Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/9/2008

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Men News

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AUSTRALIA

Brisbane destroys Wollongong -by Eurobasket News
The Brisbane Bullets stayed in the race for the second spot as they cruised past the Wollongong Hawks 115:94 at the WIN Entertainment Centre today. The Bullets were dominant from tip off and built a 21-point advantage at halftime. The Hawks however were cheered up by the supporting crowd and launched an 11:0 run to come as close as 8 points 57:65 in the third stanza. Nevertheless Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) and Craig Bradshaw (207-F/C-83, college: Winthrop) silenced the spectators with back-to-back three-pointers to restore a safe distance. Later the Bullets controlled the tempo and easily secured the 19th win in the season. Ebi Ere scored 33 points to pace the visitors. Craig Bradshaw provided 17 points and 9 boards for the winners. Cameron Tragardh (209-C/F-83, college: ORU) had career-high 32 points for Wollongong. Brisbane are now just one win shy of the second-ranked Melbourne Tigers. The Bullets take on the Townsville Crocodiles on the road next. The Hawks fell to 8-19 record and next face West Sydney.
Meanwhile the New Zealand Breakers sent a strong message across the league they can be a threat for top-flying names as they drove past the Melbourne Tigers 105:91 yesterday. It was the fourth straight win for the Kiwi team and they climbed up to the 5th spot in the ladder at 16-12 record. The hosts converted impressive 57% from the field and celebrated the first win over the Tigers in the season. The Breakers held to a 54:45 lead at the break and later exploded with a 14:4 run to enlarge the gap to 19 points. The Breakers did not allow Melbourne to come too close and secured an important victory. Kirk Penney (194-G-80, college: Wisconsin) was the top scorer for the home team with 24 points. Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Louisiana-Lafayette) added 20 points and 8 assists, while Derrick Alston (208-C/F-72, college: Duquesne) totaled 16 points and 7 boards in a winning case. Chris Anstey (213-C-75) answered with 22 points and 10 boards in defeat.

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BRAZIL

Liga de las Americas: Soles beats Minas in the opener -by Gustavo Cardoso

Minas Tenis lost to Soles de Mexicali in the opening of the Liga de las Americas Final Four last night by the score of 95 to 83. The Brazilians won the first quarter (22-26), but Soles fought back in the second to gain the lead (53-42).

In the third Minas opened with a 10-0 run and finished the quarter one point behind (67-66). The fourth quarter started well for Minas as they quickly answered to Soles baskets by scoring points consecutively. The game kept its competitive pace until the last four minutes when back to back baskets by former Phoenix Suns center Horacio Llamas (211-C-73, agency: Interperformances) and his teammates Greg Lewis and James Penny (198-F-76, college: TCU) wrapped things up for the Mexicans.

Jasper Johnson (201-C-83, college: Delta St.), with 23 points, and Soro Pinto (190-F-80), with 18, were the top scorers for Coach Davis. Greg Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop), with 27 points and 16 rebounds, was the go to guy for the Mexicans. Richard Lopez (192-G-78, college: Cal.Baptist) added 19 and De Juan Wheat (183-G-73, college: Louisville) contributed with 15 points and 5 rebounds.

Minas will face Penarol tonight, while Soles takes on Miami Tropics. The Argentineans won big against he Floridians (94-77) on a 32 point effort by Quincy Wadley (193-G-78, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple).

CBB League: Week 5 Results -by Gustavo Cardoso
Friday, February 8th

Iguacu 61-92 Uberlândia
Igu: Rafael da Silva (185-G-88) 20 pts
Uber: Rodrigo Cesar (205-F-88) and Eduardo Baeta (195-G/F-84) 12 pts

Univates/Bira 86-68 Londrina
Bira: Diguinho Del Arco (177-G-79) 21 pts
Lond: Joao Guilherme Souza (199-F-80) 22 pts

Week 6 starts on Sunday with 2 games. Flamengo hosts Uberlândia in Rio (Sportv at 2 PM) and Joinville plays Londrina in Santa Catarina.

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CHINA

The 3rd Diamond Cup Shecdule Announcement -by Robert Wang
Asian Basketball association and China Basket ball Association released the schedule of 3rd Diamond Cup. This is the best and last chance for China National Basketball team to practice for the Olympic Game before Olympic Game in Bei Jing. The tour would be between July 29th, 2008 and August 1st, 2008. This tour would be hold in Nan Jing Olympic Sports Center of Jiang Su province. This event is hold every 4 years, and China Basketball received 4th place in last time. There would be 6 countries national teams in this cup and would be devided into 2 groups, ie Group 'A 'and group 'B'.
Group A: Angola, Australian and China
Group B: Argetina, Iran and Serbia
Detail Schedule:
July 29th, 2008
Argetina VS Iran (4:00pm) , China VS Angola (7:30pm)
July 30th, 2008
Iran VS Serbia (4:00pm) , Australia VS China (7:30pm)
July 31st, 2008
Serbia VS Argetina (4:00pm), Angola VS Australia (7:30pm)
August 1st, 2008
A3 VS B3 (5th, 6th place, 2:00pm), A2 VS B2 (3rd, 4th place, 4:00pm),
A1 VS B1 (Champion,7:30pm)

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COLOMBIA

Another Young Colombian going Overseas -by Victor Garcia
Colombian young Power Forward Cesar Pastrana (6'7' F-1990) is traveling today to the United States, Pastrana will join a HS in the Gainesville (Florida) area, Pastrana has been member of Colombia U-17 and U-18 National teams.
Pastrana is a bid body skilled player.

Colombian promise traveling United States -by Victor Garcia
Hanner Mosquera (6'8' F - 1.993), the most skilled Colombian player in his age, has traveled to the United States to join a HS in the Texas Area.
Mosquera is very skilled player with great size and jumping ability, still needs work in its foundamentals, but with good work will be one of the best players of the country

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CUBA

LSB Statistics, Jemmott top scorer. -by Alessandro Fontana
LSB-TIME, Review
SCORER
Allens Jemmott (Matanzas) 25,3
Geoffrey Silvestre (Ciego de Avila) 21, 7
Danys Torriente (Matanzas) 20,6
Andy Boffill (Villa Clara) 20,1
Henry Simon (Guantanamo) 20,0
REBOUNDS
Geoffrey Silvestre (Ciego de Avila) 7,1
Yoel Carta (Villa Clara) 6,8
Eliezer Lima (Capitalinos) 6,4
Henry Simon (Guantanamo) 6,2
Eddy Echevarria (Santiago de Cuba) 5,8
ASSISTS
Manuel Area (Santiago de Cuba) 4,0
Alexei Mestre (Camaguey) 2,9
Michael Guerra (Ciego de Avila) 2,7
Alejandro Arcia (Villa Clara) 2,7
Georvis Elias (Guantanamo) 2,5
STEALS
Danys Torriente (Matanzas) 4,6
Yorman Polas (Camaguey) 4,1
Allens Jemmott (Matanzas) 4,0
Michael Guerra (Ciego de Avila) 3,8
BLOCKS
Leonel Batista (Camaguey) 1,2
Eliezer Lima (Capitalinos) 1,0
A. Fontana

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CYPRUS

New arrivals -by Chris Mammides

BMC AEK Larnakas agreed terms with the veteran power forward from Senegal (French Passport) Makhtar N'Diaye (206-C/F-72, college: N.Carolina)
Aspis Apoel Nicosia agreed terms with the Polish power forward / center Miroslaw Lopatka (213-C/F-77) to replace the Serbian Slobodan Ocokoljic (202-F-80, college: Weber St.) who allready joined the Austrian league with Panthers, Lopatka played in the Polish, French, Belgian and Hungarian leagues, he considered to be a team-player, good defender and with his experience will be a much better help than the Serbian Slobodan Ocokoljic.

Sasa Mucic and Omonoia split ways, the experienced Slovenian has allready agreed terms with another team in Slovenia.

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: KTP lost without Dies -by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 32: KTP (Kotka) had to play without Manny Dies (on injured list: Achilles tendon) and there was nobody replacing him yet, when
KTP was hosting tonight vs YMCA Lappeenranta. Visitor LPR had instead Glen Whisby (203-C/F-72, college: S.Mississippi) already in action and his opener in the League was not bad at all: 18 pts/11 rbs. That helped LPR so much, that KTP lost at home 88-100 (45-45). Steve Smith (200-F-81, agency: CAA Sports, college: Iona) led KTP with 22 pts and 14 rbs. Adrian Henning (203-F-82, college: Austin Peay St.) was once again the leading scorer for YMCA LPR (25 pts).

KTP - YMCA LPR 88-100 (45-45) (Steve Smith 22/14, Toni Ilmonen 18, Markus Myllyla 15 - Adrian Henning 25, Ivan Harris 19, Glen Whisby 18/11).

KORISLIIGA: Toni Bevanda coaching TC -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Team Componenta (Karkkila) has the third Head Coach this season. Veiko Tanni will return to his assistant Coach position and the new Head Coach will
be Toni Bevanda , 46, from Croatia. Bevanda has been coaching about 10 years mostly in Germany and Kosovo. Bevanda will start at his new job tomorrow,
when TC will visit Tarmo in Porvoo.

KORISLIIGA: Jukka Kataja re-signed -by Rauno Hurmalainen
Kouvot (Kouvola) and G-F Jukka Kataja (197-F-82) have agreed and re-signed new contract for seasons 2008-10. Kataja has recovered and healed up
from his back injury and has enjoyed playing this season on Kouvot roster. Kataja has averaged 8,0 ppg - 4,8 rpg in 27 mpg by now.

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FRANCE

Semaine des As '08 : Villeurbanne only favorite qualified for the semi-finals -by Aurelien Hipp
ASVEL - Le Havre 74-65

(21-24,18-12,16-18,19-11)

Nsonwu 7, Wilson 12, Foirest 8, Chevy Troutman (201-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Pittsburgh) 17, Jeanneau 9, Conley 9, Diakite 2,Jackson,Sangare 10
Edwards 6, Jomby 3 Mukubu 6, Thompson 25,Sommerville 6,Traore 5, Cox 15

Villeurbanne is qualified and will face Cholet tomorrow in the second semi-final.

French Busnel Cup: St-Etienne loses 72-71 in Andrezieux -by Chris Spiesser
Just like the other Cup games of this week, the NM1 resident beat the Prob team. Even more surprising as the 17th of NM1 beat one of the best ProB concurrent. Matt Wlliams had a nice double-double (17pts, 10rbs). St-Etienne was missing Hachad and Guillaume Pons who is injured for 2 month. The staff hired Thomas Andrieux (191-G-77, agency: ANYPEX) as replaceman.

Semaine des As '08 : Another surprise, Cholet qualified -by Aurelien Hipp

Roanne - Cholet 63-85

(15-23,13-16,20-21,17-25)

Poupet 4, Hess 15, Raquin,Soliman 3, Rush 10, Pellin 3, Kone 3, Badiane 9, Salyers 16
Chupin,Golson, Beaubois 12, Dondon, Marquis 8, Nando De Colo (195-G-87) 18, Tchicamboud 13, Dobbins 7, Hayes, Wiggins 14

This edition of the semaine des As seems to bring a lot of suprises. Cholet, the complete outsider leads Roanne (defending champion) by 8. After a 7-0 run all made by Nando De Colo, Roanne could find some solutions thanks to Badiane and Salyers. But Roanne seems to lack of ideas in offense to attack the athletic defense of Cholet.

Roanne 15 Cholet 23

During the second quarter, same situation. Roanne couldn't really come back and Cholet could extend the lead to 10 (19-29). Roanne came close to 6 but had to let Nando De Colo shoot a last trey to take the score to 28-39, half-time. Although Cholet struggled a little bit vs Roanne's zone defense and had some actions without any clear shots, they have a solid gap to start the second half. Best player so far is Nando De Colo with 12pts.

Roanne 28 Cholet 39

A much closer game in this quarter, even if Roanne stays pretty far. A technical foul called on coach Choulet is the symbol Roanne is getting nervous. Not any player of Roanne played at the expected level in this game, while Cholet is using its very long bench. Justin Doellman, for his first come-back game, brought a lot and proved he knows the game very well.

Roanne 48 Cholet 60

Cholet is qualified for the second semi-final after this surprising but controlled victory over the defending champion, Roanne. Finally, the last quarter didn't mean much, Salyers and Rush could sink a couple of shots to raise their stats but the gap was done. Cholet, after another trey series (Beaubois twice, Nando De Colo) was too strong defensively. The ProA best offense could score only 63pts and some of them were almost offered in the last minutes.

Roanne 63 Cholet 85

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GERMANY

Former NBA-Center to Bamberg -by Moritz Korff
The defending German champion Brose Baskets Bamberg (1. Bundesliga) announced the signing of a new Post Player today. Jared Reiner (211-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa) has agreed terms with the team of Coach Dirk Bauermann. 25-year-old Reiner played college-basketball at the University of Iowa until his graduation in 2004 and spent the following year as a member of the Chicago Bulls, averaging 1.1 points and 2 rebounds in 19 games of the regular season. In 2006-2007 Reiner suited up for Sioux Falls Skyforce of the NBA D-League, receiving All-League 2nd Team-honors, and joined the Milwaukee Bucks in February 07 (27 appearances: 1.2ppg, 2.6rpg). The former member of the US U18-National Team who attended the 2000 Albert-Schweitzer-Tournament began this current season in Spain and played 17 games (5.4ppg, 4.2rpg) in the ACB for Polaris World CB Murcia. He signed a contract for the remainder of the season with Bamberg and will probably make his Bundesliga-debut in the match against Paderborn on Sunday.

Herten: Bond and Ulin fired after positive cocain test -by Moritz Korff
As the club published on its website today Kasey Ulin (185-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Dickinson St.) and Chris Bond (198-F-81, college: Cent.Washington) of 2. Bundesliga-team Hertener Loewen have been tested positive for cocain. The club-officials fired both players immediately. The samples have been taken after the game versus Crailsheim two weeks ago.

Bremerhaven adds new Center -by Moritz Korff
1. Bundesliga-side Eisbaeren Bremerhaven has signed a new player to replace Chris Young (206-F/C-79, agency: LimeLight, college: Michigan) who had left recently. The new man is Anthony Tolliver (206-C-85, college: Creighton), 22 years of age. He inked a contract for the remainder of the season. Tolliver averaged 13.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.7 blocks in 33 games for Creighton University (NCAA Divison One) during the 2006-2007 season and was close making the roster of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Instead of shooting hoops in the NBA Tolliver was acquired by Iowa Energy of the NBA D-League.

Jermaine Anderson joined Tuebingen -by Moritz Korff
The coaches and officials of the Walter Tigers Tuebingen (1. Bundesliga) have made the decision to add another player to the backcourt and to acquire Jermaine Anderson (188-G-83, agency: EM-PA, college: Fordham). The Canadian International and former Bamberg player has been working out with the Tigers in this week and now received a contract until the end of this current campaign. Anderson suited up for the Halifax Rainmen (ABA) earlier this season.

Svitek leaves Karlsruhe, heads to Czech Republic -by Moritz Korff
After seven years on the roster of BG Karlsruhe veteran and team captain Stefan Svitek (203-F/C-77) has left the side from the 2. Bundesliga Pro A and has been loaned to BK Synthesia Pardubice. The Czech first-division team is coached by Ivan Vojtko who worked in Karlsruhe from 2001 to 2003.

Ulm holds off Paderborn in German Cup -by Moritz Korff
Ulm - Paderborn 82:79

Double-doubles by Jeff Gibbs

(188-F-80, college: Otterbein) and Konrad Wysocki

(202-F-82, college: Princeton) led ratiopharm Ulm past the Digibu Baskets Paderborn Friday in another encounter of the German Cup. Ulm edged Paderborn 82:79 and andvanced to the next round. The troops of Coach Mike Taylor had the lead at halftime (35:32), but the visiting Digibu Baskets beat back to be ahead with three after 30 minutes. It remainded an intense and close fight in the final period and the hosts came out victorious as they did a good job in the paint and outrebounded Paderborn 46:28. Gibbs tallied 17 points and 10 rebounds, Wysocki added 13 and 10. Bryan Lucas

(204-F/C-78, college: N.Texas) finished with 14 points in the win, E.J. Gallup

(193-F-81, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Co.Carolina) added 13 (including 3/6 threes). Paderborn was paced by Tim Black (178-G-81, agency: LimeLight, college: Barton (NC)) who netted a game-high 24 points, followed by Steve Esterkamp (198-F-81, college: Ohio) with 17 points. These two were joined in double-figure scoring by Malik Moore (192-G-77, agency: CAA Sports, college: Amer.Internat.) who had 10 points plus 5 assists and Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) with each 10 points and rebounds.

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GREECE

New arrivals -by Chris Mammides
Marousi agreed terms with the American Jarod Stevenson (200-F-75, college: Richmond) to replace Donnel Taylor.
Panionios agreed terms with the ex Panathinaikos player Lonny Baxter (203-C-79, college: Maryland).

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HUNGARY

Albacomp: coach changed -by Tamas Deri
The management of Albacomp has decided to terminate the contract of Serbian coach Goran Miljkovic , as the team was not as sucessful as was expected. Akos Peresztegi Nagy , the head coach of the U-20 team, will take his place and try to lead the team into the best four of the first division. Gabor Matus will stay as assistant coach of the team.

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ICELAND

Division 1 results -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Haukar beat Throttur 70-68. Thotuur leading by 11 after three quarters. Haukar score 13 points in last quarter but Throttur zero. Not seen this before in senior league.

Valur beat FSU in the fight for second place in the league 94-89. Valur have now won 6 in a row.
Top scorers for Valur. Craig Walls (201-F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: New Hampshire) 24. Ragnar Gylfason 20. Steingrimur Ingolfsson 15. For FSU Vesteinn Sveinsson 30. Matt Hammer 14

Njardvik vs. KR. -by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Always a big game when these two teams meet. No different this time. Njardvik gor into a great start and led after 1 quarter 35-25. Second quarter was more closer 26-21 for Njardvik. 61-46 at halftime.
KR not playing good defense in first half. Second half was totally different. KR playing hard defense and Njardvik did not get any easy shots. Damon Bailey (197-F-80, agency: Icebasket, college: Missouri Western) who had great first half was in big foul trouble and could not play big part of second half. Joshua Helm (198-F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Mercyhurst) played his best game for KR. J J JJ Sola (201-F-81, college: Drake) is getting in shape. Helgi Magnusson (198-G/F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Catawba) was playing up to his standard in second half. As usual Brenton Birmingham (195-G-73, college: Manhattan) did well for Njardvik as well as Damon Bailey. Final score Njardvik 97 KR 106.
Top scorers for Njardvik. Damon Bailey & Brenton Birmingham 27 each.
For KR. Joshua Helm 32. J J JJ Sola 20. Helgi Magnusson Agency.Icebasket.& Avi Fogel 19 each.

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INDIA

NBA Visit - Indian Basketball -by Anil Kumar
The Basketball without Borders program, an NBA initiative with the Basketball Federation of India, is certain to bring a lot of focus on the game and could help change the roadmap ahead. Of course, follow up plans are crucial and enquiries are pouring in from different corners on whats happening on the BB scene in India.

The best five cagers in the 15-19 age group will represent the country - of the 50 chosen from 16 countries that form part of the Asian Zone - in the NBA's (National Basketball Association) 'Basketball without Borders' programme.

The NBA will be conducting three such camps this year - Moscow (June 4-7), New Delhi (July 3-6) and Johannesburg (Sept 3-7) with India becoming the second country from the region to be chosen to host it. China - Beijing and Shanghai - is the other nation from the region to host the programme since it was conceived in 2001.

In fact, the city that will host the Summer Games this August is only second to Shanghai which hosted the event twice.

Media representative Todd Jacobson, who is vice-president of community relations for the NBA, said that they realised the potential of hosting such an event - fully funded by NBA - in the Capital and it would, apart from promoting the game, help in other spheres such as education and health. 'Our initiative since 2001 has had the desired results and we hope the New Delhi event won't be any different.'

During the four-day camp, the 50 boys from the region will be put through basketball drills and games with special attention given to skills. For this purpose, the NBA will have some of its current players and trained coaches to conduct the programme. 'The idea of bringing in players will not only attract youngsters to the game but their presence with coaches will also arouse passion among them. Moreover, the players can perfectly fit into the role of mentors,' added Akash Jain, a Director with the NBA.

For the moment, though, the NBA has plans to induct only boys but will consider a similar programme for the girls in the future. As for the selection of boys, Jacobson said that it will be purely based on the data provided by FIBA and the national federation - the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) in our case.

The five-member NBA team also said while India have been given five slots, China get the most from the region because of the popularity of the game in that country. 'It's natural for them to bag the most slots,' said Jacobson.

As for BFI, they are happy with the present five slots. But secretary-general Harish Sharma was not ruling out the possibility a couple of slots more in case the NBA team doesn't find the required number from a few other countries. 'It (five) is a good number to begin with,' said Sharma, who also had a separate meeting with FIBA president, who was here, to press India's case.

The NBA members also said that India's proposed launch of the professional league this year will be taken into account in furthering India's cause. 'We will definitely send our observers to watch the league for a feedback. And any subsequent quantum of assistance will depend on the success of the league,' said Jacobson.

The countries that fall in the Asian zone are: India, China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Qatar, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Syria and the Netherlands.

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ITALY

Tim Cup Final 8 - Quart Finals Day 2 -by Stefano Pini
Angelico Biella-Capo D'Orlando 75-72
Gianmarco Pozzecco (185-G-72) leaded Capo D'Orlando with 27p. and 7as. but wansn't enough against the physical strenght of Angelico Biella. Brandon Hunter (201-F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Ohio) and Kevinn Pinkney (206-F-83, college: Nevada) combined for 29p. and 24r. Capo D'Orlando had a bad shooting night: 35% from the field, while Biella, with 25 turnovers wasn't able to close the game before.
Air Avellino-Premiata Montegranaro 73-69
Avellino is the last team qualified to the semifinals. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) leaded his team with 25p. and 6r. Avellino started very well int he first quarter. Montegranaro had an inspired Luca Vitali (201-G-86): 23p. 3as 11/12 from the line. Even if missed a very important free throw at 6' to the end. Marques Green (170-G-82, college: St.Bonaventure) ended the game with 4/4 from the line.

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JAPAN

From JBL to BJL, Browne overcomes release -by Mark Ofel
Dean Browne, who along with Ryu Han (now a development player), 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 released Bryant (picked up by Fukuoka Rizing) 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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LEBANON

Sagesse - Riyadi a very promising game -by Hassan Thini
The Lebanese First Division League is witnessing a weekly occurence of games full of intensity and excitement between all teams. Round 5 had a big title ' Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut vs Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut' .The two teams came back from the Dubai Tournament with great results and continued their great performance in the game that joined them. The game left the basketball fans anxiously awaiting for the coming game between the two teams.

In the long waited match between Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut and Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut the fans watched the best game since 2004. Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut led in the first half due to the great performance of Rony Fahed (182-G-81, agency: Pro Management Agency) and Micah Brand (210-C-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: Massachusetts) who gave Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut fans a game to remember. Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut was answering throughout all first half by King Damon (193-G-78, college: Weber St.) , the newcomer who scored six 3-pointers in the first half.

In the second half Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut made a big run and led by as much as 10 points but a big come back was made by Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut in the fourth quarter led by Ahmad Ismail (201-F-76). Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut lost the effort of Rony Fahed who fouled out with two minutes left in the game. Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut then lost its chance to win the game when Sabah Khouri missed two free throws with four seconds left .

In the overtime Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut secured the game thanks to the big experience of Ahmad Ismail who scored the wining shot in the end.

Round 5 Results -by Hassan Thini
Al Moutahed Tripoli - Champville : 77-73

Best Scorers:

Al Moutahed Tripoli: Norman Nolan (26pts)

Champville : Jarred Merill (23pts)

Q1:26-12 Q2:18-29 Q3:19-20 Q4:14-12

Blue Stars - Antranik Beirut : 93-83

Best Scorers:

Blue Stars: William Brown (23pts)

Antranik Beirut : Vicken Eskidjian & Hovssep Lochkajian (14pts)

Q1:15-07 Q2:14-20 Q3:17-09 Q4:23-19

Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut - Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut : 87-89(OT)

Best Scorers:

Sagesse - Al Hekmeh Beirut: Micah Brand (32pts)

Sporting Al Riyadi Beirut : Damon King (25pts)

Q1:26-25 Q2:19-21 Q3:23-17 Q4:12-17 OT:07-09

Sporting Feytroun - Anibal Zahle : 99-83

Best Scorers:

Sporting Feytroun : Aaron Haynes (33pts)

Anibal Zahle : Kevin Sowell (36pts)

Q1:31-25 Q2:21-14 Q3:33-25 Q4:14-19

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LIGA AMERICAS

Soles delight the home crowd -by Eurobasket News
Soles de Mexicali - Minas 95:83

The hosts of the Liga Americas Final Four Soles de Mexicali put an exclamation mark after the exciting Day 1 of action as they overcame Minas in a thrilling game. Brazilian side got to a better start of the encounter. Minas silenced the crowd with a 26:22 first frame as Jasper Johnson (201-C-83, college: Delta St.) fired 10 points to pace the visitors. But Soles quickly bounced back and ignited a 31:16 rally that saw them grab a 53:42 advantage at the break. Minas stay contestant and pretty soon trimmed the margin to minimum. Jasper Johnson connected from afar and Soro Pinto (190-F-80) added some important buckets for Minas to enter the fourth term trailing by just a single point at 66:67. But the support of the home crowd allowed Soles to exert a final effort and run away with a win. Greg Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) was outstanding for Soles with 27 points and 16 boards. Richard Ortega (188-G-82) provided 19 points, 6 assists and 4 boards for the winners. Jasper Johnson posted 23 points for Minas. Soro Pinto finished the game with 18 points for the visiting side. Soles had an overwhelming dominance under the rims 42:29. They also converted 47% from the field, while liming their opponents to only 38% accuracy. So today Minas will take on yesterday's winners Penarol. Soles will try to extend their winning streak against the Miami Tropics.

Soles: Greg Lewis 27+16 boards, Richard Ortega 19, De Juan Wheat (183-G-73, college: Louisville) 15
Minas: Jasper Johnson 23, Soro Pinto 18

Penarol beats Miami Tropics to open the Final Four -by Eurobasket News
Penarol - Miami Tropics 94:77

Argentinean Penarol got their firs twin in the Liga Americas Final Four held in Soles, Mexico. In the opening game of the event Penarol easily tamed the Miami Tropics. Penarol's import Quincy Wadley (193-G-78, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) masterminded the success as he notched game-high 32 points. He helped his team to grab an early lead as they outscored the Tropics 25:17 in the first frame. Quincy Wadley scored 6 points, while Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez (188-G-78) added 7 points in it. Soon the Argentinean side opened up a double-digit lead and was comfortably up by 10 points at the interval 47:37. The things did not change after the intermission. The Tropics continued to struggle finding their rhythm and they shooting accuracy devastated in the second half. Penarol extended the margin to 17 points entering the fourth period. Miami finally got the game even in the fourth term as the teams scored 22 points apiece but it brought little conciliation for Miami. Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez finished with 20 points for Penarol. Roman Gonzalez (206-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) contributed 12 points and 7 boards for the winners. Terence Shelman answered with 16 points and 5 boards for the Tropics. Jermaine Watson (193-G-81, college: Boston Coll.) had 15 points and 5 assists in defeat. Penarol outrebounded their opponents 40:30 and limited those to 1/13 shooting from beyond the arc. The Argentinean side meawnwhile converted 50% from the field.
Penarol will take on Minas later today. The Miami Tropics will try to bounce back against hosting Soles.

Penarol: Quincy Wadley 32, Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez 20, Roman Gonzalez 12
Miami Tropics: Terence Shelman 16, Jermaine Watson 15

Miami defeats Soles -by Gianni Pascucci

The Miami Tropics took an immediate revenge from yesterday night loss prevailing over home team Soles de Mexicali, 116-108 after an overtime, in Day 2 of the Liga de las Americas. Jermaine Watson (193-G-81, college: Boston Coll.) and Marcus Barnes (188-G-81, college: Northeastern) were the main scorers in the Tropics, with 32 and 29 points, respectively, while Cornelius Mitchell (180-G-82, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: Charleston) added 18 points at the winning side. With 26 points and 13 rebounds, veteran Horacio Llamas (211-C-73, agency: Interperformances) was the best in Soles, Richard Lopez (192-G-78, college: Cal.Baptist) and Greg Lewis (198-F-78, college: Winthrop) added 22 and 20 pts resectively, but it wasn' t enough. The Final standigs see now Penarol at the top, with a 2-0 record, Miami and Mexicali at 1-1 and Minas at 0-2.

Soles are now forced to defeat Penarol in the last Day of games. If they win, and Miami will defeat Minas, the three teams will be tied at the to of the table, and the first Liga de las Americas will be decided by the points difference, but, if Penarol will win even tomorrow, the title will go to Argentina.

Penarol wins even Game 2 -by Gianni Pascucci
Penarol Mar del Plata defeated Minas Tenis Clube 97-85 in the opening game of the Day 2 of the Liga de las Americas, confirming its good shape. Juan Locatelli (198-F-75) performed for 24 pts, 7 rebs and 5 assists to lead the Argentinean team, while Quincy Wadley (193-G-78, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) was the game top scorer at 25 points. The main losing efforts came from Facundo Sucatzky (176-G-72, agency: Interperformances), who scored 19 points and dished 14 assists and from Jasper Johnson (201-C-83, college: Delta St.), who scored 23 points and 11 rebounds.

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LITHUANIA

Zalgiris wins the LKF Cup -by Lukas Zajancauskas

Zalgiris Kaunas beat Lietuvos Rytas 83-72 in the final of the LKF Cup.
Rytas scored only 2 points in the first five minutes thanks to good Zalgiris defense. Kaunas team took early advantage 10:2. After the first quarter the result was 22:14 Zalgiris led.
In the second quarter Damir Markota got a technical foul for stopping Rytas counterattack. Hollis Price hit a three-pointer which made the result 28:28. De Juan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) scored 6 points in a row by the end of first half. The result was 42:36.
In the middle of the third quarter De Juan Collins scored two threes, which forced Rytas coach A.Trifunovic to call a timeout. After the timeout Rytas cut the deficit to 8, but De Juan Collins led a 11:0 run for Zalgiris. After the third quarter Zalgiris was ahead by 13.
Zalgiris missed many three pointers and Lietuvos Rytas reduced the deficit to 11. The pressure was growing, coaches were arguing with referees. But all became obvious when Zalgiris led by 15 and only 3 minutes was remaining. The final score was 83:72 Zalgiris Kaunas won.

The MVP was D.Collins of Zalgiris and C.Eidson of Rytas.

Zalgiris: D.Collins 27+7 reb., M.Brown 15, J.Maciulis 13, M.Popovic 11, P.Jankunas 9, E.Zukauskas 4+8 reb., G.Jurak 4.
Lietuvos Rytas: H.Price 17, Ch.Eidson 13, A.Slezas 9, K.Bajramovic 8, M.Petravicius ir A.Jomantas - po 6, J.Jordan 4, J.Vroman 4+5 reb., M.Gecevicius 3, M.Lukauskis 2.

Zalgiris Kaunas sign Mamadou N'Diaye -by Lukas Zajancauskas
Panellinios Athens confirmed that they loaned Mamadou N'Diaye (212-C-75, college: Auburn) to B.C. Zalgiris Kaunas until June 1st. 32-year old Senegal National Team center Mamadou N'Diaye spent most of his career in the NBA. But he didn't impress with how he played overseas. The Senegalese averaged 3.8 points and 3.3 boards in 69 mathces. Past few years he played in Greece. This season in Pannellinios he averaged 9,1 points, 5,8 rebounds and 1,3 blocks in the ULEB Cup and 8,6 points and 5,6 boards in Greek League games.

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MEXICO

Huachinango For All, Halcones Advance -by Justin Brink
The Halcones of Cordoba, Veracruz qualified for the Conference Finals Wednesday night after polishing of the Tecos in four games, 3-1 and last night the Halcones of Xalapa rolled past the Halcones Rojos 99-76 eliminating the Rojos and advancing to the Southern Conference Finals against Cordoba. Click here for more LNBP action.

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NBA

Chris Webber returns to the Warriors' line-up -by Eurobasket News
Chris Webber (6'10''-F/C-73, college: Michigan) returned to Oakland and donned Golden State jersey once again. His return however was spoiled by the visiting Chicago Bulls as they stunned the Warriors 114:108 at the Oracle Center. Chris Webber started the game for the hosts but was pretty quiet during 12 minutes on court producing 4 points and 2 boards in defeat. The game got another hero as Chris Duhon (6'1''-G-82, college: Duke) scored career-high 34 points and dished out 9 assists to help the Bulls overcome the absence of Kirk Hinrich and Ben Gordon in a well-done victory. Joe Smith (6'10''-F-75, college: Maryland) added 27 points for the Bulls as they improved to 20-29 record for the season. Monta Ellis (6'4''-G-85) scored 25 points, while Andris Biedrins (7'0''-C-86) provided 12 points and 18 boards in the 20th loss for the home team. Earlier on the day the Bulls decided to wave out-of-favor Russian forward Viktor Khryapa (6'9''-F/G-82). He played in 9 games in the current season averaging 3.6 points and 2.2 rebounds.
Meanwhile the Miami Heat lost their 21st out last 22 games as they were taught a lesson by Philadelphia yesterday. Andre Iguodala (6'6''-G-84, college: Arizona) delivered 25 points and spurred the 76ers to a 101:84 win over the ailing Heat. Miami still played without newly acquired Shawn Marion (6'7''-F-78, college: UNLV) and Marcus Banks (6'2''-G-81, college: UNLV). They are yet to undergo physicals with the Heat. Philadelphia limited Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) to 19 points on 5/17 FG shooting. The hosts led by 3 points before the final period but used a 12:3 rally to break away for good. Andre Miller (6'3''-G-76, college: Utah) provided 21 points and 7 assists in a winning clause.
It be became known that the Houston Rockets' guard Steve Francis (6'3''-G-77, college: Maryland) will miss the reminder of the season as would have to undergo a surgery to repair a torn tendon in his right knee. Steve Francis was active just in 10 games this season averaging 5.5 points and 3.0 assists. The 31-year-old point guard returned this season from the Knicks after spending 2 years in New York. He signed a one-year contract with the Rockets with the option of extending it.

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NEW ZEALAND

Otago completes import list -by Eurobasket News
The Otago Nuggets signed their second import for the upcoming NBL season. The teams announced the signing of Jay Anderson (206-F-81, college: Oregon). The 26-year-old forward is coming off a solid season with the Eugene Chargers from the IBL. He averaged 11 points and 6 boards per game in the season with the Chargers. In 2006 Jay Anderson was the IBL All-Star Game selection and his average stats in that season came up to 14.5 points and 6.6 boards. He also won the three-point shootout contest at the event. Jay Anderson had also the stint in Romania where he played for Tirgu Mures. In Romanian championship he scored 22 points and collected 6.3 boards per game. Jay Anderson is the University of Oregon graduate and registered 2.6 points and 2.2 boards per game in his senior season there.
The second import for the Nuggets is Rahsaan Smith (208-C-73, college: Fresno St.). The 30-year-old center is the Fresno State University graduate and scored 8.9 points per game in his senior season. He travelled around the world playing in Saudi Arabia, Germany, Belgium, South Korea and Mexico. He also played in the ABA and CBA leagues. Rahsaan Smith won the CBA title in 2000 with the Yakama Sun Kings. The veteran centre also trialed for the LA Lakers and the Portland Trail Blazers. The Otago Nuggets tip off their season on March 2 against the defending champs Nelson Giants.

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PBL

Weekend games first results -by Gianni Pascucci
Despite a great performing from Aaron Williams (6'8''-C/F-85, college: W.Chester), who scored 24 pts and grabbed 20 rebs in losing effort, the Reading Railers opened the 5th PBL weekend with a loss, 122-124 after an overtime from Quad City Riverhawks. Yesterday nioght, Arkansas defeated Rockford 135-127 and the Wilmington Sea Dawgs prevailed over the PBL Traveling Team at home. The Sea Dawgs were due to play the Dallas Defenders, but, due to 'air travel problems which originated in Dallas', the team was unable to make it to Wilmington in time to play the game. When this became apparent this afternoon, the PBL was able to bring in its 'Travelers' team, and Wilmington won 112-81, with Dexter Gregory (6'7''-F-84, college: Amer.Internat.) with 16 points, and Jermaine Williams (6'7''-G/F-79, college: LSU) with 15 points leading the way.

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PUERTO RICO

Caro and Gittens in Guayama and other Trades. -by Alessandro Fontana

BSN
Ismael Caro and Tim Gittens arrived in Puerto Rico and They started to train with their team Brujos de Guayama.

Ismael Caro is a strong scorer with a lot of experience in the ABA League in the States. This season He was playing for Manchester Millrats where He scored 19.8 ppg. Caro will be one of the best scorers of the BSN 2008.
Tim Gittens is a shooting-guard who played in the 'US-Minors' as ABA and USBL and last season He played also some games in Iran with Khozestan where He scored 18 ppg, 9 apg and 5 rpg and He resulted one of the strongest players of the iranian league. This season He was in ABA with the Westchester Phantoms.
RIVERA-VALENCIA
Vaqueros de Bayamon received Florentino Valencia from Cariduros de Fajardo and Cariduros received Jorge Rivera (201-F/C-73) from Vaqueros de Bayamon. Jorge Rivera is a good trade for Fajardo because the team wanted a power forward who can catch a lot of rebounds and give a lot of intensity in defense. Bayamon received Valencia, a young forward, an interesting future prospect.
COPA DEL REY, SPAIN
In Spain, Unicaja Malaga was defeated by Tau Vitoria 78-71 in Copa del Rey. Daniel Santiago played 16 minutes with 8 pts (4/8 2pts) and 1 reb.
A. Fontana

Strike Fizzles and BSN is on tap -by Luis Ramirez
It lasted less than 48 hours, the Players Association and the BSN have agreed to put their differences behind and there will be a BSN tournament after all. With the Players Association giving in to the Team Owners demands, they met this afternoon with League President Felix Rivera and all the pending issues between them were put to rest. The Association accepted the terms which had been previously offered to them by the League so this puts an abrupt end to the players strike. All Players will report to their respective teams tonight and continue with their team practices and scheduled scrimmages. According to local press information, Association President Jose Cheo Otero quit his post as he was never in agreement with the Community Player which under the terms now approved between the parties will be in place for just one year. To replace Otero, Alfredo Morales will take over his duties.

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SERBIA

Radivoj Korac Cup - Crvena Zvezda and Hemofarm STADA in semifinals -by Dragan Jankovski

As it was expected Crvena Zvezda and Hemofarm STADA outplayed their rivals in the quarterfinals of National Cup Radivoj Korac and advanced to the semis.

Crvena Zvezda made easy win over Borac Cacak 79-54. Red and white team dominated during the entire game making advantage of 15 points at the middle of the second quarter. Tandem Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket), who added 19 points and 4 rebounds, and Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's), who collected 16 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 steals, led the team from Belgrade. Borac got 15 points and 8 rebounds from Rastko Dramicanin (207-C-86).

Hemofarm STADA also grabbed easy victory against Zdravlje Actavis 88-80. Hemofam touched plus 25 in the third quarter while in the last 10 minutes Zdravlje just succeeded to make this defeat acceptable. Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) posted 22 points including 5 rebounds for the winners while Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) followed him netting 17 points. Radomir Marojevic (207-C-81) added 23 points and 4 rebounds for Zdravlje.

Crvena Zvezda - Borac 79-54
(27-16,19-17,17-18,16-3)

Crvena Zvezda: Dragicevic 19 (4 rebs), Cook 16 (5 rebs, 7 as, 5 st), Misanovic 13 (8 rebs)
Borac: Dramicanin 15 (8 rebs), Markovic 14

Hemofarm STADA - Zdravlje Actavis 88-80
(28-26,25-18,24-14,11-22)

Hemofarm STADA: Marshall 22 (5 rebs), Vukosavljevic 17, Savovic 12, Joksimovic 11

Zdravlje Actavis: Marojevic 23 (4 rebs), Lucic 13 (4 rebs), Bogavac 12

FMP waits Vojvodina Srbijagas today at 18:00h while Partizan Igokea will meet Swisslions Takovo at 20:30h.

Market news -by Dragan Jankovski
Dragan Vascanin is named to be the new (old) head coach of Serbian U16 National Team.

Coach Goran Miljkovic parted ways with Hungarian team Albacomp from Szekesfehervar. Miljkovic won Hungarian National Cup 2002 with MOL Szolnoki.

Participant of Serbian B league BC Kotez Babmi from Belgrade agreed terms with Vladimir Jokanovic, ex head coach of BC Beograd.

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SPAIN

Madrid brings back Iturbe -by Robert Mayor
Real Madrid has reached an agreement with Iker Iturbe (200-F/C-76, agency: Court Side, college: Clemson) for the remainder of the season. Forward, that recently signed with UPIM Bologna, returns to his first ACB team in order to sustitute injured Hamilton.

Iturbe was averaging in LEGA 7'6 points and 2'8 rebounds in 21 minutes.

Also in ACB, DKV Joventut has decided not to continue with Lonny Baxter (203-C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Maryland) services and Akasvayu Girona will cut Jarod Stevenson (200-F-75, college: Richmond).

DKV Joventut crush and humiliate Valencia in the Copa -by Paul Nilsen
08.02.08 Pamesa Valencia 59 DKV Joventut 84

Badalona gave an awful Valencia side a pasting in the third quarter finals of the Copa Del Rey after Pamesa forgot to turn up in Vitoria writes www.acb-basket.com (who are also now doing a copa podcast at the site in english)

Valencia were handed a huge boost before the game when former NBA guard Shammond Williams strolled onto court ready to go after his injury lay-off. Another terrific atmosphere was to be found within the Fernando Buesa Arena despite the home team not in action with the Valencia and Joventut fans both making plenty of noise.

Both teams started slowly but it was Badalona that made the first move around the midway point when they began to get into their groove. With 2 minutes remaining in the first period, Rudy Fernandez (197-G-85) hit a three-pointer to help Badalona into a double figure lead at 21-11. While Rudy was shining and lapping up the acclaim at one end of the floor, it was Ruben Douglas and not Williams who looked to be the man for Pamesa. He hit a three-pointer of his own to reduce the deficit to 21-14 at the end of the first quarter.

Valencia then fell apart offensively as well as failing to rebound with costly turnovers allowing Joventut to extend their lead with a 7-0 run to start the period. Coach Katskiras called a time-out to trey and stop the rot but with little success and an error strewn and flat performance meant his side found themselves 31-16 behind and a blowout was a serious possibility.

Incredibly just when it looked the game might be slipping away from Valencia at 39-27, Victor Claver nailed a three-pointer before Ruben Douglas sent the Pamesa fans wild with a three-pointer on the buzzer from inside his own half and out on the sideline.

Those six points in a hurry put a different reflection on the game at 39-33 as both sides headed for the locker room with Valencia out of jail for their shambolic first half display and with a second opportunity. Had Badalona let them off the hook?

Well it looked that way after Pamesa grabbed the first two buckets of the second half to complete a 10-0 burst. However just when the men in orange were hoping to overhaul the lead, Joventut hit two threes in a row during a 7-0 run of their own to force a Valencia time-out at 46-37.

Badalona then pulled away again before Valencia pegged them back to 51-45 but a huge Rudy three-pointer restored the Joventut stranglehold and one they took into the final ten minutes at 56-45.

Things didn't get any better when Rubio nailed a shot from way downtown and then a look away pass by Rudy Fernandez laid on a spectacular alley-oops for Jermone Moiso as Penya turned on the style. With only Ruben Douglas carrying the fight to Badalona almost single-handed it looked bleak for Pamesa. Coach Katskiras must have been shocked by the lack of confidence in his team with player after player giving up rebounds and looks at the basket.

With six minutes remaining, Badalona were rampant and toying with their opponents who were on the ropes and certainly rocking at 70-48 with no answers to the questions posed by Joventut who went on to humiliate a broken Valencia. Ricky Rubio slammed down a dunk and hung onto the rim to get the biggest cheer of the night after Douglas' half-court shot.

Rudy was the man for Badalona as usual with 20 points and 5 assists although Ricky Rubioo pushed him close with 9 points and six rebounds. Ruben Douglas hit 17 points for Valencia but took 17 shots to get his points. Williams clearly wasn't fit and couldn't get out of first gear and that first step with a second step and usual change of pace non existent.

Real Overcome Girona to Face DKV Joventut in Copa Semi -by Paul Nilsen
08/02/08 REAL MADRID 73 AKASVAYU GIRONA 60

Real Madrid marched into the Copa Del Rey semi-finals despite a slow start in their clash with Akasvayu Girona writes www.acb-basket.com. A 7-0 start by Girona was cause for celebration from a fierce crowd with a cacophony of noise and jeers from the crowd when Real were in possession with all fans joining forces to support Girona against the side from the capital. Joan Plaza was forced to call a time-out after his sides poor start and it took almost 4 minutes for Real to register their first points by way of Charles Smith.

Instantly Girona then scored to get an unexpected double-figure lead at 12-2. A Tunceri three-pointer from the corner in the middle of two Akasvayu turnovers gave Real some much needed momentum but Girona continued to take it to Real and still led 20-15 after the first quarter.

The introduction of Belgian Axel Hervelle gave Real some spark and within 90 seconds of the second quarter, a three-pointer by Charles Smith had the game tied before Hervelle himself went inside to give Real their first lead of the game at 24-22.

On a 15-5 losing run, Coach Pedro Martinez called a Girona time-out looking to stem the tide that was beginning to turn the way of Madrid. It worked within seconds as Marc Gasol threw down a big dunk in one of the plays of the tournament so far although on the next play Luis Bullock showed that Gasol isn't the only star with a typically effortless trey.

The crowd enjoyed Alex Mumbru being withdrawn after an ineffective contribution and even more so with Victor Sada claimed a huge offensive rebound and bucket to tie the game at 33-33. Ivan Radenovic then put Girona brefly in front with a lay-up as did Gasoil after a Charles Smith score. Just as time was running out for Madrid, some nice passing handed the chance for Hervelle posting up inside to tie the game up at 37-37 by the midway point which he did.

Girona started strongly in the third to lead 42-45 and despite being out rebounded 9-1 during the first seven minutes of the third quarter, Girona were 47-45 ahead and it was looking good for them but a turning point was perhaps the fourth foul on Gasol meaning he had to leave the game and with it came a swing in favour of Real. They scored the last six points of the quarter to go 52-47 ahead.

Girona looked to be slipping away from any chance of a shock victory although they narrowed to 56-53 but it was in vain as Real stepped up their defensive game and this laid the foundation for Bullock to score eight in a row in a 15-5 run that sealed the game with a minute to play. However there was still time for an alley-oop from Sekulic to enjoy before the final buzzer. The win sets up a mouth-watering semi-final between Real and Badalona.

Luis Bullock top scored for the victors with 20 points but seven steals by Charles Smith told the story of the defensive intensity that won the game for the whites. Marc Gasol had 19 points for Akasvayu but no other player managed double figures.Charles Smith (193-G-75, college: N.Mexico)

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UKRAINE

Cup Final 4 Schedule -by Alexei Naumov
Cup of Ukraine Final Four is scheduled for this weekend and for the first time men and women will determine the Cup holders at one venue - Sumy.

Men's semifinals are on Friday, featuring defending Superleague champions Azovmash Mariupol versus Politekhnika-Galychyna Lviv (18:00) and current Cup holders BC Kyiv versus the hosts Sumykhimprom (20:30)

Women's semifinals are on Saturday with Chaika Berdiansk battling Dinipro Dnipropetrovsk at 15:00 and TIM-SKUF facing Kozachka-ZALK at 17:15.

The finals will be on Sunday at 14:00 for women and at 16:30 for men.

Live scores, stats and game reports will be available on the Official Website of the Ukrainian Basketball Federation

Kyiv - Azovmash Final Set -by Alexei Naumov
BC Kyiv will face Azovmash Mariupol in a rematch of last year's Cup of Ukraine Final.

Kyiv defeated hosts Sumykhimprom 75:70 behind 24 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals from Pooh Jeter.

Sumy zoned up on defense at the start of the game and Kyiv had little difficulty scoring, grabbing a 14:8 lead.

The home side managed to even up the game and the score was 22:20 at the end of the 1st quarter.

The pace of the game did not change during the second quarter and only Jeter's buzzer-beater gave his team a 5-point cushion at halftime. Kyiv managed to extend their lead to 10 points after 3 quarters but relaxed, allowing Sumy not only to catch up, but also go ahead 62:60.

Kyiv's experience helped the team bounce back and take control of the game. Sumy's trey with less than a minute to go in the 4th quarter made the score 73:70 but that was as close as the hosts could get.

Josh Davis had 14 points and 6 rebounds for Kyiv.

Rostislav Kryvich scored 16 for Sumy.

The final is set for 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Azovmash vs. Politekhnika-Galychyna and BC Kyiv vs. Sumykhimprom stats are available here (English)

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Women News

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ADRIATIC L. (W) - Women

Standings

Adriatic L. Standings

1. Buducnost		12-2
2. Sibenik		12-2
3. Gospic		10-2
4. Ragusa		8-5
5. Crvena Zv.		7-6
6. Jedinstvo		4-8
7. Medvescak		4-9
8. Celje		4-9
9. M.Kraj. BL		2-11
10. Vojvodina		2-11

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ARGENTINA - Women

Vega played the last game in EuroCup this season -by Eurobasket News
Gisella Vega (188-C-82) played the last game in EuroCup this season as her Tarbes stopped in the quarterfinal stage. When Turkish Galatasaray upset Tarbes GB at home 61:41 it was hardly believed that French team would advance. Moreover Galatasaray started the second game with 16:26 and at that time celebrated the aggregate win. Tarbes GB however won the game 69:68 with 24:17 in the last quarter. Clemence Beikes led the winners with 18 points. Liz Moeggenberg collected 14 points and 8 rebounds, while Gisella Vega scored 9 points and made 10 rebounds. Sophia Young top-scored for the Turkish squad with 17 points and 9 rebounds, but it is a must to mention 16 points and 11 rebounds from Petra Ujhelyi and 11 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists from Isil Alben.
Sophia Young scored first 4 points for her team as Galatasaray dominated in the opening quarter. Liz Moeggenberg reduced to 4:9 and then Galatasaray went on another lead. The teams finished the first quarter with 16:26 for the visitors.
The second quarter was not so offensive as the squads tried to pay more attention in defense. Sophia Young made +14 in the middle of the second quarter for 20:34. At that time Argentinian Gisella Vega was the one to struggle for the hosts and due to her effort the hosts cut to 28:36.
Clemence Beikes made it 39:43 however then Galatasaray created a 6-0 run to finish the quarter at 45:51. Liz Moeggenberg tied the game in the beginning of the last quarter with a three from the arc. Zlatanova's three brought the hosts 64:63 advantage and the held the score for good. It was for good only for the second game. Tarbes GB won the game 69:68 but lost the aggregate campaign, 110:129.

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AUSTRALIA - Women

Lauren Jackson scores 34 and 14 in the Eighth-Finals series of Euroleague -by Eurobasket News
Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) triumphs with her Spartak Moscow Region that reached the quarterfinals of Euroleague. 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 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 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 and Diana Taurasi scored 4 points late in the quarter and gave Spartak a 19:11 lead. Nykesha Sales and Gintare Petronyte 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 the gap to 36:17. Diana Taurasi and Tatiana Shchegoleva soon deepened the gap to 26 points. However TEO Vilnius refused to surrender that early. Jurgita Streimikyte scored 8 points in the starting 4 minutes of the third period and the visitors cut the margin to 21 points. Later Ausra Bimbaite netted 5 points as Vilnius team came as close as 18 points from the hosts. Kristin Haynie continued the streak for TEO with a trey to make it 46:61. Lauren Jackson stepped up with 4 points for Spartak but Kristin Haynie knocked down another three-pointer for TEO. Still Spartak uttered the last word in the frame with Tina Thompson converting two free throws and Lauren Jackson sinking a jumper. The teams traded the baskets in the fourth term with an outcome pretty vivid and Spartak drove to the first win in the series. Tatiana Shchegoleva provided 21 points and 8 boards for Spartak in the game. Tina Thompson had 11 points and 10 boards for the winners. Kristin Haynie scored 20 points for TEO Vilnius. Streimkyte and Gintare Petronyte notched 12 points apiece in a losing effort.

In the second game Lauren Jackson collected 14 points and 9 rebounds in a 83:71 win. Kristin Haynie led TEO with 20 points and 9 rebounds.After 93:67 the defending champions did not want to come back home for another game. A comfortable win in Vilnius will give them a good rest. Led by Lauren Jackson Spartak Moscow Region quickly took 8-0 run and then grabbed 14:2 advantage. Kristin Haynie cut the deficit for the hosts for 11:20 in the end of the first ten minutes. A 9-0 Spartak run to finish the first half gave Spartak a 47:29 advantage and effectively killed off TEO.
Lauren Jackson opened the second half with a jump shot as the guests had +20. Diana Taurasi drilled two three-pointers in a row for 45:68. Tatiana Shchegoleva's jump-shot closed the third quarter at 49:70. Right after that TEO could score some baskets and reduced the gap. Spartak Moscow Region did not care too much about the result and the top players could have a rest on the bench.

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BRAZIL - Women

Santos and Coelho in the first games of Euroleague eighth-final stage -by Eurobasket News
Russian CSKA overwhelmed Perfumerias Avenida in the first game of the best-of-three series of Euroleague eighth-final stage as Brazilian Alessandra Santos (200-C-73) struggled for the latter. CSKA grabbed a 1-0 lead and are now looking forward to completing the series in Spain on Friday. CSKA entered the game firing from all guns as Ann Wauters, Maria Stepanova and Olga Arteshina made it an 8:0 lead with 4 minutes gone. Ilona Korstine soon nailed 4 straight points and the hosts claimed a 14:3 advantage. It all worked smoothly for the home team and the margin grew to 15 points late in the quarter. Finally Isabel Sanchez scored 5 straight points to cap the frame with Perfumerias trailing 12:22. Tracy Reid and Silvia Dominguez ignited a 10:2 run for the visitors early in the second quarter as Avenida trimmed the gap to 2 points. Later Silvia Dominguez nailed a jumper to tie things up at 28. However Nicole Powell scored 5 consecutive points and Edwige Lawson added a three-pointer to restore an 8-point cushion for CSKA. Ann Wauters finished the half with 6 points in a row for the Russian team and they held a 44:32 advantage at the interval. Isabel Sanchez and Anke De Mondt fired from beyond the arc at the start of the third period as Perfumerias kept the intrigue burning. But Ann Wauters continued to pile up points securing a safe distance between the sides. Ilona Korstine dropped 6 consecutive points for CSKA and the hosts accumulated a 60:46 lead with 2 minutes remaining in the third frame. Becky Hammon bridged the quarters with two three-pointers as CSKA rolled confidently to the win. Ann Wauters and Nicole Powell soon crafted a 70:53 gap and Perfumerias never recovered afterwards. Ann Wauters provided 21 points and 15 boards for CSKA. Ilona Korstine and Maria Stepanova added 12 points apiece in a winning case. Isabel Sanchez answered with 14 points for Spanish team. Ivanka Matic posted 13 points and 6 boards in defeat. Alessandra Santos nailed 3 points, made 7 rebounds and 1 assist.
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 and Petra Kulichova opened the scoring tally with 4 points for Gambrinus. But Emilja Podrug and Graziane Coelho (192-C-83) kept it close for Hungarian outfit. The teams traded baskets before Timea Beres capped the frame with two free throws and gave the hosts a 20:15 advantage. Ivana Vecerova 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 added three-pointer to set the visitors up 29:27 at halftime. Zsofia Fegyverneky extended the gap to 4 points at the start of the second half but just to see Hamchetou Maiga 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 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 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 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. Graziane Coelho collected 10 points and 5 rebounds.

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CROATIA - Women

Gospic advances to the Quarter-Finals -by Eurobasket News

Gospic -Botas Spor 75:59 (21-14, 13-15, 17-16, 24-14)

Croatian Gospic advanced to the Quarter-Finals of Eurocup after a win over Botas Spor. Croatian team had 3 points advantage before the second game but used an offensive game to prove their class. Sandra Popovic-Mandir (177-G-77) and Marina Mazic (190-C-80) led the winners with 18 points each. Mirjana Tabak (182-F-72) supported them with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Kristen Newlin (196-F/C-85, college: Stanford) ended up with 23 points in the losing effort.
Turkish team looked more aggressive in the opening tip of the game and stayed in front for some time. Gumusay opened the game with a lay-up and then Takmaz made it 2:6. Gospic suggested their own game and finished the quarter at 21:14 as Sandra Popovic-Mandir scored the last points in the period. The second quarter was hard for both teams and Botas enjoyed 13:15 advantage. Behind 43:42, Orsolya Englert connected from long range for Gospic, Marina Mazic drilled a jumper and Katarina Maloca made a jump shot for a 7-0 run that left the hosts with a 49:43 lead in the game. Maloca finished the third with 51:45. Gospic never looked behind in the end of the game and kept the important deficit. It gave Croatian side 138:119 in a total of two games.

In the Quarter-Finals of Eurocup Gospic will face Italian Schio. The latter beat Russian Nadezhda in the second game to advance.

Gospic: Sandra Popovic-Mandir 18+6 ast, Marina Mazic 18, Mirjana Tabak 15+ 7 rebs
Botas Spor: Kristen Newlin 23, Chrissy Givens (180-G-85, agency: LBM Management, college: Middle Tenn.St.) 12

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EUROCUP (W) - Women

Gospic advances to the Quarter-Finals -by Eurobasket News

Elitzur Ramla upset MBK Ruzomberok twice -by Eurobasket News
MBK Ruzomberok - Elitzur Ramla 62:70 (16-17, 9-21, 22-18, 15-14)

More than 1000 spectators came to support the game of their native MBK Ruzomberok in EuroCup tournament. Unfortunately for them Slovak team lost to Elitzur Ramla 62:70 and finished the campaign of this season. Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) paced the winners with 22 points. Sherill Baker (174-G-82, college: Georgia) netted 19, while Jaclyn Johnson (185-F/G-79, college: Kansas) collected 15 points and 12 rebounds. Regina Palus