-43, FT 48-58), 2,5 rebounds, 4,5 assists, 1,5 steals and 0,1 blocks in 11 games of NLB Adriatic League.

Radomir Mijanovic was fired as coach of Helios after a 3-11 start to his first season of the club. Assistant coach Rado Trifunovic took over the Slovenian runner-up and he is Helios' fourth coach in less than three years.



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  AUSTRALIA   


Bogut top-scores for the Bucks - by Eurobasket News
Andrew Bogut (212-F/C-84, college: Utah) enjoys another season with Milwaukee in NBA. The Bucks had won three consecutive games, averaging 106 points during the streak. Tayshaun Prince collected 19 points and 8 rebounds for Detroit Pistons that won 87:76. Rasheed Walalce was the only one with double-double for the winners, 16 points and 12 boards. Andrew Bogut had 17 points and 10 rebounds for Milwaukee, which mainly rested its starters for the final 15 minutes after the game was decided.
Australian Calum MacLeod (216-C-84, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Valparaiso) and his Japanese Niigata Albirex stun Five Arrows 85:73 in Regular Season Round 22 on December 28th as Ikeda Yuichi and Takeno Akitomo paced all the winners with 18 points apiece. James Gordon collected 15 points and 17 boards in the losing effort. Before that Albirex moved to 7-11 upsetting the leader Apache 83:72. Dokun Akingbade top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Davis Nick had 19 points in defeat.
Albirex was beaten by Apache 77:83 in Round 20 as Aoki Cohey top-scored for the winners with 28 points. Davis Nick collected 15 points and 17 rebounds, while Calum MacLeod had 10 points and 3 boards in defeat.
Albirex lost to Broncos 61:67 and sent them to 10-8 record in Round 19. Warren Reginald was unstoppable with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Calum MacLeod ended up with 6 points and 7 caroms in defeat. In Round 18 Albirex outscored Broncos 77:74 on December 13th. Takeno Akitomo paced all the winners with 19 points and Calum MacLeod collected 6 points and 3 boards.

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  BOSNIA   


BiH Cup 1/8 finals: No Surprises - by Sead Buljina

So far, five teams have joined Sloboda Dita in Bosnian Cup quarterfinals. Sloboda Dita moves on because its opponent Novi Grad had been suspended until January 3rd.

1/8 Cup finals scores:


Citluk: Brotnjo - Zrinjski 74:101
Posusje: Posusje - Siroki Eronet 53:79
Lukavica: Slavija - Vitez 89:85
Mrkonjic Grad: Mladost - Igokea 71:100
Zenica: Celik - Borac Nektar 68:80
Tuzla: Sloboda Dita - Novi Grad 20:0


Game Grude - SL IAT Leotar has been postponed per guests' request while Triland - Bosna game is scheduled for January 6, 2009. Cup quarterfinals draw will take place at the Basketball Federation office on January 9, 2009.



*****************************************************
  CAMEROON   


TEAMS CHAMPIONS IN AFRICA - by Carlos Pereira
ALGERIE - MC Alger
ANGOLA - 1 Agosto (Luanda)
BENIN ASPAC
BURKINA FASO - RCK (Kadiongo)
CAMEROON Condors (Yaounde)
CAP VERT Spartak (Fogo)
COMORES Djabal Club
CONGO (Brazaville) Inter Brazaville
DR CONDO : BC Mazembe (Lubumbashi)
EGYPT : Gezira (Alexandria)
ETHIOPIA Water Design
GABON Manga Basketball
GAMBIA Wallidan
GUINEA (Conakry) - MBC
IVORY COAST - ABC (Abidjan)
KENYA - KCB Lions (Nairobi)
LESOTHO Lerotholi
LIBERIA NPA PYTHONS
LIBYA Itthiad (Tripoli)
MADAGACAR - ASCUT (ATSINANANA)
MALI Real (Bamako)
MAURITANIA ASAC Concordia
MAURITIUS - Real (Port Louis)
MAYOTTE - Jeux dAfrique de Pamandzi
MOROCCO IRT (Tanger)
MOZAMBIQUE - Ferrovirio (Maputo)
NIGER - ASAF
NIGERIA Kano Pillars (Kano)
RCA Red Star
REUNION Saint Pierre
RWANDA APR
SENEGAL AS Douannes
SEYCHELLES - BAYA
SIERRA LEONE - Canon Royal
TANZANIA ABC
TOGO - Racing Lome
TUNISIA Stade Nabeulien
UGANDA Sadolin Power
ZAMBIA Hetro Bullets
ZIMBABWE - JBC

*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Quebec wins first Canadian showdown - by Gianni Pascucci
In the consolation game of the Green Mountaing Tip-Off , played on Suday afternoon in Barre, Vt., the two Canadian teams fought hard till the end, and the Quebec Kebs needed three overtimes to put Montreal away, 90-89, ending at the third place in the tournment. Montreal's Bobby Miller (5'10''-G-74, college: S.New Hampshire) tied the game at 84 on the foul line with 21 seconds left in regulation, and Miller tied the game again at 89 after the first three-minute extra period on a drive to the basket with 37 seconds left. After a scoreless one-minute second overtime, the two teams were given a sudden-victory period with just the shot clock running. Yul Michel (6'2''-G-80, agency: Huss Sport Agency) missed both free-throw attempts early in the third overtime but connected on the first of his second opportunity at the line after being fouled by Montreal's Louis Levros (6'6''-F-83, college: Rhode Island) for the 90-89 final. Jean-Philippe Morin (6'7''-F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) led all scorers with 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Kebekwa, while Jamaal Wise (6'5''-F-83, college: Rhode Island) scored 19 points to pace the Montreal Sasquatch.

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  CBA   


Skyrockets end 1-1 vs. Kansas City - by Gianni Pascucci
On friday, Dec.26, the Minot Skyrockets suffered a defat, 131-119 in their first meeting with ABA team Kansas City Spartans. In that first game, Ronnie Fields (6'4''-G-77, agency: Edge Sports) and Royce Parran (5'9''-G-85, college: Chicago St.) were the best for the Skyrockets, scoring 28 points each, with Fields adding eight assists and Parran five steals, while Martez Young (6'3'-G-84), scored nothing less than 40 points to lead the Spartans. The night after, Young was guarded better and managed to score only 24 points, ending the same as the KC best scorer. In this second game, the CBA team took its revenge, winning 129-90. Lee Scruggs (6'11''-F/C-79, agency: Edge Sports, college: Georgetown) was the main performer, with 26 points, 9 rebs, 2 two blocks and Aaron Spears (6'10''-C-84, agency: Interperformances, college: St.John's) added 21 points and 15 rebounds at the winning side.

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


Stars shine abroad - by Eurobasket News
Ming Yao (226-C-80) collected 12 points and had 8 rebounds for his Rockets in NBA latest game. Washington Wizards however enjoyed a road win in Houston mostly owing to Antawn Jamison, who collected 30 points and 12 boards. Rockets are now 20-12 in Western Conference. Ming Yao averages 20 points and has 9.7 rebounds per game.
Jianlian Yi (212-C/F-87) is 15-16 with the Nets in NBA. Ben Gordon nailed 24, while Derrick Rose added 21 points and 13 boards leading their Bulls to 14th win of the season. Vince Carter and Devin Harris combined 57 points for the Nets in a 87:100 loss. Jianlian Yi had 2 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Jianlian Yi averages 9.6 points per game and 6 rebounds.
Yue Sun (205-G/F-85, agency: Passing Lane) had 2 points for Lakers that drained impressive 130 points, what was way more than enough for the home win against the Warriors. Kobe Bryant led the scorers with 32 points. Derek Fished had 19, while Sasha Vujacic dropped 17 points as Lakers has 25-5 record. Yue Sun averages 3.0 points per game.
Ming Ming Sun (236-C-83, agency: Passing Lane) and his Japanese Phoenix is 10-10 in BJ League. Phoenix had a road 107:84 win over 89ers as Gardener Michael had a fascinating triple-double with 42 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds. Ming Ming Sun collected 7 points and 4 rebounds. Kusaka Hikaru scored 23 points in the losing effort.

Dongguan Defeats Beijing 116-109 - by Arthur Volbert
Michael Harris had 39 points and 16 rebounds as Dongguan defeated Beijing 116-109. Qiu Biao (200-F-83) had 25 points and 4 rebounds and now has the second-highest scoring average among native Chinese players with 21.6 points per game, trailing only Wang Zhizhi. Zhang Kai added 23 points and 13 rebounds. Dongguan raised its record to 13-7 while Beijing dropped to 9-11.

Dontae Jones had 37 points and 18 rebounds for Beijing. Zhang Yunsong scored 31. David Harrison had 25 points, 15 rebounds and 4 blocks. Xie Libin and Chen Lei each scored 8.

NBA Big guy come for Tryout in Liao nking - by Robert Wang


NBA Big guy comes for Tryout in Liao Ning - by Robert Wang
The reliable info. came out from VIP of Liao Ning team, new NBA big guy would be in China soon! Dwayne Jones (211-C-83, college: St.Joseph's) who just played NBA offical game on Dec. 10 would land in China Liao Ning soon. As it saying that team has been contacting another NBA big guy who would fly to Liao Ning in the next couple days for the trial, too. About this big NBA player, team did not tell the public a lot info. they are sealing this player's info. But it could be guessed that this nba player might be very good! Another tryout player who played in China 3 years ago Chris Alexanderwho was treated as the 2nd choice player would be in tryout against those NBA big guys. Some reliable info. said, the team coahes and managers are not fully agreed to take Chris Alexnader back and team boss also denied to bring him back. The reason that team finally needs him to come for the trial Maybe just because boss is not care about his tryout exepnse, and team still hope to test who is the best candidate among the contrastive players.
In this seaon, all teams are looking for NBA experince players. Most teams have signed with those NBA players already. I guess NBA preseident David Stirn would be happy since China help thoses NBA players to find the jobs again. This also showed that chinese basketball are in improving process.
All chinese teams need players to tryout in Chinathi syear regardless who played in China before or in NBA. Team just want to see if the players fit in China and also see who is the best fit in China.
Nomatter who stay in Liao Ning, I still hope he ca nhelp team and give fans good performace! Good luck!

*****************************************************
  COLOMBIA   


Edgar Moreno agrees terms with Cocodrilos de Caracas - by Victor Garcia
Colombian star and national team starting point guard Edgar Moreno, has agreed terms with the Cocodrilos de Caracas for the upcoming 2009 season of the LNB in Venezuela, this will be the third season of Edgar with Cocodrilos , in the former seasons Edgar has leaded Cocodrilos to the finals in Venezuela and was Champion of the 2007 season.
The Colombian guard will join the team in th month of February for the pre-season, Edgar have already four Championships in his career, two with Bucaros in Colombia, one with Cocodrilos in Venezuela and one more with Norte de Santander - Canoneros in Colombia.

*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Amazing Axilleas wins again - by Michael Aristidou

Achilleas Kaimakliou won last night Ydra Asfalistiki ENAD Agios Dometios 89-85. Achilleas Kaimakliou have now 5 wins in the championship and find theirselves in third position! In the game Axilleas almost suicide in the last minutes where ENAD make theis final try to win the game. Achilleas Kaimakliou had the lead during the game but second half ENAD played better and the fourth period was dramatic. Achilleas Kaimakliou started better the first period and manage to have a 2p lead(24-22). On the second period Axilleas had good performance and played good defense. So the half time result was 48-35. Enad tried to get back to the game in the third period but Axilleas had the solutions from Cory Bradford (191-G-78, agency: Edge Sports, college: Illinois) and Ivan Grgat (210-F/C-74, agency: Court Side). The result of the third period was 65-56. On the final period ENAD organised very well and manage to get a 3p lead 75-78 two minutes before the end of the game. Moreover ENAD got a 4p lead (80-84) seconds later. Achilleas didnt give up and suceed a great victory by 89-85. First scorer from Achilleas Kaimakliou was Ivan Grgat with 26(2), on the other hand Ydra Asfalistiki Enad had Kyle Wilson (206-F-83, college: Wichita St.) and Dwayne Foreman (178-G-84, college: Georgia Southern) with 17.
In other game B.M.C. AEK Larnacas won Seastar Apoel Nicosia 100-94. B.M.C. AEK Larnacas achieved their third win in the league and the two of them were agains APOEL! Seastar Apoel Nicosia only fought in the first period when the score was 24-24 and tried in the last to gather the difference. AEK had an excellent second and third period were achieved a 23p lead. Half time was 45-57 and third period 64-84. First scorer for Seastar Apoel Nicosia was Lonnie Cooper (193-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech) with 35(8) and from B.M.C. AEK Larnacas Anthony Anderson (180-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Massachusetts) with 24(1)



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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


BK Prostejov Rally Past USK Praha 89-77 - by Surujh Roopnarine
BK Prostejov - USK Praha: 89-77
BK Prostejov picked up an impressive victory tonight against visiting USK Praha, 89-77 at the hala Sportcentra DDM Prostejov. David Toya (200-G/F-76, agency: Court Side), in only his third game with Prostejov, erupted for a team high 19 points to help secure their 10th win of the season. The game, which was delayed for several minutes at the start due to a faulty shot-clock, was sloppy at times in the first half with both teams losing focus on the defensive end and mis-communicating on offense. At the half the game was nearly even, with Prostejov holding a 40-38 lead. Once the tams came back from the locker-room, Prostejov turned up the defensive pressure, picking up at 3/4 and half-court and picked up the pace offensively as well. Shaun Pruitt (208-C-85, college: Illinois), after a sluggish first half became inspired late in the third after a travelling call went against him. The former Illinois standout finished with 17 on the night as Prostejov cruised down the stretch of the fourth quarter and showed off with an array of break-away dunks to cap off the evening. Solid contributions were also put in by Hurl Beechum (196-F-73, college: Iowa St.), Pavel Novak and Robert Skibniewski (182-G-83). For USK Praha, Lawrence Hamm (198-F-84, college: Towson) carried the load for most of the night, but did so in bursts, finishing with 19 points, but only taking 10 shots, when at times he was the sole offense for Praha. Michael Vocetka, Roderick Platt (205-C-75, college: Loyola, MD) and Lukas Kotas (194-F-84) finished with 14, 13 and 13 respectively. Praha falls to 9-8 on the season.
PROSTEJOV: David Toya (19pt), Shaun Pruitt (17pt), Hurl Beechum (13pt+7rb), Robert Skibniewski (12pt+5as)
PRAHA: Lawrence Hamm (19pt+5rb), Michal Vocetka (192-G/F-87, agency: PPGroup) (14pt+5rb), Roderick Platt (13pt+9rb), Lukas Kotas (13pt+7rb)

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  D.R. CONGO   


Nurumbi rocks the Grand Canyon - by Kristian Santiago

Engen Nurumbi (201-C-83, college: Minnesota) is finally back on the basketball-court after not playing in college hoops for nearly two years.
The 25-year old Congolese power forward returned to Arizona after experiencing a rough time in Minnesota where the coach who recruited him was sacked prior to the start of the season.

He got almost no playing time after being a star in the junior-college ranks and decided to transfer back to the desert state to join Grand Canyon in the NCAA II. Now in his senior-year with the 'Lopes', the former-national team player leads the team in scoring (15.4), rebounding (7.3),minutes (31.8) and blocked shots (13).

In a recent win over W.New Mexico, Nurumbi recorded 22 points and 17 rebounds while blocking three shots.The forward could be looking into the pro-ranks next year, if he continues to put numbers up like that, but as good student, he might pursue also other options, so who knows what the future will bring for the talented Congolese...



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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Logan Reo struggles abroad - by Eurobasket News
Reo Logan (211-C-81, college: Georgia St.) and his Japanese Rizing Fukuoka is 8-12 in BJ League. In the latest game Golden Kings improved to 16-4 on top after 81:72 over Rizing. Ayer Chris paced all the winners with 26 points and 19 boards, while Newton Jeff collected 21 points and 13 boards. Reo Logan top-scored with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Parker Michael had 21 points in the losing effort.
Before that Rizing lost to the leader Golden Kings 88:90 as Newton Jeff led the winners with 23 points and 12 rebounds. Marlin Bryant shined for the hosts with 31 points, while Parker Michael collected 22 points and 20 boards. Reo Logan had 4 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists.
Heat Devils remained on the bottom of the standings after the loss from Rizing 67:80. Parker Michael top-scored for the winners with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Price Jefferey collected 16 points and 10 boards in defeat.
In Round 18 Heat Devils were defeated by Rizing 72:78 as Parker Michael shined with 29 points for the winners. Reichel Dave brought 22 points in the losing effort.Reo Logan ended up with 5 points and 3 rebounds.

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Ilievski moves to Tau Ceramica - by Zeljko Zule
Union Olimpija today announced that Macedonian NT member Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) will be loaned to Tau Ceramica of Spanish ACB League for rest of the season, effectively immediatelly.
Ilievski averaged 34,5 minutes, 13,5 points (2P 13-28, 3P 13-41, FT 16-21), 1,7 rebounds, 2,2 assists and 1,2 steals in 6 games of Euroleague and 33,0 minutes, 15,8 points (2P 33-70, 3P 20-43, FT 48-58), 2,5 rebounds, 4,5 assists, 1,5 steals and 0,1 blocks in 11 games of NLB Adriatic League.

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  FIJI   


Aussie to help develop - by Eurobasket News
Mark Seccombe (180-G) is in Fiji as an Australian Youth Ambassador for the development of basketball athletes. 'We are happy to have Mark with us here sharing his experiences and bringing all sorts of helpful ideas,' said Basketball Fiji development officer, Fanny Simpson.
Seccombe, who is from Sydney, has a bachelor's degree in sports science, had successfully applied to be a youth ambassador and is in Fiji for a year. Seccombe has participated in many Australian-wide tournaments and played briefly in the USA and Canada while on tour. He also competed in the Raiwaqa Revival tournament, playing for the USP team, which ended two weeks ago and also helped out with the Raiwai Youth program. He aims to take basketball to the grassroot level and has succeeded by signing in eight primary schools for next year's season as part of his development program. Veiuto, Stellar Marist, Yat San, John Wesley, Gospel, Latter Day Saints, International and Delainamasi are the eight contending primary schools. They have also managed to recruit seven interested primary schools from the West. 'Next year will be a very busy year for us,' Simpson said.
This is also the first time Basketball Fiji is taking basketball programs to the primary level, says Simpson.
Courtesy of: fijitimes.com

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: YMCA Lahti back on the top - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 19. The Basketball Year 2008 is in the package. YMCA Lahti is back on the top - alone. Tonight scoring was difficult though, but Bilal Abdullah (196-G-84, agency: Passing Lane, college: Lafayette) saved YMCA Lahti with his offensive rebound and 2-pointer with three seconds to go. YMCA Lahti defeated Team Componenta (Karkkila) by two: 61-59. Honka (Espoo) dominated clearly vs Kataja (Joensuu). The final difference was 22 pts (88-66). Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) led Honka with 20 pts. Kouvot (Kouvola) had another close game, but this time winning again at home vs KTP (Kotka). The figures were 75-71. Pyrinto (Tampere) had a slow start (15 minutes 25-36), but the rest was easier and Pyrinto beat Tarmo (Porvoo) 85-74. The sixth victory for Pyrinto this season. YMCA Lappeenranta was stronger than ToPo (Helsinki): 85-75. Sharpshooter Tuukka Kulha (193-F-85) led the winning part with 21 pts. Kulha made his all six treys! Round 19 only win on the road took place in Forssa, where Korihait (Uusikaupunki) scored 11 pts more than hosting FoKoPo: 71-82. Korihait had six players in double digits. Mark Zoller (200-F-85, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pennsylvania) led visitor Korihait with 20 pts. Bojan Sarcevic (with his contract extended untill year 2011) added 14 pts. - Happy New Year 2009! The regular season goes on again Friday, Jan 2.

YMCA Lahti - Team Componenta 61-59 (29-36) (Ray Nixon 18, Vesa Makalainen 10 - Darrell Waters 19/11, Kenneth Henderson 12).

Honka - Kataja 88-66 (45-31) (Kimmo Muurinen 20, Akeem Scott 19, Monte Cummings 18 - Sami Lehtoranta 15, Jeremiah Wood 14/13, Larry Blair 13).

Kouvot - KTP 75-71 (35-35) (Tuomas Iisalo 18, Roope Suonio 17, Matt Williams 13 - Durell Vinson 20, Steve Smith 17).

Pyrinto - Tarmo 85-74 (38-38) (Kurtis Rice 23, Joni Harjula 15, Chris Hester 14 - DeWayne Richardson 28/19, Victor Morris 16/6a, Magen McNeil 10).

YMCA Lappeenranta - ToPo 85-75 (43-39) (Tuukka Kulha 21, HL.Coleman 17, Chanan Colman 16/10 - Isaac Spencer 29, Timo Heinonen 19, Eero Lehtinen 14).

FoKoPo - Korihait 71-82 (33-41) (Esa Maki-Tulokas 18, Ronald Yates 17/10, Teemu Heiskanen 14 - Mark Zoller 20, Bojan Sarcevic 14, Jussi Kumpulainen 13/12).




Korisliiga Round: 19 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Honka - Kataja 88-66
Honka sent Kataja from top in Regular Season Round 19 after 88:66 at home. Muurinen Kimmo paced the winners with 20 points, while Scott Akeem scored 19. Lehtoranta Sami finished the night with 15 points in defeat.

Kouvot - KTP 75-71
Kouvot improved to 13-6 after the win over KTP 75:71. Iisalo Tuomas notched 18 points for the hosts and Suonio, Roope had 17. Vinson Durell produced 20 points in the losing effort.

LrNMKY - ToPo 85-75
LrNMKY overcame ToPo 85:75 as Kulha Tuukka top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Spencer Isaac posted 29 points for the visiotrs, whilst Heinonen Timo added 19.

Namika Lahti - Componenta 61-59
Namika Lahti improved to 14-5 on top to be the only leader in the standings. The favorites overcame Componenta 61:59 behind 18 points from Nixon Ray. Waters Darrell ended up with 19 points and 11 boards in defeat.

FoKoPo - Korihait 71-82
FoKoPo lost to Korihait 71:82 as Zoller Mark led six players in his team who reached double digits with 20 points. Yates Ronald collected 17 points and 10 rebounds for the home side.

Pyrinto - Tarmo 85-74
The game between Pyrinto and Tarmo was the derby from the bottom. Pyrinto outscored Tarmo 85:74 as Rice Kurtis led the way with 23 points. Richardson DeWayne produced 28 points and 19 rebounds in the losing effort.



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  FRANCE   


Maxime Zianveni "air max" is back in France! - by Gregory Caru
Hyeres-Toulon has finished his recruiting and has signed Maxime Zianveni for the rest of the season.Zianveni is a Forward but he prefers play on position 4,this a great athlete,very flashy(nickname 'air max'),good defender who can also take rebounds,with a big experience in Korac Cup,ULEB Cup and FIBA Cup.He is well known in France because he has been in Nancy(Pro A)during 9 seasons,with this team he has been Korac Cup winner(2002)and All Star(2006-2007)for his last season in France 9,6ppg 6,5rpg in 32 games.But he wanted to play in another Championship,he has only found a team in Cyprus with AEL Limassol(2007-2008 9,3ppg) and next in Apoel Nicosia released by this team in November.He comes back in France with Hyres-Toulon because Tucker has been cut.Maxime Zianveni (198-F-79)

Pau-Orthez has signed Jajuan Smith - by Gregory Caru
After his very bad start(0-11)Pau-Orthez is always changing his team.Now,this is Horton who has refused to prolong his contract,also Pau has decided to sign another Guard,Jajuan Smith!Smith,Shooting Guard,is a strong defender,very good in one to one and in penetration,ha has been formed in Tennesse with good stats(15 ppg in 2 last seasons).He has made the pre season with Dallas Mavericks(NBA)but for no contract,after he is left in Olympia Ljunljana(SLO)for a short time and he is returned in US.Now,he must demonstrate his level with a big challenge,'stay in Pro A'!Normally he should play his first game against Dijon(week 12)JaJuan Smith (188-G-85, agency: Court Side, college: Tennessee)

Cedric Ferchaud has found a team:Hyeres-Toulon! - by Gregory Caru
this is a good news for people who likes shooters,Cedric Ferchaud unemployed since the last season,has signed with HTV!The team has released Darell Tucker in order to make a place for this player.Ferchaud is able to play 2-3,he has a good shooting ability,a good mentality but this is not really a defender,however,he has a big experience in ULEB Cup,in Eurocup and with the french national team(2006).Last year,he was in Pau-Orthez for 3,8ppg 1,4rpg in 22 games and before in Cholet(2006-2007)for 9,3ppg 2,6rpg 42% 3PT and a victory in french cup!.With this player,HTV has a great shooters and 2-3 with Nichols,Perincic and Ferchaud,it should be easy for this team to stay in Pro A.Cedric Ferchaud (195-F/G-80)

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  GERMANY   


Royal Blues land Teejay Bannister - by Moritz Korff
FC Schalke 04 (2. Bundesliga Pro A) have sealed a player switch on the point guard spot. While Canadian Ryan Bell (193-G-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Carleton) had to leave the Royal Blues, Teejay Bannister (180-G, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Liberty) has been added to the roster. Bell made his last game for S04 on December 13 and produced 3 points as well as 4 assists and 3 rebounds in a loss against Heidelberg. As manager Boris Liebing stated on derwesten.de, Bell did not show his full potential while being with the Gelsenkirchen team. That is why the club officials decided to bring in a fresh playmaker. Bannister played NCAA Division One basketball at the University of Virginia and Liberty University. He averaged 3.6 points in 76 career games for UVa and sat out the 2006-07 season due to NCAA transfer rules. He returned to action in the following year and appeared in 31 encounters for the Liberty Flames. He scored 8.2 points per contest and was second in the nation in assists per game (7.2apg) during 2007-08. The native of Jacksonville, Florida inked a contract with Schalke for the remainder of this current campaign.

Liege Spank The Deutsche Bank Skyliners With Jerald Fields Buzzer Beater 68 To 66 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
After tasting victory against top Euroleague team Maccabi Tel Aviv and somewhat floating in a special Basketball fairy land playing against the huge names like Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.), and Marcus Fizer (203-F-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa St.), The Deutsche Bank Skyliners exited the dreamland and played against Eurochallenge team Liege who showed to be very challenging competition for Murat Didin and the boys. Frankfurt returned only 16 hours later after Maccabi Tel Aviv coach Pini Gershon had forfeited the game and battled Liege as if it was a Eurochallenge game, but were shocked as American Jerald Fields (201-F-82, agency: Edge Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.) won the friendly with a buzzer beater 68 to 66. 'I have made a few winning shots in my career in Spain and in Finland, and this was my first time in Germany', expressed an elated Jerald Fields. This was the third game in three days, and it all felt less like a Basketball schedule, but more like a Baseball schedule where games are played almost each day and it was apparent that Frankfurt had to pull out all their reserves after the game 16 hours earlier and a one hour practice staged by Murat Didin prior to the game. 'It was a good hard game, but after two difficult Maccabi games, we didnt play with the same intensity, but this game was a good preparation for the Berlin game', warned American Titus Ivory (193-G-79, college: Penn St.).

American Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) was still missing in action and American Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi) seemed to have shook his jetlag out of his system overnight. 'I felt pretty good, actually better than yesterday. I think the fact that I worked out for five days straight over the holiday helped me get back into the rhythm quicker', said Derrick Allen. For Liege, it was the first game since their break, and they looked like they had digested their Christmas turkey swiftly. They return to action on January 6th against Cajasol Sevilla in Eurochallenge play, the team of ex Skyliner Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene).'This was a quality game for us. We had to bring it on both ends of the floor. Our offense was flowing well, no one forgot the plays and we played with a lot of tempo', added American Will Thomas (201-F-86, agency: Interperformances), who reached the NCAA Final Four with George Mason in 2006.

Liege might have been inspired by the strong play of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners against Maccabi Tel Aviv and were out to win for bragging rights and their 8-0 Eurochallenge record against teams like Sevilla, BK Ventspils and Czarni was no fluke either. Liege came out not hiding themselves, but showing a high intensity on offense, which really handicapped Frankfurt. Liege jumped out on to a 7-0 lead exhibiting their ruthless outside shooting as Americans Jerald Fields and Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) scored. Frankfurt hadnt had back and fourth runs in a while, but after a Liege 7-0 run, it was time for Frankfurt to awake from their two minute afternoon nap and cruise out on a 10-0 run. All four hoops were made in the paint. Konrad Wysocki (202-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Princeton), who soon can call the zone his stomping ground and is always giving that warrior feeling into his game fought for an offensive rebound and layed the ball in. After two Keith Simmons (196-G-85, college: Holy Cross) free throws, it was time for Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) to do his magic under the boards. After posting up down low, he made his patent turn around shot and then an easy layup after a pretty bounce pass from Pascal Roller (180-G-76).

Greg Jenkins would later leave the game due to a headache. Coach Murat Didin did not want to take any risks bringing Jenkins back into a friendly game. Frankfurt now led for the first time 8-7. American Derrick Allen finished the run with a beautiful move from the wing giving Frankfurt a 10-7 lead. Frankfurt was able to hold the lead as the key to success early in the game for Frankfurt was the inside game. Derrick Allen scored again in the paint after getting a prefect lob pas from Pascal Roller. Allen was finding daylight more than usual against the Liege defense. 'Allen was able to play his game inside mainly because they dont play with centers in Belgium', stated Murat Didin . German Konrad Wysocki nailed a three pointer from the wing and is getting more and more comfortable at the three position. 'At the three position, Konrad can show so much more than at the four position. He is doing a really good job at the moment and I am happy with him', explained Murat Didin . Derrick Allen scored again inside giving Frankfurt a 19-11 lead. Frankfurt led 20-15 after ten minutes of play. Frankfurt had found their shooting range quickly with 68%, while Liege was weak shooting only 38% from the field and 20% from downtown. Frankfurt was dominating the boards 9-6, but already had five turnovers. Frankfurt dominated the points in the paint 12-6.

Frankfurt continued their offense attack with a 5-0 run as they kept feeding the ball inside. Especially the lob pass was effective as Evtimov found Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) for two points. Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.) luckly is so versatile, that if his outside shot is not falling, then he can always go to plan B, which is score inside, which he did with a sneaky runner in the lane. Liege then got a three pointer from American Christopher Hill, who reached the NCAA Elite 8 with Michigan State in 2003. However, Liege had no answers how to stop the running engine of The Deutsche Bank Skyliners. Konrad Wysocki kept getting the ball and scoring with a three pointer and a lay in inside. Frankfurt still led 30-20. Liege started finding the zone more as Jerald Fields and Christopher Hill scored. Hill then showed that he is not one dimensional unleasing a three pointer.

Liege was creeping closer cutting the Frankfurt lead to 33-28. The Frankfurt defense was losing a bit of intensity as Liege was finding their way more and more into the zone. American Will Thomas, who averaged 16ppg and 10rpg at George Mason in his senior year, but remained undrafted from the NBA scored underneath as Frankfurt was slow switching. Frankfurt led only 36-33. Frankfurt closed out the second quarter with a Greg Jenkins put back and a Keith Simmons lay in off the fast break as Ilian Evtimov threw a Football touchdown pass that would of even made Brett Favre wink as only two seconds were on the clock. Frankfurt led 40-35 at halftime. Frankfurt kept their high shooting percentage of 63% and 57% from three point land. Liege was over 40% shooting, but under 40% from outside. Frankfurt kept the upper hand under the boards 18-12, but they continued to have too many turnovers with nine. Frankfurt still led the points in the paint 22-14.

The second half received a role reversal as Liege got stronger and Frankfurt couldnt hold their intensity of the first half as Liege would regain the lead and take control of the game. Liege gave the home team a rude awakening as they came out of the break with a 10-2 run to retake the lead 45-42. In this Liege onslaught, they scored twice inside with Hill and Thomas and then went outside and got production from Fields and Hill. Frankfurt was very docile in this phase on offense, simply because Liege had stepped their defense up a notch and made it more aggressive. Frankfurt was having immense problems getting open and often be forced to turn over the ball. Liege on the other hand stepped their offense up and showed battlesome qualities under the boards making life uncomfortable for Frankfurt. 'Liege have a lot of Americans and play an American style game. They like the 1-1 play and their system was working really well', commented Derrick Allen. American Justin Cage (198-F-85, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Xavier), who reached the NCAA elite 8 in 2004 had remained extremely quiet until he scored inside and Liege led 48-44.

Frankfurt might have been trailing, but never stopped or gave up. They returned with a mini 4-0 run as Allen scored a mid distance jumper, and Dominik Bahiense de Mello (190-G-85) made a steal and went coast to coast missed the layup, which was tipped in by Anthony King. Frankfurt trailed only 49-48. In the last two minutes, Liege held the lead as Americans Jerold Fields and Larry Owens (201-G/F-83, college: ORU) hit from outside. American Anthony King made the last basket of the quarter inside and might of checked his hands after if they were still in place, because Konrad Wysocki unravelled a bullet pass that could of hurt if King hadnt been completely attentive. Liege led 56-52 and the Frankfurt shooting had sunk to 50% and 40% from three point land. Liege increased their field goal percentage to 48% and upped their down town shooting to 47%. Frankfurt continued to control the boards 29-16. Frankfurt did a better job making only two turnovers in ten minutes. Frankfurt still had more points in the paint with 28-20. 'We stopped being aggressive in the second half. We stopped going to the basket and that is why we lost control of the game in the second half', stated Derrick Allen.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners continued to plug away never letting Liege pull away in the fourth quarter. Frankfurt played some transition game, which had been missing against Liege for most parts of game as Allen connected for a layup. The fast break was started as Evtimov played the Football quarterback again with a type of rainbow pass to Simmons, who dished it to Allen. After an Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85, college: Drake) free throw, Frankfurt trailed only57-55. However, Liege also stayed very strong mentally as they continued to focus on offense getting needy baskets. 32 year old Eric Poole (204-F/C-76, college: Richmond), who played with German National players Demond Greene (185-G-79, agency: Court Side) and Robert Garrett (193-G-77, agency: SportsTalent) at Wurzburg in 2001-2002, scored two difficult points in the paint as two Skyliners were breathing down his neck. However Frankfurt stayed on the Liege doorstep as Adam Emmenecker responded with possibly his prettiest basket as a Skyliner as he penetrated into the lane with two seconds remaining on the shot clock and laying it in. Frankfurt cut the lead to 59-57.

After Xavier Collette (184-G-85, agency: LBM Management) scored, Frankfurt countered as Evtimov found Allen again with the lob pass down low and Pascal Roller played some catch and pop. Liege led only 62-61 as crunch time had arrived at BCM. The Liege Offense continued to have a lot of high intensity and Frankfurt couldnt get consecutive stops. In a phase, where the defense has to be reliable, Liege went on a mini 4-0 run as American Jamar Wilson (185-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Albany) made a fade away jumper and Larry Owens waltzed into the zone and scored. Liege led 66-61, but there was enough time for Frankfurt to stage one last comeback. American Derrick Allen figured in all five points, making two free throws and then making a smart and powerful pass to Titus Ivory out on the left wing and he sunk a three pointer knotting the game at 66-66. With under a minute to go, Frankfurt had one more try, but Evtimov was blocked by Fields.

Liege had the ball with 0.9 seconds remaining and most were probably thinking if there would be an overtime in this friendly, but the least were expecting a winning shot. History keeps showing that anything can happen in Basketball as Liege gave Jerald Fields the ball in the corner and with his back to the basket and Titus Ivory practically crawling on his back fired up a hail mary type of shot and was rewarded with nothing but net and the win. 'I was just trying to get the shot off. I knew where I was and I knew that the defender had a hand up. However the release was good and I knew it would go in', joked American Jerald Fields. It was only a friendly game, but it was obvious that the fierce competitiveness of a Titus Ivory would not let him be content after a last second shot like that. 'I am a little upset that he made that shot on me with 0,9 seconds. I did my best and he made a tough shot. These things happen and that is the beauty of Basketball', expressed American Titus Ivory.
The Deutsche Bank Skyliners were led by American Derrick Allen with 19 points and six rebounds. German Konrad Wysocki chipped in with 10 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Liege were led by Americans Christopher Hill and Jerald Fields with 16 points a piece.

After The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had practically shot out the BCM lights with their precise shooting in the first half, they lost their accuracy in the second half as Liege was able to overtake Frankfurt in the field goal percentage. Liege shot 49% from the field and 40% from three point land while Frankfurt shot 47% from the floor and 38% from the Titus Therme(Three point land next to BCM). The rebounding used to be a construction site, but since a while Frankfurt has been playing superb ball under the glass. They won the rebounding 34-23. Even though it was only a training game, the whole atmosphere was intense for Liege player Jamar Wilson. 'It was great playing against Pascal Roller who really leads his team well. The Frankfurt physical presence is really immense. I have not seen something like this this season. It really helps a team when you can switch in so many big men. Frankfurt has a great program and this is one of the best facilities that I have seen in Europe', added Jamar Wilson. There are only four days left to the duel against eight time BBL champ Alba Berlin and there is still work to be done. 'We are still rusty and have to work on many things, but most important is our defense and ball movement', stressed American Derrick Allen. Even though the last days have been straining for the players, the Turkish master has precise reasons why this hectic schedule will benefit his team for the taxing January games. 'These four games are perfect after the seven day break. The last days will help take away the dust from the players and the team can accelerate their engines again. The three games were worth more than 15-20 practices', warned Murat Didin . The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have one friendly game remaining against the PRO A team Kaiserslautern on December 31st and then continue in the BBL season with their debut in the O-2 World Arena in Berlin against Alba Berlin on January 3rd.

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  GREECE   


New Entries in A1 - by Chris Mammides

Just a few days before the new year 2009 many teams have either added or deducted players in order to be able to defend their goals for the new season. Some of these changes are as follows:
AS Trikalla 2000 The team of Trikala made the most changes as Coach Vangelis Agelou added a number of players which is believed that they will be helping the team to survive the division and add more victories in its current record (1-11). Mark Dickel (187-G-76, college: UNLV) Gijom Yianko and Patrick Mutombo (197-F/G-80, college: Metro St.) are the new addings while very soon the American cetner Chris Massie (206-F-77, college: Memphis) will be history as today is the second day that is out of training with no excuse.

The other newcomer in the league, Kavala/Panorama is ready to change the American player Billy Thomas (195-G-75, college: Kansas) as Coach Pilafidis is not satisfied with the veteran player and is already very close to his repalcement, very soon the official announcement will take place.

PAOK agreed financial terms with Britton Johnsen (208-F-79, college: Utah). The American player is replacing K'Zell Wesson (201-F/C-77, college: La Salle)



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  HOLLAND   


Israel sneak past EiffelTowers - by Eurobasket News
Israel - EiffelTowers 90:86

The Israeli National Team secured a tough victory over EiffelTowers in the semifinal of the Haarlem Basketball Week in Amsterdam. Thus the team entered the title decider where they are to take on Amsterdam. Israel had to survive some close calls against Den Bosch in a highly-contestant semifinal yesterday. The teams were tied at 68 with one quarter to go but the visitors managed to eke out a narrow success at the dying seconds.
Israel were the first to strike as they accumulate an early lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the first stanza before the visitors sealed it at 26:25 after ten minutes. Israel kept on mounting the defensive pressure and maintained the gap. Den Bosch stayed out of rhythm and trailed by 4 points at the interval. But things turned upside down in the third quarter. The dominance under the rims allowed Den Bosch to close the gap. Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) secured a needed spark for EiffelTowers as the teams headed into the final term knotted up. But a solid performance from Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) ensured the winning outcome for Israel in the crunch time. He topscored for Israel with 20 points. Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87, agency: Interperformances) had 17 points, while Elishay Kadir (203-F-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) dropped 13 points in the win. Jerome Beasley answered with game-high 21 points and 6 boards for EiffelTowers. Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) had 15 points in the loss.
EiffelTowers will take on Netherlands in the consolation final.

Israel: Omri Casspi 20, Yogev Ohayon 17, Elishay Kadir 13
EiffelTowers: Jerome Beasley 21, Anthony Richardson 15

EclipseJet Amsterdam to play in the Final - by Eurobasket News
Amsterdam - Netherlands 80:70

Amsterdam advanced to the main game of the Haarlem Basketball Week held in the Dutch capital these days. The team was victorious in the semifinal yesterday paving its way into the title decider.
Amsterdam overcame Netherlands to claim the fifth straight win at the tournament. They will try to make it a perfect journey when they take on Israel tomorrow.
Amsterdam showed character in this tough game for both sides. Netherlands jumped to an early lead as Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) continued to prove his tip top form. They picked up a 9-point lead after ten minutes of action. But Amsterdam found the way to get back into this one. Victor Thomas (201-F-79, college: La Salle) orchestrated the comeback effort from Amsterdam as they trimmed the distance to just 4 points at the interval. The third quarter turned out to be decisive. Amsterdam stepped on the gas and won the frame 29:12. Amsterdam ran away to a 14-point distance early in the final term and Netherlands never recovered. Victor Thomas tallied 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead Amsterdam to an 80:70 victory. Teddy Gipson (193-G/F-80, agency: 540 Sports, college: Arkansas) had 18 points, while Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette) added 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Peter Van Paassen notched 28 points and 7 rebounds for Netherlands. Arvin Slagter (190-G-85) contributed 16 points in the losing effort.

Amsterdam: Victor Thomas 23+10 boards, Teddy Gipson 18, Orien Greene 15
Netherlands: Peter Van Paassen 28, Arvin Slagter 16

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  IRELAND   


Neptune 54 UCC Mardyke Blue Demons 79 - by Patrick Maher
Despite the unflattering scoreline Neptune Cork playing without 1st choice point guard Michael Mc Ginn competed effectively for 3 out of 4 quarters and at times showed the form that has seen the teams performances improve dramatically towards the latter part of the pre Christmas campaign.

Basket for basket exchanges typified the early part of opening quarter with Demons having a solid defence and being comfortable to play out of it and take what they can out of their quick break.Neptune Cork on the other hand were forced to rely on their passing game and depend on Ger noonan,s penetration and dish plays and the American import players to post and penetrate for lay up shots and relied on put backs to a large extent.With 4.31 remaining Demons lead 9 pts to 8.Demons succeded to push it out to 19 to 10 pts late into the quarter though were forced to keep their intensity level high as Neptune Cork consistantly threatened to close the gap again essentially through penetration and dish offence plus some lay up of it,s quick break.

The second quarter mirrored the first in terms of both teams offensive and Defensive strategies and although Demons threatened an early blowout it did not materialize.Perhaps the decisive play phase in the game occured with Neptune Cork not capitalizing on a 3 free throws opportunity to bring the game to
32 to 25 , rather Demons saw the half out ahead 34 to 24

Two minutes into the third quarter Demons extended to lead 40 to Neptune Corks 26 with Colin O Reilly having as big a role as the import players for Demons at both ends of the floor.

Shane Coughlan for Demons made an opportunist 3 to take it to 43 plays 36 at 7.30 remaining mark a lead Demons did take out to 15 points though a determined agressive Neptune Cork side brough the differential to 9 points as the 3rd quarter closed.

Having a deeper team payed dividends in the final quarter for UCC Mardyke Blue Demons as it progressed to lead 68 to 48 and it was too in this latter quarter that Mc Ginn,s

last quarter impact play was missed most by a still determined and committed Neptune Cork team.With Neptune Cork running in younger less experienced players as Demons closed out on a 79 to 54 scoreline it was an entertaining if not classic performance from both teams that will as playoff places become more relevant ensure the fans turn out as in as big numbers as at The Neptune Cork Stadium this Sunday evening.

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  ISRAEL   


Israel sneak past EiffelTowers - by Eurobasket News
Israel - EiffelTowers 90:86

The Israeli National Team secured a tough victory over EiffelTowers in the semifinal of the Haarlem Basketball Week in Amsterdam. Thus the team entered the title decider where they are to take on Amsterdam. Israel had to survive some close calls against Den Bosch in a highly-contestant semifinal yesterday. The teams were tied at 68 with one quarter to go but the visitors managed to eke out a narrow success at the dying seconds.
Israel were the first to strike as they accumulate an early lead. The teams traded baskets throughout the first stanza before the visitors sealed it at 26:25 after ten minutes. Israel kept on mounting the defensive pressure and maintained the gap. Den Bosch stayed out of rhythm and trailed by 4 points at the interval. But things turned upside down in the third quarter. The dominance under the rims allowed Den Bosch to close the gap. Jerome Beasley (209-F-80, college: N.Dakota) secured a needed spark for EiffelTowers as the teams headed into the final term knotted up. But a solid performance from Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) ensured the winning outcome for Israel in the crunch time. He topscored for Israel with 20 points. Yogev Ohayon (189-G-87, agency: Interperformances) had 17 points, while Elishay Kadir (203-F-87, agency: Avi Zilberman) dropped 13 points in the win. Jerome Beasley answered with game-high 21 points and 6 boards for EiffelTowers. Anthony Richardson (201-F-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: Florida St.) had 15 points in the loss.
EiffelTowers will take on Netherlands in the consolation final.

Israel: Omri Casspi 20, Yogev Ohayon 17, Elishay Kadir 13
EiffelTowers: Jerome Beasley 21, Anthony Richardson 15

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  JAMAICA   


Cedarville's D stifles Windsor in Notre Dame Classic - by Leonard Whyte
South Euclid, OH (12-30-2008): Senior center Daniel Rose scored 10 points while junior forward Ricardo Alliman snatched a game-high 12 rebounds to lead NAIA Division II No. 9 Cedarville University past Windsor College of Canada last night in the Notre Dame College Holiday Classic. The victory pushed the Yellow Jackets record to an impressive 14-1, helped by a stifling defense that held Windsor to just eight points over the final ten minutes, resulting in a 77-54 victory. Cedarville, who entered the game leading the country in field goal percentage defense at 36.6 percent, committed just five turnovers while forcing Windsor into 17. They return to the court tonight to face Algoma University of Canada.

Samuels rebounds as Louisville stops UAB - by Leonard Whyte
Louisville, KY (12-30-2008): Freshman center Samardo Samuels bounced back from a disappointing seven point-three rebound performance against the University of Minnesota to deliver a double-double (17 points and 11 rebounds) on Sunday night to help No. 19-ranked University of Louisville (8-2) repel a feeble challenge from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. After the loss to Minnesota last week, Coach Rick Pitino promised changes to his starting lineup and his revamped troops seem to spark the Louisville offense to the 82-62 victory over UAB. The Cardinals will go for the ninth victory of the season when they face UNLV tomorrow night at home.

Notre Dame defeats Algoma in home tournament - by Leonard Whyte
South Euclid, OH (12-30-2008): Junior center Karim McFarlane, fresh off his season-best 24-point performance in his last game, delivered 14 points, 11 boards, and a season-high six blocks to help home team Notre Dame College defeat Algoma College of Canada, 77-55 last night in the Notre Dame Holiday Classic. The win was the second in a row for Notre Dame and improved their record to 10-4 on the season. It also kept them on a historic pace as this is their best 14-game start in history of the basketball program. Notre Dame will face Windsor College of Canada tonight as the tournament comes to an end.

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  KUWAIT   


Jahraa Club has a New Years Resolution - by Corey Washington
As the Holiday season comes to an end, teams are gearing up for the New Year. Most teams are making last minute roster changes, and bringing in new talent for the Golden 4 run and eventually a shot at the Title. Qadsia has shown no sign of being ready to hand over the crown just yet.

Cedric Taylor (202-F-79, college: Pikeville), a 3rd year Vet with Jahra club says We have a good chance this year because we have the best locals'. After speaking with Taylor, he informed me that his team had done a 360 as far as training and practice. 'Our local leaders are stepping up and taking a more responsible role on the team. Players like Aziz, Naief and other starters have showed me they want to win by their attitude and participation at practice. My guys go 110% at practice now, and it all started with our local leaders on the team focusing on what they really want and setting the example.'
Cedric has Carried Jahra for the last 2 years averaging 24 ppg, 13 rpg, 2.1 bpg, 2.2 apg, and 1.7spg during the 2007-2008 season. He is an explosive dunker with exceptional athletic abilities to finish around the basket. Taylor is has been a jewel for Jahra with his versatility to play multiple positions, especially with the constant rotation of imports Jahra has brought in. With this being his 3rd year putting up the numbers he has, it only makes since to get this guy some help in the paint.
Taylor has been contacted by a number of teams in Germany, Spain, and Italy and is considering working out with a few NBA teams this summer. 'At this time, I am focused on one thing and that's this 2008-2009 season. You can only play for one team at a time, and right now I belong to Jahra Club. After we win the Title this year, Im sure my management team and Jahra club will go through the necessary negotiation process.

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  NBA   


NBA Round: 62 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Nuggets - Hawks 91-109
Atlanta Hawks outplayed Denver Nuggets thanks to nice performance by Joe Johnson and Michael Bibby. Johnson drained 25 points, grabbed 5 rebounds and handed out 7 assists, while Bibby collected 20 points and 9 assists. Alfred Horford followed them with 16 points and 10 boards. Kenyon Martin contributed with 19 points in defeat. Hawks 20-10, Nuggets 20-12.

Magic - Pistons 82-88
Detroit Pistons celebrated vs Orlando Magic jumping on 18-11 record. On the other side the Magic fell on 24-7. Rodney Stuckey top-scored for the hosts with 19 points. Rasheed Wallace and Tayshaun Prince added 16 pts apiece. Rashard Lewis registered 23 points and 6 assists for the loosing side, while Dwight Howard stopped on 18 points and 18 boards.

Bulls - Nets 100-87
Ben Gordon nailed 24, while Derrick Rose added 21 points and 13 boards leading their Bulls to 14th win of the season. Vince Carter and Devin Harris combined 57 points for the Nets (15-16).

Grizzlies - Timberwolves 98-108
Overtime victory for the Timberwolves (6-24). Al Jefferson was their key player delivering 38 points and pulling down 16 rebounds. OJ Mayo replied with 23 pts for the Grizzlies (10-21).

Suns - Thunder 110-102
17-12 for the Suns and poor 3-29 for the Thunder after this game. Shaquile O'Neail stepped up for the winners with double-double, 28 points and 12 rebounds. Jason Richardson helped with 20 pts. Russell Westbrook led the scorers in Thunder with 31 points.

Wizards - Rockets 89-87
Washington Wizards grabbed nice road win in Houston mostly owing to Antawn Jamison, who collected 30 points and 12 boards. Andraye Blatche was the second scorer for the winners with 16 pts. The Rockets got 20 pts from Ron Artest. Wizards 6-23, Rockets 20-12.

76ers - Jazz 95-112
Deron Williams shined for the Jazz registering 27 points and 6 assists. Mehmet Okur had 10 pts and 10 boards, while Andrei Kirilenko added 16 pts and 13 boards. The 76ers got 17 points apiece from Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young. Jazz 19-14, 76ers 12-18.

Raptors - Warriors 111-117
Stephen Jackson nailed 30 points and also had 7 boards and 7 assists in Warriors' victory. Marco Bellineli contributed with 23 points and 6 assists. Chris Bosh answered netting 30 points and grabbing 14 boards for the Raptors. Jose Manuel Calderon had 21 pts and impressive 16 assists. Warriors 10-23, Raptor 12-19.

Orlando Magic doesn't want Joe Smith - by Demar Thomas
Orlando Magic Otis Smith says the club doesn't have interest in acquiring Oklahoma City Thunder forward Joe Smith (6'10''-F-75, college: Maryland), contrary to rumors in newspapers and on Internet basketball sites.

Otis Smith apparently is satisfied with the play of his big men Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Brian Cook , Tony Battie and Marcin Gortat.

'Did those rumors say what we are giving up for him? What am I going to do with another big? Am I just collecting them?' Smith said with a laugh.

*****************************************************
  NCAA2   


Western Oregon Falls - by Sanjey Noriega
From: wouwolves.com

ST. GEORGE, Utah - The Western Oregon University men's basketball team had its three-game winning streak snapped Monday, Dec. 29, as it fell to Fort Lewis 96-64, in the first round of the Dixie State Tournament.


The loss drops the Wolves to 5-3 on the season as the Skyhawks improved to 10-3.


Western Oregon led 46-42 at the half, but it shot just 20 percent in the second half (5-25) and scored only 18 points in the period while Fort Lewis converted on 54.5 of its shot attempts and put up 54 second-half points for the win. The Wolves lost the rebounding battle for the first time this season as Skyhawks had a 48-to-20 advantage on the boards including a 17-to-4 mark on the offensive glass.


Matt Schmidt came off the bench with 14 points to lead four WOU student-athletes in double-figure scoring. He was a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range in the first half and finished 4-of-5 on the evening. Kyle Long also notched double-digits off the bench as he registered 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting. Blair Wheadon had 11 points to go along with a season-best eight assists. Travis Kuhns also recorded 11 points and Sam Kelly was the team's leading rebounder with five.


The Skyhawks made it to the free throw line 34 times in the game and converted on 28 attempts as it limited the Wolves to just 8-of-13 from the charity stripe. Western Oregon made seven of its 12 three-point attempts in the first half but were held to just 1-of-9 from behind the arc in the second half. The Wolves did share the ball well on the evening as it had assists on 18 of its 24 baskets.


The Skyhawks also had four double-figure scorers led by Kirk Archibeque (6'9''-C-84) with 24 points. He went 12-of-14 from the free throw line and 6-of-11 from the floor. He also grabbed 11 rebounds to record a double-double.


The Western Oregon men's basketball team will play its second game in the Dixie State Tournament tomorrow, Tuesday, Dec. 30, when it faces Mesa State College at 5:00 p.m. (MT).

Nurumbi rocks the Grand Canyon - by Kristian Santiago

Engen Nurumbi (201-C-83, college: Minnesota) is finally back on the basketball-court after not playing in college hoops for nearly two years.
The 25-year old Congolese power forward returned to Arizona after experiencing a rough time in Minnesota where the coach who recruited him was sacked prior to the start of the season.

He got almost no playing time after being a star in the junior-college ranks and decided to transfer back to the desert state to join Grand Canyon in the NCAA II. Now in his senior-year with the 'Lopes', the former-national team player leads the team in scoring (15.4), rebounding (7.3),minutes (31.8) and blocked shots (13).

In a recent win over W.New Mexico, Nurumbi recorded 22 points and 17 rebounds while blocking three shots.The forward could be looking into the pro-ranks next year, if he continues to put numbers up like that, but as good student, he might pursue also other options, so who knows what the future will bring for the talented Congolese...



Capitanes de Arecibo claim the seventh spot in Amsterdam - by Eurobasket News
Capitanes de Arecibo - Francis Marion University 92:60

Puerto Rican Capitanes de Arecibo finalized their Haarlem Basktball Week campaign with the win over the Francis Marion University. The victory allowed Capitanes to clinch the seventh spot in the final ladder. The Patriots suffered the fourth straight defeat and finished the competition winless at the eighth spot.
Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) paced well-balanced team from Puerto Rico with 15 points. Erick Rodriguez (190-G-79, agency: Next Level) added 14 points, while Rafael Cruz (187-G-79, agency: Next Level, college: Youngstown St.) had 13 points in the win. Kevin Clark (201-F-87) responded with 15 points for Francis Marion. Matt French (198-F) finished with 12 points in the loss.
Capitanes played a stifling defense in the first half limiting their opponents to just 24 points. Capitanes led by 6 points at the first intermission but managed to stretch the gap to as many as 20 points at the interval. The Patriots failed to strike back in the second half. Arecibo knocked down 26 points in the third stanza to pile up a massive 32-point advantage with one quarter to go. Capitanes then tipped off the final term with 4 straight points and never looked back again en route to a comfortable win.
Capitanes dominated every facet of the game. They outrebounded the Patriots 50:34 and forced those to 21 turnovers. Capitanes also sank 47% from the field.

Capitanes: Angel Figueroa 15, Erick Rodriguez 14, Rafael Cruz 13
Francis Marion: Kevin Clark 15, Matt French 12

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


Akingbade Dokun top-scores in Japan - by Eurobasket News
Nigerian Dokun Akingbade (207-F-84, college: George Washington) and his Japanese Niigata Albirex stun Five Arrows 85:73 in Regular Season Round 22 on December 28th as Ikeda Yuichi and Takeno Akitomo paced all the winners with 18 points apiece. Dokun Akingbade collected 15 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. James Gordon collected 15 points and 17 boards in the losing effort. Before that Albirex moved to 7-11 upsetting the leader Apache 83:72. Dokun Akingbade top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Davis Nick had 19 points in defeat.
Albirex was beaten by Apache 77:83 in Round 20 as Aoki Cohey top-scored for the winners with 28 points. Davis Nick collected 15 points and 17 rebounds, while Dokun Akingbade had 21 points and 12 boards in defeat.
Albirex lost to Broncos 61:67 and sent them to 10-8 record in Round 19. Warren Reginald was unstoppable with 19 points and 19 rebounds. Dokun Akingbade ended up with 15 points and 10 caroms in defeat. In Round 18 Albirex outscored Broncos 77:74 on December 13th. Takeno Akitomo paced all the winners with 19 points and Dokun Akingbade collected 17 points and 13 boards. Horne Steve had 23 points in defeat.

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


Quebec wins first Canadian showdown - by Gianni Pascucci
In the consolation game of the Green Mountaing Tip-Off , played on Suday afternoon in Barre, Vt., the two Canadian teams fought hard till the end, and the Quebec Kebs needed three overtimes to put Montreal away, 90-89, ending at the third place in the tournment. Montreal's Bobby Miller (5'10''-G-74, college: S.New Hampshire) tied the game at 84 on the foul line with 21 seconds left in regulation, and Miller tied the game again at 89 after the first three-minute extra period on a drive to the basket with 37 seconds left. After a scoreless one-minute second overtime, the two teams were given a sudden-victory period with just the shot clock running. Yul Michel (6'2''-G-80, agency: Huss Sport Agency) missed both free-throw attempts early in the third overtime but connected on the first of his second opportunity at the line after being fouled by Montreal's Louis Levros (6'6''-F-83, college: Rhode Island) for the 90-89 final. Jean-Philippe Morin (6'7''-F-83, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) led all scorers with 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Kebekwa, while Jamaal Wise (6'5''-F-83, college: Rhode Island) scored 19 points to pace the Montreal Sasquatch.

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


Capitanes de Arecibo claim the seventh spot in Amsterdam - by Eurobasket News
Capitanes de Arecibo - Francis Marion University 92:60

Puerto Rican Capitanes de Arecibo finalized their Haarlem Basktball Week campaign with the win over the Francis Marion University. The victory allowed Capitanes to clinch the seventh spot in the final ladder. The Patriots suffered the fourth straight defeat and finished the competition winless at the eighth spot.
Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) paced well-balanced team from Puerto Rico with 15 points. Erick Rodriguez (190-G-79, agency: Next Level) added 14 points, while Rafael Cruz (187-G-79, agency: Next Level, college: Youngstown St.) had 13 points in the win. Kevin Clark (201-F-87) responded with 15 points for Francis Marion. Matt French (198-F) finished with 12 points in the loss.
Capitanes played a stifling defense in the first half limiting their opponents to just 24 points. Capitanes led by 6 points at the first intermission but managed to stretch the gap to as many as 20 points at the interval. The Patriots failed to strike back in the second half. Arecibo knocked down 26 points in the third stanza to pile up a massive 32-point advantage with one quarter to go. Capitanes then tipped off the final term with 4 straight points and never looked back again en route to a comfortable win.
Capitanes dominated every facet of the game. They outrebounded the Patriots 50:34 and forced those to 21 turnovers. Capitanes also sank 47% from the field.

Capitanes: Angel Figueroa 15, Erick Rodriguez 14, Rafael Cruz 13
Francis Marion: Kevin Clark 15, Matt French 12

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


Standings - D2
Div.B Standings
Group A
 1. Gladiator CN 9-0 
 2. U.Mobitel II 7-1 
 3. Bistrita 6-2 
 4. Mures II 5-3 
 5. MP Timisoara 5-4 
 6. Corona Bra. 4-4 
 7. Timba Timis. 3-5 
 8. CSU Sibiu II 3-5 
 9. Sf Gheorghe 2-6 
 10. Od Secuiesc 1-7 
 11. Brasovia 0-8 
Group B
 1. Poli. Iasi 9-0 
 2. CSM Bucuresti 7-1 
 3. Steaua 6-2 
 4. CSS Giurgiu 6-2 
 5. Granitul Buc. 6-2 
 6. CSU Galati 6-3 
 7. BT Bucuresti 3-5 
 8. Rapid II Buc. 2-5 
 9. CSM Pitesti 2-5 
 10. Ph. Galati 2-6 
 11. CSS Ploiesti 2-7 
 12. Metropola B. 2-7 
 13. CSM Focsani 0-8 


*****************************************************
  SAUDI ARABIA   


D1 Standings
D1 Standings
 1. Al Ahli 0-0 
 2. Al Hilal 0-0 
 3. Ohod 0-0 
 4. Al Ittihad 0-0 
 5. Al Khaleej 0-0 
 6. Al Qadsia 0-0 
 7. Al Wahda 0-0 
 8. Al Nahda 0-0 
 9. Al Fateh 0-0 
 10. Al Maseerah 0-0 
 11. Al Wasl 0-0 
 12. Al Safaa' 0-0 


*****************************************************
  SENEGAL   


Camara Babacar is the key player of Toyama Grouses - by Eurobasket News
Babacar Camara (211-C-81, college: Cal.St. Fullerton) together with Toyama Grouses is 7-13 in Japanese BJ League. Apache was beaten in the first appearance to Grouses 84:103. Webb Rodney notched 31 points for the guests, while Kabaya Masayuki had 22. Aoki Cohey finished the night with 19 points in defeat. Babacar Camara had 8 points and 13 rebounds for his team. Later Apache beat Grouses 77:67 in Regular Season Round 22 on December 28th. Humphrey John led the way with 21 points and Aoki Cohey added 20. Babacar Camara and Webb Rodney top-scored in defeat with 19 points each.
In Round 21 Grouses celebrated a rare win as they defeated Broncos 78:69. Babacar Camara led the winners with 24 points and Webb Rodney had 14 points and 10 rebounds. Horne Steve ended up with 20 points in the losing effort. Round 20 saw Webb Rodney led Grouses over Broncos in a 88:75 win with 30 points and 12 rebounds. Babacar Camara produced 18 points and 6 rebounds. Warren Reginald edned up with 23 points in the losing effort.
In Round 19 Grouses celebrated the win over 89ers 77:72. Woodyard Terrence poured in 21 points and made 14 rebounds for the winners, whilst Barber Joseph had 25 points for the visiting side.
In Round 18 Grouses lost to 89ers 76:78 as Tucker Rashad top-scored for the winners with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Babacar Camara finished the night with 21 points and 10 rebounds in the losing effort.

*****************************************************
  SLOVENIA   


Helios fire coach Mijanovic, Trifunovic is interim coach - by Zeljko Zule

Radomir Mijanovic was fired as coach of Helios after a disappointment 3-11 start in NLB Adriatic League and 9-3 in UPC League to his first season of the club. Assistant coach Rado Trifunovic has been elevated to interim coach and he is Helios' fourth coach in less than three years.
Mijanovic is the third UPC League coach to be fired before the New Year this season, following Ales Lenassi (Epic Misel Postojna) and Bostjan Kocar (Alpos Sentjur).



*****************************************************
  SOUTH KOREA   


Thunders Hit Eight Straight - by Rick Ross
The Samsung Thunders extended their winning streak to eight as the Thunders beat the SK Knights 97-85 Sunday.
Eight consecutive victories were the longest stretch this season in the Korean Basketball League (KBL).
The Thunders achieved the feat for the first time since the 2000-2001 season.
In a Seoul derby, new Thunders import Aaron Heinz dominated the court with 36 points, and 14 rebounds.
The American also added three assists and three block shots along with two steals.
Though another foreign player, Terrence Leather, fouled out in the game,
the two-time KBL champion has definitely depended on Leather.

While the Thunders were cruising in the KBL, Leather averaged 25.4 points and 11.5 rebounds.
Meanwhile, the Thunders import pointer only recorded 20.5 points with
9.3 rebounds when his team lost six straight games.
''Heinz defended very well when Leather got in trouble over a foul. His solid performance helped to win,''
Thunders head coach Ahn Joon-ho said.
''We don't consider taking victories against all other teams, as well as our winning streak.
There are too many unexpected games, so we focus on one game at a time,'' added Ahn.
The longest winning streak in KBL history is 15, set by Anyang Stars, a predecessor of the KT&G Kites, during the 2004-2005 season.
The Thunders are ranked fourth with a 14-11 record and the Knights are No. 9 at 10-14.
The Ulsan Mobis allowed the Dongbu Promy to co-lead the standings again after falling to the Daegu Orions 88-81 Sunday.

While the Orions won three games in a row, the Mobis are on a three game losing streak for the first time this season.
At home, Orions guard Kim Seung-hyun dominated the court and scored 20 points,
12 of them in the fourth quarter. He also added four assists and two steals.
The Orions climbed to a tie for fifth with the LG Sakers with a 12-12.
The ET Land BlackSlamer and KCC Egis, which completed a 2-3 swap that included veteran center
Seo Jang-hoon, has managed to generate a positive from the deal.
Especially the BlackSlamer, which are 12-13 at seventh, beat third-placed Kites 96-82
Sunday as well as the league-leading Mobis 70-68 Wednesday.

Seo produced 22 points with five rebounds against the Kites' defenders and
Ricardo Powell poured in 32 points, nine rebounds and four assists.
Though Kites' foreign player Marquin Chandler put up 41, it was not enough to beat the upswinging BlackSlamer.
The Egis, which stopped their franchise worst record of eight straight loses,
rebounded by winning two consecutive games against the Promy and KTF MagicWings.
In the Saturday match against the defending champion Promy, consistent veteran
Choo Seung-gyun saved plummeting Egis by scoring 35 points,
which is the highest number among local players this season.

By Yoon Chul
Staff Reporter

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


TAU Track Illievski - by Paul Nilsen
TAU Ceramica are in the hunt to sign Macedonian International Vlado Ilievski (190-G-80, agency: World Sport Agency) from fellow Euroleague side Union Olimpija writes www.acb-basket.com. The guard is expected to replace Mustafa Shakur who has not delivered much to the perceived annoyance of Dusko Ivanovic.

Ilievski is an experienced guard and ball handler and would be a great asset off the bench to back up the likes of Prigioni with the player having played for the likes of Montepaschi, Lottomatica and of course Barcelona which is why he is so attractive a proposition for Tau.

He played 40 Euroleague games for Barca between 2003-2005 and also knows the ACB league as Baskonia continue their quest for more trophies having already won the ACB Supercup and currently sitting top of the standings.

*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Rhone-Herens Basket out of LNA ! - by Kristian Santiago

The LNA suffers a major setback as Rhone Herens Basket decided to pull out of the current championship and cancelled the game against SAM Basket Massagno (Scheduled for the 21st of December).

In consequence, Rhone-Herens will be relegated after the season to the Cantonal leagues while the results of all played games remain the same as before.
The management citied the lack of (financial) support and interest in the region for it sudden withdrawal, and is going to focus on it's farm-team Martigny Rhone Basket in the LNB instead.

Players such as Corey Muirhead (198-F-83, college: W.Carolina), Karon Bradley (182-G-84, college: Wichita St.) and Cedric Mafuta (192-F-84) should be finding new homes soon, while Hatila Passos (212-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) is on his way to Uruguay already.



Recent movements in Switzerland - by Kristian Santiago
Lets take a look on the Swiss market:

Allan Fall (182-G-81) signed temporarily with Sdent BBC Nyon to replace injured Jean-Baptiste Bah (186-G-84).
Academie Fribourg Olympic added Virgile Pittet (188-F-1993) to its roster.
Laurent Lahey (204-F-89) signed with the Poly-Rapid Zurich Wildcats.
Serbian coach Darko Ristic is new in BBC Monthey.To replace Ristic, Martigny-Rhone Basket got Laurent Plassard off their women's team to coach the men instead.
Alex Zimnickas (203-F-83, college: Hartford) has been released by Academie Fribourg Olympic for financial reasons.
Bilal Salaam (201-F-81, college: Kutztown) and Lausanne Basket parted away, as Salaam's wife awaits a child in the US.
Pages Jaunes Pully Basket assigned young Valentin Decoppet (187-F-1992) to the team.

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


UTT blow past Diego Martin All Stars - by Albert-Lee Young

The University of Trinidad & Tobago basketball team continued its impressive display (3-1) in the Stag Super10 Basketball League with big 93-61 win against last year's losing finalist Diego Martin All Stars (2-4).

Despite having stand-in captain and shooting guard Kenyatta Alfred (3 fouls) sit out with only 4.10 remaining in the first quarter, UTT were still able to execute their fast pace offense with some effective ball movements and crafty dribble penetration by point guards Dwayne Moses and Jerel Orr. By the end of the first quarter UTT led 26-15.

With 3mins remaining in the second quarter and ahead 32-16, UTT coach Terry Layton rotated the starters and used more of his role players. However All Stars gained control of the tempo forcing UTT to commit seven turnovers and two technical fouls (Kensley Sandy & Ashton Demurrell) within the last minutes of the first half. At the end All Stars reduced the deficit 31-36.

On the resumption Alfred was reintroduced together with the other starters and UTT regained their rhythm with a 17-3 run with 5.14 remaining in the period for a 53-33 lead. Using their full court press and quickness to their advantage UTT increased their lead 66-50 to finish the third.

By the start the fourth quarter (58sec) and with veteran centre Roland Guishard in foul trouble, All Stars took a quick time out. However despite all their strategies there were no stopping the young UTT team! Led by Alfred who top scored with 22pts including 3 three pointers ,UTT built on their lead and with 3.49 remaining outscored All Stars 15-9 for an 81-59 advantage. On the 3.09min mark centre Shawn Lawrence scored one of his two dunks from a fast break on an assist by Stephan Dillon. And next two possessions (2.35min) UTT executed its best offense set of the night when centre Kiewan Bacquain collected the ball at the high post; kick back out to point guard Jerel Orr; Orr reversed the ball to Dillon on the right wing; then to Alfred who scored a three point corner shot for a 86-61 lead. Afterwards coach Layton rested his starters and UTT went on to win 93-61.

For UTT Kiewan Bacquain had 14pts, 5 rebs & 2blks; Kensley Sandy 14pts, 4rebs & 3assists; Miguel Sansavoir 13pts, 4 rebs, 1bk; Shawn Lawrence 7 pts, 6 rebs & 2 bks. Douglas Mcneilly led Diego Martin All Stars with 14 pts and Keston Reid had 10 pts and 4 rebs.

OTHER WEEKLY SCORES
Defense Force 94, Royal Extra Lions 78
Marabella Raptors 83, Diego Martin All Stars 80
NFM 76, Mirak Stars 64
Sando Petro Jazz 94, Defense Force 68
Sando Petro Jazz 100, Caledonia Clippers 91
Detour Shak Attack 94, Royal Extra Lions 77

Ashby Julius contributes for Tokyo Apache - by Eurobasket News
Julius Ashby (205-F/C-82, college: Colorado) contributes for Tokyo Apache in Japanese BJ League. Apache beat Grouses 77:67 in Regular Season Round 22 on December 28th. Humphrey John led the way with 21 points and Aoki Cohey added 20. Julius Ashby had 10 points and 14 rebounds. Camara Babacar and Webb Rodney top-scored in defeat with 19 points each. Apache was beaten in the first appearance to Grouses 84:103. Webb Rodney notched 31 points for the guests, while Kabaya Masayuki had 22. Aoki Cohey finished the night with 19 points in defeat. Julius Ashby collected 14 points and 5 rebounds that time.
In Round 21 Albirex moved to 7-11 upsetting the leader Apache 83:72. Akingbade Dokun top-scored for the winners with 27 points and 16 rebounds, whilst Davis Nick had 19 points in defeat. Julius Ashby brought his team 3 points and 11 boards. Before that Albirex was beaten by Apache 77:83 as Aoki Cohey top-scored for the winners with 28 points. Julius Ashby shined with 11 points and 12 caroms. Davis Nick collected 15 points and 17 rebounds, while Akingbade Dokun had 21 points and 12 boards in defeat.

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


Barbour at Erdemir - by Sinan Can
BEKO Basketball League newcomers Erdemirspor is trying to find a path to take them away from relegation zone as the management decided to strength the roster by adding Antwain Barbour (196-G/F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Kentucky). Barbour is a 1.98 forward out of Kentucky who has played for Spanish LEB team through out his European carreer. Barbour played for Tenerife Rural last year and averaged 19.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 steals per contest last season. Athletic forward started this season with Tenerife again as he left in december due to personal reasons. He played 12 games for LEB team and averaged 18.9 points.

*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


MLK jr. tourney Jan 17-19, 2008 - by David Edole
St. Thomas-St. John Interscholastic Athletic Association is preparing to host the IAA 2008 Martin Luther King invitational basketball tournament slated for January 17, 18 and 19, 2008. The Tournament will begin on Saturday at 10 am and conclude on Monday with the championship games. The girls game will begin at 10 with the boys game to follow 10 minutes after. A total of nine boys team will be participating in the event including two time defending Champions Charlotte Amalie Chicken Hawks. CAHS, the number one ranked team, will have a tough time repeating as bulked up (No.2) Educational Complex and a well-traveled (No.3) Central High School will stand in their way. The Caribs are coming off play at the 3rd annual Dekalb county holiday classic where they faced some of the best teams in the state of Georgia. Eudora Kean, Antilles, All Saints, Sts. Peter and Paul, Elmore Stout (Tortola) and Country Day School rounds out the field.
On the girls side all four ranked teams in the territory will meet for the first time. Central High should me more than prepared to defend their title. However the Lady Caribs will need all hands on deck after losing 2007-08 player of the year Sherise Joseph. The ever improving CAHS and Antilles will all have a shot at deposing the queens. Country Day and Eudora Kean rounds out the tourney.
All games will be played at Charlotte Aamlie High School Gymnasium.

*****************************************************
  URBL   


DFW Officially Adds Jermaine Barnes - by Mac Claire
The Dallas=Fort Worth Disciples, the URBL's latest entry has officially added Jermaine Barnes as of his recent signing.
Barnes attended Atlanta Christian and has had a adds significant japaneese star power to the team by way of Barnes' storied career in Japan.
The 6-5 guard was the MVP of the Aichi League (Japan) in 2008 averaging 48.3ppg and leading his team to the All-Japan championship game.
'We feel that by adding a player like JB, you give yourself a great chance to win said coach Alex Taylor. 'Hes by far the best scorer I have seen in all of my year of playing and coaching. Anyone who can score 60 points twice in a season has to be a great scorer. Barnes had two sixty point games in Japan.
'I have spoken to jermaine several times by phone and I can tell that he is a quality person who will only help our league, ' URBL CEO Mac Claire stated.



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


Batista is returning from Moscow - by Hector Lopez
The Uruguayan Esteban Batista (208-F/C-83), just three days after signing a contract with the Russian team Triumph Lyubersty, decided to return to Montevideo, it was announced by the web site Urubasket.
Acording to sources near Batista, the low temperature (minus 20 degrees) was the main reason for him to return. Batista was joining the Moscow team after begining the season with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He had reached an agreement with Maccabi to quit because he was no playing. The sources consulted by the web site said Batista had offers from Argentina and Puerto Rico. It was no immediately clear if the Russian team had agreed with Batista decision.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxx - by Sergio Dans
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jyyu - by Sergio Dans
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*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


German National Team defeats Belgium twice - by Moritz Korff
In the last days of the year the German Women's National Team won two exhibition games in Liege against Belgium 71:69 and 59:55 respectively. Head coach Imre Szittya saw the debuts of the Saarlouis players Stina Barnert (176-G-89) and Romy Baer (188-F-87). Both had their first appearances on the German A-squad. Baer made noise right away and scored 18 points in game number one.

Germany (points): Sarah Austmann (11 pts in game one/4 pts in game two), Romy Baer (18/9), Stina Barnert (3/4), Katja Bavendam (2/7), Corry Berger (0/0), Annika Danckert (8/0), Petra Glaeser (14/14), Lisa Koop (0/6), Lea Mersch (5/2), Alexandra Mueller (6/11), Birte Thimm (3/2), Sandra Weber (1/0).

The team will meet the Ukraine in a EURO-qualifier in Hagen on January 7.

*****************************************************
  JAMAICA - Women  


Gidden remains hot in Finland - by Eurobasket News
Vanessa Gidden (191-C-85, college: Hofstra) is a real leader for her Finnish HoNSu. After the first part her team is 3-11, but struggles hard with the other teams. Vanessa Gidden netted two freebies with two seconds left in regulation to seal HoNSu win ove Espoo in the final game of Round 14. Vanessa Gidden finished with 27 points and 17 boards, while Amanda DeCoud and Raquel Collier had 16 points apiece in the win. Ashley Haynes responded with 32 points and 12 boards for Espoo Team.
In the latest game Catz maintained their leading position in the league as they toppled HoNSu at home. Rene Haynes knocked down 23 points for the league leaders. Yelena Solovyeva and Elena Reshetko had 14 points and 7 rebounds apiece for the home team. Raquel Collier answered with 15 points for HoNSu, while Vanessa Gidden collected 14 points and 16 rebounds.
In Round 12 PeKa left no chance for visiting HoNSu beating them 84:64 for the 8th win. Sherida Triggs managed 29 points and 9 boards for PeKa. Shanika Freeman added 18 points and 7 boards for the hosts. Raquel Collier responded with 29 points and 7 boards for HoNSu. Vanessa Gidden collected 12 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

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  KUWAIT - Women  


Kuwait National Women come out with a Big Win - by Corey Washington

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (October 17, 2008) - The Lady Patriots women's basketball team, of Camp Patriot, Kuwait, played the Kuwait National Women's team in the Zone 1 Gym at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Oct. 17.

The game, arranged by Host Nation Affairs, Area Support Group-Kuwait, was a way to continue to build upon relations between the U.S. military and Kuwait.'The game is part of our Good Neighbor program to build good will,' said Lt. Col. Rodney P. Rose, director, Host Nation Affairs. 'It's a way for us to say thank you to the Kuwaiti government for having us here.

Before the start of the game, Rose and the ASG-KU commander, Col. Christopher K. Hoffman, welcomed the guests and spoke of how important the day's event was for both the U.S. military and Kuwait.'This is an example of international sportsmanship,' said Hoffman. 'It's a monumental event.'After the welcome, a gift exchange took place between the command and the Kuwait team as a display of their appreciation.Once the game officially started, the stands were filled with cheering servicemembers and a small group of Kuwaiti local basketball fans in support of the event. Although a majority of the fan base was made up of servicemembers, the support for the teams was evenly distributed. All through out the game, the lively crowd cheered whenever either team scored a point.
The women played two, 20-minute periods and at the end of the first period, the Kuwait National Women's team held an 11-6 lead against the Lady Patriots.The Kuwait Women's team continued to lead the game during the second half, but not without a fight from the Lady Patriots who, during the last few minutes of the game, gained several points reducing the Kuwaiti lead.However, the Kuwait National Women held on to their lead and came out victorious, winning 26-22.

'It was a great game,' said Mariam Al-Ameeri, Kuwait National Women team. 'The [Lady Patriots] played good, I'm proud of our girls and I really want to come back.'Despite their loss, there were no hard feelings from the Lady Patriots. Members of both teams remained in good spirits while chatting with each other and posing in pictures with fans who attended the game.After the excitement and the crowd died down at the gym, the teams joined together for dinner in the Zone 1 dinning facility.A dinner that Seaman Nicole S. Joyner, starting forward and co-captain with the Lady Patriots, said she was looking forward to because it would give her a chance to sit down with the Kuwait women and learn more about them and their culture.

The game between the Lady Patriots and the Kuwait National Women proved that basketball can be used for more than a means to demonstrate sports showmanship, but it can also serve as a means to build bonds between people and cultures.

SOURCE:USARCENT/CFLCC

Dinner Army Style - by Corey Washington

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait (October 17, 2008) - Seaman Nicole Joyner, a member of the Lady Patriots basketball team, out of Camp Patriot, Kuwait, chats with members of the Kuwait National Womens basketball team in the Zone 1 dining facility at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, Oct. 17. The dinner took place after a game, which the KNW team defeated the Lady Patriots 26-22, that continues to build upon the relations between the U.S military and the Kuwaiti government.


SOURCE: USARCENT



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  POLAND - Women  


Standings - PLKK
PLKK Standings
1. Lotos PKO BP 14-2
2. Wisla Can-Pak 13-3
3. AZS Gorzow 12-4
4. CCC 11-4
5. Utex Row 10-6
6. Energa Torun 9-7
7. Inea AZS P. 8-7
8. AZS J.Gora 7-8
9. Duda Leszno 7-9
10. Cukierki 4-12
11. LKS 3-13
12. MUKS Pozn. 3-14
13. PTK Pabian. 2-14


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  RUSSIA - Women  


Solovyeva and Reshetko lift Catz on top - by Eurobasket News
Russian players Yelena Solovyeva and Elena Reshetko are the top players in Finnish League. Their Catz made it thirteen wins out of fourteen games played as they victimized Huima on the road. Rene Haynes topscored with 29 points for the league leaders. Yelena Solovyeva (188-C-75) added 19 points and 6 boards in the win. Elena Reshetko (184-C-86) collected 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Saara Lind notched 19 points and 9 boards for Huima in defeat.
Befire that Catz secured their position on top of the ladder with a home win over FoA. Piia Harkko stepped up with 17 points off the bench to lead the way for Catz. Elena Reshetko added 16 points and 8 boards for the winners. Yelena Solovyeva had 2 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks. Juta Jahilo scored 21 points, grabbed 7 boards and dished out 4 assists in the loss.
Catz maintained their leading position in the league as they toppled HoNSu 82:53 at home. Rene Haynes knocked down 23 points for the league leaders. Yelena Solovyeva and Elena Reshetko had 14 points and 7 rebounds apiece for the home team. Raquel Collier answered with 15 points for HoNSu.
Before that Catz ensured the eleventh win in the season as they crushed Nokia on the road. Yelena Solovyeva had 30 points and 11 rebounds for the league leaders and Elena Reshetko collected 6 points and 6 rebounds. Minna Sten added 12 points and 6 rebounds in the winning case. Kristin Higy dropped 23 points for Nokia in defeat.

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  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women  


Sunsational Hoops Classic Day 1 results - by David Edole
ST. THOMAS, Virgin Islands R-MC dropped its second contest of the season Monday, falling to Cabrini 60-53 in the first game of the Sunsational Hoops Classic at Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands. Cabrini outscored the Yellow Jackets 32-28 in the first half and 28-25 in the second stanza.

Junior center Molly Ariail led the Randolph-Macon offense, scoring a game-high 21 points. Senior forward Lindsay Riesbeck chipped in with 12 points. Cabrinis Brittany McLeod, Deana DiAmico, and Alyssa Brady each tallied 11 points.

The Yellow Jackets move to 4-2 this season, while Cabrini improves its overall record to 6-1.

Montclair State 56 Mary Washington 53
Freshman Jaime Ericson hit a turn-around three-pointer at the buzzer as Montclair State posted its fifth straight win with a 56-53 victory over Mary Washington in the SunSational Hoops Classic on Monday evening. Ericson's heroics helped MSU (6-4) avoid a third straight overtime contest as the Red Hawks played for the first time in 13 days.

Tuesday's schedule
UMW will face Randolph-Macon College on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m.

Sunsational Hoops Classic Day 2 results - by David Edole
St. Thomas, Virgin Islands Junior forward Catherine Cristino scored 21 points while junior Kisandra Ayanbeku addeda double-double with 10 points and 16 rebounds as Montclair State completed a perfect trip to the Virgin Islands with a 69-59 win over Elizabethtown in the 2008 SunSational Hoops Classic on Tuesday evening.

Mary Washinton 66 Randolph Macon 50
Junior guard Ashley Reed scored 16 points, including a pair of three pointers, to lead the 10th/13th ranked University of Mary Washington women's basketball team to a 66-50 victory over Randolph-Macon College on Tuesday night in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. The Eagles improve to 9-1 on the season.
Senior forward Ashton Mitchell scored 15 points and senior guard Katy Larson added 14 points for the Eagles.

Wednesday, December 31
Women's Basketball (at St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.)
-Elizabethtown vs. Cabrini, 1:00 p.m. - program