Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/7/2008

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Men News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Helios adds Mance -by Zeljko Zule
Helios inked former Croatian NT member Marijan Mance (197-G-78) ex Kvarner. He averaging 32,8 minutes, 15,7 points (2P 48-87, 3P 25-47, FT 47-66), 5,8 rebounds, 2,1 assists, 0,7 steals, 0,1 blocks and 1,8 turnovers in 11 games of Croatian A1 League.

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ARGENTINA

Laron Profit comes to Argentina -by Facundo Iatzky
Libertad Sunchales signed Laron Profit (196-G/F-77, agency: Octagon, college: Maryland). Profit seems be the player who libertad need because he can scores but he is a good deffensive player. Laron has played in the NBA for 4 seasons. He will replace Ryan Carroll.

Central Entrerriano inked shooting guard Kevin Sowell (190-G-81) and finally Antwon Hall (193-G-74, agency: Naiditch Entertainment, college: Life) was officially signed by Sionista Parana.

Last transactions -by Facundo Iatzky
Fernando Small (184-G-77) left Quimsa and agreed terms with Asociacion Italiana in TNA. Fernando Small is an historic player in quimsa but he wanted to play more minutes.
Veteran Carlus Groves (201-F-71, college: San Diego St.) is the new foreigner for SAn Martin Marcos Juarez. He is the replacement for Joe Williams.
Regatas San Nicolas signed Sergio Ravina (190-F-86)
San martin corrientes signed Diego Crocce (200-F/C-81) and released Calvester Ferguson (4.1 pts 1.6 reb)

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AUSTRIA

Furstenfeld adds forward Ocokoljic -by Cueneyt Tuerk
Furstenfeld has added another pro to their roster with the signing of forward Slobodan Slobodan Ocokoljic (202-F-80, college: Weber St.). Slobodan Ocokoljic arrives from Apoel Nikosia. He will make his debut in this weekends Austrian Cup-Final-Four

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BELARUS

Vitalyur FM -by Viktar Tkachou

It's unbelievable!.. Just only two seconds were remained toward the end of Friday Vitaluyr-OZAA match, and draw score was lightened on table when Mikhail Feiman decided to call his guys for time-out and constructed damage gun for the guests after given explanation. The gun was an idea from ingenious fox to make equal reply for the far OZAA bomb was detonated before 6 second of final quarter after Sergei Matveev kick that corrected the score to 75:75. Everyone was ready to face the overtime, however, Sergei Dadykin appeared free under the basket and made what he must made and made his coach quite satisfied after tacktics applied. The gun killed everybody of OZAA as every body of OZAA fell down with siren sound.

Saturday game half proved yesterday shoots since Vitalyurers stepped too easy above rivals was leading after 2Q 21 points. It's just a mystery which words and phrases told OZAA coach to players, but this input made them alive: OZAA won 8 minutes part 24:2, and shorted the score 73:72 by 1.16 till the end of the game. And, again, the Champions listened Vitalyur FM wave and won the game with 6 points ahead.

Round 13. February 1-2, 2008

Vitalyur - OZAA

77:75 (28:14, 12:21, 16:15, 21:25)
Vitalyur: Charko - 22, Dadykin - 12, Kalvelis - 10, Yeremenko - 10
OZAA: Vasojevic - 16, Oleynik - 16, Ristic - 14

80:74 (20:15, 23:7, 12:29, 25:23)
Vitalyur: Dadykin - 21, Yeremenko - 18, Shustau - 11
OZAA: Charikau - 21, Maksimovic - 17, Oleynik - 13

Grodno-93 - Minsk-2006

66:85 (15:24, 21:13, 14:26, 16:22)
Grodno-93: Yafremau - 17, Bogdanov - 14, Mishukov - 12
Minsk-2006: Shtereb - 20, Stiggers - 15, Chemiakin - 11

70:71 (18:14, 11:19, 18:19, 13:19)
Grodno-93: Lemik - 16, Yafremau - 14, Bogdanov - 14
Minsk-2006: Koul - 28, Shtereb - 15, Stiggers - 12

Lokomotiv-KiS - Sozh

92:79 (23:14, 24:18, 20:30, 25:18)
Lokomotiv-KiS: Pishchulenok - 20, Sapegin - 16, Sivalko - 13
Sozh: Tsialiapneu - 26, Yarets - 16, Gerasimovich - 14, Vl. Ostrikau - 12

76:68 (23:21, 13:18, 28:18, 12:11)
Lokomotiv-KiS: Sapegin, Sivalko, Pishchulenok - 15
Sozh: Vl. Ostrikau - 16, Vch. Ostrikau - 15

Temp-OSHVSM - BNTU

76:57 (18:20, 22:14, 12:7, 24:16)
Temp: Yakovitsky - 23, Kharkevich - 16, Krivonos - 15
BNTU: Shpadaruk - 20, Volk - 11

80:70 (19:17, 25:24, 24:14, 12:15)
Temp: Lavrinenka - 27, Yakovitsky - 14, Savin - 12, Kharkevich - 10
BNTU: Dobroserdov - 17, Volk - 15, Shpadaruk - 10

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BELIZE

The Future and Winston Pratt Unstoppable!!! -by David Magana

Last night at the Belize Civic Center the U-26 Tournament contiunued with three exiciting ball games. In the first face off, The Future went against Complex Bombers. The Bombers were bombed by 20 pts losing their 3 game of the season by 73-55. For The Future, Winston Pratt scored 21 pts, got 6 rebounds, 3 blocks and 5 steals, while Leroy Louriano scored 11 pts. These two guys are a combination that is becoming hard to stop. In a losing effort for The Bombers, Lester Cadle (188-G-80) scored 13 pts, got 8 rebounds and 3 steals, while Dale Turner (165-G) scored 13 pts.
In the Second match of the night, Lake I Boyz defeated Belmopan Young Gunz by a score of 66-54. This was a game of showering three's in which Lake I score 11 and Young Gunz 8 for a total of 57 pts coming the way of 3's. For the winning team, Ashton Edwards netted 29 pts (7-3's), got 6 rebounds and 8 steals, while Eden Serano (191-F) netted 10 pts. In a losing effort, Christian Rodriguez (188-G/F) got 12 pts, 7 rebounds and 5 steals, while Rheton Belisle 11 pts.
In the last game of the night, the UB Black Jaguars bounced back defeating Buttonwood Bay 72-48. Sometimes its good to stumble once in a while and realize the invincibility issue rather than having a heartbreak during the playoffs. For the Jaguars, Farron Lauriano ended up with 10 pts and 8 rebounds while Travis Lennon 15 pts. For the Bay, Andre Herrera 21 pts while Alton Herrera 11 pts.

NEXT GAMES:
Wednesday - 06 February 6:30 pm at Civic Center
Game 1 - Belmopan Young Gunz (0-4) vs Mesop. Guardian(2-1)

Game 2 - The Future (4-0) vs Lake I Boyz (3-1)

Game 3 - Junior Bulldogs (3-0) vs (Buttonwood Bay (0-5)

Sunday 10 February 2:30 pm at Civic Center
Game 1 - Complex Bombers (1-4) vs UB Black Jaguars (4-1)
Game 2 - Belmopan Young Gunz (0-4) vs Buttonwood Bay (0-6)
Game 3 - Junior Bulldogs (3-0) vs Mesop Guardian Bombebrs (2-1)

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BOSNIA

Bosna win with +40 -by Elvir Halilovic
In Sarajevo's derby Bosna ASA BH Telecom win against lastplaced Vogosca MIMS with 102:63. In other games Sloboda Dita make home victory against Leotar (89:78) and Capljina Lasta was better than Posusje (82:78). In derby game of this week Igokea Partizan win at home against Borac Nektar with 75:73.

BOSNA ASA BH TELECOM - VOGOSCA MIMS 102:63
(25:20, 19:13, 36:11, 22:19)
Sarajevo, KSC Skenderija; Att.: 100; Ref.: Duskaj, Bilic, Hatibovic
BOSNA ASA BHT: Greer 11 (14 reb.), Sehovic 10, Bavcic 9, Bailey 3 (6 as.), Suljagic, Rahimic 18, Majstoric, Pasalic 2, Djurasovic 8, Veal 13 (5 as.), Zimic 6, Williams 22 (7 reb.)
VOGOSCA MIMS: Herco, Terzic, Zunic 2, Prasovic 12, Kadic 12, Smajovic 2, Osmic, Ok 10 (8 reb.), Alic 2, Valjevac 13 (10 reb.), Vucicevic 5, Peljto 5 (4 as.)

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BRAZIL

ACB Brasil: Quiet weekend for the Canarinhos -by Gustavo Cardoso
Caio Silveira Torres (211-C-87) didn't play in Estudiantes home loss against Barcelona (79-86). Alex Acker and Jaka Lakovic were the top scorers for Barcelona who also got great help from former Temple Owls Pepe Sanchez at the point. Estudiantes is in 17th place and relegation could be near to the Madrid squad.

Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances)'s TAU Ceramica had a big win over league leaders Real Madrid at the country's capital winning by just 2 points (80-82). The Brazilian came off the bench to score 5 points and collect one rebound. Teletovic was the shining star in the Basque team's post scoring 16 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. TAU is in second place in the standings.

Marcelo Marcelinho Huertas (191-G-83, agency: Edge Sports) had 11 points, one rebound, and three assists in yet another loss for his Basque club Bilbao Basket (86-74). Playing in the Canary Islands, the ‘cinderella' of Spanish pro basketball wasn't able to withstand Carl English's 67% 3pt shooting effort and dropped its second consecutive loss. Huertas' squad is still at the top 4.

NBA Brasil: Leandrinho on target during Carnaval -by Gustavo Cardoso
Leandrinho Barbosa (190-G-82) had a stellar ‘Carnaval' performance with 30 points (25% of the Suns points) in a home win against the Bobcats (118-104). Stoudemire and Bell added 24 apiece. The Suns lead the Pacific Division with 34 wins and 14 losses.

On Monday Marcus Vinicius (203-F-84) didn't play for the Hornets in their 22 point loss to the Jazz (88-110 on a 29 point effort by Deron Williams).

Around Europe with the Brazilians -by Gustavo Cardoso

Rafael Paulo Araujo (210-C-80, college: BYU) had 12 points and 6 rebounds for Spartak in in a 5 point loss to Ugra. Baby's team is still in 11th place in the Superleague standings with 3 wins and 13 losses.

Maccabi kept the lead on the Israeli Premier Division after beating Happoel Elyon by 90 to 84. Alex Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) went scoreless but had 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 20 minutes on court.

In LKL play, Lietuvos Rytas crushed Siauliai by the score of 93 to 70. No action for J.P. Batista (206-F/C-81, college: Gonzaga). The Vilnius club leads the standings with 11 wins and 0 losses.

Lukoil Academic continues to rule Bulgaria's A1 (20w-0l). This time the squad from Sophia beat 8th placed Rilski by the score of 89 to 78. Murilo da Rosa (207-C-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) saw no action. Willie Deane has 36 points to lead the ‘Students'.

For the 18th round of Bundesliga play, Ludwigsburg lost to Koln by the score of 99 to 77 in front of 2200 Koln fans. Michel Nascimento (208-C-78) started for the guests and scored 12 points and had 5 rebounds. The top scorer of the game was Koln's, and former UCLA Bruins, Toby Bailey with 23 points. Ludwigsburg is in 12th place on the standings with 8 wins and 10 losses.

In the Hungarian Cup 1/8 Finals, Univer beat Veszpremi 102-83 with 14 points by Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83). The Brazilian will see more action tonight as the country's A Division resumes for Round 17.

In Switzerland, on Boncourt's win over Nyon (80-78), Carlao Ferro (198-F-84) had 10 points and 2 rebounds. The Brazilian would have had more points if it wasn't for his low long range shooting percentagem (14.3%). Boncourt is in fifth place in the standings (8w-8l).

Herens, another Brazilian fueled squad, beat Vevey (71-84). Fernando Fischer (190-F-81) led the squad with 21 points. Derrick Lang (194-G-80, college: Incarnate World), who played with Franca and Sao Jose last year, scored 2 points. Luciano Delmanto (183-G-88) didn't play. Herens is still fighting for a playoff spot in 9th place (6w-10l).

Lega Basket Brasil: Giovanonni's efficiency is key -by Gustavo Cardoso
La Fortezza won big against Treviso for the 5th round of the ‘ritorno' (55-69). Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) shot poorly from the field connecting for just 25% of his shots. Despite the lack of target the Brazilian was his team's second most efficient man after Alan Anderson. Guilherme had 6 rebounds and one assist. La Fortezza is in 9th place with 10 wins and 12 losses in the season.

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BULGARIA

CSKA punished Levski for second time -by Lubomir Neshev
The team of CSKA Interlogic delighted its fans today in Hristo Botev Hall by defeating their biggest rival Levski by 90-82, winning for second straight time against The Blues.
The derby game of this round started evenly matched and until 5-6 for Levski the lead was changing. Then CSKA scored 5 quick points to take the lead. In this first quarter the visiting players made a lot of mistakes in offense and defense and CSKA went up 28-14 at the end of it.
In the first minutes of the second quarter both teams couldn't score. CSKA broke the deadlock but from then on started the strong minutes for Levski. Thanks to their zone defense they forced a lot of mistakes by the hosts and managed to cut the lead to 42-39 at the break.
The third quarter started with a basket for CSKA but Levski completed its comeback after a triple by Zlatin Georgiev to take a 47-46 lead. CSKA hit back but Levski made a good run and the score was 49-53, biggest margin for the visitors. Then The Reds made 6-0 run and again restored their advantage. With the score 60-56, Yulian Radinov hit 5 quick points as Levski again took the lead, but unfortunately for them, for last time in the game. A triple by Henderson and basket by Hadjisotirov made the score 65-61 for CSKA after three quarters.
In the last quarter both teams went for the win as Levski managed to cut the deficit to 69-68 after a Dikov basket. He wasn't able to score the free throw and tie the game and after that CSKA took advantage by destroying Levski with the team's great 3-point shooting. They scored 6 3-pointers in the last quarter and went on to take the win.
Mike Henderson (188-G-84, agency: Interperformances, college: Iowa) and Ludmil Hadjisotirov were the keys for CSKA's success. The first finished with 24 points and the second with 22 including three 3-pointers in the last quarter.
For Levski Zlatin Georgiev ended with 18 points and Stanislav Slaveykov added 16.

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CUBA

LSB. Matanzas unbeatable, El Gato Silvestre is "the chief" -by Alessandro Fontana
LSB-Time in Cuba.
Matanzas won three important games and the team of Allens Jemmott, top scorer of this LSB, in these games 23.3 ppg, is always more sure to qualify for the LSB Semifinals. Allens Jemmott should win the 'MVP award' for this incredible season. Ciego de Avila won the first game against Capitalinos 107-80, a +27. 'El gato' Geoffrey Silvestre played a great game, a 'partidazo' with 28 pts (14/22 2pts an incredible 64% shot percentage) + 6 rebs. In the second game, Capitalinos won against Ciego de Avila 78-71, but with this +27, Ciego de Avila showed that They are still 'the team to defeat' if another team believes to win the Cuban Championship.
The Results:
Ciego de Avila- Camaguey= 80-50 (CAV= Perez 21, Geoffrey Silvestre 12, Guerra 12; C= Jaca 13, Polas 7)
Matanzas- Villa Clara= 104-92 (M= Jemmott 31, Torriente 28, Norona 13; V= Boffill 25, Rodriguez A. 24)
Capitalinos- Guantanamo= 94-78 (C= Garcia 23, Lavastida 16, Torres 16; G= Simon 27, Elias 14)
Santiago de Cuba-Metropolitanos= 81-90 (S= Echevarria 23, martinez 20; M= Borlot 28, Sotero 11, Cairo 10)
Matanzas- Metropolitanos= 78-67 (M= Jemmott 21, Norona 16, Torriente 14; Me= Muniz 12, Dube 10)
Capitalinos- Ciego de Avila= 80-107 (C= Lavastida 17, Torres 13; CAV= Geoffrey Silvestre 28, Perez 20, Guerra 16)
Villa Clara- Guantanamo= 81-95 (VC= Boffill 30, carta 17; G= Simon 29, Elias 18, Calzada 13)
Camaguey- Santiago de Cuba= 83-78 (C= Polas 21, Jaca 11, Ramos 10; S= Caballero 18, Martinez 18)
Matanzas-Metropolitanos= 96-92 (M= Torriente 30, Jemmott 18, Norona 13; Me= Walvin 20, Zequeira 18)
Capitalinos- Ciego de Avila= 78-71 (C= Alvarez 22, Lavastida 13, Leguen 12; CAV= Geoffrey Silvestre 23, Guerra 18)
Villa Clara- Guantanamo= 84-93 ( VC= Rodriguez A. 21, Farres 16; G= Pons 18, Simon 16, Masso 12)
Camaguey- Santiago de Cuba= 97-92 (C= Polas 21, Jaca 17, Arzola 14; Martinez 30, Garcia 19)
A. Fontana

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EGYPT

Gezira beats Ahly 72-61 in round 9 -by Sherif Soliman
Ahly players had a bad game last night in their home court .They couldn't cover Tark El ghanam absence loosing easy rebounds under the rim. Gezira depended on the experience of El Kerdany an Sakr who played last night aggressivly under the rim getting a lot of second chances.Tarek El Ghanam (212-C-78)

Gazco loses for the second time -by Eslam Mohamed

Gazco faced big trouble in the game against Army at Army club Hall, and lost by 24 points 83-59.

Gazco had a big troubles in both defense and offense while Army offense was very effective.Army tunisian player naaim def Alah scored 32 points , Mohamed Fouad scored 14 points and Osama Belal Scored 11 points. Army scored nine (3points) shoots while Gazco scored only four. Winning this game is a good step for Army team before facing Ittihad El Shortain the next round.

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: Eric Washington hit at the buzzer -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 30-31: Kauhajoki was down by two (88-90) and there was 1,4 seconds to go. Time out was for a smart plan. And Eric Washington (192-F/G-74, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) made it by hitting the 3-pointer at the buzzer. Kauhajoki had won over Korihait (Uusikaupunki) by one 91-90. Another close contest was in Porvoo, where visitor KTP (Kotka) beat Tarmo after OT by one 88-89. Steve Smith (200-F-81, agency: CAA Sports, college: Iona) (KTP) tap in the winning two pts with two seconds left. ToPo (Helsinki) defeated Team Componenta (Karkkila) by 22 pts. Six ToPo-players out of eight were in double figures. Honka's (Espoo) 'D' was too tough for hosting Pyrinto (Tampere). The game was practically over already by half time. Jukka Matinen (203-F-78) and Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) led Honka with 19 pts.

Kauhajoki - Korihait 91-90 (47-40) (Darryl Hudson 22, Cedric McGowan 21/12 - Kyle Shiloh 23, Darius Glover 21).

Tarmo - KTP OT 88-89 (80)(43-42) (Mark McCarroll 21/20, Tony Bennett 20 - Toni Ilmonen 25, Steve Smith 24).

Torpan Pojat - Team Componenta 105-83 (48-43) (Josh Gonner 32, Elias Kajander 14 - Chris Hester 22, Jerome Rogers 18).

Pyrinto - Honka 62-85 (23-40) (Damon Williams 21/10, Damion Dantzler 13 - Jukka Matinen 19, Petteri Koponen 19).

OLYMPIC GAMES: Referee Carl Jungebrand to Beijing -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Beijing Olympic Games Basketball Referees have been named. There will be 30 referees and 11 out of them from Europe. Finnish Carl Jungebrand, 43,
will take part his 4th Olympic Games as a referee. Earlier Jungebrand has been at Olympic Games in Soul (1988), in Atlanta (1996) and in Sydney (2000).

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FRANCE

ProB Transfer News -by Chris Spiesser
Evreux hired Majak Kou (196-G-84) to replace the injured Charles Lombahe-Kahudi (196-F-86). Kou has cotonou status due to a Sudanese pass and posted 7pts and 3rbs for his first game.

Chalons inked Konstantin Nesterov (205-F/C-81, college: Va Commonwealth). The russian scored 7.0pts for his first game for a non-russian team since playing in NCAA.

ProA Transfer News -by Chris Spiesser
Cholet released Reda Rhalimi (213-C-82, college: St.Mary's, CA) and Reggie Golson

(201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: SE Missouri St.). Experience is welcomed as DeRon Hayes (197-F-70, college: Penn St.) is back in the Mauges. He started this season with Limoges where he played 14 games for 9.4ppg and 4.0 rpg.

Paris-Levallois is still looking for a first win with coach Stewart. Jurica Golemac (209-F-77) is gone and a new PG is in the french capital: Maurice Baker (184-G-79, college: Oklahoma St.). For his two first games he wasn't really decisive: 3.0ppg and 1.5apg

Another former Limoges player signed for a ProA team. Since 4 games, Rolan Roberts (199-F/C-78, college: S.Illinois) plays for Chalon with a nice contribution: 8.3ppg (73% 2pts), 4.5rpg.

French Busnel Cup: Challans with no fear -by Chris Spiesser
The final 32 of the french cup took place over those days. Were concerned, the 6 last ProA teams, the Prob and NM1 teams and the last year best amateur's cup teams: Gies-Oberhoffen, La Rochelle and Le Mee. Before the tonight's derby in Andrezieux many surprises happened. If the three cinderellas had no real chance, the NM1 teams showed really impressive. Facing the ProB teams over 10 games, 7 times the NM1 resident won! Despite a little question mark about the real concern of the professionnal teams about the Busnel Cup, those results prove that the difference between the 2nd and 3rd french levels is not that important. Moreover, Challans downed Clermont by 31pts and Boulogne was 1pt close to Paris...

Sunday, Feb 03rd
Gries Oberhoffen (NM2) - Besancon (Pro B) : 63-88

Tuesday, Feb 05th
Blois (NM1) - Boulazac (Pro B) : 97-75
Toulouges (NM1) - Brest (Pro B) : 76-89
La Rochelle (NM2) - Limoges (Pro B) : 50-72
Challans (NM1) - Stade Clermontois (Pro A) : 100-69
Angers (NM1) - Quimper (Pro B) : 67-55
Nantes (Pro B) - Poitiers (Pro B) : 69-79
Lievin (NM1) - Gravelines Dunkerque (Pro A) : 57-76
Lille (NM1) - Reims (Pro B) : 83-67
Boulogne (NM1) - Paris Levallois (Pro A) : 72-73
Le Mee (NM3) - Saint Quentin (Pro B) : 62-83
Charleville Mezières (NM1) - Le Portel (Pro B) : 92-85 a.p.
Longwy Rehon (NM1) - Evreux (Pro B) : 75-92
Rouen (Pro B) - Nanterre (Pro B) : 85-110
Mulhouse (NM1) - Chalon-sur-Saone (Pro A) : 55-102
Antibes (NM1) - Dijon (Pro A) : 56-86
GET Vosges (NM1) - Aix Maurienne (Pro B) : 86-63
Saint Chamond (NM1) - Bourg en Bresse (Pro B) : 85-93
Feurs (NM1) - Saint Vallier (Pro B) : 84-82
Fos (NM1) - Chalons en Champagne (Pro B) : 78-72
Bordeaux (NM1) - Pau-Orthez (Pro A) : 64-96

Wednesday, Feb 06th
Andrezieux (NM1) - Saint Etienne (Pro B)

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GEORGIA

Great Win By Shermadini -by Levan Mikeladze
In second over time Maccabi T. beat Energy (second loss in current season). A great game by team captain Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89, agency: Life Sports), who had this season high mark with 40 points, 22 rebounds and 3 assists. From Energy, Besik Lezhava (192-G-86) (22pts. 4 rbs. 2 asts. 2 stls) and Jovan Stefanov (208-F-83, college: Ill.-Chicago) (17 pts. 6 rbs. 4 asts. 2 stls. 1 blck) were distingushed from others. Notable fact, that Energy did finish with 30 assists as well as Maccabi T.

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GERMANY

Koeln 99ers: The leaving has begun -by Moritz Korff
Immanuel McElroy

(193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) and Aleksandar Nadjfeji

(203-F-76) are the first two players who have decided to leave the insolvent Koeln 99ers (1. Bundesliga) and go in for offers from other teams. McElroy, a member of the Eurobasket.com All-Bundesliga 1st Team in 06 and 07 and the 2007 Eurobasket.com All-Bundesliga Defensive Player of the Year, has been playing for the 99ers since 2004. In this current season he led Koeln in Points per Game (15.0) and Assists per Game (4.1). Also Nadjfeji has been a key player for Coach Sasa Obradovic so far. He joined Koeln in 2005 coming from local rival Bonn. The 31-year-old Forward was the 99ers second best rebounder in this season and also scored 13.7 points per contest.

New German U18-NT announced -by Moritz Korff
Head Coach Kay Bluemel has announced the roster of the new German U18-National Team today.

Nico Adamczak (189-G-90) - IBBA Berlin/VfB Hermsdorf
Harald Debelka (194-G/F-91) - Crailsheim
Nico Draegert (205-C-90) - ALBA Berlin
Jusuf El Domiaty (187-G-90) - Braunschweig
Niels Giffey (198-F-91) - ALBA Berlin/Lichterfelde
Melvin Gyau (183-G-90) - Speyer
Robert Huelsewede (198-F-90) - Bielefeld/Paderborn
Tobias Korndoerfer (200-F-90) - Bayern Muenchen
Marvin Kruchen (208-C-90) - Leverkusen
Erik Land (203-F-90) - Breitenguessbach
Steven Monse (200-F-90) - ALBA Berlin/Lichterfelde
Femi Oladipo (197-G-90) - BSG Bremerhaven
Yannick Schicktanz (185-G-90) - Kronberg
Simon Schmitz (181-G-90) - Speyer
Max Schulze-Pals (200-F-90) - Werne/Hagen
Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) - Ehingen/Urspringschule
Akeem Vargas (190-G-90) - Ehingen/Urspringschule
Bastian Winterthaler (198-F-90) - Rhoendorf
Jonas Wohlfahrt-Bottermann (207-C-90) - Bonn
Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) - Trier

Head Coach: Kay Bluemel

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GREECE

Baxter in Panionios -by Chris Mammides

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GUYANA

NCN SECOND DIVISION BASKETBALL -by Joe Chapman
KINGS KEEP HOPES ALIVE WITH OT WIN

THE KASHIF and Shanghai Kings kept their slim chances alive in reaching the final four of the National Communications Network (NCN)-sponsored Linden Amateur Basketball Association's second-division basketball championship when they scored a thrilling 68-66 overtime win against U-mobile Jets last Sunday night at the Mackenzie Sports Club hard court.
Last night the action was expected to continue with Watooka Toucans tackling 4Corner Panthers and the Patriots playing the Kings.
Playing in the first game of a double-header card the Kings after trailing 11-15 at the end of the first quarter recovered to hold leads of 32-30 at halftime and 51-44 at the end of the third quarter.
In the crucial fourth quarter, the Jets rebounded and outscored the side 15-8 to tie the game at 59 in the end of regulation and send the game into extra time.
The Kings could have avoided the extra minutes of play, but Ashton Angel (Jr) who was fouled with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation could not hit the two free-throws.
Angel and Curtis Gravesande each score 16 points whereas Hilary Benn and Shawn Muss chipped in with 12 and 11 respectively.
For the Jets Delbert Kitt had a game-high 26 points while Javon Nelson added 18 and Akani Percival added 12.
In the other game Wismar Pistons handed the Patriots their second defeat 50-44. The scores were tied at 11 after the first quarter ended and at halftime Pistons held a one-point advantage, 22-21, but they rallied ahead and by the start of the last quarter were ahead 37-32.
Mark Louis scored 13 points while Lennox Louis and Wendell Warrick had 10 each for the winners. Neil Marks got the best score for Patriots with 14 while Domain Allen chipped in with 10 points

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HOLLAND

Big 2nd Half Leads Upstairs Weert To Blowout Win Over ZZ Leiden -by Sanders Jackson

In Leiden on Tuesday night in a battle of two recently struggling teams, Upstairs Weert took advantage of ZZ Leiden's lack of recent killer instinct heading into the stretch run for the FEB playoffs with taking control of the game tempo midway through the 2nd quarter on, coasting to a 94-73 blowout win. Trey McDowell

(188-G-85, college: Louisiana Tech) led five Upstairs players in double figures with 25 pts., with Latece Williams

(203-F-79, agency: Court Side, college: Marshall) having a strong performance with 22 pts. and 16 rebounds. Nick Curtis (202-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: USC) led ZZ with 19 pts. Upstairs are now 12-13, while ZZ falls to 11-14.

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HUNGARY

Round 16 -by Tamas Deri

POLAROID-LAMI-VED KORMEND - ZALAKERAMIA-ZTE KK 77-55
(20-17, 19-11, 23-17, 15-10)
Kormend, Att.: 2.400, Referees:
KORMEND: Fodor 4, Ed McCants (193-G-82, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) 10/9, Trummer 7/3, Vavra 4, Stanley Ocitti (203-F/C-80, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Binghamton) 16/6, Jermaine Thomas (187-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: La Salle) 14/6, Ferencz 3/3, Kenneth Henderson (201-F-82, college: Texas Arlington) 12/3, Fodor 2, Toth 5, Kocsis, Coach: Dragoljub Krivacevic
ZTE KK: Miskovic 9/3, Walters 10/6, Tamas Kaman (200-F-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 13/9, Piplovic 7/3, Keresztes, Gaspar, Basette 6, Simon, Baki, Toth, Coach: Nikola Lazic
Most rebounds: Stanley Ocitti 13 - Baki 3
Most assists: Kenneth Henderson 3 - Miskovic 5

SZOLNOKI OLAJ KK - PLANET-LEASING DOMBOVAR 74-70
(19-11, 25-11, 20-26, 10-22)
Szolnok, Att.:
SZOLNOK: Thomas Kelley (188-G-76, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Michigan St.) 17/3, Vernard Hollins (192-G-80, agency: Warren Sports, college: Wright St.) 20/9, Molnar 11/9, Sabaliauskas 11/9, Gobi 8, Harazin 5, Cziczas 2, Coach: Por Peter
DOMBOVAR: Julien Mills (193-G-84, agency: Warren Sports, college: Ball St.) 28/9, English 6, Attila Deak (193-F-77) 11/9, Sanders 10, Wiley 7/3, Simon 3/3, Molnar 5/3, Coach: Dzunic Branislav
Most rebounds: Gobi 8 - Sanders 11, Julien Mills 10
Most assists: Thomas Kelley 7 - English 5

PVSK-EXPO CENTER PECS - ALBACOMP 80-58
(17-10, 16-14, 28-15, 19-19)
Pecs, Att.:
PECS: Wittmann 4, Williams 9, Dragan Aleksic (196-G-70, agency: Beo Basket) 14/9, Toth 8, Grebenar 9, Lapov 10/6, Czigler 2, Gergely Kutasi (190-G-84, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 12/6, Denes 12/9, Coach: Stojan Ivkovic
ALBACOMP: Balazs Simon (188-G-80, agency: Court Side) 22/6, Bradford 13, Soos 3/3, Boozer, McClendon 7, Radovic 8, David 2, Hanga 3, Coach: Goran Miljkovic
Most rebounds: Czigler 6 - McClendon 10
Most assists: Dragan Aleksic 5 - Simon 5

ATOMEROMU SE - FALCO KC SZOMBATHELY 75-82
(12-27, 23-9, 15-18, 25-28)
Paks, Att.:
ASE: Zalan Meszaros (190-G-74) 16, Murry, Kiss 7/3, Horvath 15, Robert Gulyas (213-C-74) 25, Panta 2, Toroman 10/6, Medve, Coach: Sabali Balazs
FALCO: Laszlo Kalman (186-G-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 19/9, Varadi 8, Bam Doyne (193-G-84, college: Mississippi) 24/6, Arnas Kazlauskas (204-C/F-76, agency: Court Side) 17/9, Nikola Aliakseyeu (212-C-78, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Buffalo) 14, Borszeki, Will, Feigl, Coach: Srecko Sekulovic
Most rebounds: Horvath 14 - Varadi 12
Most assists: Zalan Meszaros 6 - Laszlo Kalman and Arnas Kazlauskas 5-5

SOPRONI-SORDOGOK - UNIVER KSE 89-107
(23-29, 19-28, 21-24, 26-26)
SOPRON: Bradley 6, Lakatos 12, Viggiano 7, Lesko 8, Pavel Frana (212-C-77) 24, Szabolcs Pojbics (183-G-76) 17/15, Kortelyesi 2, Boldizsar 5, Vesztergom 5/3, Coach: Meszlenyi Robert
UNIVER: Sigurdarson 13/3, Larry Blair (183-G-84, college: Liberty) 39/15, Horvath 13/6, Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83) 21/3, Fiegi 6/3, Szabo 13/9, Vida 2, Halmai, Coach: Zsoldos Andras
Most rebounds: Lesko 5 - Jefferson 7
Most assists: Lakatos 4 - Blair and Sigurdarson 3-3

MAFC - NYKK 82-90

(21-18, 14-24, 24-15, 23-23)

Budapest, Att.: 200, Referees: Kothay, Foldhazi, Szabo

MAFC: Jitim Young (188-G-81, college: Northwestern) 20, Wehner 10, Edwin Draughan (196-G/F-82, college: Yale) 20/3, Fulop 6, Kecskes 12, Vavra Andras 14/3, Radovics, Misek, Coach: Dinnyes Attila

NYÍREGYHAZA: Branko Savic (181-G-79) 18/12, Buchanan 12/3, Mouton 5/3, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 24/12, Helbich 11, Zoltan Trepak (210-C-77, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 12, Siska 8/6, Krasznai, Farkas A., Coach: Deri Csaba

Bodrogi Bau Vasarhelyi KS - Kaposvari KK 98-82
(33-28, 26-19, 26-21, 13-14)
Hodmezővasarhely, Att.: 700, Referees: Hegedus, Gal, Balogh L.
Bodrogi Bau Vasarhelyi KS: David Brooks (191-G-82, college: Niagara) 19/3, Drahos 16, Kovats 7, Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan) 28, Gemes 18/6, Babut 10, Boszormenyi, Coach: Czuprak Laszlo
Kaposvari KK: Matija Ceskovic (192-G-81, agency: Court Side) 26/15, Carl Edwards (196-F-81, college: Charleston) 19/3, Szőke 14, Hendlein 8, Orosz 4, Csirke 4, Kinsella 7, Tomosvary, Coach: Horvath Imre

*****************************************************
IBL

Steelheads select Valpo alum Ron Howard to play in 2008 -by Trask Frost
Gary, IN—The Gary Steelheads have announced that 6'5' shooting guard and former Valparaiso University Crusader Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, college: Valparaiso) will play for the team in 2008.

Howard, a Chicago native, played three seasons at Valparaiso after transferring from Marquette following his freshman season. Howard averaged 13.8 and 13.1 points per contest for the Crusaders as a junior and senior, respectively.

Howard is currently playing for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBDL, and will join the Steelheads at the conclusion of the Mad Ants' season. Howard has started 14 of 23 games for Fort Wayne, averaging 8.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists. Howard has also played out of the country in Holland and Mexico.

The Steelheads' inaugural IBL season gets underway at the Genesis Center on Friday, March 14. Tickets start at $5—for more information, contact the Steelheads at (219) 883-3000 or visit www.steelheadshoops.com.

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INDIA

Geethu in WNBA's sight? -by Yudhistir Krishna
Women's basketball standards seem to have hit an all-time high. And on an Indian talent hunt, even the revered American basketball league just might find a treasure. If things go well, Geethu Anna Jose (185-C-85) could well become the first Indian cager to join the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

The world-wide recruiter for WNBA, coach Daniel Prince of California-Irvine University, has approached the Basketball Federation of India (BFI), asking for details of the hoopster, who was adjudged the best player in the Asian Basketball Championship in Incheon City, Korea, last year.

In an e-mail to BFI a month ago, Prince says: 'I would love to have the chance to see Geethu play. I hear she is quite a talent. Who knows maybe WNBA? If you have DVDs of Geethu in action I would be very happy to help her with moving into higher professional realm.'

The BFI is making all arrangements to have footage of the ABC meet and earlier ones sent to Prince for his viewing and assessment, said BFI secretary Harish Sharma . Sharma said the BFI would also recommend the name of Divya Singh along with Geethu.

In fact, Sharma got a hint of it during the Incheon championship where the WNBA recruiters were watching Indian players with keen interest, particularly Geethu and Divya Singh. Even FIBA chief Bob Eliphinston, who was present during the meet, was all praise for the twosome and predicted a great future for the duo.

Having congratulated Sharma for the duo's splendid performance, Eliphinston said he had some big surprise waiting for him, but did not reveal it there. Sharma believes the FIBA president may have pursued Geethu's case with WNBA.

Even before that during the meet, the Chilean Basketball Fedeataion chief had extended an invitation to the two for a year to play and showcase their talent in the South American country. As per the invitation, the offer included all-paid-for trip to the Chilean capital and back with board and lodging apart from a 'substantial' pocket allowance.

Even as the BFI was contemplating to write to the Railways, where the Kerala hoopster works, and to MTNL with whom Divya is in service, the national federation received a surprise offer from the WNBA recruit, who looks after the professional side for some time now, besides coaching in the university.

Coach Prince, who is also interested in a few other women players who are born between 1988 and 91, has asked for a list of details like names, height, date of birth, etc. The BFI is putting together a data of information on the possibilities of who could be the ideal choice.

Meanwhile, Geethu currently is playing in the Ringwood Club League for the next three months. Geethu was a rage and was adjudged the best player of the month after her first stint there last year. Incidentally, the Australian women are ranked the second best in the world behind the Brazilians.

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ITALY

News from Udine -by Stefano Pini
Kyle Hill (188-G-79, college: E.Illinois) is arriving to Udine today. He'll work with the team looking for the best shape. The team won't separate from any player. Mike Penberthy (191-G-74, college: Master's) will stay in the roster, despite the rumors from Greece about the deal reached with Olimpia Larissa.

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JAPAN

From JBL to BJL, Browne overcomes release -by Mark Ofel
Dean Browne, who along with Ryu Han, was recently released from the Tochigi Brex of the JBL2. Browne, however, found new life in a new league and a new home with the Tokyo Apache. The high flying Browne replaces recently traded Bryant as the fourth American on the team. Tokyo has slipped from 2nd to 3rd in the east amid Niigata's mid-season surge and hopes Browne can bring some much needed reinforcement in the paint.

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LITHUANIA

Lietuvos Rytas parts away with Batista -by Simas Baranauskas
Lietuvos Rytas anounces that J.P. Batista (206-F/C-81, college: Gonzaga) is going to leave the club. The Brasilian will continue his career in Riga Barons. The player averaged 3.4 points and 1.5 rebounds in Euroleague and 6 points and 3.8 boards in LKL.

Neptune - in, Olivero - out -by Simas Baranauskas
Siauliai declined their contract with Jose Olivero (188-G-85, college: Lehigh). The American averaged 10.7 points in BBL, 8.3 points in LKL and 8.1 points in ULEB CUP games. He is going to be replaced by Kyle Neptune (196-G-85, agency: 011 Sports), who had been on a try out for a couple of days.

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MEXICO

Cordoba Rolls Past Tecos, LNBP Playoff Recap -by Justin Brink
In the LNBP Southern Division Finals the Halcones of Cordoba ran away from the Tecos in Game 3 winning easily 102-84 and taking a 2-1 series lead in the process. The Halcones dominated from the tip to the final buzzer and appear on a collision course with either the Halcones of Xalapa or the Halcones Rojos, both of Veracruz, in the Southern Division Conference Finals. Click here for more LNBP playoff info.

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NAIA

Cal Maritime Keelhaulers win in Double OT -by Stephan Ditgens
Keelhaulers win in Double OT

(Redding, Ca., 26 Jan 2008) - Although it required an extra ten minutes to decide the victor, the Keelhaulers of the California Maritime Academy were victorious Saturday night with an 85-77 win in double overtime over the Redhawks of Simpson University.

Both at the end of regulation and at the end of the first overtime, Cal Maritime was forced to come up with a defensive stop. Each time, the defense rose to the occasion. In a game that saw multiple swings in momentum, the Keelhaulers rode the last wave with clutch shooting, hitting six straight free throws to seal the game.

The Keelhaulers were led by Will William's 24 points. Cody Gatton (21 points), Andy Johnson (13 points), and Simon Heller (12 points) joined Williams in double figures. Gatton also grabbed ten rebounds and played tremendous defense against all conference performer Alex Nixon.

The Redhawks were led by Glenn Payne's 26 points. Markise Morrison also chipped in with 15 points off the bench. Simpson was led in rebounding by Dwight Bond with 8.

With the win, Maritime improves to 11-10 overall and 6-4 in the California Pacific Conference. Maritime will be back in action against Menlo College on Tuesday at 7:30pm in the friendly confines at Morrow Cove.

source: www.csum.edu

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NBA

Is Shaq heading West? -by Eurobasket News
The numerous sources around the league have reported today that Miami and Phoenix prearranged what-could-be the loudest trade of the season. The Heat are planning to send Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) to Phoenix in exchange for Shawn Marion (6'7''-F-78, college: UNLV) and Marcus Banks (6'2''-G-81, college: UNLV). It is rumored that the management have already negotiated the topic and came to the agreement. If Shaquille O'Neal passes the Suns medical tests the trade can possibly become a reality as soon as tomorrow. The move could also be one of the most unpredictable trades to happen in the NBA. Obviously the Phoenix Suns being one of the most up-tempo teams in the league can hardly hope for Shaquille O'Neal to add to the strategy. O'Neal's $40 million two-year contract would also be a big burden on the Suns' payroll. However it is necessary to say that the Phoenix management was looking for trade options for Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) and Shawn Marion for some time before. Having one of the best squads in the league and missing the Finals for some time now forced the Suns to look around for decisive moves to bring in success. It though remains doubtful that bringing in Shaquille O'Neal means bringing in success for the franchise. The 35-year-old centre has his worst season ever producing 14.2 points and 7.8 boards per game. He is also fighting the constant hip problems that kept him away of action for 14 games this season. The Suns are probably looking to add some more championship aura to the squad with Shaquille O'Neal acquisition.
Shawn Marion averages 15.8 points, 9.9 boards and 2.1 assists for the Suns in the current season. Marcus Banks played 24 games for the Suns in the season scoring 5.2 points in 12.8 minutes per game.
We will keep you updated on the possible move.

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NEW ZEALAND

Rams may be out for good if funding is not found this season -by Eurobasket News
Former Canterbury and New Zealand basketball president Peter Crowhen fears that if the Rams fall over this season they will never get back into the national league. The Rams have until Friday to find a major backer to stay in the league, which is scheduled to start at the end of this month. Otherwise the Canterbury Basketball Association (CBA) will scrap the side. A loss in the past financial year of $305,000, almost a third of which came from the Rams last season, has forced the CBA to take such drastic measures. At least $150,000 is needed to ensure the Rams' survival this season. Crowhen said he would be unhappy if the Rams folded after being a foundation member of the league in 1982, when he was also instrumental in its involvement. 'The problem I see is if you let it go now it would take a huge effort to get it going again,' he said. 'Hopefully, someone will come out of the woodwork who does not want to see the team go under and can do something to save it.' Crowhen was brought in to investigate the CBA's books after the mid-year resignation of former chief executive George Kazan. 'It appeared a lot of things were not followed up with regard to grant applications. That was a major problem.' Crowhen said the Rams were moving in the right direction this season. Bringing the game back to Cowles Stadium, their former home, which had much lower overheads than the Westpac Arena, where they have played since 1999, was a positive move. 'That would halve the costs of staging games, so there's a big saving there.'
CBA president Peter Dwan said it would be a pity if the team could not get on court, because it had the making of a good squad. Veterans Rewi Manahi (200-F-75) and David Langrell (195-G/F-76, college: Le Moyne) have been training, while Australian national league player Jeremy Kench (184-G-84) and Gerard Bowden (190-G-83), back from a college stint in the United States, had been confirmed for the guardline. Tall Black trailist Luke Ruscoe (201-G-81) is also back from college in the United States and overcoming a long-standing ankle injury. Lively forward Michael Townsend (207-F/C-84, college: Chattanooga) was committed to coming back, having spent the past season with the New Zealand Breakers as a development player. That core was expected to be complemented by a capable American forward Nate Connolly (196-G/F-77, college: St.Rose (NY)), who previously played for Otago several seasons ago, while another American was being approached, but everything had gone on hold. The players, who coach Bert Knops said had been training hard towards the season, were told of the Rams' desperate plight at a crisis meeting over the weekend. Rams franchise owner John Watson said the position the team found itself in was unfortunate. The CBA was about to start the second year of a management contract to run it. Watson, a Rams board member, said he would wait until Friday's deadline if anyone stepped in to save the side. Meanwhile a 'save the Rams' fund has been launched by CBA staff and is accepting receipted donations.
Courtesy of: www.stuff.co.nz

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PARAGUAY

First fall for America -by Gianni Pascucci

In the 4th round of teh Quadrangolar, America de Pilar suffered the first loss, falling to 1 de Mayo, 70-77, being also surpassed at the first place in the table. In the other game of the round, Deportivo Obrero destroyed Sport Crucecita 93-63.

The Standings ars now as follows:
1. 1º de mayo 7, 75
2. America 7,50
3. Deportivo Obrero 7,00
4. Crucecita 4,25

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PBL

Jacksonville team updates -by Gianni Pascucci

In a ridicolous press release, the Jacksonville Jam Co-Owner and General Manager, Felix Krupczynski , announced today that the 'team has discontinued its relationship with the Premier Basketball League and is suspending team operations while it considers its future direction'. We remember to all that Mr. Krupczynski is the same person who did not pay his team members as promised till last week. Good luck to him and to all his organization. The PBL reacted announcing that the Jacksonville team has a new name, Jacksonville Slam, and a new website at http://jacksonvilleslam.com We will try to update asap all the roster changes.

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SLOVENIA

Helios inks Mance, Koper adds Mucic, Becirovic moves to Ukraine -by Zeljko Zule

Helios inked former Croatian NT member Marijan Mance (197-G-78) ex Kvarner. He averaging 32,8 minutes, 15,7 points (2P 48-87, 3P 25-47, FT 47-66), 5,8 rebounds, 2,1 assists, 0,7 steals, 0,1 blocks and 1,8 turnovers in 11 games of Croatian A1 League.

Luka Kuper signed Sasa Mucic (202-F-83, agency: Interperformances) ex Omonia Nicosia. He averaging 27,0 minutes, 10,7 points (2P 14-27, 3P 10-26, FT 27-33), 5,3 rebiunds, 1,1 assists, 0,6 steals, 0,3 blocks and 2,0 turnovers in 8 games of Cypriot A1 League.

Ukrainian team Azovmas has announced Mehmet Becirovic as new head coach till end of the season. He will make his debut in semifinals of Cup against Politehnika on Thursday.

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SPAIN

Spanish Cup available on Live Internet TV!!! -by Natxo Mendaza
For the first time ever, the Spanish King's Cup will be available all around the world thanks to the new broadcasting method adopted by the ACB League this season. Together with Orange, the ACB League will broadcast the full tournament (7 games) on the Internet, in Pay per View mode, through a dedicated website: www.acblive.tv. The games could be watched in two different resolution modes (full-screen and 480x360 pixels) and the registration wil include a day-pass (2 euros), that will last 24 hours, or a full-tournament-pass (6 euros), that will include all Cup games.

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SWEDEN

Oresundskraft brings in new big man -by Frankie Afzelius
Öresundskraft has made some moves on their roster during the second half of the season. The team with the best home record has brought in some reinforcement for the paint in Tomas Cerkunovas (204-F/C-83). He replaces Kiril Pavlovski. the 25 year old centers last played in Nevezis in the Lithuanian league. Last year Cerkunovas recieved the MVP in the second div of Lithuania avg 21 pts 11,4 rebs. Head coach Mattias Kentta says about Thomas 'He is a hard worker that takes it hard to the basket and we hope that he will give us more dept in our game'

Round 21 -by Frankie Afzelius
This Tuesday brought 6 games in the Swedish League. The battle for the top spot in the league stays between 3 team, Plannja, Solna and Sundsvall.
First off, Akropol hosted Sodertalje. Akropol who is trying to be one of the teams fighting for the last playoff position and coming off an impressive comeback after going 0-13 was hoping to chalk up another win. The visitors proved to be too much for the home team. Playing team ball that they have showed in the last couple of games. The big three for Akropol could not keep up and even though Torey Thomas (180-G-85, college: Holy Cross) had a tripple double with 37pts, 15 reb, and 11 ass the home team had to leave the game with a loss. For the visitors Jonathan Skjoldebrand (203-C/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) led balanced scoring with 24pts. Brandon Crone (200-F-84, agency: Warren Sports, college: Butler) added 20, Johan Jeansson 19. Sodertalje had 6 players scoring in double figures. Akropol was led by Thomas and Blerim Mazreku (206-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances) added 18, Gerald Riley (198-F-81, agency: LimeLight, college: Georgetown) 16 and Yasin Merzoug (183-G-79) 12 in a loosing cause.

95-105
Akropol Basket: Thomas 39, Marzeku 18, Riley 16, Merzoug 12, Kalpakas 7, Bergquist 5
Sodertalje Kings: Skjoldebrand 24, Crone 20, Jeansson 19, Eriksson 13, Massamba 13, Dillard 10, Wikner-Nordber 4, Pita 2

In a close game Öresundskraft hosted the leaders Plannja. This was a tough game with both teams not shooting the ball very well. With the home team having the lead most of the game and beating the visitors on the boards by 53-31 with 28 of the rebs being on the offensive end they could not close the game out. The rutin that the definding champions have showed late in the game when they slowly regain the lead and finished off the games with a couple of fastbreaks to take the win by 6. Best for the home team was Herman Favors (173-G-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Georgia St.) with 23pts with Johan Akesson (209-C-84) adding 18 pts 10 reb. Damon Jackson (195-G-80, college: Fresno St.) and Anders Ronndahl (201-F-77) both added 13 pts each. For the visitors 6 players scored in double figures with Terry Williams (187-G-83, agency: Interperformances, college: Georgia Southern) leading way with 18. Fred Drains (195-F-71, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Kean) with 17pts Rosendahl had 16.

94-90
Öresundskraft: Favors 23, Åkesson 18/10, Jackson 13, Ronndahl 13, Cerkunovas 12, Christensen 5
Plannja Basket: Williams 18, Drains 17, Rosendahl 16, Ayuba 11, Enbom 11, Burditt 10, Larsson 4, Ryan 3

Uppsala hosted Gothia. Uppsala is playing for position in the playoffs while Gothia is trying to turn around a negative trend and get out the last spot in the league. Joel Joel Gueil (185-G-82) showed the homecrowd that he was a good addition midway through the season leading his team with 21 pts. The home team ran behind him and built a 16 pts lead in the second quarter. Gothia tried to mount a comeback in the second half but the home team matched them basket for basket so they never got closer than 8 pts. Uppsala also got help from Aaron Molnar (211-F/C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Northwestern) who had 16 pts and Thomas Jackson (175-G-80, college: Butler) who ended the game with 16 pts 9 ass and 7 reb. For the visitors Darnell Lazare (203-F-85, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: LSU) had 21 pts, with Daniel Dajic (190-G-77) and Tim Smith (176-G-82, agency: Heinrich Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.) helping with 18pts respectivly 14pts.

88-80
Uppsala: Joel Joel Gueil 21, Aaron Molnar 16, Thomas Jackson 16, Fredrik Jonzen 14, Andreas Person 7, Mikael Åhrberg 6, Fredrik Rosen 5, Martin Gabe 2, Elias Westerlund.
Gothia: Darnell Lazare 21, Daniel Dajic 18, Tim Smith 14, Chris Sanders 14, Emil Salon 9, Erik Westin 2, Alexei Korolev 2.

Jamtland visited the newcomers Borås. Both teams are playing for playoff positions. Jamtland needs to win to catch Borås who right now holds the last playoffs spot. The home team started the game with a 18-9 run and took the lead early. Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, college: Drexel) (198-G/F-81, college: Drexel), the 3pt champion from the All-Star game started to heat up and cut the lead to 2 after the 1st quarter. Both teams played hard and makes runs to take the lead and to keep it close. Borås showed that they have shoters going 11/24 from behind the arc and the duo of Michael Kingma (210-C-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy) and Ryan McDade (201-F-80, college: N.Arizona) grabbed a total of 26 rebounds between them two. Jamtland came out on top 92-81 with Dennis Springs (171-G-82, college: Ferris St.) leading the way with 27 pts. Ryan McDade added 18 pts and 11 Reb. Michael Kingma had an impressive double double with 15 pts 15 rebs. For the visitors Andrew Mitchell (181-G-79, college: Kent St.) lead the way with 23 pts. Followed by Tim Whitworth who had 19 pts.

92-81
Borås: Springs 27, McDade 18, Kingma 15/15, Larsson 11, Anrin 9, H. Carlsson 8, A. Carlsson 2, Håkansson 2
Jamtland: Mitchell 23, Whitworth 19, Hellgren 12, Chuk12, Djuric 8, Eriksson 4, Vestin 3

In the fight for the Capital 08 Stockholm hosted Solna Vikings. Last time the two teams met 08 Stockholm came out victorious. This time Solna had something else in mind. The visitors came out fiering on all cyliders and took a early lead. Rudy Mbemba (181-G-87) was the front figure in the run and ended the game with 20 pts 6 reb and 10 ass. At half time Solna had 49-30 lead. Jeremiah Johnson (183-G-77, agency: Court Side, college: Niagara) and Jim Nystrom (194-G/F-82, college: Georgia Tech) tried to make a push to come back but Solna had an answer to everything that 08 tried. Bilal Salaam (201-F-81, college: Kutztown), the dunk champion from the All Star Game was a force in the paint with 12 pts 12 rebs and 9 blocks. Mcknight added 19 pts and Pahlmblad 15 pts for the visitors. For the home team Jim Nystrom was best with 28 pts and Jeremiah Johnson had a solid performance with 16 pts 7 reb 4 ass 3 stl.

78-89
08 Stockholm: Nystrom 28, Johnson 16, Blom 15, Beard 8, Öberg 4, Lindquist 3, Wenehult 2, Goransson 2
Solna Vikings: Mbemba 20, Mcknight 19, Pahlmblad 15, Salaam 12, Beck 9, Myrthil 5, Hedstrom 4, Neffati 3, Bogner 2

In the last game between Sundsvall and Norrkoping, the game started out slow with the home team making the push in the second quarter. Behind their big man Joakim Kjellbom (213-C/F-79, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: N.Arizona) the leaders took a comfortable lead witch they kept for the rest of the game. Srdan Subotic (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances) added 17 pts for the home team. For the visitors the dynamic duo of Ian Johnson (206-F-84, college: Davidson) and Gee Gervin (188-G-76, college: Houston) added 35 pts and 26 pts respectivley. This was not enough to get the win they where hoping to bring back home.

99-85
Dragons; 24 Joakim Kjellbom, 20 Srdan Subotic, 17 Adam Alexander, 11 Mike Palm, 10 Pero Vasiljevic, 9 Alex Wesby, 4 Calle Arnold, 4 David Baldwin.
Dolphins; 35 Ian Johnson, 26 Gee Gervin, 7 Stefan Grundberg, 6 David Bergstrom, 5 Fredrik Rauge, 4 Joakim Åstrom.

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TPBL

TPBL CLASSIC (biggest tournament in Texas) -by Chris Cardenas

biggest tournament in texas!!
SAN ANGELO,TX WILL BE THE SITE FOR THE TPBL'S END OF SEASON OPEN TOURNAMENT. ANY TEAMS THAT FEEL THEY CAN COMPETE ARE WELCOME TO TAKE A SHOT AT THE $5000 1ST PRIZE AS WELL AS OTHER AWARDS. HERE IS THE INFO ON THE EVENT WHICH WILL FEATURE A MENS AND WOMENS DIVISION:

WHAT : TPBL CLASSIC MENS PRO/AM BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

WHEN: APRIL 25-27 , 2008

WHERE: SAN ANGELO , TX

ENTRY FEE : $750 PER TEAM

DEADLINE FOR ENTRY FEE : MARCH 15 , 2008

AWARDS FOR THE TOURNAMENT :
1ST PLACE (MENS OPEN DIVISION) - $ 5,000 ......2ND-3RD PLACE - TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL AWARDS.....ALL TOURNAMENT AND MVP AWARDS.

FOR THE WOMEN :

ENTRY FEE : $200 PER TEAM
DEADLINE FOR ENTRY FEE: MARCH 15, 2008

AWARDS FOR THE WOMENS TOURNAMENT : 1ST-3RD PLACE TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL AWARDS.....ALL TOURNAMENT AND MVP AWARDS.

FOR AN OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM FOR THE TPBL CLASSIC EMAIL LEAGUE OWNER CHRIS CARDENAS : CARDENAS_CHRIS@YAHOO.COM OR CALL 325-763-6630

TPBL : A NEW OWNER ? -by Chris Cardenas

San Angelo,Tx - in 2008 the Texas Professional Basketball League is celebrating its 8th yr of pro basketball in our great state. chris cardenas league owner ' The are no other Texas state based leagues and thats what makes us so strong.' 'The best teams from most parts of the state are playing in the tpbl, with more to join in 2009. They see the type of competition there is across our great state. owners, see the honesty and hard work we here at the tpbl have put into this league for 8 straight seasons.' The tpbl will prosper for years to come!
In 2009 the TEXAS PROFESSIONAL BASKETBALL LEAGUE WILL GO UP FOR SALE TO ' SERIOUS INQUIRIES ONLY'. chris cardenas ' i want someone to take over that will be honest, take care of all the teams in the league, and make sure all of our basketball players in Texas have a competitive place to play. if interested contact league owner Chris Cardenas at 325-763-6630 or email : cardenas_chris@yahoo.com

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U.S.VIRGIN ISL.

South Kent duo/ CAHS too much for Wakefield -by David Edole

The New England Recruiting Report (NERR) has listed a pair of Virgin Islanders on their list of best players at their respective positions. Stephen O'reilly< was listed as one of the better combo guards and Jervan Jackson is one of the better wing players out there.
By definition a combo guard is a player who can play either guard position. O'reilly seems to fit that bill rotating between the two spots.
The fact that the South Kent Prep (CT) product scored 70 points in a game in the Virgin Islands last year is a good indication that he can fill it up. In fact, he is a very good spot up shooter who is learning how to play the point this year, now that he is surrounded by talent for the first time in his career.
Jackson, also of South Kent Prep, is a terrific on-the-ball defender who has great size for the wing positions (6'6'). Offensively, he is a smooth dribble drive player who thrives in the open floor but also gets to the rim in a half-court set. He is a jump shot away from being a mid-major kid.
Wing players generally play the shooting guard or small forward positions and typically lack the handle or mindset to play the point or the size to play in the paint.

Boys Varsity in Thriller in St. Thomas

Wakefield (VA)boy's varsity team lost to the largest public school in St. Thomas (pop. 1600) 50-41. The guys fought back from a 16 point deficit to close within 2 with 45.7 seconds left before they lost momentum.

It was one of the best games the guys have played all year. It was a great testament to the progress they have made in the program. Everyone played extremely hard against a 15 strong athletic Charlotte Amalie team. Charlotte Amalie has not lost in the Virgin Islands this season and has not played a close game all year.

Eric Wilson played well in front of his family and lead the Owls with 13 points.

This was one of the best teams the Owls faced all year and helped prepare them for the upcoming playoffs.

Peltier scores 16 in limited action -by David Edole
The Missouri State University-West Plains Grizzly Basketball team added another mark in the win column Monday night, Feb. 4, when they pounded the Crowley's Ridge College Pioneers from Paragould, Ark., 100-57 at the West Plains Civic Center arena.
The Grizzlies' overall season record now stands at 23-3.
All active players on the Grizzly roster scored, and Head Coach Brian Ostermann said he was pleased with his team's effort for the most part. 'Our second group was a little bit lackadaisical early in that first half, but they responded, and I thought everyone played with good effort in the second half,' he said. 'That is the number one thing we're looking for every night out on the floor, our effort.'
Although the Pioneers struck first with a two-point bucket by TeWayne Smith, the Grizzlies' Amaurys Fermin tied the game up with two free throws. The teams then traded buckets before the Grizzlies took control of the lead for good. The Grizzlies held a 49-27 advantage at the half and outscored their opponents 51-30 in the second half for the final margin of victory.
Leading scorer for the Grizzlies was Danny Sanders who canned 17 points. He was followed by Devon Peltier with 16, Mark Smith Jr. 12, Morris Smith IV 10, Paul Carter 9, Chris Williams 8, Anthony Allison 6, Wayne Jackson, Carlos Collier and Duro Bjegovic each with 5, Fermin 4, Anthony Hurvey 2 and Tommie Mabry 1.

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URUGUAY

Garcia Morales scored a 50 points record -by Hector Lopez
Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, college: Texas A&M) scored a 50 points record for the Uruguayan League when Bigua, the LUB leader, beat Trouville 103-87. The previous record was established by Fernando Martinez (Malvin) last season with 48 points, but with an overtime. Garcia Morales scored 13/8 for three-point shots, 8/5 for two points, adn 18/16 for free throws. The import players for Bigua were Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) with 12 points and 12 rebunds and Mark Alan Bortz (208-F-82, college: Buffalo) 11 points and 12 rebounds. For Trouville Joaquin Izuibejeres (184-G-82) scored 16, Thurman Zimmerman (196-F/G-83, agency: AMI, college: S.Carolina St.) 8 and Delano Thomas (203-F-82, college: Shawnee St.) 10. After an overtime, Atenas beat Defensor Sporting 82-80 with 18 points by Hakeem Rollins (202-C/F-83, agency: CAA Sports, college: Washington), who added 11 rebounds and 12 points and 11 rebounds by Wendell Gibson (201-F/C-83, college: Hofstra). David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) netted 25 for Defensor and Nathan Mielke (210-F-81, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) 4 points and 10 rebounds.

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Women News

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CANADA - Women

Tammy Sutton-Brown shines in eighth-finals -by Eurobasket News
Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78, college: Rutgers) shines in eighth-finals of Euroleague as Canadian player scored 20 points for her Fenerbahce. Turkish team overcame Wisla Can-Pack 78:61 in the opening clash of their eighth-finals showdown. A 27:17 in the opening quarter and another 28:20 in the second were fatal for the Polish squad. Cappie Pondexter led the winners with 22 points and 5 rebounds. Marta Fernandez chipped in 15 points in the losing effort.
Even though Dupree opened the game for the guests Fenerbahce replied with 9-0 run in the opening tip of the game. A productive end of the game saw 27:17 for the Turkish team. Tuncluer started the second quarter with a three and continued with her team to dominate in the court. Tammy Sutton-Brown with a lay-up made it 42:30 and then 12-3 spurt brought 55:37 at the half. The third quarter belonged to the guests that had a good time in defense. A 7:12 in the third period gave 62:49 before the final stanza.Led by Cappie Pondexter and Tammy Sutton-Brown, Fenerbahce went on a 7-0 run in the last quarter. With 78:61 Fenerbahce grabs the first win of the campaign. The second game will be played in Poland on February 8th.

Kim Gibbs (180-F) scored 7 points and made 9 rebounds in Norway. Her Gimle managed to celebrate victory in the clash of two previously unbeaten teams in the Kvinneligaen. Both teams entered the game sharing two top spots in the ladder and hoped to extend their winning streaks. The first frame of the encounter proved the value of the game with both sides fighting fiercely for every ball. The visiting Ullern were just more accurate and accumulated a 17:14 lead after it. But the hosts quickly adjusted their game and came up with a tight defense in the second quarter that proved to be decisive. Gimle limited their opponents to just 10 points in the quarter and grabbed a 30:27 lead at halftime. The game remained defensively minded after the break with neither side eager to risk too much. The hosts continued to dominate in the paint and it paid off as they enlarged the margin to 5 points after three frames of action. It all went down to the final minutes and once again Gimle worked almost perfectly defensively. They held the visitors to 8 points in the fourth term and rolled to their 9th consecutive win in the season. Kristina Tattersdill provided 16 points and 11 boards for Gimle. Sigrun Eskeland had 10 points for the winners. Emilie Ravn responded with 13 points and 13 boards for Ullern. Kristine Kristiansen secured 7 points and 7 boards as Ullern fell to 7-1 record. The hosts outrebounded Ullern 46:43 and sank 42% from the field. Ullern managed only 33% of field goals and 50% from charity stripe. Ullern and Gimle are scheduled to play again on February 23.

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CZECH REP. - Women

Gambrinus takes lead against MiZo Pecs -by Eurobasket News
Gambrinus - MiZo Pecs 71:67

Gambrinus withstood against Hungarian MiZo Pecs in arguably the most intriguing game in the first round of Euroleague eighth-finals. Gambrinus thus clinched a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series and can book their quarterfinal ticket on Friday when they travel to Hungary for Game 2. The game turned out to be one of the most exciting stories in this year's edition of Euroleague. Tamika Whitmore (187-C/F-77, college: Memphis) and Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) opened the scoring tally with 4 points for Gambrinus. But Emilja Podrug (190-C-79) and Graziane Coelho (192-C-83) kept it close for Hungarian outfit. The teams traded baskets before Timea Beres (192-C-76) capped the frame with two free throws and gave the hosts a 20:15 advantage. Ivana Vecerova (194-C-79) scored 5 starting points for Gambrinus in the second quarter as they carry the lead. Not for long though. Graziane Coelho scored 4 points and Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) added three-pointer to set the visitors up 29:27 at halftime. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) extended the gap to 4 points at the start of the second half but just to see Hamchetou Maiga (185-G/F-78, college: ODU) and Machova square things up at 31. Soon the hosts retained the lead with Hamchetou Maiga and Petra Kulichova taking up the floor for Czech team. However Anna Vajda and Dalma Ivanyi (178-G-76, college: Florida Intern.) combined for 5 consecutive points and MiZo Pecs surged ahead at 42:38. The lead changed hands for a couple of times before Ivana Vecerova crowned the period with a jump shot and made it 48:47 for Gambrinus. The exchange of buckets continued in the fourth term with neither side able to clear off. Zsofia Fegyverneky tied the scoreline at 61 with just over 2 minutes left in regulation. Timea Beres and Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) nailed 4 point in a row to put Gambrinus up. Dalma Ivanyi though converted a three-pointer and trimmed the deficit to a single point with 71 seconds remaining. Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) immediately fired from downtown for Brno side but Dalma Ivanyi and Emilja Podrug responded with three points to stay in the game at 67:68 and 18 seconds on the clock. However Gambrinus survived as Eva Viteckova was fouled attempting a three-pointer and then knocked down all three free throws to seal a win. Ivana Vecerova came up with 13 points to lead Gambrinus. Eva Viteckova scored 12 points, while Zuzana Zirkova contributed 11 points for the winners. Dalma Ivanyi replied with 15 points for MiZo Pecs. Zsofia Fegyverneky supplied Hungarian team with 14 points in defeat.

Gambrinus: Ivana Vecerova 13, Eva Viteckova 12, Zuzana Zirkova 11
MiZo Pecs: Dalma Ivanyi 15, Zsofia Fegyverneky 14

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EUROLEAGUE (W) - Women

TEO Vilnius gets painful blow from Spartak MR -by Eurobasket News
Spartak MR - TEO Vilnius 93:67

TEO Vilnius were unable to bring up a sensation and lost to the defending Euroleague champions Spartak Moscow Region in the first game of the best-of-three eighth-final series. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) was on fire as she poured in 34 points to pace the winners. TEO Vilnius entered the game proclaimed as underdogs. They lost their leading centre Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) as she left for UMMC. Nevertheless Lithuanian team proved they can fight bravely and looked absolutely challenging for the reigning champions. Spartak quickly gained the lead at the start but TEO tried to stay close throughout the first stanza. Sue Bird (175-G-80, college: Connecticut) and Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) scored 4 points late in the quarter and gave Spartak a 19:11 lead. Nykesha Sales (183-F/G-76, college: Connecticut) and Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) trimmed the difference early in the second period but Spartak responded with two triples from Lauren Jackson. She then added three straight jumpers to enlarge