EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/26/2008

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Men News

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AUSTRALIA

Hawks target Victor? -by Eurobasket News
The Illawarra Mercury has reported that the Wollongong Hawks are close to signing former Sydney Kings import Isiah Victor (206-F-78, college: Tennessee) for the 2008/09 season.

The Mercury's Tim Keeble writes that Wollongong coach Eric Cooks should know within seven days if former Sydney Kings forward Isiah Victor will be in Hawks colours for the 2008-09 NBL season.

The paper said that Victor has been targeted by the Hawks for the past two months and would fill Wollongong's second import slot alongside All-Star guard Kavossy Franklin.

Cooks has also reportedly been speaking to US-based forward Josh Pace, a former New Zealand national league import.

'Pace is a scorer who played at Syracuse (University) with (Denver Nuggets star) Carmelo Anthony and I'm very interested in him, but I'm also looking at a big (Victor) and hopefully I'll know where we're at with him in the next week,' Cooks said.

Cooks has six players under contract next season and remains optimistic of assembling a solid roster.

'There's a few (Australian-born) people I'm really, really high on and I'm putting them through tests to make sure they're up to it,' he said.

'The two guys (import candidates) I'm talking to play different positions and that could ultimately have an impact on which way to go with the other (Australian) guys.

'Hopefully things start falling into place soon.'
Courtesy of www.nbl.com.au

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BELGIUM

Optima Gent Transfer News -by Peter Buyse


Optima Gent continues to work on next season's roster.
They just announced the signing of their shooting guard Brandon Freeman (191-G-83, college: UALR) for his 3rd season in Gent.
Brandon was the second leading scorer in D1 with 18.8ppg.
His first year in Gent he led D2 in scoring (26ppg)

Tibo T'Joncke (191-F/G-78) on the other hand, the team's captain will not be staying with Optima.

Tibo was rookie of the year in 1999 and played for Optima Gent in D2 between 2002 and 2007.

he is free to sign with any team as of right now.




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BOSNIA

Standings - BIH League
D1 Standings
League 8
 1. Bosna S. 11-2 
 2. Igokea 9-4 
 3. Siroki 9-4 
 4. Sloboda Dita 8-5 
 5. Borac Nektar 7-6 
 6. Zrinjski MC 3-10 
 7. Slavija 3-10 
 8. Grude 2-11 
Places 9-14
 1. Posusje 10-14 
 2. Zenica Celik 10-14 
 3. Hercegovac 10-14 
 4. Leotar 9-15 
 5. Capljina 8-16 
 6. Vogosca 2-22 


Bosnian League 8, 13TH round - First place for Bosna ASA -by Elvir Halilovic

Results:
Igokea Partizan - Siroki Prima Pivo 71:52
Bosna ASA BH Telecom - Zrinjski Mik Company 68:56
Sloboda Dita - Grude 91:77
Borac Nektar - Slavija 85:67


Standings:
1. Bosna ASA BHT 11-2 1046:869 +177 24 pts.
2. Igokea Partizan 9-4 1121:979 +142 22 pts.
3. Siroki Prima Pivo 9-4 1056:980 +76 22 pts.
4. Sloboda Dita 8-5 1024:1031 -07 21 pts.
5. Borac Nektar 7-6 1012:972 +40 20 pts.
6. Zrinjski MC 3-10 1037:1151 -114 16 pts.
7. Slavija 3-10 982:1152 -170 16 pts.
8. Grude 2-11 987:1131 -144 15 pts.


Igokea Partizan - Siroki Prima Pivo 71:52
(21:12, 16:13, 20:9, 14:18)
Aleksandrovac, SD Nenad Bastinac; Att.: 2.000; Ref.: Bijedic, Duskaj, Nozinovic
IGOKEA PARTIZAN: Tosic 6, Patterson 9, Bocka 15, Stazic, Djurica 2, Vucurovic 8, Cup, Wright, Lydeka 4, Stefanovic 10, Kovacevic 13, Allen 4
Coach: Drago Karalic
SIROKI PRIMA PIVO: Bubalo, Planinic, Grays 9, Stemberger 14, Dijan 12, Zupic, Sola 1, Naletilic, Susak, Fajardo 13, Bethel, Ezugwu 4
Coach: Ivan Velic

Bosna ASA BHT - Zrinjski Mik Company 68:56
(14:18, 25:7, 12:16, 17:15)
Sarajevo, SD Skenderija; Att.: 300; Ref.: Okuka, Sobot, Karovic
BOSNA ASA BHT: Jefferson, Sehovic 4, Tomovic 2 (3 ass.), Ikonic 7, Bavcic 6 (6 reb.), Zimic, Bailey 10, Rahimic 11, Hajric 5 (7 reb.), Pasalic 6, Jackson 2, Williams 15
Coach: Jurij Zdovc
ZRINJSKI MC: Filipovic, Bisko, Norac 4, Petric, Oroz, Dzidic 9, Simovic 11, Brecic 2, Vuckovic 22 (16 reb.), Buhac, Planinic 8, Grbavac
Coach: Nedeljko Zelenika



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BRAZIL

Flamengo enters BNL Finals -by Eurobasket News
Flamengo became the first BNL finalist. They completed the sweep in the series against Joinville. After a stunning starting victory Flamengo faced a tough opposition in the second game of the best-of-five series. Joinville put on a gripping offensive performance but could not prevail at the end. The teams kept it tight throughout the encounter and were all tied at 100 at the end of regulation. But the hosts stepped on the gas in the overtime to hold off brave Joinville and secured the second straight success in the series. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) led all scorers with 37 points, 9 assists and 7 boards. Eduardo Duda Machado (197-F-82) nailed 27 points for the winners. Williams answered with 35 points for Joinville.
The teams then moved to Santa Catarina but Joinville could not save the series. Flamengo trailed by 3 points after the opening frame but recovered well after the intermission and rolled to a 6-point lead at halftime. The visitors stretched the gap to 9 points at three quarter time and secured their Finals birth at the end. Marcelinho Machado and Eduardo Duda Machado teamed up for 24 points apiece in a winning case. Andre Bambu Pereira (205-C-79) replied with 18 points and 5 assists for the hosts.
Meanwhile Universo/BRB won two straight games after the starting loss to Minas and stepped on brink for qualification to the Finals. In the third game of the series Universo/BRB overcame Minas 104:100 in the tight fight that saw a number of lead changes. The hosts built a 4-point advantage at halftime and did not give an inch of it in the second half toiling up the second win. Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) dropped 20 points to lead the charge for the home team. Arthur Luiz Belchior (197-G/F-82) and Marcio Cipriano (201-C-79) added 18 points apiece for the winners. Jasper Johnson (201-C-83, college: Delta St.) had 26 points and 11 boards for Minas in defeat. Game 4 is scheduled for tonight.

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CHINA

Xu Yong Does Have Cancer -by Arthur Volbert
Apparently Xu Yong (204-F-89) does have cancer, and according Eric Zhang of Team Yao, who is also Xu's agent. Xu's basketball career likely is over, Zhang stated.

According to pryuen of www.yaomingmania.com/forum/index.php translating the May 23 article from sports.sina.com Xu has osteocarcinoma involving his spine.

He is awaiting surgery. Apparently the cancer was caught in its early stages and is not life-threatening. The cancer is a low-grade central osteocarcinoma.

This is indeed very bad news but it appears that Xu will live and will not lose his leg, The cancer involves his spine rather than his leg which may be why there was so much confusion. Note that in the picture linked to in my previous article Xu is touching his spine. Perhaps it is the cancer that is irritating him.

This finally gives us some detailed information from a named and reliable source in China.

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CROATIA

Market news- Cibona intersted in Vonteego Cummings -by Davor Kosic
Cibona Zagreb is intersted in American point guard - Vonteego Cummings (192-G-76, college: Pittsburgh),according to sportske novosti newspaper.
according to the report,initial talks already begun with the player as his contract a Israeli team - Maccabi Tel-Aviv is expiring at the end of the season.
Cummings already played in the Adriatic league with Hemofarm Vrsac and Partizan Belgrade.
Cummings avreged 5.4ppg, 1.0rpg, 2.5apg, FGP: 46.2%, 3PT: 26%, FT: 79.2% in the Euroleague this season for Maccabi Tel-Aviv.

Split CO advances to the final of play-off -by Eurobasket News

After couple of very difficult years Split's fans will remember 24th of May 2008 as a date when basketball again became the main subject in city of Split. After good performance in Adriatic league, Split succeeded to reach final of Croatian play-off beating Cibona Zagreb 83-74 at the third game. Thus Split ended semifinal series with 2-1.
Despite Cibona had advantage almost 30 minutes it was not enough for the final. Split, who played this game without Tony Akins, had fantastic last quarter winning it 28-11. Cibona's players and its fans were shocked how good the hosts played last ten minutes. It will be the fist final for Split since 2003 while it will be the first year without Cibona in the final since Croatia got status of independent country.

Split had terrible shot percentage at the first half (13/23 FT, 1/13 3-pts) but anyway teams went into the third quarter equalized. Cibona made 11-1 run at the third stanza reaching plus at 8 the beginning of the last period. But it would not be enough even if they had plus 15 because Split answered with 13-0 run after what Marlon Garnett (188-G-75, college: Santa Clara), Deian Ivanov (205-C-86) and Damjan Rudez (207-F-86) were successful from behind the arc. With 3 minutes to go it was already clear that Split will celebrate its best result over the past 5 years.

Marlon Garnett was clutch player for the winners adding 19 points and 6 rebounds. Deian Ivanov also had very good night netting 19 points and 8 rebounds. Croatian pearl from Adriatic Sea, Damjan Rudez, delivered 17 points while Andrija Stipanovic (207-C-86) registered double-double, 12 points and 10 rebounds. Cibona, who had extremely poor season, got 23 points from Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM). Marin Rozic (201-F-83) followed him scoring 15 points.



Zadar is the second finalist ! -by Eurobasket News
It was almost unbelievable how Zadar's zone defense looked good last night at the third game of semifinals series against Zagreb, which the hosts won 74-61. As usually sports hall Jazine was fulfilled until the last seat and Zadar had fantastic support from its fans.

Crucial moments of the game happened from the middle of the third until the middle of the last stanza. Center Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) with six consecutive points was a key player in Zadar's 14-2 run at the end of the third quarter. Creating this run the hosts made turn from 45-48 to 59-50. Visitors opened last stanza with triple from Jurica Ruzic (199-F-77) decreasing its minus on 59-53 but they for sure did not know that it was their last chance yeasterday. Shammell Stallworth (197-F-80, agency: Interperformances, college: USF) hit two triples after what Rok Stipcevic (189-G-86) 'burned' Jazine. Namely, after Shammell Stallworth's fire Stipcevic at the first point made a steal immediately scoring a lay up after what Zagreb's head coach reacted calling a time out. But the last train already has gone for Zagreb. After time out Stipcevic drained 3-pointer and with 5 minutes remaining set the score on 69-53. Stipcevic totally replaced Brewer, who had a bad night shooting only 1 of 11.

Shammell Stallworth was the top scorer of his team with 18 points. Rok Stipcevic was close to him netting 15 points. Croatian NBA prospect Ante Tomic (217-C-87) was totally the best in Zagreb. He nailed 20 points grabbing 12 rebounds. Tomic's good performance wasn't enough for the win as Jakov Vladovic (187-G-83) and Krunoslav Simon (198-G/F-85) disappointed its fans Jazine. They had together just 11 points with index value 5.

Head coach of Zagreb, Zeljko Pavlicevic, after the game said: 'Zadar set extremely good zone defense and we couldn't adapt on it. We tried to beat their zone with many shots from behind the arc but at the end we scored only 6 of 26 attempts. Except of Tomic we didn't have another player tonight who would be capable to lead us to the final. I want to congratulate my players on their performance this season because I think that all of them gave their maximum.'

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DENMARK

MVP-award in the mens U/18 goes to Darko Jukic of Falcon -by Michael Ronne

Darko has been developing with a tremendous speed in the past year.

Thats why he's awarded MVP of the national U/18 division. He recieved
the award at half time at game 2 of the danish Championship for mens
U/18.

The MVP is selceted by the six coaches in the division - twelve
players were nominated, but Darko came out as the winner.

Comments on Darko Jukic:
Steen Guido, Horsholm 79ers: 'Without doubt the best individual player,
scorer and athlet in the division. He's explosive, strong and though
to handle if you don't have any players that match his physique.'

Jeppe Soendberg, VFB: 'Darkos soft touch combined with his athletic
abilities and with the speed he is progressing makes him my number
ine choice.

The finals is Falcon against Horsholm 79ers


Source: http://www.danskbasket.dk



Svendborg Rabbits sign Billy Pharis and Andreas Jorgensen -by Michael Ronne
In 2005 Billy Pharis (204-F/C-81, agency: Promotex, college: Arkansas) played for the Svendborg Rabbits team and now he is returning to the club. Billy Pharis was one of the profiles on the 2005. He became the most scoring player for Svendborg Rabbits that season with 24,2 points per game.

Since he's last spell with the danish side Billy Pharis has been playing in the US.

The other signing is the danish player Andreas Jorgensen (190-G/F-84) who recenly played for Aabyhoj IF in Basketligaen

On the other hand Svendborg Rabbits has lost their point guard Jarrett Howell (188-G-84, agency: Worldwide Hoops, college: Texas Arlington). Next season he's playing for a Ukranian team

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EGYPT

khaled hamdy kills Zamalek dreams in the last second -by Sherif Soliman
Gezira 85-83 Zamalek,Gezira won over Zamalek after a wonderfull game last night. The battle ended in the last second by a 2 point shot from Khaled Hamdy (Gezira)who gave his team a 2 games lead before the second round in Cairo starts on the 29th. Zamalek players were back by 11 po. with only 2 min to go.Zamalek hard spirit helped them to come back with an 11-0 run to tide it to 83-83 with 19 sec. remaining. Gezira players kept passing the ball till the last second when the brave man khaled hamdy made his shot to kill Zamalek dreams.Marvin black(ZAM) performed well with 26 po.,hoseiny samir(ZAM) 21 po. Also Ramy guinedy(GSC) 18 po. Danny johnson(GSC) 18 po, M.ElKerdany(GSC) 17 Po.

Super League Standings
Superleague Standings
Group A
 1. Gezira 12-3 
 2. Zamalek 10-5 
 3. Ahly 8-7 
 4. Al Ittihad 8-7 
 5. Somouha 6-9 
 6. Sporting 5-10 
Group B
 1. Geish Army 8-1 
 2. Shorta-Police 7-2 
 3. Shams 7-2 
 4. Gazco 7-3 
 5. Eastern Co. 5-4 
 6. Damenhor 1-8 


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EUROCUP

Eurobasket.com All-FIBA Eurocup Awards 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Alexander


Ebong


Smith


Tsintsadze


Aleksic
Player of the Year - Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75, agency: CAA Sports, college: Alabama) of Barons/LMT Riga (LAT)
Guard of the Year - Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) of Tartu likool/Rock (EST)
Forward of the Year - Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75) of Barons/LMT Riga (LAT)
Center of the Year - Ben Ebong (202-F/C-76) of Dexia Mons-Hainaut (BEL)
Import Player of the Year - Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75) of Barons/LMT Riga (LAT)
Domestic Player of the Year - Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) of Tartu likool/Rock (EST)
Coach of the Year - Karlis Muiznieks of Barons/LMT

1st Team
Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75) of Barons/LMT Riga (LAT)
Ben Ebong (202-F/C-76) of Dexia Mons-Hainaut (BEL)
Joe Smith (193-G-77) of Spartak St.Petersburg (RUS)
Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) of Tartu likool/Rock (EST)
Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82) of Proteas EKA AEL Limassol (CYP)

2nd Team
Armands Skele (192-G-83) of Barons/LMT Riga (LAT)
Brian Cusworth (213-C-84) of Tartu likool/Rock (EST)
Jakov Vladovic (187-G-83) of KK Zagreb (CRO)
Brent Wright (203-F/C-78) of Ural Great Perm (RUS)
Mike Lenzly (189-G-81) of Dexia Mons-Hainaut (BEL)

Honorable Mention
Travis Conlan (194-G-75) of Dexia Mons-Hainaut (BEL)
Duane Woodward (191-G-76) of Proteas EKA AEL Limassol (CYP)
Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81) of Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (UKR)
Ante Tomic (217-C-87) of KK Zagreb (CRO)
Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) of Lokomotiv Rostov na Donu (RUS)
Nando De Colo (195-G-87) of Cholet Basket (FRA)
Alex Scales (192-G-78) of CSK VVS Samara (RUS)
Adrian Henning (203-F-82) of Lappeenranta NMKY (FIN)

All-Europeans Team
Mike Lenzly (202-F/C-76) of Dexia Mons-Hainaut (BEL)
Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) of Tartu likool/Rock (EST)
Milutin Aleksic (202-F-82) of Proteas EKA AEL Limassol (CYP)
Armands Skele (192-G-83) of Barons/LMT Riga (LAT)
Sasa Bratic (202-F/G-81) of Khimik-OPZ Yuzny (UKR)

All-Imports Team
Demetrius Alexander (204-F/C-75) of Barons/LMT Riga (LAT)
Ben Ebong (202-F/C-76) of Dexia Mons-Hainaut (BEL)
Brian Cusworth (213-C-84) of Tartu likool/Rock (EST)
Brent Wright (203-F/C-78) of Ural Great Perm (RUS)
Joe Smith (193-G-77) of Spartak St.Petersburg (RUS)

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FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: KTP - Basket re-signed -by Rauno Hurmalainen
KTP - Basket (Kotka) has re-signed with Finnish F Milos Dobras (197-F-87) and G Sami Ikavalko (186). Both contracts are for two years 2008-10. Dobras played
passed season 9:24 mpg in 17 contests averaging 3,4 ppg - 1,2 rpg. Ikavalko was on KTP roster 19 times, got playing time 8 mpg and averaged
2,8 ppg, 0,4 rpg and 0,6 apg. Miikka Sopanen is the new Head Coach in Kotka. Sopanen has coaching experience earlier at Pyrinto (Tampere),
Korikobrat (Lapua) and BC JKL (Jyvaskyla).

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FYR MACEDONIA

Play-off final: Strumica 2005 vs Feni Industrija 1-2 -by Eurobasket News
Defending champion is still alive. Strumica 2005 came back to the right track beating Feni Industrija at home 82-69 for 1-2 in the final of play-off. One fantastic played quarter was enough for defending champion to celebrate in this game.

Very motivated to show what they can, players of head coach Miodrag Kadija demonstrated why championships title is in their hands yet. Ten minutes was more than enough for Strumica's players to prove they are able to beat Feni despite they suffered 5 defeats this season. Strumica took control on Feni at the early beginning reaching 10-3 at the first point and later 15-5. Head coach of Feni, Emil Rajkovic, introduced Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) and Gurov but that did not change anything on the court. Miljan Pupovic (210-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances), Dimtche Tasovski (202-F-80), Eftim Bogoev (185-G-80) and Damir Latovic (204-C-80) were on fire. It seemed that every player of Strumica was able to score when he wants. Coach Rajkovic called a time out but despite it Strumica quickly extended lead to 19 points, 24-5. Damir Latovic ended this fantastic quarter bringing plus 17 to his team. Until the end of the game Feni had a small chance when it came on minus 9 but Strumica immediately answered with 7-0 run.

Eftim Bogoev paced the winners netting 20 points and dishing out 6 assists. Damir Latovic had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Donald Cole collected 25 points and 8 rebounds for Feni.


Strumica 2005 - Feni indistrija 82-69
(27-10,15-17,22-22,18-20)

Strumica: Bogoev 20 (6 rebs), Latovic 17 (12 rebs), Bosnjak 16 (5 rebs), Tasovski 13
Feni: Cole 25 (8 rebs), Jovovic 11, Samardziev 8

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GREECE

Giorgos Bartzokas will continue on Olympias. -by George Manousidis
The Greek technician agreed with the administration of Olympias for renewing their contract for season 2008-2009.
Giorgos Bartzokas has already begun planning for the new season.
I want to thank the family Malakou for the honour that give to me, and the fans of Olympias Athienitis supporting our effort said Giorgos Bartzokas , after the new contract for a third time in bench of the 'orange' and added: I am very pleased that I will continue to offer my services in Olympia Athienitis. I am attached to the team and I love the city where I have made many friends .

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HUNGARY

Falco - Kormend in the Finals -by Tamas Deri
Krmend could win by one point the game 5 tonight in Szolnok and will meet the biggest rival FALCO KC in the Finals!

Szolnoki Olaj 18 40 57 65 65
Lami-Ved-Kormend 18 35 57 66 66

Szolnoki Olaj
Nr On court Pt 2 Pts 3 Pts Free th. D O T St To F Fa A Bl Mi
13 T. Harazin 6 3 / 3 100 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 2 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 4
4 L. Cziczs 0 0 / 1 0 0 / 2 0 0 / 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 4 3 2 0 29
10 A. Molnr 3 1 / 4 25 0 / 1 0 1 / 1 100 2 0 2 2 1 1 1 3 0 19
11 T. Kelley 19 3 / 8 38 3 / 6 50 4 / 5 80 3 0 3 1 2 1 4 4 0 36
15 A. Jurkunas 17 3 / 5 60 2 / 4 50 5 / 5 100 9 3 12 2 1 3 3 2 4 40
Nr Bench Pt 2 Pts 3 Pts Free th. D O T St To F Fa A Bl Mi
6 V. Hollins 10 2 / 8 25 1 / 6 17 3 / 4 75 4 3 7 1 4 5 5 1 0 34
7 D. Kovcs 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
8 R. Gal 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
9 G. Cseh 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
14 D. Sabaliauskas 3 0 / 0 0 1 / 2 50 0 / 0 0 3 1 4 0 3 2 1 2 0 19
12 V. Tth 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
5 H. Gbi 7 2 / 9 22 1 / 1 100 0 / 0 0 5 5 10 0 0 2 1 0 0 19


Lami-Ved-Kormend
Nr On court Pt 2 Pts 3 Pts Free th. D O T St To F Fa A Bl Mi
14 P. Vavra 6 3 / 7 43 0 / 1 0 0 / 3 0 5 3 8 1 1 2 3 2 2 19
13 S. Ocitti 10 2 / 4 50 2 / 4 50 0 / 0 0 2 1 3 1 1 4 2 0 0 29
4 T. Jermanie 13 6 / 10 60 0 / 3 0 1 / 3 33 7 0 7 5 1 1 5 8 0 37
5 K. Henderson 17 6 / 13 46 0 / 0 0 5 / 7 71 6 3 9 2 3 2 6 1 2 34
8 M. Fodor 11 2 / 6 33 2 / 4 50 1 / 3 33 2 0 2 1 0 1 2 2 0 28
Nr Bench Pt 2 Pts 3 Pts Free th. D O T St To F Fa A Bl Mi
6 T. Kocsis 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
7 R. Trummer 0 0 / 1 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6
12 G. Fodor 9 3 / 4 75 1 / 1 100 0 / 0 0 0 1 1 2 1 5 0 4 0 21
9 G. Tth 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11 R. Molnr 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 / 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
15 C. Ferencz 0 0 / 3 0 0 / 3 0 0 / 0 0 2 2 4 0 1 3 0 2 0 26

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IBL

IBL news and notes correction -by Jeffrey Duncan
My latest IBL news and notes contained an error.

Logan Vander Velden , former head coach of the Battle Creek Knights, was not let go after a 7-6 start to the season. He was let go after a 7-5 start. I am sorry for the error. I strive to be as accurate as I can. Thanks to Logan for finding my error. Terry Sare , former coach for the Grand Rapids Flight, will take over head coaching duties for Battle Creek.

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ITALY

Serie A Semifinals: wins for Roma and Siena -by Gianni Pascucci
Lottomatica Roma - Air Avellino 1-0
On friday night, Lottomatica Roma made a succesful debut in Serie 2008 Semifinals defeating at home Air Avellino 68-63, after a very close game, in which the best performer was David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple), who scored 23 points, grabbed 3 rebs and dished 4 assits to his teemates. Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) added 20 pts and 10 rebs at the winning side, while Avellino was led by Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) with 24 points and 5 rebounds. Game 2 of this series will be played tonight.
Montepaschi Siena - Armani Jeans Milano 2-0
Yesterday night, Serie A titleholders of Montepaschi Siena prevailed over Armani Jeans Milano on the road, 82-69, confirming one time more its supremacy. Milano started well, and playing an up-tempo game stayed head to head with Siena till the halftime (42-41), but then the great defense played by Romain Sato (194-G-81, college: Xavier) (probably the best defender in Serie A) and Ksystof Lavrinovic (210-C-79) limited the Armani Jeans scorers, and Montepaschi roared till a +13 lead in the third quarter (63-50) that ended the game. Bootsy Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) and Ksystof Lavrinovic scored 20 and 18 points to lead Siena, that added back another offensive weapon in Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall), who showed to be fully recovered scoring 11 points. Danilo Gallinari (206-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) was as usual the best scorer in Milano, with 18

Lega 2 Semifinals: Caserta sweeps Soresina -by Gianni Pascucci
On friday night, Pepsi Caserta defeated Vanoli Soresina on the road 79-73, advancing to the Finals thanks to the 3-0 in the aggregate result. Guillermo Diaz (188-G-85, college: Miami, FL) was the man of the game, with 25 points, 5 rebs and 5 steals to lead Caserta, Andrea Ghiacci (200-G/F-81) added 16 pointa at the wining side while 4 players in Soresina ended the game with double digits. In the other series, the aggregare is now 2-1 for Jesi, after that Fileni Jesi prevailed over Trenkwalder Reggio Emilia 75-59 on friday night. David Moss (196-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: Indiana St.), who scored 25 pts, grabbed 8 rebs and stole 4 balls, outstood in Fileni, and Michele Maggioli (212-C-77) added 15 pts and 7 rebs. Alvin Young (191-F-75, agency: SportsTalent, college: Niagara) was the heart and soul of Reggio Emilia, with 20 points and 3 rebs in losing effort. The Game 4 of this series, that could be decisive, will be played tonight in Jesi.

Serie A Semifinals Game 2: Siena and Roma improve to 2-0 -by Luca Bianchin
Armani Jeans Milano-Montepaschi Siena 69-82 (aggregate 0-2)
Too strong with its defence, too deep for Milano: Montepaschi Siena won the fifth consecutive game in 2008 serie A playoffs with an impressive Ksystof Lavrinovic (210-C-79): the forward from Lithuania collected 18 points and 5 rebounds and shot 4/5 from the three points line. Milano, on the contrary, had in Danilo Gallinari (206-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) the only credible offensive option and, at the end of the game, admitted all its problem. Coach Caja said clearly that Siena is stronger than Milano, while the crowd asked Gallinari to stay another year with AJ. Italian prospect, however, could play in Siena its last serie A game before going to Nba. Gallinari closed with 18 points, not enough to become the top scorer of the game: Bootsy Thornton (194-G-77, college: St.John's) led Siena with 20.
Air Avellino-Lottomatica Roma 78-85 (aggregate 0-2)
Everything seems ready for Siena-Roma. Lottomatica won a key game in Avellino on the road to serie A finals: Repesa had 5 players in double figures and, after a difficult first quarter, controlled the second half against Air. David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) was the top scorer of the game with 19 points, while Erazem Lorbek (210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) collected 14 points and 9 rebounds. Avellino was outrebounded (37 against 28) and suffered Roma role players: Alessandro Tonolli (202-F-74) and Roberto Gabini (198-F-75, agency: Interperformances) played a tough game2, while Roko Leni Ukic (195-G-84) had his playoff-high with 18 points. The most important player for Lottomatica, however, was probably Ibrahim Jaaber (188-G-84, college: Pennsylvania), that changed the game with his points and grabbed 9 (!) rebounds. Game3 will be played in Roma on Tuesday: Avellino needs a road win to avoid the sweep, Virtus hopes to reach the second final in its history after 25 years.

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LEBANON

Moutahed v/s Sagesse (2-2) -by Rony Daccache
Sagesse imposed a 5th decisive game on Muttahed (76-65) after beating it at Fouad Chehab stadium. Saggese won 2 consecutive games after being behind Muttahed by 2 games. The 5th and decisive game is scheduled on Monday May 26th, at Muttahed court, at 21h45.
Best performance:
Sagesse: Sabah Khoury (19 pts), Joumain Jones (17 pts, 5 asst, 11 rbds), Rony Fahed (16 pts, 8 asst)
Muttahed: Norman Nolan (20 pts,8 rbds), Daren Kelly (17 pts, 4 rbds, 6 asst), Alain Boustany (11 pts, 3 asst)

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LUXEMBOURG

Larrie Smith leads Sparta past Etzella! Sparta in finals again! Musel Pikes wins with Defense! Amicale bows out! -by Alex Meyers

Friday, May 9 2008

Sparta 86 - Etzella 76

Sparta: Smith 27, Ziai 19, Baustert 15, Wulff 12, Hoffmann 7, also Engel 4, Nittler 2, Rupil, Palumbo and Wolzfeld
Etzella: Kennedy, 22, N. DelGado 18, Bach 9, Schroeder 8, Giver 5, also Benseghir 7, Kerger 5, Garganese, Herrmann, Eckes and Ittenbach

Score by quarters: 1st Q 28-17, Halftime 39-36, 3rd Q 62-52, Final 86-76

game details to come as soon as stats are made available...


Amicale 56 - Musel Pikes 64

It was a defensive battle last night in Steinsel. Christian Schartz only played for 3 minutes for Amicale. Schartz had his nose broken in the beginning of the game. His scoring, and most importantly his team play and assists were desperately needed. Christopher Jones stepped it up and led all scorers in the game with 20 points for Amicale. Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) added a double double with 17 points and 10 rebounds but it wasn't enough. Raul Birenbaum had 12. Sam Ney was held to 3 points and Chris Scholtes was scoreless in nearly 26 minutes of play. Musel Pikes's defense was the key keeping Amicale to 35% from 2 point range on 12 of 35 attempts and 6 of 26 from 3 point range for 24%. Amicale also struggled from the free throw line where they shot only 14 of 24. Rick Brooks had a great last season in Steinsel finishing with an 18-13 overall record.


Musel Pikes was led by former Amicale player Jeff Kirch. Kirsch scored 18 points followed by Christoper Braier with 17 points and 11 rebounds. Raoul Dentzer played well contributing 10 points before fouling out. Musel Pikes' leading scorer Samy Picard was held to only 7. Musel Pikes advances to play Sparta in the final DBBL playoff series which will be played in Dudelange.

Amicale: 18 field goals, 6 three pointers, 14 of 24 free throws, 29 rebounds, 21 fouls and 13 turnovers.
Jones 20, Depree 17, Ney 3, Scholtes, Birenbaum 12, also Schartz, Rausch 4, Kartheiser, D'Angelo, and Steinmetz.
Musel Pikes: 23 field goals, 4 three pointers, 14 for 20 free throws, 29 rebounds, 19 fouls and 14 turnovers.
Braier 17, Kirch 18, Picard 7, G. Schmit 9, Schwartz 3, also C. Schmit, Schmitz and Dentzer 10.

Score by quarters: 1st Q 11-12, Halftime 24-30, 3rd Q 38-46, Final 56-64



Sparta DBBL Champions again!!! Larrie Smith MVP with 25 points and 15 rebounds! -by Alex Meyers

Sparta 77 - Musel Pikes 73

As predicted, Sparta took care of business wrapping up the series 2 games to 0 over underdog Musel Pikes to claim the grand prize 'DBBL Champion 2008'. You have to give credit to Musel Pikes who hung in there in both games and made things interesting for the crowds. After losing by 2 points in game one, Musel Pikes had nothing else to lose as they came to give Sparta problems especially in the fourth quarter. They played hard, smart and together but the game was lost in the opening stanza. Sparta came out with a 26-13 1st Quarter. Offensively, Sparta struggled the rest of the game but played well enough defensively to win it in the end. Musel Pikes actually out-scored Sparta the last three periods 51-59. It was not enough.

Larrie Smith led the Champions once again with a game high 25 points while tearing down 15 missed shots. Smith went 6 for 11 from inside the arc and shot a fabulous 10 for 12 free throws. The free throw line is actually where Sparta won this game. The team went 22 for 26 for 85%. Christophe Baustert struck it big with 16 points followed by game one's hero Christian Wulff who added 13 points and 4 assists. Sohrab Ziai also scored 11 points for Sparta. Samy Picard led a balance Musel Pikes attack with 19 points while grabbing 8 rebounds. Christopher Braier also put in a solid performance with 18 points and 16 rebounds. Guy Schmit scored 16 and Laurent Schwartz 14 for Musel Pikes.


Sparta: 25 field goals, 5 three pointers, 22 for 26 free throws, 27 rebounds, 19 fouls and 6 turnovers.
Baustert 16, Hoffmann 5, Wulff 13, Ziai 11, Smith 25, also Wolzfeld, Palumbo 3 and engel 4.
Musel Pikes: 18 field goals, 5 three pointers, 12 for 20 free throws, 34 rebounds, 21 fouls and 10 turnovers.
G. Schmit 16, Braier 18, Picard 19, Schwartz 14, Dentzer 4, also Kirch 2, Schmitz and C. Schmit.


Score by Quarters: 1st Q 26-13, Halftime 42-33, 3rd Q 61-49, Final 77-73


That wraps things up for the 2007-08 DBBL season. Come back soon and get the scoop on all the changes for next season as well as an update on player transfers and coaching changes. Also coming, in a few days, will be the DBBL awards for 2007-08.

Eurobasket.com would like to congratulate Sparta Bertrange for successfully defending its title and retaining the crown of DBBL Champion 2008. Also, our hats go off to Sparta Coach Philipe Giberti and all of the Sparta Bertrange players, supporters and commitee members for a wonderful season.



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MOROCCO

News from Morocco -by Nour Amri
Excellent season so far for MAS! With the Kings Cup Trophy in their hand, and their good tournament in the 21st Arab Clubs Championship (being the first Moroccan teams ever qualified to the second round), MAS players and coach are pretty confident for the play-off.

MAS' coach has been approached from the Federation for coaching the men national team. Coach Ait Ouali decided to concentrate with his team for the moment and will take his decision at the end of the season.

Play-off time in Morocco Division 1! 6 teams will compete in two different groups for the semi-finals spots.
Group 1: RCA, MAS, WAC
Group 2: IRT, FUS, ASS

Coach Khalil Rouas has been appointed National Tecnical Director of the Moroccan Federation FRMBB.

Play-off Quarter Finals Results -by Nour Amri
In group 1, despite winning ASS with 13 points and IRT with 10 points at home, FUS could not qualified to the next round. With 25 points difference home win over FUS, ASS insured its qualification to the semi-finals.
The season has ended for FUS, while IRT and ASS are still in the road of the 2008 championship.

In group 2, after winning their game, WAC already earned her semi-final ticket. Things are not easier for RCA and MAS who will have to play this weekend for the next round qualification.

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NBA

Boston strikes back in Motown -by Eurobasket News
Detroit - Boston 80:94

The Boston Celtics remembered the regular season and finally won on the road. The victory came just in the right time as the Celtics were able to grab a 2-1 lead in the Eastern conference finals and snatched back a home-court advantage. Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) scored 22 points to help the Celtics snap a 6-game losing skid on the road in the playoffs. The visitors got to a stunning start as they knocked down unanswered 11 points to step in front. Boston held off the hosts in the first half and enjoyed a 50:32 advantage at halftime. Detroit trimmed the deficit to 13 points early in the second half but Boston reacted immediately. They went on a 12:0 run to take a sigh of relief. Detroit struggled to fins proper answers in the second half as Boston kept them at a safe distance. The Pistons finally shaved the difference to 9 points but it was as close as they could get on the night. The Celtics shoved their opponents off once again and cruised to an overall win at the end. Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) poured in 14 points, while Kendrick Perkins, James Posey and Rajon Rondo nailed 12 points apiece for the winners. Richard Hamilton (6'7''-G-78, college: Connecticut) answered with 26 points for Detroit. Rodney Stuckey (6'4''-G-86, college: E.Washington) came up with 17 points in defeat. Tayshaun Prince and Chauncey Billups were kept low as they teamed up for just 10 points. Boston outrebounded the hosts 44:28 and limited them to 38% from the field. Game 4 is scheduled for Monday.

Detroit: Richard Hamilton 26, Rodney Stuckey 17
Boston: Kevin Garnett 22+13 boards, Ray Allen 14

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NEW ZEALAND

Lindsay Tait returns to form -by Eurobasket News
Tall Black Lindsay Tait (194-G-82) has just returned from a 5-month pause because of an injury and now getting more and more fit. He played his third game for the Wellington Saints since coming back to action and led his side to a confident 93:73 win over the Otago Nuggets. The Saints thus matched the Waikato Pistons on top of the NBL ladder with both teams having booked their postseason tickets. The Nuggets tried to answer for every bucket from the Saints in the first period and trailed by just a single point at the end of it. However Wellington forced the issue in the middle of the game as they built a 20-point cushion and rolled to their 12th win in the season. Lindsay Tait scored 21 points to pace the Saints. Luke Martin (181-G-81, college: UTEP) chipped in 13 points, while Nick Horvath (208-F/C-81, college: Duke) contributed 12 points and 10 boards for the winners. Antoine Tisby (203-C-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: S.Carolina) answered with 29 points and 17 boards for the Nuggets as they remained at the bottom of the table with 2-14 record.
The defending champions Nelson Giants took care of the Hawkes Bay Hawks 90:79 at the Trafalgar Square. The Giants jumped to a 10:0 lead at the start of the action. They stretched the gap to 17 points at the end of the first quarter and kept the Bay Hawks at distance throughout the next two frames. The Napier outfit managed to cut the margin to 7 points early in the fourth term but Nelson prevented the visitors to get any closer. Tall Black Phill Jones (196-G-74) fired 27 points to lead the hosts. Chris Daniel added 25 points for the winners. Kareem Johnson (205-C-80, college: Cincinnati) poured in game-high 28 points for the Bay Hawks. Paul Henare registered 14 points and 7 boards in a losing case.

Standings Men
NBL Standings
 1. Waikato 12-4 
 2. Wellington 12-4 
 3. Harbour Heat 10-6 
 4. G&H Hawks 9-6 
 5. Nelson 9-6 
 6. Auckland 8-6 
 7. Taranaki 7-8 
 8. Manawatu 4-11 
 9. Canterbury 4-12 
 10. Otago 2-14 


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NPBL

The Bulldogs bulk up their roster -by Gianni Pascucci
The Elmira Bulldogs announced the signing of shooting guard, Jerry Cheves (6'3''-G-84, college: Brockport St.). Jerry just recently returned back to the States after leading the Belfast Star to the Irish Super League Playoffs for the first time in four years! He made a strong case for being the top American player in the Irish Super League by posting averages of 22.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists, while shooting a dazzling %44.8 from behind the arc.

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PANAMA

Other preseason results -by Gianni Pascucci
Magnates de Calidonia prevailed over Toros del Chorrillo 71-64, but they made it only thanks to a 4th quarter rally, pointing on veterans Alejandro Cajar (190-G/F-78), Edgar Macias (193-F/C-61) and Ricardo Yearwood (197-F-70, college: Briar Cliff). With 16 points and 5 rebs, Cajar was the best performer of the game, followed by Adolfo Alvarado (183-G) with 12 points. Jonathan King (187-G-90) outstood in Toros with 19 points. Two days after, Magnates disapponted again, falling 47-60 to Fieras de Juan Diaz, being totally outrebounded by a more sized team. Fabio Gomez (193-F-76) led Fieras with 17 points, Omar Herrera (178-G) added 8 pts, and Cesar Campuzano dominated the boards with 11 rebounds. Alejandro Cajar was again the best in Magnates with 15. Caimanes de Rio Abajo confirmed they good form by beating Colosos 65-58, after coming back from a -11 in the score. Alberto Hinds was the man of the game, with 22 points at the wining side, and Maximiliano Gomez (196-G/F-75) added 19 pts. Enrique Miller (-C) led Colosos with 12 puntos and Ivan Picart (186-G-83) added 10 with 5 assists

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PARAGUAY

National League Standings
National Standings
Group A
 1. Sol de Am. 2-0 
 2. Libertad 0-1 
 3. D.San Jose 0-1 
Group B
 1. America 2-0 
 2. Sacachispas 0-1 
 3. Felix Perez 0-1 


Other wins for America and Sol -by Gianni Pascucci
Yesterday nigh in Pilar America defeated Felix Perez Cardozo 84-70, claiminig the qualification to National League semifinals. Gustavo Torres (175-G-80) was the best scorer in America with 23 points, followed by Marcus Watts (204-F/C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast) with 19 and Ricardo Ozuna (185-G/F-82) with 18. Brandon Lee (188-G, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Tarleton St.) was the game top scorer with 32 ponts ion losing effort. In Group A, Sol de America took another win destroying San Jose Vithaton 88-47. Renzo Ferrari (191-G/F-84) led all the scorers at 24 pts, Eulalio Ramoa (175-G-74) added 13 pts and Carlos Jorge Riveros (190-G-85) was the less-worse in San Jose with 12 points.

The UCA tops the Metro -by Gianni Pascucci
Universidad Catolica (UCA) defeated Olimpia Asuncion 61-41 thanks to 20 points from league top scorer Norbert Aguero (-G), coming back at the top of the league table. In the other game of the last round, Universidad Autonoma de Asuncion defeated Ciudad Nueva 78-68, and the standings are now as follows:
1. UCA 5 pts,
2. San Lorenzo 4,75,
3. Olimpia 4,
4. UAA 3,50
5. Ciudad Nueva 3

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PHILIPPINES

Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
 1. Red Bull 7-4 
 2. Coca-Cola 7-4 
 3. Talk N Text 7-5 
 4. Air21 6-5 
 5. Sta Lucia 6-5 
 6. Purefoods 5-5 
 7. Magnolia 5-5 
 8. Alaska 5-6 
 9. Ginebra 3-7 
 10. Welcoat D. 3-8 


PBA Fiesta Cup Results -by Lorenzo Gahol
May 21 (Wed) Ynares Gym, Antipolo City
Magnolia 90 Air21 96
A21: David 24 pts, Thomas 23 pts, 14 rebs
MBM: Watkins 29 pts, 17 rebs

Talk N Text 79 Purefoods 84
PG: J. Yap 20 pts
TNT: Cardona 22 pts

May 23 (Fri) Ynares Center
Red Bull 80 Coca-Cola 102
CCT: Dixon 33 pts, 16 rebs
RBB: Baguio 21 pts

Sta. Lucia 88 Welcoat 79
SLR: Wilson 34 pts, 19 rebs
WD: Gainous 19 pts, 10 rebs

May 24 (Sat) Zamboanga City Coliseum
Air21 92 Ginebra 97
BGK: Caguioa 39 pts
A21: Thomas 28 pts, 23 rebs

May 25 (Sun) Cuneta Astrodome
Alaska 110 Talk N Text 98
Purefoods 82 Sta. Lucia 74

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POLAND

Prokom wins at home -by Eurobasket News
Prokom - Turow 80:76

Milan Gurovic (207-F-76, agency: Beo Basket) exploded with 34 points to propel Prokom to a hard-fought win over Turow in the third game of the PLK Finals. Prokom had their backs against the wall after losing two straight games in Zgorzelec. But an inspirational performance from Serbian sharpshooter kept Prokom hopeful and allowed them to take some breathing space in a tight Finals affair. The hosts looked dominant from the start finally having found effective ways of dealing with Turows suffocating defense. The shots were falling in and even if not Prokom had an obvious dominance under the rims to take second chances. The home side posted a 21:12 lead after the starting frame but the visitors were not done yet. They sparked with the trademark defense and limited Prokom to 13 points in the second stanza. It allowed Turow to cut the gap to 5 points at the interval. But Milan Gurovic was unstoppable hitting from all ranges, while Jovo Stanojevic (207-C-77, agency: Beo Basket) outmuscled his opponents in the paint to pace Prokom to a positive result. The hosts outgunned Turow 25:15 in the third frame and headed into the final quarter leading comfortably by 15 points. And though Turow tried fiercely to cut the deficit and succeeded shaving the distance to 4 points Prokom withstood and celebrated much needed victory at the end. Jovo Stanojevic tallied 18 points and 10 boards for Prokom. Igor Milicic (194-G-76) contributed 11 points in a winning effort. Marko Scekic (207-F-81) had 20 points and 8 boards for Turow. David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) contributed 18 points in defeat. Prokom outrebounded the visitors 35:21 and converted solid 47% from the field. Game 4 is scheduled for today in Sopot.

Prokom: Milan Gurovic 34, Jovo Stanojevic 18+10 boards, Igor Milicic 11
Turow: Marko Scekic 20, David Logan 18

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PORTUGAL

Ovarense is the 3 time portuguese champions -by Bruno Baltazar
In game 7 ,game of every decisions Ovarense won easily the game that got them the 3rd straight champion(Portugal Telecom did the same from 2000-2003) and their 4th champion in Ovarense entire history.
5000 persons in Dolce Vita Arena-Ovarense court ,witnessed the closure of a great series of basketball and the end of LIGA UZO as next season teams will compete in FPB organization.

Porto in the 1st half did 13 turnovers(17in total),couldnt score ,either grab rebounds something they always did in the previous 6 games .
Nuno Marcal did 2-15 in shots just to leave a idea that everything went out in Porto, at the end of the game he said 'Impossible was to do any worse than what we did today'.

Score by partials- 1st quarter(17-6) , 2nd quarter (38-21) , 3rd quarter (58-36) , final score 70-49.

In Ovarense Graham Brown (205-C-84, college: Michigan) was the MPV of the game and the MPV ( 15 pts and 11 rebounds) of this finals (averages of 14.4pts per game ,9.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.9 blocks), John Waller stronger in the 3 point shots did 13 points in the game ,Miguel Miranda important in the rebounds area with 8 and for Porto only Julian Terrell did something with 15 points and 18 rebounds.


Manuel Povea after the game said'We defended really well,during the season we suffered alot with injuries players such as Ben Reed,changes of coaches and systems of work,i came to Portugal to grow as a coach and im really happy with this win'.

Alberto Babo,Porto coach congratulated Ovarense but also their own players ,we couldnt score today he also added.

Ben Reed that coudlnt contribute for the team in the final due to a injury said he knew his teamates could do without him ,he trusted them and we still won he said.
Miguel Miranda said the same injury problems they had and many people doubted they could do it but they did.

Deserved win for the best team in game 7 .

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PUERTO RICO

Crabbers just to much for Cariduros to Handle -by Luis Ramirez
The Santurce Crabbers did not have too much trouble to handle the sinking Cariduros as they beat the Cariduros 88-72. The 1st quarter was somewhat contested by Fajardo as they were only trailing by 4 24-20, but in the 2nd quarter the Crabbers kept the Cariduros to just 11 points while they went on to score 23 to end the 1st half 47-31. This was all the lead the Crabbers would need to defeat the Cariduros. In the 2nd half the Cariduros could not find an answer to stop the Crabbers and going into the 4th quarter the Crabbers were comfortably in the lead. For Santurce, Raymond Dalmau (198-G-73, agency: Duran International, college: South Plains JC) scored 18 points followed by Luis Rivas with 16 points. For Fajardo, Gabe Muoneke (200-F-78, college: Texas) scored 20 points with 13 rebounds to lead all scorers in the game. Muoneke was playing his first game for the Cariduros, he replaced center Tyrone Washington.

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
Super 6
1. Santurce 8
2. Arecibo 7
3. Carolina 6
4. Caguas 4
5. Guaynabo 4
6. Fajardo 4
Others
1. Bayamon 16-16
2. Humacao 16-16
3. Ponce 15-17
4. San German 15-17
5. Mayaguez 7-25
6. Guayama 6-26


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ROMANIA

Catalin Baciu named Small Schools Division National Player of the Year -by Adrian Popa
The National Christian Schools Athletic Association announced that Catalin Baciu (212-C-88) the 7'2' senior center from Veritas Christian Academy in Fletcher, NC has been named the Small Schools Division National Player of the Year for the 2007/08 season. The Clemson bound native of Romania averaged 23.6 ppg and 14.9 rbpg and 7.2 blocked shots per outing in leading Veritas Christian to a 6th place finish in the 2008 National Association of Christian Athletes National Championship Tournament. Veritas Christian Academy head coach, John Jordan had this to say about Baciu 'Bo Bo has been a pleasure to coach and a blessing to our school. He is one of our Matthew 28 Project students and came out of a situation where he was living in a two room apartment with his Mom and Dad. Now he will get the chance for an education at one of America's finest academic institutions and regardless of how basketball turns out will be able to earn a good living and even help his parents. This award could not have gone to a more deserving young man. I am so very proud of him.'
Catalin Baciu is member of the romanian national team U20 and won in 2006 the European Championship - Division B with the U18 Romanian NT, tournament held in Sibiu, Romania.

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RUSSIA

Dynamo Moscow needs one more win against Ural Great -by Eurobasket News
Dynamo Moscow outplayed Ural Great last night 78-60 in the battle for the third place of Russian Superleague. Thus Dynamo Moscow took 2-1 lead vs Ural as it succeeded to celebrate at the second game in Perm.

Dynamo played furious first quarter ending it 25-9. Henry Domercant (192-G-80, college: E.Illinois) was the central figure during these 10 minutes. At the half way of the second stanza Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) brought 36-18 to his team. It was kind of a signal for Ural if they continue at the same rhythm Dynamo will totally devastate them. After half time, Ural played a bit better and somehow returned into the game coming on minus 10. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) stopped them to come even closer adding a basket for 48-36. After Sergei Monya's (204-F-83) points, with 8:48 remaining, Dynamo destroyed all Ural's hopes as it created advantage of 20 points. Until the end of the game the hosts just kept its lead without problems as Ural was not able even to threat.
Member of Bosnian National Team and ULEB Cup import player of the year for season 07/08, Henry Domercant, paced the winners adding 17 points and 3 assists. Serbian point guard Milos Vujanic stopped on 12 points and 6 assists while Sergei Monya netted 13 points. Ralph Biggs (199-F-76, agency: Court Side, college: Towson) and Aleksei Zozulin (199-G/F-83) netted 10 points each for Ural while at the same time Ralph Biggs grabbed 6 more rebounds.

These two teams had not so good results in regular season but in play-off they showed much better performance. Dynamo knocked out Triumph 2-1 while Ural beat third ranked Unics Kazan also with 2-1.

Next game will be play tonight in Moscow where Dynamo will have a chance to finish Russian Superleague on third place with score 3-1 against Ural Great.


Dynamo Moscow - Ural Great 78-60
(25-9,21-22,14-15,18-14)

Dynamo: Domercant 17 (3 as), Vujanic 12 (6 as), Monya 13, Bykov 10
Ural Great: Biggs 10 (6 rebs), Zozulin 10, Bashminov 9

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SENEGAL

Senegal selects 15 players for international tournament -by Kristian Santiago
Senegal selected 15 local players for the 'Gainde Classic' , an international tournament slated for 27th of May - 29th of May where they are facing SMU and Athletes in Action.
The group currently practices at the Marius Ndiaye Stadium and at the facilities of Bopp and are preparing for another tournament in Bamako,Mali as well.

The 15 players are:

Malamine Papa Bodian (190-G-86) (Goree)
Malick Gadiaga (189-G-81) (Bopp)
Mamadou Gueye (-87) (Douanes)
Biyago Diouf (188-G-88) (Rail)
Elhadji Ndiaye (-86) (DUC)
Mayoro Fall (Douanes)
Elise Boissy (-G-78) (ASFA)
Mohamed Diop (UGB)
Pape Maguette Ndione (196-G/F-84) (DUC)
Moulaye Idriss Boye (ASFA)
Assane Diallo (Douanes)
Abdoul Ba ( DUC)
Abdoulaye Seck ( Bopp)
Mamadou Ndiaye (DUC)
Mamadou Diop (DUC)

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SERBIA

Superleague, round 12 - Two teams from Vrsac celebrates -by Dragan Jankovski
Swisslions Takovo grabbed the third win in Serbian Superleague. The team from Vrsac was better than the most pleasant surprise of the league, BC Vizura, 76-65. Swisslions created plus 7 early at the first quarter but Vizura, mostly owing to Glintic, came back to the game finishing it with minus 2, 22-20. Game is decided at the last few minutes of the third and at beginning of the last quarter when Swisslions made 14-1 run. In 36th minute the hosts touched margin of plus 21 points, 72-51. Last couple of minutes Vizura's players exploited to decrease their minus on 11 points.
Point guard Vukasin Aleksic (185-G-85, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners adding 17 points and 8 assists. Power forward Vladislav Dragoljovic (206-C-79, agency: Beo Basket) netted 14 points without any missed shot for 20 minutes (7/7 FG2). Uros Lucic (207-C-83), Milos Avlijas (196-F-87), and Aleksandar Glintic (208-C-76) scored 13 points each for Vizura, who remains on only one win so far.

Hemofarm STADA had an easy job against Borac on the road 83-69. Hemofarm improved its score to 8-4 keeping third position after 12 rounds. On the other side it was 10th win of Borac Cacak. Crucial period of the game was the second quarter which Hemofarm closed 16-32. After that, the orange team played rest of the game with routine.
Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) netted 19 points while PG Miljan Pavkovic (178-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) was a key player of his team collecting 17 points and 7 assists. The only player with double-double on this game was Nikola Ilic (207-C/F-85) of Borac. He had 15 points and 17 rebounds.

The last game of the 12th round is scheduled for tonight at 19h when Partizan Igokea will meet Crvena Zvezda in Pionir.


Swisslions- Takovo Vizura 76-65
(22-20,21-12,12-24,21-19)

Swisslions: Aleksic 17 (8 as), Dragojlovic 14, Vlaskovic 12, Jovanovic 11
Vizura: Lucic 13 (5 rebs), Avlijas 13, Glintic 13, Sinovec 7


Borac - Hemofarm STADA 69-83
(19-19,16-32,22-19,12-13)

Borac: Ilic 15 (17 rebs), Dramicanin 13, Radetic 11, Micic 8
Hemofarm STADA: Marshall 19, Pavkovic 17 (7 as), Vukosavljevic 14 (5 rebs), Joksimovic 12

Standings - A Liga
A Standings
Superleague
 1. Partizan 10-1 
 2. FMP 10-2 
 3. Hemofarm 8-4 
 4. Crvena Zv. 7-4 
 5. Vojvodina 6-6 
 6. Swisslion Tak. 3-9 
 7. Borac 2-10 
 8. Vizura 1-11 
Others in Stage One
 1. Radnicki 034 13-9 
 2. Mega AM 12-10 
 3. Sloga 12-10 
 4. Novi Sad 11-11 
 5. Masinac 10-12 
 6. Zdravlje 9-13 
 7. Radnicki NS 9-13 
 8. Napredak 9-13 
 9. Ergonom 2-12 


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SLOVENIA

Defending champion Helios advance to Final -by Zeljko Zule
Helios won their place in the 2008 Finals with an 80-71 home win over Krka in Game 3 of the semifinals on Sunday. Helios will now now face Union Olimpija in the Play-Off Finals. That series tips off on Wednesday.
Helios in second quarter made a 11-2 run and then used a 20-3 run spanning halftime to take a 52-36 lead. Robert Troha (194-G/F-77) 18 of his 24 points scored in second half, Marijan Mance had 14 points and Ziga Zagorc 10 while Davor Marcelic led the guests with 29 points including seven 3-pointers.

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SPAIN

Back to Back Barca Wins Mean Finals and Euroleague Joy -by Paul Nilsen
Barcelona became the first team to book their place in the ACB Final series as they romped to a comprehensive 85-71 victory over their neighbours DKV Joventut in a passionate and fiery derby.

Having picked up that perhaps shock win in Badalona, Barca finished the job in some style to leave Badalona and a tired and beaten up Rudy flat on their faces, their season over. Not that Coach Reneses and his players can be too disappointed with a Copa Del Rey and ULEB Cup in their trophy cabinet and maybe this was just a game too far for La Penya who looked a side running on empty for long periods.

In fact they looked to be completely empty in the first quarter - literally in fact as they failed to score a single point for seven minutes as Barca filled their boots by racing into an early 15-0 lead and then a sensational 22-4 advantage that built a mountain for Joventut to climb.

When you have Rudy in your team anything is possible but this was definitely a game too far for him in particular. His arm strapped up, he had a nightmare and wasnt operating at full capacity which made a big difference.

Despite this, the visitors did launch an admirable comeback as they somehow recovered, firstly embarking on a 15-6 run to narrow to 28-19 with some good work from Moiso and great defence which they finally found. Hernandez-Sonseca then made his way to 10 points as they found themselves only 40-38 behind with Barca suddenly sweating.

Just when the revival looked to be peaking, Rudy Fernandez took a heavy blow on his left elbow and had to sit down. Badalona remained in the game at 57-56 but a quick 7-0, burst culminating in a three-pointer by Gianluca Basile had Joventut on the back foot again.

Much credit must go to Barcelona who in the final quarter regained their momentum and realised that they were the stronger side with more energy. They stepped things up and from leading 70-66 they turned this into an 82-71 advantage.

The game was over despite Rudy having a desperate attempt to save his season, he had to troop off the court to the sounds of the Palau Blaugrana in full voice - and that is something that you do not hear too often.

Barca were breathtaking in their strength and dominance at times against the team that finished second in the regular season and they made Joventut look pretty ordinary in the final minutes as they cruised to the win.

Alex Acker (196-G-83, college: Pepperdine) again in a starring role on his way to a valuation of 33 with his 20 points while Jaka Lakovic pulled the strings chipping in with 17 points. This was however about the vibrancy and power of the Barca big men and none more so than Turk star Ersan Ilyasova who continued his red-hot form with a superb double-double of 15 points and a staggering 18 rebounds.

The biggest factor of this win was simple for Barcelona. They hadnt just booked a place in the ACB final with a chance of their first play-off championship for a number of years, they guaranteed a Euroleague place for 2008-09 taking the total of ACB clubs to a record five. Now that is truly one reason to celebrate for Barca before the final series even begins.

Thriller such a killer for Unicaja as Tau march on... -by Paul Nilsen


What drama there was in the Martin Carpena as Unicaja somehow snatched defeat from the jaws of sure victory as their season ended in spectacular style with an 82-83 home loss to Tau Ceramica.

Spahija and his Tau team show a never-say-die spirit that gets them the 2-0 series win and books their place in the play-off Final series against Barcelona.

It was a truly astonishing and nail biting finish to an incredibly close game that had ebbed and flowed so beautifully throughout with neither side able to break away from the other to any real degree . It had looked like Unicaja were in control in the closing stages, regularly four points ahead and making their free-throws as Tau had no option to foul.

With Splitter fouled out for Tau and NDong again dominant for Unicaja with his rebounding at both ends of the floor, it looked to be going back to Vitoria for a decisive third game but a truly audacious three-pointer from Pablo Prigioni with just 8 seconds left suddenly catapulted Tau back into contention - even though within a second of scoring, he too had picked up his fifth foul.

As Kus missed vital free throws from the line after his team-mates had been making theirs, Pete Mickeal (198-F-78, college: Cincinnati) took full advantage going the length of the floor to get a lay up and somehow put Baskonia into the lead with 2.6 seconds remaining.

Unicaja were in shock and with no time-outs left couldnt respond as Carlos Cabezas threw up a prayer and in truth the entire season of the Malaga club was encapsulated into perhaps 30 seconds. In control one minute and dominant to somehow managing to lose their composure and hand the unlikeliest victory to their opponent.

The loss was a crushing blow to the 10,000 Malaga fans who all must have though that it was fine to celebrate during the series of time-outs in the closing stages as four points up it is rare a team comes back when having to foul in such a way like Tau.

But the Unicaja faithful have seen too much, even at their usual dominant home court this season which has not been a fortress for them this year, to believe anything is possible. While they might have thought this one was a win for sure, I imagine as they made their way out of the Carpena, few of them would have been surprised at what their team had done to them.

Tau celebrated wildly on the final buzzer with Mickeal taking his vest off and waving it around his head, just the kind of crazy celebration that a crazy finish to a thrilling game deserved. In truth, Spahija and his players probably couldnt believe they ere off the hook and while they would have still been overwhelming favourites in a third game, to get the job done in two games with such a comeback had them dancing on half-court.

Mickeal deservedly made the wining lay-up because he was really active and clinical with 14 points and 4 massive steals in the game while Igor Rakocevic top scored with 21 points. You had to feel sorry for Boniface NDong who didnt deserve to lose with 18 points and 7 rebounds but then this was such a strange and thrilling game that it wont be the stats that will matter, it will be trying to describing just how Malaga managed to lose in those last 10 seconds.

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UKRAINE

Kovalenko instead of Andriukaitis / Both Kryvyches to Donetsk -by Alexander Muzyka
- Martynas Andriukaitis (204-F-81) and Cherkasy Monkeys decided to part ways. Vitaly Kovalenko (201-F-84) from Budivelnyk will play in Cherkasy next season. Kovalenko had 6,4 ppg and 3,0 rpg and was the slamdunk contest finalist in Ukrainian AllStarDay.

- Superleague newcomer BC Donetsk has inked Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F-78) and Ihor Kryvych (199-F-78) who played all their career in Sumykhimprom. Remind that twins are the candidates of Ukrainian NT.

- Vadym Reka (208-F/C-83) was honored as an All-Bulgarian second team center, bulgarianbasket.com informed

Artur Drozdov - 2007/08 Superleague MVP -by Alexander Muzyka
Ukrainian Basketball Federation has announced the Ukrainian best players. Artur Drozdov (198-G-80) has added the whole season MVP title to the regular championship MVP title.

The best pointguard - Eugene Jeter (BC Kyiv)
The best shooting guard - Panagiotis Liadelis (Azovmash)
The best small forward - Artur Drozdov (BC Kyiv)
The best power forward - Yahor Mescherakau (Azovmash)
The best center - Volodymyr Gurtovoi (Politekhnika-Halychyna)

Play-off MVP - Robert Jr. Archibald (Azovmash)

Season 2007/08 MVP - Artur Drozdov (BC Kyiv)

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URUGUAY

Clay leads Verdirrojo -by Hector Lopez
Cam-Ron Clay (203-F) scored 26 points and get a ranking of 43 leading Verdirrojo to beat 75-74 Urunday Unversitario, for the 13th round of the Metro League. Verdirrojo is tied 9-3 with Capurro as leader of the tournament to give two places for the Uruguayan League 2009. Nicolas Borsellino (201-C-86), a member of the NT, netted 23 points for Capurro beating 87-77 Aguada, which is now in the third place with 8-4.
The results and import players were:
Nacional 81 - Marcelo Correa (208-C-77, college: San Diego St.) 25 points and 12 rebounds
Goes 77 - Howard Wilkerson (198-F-84, college: Wofford) 23 points
- - -
Capurro 87 - Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) 12 and 4 rebounds
Aguada 77 - Wendell Gibson (201-F/C-83, college: Hofstra) 24 points and 14 rebounds
- - -
Larre Borges 83 - 'Pop' Thornton (201-F-74, college: W.Kentucky) 27 points 11 rebounds
25 de Agosto 77
- - -
Larraaga 99
Waston 95 - Alexander Blackwell (205-F/C-70, agency: Duran International, college: Monmouth) 26
- - -
Yale 87 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 26Marne 73

Standings - Metropolitan League
Metropolitan Standings
 1. Verdirrojo 9-3 
 2. Capurro 9-3 
 3. Aguada 8-4 
 4. Larranaga 7-5 
 5. Urunday Univ. 6-6 
 6. Goes 6-6 
 7. Nacional 6-6 
 8. Olivol Mundial 6-6 
 9. 25 de Agosto 5-7 
 10. Yale 5-7 
 11. Guruyu Waston 5-7 
 12. Marne 3-8 
 13. Larre Borges 3-9 


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WBA

Standings
WBA Standings
East Division
 1. Marietta S. 0-0 
 2. Memphis B. 0-1 
 3. Cast.-Baseline 0-1 
West Division
 1. Tri-State 1-0 
 2. Buford M. 1-0 
 3. Mississippi HH 1-0 
 4. Decatur CK 0-1 


Opening night results in the WBA... -by David Archer
#s#
#e#6


Allen


Cox


Walker


Fox


Stewart
WBA Exposure League opens its 2008 season with all teams in action...

Buford Majic 129 Memphis Blue Tornadoes 110...
Buford Majic toyed with the Memphis Blues in the first half, before breaking the game open and cruising to a 129-110 win.

Undersized, Memphis fought vailiantly until just after half-time, when the Majic had a big run to break it open. They led by as many as 24 going into the fourth quarter, behind the inside play of Ronald Allen(6'10''-F/C-84, college: Cincinnati), Markeal King (6'9''-C-77, college: Georgia St.) and B.J. Puckett (6'9''-F-83, college: Clayton St.).

Buford, coached by 2007 WBA Coach of the Year Lionel Garrett , had seven players in double figures, lead by duo Wayne Arnold (6'4''-G-84, college: Tennessee St.) and Roy Bright (6'6''-F-86, college: Cincinnati) with 22 each. Robert Kennedy of Memphis took game-high honors with 23.

Tri-State Crusaders 90 Cartersville Warriors 86...
Tri-State Crusaders jumped out to a huge first quarter lead, but had to hang on to edge Cartersville Warriors 90-86.

First year Head Coach Bobby Rouse , saw his Warriors squad struggle to score early, allowing the Crusaders to break out to an early 17 point advantage. The Warriors fought back through out the game and finally had the score whittled down to 87-86 with under 10 seconds remaining in the game. A costly Cartersville turnover allowed Tri-State to ice the game at the freethrow line at the end.

B.J. Walker (6'10''-F/C-84) of Oklahoma City University scored 27 and Mike Griffin followed with 20 for the Crusaders, who are coached by the timeless Gerald Oliver . Rookie Larry Cox (6'10''-C, college: Miss.Valley St.) paced the Warriors with 29 points, while Lemarr Farr (6'4''-G-83, college: Lambuth) scored 22 points, Jeremy Law (6'5''-G-82, college: Jacksonville St.) 14 and Ozzie Lee Henderson 12.

Mississippi Hardhats 104 Decatur Court Kings 98...
The Mississippi Hardhats, after falling behind by as many as 20, came back to slip by the visiting Decatur Court Kings 104-98.

Decatur, behind the guidance of Head Coach Reggie Fox, built a 20-point cushion only to see the Hardhats battle back to re-take the lead and eventually the win on opening night.

Kendrick Fox (6'7''-G/F-83) of Gulf Coast Bandits and Terrell Wilson scored 22 each for the 1-0 Hardhats. Dele Ojo Scored 17 and Al Stewart (5'10''-G-83, college: Drake) scored 15 points for the Court Kings, who start the season at 0-1.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Upcoming WBA Games:

Friday, May 30:
7:15pm Decatur Court Kings @ Buford Majic
7:15pm Mississippi Hardhats @ Memphis Blues

Saturday May 31:
7:15pm Cartersville Warriors @ Mississippi Hardhats
7:15pm Tri-State Crusaders @ Buford Majic

Sunday June 1:
4:00pm Cartersville Warriors @ Memphis Blues
4:00pm Buford Majic @ Decatur Court Kings

For more info visit http://wbaball.net or http://www.usbasket.com/wba/wba.asp



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Women News

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ARGENTINA - Women

Chile could not handle Argentina in Ecuador -by Eurobasket News
Argentina - Chile 95:63

Argentinean team opened the 31st Edition of the South American championship for Women with victory. On the first day of the action the Latin American powerhouse toppled Chile. Argentina got to an aggressive start of the game and quickly posted a double digit lead. Chile struggled to pass tight Argentinean defense and scored just 10 points in the starting frame. Argentina meanwhile accounted for 28 points and appeared comfortably ahead. However Paola Naranjo (182-F/C-78) paced Chile in the second stanza and they gradually evened the tempo. The teams traded the baskets throughout the second period and Chilean side capped the second quarter outscoring their opponents 18:16. But that was just a short moment of good performance for Chile. Argentina quickly rebounded and struck back right after the break. They cruised in the second part of the game and easily secured the initial win in the tournament. Five Argentinean players delivered in double figures. Stephany Thomas (179-F-89) topscored with 22 points for the winners. Erica Sanchez (182-F/C-76) came up with 14 points, while Alejandra Fernandez (-F/C) added 13 for Argentina. Paola Naranjo paced Chile with 17 points. Gomez accounted for 13 points, while De La Quintana contributed 8 points in a loss. Argentina will take on hosting Ecuador later today. Chile will seek for the first win against Venezuela.

Argentina: Stephany Thomas 22, Erica Sanchez 14, Alejandra Fernandez 13
Chile: Paola Naranjo 17, Gomez 13, De La Quintana 8

Argentina beats Chile on game 1 -by Leonardo Contieri
Argentina defeated Chile 95-63 on the first game of the South American Championsip that is being played in Loja, Ecuador. Jenny Thomas led Argentina, who took control from the tip-off with 22 points, Carolina Snchez added 14 and Florencia Fernndez 13 for an easy victory. Argentina plays sunday against host Ecuador, searching for its second victory.
Chile: Naranjo 17, Gmez 13, De La Quintana 8, Mondaca 6, Novion 6, Morrison 6, Troncoso 5, Paz 2. Coach: Cristian Santander
Argentina: Thomas 22, Snchez 14, F. Fernndez 13, C. Landra 12, Sobern 12, Cava 2, Pavn 3, G. Landra 7, Gatti 2, Paoletta 8. Coach: Eduardo Pinto.
boxscore courtesy of www.lasgigantes.com.ar

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AUSTRALIA - Women

The Opals sweep Chinese Taipei in Terrigal -by Eurobasket News
Australia - Chinese Taipei 77:53

Australia completed the sweep of their friendly series against Chinese Taipei in Terrigal. The Opals took care of business pretty easily in the third game holding off the visitors by 24 points. Natalie Porter (185-F-80) opened the scoring in the game and soon the hosts piled up a 12:2 lead. Taipei however found the touch from the field and kept the intrigue burning as they trailed by 6 points at the end of initial term. Taipei capitalized on somehow a sloppy attitude from Australian players and shaved the gap to 3 points. However the Opals quickly matched the effort and tightened the defense. They cleared off to a 20-point distance at halftime 44:24. Too many mistakes and misses plagued the Opals in the third stanza but they were still in control keeping the visitors at bay 67:43 after three quarters. The fatigue came in the limelight for both sides in the final period and the Opals drove to a confident yet difficult win over Taipei. Natalie Porter topscored with 16 points for the Opals. Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) nailed 10 points, while Alicia Poto (166-G-78) and Carly Wilson (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) netted 9 points apiece for the winners. Cheng Hui Yun (185-F/C-77) dropped 12 points and picked up 6 rebounds for Chinese Taipei. Lin Chi Wen (186-C-83) contributed 11 points in a losing effort. The Opals outrebounded the visitors 41:24 and forced Taipei to 25 turnovers. However the hosts shot just 39% from the field, while the Asian team answered with 44% accuracy of field goals.

Australia: Natalie Porter 16, Rohanee Cox 10, Alicia Poto 9, Carly Wilson 9
Taipei: Cheng Hui Yun 12, Lin Chi Wen 11

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BELGIUM - Women

Wauters scores 10 in the opener -by Eurobasket News
Ann Wauters (194-C-80) opened the season in WNBA for her San Antonio with 10 points. The San Antonio Silver Stars beat Seattle in Texas 87:72. It was the sixth straight win for San Antonio over Seattle. Sophia Young fired 23 points and Becky Hammon contributed 20 for the winners. Helen Darling nailed 7 points to ignite a 9:0 run for the hosts as the Silver Stars accumulated a 30:17 lead at the end of the first term. The hosts enjoyed an 18-point buffer at the interval but the Storm refused to give up. They cut the deficit to 3 points late in the third quarter just to see Erin Buescher poured in consecutive trebles giving the home side a 62:53 advantage at the end of third period. Sophia Young nailed 10 points in the final stanza to ensure the winning outcome for the Silver Stars. Swin Cash responded with 15 points for Seattle. Lauren Jackson was limited to 14 points and 7 boards in a losing effort. Ann Wauters nailed 10 points and made 6 rebounds.
Before that the San Antonio Silver Stars rallied past hapless Phoenix 81:76 to hand over the second straight loss to reigning WNBA champs. Sophia Young fired 25 points to lead the San Antonio who were coming out of a sour season opener after losing to the Sacramento Monarchs. The Silver Stars held the visitors to a 2/15 field goal shooting in the second quarter and piled up an 11-point cushion at the interval. Phoenix stayed close in the second half and managed to trim the deficit to 6 points after Cappie Pondexter hit a trey midway through the final term. However the Silver Stars capitalized on a technical foul called on Diana Taurasi and stretched the gap to 9 points with just over 4 minutes left. Phoenix never recovered suffering the second consecutive loss in the regular season. Becky Hammon scored 14 points, while Erin Buescher added 13 for the winners. Cappie Pondexter dropped 23 points for the Mercury. Diana Taurasi contributed 20 in a loss.

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BRAZIL - Women

Brazil opens South American Championship with win -by Eurobasket News
Brazil - Ecuador 90:48

The 31st Edition of South American Championship for Women got under way in Ecuador. The defending champions Brazil tipped off the tournament with a confident victory over the hosts. Brazil entered the competition widely taken as the favorites and lived up to the status in their first encounter. Ecuador paced by the supportive crowd in Loja kept it close at the starting stages of the game. The game was rather raw and sloppy at the very beginning as both sides teamed up for just 27 points in the first quarter. Brazil enjoyed a narrow 15:12 lead. However the Latin American powerhouse gained speed in the second term. Brazil adjusted both defense and offense and took over completely. Franciele Nacimiento (187-F/C-87) and Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) paced Brazilian team as they outgunned Ecuador 24:10 in the second frame to pile up a 17-point advantage at halftime. Brazil kept firing on all cylinders in the second half as they kept Ecuador at bay. Brazil easily rolled to a confident start of their South American championship campaign and topped the preliminary group. Micaela Jacintho led all scorers with 17 points. Franciele Nacimiento added 15 points and 7 boards, while Jacqueline Silvestre (178-F-86) scored 11 points in a winning case. Maria Espinoza (-83) and Maria Tobar (-71) answered with 14 points apiece for Ecuador. Susana Jara (-80) knocked down 8 points in defeat. Brazil will now face Colombia in the second round of action. Ecuador will oppose Argentina later tonight.

Brazil: Micaela Jacintho 17, Franciele Nacimiento 15, Jacqueline Silvestre 11
Ecuador: Maria Espinoza 14, Maria Tobar 14, Susana Jara 8

Santos starts to score for the Storm -by Eurobasket News
Kelly Santos (192-C-79) opened her scoring account for the Seattle Storm as the latter suffered their first defeat in the season. They were unable to challenge the San Antonio Silver Stars in Texas falling short 72:87. It was the sixth straight win for San Antonio over Seattle. Sophia Young fired 23 points and Becky Hammon contributed 20 for the winners. Helen Darling nailed 7 points to ignite a 9:0 run for the hosts as the Silver Stars accumulated a 30:17 lead at the end of the first term. The hosts enjoyed an 18-point buffer at the interval but the Storm refused to give up. They cut the deficit to 3 points late in the third quarter just to see Erin Buescher poured in consecutive trebles giving the home side a 62:53 advantage at the end of third period. Sophia Young nailed 10 points in the final stanza to ensure the winning outcome for the Silver Stars. Swin Cash responded with 15 points for Seattle. Lauren Jackson was limited to 14 points and 7 boards in a losing effort. Kelly Santos scored her first points and ended up with 2 points for just 1 minute.
Before that the Phoenix Mercury suffered their third straight loss at the start of the season. This time the WNBA reigning champions could not handle the Seattle Storm 83:87 at home court. In the meantime it was the third consecutive victory for the Storm as they remained ahead of the Western conference. Lauren Jackson came up with 30 points and grabbed 9 boards to lead the Storm past hapless Phoenix. However the hosts did not look hapless in the first three quarters of the encounter as they got to an aggressive start. The Mercury led by 20 points in the first half and maintained a 13-point margin at the interval. Seattle trimmed it to 6 points heading into the fourth term and made the final push in the dying minutes. Sue Bird penetrated under the rim and converted a layup to give the Storm 82:81 lead with 33 seconds remaining. Lauren Jackson added two more free throws to stretch the advantage to 3 points but Diana Taurasi immediately cut it back to one with a jumper. She then fouled Sue Bird and the Storm point guard sank one free throw to keep the visitors in front 85:83. Cappie Pondexter had a chance to tie the game but missed her attempt while Lauren Jackson sealed it from charity stripe. Swin Cash contributed 19 points and 7 boards, while Sue Bird had 13 points for the winners. Diana Taurasi led the hosts with 23 points. Cappie Pondexter scored 21 points and Kelly Miller had 15 in a loss.

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BWBL - Women

Eurobasket.com All-BWBL Awards 2007-08 -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Petronyte


Valuzyte


Crockett


Derevjanik


Kochubei
Player of the Year - Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Guard of the Year - Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Forward of the Year - Willnett Crockett (188-F/C-84) of BK Cesis (LAT)
Center of the Year - Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
European Player of the Year - Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Import Player of the Year - Willnett Crockett (188-F/C-84) of BK Cesis (LAT)
Finals MVP - Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Coach of the Year - Gintaras Kruchkaukas of Cesis (LAT)

1st Team
Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Willnett Crockett (188-F/C-84) of BK Cesis (LAT)
Jennifer Derevjanik (175-G-82) of BK Cesis (LAT)
Inna Kochubei (173-G-82) of Tim-Scuf Kyiv (UKR)

2nd Team
Ruth Riley (196-C-79) of TTT Riga (LAT)
Elizaveta Kityzina (194-C-80) of TTT Riga (LAT)
Yelena Savina (186-F-84) of Tim-Scuf Kyiv (UKR)
Andrea Bills (188-C-83) of Arvi Marijampole (LTU)
Jovita Jutelyte (187-F-71) of Laisve Kaunas (LTU)

Honorable Mention
Ausra Bimbaite (179-G-82) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Ifeoma Okonkwo (183-F-84) of BK Cesis (LAT)
Inna Krishen (182-F-84) of Tim-Scuf Kyiv (UKR)
Anzhela Duboiskaya (185-F-73) of Berezina-RCOR Borisvo (BLR)
Tatiana Lihtarovich (176-G-88) of Olimpia Grodno (BLR)
Viive-Kai Rebane (184-F-89) of Audentes Tallinna Living (EST)
Alesia Pushko (186-F-81) of BK Minsk-2006 (BLR)

All-Europeans Team
Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) of TEO Vilnius (LTU)
Elizaveta Kityzina (194-C-80) of TTT Riga (LAT)
Yelena Savina (186-F-84) of Tim-Scuf Kyiv (UKR)
Inna Kochubei (173-G-82) of Tim-Scuf Kyiv (UKR)

All-Imports Team
Willnett Crockett (188-F/C-84) of BK Cesis (LAT)
Jennifer Derevjanik (175-G-82) of BK Cesis (LAT)
Ruth Riley (196-C-79) of TTT Riga (LAT)
Andrea Bills (188-C-83) of Arvi Marijampole (LTU)
Ifeoma Okonkwo (183-F-84) of BK Cesis (LAT)

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CANADA - Women

Smith Kim starts the season in WNBA -by Eurobasket News
Kim Smith (186-F-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) opened another season in WNBA. She started with 3 points, 1 assist and 1 rebound for her Sacramento Monarchs in the opener of the tournament. Seattle Storm handled the Sacramento Monarchs 74:62 at the Key Arena. Seattle trailed for the major part of the first half and managed to cut the deficit to 5 points midway through the third stanza. The hosts tied the scoreline at 47 early in the final frame. Then Gearlds and and Sue Bird exploded with a bunch of trebles to put the home side up by 7 points. Lauren Jackson added her own three-pointer moments later and Seattle accumulated a 61:51 advantage. Sacramento never threatened the lead in the dying minutes and Seattle celebrated their second straight success. Lauren Jackson, Sue Bird and Swin Cash came up with 17 points apiece to lead the Storm. Rebekkah Brunson responded with 15 points for the Monarchs.
Chicago registered their first win in the season after they held off the Sacramento Monarchs 87:77 at UIC Pavilion. Armintie Price exploded with career-high 22 points to propel the Sky past the Monarchs. Price received her 2007 Rookie of the Tear award before the game and looked inspired by the event tallying 4 assists and 3 steals in a winning effort. Candice Dupree dropped 22 points as Chicago improved to 1-1 record. Rebekkah Brunson answered with 16 points for the Monarchs as they slipped to 1-2. Kara Lawson nailed 13 points for Sacramento as they committed 21 turnovers down the stretch. Penicheiro nailed 12 points and made 4 rebounds. Kim Smith had 2 points, 1 steal and 1 rebound.
The Connecticut Sun stretched their winning rally to 3 games after they held off Sacramento at home court. It marked the first ever 3-0 start for the Sun franchise. Lindsay Whalen provided 21 points to lead the charge. Barbara Turner came up with 17 points and Amber Holt added 15 points for the winners. The hosts led by just two points at halftime but stepped on the gas in the third term to leave the Monarchs down by 13 points at the start of the fourth quarter. The Monarchs trimmed the gap to 9 points early in the final term but back-to-back treys from Tamika Whitmore and Barbara Turner left no doubts about the outcome. Rebekkah Brunson answered with 19 points for Sacramento. Kara Lawson had 12 points and Penicheiro secured 10 points in a loss. Kim Smith collected 2 points and 2 rebounds.

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CHILE - Women

Chile could not handle Argentina in Ecuador -by Eurobasket News
Argentina - Chile 95:63

Argentinean team opened the 31st Edition of the South American championship for Women with victory. On the first day of the action the Latin American powerhouse toppled Chile. Argentina got to an aggressive start of the game and quickly posted a double digit lead. Chile struggled to pass tight Argentinean defense and scored just 10 points in the starting frame. Argentina meanwhile accounted for 28 points and appeared comfortably ahead. However Paola Naranjo (182-F/C-78) paced Chile in the second stanza and they gradually evened the tempo. The teams traded the baskets throughout the second period and Chilean side capped the second quarter outscoring their opponents 18:16. But that was just a short moment of good performance for Chile. Argentina quickly rebounded and struck back right after the break. They cruised in the second part of the game and easily secured the initial win in the tournament. Five Argentinean players delivered in double figures. Stephany Thomas (179-F-89) topscored with 22 points for the winners. Erica Sanchez (182-F/C-76) came up with 14 points, while Alejandra Fernandez (-F/C) added 13 for Argentina. Paola Naranjo paced Chile with 17 points. Gomez accounted for 13 points, while De La Quintana contributed 8 points in a loss. Argentina will take on hosting Ecuador later today. Chile will seek for the first win against Venezuela.

Argentina: Stephany Thomas 22, Erica Sanchez 14, Alejandra Fernandez 13
Chile: Paola Naranjo 17, Gomez 13, De La Quintana 8

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ECUADOR - Women

Brazil opens South American Championship with win -by Eurobasket News
Brazil - Ecuador 90:48

The 31st Edition of South American Championship for Women got under way in Ecuador. The defending champions Brazil tipped off the tournament with a confident victory over the hosts. Brazil entered the competition widely taken as the favorites and lived up to the status in their first encounter. Ecuador paced by the supportive crowd in Loja kept it close at the starting stages of the game. The game was rather raw and sloppy at the very beginning as both sides teamed up for just 27 points in the first quarter. Brazil enjoyed a narrow 15:12 lead. However the Latin American powerhouse gained speed in the second term. Brazil adjusted both defense and offense and took over completely. Franciele Nacimiento (187-F/C-87) and Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) paced Brazilian team as they outgunned Ecuador 24:10 in the second frame to pile up a 17-point advantage at halftime. Brazil kept firing on all cylinders in the second half as they kept Ecuador at bay. Brazil easily rolled to a confident start of their South American championship campaign and topped the preliminary group. Micaela Jacintho led all scorers with 17 points. Franciele Nacimiento added 15 points and 7 boards, while Jacqueline Silvestre (178-F-86) scored 11 points in a winning case. Maria Espinoza (-83) and Maria Tobar (-71) answered with 14 points apiece for Ecuador. Susana Jara (-80) knocked down 8 points in defeat. Brazil will now face Colombia in the second round of action. Ecuador will oppose Argentina later tonight.

Brazil: Micaela Jacintho 17, Franciele Nacimiento 15, Jacqueline Silvestre 11
Ecuador: Maria Espinoza 14, Maria Tobar 14, Susana Jara 8

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FINLAND - Women

SM-SARJA: PuHu signed with Jonna Launiainen -by Rauno Hurmalainen
After four seasons at UTEP in USA Finnish G Jonna Launiainen (175-G-84) returns back home and will continue her basketball career on PuHu's roster at Vantaa.
Launiainen had her last season on UTEP roster 2006-07, when she averaged as a Sr 1,7 ppg - 0,5 rpg. PuHu and Launiainen signed a 1-year-contract.
PuHu has now eight players signed for coming 2008-09 season. Among them there are names Heli Roukanoja (186-C-73) and Aneta Kausaite (179-G-70). Mikko Kurki will start his second season as Team's Head Coach.

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ITALY - Women

Ticchi takes the helm of the National Team -by Gianni Pascucci
What almost everyone knew more than six months ago has become official now: Giampiero Ticchi has been officially named the Female Italian National Team Head Coach. The FIP (Italian Basketball Federation) wil introduce him to media in an official press release on June 3, in Milano. Ticchi was the best Lega 2 coach the former season and had a succesful experience as the head coach of Penta Faenza (women A1) two seasons ago. Starting from the past winter, the FIP started flirting with him, hoping that he will be able to re-launch the Italian female basketball, not so healthy at present.

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PORTUGAL - Women

Penicheiro opened another season in WNBA -by Eurobasket News
Patricia Penicheiro (180-G-74, college: ODU) opened another season in WNBA. She started with 2 points for her Sacramento Monarchs in the opener of the tournament. Seattle Storm handled the Sacramento Monarchs 74:62 at the Key Arena. Seattle trailed for the major part of the first half and managed to cut the deficit to 5 points midway through the third stanza. The hosts tied the scoreline at 47 early in the final frame. Then Gearlds and and Sue Bird exploded with a bunch of trebles to put the home side up by 7 points. Lauren Jackson added her own three-pointer moments later and Seattle accumulated a 61:51 advantage. Sacramento never threatened the lead in the dying minutes and Seattle celebrated their second straight success. Lauren Jackson, Sue Bird and Swin Cash came up with 17 points apiece to lead the Storm. Rebekkah Brunson responded with 15 points for the Monarchs.
Chicago registered their first win in the season after they held off the Sacramento Monarchs 87:77 at UIC Pavilion. Armintie Price exploded with career-high 22 points to propel the Sky past the Monarchs. Price received her 2007 Rookie of the Tear award before the game and looked inspired by the event tallying 4 assists and 3 steals in a winning effort. Candice Dupree dropped 22 points as Chicago improved to 1-1 record. Rebekkah Brunson answered with 16 points for the Monarchs as they slipped to 1-2. Kara Lawson nailed 13 points for Sacramento as they committed 21 turnovers down the stretch. Patricia Penicheiro nailed 12 points and made 4 rebounds.
The Connecticut Sun stretched their winning rally to 3 games after they held off Sacramento at home court. It marked the first ever 3-0 start for the Sun franchise. Lindsay Whalen provided 21 points to lead the charge. Barbara Turner came up with 17 points and Amber Holt added 15 points for the winners. The hosts led by just two points at halftime but stepped on the gas in the third term to leave the Monarchs down by 13 points at the start of the fourth quarter. The Monarchs trimmed the gap to 9 points early in the final term but back-to-back treys from Tamika Whitmore and Barbara Turner left no doubts about the outcome. Rebekkah Brunson answered with 19 points for Sacramento. Kara Lawson had 12 points and Patricia Penicheiro secured 10 points in a loss.

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SERBIA - Women

Superleague - No surprises at round 10 -by Dragan Jankovski
Hemofarm STADA outplayed Partizan 74-56 in Vrsac. The orange team continues to beat its opponents keeping domination in Serbian Superleague with 31 wins and only 1 defeat. Hemofarm was much better rival during the entire time. After each 10 minutes its advantage became bigger and bigger. At the end it was plus 18.
Dara Kovacevic (197-C-83) delivered 15 points for the winners while experienced Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) scored 12 points. Andrijana Vasovic (186-F/C-83) was the best in Partizan posting 14 points. Hemofarm played this game without Jankovic, Dojcinovic and Mitov. At the middle of the first quarter another problem happened to Hemofarm as Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) also got injured.

Crvena Zvezda had an easy job vs Proleter in Belgrade 66-50. The hosts improve its score to 24-8 while Proleter remains at the bottom of the table with 12 wins and 20 defeats. Jelena Velinovic (193-C-81) led Zvezda to win scoring 16 points. Marina Caran (165-G-84, college: Missouri So.) and Jela Vidacic (182-C-85) had 16 points each in Proleter.

In local derby between Spartak and Vojvodina the team from Subotica celebrated 85-73. Spartak registered 21st win thanks to well played first quarter, 26-15. Jovana Rad (187-F/C-87) once again was the key player of the game as she netted 21 points. Dragana Gobeljic (185-F-88) scored 15 points for Vojvodina.


Hemofarm STADA - Partizan 74-56
(19-14,18-13,21-14,16-14)

Hemofarm: Kovacevic 15, Stankovic 12, Rizvic 9, Dosen 8
Partizan: Vasovic 14, Stefanovic 10, Beronja 8


Crvena Zvezda - Proleter 66-50
(15-13,16-19,21-9,14-9)

Zvezda: Velinovic 16, Sy 11, Roglic 10, Kendrick 9
Proleter: Caran 16, Vidacic 16, Jovanovic 8


Spartak - Vojvodina 85-73
(26-15,16-22,23-18,20-18)

Spartak: Rad 21, Erak 16, Vulic 14
Vojvodina: Musulin 14, Karakasevic 10, Krnjetin 10

Standings - Women
A Standings
Superleague
 1. Hemofarm 31-1 
 2. Crvena Zv. 24-8 
 3. Partizan 23-9 
 4. Spartak 21-11 
 5. Vojvodina 16-16 
 6. Proleter 12-20 
Others in Stage One
 1. Kraljevo 9-13 
 2. Kovin 7-15 
 3. Loznica 7-15 
 4. Usce 5-17 
 5. Radnicki NB 4-18 
 6. Stara Pazova 3-19 


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SOUTH AMERICAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women

South American Championship. Day 1 -by Eurobasket News

Brazil - Ecuador 90:48
The 31st Edition of South American Championship for Women got under way in Ecuador. The defending champions Brazil tipped off the tournament with a confident victory over the hosts. Brazil entered the competition widely taken as the favorites and lived up to the status in their first encounter. Ecuador paced by the supportive crowd in Loja kept it close at the starting stages of the game. The game was rather raw and sloppy at the very beginning as both sides teamed up for just 27 points in the first quarter. Brazil enjoyed a narrow 15:12 lead. However the Latin American powerhouse gained speed in the second term. Brazil adjusted both defense and offense and took over completely. Franciele Nacimiento (187-F/C-87) and Micaela Jacintho (180-F-79) paced Brazilian team as they outgunned Ecuador 24:10 in the second frame to pile up a 17-point advantage at halftime. Brazil kept firing on all cylinders in the second half as they kept Ecuador at bay. Brazil easily rolled to a confident start of their South American championship campaign and topped the preliminary group. Micaela Jacintho led all scorers with 17 points. Franciele Nacimiento added 15 points and 7 boards, while Jacqueline Silvestre (178-F-86) scored 11 points in a winning case. Maria Espinoza (-83) and Maria Tobar (-71) answered with 14 points apiece for Ecuador. Susana Jara (-80) knocked down 8 points in defeat. Brazil will now face Colombia in the second round of action. Ecuador will oppose Argentina later tonight.

Brazil: Micaela Jacintho 17, Franciele Nacimiento 15, Jacqueline Silvestre 11
Ecuador: Maria Espinoza 14, Maria Tobar 14, Susana Jara 8

Argentina - Chile 95:63
Argentinean team opened the South American championship for Women with victory. On the first day of the action the Latin American powerhouse toppled Chile. Argentina got to an aggressive start of the game and quickly posted a double digit lead. Chile struggled to pass tight Argentinean defense and scored just 10 points in the starting frame. Argentina meanwhile accounted for 28 points and appeared comfortably ahead. However Paola Naranjo (182-F/C-78) paced Chile in the second stanza and they gradually evened the tempo. The teams traded the baskets throughout the second period and Chilean side capped the second quarter outscoring their opponents 18:16. But that was just a short moment of good performance for Chile. Argentina quickly rebounded and struck back right after the break. They cruised in the second part of the game and easily secured the initial win in the tournament. Five Argentinean players delivered in double figures. Stephany Thomas (179-F-89) topscored with 22 points for the winners. Erica Sanchez (182-F/C-76) came up with 14 points, while Alejandra Fernandez (-F/C) added 13 for Argentina. Paola Naranjo paced Chile with 17 points. Gomez accounted for 13 points, while De La Quintana contributed 8 points in a loss. Argentina will take on hosting Ecuador later today. Chile will seek for the first win against Venezuela.

Argentina: Stephany Thomas 22, Erica Sanchez 14, Alejandra Fernandez 13
Chile: Paola Naranjo 17, Gomez 13, De La Quintana 8

Venezuela - Colombia 70:62



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TAIWAN - Women

The Opals sweep Chinese Taipei in Terrigal -by Eurobasket News
Australia - Chinese Taipei 77:53

Australia completed the sweep of their friendly series against Chinese Taipei in Terrigal. The Opals took care of business pretty easily in the third game holding off the visitors by 24 points. Natalie Porter (185-F-80) opened the scoring in the game and soon the hosts piled up a 12:2 lead. Taipei however found the touch from the field and kept the intrigue burning as they trailed by 6 points at the end of initial term. Taipei capitalized on somehow a sloppy attitude from Australian players and shaved the gap to 3 points. However the Opals quickly matched the effort and tightened the defense. They cleared off to a 20-point distance at halftime 44:24. Too many mistakes and misses plagued the Opals in the third stanza but they were still in control keeping the visitors at bay 67:43 after three quarters. The fatigue came in the limelight for both sides in the final period and the Opals drove to a confident yet difficult win over Taipei. Natalie Porter topscored with 16 points for the Opals. Rohanee Cox (182-F-80) nailed 10 points, while Alicia Poto (166-G-78) and Carly Wilson (180-G-82, agency: LBM Management) netted 9 points apiece for the winners. Cheng Hui Yun (185-F/C-77) dropped 12 points and picked up 6 rebounds for Chinese Taipei. Lin Chi Wen (186-C-83) contributed 11 points in a losing effort. The Opals outrebounded the visitors 41:24 and forced Taipei to 25 turnovers. However the hosts shot just 39% from the field, while the Asian team answered with 44% accuracy of field goals.

Australia: Natalie Porter 16, Rohanee Cox 10, Alicia Poto 9, Carly Wilson 9
Taipei: Cheng Hui Yun 12, Lin Chi Wen 11

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TURKEY - Women

Turkish TBBL Awards split between Fenerbahce and Galatasaray -by Eurobasket
#s#
#e#6


Pondexter


Vardarli


Erdenay


Sutton-Brown


Yilmaz
Player of the Year - Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83) (Fenerbahce)
Guard of the Year - Cappie Pondexter (Fenerbahce)
Forward of the Year - Stacey Lynn Lovelace (193-F-74) (Besiktas Cola Turka)
Center of the Year - Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) (Fenerbahce)
Newcomer of the Year - Melike Bakircioglu (191-F/C-87) (Fenerbahce)
Most Improved Player of the Year - Isil Alben (170-G-86) (Galatasaray)
Bosman Player of the Year - Petra Ujhelyi (192-C-80) (Galatasaray)
Import Player of the Year - Sophia Young (186-F-83) (Galatasaray)
Domestic Player of the Year - Isil Alben (Galatasaray)
Defensive Player of the Year - Isil Alben (Galatasaray)
Coach of the Year - Zafer Kalaycioglu (Fenerbahce)

1st Team
Cappie Pondexter (Fenerbahce)
Birsel Vardarli (173-G-84) (Fenerbahce)
Gergena Erdenay (193-F/C-76) (Fenerbahce)
Tammy Sutton-Brown (193-C-78) (Fenerbahce)
Nevriye Yilmaz (Fenerbahce)

2nd Team
Isil Alben (Galatasaray)
Sophia Young (Galatasaray)
Esra Sencebe (170-G-81) (Galatasaray)
Stacey Lynn Lovelace (Besiktas Cola Turka)
Kristen Newlin (196-F/C-85) (Botas)

Honorable Mention
Petra Ujhelyi (Galatasaray)
Sebnem Nezahat Kimyacioglu (182-F-83) (Galatasaray)
Sviatlana Volnaya (187-G/F-79) (Fenerbahce)
Tugba Tasci (176-G-84) (Ceyhan Belediye)
Nilay Yigit (170-G-79) (Besiktas Cola Turka)
Aylin Yildizoglu (175-G-75) (Mersin)

All-Domestic Players Team
Isil Alben (Galatasaray)
Birsel Vardarli (Fenerbahce)
Nevriye Yilmaz (Fenerbahce)
Esra Sencebe (Galatasaray)
Gergena Erdenay (Fenerbahce)

All-Imports Team
Cappie Pondexter (Fenerbahce)
Stacey Lynn Lovelace (Besiktas Cola Turka)
Sviatlana Volnaya (Fenerbahce)
Tammy Sutton-Brown (Fenerbahce)
Sophia Young (Galatasaray)

All-Bosmans Team
Petra Ujhelyi (Galatasaray)
Sviatlana Volnaya (Fenerbahce)
Korana Longin (195-C-73) (Besiktas Cola Turka)
Zoia Stanoeva (181-F-76) (Pankup TED Kayseri)
Bahar Yapar (180-F-89) (IUSK)

All-Defensive Team
Isil Alben (Galatasaray)
Gergena Erdenay (Fenerbahce)
Nevriye Yilmaz (Fenerbahce)
Sophia Young (Galatasaray)
Nilay Yigit (Besiktas Cola Turka)

All-Newcomers Team
Burcu Erbas (172-G-88) (Fenerbahce)
Yasemin Dalgalar (184-F-88)(Fenerbahce)
Saynur Tozlu (187-C-87) (Galatasaray)
Betul Sunter (173-G/F-77) (Pankup TED Kayseri)
Gizem Yavuz (168-G-88) (IUSK)

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VENEZUELA - Women

Mirna taking care of her business -by Yelitza La Torre

Our outstanding player from Barinas, Mirna Araujo (183-F-87), couldnt say present on the South American tournament located in Loja- Ecuador from the 23rd to the 29th of May due to her responsibilities with Dowling College. This young lady that has been working on her academics and her game since she came to the United States has been trying to participate on her National Team but because of the renewal of her passport could not go to this competition. 'I was dreaming about going home and playing for my nation in the competition but I have to take care of my academics because I am almost done with it'
Since she was a little girl, Mirna Araujo had been participated on plenty National and internationals tournaments defending her home state, college and nations uniform, and now at her age of 20, Mirna could be the youngest Venezuelan girl with more experience National and international, she is 10 years younger than Maria Villarroel (174-G-78, college: Oklahoma) which means, she has a long way to go.

Mirna has greats memories from Miles community college, where she was attending for her social degree on 2006. At Miles, Montana, there is a flag monument inside of her former college, where Mirna in her first trip ever to Montana, didnt see the Venezuelans flag on it. The second time she came into the school coming from Venezuela, she pulled off a big Venezuelans flag from her luggage to placed it by her self on the monument, while she said 'If Mirna Araujo is here, means that Barinas is here so, Venezuela is here.... a Dios Carajo'

Mirna Araujo (183-F-87) has in just one season at Dowling College; 217 points, 147 rebounds and 15 assist.



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WNBA - Women

Untamed Connecticut posts third straight win -by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun stretched their winning rally to 3 games after they held off Sacramento at home court. It marked the first ever 3-0 start for the Sun franchise. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) provided 21 points to lead the charge. Barbara Turner (6'0''-G/F-84, agency: Merit Sports, college: Connecticut) came up with 17 points and Amber Holt added 15 points for the winners. The hosts led by just two points at halftime but stepped on the gas in the third term to leave the Monarchs down by 13 points at the start of the fourth quarter. The Monarchs trimmed the gap to 9 points early in the final term but back-to-back treys from Tamika Whitmore and Barbara Turner left no doubts about the outcome. Rebekkah Brunson answered with 19 points for Sacramento. Kara Lawson had 12 points and Penecheiro secured 10 points in a loss.
Meanwhile the Seattle Storm suffered their first defeat in the season. They were unable to challenge the San Antonio Silver Stars in Texas falling short 72:87. It was the sixth straight win for San Antonio over Seattle. Sophia Young (6'1''-F-83, college: Baylor) fired 23 points and Becky Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) contributed 20 for the winners. Helen Darling nailed 7 points to ignite a 9:0 run for the hosts as the Silver Stars accumulated a 30:17 lead at the end of the first term. The hosts enjoyed an 18-point buffer at the interval but the Storm refused to give up. They cut the deficit to 3 points late in the third quarter just to see Erin Buescher poured in consecutive trebles giving the home side a 62:53 advantage at the end of third period. Sophia Young nailed 10 points in the final stanza to ensure the winning outcome for the Silver Stars. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) responded with 15 points for Seattle. Lauren Jackson was limited to 14 points and 7 boards in a losing effort.

Sky Release Christensen -by T.Saadiq Kamali

The Chicago Sky has released six-year WNBA veteran Kayte Christensen (6'3''-F-80, college: UCSB). The 62 forward was signed by the Sky as a restricted free agent on March 8, 2007. She started 7 of 23 games played in 2007, averaging 1.9 rebounds and 2.1 points per game. She played in two of the Skys 2008 pre-season games, but missed the season opener in Seattle because of the back injury.

Christensen was a UC-Santa Barbara standout, averaging 14.5 points and 9.1 rebounds in 32 games her senior year and earning Big West Conference Player of the Year honors. She holds the UC-SB school record for career field goal percentage at .549. She was selected by the Phoenix Mercury in the thrid round (40th overall) of the 2002 WNBA draft. She shot .505 from the field her rookie season, second highest amoung all rookies.









Atlanta Dream parts ways with Chantelle Anderson -by Eurobasket News
Atlanta Dream waived experienced center Chantelle Anderson (6'7''-C-81, college: Vanderbilt) on Saturday. Anderson spent previous season playing for Turkish team Galatasaray from Istanbul. She already has WNBA experience as she was a member of Silver Stars for three years. At her last year with Silver Stars she played 11 games in regular season averaging 2.5 ppg and 1.8 rpg.

In the past Anderson won French championship 04/05 with Valkenciennes USVO. As a player of Dynamo-Energia Novosybirsk she reached semifinals of Russian national Cup.

During she's career Anderson spent one season in Hungary with BC MiZo-Pecsi VSK.

Sharp traded to Sky for Ngoyisa -by T.Saadiq Kamali
Veteran guard Kristen Sharp (5'9''-G-81, college: Cincinnati) (5'9''-G-81, college: Cincinnati) (6'5''-C-82), was traded to the Chicago Sky for center Bernadette Ngoyisa.

Sharp appeared in all 34 games in the 2007 season, averaging 3.2 points and 1.4 assists per game and finishing 12th in the WNBA in assists-to-turnover ratio (1.77). Sharp was drafted by New York in the 2003 WNBA Draft (26th overall) and played two seasons with the Liberty. She was signed as a free agent by the Fever in February 2006 and played in 23 games that summer. She appeared in six playoff games for the Fever in 2007, and matched a career playoff high with five points in the Eastern Finals at Detroit.

Sharp played for the University of Cincinnati and was named Most Outstanding Player three straight years. Her senior year she led the team in assists and ranked third in scoring and rebounding. She finished her collegiate career as one of fewer than 15 women in Division I history to tally over 1,000 career points, 600 assists and 450 rebounds.

During the 2007-08 off-season, Sharp played in Frances LFB for the second straight year. She was one of four players on the Aix-en-Provence team to average in double-figures (11.5 ppg). Her full name is Kristen Brooke Sharpe, but she goes by K.B.

The Sky selected Ngoyisa in the 2005 WNBA Expansion Draft from the San Antonio Spurs. She started 23 games in 2006 and averaged 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. Ngoyisa did not play during the 2007 WNBA season due to a shoulder injury sustained while playing in France during the off-season.

Streak ends in Texas for Storm -by T.Saadiq Kamali
The Silver Stars 87-72 victory ended the Storm's 3-0 start to the season and gave San Antonio six straight head-to-head wins. Poor execution on offense was largely responsible for another slow Storm start. Seattle turned the ball over 14 times before halftime and was outscored 28-10 during one stretch of the first half after the game was tied at 11 in the early going.
Seven Storm players scored at least six points, but the Silver Stars managed to slow down the team's leading scorers. Lauren Jackson needed 15 shots, making six of them, to score 14 points. Sue Bird handed out seven assists and scored nine points, but shot 4-of-12 from the field. Swin Cash (6'2''-F-79, college: Connecticut) was the lone consistent scoring threat for the Storm, scoring 15 points and making six of her nine shot attempts. The Silver Stars got 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting from forward Sophia Young, while Becky Hammon scored 20 points and knocked down four of San Antonio's nine three-pointers. Helen Darling added 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting.

Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Connect. S. 3-0 
 2. Detroit S. 3-1 
 3. Indiana F. 1-1 
 4. New York L. 1-1 
 5. Chicago Sky 1-1 
 6. Washingt. M. 0-2 
 7. Atlanta D. 0-2 
Western
 1. Seattle S. 3-1 
 2. S.Antonio SS 2-1 
 3. L.Angeles S. 1-0 
 4. Minnesota L. 1-0 
 5. Sacram. M. 1-3 
 6. Houston C. 0-1 
 7. Phoenix M. 0-3