Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/22/2008

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Men News

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ABA

Cleveland Rockers schedule tryout camp - by Eurobasket News
Cleveland, OH. - Would you like to pursue your dream of playing professional basketball? As one of the top talents in your city, our talent scouts have persuaded our organization to formally invite you to a pro-tryout with the ABA's Cleveland Rockers.

The ABA merged with the NBA in 1976 before resurfacing several years ago with eight teams. Due to its huge success and popularity, the league has now expanded to nearly 50 teams! Over seventy former ABA players and coaches have moved onto the NBA and lucrative international contracts.

The tryout for the Cleveland Rockers will be held on Saturday, September 27th at The Multiplex Arena, 18909 S. Miles Road, Warrensville, OH. Please accept our invitation so we can further evaluate your skills. There will be a tryout fee of $100 in advance which must be received no later than Wednesday, September 24th. The fee will be $125 the day of the tryout from 9am-3pm. The event will be filmed. Do not miss this incredible opportunity to showcase your talent at the pro level in front of agents, team owners and coaches. For more information, call 216 581 8478 or email clevelandrockersbritney@yahoo.com or visit www.clevelandrockersfan.com or www.abalive.com.

Courtesy of ABA

Modesto Bearcats owner set to play too - by Eurobasket News
Modesto, CA. - First Bret Farve, then Lance Armstrong, now T.J. Walker (6'1''-G-75, agency: Passing Lane, college: Azusa Pacific). ABA Modesto Bearcats' owner T.J. Walker is the latest of sport's greats to decide he still has something to offer his sport. At a freshly turned 33 years old, T.J. is returning to the court to play for his hometown Modesto Bearcats in the hopes of ushering the new team in with immediate success.

With Walker, however, it is clear his decision has nothing to do with extending a playing career for the sake of any personal glory or satisfaction. 'I don't have anything to prove,' Walker said following his announcement. 'I have seven rings. This is about giving the city and the young people in the city something to latch on to that I never had when I was coming up.'

Following his standout career at Modesto High School and a collegiate career that saw him receive two Conference Player of the Year and two First-Team All American awards, Walker played professional on the highest international stages over the course of the past decade. During that time, he was named to the All-League 1st Team once, the All-Star team 5 times and was able to collect seven championships in the process.

In returning to Modesto to coach the first pro basketball team in the city's history, Walker was content with playing only his role as coach of the team. The team was originally looking at bringing in a top-tier point guard from outside of the area to lead the team, but as the summer passed and he along with the Director of Basketball Operations, Walker Sr., looked at the situation from an ownership standpoint, the decision to put his point-guard hat back on became clear.

'As I was talking to the different businesses in the community generating a buzz about the team, the question kept coming up whether I was going to play or not,' Walker added. 'I was enjoying not having to ice every day and all that stuff that comes with getting in shape for a season, but after considering what my presence on the court would do as far as helping put people in the seats, and the team on the right track for success now and in the future, it was a no brainer.'

So the search for an All-Star caliber point-guard is over. 'I guess when you have one at your disposal that is willing to play for free, you have to jump on hi,' Walker quipped with a grin. With this latest addition to the roster, Walker is confident the Bearcats are going to be more than capable of handling all challengers in the league. he is equally confident he will be handle to handle his numerous challenges, saying simply, 'We are doing the right thing here.'

For more information on this story or for general information regarding the Modesto Bearcats, email info@modestobearcats.com or call 209 872 0259 or visit www.modestobearcats.com or www.abalive.com.

Courtesy of Modesto Bearcats

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ALBANIA

Romania is recovering in Group B - by Eurobasket News
Albania - Romania 66:80

Romania tries hard to forget the starting loss at the EuroBasket in Division B campaign and seems to finally find their rhythm. Yesterday Romania to travelled to Albania and delivered the second win in Group B. They outgunned the hosts 80:66 behind 15 points and 9 rebounds from Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side). Romania thus improved to 2-2 record, while sending Albania to 1-3 record. Romania overcame a shaky start to cap the opening frame with a 9:4 rally for a 25:21 lead. Virgin Stanescu nailed 5 points for Romania early in the second quarter to stretch the lead to 7 points. The visitors maintained the gap and built a 43:35 advantage at halftime. George Helcioiu (180-G-78, agency: Interperformances) drained two trebles to make it 54:41 for Romania midway through the third quarter. George Helcioiu added another three-point bomb to give the visiting team a 64:48 cushion before the fourth term. Albania never came back to life in the final period and suffered the loss. Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) had 14 points and 11 rebounds for Romania. George Helcioiu added 14 points, while Bogdan Popescu (201-F-78, agency: Stanley International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) had 13 points for the winners. Erkand Karaj (188-G-82) answered with 20 points for Albania. Marlin Sukaj (202-C-83) dropped 18 points in the loss.

Albania: Erkand Karaj 20, Marlin Sukaj 18
Romania: Catalin Burlacu 15, Virgil Stanescu 14+11 boards, George Helcioiu 14

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AUSTRALIA

Brian Goorjian gets the 700th coach victory in NBL - by Eurobasket News
The South Dragons presented their coach Brian Goorjian with his 700th NBL career victory as they prevailed over the Perth Wildcats 91:87 away from home. It was the second South Dragons win over the Wildcats in the week. Three days earlier Brian Goorjian 's team toppled the Wildcats 97:81 at home court. This time however it was not an easy game for the South Dragons. Cortez Groves (196-G/F-78, college: Kansas St.) came up with 23 points for the South Dragons as they celebrated the second victory in the season. Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) and Ben Knight (203-F-76) answered with 17 points apiece for the Wildcats. The hosts looked a bit better in the first half as they piled up a 53:49 lead at halftime. Perth extended the margin to 15 points midway through the third quarter before the South Dragons began their comeback rally. Cortez Groves ignited a furious surge from the visitors as they trimmed the deficit to 4 points heading into the fourth stanza. South Dragons stepped in front in the fourth period and led by one point late in the game. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87) converted two free throws to widened it to 3-point mark, however Alex Loughton (205-F/C-83, agency: Octagon, college: ODU) connected from downtown to equalize. The South Dragons answered with accurate free throws from Cortez Groves as he sealed the win for the visiting team. Gibson had 17 points for the South Dragons. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) knocked down 11 points for the winners. Isiah Victor (206-F-78, college: Tennessee) provided 14 points for the hosts in defeat.

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Melbourne T.	2-0
2. Cairns T.	2-0
3. Melbourne SD	2-1
4. Adelaide 36ers	1-0
5. N.Zealand B.	1-0
6. Wollongong	1-1
7. Townsville C.	0-1
8. Perth W.	0-2
9. Gold Coast B.	0-2
10. Sydney S.	0-2

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AUSTRIA

Austria defeat Iceland in Gussing - by Eurobasket News
Austria - Iceland 81:74

Austria earned the second win at the EuroBasket Division B action yesterday. They held off Iceland to improve to 2-2 record in Group A. Icelandic team fell to 1-3 record in this highly contestant pool. Jon Stefansson

(195-G-82) nailed 8 points for the visitors in the opening term and the teams were all square at 14. Gunnarsson scored 5 points in a row for Iceland as they surged ahead early in the second frame. Austria managed to close the gap and the teams were knotted up at 39:39 after the first half. Jandl opened the second half with a three-pointer to set the hosts ahead. The teams traded baskets throughout the period and Pall Axel Vilbergsson (197-F/G-78) capped the quarter with a jumper to give Iceland a 56:55 lead with one quarter to go. Christian Kollik (203-G/F-80, agency: Court Side, college: Rice) and Christoph Nagler (193-G-84) nailed 5 consecutive points for Austria to retain the lead at the beginning of the fourth term. Iceland would not go away as they trailed by just a single point with 50 seconds left in the game. However Mayer and Hannes Ochsenhofer (186-G-85) were accurate from the charity stripe to seal the winning outcome for the home team.
Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) nailed 15 points to lead Austria. Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Octagon) had 11 points, while Christian Kollik finished with 10 points for the winners. Pall Axel Vilbergsson knocked down 18 points for Iceland. Jon Stefansson

netted 17 points in defeat.

Austria: Deteri Mayes 15, Thomas Schreiner 11, Christian Kollik 10
Iceland: Pall Axel Vilbergsson 18, Jon Stefansson

17

Graz comes back from Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Croatia organized a tournament with four teams that is being held from September 19-21. Croatian Kvarner welcomes Austrian Graz, Russian Enisey and Slovak Geoplin Slovan.
Kvarner held off Graz 68:59 in another semifinal. The hosts of the tournament started very offensively and won the opening quarter 24:10. It was more than enough to control the rest of the game. Both teams went to the lockers for 36:22 for the hosts after 12:12 in the period. In the third quarter Graz played better and could reduce the gap to some points. Austrian team won the quarter 16:14 to cut to 14 points before the Final stanza. With another 21:18 Graz crawled to 68:59 but it was the final score. Jurica Spahija (203-F/C-83) led the charge with 21 points for the hosts. Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) posted 12, while Grbsic and Blesic had 10 points apiece.

In the game for the third place Geoplin Slovan beat Austrian Graz 74:66. Slovenia team opened the game with 14:11 in the opening quarter that led to 30:25 advantage at the halftime. Austrian team still remained alive after the third quarter when they trailed 45:51. In the last stanza however Slovan was better and led the game to 74:66 victory. Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) and Marin Han (198-F/G-87) paced the winners with 14 points apiece. Dejan Grkovic (203-F-84, college: NC-Wilmington) scored 10, while Lekic had 8 and Mlakar together with Cigoja posted 7 each.

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BAHRAIN

Bader set for crunch clash - by Eurobasket News
Bahrains Bader Abdulla Malabes will today be making his second straight appearance in the championship series of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Bader and his team, the De La Salle University Green Archers, face bitter rivals the Ateneo Blue Eagles in game one of the best-of-three basketball finals clash. The game will be played at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, north of Manila, and is scheduled to tip off at 11am, Bahrain time.

The Archers advanced to the championship series with a 67-62 win over the Far Eastern University Tamaraws. At the same time the Eagles went through by pounding last year's losing finalists, the University of the East Red Warriors, 70-50.

The Archers, the defending champions, head into the series as the underdogs. They recorded lost to the Eagles in both their meetings in the preliminary round this season.

Courtesy of http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/

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BALKAN LEAGUE

Standings

BIBL Standings

Group A
1. Feni Indistrija		0-0
2. Radnicki 034		0-0
3. Brasov		0-0
4. Swisslion Tak.		0-0
Group B
1. Mega HL		0-0
2. Strumica		0-0
3. F.Rabotnicki		0-0
4. Dinamo B.		0-0
5. Levski		0-0

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BALTIC LEAGUE

TU/Rock signs Sanikidze - by Janar Filippov
Estonian champion TU/Rock has signed the leader of Georgian NT, Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) for upcoming season. Sanikidze joins his compatriot Giorgi Tsintsadze and a former Euroleague star Tanoka Beard in TU/Rock which is aiming to reach Baltic League Final Four this season and to defend home title.
Sanikidze has 21.5 ppg and 8.0 rpg in 4 games of EuroBasket 2009 Division B, leading his team in both scoring and rebounding.

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BOSNIA

Chalon blasts Siroki Eronet in Paris - by Eurobasket News
Bosnian play-off semifinalist Siroki Eronet suffered huge defeat in the first game of international tournament 'Challenge Jacky Schoeffler'. This tourney is taking place in Paris.
It was extremely bad opening day for Siroki. French Pro A team totally smashed it 98-68. Maybe defeat was expected but for sure not this huge one. Siroki showed some of its qualities in the first half but during the following 20 minutes Chalon's players were unstoppable. Bosnian big guys couldn't survive in the paint against Schmitt and Boddicker while at the same time veteran Stephane Risacher (203-F-72) also shined. At the end Jerome Schmitt (205-C-81, agency: Octagon) finished the game with 24 points. Brian Boddicker (204-F-81, college: Texas) had one points less than him. The best scorer for Bosnian team was Ivan Milekovic (197-G/F-88), who scored 13 points. Ivo Josipovic (205-F-75, agency: Court Side) netted 12 points, what is a far away from his level in the pre-season. Sime Spralja (206-F/C-83) was the last one with double digits in Siroki with 11 points.
In the second game SIroki will try to show better performance. Its rival will be Le Havre.

In the meantime Bosnian champion Bosna ASA BHT still looks for a big guy. Head coach Alen Abaz stated that the team has to sign extremely quality gut which will be able to compete against the best centers in Adriatic league. He also stated it has to be as soon as possible.

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BULGARIA

Thank you, Pini! - by Valentin Anguelov
As soon as they learned they had qualified for EuroBasket 2009, the entire Bulgarian national team gathered in the center of the court and brought up a banner, saying 'Thank you, Pini'. And that was a message to the Israeli coach not only by all the players, but also by the entire basketball community, or even - by the whole of Bulgaria. Gershon showed everyone in Europe that he has reached a level as a basketball specialist that is quite high for everyone else. He was head and shoulders above. He showed real class not only as a coach, but as a person as well.

He took it upon himself to do something very few people would have done. And he did it immaculately for two and a half months. From the very moment he arrived until to the night of September the 20-th, when we learned our team was through to EuroBasket 2009. He used his vast basketball knowledge to lead the players to the next level up. He was able to inspire confidence in them, to make them believe they can play this game on equal terms with some of the best national teams in Europe. Despite the injuries to some key players, despite the simple lack of good performers at two of the most important positions in basketball, despite the threats of boycotts by some clubs before the start of preparation, despite the onslaught by a certain newspaper after the team's very first loss (in a friendly game!). Yes, the team had some up-and-down performaces in those friendlies and the main reason for that was the high turnover count. But, yes, there was someone there to identify the problem, to analyse it and to work on it... and suddenly Bulgaria becomes the team with the lowest average of turnovers per game amongst all the teams in EuroBasket qualifying - just 9.2! No prizes for guessing who is that 'someone', who can do that. Pini showed some class that is only characteristic of the greatest of them. And, if everyone benefits from his stay in Bulgaria, the ones who do so the most are his assistants in the national team. In those two and a half months they have surely learned more about the game than during the rest of their coaching careers so far.

And when, after the game with Serbia last Saturday, he was asked about his personal duel with the legendary coach of the opposition team, Pini said: 'You can only have a duel, if you have equal teams.' And that is quite true. The situation, if the two of them swapped places, wouldn't have felt nice for the great Serb. Whether he would have been able to endure everything in Bulgaria and stick with the job, like Pini did - that is something we are not even discussing here.

Some 'experts' were quick to voice their opinion and called him a 'shiny balloon', which they said punctured and burst after just one friendly game. Yes, the balloon is too shiny, but to their chagrin, it hasn't really burst. The reason is it's made of a different material that cannot be penetrated by Bulgarian hypocrisy and jealousy.

Other people placed big money bets against the national team and/or sincerely hoped for it to flop. True, that team hasn't quite yet given us 100% confidence to bet on it. But in this case all Bulgraians that spend money at bookmakers, have a simple choice - either to bet on the Bulgarian team or else not bet at all. Do you think there were Serbs that had bet on Bulgaria, when their team won by just 10 points (inside the handicap, so a bet on Bulgraia would have brought a profit) in the game in Belgrade? I don't think so...

Pini is undoubtedly the best coach that has ever worked in Bulgaria, even with no pay. This is un undisputed fact and the longer he stays, the sooner we will get closer to the European standards. Haveng qualified for the major event is a great success, but we are not ready for great achievements quite yet. The most important thing is we are going into the right direction and the recent decisions of BFB regarding youth basketball sound promising. The policy of the new president of the Federation Mihail Mihov, since he was elected to that position in the spring of this year, is right on target - aiming to change the way the sport works with the kids. But we have to be very patient, as well as very diligent, if we want to make progress and get ourselves permanently somewhere among the better basketball nations in Europe. That is undoubtedly dependent on our progress as a state, whish is unfortunately very slow.

We can't have the Serbs making fun of us, even being a bit haughty as they are, saying that we don't have even one decent basketball arena, and at the same time our country has been a EU member for 2 years now and we claim to be a true European nation. Well then, it's high time we spent some money and build that new large arena, which has been promised, so our basketball players are able to play their home games in better conditions. And if the kids have better facilities too, more of them will take up the game and stick with it. It's just one thing that alone can turn the progress of our game in the right direction.

Look - the man from Israel created a true miracle, which might be something ordinary for him, but for us it means a lot. For the players, the staff, the fans, for everyone - all of Bulgarian basketball. It's not only about the fact that we qualified for EuroBasket - even if we hadn't achieved it, we should still have said a big 'Thank you' to that man. The miracle is all that he does on the court and outside it, not the achievement of qualifying itself.

And for a person of his stature to have tears in his eyes after the end of the last two games, when he knew he had lead the team to EuroBasket 2009 - it is like something out of a fairy-tale, isn't it?

Even when all of us had deemed that qualifying campaign 'Mission Impossible', it was Gershon who proved us wrong. If the filmmakers are still looking for the star of the third sequel, then Pini Gershon will surely fit into the role as successfully as Tom Cruise, let's say...

Sometimes people hit the jackpot in the lottery, but it doesn't happen too often. Bulgaria and Bulgarian basketball have hit something better than a jackpot. This man is much, much better than it. This kind of a jackpot is not only great, but even much harder to hit.

And because of all that - Thank you, Pini, for this unforgettable summer! And, please, make next autumn even more unforgettable for us. No one, but you, can do it...

Spartak Pleven wins tournament in Samokov - by Eurobasket News
Spartak Pleven lost against Macedonian champion Feni Industri 78-79 in the last game of tournament in Samokov but despite it Spartak grabbed the first place. Bulgarians played pretty good 30 minutes of the game. Before the last stanza Bulgarian team had plus 11 but after that moment Macedonians woke up. They intensified defense and mostly owing to Milan Prekovic (195-G/F-75) and Lawrence McKenzie (188-G-85, college: Minnesota) finished this game in style. 26-14 during the last quarter was enough for the final plus 1. Milan Prekovic shined for the winners scoring 20 points (six triples). Lawrence McKenzie also was pretty good nailing 18 points. Aleksandar Dimitrovski (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 10 points and was the last one with double digits in Feni. Sasa Topcov (207-C-80) stopped on 20 points for Spartak. Rob Preston (206-F/C-82, college: Akron) was behind him with 15 points. He had perfect shot percentage 2/2 FG2, 3/3 3-pts and 2/2 FTs.

The host of the tournament Rilski Sportist recorded second victory in the front of their fans beating Cherno More 79-75. It means that Rilski Sportist is the second ranked team on this tourney. As usually, Travis Peterson (208-C-85, agency: Edge Sports, college: Samford) was the best player in Rilski scoring 24 points. Aleksandar Gruev (187-G-83) followed with 14 while Branko Mirkovic (185-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) finished the game adding 12 points. Cherno more got the most from Corey McIntosh (183-G-85, college: Iowa St.) 20 points. Michael Earl (203-F, college: Utah St.) stopped on 14. Brazilian Atila Santos (208-C-83, college: Minn.St.-Mankato) had another double-double, 12 points and 14 boards.

Final standings
1. Spartak Pleven 2-1
2. Rilski Sportist 2-1
3. Feni Industri 1-2
4. Cherno More 1-2

Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) of Feni Industri is MVP of the tournament with 25.7 index value per game. The second is Travis Peterson of Rilski Sportist who had 23 while third is above mentioned Rob Preston with 19.3 ivpg.

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COLOMBIA

Federation Cup 2008, September 20, Day 10 results - by Victor Garcia

Piratas fall for the 10th straight game in a row, despita made a good game against Islanders Sopesa, but at the end of the game the offensive power of Kevin Sowell and Stalin Ortiz, and the great help in the paint of Alejandor Flores were enough to avoid the first victory of the Pirate team.
Both coaches worked well the game, Cesar Cassiani try again top ut pressure over the ball , but this time Guillermo Lopez had Franklin Forbes guiding the ball and was vey important for Islanders, in Piratas John Perez again leaded the offensive , the newcomer Gary Nunez had a good first quarter, but then the defense focused on him and forced again the Piratas perimeter to take the ofense.
Piratas had chance to send the game to avertime, with 15 seconds left and trailed by 3, but Emiro Romero loss the ball and Islanders close the game.
Piratas 89
Isalnders Sopesa 94

Indervalle stoped a three losses streak defeating Ovni as visitor in Tenjo, Idervalle is tied with Islanders in the 4th place with 15 pts.
Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 76
Indervalle 86

Arrieros is coming to a record winning its 10th straight game, but the last was not easy, Patriotas again played a smart game, Arrieros is suffering the absence of Norbey Aragn and Heberth Bayona, Jorge Diaz and Ernesto Mijares were the best in Patriotas
Arrieros 73
Patriotas Proactiva 70

Bucaros took revenge in Cucuta and defeated Norte with a last second shot of Adan Reyes, Edgar Morenos the star of Norte missed two free throws in the last 5 seconds and Rogers Washington took the rebound to dish the ball to Reyes for the layup.
Norte de Santander 72 - Edgar Moreno and Eleuterio Renteria 23 pts
Bucaros Freskaleche 74 - Rogers Washington 18 pts, Marcus Flemming 16

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CROATIA

Couple of friendly games - by Eurobasket News
Croatian champion Zadar suffered huge defeat against Italian Snaidero Udine on the road 65-87. It is the biggest defeat for Zadar in preparation period so far. Beginning of the game was totally leveled, actually Snaidero had plus two 22-20. Something happened to Zadar's players after that moment as they somehow stopped. Italian team made fantastic 31-8 taking 25-point lead at the half time, 53-28. The rest of the game was just the formality as Snaidero totally controlled rhythm of the game. Jermaine Jackson (195-G-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Detroit Mercy) was the top scorer for the winning team with 20 points. Michele Antonutti (202-G/F-86) also was great with 18 points while Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76, agency: Interperformances) had 14. Malik Dixon (187-G-75, college: UALR) was better than the others for the loosing side adding 19 points. Tomislav Ruzic (208-F/C-79) finished the game with 16 while Juby Johnson (196-G-81, college: Miami, OH) had 13 points. Rok Stipcevic (189-G-86) was the last player with double figures in Zadar scoring 12 points. Romel Beck (203-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV), who demonstrated pretty good performance so far, this time delivered just 3 points.

Split outplayed Zlatorog 90-83 winning the tournament in Lasko. Newcomer Zoran Vrkic (203-G/F-87) was the best player in his team scoring 20 points and grabbing 6 rebounds. Eddie Shannon (180-G-76, college: Florida) had 17 points and 6 assists while Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) stopped on 15 points and 4 assists.
In the battle for third place Cedevita trashed Krka Novo Mesto 103-58. At the half time Cedevita already had plus 22, 50-28.

In other two friendlies Dubrava lost against Slovenian team Hopsi Polzela 81-100 while Zabok beat Dubrovnik 95-79.

Kvarner Cup openers - by Eurobasket News
Croatia organized a tournament with four teams that is being held from September 19-21. Croatian Kvarner welcomes Austrian Graz, Russian Enisey and Slovenian Geoplin Slovan.
Kvarner held off Graz 68:59 in another semifinal. The hosts of the tournament started very offensively and won the opening quarter 24:10. It was more than enough to control the rest of the game. Both teams went to the lockers for 36:22 for the hosts after 12:12 in the period. In the third quarter Graz played better and could reduce the gap to some points. Austrain team won the quarter 16:14 to cut to 14 points before the Final stanza. With another 21:18 Graz crawled to 68:59 but it was the final score. Jurica Spahija (203-F/C-83) led the charge with 21 points for the hosts. Fran Pilepic (192-G-89) posted 12, while Grbsic and Blesic had 10 points apiece.
In another game Enisey secured an impressive 64:60 win over Geoplin Slovan at the Kvarner Cup in Croatia. Trailing by 4 points at the interval Slovan stretched the margin to as many as 9 points after three quarters of action. But Enisey refused to surrender and pulled away with a hard-fought victory at the end. Dmitri Nikolaev (200-F-83), Dmitri Dogadin (200-F-81) and Aleksandr Anisimov (185-G-86) all scored 11 points apiece to lead the Russian team. Enisey will now take on Kvarner in the title decider.

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DENMARK

Montenegro thrash Denmark at home - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro - Denmark 96:60

Montenegro breezed past Denmark in Podgorica to claim the fourth straight win at the EuroBasket in Division B. The win allowed the Balkan country to remain at the helm of Group A. Denmark yet to deliver a win with 4 consecutive losses. Montenegro left little chances to taste the first win in this game. Ivan Maras (209-C-86, agency: Beo Basket), Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75) and Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) gave the hosts a 10:2 early in the game. Denmark hardly recovered and trailed by 8 points at the end of the first quarter. Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) and Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) opened the second quarter with 4 straight points to make it 28:16 for Montenegro. Then Nikola Pekovic fired 7 points to stretch the margin to 16 points. Denmark found themselves down by 21 points at halftime. Nikola Pekovic and Goran Jeretin teamed up for 12 points in the third quarter as the hosts led by the same 21 points before the final term. Ivan Koljevic (186-G-84) drained two trebles early in the fourth quarter and Montenegro never looked back again. Nikola Pekovic finished the game with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Ivan Koljevic added 13 points, while Vlado Scepanovic had 12 points for the winners. Nicolai Iversen (204-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) knocked down 12 points for Denmark. Peter Johansen (204-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) secured 10 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.
Montenegro outrebounded their opponents 37:26 and forced those to 16 turnovers. Montenegro shot impressive 57% from the field.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 25, Ivan Koljevic 13, Vlado Scepanovic 12
Denmark: Nicolai Iversen 12, Peter Johansen 10

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ESTONIA

EUROLEAGUE

Partizan Ikogea inks Gabonese Stephane Lasme - by Dragan Jankovski
Reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion Partizan Igokea continued European trend of signing NBA players this summer. After leaving of its superstar Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and signing of Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90) and Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84), head coach Dusko Vujosevic decided to add Gabonese player Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) to Partizan's roster.

25-year old Lasme started last season in Golden State Warriors but he got released in November without any officially game. Very soon he agreed terms with NBDL team Los Angeles D-Fenders. At the end of NBDL, Lasme got the award 'All-D-League Co-Defensive Players of the Year -08'. In March this year Stephane Lasme became a member of Miami Heat. There he finally got a chance to play. He appeared 16 times in NBA averaging 5.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.4 bpg.
Lasme graduated last year at the University of Massachusetts. He played 33 games in his senior year adding 13.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg and 5.1 bpg. He was named 'All-Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year -06, 07'. At the same time he was 'All-Atlantic 10 Player of the Year -07'. Interesting is that Lasme, together with Jason Kid and Michael Anderson, holds the record in number of made triple-doubles in NCAA per one season. He is the first player who registered four triple-doubles including ten or more blocked shots.

It is already clear that Partizan's fans will have a chance to watch very quick and aggressive basketball next season.

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EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Day: 10 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia - Estonia 87-75
FYR of Macedonia secured first place in qualifying Group B after a win over Estonia 87:74. With a massive first quarter the hosts did not look behind in the rest of the game. Todor Gecevski top-scored for the winners with 18 points. Pero Antik netted 16 and Stefanov added 11. Kristjan Kangur ended up with 19 points and 7 boards in the losing effort, while Valmo Kriisa posted 12. Estonia, who have had some fine moments in this Division A campaign, dropped to 1-5 and will now play in the Relegation Round.

Ukraine - Belgium 58-76
Belgium steals a win and Additional Qualifying Round from Ukraine with a road 58:76 win in Yuzhnyi. Trailing 18:13 after the opening quarter the guests finished the night with 26:12 to clinch third place in Group C. Christophe Beghin top-scored for the winners with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Axel Hervelle netted 17 and Lionel Bosco added 11. Serhiy Lishchuk was the best for the hosts with 21 points and Andriy Agafonov posted 16.

France - Turkey 78-80
His majesty Tony Parker was not enough for France to carry them directly to Eurobasket 2009 in Poland. France lost to undefeated Turkey at home 78:80. Fatih Solak led the winners with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Sinan Guler netted 14, while Kerem Tunceri scored 13. Tony Parker had a great night with 37 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists for the hosts, whilst De Colo scored 9.

Bosnia - United Kingdom 89-80
Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Great Britain in Cazin but will play in Additional Qualifying Round. The hosts upset the leader of the group 89:80 even trailing after the opening quarter. Ernest Bremer led the winners with 18 points and 6 assists. Kenan Bajramovic netted 16, while Mirza Teletovic posted 15. Andrew Betts top-scored in defeat with 14 points and Nate Reinking added 13.

Israel - Czech Republic 98-61
Israel advanced to EuroBasket 2009 after a home win over Czech Republic 98:61. A win in all the quarters in the game led the team to 3-3 record that was enough to advance from the second place. Yotam Halperin paced all the winners with 25 points. Meir Tapiro netted 24, while Lior Eliyahu scored 16. Petr Benda top-scored in defeat with 16 points and Tomas Satoransky notched 12. The setback has dropped Czech Republic to bottom of Group D and into the Relegation Round.

Finland - Hungary 88-73
Finland sends Hungary to the Relegation Round of Division A. Finland was too strong at home reaching 88:73 victory to finish the group with 3-5 record. Kimmo Muurinen led the winners with 22 points and 8 rebounds. Shawn Huff and Petteri Koponen nailed 20 each, while Tuukka Kotti collected 18 points and 12 boards in defeat.

Bulgaria - Serbia 77-87
Bulgaria advanced to Poland 2009 even after a loss to Serbia and finished Group A with 4-4 record. The hosts of the game finished second ahead of Italy, who were also 4-4 but had a worse overall goal differential in the group than the Bulgarians. The latter lost to Serbia 77:87 as both teams advanced to the Eurobasket 2009. Nenad Krstic led the winners with 17 points and 9 boards. Zoran Erceg and Milos Vujanic followed him with 11 each as Serbia finished the group with 7-1 record. Ibrahim Jaaber top-scored for the hosts with 27 points and Deyan Ivanov had 14.

Portugal - Latvia 93-92
Portugal that lost first three games in Group B won the next three to tie the record at 3-3. The team had a battle but won at home over Latvia 93:92. With a strong first half the hosts could hold the margin and one point was enough to celebrate. Jose Costa led the winners with 29 points and 7 assists. Miguel Miranda netted 17 and Santos had 11. Kristaps Janicenoks top-scored in defeat with 21 points, whilst Andris Biedrins collected 19 points and 13 boards.

Div. B Day: 5 (Qualifying Round) - by Eurobasket News
Austria - Iceland 81-74
Austria overcame Iceland 81:74 in Gussing to improve to 2-2 record. Mayes led the winners with 15 points. Schreiner scored 11, while Kollik and Kgerl posted 10 apiece. Vilbergsson top-scored with 18 points in the losing effort as Iceland fell at 1-3.

Montenegro - Denmark 96-60
Montenegro smashed Denmark to remain unbeaten at 4-0. Pekovic was unstoppable for the winners with 25 points. Koljevic nailed 13 and Scepanovic posted 12. Iversen ended up with 12 points in defeat.

Cyprus - Belarus 80-81
Kudratsau nailed two free throws with 5 seconds left in the game and Belarus snatched a road 81:80 win over Cyprus today. Belarus improved to 4-0 record on top of Group B of the EuroBasket in Division B. Cyprus fell to 1-3 record.Alexander Kudrautsau nailed 17 points to pace Belarus. Mescharakou, Mikalai Aliakseyeu and Dzianis Korshuk had 14 points apiece for the winners. JoJo Garcia and Aristides Koronides responded with 19 points each for Cyprus.

Albania - Romania 66-80
Romania stole a victory from Albania in Tirana. Burlacu led the winners with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Stanescu and Helcioiu followed him with 14 points each, while Popescu had 13. Karaj top-scored for the hosts with 20 points.

Ireland - Slovakia 88-95
Slovakia grabbed their second win at the EuroBasket in Division B as they triumphed in Dublin today. The thriller action saw the hosts save the game in the final seconds however Slovakia proved the strength at the end. Ireland slipped to 1-3 record in Group C. Radoslav Rancik tallied 24 points and 13 boards for Slovakia. Martin Sykora and Richard Lesko finished with 16 points apiece for the winners. Conor Grace notched 20 points and 15 rebounds for Ireland. Christopher Bracey had 22 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.

Luxembourg - Sweden 51-96
Sweden remained undefeated after a win over Luxembourg. Ringstrom produced 22 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Blom scored 17, while Skjoldebrand had 16. Kieffer finished the night with 16 points for the hosts.

Standings Div.A (Men)

Standings Div.B

Group A
1. Monteneg.		4-0
2. Holland		3-1
3. Austria		2-2
4. Iceland		1-3
5. Denmark		0-4
Group B
1. Belarus		4-0
2. Romania		2-2
3. Switzerl.		2-2
4. Albania		1-3
5. Cyprus		1-3
Group C
1. Sweden		4-0
2. Georgia		3-1
3. Slovakia		2-2
4. Ireland		1-3
5. Luxembourg.		0-4

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FRANCE

Terence Dials returns to Entente Orlans 45 - by Gregory Caru

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FYR MACEDONIA

Fersped Rabotnicki fifth on tournament 'Sloga 2008' - by Eurobasket News
Fersped Rabotnicki succeeded to end participation on international tournament 'Sloga 2008' with victory. The tourney was held in Serbian city Kraljevo.

Rabotnicki opened it with defeat against Svjetlost Slavonski Brod. In the second game Macedonians faced with another one, this time against Serbian team Hemofarm STADA 59-95. This defeat was expectable as Hemofarm is runner-up in Adriatic as well as in Serbian Superleague. It was the only team able to compete against Partizan Belgrade last season. Hemofarm was a way better team from the very beginning. At the half time it already had huge advantage extending it later to final plus 36. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) was the best in his team adding 18 points. Another big guy Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) had one point less while Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) stopped on 15. Bojan Trajkovski (206-C/F-88) scored 17 points in Rabotnicki.
In the battle for fifth place Fersped Rabotnicki outsmarted the hosts Sloga Kraljevo 73-65. Macedonians showed much better performance in this game earning plus 7 in the first frame. Until the half time Rabotnicki extended lead to 14 points, what later was enough for the fifth place. Bojan Trajkovski once against was the best player in Rabitnicki netting 22 points. Vladimir Filipovic (195-G-85) followed him with 15 while Ljuca had 12. Head coach of the team Marin Dokuzovski exploited this opportunity to test American Ronnie Ross (187-G-79, college: Utah St.). Sloga got the most in this game from Nemanja Dasic (191-G-86) and Pekovic, who scored 16 points each.

Feni Industri finally celebrates in Samokov - by Eurobasket News
After two defeats, Macedonian champion Feni Industri finaly registered victory on tournament in Bulgarian city Samokov. It was the last game, enough for avoiding the last place.

As a reminder, in the first two games Feni suffered defeats against the hosts Rilski Sportist and Cherno More. In third game Feni outsmarts Spartak Pleven 79-78 thanks to wonderful last quarter. First half belonged to Spartak, which ended it 37-44. Sasa Topcov (207-C-80) was unstoppable for Feni's big guys and he was the main reason of plus 7 for Spartak after 20 minutes. Mac-champion was not any better in third frame, which Spartak ended 16-20. It seemed that Feni Industri already lost all chances to avoid last place in Samokov as Spartak already had plus 11. However, Feni's players didn't think so. They put into the fifth gear and mostly owing to experienced Milan Prekovic (195-G/F-75) and Lawrence McKenzie (188-G-85, college: Minnesota) finished hit game in style, 26-14 in the last quarter enough for the final plus 1. Milan Prekovic shined for the winners scoring 20 points. Lawrence McKenzie also was pretty good nailing 18 points. Aleksandar Dimitrovski (193-G-80, agency: Interperformances) scored 10 points and was the last one with double digits in Feni. Sasa Topcov stopped on 20 points for Spartak.

Despite this defeat Spartak Pleven ended this tournament on top with score 2-1. Rilski Sportist is on the second place with the same score while Feni Industri is third with 1-2. Cherno More is on the bottom also with 1-2.

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GERMANY

Telekom Baskets Bonn control Deutsche Bank skyliners 80 to 66 - by Miles Scheuber

Telekom Baskets Bonn control Deutsche Bank skyliners 80 to 66 - by Miles Scheuber

UBC Hannover lands final spot in 2. Bundesliga Pro B - by Moritz Korff
The story of success continues for UBC Hannover. The Tigers were awarded the final spot in the 2. Bundesliga Pro B Saturday, only two weeks prior to the start of the 2008-09 campaign. With being promoted to the Pro B-league UBC managed to move up for the sixth time in six years! The club, led by the Goch-twins Markus Goch (manager) and Michael Goch (coach), finished this past season in the Regionalliga North in second place with 19 wins and only three losses.

Bundesliga Game Day 1: Sunday action part of a fantastic Basketball weekend for Bundesliga!! - by Michael Taylor
Sunday basketball action in Bundesliga Game Day 1 saw a fantastic debut for defending champions ALBA Berlin and a strong performance from Telekom Baskets Bonn as both teams who reached the championship series last season opened 2008-2009 with exciting wins. TBB Trier also opened the new year with a solid road win. Tipping off the new seson of Bundesliga basketball, this weekend provided an outstanding debut and shows signs of a terrific season to ahead!

Sunday September 21, 2008

ALBA BERLIN 95 ARTLAND DRAGONS 84
15,000 basketball fans celebrated the opening of beautiful O2 World Arena and defending Bundesliga champions ALBA Berlin did not disappoint with their strong team performance in a 95-84 home win over Artland Dragons Sunday in Game Day 1. Reigning Bundesliga MVP Julius Jenkins scored 25pt 6ast for ALBA and Ansu Sesay added 16pt 6reb for Head coach Luka Pavicevic's team. Skillful veteran Aleksandar Nadjefji also reached double figures with 12pt 5boards. The Dragons started strong opening a 21-19 lead after 1Q and holding a 45-39 advantage at half. ALBA's 3Q rally gave the hosts a 67-66 lead going into the 4th. ALBA's depth and experience pushed them to the exciting home opening 95-84 home win with a 28-18 4Q. ALBA shot 53% from the floor made 7 of 16 (43%) threes and drilled 30 of 35 (85%) FT while outrebounding Artland 31-26. Darius Hall led the Dragons attack with 15pt 5reb while Zack Whiting produced 14pt 4ast and Adam Hess 13pt in the loss. Artland shot 49% from the floor and made 23 of 30 FT (76%). Berlin opens 1-0 while Artland is 0-1.

TBB Trier 72 BG74 Gottingen 68
Forward Chris Copeland scored 19pt and wing Jamal Shuler added 18pt 6reb to lead Trier to a tight 72-68 road win over BG74 Gottingen at Lokhalle Sunday evening. Trailing 23-19 after 1Q, Trier surged ahead to a 40-36 halftime lead on the strength of their 21-13 2Q. The tight game continued into the second half and Head Coach Yves Defraigne and his Trier team took a 58-53 lead into the 4th. Trier hit 46% from the floor and drilled 17 of 20FT (85%) while outrebounding the Violets 33-31 in the game. Along with Copeland and Shuler, PG Derek Raivio scored 12pt 7reb and Maksym Shtein added 11pt to the Trier win. Kyle Bailey paced Gottingen with 22pt 4eb followed by 19pt 12reb from Cliff Brown and 12pt from Charles Lee. Gottingen shot 41% in the loss. Trier starts 2008-2009 with a victory and 1-0 mark while Gottingen is 0-1.

TELEKOM BASKETS BONN 81 DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS 66
Winsome Frazier and Kyle Bowman scored 22pt apiece as Head coach Michael Koch and his Telekom Bonn team topped Deutsche Bank Skyliners 81-66 in the season opener for both teams Sunday at Ballsporthalle in Frankfurt Germany. Bonn shot 56% from the floor, nailed 15 of 20 FT (75%) and outrebounded Frankfurt 35-29 in the win. Bonn also sank 10 of 21 threes (47%) compared with Skyliners 5 of 24 (20%). A 17-11 2Q and 23-17 3Q helped Bonn build their lead. For more details about the game, please read the Eurobasket game report from Miles Scheuber. Bonn opens the 2008-2009 Bundesliga season 1-0 while Frankfurt starts 0-1.

Wednesday September 24th, 2008

ratiopharm Ulm @ brose Baskets Bamberg 7:30pm tip

Telekom Baskets Bonn control The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 80 to 66 - by Miles Scheuber
BONN CONTROL FRANKFURT 80 TO 66

THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS came into the opening game of the 2008-2009 season with huge expectations, but were unable to fulfill them as their scoring machine was halted by a fierce and vicious Bonn defense that brought Frankfurt to easy mistakes again and again. The Telekom Baskets Bonn defeated Frankfurt 80 to 66 and showed quickly that they are a team to watch this season in the BBL. After the potent preseason record of 11-3, where some critics already was comparing the team to the 2004 champion team, this loss was about as anticlimatic as if Opera singer Paul Potts had disappointed his fans at one of his concerts with a lousy singing of Nessun Dorma. The team that faced Bonn seemed like a totally different squad then in the preseason, where they were playing controlled team Basketball. One can be fair and argue that it was a typical first game of the season, but slim memories of the non cohesive Charles Barton team of two years ago came back. This is a game that we have to forget very quickly. We made many many mistakes on defense and we just werent hitting our shots on a consistent level, said American Derrick Allen. The game marked the return of two ex Skyliner players Alex King and Ken Johnson who were highly motivated and had respectable games. I was ok today. This team will get a lot better. We have a lot of self confidence and many guys can score, said American Ken Johnson.
Both teams started off slowly, as both teams were a bit nervous in the first two minutes. Bonn point guard EJ Rowland showed quickly that Michael Koch had made the right decision in bring him to the Rhine as he hit his first two shots. American Brandon Bowman showed his athletic quickness as he flew by Gordin to make an easy layup. Bonn had the six to four lead and the game would stay close through out as both teams fought and let no one on a run. Frankfurt had little luck getting inside and when they did it was usually Gordon doing damage. After Bowman hit a free throw, it was time for Pascal MR Dependable Roller to step up and hit two big hoops to give Frankfurt its first lead 11 to 10. Frazier gave Bonn the lead back and De Mello the lead back to Frankfurt as he finished a fast break after a marvellous Evtimov pass. Rowland then hit from outside, and it was time for Evtimov to showcase his lethal three pointer. Frankfurt led 18 to 17, but couldnt keep the lead as Brandon Bowman closed out the first quarter with a steal and coast to coast sprint for a layup. The Telekom Baskets Bonn had a narrow lead of 21 to 20 after one quarter.
In the second quarter, THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS kept pace with The Telekom Baskets Bonn, but couldnt take the lead again. It was becoming very discomforting, that Frankfurt was having problems, distinguishing a leader type or go to guy on the floor. Pascal Roller was conducting the offense, but no other player was really trying to take over on offense. Gordon was having problems gaining good position, but when he did find the right space, he made the most of it with dunks or layups. Frankfurt continued to play catch up basketball, and would take the lead again with a Roller hoop and free throws from Wysocki and Allen. Frankfurt led 30 to 26, but their biggest problem on this day was that they were unable to go on a run or keep up their efficiency in getting points. American Winsome Frazier showed that he hasnt lost his deadly shot from the playoffs and drained two baskets and Bonn led again 32 to 30. Bonn closed the second quarter with a six to one run as Frankfurt was to lax on defense. Frazier scored on a fast break and Ken Johnson from outside. Bonn led comfortably 38 to 31 at half time. The biggest crush for Frankfurt in the stats was the 2/10 shooting from three point land.
Last season, the third quarter at times seemed to be like an unwanted splinter in the toe for THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS and the trend seems to be going in the same direction this season as The Telekom Baskets Bonn started on a 12 to 4 run. Bonn was scoring from all over the court. Rowland in the zone, Johnson over Gordon, Bowman from outside or Frazier from three point land. Bonn now led 50 to 35, and the Frankfurt fans were slowly beginning to wonder when coach Murat Didin was going to explode. Frankfurt had extreme difficulty in this phase with the uncomfortable Bonn defense, which led to many turnovers. The game also was not absent of spectacular plays as Simmons and Bowmann showed why being athletic can bring fans into the BBL arenas. Simmons had had a tough first half and needed something good to happen and it finally did as he flew into the zone like an eagle and dazzled the crowd with a monster one handed dunk. Brandon Bowman showed his coolness and followed with a double pump reverse layup that would of fitted into any Harlem Globetrotter highlight film. Bonn led 52 to 37. Frankfurt continued to shoot horribly from outside and had little action under the hoops. If there was one positive thing that captain Pascal Roller took home with this game was the knowledge that his penetration and closing with his left hand was successful. That should give him a lot of self confidence for the next games. Roller made two buckets in the zone with his left hand, but Frankfurt could not get back simply because the big firepower of Frankfurt was at a standstill. Even though Frankfurt had come back to 57 to 46, it was Bowman and Johnson, who scored at the end. The Telekom Baskets Bonn led 61 to 48, and Frankfurt was simply missing the fire and killer instinct. Frankfurt shot only 1/6 from the three point line and were not aggressive enough under the boards.
In the first minute of the fourth quarter, it wasnt Frazier or Bowmann who displayed a mini offense clinic, but ex Skyliner Alex King. In Frankfurt, it wasnt untypical to see him shoot an airball from three point land, but against Frankfurt he gave the word swish a new meaning. He followed that with another basket and Bonn led 66 to 48. Murat Didin had to take a timeout and was not too amused. He must of been wondering, what had happened to his super pre season team. After the time out came a quick lightening bolt of pure offense from Evtimov and Roller from three point land. Bonn still led 66 to54, but instead of going on a run and getting some stops on defense, Frankfurt showed untimely lapses of concentration on defense allowing Frazier two hoops. Bonn led again 71 to 54. Now even the most loyal Skyliner fans were starting to get used with starting the season with a loss. Roller continued his strong game with a three pointer and a over the shoulder pass to Wysocki for a hoop and Bonn led only 70 to 58. There was still enough time, for Frankfurt to finally start a huge run, but instead, Bonn went on a 9 to 1 run to break the back of Frankfurt and seal the win for Bonn. Rowland hit a three pointer and American Vincent Yarbrough, who had been quiet all game long finally hit a three pointer. Bonn led 79 to 59 and the game was decided. Frankfurt did close the game with a six to one run, but it was all too late. The Telekom Baskets Bonn deserved to win the game, while Frankfurt will have to go back to the drawing board and rebound in Cologne next weekend.
The top scorer for The Telekom Baskets Bonn was American Brandon Bowmann with 22 points and 11 rebounds. American Winsome Frazier added 21 points. American EJ Rowland contributed 15 points. Ex Skyliner Ken Johnson added six points and four assists. He was happy about the win, but still had Frankfurt very much in his thoughts. I love Frankfurt and miss it very much. It was my first team in Frankfurt and will always have a lot of respect for that organization. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS were led by Pascal Roller with 20 points and six assists. American Lorenzo Gordon added 14 points and eight rebounds. Last season Skyliner MVP Derrick Allen had six points and three rebounds in 21 minutes. It almost seemed like he spent more time on the bench against Bonn than all of last season. Allen said that he and Lorenzo Gordon had their problems being productive in the paint. Ken Johnson did a good job defending Gordon and the few times I was in the paint, I simply was unable to score.
This a game that THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS need to forget as soon as possible and just look ahead to Cologne. The biggest problem that Frankfurt had against Bonn was simply not playing and acting together as a team. When the team can harmonize and show character, then they will be successful. Frankfurt needs a crash course on defense as it was lacking in many phases of the game. Bonn shot incredibly well at 56% and Frankfurt was simply bad from the three point line shooting 5/24. Bonn controlled the rebounds and Frankfurt had 17 turnovers which was simply too much. Frankfurt has a lot of work too do this week, because Cologne will not be an easy opponent as they lost a nail bitter in Dusseldorf by one point. A game like this could have consequences for the players as Murat Didin is never afraid to show his nasty side. However the team has a week to prepare for Cologne and simply need to show more life on the court and more concentration. The Cologne 99ers host THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS on Sunday September 28th at 15:00.

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GREECE

Mavroskoufia: First day result - by George Manousidis

In the first day of 17th Mavroskoufia the game that opens the tournament was Costa Cafe Costa Cafe Costa Cafe Marousi vs. Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan defeated Costa Cafe Costa Cafe Marousi 53-80. The game was a monolog of Costa Cafe Costa Cafe Marousi. Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan with only 10 players tries to achieve a good result but Costa Cafe Costa Cafe Marousi was unstoppable. From the winers Glyniadakis with 16 points and 8 rebounds and Stevenson with 15 points all from behind the arch was the best. From Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan Lee has 11 points and 4 rebounds and Daniel with 10 points was the best.

Costa Cafe Costa Cafe Marousi (Markopoulos): Stevenson 15 (5 /6), Keys 2, Charalabidis 3,Pantius 13, Koubouras 9, Toutziarakis 2, Papantoniou 3, Mavroidis 2, Mavrokefalidis 7, Kalathis 6, Glyniadakis 16, Kaimakoglou 2.
Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan (Belinko): Gomez 8, Daniel 10, Jones 5, Simhon, Berkovitz, Brener 6, Gendel 6, Brenner, Hakman 7, Lee 11.

The second game PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki Marfin Thessaloniki beat easy Olimpia GE Larissa GE Larissa GE Larissa GE Larissa . The game has a very large amount from turnovers (24 for PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki Marfin Thessaloniki and 23 from Olympia). We notice that the two teams are not ready yet and they will need many practice hours and games to find their way. From PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki Marfin Thessaloniki Costas Vasiliadis (200-G/F-84, agency: FCM) was the best with 20 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. From Olimpia GE Larissa GE Larissa selected Jamel with 20 points.

PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki Marfin Thessaloniki (Pedoulakis): Kalabakas, Galazoulas, Charisis 9, Costas Vasiliadis 20, Simtsak 7, Tsiaras 11, Diara 13, Demertzis 2, Gregory 2, Psathas, Tomasevic 6, Marmarinos 4.
Olimpia GE Larissa GE Larissa GE Larissa (Bartzokas): Castle 3, King 10, Spanos 2, Shultze, Sigounas 5, Jamel 20, Gianoulakos, Batis 4, Arigbabou 4, Kolokas 2, Kurtovik 1, Papaioakim 7.

Last day program:

16:30 : Ironi Kfar Hamaccabia Ramat Gan vs Olimpia GE Larissa (for 3/4)

19:00 : PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki vs Costa Cafe Marousi (Final)

PAOK inks Tapoutos - by Chris Mammides
Another great transfer from PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki and Dimitris Drosos new management! The Thessaloniki team agreed financial terms with the ex AEK's forward Christos Tapoutos (208-F-82). Christos Tapoutos was most wanted from at least another three teams (AEK, Aris and Panionios). It is most certain that the roster of PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki is among the top rosters in the Greek league for this seazon and if Head Coach Pedoulakis manage to add all this elements to develop a super team, then PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki is heading for a very good position this seazon.

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ICELAND

netted 17 points in defeat.

Austria: Deteri Mayes 15, Thomas Schreiner 11, Christian Kollik 10
Iceland: Pall Axel Vilbergsson 18, Jon Stefansson

17

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ISRAEL

Nahariya land McGhee - by Tamar Goldman

The American forward, Aaron McGhee is the latest addition to Ironi Nahariya. The 28 years old players started his carrier with Oklahoma University where he played during 2000-2002 seasons. His debut out of the states was in Italy with Scavolini Pesaro but in the middle of the season he moved to Spain where he played next season also. In 2004/05 McGhee moved to Korea and played there for 3 seasons. In May 2007 he signed in Puerto Rico, from there he moved to china and after 19 games returned to Puerto Rico and in April moved to the Philippines where he averaged in 14 games: 19.9ppg, 11.5rpg, 1.9apg, 1.0spg,

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ITALY

A strange decision... - by Gianni Pascucci
As we have yet posted, the Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) Federal Council revoked yesterday afternoon the registration of Basket Napoli and Orlandina Capo d'Orlando to Serie A, without any replacement. The move is based on some unpayed taxes and/or pension contibutions of both the teams. But, if the bad situation of Napoli was yet known (that team had yet sanctioned of 15 points and was risking another 10, it is impossible to stay in a league starting from -25 in the table), the punishment of Capo d'Orlando seems unequal, and truely unexpected. And this decision comes too late. The big question mark is why to decide this all only now, two weeks before the league start, leaving these two teams going on in preparing their season, signing new players and coaches, booking hotels and travels all summer long. We are sure that the FIP officials knew yet this all some weeks ago, if not some months. However, as it is usual, the two teams will appeal to this decision and no one knows how many teams will really be at the start of the top Italian league, whose tipoff is scheduled for the first weekend of October. In the meanwhile, the Serie A league will prepare in few days a new season schedule, with 30 rounds instead of the projected 34.

Saturday summary - by Eurobasket News
Bulgaria advanced to Poland 2009 even after a loss to Serbia and finished Group A with 4-4 record. The hosts of the game finished second ahead of Italy, who were also 4-4 but had a worse overall goal differential in the group than the Bulgarians. The latter lost to Serbia 77:87 as both teams advanced to the Eurobasket 2009. Nenad Krstic led the winners with 17 points and 9 boards. Zoran Erceg and Milos Vujanic followed him with 11 each as Serbia finished the group with 7-1 record. Ibrahim Jaaber top-scored for the hosts with 27 points and Deyan Ivanov had 14.
Zalgiris played another exhibition game on their preseason Italian tour. Yesterday the Lithuanian champions lost to Eldo. The visitors got to a better start as Marcus Brown and Loren Woods put them in front 7:4. Zalgiris secured a 22:20 lead after the starting frame. Dainius Salenga and Ratko Varda allowed the Lithuanian side to enlarge the advantage to as many as 9 points late in the second frame. But Eldo managed to cut the gap to just 3 points at halftime. Guillermo Diaz (188-G-85, college: Miami, FL) and Shan Foster (198-G/F-86, college: Vanderbilt) fueled the rally from the hosts in the third quarter when they denied the deficit and surged ahead. Eldo piled up a a 62:58 advantage at three quarter time and maintained the pressure throughout the fourth quarter. Zalgiris shaved the deficit to only 2 points at the dying stages of the encounter but Jamar Butler sealed the winning outcome for Eldo. Loren Woods notched 13 points and 11 rebounds for Zalgiris. Mantas Kalnietis had 12 points, while Paulius Jankunas had 11 points in defeat. Guillermo Diaz secured 24 points for Eldo. Shan Foster contributed 16 points for the winners.
CSKA rebounded quickly after the loss to Montepaschi Siena on Italian preseason tour. Yesterday Russian powerhouse handled Italian Seria A newcomer Ferrara 97:78. Erazem Lorbek

(210-F/C-84, college: Michigan St.) tallied 16 points and 9 rebounds to pace CSKA. Ramunas Siskauskas added 13 points, while Viktor Khryapa and Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland) nailed 11 points apiece for the winners. Andre Collins answered with game-high 30 points for Carife Ferrara. CSKA got to a sloppy start to the game as they allowed the hosts to run away to an 8-point distance after the opening frame. CSKA gradually took over and cut the deficit to 4 points at halftime. Ferrara managed to maintained the lead throughout the third frame and headed into the final stanza up by 3 points. But an unstoppable rally from the visitors resulted in a 32:10 fourth quarter rout of the Italian side and CSKA secured yet another victory in Italy.

Changes in imports quota - by Gianni Pascucci
The Italian Basketball Federation (FIP) Federal Council of Saturday afternoon wasn' t only dramatic for the two Serie A teams suspended, but also for all the Serie A League. In fact, the FIP decided to change the import player quota in the top Italian division, denying the previous agreement with the League officials. According with this new decision, every Serie A team willl be allowed to register 3 import players instead of 4 from the 2009-10 season (with 3 Bosman players) and only 2 (with 4 Bosmans) from the 2011-12 season. The domestic player quota will become the 50 % (6 on 12) starting from next season, and it is not clear if this will comprise or not the naturalized players. It is sure that this decision doesn' t like at all to Serie A teams, winds of war are blowing in Italian basketball...

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JORDAN

Men NT to Turkey tomorrow - by Mohammed Malas
The Jordanian men national team will leave to Turkey tomorrow to be part of a friendly tournament there under the participation of Qatar NT, Tunisia NT adding to 3 clubs from Turkey (TBL2): Alpella Trabzon Spor, TTNET Beykozspor & ITU Istanbul.

Mario Leonel Palma and coaching staff members Mario Gomes and Mo'tasem Salameh had chosen fourteen players will appear under the Jordanian flag and they're:

Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) of Zain
Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) of Orthodox
Wesam Sous (181-G-83) of Al Riyadi Amman
Islam Abbas (201-C-80) of ASU Sports Club
Zeid Abbas (203-F-83) of ASU Sports Club
Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) of Zain
Mohammad Hamdan (201-F-84) of Zain
Jamal Ma'aytah (213-C-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Greensboro) of Zain
Francis Ireifej (186-G-82, college: Point Loma) of Zain
Moussa Al Awadi (190-G/F-85) of Zain
Eyad Abdeen (202-F-79) of ASU Sports Club
Ali Jamal (204-F/C-88) of Al Riyadi Amman
Khaldon Abo Rukayeah (198-F-83) of Zain
Mahmoud Abdeen (186-G-87) of Orthodox

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JUCO

INSTANT IMPACT: 3 Players sure to make a splash in a storied university! - by Lucius Jones
Head Coach David Ragland has taken over at storied Vincennes JC Junior College and seems to be headed in the right direction of keeping the tradition alive. Thriving may even better describe the job he has done so far as Vincennes JC is coming off of a 28-6 season and looks to be much improved upon that lofty mark this year. As an Asst, Coach Ragland has been to the National Tournament 2 of his 3 years and the year they didnt make it they were in the district final for the spot. As the tradition continues,these players among others will be names to look for this upcoming season:

Cordell Passley is a player who originally began his legacy as a rare 8th grade invitee to the Nike HS All American camp. From there Passley played for the SYF Players and caught the eye of one Head Coach Bruce Pearl of Tennessee. After committing to Tennessee, the Pike HS product Passley re-opened his recruitment and ended up at Harmony Prep. He currently begins his time at Vincennes JC as a starting PG prospect that should be a high major D1 recruit.

JP Olukemi had a list of schools from his play with Belmont Shore so impressive that it is easy to see why he would be an instant impact player at any level. Being offered and/or heavily recruited by the likes of colorado, colorado st, california, kentucky, washington, and many more, JP Olukemi should be a strong frontcourt piece at the 3 spot.

Johnie Davis is another player who should make his presence immediately felt at Vincennes JC this season. He averaged 18.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.1 steals during his senior season at Timken High in Canton Ohio. The all around talent is a surefire instant impact player who, like many others on this deep deep roster, will be a mid or high major recruit.

Look for big things in general out of this Vincennes JC team in 08-09'.

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LIBYA

Super Cup ,Basketball season starts in October - by Anas Seddigh
The Libyan Basketball federation anounced that the super cup game between Al Ittihad the league champions and Al Shabab the Cup champions is to be played on 12th of October.

Also the 2008\2009 Basketball season will start on the 17th of October.

This season features two Divisions ,the first Division consists of 8 teams those who finished in the top eight spots last season ,the second division consists from 5 teams including a new club that will enter this year's competition.

First Division :
Al Ittihad
Al Ahli Tripoli
Al Shabab
Al Nasr
Ahli Benghazi
Al Madina
Al Hilal
Morog

Second Division :
Al Jazeera
Al Yarmook
Al Tahaddi
Al Wahda
Al Amn Al'am

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LITHUANIA

Mantas Kalnietis out for 6 weeks - by Gediminas Slipkus

Zalgiris Kaunas guard Mantas Kalnietis (196-G-86, agency: Interperformances) suffered an injury to his left arm in the game between split Zalgiris teams on saturday. According to Zalgiris team website, the youngster played until the end of the game and was the best scorer in 'The White Team', but after the game he asked the doctors to see his arm. It showed, that his wrist bone is broken and so he will be out for about 6 weeks.

The game finished 67:61 for 'The Green Team'. Mantas Kalnietis scored 19 points. Zalgiris should have played Eldo Basket on this day, but the Italian team was thrown out of the Serie A championship by the Italian basketball federation commitee and Eldo Basket decided to boycott the game.

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LUXEMBOURG

Sweden better Luxembourg away from home - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg - Sweden 51:96

Sweden had little problems in delivering their 4th straight win at the EuroBasket in Division B. They visited Luxembourg yesterday and overwhelmed the hosts to stay perfect in Group C. Per Ringstrom (206-F-81, agency: Rasmussen Services) netted 22 points to lead all scorers. Joakim Blom (211-C-76, agency: Court Side) provided 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Jonathan Skjoldebrand (203-C/F-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) had 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Kleffer replied with 16 points for Luxembourg. He turned out to be the only player to score in double digits for the home team as they slipped to 0-4 record.
Sweden easily ran away to a 7-point distance after the opening stanza. Jonathan Skjoldebrand knocked down 12 points in the second frame and Sweden earned an 11-point advantage at halftime. Per Ringstrom and Joakim Blom began the second half with 7 straight points as Sweden secured an 18-point buffer. Per Ringstrom had 13 points in the quarter and the Scandinavian team enjoyed a 28-point cushion at three-quarter time. Luxembourg found no answers for Swedish onslaught and had to surrender at the end.
Sweden had a huge advantage on the glass with 46 rebounds against 18 from the hosts. Sweden also forced Luxembourg to 21 turnovers and sank 57% from the field. Luxembourg responded with just 33% accuracy of field goals.

Luxembourg: Bob Kieffer (195-G/F-86) 16, Laurent Schwartz (177-G-89) 9
Sweden: Per Ringstrom 22, Joakim Blom 17, Jonathan Skjoldebrand 16

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MONTENEGRO

Buducnost second in Kraljevo, Marko Simonovic top scorer - by Eurobasket News
Montenegrin champion Buducnost Porgorica ended international tournament 'Sloga 2008' on the second place.

In the first game Buducnost outplayed Bosnian runner-up Igokea Partizan 87-67. Marko Simonovic (203-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) was key player of the game for the winning team scoring 21 points. Another player which arrived to Buduncost this summer Milos Bojovic (198-G-81) also was good adding one point less. Ex player of Montenegrin team Nikola Bulajic (208-C-84) netted 23 points for the loosing side.

In game number two Buducnost had an easy job against the hosts Sloga Kraljevo celebrating 89-61. One more time Marko Simonovic paced Buducnost to victory draining 16 points. Big guy Nenad Misanovic (217-C-84) followed with 15 points. Sloga got 14 points from Bojan Petrovic (204-F/C-88).

In the final game Buducnost faced with Adriatic league as well as Serbian Sruperleague runner-up Hemofarm STADA suffering defeat 71-63. The game is decided in the last frame, which Hemofarm ended 26-16. Center Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) was clutch played of the game with 19 points. Nenad Misanovic this time scored the most in Buducnost 17 points. Marko Simonovic stopped on 16.. These two players were the only ones with more than ten points in Montenegrin champion.

Marko Simonovic finished this tournament as a top scorer draining 53 points in three games.

Montenegro thrash Denmark at home - by Eurobasket News
Montenegro - Denmark 96:60

Montenegro breezed past Denmark in Podgorica to claim the fourth straight win at the EuroBasket in Division B. The win allowed the Balkan country to remain at the helm of Group A. Denmark yet to deliver a win with 4 consecutive losses. Montenegro left little chances to taste the first win in this game. Ivan Maras (209-C-86, agency: Beo Basket), Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75) and Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) gave the hosts a 10:2 early in the game. Denmark hardly recovered and trailed by 8 points at the end of the first quarter. Omar Cook (186-G-82, college: St.John's) and Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) opened the second quarter with 4 straight points to make it 28:16 for Montenegro. Then Nikola Pekovic fired 7 points to stretch the margin to 16 points. Denmark found themselves down by 21 points at halftime. Nikola Pekovic and Goran Jeretin teamed up for 12 points in the third quarter as the hosts led by the same 21 points before the final term. Ivan Koljevic (186-G-84) drained two trebles early in the fourth quarter and Montenegro never looked back again. Nikola Pekovic finished the game with 25 points and 6 rebounds. Ivan Koljevic added 13 points, while Vlado Scepanovic had 12 points for the winners. Nicolai Iversen (204-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) knocked down 12 points for Denmark. Peter Johansen (204-F/C-80, agency: Arik Krayn Services) secured 10 points and 7 rebounds in defeat.
Montenegro outrebounded their opponents 37:26 and forced those to 16 turnovers. Montenegro shot impressive 57% from the field.

Montenegro: Nikola Pekovic 25, Ivan Koljevic 13, Vlado Scepanovic 12
Denmark: Nicolai Iversen 12, Peter Johansen 10

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NCAA1

USC's guard Marcus Simmons has surgery - by Eurobasket News
USC sophomore guard Marcus Simmons (6'5''-F) is expected to miss 8-12 weeks of action following surgery to remove additional bone growth in his left leg due to complications from an ankle injury last season, announced USC head basketball coach Tim Floyd.

Simmons, who was limited to parts of 15 games in 2007-08 due to sustaining a high ankle sprain on the first day of practice, had surgery on Tuesday to remove additional bone growth between the tibia and fibula as a result of the trauma of his past injuries to the left ankle. The surgery was performed by Dr. David Thordarson at USC Hospital.

Simmons appeared in a total of 101 minutes over 15 games as a USC freshman. He scored eight points and grabbed 23 rebounds. As a senior in high school, Simmons averaged 18.0 points and 8.0 rebounds. He led Peabody High of Alexandria, La. to a 37-4 record and the 4-A Louisiana state championship.

Courtesy of www.usctrojans.com

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NEPAL

ASCOL wins - by Eurobasket News
Amrit Science College (ASCOL) defeated hosts Shanker Dev A 50-41 in the final of the Inter-college Basketball Tournament on Friday. Parvesh Shrestha of ASCOL top-scored in the match with 15 points. Ravin Khatri - who netted 12 for Shanker Dev - was named the MVP, while teammate Binod Shrestha won the highest scorers award. CA Member Minendra Rijal gave away prizes to the winners.

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NIGERIA

Ebi Ere likes the look of loaded champs - by Eurobasket News
Ebi Ere (195-G/F-81, college: Oklahoma), who won a championship with a record-breaking Brisbane Bullets team last year, is impressed by the talent at the Melbourne Tigers.

The roster is so deep that Sam Mackinnon, Rod Grizzard and Stephen Hoare can afford to have off nights like they did on Saturday night against Gold Coast Blaze.

'We had a lot of talent at Brisbane, but it wasn't like true talent,' Ere said.

'We had veterans that knew the game and they knew how to play. (At Melbourne) we've just got raw talent with (David) Barlow and Grizz (Rod Grizzard), Chris (Anstey), Sam (Mackinnon).

'Anybody could score 30 at any time.'

As the Tigers and Cairns Taipans set the early NBL pace, the North Queenslanders seem to have a team that could compete with Melbourne.

Like the Tigers, the Taipans re-tooled in the off-season, a move somewhat forced by the departure of dominant big man Nathan Jawai to NBA team Toronto.

Cairns added one-time Tiger Dave Thomas and former Sydney Kings big man Ian Crosswhite to its already-impressive core group, which includes Larry Abney, Stephen Black, Martin Cattalini and Darnell Mee.

The Taipans have matched Melbourne's 2-0 start, defeating the South Dragons in their season opener before knocking off Gold Coast on Friday night.

Black, Abney, Cattalini and Thomas all scored in double figures in the 85-75 win against Gold Coast.

WOLLONGONG Hawks made a winning home start to the NBL season and left wooden spoon favourite Sydney Spirit at the bottom with a comfortable 111-99 victory in Wollongong on Saturday night.

The Hawks bounced back from their opening-night 21-point loss to New Zealand on Thursday, while the Spirit slid to its second straight loss.

Wollongong skipper Matthew Campbell was one of five double-figure scorers for the Hawks with 20 points, with Dusty Rychart (16), Glen Saville (15), Kavossy Franklin (15) and Anthony Petrie (13) also punishing Spirit.

Derrick Low had 22 points and Matthew Knight added 17 for Spirit, which led 19-14 midway through the first quarter.

But Wollongong finished the term on a 15-6 run to lead 29-25 at quarter-time.

The Hawks increased their lead to nine at the half and led by as many 28 points in the fourth quarter.

Courtesy of http://www.news.com.au/

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NORWAY

Bergen teams take two of three wins - by Kaare Vangen

Ulriken Eagles had a tough weekend up north and could head back to Bergen with one win and one loss. Friday they beat Harstad Vikings after OT and Sunday they lost to Tromso Storm with three. Fans from Bergen will say they could have taken the win, while the Storm fans will say Storm deserved the win. Any way, Eagles and Storm both had the first win and all three teams involved in the two games will know they can beat the other ones on a good day but will lose on a bad. BLNO looks to be as close as predicted.

Nick Billings now holds the record for being the tallest player in BLNO. He had an OK debut for Vikings. Christer Fonnes and Marco Elsafadi look to be the Norwegian key players for Eagles. Delano Thomas had a monster match against Vikings but fainted against Storm and stopped on only 6 points. Peter Bullock had two good matches for Eagles.

On Vikings Jeff Rogers ran the show like he is used to. Bendik Myhrer had a good debut, Sanel Gabela came strong back from a disappointing last season and Bjorn Risshall did his job. Nick Billings took a lot of boards and had an OK debut.

3B/Baerums Verk could not stop Gimle in the fourth quarter and lost 85-96 at home. 3B controlled the match up to the start of the last quarter when Gimle took over and never gave away the lead. A lot of new names on 3B. Filip Claesson (184-G-87), Joakim Hellerstr�m, Martin Elgmork (179-G-90), Stian Berg (180-G-91) Oystein Ofte (193-F-83), Muhamed Muminovic all played for 3B. Nikolas Skouen (191-F-90), Magne Fivelstad (193-G/F-89) and Brede Ellingsen (188-G-88) all contributed significantly for Gimle. Willie Dunn (198-F-83, college: Georgia Southern) got a win for his new club on the first try.

Harstad Vikings - Ulriken Eagles 90 - 102 ( 22 -22 20 -26 20 -20 19 -13 9 -21 ) Attendance: 720
Vikings: Jeff Rogers 23, Nick Billings 17, Bendik Myhrer 16, Sanel Gabela 15, Bjorn Risshall 14, Ifiok Adahada 3, Fredrik Knutsen 2
Eagles: Delano Thomas 32, Peter Bullock 25, Christer Fonnes 22, Marco Elsafadi 14, Nima Taheri 5, Fredrik Bryne 3, Ali Ouakkaha 1

Tromso Storm - Ulriken Eagles 82 - 79 ( 20 -23 23 -19 18 -17 21 -20 ) Attendance: 897
Storm: Taj Finger 24, Ronald Timus 20, Galin Mihaylov 14, Hani Issalhi 12, Dag Christensen 5, Runar Ytrehus 5, Kurt Figenschou 2
Eagles: Marco Elsafadi 21, Peter Bullock 20, Christer Fonnes 17, Nima Taheri 9, Delano Thomas 6, Leo Storm Omre 6

3B/Brums Verk - Gimle 85 - 96 ( 24 -18 19 -16 19 -23 23 -39 )

Standings - BLNO

BLNO Standings

1. Harstad	0-0
2. Asker	0-0
3. Ammerud	0-0
4. 3B	0-0
5. Gimle	0-0
6. Ulriken	0-0
7. Tromso	0-0
8. Kristiansand	0-0
9. Fjellhamar	0-0

BLNO Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1.Z.Gilliard, Kristia. 29.3
2.R.Timus, 3B 27.5
3.B.Harper, Gimle 25.1
4.W.Dunn, Kristian. 24.9
5.A.Willia., Tromso 22.1

Rebounds Per Game

1.P.Bullock, Ulriken 13.4
2.M.Woodsen, Har. 12.7
3.M.Campbell, Tro. 12.4
4.W.Dunn, Krist. 10.4
5.T.Bryn, Ammerud 9.6

Assists Per Game

1.C.Elgmork, 3B 6,1
2.M.Mahnin, Asker 5,3
3.J.Rogers, Harstad 5,1
4.I.Adahada, Krist.4,5
5.H.Issalhi, Tromso 4,2

Steals Per Game

1.C.Elgmork, 3B 3,2
2.R.Hawthorne, Am. 2,8
3.J.Rogers, Harstad 2,7

2FGP

1.O.Fritzen, 3B 75.6
2.L.Torkild., Asker 70.0
3.M.Woodsen, Har. 64.1

3FGP

1.R.Bitinas, Harstad 50.0
2.B.Risshall, Hars. 47.1
3.M.Mahnin, Asker 46.3

Free Throws

1.B.Mariampi, Kris. 92.6
2.R.Bitinas, Harstad 87.0
3.W.Sharma, Fjell. 85.0

Div1 Stats Leader

1Div Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1.O.Trobe, Trondh. 24.9
2.E.Ogarrow, Cent. 21.2
3.T.Aliferis, Persbr. 20.7
4.T.Samue., Varden 19.5
5.O.Ofte, NTNUI 18.6

Rebounds Per Game

1.T.Fisher, Centrum 13.9
2.B.Madsen, OSI 12.4
3.T.Samuel., Varden 8.7
4.K.Hansen, Varden 8.2
5.R.Paulsen, Stavan. 8.1

Assists Per Game

1.T.Randolph, Lang. 5,4
2.E.Ogarrow, Centr. 4,9
3.B.Aunan, Persbr. 4,4
4.O.Trobe, Trondhe. 4,4
5.B.Madsen, OSI 3,9

Steals Per Game

1.E.Ogarrow, Cent. 3,5
2.T.Randolph, Lang. 3,5
3.A.Simkunas, Cent. 3,3

2FGP

1.D.Kroder, Langhus 64.2
2.G.Troni, Langhus 63.9
3.T.Fisher, Centrum 63.8

3FGP

1.G.Ronning, OSI 45.8
2.J.Hauge, NTNUI 43.5
3.E.Mamen, Langh. 43.3

Free Throws

1.H.Gulliksen, Froya 88.9
2.T.Randol, Lang. 85.5
3.B.Aunan, Persbra. 82.0

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PARAGUAY

Quadrangolar Day 3: no one stops Libertad - by Gianni Pascucci
Libertad took an easy win in Day 3 of Quadrangolar, defeating Universidad Autonoma de Asuncion (UAA) 115-75. New import Brian Craig (206-C-79, college: Miles) was the best performer, with 24 points, Renaldo Johnson (201-F-79, agency: Tank Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.) added 17 and Romeo Rios (192-F-80) and Alfredo Perez (-G/F) led UAA in losing effort with 15 pts each. Sol de America kept the pace of Libertad, dfefeating Deportivo San Jose 93-90 at the end of a battled game. Peter Kiganya (197-F-72, college: Abil.Christian) (32 points) and Jamal Nichols (206-F, college: De Paul) (27 pts) were the main factors in Sol win, while Bruno Zanotti (197-F-82, agency: Megasport, college: Merrimack) scored 27 points in San Jose. The standings are now:
1. Libertad 7 pts,
2. Sol de Amrica 5,50 pts,
3. Deportivo San Jose 4 pts,
3. UAA 3 pts.

Quadrangolar Day 2 results - by Gianni Pascucci
In Day two of Quadrangolar, Deportivo San Jose prevailed over Universidad Automona Asuncion 111-77 thanks to great performing from newly signed Marcus Watts (204-F/C-83, college: Florida Gulf Coast), who scored 31 poiints, and Brazilian Tiago Moroso (214-C-82), who added 22 pts. The best in UAA were Orlando Martinez (187-G/F-72) and Juan Chilavert (-G), with 13 points each. In the other game of the round, Libertad confirmed its supremacy defeating Sol de America 112-109 after an overtme (the regulation had ended 98-98). The game was very well played, Ricardo Ozuna (185-G/F-82) poured in 35 poins to be the game top scorer, Renaldo Johnson (201-F-79, agency: Tank Sports, college: E.Tenn.St.) added 27 pts at the winning side, and Jamal Nichols (206-F, college: De Paul) outstood at the losing side with 30 pts. The standings are now as follows:
1. Libertad 5 pts,
2. Sol de America 3,50 pts,
3. Deportivo San Jose 3 pts
4. UAA 2 pts.

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PHILIPPINES

Magnolia Beverage Masters cruise past Al Sadd - by Eurobasket News
Magnolia Beverage Masters celebrated their first win at the prestigious basketball tournament in Qatar. Yesterday they thumped the local team Al Sadd 62:33 to rebound after the starting loss to Qatar National Team. Curtis Haywood (198-G-75, college: Oklahoma City) knocked down a jumper to put Al Sadd ahead early on. However it was the first and the last lead of the hosts in the game. The Beermen quickly denied the deficit and surged ahead. They enjoyed an 18:10 advantage after the starting period before Jonas Villanueva (184-G-83) hit a three-pointer to stretch the gap to double figures at the start of the second frame. The Filipinos led throughout the quarter and secured an 11-point lead at halftime. The hosts were limited to just 2 points in the third quarter as Magnolia Masters ran away for good in this one. The Filipino powerhouse finalized an impressive victory at the end. Wesley Gonzales (192-F-80) paced the victors with 9 points. Jonas Villanueva, Bonifacio Custodio (180-G) and Kenneth Bono (198-C) knocked down 8 points apiece for Magnolia. Curtis Haywood answered with game-high 17 points for Al Sadd. El Husseini Sameer had 8 points in defeat.
In another game of the day Qatar National Team fell short against Egypt 76:79. Magnolia Beverage Masters will wrap up their campaign against Egypt today.

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ROMANIA

RUSSIA

Triumph Lyubertsy agrees with Alan Anderson - by Eurobasket News
Triumph Lyubertsy announced signing of American Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.). 26-year old forward spent last season in La Fortezza Bologna averaging 11.2 ppg, 3 rpg and 1.1 apg for 9 Euroleague games. At the same time he played 29 games in Italian Serie A adding 14.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.3 apg and 1.6 spg. Season 06/07 Anderson started in Charlotte Bobcats but he was released before any official game. Very soon he joined D-League team Tulsa 66ers demonstrating pretty good performance. In 26 games he recorded 15.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 2.7 apg in 26 games. In March he re-joined the Bobcats appearing in 17 NBA games after that. His average digits were 5.8 ppg, 1.9 rpg and 1.2 apg. At the end of the NBDL season he got the award 'All-D-League Honorable Mention -07'. He also played at NBDL All-Star game. On his rookie NBA season 05/06 he played 36 games with the Bobcats averaging 5.8 ppg and 1.9 rpg.
Anderson graduated at Michigan State University in 2005 leading it to NCAA Final Four. He played 33 games that season adding 13.2 ppg and 5.6 rpg. At the end of it he was named 'All-Big Ten 3rd Team -05'.

Lokomotiv and Azovmash to meet in the Final game - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv and Azovmash will meet in the Final game of an International tournament in Rostov. The local team, Lokomotiv invited Samara from Russia, Ukrainian Azovmash and Cherkaski Mavpi. In the first day of the tournament Lokomotiv beat Cherkaski Mavpi and in another game Azovmash overcame Samara. The final is scheduled for September 21.
Lokomotiv beat Cherkaski Mavpi 96:78. Ukrainian side won the opening quarter 20:19 that surprised the hosts from the early beginning. Lokomotiv bounced back with 22:17 in the second and 27:17 in the third. To celebrate the win in the opener Lokomotiv ended up with 28:24 in the last frame. Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) led the winners with 21 points and 5 rebounds. DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) posted 17 and Morgunov Nikita had 15 points and 5 rebounds. Vladislav Dragoljovic (206-C-79, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 18 points. Bobby Dixon (178-G-83, college: Troy) collected 17 points, 8 assists and 5 steals, while Kovalenko Vitaly and Lokhmanchuk Yuriy, netted 11 each.
Azovmash advanced to the Final after a win over Samara 96:78. After 20:20 in the first period, Azovmash produced 29:16 in the second that was a key moment of the game. Salyers Marc top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 16 points. Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) and Thompson Dijon followed the way with 15 apiece and El-Amin Khalid posted 14.

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SCOTLAND

EDINBURGH COP HELPS KINGS MAKE REGAL START - by Sandy Sutherland
Scottish 2006 Commonwealth Games rep Campbell Flockhart is back in

an Edinburgh Kings' shirt after a five-year exile along the road at

East Lothian Peregrines in Musselburgh and helped the champions to

an impressive opening win in defence of their Scottish League title

in Glasgow.
Kings tamed Glasgow Storm, a team expected to give them a close run

after taking Troon Tornadoes to a point the previous weekend, 80-44

with the 31-year-old Lothian and Borders policeman being asked to

try to fill the gap left by departed Aussie ace Brett Jefferies.
'Campbell did a good job for us,' said Kings coach Danny Costello,

who also gave a senior debut to 16-year-old Scottish junior cap Lee

Reilly, who is just out of the cadet ranks and scored 10 points.
'Lee's quite a prospect,' said Costello.
Kings have also lost long-serving club stalwart and Scottish cap

Kevin Anderson from last season's squad and were without the coach's

son Scotland point guard Laurie Costello for the Glasgow game.
'Given that we had so many new players to slot in, I was very

pleased at the way they all stepped up - the old guard gave us a bit

of stability while the new lads all made a positive contribution,'

added coach Costello.
It was another Flockhart, Simon, who shared joint top scoring spot

on 20 points with point guard Garreth Lodge while Paddy Campbell

added nine.
Kings led 20-12 after the first quarter, 33-16 at half-time then

survived a rough patch in the third before cruising the final 10

minutes 31-10.
Kings juniors had overcome St Mirren 68-63 after overtime in Paisley

the previous day, though the team to beat in this league looks to be

Falkirk Fury, who beat Arbroath 81-33.
Fury also soundly beat a weakened East Lothian Buccaneers 76-51 in

the senior league.

SCOTTISH LEAGUE NEEDS OLYMPIC BOOST - by Sandy Sutherland
Only seven senior men's teams are contesting the Scottish League this season, the lowest number for several decades.
That is two down on last season's nine which in itself was a poor shop window for the sport which in the seventies could boast three divisions and once even four.
Edinburgh University have dropped out after only one season but even more shocking is the demise of Boroughmuir who were one of the league's founder members and still hold the record for the number of title wins.
Boroughmuir, whose long-standing secretary is the current chairman of British Basketball Bill McInnes, are at least continuing to contest the RAF-sponsored Scottish Junior League, and McInnes must be hoping that some of the shine of the current highly successful Great Britain teams will rub off in Scotland.
The teams taking part this season are: Edinburgh Kings, East Lothian Buccaneers, Falkirk Fury, Glasgow Storm, Grampian Flyers, St Mirren and Troon Tornadoes.

Standings

National League Standings

1. C.Eriksson F.	0-0
2. St.Mirren	0-0
3. E.Lothian B.	0-0
4. Troon T.	0-0
5. Edinburgh K.	0-0
6. D.Russell F.	0-0
7. Glasgow S.	0-0

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

SERBIA

Market news: Radnicki lands Uros Duvnjak - by Zoran Popovic
Uros Duvnjak (190-G-86) is new playmaker of Radnicki 034 Group Kragujevac. Duvnjak started last season in Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad and on 13 games in Adriagic league scored average 1.6 points and 1.2 assistants per game. In december 2007 Duvnjak moved to FMP Zeleznik Beograd and on 11 games of Adriatic league average scored 2.0 points, in ULEB Cup on 2 games 1.5 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.0 assistants, in Superleague on 5 games 2.4 points, 0.6 rebounds and 0.4 assustants per game. Before Radnicki 034 Group Kragujevac, Vojvodina Srbija Gas Novi Sad and FMP Zeleznik Beograd Duvnjak played in Partizan, KK Sloga and Atlas Banka Novi Beograd.

Partizan Ikogea inks Gabonese Stephane Lasme - by Dragan Jankovski
Reining Serbian and Adriatic league champion Partizan Igokea continued European trend of signing NBA players this summer. After leaving of its superstar Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) and signing of Jan Vesely (210-F/C-90) and Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84), head coach Dusko Vujosevic decided to add Gabonese player Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) to Partizan's roster.

25-year old Lasme started last season in Golden State Warriors but he got released in November without any officially game. Very soon he agreed terms with NBDL team Los Angeles D-Fenders. At the end of NBDL, Lasme got the award 'All-D-League Co-Defensive Players of the Year -08'. In March this year Stephane Lasme became a member of Miami Heat. There he finally got a chance to play. He appeared 16 times in NBA averaging 5.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.4 bpg.
Lasme graduated last year at the University of Massachusetts. He played 33 games in his senior year adding 13.5 ppg, 9.5 rpg and 5.1 bpg. He was named 'All-Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year -06, 07'. At the same time he was 'All-Atlantic 10 Player of the Year -07'. Interesting is that Lasme, together with Jason Kid and Michael Anderson, holds the record in number of made triple-doubles in NCAA per one season. He is the first player who registered four triple-doubles including ten or more blocked shots.

It is already clear that Partizan's fans will have a chance to watch very quick and aggressive basketball next season.

Partizan beats Olympiakos, Zvezda better than Amsterdam - by Dragan Jankovski
At the second day of tournament in Rhodes, Partizan Igokea succeeded to beat Greek giant Olympiakos Piraeus 77-74. As a reminder, at the opening day Partizan suffered defeat against Panelinios Athens 63-70.
This time Partizan played very good when it was the most important. Trio PG Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) - F Strahinja Milosevic (203-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) - PF/C Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) were unstoppable helping Partizan to finish last quarter 28-18 and to take this one. Greek team had a chance for victory at the very end but ex NBA star Josh Childress (203-G/F-83, college: Stanford) missed a jump shot after what Rakocevic just sealed win of his team.
Zarko Rakocevic was the best scorer in Partizan with 19 points. Aleksandar Rasic followed him scoring 15 points while Strahinja Milosevic had 12. The best player from the first game Cedomir Vitkovac (201-F-82) this time stopped on 6 points. Olympiakos got 17 points from Ioannis Bouroussis (212-C-83, agency: FCM) while Josh Childress netted 15 points.
Today Partizan will meet the hosts Kolosos Rhodes while Olympiakos will play against Panelinios.

Crvena Zvezda recorded another victory in the pre-season. Red-end-whites outplayed Amsterdam 88-83 on tournament in France. In the first game Zvezda suffered defeat against Gravelines. Third quarter was crucial period of this game as Zvezda finished it 26-11. Interesting is that except of third, Amsterdam was better in other three quarters but it was not enough for the win.
Andre Owens (192-G-80, college: Houston) paced Zvezda to this win coring 22 points. Vladimir Stimac (209-C-87, agency: Interperformances) had 3 points less. Marko Keselj

(206-F-88, agency: Beo Basket), Mirko Kovac (199-F-83, agency: Beo Basket) and Lawrence Roberts (205-F/C-82, college: Mississippi St.) netted 10 points each.
At the last day of the tournament, which is today, Zvezda will take on Dexia Mons Hainaut from Belgium.

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SLOVENIA

Geoplin Slovan finishes third in the International Tournament - by Eurobasket News
Croatia organized a tournament with four teams that is being held from September 19-21. Croatian Kvarner welcomes Austrian Graz, Russian Enisey and Slovak Geoplin Slovan.
In the opener Enisey secured an impressive 64:60 win over Geoplin Slovan at the Kvarner Cup in Croatia. Trailing by 4 points at the interval Slovan stretched the margin to as many as 9 points after three quarters of action. But Enisey refused to surrender and pulled away with a hard-fought victory at the end. Dmitri Nikolaev (200-F-83), Dmitri Dogadin (200-F-81) and Aleksandr Anisimov (185-G-86) all scored 11 points apiece to lead the Russian team. Enisey will now take on Kvarner in the title decider.

In the game for the third place Geoplin Slovan beat Austrian Graz 74:66. Slovenia team opened the game with 14:11 in the opening quarter that led to 30:25 advantage at the halftime. Austrian team still remained alive after the third quarter when they trailed 45:51. In the last stanza however Slovan was better and led the game to 74:66 victory. Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) and Marin Han (198-F/G-87) paced the winners with 14 points apiece. Dejan Grkovic (203-F-84, college: NC-Wilmington) scored 10, while Lekic had 8 and Mlakar together with Cigoja posted 7 each. Geoplin Slovan finishes third in the International Tournament that was a good preparation for the upcoming season.

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SPAIN

Pre-season Round Up (Sat 20 Sep games) - by Paul Nilsen
After weeks of struggle with just one pre-season win, Trifon Poch and his Granada team produced a sensational performance to raise the spirits of Frente Nazari writes www.acb-basket.com. They obliterated Cajasol 64097 in the Andalucia Cup with Hunter and young Aguilar both brilliant while Gutierrez top scored with 19 points. Crucially Granada got their offence going in the first half for perhaps the first time this season, scoring more in the first quarter than they had in most of the first halves of their previosu games. They posted a 29-19 first period and by half time were 54-28 ahead as Cajasol toiled. Only Andrea Pecile looked vaguely impressive against his former club as he claimed 12 points for Seville.

Tau Cermica outscored Fuenlabrada 89-79 to take another pre-season victory with Igor Rakocevic producing a typical 21 point performance to star for Dusko Ivanovics side. However the game was tight until some late triples from Pablo Prigioni and the result wont worry Fuenla coach Luis Guil who can look back on a solid display from hiss team against the Euroleague giants. He will be particularly impressed with a stellar performance from big man Peter John Ramos (222-C-85) who will need to step up this season after the departure of Tom Wideman. His other big man Antonion Bueno recently showed he was capable of big performances with a great display against Real but this time it was the Puerto Rican who came up trumps with a valuation of 34 after claiming 27 points and 9 rebounds.

On the subject of Tom Wideman, he was the start for his new team MMT Estudinates in their 74-65 win over Kalise Gran Canaria. He top scored with 18 points as Estu fought back from a poor first quarter when they found themselves behind by double figures. Canadian shooter Carl English scoring 16 points for Granca who looked out of sorts.

2,000 fans watched CB Murcia take an impressive 84-70 success against KK Zagreb with another couple of encouraging performances from Chris Thomas and Taquan Dean. The pair combined for 32 points as Murcia finished the game with a 26-11 run to seal an important and confidence boosting victory against the Croatians.

An even bigger crowd close to capacity of 5,000 in Palau Blaugrana watched the Barcelona second derby between Regal Barca and Ricoh Manresa with the powerhouse club coming out on top with a 95-68 win. Barca were in control from start to finish and had too much power and quality for Manresa. Only Josh Asselin stood firm for the visitors while the home team had an array of stars all on top form with Navarro and Vazqeuz both scoring 16 while Lubos Barton weighed in with 11 points.

Finally DKV Joventut took the final of the Catalan league with a 79-64 victory over Lleida thanks mainly to a 21-0 second quarter run which destroyed any chance their opponents from LEB had of a shock win. Both Hernandez-Sonseca and Jasaitis had 14 points each in a comfortable victory for La Penya.

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SWEDEN

UKRAINE

Lokomotiv and Azovmash to meet in the Final game - by Eurobasket News
Lokomotiv and Azovmash will meet in the Final game of an International tournament in Rostov. The local team, Lokomotiv invited Samara from Russia, Ukrainian Azovmash and Cherkaski Mavpi. In the first day of the tournament Lokomotiv beat Cherkaski Mavpi and in another game Azovmash overcame Samara. The final is scheduled for September 21.
Lokomotiv beat Cherkaski Mavpi 96:78. Ukrainian side won the opening quarter 20:19 that surprised the hosts from the early beginning. Lokomotiv bounced back with 22:17 in the second and 27:17 in the third. To celebrate the win in the opener Lokomotiv ended up with 28:24 in the last frame. Szymon Szewczyk (209-C-82) led the winners with 21 points and 5 rebounds. DeJuan Collins (188-G-76, college: Tuskegee) posted 17 and Morgunov Nikita had 15 points and 5 rebounds. Vladislav Dragoljovic (206-C-79, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 18 points. Bobby Dixon (178-G-83, college: Troy) collected 17 points, 8 assists and 5 steals, while Kovalenko Vitaly and Lokhmanchuk Yuriy, netted 11 each.
Azovmash advanced to the Final after a win over Samara 96:78. After 20:20 in the first period, Azovmash produced 29:16 in the second that was a key moment of the game. Salyers Marc top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 16 points. Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) and Thompson Dijon followed the way with 15 apiece and El-Amin Khalid posted 14.

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UNITED KINGDOM

SCOTTISH LEAGUE NEEDS OLYMPIC BOOST - by Sandy Sutherland
Only seven senior men's teams are contesting the Scottish League this season, the lowest number for several decades.
That is two down on last season's nine which in itself was a poor shop window for the sport which in the seventies could boast three divisions and once even four.
Edinburgh University have dropped out after only one season but even more shocking is the demise of Boroughmuir who were one of the league's founder members and still hold the record for the number of title wins.
Boroughmuir, whose long-standing secretary is the current chairman of British Basketball Bill McInnes, are at least continuing to contest the RAF-sponsored Scottish Junior League, and McInnes must be hoping that some of the shine of the current highly successful Great Britain teams will rub off in Scotland.
The teams taking part this season are: Edinburgh Kings, East Lothian Buccaneers, Falkirk Fury, Glasgow Storm, Grampian Flyers, St Mirren and Troon Tornadoes.

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URUGUAY

Bigua, the last champions, beat Welcome - by Hector Lopez
Bigua, the last LUB champions beat Welcome 116-112 playing for the 8th round, while Atenas defeated Cordon 84-73 and the game Sayago-Bohemios was suspended 72-72 by the refferes before playing an overtime, because fans from Bohemios stormed the field. The results and import players were as follows:
Bigua 116 - Charles Thomas (203-F-86, agency: CGL Sports, college: Arkansas) 29 points and 16 rebounds, Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) 16 and 9
Welcome 112 - JR Morris (196-G-82, college: Seton Hall) 26 and 5, Brad Kanis (218-C-84) 13 and 6
- - -
Atenas 84 - Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) 14 and 8, Darryl Dora (206-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Texas Tech) 7 and 6
Cordon - Played without import players. Ignacio Borges (181-G-76) 25 points
- - -
Sayago 72 - Brandon Hassell (209-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Penn St.) 6 and 13, Charles Burgess (188-G) 16 and 5.
Bohemios 72 - Darryl Butterfield (201-F, college: Missouri) 8 and 2, Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 5 and 10.

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VENEZUELA

Tulio Cobos from North Eastern to North Eastern - by Wolfgang Lucena
Venezuelan's outstanding forward player Tulio Cobos (197-C-86) got his social degrees at North Eastern Oklahoma A&M College, and is now ready to go for his master degree at North Eastern University. In Venezuela Tulio Cobos is a proud member of the Venezuela Basketball Federation and of the Miranda state basketball association as well. There are many other basketball organization at Venezuela that want him to become part of them. But for now, his big concern is to finish with his athlete-student basketball career here in the United States of America.
At North Eastern Oklahoma A&M College, Tulio Cobos had an essential role in obtaining the 2007-2008 Region II Championship.
Now, at North Eastern University, Tulio Cobos is face to face, with his future, ready to keeping going with his goals.
Si San Juan Supiera.Y e e a!!

Diego Guevara and Arrieros de Antioquia remain undefeated in Colombia - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan guard Diego Guevara (184-G-77) and his team, Arrieros de Antioquia (10-0), remained undefeated in Colombia's Copa Invitacional, as they gained a couple of victories in their weekend series against Patriotas de Tunja (3-7), 92-85 and 73-70, to extend their streak to 10-0 at the top of the standings.

Arrieros, who also have Venezuelan Heberth Bayona (211-C-78) in the roster but is sidelined with an injury, took both games thanks to Guevara and Jermaine Walker (198-F-77). In Tunja, the best players on court were Venezuelan Ernesto Mijares (190-G-76) and Todd Henry (198-F).

Meanwhile, Norte de Santander (6-4) split their series against the two-time champions Bucaros de Bucaramanga (6-4), as they took the first match, 81-79, but lost the second one, 74-72. In the first game, Venezuelan forward Eduardo Torres (195-F-81) and Colombian Edgar Moreno (191-G-81) scored 23 points each for Norte to top the 25 points scored by Rogers Washington (202-F-77). However, Washington and Marcus Fleming (204-F-78) were the reasons why Bucaros was able to recover, alongside Venezuelans Cruz Salcedo (190-G-74) and Miguel Angel Marriaga (207-C-84), to get revenge from a team that again had Edgar Moreno and Eleuterio Renteria (195-G/F) as top scorers in the next match.

In other matches, OVNI Tenjo (4-6) and Indervalle Cali (4-6) split their series. The former Condores de Cundinamarca team won game one 95-92 while Valle del Cauca based team took the second game, 86-76. Islanders de San Andres (5-5) defeated last placed Piratas de Bogota (0-10) twice in Bogota, 104-95 and 94-85. In the first match, Kevin Sowell (190-G-81) netted 40 points for the Sopesa sponsored team.

Torres and Romero lead Snaidero Udine past KK Zadar of Croatia - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelans Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) and Hector Romero (202-F-80) netted 14 and 10 points, respectively, to help get Snaidero Udine, of Italy's Lega A, a comfortable victory against KK Zadar of Croatia, 87-65 in one of the semifinal games of Memorial Rino Snaidero, an exhibition tournament played in Udine and in which the other match ended with a victory of Telekom Ankara of Turkey over Benetton Treviso of Italy.

Jermaine Jackson (195-G-76) scored 20 points and Michele Antonutti (202-G/F-86) added 18 for the winning side, while the top scorers for Zadar were Malik Dixon (187-G-75) with 19 points, Tomislav Ruzic (208-F/C-79) with 16 points, Juby Johnson (196-G-81) with 13 points and Rok Stipcevic (189-G-86) with 12 points.

Luis Bethelmy scored 38 points for Lobos UAC in Mexico's LNBP - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelan power forward Luis Bethelmy (200-C-86) scored 38 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, gave one assists and stole two balls to help Lobos UAC de Saltillo get a comfortable triumph against Potros de Sonora, 123-106, in Matchday 6 of Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP) in Mexico.

Bethelmy played 35 minutes, scored 11 of 16 two-point shots, 5 of 7 three-pointers and 1 of 3 free-throws, lost one ball and fouled once. Gerald Williams (190-G-68) supported him with 22 points, Jerry Williams (198-F-79) added 19 and both Hector Garza (190-G-84) and Laquan Bracey (198-F-81) finished up with 16 points. As for Sonora, Cedric Patton (201-F-78) and Joe Chapman (193-G-84) netted 37 points each.

Meanwhile, in a duel between Venezuelans, Panteras de Aguascaliente defeated Angeles de Puebla 76-72. Pedro Brito (202-F/C-82) scored 12 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, gave 3 assists, lost a ball, stole another and commited 4 fouls for the winning side, getting support from Devon Ford (193-G-77) with 26 points and Tyrone McDaniel (190-G-71) with 14.

Meanwhile, Puebla had Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80) with 24 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 steals, 7 turnovers and 4 fouls, while Jose Juan Bravo (200-C-80) played 12 minutes with 6 points, 2 rebounds, one assists, 3 turnovers and 4 fouls. The only other player with good scoring numbers for Puebla was Maurice Riddick (188-G-79) with 19 points.

Roque Osorio (206-C-76) and Johnathan Polanco (190-G-82) could not avoid a defeat of Venados de Nuevo Laredo in their match against Galgos de Tijuana, 92-82. Osorio played 31 minutes, netted 15 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, gave 3 assists and blocked 3 shots, but had to leave the game early as he commited 5 fouls. Meanwhile, Polanco scored 6 pints with 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal in 31 minutes.

Juan Herrera (197-F-81) performed a double double for Santos Reales de San Luis de Potosi, but his team lost against Halcones de Xalapa, 109-94. Herrera played 20 minutes, scored 15 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, lost a couple of balls and stole another.

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Women News

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

Phillips remains alive with the Sun - by Eurobasket News
Erin Phillips (173-G-85) remains alive with the Sun last night. Asjha Jones accounted for 16 points in a hard 73:70 Connecticut win over New York at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. The Sun thus pushed their series against the Liberty to the third and decisive game. Lindsay Whalen had 15 points for the Sun. Erin Phillips nailed 3 points and made 2 assists. Loree Moore answered with 16 points for the Liberty as they were close to advancing to the Eastern conference finals. The hosts opened the game confidently and led 18:7 and 25:15 early on. However the Liberty recovered in the fourth period as they trimmed the distance to just one point with less than two minutes left. Tamika Whitmore stepped up for the home team in the dying seconds as she dropped two freebies that sealed the outcome. The third game is scheduled for Monday with the Sun hosting the clash.

Before that the New York Liberty got to a winning start of their playoff series against the Connecticut Sun. The Liberty held off the Sun 72:63 at the Madison Square Garden to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Shameka Christon secured 19 points for the Liberty. The hosts ensured a stunning start to the game as they outscored the visitors 24:11 in the first term. Connecticut however trimmed the deficit to just 3 points in the third frame. But it was as close as the Sun could get. Shameka Christon, Erlana Larkins and Ashley Battle stretched the margin back to 10 points. The hosts controlled the situation in the fourth period and secured a comprehensive win at the end. Cathrine Kraayeveld tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Liberty. Tamika Whitmore nailed 16 points for the Sun in defeat. Erin Phillips scored 6 points, made 1 block, 1 steal and 1 rebound.

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BALTIC LEAGUE - Women

Standings

BWBL Standings

1. Spartak SP		0-0
2. Arvi		0-0
3. Laisve		0-0
4. Lemmink.		0-0
5. Tim-Scuf		0-0
6. Dnipro		0-0
7. Ol.-NAEK		0-0
8. Turiba/K.		0-0
9. Cesis		0-0
10. Tall.Living		0-0
11. Minsk-2006		0-0
12. Berezina		0-0
13. Olimpia		0-0
14. BC Star		0-0
15. Victoria		0-0
16. KAZ NT		0-0

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BELGIUM - Women

Ann Wauters is 1-1 in the playoffs with the Stars - by Eurobasket News
The San Antonio Silver Stars and Ann Wauters (194-C-80) made a big step towards the conference finals as they toppled the Sacramento Monarchs 85:78 away from home in the opener. Rebecca Hammon nailed 6 treys and finished with 30 points to pace the regular season champions to the win. The visitors dominated throughout the encounter and easily secured the winning result. Ann Wauters posted 8 points in the opener. Sophia Young notched 17 points and 8 rebounds, while Vickie Johnson had 13 points for the winners. Nicole Powell answered with 16 points for the Monarchs. Crystal Kelly secured 12 points in the loss.

In Game 2 Crystal Kelly knocked down 19 points starting for the Monarchs as they avoided elimination yesterday in San Antonio. The Silver Stars who owned the leagues best record in the regular season secured a comfortable win over Sacramento away from home and looked to sweep the series yesterday at the AT&T Center. However the Monarchs looked solid and denied the opportunity sealing an overwhelming 84:67 win. Crystal Kelly substituted injured Rebekkah Brunson in the starting five and deliver a career-high digits to propel the visitors to the impressive success. Nicole Powell had 17 points, while Adrian Williams-Strong added 11 points for the winners. Rebecca Hammon answered with 14 points for the Silver Stars who would have a chance to win the series on Monday. The Monarchs went on a 14:2 run in the second frame and secured a 48:39 halftime lead. Sacramento remained in the charge through the rest of the action and stretched the margin to as many as 21 points late in the game. Sophia Young and Ann Wauters chipped in 13 points apiece in the losing case.

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GERMANY - Women

Bonn control The Deutsche Bank Skyliners 80 to 66 - by Miles Scheuber

Telekom Baskets Bonn control Deutsche Bank skyliners 80 to 66 - by Miles Scheuber

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NCAA1 - Women

Loyola graduate Sholokhova signs pro contract in Spain - by Eurobasket News
Loyola women's basketball Class of 2008 graduate Vika Sholokhova (6'3''-C-85, college: Pittsburgh) (St. Petersburg, Russia) has signed a contract to play professional basketball in the Spanish Division I League.

Sholokhova, who averaged 9.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game over the two seasons she played at Loyola, will play for Extrugasa, a top team in the Spanish League.

'We are thrilled for the opportunity that Vika will have to play professionally,' Head Coach Joe Logan said. 'There is a lot of great competition in Spain, and I think Vika will do well in that league with her size and skill.'

Extrugasa, which is located in Villagarcia de Arousa, finished sixth in the 14-team league last season. The team won the league title as recently as 2006 and finished third in its group at the 2007-2008 EuroCup.

Last season, the 6-foot-3 post player averaged 8.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game for Loyola. In her first season at the College, 2006-2007 after transferring from Pittsburgh, Sholokhova was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference's Sixth-Player of the Year after scoring 11.3 points and grabbing 7.5 rebounds per game.

She is the second Logan-coached player from Loyola to play professionally in Europe. Jill Glessner, who graduated in 2007, was an All-Star performer for the Nottingham Wildcats in the English Basketball League.

Courtesy of www.onlyfans.com

Alisha Valavanis promoted to associate head coach at Pacific - by Eurobasket News
University of the Pacific Head Women's Basketball Coach Lynne Roberts and Pacific Athletic Director Lynn King announced today the promotion of Alisha Valavanis to Associate Head Coach.

Valavanis enters her third year at Pacific alongside of Roberts where she has worked with all parts of the Pacific program, including designing and implementing the Tigers' defense both in practice and during games. On top of her defensive responsibilities, Valavanis helps to coach the Tigers' wings on the practice floor.Additionally, Alisha remains involved in the Tigers' recruiting and scouting of future Pacific stars. Off the court, she has taken responsibility of the Tigers' Fastbreak Booster club as well as Pacific's community outreach programs.

Prior to Pacific, Valavanis spent four seasons as Roberts top assistant at Chico State where they enjoyed unprecedented national success at the Division II level including a trip to the NCAA Final Four.

'Alisha brings such enthusiasm and creativity to our Women's Basketball program and Pacific Athletics,' said Roberts. 'She has played an absolutely critical role in all aspects of our building up this program. I am very grateful for her loyalty and hard work - she is extremely deserving of this promotion.'

Courtesy of www.pacifictigers.com

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NORWAY - Women

Standings - Women

Kvinneligaen Standings

1. Ullern	0-0
2. Asker/BV	0-0
3. Hop	0-0
4. Gimle	0-0
5. Ammerud	0-0
6. Nordstrand	0-0
7. Elite Nord	0-0
8. Ulriken	0-0

Stats Leaders

Kvinneligaen Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1. K.Gibbs, Gimle 17.0
2. T.Ytrehus, END 15.1
3. K.Tatters. , Gimle 13.9
4. K.Kristia. , Ullern 12.9
5. M.Hella, Gimle 12.8

Rebounds Per Game

1. K.Tattersdill, Gimle 11
2. NK.Sand, Asker 9.7
3. B.Huuse, Nordst. 8.4
4. KB.Kristia., ENB 8.3
5. I.Havnas, Nordst. 8.0

Assists Per Game

1. M.Hella, Gimle 4,7
2. K.Kristian., Ullern 3,5
3. CL.Hanni., Asker 2,7
4. K.Tonheim, Ullern 2,5
5. NK.Sand, Asker 2,5

Steals Per Game

1. R.Tyss�y, Hop 5,7
2. M.Hella, Gimle 5,2
3. K.Kristia., Ullern 5,2

2FGP

1. M.Hella, Gimle 64.0
2. MH.Austgu., Hop 63.6
3. K. Tatters., Gimle 57.8

3FGP

1. B.Oyjordsb., Gimle 50
2. K.Kristia., Ullern 44.4
3. M.Backe, A.Que. 39.6

Free Throws

1. K.Kristian., Ullern 82.5
2. NK.Sand, Asker 80.6
3. G.Nyquist, Ullern 77.1

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RUSSIA - Women

Abrosimova starts in the line up - by Eurobasket News
Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) started in the line up in Game 2 of WNBA play-offs. Asjha Jones accounted for 16 points in a hard 73:70 Connecticut win over New York at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. The Sun thus pushed their series against the Liberty to the third and decisive game. Lindsay Whalen had 15 points for the Sun. Svetlana Abrosimova collected 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Loree Moore answered with 16 points for the Liberty as they were close to advancing to the Eastern conference finals. The hosts opened the game confidently and led 18:7 and 25:15 early on. However the Liberty recovered in the fourth period as they trimmed the distance to just one point with less than two minutes left. Tamika Whitmore stepped up for the home team in the dying seconds as she dropped two freebies that sealed the outcome. The third game is scheduled for Monday with the Sun hosting the clash.

Before that the New York Liberty got to a winning start of their playoff series against the Connecticut Sun. The Liberty held off the Sun 72:63 at the Madison Square Garden to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series. Shameka Christon secured 19 points for the Liberty. The hosts ensured a stunning start to the game as they outscored the visitors 24:11 in the first term. Connecticut however trimmed the deficit to just 3 points in the third frame. But it was as close as the Sun could get. Shameka Christon, Erlana Larkins and Ashley Battle stretched the margin back to 10 points. The hosts controlled the situation in the fourth period and secured a comprehensive win at the end. Cathrine Kraayeveld tallied 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Liberty. Tamika Whitmore nailed 16 points for the Sun in defeat. Svetlana Abrosimova posted 8 points and made 2 rebounds.

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SERBIA - Women

Medvescak beats Zvezda wining the tournament in Kladovo - by Dragan Jankovski
Croatian team Medvescak was better than Crvena Zvezda in the final of tournament in Kladovo 69-65. During the entire time Medvescak controlled rhythm of the game wining this tournament mostly owing to Dea Klein-Sumanovac (182-G/F-81), who drained 23 points in the final. Mazic also had decent performance scoring 20 points. Maksimovic was the best scorer in Crvena Zvezda adding 14 points. Vasovic followed with 11 while Nina Bogicevic (178-G-89) was the last one with double figures scoring 10 points. Interesting is that Zvezda managed to net only 8 points in the last frame.

Spartak Subotica had an easy job against Radivoj Korac 74-60 in the battle for third place. Ristic was a way better than the others for the winning team scoring 27 points. Vidovic also was good adding 14 points. Radivoj Korac got 13 points from Mesaros.

Partizan cruised past Skofija Loka in the game for fifth place 80-66. The team from Belgrade played wonderful third frame 23-12 keeping advantage steady until the end. Radic paced Partizan to victory scoring 18 points. Jelena Dangubic (177-G-82) had one point less while Biljana Stjepanovic (189-C-87) stopped on 15 points. The best scorer in Skofija Loka was Rajic with 15 points.

Final standings of tournament in Kladovo
1. Crvena Zvezda
2. Medvescak
3. Spartak Subotica
4. Radivoje Korac
5. Partizan
6. Skofija Lokaz
7. Kluz (Romania)

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SPAIN - Women

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WNBA - Women

Rookie Krystal Kelly helps Sacramento avoid elimination - by Eurobasket News
Crystal Kelly (6'3''-F-86, college: W.Kentucky) knocked down 19 points starting for the Monarchs as they avoided elimination yesterday in San Antonio. The Silver Stars who owned the leagues best record in the regular season secured a comfortable win over Sacramento away from home and looked to sweep the series yesterday at the AT&T Center. However the Monarchs looked solid and denied the opportunity sealing an overwhelming 84:67 win. Crystal Kelly substituted injured Rebekkah Brunson in the starting five and deliver a career-high digits to propel the visitors to the impressive success. Nicole Powell (6'2''-G/F-82, college: Stanford) had 17 points, while Adrian Williams-Strong added 11 points for the winners. Rebecca Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) answered with 14 points for the Silver Stars who would have a chance to win the series on Monday. The Monarchs went on a 14:2 run in the second frame and secured a 48:39 halftime lead. Sacramento remained in the charge through the rest of the action and stretched the margin to as many as 21 points late in the game. Sophia Young and Ann Wauters chipped in 13 points apiece in the losing case.
Asjha Jones (6'2''-F-80, college: Connecticut) accounted for 16 points in a hard 73:70 Connecticut win over New York at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville. The Sun thus pushed their series against the Liberty to the third and decisive game. Lindsay Whalen (5'8''-G-82, college: Minnesota) had 15 points for the Sun. Loree Moore (5'9''-G-83, college: Tennessee) answered with 16 points for the Liberty as they were close to advancing to the Eastern conference finals. The hosts opened the game confidently and led 18:7 and 25:15 early on. However the Liberty recovered in the fourth period as they trimmed the distance to just one point with less than two minutes left. Tamika Whitmore stepped up for the home team in the dying seconds as she dropped two freebies that sealed the outcome. The third game is scheduled for Monday with the Sun hosting the clash.