EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/14/2008

Copyright © 1997-2008 Eurobasket
WARNING:
Do not copy, redistribute, publish or otherwise exploit information that you download from the site!
Do not encumber, license, modify, publish, sell, transfer or transmit, or in any way exploit, any of the
content of the report, nor will you attempt to do so.
More info:www.eurobasket.com


Men News

*****************************************************
  ALBANIA   


Albania handle Cyprus at home - by Eurobasket News
Albania - Cyprus 69:63

Albania took care of Cyprus in Group of EuroBasket in Division B tournament. It was the first victory for Albania in the campaign. Cyprus meanwhile suffered the second straight loss after the opening win against Romania. It was a close contest with the teams trading baskets throughout the encounter. Cyprus tipped off the action with 5 straight points but the hosts quickly denied the deficit. Klevis Cane (193-F-85) and Gerti Shima (205-C/F-86) sealed the first period with baskets to give Albania an 18:14 lead after ten minutes. The complexion of the game did not change in the second frame as the sides stayed close however Albania did not allow their opponents to race in front. Gerti Shima and Endrit Hysenagolli (203-C-88) lifted the hosts to a 32:28 lead at the interval. Erkand Karaj (188-G-82) and Gerti Shima stretched the margin to 8 points late in the third quarter. Later Gerti Shima opened up a double-digit advantage for the home team. However Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) and Giorgos Anastasiadis (194-G/F-77, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) cut the distance to 3 points midway through the fourth term. But deadly free throw shooting from Garo, Erkand Karaj and Klevis Cane proved the difference at the end.
Gerti Shima led Albania with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Erkand Karaj delivered 17 points, while Endrit Hysenagolli added 9 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Panagiotis Trisokkas replied with 20 points and 12 boards for Cyprus. Giorgos Anastasiadis drilled 12 points in defeat.

Albania: Gerti Shima 18, Erkand Karaj 17, Endrit Hysenagolli 9+17 boards
Cyprus: Panagiotis Trisokkas 20+12 boards, Giorgos Anastasiadis 12

*****************************************************
  ARGENTINA   


Lanus waived Cedeno and Mielke - by Raul Ruscitti
After closing his participation in the Argentinean Cup, head-coach Alvaro Castineira decided that neither Carlos Cedeno (193-G/F-85, college: Frank Phillips JC) nor Nathan Mielke (210-F-81, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) will remain in the roster that will start the season with Lanus Buenos Aires Buenos Aires.
The guard born in Venezuela played both, point guard and shooting guard position during the tournament, posting numbers of 7.6 ppg and 1.6 apg in 18 minutes of playing time. The American big man average 7.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 0.6 bpg and 17 minutes per contest in 6 games played.
There is no clue yet about who will be replacing both players but the team is expected to bring two import players to complete, along with Wendell Gibson (201-F/C-83, college: Hofstra), the maximum of three spots allowed per roster.

Standings - Liga B
Liga B Standings

North Region

Nortwest

1. Banda Norte 0-0
2. Barrio Parque 0-0
3. Sportivo 9 J. 0-0
4. Union Electrica 0-0
5. Alberdi 0-0
6. Facundo LR 0-0

7. Anzorena

8. Sargento Cabral

0-0

0-0

Northeast
1. Estudian.C. 0-0
2. Obera TC 0-0
3. Rocamora 0-0
4. Colon SF 0-0
5. Almagro 0-0
6. Brown SV 0-0
7. Union Fuerza 0-0
8. Union SF 0-0

South Region

Center

1. GEBA 0-0
2. San Martin J. 0-0
3. Banco Nacion 0-0
4. Nautico Hacoaj 0-0
5. Rosario Cent. 0-0
6. Racing G. 0-0
7. Velez Sarsfield 0-0
8. Gimnasia VP 0-0
South
1. Ciudad de Puerto Madryn 0-0
2. Union Vecinal 0-0
3. El Sureno 0-0
4. Jorge Newbery 0-0
5. Ciud.Bragado 0-0
6. Atletico Regina 0-0
7. Huracan T 0-0
8. Independ.T. 0-0


*****************************************************
  AUSTRALIA   


Cairns shock South Dragons in the opener - by Eurobasket News
The NBL regular season got under way yesterday with the Cairns Taipans taking on the South Dragons at the Cairns Convention Centre. The South Dragons entered the game as one of the main favorites for the upcoming season. They won all of their preseason games. However the regular action its is something different and the Taipans proved the issue. Martin Cattalini (202-F-73) nailed 21 points to pace the Taipans to the first win.
The hosts enjoyed a narrow 34:32 lead after the opening term. The close game continued in the second period as the Dragons trailed by just 3 points at the long intermission. Cairns were paced by Martin Cattalini in the second half and gradually cleared off to a comfortable distance. They headed into the fourth term up by 12 points. Melbourne outfit refused to surrender and cut the deficit to a single point 88:89. However several clutch baskets from Cattalini secured the winning outcome for the home team at the end. Dave David Thomas (204-G/F-76, college: Michigan St.) produced 13 points, while Darnell Mee (197-G-72, college: W.Kentucky) added 12 for the winners. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) answered with 23 points for the South Dragons. Nick Horvath (208-F/C-81, college: Duke) had 17 points in the loss.
Meanwhile the Melbourne Tigers claimed the first win of the new season as they held off the new-looking Sydney Spirit 112:102 at the Sydney Olympic Sports Center. The defending NBL champions got game-high 31 points from Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma) allowed the Tigers to prevail on the road. Chris Anstey (213-C-75) added 16 points and 8 rebounds in the winning case. Matthew Knight (203-F/C-85, college: Loyola Marymount) knocked down 24 points for the Spirit. Liam Rush had 19 points in defeat. Melbourne secured a 34:25 advantage at the first break however the hosts cut it to 7 at halftime. Ebi Ere fired 15 points in the third quarter to propel the Tigers to a massive 22-point buffer. Sydney cut the distance to 8 points late in the quarter but failed to develop on it and fell short at the end.

Standings - NBL
NBL Standings
 1. Melbourne T. 1-0 
 2. Cairns T. 1-0 
 3. W.Sydney R. 0-0 
 4. N.Zealand B. 0-0 
 5. Brisbane B. 0-0 
 6. Wollongong 0-0 
 7. Perth W. 0-0 
 8. Townsville C. 0-0 
 9. Adelaide 36ers 0-0 
 10. Singapore S. 0-0 
 11. Gold Coast B. 0-0 
 12. Sydney K. 0-1 
 13. Melbourne SD 0-1 


Australia downs Japan into semifinals in wheelchair basketball - by Eurobasket News
Australian center Brad Ness and forward Justin Eveson led Australia's scoring drive in their 72-52 win over Japan in a quarterfinal game on Saturday at the National Indoor Stadium.

Australia maintained an aggressive offence throughout the game, scoring 52 points in the paint and 18 second chance points.

'They (Japan) played hard, converting about fifty percent of their shots, so we had to shut that down. You have to believe in yourself,' said Ness, who scored the game's highest of 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

'Whether it's Germany or Britain (in semifinals), we match them both quite well. We just have to continue as we have been going.

'Germany plays like us, but they might not quite have the height to match us. Britain beat the U.S., so they have shown what they are made of,' added Ness.

Three Australian players scored in the double digits. Eveson pulled down 17 points as the second scorer of the game.

As the fourth quarter progressed, Japan missed several shots, including two three-pointer attempts in close succession.

None of the Japanese players scored in double digits, and they allowed 18 turnovers and 12 steals.

'I didn't know that we would lose. I thought we could win, but we lost by many points. It is such a pity,' said Japanese guard Keisuke Koretomo.

'Our field goal percentage was low at that time (fourth quarter). They (Australians) moved back to attack rapidly and made a lot of shots, so the score gap expanded.'

Australia advanced to Sunday's semifinals. Japan went to Monday's classification games to determine 5th-8th places. All games will be held at the National Indoor Stadium.

Courtesy of http://www.sina.com

*****************************************************
  AUSTRIA   


Nikola Pekovic leads Montenegro past Austria - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro - Austria 96:73

Montenegro continued their perfect run at the EuroBasket in Division B. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) nailed game-high 22 points and Montenegro thumped Austria 96:73 in Podgorica. The hosts thus improved to 2-0 record, while sending the visitors to 1-2 record in Group A.
The game turned into a rather one-sided traffic with Montenegro dominated the most aspects of the encounter. The home team jumped to an early lead and accumulated a comfortable 14-point cushion before the second term. Austria failed to recover in the second period as the hosts stretched the margin to 18 points at halftime. A supportive crowd paced Montenegro ahead and they kept on piling up the lead. The scoreboard read 75:51 after three quarters of action and Montenegro never looked back in the final stanza. Vladimir Dasic (209-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) knocked down 18 points and collected 8 rebounds for Montenegro. Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) had 12 points, while Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) secured 11 points for the winners. David Jandl (180-G-84, agency: Court Side) answered with 16 points for Austria. Matthias Mayer (206-C/F-81) nailed 13 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.
Austria outrebounded Montenegro 41:28 but could not fight the hosts impressive field goal accuracy. Montenegro sank 62% from the field and forced their opponents to 16 turnovers.
Montenegro will next take on Iceland away from home. Austria will host Denmark next Saturday.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 22, Vladimir Dasic 18, Vladimir Golubovic 12
Austria: David Jandl 16, Matthias Mayer 13

*****************************************************
  BELARUS   


Belarus handed Switzerland their first loss in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland - Belarus 77:81

Belarus handed Switzerland their first loss in Division B, Group B and remained undefeated. The winners had a road 77:81 win to improve to 2-0 record. Heorhi Kandrusevich (197-F-78, agency: Promotex) and Dmitri Kuzmin (197-G-75) paced the winners with 16 points each. Yegor Meshcharakou (205-F-76, agency: Octagon, college: George Washington) nailed 13, while Aliaksandr Pustahvar (200-G/F-85) scored 8. Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) finished the night with 17 points for the hosts, while Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) had 14 and Florent Ramseier (198-F-90) collected 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Stockalper posted first two points in the game of two undefeated teams at that time in the group. Trailing 5:2 Belarus created 8-0 run and grabbed 10:5 advantage. The hosts also did not wait for a long time and after some baskets Louissaint the first at 23:18. In the second period the score was even for four times. Only in the end of the half the visitors were managed to post some in a row and had 42:38 entering the third period. Belarus controlled the game in the third and increased to 10-point deficit, 44:54. Switzerland resisted again and Mafuta even closed the third at 57:56 for the hosts. Dusan Mladjan made it 69:69 with less than 3 minutes to play in the last period. Belarus got their last points only from the free throw line but that was enough to seal the victory. The team triumphed in Lugano and brings the win back home.

Switzerland: Oliver Vogt 17, Dusan Mladjan 14, Florent Ramseier 13+12 rebs
Belarus: Heorhi Kandrusevich 16, Dmitri Kuzmin 16, Yegor Meshcharakou 13, Aliaksandr Pustahvar 8

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM   


Belgian Lions' defeat against unconvincing French superstars - by Bertrand Larsimont
Belgium vs. France 65-71
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 11-16, 29-35, 49-51 and 65-71.

After a strong start in the first quarter, France of Coach Michel Gomez could not avoid a nice comeback by the Lions. San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker (183-G-80) had begun very well by hitting shots from long range and by driving into the paint. After Parker's nice start, it was the turn of Stephen Brun (202-F-80) to show the way for the French national team. He seemed to be the only French player able to keep his team in the rythm as Randy Oveneke (201-F-86, agency: Prime Select Sports) dunked to put the Lions just two points behind: 16-18. The Lions led by their 'small' guys Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86), Lionel Bosco (176-G-81, agency: Court Side) and Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) remained close until the last minutes of the second quarter when Parker and Nando De Colo (202-G-87) had some clutch plays to make their team lead 29-35 at the half.

Belgium's center Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) had quickly been in foul trouble. In the third quarter, Belgium even tied the game: 51-51. Annoyed by the tough Belgian NT's defense, the French NBA stars Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), Yakhouba Diawara (200-F-82, college: Pepperdine) and even Tony Parker had to go through some trash talking to impress their opponents and the referees. Although French players never really convinced their supporters, the game remained pleasant to watch. Lionel Bosco, Dimitri Lauwers and a very efficient Aleksander Lichodzijewski (202-C-84) still tried to challenge Les Bleus in the fourth quarter but were too short in the end. Tony Parker, with his 'Desparate Housewife' Eva Longaria-Parker present in the full crowded Spiroudome, was fouled out. He quit the game with 18 points despite missing several attempts and free throws. Third loss in the EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign for Belgium: 65-71 as final score. Tony Parker finally escaped from a whole bunch of fans by stepping over the VIP seats and by exitting the Spiroudome through a private door...

In the other game of Group C this weekend, Ukraine was beaten by Turkey of Hidayet Turkoglu 64-86 in Odessa.

Belgium: Lauwers 18; Van Rossom 10; Lichodzijewski 9; Beghin 8; Moors 6; Bosco 4; Oveneke 5; Bellin 3; Van der Jonckheyd 2; Driesen 1.
France: Parker 18; Diawara 4; Turiaf 8; Giffa 6; De Colo 15; Brun 14; Marquis 3; Kirksay 3.

Standings in Group C:
1. Turkey 4-0;
2. France 2-2;
3. Belgium 1-3;
4. Ukraine 1-3.

France prevail in Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Belgium - France 65:71

France snapped their two-game losing skid beating Belgium in Charleroi yesterday. France thus improved to 2-2 record and occupied the second spot in Group C. Belgium and Ukraine share a 1-3 record after four games. France had nowhere to to surrender with 1-2 record after three rounds of action and threw all they had against Belgium. The visitors grabbed the initiative right from the start and never trailed throughout the opening stanza. Stephen Brun (202-F-80) knocked down 5 points and France led 16:11 heading into the second term. Belgium did not go away and though the visitors stretched the margin to 7 points in the quarter they failed to open up a double digit advantage. Tony Parker (183-G-80) sealed the first half with a freebie to give France a 35:29 lead. Roel Moors (188-G-78, agency: Agency No 10) dragged the hosts within two points from French team early in the third quarter but back-to-back trebles from Tony Parker and Sacha Giffa (195-F/G-77) kept the visitors at arms length. The teams traded baskets and France remained in charge 51:49 before the final period. Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) drew things level at the start of the final quarter however France used a 5:0 run to stay in front. Nando De Colo (202-G-87), Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) and Tony Parker gave Les Bleus a 10-point advantage with under 4 minutes left. However Dimitri Lauwers knocked down 5 points to shave the distance. It was not enough though. Nande De Colo hit three free throws and Ronnie Turiaf added a dunk to secure the winning outcome for French team. Tony Parker finished with 18 points for France. Nando De Colo had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Stephen Brun had 14 points in the win. Dimitri Lauwers answered with 18 points for Belgium. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) dropped 10 points in defeat.
France will host Ukraine, while Belgium will travel to Turkey on Wednesday.

Belgium: Dimitri Lauwers 18, Sam Van Rossom 10
France: Tony Parker 18, Nando De Colo 15, Stephen Brun 14

*****************************************************
  BOSNIA   


KK Zenica leaves professional basketball? - by Nedzad Kladusak

The most productive powerhouse of bosnian basketball announced that it has to leave professional basketball since the team is in heavy financial problems.
KK Zenica has rallied most of the top prospects in Bosnia-Hercegovina but regularly failed to bring them to the final level of competition.
Unlike KK Bosna the team had no strong financial support that made it possible to sign their prospects for a longer period.
Like many bosnian teams the management of the team had not the level that is required to successfully lead a successfull professional basketball team.

It will probably significantly harm the bosnian NT teams on all levels since the pillars of those are often players from KK Zenica.

Some examples of players that grew up in Zenica and its suburban:

Emir Emir Mutapcic (YUG NT)
Zoran Savic (Former Barcelona,YUG NT)
Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) (Kyiv)
Hasan Rizvic (212-C-84) (Azovmash,Slovenian NT)
Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) (Fenerbahce,Slovenian NT)
Nedzad Sinanovic (221-C-83) (Real)
Edin Alispahic (208-F/C-88) (Slovenian NT)
Ivan Opacak (202-G/F-80, agency: World Sport Agency) (Murcia)
Dino Hodzic (190-G-90) (Cibona)

Seid Hajric (203-F-83) (KK Bosna)

Dzevad Alihodzic (208-C-69, agency: Interperformances) (YUG NT)
Abdurahman Kahrimanovic (197-G-75, agency: Court Side) (BIH NT)



Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Czech Republic in Cazin - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina -Czech Republic 95:79

Bosnia and Herzegovina tied the record with Czech Republic in Group D of EuroBasket Division A beating them 95:79. Bosnian Cazin tied both teams at 2-2 record and keeps them in the middle of the group. Mirza Teletovic (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 20 points and 3 rebounds. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) nailed 16, while Elmedin Kikanovic (206-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12. Jiri Welsch (198-F-80) top-scored for the guests with 20 points and Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) had 14. Should the two sides finish with the same record, Bosnia will finish higher by virtue of the superior goal differential of two points in their two meetings.
Both squads started to play offensively from the very beginning but stay close to each other in the first period. Bremer was the last to score in the first for 28:29 for the visitors. Trailing 29:31 in the second period Bosnia and Herzegovina created an 11-0 run for 40:31. Gordic sent the teams to the lockers for 54:45.
The tempo slowed down in the third period when both teams tried to pay more attention to defense. Czech Republic won the third with 15:13 to cut to 67:60 at the end of the third. Bosnia and Herzegovina however was too good in the last period of the game. They managed to produce 28:19 in the quarter to seal 95:79 victory. Bremer scored a free throw as his team clinched the second win in the tournament.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 20, Goran Ikonic 16, Elmedin Kikanovic 12
Czech Republic: Jiri Welsch 20, Petr Benda 14

Bosnia-Hercegovina wins against Czech Republic 95-79 - by Nedzad Kladusak

The team has been under a considerable pressure since the ashaming14 point-defeat in Pardubice has decreased
bosnian chances to qualify directly for the EC. Bosnia-H. had to win at least with 15 points difference against Czech Republic.
Bosnia-H. started with Nemanja Gordic (195-G-88),Goran Ikonic (196-G-80),Ivan Opacak (202-G/F-80, agency: World Sport Agency), Bajramovic and Goran Ikonic and showed a nice offensive-minded game. However the Czechs had also no problems to break through bosnian lines. Elmedin Elmedin Kikanovic (206-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) picked already in the fifth minute his second personal foul and coach Bajramovic reacted by substituting Elmedin Kikanovic and Bajramovic by experienced Ermin Ermin Jazvin (210-C-80) and the TAU superstar Mirza Mirza Teletovic (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket). These measure had an immediate impact. The bosnian defense became more compact and particularly Jazvin locked down the czech big men Benda and Starosta who gave the bosnian team so much trouble in Pardubice. Mirza Teletovic had an excellent shooting day and netted a threepointer.
The margin steadily increased and reached in the 16th minute 12 points. Bajramovic substituted Bremer by Nemanja Gordic and it had a negative impact on the bosnian game since the former NBA player tried to dish some alley hoop assists. It resulted in several consecutive turnovers which allowed the Czechs to come back to 9 points difference at the end of the first half.
The second half began very well. The starting five quickly converted several consecutive attacks and expanded the lead to 15 points. Then Bosnia-H. showed why british coach Chris Finch them called a typical 'Jekyll and Hyde team'. Selfishness and lacking discipline led to a 13-0 series and a shocking 60-58. Everyone in the arena knew that a more experienced team would take the lead and record an easy on the road victory. But this time coach Bajramovic reacted by calling for a time-out. Coach Bajramovic saw that a poor defense along with a hasty 1(Bosnian) vs. 3(Czechs) fast break bolstered the Czech hopes to stay undefeated.
Two consecutive threepointers of the man of the match Goran Goran Ikonic and the stabilisation of the defense through Ermin Jazvin brought BIH back on track. It became clear that Bosnia-H. won t lose tonight but still it had to win by 14 which turned out to be very difficult since former NBA star Welsch knew exactly what to to do to prevent BIH. Twenty seconds before the end a crucial, very contested layer of JR Bremer brought Bosnia-H. the so much desired victory that increased Bosnia-H. chances to qualify for EC 2009 considerably.
The audience supported the team in a very enthusiastic and if the team shows less selfishness but a more teamoriented approach BIH has some chances to defeat the british team.

BiH CZE 95:79

BIH: Mirza Teletovic 20, Goran Ikonic 16, Elmedin Kikanovic 12, Nihad Dedovic (196-F-90) 11, Nemanja Gordic 11, Ermin Jazvin 10, Ivan Opacak 7, Milosevic 4, Bremer 4, Nesovic, Bavcic, Bajramovic.
CZE: Welsch 20, Benda 14, Sokolovsky 12, Kotas 11, Satoransky 10, Hubalek 6, Kotacek 4, Starosta 2,Vrubl, Kraus, Necas, Houka,

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA   


Another victory for Balkan against CSKA in a friendly - by Eurobasket News
In the second game between Balkan Botevgrad and CSKA Sophia, which was played yesterday, the hosts celebrated 80-76. In the first one Balkan also was better team.

As it was in the first game, CSKA took control on Balkan at the very beginning. After few minutes it already was 7-18. It was a signal for Balkan's players to wake up, what they immediately done. In just two minutes Balkan came on 15-18. During the second frame Balkan was the team which dominated. Atanas Radev (200-F-81) was unstoppable leading it to plus 5 at the half time. Nothing has changed later as Balkan ended third quarter 20-14. CSKA had Simeon Naydenov (201-F-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Louisville) and Krum Doychinov (206-C-86) in a game mood but it was not enough. Danijel Zoric joined Atanas Radev scoring few easy baskets in the paint and grabbing couple of important rebounds. It resulted with comfortable 10 to 12 points advantage for Balkan during the last quarter.

Atanas Radev paced Balkan to victory scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 boards. Kiril Raykov (192-F-87) followed him with 13 points while Danijel Zoric (206-F-83, college: Ill.-Chicago) finished the game adding 10 points. Other scorer for Balkan were Marinov 9, Milenkov 9, Popadic 4 and Ristic 1. Simeon Naydenov was on fire in CSKA. He drained 6 triples scoring 26 points in total. Krum Doychinov also was good with 22 points. Cvetkov had 14 while Milos Sakota (203-F-86, agency: Court Side) stopped on 6 points. Greek guard Nikos Bohoridis (189-G-89) added 2 points.

Don't call him a magician! - by Vladi Lazarova
Dont call him a magician. He doesn't like it. It's too glossy to take it for sugarplum. Don't tap him over the shoulder. This is his priority to the players, who he picked to defend the honor of one whole nation. And never, never shout at him 'bravo'. It's worse, than 'magician'.
Judge him first of all like a personality and after that, like a coach. Now put your hand upon your heart. And answer, when was the last time, when to Bulgarian basketball happened something more beautiful, since this man stepped for the first time at our land. The answer will bring you pain. A lot of pain. Of course, in two circumstances: First, you must have a heart. And second, you have to stay away from that ugly membership, called 'The Caste of the freaks'. Trust me, they are thirsty for failure.
In fact, what kind of failure? And more important, failure of whom?
Of Pini, who instead of staying at home in Athens and hugging his newborn daughter, wipes his sweat with the tower, while he must sleep in rooms, where the windows don't have curtains, because they have black nylon sacks? Just like the idyll in Shalgotarian?
Of the team, which is playing the best basketball from decades? Of those twelve 'Cindarellas', who were equal against the Serbian dandy selection and forced to hysteria a luminary like Dusan Ivkovic?
If this Bulgarian team didn't wait for its Eurobasket 2009, its more than sure, that there will be happy faces. But they are so small. So insignificant. And nobody will even honour them with a single look.
From time immemorial, the malice is here, walking in our shoes. But this witch comes and leaves. Nobody remember her. Because the malice can't bring a bequeath. Can't leave us a trace behind. That kind of trace, thanks to what just for 90 days a team of lost souls started to believe, to dream again. That kind of trace, because of what an hour before the game with Finland there wasn't even a single place in the crowd. And outside hundredth, covered with the National flags were begging the police with tears to let them enter to sing the National anthem with our reborn players.
But this is not a magic. Its better. And its more beautiful. We call it REALITY.

*****************************************************
  CANADA   


Canada sinks Israel to reach semifinals in wheelchair basketball - by Eurobasket News
Canada maintained their unbeaten record by sinking Israel 55-47 in a quarterfinal match of the Paralympic men's wheelchair basketball on Saturday at the National Indoor Stadium.

Canada's defence limited Israel to just four points in the first quarter, and they maintained their control over the Israeli team for the rest of the game.

Canadian center Patrick Anderson led the game in scoring with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

'It was a close game as we had anticipated. They are a good team and went out there with nothing to lose,' said Anderson.

'The U.S. team have beat us the last three times we've played them, so it's important for us to win in semifinal.'

Israeli forward Rotem Philipps' basket with just over a minute of play put Israel within six point to Canada. However, Israel missed three subsequent shots while guard Jaimie Borisoff sank two free throws for Canada, securing the reigning champion's victory.

'I don't think we were worried by them but they definitely gave us a great game. They had nothing to lose and we knew they had some good shooters, and could hit the three-pointers. We just had to settle down, and once we had done that, we were able to play our own game,' said Borisoff.

'We think we are capable of beating everybody in every game. We have a lot of confidence.'

On playing United States in the semifinals on Sunday, Borisoff said: 'They are our neighbours, and our natural rivals. They're a fantastic team but we're a great team too, so it will be a good game.'

Canada will play the United States in Sunday's semifinals, while Israel advances to classification games on Monday and Tuesday to determine 5th-6th places.

Courtesy of http://www.sina.com/

*****************************************************
  CYPRUS   


Albania handle Cyprus at home - by Eurobasket News
Albania - Cyprus 69:63

Albania took care of Cyprus in Group of EuroBasket in Division B tournament. It was the first victory for Albania in the campaign. Cyprus meanwhile suffered the second straight loss after the opening win against Romania. It was a close contest with the teams trading baskets throughout the encounter. Cyprus tipped off the action with 5 straight points but the hosts quickly denied the deficit. Klevis Cane (193-F-85) and Gerti Shima (205-C/F-86) sealed the first period with baskets to give Albania an 18:14 lead after ten minutes. The complexion of the game did not change in the second frame as the sides stayed close however Albania did not allow their opponents to race in front. Gerti Shima and Endrit Hysenagolli (203-C-88) lifted the hosts to a 32:28 lead at the interval. Erkand Karaj (188-G-82) and Gerti Shima stretched the margin to 8 points late in the third quarter. Later Gerti Shima opened up a double-digit advantage for the home team. However Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) and Giorgos Anastasiadis (194-G/F-77, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) cut the distance to 3 points midway through the fourth term. But deadly free throw shooting from Garo, Erkand Karaj and Klevis Cane proved the difference at the end.
Gerti Shima led Albania with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Erkand Karaj delivered 17 points, while Endrit Hysenagolli added 9 points and 17 rebounds for the winners. Panagiotis Trisokkas replied with 20 points and 12 boards for Cyprus. Giorgos Anastasiadis drilled 12 points in defeat.

Albania: Gerti Shima 18, Erkand Karaj 17, Endrit Hysenagolli 9+17 boards
Cyprus: Panagiotis Trisokkas 20+12 boards, Giorgos Anastasiadis 12

*****************************************************
  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Czech Republic in Cazin - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina -Czech Republic 95:79

Bosnia and Herzegovina tied the record with Czech Republic in Group D of EuroBasket Division A beating them 95:79. Bosnian Cazin tied both teams at 2-2 record and keeps them in the middle of the group. Mirza Teletovic (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 20 points and 3 rebounds. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) nailed 16, while Elmedin Kikanovic (206-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12. Jiri Welsch (198-F-80) top-scored for the guests with 20 points and Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) had 14. Should the two sides finish with the same record, Bosnia will finish higher by virtue of the superior goal differential of two points in their two meetings.
Both squads started to play offensively from the very beginning but stay close to each other in the first period. Bremer was the last to score in the first for 28:29 for the visitors. Trailing 29:31 in the second period Bosnia and Herzegovina created an 11-0 run for 40:31. Gordic sent the teams to the lockers for 54:45.
The tempo slowed down in the third period when both teams tried to pay more attention to defense. Czech Republic won the third with 15:13 to cut to 67:60 at the end of the third. Bosnia and Herzegovina however was too good in the last period of the game. They managed to produce 28:19 in the quarter to seal 95:79 victory. Bremer scored a free throw as his team clinched the second win in the tournament.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 20, Goran Ikonic 16, Elmedin Kikanovic 12
Czech Republic: Jiri Welsch 20, Petr Benda 14

*****************************************************
  D-LEAGUE   


Reno Bighorns begin to fill out roster - by Eurobasket News
After three tours in Iraq, basketball tryouts don't seem as intimidating as they would for any other 37-year-old.

Spivey Winston was discharged from in the Army in February after 12 years in the service. His tour duties included building a 200-mile petroleum pipeline and handling logistics for troops in eastern Baghdad.

'I already know (my age) is going to play a factor,' said the former staff sergeant. 'I don't have a whole lot of time, it's now or never. I'm 6-7, 265 pounds so I'm big enough that I can pound down low without getting injured or pushed around. I'm probably going to do a lot of the pushing around.'

While Winston might end up being the oldest player at this weekend's Bighorns tryout, he holds the same dream as the rest of the 45 or so expected participants at the open event.

Tryouts begin today and continue through Sunday at the South Reno Athletic Club (formerly The Stadium). This is the first of three events that will ultimately shape the team's roster.

'I think that there are going to be some quality players there,' Bighorns coach Jay Humphries said. 'What we're looking for is that diamond in the rough. We don't know how many spots we'll allot for this situation, but we're looking for five to seven players that we can further along in the process.'

Several names will likely be forwarded to the NBA Development League, but the Bighorns hope to find at least one player to place on their 17-man preseason roster.

Participants have varying levels of experience from overseas professional leagues to the AND 1 Tour to high school. Of the 31 players that have already signed up and paid the $150 registration fee for the tryout -- more are expected to register today -- several names should sound familiar.

'It's just another opportunity for me to keep playing, that's what I'm doing it for,' said Todd Okeson, who helped lead Nevada to the Sweet 16 in 2004. 'I'm from here now. Me and my wife got a home here so it just seems like a good fit for me to play here.'

Okeson's former teammate Kyle Shiloh will also be among the local participants.

The roster will be filled out through the D-League's expansion draft, which will likely take place by the end of the month, and the league's draft in early November.

Humphries, who was named the team's first head coach Wednesday, will not conduct tryouts but will be present both days. That duty will be up to the Bighorns' director of basketball operations and former Nevada assistant Jason Glover.

'We'd like to see them compete and get up and down the floor, see what kind of skills they have and what level they're at,' Glover said. 'I think it's going to be a diverse group of guys and it will give everybody a shot at playing in the NBA.'

Courtesy http://news.rgj.com/

*****************************************************
  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Las Panteras Wins First vs. Los Cocolos - by Kerwin Abreu
Ingenio Consuelo: Las Panteras del Distrito Nacional defeated 107 - 95 Los Cocolos de San Pedro de Macoris. Manuel Fortuna (187-G) And Juan Bautista Araujo (206-F/C-83) were big in the victory. This was the first semifinal game and Las Panteras took the best of it. Manuel Fortuna was unstopable with 28 points 5 Asists. Juan Bautista Araujo had 24 points 11 rebounds. Cesar Rosario (180-G) 16 points 9 Asists. In the los cause Alberto Ozuna 21 points 6 Asists. Otto Vantroy (180-G-75) 22 points 6 3pts. Juan Carlos Eusebio (203-C/F-73) 14 points 10 rebounds.

In the second half Los Cocolos tried to make a comeback but it was not enough for Las Panteras. Remember Los Cocolos are the favorites in this series.

The Next game is on Sunday in San Lazaro, Santo Domingo at 5p.m.

*****************************************************
  ESTONIA   


Portugal used 20-6 in the third to upset Estonia in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Estonia-Portugal 54:60

It took four games for Portugal to get the initial win in Group B of EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. Portugal had a road win over Estonia in Tallinn 54:60 to tie them with 1-3 record. A 20-6 in the third quarter was decisive in the game even though Estonia bounced back with 24-8 in the last. Paulo Cunha (199-G/F-80) led the winners with 21 points to the first win. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, agency: Players Group, college: Queens (NC)) netted 8, while Miguel Miranda (205-F-78), Costa and Santos scored 7 points apiece. Gert Dorbek (190-G-85) and Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71) posted 12 points each in the losing effort.
Estonian team started with 6-0 run and it was not expected that even in the opening quarter the hosts would trail. Portugal bounced back with 7-0 run and then finished the first at 18:12. Paulo Cunha scored for 30:20 in the middle of the second as Portugal started to dominate the court. It was him again to send the teams to the lockers for 32:24 at the halftime.
A nightmare saw the hosts in the third period when Portugal made whatever they wanted. Santos posted two for 44:24 and then Paulo Cunha nailed three almost with the buzzer. Portugal won the period 20:6 that gave them 52:30 after the thirty minutes of the game. In the last stanza Estonia tried to recover and managed to produce 24:8 in the period. The hosts reduced to 54:60 but as it became clear it was the end of the game.

Estonia: Gert Dorbek 12, Gert Kullamae 12
Portugal: Paulo Cunha 21, Carlos Andrade 8, Miguel Miranda 7, Costa 7, Santos 7

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Division A Saturday 13th results and stats - by Eurobasket News

GROUP A

Finland-Italy 62:69

Italian team seems to be back on track in Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. The team got an important road win over Finland to improve to 3-4 record. Mostly due to the opening period Italy celebrated 69:62 win in Finish Vantaa. Matteo Soragna (198-G/F-75) paced all the winners with 18 points. Marco Mordente (191-G-79) nailed 17, whilst Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) posted 11. Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) top-scored for the hosts with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) netted 11.
Italy rushed to score and posted first seven points in the game. Finland needed 5 minutes to be back on track catching up for 12:12. The guests were however too good in the end of the first for 25:16 as Massimo Bulleri closed the first 10 minutes. Italy remained in front in the second quarter even though the hosts could win the period with 17:16. Koponen sent the teams to the lockers for 33:41, Italian advantage.
Italy controlled the third quarter having 10 points all the time. Poeta made it 49:37 with almost 2 minutes to play in the period. Kimmo Muurinen helped his team to cut the deficit to 45:51 finishing the third. The last quarter was the most interesting in the game, especially the last seconds. A 5-0 run brought the hosts to 62:65 with 20 seconds in the game. Those points however were the last in the game, while Italy scored more for 69:62.

Finland: Kimmo Muurinen 24+11 rebs, Shawn Huff 11
Italy: Matteo Soragna 18, Marco Mordente 17, Massimo Bulleri 11


Hungary-Serbia 61:89

Serbia won another game to remain on top of Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. The team had a road win over Hungary 61:89 on Saturday. Taking the lead in the first quarter Serbia never looked behind and clinched the fifth win. Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) had 13, whilst Perovic posted 12. Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) led Hungary with 11, while Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 9.
Vujanicm opened the game from the arc and together with his squad proved the ambitions for the game. Hungary did not give up and even tasted some lead in the period. After 22:20 for Serbia, the team added 6 more points to close the period at 28:20. The second stanza became offensive as especially Serbia enjoyed it more. Uros Tripkovic made the score 45:26 with 5 minutes to play in the second period. With 28:15 the guests won the third and improved to 56:35 entering the last period. Velickovic scored for 87:57 as the teams were on the way to finish the game. Serbia tried to get three digits, while Hungary thought of how to get closer. Kaman set up the final 61:89 score as Hungary dropped at 2-5.

Hungary: Istvan Nemeth 11, Erno Sitku 9, Marton Fodor 9
Serbia: Uros Tripkovic 20, Zoran Erceg 13, Perovic 12




GROUP B

Estonia-Portugal 54:60

It took four games for Portugal to get the initial win in Group B of EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. Portugal had a road win over Estonia in Tallinn 54:60 to tie them with 1-3 record. A 20-6 in the third quarter was decisive in the game even though Estonia bounced back with 24-8 in the last. Paulo Cunha (199-G/F-80) (199-G/F-80) led the winners with 21 points to the first win. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, agency: Players Group, college: Queens (NC)) netted 8, while Miguel Miranda (205-F-78), Costa and Santos scored 7 points apiece. Gert Dorbek (190-G-85) and Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71) posted 12 points each in the losing effort.
Estonian team started with 6-0 run and it was not expected that even in the opening quarter the hosts would trail. Portugal bounced back with 7-0 run and then finished the first at 18:12. Paulo Cunha scored for 30:20 in the middle of the second as Portugal started to dominate the court. It was him again to send the teams to the lockers for 32:24 at the halftime.
A nightmare saw the hosts in the third period when Portugal made whatever they wanted. Santos posted two for 44:24 and then Paulo Cunha nailed three almost with the buzzer. Portugal won the period 20:6 that gave them 52:30 after the thirty minutes of the game. In the last stanza Estonia tried to recover and managed to produce 24:8 in the period. The hosts reduced to 54:60 but as it became clear it was the end of the game.

Estonia: Gert Dorbek 12, Gert Kullamae 12
Portugal: Paulo Cunha 21, Carlos Andrade 8, Miguel Miranda 7, Costa 7, Santos 7


FYR of Macedonia-Latvia 80:78

FYR of Macedonia handed the first loss to Latvia in Group B of EuroBasket Division A. Skopje enjoyed a 80:78 win by the local team for 3-1 record. Vrbica Stefanov led the winners with 16 points. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) and Pero AntiK (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) followed him with 14 points each. Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) collected massive 23 points and 18 boards in the losing effort, Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) scored 17 and Kristaps Valters (188-G-81) had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
FYR of Macedonia being supported by 6000 fans could not score for almost 3 minutes in the opening tip. The team however bounced back and had 10:6 lead in the first. Vrbica Stefanov closed it at 28:17 making a lay-up. Riste Stefanov made sure the hosts had a solid lead for 31:21 with 8 minutes at the first half. Latvia managed to stay closer and reduce to 44:42 at the halftime. In the third quarter the score was tied four times as the teams were getting ready for the last stanza. Gecevski made a lay-up in the end of the period and gave his team 64:61 lead. FYR of Macedonia never trailed in the last period and tried to dominate the court. Ilievski sank one of two free throws for the hosts with 21 seconds remaining but it was not the end of the game. Latvia got the ball in the hands of Blums but he could not score from three-point range for his team. FYR of Macedonia handed the first loss to Latvia in Group B of EuroBasket Division A as both teams are on top with 3-1 record.


FYR of Macedonia: Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73, agency: Interperformances) 16, Riste Stefanov 14, Pero AntiK 14
Latvia: Andris Biedrins 23+18 rebs, Kristaps Janicenoks 17, Kristaps Valters 15+10 rebs


GROUP C

Ukraine-Turkey 64:86

Turkish National team was not afraid to travel to Kiev after Ukraine defeated France there. The favorite of the group proved their ambitions with 86:64 win to improve to 4-0 record. Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) led all the winners with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) ended up with 13, while Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) scored 11.Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) top-scored for the hosts with 22 points, while Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) netted 14.
Ukraine dropped to the bottom of the group and now has 1-3 record.
Rostyslav Kryvych scored first two points of the game as Ukraine flew to take the lead from the start. The local fans tried to forget the upset in Belgium but remembered strong Ukraine against France. The team proved it after 13:5 in the opening tip. Turkey however answered with some baskets in the period and won the opening quarter with 17:16. Even though the teams stayed close in the second period Ukraine could not tie the game. Ender Arslan sent the teams to the lockers for 40:34 Turkish lead.
The third quarter was decisive in the game as the guests decided the outcome of it. Turkey looked more organized and had better defensive skills versus locals. Ilyasovas jump-shot closed the thirty minutes of the game for 67:50 visitors advantage. It happened after Turkey stormed pat Ukraine in the third with 27:16. In order to prove the mastership the favorites of the group produced 19:14 in the last period and clinched the fourth consecutive win in the group. Rostyslav Kryvych's free throw was the last in the game that saw Ukrainian team dropping to the bottom.


Ukraine: Rostyslav Kryvych 22, Serhiy Lishchuk 14
Turkey: Kerem Gonlum 17, Ender Arslan 13, Hidayet Turkoglu 11


Belgium - France 65:71
France snapped their two-game losing skid beating Belgium in Charleroi yesterday. France thus improved to 2-2 record and occupied the second spot in Group C. Belgium and Ukraine share a 1-3 record after four games. France had nowhere to to surrender with 1-2 record after three rounds of action and threw all they had against Belgium. The visitors grabbed the initiative right from the start and never trailed throughout the opening stanza. Stephen Brun (202-F-80) knocked down 5 points and France led 16:11 heading into the second term. Belgium did not go away and though the visitors stretched the margin to 7 points in the quarter they failed to open up a double digit advantage. Tony Parker (183-G-80) sealed the first half with a freebie to give France a 35:29 lead. Roel Moors (188-G-78, agency: Agency No 10) dragged the hosts within two points from French team early in the third quarter but back-to-back trebles from Tony Parker and Sacha Giffa (195-F/G-77) kept the visitors at arms length. The teams traded baskets and France remained in charge 51:49 before the final period. Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) drew things level at the start of the final quarter however France used a 5:0 run to stay in front. Nando De Colo (202-G-87), Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) and Tony Parker gave Les Bleus a 10-point advantage with under 4 minutes left. However Dimitri Lauwers knocked down 5 points to shave the distance. It was not enough though. Nande De Colo hit three free throws and Ronnie Turiaf added a dunk to secure the winning outcome for French team. Tony Parker finished with 18 points for France. Nando De Colo had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Stephen Brun had 14 points in the win. Dimitri Lauwers answered with 18 points for Belgium. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) dropped 10 points in defeat.
France will host Ukraine, while Belgium will travel to Turkey on Wednesday.

Belgium: Dimitri Lauwers 18, Sam Van Rossom 10
France: Tony Parker 18, Nando De Colo 15, Stephen Brun 14


GROUP D

Great Britain-Israel 96:86
After falling in Israel 92:102 in the opener of EuroBasket qualifying, Great Britain won the third in a row in Group B. Liverpool saw a 96:86 over Israel in Day 4 of the tournament. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington)led the winners with massive 22 points and 11 rebounds. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) ended up with 20 points and 6 rebounds, while Nick George (198-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) nailed 15. Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) finished the night with 24 points for Israel and Guy Pnini (201-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 13.
The opening quarter of the game did not bring any team a comfortable lead. Luol Deng could give the Brits 22:19 at the end of the opening quarter. It was a push of the hosts that finally started to control the game in the second period. Pops Mensah-Bonsu with a lay-up gave his team 34:26 with 6 minutes in the half. It was him again for plus 11 later in the quarter. Hart closed the first half at 53:40 as the teams disappeared in the lockers.
The key run came in the first five minutes of the second half when Britain blew open a game. Nick George posted two for 61:49 as the Brits looked much better in the second half. After 23:14 in the period Freeland closed the third at 76:54. A tense final period saw Israel open with some baskets to cut the margin a bit. Israel pulled to within eight at 92-84 with 1:07 remaining before falling by 10. Pops Mensah-Bonsu set up the final, 96:86 score for the hosts.

Great Britain: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 22+11 rebs, Luol Deng 20+6 rebs, Nick George 15
Israel: Lior Eliyahu 24, Guy Pnini 13


Bosnia and Herzegovina -Czech Republic 95:79

Bosnia and Herzegovina tied the record with Czech Republic in Group D of EuroBasket Division A beating them 95:79. Bosnian Cazin tied both teams at 2-2 record and keeps them in the middle of the group. Mirza Teletovic (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 20 points and 3 rebounds. Goran Ikonic (196-G-80) nailed 16, while Elmedin Kikanovic (206-C-88, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12. Jiri Welsch (198-F-80) top-scored for the guests with 20 points and Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) had 14. Should the two sides finish with the same record, Bosnia will finish higher by virtue of the superior goal differential of two points in their two meetings.
Both squads started to play offensively from the very beginning but stay close to each other in the first period. Bremer was the last to score in the first for 28:29 for the visitors. Trailing 29:31 in the second period Bosnia and Herzegovina created an 11-0 run for 40:31. Gordic sent the teams to the lockers for 54:45.
The tempo slowed down in the third period when both teams tried to pay more attention to defense. Czech Republic won the third with 15:13 to cut to 67:60 at the end of the third. Bosnia and Herzegovina however was too good in the last period of the game. They managed to produce 28:19 in the quarter to seal 95:79 victory. Bremer scored a free throw as his team clinched the second win in the tournament.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Mirza Teletovic 20, Goran Ikonic 16, Elmedin Kikanovic 12
Czech Republic: Jiri Welsch 20, Petr Benda 14



Standings Div.A (Men)
Standings Div.B
Group A
1. Monteneg.2-0
2. Holland2-1
3. Iceland1-1
4. Austria1-2
5. Denmark0-2
Group B
1. Belarus2-0
2. Switzerl.2-1
3. Albania1-1
4. Cyprus1-2
5. Romania0-2
Group C
1. Georgia3-0
2. Sweden2-0
3. Ireland1-2
4. Luxembourg.0-2
5. Slovakia0-2


*****************************************************
  FINLAND   


Italy beat Finland for the third win in the group - by Eurobasket News
Finland-Italy 62:69

Italian team seems to be back on track in Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. The team got an important road win over Finland to improve to 3-4 record. Mostly due to the opening period Italy celebrated 69:62 win in Finish Vantaa. Matteo Soragna (198-G/F-75) paced all the winners with 18 points. Marco Mordente (191-G-79) nailed 17, whilst Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) posted 11. Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) top-scored for the hosts with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) netted 11.
Italy rushed to score and posted first seven points in the game. Finland needed 5 minutes to be back on track catching up for 12:12. The guests were however too good in the end of the first for 25:16 as Massimo Bulleri closed the first 10 minutes. Italy remained in front in the second quarter even though the hosts could win the period with 17:16. Koponen sent the teams to the lockers for 33:41, Italian advantage.
Italy controlled the third quarter having 10 points all the time. Poeta made it 49:37 with almost 2 minutes to play in the period. Kimmo Muurinen helped his team to cut the deficit to 45:51 finishing the third. The last quarter was the most interesting in the game, especially the last seconds. A 5-0 run brought the hosts to 62:65 with 20 seconds in the game. Those points however were the last in the game, while Italy scored more for 69:62.

Finland: Kimmo Muurinen 24+11 rebs, Shawn Huff 11
Italy: Matteo Soragna 18, Marco Mordente 17, Massimo Bulleri 11

EUROBASKET: Finland missed 26 treys - by Rauno Hurmalainen

EuroBasket - Division A. Qualifying Round, Group A: Finland - Italy 62-69 (33-41). Quarters: 16-25, 17-16, 12-10, 17-18. Finland, winning the rebounds
46-29, shooting better from the charity stripe and 2-pointers, and losing the game by seven pts. Why? Because there was an off-night behind the arc.
Finland made one (1) 3-pointer during the first half (1/15) and three treys (3/15) during the second half, but you cannot win by shooting 13,3 percent
behind the arc. At the same time Italy made the treys 52,4% (11/21) and Matteo Soragna (198-G/F-75) alone (5/7) more treys than hosting Finland at Vantaa Energy
Arena. Soragna led Italy with 18 pts. Marco Mordente (191-G-79) added 17 and Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) 11 pts. Finland Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) scored game high 24 pts and grabbed the most rbs 11, but Muurinen was the only player on Finland roster, who can be satisfied with the performance. Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) (11) and Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) (10) were also in double figures.

Hungary - Serbia 61-89 (35-56). Quarters: 20-28, 15-28, 14-12, 12-21. H: Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 11. S: Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) 20.

Next games: 17.9. Serbia - Finland, Italy - Bulgaria.



*****************************************************
  FRANCE   


France prevail in Belgium - by Eurobasket News
Belgium - France 65:71

France snapped their two-game losing skid beating Belgium in Charleroi yesterday. France thus improved to 2-2 record and occupied the second spot in Group C. Belgium and Ukraine share a 1-3 record after four games. France had nowhere to to surrender with 1-2 record after three rounds of action and threw all they had against Belgium. The visitors grabbed the initiative right from the start and never trailed throughout the opening stanza. Stephen Brun (202-F-80) knocked down 5 points and France led 16:11 heading into the second term. Belgium did not go away and though the visitors stretched the margin to 7 points in the quarter they failed to open up a double digit advantage. Tony Parker (183-G-80) sealed the first half with a freebie to give France a 35:29 lead. Roel Moors (188-G-78, agency: Agency No 10) dragged the hosts within two points from French team early in the third quarter but back-to-back trebles from Tony Parker and Sacha Giffa (195-F/G-77) kept the visitors at arms length. The teams traded baskets and France remained in charge 51:49 before the final period. Dimitri Lauwers (187-G-79) drew things level at the start of the final quarter however France used a 5:0 run to stay in front. Nando De Colo (202-G-87), Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) and Tony Parker gave Les Bleus a 10-point advantage with under 4 minutes left. However Dimitri Lauwers knocked down 5 points to shave the distance. It was not enough though. Nande De Colo hit three free throws and Ronnie Turiaf added a dunk to secure the winning outcome for French team. Tony Parker finished with 18 points for France. Nando De Colo had 15 points and 7 rebounds, while Stephen Brun had 14 points in the win. Dimitri Lauwers answered with 18 points for Belgium. Sam Van Rossom (188-G-86) dropped 10 points in defeat.
France will host Ukraine, while Belgium will travel to Turkey on Wednesday.

Belgium: Dimitri Lauwers 18, Sam Van Rossom 10
France: Tony Parker 18, Nando De Colo 15, Stephen Brun 14

Standings - N1
N1 Standings
 1. Blois 2-0 
 2. Get Vosges 2-0 
 3. Fos Ouest 2-0 
 4. Lievin 2-0 
 5. Challans 2-0 
 6. Lille 2-0 
 7. Angers 1-1 
 8. Juvisy 1-1 
 9. Boulogne 1-1 
 10. Bordeaux 1-1 
 11. Chalons 1-1 
 12. Reims 1-1 
 13. CFBB 0-2 
 14. Bayonne 0-2 
 15. Longwy 0-2 
 16. St Chamond 0-2 
 17. Prisse Macon 0-2 
 18. Roche-la-Moliere 0-2 


*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA   


Feni Industri releases Darko Radulovic, inks Lawrence McKenzie - by Eurobasket News
Darko Radulovic (194-G-80) won't play for the reining Macedonian champion Feni Industri any more. With less than a month before the beginning of domestic championship management of Feni decided to release Radulovic. Head coach Rajkovic thinks it is the best decision for both sides as Feni already brought reinforcements on guard positions this summer. According to some rumors MZT Skopje showed serious intention to ink Radulovic. As a reminder, starting point guard from the last season Jane Petrovski left MZT few days ago.

In the meantime Feni Industri agreed terms with Lawrence McKenzie (188-G-85, college: Oklahoma). 23-year old American arrived from University of Minnesota, where he graduated this year. He had 34 appearances in NCAA1 in 07/08 averaging 11.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg and 2.6 apg. At the end of it he was named 'All-Big Ten Third Team -08'. Season 06/07 was the best one for McKenzie as he recorded 14.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 2.8 apg in 31 games. Interesting is that in 2003 he started in University of Oklahoma but in 2005 he transferred to Minnesota. Due to NCAA rules he sat out the entire 05/06. His Oklahoma was Big Ten regular season champion in 2005. Later Okla reached the semifinals of Big Ten tournament. The same achievement registered Minnesota this year.

Stefanovs are too good for Latvia - by Eurobasket News
FYR of Macedonia-Latvia 80:78

FYR of Macedonia handed the first loss to Latvia in Group B of EuroBasket Division A. Skopje enjoyed a 80:78 win by the local team for 3-1 record. Vrbica Stefanov led the winners with 16 points. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) and Pero AntiK (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) followed him with 14 points each. Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) collected massive 23 points and 18 boards in the losing effort, Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) scored 17 and Kristaps Valters (188-G-81) had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
FYR of Macedonia being supported by 6000 fans could not score for almost 3 minutes in the opening tip. The team however bounced back and had 10:6 lead in the first. Vrbica Stefanov closed it at 28:17 making a lay-up. Riste Stefanov made sure the hosts had a solid lead for 31:21 with 8 minutes at the first half. Latvia managed to stay closer and reduce to 44:42 at the halftime. In the third quarter the score was tied four times as the teams were getting ready for the last stanza. Gecevski made a lay-up in the end of the period and gave his team 64:61 lead. FYR of Macedonia never trailed in the last period and tried to dominate the court. Ilievski sank one of two free throws for the hosts with 21 seconds remaining but it was not the end of the game. Latvia got the ball in the hands of Blums but he could not score from three-point range for his team. FYR of Macedonia handed the first loss to Latvia in Group B of EuroBasket Division A as both teams are on top with 3-1 record.


FYR of Macedonia: Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73, agency: Interperformances) 16, Riste Stefanov 14, Pero AntiK 14
Latvia: Andris Biedrins 23+18 rebs, Kristaps Janicenoks 17, Kristaps Valters 15+10 rebs

*****************************************************
  GEORGIA   


Georgia conquers Division B - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic - Georgia 78:101

Georgia looks too good in Division B of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. Tonight the team improved to 3-0 record after a road win over Slovak Republic. Spisska Nova Ves saw a 78:101 loss of their locals that fell to 0-2. NBA star Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) led the winners with 27 points. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) posted 20, while Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) added 17. Richard Lesko ended up with 19 points, while Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, college: St.Cloud St.) scored 17 in defeat.
Georgia scored first three points in the game but then got 8 in their basket. Tsintsadze tied the game for the guests at 8:8 and then Georgia only stayed in front. Radoslav Rancik could only cut the deficit at the end of the opening quarter for 17:31. The tempo did not fall in the second period and the favorites were led by the top players. Boisa sent the teams to the lockers for 30:57 visitors advantage.
Tyrone Ellis made it 60:30 in the beginning of the third and it became clear that Georgia would not lose the game. Gamqrelidze closed the third from the arc for 85:53. The tasks for the last period were different for both teams. Slovakia tried not to allow Georgia to post three digits, while the latter desire to have 100. With 30 seconds to play in the fourth Berishvili nailed a three as his team saw 101 on the board. A great game by the guests improved them to 3-0 record and will send them top Sweden on September 17th to prove the ambitions.

Slovak Republic: Richard Lesko 19, Radoslav Rancik 17
Georgia: Zaza Pachulia 27, Tyrone Ellis 20, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 17

*****************************************************
  GERMANY   


Dorsten: Sommerset has to go, Chester arrives - by Moritz Korff
BG Dorsten (Regionalliga West) has made a switch on one of its import player-spots. Darryl Sommerset (206-F-84, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Cent.Missouri St.) did not pass the tryout period and was released because he was ill and had to leave for a medical reasons. Sommerset played only one league-game for Dorsten and scored 15 points in a 64:80-loss against local-rival BSV Wulfen this past weekend.
As a replacement the Dorsten club-officials signed Kevin Chester (203-C-84, agency: Champion Sports Management, college: Nova SE) who will make his debut on Saturday. Chester averaged 13.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for Nova Southeastern University (NCAA2) during 2007-08.

Barcelona crushes Giessen 91 to 69 - by Manuel Schust
(by Miles Schmidt Scheuber) In the last years, it has been ALBA Berlin and the Brose Baskets Bamberg who usually have had the luxury to play against top European teams, so it was so much more a treat That the LTi Giessen 46ers and fans of the region had the pleasure to see a top team like AXA F.C. Barcelona who have won 12 Spanish championships do their magic on the court. Giessen stayed tough for one half, but simply couldn't keep up with the offensive power of AXA F.C. Barcelona and lost 91 to 67 in the Licher Premium cup and will play Banvit in the game for third place. Even before the jump ball happened to start the game it was evident that the attraction of the game would be Spanish National player JuJuan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80), who played 82 games in the NBA for the Memphis Grizzlies last season. Even though he played in the NBA, he never lost his class and became arrogant oversees as he was very much accessable for autographs before the game as he was available for everyone. 'Navarro is their best player and defiantly the guy I would pay money to watch', said Croatian national player Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75), who plays for Cibona Zagreb. But AXA F.C. Barcelona also had other attractions like David Andersen (212-C-80), who won four championships with CSKA Moscow, Jaka Lakovic (186-G-78), the brilliant point guard, who won four titles with Greek super team Panathinaikos Athens, Andre Barrett (175-G-82, college: Seton Hall), who is the king of the NBA ten day contract, Fran Vazquez (210-C-83), who was drafted in 2005 by the Orlando Magic, or the brilliant Italian national player Gianluca Basile (192-G-75). Giessen coach Simon Cote didn't have an easy task, but his team played their hearts out, but simply lost intensity in the second half.

As the game started, there wasn't much difference in the quality of the two teams as both were engaging in fierce battle on both ends of the court. It took almost two minutes before the first points were scored. The first quarter went back and fourth as the highest lead was five points by AXA F.C. Barcelona. As is so often the case, games where there is one far superior team, it usually brings out the best in the opponent. Giessen had some guys like captain and the heart and soul of the team Florian Florian Hartenstein (206-C-77, agency: LimeLight, college: Oregon) (206-C-77, agency: LimeLight, college: Oregon), who did things that fans had never seen before like a spectacular pump move in the lane around two AXA F.C. Barcelona defenders. Giessen stayed tough in the early going tying the score at four all with a Michael Umeh (188-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: UNLV) mid range jumper a shot that would not fall in the second half. Then the fans saw the first dose of Navarro allurement as he flung his famous running floater into the basket that he made look so easy. Giessen then showed some fast break Basketball, as German Heiko Schaffartzik (182-G-84) stopped and popped in a three pointer. That gave Giessen their first lead and the Osthalle was in pandemonium and an atmosphere that was very similar to the well known Giessen-Skyliner derbies. It didn't take long before AXA F.C. Barcelona scored three quick hoops to lead 15 to 10. Navarro made a mid range jumper, then Vazquez snuck inside and got a bullet pass from David Andersen and Navarro followed with a three pointer showing an amazing knack of calmness and certainty on the release. Florian Hartenstein made a lay up and Terdenge a tip in as AXA F.C. Barcelona only led 17 to 14. After Florian Hartenstein had left every single observer in the Osthalle with their mouths wide open after his Michael Jordan like move in the zone, Amercan Maurice Jeffers (194-G/F-79, college: St.Louis) hit a three pointer to give Giessen the lead back at 18 to 17. FC AXA F.C. Barcelona had a slim lead after one quarter 23 to 20. Even though AXA F.C. Barcelona was shooting 72% from the field, they only had a three point lead. The eight turnovers were unacceptable and the three turnovers of Jaka Lakovic didn't please coach Xavier Pascual too much either as he found himself on the bench a lot longer then he would have liked.

The spirited play of Giessen continued in the second quarter as they hit many difficult shots and were still able to stay with FC AXA F.C. Barcelona. As American Andre Barrett came in for Lakovic, the AXA F.C. Barcelona game stalled a bit as it took a while before he could direct the team the way he wanted. German Johannes Lischka (203-F/C-87, agency: Court Side) might have taken a few notes from Navarro as he hit a sweet running floater to get Giessen within one point. German Gerrit Terdenge (205-F-75, college: Fresno St.) hit two outside shots to tie the score at 27. Barrett slowly found his rhythm, stole the ball and hit an off balance mid range jumper and AXA F.C. Barcelona led 30 to 27. Giessen still had a high intensity on defense, which gave AXA F.C. Barcelona problems at times. After Lischka stole the ball, he cruised into the zone and made a nice move around Barrett for the easy layup. Robert Maras (216-C-78, agency: Court Side), who recently got married followed up with a tip in on a Umeh miss. Giessen had the lead again at 31 to 30 and fans were loving every second of the Giessen courageous play. With Giessen leading 35 to 33, big 215m 122 kilo center Robert Maras made a strong move inside by David Andersen to tie the score at 35. If Maras can keep that up this season, then he will have a lot of success against other BBL centers, simply because agile David Andersen is no slouch under the hoop as a defender. Lischka then made a brilliant move and ended with a finger role into the hoop. Giessen led 37 to 35 and now AXA F.C. Barcelona showed just how strong they are as the bench chipped in with support. Victor Victor Sada (192-G-84) came in and scored as did Jordi Trias (206-F-80). Barrett followed with a three pointer and AXA F.C. Barcelona led 41 to 37. After Lischka and Jeffers made tip ins, it was time for another offensive presence by Navarro as he nailed a three pointer making it clear that the opponent needs to have a defender glued to him at all times because when left alone he is as deadly as a cobra snake. At half time FC AXA F.C. Barcelona led 48 to 43. AXA F.C. Barcelona was shooting 61% while Giessen wasn..t too shabby either at 54%. The rebounding was dead even at 13 a piece, but AXA F.C. Barcelona had 10 turnovers. It was obvious that they were experimenting and most fans were wondering if the real FC AXA F.C. Barcelona was still asleep or was the real AXA F.C. Barcelona going to blast off in the second half. In any event, every single fan had got their pennies worth with this game.

At half time, one might of needed ear plus in the AXA F.C. Barcelona locker room, because the coach could not have been happy, because AXA F.C. Barcelona came out totally transformed and Giessen more or less paralyzed. FC AXA F.C. Barcelona quickly showed how quickly a difference between two teams can arise when one is like a mack truck and the other is like a curious but weak little smart car. FC AXA F.C. Barcelona went on a 16 to 0 run and before any one really knew what had happened the game was as good as decided. The Osthalle also was frozen and quiet. Giessen had eight possessions and couldn..t score. It took the team six minutes and thirty seconds before they could finally make their first points of the third quarter. Giessen had lost a lot of intensity on defense and FC AXA F.C. Barcelona used this to their advantage showing just how dangerous they can be. It was the AXA F.C. Barcelona bench that contributed a lot in this phase of the game. Jordi Trias scored four points and Roger Grimau (196-G-79), who is not difficult to notice with his curly blonde hair scored seven points. Giessen also fouled more which also was due to their fatigue. The score was 65 to 45 as Maras made the first Giessen points in the third quarter. When your tired, then the top AXA F.C. Barcelona players seem even quicker. Basile hit a three pointer and Vazquez in the zone and AXA F.C. Barcelona led 69 to 45. Giessen was able to score a few more points to end the third quarter a bit more respectively, but all they mustered was eight points. Both teams were still shooting respectively from the field, but the main factor of the third quarter was that AXA F.C. Barcelona out rebounded Giessen 17 to 5.

In the fourth quarter, Giessen played catch up Basketball, but against a team like FC AXA F.C. Barcelona, you need to have a lot of luck and have everything go right for you. Giessen was showing more exhaustion, while AXA F.C. Barcelona was rotating smart and still getting positive contribution from everyone. Fran Vazquez showed some more flashes of brilliance scoring on a mid range jumper and inside on a pretty feed from Barton. AXA F.C. Barcelona led 78 to 57. Then Jaka Lakovic pushed away his spider webs from his seat on the bench and returned with a spectacular fade away jumper. Andersen scored inside and Barton in the lane from a nice Jordi Trias pass. AXA F.C. Barcelona now led 84 to 59 and it seemed like Giessen was in awe even if they tried not to show it. American Corey Rouse, who had little luck getting near the hoop all game long saved his best for last dunking inside over Andersen. Barrett, Victor Sada and Andersen scored and FC AXA F.C. Barcelona had eclipsed the 90 point mark. Giessen had the last two highlights of the game with a Rouse three pointer and ex Braunschweig player Jannik Freese (208-F/C-86) scored inside to end the game.

Fc Barceliona was led by JuJuan Carlos Navarro with 14 points. Fran Vazquez added 12 points and nine rebounds. Andre Barrett chipped in with 10 points. The LTi Giessen 46ers were led by Maurice Jeffers with 12 points. Robert Maras chipped in with 10 points. This was a game that was simply a delicacy for the fans. It was a typical pre season game for FC AXA F.C. Barcelona. They are not quite ready for the ACB, but they will be. The LTi Giessen 46ers played strong for 20 minutes but just don't have the talent to stick with a team like FC AXA F.C. Barcelona for 40 minutes. However coach Simon Cote is doing a respectable job forming this team. The team has a lot of character and spirit and that will be a plus for the BBL season. Giessen will not be in the situation that they had last season with the nail bitting about possibly being regulated. This is a good team and will surprise some BBL teams. The season starts next weekend in Oldenburg.

Keith Chamberlain joins Rattelsdorf - by Moritz Korff
SpVgg Rattelsdorf (Regionalliga South-East) has added Keith Chamberlain (203-F/C-87, agency: Weller Sports - Entertainment, college: Grinnell) to the roster. The 20-year-old Power Forward/Center received a tryout-contract and arrived to Rattelsdorf Thursday. Chamberlain spent his entire collegiate career at NCAA Division 3-school Grinnell. He averaged 14.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.9 steals in 12 games for the Pioneers during this past season. Grinnell finished the year with a 16-8 record. One of Chamberlain's teammates was John Grotberg (188-G-87, college: Grinnell), who led the NCAA Division 3 in scoring (28.1ppg).

*****************************************************
  GREECE   


A1 market and friendly games - by Simon Varvakis
Kavala BC has agreed terms with french point guard Pape-Philippe Amagou who played for Nancy last year in France. French League: 30 games: 6.9ppg, 1.9rpg, 2.8apg, 2FGP: 40.2%, 3PT: 31.1%, FT: 71.6%

AEL 1964 is trynig to get a bulgarian passport for Bruce Price (191-G-83) so that he occupies a bosman position instead of that of an import player. If Price gets the bulgarian passport then he will remain in the team alongside Rob McKiver (191-G-84, agency: CGL Sports, college: Houston). If not then Price will be released from his contract with AEL 1964.

Friendly games:

Aris defeated Benetton Treviso at the end of the game with 2 free throw shots by Savas Eliadis (192-G-79). The team went to Italy missing a few important players. Anton Gavel is currently helping Slovakia in the Eurobasket premilinary games. Aris played solid defense and Andrea Mazzon allowed playing time for the young players. Top scorer for Aris was Dimitris Tsaldaris (196-F-80) with 17 points.

Benetton: DaShaun Wood (185-G-85, college: Wright St.) 4 (2/4), Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson) 17 (3/5,2/8), Rullo (0/1,0/2), Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) 8 (3/6),Judson Wallace 27 (5/8,2/4), Lorbek 5 (0/1,1/3), Renzi (0/1) , Sandri, Markovic (0/3, 0/3), Gaspardo n.e., Cazzolato n.e, Woichjekowski. Coach. Mahmuti

Aris:Keydren Clark (173-G-84, college: St.Peter's) 14 (2/8,3/5), Papanikolau, Barlos 7 (2/6,1/3), Spencer Nelson 5 (2/3,0/1), Savas Eliadis 15 (4/7,1/2), Skordilis, Agadakos 1 (0/4, 0/1), Dimitris Tsaldaris 17 (2/8,3/4), Charitopoloys 3 (0/2,1/1), Moyrtos (0/1). Coach. Mazzon

Aris will be playing another friendy game against Udine tonight.

News from A1 and A2 - by Serafim Karaiskakis

A1

AEK still having financial problems.They try to find a solution with agents and players while they search in the market for a Bosman Center. Rumors say that he will be from Croatia or Bosnia.

The Greek court postponed the decision about the last team which will play legally in A1. Esake dont recognize the agreements Kavala and Dafni are making now with players and everything is uncertain. Kavala, Dafni or Ionikos Lamias in A1?

Paok gave a big salary to sign Tomasevic and now they have limited budget for the PF. Charles Gaines (201-F-81, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: S.Mississippi) rejected for that reason.

Egaleo released rookie Vladimir Kuljanin due to bad perfomace. Coach Skourtopoulos already signed his replacement, Vasilis Soulis. Andronikos Gizogiannis agreed also with Egaleo while Chris Bracey looks other team to continue his career.


A2

Iraklis trying to close Todor Gecevski . The NT Center from Fyrom has big career in Croatia with Zadar.

Mladen Soskic failed in the try-out.ICBS signed Matija Ceskovic.

Friendly Games

Panathinaikos-Universitet Surgut 77-68 (Sakota 15p, Nicholas 14p- Stefanovic 18p)

AEL-Paok 70-68 (Francis 19p, McKiver 9p- Vasiliadis 22p)

Kavala-Apollon Patras 60-59 (Kavaliauskas 15p- Georgitsis 30p)

Trikala-Egaleo 73-78 (Kaklamanos 19p- Goldwire 32p, Aggelopoulos 15p)



*****************************************************
  GUYANA   


TREVOR ROSE NEW GABA PRESIDENT - by Joe Chapman
NEW GABA BOSS WANTS TO SEE RETURN OF COMPETITITVE
NEWLY elected president of the Georgetown Amateur Basketball Association (GABA), Trevor Rose, has noted that the administration of the game in the City will be a serious challenge, following the immediate past performance of the outgoing executive.
In an interview with Eurobasket News, Rose admitted of course its a challenge ahead, with the past executive committee and the work they have done and the progress they had made in terms of developing the sport.
It is a challenge for me but right away, off hand, I can safely tell you that you have to look at more corporate sponsorship, more tournaments, so that players could be showcased.
Rose remarked that his focus is not to look only at basketball internally but put systems in place so that players could be recognised for scholarships and stuff like that.
In rating how he will prioritise the challenges at hand, Rose offered Well, the areas that need my greater input in terms of a basketball is first of all our facilities.
We have to bring our facilities up to scratch because from playing indoor basketball at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, I would like to think that the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall should remain as the venue that everyone would compete to actually go and play in.
Because of this, Rose continued, we would be focusing more on our outdoor venues, and developing those venues to bring back outdoor basketball to Georgetown.
This he said is to get not only the interest of the public, but players who have given up on the sport in terms of promotion and competition.
In light of this he felt it would be a pleasure to elevate ones team or club to play for a position where you would have to get the chance to go and play in the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
He quipped, I think that is what is lacking in Georgetown right now, outdoor basketball.
And as a true designer Rose claimed, Right now, I am in a position to work along with all the associations and the federation to make basketball better or redesign how basketball is played.
He acknowledged that there was a document signed by the Georgetown and Linden Associations which was sent for attention by the governing federation but Rose could offer no comment. He said the transition from the past to his current executive is yet to take place and that past president Chris Bowman is to hand over the relevant documents such as the constitution and the guidelines and groundwork that was done by the past executive.
He said arrangements are in place for a meeting this week with Bowman. He was looking forward to a very smooth transition.
Whatever change is necessary that we would have to make, I am sure that we would make it very fast so as to move forward, he said.
However, looking at how to proceed with the questions which were left hanging in the balance due to the strained relationship his predecessor Chris Bowman had with the current Guyana Amateur Basketball Federation (GABF), Rose added, I am willing to sit down and have a meeting with the president of the federation (Colonel (Ret.) Godwin McPherson), and I am sure that we could come to a decision that would be in the best interest of basketball and not an individual, federation or any ones point of view, but for the sport itself, in developing basketball in Guyana.
He admitted also that one of the biggest challenges he saw as an outsider is acquiring sponsorship for the sport because of the past relationship with the corporate companies in Guyana and related there is some degree of cleaning up to do.
But Rose reassured his commitment from his professional background saying, I am a designer also, and my administrative background is very strong. So there is no need to worry; who dont know Trevor Rose would shortly hear about Trevor Rose in the administrative field of basketball.

*****************************************************
  HOLLAND   


Netherlands thrash Iceland to go on top - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Iceland 84:68

The Dutch National Team cruised past Iceland at the third round of action at EuroBasket Division B yesterday. Netherlands improved to 2-1 record and took command in Group A. Iceland meanwhile suffered their first defeat in the competition and fell to 1-1 record.
Francisco Elson (212-C-76, agency: Court Side, college: California) ignited the starting spurt from the hosts as he knocked down 9 points to put Netherlands in charge 9:2. Remon Van de Hare (222-C-82, agency: Court Side), Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) and Stefan Wessels (203-F-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy) capped the first period with 7 straight points and the home team accumulated a 25:13 advantage at the first intermission. Iceland cut the deficit to 5 points at the start of the second term but never got closer as they trailed 32:37 at the interval. The hosts mounted the pressure in the second half but Iceland kept alert. They managed to play it even in the third term as the teams exchanged baskets and Holland failed to enlarge the distance. However the home team finally managed to pull away. They dominated in the fourth period and secured the important second victory in the pool.
Francisco Elson was outstanding with game-high 28 points and 11 boards. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) added 17 points, while Bryan Defares (192-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St.) and Peter Van Paassen knocked down 8 points apiece. Pall Axel Vilbergsson (197-F/G-78) answered with 12 points for Iceland. Helgi Magnusson (198-G/F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Catawba) and Hlynur Baeringsson (200-F-82, agency: IceBasket) had 9 points each in defeat.
Netherlands will visit Denmark, while Iceland will host Montenegro on Wednesday.

Netherlands: Francisco Elson 28+11 boards, Rogier Jansen 17, Bryan Defares 8, Peter Van Paassen 8
Iceland: Pall Axel Vilbergsson 12, Helgi Magnusson 9, Hlynur Baeringsson 9

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY   


Pre-season games - by Tamas Deri
The teams our first divison just started to play the first pre-season games and test a lot of foreigners, who are still on tryout.
Eurobasket Hungary watched the game between Szolnok and Kecskemet in Kunszentmarton and made a great choice. Both teams played only with two foreigners, but Jerome Coleman (185-G-81, agency: CAA Sports, college: Rutgers) and Dusan Jelic (211-C-74) already showed that there will be probably the key players of their team and scored 49 of 75 points. DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, college: Kent St.) had also a great debut and showed his excellent point guard skills: penetrations, nice shoots, assists, a very skilled guard. From the hungarian players Zsolt Szabo (202-F-86, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) had a great day and scored 27 points with 4 three-pointers.

ASE played against Levice from Slovakia and it seems to be that this summer the management found the right players for the team: Nicholls, Fajardo and Gosa seem to be the right players for coach Sabali.

The team of Albacomp played on a tournament in Slovakia last weekend and won only one of three games.

Atomeromu SE - Levice 87-54
(23-14, 23-15, 21-12, 20-13)
Paks, Att.: 500, Referees: Szabo G., Maar, Domokos
ASE: Nicholls 10/3, Charles Gosa (202-F-77, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: N.Mexico St.) 17/9, Nick Williams (192-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Cincinnati) 13/3, Fajardo 9, Gulyas 12, Csaplar-Nagy 3/3, Kiss Zs. 9/9, Meszaros, Morgen 5/3, Medve 6/3, Kiricsi 3, Coach: Balazs Sabali



Szolnoki Olaj KK - Univer-Kecskemet 75-67
(16-14, 27-17, 15-24, 17-12)
Kunszentmarton, Att: 400, Referees: Gaal, Balogh, Fodor
SZOLNOK: Jerome Coleman 29/18, Cziczas 11/9, Toth V., Cseh, Jelic 20, Gaal 9/3, Harazin 6, Szabo P., Varadi. Coach: Por Peter
UNIVER: Haynes 17/9, Toth P. 5/3, Szabo Zs. 27/12, Horti, Volcy 13/6, Tornoczky 5, Puszta, Kovacs A., Coach: Zsoldos Andras


Pezinok - Albacomp 69-97
(25-12, 7-38, 19-27, 18-20)
Albacomp: Bell 12, Hanga 5, Morrison 9, Radovic 19/3, Doyne 18/6, Antal 3/3, Soas 18/9, Madar 2, Keller 6, Dvid, Gobi, Coach: Pereszegi-Nagy Akos

Komarno - Albacomp 81-71
(24-12, 24-22, 15-15, 18-22)
Albacomp: Doyne 8/3, Hanga 12/6, Bell 16/3, Morrison 14, Radovic 10, Soos 11/3, David, Antal, Gobi, Keller, Coach: Peresztegi-Nagy Akos

Novy Jicin - Albacomp 97-94
Albacomp: Bam Doyne (193-G-84, college: Mississippi) 35/15, Rashad Bell (200-F-82, college: Boston U.) 22, Radovic 15/3, Morrison 8, Hanga 11/6, Gobi, David, Soos 3/3, Keller. Coach: Peresztegi-Nagy Akos

Tripkovic leads Serbia over Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Hungary-Serbia 61:89

Serbia won another game to remain on top of Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. The team had a road win over Hungary 61:89 on Saturday. Taking the lead in the first quarter Serbia never looked behind and clinched the fifth win. Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) had 13, whilst Perovic posted 12. Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) led Hungary with 11, while Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 9.
Vujanicm opened the game from the arc and together with his squad proved the ambitions for the game. Hungary did not give up and even tasted some lead in the period. After 22:20 for Serbia, the team added 6 more points to close the period at 28:20. The second stanza became offensive as especially Serbia enjoyed it more. Uros Tripkovic made the score 45:26 with 5 minutes to play in the second period. With 28:15 the guests won the third and improved to 56:35 entering the last period. Velickovic scored for 87:57 as the teams were on the way to finish the game. Serbia tried to get three digits, while Hungary thought of how to get closer. Kaman set up the final 61:89 score as Hungary dropped at 2-5.

Hungary: Istvan Nemeth 11, Erno Sitku 9, Marton Fodor 9
Serbia: Uros Tripkovic 20, Zoran Erceg 13, Perovic 12

Pre-season games, part two - by Tamas Deri

The team of Dombovar is playing this weekend on a tournament in Darda, Croatia. The team of coach Stahl played without Bodi, Deak and two more foreigners against the home team last night and lost in a good game. The main reason of this lose was that the guests played without any big man. However, the new american guards - Gibson arrived on thursday, Jerome Gumbs (194-F-82, college: USF) (194-F-82, college: USF) on friday night to Budapest - showed that there will be able to replace the two favourite players of the last season, Mills and English. Drew Gibson (188-G-85, college: Wofford) scored 21 points and was organizing the game very well, Jerome Gumbs had 23 points (2/4 3pointers) and 6 rebounds. Today Dombovar played for the 3rd place at 10am. against croatian team KK Zubak and won by three points in a very tied game. Also today the two foreigners scored in double figures, but also Deak and Simon had a great game.

KK DARDA - ORANGEWAYS DKC 95-78

KK Zubak - ORANGEWAYS DKC 96-99

DKC: Gibson 16/3, Simon 23/3, Jerome Gumbs 26, Deak 20/18, Molnar 5/3, Vas 9/3, Coach: Peter Stahl


The team of Albacomp played last night in the own arene of the vice-champion of Austria, Oberwart Gunners and lost by one point in a very high level game. Rashad Bell (200-F-82, college: Boston U.) was the top scorer of the game with 31 points (made also 5 threes), but also Velibor Radovic (202-F/G-72, agency: Beo Basket) had a great game with 27 (also 5 threes).

Oberwart Gunners - Albacomp Szekesfehervar 93:92 (45:48)
Gunners: Stout 22, Youngblood 20, Stegnjaic 15, Artner 13, Johnson 8, Moric 8, Radakovic 5, Hasenburger 2
Albacomp: Bell 31/15, Radovic 27/15, Doyne 15/6, Sos 9/9



After the lost game against Szolnok the team of Univer just played the first pre-season home game against the slovakian team Levice on friday, which team lost in Paks a day before.


A couple of hundred fans were going to watch the game, the most of them wanted to see the three foreigners of the team. DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, college: Kent St.) scored 7 points and had 9 assists, in this game coach Zsoldos asked him to organize and help his teammates. Ricky Volcy (202-F-82, college: N.Michigan) had a better than game than on wednesday and scored 29 points. Greg Danielson (206-C-81, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Drake) looked a little bit tired, as he arrived on wednesday to Kecskemet, but also added 11 points. Univer will play the next game tonight against romanian team Cluj Napoca in Kecskemet at 6pm.


Univer-Kecskemet-Levice 83-71

(27-16, 21-20, 27-16, 8-19)
UNIVER-KECSKEMET: Haynes 7/3, Toth 8, Szabo 11/6, Volcy 29/9, Danielson 11/3. Cs.: Kovacs 2, Puszta 2, Horti 2, Tornoczky 11/9



Marciulionis is back to Hungary - by Tamas Deri
Lithuanian point guard, Kestutis Marciulionis (188-G-76, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services, college: Delaware) signed with Kaposvari KK and arrived already to the city. The 188 cm tall guard played already for the team in the season 2005-06. After that succesfull season the management of KKK tried to keep him, but the player got a higher offer from Albacomp and decided to leave. He spent the last season in Spain with the of Fundacio Baquetinca.com and averaged 4.2 points in 10.3 minutes per game.
- 'We signed Kestutis until the end of december, but have the option to prolong his contract until the end of the season, if we are satisfied with his services. We are very happy to get him back to our team, as he is a great person and a very experienced player.' - said Mr. Laszlo Kovacs, General Manager of the club.

*****************************************************
  ICELAND   


Netherlands thrash Iceland to go on top - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Iceland 84:68

The Dutch National Team cruised past Iceland at the third round of action at EuroBasket Division B yesterday. Netherlands improved to 2-1 record and took command in Group A. Iceland meanwhile suffered their first defeat in the competition and fell to 1-1 record.
Francisco Elson (212-C-76, agency: Court Side, college: California) ignited the starting spurt from the hosts as he knocked down 9 points to put Netherlands in charge 9:2. Remon Van de Hare (222-C-82, agency: Court Side), Peter Van Paassen (210-C/F-78, agency: Court Side, college: St.Bonaventure) and Stefan Wessels (203-F-84, agency: R.H.Consultancy) capped the first period with 7 straight points and the home team accumulated a 25:13 advantage at the first intermission. Iceland cut the deficit to 5 points at the start of the second term but never got closer as they trailed 32:37 at the interval. The hosts mounted the pressure in the second half but Iceland kept alert. They managed to play it even in the third term as the teams exchanged baskets and Holland failed to enlarge the distance. However the home team finally managed to pull away. They dominated in the fourth period and secured the important second victory in the pool.
Francisco Elson was outstanding with game-high 28 points and 11 boards. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) added 17 points, while Bryan Defares (192-G-81, agency: Court Side, college: Boise St.) and Peter Van Paassen knocked down 8 points apiece. Pall Axel Vilbergsson (197-F/G-78) answered with 12 points for Iceland. Helgi Magnusson (198-G/F-82, agency: IceBasket, college: Catawba) and Hlynur Baeringsson (200-F-82, agency: IceBasket) had 9 points each in defeat.
Netherlands will visit Denmark, while Iceland will host Montenegro on Wednesday.

Netherlands: Francisco Elson 28+11 boards, Rogier Jansen 17, Bryan Defares 8, Peter Van Paassen 8
Iceland: Pall Axel Vilbergsson 12, Helgi Magnusson 9, Hlynur Baeringsson 9

*****************************************************
  IRAN   


Iran quits wheelchair basketball - by Eurobasket News
Iran's wheelchair basketball team has forfeited against the United States and avoided meeting Israel by withdrawing from the Paralympic Games.

An Iranian official denied the move was politically motivated.

Iran and the United States have no diplomatic relations and the US government has led efforts to challenge Iran's nuclear program.

The winner of the US-Iran match would have gone on to meet the winner of
Israel-Canada.


Uneasy politics

Iran severed diplomatic relations with Israel after the 1979 Iranian revolution, and does not recognize Israel as a country.

An Iranian official said the forfeit was prompted by the game being brought forward from 11:15 am to 9 am.

'The main reason is ... some change suddenly in the time of the match,' said the official, a member of Iran's delegation in Beijing who refused to give his name because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

The game was to have aired live on Iranian television, and many Iranians in China had bought tickets.


Time change blamed

'This sudden change has made a lot of problem for us,' the Iran official said.

'(Because of) the problems this causes for the delegation, this team decided not to participate in the game.'

The US team received notice of the time change about 24 hours before the match, said Jeannine Hansen, a spokeswoman for the American delegation.


Flexible schedule

Teams were told before the Paralympics that competition times could change for
television broadcasts or other reasons, she said.

'We agreed to the time change for the game with Iran, but we weren't given a specific reason,' she said.

The International Paralympic Committee said Iran withdrew because the team was unhappy about 'the draw proposed for the crossover round and subsequent
schedule.'


Unfortunate decision

The statement by the committee said the IPC and the International Wheelchair Basketball Association 'regret this decision taken by Iran and the disruption caused to the tournament.'

The statement did not mention any possible penalties upon Iran.

It was not clear why Iran's delegation and the IPC gave different reasons for the withdrawal.

The IPC could not be reached for further comment; the mobile phone for spokeswoman Steffi Klein rang unanswered.


Previous form

There had been other recent examples of Iran representatives pulling out of Olympic events involving Israel.

At the Beijing Olympics last month, Iranian swimmer Mohammad Alirezaei pulled out of a 100-meter breaststroke heat that included an Israeli competitor, citing illness.

The International Olympic Committee said no violation had been found.

'We take both the athlete and the national Olympic committee at their word on this,' spokeswoman Giselle Davies said then.

At the 2004 Athens Olympics, Iran's judo world champion and gold medal favourite Arash Miresmaeili did not compete against an Israeli opponent, publicly stating it was for political reasons.

Iranian government officials were quoted in state media as congratulating him for doing so.

Courtesy of http://www.aljazeera.net/

*****************************************************
  IRELAND   


Ireland score first win in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg - Ireland 70:97

Ireland celebrated their initial victory at the EuroBasket in Division B campaign yesterday. The Irish held off Luxembourg away from home to snap their 2-game losing streak in Group C. Luxembourg fell to 0-2 record in the standings. Ireland opened the game with 8 unanswered points and took control. Back-to-back three-pointers from Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) allowed the hosts to draw things level at 19 late in the opening period however Ireland stormed back in front late in the stanza. Four trebles from Jay Larranaga (195-G-75, college: Bowling Green) and Ian O'Boyle (191-G-84, agency: Megasport, college: New Jersey Tech) put Irish side back in charge 33:21. The visitors opened the second period with a 12:0 rally to clear off to a 24-point cushion. Luxembourg never recovered afterwards. Ireland built an unassailable 29-point buffer before the fourth term and eased to the win at the end. Ian O'Boyle led six Irish players to score in double digits with 19 points. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) knocked down 18 points, pulled down 7 rebounds and dished out 5 assists for the winners. Tom Schumacher answered with game-high 26 points for Luxembourg. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) netted 12 points in defeat.
Luxembourg will visit Slovakia on Wednesday, while Ireland will take on Slovakia at home on Saturday.

Luxembourg: Tom Schumacher 26, Martin Rajniak 12
Ireland: Ian O'Boyle 19, Donnie McGrath 18, Conor Grace (205-F-82, college: Davidson) 14+11 boards <<>><<>>

*****************************************************
  ISRAEL   


Great Britain wins the third in a row - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain-Israel 96:86

After falling in Israel 92:102 in the opener of EuroBasket qualifying, Great Britain won the third in a row in Group B. Liverpool saw a 96:86 over Israel in Day 4 of the tournament. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington)led the winners with massive 22 points and 11 rebounds. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) ended up with 20 points and 6 rebounds, while Nick George (198-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) nailed 15. Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) finished the night with 24 points for Israel and Guy Pnini (201-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 13.
The opening quarter of the game did not bring any team a comfortable lead. Luol Deng could give the Brits 22:19 at the end of the opening quarter. It was a push of the hosts that finally started to control the game in the second period. Pops Mensah-Bonsu with a lay-up gave his team 34:26 with 6 minutes in the half. It was him again for plus 11 later in the quarter. Hart closed the first half at 53:40 as the teams disappeared in the lockers.
The key run came in the first five minutes of the second half when Britain blew open a game. Nick George posted two for 61:49 as the Brits looked much better in the second half. After 23:14 in the period Freeland closed the third at 76:54. A tense final period saw Israel open with some baskets to cut the margin a bit. Israel pulled to within eight at 92-84 with 1:07 remaining before falling by 10. Pops Mensah-Bonsu set up the final, 96:86 score for the hosts.

Great Britain: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 22+11 rebs, Luol Deng 20+6 rebs, Nick George 15
Israel: Lior Eliyahu 24, Guy Pnini 13

*****************************************************
  ITALY   


Italy beat Finland for the third win in the group - by Eurobasket News
Finland-Italy 62:69

Italian team seems to be back on track in Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. The team got an important road win over Finland to improve to 3-4 record. Mostly due to the opening period Italy celebrated 69:62 win in Finish Vantaa. Matteo Soragna (198-G/F-75) paced all the winners with 18 points. Marco Mordente (191-G-79) nailed 17, whilst Massimo Bulleri (188-G-77) posted 11. Kimmo Muurinen (202-F-81, college: UALR) top-scored for the hosts with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Shawn Huff (198-G/F-84, college: Valparaiso) netted 11.
Italy rushed to score and posted first seven points in the game. Finland needed 5 minutes to be back on track catching up for 12:12. The guests were however too good in the end of the first for 25:16 as Massimo Bulleri closed the first 10 minutes. Italy remained in front in the second quarter even though the hosts could win the period with 17:16. Koponen sent the teams to the lockers for 33:41, Italian advantage.
Italy controlled the third quarter having 10 points all the time. Poeta made it 49:37 with almost 2 minutes to play in the period. Kimmo Muurinen helped his team to cut the deficit to 45:51 finishing the third. The last quarter was the most interesting in the game, especially the last seconds. A 5-0 run brought the hosts to 62:65 with 20 seconds in the game. Those points however were the last in the game, while Italy scored more for 69:62.

Finland: Kimmo Muurinen 24+11 rebs, Shawn Huff 11
Italy: Matteo Soragna 18, Marco Mordente 17, Massimo Bulleri 11

*****************************************************
  JAPAN   


Australia downs Japan into semifinals in wheelchair basketball - by Eurobasket News
Australian center Brad Ness and forward Justin Eveson led Australia's scoring drive in their 72-52 win over Japan in a quarterfinal game on Saturday at the National Indoor Stadium.

Australia maintained an aggressive offence throughout the game, scoring 52 points in the paint and 18 second chance points.

'They (Japan) played hard, converting about fifty percent of their shots, so we had to shut that down. You have to believe in yourself,' said Ness, who scored the game's highest of 18 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

'Whether it's Germany or Britain (in semifinals), we match them both quite well. We just have to continue as we have been going.

'Germany plays like us, but they might not quite have the height to match us. Britain beat the U.S., so they have shown what they are made of,' added Ness.

Three Australian players scored in the double digits. Eveson pulled down 17 points as the second scorer of the game.

As the fourth quarter progressed, Japan missed several shots, including two three-pointer attempts in close succession.

None of the Japanese players scored in double digits, and they allowed 18 turnovers and 12 steals.

'I didn't know that we would lose. I thought we could win, but we lost by many points. It is such a pity,' said Japanese guard Keisuke Koretomo.

'Our field goal percentage was low at that time (fourth quarter). They (Australians) moved back to attack rapidly and made a lot of shots, so the score gap expanded.'

Australia advanced to Sunday's semifinals. Japan went to Monday's classification games to determine 5th-8th places. All games will be held at the National Indoor Stadium.

Courtesy of http://www.sina.com

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


Jordan crowns with Qatar Invitational Tournament - by Mohammed Malas
Jordan national team deserved to be the champions of the 2nd Qatar Invitational tournament after winning in the all 3 games which were played in Al Gharafa Club in Doha, Qatar....The NT will come back to Jordan tomorrow to continue trainings before having a camp in Turkey on the 22nd of September until 29th of the same month...

- Results & some stats:
Thursday 11/9: Jordan 74 - Al Sadd Club 38 'Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) 21 pts, Ali Jamal (204-F/C-88) 14 pts'
Friday 12/9: Jordan 80 - Qatar 74 'Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) 24 pts, Moussa Al Awadi (190-G/F-85) 17 pts'
Saturday 13/9: Jordan 78 - Purefoods (PHI) 67 'Moussa Al Awadi 24 pts'

*****************************************************
  LATVIA   


Latest news - by Eurobasket News
Latvian teams are getting ready for the upcoming seasons. Almost all the teams are participating in the friendly tournaments or just having other match-ups.
Budivelnik overcame Valmiera 74:64 in the opener of the International Tournament in Lithuania. Both teams were invited to the Baltic country to play with local Neptunas and Russian Dynamo. Ukrainian side looked better throughout the game and went on an early lead, 16:12. Valmiera tried to even the game but lost another point in the second period. As a result the teams went to the lockers with 35:30 for Budivelnik. Latvian squad managed to get the winners in the third period and by the end of it trailed only 2. Ukrainian side however produced 24:16 to seal the win in the opener. Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi St.) led the winners with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Scott Merritt (208-F-82, college: Marquette) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Zemgale beat Parnu in another tournament 91:63. Martins Berkis (198-F-85) led the winners with 18 points. Lithuanian Nevezis overcame VEF Riga 87:82 as Jurijs Aleksejevs (201-F-85) led Latvian side with 28 points. Jevgenijs Kolesnikovs nailed 14 points and Laurim Mizim together with Edgaram Jeromanovam both had 13. Today Latvia team travel to Macedonia and will try to stay undefeated in Group B of European Championship.

Stefanovs are too good for Latvia - by Eurobasket News
FYR of Macedonia-Latvia 80:78

FYR of Macedonia handed the first loss to Latvia in Group B of EuroBasket Division A. Skopje enjoyed a 80:78 win by the local team for 3-1 record. Vrbica Stefanov led the winners with 16 points. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) and Pero AntiK (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) followed him with 14 points each. Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) collected massive 23 points and 18 boards in the losing effort, Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) scored 17 and Kristaps Valters (188-G-81) had 15 points and 10 rebounds.
FYR of Macedonia being supported by 6000 fans could not score for almost 3 minutes in the opening tip. The team however bounced back and had 10:6 lead in the first. Vrbica Stefanov closed it at 28:17 making a lay-up. Riste Stefanov made sure the hosts had a solid lead for 31:21 with 8 minutes at the first half. Latvia managed to stay closer and reduce to 44:42 at the halftime. In the third quarter the score was tied four times as the teams were getting ready for the last stanza. Gecevski made a lay-up in the end of the period and gave his team 64:61 lead. FYR of Macedonia never trailed in the last period and tried to dominate the court. Ilievski sank one of two free throws for the hosts with 21 seconds remaining but it was not the end of the game. Latvia got the ball in the hands of Blums but he could not score from three-point range for his team. FYR of Macedonia handed the first loss to Latvia in Group B of EuroBasket Division A as both teams are on top with 3-1 record.


FYR of Macedonia: Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73, agency: Interperformances) 16, Riste Stefanov 14, Pero AntiK 14
Latvia: Andris Biedrins 23+18 rebs, Kristaps Janicenoks 17, Kristaps Valters 15+10 rebs

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Two wins and one loss in the friendlies - by Eurobasket News
Last night Lithuanian teams saw two wins and 1 loss in the friendly games of what our website could find out. Russian Dynamo overcame Neptunas 86:70. That was the first game of the International tournament Time Team. The hosts opened the game with 20:17 and remained even until in the game. Dynamo produced 21:18 in the second quarter to tie the game at the half time. Later after 19:17 the Russian squad improved to 2-point advantage and stormed past Neptunas in the last stanza. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 15 points and Lavrinovic collected 13 points and 15 rebounds. Jannero Pargo (187-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) netted 13 as well and Monia had 11.

Lietuvos Rytas was stronger than Cajasol 98:92 away from home. Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) led the winners with 22 points. Gecevicius Martynas nailed 20, while Milko Bjelica added 18. Michalas Ignerskis had a great night in defeat with 32 points. Juanas Triguero ended up with 15 points and Andrea Pecile got 14.

Alita won another game over Ukrainian team. Last night Mykolaiv had nothing to do but to accept 88:101 loss. Alita started confident and won the opening quarter 20:16. Lithuanian squad increased the advantage to 53:42 when the teams went to the lockers. Mykolaiv scored 23 points in the third and the last quarters respectively but could not close the gap. Aleksandr Gilevich (196-G-89) scored 22 points in defeat for 30 minutes in the game. Wilkins netted 15, while Silokovskiy had 13.

*****************************************************
  LUXEMBOURG   


Ireland score first win in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg - Ireland 70:97

Ireland celebrated their initial victory at the EuroBasket in Division B campaign yesterday. The Irish held off Luxembourg away from home to snap their 2-game losing streak in Group C. Luxembourg fell to 0-2 record in the standings. Ireland opened the game with 8 unanswered points and took control. Back-to-back three-pointers from Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) allowed the hosts to draw things level at 19 late in the opening period however Ireland stormed back in front late in the stanza. Four trebles from Jay Larranaga (195-G-75, college: Bowling Green) and Ian O'Boyle (191-G-84, agency: Megasport, college: New Jersey Tech) put Irish side back in charge 33:21. The visitors opened the second period with a 12:0 rally to clear off to a 24-point cushion. Luxembourg never recovered afterwards. Ireland built an unassailable 29-point buffer before the fourth term and eased to the win at the end. Ian O'Boyle led six Irish players to score in double digits with 19 points. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) knocked down 18 points, pulled down 7 rebounds and dished out 5 assists for the winners. Tom Schumacher answered with game-high 26 points for Luxembourg. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) netted 12 points in defeat.
Luxembourg will visit Slovakia on Wednesday, while Ireland will take on Slovakia at home on Saturday.

Luxembourg: Tom Schumacher 26, Martin Rajniak 12
Ireland: Ian O'Boyle 19, Donnie McGrath 18, Conor Grace (205-F-82, college: Davidson) 14+11 boards <<>><<>>

Luxembourg drops to 0-2 losing to Ireland in European Championship qualification match. Schumacher dropped 26 to lead all scorers. - by Alex Meyers

Ireland defeated Luxembourg last night at 'The Coque' in Kirchberg, Luxembourg by a score of 70-97 in the second match of the EC Qualifications Division 2 Group B. The visitors came out strong in the beginning jumping out to an 8-0 lead. Luxembourg was able to crawl back into the game to tie at 19-19. Then, until midway thru the 2nd quarter Luxembourg fell apart and Ireland took full advantage.

Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) led all scorers with 26 points followed by Peter Rajniak (196-G-81, college: Cal.Baptist) with 12 and Frank Muller (195-F) added 11. Luxembourg had to play short-handed the entire fourth quarter as its leader Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) became injured and had to sit out.

Jay Larranaga (195-G-75, college: Bowling Green) had a hot hand early hitting several from behind the arc and finished the match with 14. Jay is the son of Ireland's Head Coach Jim Larranaga . The former plays for Eldo Caserta of Italy. The latter is the head coach at George Mason University of the NCAA. Guards Ian O'Boyle (191-G-84, agency: Megasport, college: New Jersey Tech) and Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) led Ireland with 19 and 18 points respectively. Ireland's big men also hurt Luxembourg inside on the boards out-rebounding 46-25. Conor Grace (205-F-82, college: Davidson) added 14 points followed by Chris Bracey (198-F-80, college: W.Texas A&M) with 11 and Justen Naughton (205-F-81, college: Cal.St.-Los Angeles) had 10.

Luxembourg: Schumacher 26, P. Rajniak 12, Muller 11, M. Rajniak 5, Abdiu 5, Haan 4, Birenbaum 3, J. Delgado 2, Kieffer 2
Ireland: O'Boyle 19, McGrath 18, Larranaga 14, Grace 14, Bracey 11, Naughton 10, O'Reilly 4, Matacz 4, Donnelly 3



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

Sparta 77 - Musel Pikes 73

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

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


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


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


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

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



*****************************************************
  MONTENEGRO   


Nikola Pekovic leads Montenegro past Austria - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro - Austria 96:73

Montenegro continued their perfect run at the EuroBasket in Division B. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) nailed game-high 22 points and Montenegro thumped Austria 96:73 in Podgorica. The hosts thus improved to 2-0 record, while sending the visitors to 1-2 record in Group A.
The game turned into a rather one-sided traffic with Montenegro dominated the most aspects of the encounter. The home team jumped to an early lead and accumulated a comfortable 14-point cushion before the second term. Austria failed to recover in the second period as the hosts stretched the margin to 18 points at halftime. A supportive crowd paced Montenegro ahead and they kept on piling up the lead. The scoreboard read 75:51 after three quarters of action and Montenegro never looked back in the final stanza. Vladimir Dasic (209-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) knocked down 18 points and collected 8 rebounds for Montenegro. Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) had 12 points, while Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) secured 11 points for the winners. David Jandl (180-G-84, agency: Court Side) answered with 16 points for Austria. Matthias Mayer (206-C/F-81) nailed 13 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.
Austria outrebounded Montenegro 41:28 but could not fight the hosts impressive field goal accuracy. Montenegro sank 62% from the field and forced their opponents to 16 turnovers.
Montenegro will next take on Iceland away from home. Austria will host Denmark next Saturday.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 22, Vladimir Dasic 18, Vladimir Golubovic 12
Austria: David Jandl 16, Matthias Mayer 13

*****************************************************
  NBA   


Oklahoma City Thunder will have a season ticket waiting list - by Bruno Baltazar
The Oklahoma City Thunder will have a season ticket waiting list. Team officials sold the remaining 1,000 tickets on Friday.

'It's one thing to feel the support and believe the support is there, said Thunder chairman Clay Bennett. 'But to write a check is the ultimate test. I am pleased we were able to offer a reasonable amount of affordable seats. That's important. To have this kind of velocity in sales is remarkable.

This remarkable: The Celtics, Lakers, Suns and Thunder are the only four NBA franchises with a season ticket waiting list.

'That's overwhelming, Bennett said. 'To actually see it happen, we're thrilled. We're tremendously gratified by the response.

Select-a-seat appointments for today, Sunday and Monday will be canceled. Those fans will be placed on a waiting list for future season tickets. They also will be placed on a list for eight-game mini packages, in all price ranges, that will go on sale in approximately two weeks.

It was scheduled to be an eight-day process but ended on the fifth day when the team ran out of seats Friday night. In five days, the Thunder sold around 13,000 season tickets, around 14,000 if you include suites.

The most disappointed fans might be former Hornet season ticket holders with weekend appointments, fans who felt they played a key role in Oklahoma City landing a permanent NBA franchise.

Despite making several requests to Hornets owner George Shinn, Thunder officials failed to obtain a Hornet season ticket seating chart. Team officials felt the only fair way to distribute tickets was by using a computer random, lottery-like system.

'There is a limit to the amount of seats that are available, Bennett said. 'Through the years there will be changes in accounts. And we're offering eight-game packages and individual and group sales. We're trying to get as many people in the building as possible. We're just limited.

Similar to the select-a-seat process for season tickets, eight-game mini packages (maximum four per account) will be offered based on an applicant's original scheduled appointment time.

The Ford Center seats 19,100 for NBA games. Thunder officials also are holding back 4,000 seats for mini-packages, group sales and individual tickets. The team also holds around 1,000 tickets for visiting team needs, the media and the league.

'It's not just a question of us having enough seats in the arena, said Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett. 'One of the highest demands are for seats around the floor, the most expensive seats. You can add seats, but you can't add anymore closer to the floor. That's how high demand was.

A handful of fans might still have a chance to purchase season tickets later this month. Several hundred club level seats were unavailable due to pre-existing Ford Center contracts.

'Those seats date back two, three, four, even five years and are still being negotiated, said Brian Byrnes, senior vice president of ticket sales and services. 'They were sold by the Ford Center for first right of refusal for events at the Ford Center. Those contracts are now being managed by us, so we're still in the process of negotiating.

Thunder officials won't know if any of those mid-court, club level seats might become available for a couple more weeks.

'There is a scenario where somebody owns a club account that will elect not to buy Thunder season tickets, Byrnes said. 'If that happens, that seat becomes available.

From http://newsok.com/article/3297238/

2008-09 regular-season schedule - by Eurobasket News
All Times Eastern

Tuesday, Oct. 28
Cleveland at Boston, 8 p.m.
Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Portland at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 29
Atlanta at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Washington, 7 p.m.
Miami at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Milwaukee at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at San Antonio, 8 p.m.
Memphis at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Denver at Utah, 9 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 30
Charlotte at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Houston at Dallas, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Oct. 31
Golden State at Toronto, 7 p.m.
New York at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Sacramento at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Boston, 8 p.m.
Orlando at Memphis, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Portland, 10:30 p.m.
Denver at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 1
Boston at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Sacramento at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Miami at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Washington at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Golden State at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Dallas at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Memphis at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Toronto at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Utah, 9 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m.
Portland at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 2
Milwaukee at New York, 6 p.m.
Minnesota at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 3
Sacramento at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Golden State at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Cleveland at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Utah at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 4
Phoenix at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Dallas at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Boston at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 5
Detroit at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Phoenix at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Cleveland, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Washington at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Atlanta at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Boston at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Portland at Utah, 9 p.m.
Memphis at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Denver at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 6
Philadelphia at Orlando, 8 p.m.
Houston at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 7
New Orleans at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
New York at Washington, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Detroit at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Miami at San Antonio, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Utah, 9 p.m.
Dallas at Denver, 10:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Memphis at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.
Houston at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 8
Washington at Orlando, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Miami at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Portland, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 9
Toronto at Charlotte, 1 p.m.
Utah at New York, 3 p.m.
Dallas at L.A. Clippers, 3:30 p.m.
Boston at Detroit, 6 p.m.
Atlanta at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.
Memphis at Denver, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Sacramento, 9 p.m.
Houston at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 10
Oklahoma City at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Portland at Orlando, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 11
Utah at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Denver at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
New York at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Detroit at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Minnesota at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 12
Philadelphia at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Portland at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Utah at Washington, 8 p.m.
Orlando at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
New York at Memphis, 8 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Houston at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.
Sacramento at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 13
Denver at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Chicago, 9:30 p.m.
Detroit at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 14
Utah at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Boston, 8 p.m.
Milwaukee at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Portland at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Houston at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Orlando at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Phoenix at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Detroit at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 15
Oklahoma City at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Utah at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Portland at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Boston at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Indiana at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Golden State at L.A. Clippers, 3:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 16
Miami at Toronto, 1 p.m.
Orlando at Charlotte, 5:30 p.m.
Dallas at New York, 6 p.m.
Minnesota at Denver, 8 p.m.
Detroit at Phoenix, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 17
Houston at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Utah, 9 p.m.
San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 18
Atlanta at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Miami at Washington, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Orlando, 7 p.m.
New York at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Sacramento at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Milwaukee at Denver, 9 p.m.
Chicago at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Portland at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 19
Washington at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Sacramento at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Dallas at Houston, 8 p.m.
Denver at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Milwaukee at Utah, 9 p.m.
Chicago at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 20
Detroit at Boston, 8 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 21
New Jersey at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Houston at Washington, 7 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Boston at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
New York at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Memphis at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Utah at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m.
Portland at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Denver at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Chicago at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 22
Milwaukee at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Houston at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Washington at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Utah at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Portland at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 23
Boston at Toronto, 1 p.m.
Golden State at Philadelphia, 5 p.m.
Minnesota at Detroit, 6 p.m.
Chicago at Denver, 9 p.m.
Sacramento at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Nov. 24
Milwaukee at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Houston at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
San Antonio at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Chicago at Utah, 9 p.m.
Sacramento at Portland, 10 p.m.
New Orleans at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 25
Golden State at Washington, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Indiana at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
New Jersey at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Nov. 26
Milwaukee at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
Golden State at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
New York at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Chicago at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Indiana at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Memphis at Utah, 9 p.m.
Miami at Portland, 10 p.m.
New Jersey at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Denver at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 27
Orlando at Washington, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Nov. 28
Atlanta at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Golden State at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte at Indiana, 8 p.m.
Milwaukee at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Minnesota at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Memphis at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Miami at Phoenix, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Utah, 9 p.m.
New Orleans at Portland, 10 p.m.
Dallas at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Nov. 29
Indiana at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Boston at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Washington, 7 p.m.
Golden State at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Denver at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Milwaukee, 9 p.m.
New Jersey at Utah, 9 p.m.
Dallas at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Miami at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, Nov. 30
Portland at Detroit, 3 p.m.
Chicago at Philadelphia, 5 p.m.
Houston at Denver, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at Phoenix, 8 p.m.
Toronto at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 1
Minnesota at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Miami at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 2
L.A. Lakers at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Washington at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Portland at New York, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Detroit at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Toronto at Denver, 9 p.m.
Utah at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 3
Minnesota at Orlando, 7 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Memphis at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Portland at Washington, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
New York at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Indiana at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Chicago at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Miami at Utah, 9 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 4
Phoenix at Dallas, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 5
Oklahoma City at Orlando, 7 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Washington, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
New York at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Portland at Boston, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at Detroit, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Charlotte at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Toronto at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 6
Cleveland at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Golden State at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Washington at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Utah at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Denver at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 7
Detroit at New York, Noon
Portland at Toronto, 1 p.m.
Boston at Indiana, 6 p.m.
Milwaukee at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 8
Charlotte at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Houston at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Orlando at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 9
Toronto at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Washington, 7 p.m.
Utah at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Atlanta at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
San Antonio at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
New York at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Milwaukee at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Orlando at Portland, 10 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 10
Indiana at Toronto, 7 p.m.
New York at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
Memphis at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Charlotte at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Atlanta at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Denver, 9 p.m.
Phoenix at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Milwaukee at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 11
Boston at Washington, 8 p.m.
Charlotte at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Portland at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 12
Atlanta at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at Detroit, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Boston, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Chicago at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Orlando at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10 p.m.
Sacramento at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13
Detroit at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Washington at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
New Jersey at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Indiana at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Orlando at Utah, 9 p.m.
Golden State at Denver, 9 p.m.
New York at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Houston at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 14
New Orleans at Toronto, 1 p.m.
Miami at Memphis, 4 p.m.
Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 15
New Jersey at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Indiana at Washington, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Utah at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
New York at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Minnesota at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Orlando at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 16
Chicago at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Denver at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Sacramento at Portland, 10 p.m.
New York at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 17
Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Golden State at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Washington at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Utah at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
San Antonio at New Orleans, 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 18
San Antonio at Orlando, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 19
L.A. Clippers at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Washington, 7 p.m.
Golden State at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Dallas at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Milwaukee at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Miami, 8 p.m.
Utah at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Toronto at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Charlotte at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 20
L.A. Lakers at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Golden State at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Indiana at Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
Miami at New Jersey, 8 p.m.
Houston at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Utah at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Toronto at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Denver at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 21
Detroit at Atlanta, 2 p.m.
New York at Boston, 6 p.m.
Dallas at Washington, 6 p.m.
Cleveland at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 22
Golden State at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Houston at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Portland at Denver, 9 p.m.
Toronto at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 23
New Jersey at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Houston at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Washington at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Golden State at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Utah at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Minnesota at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Memphis at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Denver at Portland, 10 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 25
New Orleans at Orlando, Noon
Washington at Cleveland, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Phoenix, 2:30 p.m.
Boston at L.A. Lakers, 5 p.m.
Dallas at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 26
Chicago at Miami, 5 p.m.
Charlotte at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Indiana at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Dallas at Utah, 9 p.m.
Philadelphia at Denver, 9 p.m.
Toronto at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Boston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 27
Oklahoma City at Washington, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Memphis at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Detroit at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Utah at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Toronto at Portland, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 28
Denver at New York, 1 p.m.
Dallas at L.A. Clippers, 3:30 p.m.
Miami at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Boston at Sacramento, 9 p.m.
Golden State at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 29
Denver at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Chicago at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Orlando at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Memphis at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Washington at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Utah, 9 p.m.
Toronto at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 30
Atlanta at Indiana, 7 p.m.
New York at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Minnesota at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Milwaukee at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Boston at Portland, 10 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 31
New Jersey at Detroit, 3 p.m.
Denver at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Chicago, 2 p.m.
Milwaukee at Houston, 7 p.m.
Golden State at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 2
Miami at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Houston at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Sacramento at Detroit, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Denver at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Charlotte at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
New Orleans at Portland, 10 p.m.
Utah at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 3
Sacramento at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Houston at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Denver, 9 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 4
Orlando at Toronto, 1 p.m.
Cleveland at Washington, 1 p.m.
Detroit at L.A. Clippers, 3:30 p.m.
Dallas at Memphis, 4 p.m.
Boston at New York, 6 p.m.
Portland at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 5
San Antonio at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Sacramento at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Utah, 9 p.m.
Indiana at Denver, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 6
Washington at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Houston at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Boston at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Memphis, 8 p.m.
New York at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Sacramento at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 7
Toronto at Washington, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Houston at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Utah, 9 p.m.
Miami at Denver, 9 p.m.
Indiana at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Detroit at Portland, 10 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 8
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
New York at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 9
Memphis at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Boston at Cleveland, 8 p.m.
Houston at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Washington at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
New Jersey at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Detroit at Denver, 9 p.m.
Dallas at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.
Miami at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Indiana at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 10
Charlotte at Washington, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
New York at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Detroit at Utah, 9 p.m.
Golden State at Portland, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 11
Boston at Toronto, 1 p.m.
Philadelphia at Atlanta, 2 p.m.
Phoenix at L.A. Clippers, 3:30 p.m.
Orlando at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Dallas at Sacramento, 9 p.m.
Indiana at Golden State, 9 p.m.
Miami at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 12
Milwaukee at Washington, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
New York at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Portland at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Indiana at Utah, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 13
Charlotte at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Miami at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Cleveland at Memphis, 8 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Dallas at Denver, 9 p.m.
Orlando at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 14
Portland at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Indiana, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Utah at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Miami at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, 9 p.m.
Sacramento at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.
Atlanta at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 15
Portland at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 16
Toronto at Indiana, 7 p.m.
New York at Washington, 7 p.m.
San Antonio at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at Cleveland, 8 p.m.
Detroit at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Utah at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Minnesota at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Milwaukee at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Orlando at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17
Boston at New Jersey, 1 p.m.
Portland at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Miami at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
San Antonio at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Utah at Dallas, 9 p.m.
Orlando at Denver, 9 p.m.
Milwaukee at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 18
Phoenix at Toronto, 1 p.m.
Miami at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 19
Chicago at New York, 1 p.m.
Dallas at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
San Antonio at Charlotte, 2 p.m.
Toronto at Atlanta, 2 p.m.
Phoenix at Boston, 8 p.m.
Denver at Houston, 2 p.m.
Indiana at New Orleans, 3:30 p.m.
Detroit at Memphis, 5:30 p.m.
Minnesota at L.A. Clippers, 3:30 p.m.
Washington at Golden State, 4 p.m.
Milwaukee at Portland, 10 p.m.
Cleveland at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 20
Indiana at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Utah, 9 p.m.
Sacramento at Denver, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 21
Memphis at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Phoenix at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Boston at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
New Jersey at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Dallas at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Utah at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Portland, 10 p.m.
Washington at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 22
Boston at Orlando, 8 p.m.
Washington at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 23
Phoenix at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Detroit, 7 p.m.
Houston at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at New York, 7:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Toronto at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24
New York at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
New Jersey at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Utah, 9 p.m.
Washington at Portland, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 25
Dallas at Boston, 1 p.m.
San Antonio at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m.
Sacramento at Toronto, 6 p.m.
Phoenix at Atlanta, 6 p.m.
Houston at Detroit, 6:30 p.m.
Charlotte at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Minnesota, 7 p.m.
Utah at Denver, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Golden State, 9 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 26
Phoenix at Washington, 7 p.m.
Houston at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
New Jersey at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Minnesota at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Portland at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 27
Indiana at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Sacramento at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Denver at Memphis, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Utah, 9 p.m.
Charlotte at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 28
Milwaukee at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Sacramento at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Detroit at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Denver at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Golden State at Dallas, 9 p.m.
Charlotte at Portland, 10 p.m.
Chicago at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 29
Cleveland at Orlando, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30
Washington at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Miami at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Boston at Detroit, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Golden State at New Orleans, 9:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Utah, 9 p.m.
Charlotte at Denver, 9 p.m.
Chicago at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31
New Jersey at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New York at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Washington, 8 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
New Orleans at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Chicago at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Utah at Portland, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 1
Minnesota at Boston, Noon
Orlando at Toronto, Noon
Cleveland at Detroit, 2:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 2
Dallas at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Memphis at Washington, 7 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Portland at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Charlotte at Utah, 9 p.m.
San Antonio at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 3
Minnesota at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Boston at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
San Antonio at Denver, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 4
L.A. Lakers at Toronto, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Washington, 7 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Miami at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Denver at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Atlanta at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Houston at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Portland at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Phoenix at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 5
Indiana at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Boston, 8 p.m.
Dallas at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 6
Atlanta at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Boston at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Washington, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Toronto at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Portland at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.
Utah at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7
L.A. Clippers at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Miami at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Denver at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Detroit at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Chicago at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Houston, 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 8
San Antonio at Boston, 1 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Cleveland, 3:30 p.m.
New Jersey at Orlando, 6 p.m.
Indiana at Washington, 6 p.m.
Charlotte at Miami, 6 p.m.
New York at Portland, 6 p.m.
Minnesota at New Orleans, 7 p.m.
Sacramento at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.
Phoenix at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Utah at Golden State, 9 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 9
L.A. Clippers at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Phoenix at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Houston at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 10
Washington at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Indiana, 7 p.m.
San Antonio at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Toronto at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Detroit at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
New York at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 11
San Antonio at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Memphis at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Washington at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Phoenix at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Denver at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Boston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Indiana at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Utah, 9 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Portland, 10 p.m.
New York at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 12
Miami at Chicago, 7 p.m.
Boston at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.
Portland at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 15
All-Star game at Phoenix, TBA

Tuesday, Feb. 17
Charlotte at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Washington, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
San Antonio at New York, 7:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Memphis at Utah, 9 p.m.
Atlanta at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 18
Cleveland at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Indiana at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
Chicago at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Orlando at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Memphis at Portland, 10 p.m.
Atlanta at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Phoenix at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 19
San Antonio at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Boston at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 20
Orlando at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Toronto at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at New Jersey, 8 p.m.
Indiana at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Dallas at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Denver at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
Atlanta at Portland, 10 p.m.
New Orleans at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 21
Philadelphia at Miami, 3:30 p.m.
San Antonio at Washington, 7 p.m.
Sacramento at Dallas, 9 p.m.
New Orleans at Utah, 9 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 22
Chicago at Indiana, Noon
New York at Toronto, Noon
Boston at Phoenix, 2:30 p.m.
Denver at Milwaukee, 5 p.m.
Charlotte at Houston, 5 p.m.
Miami at Orlando, 5:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Portland, 6 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Minnesota, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Cleveland, 8 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 23
Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Boston at Denver, 9 p.m.
Atlanta at Utah, 9 p.m.
New Orleans at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Golden State at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 24
Memphis at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Orlando at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Portland at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Dallas at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Charlotte at Phoenix, 9 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 25
Memphis at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Washington, 7 p.m.
Chicago at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Orlando at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Utah at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Detroit at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Milwaukee at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Portland at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Atlanta at Denver, 9 p.m.
Charlotte at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Boston at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 26
Cleveland at Houston, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 27
Chicago at Washington, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at New Orleans, 7 p.m.
Miami at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Portland at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Cleveland at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Denver, 9 p.m.
Toronto at Phoenix, 9 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Charlotte at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 28
Orlando at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New York at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Washington at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Houston at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Sacramento at Utah, 9 p.m.
Charlotte at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 1
Detroit at Boston, 1 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 3:30 p.m.
Cleveland at Atlanta, 6 p.m.
New Orleans at New Jersey, 6 p.m.
Denver at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Houston at Minnesota, 7 p.m.
San Antonio at Portland, 8 p.m.
Toronto at Dallas, 9 p.m.
Utah at Golden State, 9 p.m.

Monday, March 2
New Orleans at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Washington, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Dallas at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 3
Chicago at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Phoenix at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Denver at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
New Jersey at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Toronto at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Indiana at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Memphis at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 4
Milwaukee at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Phoenix at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Boston at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Atlanta at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Houston at Utah, 9 p.m.
San Antonio at Dallas, 9 p.m.
Indiana at Portland, 10 p.m.
Memphis at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 5
Dallas at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Portland at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, March 6
Atlanta at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Miami at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Boston, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Milwaukee at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Phoenix at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Washington at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
Denver at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 7
Detroit at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Miami at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Oklahoma City at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Washington at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Portland, 10 p.m.
Indiana at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 8
Utah at Toronto, 12:30 p.m.
Orlando at Boston, 1 p.m.
Phoenix at San Antonio, 3:30 p.m.
New York at New Jersey, 6 p.m.
Memphis at Houston, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Oklahoma City, 7 p.m.
Denver at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Monday, March 9
New Orleans at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Chicago at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Washington at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Houston at Denver, 9 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Portland, 10 p.m.

Tuesday, March 10
Utah at Indiana, 7 p.m.
New York at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Charlotte at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Dallas at Phoenix, 10 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Cleveland at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 11
Utah at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at Washington, 7 p.m.
New York at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Boston at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Denver, 9 p.m.
Dallas at Portland, 10 p.m.
New Jersey at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 12
L.A. Lakers at San Antonio, 8 p.m.
Cleveland at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, March 13
Houston at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Orlando at Washington, 7 p.m.
Indiana at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
New York at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
New Jersey at Portland, 10 p.m.
Cleveland at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Dallas at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 14
Utah at Miami, 1 p.m.
Charlotte at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
San Antonio at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Denver, 9 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 15
Indiana at Toronto, 12:30 p.m.
New York at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Memphis at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Boston at Milwaukee, 1 p.m.
Miami at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.
Portland at Atlanta, 1 p.m.
Dallas at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 p.m.
Utah at Orlando, 6 p.m.
Sacramento at Washington, 6 p.m.
Phoenix at Golden State, 9 p.m.
New Jersey at L.A. Clippers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, March 16
Toronto at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Portland at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Houston at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at Denver, 9 p.m.

Tuesday, March 17
Orlando at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Sacramento at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Boston at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Detroit at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Washington at Utah, 9 p.m.
Philadelphia at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 18
Portland at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Sacramento at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Miami at Boston, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Chicago at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Denver at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Orlando at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Detroit at Houston, 9:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Phoenix, 10 p.m.
Washington at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 19
Dallas at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Portland at Cleveland, 8 p.m.
Golden State at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, March 20
Charlotte at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Miami at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Sacramento at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Utah at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Memphis at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Boston at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Washington at Denver, 9 p.m.
Philadelphia at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 21
Atlanta at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Indiana at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
New York at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Boston at Memphis, 8 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Portland at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Washington at Phoenix, 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 22
Miami at Detroit, 1 p.m.
Houston at San Antonio, 1 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Toronto, 3:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.
Cleveland at New Jersey, 6 p.m.
Golden State at New Orleans, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Monday, March 23
Minnesota at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Washington, 7 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Orlando at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at Phoenix, 10 p.m.
Philadelphia at Portland, 10 p.m.

Tuesday, March 24
Detroit at Chicago, 8 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Golden State at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Houston at Utah, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25
San Antonio at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Miami at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Minnesota at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Washington, 7 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Denver at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Boston at Orlando, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Utah at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, March 26
L.A. Lakers at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Miami at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, March 27
Milwaukee at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Toronto, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Boston at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Denver at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Memphis at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Saturday, March 28
Indiana at Chicago, 2 p.m.
New York at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Washington, 7 p.m.
Milwaukee at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
Golden State at Denver, 9 p.m.
Phoenix at Utah, 9 p.m.
Memphis at Portland, 10 p.m.

Sunday, March 29
Dallas at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Atlanta, 3:30 p.m.
New Jersey at Minnesota, 3:30 p.m.
Chicago at Toronto, 3:30 p.m.
Philadelphia at Detroit, 6 p.m.
Washington at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Boston, 7 p.m.
San Antonio at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Sacramento, 9 p.m.

Monday, March 30
Orlando at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Milwaukee at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
New York at Utah, 9 p.m.
Memphis at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, March 31
L.A. Lakers at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Detroit at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Dallas at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Oklahoma City at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
New York at Denver, 9 p.m.
Utah at Portland, 10 p.m.
New Orleans at Sacramento, 10 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1
Toronto at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Charlotte at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Detroit at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Washington at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Miami at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Houston at Phoenix, 10 p.m.
New Orleans at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.
Sacramento at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 2
Milwaukee at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Washington, 8 p.m.
Utah at Denver, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, April 3
Miami at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
San Antonio at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Dallas at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Cleveland at Orlando, 8 p.m.
Portland at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Minnesota at Utah, 9 p.m.
Sacramento at Phoenix, 10 p.m.
New Orleans at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.
Houston at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 4
Toronto at New York, 1 p.m.
New Jersey at Chicago, 2 p.m.
Detroit at Philadelphia, 3 p.m.
Orlando at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Miami at Washington, 7 p.m.
Memphis at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Denver, 9 p.m.

Sunday, April 5
San Antonio at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Phoenix at Dallas, 3:30 p.m.
Charlotte at Detroit, 6 p.m.
New York at Toronto, 6 p.m.
Utah at New Orleans, 7 p.m.
Portland at Houston, 7 p.m.
Denver at Minnesota, 7 p.m.
Philadelphia at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Golden State at Sacramento, 9 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7
Philadelphia at Charlotte, 7 p.m.
Atlanta at Toronto, 7 p.m.
New Orleans at Miami, 7:30 p.m.
Portland at Memphis, 8 p.m.
San Antonio at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
Orlando at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
New York at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Minnesota at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8
Memphis at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Washington at Cleveland, 7 p.m.
New Jersey at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Detroit at New York, 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix at New Orleans, 8 p.m.
Atlanta at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Portland at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Denver, 9 p.m.
Utah at Dallas, 9:30 p.m.
Minnesota at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 9
Philadelphia at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Houston at Sacramento, 10 p.m.
Denver at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Friday, April 10
New York at Orlando, 7 p.m.
Cleveland at Philadelphia, 7 p.m.
Miami at Boston, 7:30 p.m.
Indiana at Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at Detroit, 8 p.m.
Phoenix at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Washington at Toronto, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
Utah at San Antonio, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Lakers at Portland, 10 p.m.
Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.
Sacramento at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 11
Detroit at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Orlando at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Phoenix at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
Charlotte at Chicago, 8:30 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Milwaukee, 8:30 p.m.
Golden State at Utah, 9 p.m.
Portland at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 12
Dallas at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Boston at Cleveland, 3:30 p.m.
New York at Miami, 6 p.m.
Philadelphia at Toronto, 6 p.m.
San Antonio at Sacramento, 9 p.m.
Memphis at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 p.m.

Monday, April 13
Cleveland at Indiana, 7 p.m.
Toronto at Washington, 7 p.m.
Chicago at Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Charlotte at New Jersey, 7:30 p.m.
Orlando at Milwaukee, 8 p.m.
Minnesota at Dallas, 8:30 p.m.
New Orleans at Houston, 8:30 p.m.
L.A. Clippers at Utah, 9 p.m.
Sacramento at Denver, 9 p.m.
Memphis at Phoenix, 10 p.m.
Oklahoma City at Portland, 10 p.m.
San Antonio at Golden State, 10:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 14
Miami at Atlanta, 7 p.m.
Boston at Philadelphia, 8 p.m.
Utah at L.A. Lakers, 10:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15
Atlanta at Memphis, 8 p.m.
Detroit at Miami, 8 p.m.
Sacramento at Minnesota, 8 p.m.
New Jersey at New York, 8 p.m.
Charlotte at Orlando, 8 p.m.
New Orleans at San Antonio, 8 p.m.
Milwaukee at Indiana, 8 p.m.
Houston at Dallas, 8 p.m.
Philadelphia at Cleveland, 8 p.m.
Toronto at Chicago, 8 p.m.
Washington at Boston, 8 p.m.
Oklahoma City at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m.
Golden State at Phoenix, 10:30 p.m.
Denver at Portland, 10:30 p.m.

Cassell will reportedly play, then coach Celtics - by Eurobasket News
Guard Sam Cassell (191-G-69, college: Florida St.) says he will become an assistant coach for the Boston Celtics after playing the 2008-09 season with the defending champions, according to the Baltimore Sun.

'This is my last year playing for the Celtics, the 38-year-old veteran told the newspaper. 'Next week, I'll sign the contract.'

Cassell said he plans to exercise an option in the new contract to join the coaching staff. Team spokesman Brian Olive declined to comment to the newspaper.

Cassell, a member of three title teams, had important role in Boston last season. He averaged 6.7 points and 2.9 assists.

Courtesy of http://nbcsports.com/

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


Former USC Jefferson signs with Maccabi Haifa - by Eurobasket News
Former USC basketball player Davon Jefferson (6'8''-F-86, college: USC) has signed with the Maccabi Haifa Heat of the Israeli Premier League it was announced this week.

Jefferson was named to the Pac-10 All-Freshman team for the 2007-08 season after he had one of the finest freshman seasons in USC history. The forward played in 29 games and averaged 12.1 points and 6.3 rebounds for the Trojans, both second best on the team. He cracked into USC's all-time freshman top 10 in points (8th -351), points per game (T-8th -12.1), field goal percentage (3rd - .575), free throws made (6th - 71), blocks (8th - 28) and rebounds (4th - 182).

Jefferson had his biggest collegiate game on Jan. 19, 2008 at UCLA, scoring 25 points and grabbing nine rebounds to lead USC to a 72-63 win over the No. 4 Bruins. Jefferson scored in double figures 19 times and had 12 games of seven or more rebounds.

The Maccabi Haifa Heat held a two-day tryout at Nova Southeastern University in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. on July 28-29 and Jefferson was one of 60 players to compete for a roster spot.

Courtesy of www.ncaa.com

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


Dillon Boucher glad to be back with family - by Eurobasket News
There's a fine line between love and hate when it comes to Dillon Boucher (196-G-75).

It's hard to find a bigger devotee of the Breakers than the 32-year-old but for three years he despised the franchise.

'I hated them,' he says. 'I hated the Breakers, purely because I wasn't on the team. I didn't hate the players or [coach] Andrej Lemanis. I hated the fact there was a team in New Zealand and I wasn't part of it.

'Every time I played them I wanted to beat them. It wasn't a case of sour grapes. It was the competitiveness in me and wanting to prove I was good enough to come back and play for that team. I wanted to finish my career here and that's what I see happening. I will be here as long as the club wants me.'

That's the thing. Boucher is back with the Breakers. Back with the family that previously split after a messy divorce.

A number of signs litter the walls of the specially constructed Breakers training facility on the North Shore. 'Team is everything', 'integrity', 'respect' they remind everyone.

Motivational messages are de rigeur these days and Boucher seems to like them. In conversation he reprises another, 'in the chest, not in the back'.

In the case of the 196cm small forward, it's particularly appropriate. It's the way he will approach his second stint with the Auckland-based outfit.

You could say he was both the knife wielder and victim at the end of his previous time with the Breakers in 2004. It was an episode that ended ugly.

A frustrated Boucher sent a text message to former coach and mentor Jeff Green about coach Frank Arsego. Green made the message public and, not long after, Boucher's contract was not renewed.

Arsego was sacked as coach soon after and others, such as Pero Cameron and chief executive Peter Chapman, were also shown the door.

It's an affair that still hurts Boucher, even three years later, but he realises he was partly to blame for his demise at a club he desperately wanted to play for. He has returned older and, seemingly, a lot wiser.

'I wasn't the model player or model team-mate. I spoke up when I thought things weren't right with the coach last time and it backfired and probably burnt me.

'It's one thing I have learned as a player and professional. Sometimes it's better to shut your mouth and go along with it rather than be passionate about what you're doing and speak up.

'I really feel that was a big reason why the team got rid of me. They saw me as starting fires where they didn't need to be started. But Frank ended up being fired anyway, so maybe they were listening in one ear and not the other.

'I don't regret it, not at all. I'm a passionate person. I regret how I went about it and not speaking to Frank about his weaknesses but I don't regret speaking up.

Courtesy of http://www.nzherald.co.nz/

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


Capaccio to work with semi-pro Sea Dawgs - by Eurobasket News
The former UNC-Wilmington athletic director was named director of basketball operations of the Wilmington Sea Dawgs on Friday. The third-year semi-pro team is preparing for its second season in the Premier Basketball League.

Capaccio, who works full time as the director of development for Brunswick Community College, said the position is unpaid.

Ive known (co-owner) Pete Gratale a long time. Petes a good friend of mine, he said. He was just looking for somebody to help get this thing off the ground.

Its just something Im doing to help him get that thing going in the right direction.

Capaccios first order of business is helping the team hire a new head coach. He said the organization is in negotiations with a college coach and hopes to be able to announce the new coach in the next couple days.

The Sea Dawgs have been without a coach since Kevin Whitted resigned in April. Whitted helped found the team and led the Sea Dawgs to playoff appearances in both seasons, the first year in the American Basketball Association and the second in the upstart PBL. He compiled a 33-18 record.

Capaccio will be responsible for choosing a coaching staff, player recruitment and building business partnerships, according to a press release. He said he is seeking to boost the profile of the team in the community. Despite the teams winning record, the Sea Dawgs have struggled to build a solid fan base in their first two seasons. Playing at Cape Fear Community College's Schwartz Center, the team often played to crowds of less than 1,000 people.

We are just working on the internal operations to make sure that were doing everything in as a professional manner as we can, Capaccio said. Were really looking at how things are done internally.

Capaccio was fired in April 2007 after two years as UNCW athletic director. He joined the university in 1999 as director of basketball operations and took over as executive director of the Seahawk Club, the schools fundraiser, in 2002.

'Mike has been serving as one of our 'unofficial advisers' for some time,' Gratale said in the release. 'His knowledge and love of the game, along with his expertise in managing athletes and staff will go a long ways to helping us achieve our long-term organizational goals.

Courtesy of http://www.starnewsonline.com/

*****************************************************
  PORTUGAL   


Belenenses news - by Luis Rocha
After a turn back in the decision to not participate in Liga, Belenenses is trying to put a roster togheter with much less money then expected and without many portuguese players to turn to. The president of the club took the decision to end with basketball, but after that he also decided to resign. An admnistrative board was put togeter, and they keep basketball in the cliub. Some players who were confirmed in the roster, after the first decision, went away to other clubs. Now its time to try and rebuild something worth while. some talks made mention to names as Justin Taylor (183-G-88) and David Paris (206-F-84, college: California) to be near the club, as well as Francisco Rodrigues (192-G-78) (194-G-78) and Anastacio Sami (207-C-76) those names are not yet confirmed by the new admnistrators. Though job for coach Artur Cruz in his first time as a head coach in Belenenses.

Portugal used 20-6 in the third to upset Estonia in Tallinn - by Eurobasket News
Estonia-Portugal 54:60

It took four games for Portugal to get the initial win in Group B of EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. Portugal had a road win over Estonia in Tallinn 54:60 to tie them with 1-3 record. A 20-6 in the third quarter was decisive in the game even though Estonia bounced back with 24-8 in the last. Paulo Cunha (199-G/F-80) led the winners with 21 points to the first win. Carlos Andrade (197-F-78, agency: Players Group, college: Queens (NC)) netted 8, while Miguel Miranda (205-F-78), Costa and Santos scored 7 points apiece. Gert Dorbek (190-G-85) and Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71) posted 12 points each in the losing effort.
Estonian team started with 6-0 run and it was not expected that even in the opening quarter the hosts would trail. Portugal bounced back with 7-0 run and then finished the first at 18:12. Paulo Cunha scored for 30:20 in the middle of the second as Portugal started to dominate the court. It was him again to send the teams to the lockers for 32:24 at the halftime.
A nightmare saw the hosts in the third period when Portugal made whatever they wanted. Santos posted two for 44:24 and then Paulo Cunha nailed three almost with the buzzer. Portugal won the period 20:6 that gave them 52:30 after the thirty minutes of the game. In the last stanza Estonia tried to recover and managed to produce 24:8 in the period. The hosts reduced to 54:60 but as it became clear it was the end of the game.

Estonia: Gert Dorbek 12, Gert Kullamae 12
Portugal: Paulo Cunha 21, Carlos Andrade 8, Miguel Miranda 7, Costa 7, Santos 7

Ginasio signs 3 foreign players and CAB signed Mario Jorge - by Bruno Baltazar
Ginasio just signed their 3 foreign players to battle in the new LPB season.
The first american player is Dustin Brown (202-F-83, college: Loyola Marymount) a well known in Portugal because last season he played in Proliga for Sampaense averaging in 15 games 17.7ppg, 10.1rpg, 1.6apg.He is forward,25 years old.
The 2nd american player comes from NCAA2 where he was at the dunk competition ,lead his college of August State to the ncaa2 final and goes by the name of Tyrekus Bowman (196-F-86) but known as AJ Bowman,forward,6'5,22 years old ,and last season he did the fallowing averages in 34 games: 19.8ppg, 7.5rpg, 2.0apg, 1.2bpg, 1.4spg, FGP: 52.6%, 3PT: 32.6%, FT: 72.0%

The last american player is John Torfon ,center,2.09m that will help them inside.To remember they already signed portuguese players such as Jose Costa and Joao Manuel from CAB and Joaquim Soares from Vagos .

In other news CAB signed Mario Jorge (190-G/F-77) for another season.

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


CSKA, Dynamo won, Lokomotiv Rostov loses in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
CSKA played its second game in the Italian tour. Playing with the team from the second division CSKA got the confident win over Reyer Venice. The champions grabbed 22:17 lead and increased to 8-point advantage at the halftime. Reyer did not think of giving up and produced 21:16 in the third quarter to cut the deficit. CSKA pushed the tempo in the last stanza to take the victory from the city on water. Matjaz Smodis (205-F-79) paced all the winners with 13 points. Lorbek nailed 12, Alexei Savrasenko (215-C-79) and Langdon added 10.
Lokomotiv Rostov lost to Slovenian Pivovarna 78:82. It was however and even game where the Russian squad also could win. DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tuskegee) led the winners with 25 points, whilst Morgunov nailed 16.
Dynamo overcame Neptunas from Lithuania 86:70. That was the first game of the International tournament Time Team. The hosts opened the game with 20:17 and remained even until in the game. Dynamo produced 21:18 in the second quarter to tie the game at the half time. Later after 19:17 the Russian squad improved to 2-point advantage and stormed past Neptunas in the last stanza. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 15 points and Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) collected 13 points and 15 rebounds. Jannero Pargo (187-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) netted 13 as well and Monia had 11.

*****************************************************
  SERBIA   


Tripkovic leads Serbia over Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Hungary-Serbia 61:89

Serbia won another game to remain on top of Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. The team had a road win over Hungary 61:89 on Saturday. Taking the lead in the first quarter Serbia never looked behind and clinched the fifth win. Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Zoran Erceg (211-C/F-85) had 13, whilst Perovic posted 12. Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) led Hungary with 11, while Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) and Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 9.
Vujanicm opened the game from the arc and together with his squad proved the ambitions for the game. Hungary did not give up and even tasted some lead in the period. After 22:20 for Serbia, the team added 6 more points to close the period at 28:20. The second stanza became offensive as especially Serbia enjoyed it more. Uros Tripkovic made the score 45:26 with 5 minutes to play in the second period. With 28:15 the guests won the third and improved to 56:35 entering the last period. Velickovic scored for 87:57 as the teams were on the way to finish the game. Serbia tried to get three digits, while Hungary thought of how to get closer. Kaman set up the final 61:89 score as Hungary dropped at 2-5.

Hungary: Istvan Nemeth 11, Erno Sitku 9, Marton Fodor 9
Serbia: Uros Tripkovic 20, Zoran Erceg 13, Perovic 12

*****************************************************
  SLOVAKIA   


Georgia conquers Division B - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic - Georgia 78:101

Georgia looks too good in Division B of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. Tonight the team improved to 3-0 record after a road win over Slovak Republic. Spisska Nova Ves saw a 78:101 loss of their locals that fell to 0-2. NBA star Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) led the winners with 27 points. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) posted 20, while Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) added 17. Richard Lesko ended up with 19 points, while Radoslav Rancik (207-F/C-79, college: St.Cloud St.) scored 17 in defeat.
Georgia scored first three points in the game but then got 8 in their basket. Tsintsadze tied the game for the guests at 8:8 and then Georgia only stayed in front. Radoslav Rancik could only cut the deficit at the end of the opening quarter for 17:31. The tempo did not fall in the second period and the favorites were led by the top players. Boisa sent the teams to the lockers for 30:57 visitors advantage.
Tyrone Ellis made it 60:30 in the beginning of the third and it became clear that Georgia would not lose the game. Gamqrelidze closed the third from the arc for 85:53. The tasks for the last period were different for both teams. Slovakia tried not to allow Georgia to post three digits, while the latter desire to have 100. With 30 seconds to play in the fourth Berishvili nailed a three as his team saw 101 on the board. A great game by the guests improved them to 3-0 record and will send them top Sweden on September 17th to prove the ambitions.

Slovak Republic: Richard Lesko 19, Radoslav Rancik 17
Georgia: Zaza Pachulia 27, Tyrone Ellis 20, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 17

*****************************************************
  SPAIN   


Pre-Season Round Up (Sat 13 games) - by Paul Nilsen
Tenerife pulled off a memorable 90-88 and thrilling win against reigning play-off champions Tau Ceramica in front of 1,000 excited locals writes www.acb-basket.com. The victory all the more remarkable since the home team were down by double figures going into the final period but completed a 27-14 run in the last ten minutes to secure the win. A rare Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) error turning the ball over vital in the closing moments. At least he did top score in the game with 27 points while Pablo Prigioni had 19 and Wil McDonald 11. Baskonia are still however looking short inside without the services of star forward Tiago Splitter while players like Mirza Teletovic are still on Eurobasket duty.

Thomas Kelati continues to impress for Unicaja as the Costa Del Sol club moved into the final of the Trofeo Castell dAro with a 73-67 win over Ukrainian outfit Donetsk. Brazilian centre Vitor Faverani (209-C-88) and local hero Cabezas also stood out for Malaga although the win was soured by an injury to Boniface NDong although it isnt said to be serious. Unicaja will face Ricoh Manresa in the final.

Finally an all Euroleague affair in Giessen, Germany where Barcelona almost blew a 22 point lead at 48-26 early in the game to narrowly clinch an 81-77 win over the Croatians. Fran Vazquez excelled with 18 points while big signings Navarro and Anderson both also got into double figures for the Catalans. Xavi Pascual will be pleased with another win but not so happy with a 20-0 Cibona run which allowed them to get back into the game during the third quarter. Thankfully they ACB side regained control sufficiently to see the game out in the closing minutes of the last period.

Wolkowyski, objective of AG Fuenlabrada - by Francisco Martinez

Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada has sent an offer sheet to the Argentienan center Ruben Wolkowyski (207-C-73). The offer is a temporal contract due to the injury of Rafael Vidaurreta (205-F-77, college: Wake Forest), who will be sidelined for beginning of the season and the last part of the preseason.


Ruben Wolkowyski has been member of th Argentinean National Team for several seasons, and he has won titles, the most important of them is the Gold Medal got in Athens'04.



*****************************************************
  SWITZERLAND   


Belarus handed Switzerland their first loss in Division B - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland - Belarus 77:81

Belarus handed Switzerland their first loss in Division B, Group B and remained undefeated. The winners had a road 77:81 win to improve to 2-0 record. Heorhi Kandrusevich (197-F-78, agency: Promotex) and Dmitri Kuzmin (197-G-75) paced the winners with 16 points each. Yegor Meshcharakou (205-F-76, agency: Octagon, college: George Washington) nailed 13, while Aliaksandr Pustahvar (200-G/F-85) scored 8. Oliver Vogt (209-C-80) finished the night with 17 points for the hosts, while Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) had 14 and Florent Ramseier (198-F-90) collected 13 points and 12 rebounds.
Stockalper posted first two points in the game of two undefeated teams at that time in the group. Trailing 5:2 Belarus created 8-0 run and grabbed 10:5 advantage. The hosts also did not wait for a long time and after some baskets Louissaint the first at 23:18. In the second period the score was even for four times. Only in the end of the half the visitors were managed to post some in a row and had 42:38 entering the third period. Belarus controlled the game in the third and increased to 10-point deficit, 44:54. Switzerland resisted again and Mafuta even closed the third at 57:56 for the hosts. Dusan Mladjan made it 69:69 with less than 3 minutes to play in the last period. Belarus got their last points only from the free throw line but that was enough to seal the victory. The team triumphed in Lugano and brings the win back home.

Switzerland: Oliver Vogt 17, Dusan Mladjan 14, Florent Ramseier 13+12 rebs
Belarus: Heorhi Kandrusevich 16, Dmitri Kuzmin 16, Yegor Meshcharakou 13, Aliaksandr Pustahvar 8

*****************************************************
  TURKEY   


Karsiyaka testing Mims - by Sinan Can
TURKISH Basketball League's Izmir tesam Pinar Karsiyaka is testing Ralph Mims (191-G-85) as the fourth foreigner of the team. Mims who graduated from Florida St. this year averaged 11.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.7 asists and 1.7 steals at his senior year. Young guards first appearance was against Aliaga Petkimspor in a friendly last week as he scored 14 points in 13 minutes and impressed Pinar Karsiyaka coach Ayhan Kalyoncu. It looks like green-reds will sign the player for the season. Izmir's other team Aliaga Petkim is in a search for an athletic post player. It's been rumoured that TBL newcomers are in talks with Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) who got cut from Miami Heat last week.

Banvit BC loses the first in Germany - by Eurobasket News
Banvit BC lost the opener of the international tournament in Giessen being defeated by Croatian Cibona. The latter celebrated 87:80 despite losing Vedran Vukusic for the injury list. Turkish players couldn't find a solution how to stop Davor Kus (190-G-78) and Earl Calloway (190-G-83, college: Indiana). Davor Kus led the winners with 23 points. Earl Calloway collected 20 points and 4 assists, while Rozic added 9. Lance Williams (206-C-80, college: De Paul) top-scored for the Turkish side with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Joe Crispin (186-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Penn St.) netted 20, while Dalron Johnson (206-F-81, college: UNLV) collected 15 points and 9 boards.
Banvit BC opened the game with 23:19 to win the opening quarter of the game. Croatian side answered immediately with 13-0 run to take 32:23. It was a tough end of the second period that brought 45:41 at the halftime. The game remained close and even until 66:65 in the third period. Later on Cibona dominated the court and led to the win. Croatian team had 78:67 later in the fourth and then 87:80 at the end.
In another game Barcelona was better than Giessen 46ers 91:69.

Banvit BC: Lance Williams 21+10 rebs, Joe Crispin 20, Dalron Johnson 15+9 rebs
Cibona Zagreb: Davor Kus 23, Earl Calloway 20+4 ast, Rozic 9

Mithat Demirel returns to Turkey - by Eurobasket News
After one season out of Turkey, point guard Mithat Demirel (181-G-78) will return to it as a member of the newcomer to Beko TBL Erdemir. Turkish / German Demirel played last season for Bamberg averaging 4.2 ppg and 1.9 apg in 20 Bundesleague games. He also appeared 4 times in Euroleague adding 4 ppg, 1.8 rpg and 1.3 apg. Demirel started 07/08 in Italian Scafati but he left in November after just seven games. His digits in Serie A were 2.1 ppg and 1 spg. In January this year Demirel moved to Bamberg. He played for the Germans last summer on European Championship in Spain adding 4.9 ppg and 1.2 rpg in 9 games. He also took a part on World Championship in Japan and Indianapolis as well as on European Championships in 2001, 2003 and 2005. In the past Mithat Demirel spent six seasons in German powerhouse ALBA Berlin. He won four championship titles and also 3 German National Cups, all with ALBA Berlin. In 2003 he was named 'Eurobasket.com All-German Bundesliga Player of the Year'. On season 05/06 Demirel played for Besiktas Cola Turka. In 10 ULEB Cup games he had 3.6 ppg and 1.8 apg. His team reached play-off semifinals while the same achievement in 2007 had his Galatasaray Cafe Crown.

Turkey stormed past Ukraine to remain unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Turkey 64:86

Turkish National team was not afraid to travel to Kiev after Ukraine defeated France there. The favorite of the group proved their ambitions with 86:64 win to improve to 4-0 record. Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) led all the winners with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) ended up with 13, while Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) scored 11.Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) top-scored for the hosts with 22 points, while Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) netted 14.
Ukraine dropped to the bottom of the group and now has 1-3 record.
Rostyslav Kryvych scored first two points of the game as Ukraine flew to take the lead from the start. The local fans tried to forget the upset in Belgium but remembered strong Ukraine against France. The team proved it after 13:5 in the opening tip. Turkey however answered with some baskets in the period and won the opening quarter with 17:16. Even though the teams stayed close in the second period Ukraine could not tie the game. Ender Arslan sent the teams to the lockers for 40:34 Turkish lead.
The third quarter was decisive in the game as the guests decided the outcome of it. Turkey looked more organized and had better defensive skills versus locals. Ilyasovas jump-shot closed the thirty minutes of the game for 67:50 visitors advantage. It happened after Turkey stormed pat Ukraine in the third with 27:16. In order to prove the mastership the favorites of the group produced 19:14 in the last period and clinched the fourth consecutive win in the group. Rostyslav Kryvych's free throw was the last in the game that saw Ukrainian team dropping to the bottom.


Ukraine: Rostyslav Kryvych 22, Serhiy Lishchuk 14
Turkey: Kerem Gonlum 17, Ender Arslan 13, Hidayet Turkoglu 11

*****************************************************
  U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS   


Wake Forest to add 6 to its Sports Hall of Fame - by David Edole
Wake Forest will add six members to its Sports Hall of Fame later this month, including former basketball stars Tim Duncan (208-F-76, college: Wake Forest) and Randolph Childress. Also in the class are former basketball coach Dave Odom, triathlete Hunter Kemper, golfer Len Mattiace and Ernie Accorsi, a former NFL general manager.

Induction ceremonies will be the weekend of Sept. 26-27.

Duncan ('97) led the Deacons to four straight 20-win seasons, was a three-time All-America and first-team All-ACC pick and a two-time ACC player of the year. He is No. 2 in NCAA history with 481 career blocks and is one of 10 college players with 2,000 points and 1,500 rebounds.

Childress ('95) led Wake Forest to the 1995 ACC Tournament title by scoring a record 107 points in three games and hitting the winning basket in overtime in the final against North Carolina. He finished his career with 2,208 points (No. 2 at Wake Forest) and 329 3-pointers (No. 2 in ACC history).

Odom, who recently retired at South Carolina, was Wake Forest's head coach for 12 years (1989-2001) and posted a record of 240-132. He was a three-time ACC coach of the year, led the Deacons to 11 straight postseason tournaments, including seven NCAA berths, and ACC Tournament titles in 1995 and 1996.

Kemper ('98) was an All-ACC selection in 1997 after a second-place finish in the 10,000 meters, and he has gone on to compete in three Olympics. He finished seventh in the triathlon in Beijing last month.

Mattiace ('90) was first-team All-ACC and third-team All-America in 1987 and played on an NCAA championship team (1986) and an ACC championship team (1989).

Accorsi ('63) spent 36 years in the NFL, eventually built the New York Giants into one of the league's strongest franchises and was responsible for putting together most of the team that won the Super Bowl in Febuary. At Wake Forest, he was the sports editor of the Old Gold & Black and the sports director for WFDD.

*****************************************************
  UKRAINE   


Budivelnik wins the opener in the tournament in Lithuania - by Eurobasket News
Budivelnik overcame Valmiera 74:64 in the opener of the International Tournament in Lithuania. Both teams were invited to the Baltic country to play with local Neptunas and Russian Dynamo. Ukrainian side looked better throughout the game and went on an early lead, 16:12. Valmiera tried to even the game but lost another point in the second period. As a result the teams went to the lockers with 35:30 for Budivelnik. Latvian squad managed to get the winners in the third period and by the end of it trailed only 2. Ukrainian side however produced 24:16 to seal the win in the opener. Derrick Zimmerman (189-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi St.) led the winners with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Scott Merritt (208-F-82, college: Marquette) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds.

Alita won another game over Ukrainian team. Last night Mykolaiv had nothing to do but to accept 88:101 loss. Alita started confident and won the opening quarter 20:16. Lithuanian squad increased the advantage to 53:42 when the teams went to the lockers. Mykolaiv scored 23 points in the third and the last quarters respectively but could not close the gap. Aleksandr Gilevich (196-G-89) scored 22 points in defeat for 30 minutes in the game. Wilkins netted 15, while Silokovskiy had 13.

Turkey stormed past Ukraine to remain unbeaten - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-Turkey 64:86

Turkish National team was not afraid to travel to Kiev after Ukraine defeated France there. The favorite of the group proved their ambitions with 86:64 win to improve to 4-0 record. Kerem Gonlum (208-C/F-77) led all the winners with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) ended up with 13, while Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) scored 11.Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) top-scored for the hosts with 22 points, while Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) netted 14.
Ukraine dropped to the bottom of the group and now has 1-3 record.
Rostyslav Kryvych scored first two points of the game as Ukraine flew to take the lead from the start. The local fans tried to forget the upset in Belgium but remembered strong Ukraine against France. The team proved it after 13:5 in the opening tip. Turkey however answered with some baskets in the period and won the opening quarter with 17:16. Even though the teams stayed close in the second period Ukraine could not tie the game. Ender Arslan sent the teams to the lockers for 40:34 Turkish lead.
The third quarter was decisive in the game as the guests decided the outcome of it. Turkey looked more organized and had better defensive skills versus locals. Ilyasovas jump-shot closed the thirty minutes of the game for 67:50 visitors advantage. It happened after Turkey stormed pat Ukraine in the third with 27:16. In order to prove the mastership the favorites of the group produced 19:14 in the last period and clinched the fourth consecutive win in the group. Rostyslav Kryvych's free throw was the last in the game that saw Ukrainian team dropping to the bottom.


Ukraine: Rostyslav Kryvych 22, Serhiy Lishchuk 14
Turkey: Kerem Gonlum 17, Ender Arslan 13, Hidayet Turkoglu 11

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM   


Great Britain wins the third in a row - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain-Israel 96:86

After falling in Israel 92:102 in the opener of EuroBasket qualifying, Great Britain won the third in a row in Group B. Liverpool saw a 96:86 over Israel in Day 4 of the tournament. Pops Mensah-Bonsu (206-F-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington)led the winners with massive 22 points and 11 rebounds. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) ended up with 20 points and 6 rebounds, while Nick George (198-F-82, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Va Commonwealth) nailed 15. Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) finished the night with 24 points for Israel and Guy Pnini (201-F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) added 13.
The opening quarter of the game did not bring any team a comfortable lead. Luol Deng could give the Brits 22:19 at the end of the opening quarter. It was a push of the hosts that finally started to control the game in the second period. Pops Mensah-Bonsu with a lay-up gave his team 34:26 with 6 minutes in the half. It was him again for plus 11 later in the quarter. Hart closed the first half at 53:40 as the teams disappeared in the lockers.
The key run came in the first five minutes of the second half when Britain blew open a game. Nick George posted two for 61:49 as the Brits looked much better in the second half. After 23:14 in the period Freeland closed the third at 76:54. A tense final period saw Israel open with some baskets to cut the margin a bit. Israel pulled to within eight at 92-84 with 1:07 remaining before falling by 10. Pops Mensah-Bonsu set up the final, 96:86 score for the hosts.

Great Britain: Pops Mensah-Bonsu 22+11 rebs, Luol Deng 20+6 rebs, Nick George 15
Israel: Lior Eliyahu 24, Guy Pnini 13

Heat Sign Hrvoje Pervan - by George Manousidis
Guildford Heat are delighted to announce the signing of Croatian-born of 6' 7' small forward, Hrvoje Pervan (203-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Mercer), a player who should prove a valuable addition to the club's new look roster for the upcoming 2008-2009 season.

Born in Rijeka on March 10, 1984, Hrvoje comes to the BBL with an impressive CV. He has played under coach Josko Pulja and been a member of both the Croatian Cadet and Junior national teams and in a country in which basketball is a major sport (the former Yugoslavia won the World Championships three times). He also put in a two-year stint at Mercer University (2005-06 and 2006-07), whose NCAA Division 1 basketball team - the Mercer Bears - play in the Atlantic Sun Conference. In his second season in the US, Pervan averaged 8.3 points, 1.3 assists and 5.00 rebounds per game, with an impressive 33.8% success rate from three-point range. In terms of court time, the Croatian made substantial progress Stateside, averaging 9.8 minutes in 23 games in his first season and 21.1 in 29 games (17 starts) in his second.

His impressive performances and persona were enough to win him a starting five place with German outfit SCH Weurzburg Baskets last year. Pervan took full advantage of the opportunity, posting a 23.5 points per game average in the twenty-six games he played in.

Hrvoje has been described as a naturally strong and versatile player who causes match up problems for opponents thanks to his ability to play in the post. But his outside game is perhaps even stronger, as his three-point shooting statistics amply demonstrate. Hrvoje is fundamentally a team player whose high basketball IQ enables him to run the floor effectively and ensure that his team wins games.

Commenting on the signing, head coach, Paul James, said: 'Hrvoje is the kind of multi-faceted player I like to have on my teams. The fact that he can play in two or three different positions is what attracted me to him. He's a young player with a hunger for the game and I'm looking forward to working with him and the other new signings.'

The Heat's next home game will be the home leg of the Cup Winners Cup against the Marshall Milton Keynes Lions at the Guildford Spectrum on Sunday, September 14 - tip-off 3.00 pm, with the return fixture at the Bletchley Leisure Centre on September 19, tip- off 7.30 pm. The Heat's next BBL home game, the first home fixture of the season, will also be against the Milton Keynes Lions at Spectrum on Saturday, October 4, tip-off 7.00 pm.

Eagles Eye Pre-Season Double - by George Manousidis
Newcastle Eagles fans will be able to see former BBL Player of the Year Trey Moore (192-G-75, college: Mississippi St.) for the first time this Sunday when the club plays its second and final pre- season game having already secured a win against Team USA Select.

Fab Flournoy and his players face touring Lithuanian side Meresta Pakruojis looking to go into the crucial BBL curtain raiser against reigning play-off champions Guildford Heat on Friday 26 September in winning form.

Supporters have already been treated to a terrific debut display by another new recruit Reggie 'Action' Jackson who showcased his skills against USA Select and they will be hoping veteran Moore can make just as much of an impact when he pulls on an Eagles vest for the very first time.

Meresta Pakruojis offer a different challenge for the BBL league winners and are likely to provide a stiff test with Lithuanian pride always at stake when it comes to basketball since it is the number one sport in the country and a national obsession.

While senior Eagles players look to find form and fitness, the game provides another chance for the large crop of young stars to impress Flournoy. Sam Attah, Aaron Nielsen, Will Spragg and Jamie Glen all enjoyed substantial court time against USA Select and were pivotal in the victory.

England Under 18 Glen in particular was delighted with his debut and fans can look forward to having glimpse of the rising star in action.

The game with Meresta Pakruojis takes place at Westgate Centre For Sport in Newcastle with a 6.30pm tip-off. (Doors open 6pm)

A limited number of tickets are available for the game priced at 6.00 and supporters are urged to contact the club on 0191 2453880 to book or check out www.newcastle-eagles.com



*****************************************************

Women News

*****************************************************
  BELGIUM - Women  


Greece stormed past Belgium in the last game of Group D - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Belgium 79:40

Greece stormed past Belgium in the last game of Group D at EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. An easy win in all the quarters lifted them up to 79:40 victory. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) was unstoppable with 30 points and 10 boards for the winners. Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) nailed 14, while Anastasia Kostaki (172-G-78) scored 11. Evelien Callens (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management) poured in 14 points in defeat and Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) netted 11.
With Greece trailing 6-5, a Evanthia Maltsi three-pointer sparked an 11-0 run that put her side in front for good. She closed the first quarter with another three for 26:10 advantage. Chatzinikolaous lay-up showed 30:10 as the teams started the second quarter. Belgium woke up and after 9-0 run reduced to 30:19. Greece did not stop and grabbed the control back as the team almost had 20 points at the half-time. Kalentzou was the last to score at the second quarter for 43:24.
The third period was not a favorite for the visitors. Belgium could not stay even in the game any more and failed with 9:19 in the quarter. Stella Kaltsidou made it 62:33 after thirty minutes played. In the last quarter both teams were killing time as the winner was known long time ago.

Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 30+10 rebs, Stella Kaltsidou 14, Anastasia Kostaki 11
Belgium: Evelien Callens 14, Kathy Wambe 11

*****************************************************
  BOSNIA - Women  


Poland cruise past Bosnia and Herzegovina - by Eurobasket News
Poland - Bosnia and Herzegovina 91:45

Poland finished the 2009 EuroBasket Qualification campaign in style. They stormed past Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve to 7-1 record in Group B. Poland have already qualified to the European Championship in Riga and just sealed their second-place finish in the pool play. Bosnia meanwhile suffered their 7th loss in 8 games.
The hosts looked better right from the start as they opened the game with a 6:0 rally. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abil.Christian) teamed up for 15 points in the first period and Poland led 24:15. Azra Becirovic (182-G-80) and Dragana Svitlica (190-C-88) cut the deficit to 5 points early in the second quarter but it was as close as Bosnia and Herzegovina could get. The hosts exploded with a 17:0 rally to accumulate a 22-point advantage. They later secured a 26-point halftime lead and never looked back in the second half. Ewelina Kobryn paced balanced Polish offense with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, college: Texas) and Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) had 14 points apiece in defeat. Lejla Bejtic (174-F-85) knocked down 18 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Azra Becirovic added 11 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Poland outrebounded their opponents 40:23 and forced the visitors to 25 turnovers.

Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 18, Daria Mieloszynska 14, Anna Wielebnowska 14
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Lejla Bejtic 18, Azra Becirovic 11

*****************************************************
  BULGARIA - Women  


Bulgaria wins over Serbia at home - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria-Serbia 75:68

Bulgaria won their last game of EuroBasket Women 2009 qualifying Group D. Samokov was glad to see the team closing the group with a win over Serbians 75:68. Tanya Chirov (180-F-81) led the winners with 21 points. Evelina Guneva (183-F-80, agency: Interperformances) netted 16, while Ivelina Vrantcheva (175-G-82) posted 15. Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, while Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) added 12.
Bulgaria looked comfortable in the beginning of the game taking 7-0 lead. Serbia woke up immediately and replied for 7:7 as Kovacevic tied the game. Ines Kresovic closed the first quarter but Bulgaria enjoyed 19:17 lead. Four times in the second quarter the score was tied and only in the end of it Serbia went on a 9-0 run. The guests finished the half at 34:35 being in front.
The Bulgarians took the lead for good midway through the third quarter when Ivelina Vrantcheva and Tanya Chirov hit back-to-back three-pointers for a 48:42 advantage. The hosts remained in front in the end of the period for 61:52. Serbia tried hard but could come too close for the victory. Bulgaria held the score for good and finished the group with 2-4 record.

Bulgaria: Tanya Chirov 21, Evelina Guneva 16, Ivelina Vrantcheva 15
Serbia: Miljana Musovic 14, Ines Kresovic 12

*****************************************************
  CROATIA - Women  


Hungary grabs the best third-place team and advances to Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Croatia-Hungary 62:72 OT

Hungary became the best third-place team in the four groups on a goal differential tie-breaker. In their last game of Group C the team stole an overtime victory from Croatia 62:72 in Osijek. Hungarians improved to 5-3 and edged out Ukraine in the race for the next year's EuroBasket Women. A 12-2 in overtime brought the most important victory for the guests in the tournament. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) led the winners with 20 points. Nora Bujdoso (188-F-85) nailed 17, while Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) collected 12 points and 9 boards. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) and Marta Cakic (175-G-82) posted 16 in defeat and Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) had 11.
It was the more important game for Hungary and they started to ruin the Croatian defense from the early beginning. After 11:10 lead Hungary improved to 25:15 with 2 minutes in the first. Nora Bujdoso made a three to close the first quarter at 28:14. In the same second period the guests looked more organizational and had 45:26 at the halftime.
Croatia meanwhile wanted to win the last game of the EuroBasket Women as well. They started to play much better after a rest in the lockers and new commands of the coach. Jelena Ivezic brought the hosts to 42:50 after thirty minutes of the game. It was her again in the fourth period to give the hosts their lead at 56:54 as Croatia dominated the court. Zsofia Fegyverneky tied the game at 60:60 with 22 seconds left in regulation by making one of two free throws. In overtime however the visitors were too good having 12-2 win and clinching the last spot in EuroBasket 2009 Women in Latvia.

Croatia: Jelena Ivezic 16, Marta Cakic 16, Marija Vrsaljko 11
Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 20, Nora Bujdoso 17, Anna Vajda 12+9 rebs

*****************************************************
  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Division A. What to expect from the last day? - by Eurobasket News
Division A will close the doors tonight after the last game in European Championship qualifiers. Latvia 2009 will have for sure Turkey, Poland, France, Slovak Republic, Greece and Serbia. Israel, Lithuania, Ukraine, Italy and Hungary are still in a race for the three available tickets.
In Group A Israel and Lithuania need to win their game to advance to Latvia. Ukraine will be third, on a 5-3 record and might take the only ticket from that place. In Group B Italy can finish as the best of the third placed teams they will have to win in Turkey. To expect a place in Latvia as the best of the third placed teams, Hungary will have to beat Croatia tonight. If these all Ifs will became true then it would be an overall goal average and percentages question. So far Ukraine hopes for the ticket as in their last game the team won the last game of their EuroBasket Women qualifying Group A. The team struggled a lot to keep their chances alive after 90:85 overtime victory over Israel. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) tied the game at the end of regulation with a lay-up to force overtime and then the hosts won the last one. Olexandra Gorbunova was unstoppable with 26 points and 10 rebounds. She is now the top-scorer in the Qualification Round with 20.9 points per game. Ukraine finished the group with 5-3 record, while Israel and Lithuanian will have one more game.

Division A. The last round - by Eurobasket News

GROUP A

Israel-Great Britain 75:68

Israel clinched a place in the next summer's EuroBasket Women in Latvia. The team overcame Great Britain 75:68 last night in Ramat Gan. Only in the last period the hosts could satisfy 1200 spectators that came to support their local team and see them advancing to the Final round. Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) paced all the winners with 28 points. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) netted 12, while Suez Karni and Ekaterina Abramzon (186-F/C-87) posted 9 each. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) finished the night with 22 points for the Brits and Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) collected 16 points, 7 assists and 5 boards. The Israelis finished in the top in Group A to advance to next year's Final Round.
Great Britain opened the game with four consecutive points but Israel tied it at 7:7. The guests were in front for the majority of the first and Dori could only reduce for 14:17 at the end of the first. In the middle of the second period the hosts produced a 6-0 run for 30:23. Liron Cohen made a lay-up for 34:25 at the halftime.
Great Britain struggle to leave the last spot in Group A and came back from the lockers with a desire to compete. They had 25:15 in the third period for 50:49 advantage after thirty minutes of the game. Three times Mark Clark's British team opened up four-point leads in the final period, the last time at 59:55 on a lay-up by Leedham. Liron Cohen made a lay-up to make it 65:61 for Israel with three minutes to play. Kim Butler scored and Leedham nailed a jumper to tie the contest at 65:65, but the Brits could not struggle any more. Doren and Liron Cohen led the hosts to 75:69 and the straight way to Latvia 2009.

Israel: Shay Doron 28, Liron Cohen 12, Suez Karni 9, Ekaterina Abramzon 9
Great Britain: Kim Butler 22, Megan Moody 16+7ast+5rebs


Germany-Lithuania 57:67

Lithuania advances to EuroBasket Final Round in Latvia after a road win over Germany in the last day of the Qualifying tournament. The Baltic side won 67:57 and clinched the second place in the group with 6-2 record. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) paced all the winners with 15, points. Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) netted 13, while Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) and Diana Razmaite (196-C-75, agency: LBM Management) added 10 apiece. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) top-scored in defeat with 17 points and Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) scored 12.
Even though Lithuania needed the win more than Germany it was the latter to score first 4 points in the game. The hosts controlled the whole quarter but not the end of it when the Baltic team scored for 19:18. In the second period the score was tied three times. Danckerts free throw gave German team 30:29 advantage at the halftime.
Lithuania opened the second half with 9-0 run and went on a bigger lead. Egle Stakneviciene however could close the third at 48:44. Diana Razmaite capped the 8-0 run with a basket at the start of the fourth quarter and the Germans got no closer than four points the rest of the way. In the last minutes Lithuania mostly got their points from the free throw line. Gintare Petronyte ended up the game for 67:57 and the triumph of the Baltic side.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 17, Dorothea Richter 12
Lithuania: Sandra Valuzyte 15, Gintare Petronyte 13, Egle Stakneviciene 10, Diana Razmaite 10



GROUP B

Turkey-Italy 80:61

The National team of Turkey won Group B of European 2009 qualifiers. In their last game they did not allow Italy to hope for the best third place beating them 80:61. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) paced all the winners with 13 points. Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) netted 12 and Saziye Karsli (185-F-82) added 11. Maria Chiara Franchini top-scored for the Italian side with 13 points, while Eva Giauro (204-C-86) had 10. Turkey finished the group with 7-1 record, the only loss from Polish team. The latter also finished with the same record but due to the games with each other Turkey settled down first. Saturday's setback for Italy has left them at 4-4. They can now only make it to Latvia if they are successful in next year's Additional Qualifying Round.
It was more important game for the Italians that tried to catch up 5-3 record. Both teams stayed even, 11:11 and 13:13 in the middle of the first. Turkey pushed a bit the tempo for 21:18 in the end of the first period as Ivegin made a jump-shot. Yasemin Horasan brought Turkey 32:22 that was a disaster for the guests at that time. Ress kept the chances alive at the end of the first half for 40:34. Turkey did not look behind and never trailed after in the game. Alben with a lay-up made it 56:44 at the end of the third quarter. A 24:17 in the last brought Turkey the seventh win and left Italy out of this year dream.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 13, Yasemin Horasan 12, Saziye Karsli 11
Italy: Maria Chiara Franchini 13, Eva Giauro 10


Poland - Bosnia and Herzegovina 91:45
Poland finished the 2009 EuroBasket Qualification campaign in style. They stormed past Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve to 7-1 record in Group B. Poland have already qualified to the European Championship in Riga and just sealed their second-place finish in the pool play. Bosnia meanwhile suffered their 7th loss in 8 games.
The hosts looked better right from the start as they opened the game with a 6:0 rally. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abil.Christian) teamed up for 15 points in the first period and Poland led 24:15. Azra Becirovic (182-G-80) and Dragana Svitlica (190-C-88) cut the deficit to 5 points early in the second quarter but it was as close as Bosnia and Herzegovina could get. The hosts exploded with a 17:0 rally to accumulate a 22-point advantage. They later secured a 26-point halftime lead and never looked back in the second half. Ewelina Kobryn paced balanced Polish offense with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, college: Texas) and Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) had 14 points apiece in defeat. Lejla Bejtic (174-F-85) knocked down 18 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Azra Becirovic added 11 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Poland outrebounded their opponents 40:23 and forced the visitors to 25 turnovers.

Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 18, Daria Mieloszynska 14, Anna Wielebnowska 14
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Lejla Bejtic 18, Azra Becirovic 11


GROUP C

Romania-France 71:72

France decided to win with some intrigue beating Romania in the last day of European 2009 qualifiers. With 22-11 in the last period France finished the group with 7-1 record which is the top position in it. The favorites overcame Romania in Timisoara and sent them to the Relegation Round with 1-7 record. Emmeline Ndongue (192-F-83) led the winners with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) netted 14, while Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) collected 11 points and 11 boards. Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) top-scored in defeat with 21 points, Simina Mandache had 16 and Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) poured in 11.
The leaders of the group easily started with 4-0 run in the early beginning. Romania however did not mind and answered with 6 points in a row as Simina Mandache nailed a three for 6:4. Romania led the quarter but Lepron after two free throws gave the guests 25:24 advantage. The tempo slowed down in the second but still remained France in front. Celine Dumerc made a free throw in the end of the half for 38:36 lead.
Ildiko Vass tied the margin at 40:40 as Romania was in the middle of their 11-0 run. The hosts played wonderful and realized the importance of their last game. Cutas closed the third at 60:50 making another free throw. For another five minutes Romania led the game ,but then France started to catch up. The score was tied three rimes in the last minutes when Emmeline Ndongue brought her team 72:69. Cutas reduced the gap from the line for 70:71 and Parau could not make the last shot.

Romania:Maria Pascalau 21, Simina Mandache 16, Ildiko Vass 11
France: Emmeline Ndongue 18+11 rebs, Endene Miyem 14, Celine Dumerc 11+11 rebs



Croatia-Hungary 62:72 OT

Hungary became the best third-place team in the four groups on a goal differential tie-breaker. In their last game of Group C the team stole an overtime victory from Croatia 62:72 in Osijek. Hungarians improved to 5-3 and edged out Ukraine in the race for the next year's EuroBasket Women. A 12-2 in overtime brought the most important victory for the guests in the tournament. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) led the winners with 20 points. Nora Bujdoso (188-F-85) nailed 17, while Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) collected 12 points and 9 boards. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) and Marta Cakic (175-G-82) posted 16 in defeat and Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) had 11.
It was the more important game for Hungary and they started to ruin the Croatian defense from the early beginning. After 11:10 lead Hungary improved to 25:15 with 2 minutes in the first. Nora Bujdoso made a three to close the first quarter at 28:14. In the same second period the guests looked more organizational and had 45:26 at the halftime.
Croatia meanwhile wanted to win the last game of the EuroBasket Women as well. They started to play much better after a rest in the lockers and new commands of the coach. Jelena Ivezic brought the hosts to 42:50 after thirty minutes of the game. It was her again in the fourth period to give the hosts their lead at 56:54 as Croatia dominated the court. Zsofia Fegyverneky tied the game at 60:60 with 22 seconds left in regulation by making one of two free throws. In overtime however the visitors were too good having 12-2 win and clinching the last spot in EuroBasket 2009 Women in Latvia.

Croatia: Jelena Ivezic 16, Marta Cakic 16, Marija Vrsaljko 11
Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 20, Nora Bujdoso 17, Anna Vajda 12+9 rebs



GROUP D
Bulgaria-Serbia 75:68

Bulgaria won their last game of EuroBasket Women 2009 qualifying Group D. Samokov was glad to see the team closing the group with a win over Serbians 75:68. Tanya Chirov (180-F-81) led the winners with 21 points. Evelina Guneva (183-F-80, agency: Interperformances) netted 16, while Ivelina Vrantcheva (175-G-82) posted 15. Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, while Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) added 12.
Bulgaria looked comfortable in the beginning of the game taking 7-0 lead. Serbia woke up immediately and replied for 7:7 as Kovacevic tied the game. Ines Kresovic closed the first quarter but Bulgaria enjoyed 19:17 lead. Four times in the second quarter the score was tied and only in the end of it Serbia went on a 9-0 run. The guests finished the half at 34:35 being in front.
The Bulgarians took the lead for good midway through the third quarter when Ivelina Vrantcheva and Tanya Chirov hit back-to-back three-pointers for a 48:42 advantage. The hosts remained in front in the end of the period for 61:52. Serbia tried hard but could come too close for the victory. Bulgaria held the score for good and finished the group with 2-4 record.

Bulgaria: Tanya Chirov 21, Evelina Guneva 16, Ivelina Vrantcheva 15
Serbia: Miljana Musovic 14, Ines Kresovic 12

Greece-Belgium 79:40
Greece stormed past Belgium in the last game of Group D at EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. An easy win in all the quarters lifted them up to 79:40 victory. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) was unstoppable with 30 points and 10 boards for the winners. Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) nailed 14, while Anastasia Kostaki (172-G-78) scored 11. Evelien Callens (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management) poured in 14 points in defeat and Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) netted 11.
With Greece trailing 6-5, a Evanthia Maltsi three-pointer sparked an 11-0 run that put her side in front for good. She closed the first quarter with another three for 26:10 advantage. Chatzinikolaous lay-up showed 30:10 as the teams started the second quarter. Belgium woke up and after 9-0 run reduced to 30:19. Greece did not stop and grabbed the control back as the team almost had 20 points at the half-time. Kalentzou was the last to score at the second quarter for 43:24.
The third period was not a favorite for the visitors. Belgium could not stay even in the game any more and failed with 9:19 in the quarter. Stella Kaltsidou made it 62:33 after thirty minutes played. In the last quarter both teams were killing time as the winner was known long time ago.

Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 30+10 rebs, Stella Kaltsidou 14, Anastasia Kostaki 11
Belgium: Evelien Callens 14, Kathy Wambe 11


Standings Div.A (Women)
Standings
Group A
1. Israel6-2
2. Lithuania6-2
3. Ukraine5-3
4. Germany2-6
5. U.Kingdom1-7
Group B
1. Poland7-1
2. Turkey7-1
3. Italy4-4
4. Bosnia1-7
5. Finland1-7
Group C
1. France7-1
2. Hungary5-3
3. Slovakia5-3
4. Croatia2-6
5. Romania1-7
Group D
1. Greece5-1
2. Serbia3-3
3. Belgium2-4
4. Bulgaria2-4


*****************************************************
  FRANCE - Women  


France sent Romania to the Relegation Round - by Eurobasket News
Romania-France 71:72

France decided to win with some intrigue beating Romania in the last day of European 2009 qualifiers. With 22-11 in the last period France finished the group with 7-1 record which is the top position in it. The favorites overcame Romania in Timisoara and sent them to the Relegation Round with 1-7 record. Emmeline Ndongue (192-F-83) led the winners with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) netted 14, while Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) collected 11 points and 11 boards. Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) top-scored in defeat with 21 points, Simina Mandache had 16 and Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) poured in 11.
The leaders of the group easily started with 4-0 run in the early beginning. Romania however did not mind and answered with 6 points in a row as Simina Mandache nailed a three for 6:4. Romania led the quarter but Lepron after two free throws gave the guests 25:24 advantage. The tempo slowed down in the second but still remained France in front. Celine Dumerc made a free throw in the end of the half for 38:36 lead.
Ildiko Vass tied the margin at 40:40 as Romania was in the middle of their 11-0 run. The hosts played wonderful and realized the importance of their last game. Cutas closed the third at 60:50 making another free throw. For another five minutes Romania led the game ,but then France started to catch up. The score was tied three rimes in the last minutes when Emmeline Ndongue brought her team 72:69. Cutas reduced the gap from the line for 70:71 and Parau could not make the last shot.

Romania:Maria Pascalau 21, Simina Mandache 16, Ildiko Vass 11
France: Emmeline Ndongue 18+11 rebs, Endene Miyem 14, Celine Dumerc 11+11 rebs

*****************************************************
  GERMANY - Women  


The Baltic team defeats Germany in Group A - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Lithuania 57:67

Lithuania advances to EuroBasket Final Round in Latvia after a road win over Germany in the last day of the Qualifying tournament. The Baltic side won 67:57 and clinched the second place in the group with 6-2 record. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) paced all the winners with 15, points. Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) netted 13, while Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) and Diana Razmaite (196-C-75, agency: LBM Management) added 10 apiece. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) top-scored in defeat with 17 points and Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) scored 12.
Even though Lithuania needed the win more than Germany it was the latter to score first 4 points in the game. The hosts controlled the whole quarter but not the end of it when the Baltic team scored for 19:18. In the second period the score was tied three times. Danckerts free throw gave German team 30:29 advantage at the halftime.
Lithuania opened the second half with 9-0 run and went on a bigger lead. Egle Stakneviciene however could close the third at 48:44. Diana Razmaite capped the 8-0 run with a basket at the start of the fourth quarter and the Germans got no closer than four points the rest of the way. In the last minutes Lithuania mostly got their points from the free throw line. Gintare Petronyte ended up the game for 67:57 and the triumph of the Baltic side.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 17, Dorothea Richter 12
Lithuania: Sandra Valuzyte 15, Gintare Petronyte 13, Egle Stakneviciene 10, Diana Razmaite 10

*****************************************************
  GREECE - Women  


Tournament Nikos Milionis : first day result. - by George Manousidis
In the first day of the tournament Nikos Milionis organized by Aris Holargos there are the following games:
Aris Holargos vs Das Ano Liosia: 74-67
Aris Holargos overcame Das Ano Liosia with transition basketball. The triangle Bowie, Sofia Kyriakopoulou (185-F-81) and Reeves was excellent in offence.
Good appearances from Kehagia and Tzegiannaki. Pam Karagiorgos didnt play because she is not ready.
From Das Ano Liosia Tierney, Koch and Vardaki was the best.

Quarters:18-19, 40-35,53-49,74-67
Aris Holargos: (Aris Mavridis) Tzegiannaki 10, Ouzouni, Spinou, Bowie 16, Maglara, Papageorgaki, Kehagia 13, Reeves18 (2), Sofia Kyriakopoulou 17(2).
Das Ano Liosia: (Agelos Giannoulakis) Kontali, Paulopoulou, Vardaki 11(1), Koch 16(4), Smyrnaiou 14, Ploumpi 6, Diella, Anogiannaki 2, Tierney 18, Orlovic, Tsoukala.

In the second game, Panionios Athens win Paleo Faliro Pireus 70-48. Panionios Athens played an excellent defense in the second quarter and take 18 points ahead. An excellent game of the two guards Deli and Gotzi who organized the game of Panionios Athens. Panionios Athens played without Sam and Papamihail the same time in Paleo Faliro Pireus didnt play Tasouli.

Quarters: 13-11, 35-17, 52-30, 70-48.
Panionios Athens: (Giorgos Tseberis): Nero 10, Stavrakaki 6, Deli 15 (2), Vasileiou 7, Gotzi 13, Panagiotopoulou 6, Halivera 7, Danousi, Spanou 2, Giannakopoulou 4.
Paleo Faliro Pireus: (Antonis Boubous) Tsikouta 3(1), Vlani, Haritou 2, Volonaki 2, Dai 3 (1), Axiopoulou 2, Achter 10, Zotova 6, Tsoukala 18 (1), Mourd 2.

The rest program of the tournament is:
Saturday 13/9
18:00 Paleo Faliro Pireus vs Das Ano Liosia
20:00 Aris Holargos vs Panionios Athens

Sunday 14/9
18:00 Aris Holargos vs Paleo Faliro Pireus
20:00 Panionios Athens vs Das Ano Liosia

Greece stormed past Belgium in the last game of Group D - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Belgium 79:40

Greece stormed past Belgium in the last game of Group D at EuroBasket 2009 qualifying. An easy win in all the quarters lifted them up to 79:40 victory. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) was unstoppable with 30 points and 10 boards for the winners. Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) nailed 14, while Anastasia Kostaki (172-G-78) scored 11. Evelien Callens (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management) poured in 14 points in defeat and Kathy Wambe (173-G-81) netted 11.
With Greece trailing 6-5, a Evanthia Maltsi three-pointer sparked an 11-0 run that put her side in front for good. She closed the first quarter with another three for 26:10 advantage. Chatzinikolaous lay-up showed 30:10 as the teams started the second quarter. Belgium woke up and after 9-0 run reduced to 30:19. Greece did not stop and grabbed the control back as the team almost had 20 points at the half-time. Kalentzou was the last to score at the second quarter for 43:24.
The third period was not a favorite for the visitors. Belgium could not stay even in the game any more and failed with 9:19 in the quarter. Stella Kaltsidou made it 62:33 after thirty minutes played. In the last quarter both teams were killing time as the winner was known long time ago.

Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 30+10 rebs, Stella Kaltsidou 14, Anastasia Kostaki 11
Belgium: Evelien Callens 14, Kathy Wambe 11

*****************************************************
  HUNGARY - Women  


Hungary grabs the best third-place team and advances to Latvia - by Eurobasket News
Croatia-Hungary 62:72 OT

Hungary became the best third-place team in the four groups on a goal differential tie-breaker. In their last game of Group C the team stole an overtime victory from Croatia 62:72 in Osijek. Hungarians improved to 5-3 and edged out Ukraine in the race for the next year's EuroBasket Women. A 12-2 in overtime brought the most important victory for the guests in the tournament. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) led the winners with 20 points. Nora Bujdoso (188-F-85) nailed 17, while Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) collected 12 points and 9 boards. Jelena Ivezic (184-G-84) and Marta Cakic (175-G-82) posted 16 in defeat and Marija Vrsaljko (195-C-89) had 11.
It was the more important game for Hungary and they started to ruin the Croatian defense from the early beginning. After 11:10 lead Hungary improved to 25:15 with 2 minutes in the first. Nora Bujdoso made a three to close the first quarter at 28:14. In the same second period the guests looked more organizational and had 45:26 at the halftime.
Croatia meanwhile wanted to win the last game of the EuroBasket Women as well. They started to play much better after a rest in the lockers and new commands of the coach. Jelena Ivezic brought the hosts to 42:50 after thirty minutes of the game. It was her again in the fourth period to give the hosts their lead at 56:54 as Croatia dominated the court. Zsofia Fegyverneky tied the game at 60:60 with 22 seconds left in regulation by making one of two free throws. In overtime however the visitors were too good having 12-2 win and clinching the last spot in EuroBasket 2009 Women in Latvia.

Croatia: Jelena Ivezic 16, Marta Cakic 16, Marija Vrsaljko 11
Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 20, Nora Bujdoso 17, Anna Vajda 12+9 rebs

*****************************************************
  ISRAEL - Women  


Israel crawls into the Final round - by Eurobasket News
Israel-Great Britain 75:68

Israel clinched a place in the next summer's EuroBasket Women in Latvia. The team overcame Great Britain 75:68 last night in Ramat Gan. Only in the last period the hosts could satisfy 1200 spectators that came to support their local team and see them advancing to the Final round. Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) paced all the winners with 28 points. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) netted 12, while Suez Karni and Ekaterina Abramzon (186-F/C-87) posted 9 each. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) finished the night with 22 points for the Brits and Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) collected 16 points, 7 assists and 5 boards. The Israelis finished in the top in Group A to advance to next year's Final Round.
Great Britain opened the game with four consecutive points but Israel tied it at 7:7. The guests were in front for the majority of the first and Dori could only reduce for 14:17 at the end of the first. In the middle of the second period the hosts produced a 6-0 run for 30:23. Liron Cohen made a lay-up for 34:25 at the halftime.
Great Britain struggle to leave the last spot in Group A and came back from the lockers with a desire to compete. They had 25:15 in the third period for 50:49 advantage after thirty minutes of the game. Three times Mark Clark's British team opened up four-point leads in the final period, the last time at 59:55 on a lay-up by Leedham. Liron Cohen made a lay-up to make it 65:61 for Israel with three minutes to play. Kim Butler scored and Leedham nailed a jumper to tie the contest at 65:65, but the Brits could not struggle any more. Doren and Liron Cohen led the hosts to 75:69 and the straight way to Latvia 2009.

Israel: Shay Doron 28, Liron Cohen 12, Suez Karni 9, Ekaterina Abramzon 9
Great Britain: Kim Butler 22, Megan Moody 16+7ast+5rebs

*****************************************************
  ITALY - Women  


Turkey wins Group B, Italy does not advance - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Italy 80:61

The National team of Turkey won Group B of European 2009 qualifiers. In their last game they did not allow Italy to hope for the best third place beating them 80:61. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) paced all the winners with 13 points. Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) netted 12 and Saziye Karsli (185-F-82) added 11. Maria Chiara Franchini top-scored for the Italian side with 13 points, while Eva Giauro (204-C-86) had 10. Turkey finished the group with 7-1 record, the only loss from Polish team. The latter also finished with the same record but due to the games with each other Turkey settled down first. Saturday's setback for Italy has left them at 4-4. They can now only make it to Latvia if they are successful in next year's Additional Qualifying Round.
It was more important game for the Italians that tried to catch up 5-3 record. Both teams stayed even, 11:11 and 13:13 in the middle of the first. Turkey pushed a bit the tempo for 21:18 in the end of the first period as Ivegin made a jump-shot. Yasemin Horasan brought Turkey 32:22 that was a disaster for the guests at that time. Ress kept the chances alive at the end of the first half for 40:34. Turkey did not look behind and never trailed after in the game. Alben with a lay-up made it 56:44 at the end of the third quarter. A 24:17 in the last brought Turkey the seventh win and left Italy out of this year dream.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 13, Yasemin Horasan 12, Saziye Karsli 11
Italy: Maria Chiara Franchini 13, Eva Giauro 10

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA - Women  


The Baltic team defeats Germany in Group A - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Lithuania 57:67

Lithuania advances to EuroBasket Final Round in Latvia after a road win over Germany in the last day of the Qualifying tournament. The Baltic side won 67:57 and clinched the second place in the group with 6-2 record. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) paced all the winners with 15, points. Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) netted 13, while Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) and Diana Razmaite (196-C-75, agency: LBM Management) added 10 apiece. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) top-scored in defeat with 17 points and Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) scored 12.
Even though Lithuania needed the win more than Germany it was the latter to score first 4 points in the game. The hosts controlled the whole quarter but not the end of it when the Baltic team scored for 19:18. In the second period the score was tied three times. Danckerts free throw gave German team 30:29 advantage at the halftime.
Lithuania opened the second half with 9-0 run and went on a bigger lead. Egle Stakneviciene however could close the third at 48:44. Diana Razmaite capped the 8-0 run with a basket at the start of the fourth quarter and the Germans got no closer than four points the rest of the way. In the last minutes Lithuania mostly got their points from the free throw line. Gintare Petronyte ended up the game for 67:57 and the triumph of the Baltic side.

Germany: Anne Breitreiner 17, Dorothea Richter 12
Lithuania: Sandra Valuzyte 15, Gintare Petronyte 13, Egle Stakneviciene 10, Diana Razmaite 10

*****************************************************
  NCAA1 - Women  


CSU finalizes roster - by Eurobasket News
CSU women's basketball coach Kristen Holt finalized her 2008-09 roster Friday by announcing the addition of three players.

Morgan Ackley, a 5-foot-6 guard from Fort Collins High School, and Alison Cheney, a 5-8 junior guard from Kersey who transferred from Western Nebraska Community College, were selected as walk-ons. The Rams also signed freshman Chatilla van Grinsven, a 6-2 forward from the Netherlands.

The additions give Holt 14 players for her first season as the Rams' coach. Eight are returnees - sophomore guard Bonnie Barber, senior forward Amaka Uzomah, senior forward Britney Minor, senior guard Kandy Beemer, sophomore guard Zoi Simmons, senior forward Carine Reimink, redshirt junior center Devran Tanacan and junior forward Juanise Cornell, the only player to have completed two or more seasons with the Rams.

The other players are recruits Kim Mestdagh, a freshman guard/forward from Belgium; Natalie van den Adel, a second-year freshman guard from the Netherlands; and Meghan Heimstra, a freshman forward from Silver Creek High in Longmont.

The Rams will begin practice in about five weeks. They went 4-28 overall and 0-6 in Mountain West Conference play last season with both records the worst in school history.

Courtesy of http://www.coloradoan.com/

*****************************************************
  POLAND - Women  


Poland cruise past Bosnia and Herzegovina - by Eurobasket News
Poland - Bosnia and Herzegovina 91:45

Poland finished the 2009 EuroBasket Qualification campaign in style. They stormed past Bosnia and Herzegovina to improve to 7-1 record in Group B. Poland have already qualified to the European Championship in Riga and just sealed their second-place finish in the pool play. Bosnia meanwhile suffered their 7th loss in 8 games.
The hosts looked better right from the start as they opened the game with a 6:0 rally. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) and Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abil.Christian) teamed up for 15 points in the first period and Poland led 24:15. Azra Becirovic (182-G-80) and Dragana Svitlica (190-C-88) cut the deficit to 5 points early in the second quarter but it was as close as Bosnia and Herzegovina could get. The hosts exploded with a 17:0 rally to accumulate a 22-point advantage. They later secured a 26-point halftime lead and never looked back in the second half. Ewelina Kobryn paced balanced Polish offense with 18 points and 9 rebounds. Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, college: Texas) and Anna Wielebnowska (188-C-78) had 14 points apiece in defeat. Lejla Bejtic (174-F-85) knocked down 18 points for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Azra Becirovic added 11 points and 7 rebounds in defeat. Poland outrebounded their opponents 40:23 and forced the visitors to 25 turnovers.

Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 18, Daria Mieloszynska 14, Anna Wielebnowska 14
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Lejla Bejtic 18, Azra Becirovic 11

*****************************************************
  ROMANIA - Women  


France sent Romania to the Relegation Round - by Eurobasket News
Romania-France 71:72

France decided to win with some intrigue beating Romania in the last day of European 2009 qualifiers. With 22-11 in the last period France finished the group with 7-1 record which is the top position in it. The favorites overcame Romania in Timisoara and sent them to the Relegation Round with 1-7 record. Emmeline Ndongue (192-F-83) led the winners with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Endene Miyem (188-F-88) netted 14, while Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) collected 11 points and 11 boards. Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) top-scored in defeat with 21 points, Simina Mandache had 16 and Ildiko Vass (178-G-78) poured in 11.
The leaders of the group easily started with 4-0 run in the early beginning. Romania however did not mind and answered with 6 points in a row as Simina Mandache nailed a three for 6:4. Romania led the quarter but Lepron after two free throws gave the guests 25:24 advantage. The tempo slowed down in the second but still remained France in front. Celine Dumerc made a free throw in the end of the half for 38:36 lead.
Ildiko Vass tied the margin at 40:40 as Romania was in the middle of their 11-0 run. The hosts played wonderful and realized the importance of their last game. Cutas closed the third at 60:50 making another free throw. For another five minutes Romania led the game ,but then France started to catch up. The score was tied three rimes in the last minutes when Emmeline Ndongue brought her team 72:69. Cutas reduced the gap from the line for 70:71 and Parau could not make the last shot.

Romania:Maria Pascalau 21, Simina Mandache 16, Ildiko Vass 11
France: Emmeline Ndongue 18+11 rebs, Endene Miyem 14, Celine Dumerc 11+11 rebs

*****************************************************
  SERBIA - Women  


Bulgaria wins over Serbia at home - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria-Serbia 75:68

Bulgaria won their last game of EuroBasket Women 2009 qualifying Group D. Samokov was glad to see the team closing the group with a win over Serbians 75:68. Tanya Chirov (180-F-81) led the winners with 21 points. Evelina Guneva (183-F-80, agency: Interperformances) netted 16, while Ivelina Vrantcheva (175-G-82) posted 15. Miljana Musovic (180-G-87) ended up with 14 points in the losing effort, while Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) added 12.
Bulgaria looked comfortable in the beginning of the game taking 7-0 lead. Serbia woke up immediately and replied for 7:7 as Kovacevic tied the game. Ines Kresovic closed the first quarter but Bulgaria enjoyed 19:17 lead. Four times in the second quarter the score was tied and only in the end of it Serbia went on a 9-0 run. The guests finished the half at 34:35 being in front.
The Bulgarians took the lead for good midway through the third quarter when Ivelina Vrantcheva and Tanya Chirov hit back-to-back three-pointers for a 48:42 advantage. The hosts remained in front in the end of the period for 61:52. Serbia tried hard but could come too close for the victory. Bulgaria held the score for good and finished the group with 2-4 record.

Bulgaria: Tanya Chirov 21, Evelina Guneva 16, Ivelina Vrantcheva 15
Serbia: Miljana Musovic 14, Ines Kresovic 12

*****************************************************
  SRI LANKA - Women  


CIS in convincing 36-11 win over AIS - by Eurobasket News
Colombo International School scored a convincing 36 points to 11 victory over Asian International School in a girls fixture of their International Schools under 15 Basketball Tournament being held at Colombo International School courts.

The half time scores stood at 18 points to 10 in favour of host school. AIS cagers could manage to collect only a solitary point after the half time. As a result they had to end up with a low score.

Sarah Peterson (11), Niroga Mindula and Chrishani Mendis with 10 points each were the best shooters for the winners while Kimaya Weerasekara with six points fought a lone battle for AIS.

In another match on the previous day CIS beat Gateway College by 37 points to 17 after leading 19 points to 8 at breather.

Sarah Peterson (14) and Chrishni Mendis (7) stood out for CIS while A. Judith netted 11 points for the losers.

Elizabeth Moir School coasted into a 16 points to nine points win over Wycherly International School after taking a 12 points to three lead at breather.

C. Higuchi and Samira Ghouse with four points apiece were the main scorers for the winners while H. Nayanthara with seven points was the solid scorer for the losers.

Lyceum International School, Nugegoda beat Wycherly International School by 26 points to 6 after being well ahead with 14 points to two points at the short whistle. Mandeera Saverimutthu (10) and Priyani Perera (6) did well for the winners. In the boys fixtures Royal Institute beat Lyceum International School, Wattala by 32 points to 28 after leading 20-9 at breather. CIS beat Lyceum, Nugegoda by 58-42 after leading 30-14 at half time.

Top scorers-CIS- Shannon Barrlett and Kusal Kaluarachchi (13 each), Lyceum- Naveen Samaranayake (14), Azam Afzal (12).

Alethea International School swamped Gateway College, Kandy by 46-01 after leading 40-1 at breather. Best shooters- Alethea- K. Indratissa (12), Yusuf Farook (10).

Courtesy of http://www.dailynews.lk/

*****************************************************
  TURKEY - Women  


Turkey wins Group B, Italy does not advance - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Italy 80:61

The National team of Turkey won Group B of European 2009 qualifiers. In their last game they did not allow Italy to hope for the best third place beating them 80:61. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) paced all the winners with 13 points. Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) netted 12 and Saziye Karsli (185-F-82) added 11. Maria Chiara Franchini top-scored for the Italian side with 13 points, while Eva Giauro (204-C-86) had 10. Turkey finished the group with 7-1 record, the only loss from Polish team. The latter also finished with the same record but due to the games with each other Turkey settled down first. Saturday's setback for Italy has left them at 4-4. They can now only make it to Latvia if they are successful in next year's Additional Qualifying Round.
It was more important game for the Italians that tried to catch up 5-3 record. Both teams stayed even, 11:11 and 13:13 in the middle of the first. Turkey pushed a bit the tempo for 21:18 in the end of the first period as Ivegin made a jump-shot. Yasemin Horasan brought Turkey 32:22 that was a disaster for the guests at that time. Ress kept the chances alive at the end of the first half for 40:34. Turkey did not look behind and never trailed after in the game. Alben with a lay-up made it 56:44 at the end of the third quarter. A 24:17 in the last brought Turkey the seventh win and left Italy out of this year dream.

Turkey: Nevriye Yilmaz 13, Yasemin Horasan 12, Saziye Karsli 11
Italy: Maria Chiara Franchini 13, Eva Giauro 10

*****************************************************
  UKRAINE - Women  


Hungary takes Ukrainian position - by Eurobasket News
Ukrainian National team could not advance directly to the EuroBasket Women in Latvia. Israel and Lithuania both won the last games in Group A and sent Ukraine to the third position. Israel clinched a first place in the next summer's EuroBasket Women in Latvia. The team overcame Great Britain 75:68 last night in Ramat Gan. Only in the last period the hosts could satisfy 1200 spectators that came to support their local team and see them advancing to the Final round. Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) paced all the winners with 28 points.
Lithuania advances to EuroBasket Final Round in Latvia after a road win over Germany in the last day of the Qualifying tournament. The Baltic side won 67:57 and clinched the second place in the group with 6-2 record. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) paced all the winners with 15 points.
Ukraine still had a chance to qualify as the best third-place team in the four groups. Ukraine and Hungary both finished with 5-3 records in the third place. Hungary however became the best third-place team in the four groups on a goal differential tie-breaker. In their last game of Group C the team stole an overtime victory from Croatia 62:72 in Osijek. Hungarians improved to 5-3 and edged out Ukraine in the race for the next year's EuroBasket Women. A 12-2 in overtime brought the most important victory for the guests in the tournament. Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) led the winners with 20 points.
Hungarians had 1.1035 percentage against 1.1005 and that is why Ukrainian team will have another chance to qualify as they will participate in the Additional Qualifying round the next year.

*****************************************************
  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Israel crawls into the Final round - by Eurobasket News
Israel-Great Britain 75:68

Israel clinched a place in the next summer's EuroBasket Women in Latvia. The team overcame Great Britain 75:68 last night in Ramat Gan. Only in the last period the hosts could satisfy 1200 spectators that came to support their local team and see them advancing to the Final round. Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) paced all the winners with 28 points. Liron Cohen (173-G-82) netted 12, while Suez Karni and Ekaterina Abramzon (186-F/C-87) posted 9 each. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) finished the night with 22 points for the Brits and Megan Moody (188-G/F-83, college: Tulsa) collected 16 points, 7 assists and 5 boards. The Israelis finished in the top in Group A to advance to next year's Final Round.
Great Britain opened the game with four consecutive points but Israel tied it at 7:7. The guests were in front for the majority of the first and Dori could only reduce for 14:17 at the end of the first. In the middle of the second period the hosts produced a 6-0 run for 30:23. Liron Cohen made a lay-up for 34:25 at the halftime.
Great Britain struggle to leave the last spot in Group A and came back from the lockers with a desire to compete. They had 25:15 in the third period for 50:49 advantage after thirty minutes of the game. Three times Mark Clark's British team opened up four-point leads in the final period, the last time at 59:55 on a lay-up by Leedham. Liron Cohen made a lay-up to make it 65:61 for Israel with three minutes to play. Kim Butler scored and Leedham nailed a jumper to tie the contest at 65:65, but the Brits could not struggle any more. Doren and Liron Cohen led the hosts to 75:69 and the straight way to Latvia 2009.

Israel: Shay Doron 28, Liron Cohen 12, Suez Karni 9, Ekaterina Abramzon 9
Great Britain: Kim Butler 22, Megan Moody 16+7ast+5rebs

*****************************************************
  WNBA - Women  


Standings
WNBA Standings
Eastern
 1. Detroit S. 21-12 
 2. Connect. S. 21-13 
 3. New York L. 19-14 
 4. Indiana F. 16-17 
 5. Chicago Sky 12-21 
 6. Washingt. M. 10-23 
 7. Atlanta D. 4-30 
Western
 1. S.Antonio SS 24-10 
 2. Seattle S. 22-11 
 3. L.Angeles S. 19-14 
 4. Sacram. M. 18-15 
 5. Phoenix M. 16-17 
 6. Houston C. 15-17 
 7. Minnesota L. 15-18 


Connecticut and San Antonio register wins - by Eurobasket News
The Connecticut Sun finished the regular season on a high note beating the Washington Mystics 87:81 at home court. Erin Phillips (5'8''-G-85) led the charge with 18 points. Barbara Turner (6'0''-G/F-84, college: Connecticut) came up with 13 points all of them coming in the final term to pace the Sun to the 21st win. Monique Currie (6'0''-G/F-83, college: Duke) nailed 23 points for the Wizards as they fell to 10-24 record. Alana Beard knocked down 16 points in defeat. It was the eighth consecutive loss for the Mystics. The Connecticut Sun versus New York on September 18.
In the meantime the San Antonio Silver Stars consolidated their position on top of the Western Conference. They defeated Sacramento 77:69 in the rehearsal of the upcoming West semifinal clash. The Silver Stars thus secured their second win against the Monarchs in the season. Ann Wauters (6'5''-C-80) provided 18 points to propel the Silver Stars to the 24th victory. Edwige Lawson (5'6''-G-79) stepped up with career-high 14 points substituting Rebecca Hammon in the starting five. Kara Lawson replied with 23 points for Sacramento. The Monarchs will close the regular season the day after tomorrow when they take on the Houston Comets in the postponed game. Sacramento and San Antonio will tip off the semifinal encounter on September 18.