EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 7/21/2008

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Men News

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  ARGENTINA   


Olympics schedule released - by Leonardo Contieri
Fiba has released the official schedule for the olympic games. With Croatia taking part in pool 'A', after getting its berth in Greece, Argentina wull have to play against Lithuania (8/10), Australia (8/12), Coratia (8/14), Iran (8/16) and Russia (8/18) in the preliminary round. Pool 'B' will be comprised of Spain, USA, China, Greece, Germany and Angola.
Argentina's national team is currently in Spain, where it's going to play three matchs (two against Spain and one against Lithuania) before travelling to China to play FIBA Diamond Ball in Shangai and the Olympic Games in Beijing.

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  BULGARIA   


Two players sue CSKA - by Vladi Lazarova
Two players from the starting line-up of Men's CSKA last season - the captain of the team Georgi Davidov (204-C-76) and the National team guard Ludmil Hadjisotirov (189-G-80, agency: AMI, college: Maine), sue the club. Both players didn't get their last five salaries from 'The Reds'. The first case will be at 12th of August in Sofia. It is against the president and owner of CSKA - Georgios Sterianopoulos.
204 cm tall Davidov and 189 cm tall Hadjisotirov are among the most intelligent and smartest players in Bulgarian basketball. They decided to fight for their professional and human rights in a legal way. Davidov, who is an icon for Bulgarian fans and Udo, who grown up in The States playing for Boston college and Maine University, hired couple of months ago the best lawyer for sports cases in the country and father of one of the well known football players in Bulgaria Boyko Velichkov Mr Petar Velichkov.
Sterianopoulos has old debts to the coaches of Men's team and didn't pay to the coaches, who worked with young kids in the club, but the last two Emilia Varadinova and Kiril Bozov can't prove it, because they never signed contracts and worked the hole season just in a 'Man's word' of the president.
Sterianopoulos owe the commission for two foreign transfers. First of it for Lavell Payne and his agency 'AMI', second one for Mike Henderson and the biggest and most powerful basketball agency - 'Interperformances' of Luciano Cappichioni.

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  CHILE   


Dimayor: market news - by Daniel Valencia
Just a few days before the start of Dimayor a few teams reach agreements with their foreigners for the upcoming season.

Boston College

Boston signed a contract with the forward Trevon Bryant (206-F) as the first foreigner of the team. In his first game he scored 13 points.

CD Puente Alto

Before the start of Dimayor CD Puente Alto released Dexter Gray (201-F-85). To replace Gray they signed a contract with Joseph Works (201-F-83). In his first game he contributed with 12 points coming of the bench.

Universidad Catolica

Just one day before the start of the season, Catolica reach an agreement with the argentinian Walter Storani (200-F/C-70) as their second import player for the 08/09 season. Storani played on saturday night, scoring 24 points.

Dimayor 08/09: Round 2 results - by Daniel Valencia
Universidad Catolica and Deportivo Valdivia were the big winners of the first weekend of action in Dimayor 08/09. On sunday night, Catolica defeated Boston 73-63 with a 21 points effort from Walter Storani. In Valdivia, Deportivo Valdivia defeated Provincial Llanquihue 78-55. Bobby Madison and Deshawn Danzey scored 24 and 19 points respectively for the winners. These are the complete results of round 2.

Round 2

Liceo Mixto 90 - CD Puente Alto 68
Lic: Brandon Mason 21 pts. Kevin Frey 15 pts. Patrick Saez 14 pts.
Pue: Mauricio Cisternas 18 pts. German Siegmund 13 pts. Theo Little 11 pts.

Universidad Catolica 73 - Boston College 63
Uc: Walter Storani 21 pts. Juan Pablo Montas 13 pts. Felipe Contreras 12 pts.
Bos: Felipe Ziegele 18 pts. Trevon Bryant 15 pts. Francisco Coro 7 pts.

Deportivo Valdivia 78 - Provincial Llanquihue 55
Val: Bobby Madison 24 pts. Deshawn Danzey 19 pts. Tony Bishop 13 pts.
Llan: Ignacio Navarrete 11 pts. Sebastian Raimann 9 pts. Vjekoslav Rafaeli 9 pts.

Provincial Osorno 72 - Universidad de Los Lagos 80
Oso: Rodrigo Zuniga 22 pts. Cristian Perez 15 pts. Emilio Paris 13 pts.
Ula: Tim Jennings 27 pts. Dean Browne 19 pts. Donald Gray 14 pts.

Dimayor 08/09: Round 1 results - by Daniel Valencia
On saturday night began the 08/09 edition of Dimayor league. The biggest surprise of the first round was the victory of Boston College playing as visitors against the champion Liceo Mixto. Despite playing without Erik Carrasco (suspended) and with only one foreigner they defeated Pablo Ares' team 102-97, with Marcos Cornez (195-F-82) as the key offensive player with 27 points. With Walter Storani (200-F/C-70) (24 points) as the leader, Universidad Catolica defeated CD Puente Alto 80-72 on saturday night. Playing as visitors, CD Universidad de Concepcion defeated Deportivo Espanol de Talca 83-66. The nigerian Jefferson Agba (210-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle) was the offensive key for Concepcion with 26 points. Deportivo Valdivia was too much for Universidad de Los Lagos and ended the night with a 71-61 victory. Bobby Madison (198-F-82, agency: Duran International, college: W.Michigan) scored 27 points for the winners. Led by the point guard DaJuan Gouard (189-G-83, agency: Promotex, college: Loyola, IL) (19 points), Provincial Osorno defeated Provincial Llanquihue 83-60. In the game between both teams from the Chiloe Island, Deportes Ancud defeated Deportes Castro 63-62. Eduardo Baeta (195-G/F-84) scored 18 points for the winners.

Round 1

Liceo Mixto 97 - Boston College 102
Lic: Brandon Mason 23 pts. Patricio Briones 20 pts. Patrick Saez 19 pts.
Bos: Marcos Cornez 27 pts. Felipe Ziegele 24 pts. Patricio Arroyo 17 pts.

Universidad Catolica 80 - CD Puente Alto 72
Uc: Walter Storani 24 pts. Mike Elliot 19 pts. Felipe Contreras 11 pts.
Pue: John Davis 28 pts. Mauricio Cisternas 16 pts. Joseph Works 12 pts.

Deportivo Espanol de Talca 66 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 83
Esp: Marques Hayden 17 pts. Jose Madrid 15 pts. Sebastian Saez 15 pts.
Ucon: Jefferson Agba 26 pts. Evandro Arteaga 22 pts. Nakiea Miller 17 pts.

Club Deportivo Valdivia 71 - Universidad de Los Lagos 61
Val: Bobby Madison 27 pts. Francisco Bravo 12 pts. Tony Bishop 12 pts.
Ula: Tim Jennings 15 pts. Dean Browne 13 pts. Michael Ernst 12 pts.

Provincial Osorno 83 - Provincial Llanquihue 60
Oso: DaJuan Gouard 19 pts. Rodrigo Zuniga 16 pts. Cristian Perez 14 pts.
Llan: Vjekoslav Rafaeli 14 pts. Ignacio Navarrete 12 pts. Javier Schwerter 7 pts.

Deportes Ancud 63 - Deportes Castro 62
Anc: Eduardo Baeta 18 pts. Leonardo Alves 17 pts. Marcos Hubner 10 pts.
Cas: Duane John 24 pts. Jose Luis Campos 10 pts. Roy Morris 10 pts.

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  CUBA   


Cuba, Waiting for Caricom CentroBasket - by Alessandro Fontana
Cuba Basket is ready for the Caricom 2008 in cancun, Mexico. The first 4 teams of the Caricom 2008 will have the possibility to play the Pre-World Cup 2009.
The favourite teams in this Caricom will be of course Puerto Rico, Cuba, Dominican Republic and Mexico, the land who will organize the tournament. Cuba can really obtain an important result, the national team trained by Daniel Scott is ready to be the 'Queen of Caribe'.
Allens Jemmott the top scorer of the Cuban league will be 'the man' of the team, the player that with his points and leadership can Lead up Cuba to the victory. In the last friendly games with Venezuela, Geoffrey Silvestre (202-F/C-79) had a top form and He can be very dangerous in the painting area.
Cuba can really dream to win the Caricom and reach next year the World Cup.
A. Fontana

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Standings - LIDOBA
LIDOBA Standings
North Division
 1. Reales 2-0 
 2. Marineros 1-1 
 3. Metros 1-1 
 4. Indios SF 0-2 
South Division
 1. Panteras DN 1-1 
 2. Constituyentes 1-1 
 3. Cocolos 1-1 
 4. Caneros 1-1 


Stats Leaders - LIDOBA
LIDOBA 2008 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Western, SC, 25.5
Morban, PP, 25.5
Salas, STGO, 25.0
Salvador, SC, 24.0
Araujo, DN, 23.5
Dean, SFM, 23.5
Dumont, LR, 21.0
Rebounds Per Game
Ferreira, SFM, 12.0
Broxie, STGO, 11.0
Santana, LR, 10.5
Thomas, PP, 9.0
Salas, STGO, 9.0
Western, SC, 9.0
Pandy, LV, 9.0
Assists Per Game
Ortega, SFM, 7.5
Pena, PP, 7.5
Fortuna, SC, 6.5
Ramirez, STGO, 6.0
Ozuna, SPM, 5.5
Austin, LR, 5.5
Villegas, SPM, 5.5
2FGP
Pandy, LV, 79%
Dumont, LR, 76%
Sanchez, STGO, 75%
Salas, STGO, 73%
Araujo, DN, 71%
Battle, SPM, 71%
Western, SC, 68%
3FGP
Coronado, LV, 63%
Lalane, SPM, 59%
Salvador, SC, 59%
Lopez, STGO, 53%
Ozuna, SPM, 50%
Morban, PP, 45%
Abreu, SC, 36%
Free Throws
Thomas, PP, 89%
Charles, LR, 89%
Pena, PP, 85%
Ferreira, SFM, 80%
Minaya, SFM, 80%
Dumont, LR, 75%
Battle, SPM, 73%


LIDOBA: Reales 90, Indios 87 - by Jaime Gomez
For Reales de La Vega, Damond Williams (197-F-80, agency: HM Sports Agency, college: Mc Neese St.) 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals, Juan Coronado (198-F-90) 14 points and 4 steals, William Gomez (198-F/G-81, agency: Court Side) 12 points and 7 rebounds, Jorge Almanzar (193-G/F-76) 12 points, Andres Sandoval (193-G-83, agency: AI Sports MM) 11 points and 8 assists, Bobby Pandy (198-F, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.) 9 points and 14 rebounds.

For Indios de San Francisco, Michael Dean 25 points, Benyi Minaya (180-G) 18 points, Abe Keita (209-C-79, college: St.John's) 11 points and 7 rebounds, Anderson Hernandez (191-G/F-80) 11 points.

Los Cocolos de San Pedro Strong Start - by Herubey Grassals
Sammy Villegas (198-G-83, agency: Next Level, college: Toledo) made a three point shoot with 3 seconds left on the game to give los cocolos de san pedro a big win over los constituyentes de san cristobal with score of 88-87, with this triumph los cocolos are 2-0 and los constituyentes 1-1. The best player for the winner were Henry Lalane (199-F-78, college: St.Francis,NY) with 27 points, Sammy Villegas and Alberto Ozuna (203-F-82) finish with 19 points each one, for the losers Franklin Western (200-F-72, college: Providence) made 31 and Hansel Salvador (186-G-80) finish with 30.

Other Results
Marlon Dumond and Reggie Charles (200-F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) combine for 43 points to help Los Caeros de La Romana defeat Las Panteras del Distrito Nacional by score of 85-78, and Los Metros de Santiago defeat Los Marineros de Puerto Plata by score of 111-104, the best for the winners were Alejandro Salas with 25 puntos; Osvaldo Lopez (189-G/F-83), 22 and Joel Ramirez (191-G-81), 19. For the lost cause the best were Carlos Morban (187-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Florida Intern.) with 27 and Jamaal Thomas (202-F-80, college: Angelo St.) with 25.

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  ESTONIA   


Two teams withdraw from the Korvpaliliga - by Ozell Wells
According to Delfi & Sportnet EE, both Tartu Fausto and Kraft Moobel have stopped operations in the Korvpali Master's League.
This leaves on 8 teams to participate in the 2008/2009 season: Tartu Rock, BC Kalev/ Cramo, BC Pirita, Dalkia/Nybit, Valga Welg, KK Parnu/Catwees, Rakvere Tarvas and TTU.
Both teams have seemingly tremendous economic problems haunting the clubs with numerous players stating that they are owed large sums of money. Namely, the club of BC Kraf Moobel owed money to over half of the players on its roster, as well as its coaching staff.
What will become of the remaining teams remains to be seen, as Estonia as a whole, is facing a looming economic recession according to current financial media outlets.

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  FRANCE   


Pro A : Justin Doellmann to Besanon - by Aurelien Hipp
*Newcomer in ProA, the team of Besanon has signed Justin Doellman (206-F-85, agency: Octagon, college: Xavier) for next season. Doellman, seen in Cholet last season, will hope to play a full season there, after having had a complicated season (injured, he had to miss 20 games). Doellman will bring his versatile profile on the power-forward spot, playing beside John Ford. Besancon is close to end the year signings and will prepare for next season in ProA, hoping to stay more than 1 season. He posted 8.4ppg and 2.9rbds last year in only 10 games with Cholet.

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  GERMANY   


Sean Brooks stays in Crailsheim - by Moritz Korff
Sean Brooks (196-F/C-82, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Drexel) will spend one more season on the roster of the Proveo Merlins Crailsheim (2. Bundesliga Pro B). The 25-year-old Post Player joined the Merlins in December 2007 and enjoyed a succesful second half of this past season with the team, averaging 15.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.1 steals in 18 games. The year before Brooks was a force in the paint for ASC Theresianum Mainz. 'Small town, great gym and crazy fans! Its cool!', Brooks stated on the website of the club, why he chose to sign the contract-extension.

Artland Dragons hire assistant coach - by Moritz Korff
The Artland Dragons Quakenbrueck (1. Bundesliga) announced Sunday that they hired their former assistant coach Jamie Duncan to the same position with their team. The Canadian returns to Quakenbrueck after one year on the coaching squad of Euphony Bree, where he served as an assistant to Don Beck. Duncan was supposed to spend another season in Belgium, but decided to accept the offer of the Artland Dragons. He played college-basketball at Brock University in Canada and graduated in 2001, followed by a couple of seasons as pro in Quakenbrueck and Duesseldorf, winning the 2002-03 2. Bundesliga-championship with the Dragons. In 2006 the 31-year-old became a coach and spent his first season in the new job as an assistant coach to Chris Fleming with the Artland Dragons.

Olympic Qualifying Tournament: The German dream came true - by Moritz Korff

For the first time since 1992 the German Men's National Basketball Team will participate in the Olympic Games. The Germans booked the trip to Beijing by defeating Puerto Rico 96:82 in Athens today.
Germany put on a well-balanced offensive show with four players scoring in double digits. Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) scored a team-high 32 points and Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) had his best personal performance of the tournament adding 19 points and 4 assists. Along with Nowitzki and Hamann, Chris Kaman (213-C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) had 10 points and 12 rebounds, Demond Greene (185-G-79, agency: Court Side) hit 4 out of 7 from beyond the arc and chipped in 15 points totally.
Nowitzki scored 18 points in the first half and helped Germany to go into halftime with a 48:39 lead. The German star then spent a quite third quarter offensively, but especially Robert Garrett (193-G-77, agency: SportsTalent) and Greene took charge and hit big shots from three-point territory. With 1:40 min to go in the third stanza the Germans were ahead 70:54.
Germany started the final quarter 5:0, but Puerto Rico replied with 7 straight points, before Germany went on another run to make it 81:65 with 6 minutes left, while Puerto Rico was not able make a comeback until the final buzzer sounded.

Boxscore: click

Post-game interviews on the website of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament:

Dirk Nowitzki and Chris Kamen: click

Demond Greene and Steffen Hamann: click


The German team will return home on Monday and then travel to Mainz immediately to get dressed for the Olympic Games.

In the preliminary round at the Olympics, starting August 10, Germany will take on Angola, Greece, Spain, China and the United States. The best four teams will advance to the knock-out stages.
Full schedule: click



First new player for USC Freiburg - by Moritz Korff
USC Freiburg (2. Bundesliga Pro B) signed Sebastian Harke (203-F/C-81, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement) to a contract for the 2008-09 season. The 26-year-old Power Forward played 30 games for the Iserlohn Kangaroos in the last campaign with averages of 12.6 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists. Harke made the Eurobasket.com All-German 2. Bundesliga Pro B All-Newcomers Team. Before he moved to Iserlohn he scored 13.9 points per contest for the Aschersleben Tigers in the Regionalliga North during the 06-07 season.

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  GREECE   


Olympiakos close to Josh Childress ! - by Serafim Karaiskakis
Olympiakos trying to do the transfer of the summer by bringing a starter NBA star in their squad, Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) from Atlanta Hawks. The Stanford graduate was drafted by Atlanta Hawks (NBA,1rd(6)) at 2004. In his fourth season with Hawks had averages: 11.8ppg, 4.9rpg, 1.5apg, FGP: 57.1%, 3PT: 36.7%, FT: 80.7% in 78 games in the 2007-08 regular season. Olympiakos management is determined to sign a big name from NBA for the SF position.

Spaniard "undercover work" in Athens - by Chris Mammides
Under the watchful eye of Garcia Aito Reneses assistant coach in the Spanish NT Quim Costa , taking place the 2 semifinals and the 3rd place final of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Quim Costa arrived yesterday in Athens, where he scouted all three potential Olympic opponents of the 2006 World Champions.

It is more than obvious, that the Spaniard Head Coach is working on an NBA rhythms as he is counting quite a lot in the professional scouting of his team, moreover he is definitely count a lot the Hellenic National team as the possibilities to be in the same group are currently maximize as there is at least 67% statistical chances for the Greek team (the same goes for Croatian NT too) to participate n the same group. Moreover, the specific group has already (in theory, at least) the no.1 favorite team for the first place which is no other than the USA team, now in regards to the second place Spain is the major favorite team so Mr. Reneses is preparing him self to be ready not to have any negative surprises.

From OAKA Live by Chris Mammides

PAOK and third Bulgarian team close to the Balkan league - by George Manousidis
The Greek BC PAOK and third team from Bulgaria are close to be part of the Balkan basketball league in the first season of the international competition.

The Sports Director of the BIBL Mr. Shay Shtiks said for www.balkanleague.net: The information that we got is that PAOK Thessaloniki probably will play in the Balkan league. About the second team from Greece, there is no decision yet.

Regarding the question about BC Strumicas situation Mr. Shtriks commented, that the club had huge problem with the old sponsor, but they are doing the best to find a new one.

What I understood is that on Friday they already had meeting. I spoke with the federation and they decided together with me to give them up till July 22nd a deadline. But because I see, that they are doing the best to find normal sponsor and they are honest with us and they update us all the time, I believe we should give them this chance. If not, its not obvious, that instead of Strumica well have other team from F.Y.R. of Macedonia, because it was a wild card. So if there is going to be a new team, we have to check it, said BIBLs Sports Director.

Other news is that we probably are going to have third them from Bulgaria. So what is look like, that we have 3 teams from Bulgaria, 3 teams from Serbia, 3 from F.Y.R. of Macedonia, 2 teams from Romania and one team from Greece.

Regarding sponsor within the next 2 weeks well close probably with the main sponsor and there are another 2-3 small sponsors and I believe up till August 10th we can announce it, added Mr. Shay Shtriks.

PAOK and third Bulgarian team close to the Balkan league - by George Manousidis


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  HUNGARY   


FALCO KC: Ciric re-signed, Aliakseyeu left - by Tamas Deri
The management of FALCO KC published that serbian forward, Andrija Ciric (199-G-80, agency: Beo Basket) signed for one more season with the hungarian champion team. The 27 years old forward played 28 games because of his injury and averaged 17.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game. In his interview he said, that he is very thankful for the management of the club, as they did not release him during the season, when he was out for 8 weeks.
Belarus NT-member, Nikola Aliakseyeu (212-C-78, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents, college: Buffalo) will not be back to the team as he agreeded with ukrainian top team Politekhnika Lvov. The 212 cm tall center played 48 games for Falco during his 1.5 years with the team and averaged 10.8 points and 8.8 rebounds. He was a key player during the finals against Kormend, in the Game 4 he got voted to the MVP with his double-double: 31 points and 12 rebounds.

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  IRAN   


Iranian rally falls short - by Ali Karimi
Let me clear a few things up about the games that Iran has played against the D-league Ambassadors. The games are more of an exhibition and the rules are summer league rules. Unlike the Rocky Mountain Revue which is NBA regular season rules. For instance players get 8 fouls, yes 8. When a player commits his 7th or 8th the opposing team gets an extra foul shot. So if the player gets fouled and makes the shot, he gets 2 free throws not just one. For tonights game they suspended the defensive three-second violation.

LEHI, UT, JULY 20, 2008 - The game would open with a gift exchange, which has happened in all the games and I'm sure will happen again tomorrow against the Jazz. Iran would open the game on a 7-2 spurt with balanced scoring and good focus from the Iranian side. Iran would push the lead to 12-4 with six minutes remaining forcing Ambassador coach Joey Meyer to call a timeout. The timeout however would not cool the torrid early shooting of Iran as the lead grew to 15-6 with 4:35 left in the first. It would only go south from there. Iran had a major lapse and turnovers and silly fouls lead to a big Ambassador rally. Moosa Nabipoor would have 4 fouls in the first quarter alone, he didnt start the game. 10 fouls for the quarter and 5 turnovers would lead to a 17-6 Ambassador run to end the first giving them a 23-21 lead. Neither team could keep the pace of the frantic first quarter. Iran managed to keep the fouls and turnovers under raps but the Ambassadors would push their lead to 8 before Iran would get it down to 6. Halftime score Ambassadors 37 Iran 31.

The third quarter would go up and down. Iran had to work hard for their points but couldn't get a defensive stop. The Ambassadors would extend their lead for the quarter but a turning point for the Iranian psyche was when Ambassador F Nick Lewis would receive a technical with 6:38 to play. He went to the bench visible upset. I made the comment to him after the game, 'You guys were really bangin out there and it was a real battle.' He replied, 'Just the way I like it.' Both teams gave it their all today and I tip my hat to both of them, it was a real pleasure. The quarter would end with the Ambassadors holding a 57-47 lead.

A quick bucket to start the fourth would see the Ambassador lead reach its peak of 12. The Iranians could have easily given up but they would do nothing of the sort and start a remarkable comeback. Lead by Nikkhah's 11 points they would increase their defensive intensity and make some big steals, one on an inbounds pass fueling their will to win. They would scratch and claw the lead to 8, 6 and then 7. With 3:15 to play Hamed Afagh was fouled on a three pointer and went to the line looking to cut the lead to 3. He made the shot but it was waived off due to a lane violation on Saeid Karekani taking the wind out of their sails. Iran has committed a lane violation in all three games I have watched and this one couldn't have come at a worst time. The Ambassadors took advantage and pushed the lead back to 8, on a four-point play. This is where summer rules came into play, Ehadadi was called for his 7th foul and the Ambassadors were awarded two free throws on top of the bucket. However Nikkhah wasn't going out without a fight. He drained a three and Iran was again in striking distance. Time wasn't on Iran's side and they couldn't trade 3s for 2 free throws, a questionable call on a deflected Nikkhah 3 point attempt sealed their fate as the rally would fall short, Ambassadors 77 Iran 71.

Nikkhah would lead all scorers with 24 points, Ehadadi had 17 and Afagh contributed 13 for Iran. Glen McGowan lead the Ambassadors with 16 while Larry Turner had 13 and Scooter McFadgon added 12. In their first meeting Iran was dominated in the paint, not so much this time, they were only outscored by 8. The Ambassadors were the bigger team and it was expected they would prevail down low. What won't show up in the stat sheet is how many 2's they took just inside the NBA 3-point line at the international 3-point line. I asked Nikkhah about it after the game and he said they didn't want to mess with spacing and the distance that they will be shooting from for the Olympics. I counted 7 of these shots, what could have been the difference in the game. After the game I asked both him and Ehadadi if they were pumped to play the Jazz and Constantine Koufos on Monday and they said yes and that they had played him before in Euro league and were looking forward to the challenge.

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  ISRAEL   


Kaminsky to take over Qiryat-Ata's bench - by Yehonatan Eliahu
newcomer Elizur Qiryat-Ata found it's new coach in veteran Meir Kaminsky , and finally made it's first move in the summer. Elizur's promotion to the first division was highly in doubt, as the participation requires at least million dollars budget, a money that Elizur could not afford. But finally Elizur found the correct sum and now they need to build a whole new squad for the upcoming season. Coach Kaminski has gone through a lot of Israeli teams in his long career, including Hapoel Holon, Hapoel Tel-Aviv, Maccabi Haifa and some Israeli's youth selections. Elizur will now put it's efforts on signing players, while the returnees of Toni Younger, Elad Eliahu and Avi Nanikashvili are possible.

Market News - by Netanel Dahan
Omar Sneed (203-F/C-76) an American forward who played the past year in Maccabi Rishon LeZion and averaged 16.4ppg 7.5rpg and 4.4ppg Signed Officially in Hapoel 'Migdal' Jerusalem for 1 year.
Raz Zehavian (197-F-82) who played the last year in Maccabi Ashdod and averaged 10.5ppg and 3.7rpg signed in Maccabi Rishon LeZion for 2 years.
Moshe Vainkartz is the new coach of Bnei Hasharon. Vainkartz is one of the most experienced coaches in the Israeli league.
Galil\Gilboa signed to 2 young Israeli players:
Yotam Shiran (198-F-90) and Ron Sabag (184-G-90) both of them were in the group of the five excellent players in the youth league.
Doron Sheffer thinks of retirement and become manager of Hapoel Zfat for the Division 3 in the Israeli league or to stay as a player.
Maccabi Electra Tel Aviv is searching for Forward foreigner player.
Mony Fanan the legendary manager of Maccabi Tel Aviv retired from the job after the press conference, where he explains why.
Gur Shelef will replace him.

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  JAMAICA   


Bulls toy with JDF - by Leonard Whyte
The Port Royal Bulls are one of the two newcomers to the 2008 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC)/National Basketball League (NBL) but you would never know it. The Bulls defeated JDF 64-57 last night to run their record to 10-0 and take over first place in the standings from defending champions Urban Knights who are also unbeaten with a 9-0 record. Both teams are set to clash for the first time on Thursday, July 24, 2008, but Knights still had a date with a dangerous Portmore Flames team the day before the anticipated clash.

Last night at the Stadium courts, the Bulls apperaed disinterested and allowed JDF to dictate play early. Bulls fans suffered many anxious moments for the first three quarters as their team's lethargic play left them trailing their rivals 35-41 going into the fourth quarter. Not to worry, the Bulls began the quarter with an emphatic 15-0 run that seem to catch JDF napping. They took the lead 50-41 and from there the issue was no longer in doubt. The winners posted four players in double-figures as Kenardo Wright led the way with 13 points, followed by Leighton Meeks with 12, and Paul Brown and captain Dovian Wade added 11 points each. Raymond Francis led JDF (4-6) with a game-high 22 points followed by Dermaine Foster with 15 points.

Standings
NBL Standings
 1. Port Royal 10-0 
 2. Urban K. 9-0 
 3. Majestic G. 7-2 
 4. W.Cumberland 6-4 
 5. Arnett GR 6-6 
 6. Tivoli Wizards 4-4 
 7. JDF 4-6 
 8. Slayers 4-7 
 9. Runnin' R. 3-5 
 10. Blazing P. 3-7 
 11. Linkup All-S. 1-9 
 12. Catherine AS. 0-8 


*****************************************************
  JORDAN   


7th King Abdullah II Cup (July 25-31) Info. - by Mohammed Malas
The 7th edition of King Abdullah II Cup will stat from the beginning of next Friday until the 31st of July under the participation of 9 teams which were divided to 2 groups...

# Group A:
Jordan - Hosts & Titleholders
Egypt
Syria
Morocco

# Group B:
Qatar
Lebanon
Cyprus
Kuwait
Tunisia

# The Cup's system:
It will be based playing a round robin in the 1st round then the 1st & 2nd of each group to meet in the semi-finals then the final.

# The court:
The games will be played in Prince Hamza Hall in Amman, The court is ready to welcome the teams...

# TV Chennels:
The lebanese tv network Future will broadcast the tournament (Some games are live and others will be recoded and will be viewed on the same day).

# 1st round schedule (Jordan Time +3 GMT):
* Friday 25/7:
1530 Kwuait - Tunisia
1800 Jordan - Morocco
2000 Qatar - Lebanon
* Saturday 26/7:
1600 Egypt - Syria
1800 Qatar - Kuwait
2000 Tunisia - Cyprus
* Sunday 27/7:
1400 Morocco - Egypt
1600 Kuwait - Lebanon
1800 Syria - Jordan
2000 Cyprus - Qatar
* Monday 28/7:
1600 Morocco - Syria
1800 Lebanon - Cyprus
2000 Qatar - Tunisia
* Tuesday 28/7:
1600 Cyprus - Kuwait
1800 Jordan - Egypt
2000 Tunisia - Lebanon

Jordan National team will entir this cup without their key players 'They will have some rest' after the decision of the Portuguese head coach Mario Leonel Palma to depend on youngesters and give them the chance to gain some experience.

*****************************************************
  KBDL   


Boris Siakam has signed to play for the MAVERICKS - by Thom McQueen
Boris Siakam (6'7''-F, college: W.Kentucky), of the Lebanon Lancers has signed to play Forward for the MAVERICKS, an ABA expansion team. Siakam at 6 7 was a solid player for the Lancers. As a forward he played as the number 5 man on many occasions for the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. He recorded career-high averages with 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds per outing. He shot a team-leading 74.6 percent from the field, posting 10 outings without missing an attempt. Boris was a leading player for the KBDL and the Lancers.

*****************************************************
  LIBERIA   


Liberia may not partake in Zone III Qualifiers - by Numennie Williams
The senior national basketball team of Liberia may not participate in the qualifying rounds of the African Nations Basketball Championship slated for the 28th of this month in Ivory Coast.
Speaking to this paper over the weekend in Monrovia, the Secretary General of the Liberia Basketball Federation (LBF) Fred Pratt said the Government of Liberia has informed the federation of its inability to underwrite the cost of the teams travel for the competition.
The national basketball team is placed in Zone III with Niger, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Togo, Benin, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and Mali. The qualification round is intended to select countries to partake in the 2009 Nations Championship.
Liberia risks being slapped with a fine and suspension for some years if she fails to participate in the upcoming championship games which many basketball connoisseurs say is dangerous for the development of basketball in Liberia.
The Under-16 male and female teams are expected to participate in the African Youth Championship in Benin next month. The two teams are presently undergoing intensive training, but the players are worried that they may face similar fate as the senior team.

Mark Smith (-87)

Pythons prepare for club championship - by Numennie Williams
As the date for the Zone III basketball Club Champion of the Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) draws nearer, Liberias champion NPA Pythons has begun intensive training for the competition.
The team is undergoing some physical fitness programs including long distance jogging.
Speaking to this paper at the weekend, the Head Coach of the team, Matthew Gbarmore, expressed optimism that his team will make a mark at the upcoming competition slated for next month in Nigeria.
He called on the Management of the National Port Authority (NPA) to support the team by underwriting the cost of the teams travel as well as per diems, among others, to ensure the successful participation of the team. He also assured the NPA Management that his players are fit and ready for the club championship and called on fans of the team to support the team financially to enable it team make the trip to Nigeria.
Pythons could not represent the country last year due to the clubs failure to shoulder the traveling expenses of the team which led to the team being fined.


Alphonso Kuiah (-86)

*****************************************************
  NCAA1   


Pettway going back to Tuscaloosa - by Kevin Cochran
Alabama has named former point guard Antoine Pettway as an assistant coach.

Pettway played four seasons at Alabama, averaging 9.1 points during his senior campaign and helping the Crimson Tide reach the Elite Eight in the 2004 NCAA Tournament.

He has spent the last two years as an assistant at Jacksonville St..

'I have a great belief in Antoine, ' Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried said. 'As a player, he was a great leader. He epitomized the definition of toughness and he played with such heart. I've watched him closely as a player and then later as a member of my staff in our office and I think he will bring a lot to our staff.'

Courtesy: PA Sportsticker


Arrow extends at USA - by Kevin Cochran

South Alabama coach Ronnie Arrow signed a two-year contract extension to keep him with the school through the 2013 season.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Arrow, who also coached the Jaguars from 1988-94 before getting fired, guided the team to a school-record 26 wins last campaign, a third straight Sun Belt Conference East Division title and the program's eighth NCAA Tournament appearance. South Alabama lost to Butler in the first round.

'We are really pleased about the success that coach Arrow had in his first year back with us,' Jaguars athletic director Joe Gottfried said. 'To blend both returning players and new players, record a 26-7 mark, win the Sun Belt Conference East Division and advance to the NCAA Tournament in his first season back is a real credit to his leadership.'

Arrow also was named Sun Belt Conference Coach of the Year, becoming just the second coach in league history to claim the award three times. Under his direction last season, the Jaguars became just the second school in league history to place four players on the All-Conference teams.

'Everything starts with the head coach, but what this extension is a reflection of the work put in by our players and my assistant coaches to have been able to get us where we wanted to be, which was the NCAA Tournament last year,' Arrow said. 'I think it is a tribute to the team that we had and a tribute to my assistant coaches for our extension.'

Courtesy: PA Sportsticker



Stepheson to play at SC - by Kevin Cochran
Alex Stepheson (6'9''-F) plans to transfer from North Carolina to USC according to a report by the Los Angeles Daily News.

The 6-9 junior forward averaged 4.3 points and 4.5 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels last season. He will have two years of eligibility remaining and likely will need to sit out the 2008-09 campaign.

There is a chance Stepheson could play this season if it is determined by the NCAA that the transfer is due to medical considerations. Stepheson said in a statement when leaving North Carolina in May that he wanted to be closer to his father, Art, who is battling heart-related issues.

Courtesy: PA Sportsticker

Patterson showing signs of progress - by Kevin Cochran
Kentucky coach Billy Gillespie says forward Patrick Patterson (6'9''-F-89) is progressing well as he recovers from a stress fracture in his left ankle.

'He's working hard,' Gillespie says. 'He had surgery and he was going to be in a cast for six weeks and a boot for six weeks. They took x-rays after they took off the cast and they said the healing was farther along than expected. So, they put him in the boot and he is going in for another x-ray. He's been doing a lot rehab in the pool on campus in the underwater treadmill. It's a great rehabilitation device. It's probably helped him with conditioning and I think it may help him return a little quicker. He's been doing his rehab on the treadmill, but he hasn't been able to return to the court yet. I think that the treadmill will help him return to the court in about three or four weeks. It looks like things are way ahead of schedule as far as recovery.'

Patterson led the Wildcats with 16.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season.

Okosun leaves Seton Hall - by Kevin Cochran

Seton Hall junior center Augustine Okosun (6'10''-F/C) has left the mens basketball program and will pursue transfer opportunities, coach Bobby Gonzalez announced Friday.

The native of Nigeria played in 30 games for the Pirates last season, starting 11, in his only year with the Pirates. The 6-11 Okosun averaged 1.8 points and 2.0 rebounds in just under 10 minutes per game.

'Augustine worked hard for us and was a solid contributor last season,' Gonzalez said. 'Unfortunately, we were not able to afford him the playing time he desired. With his release, hell be able to play more at another school. I wish him the best of luck.'


Courtesy: PA Sportsticker



*****************************************************
  NEW ZEALAND   


Jet Suspended - by Eurobasket News
Basketball New Zealand has accepted a Sports Tribunal of New Zealand decision to suspend Manawatu Jet Stacey Lambert (190-G-76) until September 16 after he tested positive for cannabis. Lambert returned a positive sample after the Jets round 13 National Basketball League game against the Bay Hawks in Taradale on May 21. He waived the right to have his B sample analysed and admitted the violation in the Tribunal hearing on July 11. BBNZ had sought a provisional suspension on June 6 until the hearing was held but after the Jets offered to stand him down for their final regular season game the following night and the Tribunal decided not to impose a provisional suspension. The Tribunal suspended Lambert for two months, which prevents him having any part - playing, coaching, refereeing, administrating - in basketball organised, authorised or sanctioned by BBNZ or any other sport under the Drug Free Sport umbrella.
As any sports organisation would be, we are concerned with positive tests, Basketball New Zealand CEO Dale Stephens said. We continue to work with Drug Free Sport to enhance our education for all participants in basketball and remain totally committed to the policies of Drug Free Sport.
Courtesy of: www.basketball.org.nz

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


NWBBA list 16 for camping - by Olusegun Ikuesan
After a rigorous screening exercise for U23 Men Wheelchair basketballers which ended last weekend in Lagos the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Association, NWBBA has penciled down sixteen names for camping ahead the Africa qualifiers schedule for Johannesburg, South Africa later in the year.

According to the 2nd Vice-President of the association and coordinator of the six-day screening exercise, OBrien Adoki the sixteen players were picked out of the fifty that reported for the exercise sponsored by First Deepwater Discovery Limited.

Adoki gave the name of the 16 lucky players from where a final list of twelve players will emerged as Ajibade Kayode, Okungbowa Alinco, Ozurumba Victor, Murtala Mohammed, Adetayo Kehinde, Amodu Stephen, Richard Patrick, Ogunbona Hammed, Lawal Olatunji and Ajani Idowu.

Others include, Olanipekun Gbenga, Peter Osa-Kelvin, Kazeem Akanbi, Chibuzor Nwawere and Emmanuel Idimogwu.

The NWBBA official says the players are in high spirit to do the nation proud when hostility began in South Africa later in the year.

He however, appealed to well meaning individuals and corporate organizations to emulate the gesture of First Deepwater Discovery in sponsoring the team to South Africa for the qualifiers.

Winner of the Africa championship will represent Africa at the World U23 Wheelchair Basketball Championship billed for France next year.

Islanders succumbs to Union Bank - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Islanders basketball club at the weekend succumbs to the superior fire-power of Union Bank basketball club in an Atlantic conference pairing at the sports hall of the Lagos national stadium.

The match which saw the bankers winning in three of the four quarters leaving the Islanders to pick one (18-11, 10-17, 08-05 and 23-16) saw the Islanders players putting every hands and foot wrong upon resumption of play in the third quarter through the fourth after a beautiful display in the second quarter.

The lose to Union Bank basketball club at the weekend was the second in a row has now forced the Ogoh Odaudu tutored side down the conference table as it now occupies the third spot behind Union Bank and Ebun Comets basketball club.

. Potters pip Tapgun Rockets at home 71-64

And in Jos, Plateau State capital the dwindling fortune of Tapgun Rockets basketball club continues unabated as it lost at home to Niger Potters basketball club of Minna.

Potters who penultimate weekend handed down a 110-77 points defeat of Bauchi Net in Minna was too much for the Tapgun players whose campaign in the Nigeria premier league so far has been anything smooth.

While in Kano last Thursday, Adolescent Information & Health Project, AHIP Giant basketball club of Kano narrowly defeated Plateau Peaks basketball club by 52-50 points in what observers described as questionable calls by the referees handling the match especially in the last seconds of the game.


. Bauchi Net land in Lagos for points

Bauchi Net basketball club will Tuesday continue its road trip game to the Atlantic conference of the premier league with a game against Union Bank basketball club at the sports hall of the Lagos national stadium.

The once vibrant Savannah conference team will take to the floor against Nigeria Customs Service basketball club on Wednesday and battle against Ebun Comets basketball club on Thursday.

The team will round off its road game to the Atlantic conference with games against Dodan Warriors and Islanders basketball clubs on Friday and Saturday respectively.

Chris Okoh (199-F-85)

*****************************************************
  OLYMPIC GAMES   


Positions 3-4 3rd Quarter: Germany Puerto Rico 74-58 - by Chris Mammides
Live from OAKA
Positions 3-4 3rd Quarter: Germany Puerto Rico
The game begins with a small surprise from Head Coach Cindron as he lives on the bench Santiago who was not bad at all. The first basket comes from Ramos who was forgotten on bench during the 2nd quarter even though he was the top scorer for his team. Barea is scoring a 2pointer while Hamann who is very good today is answering with the same way. Patric Femerlings first 2points comes from the charity line. The score is now 55-45, after the new 3pointer from Greene, 6.58 before the end of the 3rd quarter. Swingman Hamann is adding another false ball in his stats. The absence of Carlos Arroyo is more than obvious for the P. Ricans as Barea is not enough in the point guard position, not so much in scoring but in organizing the team. The score becomes 61-54 after the new 3pointer from Hamann and the Block shot on Nowitzki over Barea! Ayusos 3 missing 3pointers are giving the chance to Germans to increase the deficit to 10 points after the first 3pointer from Garret, his first points in the game. Mr. Cintron asked his first time-out as he sees that his team has no beginning or no end, a disorganized group without any special technique which just runs and shoots. The Germans will be participating definitely in the Olympic Games. Garret is adding his 6th point after his second 3pointer while the P. Ricans are doing the one mistake after the other; Pascal Roller is adding another 3pointer which is actually putting the tombstone to any Puerto Rican dreams for participation in China's Olympic Games.The score is now 70-54, 1.48 before the end of the game. From P. Rico the only player who is actually sacrifice his productivity over the defense is Ricky Sanchez who really makes the life difficult for Nowitzki, The P. Ricans are pointless for the last 3.12 minutes. Larry Ayuso is scoring from the charity line and is adding 2 points for his team after qite some time. The fade away shot from Nowitzki is successful after nearly 9.30 minutes being pointless. The quarter is ending with 74-58. Top scorer for this quarter is Steffen Hamann (194-G-81) and Demond Greene (185-G-79) both with 15 points

Positions 3-4 Half Time: Germany Puerto Rico 48-39 - by Chris Mammides
The 2nd quarter starts with 6 unanswered points by Germans, as Pascal Roller (180-G-76) scored his first three pointers and Dirk Nowitzki (211-F-78) is scoring a goal-foul. Another 3pointer from the newcomer Schultze is bringing Germany in the leading role for the first time tonight with three 31-28, 6.39 before the end of the first half. Rivera is scoring his first two points from the charity line and soon after his first 3pointer bringing the Latin Americans in the leading role, 31-33, 5.44 before the end, that is the reason why the German Head Coach Mr. Bauermann asked his first time-out. Greene is in and scores just after 2 seconds from his appearance another 3pointer. After the amazing dunk by Hamann, the Germans are leading with 5 points, 38-33, 3.39 before the end of the first half. Cintron is asking his first time-out. Lee is scoring a 3pointer in front of Kamans face. Jose Juan Barea (181-G-84, college: Northeastern) is stealing the ball from Dirk Nowitzki and is scoring an easy lay-up while Hamann is on fire as he scores another 3pointer. The score is now 41-37, 1.59 before the end of the 1st half. Santiago is scoring a goal-foul against the invisible defense of Chris Kaman. Dirk Nowitzki is scoring a 3pointer and a 2pointer after nearly 6 minutes being pointless mainly from the very good defense and team-work on behalf of the P. Rico team. The score is now 46-39, 0.31 before the end with the Latinos have the ball, Mr. Cintron asked his 2nd Time-out to calm his team. Top scorer for the Germans is the Great Dirk Nowitzki with 18 points, while from the Latinos, Jose Juan Barea with 9 points

Spaniard "undercover work" in Athens - by Chris Mammides
Under the watchful eye of Garcia Aito Reneses assistant coach in the Spanish NT Quim Costa , taking place the 2 semifinals and the 3rd place final of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Quim Costa arrived yesterday in Athens, where he scouted all three potential Olympic opponents of the 2006 World Champions.

It is more than obvious, that the Spaniard Head Coach is working on an NBA rhythms as he is counting quite a lot in the professional scouting of his team, moreover he is definitely count a lot the Hellenic National team as the possibilities to be in the same group are currently maximize as there is at least 67% statistical chances for the Greek team (the same goes for Croatian NT too) to participate n the same group. Moreover, the specific group has already (in theory, at least) the no.1 favorite team for the first place which is no other than the USA team, now in regards to the second place Spain is the major favorite team so Mr. Reneses is preparing him self to be ready not to have any negative surprises.

From OAKA Live by Chris Mammides

Standings
Standings
Group A
1. Argentina0-0
2. Australia0-0
3. Croatia0-0
4. Iran0-0
5. Lithuania0-0
6. Russia0-0
Group B
1. Angola0-0
2. China0-0
3. Spain0-0
4. Germany0-0
5. Greece0-0
6. USA0-0


*****************************************************
  PANAMA   


Standings - CBS
CBS Standings
 1. Caimanes 11-0 
 2. Navieros 7-3 
 3. Magnates 6-4 
 4. Fieras 5-6 
 5. Canguros 4-6 
 6. Colosos 3-7 
 7. Toros 0-10 


*****************************************************
  PARAGUAY   


UAA and San Lorenzo to play the semis - by Gianni Pascucci
In the last round of the regular season, UCA defeated Olimpia, 82-45 keeping its first place and Universidad Autonoma de Asuncion (UAA) prevailed over Sportivo San Lorenzo, 75-64, ending at the second place. UAA and San Lorenzo qualified for the Semifinal Series of the Metropolitan League - First Division. The series starts tomorrow night, and is best of three games. UAA starts with a one-point bonus thanks to the better place in the final standing. The Semifinal winner will meet Universidad Catolca in the Finals.

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


Manchester Millrats grab Boston Pro Summer League title - by Eurobasket News
The Manchester Millrats celebrated victory in the final game of the Boston Summer Pro League and earned the title. The competition is held each summer at the Massachusetts College of Art. In the final game of tourney the Millrats took on Team Renegades. Mamchester prevailed in a tough battle 135:130. Dwight Brewington (6'5''-G-84, agency: AMI, college: Liberty) came up with 35 points, 11 boards and 6 assists to pace the Millrats. Eric Downie (6'6''-G/F-84, college: Salem St.) added 24 points and 14 boards, while Kevin Reed (6'3''-G-81, agency: CAA Sports, college: Maine) was helpful with 17 points. Team Renegades answered with 51 points from Amin Wright (6'2''-G-80, college: Ramapo). The Millrats finished the League with 7-1 overall record and claimed the title. Dwight Brewington was trumped the MVP of the tournament. He averaged 43.5 points per game in eight games.

*****************************************************
  PHILIPPINES   


New hope for Fil-Am Norwood in PBA draft - by Benny Lirio
Top rookie prospect Gabe Norwood had just gotten a new found hope in his bid to make the Philippine Basketball Association Annual Draft.

Commissioner Renauld “Sonny' Barrios extended the deadline for Fil-foreign players to complete all the necessary requirements
for them to be considered in the final list of candidates for the August 31 event set at Market Market Place in Taguig.

From its original July 8 deadline, Barrios gave the seven Fil-foreign aspirants until July 25 to present at least photo copies of all the
documents and papers required of them. The documents, he added, serve as prerequisites for all foreign-bred players wishing to make it to the PBA Draft.

Norwood and six other Fil-foreign players already signified their intention to join the draft by submitting their respective applications
prior to the July 8 deadline, although none among them we’re able to complete the requirements imposed by the league.

The former George Mason University stalwart and PBL Rookie of the Year while playing for Hapee still has to secure an approval
from the Department Justice regarding his Filipino citizenship.

“The papers that we are requiring them to submit serve as sort of their passport to become candidates for the annual draft,' said Barrios,
who added that no less than the PBA Board of Governors reiterated the same policy in its last meeting held July 14.

Barrios, however, said that authenticated and original copies of those documents must be turned over to the league by noon of August 29.

Certificate of Recognition from the Bureau of Immigration, DoJ affirmation, authenticated birth certificate from the National Statistics Office
(if applicant is born in the country), authenticated birth certificate of Filipino parent or other valid documents acceptable to the appropriate
agency, marriage certificate of parents, duly notarized and/or authenticated naturalization papers of Filipino parents, duly notarized affidavits
of at least three persons residing in the Philippines attesting to the claim of citizenship of applicant, and all other documents which the
PBA Commissioner may require are some of the documents the league require all Fil-foreign hopefuls.

Any of the Fil-foreign applicants who fail to complete the requirement by July 25 will be considered out of the list according to Barrios.

The complete list of Fil-foreign aspirants also includes, Kevin Delafu, Jared Dillinger (196-G/F-84, college: Air Force), Robert Baltch Reyes,
Solomon Mercado, Christopher Viardo, and Charles Waters.

SOURCE: GMANews.TV

PBA Fiesta Cup Results/Elimination Round Summary - by Lorenzo Gahol
July 4 (Fri) Araneta Coliseum
Ginebra 111 Welcoat 86
Red Bull 105 Talk N Text 105

July 6 (Sun) Cuneta Astrodome
Ginebra 97 Alaska 90
Sta. Lucia 81 Red Bull 85

End of Elimination Round

Standings After Double Round Robin Elimination Round
Team W L
Z-Air 21 (12-6)
Z-Red Bull (11-7)
Y-Ginebra (10-8)
Y-Coca Cola (10-8)
Y-Magnolia (10-8)
X-Talk N Text (9-9)
X-Alaska (9-9)
X-Purefoods (8-10)
X-Sta. Lucia (7-11)
E-Welcoat (4-14)

Z-Outright Semifinals Berth
Y-Outright Quarterfinals Berth
X-Wilcard Round
E-Eliminated


Wildcard Round (Knockout)
July 9 (Wed) Ynares Center
Alaska 86 Sta. Lucia 99
TAlk N Text 98 Purefoods 83

July 11 (Fri) Ynares Center
Sta. Lucia 111 Talk N Text 96
Sta. Lucia advances to quarterfinals

Quarterfinals (Best-of-Three)
July 13 (Sun) Cuneta Astrodome (Game 1)
Magnolia 108 Coca Cola 96
Ginebra 92 Sta. Lucia 90

July 16 (Wed) Ynares Center (Game 2)
Sta. Lucia 85 Ginebra 113
Coca Cola 91 Magnolia 90

July 20 (Fri) Ynares Center (Game 3)
Magnolia 78 Coca Cola 60
Ginebra and Magnolia advance to semifinals

Semifinals Pairings
Air21 Vs. Magnolia]
Red Bull Vs. Ginebra

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


Boricuas Abroad - by Alessandro Fontana
BORICUAS ABROAD
Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC) signed for Ural Great Perm and next year 'Our Boricua' He will play in the Russian SuperLeague. Dalmau played this year in Turkey with Besiktas Istanbul, He scored 9ppg and 4 apg in the Turkish Liga and 10 points with 4 assists in the Uleb Cup.
Ricardo Melendez (180-G-83) made his debut in Venezuela with Gateiros de Zulia in the semi-finals. Gateiros won against Trotamundos de Cartabobo, for Melendez who did not played in the starting-five, 27 minutes with 20 points.
Joel Jones (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Sacramento St.) will play next year in Israel, Ironi Ramat Gan signed him with an 'one year contract'. Jones played this season a great BSN with Leones de ponce with 20 ppg, 4.8 rpg and 2.5 apg. Joel Jones will be sure one of the best scorers of the Israelian league.
A. Fontana

Puerto Rico fails to make Olympics - by Luis Ramirez
The Puerto Rico squad had two opportunities to make it to Beijing and failed. They were first beaten by Greece and that left the opportunity of beating Germany in a last effort to make the Olympics. Germany with Dirk Nowitzki at the helm beat Puerto Rico 96-82 today to get that last coveted slot to the Olympics. Puerto Rico led at the end of the 1st quarter 23-22, but Germany came back in the 2nd quarter and starting making long range shots to take a 9 point lead 48-39 at the end of the 1st half. In the 3rd quarter Puerto Rico would not be able to cut into the lead and Germany was well on their way to Beijing. In the 4th quarter Puerto Rico tried to press full court and was able to cut down the lead somewhat but in was already too little too late for the Puerto Rico team. Germany now joins Greece, and Croatia for the last 3 spots. This loss was very disappointing for the Puerto Rico National squad as they had two opportunities of making it and failed on both occasions. For Germany, Dirk Nowitzki scored 32 points followed by Steffen Hamann with 19 points. For Puerto Rico, Jose Juan Barea scored 18 points followed by Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) with 16 points.

Puerto Rico National Team. - by Alessandro Fontana
PUERTO RICO ON PRE-OLYMPICS

Puerto Rico could not qualify for Beijing 2008, Our Boricuas were defeated by Germany. In any case our team played a good tournament and if 'El magnifico' Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) did not have had some physical problems, Puerto Rico would have had a lot of possibilities to win the tournament or in any case to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Here below the statistics of our heroes, who played always with heart and garra and we are very proud of them

Carlos Arroyo: 13.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.8 apg. Great games for him, unfortunately He Could not play against Greece and Germany. His best game against Croatia, 20 points (5/9 3pts). Vote: 8
Larry Ayuso: 13.2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.4 apg. El Jefe is always one of the leaders of the national team. Great game against Croatia (22 pts, 5/6 2pts, 3/6 3pts). He played good against Germany, he never gave up with 15 points but he had a bad shots percentage (3/9 3pts). Ayuso, the soul of Puerto Rico. Vote: 7,5
Jose Juan Barea: 12.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.2 apg. His High of points was against Germany with 18 points (but with a 1/8 3pts). He played good and he tried to solve the situation against Germnay and Greece as Arroyo could not play. Garra. Vote: 7
Ricardo Sanchez: 9.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 0.8 apg. Vote: 7
Peter John Ramos: 9.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg. Vote: 7
Filiberto Rivera : 7.2 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 1.8 apg. Vote: 6.5
Carmelo Lee: 5ppg, 3.6 rpg. Vote: 6.5
Daniel Santiago: 3.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 1apg. Vote: 5
Javier Mojica: 3ppg, 3.6 rpg, 0.2 apg. Vote: 6
Joel Jones: 2.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 0.3 apg. Vote: 6
Alex Falcon: 2.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg. Vote: 6
Luis Villafane: 0ppg, 2rpg. Vote: ndp
A. Fontana

*****************************************************
  RUSSIA   


Dinamo inks Bostjan Nachbar, Khimlki officially release Tucker - by Andrei Maminov
Dinamo Moscow made today a major coup after agreeing terms with Slovenian forward - Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances).
The New Jersey forward who played in the last 6 years in the NBA in the Houston Rockets, New Olreans Hornets and the Nets has agreed a 3 years contract worth 9 million Euros according to reports in Russia today.
Nachbar is a product of Olimpija Lublijana who also played at Benetton Treviso before moving to the best league in the World.
So far Dinamo signed Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79), Arriel McDonald (191-G-72, college: Minnesota), Hollis Price (186-G-79, college: Oklahoma) and now David Blatt is looking for a high profile shooting guard who can play at Small forward position too.
Khimki has announced that they won't continue with their American guard Clay Tucker (194-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee). Tucker who signed in February from Siviglia Wear Teramo and avreged 10.0ppg, 3.1rpg, 2.0apg, 1.7spg in the Russian league. But the team didn't use the option on the player and he is already on his way to Israeli side - Maccabi Tel-Aviv.according to his agent.

*****************************************************
  SEBL   


Standings
SEBL Standings
City B-East
 1. Summ.Hill BD 5-0 
 2. BC Sixers 2-3 
 3. Owen FH 1-2 
 4. BC Howren 1-2 
 5. Polk Co. 0-4 
City B-West
 1. Metro Tech 3-0 
 2. Cedart.B. II 2-2 
 3. BC Dalton 2-3 
 4. Rockmart 1-2 
 5. BC Knicks-2 1-3 
Metro A-North
 1. Cartersville W. 4-0 
 2. BC Skyline 3-1 
 3. ServPro-1 3-1 
 4. BC Force 2-2 
 5. BC Celtics 2-2 
 6. Marietta O. 1-2 
 7. Smyrna K. 0-3 
 8. Supreme 0-4 
Metro A-South
 1. Speedboys 4-1 
 2. BC Lakers 4-1 
 3. Young Gunz 3-2 
 4. Tri-County 2-3 
 5. Black Monop 2-3 
 6. D.O.T.S. 0-5 


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  SERBIA   


Angolan seniors beat U20 Serbia on 'Borislav Stankovic Cup' - by Dragan Jankovski
After fantastic win against Russian B National Team, U20 Serbia is defeated in the last round of 'Borislav Stankovic Cup' against Angolan senior National Team 60-68. It means that third place on this prestigious tournament belongs to Serbian youngsters. As a reminder at the first day of the competition Serbia suffered defeat against China. Yao Ming dominated that time leading his team to win at the front of their fans. Milan Macvan (206-F/C-89) was the best player for Serbia in that game scoring 23 points. In the next round Serbian youngsters, which were led by impressive Marko Keselj (208-F-88, agency: Beo Basket), outplayed Russian B National Team 99-85. Keselj counted until 27 in this game brining the only win for Serbians in China. Yesterday Serbia had better beginning finishing fist quarter with plus 4, 15-11. Second frame was a crucial period of the game as Angola totally dominated making big turn before the half time. It was 26-36 for African team after 20 minutes. They continued at the same rhythm in the next quarter when it was clear that U20 Serbia will have to be more than satisfied with one victory on this strong tournament. Actually Serbians came on minus 6 once in the last quarter but they weren't able to do anything more.

Serbia got the most from giant Boban Marjanovic (221-C-88), who nailed 14 points. Miroslav Raduljica (213-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) and Milan Macvan was behind him scoring 11 points each. Ciprijani was a key player for Angola netting 22 points.


Serbia Angola 60-68
(15-11,11-25,13-18,21-14)

Serbia: Boban Marjanovic 14, Miroslav Raduljica 11, Milan Macvan 11
Angola: Cipriani 20, Joakin 15

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  SLOVENIA   


Glavas joins Polpharma - by Zeljko Zule

Nejc Glavas (190-G-86) ex Zagorje inked with Polish team Polpharma Starogard Gdanski for the upcoming season. Last season he appeared in 22 games, averaging 30,5 minutes, 14,2 points (2P 47%, 3P 36%, FT 78%), 3,2 rebounds, 4,8 assists and 1,5 steals per contest.

.



Brezec in Lottomatica Virtus Roma? - by Jan Flac
It was a misinformation about an NBA player Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) signing a contract with Lottomatica Virtus Roma, as it seems like, he only has an unformal aegreement with the club and he will most probably sign a contract on Monday (siol.net/sportal). We are sincerely sorry for all the difficulties concerning this misinformation.

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  TAIWAN   


2008 Jones Cup men's group results - by Chris Wang
Final placing:
1. Jordan NT
2. Athletes in Action
3. Australia U-19 NT
4. Qatar NT
5. Egypt NT
6. Kazakhstan NT
7. Korea University Select Team
8. Taiwan NT

Final Day
Final: Jordan 93-91(OT) AIA
3/4: Australia 91-88(OT) Qatar
5/6: Egypt 98-89(OT) Kazakhstan
7/8: Korea 83-74 Taiwan

Playoffs
Semi: AIA 97-90 QAT
Semi: Jordan 75-60 Australia
5-8: Kazakhstan 66-56 Taiwan
5-8: Egypt 85-81 Korea

Final Prelim Standings
1. Athletes in Action 6-1
2. Jordan NT 5-2
3. Australia U-19 NT 4-3
4. Qatar NT 4-3
5. Egypt NT 4-3
6. Kazakhstan NT 3-4
7. Taiwan NT 1-6
8. Korea University Select Team 1-6

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  TURKEY   


Peters shocks Mersin - by Sinan Can
Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyespor of Turkey who has announced the signing of James Peters (204-F-81, college: UNLV) shocked with the news from American power forward. James Peters who has played for Fort Wayne Mad Ants of D-League last year informed the club that he has signed for a South Korean team and will not come to Turkey. Despite the legal, signed contract, players act has created huge anger on Mersin side. Club officials said, due to FIBA transfer rules, no player can sign with two clubs at the same time as they've a valid contract for 2008-2009 season and any club who wants to sign with James Peters should talk with them. Mersin will apply to FIBA with the signed official contract of James Peters. Due to the rules, player and his agent migh be banned for up to two years because of the act.

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  VENEZUELA   


LPB Quarter Finals - Gameday 7: Trotamundos, Marinos and Cocodrilos advance to Semis - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Trotamundos de Carabobo and Cocodrilos de Caracas Game 7 in each of their Quarter Finals series to gain spots in the next round of Liga Profesional de Baloncesto, while Marinos de Anzoategui got the 'lucky looser' spot and advanced despites loosing their series, due to the fact that they were the best team among those who lost in the QF.



SERIES A
TROTAMUNDOS DE CARABOBO 90 - MARINOS DE ANZOATEGUI 85
Forum of Valencia - Valencia, Carabobo
(Trotamundos won series 4-3)

Quarter by quarter
TRO: 24-17-31-19= 90
MAR: 26-14-24-21= 85


Scorers
TRO: Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) 22 points and 11 rebounds, Facundo Sucatzky (176-G-72) 20 points and 5 assists, Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82) 15 points, J.R. Wallace (183-G-81) 14 points, Joe Shipp (197-F-81) 13 points, Pedro Brito (202-F/C-82) 4 points, Alejandro Barrios (205-F-79) 2 points
MAR: Hector Romero (202-F-80) 20 points and 10 rebounds, Curtis Withers (203-F-84) 16 points, Jason Edwin (196-G/F-81) 14 points, Elvis Montero (193-G-78) 12 points, Cordell Henry (178-G-80) 10 points, Axiers Sucre (198-F-78) 8 points, Gregory Vargas (182-G-86) 5 points



SERIES B
COCODRILOS DE CARACAS 87 - GATOS DE MONAGAS 76
Naciones Unidas Park - Caracas, D.C.
(Cocodrilos won series 4-3)

Quarter by quarter
COC: 25-22-20-20= 87
GAT: 16-24-14-22= 76


Scorers
COC: Edgar Moreno (191-G-81) 23 points, Jack Michael Martinez (203-F/C-81) 22 points and 17 rebounds, Kevin Freeman (201-F-78) 14 points, Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) 10 points and 13 rebounds, Victor David Diaz (195-F-68) 10 points, Henry Paez (184-G-70) 8 points
GAT: Manuel Guzman (203-F-82) 17 points and 10 rebounds, Ronnie Fields (193-G-77) 16 points, Edgar Arteaga (198-F-76) 9 points, Francisco Sanabria (190-G-77) 8 points, Ruben Pachano (185-G-76) 8 points, Ernesto Mijares (190-G-76) 6 points, Roque Osorio (206-C-76) 4 points, Amber Marin (208-C-81) 4 points, Duke Freeman-McKamey (208-F-80) 2 points, Cesar Olivo (186-G-83) 2 points


Alejandro Barrios and Luis Bethelmy to Mexico's Lobos UAC de Saltillo - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan players Alejandro Barrios (205-F-79) and Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) will play for Lobos UAC de Saltillo in the upcoming season of Mexico's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP), after reaching an agreement with that team through the work of Venezuelan agent Carlos Siphuentes Brito.

Barrios, a 29 years old small forward, averaged 9.7 points, 2.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 22 matches during the regular season for Trotamundos de Carabobo, a season that was shortened due to an injury that prevented him from playing with Venezuela's Senior NT in the recent South American Championship in Chile. He's fully recovered now and back into the shape that's made him one the most promising Venezuelan players in recent years.

Meanwhile, Bethelmy is a quick power forward recently awarded as Progress Player of the Year by the LPB's main board. He played 42 games for Cocodrilos de Caracas and averaged 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per outing.

Bethelmy and Barrios will join other Venezuelan players in Mexico who have recently been signed. They are Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80), with Angeles de Puebla for the second straight season and newcomers Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) and Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82), who'll see action as members of Fuerza Regia de Monterrey.

Axiers Sucre will play for Union Sunchales in Argentina's TNA - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan power forward Axiers Sucre (198-F-78), a member of Venezuela's Senior National Team and currently playing for Marinos de Anzoategui in Liga Profesional de Baloncesto's 2008 Semifinals, reached and agreement to play for Union Sunchales in Argentina's Torneo Nacional de Ascenso (TNA), according to information provided by agent Carlos Siphuentes Brito through a phone call.

Sucre played 48 games for Marinos during the regular season, averaging 15.3 points and 9.3 rebounds per every outing with ratios of 59.2% in two-point shots, 35.9% in three-point shots and 66.5% in free throws. With the Senior NT, he played in the recent South American Championship of Puerto Montt, Chile, contributing with 3.1 points and 2.0 rebounds per match, though he was mainly used coming off the bench. Venezuela clinched the bronze medal in that tournament and gained a spot in the 2009 FIBA Americas World Qualy Tournament, to be played in Mexico.

Sucre is a 30 year-old forward, 1.98m tall. With Sunchales, he'll try to help in the team's main objective, which is to return to the first division basketball.

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  ZIMBABWE   


Basketball press release - by Gracey Chirumanzu
FIBA PRESS RELEASE

Field and schedule for
2008 Olympic Basketball Tournament for Men finalized


GENEVA, Switzerland/ATHENS, Greece/20th July 2008 Upon completion of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men in Athens, Greece, the field of the 12 participant mens national teams at the upcoming Beijing 2008 Olympic Games is now finalized.

Germany, winner of tonights Final of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men, has joined Croatia and Greece (the winners of yesterdays semi-finals) as the last team clinching a final spot for the 2008 Olympic Basketball Tournament for Men.

The draw to determine the final composition of groups for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Basketball Tournament for Men has taken place in the OAKA Basketball Arena in Maroussi, Athens, just a few minutes after the Final of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament for Men. As a result of this draw, Croatia will be in Group A, while Germany and Greece will compete in Group B.

Listed below is the final composition of groups, as well as the complete event schedule for the Olympic Basketball Tournament for Men that will be played from 10th to 24th August 2008 in the brand new 18.000-seat Wukesong Indoor Stadium. Please note that all tip-off hours are local time in Beijing, China.


1. Composition of groups:

Group A: Argentina, Australia, Croatia, Iran, Lithuania and Russia

Group B: Angola, China, Germany, Greece, Spain and USA


2. Preliminary Round:


10th August 2008:

Game 7 (9:00 hours): Russia vs. Iran
Game 8 (11:15 hours): Germany vs. Angola
Game 9 (14:30 hours): Spain vs. Greece
Game 10 (16:45 hours): Lithuania vs. Argentina
Game 11 (20:00 hours): Australia vs. Croatia
Game 12 (22:15 hours): USA vs. China





12th August 2008:

Game 19 (9:00 hours): Iran vs. Lithuania
Game 20 (11:15 hours): Croatia vs. Russia
Game 21 (14:30 hours): Greece vs. Germany
Game 22 (16:45 hours): China vs. Spain
Game 23 (20:00 hours): Angola vs. USA
Game 24 (22:15 hours): Argentina vs. Australia


14th August 2008:

Game 31 (9:00 hours): Germany vs. Spain
Game 32 (11:15 hours): Australia vs. Iran
Game 33 (14:30 hours): Angola vs. China
Game 34 (16:45 hours): Lithuania vs. Russia
Game 35 (20:00 hours): USA vs. Greece
Game 36 (22:15 hours): Argentina vs. Croatia


16th August 2008:

Game 43 (9:00 hours): Greece vs. Angola
Game 44 (11:15 hours): Russia vs. Australia
Game 45 (14:30 hours): Croatia vs. Lithuania
Game 46 (16:45 hours): Iran vs. Argentina
Game 47 (20:00 hours): China vs. Germany
Game 48 (22:15 hours): Spain vs. USA


18th August 2008:

Game 55 (9:00 hours): Iran vs. Croatia
Game 56 (11:15 hours): Australia vs. Lithuania
Game 57 (14:30 hours): Greece vs. China
Game 58 (16:45 hours): Angola vs. Spain
Game 59 (20:00 hours): USA vs. Germany
Game 60 (22:15 hours): Argentina vs. Russia


3. Quarter-Finals:

The information below shows only who will be playing whom in accordance with the final standings after the Preliminary Round.


20th August 2008:

Game 65: B2 vs. A3
Game 66: A1 vs. B4
Game 67: A2 vs. B3
Game 68: B1 vs. A4

The exact game number and time for the four Quarter-Finals will be known at the latest on the evening of 18th August. The games of the Quarter-Finals will be played at 14:30, 16:45, 20:00 and 22:15 hours.


4. Semi-Finals:

22nd August 2008:

Game 71: Winner 65 vs. Winner 66
Game 72: Winner 67 vs. Winner 68

The exact game number and time for the two Semi-Finals will be known at the latest on the evening of 20th August. The games of the Semi-Finals will be played at 20:00 hours and 22:15 hours.


5. Finals:

24th August 2008:

Game 75 (12:00 hours): Loser 71 vs. Loser 72 (3 4)
Game 76 (14:30 hours): Winner 71 vs. Winner 72 (1 2)


About FIBA

FIBA (www.fiba.com), the world governing body for basketball, is an independent association formed by 213 National Federations of basketball throughout the world. It is recognised as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Its main upcoming events are the Beijing 2008 Olympic Basketball Tournaments and the FIBA World Championships for Men and Women, held every four years. The 2010 FIBA World Championship will be played in Turkey, while the 2010 FIBA World Championship for Women will take place in the Czech Republic.

www.olympicbasketball.fiba.com




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Women News

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  BARBADOS - Women  


Centrobasket 2008: Trinidad & Tobago outsmarts Barbados for the first joy - by Eurobasket News
Barbados - Trinidad & Tobago 60-64

Trinidad & Tobago had a reason for a joy for the first time on Centrobasket Championship 2008 in Puerto Rico. After 0-3 in Group A, Trinidad & Tobago grabbed win against Barbados so they will meet Guatemala in the battle for fifth position. On the other hand, despite one victory in Group B, Barbados will have to fight for position number 7 against Costa Rica. Both teams started first quarter showing their nerves. It was the main reason for low-scoring first ten minutes of the game as both teams missed couple of wide open shots. Different picture was seen on the court in the second stanza as Trinidad & Tobago totally took control on its opponent. Mostly owing to Pietra Gay (183-F-74) and Patrice Edwards (198-C-84, college: Texas Tech), Trinidad & Tobago finished it 12-22, which meant that they had comfortable plus 13 at the half time. Situation has changed in third frame as Barbados started to play more aggressive. Their pressure at the defensive end at kept Trinidad & Tobago on just 10 points in this quarter while Barbados netted 18. So the game was open for Barbadians once again. Trinidad & Tobago succeeded to keep 4 points lead until the last couple of seconds. Barbadians had a chance to make something at the very end but Toni Atherley (173-G-83) missed a 3-pointer which could possibly bring them chance but unfortunately to them it didn't happen.

Pietra Gay paced Trinidad & Tobago to win collecting 20 points and 6 rebounds. Patrice Edwards also had wonderful performance adding 19 points and 8 rebounds while Jackson-Kenedy had 12 points. Toni Atherley was the best in Barbados with 20 points and 5 rebounds while Jamila Griffith (183-G/F-82, college: Md-Eastern Shore) registered 15 points and 10 rebounds.


Barbados - Trinidad & Tobago 60-64
(10-13,12-22,18-10,20-19)

Barbados: Toni Atherley 20 (5 rebs), Jamila Griffith 15 (10 rebs)
Trinidad & Tobago: Pietra Gay 20 (6 rebs), Patrice Edwards 19 (8 rebs), Jackson-Kenedy 12

Centrobasket 2008: Barbados grabs the first win, Costa Rica winless yet - by Eurobasket News
Costa Rica - Barbados 60-80

At the last game in Group A of Centrobasket Championship 2008 Barbados celebrated for the first time. After two defeats against Mexico and the host Puerto Rico, Barbados was strong enough to outplay Costa Rica finishing as a third ranked team in its group. Costa Ricans didn't have a reason for a joy yet thus position number four in Group A belongs to them. It was an extremely low scoring first half of the game where both teams struggled a lot with their stroke. Barbados had 30% from the field while Costa Rica had even worst percentage, 25. In the second half Barbadians intensified defense which resulted with many fast breaks at the offensive end. With almost 3 minutes remaining in the second stanza they already created advantage of 10 points. After the breather, Costa Rica showed some attitude closing the gap on 5 points at the middle of third frame. Barbadians answered very quick setting the score on 53-40. Until the end of the game Costa Rica wasn't able to come any closer. Actually, Barbadians continued at the same rhythm extended their lead even more.

Toni Atherley (173-G-83) paced Barbados to win making double-double, 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jamila Griffith (183-G/F-82, college: Md-Eastern Shore) had fantastic scoring as well as rebounding day recording 18 points and 18 boards. Shakira Shorey (185-F/C-84, college: Ft.Valley St.) was just behind these two players with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Natalia Galvez (-85) added 24 points and 5 rebounds for Costa Rica while Liliana Lewis (-80) had 6 points and 15 rebounds. At the next stage Barbados will meet Trinidad & Tobago while Costa Rica waits Guatemala.


Costa Rica - Barbados 60-80

Costa Rica: Natalia Galvez 24 (5 rebs), Liliana Lewis 6 (15 rebs)
Barbados: Toni Atherley 21 (10 rebs), Jamila Griffith 18 (18 rebs), Shakira Shorey 16 (4 rebs)

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  BELARUS - Women  


Snezana Aleksic leads Montenegro to the 11th spot in Chieti - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Belarus U20 73:67

Montenegrin U20 National Team earned the 11th spot at the European Championship in Italy. Earlier today Montenegro toppled Belarus to finish their campaign in style. Snezana Aleksic (171-G-89) put on another sizzling outstanding performance tallying 37 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals to pace her team to the win. However Belarus controlled the situation in the opening stanza. They kept in front for the major part of the quarter and led 18:16 heading into the second frame. However the second period became a one-man show as Aleksic netted 14 points and propelled the Balkan team 36:32 ahead. Natallia Kozun (189-F-88), Tsikhimirava and Volha Vashkevich (188-F/C-88) all scored from beyond the arc to give lead back to Belarus 43:40. Montenegro capped the third frame on a 13:9 run and led 53:49 with a quarter to go. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) buried 9 free throws in the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter to lift Belarus up 62:59. She added a layup as Belarus enjoyed a 64:61advantage with just over 3 minutes left in regulation. But Montenegro reeled off to an 8:0 rally to claim a 69:64 advantage with 19 seconds remaining. Tatsiana Likhtarovich dropped a trey to cut eh deficit to 2 points with 13 seconds to go. But Snezana Aleksic nailed 4 freebies in the dying seconds to seal the win for Montenegro. Milica Jovanovic (187-F/C-89) had 11 points, while Marija Vujadinovic (175-G-90) delivered 10 points for the winners. Tatsiana Likhtarovich responded with 20 points for Belarus. Natallia Kozun provided 15 points in a losing effort.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 37+11 boards, Milica Jovanovic 11, Marija Vujadinovic 10
Belarus U20: Tatsiana Likhtarovich 20, Natallia Kozun 15

Russia goes 3-0 in Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - Belarus U18 69:51

Russian Junior National team claimed their third straight win at the European Championship. Today they edged Belarus and completed the preliminary round on top of Group C. Once again Russian team relied on well-balanced offense and stifling defense to prevail. Belarus could not match the tempo and suffered their third defeat in a row. They will now fight to avoid relegation in the classification round. The game started pretty unexpectedly as Belarus were in full control over the opening stanza. Nadzeya Bohdan (182-F-93), Maryia Rashchenia (182-F-92) and Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) lifted Belarus to a 10:3 lead early in the game. Veranika Valeuskaya (169-G-91) crowned the frame with 4 points for Belarus and they grabbed a 16:4 advantage. However Russia quickly came back to life. They opened the second frame with a 15:1 run to silence their opponents. Three-pointers from Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) and Aleksandra Melnikova (178-F-90) secured a 28:23 advantage for Russia at halftime. Belarus stayed in the race early after the long break as back-to-back triples from Maryia Filonchyk and five points from Padshyvalava puthem back in charge 34:32. Belarus maintained the lead and entered the fourth term up by 4 points 45:41. The fact never frightened off Russia as they limited their opponents to only 6 points in the fourth period and stormed to an impressive win at the end. Veronika Dorosheva (188-F-91) had 18 points and 15 boards to lead Russia. Anastasiya Shilova contributed 16 points and 11 boards, while Anastasia Logunova (192-C-90) delivered 15 points and 9 caroms for the winners. Aliaksandra Zubrytskaya (172-G-90) knocked down 11 points in a loss. Maryia Filonchyk had 8 points and 7 boards for Belarus.

Russia U18: Veronika Dorosheva 18+15 boards, Anastasiya Shilova 16+11 boards, Anastasia Logunova 15
Belarus U18: Aliaksandra Zubrytskaya 11, Maryia Filonchyk 8

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Spain clinches the second spot in Pool C in Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Bulgaria U18 97:57

Spanish Junior Team completed the task and advanced to the qualifying round of the European Championship in Slovakia. They destroyed Bulgaria today for the second straight win at the tournament. Vega Gimeno (183-F-91) shone with 15 points and 12 boards for the winners. Bulgaria also qualified for the qualifying stage despite loss. They finished the preliminary Group C with 1-2 record at the third spot. Stanislava Stankova (168-G-90) paced Bulgarian team with 22 points. The teams kept it leveled at 14 after the opening frame but Spaniards went on a decisive run in the second period. They outgunned their opponents 35:11 to take care of business. A 10:0 run late in the third period allowed Spanish team to enjoy a 33-point cushion at the beginning of the final stanza. Bulgaria managed to cut the distance to 27 points in the fourth quarter but it was just a mere spark for them as Spanish easily secured stunning victory at the end. Marta Xargay (180-G-90) had 13 points, while Leonor Rodriguez (177-G-91) and Marta Tudanca (182-F-90) produced 11 points apiece for the winners. Stefka Nikolova (170-G-90) contributed 10 points and 8 boards for Bulgaria in a loss. Spain outrebounded their opponents 37:34 and forced Bulgaria to 23 turnovers. The winners also shot solid 64% from close range and 74% from charity stripe.

Spain U18: Vega Gimeno 15+12 boards, Marta Xargay 13, Leonor Rodriguez 11, Marta Tudanca 11
Bulgaria U18: Stanislava Stankova 22, Stefka Nikolova 10

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  CENTROBASKET - Women  


Standings (Women)
A Standings
 1. PUR 3-0 
 2. CUB 3-0 
 3. DOM 2-1 
 4. MEX 2-1 
 5. BAR 1-2 
 6. GUA 1-2 
 7. TRI 0-3 
 8. CRC 0-3 


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  COSTA RICA - Women  


Centrobasket 2008: Barbados grabs the first win, Costa Rica winless yet - by Eurobasket News
Costa Rica - Barbados 60-80

At the last game in Group A of Centrobasket Championship 2008 Barbados celebrated for the first time. After two defeats against Mexico and the host Puerto Rico, Barbados was strong enough to outplay Costa Rica finishing as a third ranked team in its group. Costa Ricans didn't have a reason for a joy yet thus position number four in Group A belongs to them. It was an extremely low scoring first half of the game where both teams struggled a lot with their stroke. Barbados had 30% from the field while Costa Rica had even worst percentage, 25. In the second half Barbadians intensified defense which resulted with many fast breaks at the offensive end. With almost 3 minutes remaining in the second stanza they already created advantage of 10 points. After the breather, Costa Rica showed some attitude closing the gap on 5 points at the middle of third frame. Barbadians answered very quick setting the score on 53-40. Until the end of the game Costa Rica wasn't able to come any closer. Actually, Barbadians continued at the same rhythm extended their lead even more.

Toni Atherley (173-G-83) paced Barbados to win making double-double, 21 points and 10 rebounds. Jamila Griffith (183-G/F-82, college: Md-Eastern Shore) had fantastic scoring as well as rebounding day recording 18 points and 18 boards. Shakira Shorey (185-F/C-84, college: Ft.Valley St.) was just behind these two players with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Natalia Galvez (-85) added 24 points and 5 rebounds for Costa Rica while Liliana Lewis (-80) had 6 points and 15 rebounds. At the next stage Barbados will meet Trinidad & Tobago while Costa Rica waits Guatemala.


Costa Rica - Barbados 60-80

Costa Rica: Natalia Galvez 24 (5 rebs), Liliana Lewis 6 (15 rebs)
Barbados: Toni Atherley 21 (10 rebs), Jamila Griffith 18 (18 rebs), Shakira Shorey 16 (4 rebs)

Centrobasket 2008: Guatemala records second win beating Costa Rica - by Eurobasket News
Guatemala - Costa Rica 76-55

Guatemala grabs the second win on Centrobasket Championship 2008. After Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemalans were better than Costa Rica making step forward to fifth position on Centrobasket. Blanca Amado (-80) was the key player for the winners. She totally dominated at the offensive end netting 26 points. At the same time Blanca Amado grabbed 9 boards and dished out 4 assist. Beginning of the game belonged to Guatemalans as they ended first stanza having advantage of 5 points. Second period brought a little bit better performance from Costa Rica. However both teams struggled a lot with their stroke having just some more that 30% from the field. Guatemala continued at the same rhythm after the breather which resulted with plus 10 at the early beginning of the third stanza. Later, Costa Rica wasn't able even to threat as Guatemalans extended their lead even more.

Except of above mentioned Blanca Amado, the winners got 14 points and 8 rebounds from Sofia Lopez (-G-87). Maria Fleischmann (-F/C-78) also showed decent performance finishing the game with 11 points and 9 rebounds. On the other side Glendorlee Pinnock (-62) added 13 points and 5 rebounds for Costa Rica while Natalia Galvez (-85) stopped don 13 points. In the battle for position number five Guatemala will take on Trinidad & Tobago, which will be the second game of these two teams in Puerto Rico. Costa Rica will meet Barbados for position number seven.


Guatemala - Costa Rica 76-55
(17-12,15-14,20-16,24-13)

Guatemala: Blanca Amado 26 (9 rebs, 4 as), Sofia Lopez 14 (8 rebs), Maria Fleischmann 11 (9 rebs)
Costa Rica: Glendorlee Pinnock 13 (5 rebs), Natalia Galvez 13

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  CROATIA - Women  


France blow out Croatia - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Croatia U18 71:35

French Junior National Team secured their third straight win at the European Championship. They swept Croatia to win the preliminary Pool D and advanced to the qualifying round. Croatia in the meantime suffered their third consecutive loss and remained at the bottom of the ladder. They will try to secure Division A spot in the classification round games. France had little problems en route to another stunning victory. They led right from the start and built a 22:11 advantage at the first intermission. Les Blues stretched the margin to 15 points at halftime. Croatia struggled offensively and managed only 2 points in the third frame. France entered the fourth period with 26 points before the fourth term and never looked back in the fourth quarter. Diandra Tchatchouang (187-F/C-91) nailed 17 points and pulled down 8 boards to lead France. Allison Vernerey (191-C-91) secured 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Mia Carapina (190-F-90) answered with 15 points and 7 rebounds for Croatia. Tea Buzov (172-G-90) and Tomica Bacic (182-F-90) had 7 points apiece in a loss. France outrebounded Croatia 59:41 and held them to miserable 22% of field goals.

France U18: Diandra Tchatchouang 17, Allison Vernerey 12+10 board, Medelome Medenou (188-F-90) 8, Pauline Thizy (190-C-90) 8
Croatia U18: Mia Carapina 15, Tea Buzov 7, Tomica Bacic 7

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  CUBA - Women  


Centrobasket 2008: Cuba blasts Mexico for the final - by Eurobasket News
Cuba - Mexico 96-45

As it was expected, the top team of Group B, Cuba, had an easy job in the semifinals of Centrobasket Championship 2008. The defending champion continued total domination in Puerto Rico smashing Mexico, which was the second ranked team in Group A. Thus Cuba will play against the host of Centrobasket for the Gold. Another important thing is that with this win Cuba already qualified for the FIBA Americas Championship 2009. On the other side Mexicans will fight for the bronze medal against Dominican Republic. That game also will be extremely important as the winner will book a spot for the above mentioned event.
This game started very well for the Cubans as they had plus 7 after first 10 minutes. During the entire second stanza Cuba hold Mexico on just 5 points which resulted with 41-20 for Cuba at the half time. Defending champion didn't want to stop after the break. They kept smashing Mexico closing third frame with 32-11. Finally, after the next ten minutes they doubled score making even more 96-45.

This time Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) was the best scorer for Cuba netting 18 points. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) followed her draining 15 points while Yakelin Plutin (186-F-79) had one point leas then her grabbing 7 more rebounds. Mexicans got the biggest help from Alejandra Delgado (180-F-83), who collected 14 points and 9 rebounds. Actually she was the only one with double digits for the loosing side. Brisa Silva (168-G-84) contributed in this game with 8 points and 4 rebounds.


Cuba - Mexico 96-45
(22-15,19-5,32-11,23-14)

Cuba: Yamara Amargo 18, Suchitel Avila 15, Yakelin Plutin 14 (7 rebs)
Mexico: Alejandra Delgado 14 (9 rebs), Brisa Silva 8 (4 rebs)

Centrobasket 2008: Cuba dominates against Dominican Republic but both teams reach semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Dominican Republic - Cuba 55-109

Once again Cuba confirmed its domination in Group B of Centrobasket Championship 2008 advancing to the semifinals with perfect score. This time the Cubans were too strong for Dominican Republic, which ended as a second ranked team in the same group. As a reminder, Cubans smashed Guatemala in the first round 92-25 while Trinidad & Tobago also suffered huge defeat at the next day 99-39. Cuba and the host Puerto Rico, whish is the top team of Group A, demonstrated a way better performance than all other teams on the championship. Beginning of the game unexpectedly started much better for Dominicans. They showed strong willingess to resist as long as they can against tough Cubans. In the second quarter Cuba finally took control on Dominican Republic. With one minute to go until the half time defending champions already created 48-24. After that moment it was clear that the Cubans will register more than comfortable victory. The only real question was how big difference between these two teams will be at the end.

Defending champions this time got the most from Yayma Boulet (193-C-83), who drained 20 points including 7 rebounds. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) shined once again collecting 19 points and 4 rebounds for her team. Third player which had important role helping with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to this victory was Yamara Amargo (180-F-85). Andreina Paniagua (-79) had 12 points and 6 rebounds for the loosing side while Adalgisa Brito and Jennifer Estrella (-88) scored 10 points each. Cuabns advanced to the semifinals where it will take on Mexico while Dominican Republic will play against the strong Puerto Rico.


Dominican Republic Cuba 55-109

Dominican Republic: Andreina Paniagua 12 (6 rebs), Adalgisa Brito 10, Jennifer Estrella 10
Cuba: Yayma Boulet 20 (7 rebs), Suchitel Avila 19 (4 rebs), Yamara Amargo 17 (6 rebs, 6 as)

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Italy claims the 9th spot at home European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Czech Republic U20 69:67

Italian U20 National Team overcame a 27-point outburst from Eva Mrhalkova (175-F/G-88) to score a dramatic 69:67 win over Czech Republic. Italy thus earned the 9th spot at the European Championship. The teams were well-matched in the opening frame and finished all tied at 17. Italy capped the second period with a 7:0 run to pile up a 37:31 advantage at the interval. Lenka Sipova (185-C-88) and Eva Mrhalkova cut the deficit to minimum early in the third frame. Soon Aneta Obrusnikova (174-G-88) dropped back-to-back treys and Czech Republic led 45:42. However the hosts denied the deficit and drew things level 51:51 at the end of the third period. The teams exchanged the baskets and remained knotted at 62 with 2 minutes to go. Clelia Corsi (193-C-89) and Arianna Zampieri (181-F-88) dropped 4 points in a row as Italy clear off to a 4-point distance. Hindrakova shaved the distance but Valeria Battisodo (177-G-88) answered with a three-pointer to maintain the gap. Aneta Obrusnikova gave hope to Czech Republic side with a treble but her potential winning three-pointer with 4 seconds remaining missed the mark. Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) accounted for 17 points for Italy. Valeria Battisodo had 13 points, while Sabrina Cinili (190-F-89) added 9 in a win. Eva Mrhalkova was well complimented by Aneta Obrusnikova with 18 points. Lenka Sipova finished with 15 points and 8 boards in defeat.

Italy U20: Chiara Consolini 17, Valeria Battisodo 13, Sabrina Cinili 9
Czech Republic U20: Eva Mrhalkova 27, Aneta Obrusnikova 18

Czech Republic grabs another win in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U18 - Romania U18 105:63

Czech Republic Junior National Team prevailed against Romania in the third round of preliminary action at the European Championship today. Three players scored 14 points for Czech team as they sent Romanian side into classification round. Romania suffered their third straight loss and would fight for the right to remain in Division A now. Bianca Barbu (169-G-90) and Pavel paced Romania in front in the opening minutes of the game but Czech team quickly denied the effort. They capped the first frame with an 18:7 run that put Czech team in charge 31:17. Svrdlikova fueled an 8:0 rally from Czech Republic early in the second stanza as they stretched the margin to 21 points. Andreea Pop (185-C-90) and Doinita Panait (184-C-90) cut the deficit to 16 points at halftime. The momentum continued for Romania in the third period as Andreea Pop, Alina Chivu (180-F-90) and Bianca Barbu teamed up for 8 points to drag them within 8 points from Czech Republic. However Czechs answered with a 15:1 surge that secured the comfortable cushion. Romania never came closer than 20 points in the reminder of the contest and Czech Republic celebrated their second win at the tournament. Katerina Zavazalova (171-G-90), Eva Skutilova (182-F-90) and Klara Rosenbaumova (182-F-90) dropped 14 points apiece to pace Czech Republic. Dominika Behalova (166-G-90) and Stara notched 11 points apiece in a win. Bianca Barbu had 13 points for Romania in defeat. Alina Chivu produced 8 points and 8 rebounds. Czech team outrebounded their opponents 49:38 and forced those to as many as 38 turnovers.

Czech Republic U18: Katerina Zavazalova 14, Eva Skutilova 14, Klara Rosenbaumova 14
Romania U18: Bianca Barbu 13, Alina Chivu 8

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - Women  


Centrobasket 2008: Cuba dominates against Dominican Republic but both teams reach semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Dominican Republic - Cuba 55-109

Once again Cuba confirmed its domination in Group B of Centrobasket Championship 2008 advancing to the semifinals with perfect score. This time the Cubans were too strong for Dominican Republic, which ended as a second ranked team in the same group. As a reminder, Cubans smashed Guatemala in the first round 92-25 while Trinidad & Tobago also suffered huge defeat at the next day 99-39. Cuba and the host Puerto Rico, whish is the top team of Group A, demonstrated a way better performance than all other teams on the championship. Beginning of the game unexpectedly started much better for Dominicans. They showed strong willingess to resist as long as they can against tough Cubans. In the second quarter Cuba finally took control on Dominican Republic. With one minute to go until the half time defending champions already created 48-24. After that moment it was clear that the Cubans will register more than comfortable victory. The only real question was how big difference between these two teams will be at the end.

Defending champions this time got the most from Yayma Boulet (193-C-83), who drained 20 points including 7 rebounds. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) shined once again collecting 19 points and 4 rebounds for her team. Third player which had important role helping with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists to this victory was Yamara Amargo (180-F-85). Andreina Paniagua (-79) had 12 points and 6 rebounds for the loosing side while Adalgisa Brito and Jennifer Estrella (-88) scored 10 points each. Cuabns advanced to the semifinals where it will take on Mexico while Dominican Republic will play against the strong Puerto Rico.


Dominican Republic Cuba 55-109

Dominican Republic: Andreina Paniagua 12 (6 rebs), Adalgisa Brito 10, Jennifer Estrella 10
Cuba: Yayma Boulet 20 (7 rebs), Suchitel Avila 19 (4 rebs), Yamara Amargo 17 (6 rebs, 6 as)

Centrobasket 2008: Puerto Rico celebrates vs Dominican Republic advancing to the final - by Eurobasket News
Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic 79-69

Tougher than it was expected Puerto Rico succeeded to beat Dominican Republic in the semifinals of Centrobasket Championship 2008. Thus the host of this elite competition booked a spot for the final as well as for the FIBA Americas Championship 2009. In the battle for the Gold Puerto Rico will take on the defending champion Cuba. It won't be an easy job for Puerto Ricans as Cuba showed the best performance so far on Centrobasket. Dominican Republic will meet Mexico in the battle for the bronze and at the same time for the place on FIBA Americas Championship 2009.
Dominican Republic played surprisingly good first half of the game. Dominicans dominated under the basket grabbing much more rebounds that their opponent. On the other side Puerto Rico made many bad decisions at the offensive end. Mostly owing to Charlenny Frias (-85) and Anabel Perdomo, Dominicans had 2 points lead at the half time. After 15-minutes break Puerto Rico was a totally different team. Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) and Yoliana Cabrera took care for the points and very soon Puerto Ricans made turn. They entered into the crucial ten minutes having advantage of 6 points. Dominican Republic showed attitude in the last frame trying to get some closer but tough Puerto Rico didn't let them.

Cynthia Valentin nailed 19 points for the winners while Yoliana Cabrera finished the game with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Esmary Vargas (191-C-81, agency: Next Level, college: Emporia St.) also shined registering double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds. Charlenny Frias scored 13 points for Dominicans while Anabel Perdomo followed her with 12 points and 4 rebounds. Andreina Paniagua (-79) scored 10 points and grabbed 11 boards.


Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic 79-69
(16-19,21-20,21-13,21-17)

Puerto Rico: Cynthia Valentin 19, Yoliana Cabrera 17 (8 rebs), Esmary Vargas 11 (10 rebs)
Dominican Republic: Charlenny Frias 13, Anabel Perdomo 12 (4 rebs), Andreina Paniagua 10 (11 rebs)

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 - Women  


Division A. Preliminary round Day 3 - by Eurobasket News
Group A
Czech Republic U18 - Romania U18 105:63
Czech Republic Junior National Team prevailed against Romania in the third round of preliminary action at the European Championship today. Three players scored 14 points for Czech team as they sent Romanian side into classification round. Romania suffered their third straight loss and would fight for the right to remain in Division A now. Bianca Barbu (169-G-90) and Pavel paced Romania in front in the opening minutes of the game but Czech team quickly denied the effort. They capped the first frame with an 18:7 run that put Czech team in charge 31:17. Svrdlikova fueled an 8:0 rally from Czech Republic early in the second stanza as they stretched the margin to 21 points. Andreea Pop and Doinita Panait cut the deficit to 16 points at halftime. The momentum continued for Romania in the third period as Andreea Pop, Alina Chivu (180-F-90) and Bianca Barbu teamed up for 8 points to drag them within 8 points from Czech Republic. However Czechs answered with a 15:1 surge that secured the comfortable cushion. Romania never came closer than 20 points in the reminder of the contest and Czech Republic celebrated their second win at the tournament. Katerina Zavazalova (171-G-90), Eva Skutilova (182-F-90) and Klara Rosenbaumova (182-F-90) dropped 14 points apiece to pace Czech Republic. Dominika Behalova and Stara notched 11 points apiece in a win. Bianca Barbu had 13 points for Romania in defeat. Alina Chivu produced 8 points and 8 rebounds. Czech team outrebounded their opponents 49:38 and forced those to as many as 38 turnovers.

Czech Republic U18: Katerina Zavazalova 14, Eva Skutilova 14, Klara Rosenbaumova 14
Romania U18: Bianca Barbu 13, Alina Chivu 8


Slovakia U18 - Ukraine U18 64:80
Slovakian Junior Team suffered their first loss at home European Championship. They were unable to post the third straight loss coming up short against Ukraine. Slovak Republic opponents bounced back after a stunning loss to Czech Republic and upset the hosts. Ol'ha Maznichenko (186-F-91) knocked down 32 points and collected 11 rebounds to pace Ukraine. The visitors surprised sloppy home side with a 22:6 rally in the opening stanza. Kateryna Dorogobuzova (187-F-90) and Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91) extended the difference to 16 points at the interval. Kateryna Dorogobuzova and Ol'ha Maznichenko gave Ukraine a 21-point advantage early in the third stanza. Slovakia never recovered and trailed by as many as 25 points after three quarters of action. Slovakia opened the final term with 10 points in a row to clip the deficit to 15 points. Barbora Novocka and Veronika Cernakova (174-G-90) clawed Slovakian way within 12 points but had little time to change things at the end. Kateryna Dorogobuzova poured in 27 points and pulled down 8 boards for Ukraine. Olesya Malashenko posted a massive double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds for the winners. Veronika Cernakova secured 18 points for Slovakia. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) delivered 14 points and 7 boards in defeat. Ukraine enjoyed an overwhelming advantage on the glass outrebounding their opponents 53:33. The winners shot impressive 51% of field goals and won despite committing 31 turnovers.

Slovakia U18: Veronika Cernakova 18, Klaudia Lukacovicova 14
Ukraine U18: Ol'ha Maznichenko 32+11 boards, Kateryna Dorogobuzova 27, Olesya Malashenko 21+19 boards


Group B
Poland U18 - Turkey U18 81:72
Polish Junior National Team recorded their first win at the European Championship in Slovakia. They overcame Turkey in a must-win fixture to remain hopeful about their chances to advance to the qualifying round of the tournament. Olivia Tomialowicz (182-G-90) scored 22 points to pace determined Polish team. Klaudia Sosnowska (186-F-90) and Magda Kaczmarska (183-F/G-90) teamed up for 13 points in a high-flying first quarter and Poland grabbed a 27:22 lead before the second term. The teams remained close over the next period with the scoreline read 43:38 for Poland at halftime. Pacula's trey gave Polish team a 7-point advantage midway through the third stanza. Firat however cut the distance to 6 with one quarter to play. Magda Kaczmarska and Paulina Antczak extended the margin to as many as 11 points early in the fourth quarter. Klaudia Sosnowska then came up with 5 points in a row to make it 71:55 game. Turkey never recovered and came up short at the end. Klaudia Sosnowska had 17 points and 9 boards for Poland. Magda Kaczmarska added 16 points, 8 assists and 6 boards, while Paulina Antczak contributed 15 points and 10 caroms for the winners. Ozge Yavas (169-G-91) dropped 21 points for Turkey. Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) secured 16 points and 11 boards in defeat. Turkey had a slight advantage on the glass with 45 rebounds. But they committed 20 turnovers and shot just 35% of field goals.

Poland U18: Olivia Tomialowicz 22, Klaudia Sosnowska 17, Magda Kaczmarska 16
Turkey U18: Ozge Yavas 21, Tugce Canitez 16+11 boards


Lithuania U18 - Italy U18 69:55
Lithuanian Junior National Team proved strong against Italy on the final day of preliminary action at the European Championship in Slovakia. Lithuania rolled to the third straight win and finished the stage on top of Group B. They advanced to the qualifying round and would face Ukraine next. Italy meanwhile slipped to 1-2 record and wrapped up their preliminary campaign at the bottom of the Group. They will play in the classification round for the right to stay in Division A next year. Italy would take on Belarus tomorrow. Lithuania got 24 points from Egle Siksniute (196-F-91) and held off determined Italian team. Italy jumped to an early 6:4 lead but Lithuania soon regained control over the game. They went on a 10:3 rally to step in front and piled up a 19:14 advantage at the intermission. Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) and Siskniute opened a double-digit lead for the Baltic team in the second frame. However Alice Quarta (175-G-91) drained back-to-back triples to fuel a 9:0 run for Italy at the end of the second stanza as they trimmed the deficit to 3 points at the interval. However Italy failed to come any closer in the third stanza. Lithuania kept them at bay and entered the fourth term ahead by 10. Gabriele Gutkauskaite (174-G-90) and Aurime Rinkeviciute stretched the distance to 15 points early in the fourth quarter and Lithuania never looked back again. Aurime Rinkeviciute secured 18 points and 13 boards for Lithuania. Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) dropped 10 points and pulled down 15 rebounds for the winners. Federica Nannucci (170-G-91) answered with 14 points for Italy. Alessandra Tava (184-F-91) had 13 points, while Alice Quarta added 11 in defeat.

Lithuania U18: Egle Siksniute 24, Aurime Rinkeviciute 18+13 boards, Giedre Paugaite 10+15 boards
Italy U18: Federica Nannucci 14, Alessandra Tava 13

Group C
Spain U18 - Bulgaria U18 97:57
Spanish Junior Team completed the task and advanced to the qualifying round of the European Championship in Slovakia. They destroyed Bulgaria today for the second straight win at the tournament. Vega Gimeno (183-F-91) shone with 15 points and 12 boards for the winners. Bulgaria also qualified for the qualifying stage despite loss. They finished the preliminary Group C with 1-2 record at the third spot. Stanislava Stankova (168-G-90) paced Bulgarian team with 22 points. The teams kept it leveled at 14 after the opening frame but Spaniards went on a decisive run in the second period. They outgunned their opponents 35:11 to take care of business. A 10:0 run late in the third period allowed Spanish team to enjoy a 33-point cushion at the beginning of the final stanza. Bulgaria managed to cut the distance to 27 points in the fourth quarter but it was just a mere spark for them as Spanish easily secured stunning victory at the end. Marta Xargay (180-G-90) had 13 points, while Leonor Rodriguez (177-G-91) and Marta Tudanca (182-F-90) produced 11 points apiece for the winners. Stefka Nikolova (170-G-90) contributed 10 points and 8 boards for Bulgaria in a loss. Spain outrebounded their opponents 37:34 and forced Bulgaria to 23 turnovers. The winners also shot solid 64% from close range and 74% from charity stripe.

Spain U18: Vega Gimeno 15+12 boards, Marta Xargay 13, Leonor Rodriguez 11, Marta Tudanca 11
Bulgaria U18: Stanislava Stankova 22, Stefka Nikolova 10


Russia U18 - Belarus U18 69:51
Russian Junior National team claimed their third straight win at the European Championship. Today they edged Belarus and completed the preliminary round on top of Group C. Once again Russian team relied on well-balanced offense and stifling defense to prevail. Belarus could not match the tempo and suffered their third defeat in a row. They will now fight to avoid relegation in the classification round. The game started pretty unexpectedly as Belarus were in full control over the opening stanza. Nadzeya Bohdan, Maryia Rashchenia and Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) lifted Belarus to a 10:3 lead early in the game. Veranika Valeuskaya crowned the frame with 4 points for Belarus and they grabbed a 16:4 advantage. However Russia quickly came back to life. They opened the second frame with a 15:1 run to silence their opponents. Three-pointers from Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) and Aleksandra Melnikova secured a 28:23 advantage for Russia at halftime. Belarus stayed in the race early after the long break as back-to-back triples from Maryia Filonchyk and five points from Padshyvalava puthem back in charge 34:32. Belarus maintained the lead and entered the fourth term up by 4 points 45:41. The fact never frightened off Russia as they limited their opponents to only 6 points in the fourth period and stormed to an impressive win at the end. Veronika Dorosheva (188-F-91) had 18 points and 15 boards to lead Russia. Anastasiya Shilova contributed 16 points and 11 boards, while Anastasia Logunova (192-C-90) delivered 15 points and 9 caroms for the winners. Aliaksandra Zubrytskaya (172-G-90) knocked down 11 points in a loss. Maryia Filonchyk had 8 points and 7 boards for Belarus.

Russia U18: Veronika Dorosheva 18+15 boards, Anastasiya Shilova 16+11 boards, Anastasia Logunova 15
Belarus U18: Aliaksandra Zubrytskaya 11, Maryia Filonchyk 8


Group D
France U18 - Croatia U18 71:35
French Junior National Team secured their third straight win at the European Championship. They swept Croatia to win the preliminary Pool D and advanced to the qualifying round. Croatia in the meantime suffered their third consecutive loss and remained at the bottom of the ladder. They will try to secure Division A spot in the classification round games. France had little problems en route to another stunning victory. They led right from the start and built a 22:11 advantage at the first intermission. Les Blues stretched the margin to 15 points at halftime. Croatia struggled offensively and managed only 2 points in the third frame. France entered the fourth period with 26 points before the fourth term and never looked back in the fourth quarter. Diandra Tchatchouang (187-F/C-91) nailed 17 points and pulled down 8 boards to lead France. Allison Vernerey (191-C-91) secured 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Mia Carapina (190-F-90) answered with 15 points and 7 rebounds for Croatia. Tea Buzov (172-G-90) and Tomica Bacic (182-F-90) had 7 points apiece in a loss. France outrebounded Croatia 59:41 and held them to miserable 22% of field goals.

France U18: Diandra Tchatchouang 17, Allison Vernerey 12+10 board, Medelome Medenou (188-F-90) 8, Pauline Thizy (190-C-90) 8
Croatia U18: Mia Carapina 15, Tea Buzov 7, Tomica Bacic 7


Serbia U18 - Sweden U18 60:44
Serbian U18 National Team pip Sweden today for the second win at the European Championship in Slovakia. Four players scored in double figures for Serbian team as they improved to 2-1 record and occupied the second spot at the preliminary Group D. Serbia advanced to the qualifying round as well as Sweden who slipped to 1-2 record at the third place in the Pool. The teams exchanged baskets early in the game before Julia Tornberg and Cleopatra Forsman (180-G-91) put Sweden in charge 13:7. Julia Tornberg and Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) traded baskets and Swedish team led 15:8 after ten minutes of action. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) opened the second frame with a three-pointer and stretched the lead to 10 points. However Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) and Dusanic teamed up for 13 straight points as Serbia jumped in front 23:18 midway through the period. Sara Krnjic capped the first half with a jumper to establish a 27:20 advantage for Serbia at the interval. Serbian team widened the damage soon after the start of the third period. Sanja Orozovic (184-G-90) nailed 7 points in the quarter and Sweden enjoyed a 47:30 advantage heading into the final stanza. Sweden had little chance in the fourth term to revive intrigue and Serbia cruised to the win at the end. Sara Krnjic, Nevena Jovanovic and Sanja Orozovic scored 11 points apiece to pace Serbia. Tina Jovanovic had 10 points and 10 rebounds in a winning case. Cleopatra Forsman and Stefanie Yderstrom answered with 14 points apiece for Sweden. Julia Tornberg provided 11 points in a losing effort.

Serbia U18: Sara Krnjic 11, Nevena Jovanovic 11, Sanja Orozovic 11
Sweden U18: Cleopatra Forsman 14, Stefanie Yderstrom 14

W-Standings - Group A
B Standings
 1. LTU 3-0 
 2. RUS 3-0 
 3. FRA 3-0 
 4. SRB 2-1 
 5. ESP 2-1 
 6. CZE 2-1 
 7. SVK 2-1 
 8. UKR 2-1 
 9. ITA 1-2 
 10. POL 1-2 
 11. TUR 1-2 
 12. BUL 1-2 
 13. SWE 1-2 
 14. CRO 0-3 
 15. BLR 0-3 
 16. ROM 0-3 


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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20 - Women  


Stats Leaders (Women)
EC U20 Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 Aleksic MNT 21.9
2 Petronyte LTU 20.8
3 Leemans BEL 18.0
4 Niedola LAT 17.8
5 Jovanovic MNT 17.8
Rebounds Per Game
1 Niedola LAT 14.3
2 Petronyte LTU 11.5
3 Prystupa UKR 10.0
4 Amant FRA 9.9
5 Caglar TUR 9.4
Assists Per Game
1 Lysyuk UKR 3.3
2 Aleksic MNT 3.0
3 Ciappina BEL 3.0
4 Ocete ESP 2.5
5 YAvuz TUR 2.4
Steals Per Game
1. Likhtarovich BLR 3.0
2. Tsikhamirava BRL 2.6
3. Niedola LAT 2.5
Blocks Per Game
1. Petronyte LTU 1.3
2. Amant FRA 1.1
3. Consolini ITA 1.1
2FGP
1. Kozun BLR 52.3
2. Jovanovic SRB 52.2
3. Niedola LAT 50.5
3FGP
1. Butsyanava BLR 53.3
2. Zampieri ITA 50.0
3. Rosseel BEL 50.0
Free Throws
1. Petrovic SRB 93.3
2. Kozun BLR 93.3
3. Todorova BUL 92.0


Division A. Finals - by Eurobasket News
Final
Russia U20 - France U20 67:58
Russian U20 National Team celebrated their 4th European Championship title in eight years. They defeated France in the dramatic Final in Italy to take the crown. Russia did not lose a single game en route to the title and deservedly earned Gold medals. A trademark stifling defense from Russian team proved to be decisive once again. They kept the grip tight in three quarters and it was just enough to prevail at the end. Russia used a 7:2 run at the end of the first frame to gain a 17:10 lead. Katerina Keyru (182-F-88) and Natalia Zhedik (182-G-88) dropped back-to-back three-pointers early in the second period and Russian team enjoyed a 23:12 advantage early on. However a 13:0 outburst from French team put them in the driving seat 29:28 with under 3 minutes left in the half. Pavlova and Natalia Vieru converted a bunch of free throws to retain the lead and the teams went into the dressing rooms with Russia up by one 32:31. The game was tied thrice early in the third stanza before Olga Petrova (184-G-88) knocked down 5 points to ignite a 9:2 run from Russian team as they piled up a 51:42 cushion before the final quarter. Ingrid Tanqueray (164-G-88) and Paul pulled France within 6 points, but Russia reacted with straight baskets from Olga Petrova and Natalia Zhedik. Olga Petrova continued to accumulate points and soon she allowed Russia to clear off to a 12-point distance. Lorraine Lokoka chipped in 5 consecutive points to clip the deficit to 7 points but it was as close as France could get. Katerina Keyru and Olga Petrova buried crucial free throws and Russia became the 2008 European Champions!
Olga Petrova fired 21 points to lead the action. Olga Zhuzhgova (203-C-88) delivered 10 points, while Katerina Keyru and Natalia Zhedik had 7 points apiece for the winners. Marielle Amant (191-C-89) answered with 15 points and 10 rebounds for France. Ingrid Tanqueray dropped 12 points in a losing effort. France had a slight advantage on the boards 39:37 but suffered 16 turnovers and shot just 34% from the field.

Russia U20: Olga Petrova 21, Olga Zhuzhgova 10, Katerina Keyru 7, Natalia Zhedik 7
France U20: Marielle Amant 15+10 boards, Ingrid Tanqueray 12


Bronze medals game
Serbia U20 - Spain U20 73:46
Serbian U20 National Team scored a comprehensive victory over Spain in todays consolation Final of the European Championship in Italy. In the rematch of the last years Final Serbia took revenge and stepped on the pedestal. Serbia was slightly better in the opening frame and earned a 13:11 lead. Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) and Dragana Gobeljic (185-F-88) netted back-to-back treys to open the second period and stretched the margin to 8 points. Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) capped the first half with 4 straight points and Serbia opened a double-digit lead at halftime. Sonja Petrovic, Jelena Milovanovic and Dragana Gobeljic fueled a 10:0 run and Serbian team established a 48:29 advantage late in the frame. Sonja Petrovic and Ivanovic continued the rally in the fourth term as Serbia extended the distance to 28 points. Serbia then cruised to an overall victory at the end. Jelena Milovanovic paced the winners with 17 points and 6 boards. Sonja Petrovic dropped 15 points and pulled down 9 boards, while Dragana Gobeljic finished with 12 points for Serbia. Jael Freixanet (187-F-88) replied with 16 points and 7 boards for Spain. Anna Carbo, De La Fuente and Michel Aguilo nailed 7 points apiece in a losing effort. Serbia outrebounded their opponents 39:30 and shot solid 50% from the field. Spain converted 31% of field goals and committed 15 turnovers down the stretch.

Serbia U20: Jelena Milovanovic 17, Sonja Petrovic 15, Dragana Gobeljic 12
Spain U20: Jael Freixanet 16


5th-6th spots
Ukraine U20 - Latvia U20 80:59
Olena Samburska (172-G-89) nailed 25 points to pace Ukrainian U20 National Team to a victorious finish of the European Championship in Italy. Thy beat Latvia on the final day of action and clinched the 5th overall spot. Baiba Eglite and Diana Ozolina (179-F-89) stunned their opponents early in the game as Latvia jumped to an 8:0 lead. But Olena Samburska notched 10 points in the opening frame to lift Ukraine to a 22:21 advantage ten minutes into the game. Latvia spurred ahead early in the second term before the encounter turned into a seesaw battle with the lead changing hands for numerous times. Karline Nimane gave Latvian team a 39:38 advantage at halftime. Olena Samburska, Oleksandra Prystupa and Oksana Kisilova (188-F-88) carried Ukraine back in front 49:42 at the start of the third frame. Ukraine then reeled off an 18:5 rally to accumulate a 67:47 buffer before the fourth quarter. Jekabsone and Sabine Niedola (182-F-91) cut the distance to 16 points in the fourth frame but Ukraine immediately responded. They chipped in 9 unanswered points to pile up a comfortable advantage. Latvia failed to recover and suffered a heavy loss at the end. Oksana Kisilova provided 18 points for Ukraine. Arina Lysyuk (170-G-89) had 14 points in a winning effort. Sabine Niedola answered with 14 points and 6 boards for Latvia. Diana Ozolina had 10 points in defeat. Ukraine converted 54% from the field and outrebounded their opponents 34:29.

Ukraine U20: Olena Samburska 25, Oksana Kisilova 18, Arina Lysyuk 14
Latvia U20: Sabine Niedola 14, Diana Ozolina 10


7th-8th spots
Turkey U20 - Lithuania U20 69:66
Turkish U20 National Team finished their European Championship campaign with a win. They defeated Lithuanian counterparts in thrilling encounter today and occupied the 7th overall spot in the final ladder. Turkish team overcame another big day for Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) to hold off the Baltic team. Turkey used a 7:4 run late in the starting period to grab an 18:13 advantage going into the second frame. Bahar Yapar (179-F-89) opened the second quarter with two three-pointers to open a double-digit lead for Turkey. Bahar Yapar added 8 more points and Ilknur Dumlu (176-G-89) hit a trey as Turkish team enjoyed a 34:20 advantage midway through the second stanza. Milauskaite and Kamile Nacickaite scored 5 points in a row at the end of the first half and Lithuania trailed by 8 points at halftime. Turkeu maintained the gap throughout the third stanza and led by 7 points heading into the fourth quarter. Mehtap Gezer (192-F-88) and Bahar Yapar stretched the margin to 11 points to tip off the final term but Gintare Petronyte fueled an 8:0 surge from Lithuania as they cut the deficit to 3 points. However it was as close as Lithuania could get. Mehtap Gezer, Bahar Yapar and Ilknur Dumlu were deadly in the dying minutes and ensured the win for Turkey. Bahar Yapar finished with 17 points for Turkey. Ilknur Dumlu and Mehtap Gezer knocked down 14 points apiece for the winners. Gintare Petronyte posted 17 points and 12 boards, while Egle Sarapaite (172-G-88) dropped 11 points for Lithuania. Sarune Jasiunskaite and Kamile Nacickaite had 10 points each in defeat.

Turkey U20: Bahar Yapar 17, Ilknur Dumlu 14, Mehtap Gezer 14
Lithuania U20: Gintare Petronyte 17+12 boards, Egle Sarapaite 11


9th-10th spots
Italy U20 - Czech Republic U20 69:67
Italian U20 National Team overcame a 27-point outburst from Eva Mrhalkova (175-F/G-88) to score a dramatic 69:67 win over Czech Republic. Italy thus earned the 9th spot at the European Championship. The teams were well-matched in the opening frame and finished all tied at 17. Italy capped the second period with a 7:0 run to pile up a 37:31 advantage at the interval. Lenka Sipova and Eva Mrhalkova cut the deficit to minimum early in the third frame. Soon Aneta Obrusnikova (174-G-88) dropped back-to-back treys and Czech Republic led 45:42. However the hosts denied the deficit and drew things level 51:51 at the end of the third period. The teams exchanged the baskets and remained knotted at 62 with 2 minutes to go. Clelia Corsi and Arianna Zampieri dropped 4 points in a row as Italy clear off to a 4-point distance. Hindrakova shaved the distance but Valeria Battisodo (177-G-88) answered with a three-pointer to maintain the gap. Aneta Obrusnikova gave hope to Czech Republic side with a treble but her potential winning three-pointer with 4 seconds remaining missed the mark. Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) accounted for 17 points for Italy. Valeria Battisodo had 13 points, while Sabrina Cinili (190-F-89) added 9 in a win. Eva Mrhalkova was well complimented by Aneta Obrusnikova with 18 points. Lenka Sipova finished with 15 points and 8 boards in defeat.

Italy U20: Chiara Consolini 17, Valeria Battisodo 13, Sabrina Cinili 9
Czech Republic U20: Eva Mrhalkova 27, Aneta Obrusnikova 18


11th-12th spots
Montenegro U20 - Belarus U20 73:67
Montenegrin U20 National Team earned the 11th spot at the European Championship in Italy. Earlier today Montenegro toppled Belarus to finish their campaign in style. Snezana Aleksic (171-G-89) put on another sizzling outstanding performance tallying 37 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals to pace her team to the win. However Belarus controlled the situation in the opening stanza. They kept in front for the major part of the quarter and led 18:16 heading into the second frame. However the second period became a one-man show as Aleksic netted 14 points and propelled the Balkan team 36:32 ahead. Natallia Kozun (189-F-88), Tsikhimirava and Volha Vashkevich all scored from beyond the arc to give lead back to Belarus 43:40. Montenegro capped the third frame on a 13:9 run and led 53:49 with a quarter to go. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) buried 9 free throws in the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter to lift Belarus up 62:59. She added a layup as Belarus enjoyed a 64:61advantage with just over 3 minutes left in regulation. But Montenegro reeled off to an 8:0 rally to claim a 69:64 advantage with 19 seconds remaining. Tatsiana Likhtarovich dropped a trey to cut eh deficit to 2 points with 13 seconds to go. But Snezana Aleksic nailed 4 freebies in the dying seconds to seal the win for Montenegro. Milica Jovanovic (187-F/C-89) had 11 points, while Marija Vujadinovic (175-G-90) delivered 10 points for the winners. Tatsiana Likhtarovich responded with 20 points for Belarus. Natallia Kozun provided 15 points in a losing effort.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 37+11 boards, Milica Jovanovic 11, Marija Vujadinovic 10
Belarus U20: Tatsiana Likhtarovich 20, Natallia Kozun 15

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  FRANCE - Women  


France blow out Croatia - by Eurobasket News
France U18 - Croatia U18 71:35

French Junior National Team secured their third straight win at the European Championship. They swept Croatia to win the preliminary Pool D and advanced to the qualifying round. Croatia in the meantime suffered their third consecutive loss and remained at the bottom of the ladder. They will try to secure Division A spot in the classification round games. France had little problems en route to another stunning victory. They led right from the start and built a 22:11 advantage at the first intermission. Les Blues stretched the margin to 15 points at halftime. Croatia struggled offensively and managed only 2 points in the third frame. France entered the fourth period with 26 points before the fourth term and never looked back in the fourth quarter. Diandra Tchatchouang (187-F/C-91) nailed 17 points and pulled down 8 boards to lead France. Allison Vernerey (191-C-91) secured 12 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Mia Carapina (190-F-90) answered with 15 points and 7 rebounds for Croatia. Tea Buzov (172-G-90) and Tomica Bacic (182-F-90) had 7 points apiece in a loss. France outrebounded Croatia 59:41 and held them to miserable 22% of field goals.

France U18: Diandra Tchatchouang 17, Allison Vernerey 12+10 board, Medelome Medenou (188-F-90) 8, Pauline Thizy (190-C-90) 8
Croatia U18: Mia Carapina 15, Tea Buzov 7, Tomica Bacic 7

Russia is the best on the continent - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20 - France U20 67:58

Russian U20 National Team celebrated their 4th European Championship title in eight years. They defeated France in the dramatic Final in Italy to take the crown. Russia did not lose a single game en route to the title and deservedly earned Gold medals. A trademark stifling defense from Russian team proved to be decisive once again. They kept the grip tight in three quarters and it was just enough to prevail at the end. Russia used a 7:2 run at the end of the first frame to gain a 17:10 lead. Katerina Keyru (182-F-88) and Natalia Zhedik (182-G-88) dropped back-to-back three-pointers early in the second period and Russian team enjoyed a 23:12 advantage early on. However a 13:0 outburst from French team put them in the driving seat 29:28 with under 3 minutes left in the half. Pavlova and Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) converted a bunch of free throws to retain the lead and the teams went into the dressing rooms with Russia up by one 32:31. The game was tied thrice early in the third stanza before Olga Petrova (184-G-88) knocked down 5 points to ignite a 9:2 run from Russian team as they piled up a 51:42 cushion before the final quarter. Ingrid Tanqueray (164-G-88) and Paul pulled France within 6 points, but Russia reacted with straight baskets from Olga Petrova and Natalia Zhedik. Olga Petrova continued to accumulate points and soon she allowed Russia to clear off to a 12-point distance. Lorraine Lokoka (184-C/F-89) chipped in 5 consecutive points to clip the deficit to 7 points but it was as close as France could get. Katerina Keyru and Olga Petrova buried crucial free throws and Russia became the 2008 European Champions!
Olga Petrova fired 21 points to lead the action. Olga Zhuzhgova (203-C-88) delivered 10 points, while Katerina Keyru and Natalia Zhedik had 7 points apiece for the winners. Marielle Amant (191-C-89) answered with 15 points and 10 rebounds for France. Ingrid Tanqueray dropped 12 points in a losing effort. France had a slight advantage on the boards 39:37 but suffered 16 turnovers and shot just 34% from the field.

Russia U20: Olga Petrova 21, Olga Zhuzhgova 10, Katerina Keyru 7, Natalia Zhedik 7
France U20: Marielle Amant 15+10 boards, Ingrid Tanqueray 12

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  GERMANY - Women  


Two players transfer from Muenchen to Wasserburg - by Moritz Korff
TSV Wasserburg, the reigning German champion, added two players to its 2008-09 roster. Magdalena von Geyr (180-F-84) and Verena Stuermlinger (180-F-81) of local rival Muenchen Basket have made agreements with TSV. For Stuermlinger it's a return to her roots as she is a Wasserburg native and moved to Muenchen in 2003. During 2007-08 Stuermlinger averaged 5.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 21 DBBL-games for Muenchen. Von Geyr is currently on the road with the German National Team and played her first game for Germany on Saturday against France. The 24-year-old Forward was the only German player on the Muenchen team to finish the season with double figures in scoring. She appeared in 16 games of the DBBL and tallied 10.4 points per contest. Additionally she grabbed 3.6 boards a game.

German Women's National Team: Second game, second loss - by Moritz Korff
The German Women's National Team lost its second exhibition game against France within two days on Sunday. The final score was 51:70. However, head coach Imre Szittya had seen some improvements compared to game one the day before. Katja Bavendam (203-C-85, college: St.Francis,NY) sat out, while Natalie Gohrke (180-F-83) suffered a hand-injury during the game. Once again Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) carried the Germans and chipped in 15 points, but got some more help from her teammates in terms of scoring this time.
France and Germany will return to action today and play the final encounter of this 3 game-exhibition series.

Germany: Breitreiner (15 pts), Danckert (7), Glaeser (6), Mueller (6), Austmann (4), Janzon (4), Richter (3), Koop (2), Loewe (2), Mersch (2), Gohrke (0), von Geyr (0), Bavendam (DNP)

Germany U20 wins Classification Round in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Germany U20 - Greece U20 68:55

German U20 Nation Team wrapped up their European Championship campaign with win over Greece. The victory meant Germany secured the spot in Division A as they won the classification round with three straight wins. Greece at the same time was relegated to Division B losing all six of their championship games. Germany jumped ahead midway through the opening stanza as Mirijam Unger (193-C/F-88) converted a bunch of free throws and Hanna Mugge (170-G-89) converted a four-point play to give the team a 17:9 advantage. Germany stretched the gap to 11 points early in the second frame. Greece reacted with 7:0 run and trailed by 5 points with under 3 minutes remaining in the period. Back-to-back triples from Hanna Mugge and Protzig sealed a 35:25 advantage for Germany at halftime. Anna-lisa Rexroth (174-G-90) and Mirijam Unger teamed up for 9 points in an 11:0 run from German team midway through the third stanza that lifted them to a 20-point advantage. Germany wisely held on to the lead later on and never allowed Greece to seriously threaten it. Nicole Dietz (187-F/C-88) nailed 15 points to lead Germany. Hanna Mugge and Anna-lisa Rexroth secured 11 points apiece in a win. Anna Spyridopoulou (182-F-88) notched 11 points in defeat. Ypatia Stefania Limniati (172-G-89) and Christina Tsoukala (188-F/C-91) had 9 points each for Greece. Greece dominated the boards 38:28 but committed unforgivable 30 turnovers down the stretch. Germany also converted solid 41% from beyond the arc.

Germany U20: Nicole Dietz 15, Hanna Mugge 11, Anna-lisa Rexroth 11
Greece U20: Anna Spyridopoulou 11, Ypatia Stefania Limniati 9, Christina Tsoukala 9

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  GREECE - Women  


Germany U20 wins Classification Round in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Germany U20 - Greece U20 68:55

German U20 Nation Team wrapped up their European Championship campaign with win over Greece. The victory meant Germany secured the spot in Division A as they won the classification round with three straight wins. Greece at the same time was relegated to Division B losing all six of their championship games. Germany jumped ahead midway through the opening stanza as Mirijam Unger (193-C/F-88) converted a bunch of free throws and Hanna Mugge (170-G-89) converted a four-point play to give the team a 17:9 advantage. Germany stretched the gap to 11 points early in the second frame. Greece reacted with 7:0 run and trailed by 5 points with under 3 minutes remaining in the period. Back-to-back triples from Hanna Mugge and Protzig sealed a 35:25 advantage for Germany at halftime. Anna-lisa Rexroth (174-G-90) and Mirijam Unger teamed up for 9 points in an 11:0 run from German team midway through the third stanza that lifted them to a 20-point advantage. Germany wisely held on to the lead later on and never allowed Greece to seriously threaten it. Nicole Dietz (187-F/C-88) nailed 15 points to lead Germany. Hanna Mugge and Anna-lisa Rexroth secured 11 points apiece in a win. Anna Spyridopoulou (182-F-88) notched 11 points in defeat. Ypatia Stefania Limniati (172-G-89) and Christina Tsoukala (188-F/C-91) had 9 points each for Greece. Greece dominated the boards 38:28 but committed unforgivable 30 turnovers down the stretch. Germany also converted solid 41% from beyond the arc.

Germany U20: Nicole Dietz 15, Hanna Mugge 11, Anna-lisa Rexroth 11
Greece U20: Anna Spyridopoulou 11, Ypatia Stefania Limniati 9, Christina Tsoukala 9

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  GUATEMALA - Women  


Centrobasket 2008: Guatemala celebrates over Trinidad & Tobago - by Eurobasket News
Trinidad & Tobago - Guatemala 60-72

Guatemala succeeded to grab the first win on Centrobasket Championship 2008 in Puerto Rico. After disappointing defeats by Cuba and Dominican Republic, Guatemala showed much better performance against Trinidad & Tobago. On the other side Guatemals' rival ended the competition in Group B winless. The hosts in this game, Trinidad & Tobago, couldn't handle Blanca Amado (-80), who totally dominated at the offensive end. In fact she was the only player with double digits for the winners. It seems it was more than enough for Guatemalans to take this one. Blanca Amado counted until 25 in this game missing only one rebound for double-double. Maria Fleischmann (-F/C-78) contributed in victory of her team with 9 points and 4 rebounds. Trinidad & Tobago got the most from Patrice Edwards (198-C-84, college: Texas Tech), who netted 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Pietra Gay (183-F-74) had 14 points and 8 rebounds while Rhea Codio (173-G-88) stopped on 11 points.
Despite better rebounding day, Trinidad & Tobago wasn't able to win shooting just 28% for FG2 (18 of 64). Guatemalans also didn't have brilliant shooting day recording 41% for FG2, 15% for 3-pts and 36% FTs. Anyway, both teams will continue championship tomorrow in the battle for the fifth place. Guatemalas rival will be fourth ranked team from Group A, which is Costa Rica. Trinidad & Tobago will have to take on Barbados.


Trinidad & Tobago - Guatemala 60-72

Trinidad & Tobago: Patrice Edwards 20 (12 rebs), Pietra Gay 14 (8 rebs), Rhea Codio 11
Guatemala: Blanca Amado 25 (9 rebs), Maria Fleischmann 9 (4 rebs)

Centrobasket 2008: Guatemala records second win beating Costa Rica - by Eurobasket News
Guatemala - Costa Rica 76-55

Guatemala grabs the second win on Centrobasket Championship 2008. After Trinidad & Tobago, Guatemalans were better than Costa Rica making step forward to fifth position on Centrobasket. Blanca Amado (-80) was the key player for the winners. She totally dominated at the offensive end netting 26 points. At the same time Blanca Amado grabbed 9 boards and dished out 4 assist. Beginning of the game belonged to Guatemalans as they ended first stanza having advantage of 5 points. Second period brought a little bit better performance from Costa Rica. However both teams struggled a lot with their stroke having just some more that 30% from the field. Guatemala continued at the same rhythm after the breather which resulted with plus 10 at the early beginning of the third stanza. Later, Costa Rica wasn't able even to threat as Guatemalans extended their lead even more.

Except of above mentioned Blanca Amado, the winners got 14 points and 8 rebounds from Sofia Lopez (-G-87). Maria Fleischmann (-F/C-78) also showed decent performance finishing the game with 11 points and 9 rebounds. On the other side Glendorlee Pinnock (-62) added 13 points and 5 rebounds for Costa Rica while Natalia Galvez (-85) stopped don 13 points. In the battle for position number five Guatemala will take on Trinidad & Tobago, which will be the second game of these two teams in Puerto Rico. Costa Rica will meet Barbados for position number seven.


Guatemala - Costa Rica 76-55
(17-12,15-14,20-16,24-13)

Guatemala: Blanca Amado 26 (9 rebs, 4 as), Sofia Lopez 14 (8 rebs), Maria Fleischmann 11 (9 rebs)
Costa Rica: Glendorlee Pinnock 13 (5 rebs), Natalia Galvez 13

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  HOLLAND - Women  


U20 EC, division B: Romania beats Netherlands grabbing position number five - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Romania 46-66

In the battle for fifth place on U20 European Championship division B in Poland, Romania celebrates over Netherlands without any extra effort. Romanians entered into this game showing strong willingness to reach this pretty good position. Thanks to Claudia Pop (186-F-89, agency: LBM Management) and Ramona Tarta (173-G-89) they made quick 7-2 run. Later Andreea Hutanu (188-C-88) joined them extending lead of her team to 10 points, 7-17. Until the end of the opening quarter Netherlands succeeded to close the gap on 7 points. Second stanza started badly for both teams. Namely, their players missed made jump shots and lay-ups which resulted without any points for the first three minutes. With more than two minutes to go until the half time Romania touched plus 14 after jump shot by Silvia Gradinaru (173-F/G-89), 17-31. Netherlands didn't give up and making 9-0 run entered into the second half with deficit of 5 points. After the breather Romania was the team which dominated. At the middle of third stanza they returned bigger lead 28-41 extending it even more until the very end. The loosing side seriously struggled in this game shooting just 7 of 29 for FG2 (24%).

Ramona Tarta was the best for the winners adding 20 points and 5 rebounds. Andreea Hutanu contributed in the victory with 11 points and 7 rebounds while Anita Meszaros (190-C-88) had 9 points. Myrthe Beld (180-G-89) posted 13 points for Netherlands while Francisca Donders (170-G-89) followed her with 10 points.


Netherlands - Romania 46-66
(17-24,9-7,5-17,15-18)

Netherlands: Myrthe Beld 13 (3 rebs, 3 as), Francisca Donders 10
Romania: Ramona Tarta 20 (5 rebs), Andreea Hutanu 11 (7 rebs), Anita Meszaros 9

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  HUNGARY - Women  


U20 EC, division B: Hungary outsmarts Slovakia winning the Bronze - by Eurobasket News
U20 Hungary - U20 Slovak Republic 56-54

Hungary grabbed the Bronze on U20 European Championship division B in Poland thanks to Zsofia Varga (182-F-89), who drained three free throws at the very end. Namely, with 3:40 remaining in the game Hungary had one point lead, 52-51. At the next possession Slovakians made a charge which was followed by a 24 seconds violations and a bad pass by Stefania Kandracova (174-G-89). On the other side Zsofia Varga and Edit Laczi (181-G/F-88) missed two jump shots but mostly owing to three presents from Slovakians, Hungary still had advantage. At their next offense Edit Laczi got fouled scoring first and missing the second free throw. Katarina Pindrochova (183-F-88) was unsuccessful from behind the arc in Slovakia after what Katarina Tetemondova (185-F-88) walked. As it was mentioned above, Zsofia Varga draw a foul netting two FTs after that for 55-51. Monika Chabadova (183-F-89) drained a 3-pointer for Slovakians giving them some hope until the very end. Zsofia Varga once again was placed to the free throw line and this time she missed the first but made the next one with 2 second to go. Unfortunately for Slovakia's fans it wasn't enough for them even to try to score. Hungary deserved this win as they hold advantage during the entire game. The biggest lead they had in the second quarter and it was 23-13.

Edit Laczi, who added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals, and Finda Mansare (189-F/C-89), who had 11 points and 11 rebounds, were the best for the winners. Nora Kovats (180-G-88) also was good with 9 points and 4 rebounds while hero of the game Zsofia Varga scored 7 points. Katarina Tetemondova was the best for the loosing side collecting 10 points and 10 rebounds. Slovakia also got 9 points from Diana Benuskova (166-G-89). The only bad thing for these two teams is that they were so close but at the end didn't succeed to advance to A division for the next European Championship.



U20 Hungary - U20 Slovak Republic 56-54
(18-11,11-15,14-13,13-15)

Hungary: Edit Laczi 15 (4 rebs, 5 st), Finda Mansare 11 (11 rebs), Nora Kovats 9 (4 rebs), Zsofia Varga 7
Slovak Republic: Katarina Tetemondova 10 (10 rebs), Diana Benuskova 9

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  IRELAND - Women  


U20 EC, division B: Seventh place belongs to Ireland, Israel eighth - by Eurobasket News
U20 Ireland - U20 Israel 64-55

Ireland finished competition on U20 European Championship division B on seventh place. Israel, which main problem were rebounds today, ended the competition as eighth ranked team. Except of the rebounds, the loosing side also struggled a lot from behind the arc. On the other side, Irish had confident stroke for 3-pts scoring 9 of 22 attempts. Sarah Woods (174-G-88) was unstoppable at the offensive end leading Ireland to win collecting 21 points and 4 rebounds. Shauna O'Connor (182-F-88) helped her team today netting 11 points. Israel got 16 points and 4 steals from Lin Golan (172-G-89) while Noa Schor (181-F-88) missed one rebounds for double-double. She stopped on 12 points and 9 boards. Nofar Shalom (177-F-88) contributed in this game with 10 points and 5 rebounds.

The game started good for Israel, which made plus 5 after exactly the same number of minutes. The biggest lead on this game Israel had at the middle of the second frame. Mostly owing to Lin Golan it was 20-33 for them. It seemed that Ireland will face with another defeat on this championship as Israel kept advantage of 10 points until the half time. After 34-42 for Israel at the opening minutes of third stanza, Irish finally woke up. Westbrooks and Shauna O'Connor took care for 13-5 run tying the score on 47-47. Very soon this run was followed by another mini 5-2 run which meant that Irish had plus 3 before the crucial ten minutes. Israel missed many open shots during the last stanza while Irish were very concentrated from the free throw line at the very end grabbing seventh place in Poland.


U20 Ireland U20 Israel 64-55
(17-20,13-20,22-9,12-6)

Ireland: Sarah Woods 21 (4 rebs), Shauna O'Connor 11
Israel: Lin Golan 16 (4 st), Noa Schor 12 (9 rebs), Nofar Shalom 10 (5 rebs)

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  ISRAEL - Women  


U20 EC, division B: Seventh place belongs to Ireland, Israel eighth - by Eurobasket News
U20 Ireland - U20 Israel 64-55

Ireland finished competition on U20 European Championship division B on seventh place. Israel, which main problem were rebounds today, ended the competition as eighth ranked team. Except of the rebounds, the loosing side also struggled a lot from behind the arc. On the other side, Irish had confident stroke for 3-pts scoring 9 of 22 attempts. Sarah Woods (174-G-88) was unstoppable at the offensive end leading Ireland to win collecting 21 points and 4 rebounds. Shauna O'Connor (182-F-88) helped her team today netting 11 points. Israel got 16 points and 4 steals from Lin Golan (172-G-89) while Noa Schor (181-F-88) missed one rebounds for double-double. She stopped on 12 points and 9 boards. Nofar Shalom (177-F-88) contributed in this game with 10 points and 5 rebounds.

The game started good for Israel, which made plus 5 after exactly the same number of minutes. The biggest lead on this game Israel had at the middle of the second frame. Mostly owing to Lin Golan it was 20-33 for them. It seemed that Ireland will face with another defeat on this championship as Israel kept advantage of 10 points until the half time. After 34-42 for Israel at the opening minutes of third stanza, Irish finally woke up. Westbrooks and Shauna O'Connor took care for 13-5 run tying the score on 47-47. Very soon this run was followed by another mini 5-2 run which meant that Irish had plus 3 before the crucial ten minutes. Israel missed many open shots during the last stanza while Irish were very concentrated from the free throw line at the very end grabbing seventh place in Poland.


U20 Ireland U20 Israel 64-55
(17-20,13-20,22-9,12-6)

Ireland: Sarah Woods 21 (4 rebs), Shauna O'Connor 11
Israel: Lin Golan 16 (4 st), Noa Schor 12 (9 rebs), Nofar Shalom 10 (5 rebs)

Israeli U20 National Team 2008 - by Netanel Dahan
#s#
#e#6


Shalom


Ahronov


Levy


Golan


Schor

4 Nofar Shalom (177-F-88) of Bnot Ra'Anana Hasharon
5 Rebecca Rachel Ross (-89) of Jerusalem
6 Mor Saida (174-G-89) of Elitzur Maclaren Holon
7 Yael Ahronov (163-G-88) of Bnot Ra'Anana Hasharon
8 Hadas Levy (165-G-88) of Maccabi Ra'Anana
9 Yahav Jakubowicz (185-C-88) of Ramat Hasharon
10 Adi Rachel Lux (174-G-88) of Elitzur Maclaren Holon
11 Lin Golan (172-G-89) of Elitzur Maclaren Holon
12 Dana Yahalomi (180-F-89) of Maccabi Ramat Hen
13 Rony Ben Nun (172-G-89) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra
14 Shani Levy (178-F-89) of A.S. Ramat Hasharon Electra

15 Noa Schor (181-F-88) of Maccabi Ashdod

Head Coach:Dahlia Bushinsky



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  ITALY - Women  


Lithuania wins three in a row in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Italy U18 69:55

Lithuanian Junior National Team proved strong against Italy on the final day of preliminary action at the European Championship in Slovakia. Lithuania rolled to the third straight win and finished the stage on top of Group B. They advanced to the qualifying round and would face Ukraine next. Italy meanwhile slipped to 1-2 record and wrapped up their preliminary campaign at the bottom of the Group. They will play in the classification round for the right to stay in Division A next year. Italy would take on Belarus tomorrow. Lithuania got 24 points from Egle Siksniute (196-F-91) and held off determined Italian team. Italy jumped to an early 6:4 lead but Lithuania soon regained control over the game. They went on a 10:3 rally to step in front and piled up a 19:14 advantage at the intermission. Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) and Siskniute opened a double-digit lead for the Baltic team in the second frame. However Alice Quarta (175-G-91) drained back-to-back triples to fuel a 9:0 run for Italy at the end of the second stanza as they trimmed the deficit to 3 points at the interval. However Italy failed to come any closer in the third stanza. Lithuania kept them at bay and entered the fourth term ahead by 10. Gabriele Gutkauskaite (174-G-90) and Aurime Rinkeviciute stretched the distance to 15 points early in the fourth quarter and Lithuania never looked back again. Aurime Rinkeviciute secured 18 points and 13 boards for Lithuania. Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) dropped 10 points and pulled down 15 rebounds for the winners. Federica Nannucci (170-G-91) answered with 14 points for Italy. Alessandra Tava (184-F-91) had 13 points, while Alice Quarta added 11 in defeat.

Lithuania U18: Egle Siksniute 24, Aurime Rinkeviciute 18+13 boards, Giedre Paugaite 10+15 boards
Italy U18: Federica Nannucci 14, Alessandra Tava 13

Italy claims the 9th spot at home European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Italy U20 - Czech Republic U20 69:67

Italian U20 National Team overcame a 27-point outburst from Eva Mrhalkova (175-F/G-88) to score a dramatic 69:67 win over Czech Republic. Italy thus earned the 9th spot at the European Championship. The teams were well-matched in the opening frame and finished all tied at 17. Italy capped the second period with a 7:0 run to pile up a 37:31 advantage at the interval. Lenka Sipova (185-C-88) and Eva Mrhalkova cut the deficit to minimum early in the third frame. Soon Aneta Obrusnikova (174-G-88) dropped back-to-back treys and Czech Republic led 45:42. However the hosts denied the deficit and drew things level 51:51 at the end of the third period. The teams exchanged the baskets and remained knotted at 62 with 2 minutes to go. Clelia Corsi (193-C-89) and Arianna Zampieri (181-F-88) dropped 4 points in a row as Italy clear off to a 4-point distance. Hindrakova shaved the distance but Valeria Battisodo (177-G-88) answered with a three-pointer to maintain the gap. Aneta Obrusnikova gave hope to Czech Republic side with a treble but her potential winning three-pointer with 4 seconds remaining missed the mark. Chiara Consolini (182-F-88) accounted for 17 points for Italy. Valeria Battisodo had 13 points, while Sabrina Cinili (190-F-89) added 9 in a win. Eva Mrhalkova was well complimented by Aneta Obrusnikova with 18 points. Lenka Sipova finished with 15 points and 8 boards in defeat.

Italy U20: Chiara Consolini 17, Valeria Battisodo 13, Sabrina Cinili 9
Czech Republic U20: Eva Mrhalkova 27, Aneta Obrusnikova 18

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  LATVIA - Women  


Ukraine thrashes Latvia to earn 5th spot at the European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20 - Latvia U20 80:59

Olena Samburska (172-G-89) nailed 25 points to pace Ukrainian U20 National Team to a victorious finish of the European Championship in Italy. Thy beat Latvia on the final day of action and clinched the 5th overall spot. Baiba Eglite (175-G-89) and Diana Ozolina (179-F-89) stunned their opponents early in the game as Latvia jumped to an 8:0 lead. But Olena Samburska notched 10 points in the opening frame to lift Ukraine to a 22:21 advantage ten minutes into the game. Latvia spurred ahead early in the second term before the encounter turned into a seesaw battle with the lead changing hands for numerous times. Karline Nimane (189-F-90) gave Latvian team a 39:38 advantage at halftime. Olena Samburska, Oleksandra Prystupa (205-C-89, agency: LBM Management) and Oksana Kisilova (188-F-88) carried Ukraine back in front 49:42 at the start of the third frame. Ukraine then reeled off an 18:5 rally to accumulate a 67:47 buffer before the fourth quarter. Jekabsone and Sabine Niedola (182-F-91) cut the distance to 16 points in the fourth frame but Ukraine immediately responded. They chipped in 9 unanswered points to pile up a comfortable advantage. Latvia failed to recover and suffered a heavy loss at the end. Oksana Kisilova provided 18 points for Ukraine. Arina Lysyuk (170-G-89) had 14 points in a winning effort. Sabine Niedola answered with 14 points and 6 boards for Latvia. Diana Ozolina had 10 points in defeat. Ukraine converted 54% from the field and outrebounded their opponents 34:29.

Ukraine U20: Olena Samburska 25, Oksana Kisilova 18, Arina Lysyuk 14
Latvia U20: Sabine Niedola 14, Diana Ozolina 10

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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Turkey clinches 7th spot in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - Lithuania U20 69:66

Turkish U20 National Team finished their European Championship campaign with a win. They defeated Lithuanian counterparts in thrilling encounter today and occupied the 7th overall spot in the final ladder. Turkish team overcame another big day for Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) to hold off the Baltic team. Turkey used a 7:4 run late in the starting period to grab an 18:13 advantage going into the second frame. Bahar Yapar (179-F-89) opened the second quarter with two three-pointers to open a double-digit lead for Turkey. Bahar Yapar added 8 more points and Ilknur Dumlu (176-G-89) hit a trey as Turkish team enjoyed a 34:20 advantage midway through the second stanza. Milauskaite and Kamile Nacickaite (174-G-89) scored 5 points in a row at the end of the first half and Lithuania trailed by 8 points at halftime. Turkeu maintained the gap throughout the third stanza and led by 7 points heading into the fourth quarter. Mehtap Gezer (192-F-88) and Bahar Yapar stretched the margin to 11 points to tip off the final term but Gintare Petronyte fueled an 8:0 surge from Lithuania as they cut the deficit to 3 points. However it was as close as Lithuania could get. Mehtap Gezer, Bahar Yapar and Ilknur Dumlu were deadly in the dying minutes and ensured the win for Turkey. Bahar Yapar finished with 17 points for Turkey. Ilknur Dumlu and Mehtap Gezer knocked down 14 points apiece for the winners. Gintare Petronyte posted 17 points and 12 boards, while Egle Sarapaite (172-G-88) dropped 11 points for Lithuania. Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) and Kamile Nacickaite had 10 points each in defeat.

Turkey U20: Bahar Yapar 17, Ilknur Dumlu 14, Mehtap Gezer 14
Lithuania U20: Gintare Petronyte 17+12 boards, Egle Sarapaite 11

Lithuania wins three in a row in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U18 - Italy U18 69:55

Lithuanian Junior National Team proved strong against Italy on the final day of preliminary action at the European Championship in Slovakia. Lithuania rolled to the third straight win and finished the stage on top of Group B. They advanced to the qualifying round and would face Ukraine next. Italy meanwhile slipped to 1-2 record and wrapped up their preliminary campaign at the bottom of the Group. They will play in the classification round for the right to stay in Division A next year. Italy would take on Belarus tomorrow. Lithuania got 24 points from Egle Siksniute (196-F-91) and held off determined Italian team. Italy jumped to an early 6:4 lead but Lithuania soon regained control over the game. They went on a 10:3 rally to step in front and piled up a 19:14 advantage at the intermission. Aurime Rinkeviciute (180-F/G-90) and Siskniute opened a double-digit lead for the Baltic team in the second frame. However Alice Quarta (175-G-91) drained back-to-back triples to fuel a 9:0 run for Italy at the end of the second stanza as they trimmed the deficit to 3 points at the interval. However Italy failed to come any closer in the third stanza. Lithuania kept them at bay and entered the fourth term ahead by 10. Gabriele Gutkauskaite (174-G-90) and Aurime Rinkeviciute stretched the distance to 15 points early in the fourth quarter and Lithuania never looked back again. Aurime Rinkeviciute secured 18 points and 13 boards for Lithuania. Giedre Paugaite (192-C-90) dropped 10 points and pulled down 15 rebounds for the winners. Federica Nannucci (170-G-91) answered with 14 points for Italy. Alessandra Tava (184-F-91) had 13 points, while Alice Quarta added 11 in defeat.

Lithuania U18: Egle Siksniute 24, Aurime Rinkeviciute 18+13 boards, Giedre Paugaite 10+15 boards
Italy U18: Federica Nannucci 14, Alessandra Tava 13

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  MEXICO - Women  


Centrobasket 2008: Cuba blasts Mexico for the final - by Eurobasket News
Cuba - Mexico 96-45

As it was expected, the top team of Group B, Cuba, had an easy job in the semifinals of Centrobasket Championship 2008. The defending champion continued total domination in Puerto Rico smashing Mexico, which was the second ranked team in Group A. Thus Cuba will play against the host of Centrobasket for the Gold. Another important thing is that with this win Cuba already qualified for the FIBA Americas Championship 2009. On the other side Mexicans will fight for the bronze medal against Dominican Republic. That game also will be extremely important as the winner will book a spot for the above mentioned event.
This game started very well for the Cubans as they had plus 7 after first 10 minutes. During the entire second stanza Cuba hold Mexico on just 5 points which resulted with 41-20 for Cuba at the half time. Defending champion didn't want to stop after the break. They kept smashing Mexico closing third frame with 32-11. Finally, after the next ten minutes they doubled score making even more 96-45.

This time Yamara Amargo (180-F-85) was the best scorer for Cuba netting 18 points. Suchitel Avila (183-F-82) followed her draining 15 points while Yakelin Plutin (186-F-79) had one point leas then her grabbing 7 more rebounds. Mexicans got the biggest help from Alejandra Delgado (180-F-83), who collected 14 points and 9 rebounds. Actually she was the only one with double digits for the loosing side. Brisa Silva (168-G-84) contributed in this game with 8 points and 4 rebounds.


Cuba - Mexico 96-45
(22-15,19-5,32-11,23-14)

Cuba: Yamara Amargo 18, Suchitel Avila 15, Yakelin Plutin 14 (7 rebs)
Mexico: Alejandra Delgado 14 (9 rebs), Brisa Silva 8 (4 rebs)

Centrobasket 2008: Puerto Rico flies past Mexico - by Eurobasket News
Puerto Rico - Mexico 84-55

The host of Centrobasket Championship 2008, Puerto Rico, remains perfect after three days ending the first stage on the top of Group A. Thus in the semifinals of the championship Puerto Ricans will meet Dominican Republic, which is the second ranked team in group B. On the other side Mexicans will also take a place in the semifinals as after three games in Group A they have two wins and one defeat. Their rival in the semis will be defending champions Cuba. Puerto Ricans had solid performance in first quarter finishing it 18-12 despite they didn't have such brilliant shot percentage from the field, 35%. Actually Mexicans were very close to them making only 4 of 12 attempt from the field. During the next 10 minutes Puerto Rico made bigger lead mostly owing to Esmary Vargas (191-C-81, agency: Next Level, college: Emporia St.) and Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana). They went on the half time with plus 16. Later, the hosts of Centorbasket 2008 had no mercy for their rival crating even bigger advantage. They touched plus 33 at the middle of third stanza. Abril Garcia (190-F/C-81, college: ORU)' s nice performance was not enough for Mexicans thus Puerto Rico headed to huge 84-55 win.

Cynthia Valentin was the best player for Puerto Rico netting 22 points including 4 rebounds. Esmary Vargas stopped on 15 points and 9 rebounds while Gonzales had 11 points. As usually Mexico got the most from Abril Garcia, who drained 22 points and grabbed 8 boards. Nubia Garcia (188-F) followed her with 14 points and 6 rebounds.


Puerto Rico - Mexico 84-55

Puerto Rico: Cynthia Valentin 22 (4 rebs), Esmary Vargas 15 (9 rebs), Gonzales 11
Mexico: Abril Garcia 22 (8 rebs), Nubia Garcia 14 (6 rebs)

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  MONTENEGRO - Women  


Snezana Aleksic leads Montenegro to the 11th spot in Chieti - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Belarus U20 73:67

Montenegrin U20 National Team earned the 11th spot at the European Championship in Italy. Earlier today Montenegro toppled Belarus to finish their campaign in style. Snezana Aleksic (171-G-89) put on another sizzling outstanding performance tallying 37 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals to pace her team to the win. However Belarus controlled the situation in the opening stanza. They kept in front for the major part of the quarter and led 18:16 heading into the second frame. However the second period became a one-man show as Aleksic netted 14 points and propelled the Balkan team 36:32 ahead. Natallia Kozun (189-F-88), Tsikhimirava and Volha Vashkevich (188-F/C-88) all scored from beyond the arc to give lead back to Belarus 43:40. Montenegro capped the third frame on a 13:9 run and led 53:49 with a quarter to go. Tatsiana Likhtarovich (179-G-88) buried 9 free throws in the first 5 minutes of the fourth quarter to lift Belarus up 62:59. She added a layup as Belarus enjoyed a 64:61advantage with just over 3 minutes left in regulation. But Montenegro reeled off to an 8:0 rally to claim a 69:64 advantage with 19 seconds remaining. Tatsiana Likhtarovich dropped a trey to cut eh deficit to 2 points with 13 seconds to go. But Snezana Aleksic nailed 4 freebies in the dying seconds to seal the win for Montenegro. Milica Jovanovic (187-F/C-89) had 11 points, while Marija Vujadinovic (175-G-90) delivered 10 points for the winners. Tatsiana Likhtarovich responded with 20 points for Belarus. Natallia Kozun provided 15 points in a losing effort.

Montenegro U20: Snezana Aleksic 37+11 boards, Milica Jovanovic 11, Marija Vujadinovic 10
Belarus U20: Tatsiana Likhtarovich 20, Natallia Kozun 15

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  POLAND - Women  


Poland U18 Team got back in the game!! - by Maciej Schwarz
Polish U18 women national team made a huge step today to participate longer in the U18 European Championship Women. After a very good performance they won against Turkey 81-72 (27-22, 16-16, 15-14, 23-20). After first and second game lost Roman Skrzecz 's site found their way to win. From the first minutes of the match Poland was controlling the way of play. First half was a performance of 3 points shots. Both teams made more than 10. Coach Skrzecz said after the game: 'I'm pleased with my team performance, in contrary to two days ago game against Italy, my team showed a lot of smart and intelligent play in offense, both in fast break and position offense.' For polish side most points scored: Olivia Tomialowicz (182-G-90) 22, Klaudia Sosnowska (186-F-90) 17, and Magda Kaczmarska (183-F/G-90) 16 (8 assists). Now, Poland, Lithuenia and Turkey will create new group along with Slovakia, Czech Rep., and Ukraine.

Poland get the taste of victory in Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18 - Turkey U18 81:72

Polish Junior National Team recorded their first win at the European Championship in Slovakia. They overcame Turkey in a must-win fixture to remain hopeful about their chances to advance to the qualifying round of the tournament. Olivia Tomialowicz (182-G-90) scored 22 points to pace determined Polish team. Klaudia Sosnowska (186-F-90) and Magda Kaczmarska (183-F/G-90) teamed up for 13 points in a high-flying first quarter and Poland grabbed a 27:22 lead before the second term. The teams remained close over the next period with the scoreline read 43:38 for Poland at halftime. Pacula's trey gave Polish team a 7-point advantage midway through the third stanza. Firat however cut the distance to 6 with one quarter to play. Magda Kaczmarska and Paulina Antczak (183-F-90) extended the margin to as many as 11 points early in the fourth quarter. Klaudia Sosnowska then came up with 5 points in a row to make it 71:55 game. Turkey never recovered and came up short at the end. Klaudia Sosnowska had 17 points and 9 boards for Poland. Magda Kaczmarska added 16 points, 8 assists and 6 boards, while Paulina Antczak contributed 15 points and 10 caroms for the winners. Ozge Yavas (169-G-91) dropped 21 points for Turkey. Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) secured 16 points and 11 boards in defeat. Turkey had a slight advantage on the glass with 45 rebounds. But they committed 20 turnovers and shot just 35% of field goals.

Poland U18: Olivia Tomialowicz 22, Klaudia Sosnowska 17, Magda Kaczmarska 16
Turkey U18: Ozge Yavas 21, Tugce Canitez 16+11 boards

U20 EC, division B: Sweden grabs the gold medal beating Poland in the final - by Eurobasket News
U20 Sweden - U20 Poland 64-60

Sweden celebrated in the final of European Championship division B outplaying Poland at the front of their fans. Very important achievement for both teams is that they will compete in division A at the next European Championship. Final game is decided in the last quarter. Poland was much closer to big victory having plus six at the end of third stanza, 47-53. During the first three minutes of the last frame Swedish made crucial 12-0 run thanks to Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) and Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89), which were unstoppable at the offensive end. Thus after minus six, Swedish made a big turn setting the score on 59-53. Skobel finally answered with successful jump shot for 59-56. During the last three minutes Poland committed two turnovers while on the other side Frida Eldebrink and Louice Halvarsson had 50% from the free throw line. The last train gone for Poland when Durak missed a lay-up after what Birbzycka attempted from the field but also unsuccessful. Frida Eldebrink missed first but netted second free throw for the final core 64-60.

Malin Edlund (183-F-88) was the best player in Sweden this time collecting 20 points and 4 rebounds. Frida Eldebrink, who was the leading Swedish player during the entire tournament, needed one more rebound for double-double. She stopped today on 18 points, 9 boards and 5 assists. Louice Halvarsson also had important role in this win adding 13 points and 12 rebounds. The hosts got 17 points and 8 rebounds from Joanna Zalesiak (174-G-88) while Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk (187-F/C-89) contributed with 11 points and 8 boards.


U20 Sweden - U20 Poland 64-60
(20-14,14-22,13-17,17-7)

Sweden: Malin Malin Edlund (183-F-88) 20 (4 rebs), Frida Eldebrink 18 (9 rebs, 5 as), Louice Halvarsson 13 (12 rebs)
Poland: Joanna Zalesiak 17 (8 rebs), Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk 11 (8 rebs)

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  PUERTO RICO - Women  


Centrobasket 2008: Puerto Rico flies past Mexico - by Eurobasket News
Puerto Rico - Mexico 84-55

The host of Centrobasket Championship 2008, Puerto Rico, remains perfect after three days ending the first stage on the top of Group A. Thus in the semifinals of the championship Puerto Ricans will meet Dominican Republic, which is the second ranked team in group B. On the other side Mexicans will also take a place in the semifinals as after three games in Group A they have two wins and one defeat. Their rival in the semis will be defending champions Cuba. Puerto Ricans had solid performance in first quarter finishing it 18-12 despite they didn't have such brilliant shot percentage from the field, 35%. Actually Mexicans were very close to them making only 4 of 12 attempt from the field. During the next 10 minutes Puerto Rico made bigger lead mostly owing to Esmary Vargas (191-C-81, agency: Next Level, college: Emporia St.) and Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana). They went on the half time with plus 16. Later, the hosts of Centorbasket 2008 had no mercy for their rival crating even bigger advantage. They touched plus 33 at the middle of third stanza. Abril Garcia (190-F/C-81, college: ORU)' s nice performance was not enough for Mexicans thus Puerto Rico headed to huge 84-55 win.

Cynthia Valentin was the best player for Puerto Rico netting 22 points including 4 rebounds. Esmary Vargas stopped on 15 points and 9 rebounds while Gonzales had 11 points. As usually Mexico got the most from Abril Garcia, who drained 22 points and grabbed 8 boards. Nubia Garcia (188-F) followed her with 14 points and 6 rebounds.


Puerto Rico - Mexico 84-55

Puerto Rico: Cynthia Valentin 22 (4 rebs), Esmary Vargas 15 (9 rebs), Gonzales 11
Mexico: Abril Garcia 22 (8 rebs), Nubia Garcia 14 (6 rebs)

Centrobasket 2008: Puerto Rico celebrates vs Dominican Republic advancing to the final - by Eurobasket News
Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic 79-69

Tougher than it was expected Puerto Rico succeeded to beat Dominican Republic in the semifinals of Centrobasket Championship 2008. Thus the host of this elite competition booked a spot for the final as well as for the FIBA Americas Championship 2009. In the battle for the Gold Puerto Rico will take on the defending champion Cuba. It won't be an easy job for Puerto Ricans as Cuba showed the best performance so far on Centrobasket. Dominican Republic will meet Mexico in the battle for the bronze and at the same time for the place on FIBA Americas Championship 2009.
Dominican Republic played surprisingly good first half of the game. Dominicans dominated under the basket grabbing much more rebounds that their opponent. On the other side Puerto Rico made many bad decisions at the offensive end. Mostly owing to Charlenny Frias (-85) and Anabel Perdomo, Dominicans had 2 points lead at the half time. After 15-minutes break Puerto Rico was a totally different team. Cynthia Valentin (173-G-84, agency: LBM Management, college: Indiana) and Yoliana Cabrera took care for the points and very soon Puerto Ricans made turn. They entered into the crucial ten minutes having advantage of 6 points. Dominican Republic showed attitude in the last frame trying to get some closer but tough Puerto Rico didn't let them.

Cynthia Valentin nailed 19 points for the winners while Yoliana Cabrera finished the game with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Esmary Vargas (191-C-81, agency: Next Level, college: Emporia St.) also shined registering double-double, 11 points and 10 rebounds. Charlenny Frias scored 13 points for Dominicans while Anabel Perdomo followed her with 12 points and 4 rebounds. Andreina Paniagua (-79) scored 10 points and grabbed 11 boards.


Puerto Rico - Dominican Republic 79-69
(16-19,21-20,21-13,21-17)

Puerto Rico: Cynthia Valentin 19, Yoliana Cabrera 17 (8 rebs), Esmary Vargas 11 (10 rebs)
Dominican Republic: Charlenny Frias 13, Anabel Perdomo 12 (4 rebs), Andreina Paniagua 10 (11 rebs)

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  ROMANIA - Women  


U20 EC, division B: Romania beats Netherlands grabbing position number five - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Romania 46-66

In the battle for fifth place on U20 European Championship division B in Poland, Romania celebrates over Netherlands without any extra effort. Romanians entered into this game showing strong willingness to reach this pretty good position. Thanks to Claudia Pop (186-F-89, agency: LBM Management) and Ramona Tarta (173-G-89) they made quick 7-2 run. Later Andreea Hutanu (188-C-88) joined them extending lead of her team to 10 points, 7-17. Until the end of the opening quarter Netherlands succeeded to close the gap on 7 points. Second stanza started badly for both teams. Namely, their players missed made jump shots and lay-ups which resulted without any points for the first three minutes. With more than two minutes to go until the half time Romania touched plus 14 after jump shot by Silvia Gradinaru (173-F/G-89), 17-31. Netherlands didn't give up and making 9-0 run entered into the second half with deficit of 5 points. After the breather Romania was the team which dominated. At the middle of third stanza they returned bigger lead 28-41 extending it even more until the very end. The loosing side seriously struggled in this game shooting just 7 of 29 for FG2 (24%).

Ramona Tarta was the best for the winners adding 20 points and 5 rebounds. Andreea Hutanu contributed in the victory with 11 points and 7 rebounds while Anita Meszaros (190-C-88) had 9 points. Myrthe Beld (180-G-89) posted 13 points for Netherlands while Francisca Donders (170-G-89) followed her with 10 points.


Netherlands - Romania 46-66
(17-24,9-7,5-17,15-18)

Netherlands: Myrthe Beld 13 (3 rebs, 3 as), Francisca Donders 10
Romania: Ramona Tarta 20 (5 rebs), Andreea Hutanu 11 (7 rebs), Anita Meszaros 9

Czech Republic grabs another win in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic U18 - Romania U18 105:63

Czech Republic Junior National Team prevailed against Romania in the third round of preliminary action at the European Championship today. Three players scored 14 points for Czech team as they sent Romanian side into classification round. Romania suffered their third straight loss and would fight for the right to remain in Division A now. Bianca Barbu (169-G-90) and Pavel paced Romania in front in the opening minutes of the game but Czech team quickly denied the effort. They capped the first frame with an 18:7 run that put Czech team in charge 31:17. Svrdlikova fueled an 8:0 rally from Czech Republic early in the second stanza as they stretched the margin to 21 points. Andreea Pop (185-C-90) and Doinita Panait (184-C-90) cut the deficit to 16 points at halftime. The momentum continued for Romania in the third period as Andreea Pop, Alina Chivu (180-F-90) and Bianca Barbu teamed up for 8 points to drag them within 8 points from Czech Republic. However Czechs answered with a 15:1 surge that secured the comfortable cushion. Romania never came closer than 20 points in the reminder of the contest and Czech Republic celebrated their second win at the tournament. Katerina Zavazalova (171-G-90), Eva Skutilova (182-F-90) and Klara Rosenbaumova (182-F-90) dropped 14 points apiece to pace Czech Republic. Dominika Behalova (166-G-90) and Stara notched 11 points apiece in a win. Bianca Barbu had 13 points for Romania in defeat. Alina Chivu produced 8 points and 8 rebounds. Czech team outrebounded their opponents 49:38 and forced those to as many as 38 turnovers.

Czech Republic U18: Katerina Zavazalova 14, Eva Skutilova 14, Klara Rosenbaumova 14
Romania U18: Bianca Barbu 13, Alina Chivu 8

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Russia goes 3-0 in Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Russia U18 - Belarus U18 69:51

Russian Junior National team claimed their third straight win at the European Championship. Today they edged Belarus and completed the preliminary round on top of Group C. Once again Russian team relied on well-balanced offense and stifling defense to prevail. Belarus could not match the tempo and suffered their third defeat in a row. They will now fight to avoid relegation in the classification round. The game started pretty unexpectedly as Belarus were in full control over the opening stanza. Nadzeya Bohdan (182-F-93), Maryia Rashchenia (182-F-92) and Maryia Filonchyk (187-F-92) lifted Belarus to a 10:3 lead early in the game. Veranika Valeuskaya (169-G-91) crowned the frame with 4 points for Belarus and they grabbed a 16:4 advantage. However Russia quickly came back to life. They opened the second frame with a 15:1 run to silence their opponents. Three-pointers from Anastasiya Shilova (185-F-91) and Aleksandra Melnikova (178-F-90) secured a 28:23 advantage for Russia at halftime. Belarus stayed in the race early after the long break as back-to-back triples from Maryia Filonchyk and five points from Padshyvalava puthem back in charge 34:32. Belarus maintained the lead and entered the fourth term up by 4 points 45:41. The fact never frightened off Russia as they limited their opponents to only 6 points in the fourth period and stormed to an impressive win at the end. Veronika Dorosheva (188-F-91) had 18 points and 15 boards to lead Russia. Anastasiya Shilova contributed 16 points and 11 boards, while Anastasia Logunova (192-C-90) delivered 15 points and 9 caroms for the winners. Aliaksandra Zubrytskaya (172-G-90) knocked down 11 points in a loss. Maryia Filonchyk had 8 points and 7 boards for Belarus.

Russia U18: Veronika Dorosheva 18+15 boards, Anastasiya Shilova 16+11 boards, Anastasia Logunova 15
Belarus U18: Aliaksandra Zubrytskaya 11, Maryia Filonchyk 8

Russia is the best on the continent - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20 - France U20 67:58

Russian U20 National Team celebrated their 4th European Championship title in eight years. They defeated France in the dramatic Final in Italy to take the crown. Russia did not lose a single game en route to the title and deservedly earned Gold medals. A trademark stifling defense from Russian team proved to be decisive once again. They kept the grip tight in three quarters and it was just enough to prevail at the end. Russia used a 7:2 run at the end of the first frame to gain a 17:10 lead. Katerina Keyru (182-F-88) and Natalia Zhedik (182-G-88) dropped back-to-back three-pointers early in the second period and Russian team enjoyed a 23:12 advantage early on. However a 13:0 outburst from French team put them in the driving seat 29:28 with under 3 minutes left in the half. Pavlova and Natalia Vieru (198-C-89) converted a bunch of free throws to retain the lead and the teams went into the dressing rooms with Russia up by one 32:31. The game was tied thrice early in the third stanza before Olga Petrova (184-G-88) knocked down 5 points to ignite a 9:2 run from Russian team as they piled up a 51:42 cushion before the final quarter. Ingrid Tanqueray (164-G-88) and Paul pulled France within 6 points, but Russia reacted with straight baskets from Olga Petrova and Natalia Zhedik. Olga Petrova continued to accumulate points and soon she allowed Russia to clear off to a 12-point distance. Lorraine Lokoka (184-C/F-89) chipped in 5 consecutive points to clip the deficit to 7 points but it was as close as France could get. Katerina Keyru and Olga Petrova buried crucial free throws and Russia became the 2008 European Champions!
Olga Petrova fired 21 points to lead the action. Olga Zhuzhgova (203-C-88) delivered 10 points, while Katerina Keyru and Natalia Zhedik had 7 points apiece for the winners. Marielle Amant (191-C-89) answered with 15 points and 10 rebounds for France. Ingrid Tanqueray dropped 12 points in a losing effort. France had a slight advantage on the boards 39:37 but suffered 16 turnovers and shot just 34% from the field.

Russia U20: Olga Petrova 21, Olga Zhuzhgova 10, Katerina Keyru 7, Natalia Zhedik 7
France U20: Marielle Amant 15+10 boards, Ingrid Tanqueray 12

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  SERBIA - Women  


Serbia finishes second in Group D in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18 - Sweden U18 60:44

Serbian U18 National Team pip Sweden today for the second win at the European Championship in Slovakia. Four players scored in double figures for Serbian team as they improved to 2-1 record and occupied the second spot at the preliminary Group D. Serbia advanced to the qualifying round as well as Sweden who slipped to 1-2 record at the third place in the Pool. The teams exchanged baskets early in the game before Julia Tornberg (179-G-91) and Cleopatra Forsman (180-G-91) put Sweden in charge 13:7. Julia Tornberg and Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) traded baskets and Swedish team led 15:8 after ten minutes of action. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) opened the second frame with a three-pointer and stretched the lead to 10 points. However Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) and Dusanic teamed up for 13 straight points as Serbia jumped in front 23:18 midway through the period. Sara Krnjic capped the first half with a jumper to establish a 27:20 advantage for Serbia at the interval. Serbian team widened the damage soon after the start of the third period. Sanja Orozovic (184-G-90) nailed 7 points in the quarter and Sweden enjoyed a 47:30 advantage heading into the final stanza. Sweden had little chance in the fourth term to revive intrigue and Serbia cruised to the win at the end. Sara Krnjic, Nevena Jovanovic and Sanja Orozovic scored 11 points apiece to pace Serbia. Tina Jovanovic (191-F/C-91) had 10 points and 10 rebounds in a winning case. Cleopatra Forsman and Stefanie Yderstrom answered with 14 points apiece for Sweden. Julia Tornberg provided 11 points in a losing effort.

Serbia U18: Sara Krnjic 11, Nevena Jovanovic 11, Sanja Orozovic 11
Sweden U18: Cleopatra Forsman 14, Stefanie Yderstrom 14

Serbia claims Bronze of the European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 - Spain U20 73:46

Serbian U20 National Team scored a comprehensive victory over Spain in todays consolation Final of the European Championship in Italy. In the rematch of the last years Final Serbia took revenge and stepped on the pedestal. Serbia was slightly better in the opening frame and earned a 13:11 lead. Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) and Dragana Gobeljic (185-F-88) netted back-to-back treys to open the second period and stretched the margin to 8 points. Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) capped the first half with 4 straight points and Serbia opened a double-digit lead at halftime. Sonja Petrovic, Jelena Milovanovic and Dragana Gobeljic fueled a 10:0 run and Serbian team established a 48:29 advantage late in the frame. Sonja Petrovic and Ivanovic continued the rally in the fourth term as Serbia extended the distance to 28 points. Serbia then cruised to an overall victory at the end. Jelena Milovanovic paced the winners with 17 points and 6 boards. Sonja Petrovic dropped 15 points and pulled down 9 boards, while Dragana Gobeljic finished with 12 points for Serbia. Jael Freixanet (187-F-88) replied with 16 points and 7 boards for Spain. Anna Carbo (176-F-88), De La Fuente and Michel Aguilo (-90) nailed 7 points apiece in a losing effort. Serbia outrebounded their opponents 39:30 and shot solid 50% from the field. Spain converted 31% of field goals and committed 15 turnovers down the stretch.

Serbia U20: Jelena Milovanovic 17, Sonja Petrovic 15, Dragana Gobeljic 12
Spain U20: Jael Freixanet 16

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


U20 EC, division B: Hungary outsmarts Slovakia winning the Bronze - by Eurobasket News
U20 Hungary - U20 Slovak Republic 56-54

Hungary grabbed the Bronze on U20 European Championship division B in Poland thanks to Zsofia Varga (182-F-89), who drained three free throws at the very end. Namely, with 3:40 remaining in the game Hungary had one point lead, 52-51. At the next possession Slovakians made a charge which was followed by a 24 seconds violations and a bad pass by Stefania Kandracova (174-G-89). On the other side Zsofia Varga and Edit Laczi (181-G/F-88) missed two jump shots but mostly owing to three presents from Slovakians, Hungary still had advantage. At their next offense Edit Laczi got fouled scoring first and missing the second free throw. Katarina Pindrochova (183-F-88) was unsuccessful from behind the arc in Slovakia after what Katarina Tetemondova (185-F-88) walked. As it was mentioned above, Zsofia Varga draw a foul netting two FTs after that for 55-51. Monika Chabadova (183-F-89) drained a 3-pointer for Slovakians giving them some hope until the very end. Zsofia Varga once again was placed to the free throw line and this time she missed the first but made the next one with 2 second to go. Unfortunately for Slovakia's fans it wasn't enough for them even to try to score. Hungary deserved this win as they hold advantage during the entire game. The biggest lead they had in the second quarter and it was 23-13.

Edit Laczi, who added 15 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals, and Finda Mansare (189-F/C-89), who had 11 points and 11 rebounds, were the best for the winners. Nora Kovats (180-G-88) also was good with 9 points and 4 rebounds while hero of the game Zsofia Varga scored 7 points. Katarina Tetemondova was the best for the loosing side collecting 10 points and 10 rebounds. Slovakia also got 9 points from Diana Benuskova (166-G-89). The only bad thing for these two teams is that they were so close but at the end didn't succeed to advance to A division for the next European Championship.



U20 Hungary - U20 Slovak Republic 56-54
(18-11,11-15,14-13,13-15)

Hungary: Edit Laczi 15 (4 rebs, 5 st), Finda Mansare 11 (11 rebs), Nora Kovats 9 (4 rebs), Zsofia Varga 7
Slovak Republic: Katarina Tetemondova 10 (10 rebs), Diana Benuskova 9

Ukraine strikes back in Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Slovakia U18 - Ukraine U18 64:80

Slovakian Junior Team suffered their first loss at home European Championship. They were unable to post the third straight loss coming up short against Ukraine. Slovak Republic opponents bounced back after a stunning loss to Czech Republic and upset the hosts. Ol'ha Maznichenko (186-F-91) knocked down 32 points and collected 11 rebounds to pace Ukraine. The visitors surprised sloppy home side with a 22:6 rally in the opening stanza. Kateryna Dorogobuzova (187-F-90) and Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91) extended the difference to 16 points at the interval. Kateryna Dorogobuzova and Ol'ha Maznichenko gave Ukraine a 21-point advantage early in the third stanza. Slovakia never recovered and trailed by as many as 25 points after three quarters of action. Slovakia opened the final term with 10 points in a row to clip the deficit to 15 points. Barbora Novocka (168-G-90) and Veronika Cernakova (174-G-90) clawed Slovakian way within 12 points but had little time to change things at the end. Kateryna Dorogobuzova poured in 27 points and pulled down 8 boards for Ukraine. Olesya Malashenko posted a massive double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds for the winners. Veronika Cernakova secured 18 points for Slovakia. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) delivered 14 points and 7 boards in defeat. Ukraine enjoyed an overwhelming advantage on the glass outrebounding their opponents 53:33. The winners shot impressive 51% of field goals and won despite committing 31 turnovers.

Slovakia U18: Veronika Cernakova 18, Klaudia Lukacovicova 14
Ukraine U18: Ol'ha Maznichenko 32+11 boards, Kateryna Dorogobuzova 27, Olesya Malashenko 21+19 boards

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  SPAIN - Women  


Serbia claims Bronze of the European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U20 - Spain U20 73:46

Serbian U20 National Team scored a comprehensive victory over Spain in todays consolation Final of the European Championship in Italy. In the rematch of the last years Final Serbia took revenge and stepped on the pedestal. Serbia was slightly better in the opening frame and earned a 13:11 lead. Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) and Dragana Gobeljic (185-F-88) netted back-to-back treys to open the second period and stretched the margin to 8 points. Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) capped the first half with 4 straight points and Serbia opened a double-digit lead at halftime. Sonja Petrovic, Jelena Milovanovic and Dragana Gobeljic fueled a 10:0 run and Serbian team established a 48:29 advantage late in the frame. Sonja Petrovic and Ivanovic continued the rally in the fourth term as Serbia extended the distance to 28 points. Serbia then cruised to an overall victory at the end. Jelena Milovanovic paced the winners with 17 points and 6 boards. Sonja Petrovic dropped 15 points and pulled down 9 boards, while Dragana Gobeljic finished with 12 points for Serbia. Jael Freixanet (187-F-88) replied with 16 points and 7 boards for Spain. Anna Carbo (176-F-88), De La Fuente and Michel Aguilo (-90) nailed 7 points apiece in a losing effort. Serbia outrebounded their opponents 39:30 and shot solid 50% from the field. Spain converted 31% of field goals and committed 15 turnovers down the stretch.

Serbia U20: Jelena Milovanovic 17, Sonja Petrovic 15, Dragana Gobeljic 12
Spain U20: Jael Freixanet 16

Spain clinches the second spot in Pool C in Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Bulgaria U18 97:57

Spanish Junior Team completed the task and advanced to the qualifying round of the European Championship in Slovakia. They destroyed Bulgaria today for the second straight win at the tournament. Vega Gimeno (183-F-91) shone with 15 points and 12 boards for the winners. Bulgaria also qualified for the qualifying stage despite loss. They finished the preliminary Group C with 1-2 record at the third spot. Stanislava Stankova (168-G-90) paced Bulgarian team with 22 points. The teams kept it leveled at 14 after the opening frame but Spaniards went on a decisive run in the second period. They outgunned their opponents 35:11 to take care of business. A 10:0 run late in the third period allowed Spanish team to enjoy a 33-point cushion at the beginning of the final stanza. Bulgaria managed to cut the distance to 27 points in the fourth quarter but it was just a mere spark for them as Spanish easily secured stunning victory at the end. Marta Xargay (180-G-90) had 13 points, while Leonor Rodriguez (177-G-91) and Marta Tudanca (182-F-90) produced 11 points apiece for the winners. Stefka Nikolova (170-G-90) contributed 10 points and 8 boards for Bulgaria in a loss. Spain outrebounded their opponents 37:34 and forced Bulgaria to 23 turnovers. The winners also shot solid 64% from close range and 74% from charity stripe.

Spain U18: Vega Gimeno 15+12 boards, Marta Xargay 13, Leonor Rodriguez 11, Marta Tudanca 11
Bulgaria U18: Stanislava Stankova 22, Stefka Nikolova 10

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  SWEDEN - Women  


U20 EC, division B: Sweden grabs the gold medal beating Poland in the final - by Eurobasket News
U20 Sweden - U20 Poland 64-60

Sweden celebrated in the final of European Championship division B outplaying Poland at the front of their fans. Very important achievement for both teams is that they will compete in division A at the next European Championship. Final game is decided in the last quarter. Poland was much closer to big victory having plus six at the end of third stanza, 47-53. During the first three minutes of the last frame Swedish made crucial 12-0 run thanks to Frida Eldebrink (174-G-88) and Louice Halvarsson (189-C-89), which were unstoppable at the offensive end. Thus after minus six, Swedish made a big turn setting the score on 59-53. Skobel finally answered with successful jump shot for 59-56. During the last three minutes Poland committed two turnovers while on the other side Frida Eldebrink and Louice Halvarsson had 50% from the free throw line. The last train gone for Poland when Durak missed a lay-up after what Birbzycka attempted from the field but also unsuccessful. Frida Eldebrink missed first but netted second free throw for the final core 64-60.

Malin Edlund (183-F-88) was the best player in Sweden this time collecting 20 points and 4 rebounds. Frida Eldebrink, who was the leading Swedish player during the entire tournament, needed one more rebound for double-double. She stopped today on 18 points, 9 boards and 5 assists. Louice Halvarsson also had important role in this win adding 13 points and 12 rebounds. The hosts got 17 points and 8 rebounds from Joanna Zalesiak (174-G-88) while Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk (187-F/C-89) contributed with 11 points and 8 boards.


U20 Sweden - U20 Poland 64-60
(20-14,14-22,13-17,17-7)

Sweden: Malin Malin Edlund (183-F-88) 20 (4 rebs), Frida Eldebrink 18 (9 rebs, 5 as), Louice Halvarsson 13 (12 rebs)
Poland: Joanna Zalesiak 17 (8 rebs), Agnieszka Kaczmarczyk 11 (8 rebs)

Serbia finishes second in Group D in Slovakia - by Eurobasket News
Serbia U18 - Sweden U18 60:44

Serbian U18 National Team pip Sweden today for the second win at the European Championship in Slovakia. Four players scored in double figures for Serbian team as they improved to 2-1 record and occupied the second spot at the preliminary Group D. Serbia advanced to the qualifying round as well as Sweden who slipped to 1-2 record at the third place in the Pool. The teams exchanged baskets early in the game before Julia Tornberg (179-G-91) and Cleopatra Forsman (180-G-91) put Sweden in charge 13:7. Julia Tornberg and Sara Krnjic (193-C-91) traded baskets and Swedish team led 15:8 after ten minutes of action. Stefanie Yderstrom (172-G-90) opened the second frame with a three-pointer and stretched the lead to 10 points. However Nevena Jovanovic (179-G-90) and Dusanic teamed up for 13 straight points as Serbia jumped in front 23:18 midway through the period. Sara Krnjic capped the first half with a jumper to establish a 27:20 advantage for Serbia at the interval. Serbian team widened the damage soon after the start of the third period. Sanja Orozovic (184-G-90) nailed 7 points in the quarter and Sweden enjoyed a 47:30 advantage heading into the final stanza. Sweden had little chance in the fourth term to revive intrigue and Serbia cruised to the win at the end. Sara Krnjic, Nevena Jovanovic and Sanja Orozovic scored 11 points apiece to pace Serbia. Tina Jovanovic (191-F/C-91) had 10 points and 10 rebounds in a winning case. Cleopatra Forsman and Stefanie Yderstrom answered with 14 points apiece for Sweden. Julia Tornberg provided 11 points in a losing effort.

Serbia U18: Sara Krnjic 11, Nevena Jovanovic 11, Sanja Orozovic 11
Sweden U18: Cleopatra Forsman 14, Stefanie Yderstrom 14

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  TAIWAN - Women  


Women Jones Cup Day 2: Taiwan beat Malaysia - by Chris Wang
Taiwan 95-42 Malaysia

Taiwan NT had no problem against Malaysia, beating the visitor 95-42 for its second straight win in the Jones Cup.

Taiwan opened the game in the first quarter 21-2 and closed the game with a 29-6 4th quarter. Chaing Feng-chun had 18 points while Wu Min-fang had 17 points including five three-pointers.

Ang Siew-teng led Malaysia with 10 points.

Taiwan NT has won the last seven matchups with Malaysia. In the Asian Championship in Incheon, Korea last year, Taiwan defeated Malaysia 107-54.

Taiwan assistant coach Wang Ling credited Malaysia for its improvement, saying that some of the threes Malaysia had taken in the game were actually 'four-pointers.' Malaysia is obviously trying to overcome its lack of height with better perimeter game, she said.

Australia 76-72 Woori Bank (44-32)

Australia U-19 NT players needed to learn a basic fact: Koreans -- men or women -- can shoot. And they were lucky to know that without losing.

203cm center Elizabeth Cambage scored eight points in the first four minutes of the game as Australia dominated with its height advantage and led 44-32 at halftime.

Koreans made a furious rally in the fourth. Kim Eun-hye made five three-pointers in the first six minutes of the final period to help Woori Bank cut the deficit down to four points with 2:30 to go. Unfortunately, that was as close as they could get.

Kim scored 19 of her game-high 27 points in the fourth quarter but that wasn't enough to stop Woori Bank from dropping its second straight game.

Cambage had 24 points for Australia, which will meet Taiwan for preliminary top seed tomorrow.

Standings:
1. Australia 2-0
1. Taiwan 2-0
3. Woori Bank 0-2
3. Malaysia 0-2

Women Jones Cup Day 1: Taiwan, Australia cruise - by Chris Wang

Taiwan 85-60 Woori Bank (35-29)

Chiang Feng-chun scored 16 of her game-high 24 points in the third quarter as Taiwan NT shook off Koreas Woori Bank in the second half en route to an 85-60 opening win. Chiang, a 27-year-old 184cm forward, also had 9 boards and 7 assists.


Donning their intriguing pink jerseys, Woori Bank led 13-10 in the end of the first quarter. But it didnt take long for the home team to turn the tide. Taiwan took the lead 26-22 after Wu Min-fangs consecutive threes and never trailed.


Taiwan controlled the boards by a 54-27 margin.


Woori Bank entered the tournament without some of its core players, who are playing for Beijing-bound Korea NT. Veteran Hong Hyun-hee paced the team with 16 points.


Australia U-19 NT 81-62 Malaysia NT


Australia U-19 NT towered over Malaysians with its height advantage for an easy win, leading in the rebounding department 58-26.


Australian head coach Dean Kinsman said that he was happy to know that Australia mens U-19 team played well last week here, finishing for third in the mens group, and hoped his team do well too.


Five players on Malaysia NT did not come to Taiwan with the team, said Malaysia head coach Yoong Sze-yuin, who is acutally an assistant coach. The head coach stayed in Malaysia because of an election of the Malaysian Basketball Federation, she said.


Standings:
1. Australia U-19 NT 1-0
1. Taiwan NT 1-0
3. Malaysia NT 0-1
3. Woori Bank 0-1



About Jones Cup women's group - by Chris Wang
Words for fans, readers and players parents and friends:

-- As what it was for the mens competition, I will try to cover the womens group, record and maybe upload the game videos, but theres no guarantee because Im busy preparing for going to Beijing.

-- The video will be uploaded to this Veoh.com channel.

-- You can download the game stats from the official web site here or the file-sharing web site I use here. Organizers will place them for download after the games. Make sure you check back often.

-- Live webcast, online stats and boxscores will not be available.

-- I know, the official web site and the English coverage sucks. But I guess thats why I'm here..

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  TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO - Women  


Centrobasket 2008: Trinidad & Tobago outsmarts Barbados for the first joy - by Eurobasket News
Barbados - Trinidad & Tobago 60-64

Trinidad & Tobago had a reason for a joy for the first time on Centrobasket Championship 2008 in Puerto Rico. After 0-3 in Group A, Trinidad & Tobago grabbed win against Barbados so they will meet Guatemala in the battle for fifth position. On the other hand, despite one victory in Group B, Barbados will have to fight for position number 7 against Costa Rica. Both teams started first quarter showing their nerves. It was the main reason for low-scoring first ten minutes of the game as both teams missed couple of wide open shots. Different picture was seen on the court in the second stanza as Trinidad & Tobago totally took control on its opponent. Mostly owing to Pietra Gay (183-F-74) and Patrice Edwards (198-C-84, college: Texas Tech), Trinidad & Tobago finished it 12-22, which meant that they had comfortable plus 13 at the half time. Situation has changed in third frame as Barbados started to play more aggressive. Their pressure at the defensive end at kept Trinidad & Tobago on just 10 points in this quarter while Barbados netted 18. So the game was open for Barbadians once again. Trinidad & Tobago succeeded to keep 4 points lead until the last couple of seconds. Barbadians had a chance to make something at the very end but Toni Atherley (173-G-83) missed a 3-pointer which could possibly bring them chance but unfortunately to them it didn't happen.

Pietra Gay paced Trinidad & Tobago to win collecting 20 points and 6 rebounds. Patrice Edwards also had wonderful performance adding 19 points and 8 rebounds while Jackson-Kenedy had 12 points. Toni Atherley was the best in Barbados with 20 points and 5 rebounds while Jamila Griffith (183-G/F-82, college: Md-Eastern Shore) registered 15 points and 10 rebounds.


Barbados - Trinidad & Tobago 60-64
(10-13,12-22,18-10,20-19)

Barbados: Toni Atherley 20 (5 rebs), Jamila Griffith 15 (10 rebs)
Trinidad & Tobago: Pietra Gay 20 (6 rebs), Patrice Edwards 19 (8 rebs), Jackson-Kenedy 12

Centrobasket 2008: Guatemala celebrates over Trinidad & Tobago - by Eurobasket News
Trinidad & Tobago - Guatemala 60-72

Guatemala succeeded to grab the first win on Centrobasket Championship 2008 in Puerto Rico. After disappointing defeats by Cuba and Dominican Republic, Guatemala showed much better performance against Trinidad & Tobago. On the other side Guatemals' rival ended the competition in Group B winless. The hosts in this game, Trinidad & Tobago, couldn't handle Blanca Amado (-80), who totally dominated at the offensive end. In fact she was the only player with double digits for the winners. It seems it was more than enough for Guatemalans to take this one. Blanca Amado counted until 25 in this game missing only one rebound for double-double. Maria Fleischmann (-F/C-78) contributed in victory of her team with 9 points and 4 rebounds. Trinidad & Tobago got the most from Patrice Edwards (198-C-84, college: Texas Tech), who netted 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Pietra Gay (183-F-74) had 14 points and 8 rebounds while Rhea Codio (173-G-88) stopped on 11 points.
Despite better rebounding day, Trinidad & Tobago wasn't able to win shooting just 28% for FG2 (18 of 64). Guatemalans also didn't have brilliant shooting day recording 41% for FG2, 15% for 3-pts and 36% FTs. Anyway, both teams will continue championship tomorrow in the battle for the fifth place. Guatemalas rival will be fourth ranked team from Group A, which is Costa Rica. Trinidad & Tobago will have to take on Barbados.


Trinidad & Tobago - Guatemala 60-72

Trinidad & Tobago: Patrice Edwards 20 (12 rebs), Pietra Gay 14 (8 rebs), Rhea Codio 11
Guatemala: Blanca Amado 25 (9 rebs), Maria Fleischmann 9 (4 rebs)

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  TURKEY - Women  


Turkey clinches 7th spot in Italy - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20 - Lithuania U20 69:66

Turkish U20 National Team finished their European Championship campaign with a win. They defeated Lithuanian counterparts in thrilling encounter today and occupied the 7th overall spot in the final ladder. Turkish team overcame another big day for Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) to hold off the Baltic team. Turkey used a 7:4 run late in the starting period to grab an 18:13 advantage going into the second frame. Bahar Yapar (179-F-89) opened the second quarter with two three-pointers to open a double-digit lead for Turkey. Bahar Yapar added 8 more points and Ilknur Dumlu (176-G-89) hit a trey as Turkish team enjoyed a 34:20 advantage midway through the second stanza. Milauskaite and Kamile Nacickaite (174-G-89) scored 5 points in a row at the end of the first half and Lithuania trailed by 8 points at halftime. Turkeu maintained the gap throughout the third stanza and led by 7 points heading into the fourth quarter. Mehtap Gezer (192-F-88) and Bahar Yapar stretched the margin to 11 points to tip off the final term but Gintare Petronyte fueled an 8:0 surge from Lithuania as they cut the deficit to 3 points. However it was as close as Lithuania could get. Mehtap Gezer, Bahar Yapar and Ilknur Dumlu were deadly in the dying minutes and ensured the win for Turkey. Bahar Yapar finished with 17 points for Turkey. Ilknur Dumlu and Mehtap Gezer knocked down 14 points apiece for the winners. Gintare Petronyte posted 17 points and 12 boards, while Egle Sarapaite (172-G-88) dropped 11 points for Lithuania. Sarune Jasiunskaite (188-F-88) and Kamile Nacickaite had 10 points each in defeat.

Turkey U20: Bahar Yapar 17, Ilknur Dumlu 14, Mehtap Gezer 14
Lithuania U20: Gintare Petronyte 17+12 boards, Egle Sarapaite 11

Gulsah Akkaya sign with Spain team - by Iva Ivanova

Turkish national player Gulsah Akkaya (181-F-77) sighend with Sadis Basquet La Seu D`Urgell for next season. Akkaya (181-F-77) played previous season for Galatasaray, but left in a first half. Gulsah Akkaya played a very athletic basketabll. She is a very ambitious to sucseed in career with her new team. She plays some games in EuroCup last season with Galatasaray.

Gulsah Akkaya played also fro Greek panseraikos and YES Ramat Hasaron in Israel.



Poland get the taste of victory in Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18 - Turkey U18 81:72

Polish Junior National Team recorded their first win at the European Championship in Slovakia. They overcame Turkey in a must-win fixture to remain hopeful about their chances to advance to the qualifying round of the tournament. Olivia Tomialowicz (182-G-90) scored 22 points to pace determined Polish team. Klaudia Sosnowska (186-F-90) and Magda Kaczmarska (183-F/G-90) teamed up for 13 points in a high-flying first quarter and Poland grabbed a 27:22 lead before the second term. The teams remained close over the next period with the scoreline read 43:38 for Poland at halftime. Pacula's trey gave Polish team a 7-point advantage midway through the third stanza. Firat however cut the distance to 6 with one quarter to play. Magda Kaczmarska and Paulina Antczak (183-F-90) extended the margin to as many as 11 points early in the fourth quarter. Klaudia Sosnowska then came up with 5 points in a row to make it 71:55 game. Turkey never recovered and came up short at the end. Klaudia Sosnowska had 17 points and 9 boards for Poland. Magda Kaczmarska added 16 points, 8 assists and 6 boards, while Paulina Antczak contributed 15 points and 10 caroms for the winners. Ozge Yavas (169-G-91) dropped 21 points for Turkey. Tugce Canitez (188-F-90) secured 16 points and 11 boards in defeat. Turkey had a slight advantage on the glass with 45 rebounds. But they committed 20 turnovers and shot just 35% of field goals.

Poland U18: Olivia Tomialowicz 22, Klaudia Sosnowska 17, Magda Kaczmarska 16
Turkey U18: Ozge Yavas 21, Tugce Canitez 16+11 boards

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  UKRAINE - Women  


Ukraine strikes back in Nitra - by Eurobasket News
Slovakia U18 - Ukraine U18 64:80

Slovakian Junior Team suffered their first loss at home European Championship. They were unable to post the third straight loss coming up short against Ukraine. Slovak Republic opponents bounced back after a stunning loss to Czech Republic and upset the hosts. Ol'ha Maznichenko (186-F-91) knocked down 32 points and collected 11 rebounds to pace Ukraine. The visitors surprised sloppy home side with a 22:6 rally in the opening stanza. Kateryna Dorogobuzova (187-F-90) and Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91) extended the difference to 16 points at the interval. Kateryna Dorogobuzova and Ol'ha Maznichenko gave Ukraine a 21-point advantage early in the third stanza. Slovakia never recovered and trailed by as many as 25 points after three quarters of action. Slovakia opened the final term with 10 points in a row to clip the deficit to 15 points. Barbora Novocka (168-G-90) and Veronika Cernakova (174-G-90) clawed Slovakian way within 12 points but had little time to change things at the end. Kateryna Dorogobuzova poured in 27 points and pulled down 8 boards for Ukraine. Olesya Malashenko posted a massive double-double of 21 points and 19 rebounds for the winners. Veronika Cernakova secured 18 points for Slovakia. Klaudia Lukacovicova (193-C-90) delivered 14 points and 7 boards in defeat. Ukraine enjoyed an overwhelming advantage on the glass outrebounding their opponents 53:33. The winners shot impressive 51% of field goals and won despite committing 31 turnovers.

Slovakia U18: Veronika Cernakova 18, Klaudia Lukacovicova 14
Ukraine U18: Ol'ha Maznichenko 32+11 boards, Kateryna Dorogobuzova 27, Olesya Malashenko 21+19 boards

Ukraine thrashes Latvia to earn 5th spot at the European Championship - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine U20 - Latvia U20 80:59

Olena Samburska (172-G-89) nailed 25 points to pace Ukrainian U20 National Team to a victorious finish of the European Championship in Italy. Thy beat Latvia on the final day of action and clinched the 5th overall spot. Baiba Eglite (175-G-89) and Diana Ozolina (179-F-89) stunned their opponents early in the game as Latvia jumped to an 8:0 lead. But Olena Samburska notched 10 points in the opening frame to lift Ukraine to a 22:21 advantage ten minutes into the game. Latvia spurred ahead early in the second term before the encounter turned into a seesaw battle with the lead changing hands for numerous times. Karline Nimane (189-F-90) gave Latvian team a 39:38 advantage at halftime. Olena Samburska, Oleksandra Prystupa (205-C-89, agency: LBM Management) and Oksana Kisilova (188-F-88) carried Ukraine back in front 49:42 at the start of the third frame. Ukraine then reeled off an 18:5 rally to accumulate a 67:47 buffer before the fourth quarter. Jekabsone and Sabine Niedola (182-F-91) cut the distance to 16 points in the fourth frame but Ukraine immediately responded. They chipped in 9 unanswered points to pile up a comfortable advantage. Latvia failed to recover and suffered a heavy loss at the end. Oksana Kisilova provided 18 points for Ukraine. Arina Lysyuk (170-G-89) had 14 points in a winning effort. Sabine Niedola answered with 14 points and 6 boards for Latvia. Diana Ozolina had 10 points in defeat. Ukraine converted 54% from the field and outrebounded their opponents 34:29.

Ukraine U20: Olena Samburska 25, Oksana Kisilova 18, Arina Lysyuk 14
Latvia U20: Sabine Niedola 14, Diana Ozolina 10