Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 8/4/2008

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ASIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

FIBA Asia Junior Championship Draw - by Eurobasket News

The 20th Edition of the FIBA Asia Junior Championship is going to be held in Iran from August 28 through September 5. The draw for the competition was recently held at the Azadi Basketball Hall. The tourney will enjoy the participation of sixteen teams. They were divided into 4 preliminary groups. China, Japan, Hong Kong and India got into Group A. Group B comprised South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan and Syria. Chinese Taipei, Philippines, UAE and Lebanon got into Group C. Finally hosting Iran, Malaysia, Jordan and Uzbekistan made up for Group D. China celebrated the victory in the 19th edition of the competition held in Urumqi City.

Group A: China, Hong Kong, India, Japan

Group B: South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Syria
Group C: Chinese Taipei, Philippines, UAE, Lebanon
Group D: Iran, Malaysia, Jordan, Uzbekistan

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AUSTRALIA

The Emus sweep Oceania U19 Championship series - by Eurobasket News
Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 81:60

The Emus completed the sweep of the Junior Tall Blacks in the final game of the U19 Oceania Champions in Adelaide today. Cody Ellis (202-F-90) nailed 18 points and grabbed 6 boards to pace Australia to another confident victory over their archrivals. Both teams secured their U19 World Championship birth long before the series and tried to glue their game schemes well during the series. The teams traded baskets in the starting period. The Emus were just more accurate and outscore the Junior Tall Blacks 17:16. The hosts tightened defense in the second frame and ran away to an 8-point distance at halftime. The complexion of the game did not change after the long break as the Emus controlled the tempo and continued to stretch the lead. Balanced offensive effort allowed the Aussies to accumulate a 21-point advantage heading into the fourth term. The Emus and the Junior Tall Blacks scored 24 points apiece in the fourth frame and the home team cruised to the third straight win at the end. Brock Motum (205-F-90) secured 13 points and 7 rebounds for the Emus in the win. Christian Salecich (194-G-90) added 11 points for Australia. Brooke Ruscoe (189-G-90) answered with 15 points for New Zealand. Dion Prewster (196-G/F-91) and Robert Loe (207-C-91) nailed 10 points each for the Kiwis in defeat. The Emus outrebounded their opponents 42:25 and forced New Zealand into 21 turnovers. The hosts also accounted for 42 points in the paint.

Australia U19: Cody Ellis 18, Brock Motum 13, Christian Salecich 11
New Zealand U19: Brooke Ruscoe 15, Dion Prewster 10, Robert Loe 10

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AUSTRIA

U20 EC, division B: Austria easily beats Switzerland - by Eurobasket News
U20 Switzerland - U20 Austria 60-77

It was joyful third day of U20 European Championship division B for Austrians. After defeats against Belgium and Estonia, Austria outsmarted Switzerland improving to score 1-2 in Preliminary Group C. At the same time it means that Austria's hope for second position in this group is still alive. Actually, its chance for the next stage is really small but still exist. On the other side Switzerland is winless after two appearances in Targu Mures.

Austria's most powerful weapon in this game were rebounds as well as fast breaks. Austrians grabbed 49 boards while 15 of those were at the offensive end. On the on the other hand Switzerland had just 9 + 17. Austria made only 5 triples in this game but from 9 attempts which is 55.6%. Lorenzo O'Neal (188-G-88) and his teammates took control on Switzerland from the early begging. After ten minutes of the game it was plus 3 but until the half time Austrians extended it to 9 points. It seemed that Austrians played as much as they needed for this victory. Lorenzo O'Neal and Paul Radakovics (187-G-88) took care for the points in Austria, which ended third and last frame 13-17 apiece.

Lorenzo O'Neal was a key player for Austria in this game. He played 31 minutes pouring in 19 points and grabbing 9 boards. Paul Radakovics was behind him with 13 points and 4 rebounds while Sebastian Koch (200-F-88) also had a pretty good performance finishing the game with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Lionel Bobetso (183-G-88) and Miroslav Petkovic (183-G-88) netted 15 points each for the loosing side. Austria will have a one day-off after this victory while Switzerland will take on Slovakia in day 4.

U20 Switzerland - U20 Austria 60-77
(23-26, 11-17, 13-17, 13-17)

Switzerland: Lionel Bobetso 15 (5 rebs), Miroslav Petkovic 15
Austria: Lorenzo O'Neal 19 (9 rebs), Paul Radakovics 13 (4 rebs), Sebastian Koch 12 (13 rebs)

Austria U18 get 5th spot in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Austria U18 - Sweden U18 80:67

Austrian U18 National Team bounced Sweden in the final day of the European Championship in Division B. The victory allowed Austrian team to clinch the 5th overall spot in the ladder. Rasid Mahalbasic (203-F-90) tallied 31 points and 11 boards to pace Austria. The game start was all for Austria as they assumed the authority and opened a double-digit lead midway through the first frame. Milos Djurovic (183-G-91) capped the frame with 5 straight points and Austrian team enjoyed a 12-point advantage at the first intermission. Niklas Sellin (197-F-91), Omar Zaghden (204-F/C-90) and Andreas Person (188-G-91) cut the deficit to 3 points in the second frame but Sweden could not get in front. Austria survived the threat and led 46:42 at the interval. Austria went on a 10:2 run early in the third term and the gap grew to 12 points. All Sweden could do was to cut the distance to 5 points entering the final quarter. Sweden accounted for only 6 points in the fourth frame and had to surrender at the end. Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90) provided 16 points for Austria. Milos Djurovic contributed 15 points in a win. Omar Zaghden answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Sweden. Andreas Person netted 14 points in defeat.

Austria U18: Rasid Mahalbasic 31+11 boards, Moritz Lanegger 16, Milos Djurovic 15
Sweden U18: Omar Zaghden 18, Andreas Person 14

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AZERBAIJAN

U20 EC, division B: Sweden destroys Azerbaijan in Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
U20 Azerbaijan - U20 Sweden 44-100

Sweden blasted Azerbaijan in third day of U20 European Championship division B. It was another serious defeat for Azerbaijanis as they already was faced with 38-124 against the Germans. Thus after three days Sweden currently has 2-1 while Azerbaijan is winless yet with 0-2.

Sweden was a better team since the very beginning. As it was against the Germany, Azerbaijan's defense once against was on a poor level. Their offense wasn't any better as they committed 30 turnovers. Anyway it was expected win for the Swedish as difference in the quality between these two teams was a very high. After the first stanza Sweden already made plus 17 while during the next ten minutes they stretched lead to 30. It was not enough for the Swedish as they continued second half in the same rhythm. Everything resulted with more than comfortable win at the end. Interesting is that the Sweden finished the game with fantastic 56 rebounds.

Dino Pita (180-G-88) and Jeffery Taylor (200-G/F-89) were the best for the winners scoring 18 points each. Carl Saks (201-G-89) and Brandon Barton (191-G-88) followed them with 13 points apiece. Anar Hajiyev (198-G-88) added 16 points and 6 rebounds for Azerbaijan while Rufat Mahmudzade (203-C-89) followed him with 11 points and 5 boards. After this victory Sweden will take a rest one day while Azerbaijan will meet Ireland hoping to reach the first win.

U20 Azerbaijan - U20 Sweden 44-100
(7-24, 11-24, 13-22, 13-30)

Azerbaijan: Anar Hajiyev 16 (6 rebs), Rufat Mahmudzade 11 (5 rebs)
Sweden: Dino Pita 18 (5 as), Jeffery Taylor 18 (4 rebs), Carl Saks 13 (4 rebs, 5 as), Brandon Barton 13 (5 as)

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BELARUS

BELGIUM

Belgium fail to secure Division A spot - by Eurobasket News
Belgium U18 - Estonia U18 84:70

Belgian Junior National Team won their last game at the European Championship in Greece but it did not prevent them from relegation. Belgium defeated Estonia but the victory of German team over Bulgaria ceased Belgian hopes. Estonia lost all of their 9 games at the tournament and joined Belgium on the train to Division B. Belgium were well in control throughout the game and deservedly posted a comfortable victory at the end. Thomas De Thaey (197-F-91) fired 25 points to lead Belgium. They jumped to an early lead and drove to a 23:13 advantage at the first intermission. Thomas De Thaey nailed 6 points early in the second frame and Belgium widened the gap to 15 points. He later compiled 19 points in the frame and helped Belgium to a 53:26 advantage at the interval. Estonia tipped off the second half with 10:0 run but it was too little to revive the intrigue. Estonia nevertheless persisted and trimmed the deficit to 11 points at three-quarter time. But Alexandre Libert (186-G-90) and Thomas De Thaey fueled Belgian rally in the fourth quarter and kept Estonia at bay throughout the period. Quentin Serron (190-G-90) knocked down 23 points and grabbed 9 boards for Belgium. Lorenzo Giancaterino (190-F-90) netted 12 points for the winners. Kristjan Kitsing (201-F/C-90) chipped in 19 points for Estonia. Erik Keedus (194-F-90) dropped 17 points in defeat.

Belgium U18: Thomas De Thaey 25, Quentin Serron 23, Lorenzo Giancaterino 12
Estonia U18: Kristjan Kitsing 19, Erik Keedus 17

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BOSNIA

Bosnia and Herzegovina edge Switzerland for the 15th spot - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 - Switzerland U18 80:72

Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated a tough win over Switzerland at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Thus the winners claimed the 15th spot at the tournament. Bosnia marked their dominance in the opening stanza. They outscored their opponents 24:9 to roll comfortably afterwards. Switzerland struggled to recover in the second frame and trailed by 21 points at halftime. The shots started to drop for the Swiss juniors in the second half. They cut the deficit by 12 points and headed into the final quarter down by 9 points. Jonathan Kazadi-Muyombu (189-G-91) and Brian Savoy (186-G-92) dragged Switzerland within 2 points from their opponents midway through the fourth term. But Aldin Majstoric (198-G-90)h was there to convert a three-point play for Bosnia and they ran away with victory at the end. Aldin Majstoric dropped 20 points to pace Bosnia and Herzegovina. Darko Damjanovic (200-F-91) added 18 points for the winners. Brian Savoy responded with 13 points for Switzerland. Ian Savoy (187-G-90) delivered 11 points in a loss. Bosnia outrebounded their opponents 37:27 and forced Switzerland to 18 turnovers.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Aldin Majstoric 18, Darko Damjanovic 18, Eldin Camdzic (195-G-90) 12, Kresimir Mustapic (200-F-90) 12
Switzerland U18: Brian Savoy 13, Ian Savoy 11

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BULGARIA

Spain U20 kept Bulgaria U20 winless - by Eurobasket News
Spain U20-Bulgaria U20 97:84

Spain U20 finished Group C with 2-1 record after 97:84 win over Bulgaria U20. The third quarter was too much for the Bulgarian side that had nothing to do with Spanish 36:18. Joaquin Colom

(187-G-88) paced the winners with 20 points. Victor Claver (204-F/C-88) nailed 19 and Tomas had 16. Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88, agency: FCM) top-scored for Bulgaria with 31 points and Milen Kostov (185-G-89) ended up with 21. Their team was sent to the 13-16 classification games.
Aguilar opened the game for his team as both teams stayed close to each other in the very beginning. Only in the end of the period Victor Claver locked Spain in a 23:21 lead. Bulgaria bounced back with the same 23:21 in the second period to tie the game at 44:44. The half mostly belonged to the duo from Bulgaria Ivan Lilov and Milen Kostov.
Spain made a 13-1 run in the third quarter as it was decisive in the game. Pere Tomas (201-F-89) with a jump shot closed the third at 80:62 as it was 36:18 in it. In the last quarter the teams had different task for the period and Spain solved their one keeping the score for good. Spain won 97:84 and finished the group with 2-1 record.

Spain U20:Joaquin Colom

20, Victor Claver 19, Pere Tomas 16
Bulgaria U20: Ivan Lilov 31,Milen Kostov 21

Germany pull away with crucial win over Bulgaria - by Eurobasket News
Germany U18 - Bulgaria U18 87:73

German Junior National Team wrapped up their European Championship campaign with win over Bulgaria. The victory was decisive for Germany as they secured Division A spot for the next year. Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) netted 25 points and Germany pulled away with a crucial win at the tournament. Germany used an 11:0 rally in the opening frame to build a 13:5 advantage. Hristo Zahariev (198-G/F-90) and Aleksandar Yanev (202-F-90) led Bulgaria back in front however Alexander Schrempf (196-G/F-90) notched a three-pointer to set German team ahead 23:19 at the end of the first term. The teams traded baskets in the second quarter and Germany enjoyed a 46:37 advantage at halftime. Simon Schmitz (188-G-90), Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) and Niels Giffey (198-F-91) kept Bulgaria at distance throughout the third frame and Germany ensured a 9-point buffer heading into the fourth quarter. The intrigue sparked several times in the final stanza as Bozhidar Avramov (196-G-90) and Hristo Zahariev dragged Bulgaria within 5 points. But Simon Schmitz and Maik Zirbes accounted for a number of key attempts late in regulation and Germany registered victory at the end. Maik Zirbes produced 20 points for Germany. Simon Schmitz added 15 points and 7 assists for the winners. Bozhidar Avramov and Aleksandar Yanev replied with 19 points apiece for Bulgaria. Vasil Kyosev (195-G-90) and Dimitre Marintchechki (201-F/C-90) had 13 points each in a loss. Germany converted impressive 56% from the field and committed just 11 turnovers down the stretch.

Germany U18: Maurice Stuckey 25, Maik Zirbes 20, Simon Schmitz 15
Bulgaria U18: Bozhidar Avramov 19, Aleksandar Yanev 19

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CHILE

Dimayor 08/09: Round 6 results - by Daniel Valencia
On sunday night, Liceo Mixto defeated CD Universidad de Concepcion 105-100 an reach the first place of the north group. Patrick Saez (191-G/F-79) was the scoring leader with 19 points for Liceo. In the south group, with a 88-75 victory against Provincial Osorno, Deportes Castro reach the first place and now has a 4-1 record. The shooting guard Jose Luis Campos (189-G-80) was the offensive leader with 25 points in the night.

Round 6

Espanol de Talca 63 - Universidad Catolica 69
Esp: Jose Madrid 15 pts. Daniel McFaul 13 pts. Francisco Veliz 9 pts.
Uc: Juan Pablo Montas 18 pts. Angelo Olivares 14 pts. Walter Storani 13 pts.

CD Universidad de Concepcion 100 - Liceo Mixto 105
Ucon: Evandro Arteaga 28 pts. Jefferson Agba 21 pts. Marcelo Hernandez 15 pts.
Lic: Patrick Saez 19 pts. Brandon Mason 17 pts. Oliver Hermosilla 15 pts.

Deportes Ancud 84 - Deportivo Valdivia 82 OT
Anc: Leonardo Alves 27 pts. Eduardo Baeta 17 pts. Julius Holt 15 pts.
Val: Bobby Madison 23 pts. Deshawn Danzey 21 pts. Claus Prutzmann 15 pts.

Deportes Castro 88 - Provincial Osorno 75
Cas: Jose Luis Campos 25 pts. Gonzalo Velasquez 18 pts. Jackson Marlow 16 pts.
Oso: DaJuan Gouard 27 pts. Raphael Madera 21 pts. Cristian Perez 8 pts.

Dimayor: roster changes in Deportes Castro - by Daniel Valencia
Deportes Castro released the canadian forward Duane John (198-F-81, agency: Chris Pearson SM, college: Oklahoma City). John played with the team the past season and this year in three games he averaged 13.3 points.

To replace John the leaders of Castro agreed terms with P.J. Mills (201-F). Mills played both games of the weekend against Valdivia and Osorno, scoring 20 and 14 points respectively. Now Mills completed the three foreigners for Castro alongside Jackson Marlow (214-C-81, college: Fresno St.) and Roy Morris (188-G, college: San Diego).

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CROATIA

Ukraine U20 made it to the Qualifying Round, Croatia too - by Eurobasket News

Croatia U20- Ukraine U2O 91:101

Ukraine U20 won the first game of the U20 European Championship and made it to the Qualifying Round. In the last game of the group the team beat Croatia U20 101:91. A massive 37:20 in the second quarter had a great push that gave Ukrainian side the lead until the end. Oleksandr Kolchenko (198-F/G-88) led the winners with 29 points. Sergiy Gladyr (196-G/F-89) posted 20, while Vadym Norenko (204-F-88) netted 17. Franjo Bubalo (194-G/F-88) finished the game with 20 points and Ivan Milekovic (197-G/F-88) scored 18.
Croatia scored first three points in the game and desired the victory not less than Ukraine. The latter replied with some baskets and finished the first period at 22:21 lead. In the second quarter the court saw only one team as Ukraine was too good for the opponent. A rain of points downed on the Croatian basket as Ukraine scored no less than 37 points in the second quarter led by Oleksandr Kolchenko and Sergiy Gladyr who combined 23 of those points, on the way to a 59:41 lead at half time.
Oleksandr Kolchenko scored two free throws for 20-points advantage in the beginning of the third. Croatia however did not give up and reduced the gap before the final stanza. Bilan made it 75:64 before the teams entered the last quarter. Kruslin cut it to 74:76 from the arc but Ukraine did not look behind in the game and won 101:91.

Lithuania won Preliminary Round in Group A of U20 European Championship. Just few minutes ago the team overcame Greece U20 90:77. That meant that Croatia also advanced to the Qualifying Round.

Croatia U20:Franjo Bubalo 20, Ivan Milekovic 18
Ukraine U20: Oleksandr Kolchenko 29, Sergiy Gladyr 20, Vadym Norenko 17

CYPRUS

Another great honor for Cyprus Basketball - by Chris Mammides
Head Coach Konstantinos Filippopoulos was invited to the summer camps of Auburn and Alabama Universities in Alabama, to attend in a series of seminars for coaches and at the same time will have the chance to coach in the preparation/training of both the NCAA (Division 1) teams, furthermore, he will give some lectures together with some really high esteemed head coaches allover USA.
The Greek-Cypriot Head Coach is well known in the territory of Alabama as he was among the main coaching staff of the team of Auburn University during the seasons 2002 and 2003 for more than two years.
The talented Head coach is invited from the American Head Coach Jeff Libo who is the head Coach of the Auburn University the last six years. The American Head Coach and the Greek Cypriot Head Coach have known each other since 2002 where they have worked together in the University as Filippopoulos belonged in his coaching staff. The American head Coach Jeff Libo considers to be among the gurus in the College Basketball in the States having worked in more than 8 different colleges with great successes in the past.
Among others the Cypriot Coach will give some lectures in the current coaching team of the two Universities mentioned before with the theme focusing on the role of the Head Coach in European and American courts, what are the similarities and the differences?
It is worth mentioned that the talented Head coach is in discussions with two teams in Germany and in Sweden but still he didnt decide as there are some divergences in the period of the contracts as Filipopoulos wants to sign at least an one year contract (and keep his options open for his future, as he prefers the Greek or Cyprus league due to family reasons) but the teams are offering him two and three years respectively so he will have to decide by the end of this specific trip in the States which starts on the 6th of August.
Coach Filippopoulos is coming back from the States on 23rd of August and until then he will have to decide about his coaching career step for the season 2008-2009.

Eurobasket.com, wishes all the best to the coach which represents Cyprus abroad like no other.

Apoel and Ellinas!!! - by Nasios Orinos
The new man of Apoel, Christodoulos Ellinas, promises a new era for the team as he plans to build up a team that will become a threat to contend for the titles in the years to come.

In an effort to reverse the course of his teams future, he announced signing of George Anastasiades. As he stated at Eurobasket.com, his most important aim is to help the club minimize debts and rebound economically. He furthermore noted that he wishes to create a new mentality around the team based on which everybody will view the team positively and will desire to cooperate with it. The moment we speak, Apoel evaluates its options for a court of its own. The new man noted that the club plans to have it own court in the next 3-4 years. Regarding Apoel fans, the club has put in practice ways to drive them into the court at every game. Regarding this, Christodoulos Ellinas cited the following: I will do everything in my power to support all those fans that were next to the team last year.

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CZECH REPUBLIC

DENMARK

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Reales defeated by Caneros - by Kerwin Abreu
La Romana: Caneros de La Romana gave Reales de La Vega their first lost of the season 90-89 this sunday. The first half was won by los caneros de la romana 47-45. In the win the best were Reggie Charles (200-F-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza) 18 points, Edward Santana (203-F-80) 17, Carlos Sanchez 17, Julius Nwosu (207-C-71, agency: Pro Management Agency, college: Liberty) 13 points 9 rebounds. In the lost cause Alex Carcamo (200-F-77, agency: Gross Zeev ISA, college: E.Washington) 22 points, Jorge Almanzar (193-G/F-76) 18, Juan Coronado (198-F-90) 16 points.

Puerto Plata: Marineros de Puerto Plata defeated Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris 88-78. Marineros are now 4-4, Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris are now 3-4. The best in the victory were Jamaal Thomas (202-F-80, college: Angelo St.) 29 points, Marlon Martinez (204-F/C-79, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes) 26 12 rebounds, Oliver Gonzalez 11 points. In the lost cause Sammy Villegas (198-G-83, agency: Next Level, college: Toledo) 17 points, Juan Carlos Eusebio (203-C/F-73) and Ramon Paulino (178-G-76) 13 each.

Santo Domingo: Panteras defeated Metros 96-87. The best in the victory were Benito Flores (198-F-80, college: Wisc.-Green Bay) 23 points, Juan Bautista Araujo (206-F/C-83) 22, Cesar Rosario (180-G) 32. In the lost the best were Angel Sanchez (196-F-76) 31 points, Franklin Matos (190-G-82) 10 points, Jose Rodriguez, Manuel Liriano and Jose Abreu 9 points each. Panteras are now 3-4. Metros are 3-5.

Indios Fall 1-7 Constituyentes 7-1 - by Kerwin Abreu
S.F.M. Constituyentes de San Cristobal defeated Indios de San Francisco 79-76 with a last second shot from Hansel Salvador (186-G-80) with the game tied to 76. In the win the best were Hansel Salvador 13 points, Carl Edwards (196-F-81, college: Charleston) 12, Eddy Elisma and Josue Abreu (188-G-66) 9 points each. In the lost cause Chris Smith (201-F/C-82, college: St.Edward's) 18 points, Jamal Holden (206-C-80, college: UALR) 15, Richard Ortega (188-G-82) 14 points, Henry Paulino (198-F-73) and Anderson Hernandez (191-G/F-80) 10 each.

Indios are now 1-7 and Constituyentes are 7-1.

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ESTONIA

EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16

M-Standings - Group B

Standings Div.B

Group A
1. Belgium		0-0
2. Belarus		0-0
3. Estonia		0-0
4. Germany		0-0
5. Luxembourg.		0-0
6. Slovakia		0-0
Group B
1. Austria		0-0
2. Bosnia		0-0
3. Denmark		0-0
4. Iceland		0-0
5. Monteneg.		0-0
6. Holland		0-0
Group C
1. Bulgaria		0-0
2. Cyprus		0-0
3. U.Kingdom		0-0
4. Romania		0-0
5. Slovenia		0-0
6. Switzerl.		0-0
Group D
1. Finland		0-0
2. Ireland		0-0
3. FYR Macedo.		0-0
4. Portugal		0-0
5. Sweden		0-0

M-Standings - Group A

Standings

Group A
1. Czech Repu.		0-0
2. Greece		0-0
3. Italy		0-0
4. Serbia		0-0
Group B
1. Spain		0-0
2. Hungary		0-0
3. Lithuania		0-0
4. Ukraine		0-0
Group C
1. Croatia		0-0
2. Latvia		0-0
3. Poland		0-0
4. Turkey		0-0
Group D
1. France		0-0
2. Georgia		0-0
3. Israel		0-0
4. Russia		0-0

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

Division A. Finals - by Eurobasket News
Final
Greece U18 - Lithuania U18 57:50
Greek Junior National Team made the final step towards the European crown. Today they defeated Lithuanian counterparts to become the European champions. Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) netted 16 points for Greek team as they held off dangerous Lithuanian side and posted their 8th straight victory at the tournament. Lithuania jumped to an early 6:0 lead. Donatas Motiejunas (214-C-90) and Mantas Kadzevicius soon stretched the margin to 9 points 11:2 but Greece did not panic. They cut the deficit to 5 points and continued to get closer right after the first intermission. A 10:2 rally from the hosts allowed them to claim a 21:18 advantage midway through the second frame. Kristijonas Gaska (188-G-90) retained the advantage for Lithuania late in the period but it was Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) who drained a trey and gave Greece a 27:25 halftime lead. The teams kept it close throughout the third term but three-point bombs from Konstantinos Sloukas and Konstantinos Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90) extended Greek advantage to 7 points with under a minute to go in the frame. The home side mounted the pressure on Lithuania as they went on a 7:0 run and cleared off to a 10-point distance in the fourth quarter. Gediminas Bertasius and Donatas Motiejunas trimmed the distance to 6 points but Lithuania simply ran out of time to get any closer and Greece triumphed at the end. Nikolaos Pappas had 14 points and 7 boards for Greece. Konstantinos Papanikolaou added 10 points in a winning case. Donatas Motiejunas responded with 17 points and 12 boards for Lithuania. Kristijonas Gaska contributed 9 points in a losing case. The teams were almost equally matched in the majority of the game facets however Lithuania shot woefully from beyond the arc converting just 2/21 attempts.

Greece U18: Konstantinos Sloukas 16, Nikolaos Pappas 14, Konstantinos Papanikolaou 10
Lithuania U18: Donatas Motiejunas 17+12 boards, Kristijonas Gaska 9

3rd-4th spots
Croatia U18 - France U18 73:68
Croatian Junior National Team earned the Bronze medals at the European Championship in Greece. Earlier today they held off France in the consolation final. Mario Delas (210-C-90) produced 18 points and 14 boards to pace Croatia to the hard-fought victory. Croatia got to a better start as they kept in front throughout the opening frame. Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90) capped the quarter with 6 straight points and Croatia enjoyed a 20:13 advantage at the first intermission. Croatia stretched the margin to 11 points midway through the second term and then drove to a 14-point cushion at the interval. Ivan Ramljak opened the second half with 5 points as the margin grew to 16 points. However points from Chrislain Cairo and Nicolas Lang (195-G-90) and back-to-back three-pointers from Jonathan Bourhis (183-G-90) cut the deficit to 6 points. Jonathan Bourhis finalized the third term with another trey and France trailed 54:60 heading into the fourth quarter. The teams traded baskets in the final quarter and France eventually managed to get within a single point with 20 seconds remaining. But Croatia survived the threat as Toni Prostran knocked down 4 freebies in the final seconds and sealed the winning outcome for Croatia. Josip Bilinovac (190-G-90) and Ivan Ramljak had 16 points for the winners. Nicolas Lang nailed 15 points to lead France. Jonathan Bourhis and Alexis Tanghe (207-F/C-90) had 11 points apiece in defeat. Croatia outrebounded their opponents 47:37 and held French players to 38% accuracy from the field.

Croatia U18: Mario Delas 18+14 boards, Josip Bilinovac 16, Ivan Ramljak 16
France U18: Nicolas Lang 15, Jonathan Bourhis 11, Alexis Tanghe 11

5th-6th spots
Spain U18 - Serbia U18 89:85
Spanish Junior National Team narrowly defeated Serbia to clinch the 5th spot at the European Championship. The victory also meant Spain qualified for the U19 World Championship that would be held in New Zealand next year. The game turned into a seesaw action with both teams enjoying big lead as well as trailing by big numbers. Spain looked better in the starting period and built a 25:15 advantage at the intermission. Serbia went on a 25:5 rally in the second frame to grab a 40:34 advantage. Bojan Subotic (204-F/C-90) and Andreja Milutinovic connected from beyond the arc and Serbia rolled to a 46:39 lead at the sides change. Spain used a 9:0 run in the third period to regain the lead. Ivan Martinez and Adrian Laso (204-F/C-90) crowned the third frame with consecutive triples and Spanish team piled up a 67:60 advantage at three-quarter time. Riznic and Aleksandar Vlahovic (193-G-90) teamed up for 6 points to give Serbia a 73:71 lead midway through the final term. The lead then changed hands for several times before Perez and Franch drained big-time three-pointers and secured an unassailable lead for Spain. Serbia cut the deficit to one point but failed to succeed at the end. Six Spanish players scored in double figures en route to the win. Alberto Jodar (205-F/C-91) paced the winners with 17 points. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) netted 16 points, while Adrian Laso added 15 points and 10 rebounds in a win. Bojan Subotic replied with 21 points and 11 boards for Serbia. Uros Petrovic (206-F/C-90) and Aleksandar Vlahovic had 15 points apiece in a loss.

Spain U18: Alberto Jodar 17, Ignacio Llovet 16, Adrian Laso 15+10 boards
Serbia U18: Bojan Subotic 21+11 boards, Uros Petrovic 15, Aleksandar Vlahovic 15

7th-8th spots
Latvia U18 - Russia U18 71:69
It was once again a story of dramatic finale when Russian and Latvian U18 National Teams played for the 7th spot today. Latvia managed to overcome a 6-point halftime deficit to pull away with a last second victory against their opponents. The teams met earlier in the competition and then Latvia killed Russian hopes to qualify to the semifinal by narrowly defeating them. Today Russia failed to take revenge. Latvia entered the final period ahead by 5 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth stanza and Slepukha cut the deficit to 2 points with less than 3 minutes remaining. Maxim Grigoryev followed it with a freebie to trim the distance to minimum. Martins Laksa (196-F-90) however responded with a jumper to give Latvia a 70:67 lead with one and a half minute remaining. Maxim Grigoryev got fouled and hit both free throws to narrow the distance. Kalvis Krumins (182-G-90) dropped just free throw and Russia had 7 seconds to save the game. Denis Polokhin got the ball but his buzzer-beating layup rimmed out and Latvia scored another dramatic win over Russia at the tournament. Kristers Zeidaks (201-F-90) provided 17 points for Latvia. Kalvis Krumins knocked down 15 points, while Martins Laksa had 14 points in a win. Pavel Antipov (200-F-91) was the only player to score in double figures for Russia. He nailed 13 points and pulled down 6 boards in defeat.

Latvia U18: Kristers Zeidaks 17, Kalvis Krumins 15, Martins Laksa 14
Russia U18: Pavel Antipov 13, Andrey Kirdyachkin (204-F/C-90) 8+6 boards

9th-10th spots
Turkey U18 - Israel U18 95:72
Turkish Junior National Team finalized their European Championship with a comprehensive win over Israel. Enes Kanter (205-C-92) tallied a massive double-double of 22 points and 25 rebounds to pace Turkey to the 9th overall spot at the tournament. Turkey had an overwhelming dominance throughout the game and easily secured a comfortable victory at the end. Turkey established a 19:12 advantage ten minutes into the action. Consecutive triples from Can Maxim Mutaf (193-G-91) allowed Turkey to build a 29:13 buffer midway through the second frame. Mahmutoglu capped the first half with a three-pointer and Turkey left into the dressing room leading by 15 points. Volkan Incekara (192-G-90), Enes Kanter and Erolcan Cinko stretched the margin to 26 points in the third term. The advantage was pretty obvious but Turkey never loosened the grip and cruised to a stunning win at the end. Can Maxim Mutaf provided 16 points for Turkey. Volkan Incekara had 11 points, while Ibrahim Yildirim knocked down 10 in a win. Ben Reis (196-F-90) answered with game-high 27 points for Israel. Tal Karpelesz (194-F-90) dropped 12 points in a losing effort. Turkey outrebounded their counterparts 50:26 and sank 53% from the field. Israel answered with 44% field goal accuracy and forced Turkey to 23 turnovers down the stretch.

Turkey U18: Enes Kanter 22+25 boards, Can Maxim Mutaf 16, Volkan Incekara 11
Israel U18: Ben Reis 27, Tal Karpelesz 12

11th-12th spots
Italy U18 - Ukraine U18 84:68
Italian Junior National Team finished their European Championship campaign at the 11th spot. Today they defeated Ukraine to wrap up the tournament on a positive note. David Cournooh (190-G-90) notched 16 points to pace Italy. The close first period saw Italy grabbing a narrow 19:18 lead. Luca Campani (204-F-90) and Raffaele Martone organized a 9:0 run from Italy late in the second term and lifted the team to a 42:30 advantage at the interval. Back-to-back trebles from Andriy Lebedintsev (194-G-91) cut the deficit to just 2 points early in the third quarter. However Italy immediately responded with a 17:1 run to build an 18-point cushion. Ukraine never rebounded and Italy cruised to the win in the final period. Pasquale Paolisso (203-F/C-90, agency: Court Side) and Luca Campani knocked down 12 points apiece for Italy. Daniele Sandri had 9 points in a win. Oleksandr Lypovyy (198-G-91) answered with 17 points for Ukraine. Andriy Lebedintsev secured 16 points in a losing effort. Italy outrebounded their opponents 46:33 and forced those to 18 turnovers. The winners converted 47% from the field, while Ukraine responded with only 35% accuracy in field goals.

Italy U18: David Cournooh 16, Luca Campani 12, Pasquale Paolisso 12
Ukraine U18: Oleksandr Lypovyy 17, Andriy Lebedintsev 16

Division B. Finals - by Eurobasket News
Final
Slovenia U18 - Czech Republic U18 68:60
Slovenian U18 National Team outscored Czech Republic to earn the title in Division B of the European Championship. Both teams advanced to the Division A for the next year. Slovenia needed to overcome a slow start to steamroll their opponents in the next two quarters and secure the victory at the end. Marko Vranjkovic (202-F/C-90) secured 17 points and 11 boards to pace the winners. Czech Republic was not saved by a pivotal performance from Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91, agency: PPGroup) as he tallied 17 points, 8 boards and 5 assists. The teams exchanged the blows early in the game with Czech Republic being just more accurate and establishing a narrow 16:14 lead into the second frame. Tomas Satoransky kept Czechs ahead throughout the second frame but Slovenia surged in front late in the half. Anze Pelc drained a three-pointer and Uros Zadnik came up with a jump shot to give Slovenia a 36:33 advantage at the interval. Slovenia went on a 9:0 run in the third stanza to accumulate an 11-point cushion that proved unassailable at the end. Czech Republic failed to come closer in the reminder of the period. Moreover Slovenia extended the gap to 15 points with one quarter to go. Tomas Satoransky and Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90) trimmed the margin to 8 points but Slovenia kept steady and rolled to the success at the end. Mirza Sarajlija (183-G-91) buried 10 points for Slovenia. Luka Dimec (207-F/C-90) contributed 9 points in the Slovenian triumphant win. Jan Vesely finished with 16 points for Czech team. Kudlacek had 9 points in defeat.

Slovenia U18: Marko Vranjkovic 17+11 boards, Mirza Sarajlija 10, Luka Dimec 9
Czech Republic U18: Tomas Satoransky 17, Jan Vesely 16

3rd-4th spots
Poland U18 - Slovakia U18 70:60
Piotr Pamula (190-G-90) nailed 20 points and Polish Junior Team celebrated en emphatic win over Slovakia to clinch the third spot at the European Championship in Division B. Polish side exploded in the starting frame to set the tone for the rest of the encounter. Sulima and Piotr Pamula combined for 13 points in the first quarter as Poland jumped to a massive 32:12 lead after the starting quarter. Poland maintained the distance well throughout the second frame and established a 41:21 advantage at halftime. Richard Grznar (187-G-91) knocked down 6 points in the third term to pace Slovakia as they shaved the deficit to 16 points. Matej Marchyn (188-F-90) netted 9 points in less than two minutes for Slovakia and they came within 9 points from Poland in the fourth quarter. But Piotr Pamula replied with 11 points for Poland in the dying minutes and Poland easily secured the winning outcome. Jakub Wojciechowski (211-C-90) provided 13 points and 13 boards for Poland. Jaroslaw Mokros (196-F-90) added 9 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Richard Grznar led all scorers with 27 points for Slovakia. Matej Marchyn had 13 points in a losing effort. Poland outmuscled their opponents in the paint pulling down 44 caroms. They also sank 47% from the field, while limiting Slovakia to 28%. Poland repeated their last season result, while Slovakia improved upon the 10th spot in 2007.

Poland U18: Piotr Pamula 20, Jakub Wojciechowski 13+13 boards, Jaroslaw Mokros 9
Slovakia U18: Richard Grznar 27, Matej Marchyn 13

5th-6th spots
Austria U18 - Sweden U18 80:67
Austrian U18 National Team bounced Sweden in the final day of the European Championship in Division B. The victory allowed Austrian team to clinch the 5th overall spot in the ladder. Rasid Mahalbasic (203-F-90) tallied 31 points and 11 boards to pace Austria. The game start was all for Austria as they assumed the authority and opened a double-digit lead midway through the first frame. Milos Djurovic (183-G-91) capped the frame with 5 straight points and Austrian team enjoyed a 12-point advantage at the first intermission. Niklas Sellin, Omar Zaghden (204-F/C-90) and Andreas Person (188-G-91) cut the deficit to 3 points in the second frame but Sweden could not get in front. Austria survived the threat and led 46:42 at the interval. Austria went on a 10:2 run early in the third term and the gap grew to 12 points. All Sweden could do was to cut the distance to 5 points entering the final quarter. Sweden accounted for only 6 points in the fourth frame and had to surrender at the end. Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90) provided 16 points for Austria. Milos Djurovic contributed 15 points in a win. Omar Zaghden answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Sweden. Andreas Person netted 14 points in defeat.

Austria U18: Rasid Mahalbasic 31+11 boards, Moritz Lanegger 16, Milos Djurovic 15
Sweden U18: Omar Zaghden 18, Andreas Person 14

7th-8th spots
Portugal U18 - Denmark U18 69:56
Portuguese Junior National Team succeeded in the last day of action at the European Championship in Division B. Thus Portugal secured the 7th overall spot in the tournament. Its quite an improvement for Portuguese team as they were 12th last year. Portugal trailed by just first five minutes in the game before Pereira put them ahead for good. They went on a 10:0 run and built a 16:12 lead at the break. Elsner kept Denmark close early in the second frame but Portugal capped the first half with a 16:2 rally to make it 38:22 at halftime. Diogo Correia (185-G-90) hit four points at the start of the third frame to stretch the margin to 20 points. Two trebles from Alexander Bak (-91) helped Denmark cut the distance to 14 points. But it was just a spark from Danish team as Portugal took over late in the period and headed into the final quarter ahead by 18 points. Portugal eased to the win in the fourth frame and finished the tournament on a positive note. Corriea finished with game-high 25 points for Portugal. Pinheiro and Pereira dropped 10 points apiece for the winners. Nicolas Christensen (190-G-90) answered with 13 points for Denmark. Lasse Hammar (182-G-90) and Alexander Bak provided 8 points each in a losing effort. Denmark outmuscled their opponents under the rims but could not fight Portuguese accuracy. Portugal sank solid 45% from the field, while limiting Denmark to 34%.

Portugal U18: Diogo Correia 25, Pinheiro 10, Andre Pereira 10
Denmark U18: Nicolas Christensen 13, Lasse Hammar 8, Alexander Bak 8

9th-10th spots
Netherlands U18 - Montenegro U18 78:74
Dutch Junior National Team withstood a fierce second half comeback effort from Montenegro to score a difficult win at the European Championship in Division B today. Mohammed Kherrazi (199-F-90) dropped 23 points and Netherlands earned the 9th overall spot in Hungary. It all worked smoothly for Netherlands in the opening stanza as they cruised past their opponents. Mladenovic and Mohammed Kherrazi teamed up for 10 points as Netherlands jumped to a 10:2 lead. The onslaught continued as the Dutch side built a 28:12 advantage at the first intermission. Miljanic and Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) hit back-to-back treys early in the second frame as Montenegro cut the deficit to 12 points. Mohammed Kherrazi and Jeroen van Vugt (191-G-91) kept Montenegro at distance and Netherlands enjoyed a 49:34 advantage at the interval. Vladimir Mihailovic came up with 6 points in the third frame as Montenegro trimmed the gap to just 7 points before the final stanza. Filip Patkovic and Nemanja Radovic got Montenegro within a single point from Netherlands. Jesse Voorn, Kherazzi and Ken Schroder all connected from downtown as the Dutch team stayed in front. Milos Lopicic (214-C-90) once again dragged Montenegro within one point but Mohammed Kherrazi and Jeroen van Vugt scored in the dying seconds and sealed the winning outcome for Netherlands. Jeroen van Vugt finished with 15 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for Netherlands. Terence Robinson (186-G-90) added 10 points for the winners. Milos Lopicic had 15 points for Montenegro. Vladimir Mihailovic provided 14 points in a loss.

Netherlands U18: Mohammed Kherrazi 23, Jeroen van Vugt 15, Terence Robinson 10
Montenegro U18: Milos Lopicic 15, Vladimir Mihailovic 14

11th-12th spots
Finland U18 - Romania U18 64:58
Roopi Ahonen (185-G-90) netted 17 points to pace balanced Finnish U18 Team past Romania in the final day of action at the European Championship in Division B. Finland wrapped up their campaign at the 11th overall spot, while Romania secured the 12th place in the final ladder. Finland got to a quick start and built a 16:9 lead midway through the opening stanza. Romania used a 9:1 rally to jump in front late in the period but Finland had the last laugh as Ahonen dropped a three-pointer and gave his team a 20:18 advantage at the break. Iulian Dinca (188-F-90) nailed 6 points for Romania as they enjoyed a 24:20 lead early in the second frame. He completed a 9-point haul in the second stanza and Romania ensured a 34:31 lead at halftime. Finland posted an 8:0 run in the third term and surged ahead. Romania however kept it close and regained the advantage at the start of the fourth period. Niemi tied the score, while Lauri Tiainen (192-F/G-90) and Carl Lindbom (195-F-91) connected twice from beyond the arc to build a 60:54 cushion with under 3 minutes left in the game. Carl Lindbom dropped 4 more points in the crunch time and Finland finalized the victory. Carl Lindbom produced 14 points for Finland. Lauri Tiainen added 10 points for the winners. Iulian Dinca responded with 20 points and 6 rebounds for Romania. Rolland Torok (198-C-90) had a monster double-double of 12 points and 18 boards in defeat.

Finland U18: Roopi Ahonen 17, Carl Lindbom 14, Lauri Tiainen 10
Romania U18: Iulian Dinca 20, Rolland Torok 12+18 boards

13th-14th spots
Georgia U18 - Belarus U18 86:66
Nika Metreveli (212-C-91, agency: Interperformances) and Beqa Chikviladze (195-G-91) notched 20 points apiece and Georgia finished their U18 European Championship in Division B campaign with victory. Today they defeated Belarus to clinch the 13th spot in Debrecen. Belarus were not saved by a 16-point tally from Uladzimir Krysevich (205-C-91) and wrapped up the tournament at the 14th spot. Georgia kept control over the encounter right from the start. They built a 20:17 advantage after the starting period and opened the second one on an 11:2 run. Georgia rolled confidently and established a 39:30 advantage at the interval. Viktar Ausepian (200-F-91) dragged Belarus within 6 points from their opponents but Georgia quickly struck back. They posted an 8:0 run to take some breathing space and never looked back again. Georgian team entered the fourth term up by 16 points and breezed past their opponents in the final quarter. Tariel Tavartkiladze (193-G-91) contributed 12 points for the winners. Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau (202-F-91) and Viktar Ausepian netted 10 points apiece for Belarus. Georgia outrebounded their opponents 45:34, while both teams committed too many turnovers. Georgia accounted for 27 and Belarus suffered 26 mistakes. Georgia in the meantime converted 53% from the field and limited Belarusian team to 41%.

Georgia U18: Nika Metreveli 20, Beqa Chikviladze 20, Tariel Tavartkiladze 12
Belarus U18: Uladzimir Krysevich 16, Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau 10, Viktar Ausepian 10

15th-16th spots
Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 - Switzerland U18 80:72
Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated a tough win over Switzerland at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Thus the winners claimed the 15th spot at the tournament. Bosnia marked their dominance in the opening stanza. They outscored their opponents 24:9 to roll comfortably afterwards. Switzerland struggled to recover in the second frame and trailed by 21 points at halftime. The shots started to drop for the Swiss juniors in the second half. They cut the deficit by 12 points and headed into the final quarter down by 9 points. Jonathan Kazadi-Muyombu and Brian Savoy (186-G-92) dragged Switzerland within 2 points from their opponents midway through the fourth term. But Aldin Majstoric (198-G-90) was there to convert a three-point play for Bosnia and they ran away with victory at the end. Aldin Majstoric dropped 20 points to pace Bosnia and Herzegovina. Darko Damjanovic (200-F-91) added 18 points for the winners. Brian Savoy responded with 13 points for Switzerland. Ian Savoy (187-G-90) delivered 11 points in a loss. Bosnia outrebounded their opponents 37:27 and forced Switzerland to 18 turnovers.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Aldin Majstoric 18, Darko Damjanovic 18, Eldin Camdzic (195-G-90) 12, Kresimir Mustapic (200-F-90) 12
Switzerland U18: Brian Savoy 13, Ian Savoy 11

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U20

M Standings - Division A

A Standings

1. LTU	3-0
2. MNT	3-0
3. FRA	3-0
4. ESP	2-1
5. SRB	2-1
6. ITA	2-1
7. TUR	2-1
8. CRO	1-2
9. GRE	1-2
10. UKR	1-2
11. GEO	1-2
12. ISR	1-2
13. LAT	1-2
14. RUS	1-2
15. SLO	0-3
16. BUL	0-3

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FINLAND

Finland occupy 11th spot in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18 - Romania U18 64:58

Roopi Ahonen (185-G-90) netted 17 points to pace balanced Finnish U18 Team past Romania in the final day of action at the European Championship in Division B. Finland wrapped up their campaign at the 11th overall spot, while Romania secured the 12th place in the final ladder. Finland got to a quick start and built a 16:9 lead midway through the opening stanza. Romania used a 9:1 rally to jump in front late in the period but Finland had the last laugh as Ahonen dropped a three-pointer and gave his team a 20:18 advantage at the break. Iulian Dinca (188-F-90) nailed 6 points for Romania as they enjoyed a 24:20 lead early in the second frame. He completed a 9-point haul in the second stanza and Romania ensured a 34:31 lead at halftime. Finland posted an 8:0 run in the third term and surged ahead. Romania however kept it close and regained the advantage at the start of the fourth period. Niemi tied the score, while Lauri Tiainen (192-F/G-90) and Carl Lindbom (195-F-91) connected twice from beyond the arc to build a 60:54 cushion with under 3 minutes left in the game. Carl Lindbom dropped 4 more points in the crunch time and Finland finalized the victory. Carl Lindbom produced 14 points for Finland. Lauri Tiainen added 10 points for the winners. Iulian Dinca responded with 20 points and 6 rebounds for Romania. Rolland Torok (198-C-90) had a monster double-double of 12 points and 18 boards in defeat.

Finland U18: Roopi Ahonen 17, Carl Lindbom 14, Lauri Tiainen 10
Romania U18: Iulian Dinca 20, Rolland Torok 12+18 boards

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FRANCE

Croatia outsmart France for Bronze medals - by Eurobasket News
Croatia U18 - France U18 73:68

Croatian Junior National Team earned the Bronze medals at the European Championship in Greece. Earlier today they held off France in the consolation final. Mario Delas (210-C-90) produced 18 points and 14 boards to pace Croatia to the hard-fought victory. Croatia got to a better start as they kept in front throughout the opening frame. Ivan Ramljak (203-F-90) capped the quarter with 6 straight points and Croatia enjoyed a 20:13 advantage at the first intermission. Croatia stretched the margin to 11 points midway through the second term and then drove to a 14-point cushion at the interval. Ivan Ramljak opened the second half with 5 points as the margin grew to 16 points. However points from Chrislain Cairo (196-F-91) and Nicolas Lang (195-G-90) and back-to-back three-pointers from Jonathan Bourhis (183-G-90) cut the deficit to 6 points. Jonathan Bourhis finalized the third term with another trey and France trailed 54:60 heading into the fourth quarter. The teams traded baskets in the final quarter and France eventually managed to get within a single point with 20 seconds remaining. But Croatia survived the threat as Toni Prostran (188-G-91) knocked down 4 freebies in the final seconds and sealed the winning outcome for Croatia. Josip Bilinovac (190-G-90) and Ivan Ramljak had 16 points for the winners. Nicolas Lang nailed 15 points to lead France. Jonathan Bourhis and Alexis Tanghe (207-F/C-90) had 11 points apiece in defeat. Croatia outrebounded their opponents 47:37 and held French players to 38% accuracy from the field.

Croatia U18: Mario Delas 18+14 boards, Josip Bilinovac 16, Ivan Ramljak 16
France U18: Nicolas Lang 15, Jonathan Bourhis 11, Alexis Tanghe 11

France tame defending champions in Riga - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Serbia U20 83:69

French U20 Team grabbed their third win in a row at the start of the European Championship in Latvia. They held off the reigning champs Serbia to finish the preliminary round on top of Group D. Serbia fell to 2-1 record to settle in the second spot. France surprised their titled opponents with a 17:6 rally in the first term. Serbia however looked ready for the challenge and answered with 23:13 second frame to trail by just one point at halftime. France shook things up in the third quarter when they exploded with 30 points. Serbia were not ready to deal with the onslaught and found themselves down by 16 points heading into the final period. Serbia never revived the intrigue despite going for 25 points in the fourth term. Abdoulaye MBaye (189-G-88) secured 21 points to pace France. Ludovic Vaty (206-F-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) had 18 points and 8 boards for the winners. Dusan Katnic (193-G-89) and Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) answered with 11 points apiece for Serbia. Miroslav Raduljica (212-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) added 9 points and 8 rebounds in defeat. France reigned on the boards with 44 caroms against Serbian 31. They also sank 46% from the field and limited Serbian players to 41% accuracy. Both teams will start their Qualifying round campaigns tomorrow.

France U20: Abdoulaye MBaye 21, Ludovic Vaty 18, Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) 13
Serbia U20: Dusan Katnic 11, Milan Macvan 11

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FYR MACEDONIA

U20 EC, division B: Tight win for Macedonians against Great Britain - by Eurobasket News
U20 F.Y.R. of Macedonia - U20 Great Britain 80-75

F.Y.R. of Macedonia grabbed the first win on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. After defeat against Portugal it its first appearance, this time Great Britain suffered Macedonia's power. It means that the winning side improved to 1-1 in Preliminary Group A while Great Britain now has 1-2.

The most interesting fact in this game is that the British totally outrebounded Macdonians. They recorded 47 boards (20 at the offensive end) but it wasn't enough for a joy at the end. Macedonians played steady with not so many mistakes. After almost leveled first half, Aleksandar Kostoski (188-G-88, agency: Octagon) and Vladimir Brckov (193-G-89) made couple of jump shots after the breather which brought the biggest lead in this game for their team. It was 60-52 in 28th minute. It seemed that one team will finally make step closer to victory but Norway didn't let Macedonians to do it. For just 90 seconds the British made 10-2 run tying the score once again, 62-62. Game is decided at the half way of the last frame when Macedonians made 13-5 run taking 8 points lead, what was unreachable for their opponent until the very end.

Key player of the game for Macedonians was Aleksandar Kostoski, who registered 26 points, 5 boards and 11 assists. Jovan Markovski (197-F-88) followed him with 15 points and 7 rebounds while Vladimir Brckov stopped on 14 points and 4 boards. Great Britain got the most from Matthew Bryan-Amaning (206-F-88), who finished the game with 17 points and 10 rebounds. Benjamin Allison (201-F-88) followed him adding 12 points and 6 boards. Next Macedonia's rival in Targu Mures will be Norway while Great Britain will have a day-off.

U20 F.Y.R. of Macedonia - U20 Great Britain 80-75
(23-19, 21-24, 18-19, 18-13)

Macedonia: Aleksandar Kostoski 26 (5 rebs, 11 as), Jovan Markovski 15 (7 rebs), Vladimir Brckov 14 (4 rebs)
Great Britain: Matthew Bryan-Amaning 17 (10 rebs), Benjamin Allison 12 (6 rebs)

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GEORGIA

Georgia rout Belarus in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Georgia U18 - Belarus U18 86:66

Nika Metreveli (212-C-91, agency: Interperformances) and Beqa Chikviladze (195-G-91) notched 20 points apiece and Georgia finished their U18 European Championship in Division B campaign with victory. Today they defeated Belarus to clinch the 13th spot in Debrecen. Belarus were not saved by a 16-point tally from Uladzimir Krysevich (205-C-91) and wrapped up the tournament at the 14th spot. Georgia kept control over the encounter right from the start. They built a 20:17 advantage after the starting period and opened the second one on an 11:2 run. Georgia rolled confidently and established a 39:30 advantage at the interval. Viktar Ausepian (200-F-91) dragged Belarus within 6 points from their opponents but Georgia quickly struck back. They posted an 8:0 run to take some breathing space and never looked back again. Georgian team entered the fourth term up by 16 points and breezed past their opponents in the final quarter. Tariel Tavartkiladze (193-G-91) contributed 12 points for the winners. Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau (202-F-91) and Viktar Ausepian netted 10 points apiece for Belarus. Georgia outrebounded their opponents 45:34, while both teams committed too many turnovers. Georgia accounted for 27 and Belarus suffered 26 mistakes. Georgia in the meantime converted 53% from the field and limited Belarusian team to 41%.

Georgia U18: Nika Metreveli 20, Beqa Chikviladze 20, Tariel Tavartkiladze 12
Belarus U18: Uladzimir Krysevich 16, Aliaksandr Hrumiantsau 10, Viktar Ausepian 10

Israel advance, send Georgia to Classification round - by Eurobasket News
Israel U20 - Georgia U20 84:80
Israeli U20 National Team scored a decisive victory in their hunt for the Qualifying round birth yesterday. They defeated Georgia to occupy the third spot in the preliminary Group B and stayed in the title race at the European Championship. It was do-or-die battle for both teams and tension filled the air. Israel looked a bit better in the starting frame as they piled up a 19:12 lead almost 8 minutes into the game. Sean Daniel (200-F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) capped the first period with a three-pointer and Israel led 25:17 after ten minutes of action. Gal Mekel (195-G-88) and Anton Shoutvin (205-C/F-89) kept Israel ahead throughout the second quarter however Georgia managed to cut the deficit late in the half. Levan Shengelia (205-F/C-90) and Giorgi Gulisabedashvili (194-G-88, agency: Court Side) teamed up for 8 points and Georgia trailed by just 2 points at the interval. The lead changed hands for five times in the third stanza and the teams entered the fourth term all square at 65. Israel tipped off the fourth quarter with an 8:0 run to regain the lead. Georgia kept at a striking distance and drew things level with just over 2 minutes remaining. Gal Mekel and Beka Tsivtsivadze (189-G-89) exchanged the baskets and then Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89, agency: Life Sports) put Georgia in front with a free throw. Israel refused to fold as Gal Mekel fired from downtown to give them an 82:80 advantage. Giorgi Gulisabedashvili missed his trey and Gal Mekel sealed the win from the charity stripe. Gal Mekel paced Israel with 21 points, 10 boards and 8 assists. Anton Shoutvin added 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Sean Daniel and Ahiad Bukra (205-F/C-88, agency: Arik Krayn Services) scored 12 points apiece in a win. Levan Shengelia answered with 23 points and 10 boards for Georgia. Giorgi Shermadini tallied 21 points and 13 caroms in defeat.

Israel U20: Gal Mekel 21+10 boards, Anton Shoutvin 16, Sean Daniel 12, Ahiad Bukra 12
Georgia U20: Levan Shengelia 23+10 boards, Giorgi Shermadini 21+13 boards

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GERMANY

U20- EURO, Division B: Germans move to 3:0 with easy win over Ireland - by Moritz Korff

Germany outclassed Ireland 112:40 at the U20 European Championships (Division B) in Romania on Sunday to remain unbeaten in the tournament.
The Germans dominated the game from start to finish, winning the first quarter 24:12. Eleven Germany players scored in the game, led by Tibor Pleiss (215-F/C-89), who finished the day with 16 points plus 15 rebounds. Elias Harris (202-F-89) and Robin Benzing (209-F-89) tallied 15 points apiece, Karsten Tadda (190-G-88) had 13.
Ireland could not seem to find a solution for the much larger and more athletic German team, as the men of Coach Emir Mutapcic were able to score with a well-balanced offense. At halftime Germany was leading 55:20, followed by an outstanding third period (34:8). With ten minutes left to go in the game the margin had increased to 61 points.
Germany returns to action on Monday when it takes on the Czech Republic in the last game of the group-stage.

Boxscore: click

99ers bring in "Hollywood" Turner from Harlem Globetrotters - by Moritz Korff
The Koeln 99ers (1. Bundesliga) have completed the signing of Robert Turner (206-F, college: Pepperdine). Turner was a four-year letterman at Pepperdine University (NCAA1) and averaged 2.8 points and 1.2 rebounds in his senior season (2005-06). Since leaving college he spent three seasons with the Harlem Globetrotters and toured around the world. It's gonna be interesting to see how 'Hollywood' Turner will handle the move from show business back to competitive basketball.

U18-EURO: Germany stays in Division A - by Moritz Korff
The German U18 National Team defeated Bulgaria 87:73 on the final gameday of the Classification Round at the U18 European Championships in Greece Saturday. In the final standings Germany let Belgium and Estonia behind and will remain in Division A.
Maurice Stuckey (187-G-90) paced Germany on the offensive end against Bulgaria, pouring in 25 points, including 4 out of 7 from beyond the arc. Maik Zirbes (205-C-90) emerged with another outstanding performance. The German Post Player tallied 20 points, hitting 10 out of 12 from the floor. Also Simon Schmitz (188-G-90) and Niels Giffey (198-F-91) finished the game in double figures, scoring 15 and 10 points respectively. Also of note, Schmitz handed out a game-high 7 assists. The German defense - especially Alexander Schrempf (196-G/F-90) and Akeem Vargas (190-G-90) did a fine job - limited Bulgaria's top scorer Hristo Zahariev (198-G/F-90) to 9 points.
Boxscore: click

Chris Martin replaces Jason Van Eck in Leverkusen - by Moritz Korff
Jason Van Eck (197-G/F-83, college: Chico St.) had agreed on a contract for the 2008-09 with the Bayer Giants Leverkusen (Regionalliga West) recently, but he won't come to Germany anyway. As the club announced today, Van Eck asked to opt out of the agreement to start a job in the USA. The Leverkusen officials said yes and landed a replacement right away. Chris Martin (200-F-83, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Elmhurst) will join the team instead. The 25-year-old Forward, a NCAA Division 3 All-American in 2005, spent his first year as a pro in Luxembourg and produced 23.0 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 2.8 steals per contest for T71 Dudelange in 2006-07. He returned to the team in the following season, but left after three games played. Most recently he shot hoops for IBL's Elgin Racers.

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GREECE

European Championship U18 - Positions 3-4: Croatia beat France 73-68 - by Chris Mammides
An amazing Mario Delas (210-C-90) with 18 points and 14 rebounds and a very good Bilinovac and Ramljak with 16 points each helped their National Team to beat the French NT and won the bronze medal in this European championship. On behalf of the French team top scorer was Lang with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists while Tanghe followed his team-mate with 11 points, 2 rebounds and 4 assists. Third scorer was Burhis with 11 points and 6 rebounds.
It is worth mentioned that Mario Delas in teh gaem against the Hellenic team scored just 9 points while his rebounds were just 3!!

Live from Pyrgos: European Championship U18: 1st half Greece-Lithuania 27-25 - by Chris Mammides
The game starts with 6 very fast points from both the teams as the first 3 points came from Kaselakis with a goal foul and another three from Donatas Motiejunas (214-C-90) make the score 9-13, 8.09 before the end of the first half. Donatas Motiejunas is the top scorer with 6 points; the score becomes 9-14 after the second ft from the Lithuanian center. Sarikopoiulos is adding another 2 from the paint, while Kadnevicius with a very nice coast to coast is scoring a lay-up, the score is 11-16, 7.00 minutes to the end of the first half. The Lithuanian head coach called his first time out. Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) scores both the FT and the score becomes 13-16. Sarikopoulos is achieving his 5th block. Papas is equalising the game with his 1st 3pointer 5.32 before the end. The score becomes 18-16 after the new basket scored by Motjeuas. Konstantinos Konstantinos Sloukas is balancing the game 18-18 while a steal from papanikolaou is bringing the Hellenic team in the leading role after the basket from Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) (assist from Papanikolaou). Zisis is succeeding his 6th rebound, 3.59 but misses the 1st FT the Lithuanian coach is getting his 2nd time out. The score is 21-18, 3.59 before the end of the first half. Donatas Motiejunas scores another basket, the score is now 21-20 2.59 before the end. Konstantinos Sloukas is scoring a long one but counts for two the Lithuanians are answering back very fast with the 11th point from Donatas Motiejunas. Konstantinos Sloukas is missing the charity line throw and the score becomes 24-22, 1.46 before the end. Papantoniou is replacing Konstantinos Sloukas. Sarikopoulos is been called his 2nd foul 1.33 before the end against the newcomer in the game Slezas who misses both the free throws. The first block for the Lithuanians came from Matiejunas on the newcomer Papantoniou. The score remains 24-22, with 1.10 before the end of the 1st half. Georgakis is replacing Sarikopoulos for these last seconds. Gaska is scoring a 3pointer and brings the Lithuanian team in front but only for some seconds as Nikolaos Pappas is ending the first half with an amazing three pointer in the buzzer beeper. Score in the half time 27-25 in a real derby. Top scorer for the Hellenic team is Nikolaos Pappas with 10 points followed by Konstantinos Sloukas with 9

European Championship U18: Finals 3rd quarter - Hellas - Lithuania 43-38 - by Chris Mammides
The court is packed even though is only for 2,000 fans it looks as if is more than 5,000. Sarikopouloss 3rd foul with just 8 seconds from the start is a real problem for the Hellenic team, The Lithuanians are scoring the one free throw while Zisis in the very next phase of the game misses also the 1 of 2. The score is now 28-26 with 9 minutes to the end of the 3rd quarter. Lithuanians are scoring easily in the basket without sarikopoulos the score s balanced only for few seconds as Pappas is scoring the basket and makes the score 30-28 by missing the FT. Gaska is scoring another basket and is balancing the game. This slow tempo is 100% suits the Lithuanian team. Kaselaksi after a nice assist from Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) and Mantzaris on a coast to coast are giving a lead of 4 points for the Hellenic team. The score is now 36-32 with 5.06 to the end of the 3rd quarter. Konstantinos Sloukas is scoring a 3pointer and the crowd is shouting After the new basket from Motiejunas the score becomes 39-36 with 1.53 before the end. Konstantinos Sloukas is scoring the 1 of 2 FT and Papanikolaou is adding another steal in his stats. Papanikolaou is scoring his 1st 3pointer and the score becomes 43-36, 0.33 before the end of the quarter. The quarter ends with a basket from Kadzevicius.

HELLAS IS THE CHAMPION!! - by Chris Mammides
Pappas is loosing another basket, while the Lithuanians are cutting the deficit to 3 points, 43-40 8.39 before the end. Good defense by Lithuanians, Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) is scoring another 2 points to bring his team leading with 5 points, 45-40, 7.16 before the end of the game. 6th block shot from Sarikopoulos 6.48 before the end. Motijunas though is scoring a difficult basket making his points 16!, Kaselakis is answering back and Pappas is dashing down another rebound (his 3rd one). The score is now 47-42 with 5.45 remaining. Kadzevicius is committing his 3rd foul over Papanikolaou. Zisis Sarikopoulos is scoring in the paint after many minutes. Kaselakis is winning the fourth foul defensive over Kadzevicius who made his 4th foul, Pappas is scoring a nice lay-up making the score 51-42 , 4.15 before the end. Pappas is making his personal points 14. Gaska is getting in the game. Sarikopoulso is winning another personal fight in the paint over the top performer of Lithuania, Motijunas. Sarikopoulos is dashing down his 8th rebound; he has 6 block shots and 8 points while he committed three fouls. The score is now 51-42 with 2.42 remaining. 2.01 before the end Papanikolaou is receiving a nice assist from KAselakis but couldnt score and misses the 1 of 2 FTs he won, the Lithuanians are scoring with Bertasius and cutting the deficit to 8 with the score 52-44, 1.35 before the end. Motijunas is scoring another basket but he seems to be alone as his team-mates lost the last six three pointers and it seems that they simply wait to win the silver medal. Papanikolaou is scoring this time both the FTs and the Lithuanians in a very fast offence are scoring to make the score 54 48, before Konstantinos Sloukas scores the one of two FTs and the Lithuanians scores to cut the deficit even more to 6, 56-50, Kaselakis is scoring the 1 of 2 FTs and Motijunas is receiving another winning foul with 12.43 before the end. The score is 57-50. HELLAS IS THE CHAMPIONS!!!!!!! Konstantinos Sloukas is according to the Eurobasket.com the MVP!!

Lithuania U20 wins Group A - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20- Greece U20 90:77

Lithuania won Preliminary Round in Group A of U20 European Championship. Just few minutes ago the team overcame Greece U20 90:77. The latter is on the way to the 13-16 classification games. Trailing 18:23 after the opening quarter the favorites replied in the second period. Martynas Gecevicius (194-G-88) top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Lukas Brazdauskis (203-F-88) collected 14 points and 14 rebounds, whilst Adas Juskevicius (193-G/F-89) added 13. Alexandros Sigkounas (200-F-88, agency: FCM) led the way for Greece with 17 points. Evangelos Sakellariou (196-F/G-89, agency: FCM) and Nick Calathes (196-G/F-89) nailed 16 each but it was not enough for the total win.
Greece scored first 4 points in the game and looked better in the opening tip. Nick Calathes was the one to give Greece an 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Valukonis tied the score at 25 for both teams in the beginning of the second quarter. Janavicius helped Lithuania kick off the second quarter with a 9-0 run and take control of the game.
In the third quarter Greece struggled a lot and came closer to 62:54 by the end of it. Evangelos Sakellariou made it 70:66 to bring the intrigue back to the game. The favorites stayed tough and kept the score for good.

Lithuania U20:Martynas Gecevicius 21, Lukas Brazdauskis 14+14 rebs, Adas Juskevicius 13
Greece U20:Alexandros Sigkounas 17, Evangelos Sakellariou 16, Nick Calathes 16

European Championship U18 -Live from Pyrgos: 1st quarter Hellas-Lithuania 6-11 - by Chris Mammides
The Greek team starts very nervously and the Lithuanians are taking the advantage of this unbelievable disorganised team of Coach Vlassopoulos.
Biruta first 2 ft 8.54 2nd block shot for zisis 7.48 3rd rebound, 6.11 Hellas at 0 , 5.55, 4-0 Lithuania, 6-0 5.02, 4.40 first point from Sloukas, score 4.40 6-2.8-2, 3.54 before the end.3.36 score is 8-2. The Lithuanians are playing simple basketball while the Greeks are trying to complicate their lives with three pointers from the 7meters and one on one false balls at the ed, 4 false balls has the Hellenic team until now, Vlassopoulos took the first time outMantzaris is the first change for the Hellenic team changed sarikopoulos.3.03 the score is 8-2. 2.14 before the end the greek team no score while Lithuania just scored its first 3 pointer 1.55 before the end 11-2 is the score 1.13 before the end. Zisis Sarikopoulos (212-C-90) scores the first basket in the paint after kaselakis nice assists and then sarikopoulosis blocking for third time and assisting to Pappas who scores this 3rd basket of the Hellenic team and makes the score 11-6

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HAITI

Topaz stays alive - by Stardeak Durand

Topaz Club improved its record to 3-2 in the National Championship with a 103-79 win over Bota's House at the Carrefour Sports Center Saturday.

The Topaz' coach Emmanuel Adhemar used nine players. And this time his players showed that they could win by 20-plus and stay in the race for the playoffs, thanks to tough defense and a pretty good performance from their leading scorer Alexis Brunel.

Brunel found his shooting touch, leading all scorers with 37 points on 16-of-26 shooting, 2 assists and 2 blocks. Samuel Danache contributed with 26 points on 10-of-16 from the field and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line. And Nielsen Guillaume tallied 16 point on 7-of-13 shooting and pulled down 16 rebounds and blocked 2 shots.

Josnel Joseph led Bota's House with 25 points hitting 10 of his 22 attempts and 4-of-6 free-throw to go along with 7 rebounds. Randy Israel helped with 21 points, 7 rebounds and 2 steals but those digits were not enough to help Bota's House run out of a 3-game losing streak.

Topaz as a team hit 42-of-60 field goals but struggled behind the arc with an awful 2-of-10, and was outrebounded by Bota's House 38-37.

Next week Topaz will play Bazooka, the team wich beat ASBA 84-77 friday, at the Carrefour Sports Center, where both teams host their games.And Bota's House will go to Cayes where Dynamic will be awaiting. Dynamic has a 0-5 record.

Voila National Standings

Division 1 Standings

1. Exposant	4-0
2. Giants	4-1
3. Bazooka	3-2
4. Topaz	3-2
5. ASBA	3-2
6. Ninja	1-3
7. Bota's House	1-4
8. Dynamic	0-5

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HOLLAND

Netherlands narrowly defeat Montenegro to clinch 9th spot in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U18 - Montenegro U18 78:74

Dutch Junior National Team withstood a fierce second half comeback effort from Montenegro to score a difficult win at the European Championship in Division B today. Mohammed Kherrazi (199-F-90) dropped 23 points and Netherlands earned the 9th overall spot in Hungary. It all worked smoothly for Netherlands in the opening stanza as they cruised past their opponents. Mladenovic and Mohammed Kherrazi teamed up for 10 points as Netherlands jumped to a 10:2 lead. The onslaught continued as the Dutch side built a 28:12 advantage at the first intermission. Miljanic and Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) hit back-to-back treys early in the second frame as Montenegro cut the deficit to 12 points. Mohammed Kherrazi and Jeroen van Vugt (191-G-91) kept Montenegro at distance and Netherlands enjoyed a 49:34 advantage at the interval. Vladimir Mihailovic came up with 6 points in the third frame as Montenegro trimmed the gap to just 7 points before the final stanza. Filip Patkovic (-90) and Nemanja Radovic (204-F/C-91) got Montenegro within a single point from Netherlands. Jesse Voorn (186-G-90), Kherazzi and Ken Schroder (195-F-90) all connected from downtown as the Dutch team stayed in front. Milos Lopicic (214-C-90) once again dragged Montenegro within one point but Mohammed Kherrazi and Jeroen van Vugt scored in the dying seconds and sealed the winning outcome for Netherlands. Jeroen van Vugt finished with 15 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for Netherlands. Terence Robinson (186-G-90) added 10 points for the winners. Milos Lopicic had 15 points for Montenegro. Vladimir Mihailovic provided 14 points in a loss.

Netherlands U18: Mohammed Kherrazi 23, Jeroen van Vugt 15, Terence Robinson 10
Montenegro U18: Milos Lopicic 15, Vladimir Mihailovic 14

Ryan Sears returns to Matrixx Magixx - by Fred Roggen
The 29-year-old Ryan Sears

(185-G-79, agency: Court Side, college: Creighton) signed a one-year contract with the Magixx. Sears had an ongoing contract with the Belgian-Antwerp Giants, but became superfluous after a disappointing season. Sears played 36 games for Antwerp and averaged 6.0ppg and 1.8apg last season.
The American guided the Matrixx Magixx to their first ever trophy two seasons ago, leading from the pointguard position as they captured the Dutch Cup.
Sears is a graduate of Creighton University where he was the starting point guard.

U20 EC, division B: Poland better than Netherlands in Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
U20 Poland - U20 Netherlands 76-64

Poland succeeded to register first win on U20 European Championship division B in Romanian city Targu Mures. After defeat in the first round against the hosts, this time the Poles was strong enough to beat Netherlands improving to 1-1 in Preliminary Group D. On the other side Netherlands dropped on 1-1. As a reminder Netherlands celebrated against Hungary at the opening day of the championship.

Netherlands entered into this game much better setting the score on 4-12 after 5 minutes. Poland succeeded to tie the score on 16-16 very soon but Jirian Roodheuvel

(185-G-88) took care for 17-21 until the end of the first quarter. Second one totally belonged to the Poles. Michal Nowakowski (199-F-88) was on fire which resulted with 16-5 run for his team. Actually he took care for the last basket in the first half brining 40-34 for Poland. Netherlands shined at the beginning of third stanza making turn 46-47 but the Poles answered very quick grabbing back their lead 59-52. In the last ten minutes Poland played concentrated without any mistakes keeping Netherlands on minus 8 until the end of the game.

Michal Nowakowski was the key player for Poland in this game collecting 29 points and 9 rebounds for 27 minutes. Dardan Berisha (193-G-88, agency: Global Sports Plaza) also shined for the winners adding 10 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Netherlands got 14 points and 6 assists from Mattijs Hak (187-F-88) while Jirian Roodheuvel

followed him with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Preliminary Group D in the only group on U20 EC division B which includes four teams. Thus in the last round, which will be played tomorrow, Poland will take on Hungary while Netherlands will meet the hosts Romania.

U20 Poland - U20 Netherlands 76-64
(17-21, 23-13, 19-18, 17-12)

Poland: Michal Nowakowski 29 (9 rebs), Dardan Berisha 10 (7 rebs, 4 as)
Nethelrands: Mattijs Hak 14 (6 as), Jirian Roodheuvel

13 (6 rebs)

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HUNGARY

Two days, two wins against Romania - by Tamas Deri
Our men's national team played two friendly games on friday and saturday against Romania and could win both games. It seems that it was a great decision to send one invitation to Peter Lorant. The 23 years old, 207 cm tall big man played very well on both days!

HUNGARY - ROMANIA 92-61
(23-15, 28-16, 26-13, 15-17)
Tapolca, Att.: 200, Referees: Forrai, Palla, Torok R.
HUNGARY: Simon B. 8/3, Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 12/12, Molnar A. 4, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 14/3, Peter Lorant (207-F/C-85) 19/3, Horvath A. 9/3, Grebenar 3, Hendlein 9/3, Simon L. 3/3, Fodor M. 2, Kaman 2, Ferencz 7/3
ROMANIA: Popa 6, Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83, agency: Court Side) 9/6, Dumitrescu 13/9, Craciun 6/3, Paltinisanu 11/3, Paul 3, Capusan 6, Jakab, Senai 4, Kabengele, Mandache 3/3

HUNGARY - ROMANIA 83-65
(23-20, 30-16, 21-13, 9-16)
Veszprem, Att.: 2000, Referees: Hartyani, Benczur, Gyorffy
HUNGARY: Simon 8, Nemeth 14/12, Molnar 4, Sitku 14/9, Lorant 19/6, Kaman 8/6, Hendlein 10/6, Horvath 3, Ferencz 3/3, Fodor M., Simon L.
ROMANIA: Popa 4/3, Szijarto 18/6, Dumitrescu, Craciun 8, Paltinisanu 9, Paul 7/3, Kabengele 4, Capusan 5, Senai, Dragusin 10, Mandache

U20 EC, division B: Romania outsmarts Hungary for 2-0 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Hungary - U20 Romania 58-62

The host of U20 European Championship division B was better than Hungary taking top of Preliminary Group D after two rounds. On the other side Hungarians didn't have a reason for a joy in Targu Mures yet dropping on 0-2.

Romania had furious begging of the game. After just 4 minutes it already was 2-12 for Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) and his teammates. However they didn't succeed to keep it too long as Gergely Toth (206-F-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) led Hungary to 20-17 in 14th minute. Later on score 25-25, with 13 second to go in the first half, Florin Muntean (185-G-88) brought advantage to his team hitting a 3-pointer. After the breather Romanians touched plus 8 but they succeed to transfer four points lead into the last frame. At the very end Hungary had a chance for an over time but Zoltan Supola (193-G-88, agency: FCM) missed a jump shot on 58-60 for Romanians.

Titus Nicoara once against was the best player in Romania. In the first round he netted 28 points but this time 19 points, 12 boards, 4 assists and 5 steals were more than enough for his team. Florin Munteanu (185-G-85) followed him with 12 points while Vlad Moldoveanu (208-F-88) stopped on 8 points and 7 boards. Gergely Toth's 22 points and 5 rebound didn't Hungary against tough Romanians. Peter Hajmasy (194-F-88) contributed with 9 points and 4 rebounds for the loosing side. As Preliminary Group D is the only group of U20 EC division B which counts four teams all of them will have a day-off. On Tuesday Romania will take on Netherlands while Hungary will play against Poland.

U20 Hungary - U20 Romania 58-62
(12-17, 13-11, 19-20, 14-14)

Hungary: Gergely Toth 22 (5 rebs), Peter Hajmasy 9 (4 rebs)
Romania: Titus Nicoara 19 (12 rebs, 4 as, 5 st), Florin Munteanu 12, Vlad Moldoveanu 8 (7 rebs)

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IRELAND

U20 EC, division B: Germany too strong for Ireland in day 3 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Germany - U20 Ireland 112-40

Germany demonstrated its power once again on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. This time the Irish were faced with it which resulted with huge defeat for them. As a reminder, Germany already blasted Azerbaijan while at the second day the Germans easily beat Sweden. On the other side it is the second defeat for Ireland, as it already suffered one versus Czech Republic.

Germany was a better team than Ireland in all basketball elements. Shooting, rebounding, assisting, everything was on their side. The fact that nobody in Ireland succeeded to register double digitis talks for itself. After plus 12 in the first quarter, Germans put into the fifth gear and mostly owing to Tibor Pleiss

(215-F/C-89) and Elias Harris (202-F-89) ended the next one with 31-8. The same number of points Ireland was able to net in third stanza but this time the Germans stopped on 34. The main question until the very end was how many points will Germany score and it will be more than in the first round against Azerbaijan.

Tibor Pleiss

shined for the winners collecting 16 points and 15 rebounds. Elias Harris and Robin Benzing (209-F-89, college: Michigan) scored 15 points each while Elias Harris had 7 more boards. With just 8 points Cian Nihill (193-G-88) was the best scorer for Ireland. Germany will play against Czech Republic in the next round while Ireland will meet also winless Azerbaijan.

U20 Germany - U20 Ireland 112-40
(24-12, 31-8, 34-8, 23-12)

Germany: Tibor Pleiss

16 (15 rebs), Elias Harris 15 (7 rebs), Robin Benzing 15
Ireland: Cian Nihill 8

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ISRAEL

Turkey blitz Israel to grab 9th spot in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Israel U18 95:72

Turkish Junior National Team finalized their European Championship with a comprehensive win over Israel. Enes Kanter (205-C-92) tallied a massive double-double of 22 points and 25 rebounds to pace Turkey to the 9th overall spot at the tournament. Turkey had an overwhelming dominance throughout the game and easily secured a comfortable victory at the end. Turkey established a 19:12 advantage ten minutes into the action. Consecutive triples from Can Maxim Mutaf (193-G-91) allowed Turkey to build a 29:13 buffer midway through the second frame. Mahmutoglu capped the first half with a three-pointer and Turkey left into the dressing room leading by 15 points. Volkan Incekara (192-G-90), Enes Kanter and Erolcan Cinko (188-G-90) stretched the margin to 26 points in the third term. The advantage was pretty obvious but Turkey never loosened the grip and cruised to a stunning win at the end. Can Maxim Mutaf provided 16 points for Turkey. Volkan Incekara had 11 points, while Ibrahim Yildirim (190-G-90) knocked down 10 in a win. Ben Reis (196-F-90) answered with game-high 27 points for Israel. Tal Karpelesz (194-F-90) dropped 12 points in a losing effort. Turkey outrebounded their counterparts 50:26 and sank 53% from the field. Israel answered with 44% field goal accuracy and forced Turkey to 23 turnovers down the stretch.

Turkey U18: Enes Kanter 22+25 boards, Can Maxim Mutaf 16, Volkan Incekara 11
Israel U18: Ben Reis 27, Tal Karpelesz 12

Israel advance, send Georgia to Classification round - by Eurobasket News
Israel U20 - Georgia U20 84:80
Israeli U20 National Team scored a decisive victory in their hunt for the Qualifying round birth yesterday. They defeated Georgia to occupy the third spot in the preliminary Group B and stayed in the title race at the European Championship. It was do-or-die battle for both teams and tension filled the air. Israel looked a bit better in the starting frame as they piled up a 19:12 lead almost 8 minutes into the game. Sean Daniel (200-F-89, agency: Arik Krayn Services) capped the first period with a three-pointer and Israel led 25:17 after ten minutes of action. Gal Mekel (195-G-88) and Anton Shoutvin (205-C/F-89) kept Israel ahead throughout the second quarter however Georgia managed to cut the deficit late in the half. Levan Shengelia (205-F/C-90) and Giorgi Gulisabedashvili (194-G-88, agency: Court Side) teamed up for 8 points and Georgia trailed by just 2 points at the interval. The lead changed hands for five times in the third stanza and the teams entered the fourth term all square at 65. Israel tipped off the fourth quarter with an 8:0 run to regain the lead. Georgia kept at a striking distance and drew things level with just over 2 minutes remaining. Gal Mekel and Beka Tsivtsivadze (189-G-89) exchanged the baskets and then Giorgi Shermadini (216-C-89, agency: Life Sports) put Georgia in front with a free throw. Israel refused to fold as Gal Mekel fired from downtown to give them an 82:80 advantage. Giorgi Gulisabedashvili missed his trey and Gal Mekel sealed the win from the charity stripe. Gal Mekel paced Israel with 21 points, 10 boards and 8 assists. Anton Shoutvin added 16 points and 7 rebounds, while Sean Daniel and Ahiad Bukra (205-F/C-88, agency: Arik Krayn Services) scored 12 points apiece in a win. Levan Shengelia answered with 23 points and 10 boards for Georgia. Giorgi Shermadini tallied 21 points and 13 caroms in defeat.

Israel U20: Gal Mekel 21+10 boards, Anton Shoutvin 16, Sean Daniel 12, Ahiad Bukra 12
Georgia U20: Levan Shengelia 23+10 boards, Giorgi Shermadini 21+13 boards

Maccabi come up big by signing Arroyo - by Yehonatan Eliahu
Israeli powerhouse Maccabi Tel-Aviv has finally completed it's roster for the upcoming season, by announcing the deal with Puerto-Rican Point Guard Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.). After having reportedly negotiations with some others, Maccabi found the high-class Point Guard they were looking for in Arroyo, who will make his second experience in Europe after a very short period playing for Tau Ceramica Vitoria seven years ago. Arroyo is coming after a long NBA career down the road, going through five different teams, namely Toronto, Denver, Utah, Detroit and Orlando, where he spent the past two seasons. The 29 years old Arroyo had his best season in 2003-2004 playing for the Utah Jazz, averaging 12.6 points and 5 assists. Last season he averaged 6.9 points along with 3.6 assists playing for the Magic. The deal is for one season with an option for two seasons more, while Arroyo himself is expected to earn about 2.5 million dollars.

Haifa lands BJ McKie - by Yarone Arbel
Newcomer Haifa BC made a big move already with their first foreigner signing. Haifa landed BJ McKie (188-G-77, college: S.Carolina) for the upcoming season and earned one of the best guards in Lega Due in recent years. McKie played with Caserta the past season and was ranked fifth in the top scorers ranking with 20.1ppg along 2.8rpg, 2.1apg and 2.9spg.

Before arriving to Italy McKie played in S. Carolina college, before moving to France, Cyprus and Germany, where he wrote down great stats as well. Haifa keeps checking the market to make new moves that will help them establish their spot in the BSL already in their first season back.

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ITALY

Italy clinch the 11th spot in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Italy U18 - Ukraine U18 84:68

Italian Junior National Team finished their European Championship campaign at the 11th spot. Today they defeated Ukraine to wrap up the tournament on a positive note. David Cournooh (190-G-90) notched 16 points to pace Italy. The close first period saw Italy grabbing a narrow 19:18 lead. Luca Campani (204-F-90) and Raffaele Martone (211-C-90) organized a 9:0 run from Italy late in the second term and lifted the team to a 42:30 advantage at the interval. Back-to-back trebles from Andriy Lebedintsev (194-G-91) cut the deficit to just 2 points early in the third quarter. However Italy immediately responded with a 17:1 run to build an 18-point cushion. Ukraine never rebounded and Italy cruised to the win in the final period. Pasquale Paolisso (203-F/C-90, agency: Court Side) and Luca Campani knocked down 12 points apiece for Italy. Daniele Sandri (196-F/G-90) had 9 points in a win. Oleksandr Lypovyy (198-G-91) answered with 17 points for Ukraine. Andriy Lebedintsev secured 16 points in a losing effort. Italy outrebounded their opponents 46:33 and forced those to 18 turnovers. The winners converted 47% from the field, while Ukraine responded with only 35% accuracy in field goals.

Italy U18: David Cournooh 16, Luca Campani 12, Pasquale Paolisso 12
Ukraine U18: Oleksandr Lypovyy 17, Andriy Lebedintsev 16

Turkey U20 and Italy U20 finish Group B with 2-1 record - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Italy U20 63:66

Italy U20 improved to 2-1 in Group B of the Preliminary Round. The last game for them in the group saw 66:63 win over Turkey U20. Pietro Aradori

(192-G-88) led the winners with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Daniele Bonessio (197-G/F-88) netted 11, while Roberto Rullo (192-G-90) posted 9. Azizcan Ozdemir (201-F-88) ended up with 21 points and Baris Hersek (204-F/C-88) added 15. Italy finished the Preliminary Round with a 2-1 record as well as Turkey.
Azizcan Ozdemir gave Turkey the first led in the opening tip making a jump shot for 2:0. His team played better in the first quarter and took a 20:15 lead by the end of it. Italy replied with 19:14 to tie the score at the half. Azizcan Ozdemir sent the teams to the break tied at 34:34.
In the second half Italian started more confidently and had 3-5 points in the beginning of the third period. Turkey did not panic and closed the third at 49:48. Baris Hersek, with a dunk, set the score on 61:57 with a little over three minutes on the game clock but from that point on Turkey added just two more points.Roberto Rullo's free throws were the last in the game as Italy celebrated 66:63 win.

Turkey U20: Azizcan Ozdemir 21, Baris Hersek 15
Italy U20: Pietro Aradori

22+13 rebs, Daniele Bonessio 11, Roberto Rullo 9

Italy wins Gianatti Trophy - by Gianni Pascucci
Finally, coach Recalcati was able to smile a little. Team Italy defeated Israel on Friday night, 77-68 led by Valerio Amoroso

(202-F-80) with 16 points and by Matteo Soragna (199-G/F-75) with 14, and the night after prevailed over France 76-62, thanks to a good performing from the same Soragna (16 pts) and Amoroso (13 pts). The final standing of the 'Diego Gianatti International Tournment' is as follows: 1. Italia 6 pts, 2. Israele 4 pts, 3. Polonia 2 pts, 4. Francia 0. Team Italy will meet again Framnce in another test match on Tuesday, August 5, in Bormio. The bad new, however, is that Danilo Gallinari

(205-G/F-88, agency: Players Group) has joined the team some days ago with back pain, and has been immediately sidelined to recover.

Last Serie A market news - by Gianni Pascucci
Snaidero Udine inked Spanish veteran Alejandro Gomez (204-F/C-72). Basket Napoli officially announced the one year agreement with Eddy Fobbs (211-C-80, college: Sam Houston St.). Eldo JuveCaserta should announce very soon the agreements with Kevinn Pinkney (206-F-83, college: Nevada) and Shan Foster (198-G/F-86). Carife Ferrara agreed to terms with Nigerian Ndudi Ebi (206-F-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona).

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KAZAKHSTAN

Bars will not play in the league in 2008-09 - by Eurobasket
Despite previous announcement basketball team from Petropavlovsk will not be a member of Kazakhstan National League.
The vice-president of Kazakhstan Basketball Federation said that the financing, which club was hoping to receive will come not this season, but for 2009-10 season. The team is expected to join National League next year, but this year they will play in Higher League, which is practically 2nd division in Kazakhstan.

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LATVIA

Latvia perform another narrow escape against Russia - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18 - Russia U18 71:69

It was once again a story of dramatic finale when Russian and Latvian U18 National Teams played for the 7th spot today. Latvia managed to overcome a 6-point halftime deficit to pull away with a last second victory against their opponents. The teams met earlier in the competition and then Latvia killed Russian hopes to qualify to the semifinal by narrowly defeating them. Today Russia failed to take revenge. Latvia entered the final period ahead by 5 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth stanza and Slepukha cut the deficit to 2 points with less than 3 minutes remaining. Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) followed it with a freebie to trim the distance to minimum. Martins Laksa (196-F-90) however responded with a jumper to give Latvia a 70:67 lead with one and a half minute remaining. Maxim Grigoryev got fouled and hit both free throws to narrow the distance. Kalvis Krumins (182-G-90) dropped just free throw and Russia had 7 seconds to save the game. Denis Polokhin (196-G-90) got the ball but his buzzer-beating layup rimmed out and Latvia scored another dramatic win over Russia at the tournament. Kristers Zeidaks (201-F-90) provided 17 points for Latvia. Kalvis Krumins knocked down 15 points, while Martins Laksa had 14 points in a win. Pavel Antipov (200-F-91) was the only player to score in double figures for Russia. He nailed 13 points and pulled down 6 boards in defeat.

Latvia U18: Kristers Zeidaks 17, Kalvis Krumins 15, Martins Laksa 14
Russia U18: Pavel Antipov 13, Andrey Kirdyachkin (204-F/C-90) 8+6 boards

Montenegro upset hosts in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Latvia U20 77:64

Montenegrin U20 National Team continued to impress as they registered the third straight win at the European Championship in Latvia. Yesterday they took care of the hosts to won preliminary Group C. Latvia finished with 1-2 record but still advanced to the Qualifying round. The home team got to a quicker start to the game. Rolands Freimanis (208-F/C-88) and Rihards Kuksiks (197-F-88) propelled Latvia to a 4:0 lead early in the encounter. Latvia kept in front and enjoyed a 21:15 advantage at the break. However Montenegro opened the second quarter with a 15:2 rally that put them in charge 30:23 midway through the term. Montenegro mounted the pressure and Latvia started to lag behind. Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88) and Dusan Stijepovic (194-G-88) widened the margin to 13 points late in the half but Kanbergs closed it with a three-pointer and Latvia trailed by 10 points at halftime. Montenegro maintained the distance well throughout the third quarter and arrived at the last intermission leading by as many as 13 points. Kaufmanis tried to spark the intrigue with a pair of three-pointers early in the fourth quarter but they were well matched by bombs from Sead Sehovic (201-G/F-89) and Nikola Pavlicevic. Montenegro never bowed late in the game and finalized another impressive victory. Sead Sehovic came up with 20 points for Montenegro. Nikola Pavlicevic added 12 points, while Nemanja Vranjes (188-G/F-88) secured 10 points in a win. Dairis Bertans (192-G/F-89) secured 15 points for Latvia. Rihards Kuksiks (197-F-88) and Rolands Freimanis knocked down 12 points apiece in a losing case.

Montenegro U20: Sead Sehovic 20, Nikola Pavlicevic 12, Nemanja Vranjes 10
Latvia U20: Dairis Bertans 15, Rihards Kuksiks 12, Rolands Freimanis 12

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LITHUANIA

Greece earn the title at the U18 European Championship! - by Eurobasket News
Greece U18 - Lithuania U18 57:50

Greek Junior National Team made the final step towards the European crown. Today they defeated Lithuanian counterparts to become the European champions. Konstantinos Sloukas (192-G-90) netted 16 points for Greek team as they held off dangerous Lithuanian side and posted their 8th straight victory at the tournament. Lithuania jumped to an early 6:0 lead. Donatas Motiejunas (214-C-90) and Mantas Kadzevicius (193-G-91) soon stretched the margin to 9 points 11:2 but Greece did not panic. They cut the deficit to 5 points and continued to get closer right after the first intermission. A 10:2 rally from the hosts allowed them to claim a 21:18 advantage midway through the second frame. Kristijonas Gaska (188-G-90) retained the advantage for Lithuania late in the period but it was Nikolaos Pappas (194-G-90, agency: FCM) who drained a trey and gave Greece a 27:25 halftime lead. The teams kept it close throughout the third term but three-point bombs from Konstantinos Sloukas and Konstantinos Papanikolaou (203-F/G-90) extended Greek advantage to 7 points with under a minute to go in the frame. The home side mounted the pressure on Lithuania as they went on a 7:0 run and cleared off to a 10-point distance in the fourth quarter. Gediminas Bertasius (196-F-90) and Donatas Motiejunas trimmed the distance to 6 points but Lithuania simply ran out of time to get any closer and Greece triumphed at the end. Nikolaos Pappas had 14 points and 7 boards for Greece. Konstantinos Papanikolaou added 10 points in a winning case. Donatas Motiejunas responded with 17 points and 12 boards for Lithuania. Kristijonas Gaska contributed 9 points in a losing case. The teams were almost equally matched in the majority of the game facets however Lithuania shot woefully from beyond the arc converting just 2/21 attempts.

Greece U18: Konstantinos Sloukas 16, Nikolaos Pappas 14, Konstantinos Papanikolaou 10
Lithuania U18: Donatas Motiejunas 17+12 boards, Kristijonas Gaska 9

Lithuania U20 wins Group A - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania U20- Greece U20 90:77

Lithuania won Preliminary Round in Group A of U20 European Championship. Just few minutes ago the team overcame Greece U20 90:77. The latter is on the way to the 13-16 classification games. Trailing 18:23 after the opening quarter the favorites replied in the second period. Martynas Gecevicius (194-G-88) top-scored for the winners with 21 points. Lukas Brazdauskis (203-F-88) collected 14 points and 14 rebounds, whilst Adas Juskevicius (193-G/F-89) added 13. Alexandros Sigkounas (200-F-88, agency: FCM) led the way for Greece with 17 points. Evangelos Sakellariou (196-F/G-89, agency: FCM) and Nick Calathes (196-G/F-89) nailed 16 each but it was not enough for the total win.
Greece scored first 4 points in the game and looked better in the opening tip. Nick Calathes was the one to give Greece an 23:18 lead after ten minutes. Valukonis tied the score at 25 for both teams in the beginning of the second quarter. Janavicius helped Lithuania kick off the second quarter with a 9-0 run and take control of the game.
In the third quarter Greece struggled a lot and came closer to 62:54 by the end of it. Evangelos Sakellariou made it 70:66 to bring the intrigue back to the game. The favorites stayed tough and kept the score for good.

Lithuania U20:Martynas Gecevicius 21, Lukas Brazdauskis 14+14 rebs, Adas Juskevicius 13
Greece U20:Alexandros Sigkounas 17, Evangelos Sakellariou 16, Nick Calathes 16

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MONTENEGRO

Montenegro upset hosts in Riga - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro U20 - Latvia U20 77:64

Montenegrin U20 National Team continued to impress as they registered the third straight win at the European Championship in Latvia. Yesterday they took care of the hosts to won preliminary Group C. Latvia finished with 1-2 record but still advanced to the Qualifying round. The home team got to a quicker start to the game. Rolands Freimanis (208-F/C-88) and Rihards Kuksiks (197-F-88) propelled Latvia to a 4:0 lead early in the encounter. Latvia kept in front and enjoyed a 21:15 advantage at the break. However Montenegro opened the second quarter with a 15:2 rally that put them in charge 30:23 midway through the term. Montenegro mounted the pressure and Latvia started to lag behind. Nikola Pavlicevic (192-G-88) and Dusan Stijepovic (194-G-88) widened the margin to 13 points late in the half but Kanbergs closed it with a three-pointer and Latvia trailed by 10 points at halftime. Montenegro maintained the distance well throughout the third quarter and arrived at the last intermission leading by as many as 13 points. Kaufmanis tried to spark the intrigue with a pair of three-pointers early in the fourth quarter but they were well matched by bombs from Sead Sehovic (201-G/F-89) and Nikola Pavlicevic. Montenegro never bowed late in the game and finalized another impressive victory. Sead Sehovic came up with 20 points for Montenegro. Nikola Pavlicevic added 12 points, while Nemanja Vranjes (188-G/F-88) secured 10 points in a win. Dairis Bertans (192-G/F-89) secured 15 points for Latvia. Rihards Kuksiks (197-F-88) and Rolands Freimanis knocked down 12 points apiece in a losing case.

Montenegro U20: Sead Sehovic 20, Nikola Pavlicevic 12, Nemanja Vranjes 10
Latvia U20: Dairis Bertans 15, Rihards Kuksiks 12, Rolands Freimanis 12

Netherlands narrowly defeat Montenegro to clinch 9th spot in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands U18 - Montenegro U18 78:74

Dutch Junior National Team withstood a fierce second half comeback effort from Montenegro to score a difficult win at the European Championship in Division B today. Mohammed Kherrazi (199-F-90) dropped 23 points and Netherlands earned the 9th overall spot in Hungary. It all worked smoothly for Netherlands in the opening stanza as they cruised past their opponents. Mladenovic and Mohammed Kherrazi teamed up for 10 points as Netherlands jumped to a 10:2 lead. The onslaught continued as the Dutch side built a 28:12 advantage at the first intermission. Miljanic and Vladimir Mihailovic (193-G-90) hit back-to-back treys early in the second frame as Montenegro cut the deficit to 12 points. Mohammed Kherrazi and Jeroen van Vugt (191-G-91) kept Montenegro at distance and Netherlands enjoyed a 49:34 advantage at the interval. Vladimir Mihailovic came up with 6 points in the third frame as Montenegro trimmed the gap to just 7 points before the final stanza. Filip Patkovic (-90) and Nemanja Radovic (204-F/C-91) got Montenegro within a single point from Netherlands. Jesse Voorn (186-G-90), Kherazzi and Ken Schroder (195-F-90) all connected from downtown as the Dutch team stayed in front. Milos Lopicic (214-C-90) once again dragged Montenegro within one point but Mohammed Kherrazi and Jeroen van Vugt scored in the dying seconds and sealed the winning outcome for Netherlands. Jeroen van Vugt finished with 15 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for Netherlands. Terence Robinson (186-G-90) added 10 points for the winners. Milos Lopicic had 15 points for Montenegro. Vladimir Mihailovic provided 14 points in a loss.

Netherlands U18: Mohammed Kherrazi 23, Jeroen van Vugt 15, Terence Robinson 10
Montenegro U18: Milos Lopicic 15, Vladimir Mihailovic 14

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NBA

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Boston C.	66-16
2. Toronto R.	41-41
3. Philadelphia	40-42
4. New Jersey N.	34-48
5. New York K.	23-59
Central Div.
1. Detroit P.	59-23
2. Cleveland C.	45-37
3. Indiana P.	36-46
4. Chicago B.	33-49
5. Milwaukee B.	26-56
Southeast Div.
1. Orlando M.	52-30
2. Washington W.	43-39
3. Atlanta H.	37-45
4. Charlotte B.	32-50
5. Miami H.	15-67
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Utah J.	54-28
2. Denver N.	50-32
3. Portland T.B.	41-41
4. Minnesota T.	22-60
5. Seattle S.	20-62
Pacific Div.
1. Los Angeles L.	57-25
2. Phoenix S.	55-27
3. Golden St.	48-34
4. Sacramento K.	38-44
5. Los Angeles C.	23-59
Southwest Div.
1. San Antonio S.	56-26
2. N.Orleans H.	56-26
3. Houston R.	55-27
4. Dallas M.	51-31
5. Memphis G.	22-60

USA outgun Russia in Shanghai - by Eurobasket News
USA - Russia 89:68

The USA team posted their 4th straight win at the exhibition series before the upcoming Olympic Games. Yesterday they held off the European champions Russia at the Qizhong Forest Arena in Shanghai. Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) came up with 19 points to pace the USA. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) added 17 points, while Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) notched 16 in a win. The United States jumped to a 5:0 lead early in the game however Russia fought back to square things up at 9:9 midway through the period. The USA answered with 8:1 and 7:1 runs late in the first period to accumulate a 29:17 advantage at the intermission. The North American team stretched the margin to as many as 15 points at halftime. Russia tried to keep the game physical but it was Kobe Bryant who took over in the third frame. He scored 11 points in a row to keep Russia at bay. J.R. Holden (6'1''-G-76, college: Bucknell) carried Russia within 10 points but Michael Redd hit twice from beyond the arc and the lead grew to 20 points at the end of the third period. Russia never threatened the difference in the final term and suffered defeat at the end. The USA sank 57% from the field and limited Russia to 39% accuracy. They also forced the European Champions to 17 turnovers. Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) dropped 18 points for Russia. J.R. Holden netted 17 points in a losing effort. The USA will next face Australia in their exhibition series finale.

USA: Kobe Bryant 19, Carmelo Anthony 17, Dwyane Wade 16
Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 18, J.R. Holden 17

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NEW ZEALAND

NICARAGUA

ACB: Semifinals have started - by Gianni Pascucci
The last week started the Semifinals of the Xi edition of the ACB league (Torneo Superior de la Asociacin de Clubes de Baloncesto) and the pairings were #2 Tiburones-Bancentro - #3 Vikingos de Valentis Pizza and #1 Tigres de la UdeM - #4 Pumas de la Unival. The new name in Tiburones was the one of Raul Reyes, a seven footer from Dominican Republic, while Panamanians Alejandro Cajar (190-G/F-78) and Daniel King (203-F-87) and Nicaraguan Troy Watson (197-F/C-82) signed with Vikingos, that triumphed in Game 1 106-96, while Tiburones answered winning Game 2 115-105. At the other side, Tigres de la UdeM defeated Pumas 115-105 thanks to 28 pts from William Waterhouse (200-C-75) and 23 from Jason Walters (196-G-71, college: Mt.Senario) and Keyshane Reed, while Larry Posey (196-F-86) was the best in Pumas at 28 pts and Myles Guidry (193-F-85) added 25 pts

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NIGERIA

Nwaora, Knowles pledges support for future camps - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The four American-based coaches who were part of the first Royal Hoopers Basketball Camp for elite players which ran from August 27 through 30 in the city of Port-Harcourt, Alex Nwaora, Head coach of Erie Community College, Buffallo, New York and head of the Global Sports advantage, Jackie Knowles, Tyrone Duren and Myke Scholl have pledged to return to the Garden City next year for the camp.

Coach Nwaora, who spoke on behalf of other coaches said they never imagined to see the great turn out of players as they saw at the camp.

'I must confess, it was a great camp and though it was hard work keeping pace with the kids, we had great fun teaching the kids what they should know about the game.'

'It has been three wonderful days its fun filled camping for players who showed great enthusiasm to learn. And from what we saw and given the openness of the organisers, we're ready to do more for Nigeria basketball because there is great potential here I must confess.'

He stated that despite having been part of several camps over the years, he is glad to be associated with the Royal Hoopers Elite camp which for him has been one of the very best. 'There's so much to be done for our basketball in Nigeria and and with the right environment, we can go all the way.'

Awardees at the camp included Joefry Moses of Royal Hoopers emerged the most promising player, the most hard working camper went to Olalekan Ajayi of Dodan Warriors, Most Improved camper went to Yemi Makanjuola of the Police Rookies team, while the 3 MVP All-Star game went to Deji Egbeyemi of Ebun Comet and the Most Valuable camper emerged Harry Ezenibe of AHIP basketball club.
Harry Ezenibe (190-G-87)

Royal Hoopers Classics enters crucial stage - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The final leg of the Royal Hoopers Classics has entered the crucial stage with finals slated for Tuesday evening.

For all the teams that have been part of it, it has been one swell time for them as the players and officials have had to play their hearts out to the satisfaction of the audience that daily thronged the Police Officers Mess at the old GRA in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State South South Nigeria.

Surprise of the championships has been the inability of last year's defending champions Ebun Comet to get into the semi-final sage as they were edged out on Sunday when they lost their game to Union Bank basketball club by 48-37 points in a grudge game that saw the Stallion boys making that extra effort to be part of the final stages of the chaqmpionship.

In Group A are host, Royal Hoopers, Bayelsa Waves, Free Nets, FCT Rocks coached by Emma Odah and Delta Force while Ebun Comet, the 2007 champions who had to fight their way to no avail failed to qualify; Dodan Warriors, 2006 champions, Chariots basketball of Lagos, Union Bank basketball cluband Nsuka Lions of Enugu slugged it out for positions in the finals.

The winners of the championship will go home with a cash reward while all other participating teams get appearance fees as well as transport subsidies and accomodation.
Adesola Alayande (183-G-84)

NBBF hails Royal Hoopers initiative - by Olusegun Ikuesan
As the Royal Hoopers Classsics involving no less than 10 teams from across the federation rounds up Tuesday in Port-Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF has applauded the initiative of the organisers in putting both the elite camp and the classics together.

Speaking in Port-Harcourt at the weekend, NBBF board members, Babs Ogunade, Ricky Agu as well as the Secretary General of the Federation, Francis Gbiri expressed joy at the brains behind the both events.

Babs Ogunade who is also chairman of the Lagos State Basketball Association, LSBBA noted that the organisers have through the game of basketball brought hope to the youths of the Niger Delta as well as other players from around the federation.

'I must say that this initiative is one worthy of commendation and should be given all the support it deserves.

We've come to Port-Harcourt and have seen for ourselves what is on ground. This is one championship that every player wants to be part of at anytime. The camp for elite players is one I must say is also good. It's great to see kids from all around the federation being part of it as it is a way of adding to their knowledge,' he said.

Agu, another board member of the NBBF said it was simply a great pleasure for the board to witness the fiesta in Port-Harcourt stressing that the experience is simply rewarding.

'To imagine that the camp was initially planned for just 50 kids and ended up taking care of 72 is a sign that we can achieve if we want to. The organisers, Royal Hoopers Basketball Club have shown that they are willing to help our youths and keep them flowing with the game of basketball.'

Secretary General of the NBBF, Gbiri on his part noted that the federation is glad to have individuals help the game.

'We need more individuals like the owner of the Royal Hoopers Basketball Club to help our game. It's gratifying that the players that have come for both the camp and the classics are having a good time.

'To make it possible for our players to be fully involved both activities, we intend to add both events to our calender for next year. The idea is to enable us have the clubs attend without any hitches and release them formally for the event. What they are doing here is a good thing for the game of basketball,' he said.

The Camp which had top America coaches in attendance was one many gave kudos to. Certificates and kits were given to the 72 kids in attendance by coaches Alex Nwaora, Head coach of Erie Community College, Buffalo, New York and head of the Global Sports advantage, Jackie Knowles, Tyrone Duren and Myke Scholl of South Africa.

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NORWAY

U20 EC, division B: Portugal remain perfect after Norway - by Eurobasket News
U20 Portugal - U20 Norway 84-81

Portugal kept the top position after three days on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. This time Portuguese outplayed Norway improving to 3-0 while their opponent dropped on 0-2.

Portuguese had a pretty good stroke from behind the arc in this game. Actually they had better percentage for 3-pts than for FG2 (56.5% for 3-pts and 48.3% FG2). Except of the first couple of minutes when Norway created 4 points lead, Portugal was the team which dominated. Fabio Lima (178-G-88) and his teammates had plus 6 at the half time but inconvenient Norwegians didn't give up. With two minutes remaining on the second quarter they tied the score on 29-29. Very soon Tiago Pinto (183-G-88) and Fabio Lima answered with 14-9 run taking back 5 points lead before the half time. First double digit advantage Portugal recorded in 28th minute. Later, thanks to Stian Mjoes (185-G-89) and Christian Hinsch (188-G-88, agency: Court Side), Norway made 14-4 run coming on 82-81 with just 6 second to go but at the Portugal's last offense Cordeiro made two FTs for 84-81.

Fabio Lima paced Portugal to win collecting 26 points and 13 rebounds. Jose Silva (194-F-89) and Tiago Pinto contributed scoring 13 points each. Stian Mjoes was the best scorer for the loosing side with 22 points while Terrence Oglesby (188-G-88) had one point less than him but with 4 rebounds. Christian Hinsch followed these two players netting 13 points. In the next round of U20 European Championship division B Portugal will meet Finland. On the other side Norway will take on F.Y.R. of Macedonia.

U20 Portugal - U20 Norway 84-81
(18-12, 25-26, 26-19, 15-24)

Portugal: Fabio Lima 26 (13 rebs), Jose Silva 13, Tiago Pinto 13 (5 rebs, 4 as)
Norway: Stian Mjoes 22, Terrence Oglesby 21 (4 rebs), Christian Hinsch 13

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OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS U18

The Emus triumph in the Oceania Junior Championship - by Eurobasket News
Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 3-0

Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 94:67
Australian Junior National Team opened the Oceania U19 Championship series with the victory over New Zealand. Ryan Broekhoff (196-F-90) notched 25 points to pace the Emus as they grabbed a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. The games have qualifying purposes as both sides have already advanced to the U19 World Championship next year. Nevertheless the Emus made the first step towards gaining the Oceania title thumping their New Zealand counterparts at the Wayville Stadium. The Emus took over right from the start and drove to a 24:14 lead after ten minutes of action. Numerous turnovers plagued the Junior Tall Blacks as they struggled to put up a decent fight. But the Kiwi team still managed to outscore the hosts in the second period and cut the deficit to 9 points at halftime. The Emus regained control over the game in the third period. A string of three-pointers doomed the visitors as the gap grew to 12 points before the final term. The Emus exploded with 31 points in the final period and cruised to the win. Brock Motum (205-F-90) produced 14 points and 6 rebounds for the Aussies. Cody Ellis (202-F-90) nailed 10 points in a win. Brooke Ruscoe (189-G-90) and Dion Prewster (196-G/F-91) chipped in 17 points apiece for New Zealand. David Beck notched 12 in a loss. The teams will meet again tomorrow.

Australia U19: Ryan Broekhoff 25, Brock Motum 14, Cody Ellis 10
New Zealand U19: Brooke Ruscoe 17, Dion Prewster 17

Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 86:71
The Australian U19 National Team celebrated their second straight win over New Zealand counterparts today. The victory meant the Aussies claimed the Oceania U19 Championship title and advanced to the U19 World Championship in 2009. New Zealand will also play at the event despite losing. They booked their spot as the hosts of the tournament. It will be the first ever appearance for the Junior Tall Blacks at this level. The Emus got to a quick start against New Zealand and built a 27:14 lead after the starting period. Dion Prewster cut the deficit to 4 points in the second term but the Emus held on and piled up a 6-point halftime lead. Matthew Dellavedova (189-G-90) netted 8 points in the third period to pace the Aussie team to a 66:51 advantage at three quarter time. The teams traded baskets in the fourth quarter and the Emus secured the winning outcome at the end. Matthew Dellavedova notched 16 points for Australia. Jorden Page (183-G-90) and Brock Motum had 13 points apiece for the winners. Brooke Ruscoe answered with 26 points for the Junior Tall Blacks. Dion Prewster chipped in 14 points in defeat. The teams will meet again on Sunday for the third game of the series.

Australia U19: Matthew Dellavedova 16, Jorden Page 13, Brock Motum 13
New Zealand U19: Brooke Ruscoe 26, Dion Prewster 14

Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 81:60
The Emus completed the sweep of the Junior Tall Blacks in the final game of the U19 Oceania Champions in Adelaide today. Cody Ellis nailed 18 points and grabbed 6 boards to pace Australia to another confident victory over their archrivals. Both teams secured their U19 World Championship birth long before the series and tried to glue their game schemes well during the series. The teams traded baskets in the starting period. The Emus were just more accurate and outscore the Junior Tall Blacks 17:16. The hosts tightened defense in the second frame and ran away to an 8-point distance at halftime. The complexion of the game did not change after the long break as the Emus controlled the tempo and continued to stretch the lead. Balanced offensive effort allowed the Aussies to accumulate a 21-point advantage heading into the fourth term. The Emus and the Junior Tall Blacks scored 24 points apiece in the fourth frame and the home team cruised to the third straight win at the end. Brock Motum secured 13 points and 7 rebounds for the Emus in the win. Christian Salecich (194-G-90) added 11 points for Australia. Brooke Ruscoe answered with 15 points for New Zealand. Dion Prewster and Robert Loe (207-C-91) nailed 10 points each for the Kiwis in defeat. The Emus outrebounded their opponents 42:25 and forced New Zealand into 21 turnovers. The hosts also accounted for 42 points in the paint.

Australia U19: Cody Ellis 18, Brock Motum 13, Christian Salecich 11
New Zealand U19: Brooke Ruscoe 15, Dion Prewster 10, Robert Loe 10

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POLAND

Poland win medals in Debrecen - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18 - Slovakia U18 70:60

Piotr Pamula (190-G-90) nailed 20 points and Polish Junior Team celebrated en emphatic win over Slovakia to clinch the third spot at the European Championship in Division B. Polish side exploded in the starting frame to set the tone for the rest of the encounter. Sulima and Piotr Pamula combined for 13 points in the first quarter as Poland jumped to a massive 32:12 lead after the starting quarter. Poland maintained the distance well throughout the second frame and established a 41:21 advantage at halftime. Richard Grznar (187-G-91) knocked down 6 points in the third term to pace Slovakia as they shaved the deficit to 16 points. Matej Marchyn (188-F-90) netted 9 points in less than two minutes for Slovakia and they came within 9 points from Poland in the fourth quarter. But Piotr Pamula replied with 11 points for Poland in the dying minutes and Poland easily secured the winning outcome. Jakub Wojciechowski (211-C-90) provided 13 points and 13 boards for Poland. Jaroslaw Mokros (196-F-90) added 9 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Richard Grznar led all scorers with 27 points for Slovakia. Matej Marchyn had 13 points in a losing effort. Poland outmuscled their opponents in the paint pulling down 44 caroms. They also sank 47% from the field, while limiting Slovakia to 28%. Poland repeated their last season result, while Slovakia improved upon the 10th spot in 2007.

Poland U18: Piotr Pamula 20, Jakub Wojciechowski 13+13 boards, Jaroslaw Mokros 9
Slovakia U18: Richard Grznar 27, Matej Marchyn 13

U20 EC, division B: Poland better than Netherlands in Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
U20 Poland - U20 Netherlands 76-64

Poland succeeded to register first win on U20 European Championship division B in Romanian city Targu Mures. After defeat in the first round against the hosts, this time the Poles was strong enough to beat Netherlands improving to 1-1 in Preliminary Group D. On the other side Netherlands dropped on 1-1. As a reminder Netherlands celebrated against Hungary at the opening day of the championship.

Netherlands entered into this game much better setting the score on 4-12 after 5 minutes. Poland succeeded to tie the score on 16-16 very soon but Jirian Roodheuvel

13 (6 rebs)

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PORTUGAL

Diogo Correia leads Portugal past Denmark - by Eurobasket News
Portugal U18 - Denmark U18 69:56

Portuguese Junior National Team succeeded in the last day of action at the European Championship in Division B. Thus Portugal secured the 7th overall spot in the tournament. Its quite an improvement for Portuguese team as they were 12th last year. Portugal trailed by just first five minutes in the game before Pereira put them ahead for good. They went on a 10:0 run and built a 16:12 lead at the break. Elsner kept Denmark close early in the second frame but Portugal capped the first half with a 16:2 rally to make it 38:22 at halftime. Diogo Correia (185-G-90) hit four points at the start of the third frame to stretch the margin to 20 points. Two trebles from Alexander Bak (-91) helped Denmark cut the distance to 14 points. But it was just a spark from Danish team as Portugal took over late in the period and headed into the final quarter ahead by 18 points. Portugal eased to the win in the fourth frame and finished the tournament on a positive note. Corriea finished with game-high 25 points for Portugal. Pinheiro and Pereira dropped 10 points apiece for the winners. Nicolas Christensen (190-G-90) answered with 13 points for Denmark. Lasse Hammar (182-G-90) and Alexander Bak provided 8 points each in a losing effort. Denmark outmuscled their opponents under the rims but could not fight Portuguese accuracy. Portugal sank solid 45% from the field, while limiting Denmark to 34%.

Portugal U18: Diogo Correia 25, Pinheiro 10, Andre Pereira 10
Denmark U18: Nicolas Christensen 13, Lasse Hammar 8, Alexander Bak 8

U20 EC, division B: Portugal remain perfect after Norway - by Eurobasket News
U20 Portugal - U20 Norway 84-81

Portugal kept the top position after three days on U20 European Championship division B in Targu Mures. This time Portuguese outplayed Norway improving to 3-0 while their opponent dropped on 0-2.

Portuguese had a pretty good stroke from behind the arc in this game. Actually they had better percentage for 3-pts than for FG2 (56.5% for 3-pts and 48.3% FG2). Except of the first couple of minutes when Norway created 4 points lead, Portugal was the team which dominated. Fabio Lima (178-G-88) and his teammates had plus 6 at the half time but inconvenient Norwegians didn't give up. With two minutes remaining on the second quarter they tied the score on 29-29. Very soon Tiago Pinto (183-G-88) and Fabio Lima answered with 14-9 run taking back 5 points lead before the half time. First double digit advantage Portugal recorded in 28th minute. Later, thanks to Stian Mjoes (185-G-89) and Christian Hinsch (188-G-88, agency: Court Side), Norway made 14-4 run coming on 82-81 with just 6 second to go but at the Portugal's last offense Cordeiro made two FTs for 84-81.

Fabio Lima paced Portugal to win collecting 26 points and 13 rebounds. Jose Silva (194-F-89) and Tiago Pinto contributed scoring 13 points each. Stian Mjoes was the best scorer for the loosing side with 22 points while Terrence Oglesby (188-G-88) had one point less than him but with 4 rebounds. Christian Hinsch followed these two players netting 13 points. In the next round of U20 European Championship division B Portugal will meet Finland. On the other side Norway will take on F.Y.R. of Macedonia.

U20 Portugal - U20 Norway 84-81
(18-12, 25-26, 26-19, 15-24)

Portugal: Fabio Lima 26 (13 rebs), Jose Silva 13, Tiago Pinto 13 (5 rebs, 4 as)
Norway: Stian Mjoes 22, Terrence Oglesby 21 (4 rebs), Christian Hinsch 13

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PUERTO RICO

Carlos Arroyo to Play in Israel - by Luis Ramirez
The former Orlando Magic playmaker, Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.) has just signed a contract for years 2008 and 2009 with the team Maccabi Tel Aviv. It has been stated that this deal is worth 2.5 millions and there is an option for two additional years. The team has indicated that it is very happy to have signed Arroyo as he is a proven leader on the court and he was exactly what the team was looking for. The Israel League runs from October thru May.

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ROMANIA

U20 EC, division B: Romania outsmarts Hungary for 2-0 - by Eurobasket News
U20 Hungary - U20 Romania 58-62

The host of U20 European Championship division B was better than Hungary taking top of Preliminary Group D after two rounds. On the other side Hungarians didn't have a reason for a joy in Targu Mures yet dropping on 0-2.

Romania had furious begging of the game. After just 4 minutes it already was 2-12 for Titus Nicoara (200-F-88, agency: Interperformances) and his teammates. However they didn't succeed to keep it too long as Gergely Toth (206-F-89, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) led Hungary to 20-17 in 14th minute. Later on score 25-25, with 13 second to go in the first half, Florin Muntean (185-G-88) brought advantage to his team hitting a 3-pointer. After the breather Romanians touched plus 8 but they succeed to transfer four points lead into the last frame. At the very end Hungary had a chance for an over time but Zoltan Supola (193-G-88, agency: FCM) missed a jump shot on 58-60 for Romanians.

Titus Nicoara once against was the best player in Romania. In the first round he netted 28 points but this time 19 points, 12 boards, 4 assists and 5 steals were more than enough for his team. Florin Munteanu (185-G-85) followed him with 12 points while Vlad Moldoveanu (208-F-88) stopped on 8 points and 7 boards. Gergely Toth's 22 points and 5 rebound didn't Hungary against tough Romanians. Peter Hajmasy (194-F-88) contributed with 9 points and 4 rebounds for the loosing side. As Preliminary Group D is the only group of U20 EC division B which counts four teams all of them will have a day-off. On Tuesday Romania will take on Netherlands while Hungary will play against Poland.

U20 Hungary - U20 Romania 58-62
(12-17, 13-11, 19-20, 14-14)

Hungary: Gergely Toth 22 (5 rebs), Peter Hajmasy 9 (4 rebs)
Romania: Titus Nicoara 19 (12 rebs, 4 as, 5 st), Florin Munteanu 12, Vlad Moldoveanu 8 (7 rebs)

Finland occupy 11th spot in Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Finland U18 - Romania U18 64:58

Roopi Ahonen (185-G-90) netted 17 points to pace balanced Finnish U18 Team past Romania in the final day of action at the European Championship in Division B. Finland wrapped up their campaign at the 11th overall spot, while Romania secured the 12th place in the final ladder. Finland got to a quick start and built a 16:9 lead midway through the opening stanza. Romania used a 9:1 rally to jump in front late in the period but Finland had the last laugh as Ahonen dropped a three-pointer and gave his team a 20:18 advantage at the break. Iulian Dinca (188-F-90) nailed 6 points for Romania as they enjoyed a 24:20 lead early in the second frame. He completed a 9-point haul in the second stanza and Romania ensured a 34:31 lead at halftime. Finland posted an 8:0 run in the third term and surged ahead. Romania however kept it close and regained the advantage at the start of the fourth period. Niemi tied the score, while Lauri Tiainen (192-F/G-90) and Carl Lindbom (195-F-91) connected twice from beyond the arc to build a 60:54 cushion with under 3 minutes left in the game. Carl Lindbom dropped 4 more points in the crunch time and Finland finalized the victory. Carl Lindbom produced 14 points for Finland. Lauri Tiainen added 10 points for the winners. Iulian Dinca responded with 20 points and 6 rebounds for Romania. Rolland Torok (198-C-90) had a monster double-double of 12 points and 18 boards in defeat.

Finland U18: Roopi Ahonen 17, Carl Lindbom 14, Lauri Tiainen 10
Romania U18: Iulian Dinca 20, Rolland Torok 12+18 boards

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RUSSIA

Russia secure the Qualifying stage spot with win over Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20 - Slovenia U20 77:69

Russian U20 National Team finally posted win at the European Championship in Latvia. After the starting two losses Russia bruised Slovenia in a crucial clash for the Qualifying stage birth. Both teams entered the game winless and needed to show character to stay in the race. Ilya Syrovatko (193-G-88) stepped up for Russian team with 20 points. Maxim Krivosheev (205-F/C-88) and Artem Yakovenko (206-G/F-88) nailed 13 points apiece in a win. Boban Tomic (190-G-88) answered with 17 points in defeat. Edin Alispahic (208-F/C-88) contributed 15 points and 11 boards as Slovenia moved to Classification round to fight for the place in Division A for the next year. The battle lived up to the status in the first half with neither side able to dominate. Russia and Slovenia were all knotted up at 16 after ten minutes of action. Russia surged in front late in the second period and piled up a 3-point lead at the interval. Shved scored 5 straight points late in the third stanza and Russia jumped to a 57:50 advantage heading into the fourth term. Luka Lapornik (195-G-88) scored 7 points early in the final quarter to keep Slovenia in the contest. However three points from Maxim Krivosheev and a trey by Valentin Novikov (195-F-89) put Russia beyond reach with 18 seconds left in the game. Slovenia outrebounded their opponents 42:40 but suffered 16 turnovers during the game. Russia also looked solid from close range converting 61%.

Russia U20: Ilya Syrovatko 20, Maxim Krivosheev 13, Artem Yakovenko 13
Slovenia U20: Boban Tomic 17, Edin Alispahic 15+11 boards

USA outgun Russia in Shanghai - by Eurobasket News
USA - Russia 89:68

The USA team posted their 4th straight win at the exhibition series before the upcoming Olympic Games. Yesterday they held off the European champions Russia at the Qizhong Forest Arena in Shanghai. Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) came up with 19 points to pace the USA. Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) added 17 points, while Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) notched 16 in a win. The United States jumped to a 5:0 lead early in the game however Russia fought back to square things up at 9:9 midway through the period. The USA answered with 8:1 and 7:1 runs late in the first period to accumulate a 29:17 advantage at the intermission. The North American team stretched the margin to as many as 15 points at halftime. Russia tried to keep the game physical but it was Kobe Bryant who took over in the third frame. He scored 11 points in a row to keep Russia at bay. J.R. Holden (6'1''-G-76, college: Bucknell) carried Russia within 10 points but Michael Redd hit twice from beyond the arc and the lead grew to 20 points at the end of the third period. Russia never threatened the difference in the final term and suffered defeat at the end. The USA sank 57% from the field and limited Russia to 39% accuracy. They also forced the European Champions to 17 turnovers. Andrei Kirilenko (6'9''-F-81) dropped 18 points for Russia. J.R. Holden netted 17 points in a losing effort. The USA will next face Australia in their exhibition series finale.

USA: Kobe Bryant 19, Carmelo Anthony 17, Dwyane Wade 16
Russia: Andrei Kirilenko 18, J.R. Holden 17

Latvia perform another narrow escape against Russia - by Eurobasket News
Latvia U18 - Russia U18 71:69

It was once again a story of dramatic finale when Russian and Latvian U18 National Teams played for the 7th spot today. Latvia managed to overcome a 6-point halftime deficit to pull away with a last second victory against their opponents. The teams met earlier in the competition and then Latvia killed Russian hopes to qualify to the semifinal by narrowly defeating them. Today Russia failed to take revenge. Latvia entered the final period ahead by 5 points. The teams traded baskets throughout the fourth stanza and Slepukha cut the deficit to 2 points with less than 3 minutes remaining. Maxim Grigoryev (191-G-90) followed it with a freebie to trim the distance to minimum. Martins Laksa (196-F-90) however responded with a jumper to give Latvia a 70:67 lead with one and a half minute remaining. Maxim Grigoryev got fouled and hit both free throws to narrow the distance. Kalvis Krumins (182-G-90) dropped just free throw and Russia had 7 seconds to save the game. Denis Polokhin (196-G-90) got the ball but his buzzer-beating layup rimmed out and Latvia scored another dramatic win over Russia at the tournament. Kristers Zeidaks (201-F-90) provided 17 points for Latvia. Kalvis Krumins knocked down 15 points, while Martins Laksa had 14 points in a win. Pavel Antipov (200-F-91) was the only player to score in double figures for Russia. He nailed 13 points and pulled down 6 boards in defeat.

Latvia U18: Kristers Zeidaks 17, Kalvis Krumins 15, Martins Laksa 14
Russia U18: Pavel Antipov 13, Andrey Kirdyachkin (204-F/C-90) 8+6 boards

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SEBL

Upsets and Surprises on the last day of Metro A-League regular season play... - by David Archer

Cox

Hamilton

McConnell

Williams

Cartersville, GA - SEBL Metro A-League's 2008 Regular Season slate is in the books! Several teams made upward moves, while others dipped in the seedings for the upcoming playoffs next week...

Sun., Aug. 3rd @ JH Morgan Gym

Skyline 71 ServPro-1 64... Skyline made a couple of late acquisitions just before deadline and they paid off big in their win over ServPro on Sunday afternoon. With Mike Howren nursing an ankle injury, along with Nick Mattone, Chris Palmore, Carter Deems and Jon Michael Nickerson missing the game due to prior engagements, Skyline had to seek help quickly. Enter former Appalachian State player Derrick Thomas, former LSU player Quinten Thomas and Deon Ible. The trio helped fill a void in a big way as Thomas bulled his way to 29 points, as JD Pollock and Antone Anderson complimented with 17 and 12 points, respectively, for Skyline. Skyline led early in the game before ServPro-1 went on a run to take a 33-25 lead into the half. It appeared that the new-look Skyline squad figured each other out in the second half as they began to defend better and subsequently share the ball in transition, racing back and building a double-digit lead down the stretch. ServPro fought back, cutting the lead down to three at one point, but Thomas' aggressive style put the nail in the coffin. Thomas, who moved over to after playing several games for Baseline, provided solid ball handling and proper distribution to help Skyline protect the ball down the stretch. For ServPro, Larry Cox (6'10''-C-84) had 17, Shan Finley 15 and Jermaine Spivey (6'3''-G-72, college: New Orleans) 12. Bobby Smith also had nine and Brandon Byers six. With the win, Skyline was able to supplant ServPro as the North Division's #2 seed in the upcoming playoffs.

Supreme 79 Baseline-1 72... Supreme, who very well may be the hottest team in the SEBL right now, came out strong against Baseline-1, led wire-to-wire and ended Baseline's hopes of completing the regular season with an undeated record. Supreme, who started out the summer very slow, even dropping three straight games after leading in the final minutes. But, they had begun to gel, working well together and have now reeled off three straight games to close the regular season. They only moved up to the 7th seed, but they may be one of the most complete teams in the SEBL right now, with all the necessary pieces that comprise a solid club. Supreme's Mike Carson (6'4''-G, college: Reinhardt) and Carlos Hampton (6'4''-F) were firing on all cylinders in the first half en route to building a 37-28 lead by half-time. Things continued to go well for Supreme in the second half as they weathered every Baseline effort to get back in it. Baseline had managed to trim the score down to 47-45 on a Joe Hamilton (6'6''-F-79) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors dunk. But, Supreme answered with a 10-0 explosion, behind consecutive baskets by Ale Burt, followed by treys from Carson and Robert McKinney. Baseline-1 appeared to be totally gone, as Supreme stretched their lead out to 70-55 with only 2:50 remaining. Baseline mounted a defensive effort that was totally uncharacteristic to their efforts to that point. It started with an Ashmore three-pointer, which triggered a 13-2 run. Terrence Hundley got two quick steals and buckets and Chris Jones' put back trimmed Baseline's deficit to 72-68 with only ;50 ticks remaining, making the game well with in reach. Baseline made Supreme cough up the ball again and Jones hit Terrence Hundley deep in the corner, who launched an ill-advised, off-balanced three with defenders all over him. The long rebound for made it down the court where Ced Ward was fouled. He sank both, effectively ending Baseline's sudden but short efforts to play with some passion. Hampton led Supreme with 22, while Burt excelled with 20, Carson 19, McKinney seven and Ward five. Hamilton paced Baseline with 24, while Jones had 18, Ashmore 14 and Hundley 13.

Marietta 93 BC Celtics 72... Marietta had some deadline beating roster changes as well. With Courtney George, Stephon Padmore and several other not available, Ezra Williams (6'4''-G-80) of Mersin Buyuksehir Belediyesi (TUR) was added to the roster. He also paid immediate impact as he scored 23 points in leading Marietta to a much needed win. Had Marietta not gotten this game under their belts they would've slid all the way down to the #7 seed in the North Division, but instead they remained steady at #4 in the seedings. The Celtics played tough until just into the second, when Shannon Billings led a run that included a three-point barrage by he and Keith Lundy. Deandre Washington (6'5''-F) two tri-fectas in a later run sank the Celtics hopes of getting back in the game. Billings finished with 21, while Lundy had 14, Washington 13, Issac Cook nine and Derrick Owens six. Marietta drained 19 threes as a team. The Celtics also had 11 threes, but just didn't have enough defensive strength to curtail Marietta's offensive prowess. Dexter Shaw (6'3''-G-89) led al scorers with 31, while Jeff Croft (6'3''-G) also had 25.

BC Force 110 Knicks-1 77... Marc Reese an Darrell Wilkins got the Force started, as the combined for 26 first half points, helping to record a 49-34 lead by the half. The Knicks-1 continuted to fight back and hung around enough to make this interesting in the second half. After a Demarlowe Simmons three only trailed 67-60 with about 8:35 left. But, Neon Winters went on a personal crusade to take the game into his own hands, as he tallied the next 13 points on a plethora of drives to the basket, floaters, offensive rebounds and put-backs and transition baskets. When he got done, the Force had put the game out reach at 80-60. They cruised the rest of the way behind several threes from Marc Reese, Antonio Cook and Kelvin McConnell (6'0''-G-89). Winters and Reese both got 25 for the Force, who pulled their record even at 4-4, to lock down the 5th seed in the North Division playoffs. McConnell also had 20, while Wilkins got 17, Cook 14, Ced McClinic six and Jon Allison four. For the Knicks-1, Simmons tallied 26, Jonathan Johnson (6'6''-F-85) 20, Eddie Lee Wilkins 18, O'brian Wilkins 10 and Michael Frazier three.

=============================

PLAYOFF BRACKETS ARE SET. PLEASE VISIT...

SEBL City B-League Championship Tournament Brackets: http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=271385&tclass=2008%20SEBL%20City%20B%2DLeague%20Championship%20Tournament

SEBL Metro A-League Championship Tournament Brackets: http://www.bracketmaker.com/tmenu.cfm?tid=271385&tclass=2008%20SEBL%20Metro%20A%2DLeague%20Championship%20Tournament

Standings

SEBL Standings

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

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SERBIA

Spain claim win over Serbia in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Serbia U18 89:85

Spanish Junior National Team narrowly defeated Serbia to clinch the 5th spot at the European Championship. The victory also meant Spain qualified for the U19 World Championship that would be held in New Zealand next year. The game turned into a seesaw action with both teams enjoying big lead as well as trailing by big numbers. Spain looked better in the starting period and built a 25:15 advantage at the intermission. Serbia went on a 25:5 rally in the second frame to grab a 40:34 advantage. Bojan Subotic (204-F/C-90) and Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) connected from beyond the arc and Serbia rolled to a 46:39 lead at the sides change. Spain used a 9:0 run in the third period to regain the lead. Ivan Martinez (193-F-90) and Adrian Laso (204-F/C-90) crowned the third frame with consecutive triples and Spanish team piled up a 67:60 advantage at three-quarter time. Riznic and Aleksandar Vlahovic (193-G-90) teamed up for 6 points to give Serbia a 73:71 lead midway through the final term. The lead then changed hands for several times before Perez and Franch drained big-time three-pointers and secured an unassailable lead for Spain. Serbia cut the deficit to one point but failed to succeed at the end. Six Spanish players scored in double figures en route to the win. Alberto Jodar (205-F/C-91) paced the winners with 17 points. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) netted 16 points, while Adrian Laso added 15 points and 10 rebounds in a win. Bojan Subotic replied with 21 points and 11 boards for Serbia. Uros Petrovic (206-F/C-90) and Aleksandar Vlahovic had 15 points apiece in a loss.

Spain U18: Alberto Jodar 17, Ignacio Llovet 16, Adrian Laso 15+10 boards
Serbia U18: Bojan Subotic 21+11 boards, Uros Petrovic 15, Aleksandar Vlahovic 15

France tame defending champions in Riga - by Eurobasket News
France U20 - Serbia U20 83:69

French U20 Team grabbed their third win in a row at the start of the European Championship in Latvia. They held off the reigning champs Serbia to finish the preliminary round on top of Group D. Serbia fell to 2-1 record to settle in the second spot. France surprised their titled opponents with a 17:6 rally in the first term. Serbia however looked ready for the challenge and answered with 23:13 second frame to trail by just one point at halftime. France shook things up in the third quarter when they exploded with 30 points. Serbia were not ready to deal with the onslaught and found themselves down by 16 points heading into the final period. Serbia never revived the intrigue despite going for 25 points in the fourth term. Abdoulaye MBaye (189-G-88) secured 21 points to pace France. Ludovic Vaty (206-F-88, college: Moraine Valley CC) had 18 points and 8 boards for the winners. Dusan Katnic (193-G-89) and Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) answered with 11 points apiece for Serbia. Miroslav Raduljica (212-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) added 9 points and 8 rebounds in defeat. France reigned on the boards with 44 caroms against Serbian 31. They also sank 46% from the field and limited Serbian players to 41% accuracy. Both teams will start their Qualifying round campaigns tomorrow.

France U20: Abdoulaye MBaye 21, Ludovic Vaty 18, Edwin Jackson (191-G-89) 13
Serbia U20: Dusan Katnic 11, Milan Macvan 11

Radenovic chooses Estudiantes, Pupovic in Ukraine - by Dragan Jankovski
Despite there was some rumors that Ivan Radenovic (208-F-84, college: Arizona) could sign with Aris, according to Serbian media he already decided to accept offer from Spanish Estudiantes. As a reminder, Radenovic got status of free agent couple of days ago after his team Akasvayu Girona went bankrupt. The same scenario happened to member of Serbian National Team Branko Cvetkovic (200-G-84) and he immediately moved to Panionios Athens. As Cvetkovic, Radenovic also got an invitation to join NT project this summer but he was unable to show up in Belgrade due to his obligation in USA. Radenovic played 24 games for Girona in ACB league adding 5.3 ppg and 2.1 rpg. At the same time he had 15 appearances in ULEB Cup averaging 8.1 ppg and 3.3 rpg. Radenovic graduated at University of Arizona in 2007. He grew up as a player in young selections of Partizan Belgrade.

Miljan Pupovic (210-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) will continue career in Cherkassy Monkeys from Ukraine. Pupovic spent last season in Macedonian team Strumica 2005 reaching the play-off final. The team has a nice chance to grab the championship title but it lost the crucial game of the final series at their home court against Feni Industri. Strumica also participated in FIBA EuroCup last season where Pupovic averaged 14.8 ppg and 5.8 rpg in 4 games. Before Strumica, Pupovic spent one season in FMP Zeleznik and one in Hemofarm Vrsac. Interesting that he already has worked with Cherkassy's head coach Jovica Arsic in the past. They spent some time at the beginning of the last season in Strumica while they also cooperated on season 04/05 in Lavovi 063 from Belgrade.

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SLOVAKIA

Poland win medals in Debrecen - by Eurobasket News
Poland U18 - Slovakia U18 70:60

Piotr Pamula (190-G-90) nailed 20 points and Polish Junior Team celebrated en emphatic win over Slovakia to clinch the third spot at the European Championship in Division B. Polish side exploded in the starting frame to set the tone for the rest of the encounter. Sulima and Piotr Pamula combined for 13 points in the first quarter as Poland jumped to a massive 32:12 lead after the starting quarter. Poland maintained the distance well throughout the second frame and established a 41:21 advantage at halftime. Richard Grznar (187-G-91) knocked down 6 points in the third term to pace Slovakia as they shaved the deficit to 16 points. Matej Marchyn (188-F-90) netted 9 points in less than two minutes for Slovakia and they came within 9 points from Poland in the fourth quarter. But Piotr Pamula replied with 11 points for Poland in the dying minutes and Poland easily secured the winning outcome. Jakub Wojciechowski (211-C-90) provided 13 points and 13 boards for Poland. Jaroslaw Mokros (196-F-90) added 9 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Richard Grznar led all scorers with 27 points for Slovakia. Matej Marchyn had 13 points in a losing effort. Poland outmuscled their opponents in the paint pulling down 44 caroms. They also sank 47% from the field, while limiting Slovakia to 28%. Poland repeated their last season result, while Slovakia improved upon the 10th spot in 2007.

Poland U18: Piotr Pamula 20, Jakub Wojciechowski 13+13 boards, Jaroslaw Mokros 9
Slovakia U18: Richard Grznar 27, Matej Marchyn 13

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SLOVENIA

Slovenia triumph in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Slovenia U18 - Czech Republic U18 68:60

Slovenian U18 National Team outscored Czech Republic to earn the title in Division B of the European Championship. Both teams advanced to the Division A for the next year. Slovenia needed to overcome a slow start to steamroll their opponents in the next two quarters and secure the victory at the end. Marko Vranjkovic (202-F/C-90) secured 17 points and 11 boards to pace the winners. Czech Republic was not saved by a pivotal performance from Tomas Satoransky (196-G/F-91, agency: PPGroup) as he tallied 17 points, 8 boards and 5 assists. The teams exchanged the blows early in the game with Czech Republic being just more accurate and establishing a narrow 16:14 lead into the second frame. Tomas Satoransky kept Czechs ahead throughout the second frame but Slovenia surged in front late in the half. Anze Pelc (190-G-90) drained a three-pointer and Uros Zadnik (185-G-90) came up with a jump shot to give Slovenia a 36:33 advantage at the interval. Slovenia went on a 9:0 run in the third stanza to accumulate an 11-point cushion that proved unassailable at the end. Czech Republic failed to come closer in the reminder of the period. Moreover Slovenia extended the gap to 15 points with one quarter to go. Tomas Satoransky and Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90) trimmed the margin to 8 points but Slovenia kept steady and rolled to the success at the end. Mirza Sarajlija (183-G-91) buried 10 points for Slovenia. Luka Dimec (207-F/C-90) contributed 9 points in the Slovenian triumphant win. Jan Vesely finished with 16 points for Czech team. Kudlacek had 9 points in defeat.

Slovenia U18: Marko Vranjkovic 17+11 boards, Mirza Sarajlija 10, Luka Dimec 9
Czech Republic U18: Tomas Satoransky 17, Jan Vesely 16

Russia secure the Qualifying stage spot with win over Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Russia U20 - Slovenia U20 77:69

Russian U20 National Team finally posted win at the European Championship in Latvia. After the starting two losses Russia bruised Slovenia in a crucial clash for the Qualifying stage birth. Both teams entered the game winless and needed to show character to stay in the race. Ilya Syrovatko (193-G-88) stepped up for Russian team with 20 points. Maxim Krivosheev (205-F/C-88) and Artem Yakovenko (206-G/F-88) nailed 13 points apiece in a win. Boban Tomic (190-G-88) answered with 17 points in defeat. Edin Alispahic (208-F/C-88) contributed 15 points and 11 boards as Slovenia moved to Classification round to fight for the place in Division A for the next year. The battle lived up to the status in the first half with neither side able to dominate. Russia and Slovenia were all knotted up at 16 after ten minutes of action. Russia surged in front late in the second period and piled up a 3-point lead at the interval. Shved scored 5 straight points late in the third stanza and Russia jumped to a 57:50 advantage heading into the fourth term. Luka Lapornik (195-G-88) scored 7 points early in the final quarter to keep Slovenia in the contest. However three points from Maxim Krivosheev and a trey by Valentin Novikov (195-F-89) put Russia beyond reach with 18 seconds left in the game. Slovenia outrebounded their opponents 42:40 but suffered 16 turnovers during the game. Russia also looked solid from close range converting 61%.

Russia U20: Ilya Syrovatko 20, Maxim Krivosheev 13, Artem Yakovenko 13
Slovenia U20: Boban Tomic 17, Edin Alispahic 15+11 boards

Market news - by Uros Vujic
Elektra Esotech signed experienced Ernest Novak (194-G-77, agency: Interperformances), who played for Slovan, Olimpija and other respectable teams in his career. They also re-signed Nikola Ivanovic (192-G-84) for the upcoming season. Zagorje KD FT signed Mihailo Nesovic (197-G-85) and is close to extend Milos Savkovic (207-F/C-86) and Gilbert Goodrich (178-G-82) for the upcoming season.Parklji Bezigrad (1B) signed Srboljub Nedeljkovic (202-C-79), for the next season.

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SPAIN

20, Victor Claver 19, Pere Tomas 16
Bulgaria U20: Ivan Lilov 31,Milen Kostov 21

No Pressure From Estu Reveals Clark in International Row & CAI Zaragoza Double - by Paul Nilsen
Estudiantes forward Daniel Clark (210-C-88) has defended his shock decision to drop out of the Great Britain squad ahead of their massively important Eurobasket campaign which begins early next month. His decision to quit the squad left Coach Finch disappointed and the decision of Clark to omit himself from the roster was then put further under the microscope when Robert Archibald followed suit.

The fact that both players will be at ACB clubs this season has had many observers questioning the role of Spanish clubs in their support of the International commitments of their players and particularly GB and especially after Andy Betts criticism of the Spanish for not taking GB basketball seriously.

However in an exclusive interview at www.acb-basket.com , Clark has revealed that it wasnt a decision that he made lightly and one that he made independently and without any pressure at all from club side Estu in Spain.

It is an immensely difficult situation for Clark since it is hard to argue with the assessment that this is the most important summer of his basketball life so far. After a couple of false starts, his ACB career has been on hold. He missed out at Estu last year and was sent on loan to LEB Oro, something that he used to his advantage by knuckling down and producing great performances in the second tier of the Spanish game.

Now, with a new coach at the helm, and one with a reputation of being able to utlise and enhance the development of young players, Clark is primed and ready for his first real and bona-fide ACB campaign. As far as Clark is concerned, that conflicts with preparing for Team GB and he feels he cant do both. The young forward is now desperately hoping that with a club career and reputation to build in the best league in Europe, his International future wont be affected in later years.

Back to Market News now and CAI Zaragoza have made a double swoop over the weekend to secure the services of ACB veteran forward Lawrence Lewis (201-F-69, college: Morehouse) and guard Taurean Green (183-G-85, college: Florida), also American. Lewis seems to be a really smart move by Zaragoza as he has as raft of knowledge from the ACB and CAI will be his fifth Spanish side after spells with Alicante, Estudiantes, Unicaja and Gran Canaria. He also has experience of fighting at the bottom of the table for survival, notably successful last year with Estu but less so with Alicante who dropped out of the top flight. Lewis will be solid and give a real presence in the paint, particularly alongside fellow new boy Ruben Garces who arrived from Pamesa recently.

Taurean Green meanwhile is a young player with a huge amount of quality and an ability to score the points that keep Zaragoza in the ACB. Having spend three years at the University of Florida, Green was drafted by the Portland Trailblazers in 2007 and then in February of this year, he moved to Denver Nuggets and played 17 games in the NBA, following in the footsteps of his father Sydney.

Having spent time in the D-League, he was traded to New York Knicks and has decided to try his hand in Europe starting in Zaragoza. On that level alone you have to think that he is hungry for some success and this is a tremendous pick-up for CAI.

Spain claim win over Serbia in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Spain U18 - Serbia U18 89:85

Spanish Junior National Team narrowly defeated Serbia to clinch the 5th spot at the European Championship. The victory also meant Spain qualified for the U19 World Championship that would be held in New Zealand next year. The game turned into a seesaw action with both teams enjoying big lead as well as trailing by big numbers. Spain looked better in the starting period and built a 25:15 advantage at the intermission. Serbia went on a 25:5 rally in the second frame to grab a 40:34 advantage. Bojan Subotic (204-F/C-90) and Andreja Milutinovic (199-G-90) connected from beyond the arc and Serbia rolled to a 46:39 lead at the sides change. Spain used a 9:0 run in the third period to regain the lead. Ivan Martinez (193-F-90) and Adrian Laso (204-F/C-90) crowned the third frame with consecutive triples and Spanish team piled up a 67:60 advantage at three-quarter time. Riznic and Aleksandar Vlahovic (193-G-90) teamed up for 6 points to give Serbia a 73:71 lead midway through the final term. The lead then changed hands for several times before Perez and Franch drained big-time three-pointers and secured an unassailable lead for Spain. Serbia cut the deficit to one point but failed to succeed at the end. Six Spanish players scored in double figures en route to the win. Alberto Jodar (205-F/C-91) paced the winners with 17 points. Ignacio Llovet (202-C-91) netted 16 points, while Adrian Laso added 15 points and 10 rebounds in a win. Bojan Subotic replied with 21 points and 11 boards for Serbia. Uros Petrovic (206-F/C-90) and Aleksandar Vlahovic had 15 points apiece in a loss.

Spain U18: Alberto Jodar 17, Ignacio Llovet 16, Adrian Laso 15+10 boards
Serbia U18: Bojan Subotic 21+11 boards, Uros Petrovic 15, Aleksandar Vlahovic 15

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SWEDEN

Austria U18 get 5th spot in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Austria U18 - Sweden U18 80:67

Austrian U18 National Team bounced Sweden in the final day of the European Championship in Division B. The victory allowed Austrian team to clinch the 5th overall spot in the ladder. Rasid Mahalbasic (203-F-90) tallied 31 points and 11 boards to pace Austria. The game start was all for Austria as they assumed the authority and opened a double-digit lead midway through the first frame. Milos Djurovic (183-G-91) capped the frame with 5 straight points and Austrian team enjoyed a 12-point advantage at the first intermission. Niklas Sellin (197-F-91), Omar Zaghden (204-F/C-90) and Andreas Person (188-G-91) cut the deficit to 3 points in the second frame but Sweden could not get in front. Austria survived the threat and led 46:42 at the interval. Austria went on a 10:2 run early in the third term and the gap grew to 12 points. All Sweden could do was to cut the distance to 5 points entering the final quarter. Sweden accounted for only 6 points in the fourth frame and had to surrender at the end. Moritz Lanegger (188-G-90) provided 16 points for Austria. Milos Djurovic contributed 15 points in a win. Omar Zaghden answered with 18 points and 9 rebounds for Sweden. Andreas Person netted 14 points in defeat.

Austria U18: Rasid Mahalbasic 31+11 boards, Moritz Lanegger 16, Milos Djurovic 15
Sweden U18: Omar Zaghden 18, Andreas Person 14

U20 EC, division B: Sweden destroys Azerbaijan in Targu Mures - by Eurobasket News
U20 Azerbaijan - U20 Sweden 44-100

Sweden blasted Azerbaijan in third day of U20 European Championship division B. It was another serious defeat for Azerbaijanis as they already was faced with 38-124 against the Germans. Thus after three days Sweden currently has 2-1 while Azerbaijan is winless yet with 0-2.

Sweden was a better team since the very beginning. As it was against the Germany, Azerbaijan's defense once against was on a poor level. Their offense wasn't any better as they committed 30 turnovers. Anyway it was expected win for the Swedish as difference in the quality between these two teams was a very high. After the first stanza Sweden already made plus 17 while during the next ten minutes they stretched lead to 30. It was not enough for the Swedish as they continued second half in the same rhythm. Everything resulted with more than comfortable win at the end. Interesting is that the Sweden finished the game with fantastic 56 rebounds.

Dino Pita (180-G-88) and Jeffery Taylor (200-G/F-89) were the best for the winners scoring 18 points each. Carl Saks (201-G-89) and Brandon Barton (191-G-88) followed them with 13 points apiece. Anar Hajiyev (198-G-88) added 16 points and 6 rebounds for Azerbaijan while Rufat Mahmudzade (203-C-89) followed him with 11 points and 5 boards. After this victory Sweden will take a rest one day while Azerbaijan will meet Ireland hoping to reach the first win.

U20 Azerbaijan - U20 Sweden 44-100
(7-24, 11-24, 13-22, 13-30)

Azerbaijan: Anar Hajiyev 16 (6 rebs), Rufat Mahmudzade 11 (5 rebs)
Sweden: Dino Pita 18 (5 as), Jeffery Taylor 18 (4 rebs), Carl Saks 13 (4 rebs, 5 as), Brandon Barton 13 (5 as)

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SWITZERLAND

U20 EC, division B: Austria easily beats Switzerland - by Eurobasket News
U20 Switzerland - U20 Austria 60-77

It was joyful third day of U20 European Championship division B for Austrians. After defeats against Belgium and Estonia, Austria outsmarted Switzerland improving to score 1-2 in Preliminary Group C. At the same time it means that Austria's hope for second position in this group is still alive. Actually, its chance for the next stage is really small but still exist. On the other side Switzerland is winless after two appearances in Targu Mures.

Austria's most powerful weapon in this game were rebounds as well as fast breaks. Austrians grabbed 49 boards while 15 of those were at the offensive end. On the on the other hand Switzerland had just 9 + 17. Austria made only 5 triples in this game but from 9 attempts which is 55.6%. Lorenzo O'Neal (188-G-88) and his teammates took control on Switzerland from the early begging. After ten minutes of the game it was plus 3 but until the half time Austrians extended it to 9 points. It seemed that Austrians played as much as they needed for this victory. Lorenzo O'Neal and Paul Radakovics (187-G-88) took care for the points in Austria, which ended third and last frame 13-17 apiece.

Lorenzo O'Neal was a key player for Austria in this game. He played 31 minutes pouring in 19 points and grabbing 9 boards. Paul Radakovics was behind him with 13 points and 4 rebounds while Sebastian Koch (200-F-88) also had a pretty good performance finishing the game with 12 points and 13 rebounds. Lionel Bobetso (183-G-88) and Miroslav Petkovic (183-G-88) netted 15 points each for the loosing side. Austria will have a one day-off after this victory while Switzerland will take on Slovakia in day 4.

U20 Switzerland - U20 Austria 60-77
(23-26, 11-17, 13-17, 13-17)

Switzerland: Lionel Bobetso 15 (5 rebs), Miroslav Petkovic 15
Austria: Lorenzo O'Neal 19 (9 rebs), Paul Radakovics 13 (4 rebs), Sebastian Koch 12 (13 rebs)

Bosnia and Herzegovina edge Switzerland for the 15th spot - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina U18 - Switzerland U18 80:72

Bosnia and Herzegovina celebrated a tough win over Switzerland at the U18 European Championship in Division B. Thus the winners claimed the 15th spot at the tournament. Bosnia marked their dominance in the opening stanza. They outscored their opponents 24:9 to roll comfortably afterwards. Switzerland struggled to recover in the second frame and trailed by 21 points at halftime. The shots started to drop for the Swiss juniors in the second half. They cut the deficit by 12 points and headed into the final quarter down by 9 points. Jonathan Kazadi-Muyombu (189-G-91) and Brian Savoy (186-G-92) dragged Switzerland within 2 points from their opponents midway through the fourth term. But Aldin Majstoric (198-G-90)h was there to convert a three-point play for Bosnia and they ran away with victory at the end. Aldin Majstoric dropped 20 points to pace Bosnia and Herzegovina. Darko Damjanovic (200-F-91) added 18 points for the winners. Brian Savoy responded with 13 points for Switzerland. Ian Savoy (187-G-90) delivered 11 points in a loss. Bosnia outrebounded their opponents 37:27 and forced Switzerland to 18 turnovers.

Bosnia and Herzegovina U18: Aldin Majstoric 18, Darko Damjanovic 18, Eldin Camdzic (195-G-90) 12, Kresimir Mustapic (200-F-90) 12
Switzerland U18: Brian Savoy 13, Ian Savoy 11

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SYRIA

Standings - D1

D1 Standings

1. Jalaa	9-1
2. Ittihad	8-2
3. Jeish	5-4
4. Wehda	4-6
5. Hurriya	3-7
6. Yarmouk	0-0
7. Talee'a	0-0
8. Karameh	0-0
9. Thawra	0-0
10. Arouba	0-0
11. Kasyoun	0-0
12. Nawayeer	0-0
13. Wathba	0-9

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TURKEY

Turkey U20 and Italy U20 finish Group B with 2-1 record - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U20-Italy U20 63:66

Italy U20 improved to 2-1 in Group B of the Preliminary Round. The last game for them in the group saw 66:63 win over Turkey U20. Pietro Aradori

22+13 rebs, Daniele Bonessio 11, Roberto Rullo 9

Turkey blitz Israel to grab 9th spot in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Turkey U18 - Israel U18 95:72

Turkish Junior National Team finalized their European Championship with a comprehensive win over Israel. Enes Kanter (205-C-92) tallied a massive double-double of 22 points and 25 rebounds to pace Turkey to the 9th overall spot at the tournament. Turkey had an overwhelming dominance throughout the game and easily secured a comfortable victory at the end. Turkey established a 19:12 advantage ten minutes into the action. Consecutive triples from Can Maxim Mutaf (193-G-91) allowed Turkey to build a 29:13 buffer midway through the second frame. Mahmutoglu capped the first half with a three-pointer and Turkey left into the dressing room leading by 15 points. Volkan Incekara (192-G-90), Enes Kanter and Erolcan Cinko (188-G-90) stretched the margin to 26 points in the third term. The advantage was pretty obvious but Turkey never loosened the grip and cruised to a stunning win at the end. Can Maxim Mutaf provided 16 points for Turkey. Volkan Incekara had 11 points, while Ibrahim Yildirim (190-G-90) knocked down 10 in a win. Ben Reis (196-F-90) answered with game-high 27 points for Israel. Tal Karpelesz (194-F-90) dropped 12 points in a losing effort. Turkey outrebounded their counterparts 50:26 and sank 53% from the field. Israel answered with 44% field goal accuracy and forced Turkey to 23 turnovers down the stretch.

Turkey U18: Enes Kanter 22+25 boards, Can Maxim Mutaf 16, Volkan Incekara 11
Israel U18: Ben Reis 27, Tal Karpelesz 12

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

ABA Standings

1. Jam Squad	7-2
2. To Win It	6-2
3. Jah Youths	6-2
4. So Jah Se	3-5
5. Under Dogs	2-6
6. Progress	2-7
7. Run Dem	1-6
8. Da Real Thing	0-0
9. Ghetto Lions	0-0
10. One Time	0-0

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UKRAINE

Italy clinch the 11th spot in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Italy U18 - Ukraine U18 84:68

Italian Junior National Team finished their European Championship campaign at the 11th spot. Today they defeated Ukraine to wrap up the tournament on a positive note. David Cournooh (190-G-90) notched 16 points to pace Italy. The close first period saw Italy grabbing a narrow 19:18 lead. Luca Campani (204-F-90) and Raffaele Martone (211-C-90) organized a 9:0 run from Italy late in the second term and lifted the team to a 42:30 advantage at the interval. Back-to-back trebles from Andriy Lebedintsev (194-G-91) cut the deficit to just 2 points early in the third quarter. However Italy immediately responded with a 17:1 run to build an 18-point cushion. Ukraine never rebounded and Italy cruised to the win in the final period. Pasquale Paolisso (203-F/C-90, agency: Court Side) and Luca Campani knocked down 12 points apiece for Italy. Daniele Sandri (196-F/G-90) had 9 points in a win. Oleksandr Lypovyy (198-G-91) answered with 17 points for Ukraine. Andriy Lebedintsev secured 16 points in a losing effort. Italy outrebounded their opponents 46:33 and forced those to 18 turnovers. The winners converted 47% from the field, while Ukraine responded with only 35% accuracy in field goals.

Italy U18: David Cournooh 16, Luca Campani 12, Pasquale Paolisso 12
Ukraine U18: Oleksandr Lypovyy 17, Andriy Lebedintsev 16

Ukraine U20 made it to the Qualifying Round, Croatia too - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania won Preliminary Round in Group A of U20 European Championship. Just few minutes ago the team overcame Greece U20 90:77. That meant that Croatia also advanced to the Qualifying Round.

Croatia U20:Franjo Bubalo 20, Ivan Milekovic 18
Ukraine U20: Oleksandr Kolchenko 29, Sergiy Gladyr 20, Vadym Norenko 17

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UNITED KINGDOM

VENEZUELA

Jonathan Polanco, next stop...Mexico!! - by Yelitza La Torre
With great basketball skills and faster then a jet, the Venezuelan Jonathan Polanco will be defending the cause of Venados of Nuevo Laredo over Mexico.
In USA, Johnathan Polanco (190-G-82) had a brilliant Student-Athlete career at college level. Starting at Polk Community College (NJCAA), with 26 games, 13 points per game, 3.5 Assist, 5.2 rebounds. At NCAA level, Polanco wears John Jay Colleges jersey, where during three years he drops out the following stats;

(2002-2003) 15 games, 15.6 points per games, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assist
(2003-2004) 20 games, 14.3 points, 3.5 assists, 3.2 rebounds
(2004-2005) 30 games, 16.8 points per game, 5.3 assists and 5.6 rebounds per game

In the Dominican Republic as a professional basketball player, Jonathan Polanco played with Club Pueblo Nuevo. Making the following stats; 10 games, 12.2 ppg, 3.2 apg, 3.1 rpg. During the year of 2006 he went to Venezuela and played 6 games with Guaiqueries de Margarita but then returned to USA for the CBA tryouts. In 2007 and 2008 he returned to Dominican Republic making in the last year with 17.6 points in 10 gamesdefinitely a scoring player.

Roque Osorio to Mexico! - by Yelitza La Torre

When we talk about getting some respect under the hoop, we talk about Roque Osorio (206-C-76,college: Fairleigh Dickinson). Our 6'9' National Team member will be facing another serious challenge as a professional basketball player in Mexico, Tamaulipas, where Osorio will be defending Venados de Nuevo Laredo's hoop.
USA, Uruguay, Chile, Colombia and Spain are some of the Nations where Roque Osorio grabbed a lot of rebounds and scored many points. This demonstrates why he has been a member of our Venezuela National Team, and also has been one of the greatest outstanding post players from Venezuela.

' I'm really excited with this opportunity to play professionally in Mexico with Venados de Nuevo Laredoit means a lot for me I will be doing my best for the name of my family and my nation' Roque Osorio

Experienced national and internationally, Roque had been achieving awards as;

U18 Venezuela National Team 1995,
World U18 Championship in 1995,
Central America Championship 1998,
Venezuela All-Star game 2000,
South American Club Championships Winner -2000
South American Championships -2003(Semifinals)
Tournament of the Americas (America Cup) -2003
Venezuelan LPB Semifinals -2005
Venezuelan LNB Semifinals -2005
Chilean DIMAYOR Champion -2006
Venezuelan LPB All-Star Game -2007

Lets hope good luck to Roque Osorio and Venados de Nuevo Laredo as well.

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YEMEN

Yemen U18 finish at 2-2 record - by Eurobasket News
Yemen improved to 2-1 record at the U18 WABA Championship. The hosts held off Lebanon 85:82 to climb to 2-1 record in the ladder. Yemen got to a better start of the game and led 23:20 after the starting frame. The hosts put up a brilliant performance in the second frame and stretched the margin to 13 points. Lebanon never recovered and suffered their third loss at the tournament.
Next Yemen took on undefeated Iran and failed to tame the main favorites of the tourney. Iran dominated in the second and third periods and deservedly drove to a 107:81 victory at the end. Iran improved to 4-0 record to win the competition in Yemen.

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Women News

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AUSTRALIA - Women

The Gems grab third win over Junior Tall Ferns - by Eurobasket News
Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 81:46

The Gems completed the sweep of the U19 Oceania Championship series. They defeated New Zealand to post the third straight win in the series and sealed their qualification for the U19 World Championship in Thailand next year. The Junior Tall Ferns looked solid in the first frame and held a 16:14 lead after ten minutes of action. But Australian balanced offense worked hard and accounted for 32 points in the second period for the Gems to pile up a 46:41 lead at halftime. When the game seemed to turn into an intriguing one it all went too easy for the Aussies. Their opponents across Tasman slowed down and the Gems capitalized. The Kiwi defense collapsed and the hosts outgunned New Zealand 26:4 in the third period. The Gems entered the fourth period ahead by 29 points and never looked back again. Tess Magden came up with 14 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for Australia. Stephanie Cumming knocked down 12 points, while Bree Farley and Gretel Tippett added 9 points each for the winners. Jelena Vucinic answered with 10 points for New Zealand. Erin Rooney notched 8 points in defeat. The winners shot 45% from the field, while all 12 players scored in the win. The Aussies at the same time committed 13 turnovers down the stretch which is definitely the point to improve upon.

Australia U19: Tess Magden 14, Stephanie Cumming 12, Bree Farley 9, Gretel Tippett 9
New Zealand U19: Jelena Vucinic 10, Erin Rooney 8

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS U16 - Women

W-Standings - Div.A

Standings

Group A
1. France		0-0
2. Latvia		0-0
3. Lithuania		0-0
4. Turkey		0-0
Group B
1. Belgium		0-0
2. Czech Repu.		0-0
3. Sweden		0-0
4. Ukraine		0-0
Group C
1. Hungary		0-0
2. Italy		0-0
3. Poland		0-0
4. Serbia		0-0
Group D
1. Belarus		0-0
2. Spain		0-0
3. Germany		0-0
4. Russia		0-0

Standings - Div.B - by Eurobasket

Standings Div.B

Group A
1. Denmark		0-0
2. U.Kingdom		0-0
3. Greece		0-0
4. Israel		0-0
5. Portugal		0-0
Group B
1. Bulgaria		0-0
2. Ireland		0-0
3. Luxembourg.		0-0
4. Slovenia		0-0
5. Switzerl.		0-0
Group C
1. Bosnia		0-0
2. Estonia		0-0
3. Holland		0-0
4. Slovakia		0-0
Group D
1. Croatia		0-0
2. Finland		0-0
3. Monteneg.		0-0
4. Romania		0-0

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FINLAND - Women

INTERNATIONAL: Finland vs Lithuania 0-3 - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Three contests August 1.-3. in Espoo, Finland:
August 1. Finland - Lithuania 52-63 (30-35). Finland: Tiina Sten (185-G/F-85) 15, Reetta Piipari 15. Lithuania: Daina Staugaitiene (182-G-80) 12.
August 2. Finland - Lithuania 50-81 (29-38). Finland: Tiina Sten 15, Reetta Piipari 14. Lithuania: Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) 14.
August 3. Finland - Lithuania 52-72 (32-31). Finland: Reetta Piipari (170-G-80, college: Xavier) 12, Minna Sten (191-F-87) 11, Sanna Helenius 11.
Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) 15.

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GERMANY - Women

German Women's National Team lost again - by Moritz Korff
Germany finished the Four Nations Tournament in Poprad, Slovakia without a victory. In the last game Saturday against Italy the team of Coach Imre Szittya was handed a 58:70 loss. Germany showed a good performance and looked dominating in the paint most of the match. Katja Bavendam (203-C-85, college: St.Francis,NY) and Lisa Koop (198-C-85, college: Winthrop) did well in the middle and pulled down the majority of rebounds. However, Italy went on a 12:3-run in the last quarter and sealed the win.

Germany (points): Breitreiner (14), Bavendam (8), Koop (6), Austmann (5), Danckert (5), Richter (5), Janzon (4), Mersch (4), Loewe.

Danckert to Leipzig - by Cornelius Damm
The new regulation on native players ('at all the time there has to be at least one German on the court in each team') the DBBL enacted for the upcoming season is pressuring the clubs but already shows some positive results. The BBV Leipzig Eagles a notorious employer for East European players during the last years announced the signing of Annika Danckert (182-F-81). The Forward who is recently touring with the German National Team comes in as 2. DBBL top scorer while helping BG Donau-Ries on their return to first league during their championship campaign in 2007/08. 'With Annika we are a step closer to our goal of playing up-tempo, attractive and successful basketball in Leipzig' an highly pleased Eagles head coach Ritz Ingram declared after the transfer. For Danckert Leipzig will be the fourth club in four years she will be playing for. Before BG Donau-Ries she spent a year in Cantina Sociale Broni (ITA-A2) after leaving BG 74 Goettingen in 2006. For Leipzig Danckert is already the fifth German player on the roster for the upcoming season (beside Tanja Maciej, Anna Opel, Caroline Sterner (175-G/F-83) and Cornelia Janzon (190-F/C-81)). This has happened in Leipzig for the last time in 2004/05!

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ISRAEL - Women

Ramat Hasharon signed Tasha Humphery - by Netanel Dahan
Electra Ramat Hasharon siged their first foreginer player for the upcoming season Tasha Humphrey (191-F-85, college: Georgia)Tasha played at Georgia college for tree years and at her best season avrged 20.1 ppg,and 9.1 rpg.
Tasha play for now at Detroit Shock that named her at the 11 place at the draft of this season.

Israel national team finished their preparations games after two consecutively loses against Croatia national team,88-74 and 86-83,at the last game(86-83) Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) scored 21 points.

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NEW ZEALAND - Women

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OCEANIA CHAMPIONSHIPS U18 - Women

The Gems sweep the series against Junior Tall Ferns - by Eurobasket News
Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 3-0

Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 71:43
The Australian Junior National Team got to a victorious start of the Oceania U19 Championship in Adelaide. They defeated their New Zealand counterparts in the first game of the best-of-three series. The teams are fighting for the ticket to the U19 World Championship in Thailand next year. The Gems made the first step towards the aim today. The Gems got to a quck start as they built a 9:3 lead early in the game. The Junior Tall Ferns stayed behind and trailed 14:7 after the starting frame. The Gems raised the tempo in the second stanza and easily held their opponents at bay. The Aussies rolled to a 34:19 lead at halftime. The Kiwis struggled to find their rhythm and were outmuscled in the third period. The Gems outscored the visitors 15:10 to enter the fourth period ahead by 20 points. The Kiwis never rebounded in the fourth stanza and had to surrender at the end. Elizabeth Cambage delivered 14 points and 11 boards for the Gems. Tess Magden nailed 13 points, while Stephanie Cumming had 11 for the winners. Erin Rooney paced the Junior Tall Ferns with 12 points. Jelena Vucinic provided 8 points in a losing effort. The hosts outrebounded the Kiwis 49:33 and held them to only 22% from the field. Australia sank 44% of field goals. The teams will meet again on Saturday.

Australia U19: Elizabeth Cambage 14+11 boards, Tess Magden 13, Stephanie Cumming 11
New Zealand U19: Erin Rooney 12, Jelena Vucinic 8

Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 78:51
The Australian Junior National Team overcame New Zealand opponents in the second game of the best-of-three U19 Oceania Championship series in Adelaide. The victory meant the Gems qualified for the U19 World Championship to be held in Thailand next year. The Aussies won the opening games of their series against the Junior Tall Ferns to guarantee the win in the series. The teams will meet again in the third encounter later tonight. The Junior Tall Ferns capitalized on numerous misses from the hosts in the starting stanza and built a 17:13 lead going into the second period. The Junior Tall Ferns continued to impose tight defense and pressure on the hosts but Australia gradually came back to life. They outscored their opponents 17:13 in the second frame and tied it all at 30 at halftime. The breakthrough for the home team came in the third period. Paced by Elisabeth Cambage the Gems tallied a 28:8 rally to pile up a comfortable advantage at three-quarter time. New Zealand had little to answer with and failed to recover in the final stanza. The Gems drove to a confident victory and booked their World championship ticket. Elizabeth Cambage poured in 19 points to lead all scorers. She also added game-high 11 boards to her tally. Stephanie Cumming dropped 12 points, while Kate Gaze (172-G-90) had 10 points in a winning case. Erin Rooney answered with 14 points for New Zealand. Zoe Kensington provided 9 points in defeat.

Australia U19: Elizabeth Cambage 19+11 boards, Stephanie Cumming 12, Kate Gaze 10
New Zealand U19: Erin Rooney 14, Zoe Kensington 9

Australia U19 - New Zealand U19 81:46
The Gems completed the sweep of the U19 Oceania Championship series. They defeated New Zealand to post the third straight win in the series and sealed their qualification for the U19 World Championship in Thailand next year. The Junior Tall Ferns looked solid in the first frame and held a 16:14 lead after ten minutes of action. But Australian balanced offense worked hard and accounted for 32 points in the second period for the Gems to pile up a 46:41 lead at halftime. When the game seemed to turn into an intriguing one it all went too easy for the Aussies. Their opponents across Tasman slowed down and the Gems capitalized. The Kiwi defense collapsed and the hosts outgunned New Zealand 26:4 in the third period. The Gems entered the fourth period ahead by 29 points and never looked back again. Tess Magden came up with 14 points, 6 boards and 5 assists for Australia. Stephanie Cumming knocked down 12 points, while Bree Farley and Gretel Tippett added 9 points each for the winners. Jelena Vucinic answered with 10 points for New Zealand. Erin Rooney notched 8 points in defeat. The winners shot 45% from the field, while all 12 players scored in the win. The Aussies at the same time committed 13 turnovers down the stretch which is definitely the point to improve upon.

Australia U19: Tess Magden 14, Stephanie Cumming 12, Bree Farley 9, Gretel Tippett 9
New Zealand U19: Jelena Vucinic 10, Erin Rooney 8

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PORTUGAL - Women

Under16 of Portugal won the gold medal in the CPLP tournament - by Bruno Baltazar
In the CPLP tournament (comunity of countrys that speak portuguese) the portuguese team getting ready for the European under16 that will be held in Bulgaria in the next week ,they defeated Brazil in the final of the competition (71-66)-partials of 15-19, 34-35 and 52-45.

The head coach ,Ricardo Vasconcelos, said after the game that every wins are important,but this one means alot because we playing for our country,the portuguese federation president ,Mario Saldanha said it is a extraordinary group of players ,portuguese captain , Maria Joao Andrade commented that they wanted to give everything to win this tournament and looking forward to the european that they also want to win.

A curious fact is that Mozambique national team was cheering for the portuguese team ,in the final of the game they celebrated with the portuguese players,a easy win for Portugal against the home team of Brazil.

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SLOVAKIA - Women

Tetemondova will play for ZBK Whirpool Poprad - by Michal Maslany

Slovak U 20 NT player Katarina Tetemondova (185-F-88) signed 2-year contract with ZBK Whirpool Poprad. Last year she begin in Poprad, but in november she signed with UMB Banska Bystrica. In summer she leaves the club because of financial problems. Also Maxima Broker Kosice was interested in her, but she decided to signed in Poprad, where she live and study. She was a member od national team of women under 20 years, that place 4. in B-division European Championship in Poznan.

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SYRIA - Women

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Yarmouk	0-0
2. Ittihad	0-0
3. Al Wehda	0-0