EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/29/2008

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Men News

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  ABA   


Last ABA player signings - by Gianni Pascucci
The Jersey Express signed Frank Corbett (6'8'-F/C-82) for the 2008-09 season. Corbett, who resides in Brooklyn, NY, graduated from Jarvis Christian College in 2004, after being an NAIA All-Conference player. The West Virginia Blazers completed the roster adding six players: Corey Love (6'5''-C-83) and Chawn Martin (6'3'-G/F-83), both out from Bluefield State College, along with A.J. Leftwich of Beckley, Justin Bennett (6'4'-G-79, college: Greenviille), Ahmadd Boyd from Lexington, Ky., and Desi Crisp (6'5'-F-80, college: UNC-Pembroke)

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  ADRIATIC LEAGUE   


FMP and Bosna through to finals - by Milan Jovanovic

Much harder then expected, Bosna managed to get through to the finals of 'Mirza Delibasic' tournament in Sarajevo. Hosts had a tough job, beating just only the guest from Hungary 82:81.
In the other game, Split and FMP played an equal game, but Belgrade team prevailed at the end, mostly due to a strong performance of their inside duo Miroslav Raduljica (212-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) - Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87). Split had the lead at HT, but FMP managed to turn it over in the 2nd - 81:77.

The final game is scheduled for this evening, 20:00 CET. Before that, defeated teams play for the 3rd place (18:00).



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  ARGENTINA   


Prigioni Shines as Tau retains SuperCup - by Raul Ruscitti
Argentinian National team starting point guard Pablo Prigioni (186-G-77) was named tournament MVP after his team, Tau Ceramica Vitoria beat hosts CAI Zaragoza 86-85 in the final game of the Spains SuperCup. Prigioni, who earned a bronze medal with Argentina in the last Olympic Games, had a superb shooting night from three point range allowing Tau to win the trophy for the forth year in a row. The 31 year-old contributed with 22 points (8/13 FG including 6/10 from three point territory), 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 steal in 28 minutes of action.
In the losing effort another Olympic bronze medalists had a great game as Paolo Quinteros (185-G-79) scored 14 points (1/3 2FG and 2/4 3FG), grabbed 3 rebounds and dished out 2 assists in 32 minutes of playing time.
There were another four more Argentinian players in the game but only two of them saw action. Matias Lescano (196-G-79) scored 8 points with 3 rebounds in 22 minutes and Lucas Victoriano (190-G-77, agency: Interperformances) added 3 points and 5 assists in 20 minutes for the Zaragoza. Neither Matias Nocedal (192-G-90, agency: Interperformances) nor Ariel Eslava (202-G/F-79) entered to the court for Tau.

Argentinian Cup final 4 -day 2 - by Facundo Iatzky
Atenas 92- Quimsa 79
Atenas remains in a fantastic way, unbeaten and defeating easily to their rivals. Atenas took an important advantage in the first half and could manage it in the rest of the game. The bad new was the injury of Diego Osella who will miss the beggining of the ligue. The bench of Atenas brought solutions with Juan Pablo Figueroa (184-G-86, agency: Interperformances) who is playing in a great level and Cristian Romero (198-F-82) who led the team with 16 points. Juan Locatelli added 13 and Andre Laws 12. In a losing effort Julio Mazzaro scored 18 points.

Penarol 88- Boca jrs 80
Penarol keep their chances to win the cup after a convincent victoryover Boca. The first half ended 39-39 but in the second half Penarol showed itself more solid thanks to the job of Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) (22 points). Good game for their both foreigners David Jackson (196-G-82, college: Penn St.) and Byron Johnson. Juan Marcos Casini was the best player of Boca.

Day 3: Atenas- Boca jrs
Penarol - Quimsa

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  BALTIC LEAGUE   


President Cup. Finals - by Eurobasket News

FINAL

Lietuvos Rytas- Barons 80:78

Lietuvos Rytas lifts the President Cup as in the Final game the team overcame Barons 80:78. Thanks to the latter that gave such a battle to the titan of the Baltic basketball. Steponas Babrauskas (196-G/F-84) made a lay-up in the last minute to bring the victory for the Lithuanian team. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) led the winners with 19 points. Michailas Anisimovas (214-C-84) posted 18, while Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15. Bright finished the night with 17 points in the losing effort.
Lietuvos Rytas easily opened the game and won the opening tip with 13-3. Barons had seven team fouls when four minutes left to play in the first quarter. Hennings lay-up made the result 21:11, while Rytas won the opening quarter 28:20. In the second period Cukinas made a jump-shot for Barons, Rytas missed their shot and Berzins added one more three-pointer for Barons. Then Bright continued Barons offence from the three-point line and the score is already 35:37 for the Latvian side. The teams went to the lockers with 50:45 for Rytas.
In the third period Barons spurted again to catch up with the opponents. Martins Kravcenko (192-G-85, agency: Interperformances) nailed two in the end of the period for 64:61. Effective slam dunk by Henning in the last second of the quarter received tremendous applause by spectators, 64:63. Both teams went back-to-back in the last frame and only in the last seconds the Lithuanian team grabbed the win. Steponas Babrauskas made a lay-up for 80:78 to close the game.

Barons: Bright 17, Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) 9, Martins Kravcenko 5
Lietuvos Rytas: Martynas Gecevicius 19, Michailas Anisimovas 18, Branko Milisavljevic 15, Sinica 9, Steponas Babrauskas 8


Game for the third place
Zalgiris - TU/Rock 73:72

Zalgiris clinched the third spot at the Presidents Cup today. The Lithuanian champions narrowly defeated Estonian TU/Rock to bounce back after the semifinal loss to Lietuvos Rytas. TU/Rock jumped to an early 9:2 lead as Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) buried 5 points. However Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) and Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) dragged Zalgiris back in contest. The Lithuanian team trailed by 5 points at the end of the first period. Tanoka Beard (205-F/C-71, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) and Asko Paade (206-F-84) extended the margin to 9 points at the beginning of the second term. TU/Rock later used a 6:0 rally to enjoy a 13-point advantage midway through the period. TU/Rock maintained the pressure and ensured a 43:35 lead at halftime. Zalgiris came back to life early in the third quarter. They went on an 8:0 surge to shave the deficit to 3 points. Later six points from Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) allowed Zalgiris to draw things level at 51. Kullamae and Talts put TU/Rock back in charge as they headed into the fourth term up by a single point 57:56. Paulius Jankunas and Ratko Varda scored 6 points and Zalgiris spurred in front. The teams traded baskets throughout the final quarter and Deane set Zalgiris ahead 73:70 with 49 seconds remaining. Asko Paade cut the deficit back to minimal with a jumper. Loren Woods (213-C-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona) lost the ball but Giorgi Tsintsadze missed a potential go-ahead jump shot and Zalgiris secured the winning outcome. Marcus Brown finished with 15 points for Zalgiris. Ratko Varda added 13 points, while Paulius Jankunas had 11 points in the win. Tanoka Beard replied with 19 points and 7 rebounds for TU/Rock. Giorgi Tsintsadze contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Zalgiris: Marcus Brown 15, Ratko Varda 13, Paulius Jankunas 11
TU/Rock: Tanoka Beard 19, Giorgi Tsintsadze 15


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  BOSNIA   


Bosna signs Rodgers - by Nedzad Kladusak
This weekend KK Bosna is hosting the 'Mirza Delibasic Memorial'-tournament and rallied some very interesting teams like
FMP Zeleznik, KK Split and PVSK Pecs. After the victories of KK Bosna and FMP , KK Split and PVSK will play for the third place while
KK Bosna will try to win against one of the most powerful teams on the Balkans.

Meanwhile KK Bosna signed a two-year contract with Chris Rodgers (193-G-84, college: Arizona), a PG who played until January in Liege when he
has been released. Afterwards hehad a short intermezzo in Mexico where he staid for two months. He will try to help KK Bosna to cover the backcourt positions.
It is a new approach since Brian Bailey has been a pure, old-school PG with excellent quickness and great ballhandling skills but
not shooting at high percentages while shooting form beyond the arc.

The main doubt in Bosnas roster, the center position, is still vacant. Bosna wanted to sign Eddy Fobbs, after Napoli has been severely punished by the italian basketball federation.
However despite Bosna seemed to be very close, Fobbs decided to go to Israel after 'being told that Bosnia- Hercegovina is still insecure.'
Not commenting this kind of reasons it is however interesting that KK Bosna is obviously looking for strong defenders who will secure the air superirority and initiate fast breaks.
Fobbs is a tall, agile center and good rebounder but is not offering that pure offensive power in the low-post.

It is not ruled out that Bosna will give a chance to its young prospects Suljagic, Zimic and Klinac at least until the start of the Liga 8.

Sloboda Dita wins tournament in Tuzla - by Nedzad Kladusak

Tuzla is the home of great names of the bosnian basketball. It is little known that Mirza Delibasic is born in Tuzla where he had first contacts with the queen of sports.
Later he went to Sarajevo where he became a legend of european basketball.
In honour of these names Sloboda Dita organised a Memorial tournament hosting Mega Hypo Leasing (private team of Beobasket basketball agency), Zlatorog (with 'Slovenian' Edin Alispahic and NT player Ante Masic) and Sibenik.

1st day:

Sloboda Dita - Sibenik 96 - 93
Mega Hypo Leasing - Zlatorog 68 -74

2nd day:

Final:
Sloboda Dita - Zlatorog 78 - 77

3rd place:
Mega Hypo Leasing - Sibenik 96 - 78

All Star - team of the tournament :

Zlatko Jovanovic (181-G-84) (Sloboda Dita)
Ivan Mimica (Sibenik)
Dejan Jeftic (200-F-89) (Sloboda Dita)
Petar Males (Sibenik)
Uros Lucic (Zlatorog)



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  BULGARIA   


Ivan Lilov in Rilski sportist - by Vladi Lazarova
One of the biggest basketball male prospects in Bulgaria Ivan Lilov (196-F/G-88, agency: FCM) is on a verge of surprising transfer. Today 196 cm tall shooting guard will signed officially his new contract with the team of the National basketball league in the country Rilski sportist. Lilov, who made his first steps in the Men's basketball in Bulgaria with his home club Balkan and not at the last place with the big support of the head coach of the squad Georgi Mladenov, forced to tears hundreds of his fans in the small town of Botevgrad. There basketball is more, than a sense of life for a lot of people.
But nobody has any rights now to blame Ivan for his choice. First of all, Balkan is always in a deep financial crisis, no matter of the fact that the team won silver medals last season. The players there usually wait for their salaries for months. It happened again few weeks ago, when the team stopped practicing for a day. Lilov knows very well, that in Balkan can always lean on his amazing coach and fantastic crowd, but never on the board and officials of the club.
In Rilski sportist Ivan will take much better salary, but his main reason to choose the team from Samokov is a little bit different. Rilski sportist will participate not only in Bulgarian league and for the National Cup this season, but also is a part of the new Balkan league, which starts very soon.
The biggest dream and ambition of this player are to sign a contract and continue his career abroad. This summer he tried couple of times and was close to make a decent transfer in Serbia, France, or Greece, but at the end the things didnt work out for him.

Lukoil signed Adeleke - by Vladi Lazarova


Lukoil confirmed Adeleke - by Vladi Lazarova
The team of Lukoil Akademik finally found the best possible solution for a big guy at the court. It's 100% sure, that the name of the person, who will substitute Pero Antic in the student's locker room this season will be Andrew Kehinde Adeleke, as known as Kenny Adeleke (205-C-83, college: Hartford). The club and 25-years old player already agreed terms and the deal is closed. 205 cm tall prospect signed a contract till the end of 2008/2009. The team will use Adeleke not only in the tough Eurocup battles from November, but also in Bulgarian basketball league and for the National Cup tournament.
Adeleke will land in Sofia this Wednesday afternoon and will join his new teammates later at the same day for his first practice in Bulgaria. He becomes the third American player in Lukoil, after Antonio Burks and Tim Pickett.

Lubomir Lilov re-signs with Balkan - by Vladi Lazarova
48 hours before his younger brother Ivan to decide not to continue with his home club Balkan, Lubomir Lilov (198-F-87) made the opposite. 198 cm tall forward re-signed his contract and will wear the green jersey of Botevgrad for one more season. 21-years old player wasn't sure what he wants to do and like 20-years old Ivan was looking for something interesting abroad. For Lubo this kind of possibility will become real possibility again next summer. Till then, he will be one of the main players of the head coach of Balkan and former captain of Bulgarian National team and Levski Georgi Mladenov.
Lubomir Lilov will start his third consecutive year with The Greens. He made his first steps in basketball in Balkan, but in 2005/2006 joined Lukoil Akademik, of course he wasn't alone there and again with his brother Ivan.

Balkan Botevgrad sign Marko Popadic - by Eurobasket
Balkan Botevgrad strengthened their roster with addition of 19-year old Serbian guard Marko Popadic (190-G-89, agency: Beo Basket). Popadic played most recently at KK Crvena Zvezda Beograd (Serbia) where he practiced only with 1st team, while playing in reserver team in lower league. Popadic was called to Serbian U18 National Team three years ago.

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  CHILE   


Dimayor: Mazur leaves Osorno - by Daniel Valencia
The center Marc Mazur (210-C-79, agency: Court Side, college: Detroit Mercy) leaves Provincial Osorno after six games. The american player talked to the leaders of the club to end his contract because he had a much more lucrative offer from Portugal's club Ovarense Aerosoles.

In six games with Provincial Osorno, Mazur averaged 15.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.5 blocks and 1.0 steals in 37.3 minutes per game. The leaders of the club are now looking for a third import player to play alongside with Thurman Zimmerman (196-F-83, agency: AMI, college: S.Carolina St.) and Jermaine Robinson (188-G-81, college: Cleveland St.).

Dimayor: Bryant, Jolly and Works no longer playing in Chile - by Daniel Valencia
Boston College

The leaders of the club ended the contract with the american forward Trevon Bryant (206-F, college: Cal.St.-Dominguez H.). Bryant played 14 games with the team, averaging 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, 1.0 steals and 0.9 assists in 22.3 minutes per game.

CD Puente Alto

After round six of the regular season, the leaders of the club decided to end the contract with the foreign players Bruce Jolly (205-F/C-81, college: W.Georgia) and Joseph Works (201-F-83, college: Tarleton St.).

Jolly played 12 games with averages of 10.8 points, 6.2 rebounds, 0.8 steals, 0.8 blocks and 0.4 assists in 26.6 minutes per game. Works played 19 games averaging 11.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.3 steals and 1.1 assists in 25.4 minutes per game.

Dimayor: Lopez left Catolica and Alves left Ancud - by Daniel Valencia
Universidad Catolica

After only four games, the center Ivan Lopez (208-C-85, agency: Next Level, college: Memphis) left Universidad Catolica. The leaders of the club along with the coach Miguel Ureta decided to end the contract with the player due to disciplinary issues. In the four games Lopez averaged 18.8 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 0.8 steals and 0.5 assists in 33.5 minutes per game

Deportes Ancud

The brazilian player Leonardo Alves left Deportes Ancud due to personal reasons the past weekend. Alves played 12 games with averages of 17.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks in 33.1 minutes per game. To replace Alves, Ancud agreed terms with the argentinian forward Federico Radavero (196-F-77).

Dimayor: New foreigners for Liceo and ULA - by Daniel Valencia
After six games, Nick Wallery (201-F-81, college: Albany St.) left Liceo Mixto. He averaged 6.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.5 steals and 0.3 blocks in 15.7 minutes per game. To replace Wallery, Liceo agreed terms with the shooting guard Brandon Lee (188-G, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: Tarleton St.).

After round 4 of the national phase, the leaders of Universidad de Los Lagos ended the contract with the american forward Dean Browne (206-C-80, college: Nevada). He played 14 games with averages of 19.6 points, 14.4 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.0 blocks and 2.4 steals in 34.6 minutes per game. To replace Browne, ULA agreed terms with the foeard Justin Leith (201-F-81, college: Merrimack).

Dimayor. anticipated games for Ula and Llanquihue - by Daniel Valencia
In two anticipated games from the regular season, Universidad de Los Lagos defeated Provincial Llanquihue on friday and saturday night. In the game of friday night played in Llanquihue, Justin Leith (201-F-81, college: Merrimack) led all scorers with 48 points (29 in the first half). In saturday night game played in Puerto Montt, the star was Tim Jennings (191-G-83, college: Gardner-Webb), who scored 35 points.

Provincial Llanquihue 94 - Universidad de Los Lagos 104
Llan: John A. Thomas 24 pts. Anthony Knox 27 pts.
Ula: Justin Leith 48 pts.

Universidad de Los Lagos 111 - Provincial Llanquihue 86
Ula: Tim Jennings 35 pts. Justin Leith 30 pts.
Llan: John A. Thomas 22 pts. Anthony Knox 18 pts.

Dimayor: roster changes for Espanol - by Daniel Valencia
After the disappointing start of the season (1-5 in the regular season and the last place in the standings), the leaders for Espanol de Talca decided to end the contract with the american forward Marques Hayden (201-F-83, agency: Tank Sports, college: Kansas St.). He played 16 games with the team with averages of 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2.1 steals and 1.2 assists in 32.3 minutes per game.

To replace Hayden, Espanol signed a contract with the american player Gordon Malone (209-F/C-74, agency: Tank Sports, college: W.Virginia). The center has playing experience in Argentina, Greece, China, Domincan Republic and minor leagues in the USA.

Dimayor. Wilds replace Bishop in Valdivia - by Daniel Valencia
Deportivo Valdivia ended the contract with the american player Tony Bishop (201-F-73, college: S.Alabama) before the start of the Top 4. Bishop played 16 games with the team with averages of 12.9 points, 8.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists and 0.6 steals in 33.7 minutes per game.

To replace Bishop the leaders of the club agreed terms with the american player Michael Wilds (203-F-82, agency: Court Side, college: Louisiana Tech). The power forward from Louisiana Tech has playing experience in Romania and Germany.

Top 4: U.Concepcion and Castro will play the final - by Daniel Valencia
After victories of saturday night against Deportivo Valdivia and Liceo Mixto, CD Universidad de Concepcion and Deportes Castro qualified to the final of the Top 4 that gave one spot in the upcoming Liga de Las Americas 2009. In game 1, the leader of Dimayor 08/09, Deportes Castro, supported in the great offensive performance by P.J. Mills (201-F) and Jose Luis Campos (189-G-80) defeated Liceo Mixto 89-73. In game 2, the host, CD Universidad de Concepcion defeated Deportivo Valdivia 95-82, with the shooting guard Evandro Arteaga (178-G-83) and the center Jefferson Agba (210-F/C-80, college: Embry Riddle) as the main scorers.

Game 1

Liceo Mixto 73 - Deportes Castro 89
Lic: Patrick Saez 21 pts. Patricio Briones 17 pts.
Cas: P.J. Mills 27 pts. Jose Luis Campos 24 pts.

Game 2

CD Universidad de Concepcion 95 - Deportivo Valdivia 82
Ucon: Evandro Arteaga 27 pts. Jefferson Agba 20 pts.
Val: Marcus Elliott 24 pts. Deshawn Danzey 18 pts.

The final of the Top 4 will be played this afternoon and the winner will have the chanche to represent the country in the upcoming Liga de Las Americas.

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  CROATIA   


Romel Beck to leave Zadar? - by Milan Jovanovic
The latest shock comes from Zadar, after the news that Aleksandar Petrovic stated 'not to count on Romel Beck (203-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: UNLV) anymore'.
The reason being that Beck was angry after being send to the bench in a preparation game, and according to Petrovic the player threatenned him physically.
Yet, this story isn't ended yet, since the club director Pino Giergia still counts on the player, stated that it's not a coaches decision, but the club management's.

Khimky too strong for Cibona Zagreb - by Eurobasket News

Cibona Zagreb suffered defeat against powerful Khimky in the first game of tournament in St. Petersburg 60-76. Russian team played this game without injured Carlos Delfino but anyway it demonstrated much better performance. After opening ten minutes Khimky already made 14-24. It was the crucial period of the game as that advantage was unreachable for Cibona until the end. Actually, Croatians managed to come just a little bit closer but very quick Russian responded taking it back. Last quarter ended 19-12 for Khimky, which celebrated totally deserved victory. Center Nikola Prkacin (208-C-75) scored 12 points for Croatian Euroleague team. Vedran Princ (192-G-82) and Marin Rozic (201-F-83) were behind him adding 8 points apiece.
Cibona Zagreb will meet the host team Spartak St. Petersburg in the game for third place. Khimky will take on Euroleague and Russian champion CSKA Moscow.

In the opening day of memorial tournament 'Mirza Delibasic' in Sarajevo, FMP celebrated against Split 81-77. It was exciting game with few turns. Split was better in the first 30-34 while Panthers shined in the second half 51-43. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) led FMP to win scoring 17 points. Other big guy Miroslav Raduljica (212-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) also was good adding 12 points. Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) and and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: CAA Sports) scored 10 points each. Split got the most from Antonio Grant (196-F-77, college: S.Carolina), who posted 17 points. Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) had 14 while Eddie Shannon (180-G-76, college: Florida) scored on point less.
In the final FMP will take on the host team Bosna ASA BHT. Split will meet Hungarian Pecs in the battle for third place.

In the first day of tournament in Vrsac, the host Hemofarm suffered defeat against Cedevita Zagreb 97-103. Despite Hemofarm had 29-18 in the first frame, Croatians recovered from that shock very soon. They had nice second and especially last quarter. At the middle of third frame Hemofarm had 59-48 but it was not enough for the win. American Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) shined in Cedevita leading his team to big turn 86-96 with three minutes remaining. Ramel Bradley and Hrvoje Kovacevic (191-G-86) netted 19 points each for the winners. Big guy Frano Colak (205-C-77, agency: Court Side) had two points less.
Other players in Cedevita: Basic, Primorac, Tomeljak 11, Samadan 9, Parezanovic 14, Petrovic 2, Filipovic, Novacic 12.
Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) had 21 points for the orange team. Slovenian guard Nebojsa Joksimovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored 20 points while center Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 18.
Other players in Hemofarm: Savovic 7, Igrutinovic, Bozovic 5, Pavkovic 7, Macvan 9, Petrovic, Borisov 6, Mrajanovic 4.



Opening of Zadar new Arena cancelled - by Milan Jovanovic
A lot of turmoil in Zadar camp, ending in cancellation of the opening of the new arena 'Visnjik', scheduled for Tuesday, September 30th.
The game Zadar - Cedevita is not going to happen, most probably due to the latest problems between Beck-Aleksandar Petrovic . The latest news from the club officials is that Beck is history for Zadar, while Aleksandar Petrovic , who refused to accept players apology, stays as a coach. Official reason for the cancellation being that Zadar players are tired, few of them injured, and start of the Adriatic season is just 4 days away, on Saturday october 4th.

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  CYPRUS   


Keravnos- 78 vs Enad- 84 in a preseason game - by Nasios Orinos


In a pre-season game Keravnos and Enad tested their power with Enad stealing the game by 6 (half time 36-45). It was definitely not a game to pass judgment on as both teams have used it more for running their drills and run over.

It is nice to see Cypriot players on the court and Tolis Kaskiris was one of them. Not only he was in Enad's starting lineup, but he was also determined and fought well under the basket. Enad's coach, Marios Argyrou tries to bring toughness and quickness to his team. His team played well under the basket as well as from the outside. It had more passion and landed quite a few fast breaks. In addition, it played tough defense not giving the easy shot. Marios Argyrou used to be a player in Enad for many years and now seems to be making the extra move. One thing is for sure, he knows what he is doing. We wish him good luck!!

Keravnos is a completely new team compared to last year and needs to find the right chemistry. It has a good depth in its roster with 2 players in each position. It is quite strong under the basket having 4 players who can play mostly the 4 position and 1 player who can well play the 5 positiion. He has good moves under the basket but not enough height, leaving the team vulnerable against teams with tall-impact players under the basket. A great statistic for Strovolians, worth mentioning, is that since 1989 with the landing of foreign players on the island, they have only won championships when they had a tall center player on their roster.

In addition, Keravnos seems to be having 3-4 players who can play both the 1 and 2 positions and 3-4 players who can play the 3 position. This gives the team the ability to be flexible and play tough defense, but most importantly it gives it certainty and confidence since it has many players who can set up the team and run the drills. On the other hand, the vibes we got is that it seems to be missing the impact 3-point shooter and this is a problem since its game will be predictable.

In the game against Enad, Keravnos scored most of its points under the basket than from the outside and was not very good on defense, giving easy shots to its opponent. As we already stated, it is quite obvious that the team misses the right chemistry since the players have not been together long, 'the team has had a full roster only in the last 5 days', teams assistant coach, Panayiotis Yiannaras, stated to Eurobasket.com.

Keravnos has a scheduled preseason game on Tuesday night at Strovolos against Achilleas and will host its tournament on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of October.



Achilleas Kaimakliou inks Gouda - by Chris Mammides

Achilleas Kaimakliou agreed financial terms with the Egyptian cetner Samir Gouda (217-C-72). The Egiptian seven footer in his 37th year of age is returning back to the Cyprus legue for a third time. The first tiem came on behalf of Apollon Limassol five years ago while in his second visit in the island joined forces again with Achilleas Kamakli upon the coaching of Takis Mirallais and Konstantinos Filippopoulos in the best seazon of Achilleas Kaimakli the last decade.



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  DENMARK   


Standings - 1st Division
1st Division Standings
 1. Skjold 1-0 
 2. Roskilde 1-0 
 3. Aalborg 1-0 
 4. Herlev 1-0 
 5. ALBA 1-0 
 6. Hobas 1-0 
 7. Vaerlose 0-1 
 8. Odense 0-1 
 9. Vejle 0-1 
 10. Falcon 0-1 
 11. Lemvig 0-1 
 12. Jonstrup 0-1 


1. round of 1. division underway - by Thomas Quaade
This weekend the 1. round of Denmarks second best league, 1. division, has started and there has already been a minor upset.

Bakken Bears 'farmer team' Aarhus BF beat Falcon in Aarhus. Falcon is considered by many as one of the top teams in an improved 1. division this year. Aarhus BF is one of two new teams (with Virum) in the 1. division this season. And what a start they get in the surprise 87-69 win.

BK Skjold/Stevnsgade, who is the top favorite for 1st place in the league, needed a close match at home to defeat Fjordager BK Odense 93-90. Really impressive effort from Fjordager BK Odense.

ALBA beat Jonstrup at home 62-56. Jonstrup did not get their American player ready for this important first game. Something that can hurt them on the long run. Both teams are considered as bottom teams this season with Virum, who lost their first 1. division game to the experienced team of Hobas. The score was low 58-68 to Hobas.

It was not a low score game in Aalborg BK, where the hometeam had Lemvig BK in their opening game. Lemvig BK played a good second half but was behind with 36-10 after the 1. quarter. The game finished with 105-76 to Aalborg BK. In Vaerlose BBK the hometeam was without their American player when Herlev Basket came to visit. Herlev Basket took advantage and looked very strong as they won 64-81 because of a big spurt in the last 3 minutes.

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  ESTONIA   


Zalgiris claim the third spot at Presidents Cup - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - TU/Rock 73:72

Zalgiris clinched the third spot at the Presidents Cup today. The Lithuanian champions narrowly defeated Estonian TU/Rock to bounce back after the semifinal loss to Lietuvos Rytas. TU/Rock jumped to an early 9:2 lead as Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) buried 5 points. However Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) and Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) dragged Zalgiris back in contest. The Lithuanian team trailed by 5 points at the end of the first period. Tanoka Beard (205-F/C-71, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) and Asko Paade (206-F-84) extended the margin to 9 points at the beginning of the second term. TU/Rock later used a 6:0 rally to enjoy a 13-point advantage midway through the period. TU/Rock maintained the pressure and ensured a 43:35 lead at halftime. Zalgiris came back to life early in the third quarter. They went on an 8:0 surge to shave the deficit to 3 points. Later six points from Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) allowed Zalgiris to draw things level at 51. Kullamae and Talts put TU/Rock back in charge as they headed into the fourth term up by a single point 57:56. Paulius Jankunas and Ratko Varda scored 6 points and Zalgiris spurred in front. The teams traded baskets throughout the final quarter and Deane set Zalgiris ahead 73:70 with 49 seconds remaining. Asko Paade cut the deficit back to minimal with a jumper. Loren Woods (213-C-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona) lost the ball but Giorgi Tsintsadze missed a potential go-ahead jump shot and Zalgiris secured the winning outcome. Marcus Brown finished with 15 points for Zalgiris. Ratko Varda added 13 points, while Paulius Jankunas had 11 points in the win. Tanoka Beard replied with 19 points and 7 rebounds for TU/Rock. Giorgi Tsintsadze contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Zalgiris: Marcus Brown 15, Ratko Varda 13, Paulius Jankunas 11
TU/Rock: Tanoka Beard 19, Giorgi Tsintsadze 15

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  FRANCE   


Pro Star Loire last preseason tournament - by Maxime Weber
The 2008 french national champion won the Pro Star Loire this weekend. The last preseason tournament regrouped Nancy, Villeurbanne, Le Mans, Cholet, Strasbourg and KK Zadar.
With three players injured (Jeff Greer, Michel Morandais and Cyril Julian) Nancy beat ASVEL (without Amara Sy, Aymeric Jeanneau and Chevon Troutman), 88 - 70.
Before that, Strasbourg beat Zadar (3 loses) 85 - 77. Malick Dixon impressed everybody with a big activity in offense (best three points shooter).
Le Mans won over Cholet for the 4th friendly game of the pre season between the both teams. Mickael Mokongo (180-G-86, agency: ACMT) and Rodrigue Beaubois have a great activity but Le Mans and the Euroleague squad were too experimented and more ready than Cholet who waited until thursday, the two french national team players, Nando De Colo (202-G-87) and Claude Marquis (201-F/C-80).

The ProA starts friday night with Nancy vs ASVEL, the champion and the winner of the national cup.

Round One is completed in ProB - by Eurobasket News
Five games wrapped up the action in the opening round of ProB in France. Bourg, Saint-Vallier, Nanterre, Paris-Levallois and Evreux posted wins yesterday.
Bourg visited Quimper and drove to a tough 79:76 victory at the end. Justin Ingram (187-G-85, college: Toledo) scored 23 points for the winners. Boakai Lalugba (199-F/C-81, agency: Court Side, college: Bucknell) notched 21 points and 12 boards as Bourg prevailed. The visitors built a 44:30 lead at halftime and never looked back in the second half. Moses Sonko (198-F-83, college: Co.Carolina) knocked down 25 points for Quimper. Antoine Liorel (181-G-89) added 20 points in the loss.
Saint-Vallier succeeded in another tough battle of the round. They pulled away with 70:68 home win against Boulazac. The visitors held to a 40:32 advantage at the interval but Saint-Vallier eked out victory in the dying seconds. Sean Barnette (195-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Wingate) finished with 20 points for the hosts. Cedric Melicie (200-F-79, agency: ACMT) added 19 points and 10 rebounds in the win. Sambou Traore (198-F-79) answered with 19 points for Boulazac.
Nanterre overwhelmed Charleville 82:70 behind 22 points from Ivan Almonte (198-F-81, college: Florida Intern.). Daniel Cage (196-G/F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Vanderbilt) contributed 13 points for the hosts. Chris Davis dropped 14 points for Charleville. Marshalle Phillips (196-F-75, agency: Court Side, college: Appalachian St.) secured 11 points in defeat.
Paris Levallois prevailed against Limoges 76:64 away from home. Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa (188-G-77) led well-balanced offense with 15 points. Jimmal Ball (178-G-78, college: Akron) chipped in 14 points for Paris-Levallois. Alhaji Mohammed (192-G-81, agency: Beo Basket, college: Louisville) drained 22 points in the loss.
Evreux ensured a 85:77 victory over Brest. Nicholas Pope (196-F/G-84, college: Oklahoma Baptist) dropped 21 points for Evreux. Sherman Gay (201-F-82, agency: Octagon, college: Loyola Marymount) led Brest with 21 points.

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


AMAK SP Ohrid inks experienced Agoc, releases Little - by Eurobasket News
AMAK SP Ohrid announced signing of experience power forward Slobodan Agoc (206-C-77, agency: 011 Sports). 31-year old player spent last season in MZT Skopje getting the award 'Eurobasket.com All-Macedonian League Honorable Mention -08'. He also was named 'Eurobasket.com Macedonian League All-Imports Team -08'. Agoc changed many teams in the past. Some of those are Al Hala, Pavam Zanjan, Petrom Elba Timsoara, Atlas Banka, Beopetrol and Sloga Kraljevo. Season 05/06 was the best one for Agoc over the past few years. He was the best player for Romanian team averaging 18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg and 2 apg. Agoc also has experience from European competitions. Namely he played for Serbian team Atlas Belgrade on season 03/04, when it participated in ULEB Cup. Slobodan Agoc had 10 appearances in this European competition averaging 5.6 ppg and 2.3 rpg. He is expected to show up in Ohrid at the beginning of the next week.

Head coach of AMAK SP Marjan Lazovski stated that he is very satisfied with signing of experienced Agoc.

'Agoc is kind of player we really need at this moment, especially when it is known that American Donald Little (211-C-78, agency: EM-PA, college: Cincinnati) will leave the team going back to USA. He didn't demonstrate performance which we expected and he is free to go. Agoc will together with Cubrilo suppose to be our power in the paint. Actually we will look forward to sign one more player on position 5. With that big guy we will close our roster for season 2008/09', said Lazovski.

Riste Stefanov undergoes surgery - by Eurobasket News
Macedonian guard / point guard Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) underwent successful surgery last week. The bad news is that he is not expected to show up on the court for at least one month. Stefanov supposes to play on two positions, guard and back-up point guard, in Bulgarian champion Lukoil Akademik. The starting PG this season will be American Antonio Burks. Stefanov for sure will miss first couple of games in Bulgarian as well as in Balkan league.

Sport director of Lukoil Akademik Saso Vezenkov feels sorry because of Stefanov's injury.

'This is really bad luck for us. Riste is very important player in our team. He supposes to help us with taking responsibility on point guard position for a while', said Vezenkov.

Situation about Strumica 2005 is not clear yet. Over the previous few months it seemed the team won't be able to participate in Macedonian top division due to financial troubles but that situation can change. Dejan Lekic of Macedonian Basketball Federation said that officials from Strumica stated their team is going to play next season. If necessary it can start with junior and later, if financial situation changes, the team will probably hire few imports. Final decision of ex Macedonian champion will be known very soon. It could happen at the beginning of the next week.

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  GERMANY   


Bundesliga Game Day 2: Exciting early season action in Bundesliga!! - by Michael Taylor
Game Day 2 in the Bundesliga tipped off this week and early season scores continue to surprise basketball fans. The exciting basketball action saw ALBA Berlin once again look strong, a terrific early matchup between Bonn and Oldenburg, strong road performances from Nordlingen and Tubingen, Ludwigsburg's first win of the campaign and an excellent home win for ratiopharm Ulm.

Thursday September 25th
Nordlingen 76 Paderborn 67 (OT)
Surprising Nordlingen used a strong fourth quarter run and energy in overtime to beat Paderborn Baskets 76-67 Thursday night at Sportzentrum Maspernplatz in Paderborn. In the game shown live on BBL.TV, Paderborn held a 23-17 lead after 1Q and was up 37-32 at the half. A hardfought third saw Paderborn maintain their margin and the game went into the 4th 48-43. Nordlingen rallied to tie the score at 56 and force overtime. In the OT Nordlingen outscored Paderborn 20-11 to earn the win. Osvaldo Jeanty led Nordlingen with 21pt with help from Omari Westley 19pt 6reb, Monta McGee 15pt 11reb and Danny Gibson 12pt in the win. Head coach Andy Wagner saw his team shoot 43% from the floor, 6 of 21 threes (28%) and made 20 of 30 (67%) FT. Steve Esterkamp paced Paderborn with 18pt 7reb and Reggie Golson added 15pt 9reb in the loss. Paderborn made 34% from the floor including only 3 of 21 threes (14%). Paderborn made 18 of 23 FT (78%). Nordlingen improved to 2-0, a fantastic start for the 'Aufsteiger' from Pro A last season. Paderborn evens at 1-1.

Friday September 26th
Walter Tigers Tubingen 84 Artland Dragons 77
Tubingen PG Jermaine Anderson was on fire scoring 28pt with 6ast on 4-7 3pt shooting to lead Walter Tigers Tubingen to an exciting 84-77 upset road win over Artland Dragons Friday night at Artland Arena on BBL.TV. Along with Anderson, the Tigers received good production from F Michael Haynes who went for 20pt 5reb on 4 of 7 three point accuracy of his own. G Brantislav Ratkovica added 14pt 3ast in the win. Artland opened with a 17-13 1Q and held a 31-28 halftime lead before Tubingen turned a 26-20 3Q into a 54-51 advantage heading into the 4th. Down the stretch, the Tigers made several big shots as they increased their lead to the 84-77 win. Adam Hess topscored for Artland with 19pt followed by 11pt apiece from Chad Prewitt and Lamont McIntosh. Tubingen hit 51% from the floor and drilled 11 of 19 threes (57%) while the Dragons made 40% from the field and 9 of 29 threes. Tubingen and head coach Tolga Ongoren evened their record at 1-1 while Artland slipped to 0-2.

Saturday September 27th
ratiopharm Ulm 84 NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig 56
ratiopharm Ulm upped their early season record to 2-0 with a convincing 84-56 win over NewYorker Phantoms Braunschweig in their home debut Saturday night at Sportszentrum Kuhberg in Ulm. Ulm opened a 26-20 lead after 1Q and using a 24-11 2Q run extended it to 50-31 at the half. Ulm's roll continued into the 3Q outscoring the Phantoms 17-10 and led 67-41 going into the 4th. Ulm's strong team effort was led by All Star Power Forward Jeff Gibbs with 21pt 8reb. Sebastian Betz added 10pt for Ulm. For the game, Ulm shot 43% from the floor and made 5 of 19 threes (26%) and 23-33 FT 69%. The Phantoms were led by Dustin Salisberry and Jason Cain who scored 12pt apiece. Braunschweig shot 40% from the floor but made only 2 of 15 (13%) threes and 10 of 15 FT (67%). The two teams were even on the boards at 36 each but the Phantoms suffered 20 turnovers to Ulm's 12. Braunschweig is now 0-2.

Telekom Baskets Bonn 65 Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 62
In one of the weekends most anticipated matchups, Telekom Baskets Bonn edged Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 65-62 Saturday night at Telekom Dome in Bonn. Telekom Bonn raced to a 28-19 lead after 1Q and built a 42-30 halftime advantage before Oldenburg stormed back with an impressive 20-7 3Q setting the stage for an exciting 4th. Oldenburg led 50-49 heading into the final ten minutes but the home court and clutch play pushed Head Coach Michael Koch's team to the terrific early season win. Kyle Bowman led Bonn with 17pt 9reb while Moussa Diagne added 12pt and EJ Rowland 11pt in the win. Bonn shot 46% from the floor and made 17 of 22 FT (77%) but made only 2 of 12 from three. Oldenburg made only 29% from the floor and 6 for 26 (23%) from three while outrebounding Bonn 39-37. Je'kel Foster led Oldenburg with 16pt followed by Rickey Pauldings 12pt 5reb. Bonn improves to 2-0 while Oldenburg evens at 1-1.

ALBA Berlin 81 LTi Giessen 46ers 66
Defending Bundesliga champion and current favorite ALBA Berlin improved to 2-0 with a strong second half in their 81-66 road win at Giessen Saturday night. After opening a 22-17 lead after 1Q, the 46ers fought back to take a 41-40 halftime lead. ALBA head coach Luka Pavicevic and his team made their halftime adjustments and outscored Giessen 17-11 in the third and 24-14 in the 4th. ALBA's depth was a key. Immanuel McElroy led ALBA with 18pt on 8 for 9 floor shooting while Ansu Sesay added 17pt 5reb, Julius Jenkins chipped in 14t and Adam Chubb 10pt. Berlin shot 55% from the floor and made 8 of 16 threes and 19 of 26 FT (73%). Veteran Florian Hartenstein led the 46ers with 17pt 6reb, Danny Lewis added 14pt 4ast and Maurice Jeffers 11pt. The 46ers hit 43% from the field and 13 of 21 FT (61%). Giessen dropped to 0-2.

EnBW Ludwigsburg 88 TBB Trier 83
Brandon Woudstra led 5 Ludwigsburg players in double figures with 19pt 3reb 3ast and 3-4 threes, as EnBW Ludwigsburg topped TBB Trier 88-83 Saturday night at Rundsporthalle in Ludwigsburg. Deangelo Alexander added 15pt while Ludwigsburg received 14pt apiece from Kelvin Gibbs and Domonic Jones. Rookie Dane Watts chipped in 11. Ludwigsburg opened with a 26-24 lead after 1Q but Trier responded with a 2Q run take a 48-45 halftime lead. Trier built on their advantage in the 3Q and took a 65-59 lead into the 4th. Head Coach Rick Stafford and his Ludwigsburg team rallied in the 4th for the comeback win outscoring the guests from Trier 29-18 in the 4th. F Chris Copeland paced Trier with a terrific 26pt 5reb 4ast night. Trier also got 13pt apiece from Jamal Shuler, Norman Richardson and Tyrone Riley. Ludwigsburg shot 52% from the floor along with 6 of 14 (42%) from three and 18 of 23 FT (78%). Ludwigsburg outrebounded Trier 24-21. Trier hit 54% from the floor and made 9 of 24 threes (37%) and 20 of 29 FT (69%). Both teams evened their records at 1-1 in the early season.

Sunday September 28th

Sunday Bundesliga action saw Deutsche Bank Skyliners earn their first win of the season, Dusseldorf earn a tough road victory and Gottingen surprise Bamberg in Lokhalle.


Deutsche Bank Skyliners 83 Koln 99ers 75

Lorenzo Gordon went for a strong 23pt 11reb effort and Derrick Allen added 19pt as the inside game of Deutsche Bank Skyliners powered the team to an 83-75 road win over Koln. Leading 39-38 at half, Frankfurt broke open a tight game with a 27-20 3Q and maintained the remainder of the way. Both teams shot 50% from the floor and Skyliners were better from the foul line and on the boards. Pascal Roller chipped in 16pt 4reb 5ast and Keith Simmons enjoyed an excellent game scoring 14pt with 8reb 4ast. Robert Turner led all scorers with 24pt 6reb and Jeremy Hunt added 14pt for the 99ers. Skyliners evened at 1-1 while Koln slipped to 0-2. For more details please read Miles Scheuber's Game Report on Eurobasket.com.



Giants Dusseldorf 64 Eisbaren Bremerhaven 59

Dusseldorf used a strong 18-8 4Q to earn a tough come from behind 64-59 road win over Eisbaren Bremerhaven Sunday night at Stadthalle in Bremerhaven. A strong home court team, Bremerhaven raced to a 19-15 1Q lead and held a 34-32 advantage at half. Eisbaren pushed their advantage to 51-46 before Dusseldorf's intense 4Q. Pete Campbell was the lone Giant in double figures with his 17pt 6reb effort. Head Coach Achim Kuczmann and his men picked up their second comeback win of the year. Dusseldorf shot 40% from the floor and made 11 of 29 threes (37%) and 7 of 11 (63%) from the line. Bremerhaven was led by Marcus Slaughter's 17pt 9reb 5ast night and Giordan Watson's 11pt 8reb 5ast. Mike Gansey chipped in 11pt 5reb and Frank Elegar 10pt 6boards. Eisbaren shot 35% making 5 of 29 threes (17%). Bremerhaven shot only 4 of 6 FT and outrebounded Dusseldorf 40-37. Dusseldorf improved to 2-0 while Bremerhaven evened at 1-1.


BG74 Gottingen 71 brose Baskets Bamberg 69

The Violets picked up their first win of the 2008-2009 Bundesliga season surprising brose Baskets Bamberg 71-69 Sunday night at Lokhalle on BBL.TV. Bamberg's second consecutive tight two point loss, Jared Newson's last second attempt was waived off because it was released split seconds after the final buzzer. Gottingen started fast with a strong 1Q and moved to a 21-15 lead which they maintained through an even 2Q. Holding a 45-39 lead at half, Gottingen extended their advantage to 8 heading into the 4th 60-52. 3pt shooting from Demond Greene and Robert Garrett cut a 12 point deficit in half and Filberto Rivera's play down the stretch gave Bamberg a chance. F Clif Brown topscored for Gottingen with a solid 23pt 7reb night. Ben Jacobsen added 11pt 4ast 3reb and Jason Miller chipped in 10pt 5boards for the winners. PG Filberto Rivera paced Bamberg with 21pt while Robert Garrett scored 17pt 4reb and Demond Greene 13pt 3reb. Both teams shot 44% from the floor and 61% from the foul line. Gottingen outrebounded Bamberg 33-28. Gottingen evened their record at 1-1 while Bamberg, playing without John Goldsberry, Eric Taylor and Alexander Johnson, slipped to 0-2.



DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS WIN FIRST OF SEASON IN COLOGNE 83 TO 75 - by Miles Scheuber





After the poor home opening loss to The Telekom Baskets Bonn, THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS were not content on straining Murat Didins nerves any longer by allowing another loss, so the team showed a strong effort in the second half and easily beat The Cologne 99ers 83 to 75. This was not an easy game for Frankfurt, simply because Cologne never rolled over and died, but rather fought until the end never giving Frankfurt any clear breathing room. The victory put Frankfurts record at 1-1 and Cologne slip to 0-2 and are near the bottom of the BBL standings with two other top clubs Bamberg and Artland, who have suffered a disastrous start to the 2008-2009 season. Skyliner Sports director Kamil Novak was overjoyed about the win, but his brow was more than just a bit moist. This win cost a lot of hard work. We played more clever than Cologne did in the second half. Basketball is a game of doing the little things on the court better and we simply made less mistakes than Cologne did down the stretch. German A-2 National player Phillip Schwethelm scored seven points, but was unhappy about the outcome of the game.We keep doing the easy things wrong. The team has had this problem since the start of pre season. We seem not to be able to correct these mistakes. The two biggest problems today was our bad free throw percentage and letting Frankfurt grab too many offensive rebounds.
Even though German National coach Dirk Bauerman was in the Energy Dome scouting young German players, it didnt seem to effect Phillip Schwethelm, who put Cologne on the score board first with a floater. I had no idea that Bauermann was in the arena until halftime when I saw him walking around, said Schwethelm. Cologne got off to the better start going on a six to two run. Gruinheid scored off a rebound and the Cologne fans got their first taste of future BBL superstar Robert Hollywood Turner, who made a two handed dunk in the zone. Frankfurt would witness many more Turner dunks on this day. We had problems with Turners athletic skills, said American Keith Simmons. However, it did not take long for Frankfurt to get heated up as Simmons and De Mello hit three pointers giving Frankfurt their first lead eight to seven. Frankfurt extended their lead to 12 to 9 as Roller hit a jumper off the fast break and an outside shot. Cologne started going to their number one option Robert Turner as he did damage in the zone with a lay in and a few moments later made a two handed dunk off a quick Fereti pass. Cologne had the lead back 13 to 12 and the Cologne fans were getting a first rate Turner show. Frankfurt finished the first quarter strong going on an eight to four run. Evtimov and Wysocki scored in the zone. Even though Frankfurt had the slim lead, the team was having problems with the Cologne defense and not getting a good shot selection. Frankfurt also was having some difficulty securing the defensive rebounds.
THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS increased their lead to 26 to 17 after Allen scored on a second chance under the hoop and Roller and Allen hit free throws. Cologne had little scoring options besides Turner and Hunt and that hurt them on offense. For Frankfurt, Evtimov was struggling, but Allen kept scoring and Simmons was showing some of his showtime flair scoring on a spectacular dunk. Frankfurt now lead 30 to 20, and the Energy Dome was getting quieter. Towards the end of last season, American Derrick Allen had found a new love affair with his outside shot and hiding his beautiful moves. However Allen had not forgotten his ballerina moves as he tip toed past Pless for two points. Frankfurt led 32 to 22, but every now and then would lose some concentration and Cologne took full advantage of it as Hunt scored twice in the lane with the latter resulting in a dunk. Allen scored again and American Justin Terrill showed his presence scoring on a fade away jumper. Frankfurt only led 37 to 31. In the last two minutes, Guido Grunheid hit a three pointer, Turner a lay in, Simmons a tip in off a rebound and Turner closed out the second quarter with a monster dunk. Frankfurt led only 39 to 38 and the third quarter was only around the quarter. Could Frankfurt have a successful start or would the third quarter phobia show its ugly face again?
The third quarter seemed like a battle between the Cologne 99ers and Lorenzo Gordon, who was worth every penny he earns for THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS. He finished the quarter with 15 points and left Cologne with massive headaches as he was unstoppable. The first five minutes were also tight as Frankfurt would lead by two points four times as Cologne always found a way to tie the score again. Gordon scored the first five Frankfurt baskets and he did it any which way with mid distance shots, mini hook shots or tip ins. After five consecutive Gordon hoops, it was time for captain Pascal Roller to also contribute. He scored on a floater and then on a three pointer. Frankfurt led 66 to 60. The fans were getting entertaining Basketball and Cologne continued to show their fighting qualities and Frankfurt was desperately trying to go on a run and close the door on Cologne. Stefan Nikolic scored on a three pointer and Cologne was trailing only 58 to 55. However Frankfurt kept going to the hot hand Gordon and he responded with points. Frankfurt led 60 to 55, but ex Harlem Globetrotter Robert Turner took a rest from dunking and showed that three point shooting also belongs to his repertoire. Cologne trailed only 60 to 58. However Frankfurt closed out the third quarter on a six to zero run as Ilian Evtimov finally hit a three pointer and Gordon scored on a finger roller.
Basketball is a game of 40 minutes and even though THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS would have a lead of 15 points, the win was never sure until the end of the game. Cologne kept at it scoring in the zone or from outside and kept Frankfurt having to work hard for points. Frankfurt went on a nine to two run as Gordon opened the scoring, followed by Simmons, an Allen mid distance jumper and Roller unpacked his left handed layup shot, which he had shown to perfection in the first game against Bonn. Frankfurt now led 75 to 60 and seemd to be in control. Cologne was getting tired, showing lapses of concentration and some players were trying things on their own resulting to wild finishes. However Cologne was down by 15, but not out as they quickly scored six unanswered points to get back to 76 to 67. Grunheid made a layup, Hunt a running hook and then a layup around Allen. Frankfurt stayed strong and did not allow Cologne to make anymore damage as Gordon scored on a baby hook shot and Simmons from the middle distance. Frankfurt led 80 to 66 and the game seemed decided. But it wasnt. Frankfurt was lucky that there was not more time on the clock, because Cologne finished the game on a nine to three run. Turner scored three more times, including some sweet off balance shots. However it wasnt enough as THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS won 83 to 75.
Frankfurt was led by American Lorenzo Gordon with 23 points and 11 rebounds. American Derrick Allen chipped in with 19 points and four rebounds. Captain Pascal Roller contributed 16 points and five assists. American Keith Simmons scored 14 points and eight rebounds. The Cologne 99ers were led by American Robert Turner with 24 points and six rebounds. American Jeremy Hunt added 14 points.
Both teams shot at 50%. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS dominated the boards 38 to 27 and both teams did a fine job keeping the turnovers down. Cologne had 10 turnovers and Frankfurt nine. We ran our systems a lot better today than against Bonn. We shot better and had more open looks. We had more of an inside presence with Derrick Allen and Lorenzo Gordon and rebounded better. Now we have to play consistent for 40 minutes, said Keith Simmons. The biggest difference in this game was simply that Frankfurt had a few more weapons than Cologne did. Cologne had two scoring options with Turner and Hunt, but nobody else really came through for more support. Frankfurt also made fewer mistakes in important phases of the game and stuck to playing team Basketball, which Cologne couldnt do on a consistent level down the stretch. Cologne showed their strong heart and fighting qualities, which should pay dividends down the road. Frankfurt showed a lot of discipline and togetherness down the stretch, which resulted in their first win of the season. THE DEUTSCHE BANK SKYLINERS host The Eisbren Bremerhaven on Thursday October second at 20:00.

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  GREECE   


Panathinaikos gets the Trophy in Tivoli - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - Panathinaikos 71:83

Panathinaikos became the winner of the International tournament in Slovenia. In the final game the team met the hosts, Olimpia and won the game with a Trophy. Panathinaikos trailed after the first half, but managed to grab 83:71 victory. Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) led the winners with 16 points. Perperoglu and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) posted 11 each, while Michael Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Spanulis scored 10 apiece. Marko Milic (199-G-77) top-scored for the hosts with 13 points. Wallace and Damjan Rudez (207-F-86) followed him with 12, whilst Begic and Crawford had 9 each.
Union Olimpija being the hosts of the tournament went on a huge 25:10 lead in the opening tip of the game. Thanks to 3500 spectators the hosts remained hot after the end of the first period, 25:15. Panathinaikos however waited for their time in the game and managed to show their rules in the second period. The guests reduced the gap to 28:25 in the middle of the second. Union Olimpija however won the first half 43:36 as the teams went to the lockers.
In the third period Panathinaikos was the only team of the court. The guests made everything they wanted to take the lead and control of the period. Panathinaikos finished the third at 62:55 and then led the game to the celebration.

Union Olimpija: Marko Milic 13, Wallace 12, Damjan Rudez 12, Begic 9, Crawford 9
Panathinaikos: Drew Nicholas 16, Perperoglu 11, Antonis Fotsis 11, Michael Batiste 10, Spanulis 10

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  HOLLAND   


Standings - Eredivisie
Eredivisie Standings
 1. Eiff.Towers 0-0 
 2. Den Helder 0-0 
 3. Amsterdam 0-0 
 4. Hanzev.Cpt 0-0 
 5. Upstairs Weert 0-0 
 6. ZZ Leiden 0-0 
 7. M.Magix 0-0 
 8. Aris Friesland 0-0 
 9. Landstede 0-0 
 10. Rotterdam 0-0 
 11. West-Brabant 0-0 


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  ISRAEL   


Fenerbahce overcame Maccabi for the third in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce - Maccabi 85 : 67

Turkish Fenerbahce finished third in the International Tournament in Slovenia. In the game for the third place the team overcame Maccabi 85:67. The Turkish side led in the whole game and truthfully became the winner of the match-up. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) paced all the winners with 19 points. Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) and Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) followed him with 12 points apiece, whilst Turkcan and Giricek netted 10. Williams top-scored in the losing effort with 16 points as Maccabi finished with no wins in Slovenia. Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Washington) posted 13 and Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) nailed 9.
After the first losses in the openers both teams desired to win the last game in the tournament. The start of the game was even as the teams stayed close to each other. Fenerbahce managed to win the first quarter 19:17 and increased the lead later in the half. Turkish side had 3:30 as the teams went to the lockers at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Fenerbahce outscored Maccabi and had 55:46 after three quarters. They led to 85:67 at the end of the game as the last whistle closed the game for them celebrating the third position.
Panathinaikos became the winner of the International tournament in Slovenia. In the final game the team met the hosts, Olimpia and won the game with a Trophy. Panathinaikos trailed after the first half, but managed to grab 83:71 victory.

Fenerbahce: Green 3, Turkcan 10, Rasim Basak 12, Giricek 10, Mrsic 6, Vidmar 3, Demirel 2, Demir, Savas 8, Devin Smith 19, Cetin, Emir Preldzic 12.
Maccabi: White 2, Sharp, Arroyo 4, Lior Eliyahu 9, Green, Burstein 4, Chester Simmons 13, Williams 16, Casspi 6, Haga, Batista 6, Fischer 7.

Ramat Gan wins pre-season tourney, Givat cut Kilgore - by Yarone Arbel
Ironi Ramat Gan won the pre-season Daigi tournament after a 108-101 win over Rishon LeZion after overtime. After an overtime win in the semi-finals again Ramat Gan found enough energy to come back from a 14 point half time gap, 39-53 before Rishon's Ken Tutt tied the game from long range right before the buzzer at 93-93. Josh Gomes led the winners with 28 points, Jonathan Jones (211-C-79, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM)) added 21, Shmulik Brener scored 16 and Carmelo Lee 14. Robert Conley (198-G/F-77, college: Clayton St.) led Rishon was 25, Tutt added 23, James Hughes (211-C-83, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Illinois) scored 15 and Avi Sucar 14.

- Givat Shmuel cut Marvin Kilgore and Andrew Fogel (188-G-85, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Mercyhurst) due to their pre-season performance.

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


Market news and rumors - by Gianni Pascucci
Lottomatica Virtus Roma and Montepaschi Siena competed the deal regarding National team member Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87), who will play in Lottomatica the next two seasons. Air Avelllino is weighting options about Dan Dickau (183-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga), who suffers of back problems and coule be replaced. The first name around is the one of Tyus Edney (178-G-73, college: UCLA), if Capo d'Orlando won' t be allowed to play in Serie A

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


JBL season off to rousing start - by Kenny
The 2008-09 JBL regular season got underway on Friday (9/26) with the Aisin Sea Horses defeating the Mitsubishi Diamond Dolphins 65-55 while the Hitachi Sunrockers upset perennial powerhouse Toyota 101-85 in the biggest surprise of the weekend. All eyes, though, were on the Link Tochigi Brex home opener on Friday night as it marked the return to Japan and the JBL of superstar PG Yuta Tabuse (175-G-80, college: BYU-Hawaii). Tabuse had 11 points and 4 assists but was unable to lift the Brex to victory as they lost to the Toshiba Brave Thunders 82-66. Toshiba's offense was led by newcomer Cory Violette who finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds in his JBL debut.

On Saturday, the 27th, Mitsubishi was able to split the weekend series with Aisin by beating the Sea Horses by a score of 72-61. Mitsubishi was led by F Takuya Sato who poured in 17 points to go along with his 7 rebounds. C J.R. Sakuragi, the former UCLA star known as J.R. Henderson and now in his 8th season in Japan, had 21 pts and 7 boards for Aisin in the losing effort. In other games on Saturday, Hitachi once again beat Toyota, but it took a buzzer beater by PG Kei Igarashi to decide the game which ended with a score of 63-60. The Panasonic Trians won their season opener at home by thumping the Rera Kamuy Hokkaido by a score of 97-74. In the 2nd game of the weekend series, Tabuse's Tochigi Brex was once again unable to beat Toshiba as the Brave Thunders hung on for a 79-69 victory despite a 36-point effort by swingman Takuya Kawamura on 8-14 shooting from 3-point range. Tabuse finished the game with 6 points and 6 assists but had 5 turnovers.

In the only game played on Sunday (9/28), the Panasonic Trians got by Hokkaido by a 68-66 margin to complete the 2-game sweep. Pansonic was paced by veteran SG Atsushi Ohno's 18 points while 4th-year import C Jerald Honeycutt contributed to the win with 13 pts and 7 rebounds. 2nd-year C Tyler Newton had 20 pts and 8 boards in the losing effort.


Notes: The best import debuts of the new season came from the aforementioned Cory Violette and C Adam Parada of Mitsubishi, who had 22 pts/13 reb in Saturday's loss to Aisin, and F Lamar Rice of Hitachi, who had 22 pts/10 reb off the bench in Saturday's win over Toyota. In addition to his 26 pts/12 reb effort on Friday, Violette also had 19 pts/13 reb on Saturday to lead Toshiba to a 2-game sweep over Tochigi.

Yuta Tabuse played in his first JBL game since the 2002-03 season when he was with the Toyota Alvark. His Tochigi debut in Utsunomiya on Friday night drew a crowd

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  LATVIA   


Lietuvos Rytas lifts the President Cup! - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas- Barons 80:78

Lietuvos Rytas lifts the President Cup as in the Final game the team overcame Barons 80:78. Thanks to the latter that gave such a battle to the titan of the Baltic basketball. Steponas Babrauskas (196-G/F-84) made a lay-up in the last minute to bring the victory for the Lithuanian team. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) led the winners with 19 points. Michailas Anisimovas (214-C-84) posted 18, while Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15. Bright finished the night with 17 points in the losing effort.
Lietuvos Rytas easily opened the game and won the opening tip with 13-3. Barons had seven team fouls when four minutes left to play in the first quarter. Hennings lay-up made the result 21:11, while Rytas won the opening quarter 28:20. In the second period Cukinas made a jump-shot for Barons, Rytas missed their shot and Berzins added one more three-pointer for Barons. Then Bright continued Barons offence from the three-point line and the score is already 35:37 for the Latvian side. The teams went to the lockers with 50:45 for Rytas.
In the third period Barons spurted again to catch up with the opponents. Martins Kravcenko (192-G-85, agency: Interperformances) nailed two in the end of the period for 64:61. Effective slam dunk by Henning in the last second of the quarter received tremendous applause by spectators, 64:63. Both teams went back-to-back in the last frame and only in the last seconds the Lithuanian team grabbed the win. Steponas Babrauskas made a lay-up for 80:78 to close the game.

Barons: Bright 17, Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) 9, Martins Kravcenko 5
Lietuvos Rytas: Martynas Gecevicius 19, Michailas Anisimovas 18, Branko Milisavljevic 15, Sinica 9, Steponas Babrauskas 8

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


Lietuvos Rytas lifts the President Cup! - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas- Barons 80:78

Lietuvos Rytas lifts the President Cup as in the Final game the team overcame Barons 80:78. Thanks to the latter that gave such a battle to the titan of the Baltic basketball. Steponas Babrauskas (196-G/F-84) made a lay-up in the last minute to bring the victory for the Lithuanian team. Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88) led the winners with 19 points. Michailas Anisimovas (214-C-84) posted 18, while Branko Milisavljevic (193-G-76, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 15. Bright finished the night with 17 points in the losing effort.
Lietuvos Rytas easily opened the game and won the opening tip with 13-3. Barons had seven team fouls when four minutes left to play in the first quarter. Hennings lay-up made the result 21:11, while Rytas won the opening quarter 28:20. In the second period Cukinas made a jump-shot for Barons, Rytas missed their shot and Berzins added one more three-pointer for Barons. Then Bright continued Barons offence from the three-point line and the score is already 35:37 for the Latvian side. The teams went to the lockers with 50:45 for Rytas.
In the third period Barons spurted again to catch up with the opponents. Martins Kravcenko (192-G-85, agency: Interperformances) nailed two in the end of the period for 64:61. Effective slam dunk by Henning in the last second of the quarter received tremendous applause by spectators, 64:63. Both teams went back-to-back in the last frame and only in the last seconds the Lithuanian team grabbed the win. Steponas Babrauskas made a lay-up for 80:78 to close the game.

Barons: Bright 17, Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances) 9, Martins Kravcenko 5
Lietuvos Rytas: Martynas Gecevicius 19, Michailas Anisimovas 18, Branko Milisavljevic 15, Sinica 9, Steponas Babrauskas 8

Zalgiris claim the third spot at Presidents Cup - by Eurobasket News
Zalgiris - TU/Rock 73:72

Zalgiris clinched the third spot at the Presidents Cup today. The Lithuanian champions narrowly defeated Estonian TU/Rock to bounce back after the semifinal loss to Lietuvos Rytas. TU/Rock jumped to an early 9:2 lead as Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) buried 5 points. However Ratko Varda (216-C/F-79) and Marcus Brown (193-G-74, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Murray St.) dragged Zalgiris back in contest. The Lithuanian team trailed by 5 points at the end of the first period. Tanoka Beard (205-F/C-71, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Boise St.) and Asko Paade (206-F-84) extended the margin to 9 points at the beginning of the second term. TU/Rock later used a 6:0 rally to enjoy a 13-point advantage midway through the period. TU/Rock maintained the pressure and ensured a 43:35 lead at halftime. Zalgiris came back to life early in the third quarter. They went on an 8:0 surge to shave the deficit to 3 points. Later six points from Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances) allowed Zalgiris to draw things level at 51. Kullamae and Talts put TU/Rock back in charge as they headed into the fourth term up by a single point 57:56. Paulius Jankunas and Ratko Varda scored 6 points and Zalgiris spurred in front. The teams traded baskets throughout the final quarter and Deane set Zalgiris ahead 73:70 with 49 seconds remaining. Asko Paade cut the deficit back to minimal with a jumper. Loren Woods (213-C-78, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Arizona) lost the ball but Giorgi Tsintsadze missed a potential go-ahead jump shot and Zalgiris secured the winning outcome. Marcus Brown finished with 15 points for Zalgiris. Ratko Varda added 13 points, while Paulius Jankunas had 11 points in the win. Tanoka Beard replied with 19 points and 7 rebounds for TU/Rock. Giorgi Tsintsadze contributed 15 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.

Zalgiris: Marcus Brown 15, Ratko Varda 13, Paulius Jankunas 11
TU/Rock: Tanoka Beard 19, Giorgi Tsintsadze 15

LKL season tips off with two games - by Eurobasket News
Kaunas Triobet and Nevezis posted wins at the start of the new LKL season yesterday. Triobet celebrated a tough win over Suduva on the road. Nevezis held off Alytus at home court.
Kaunas Triobet got 23 points from Arturas Milaknis (195-G-86) and ensured the winning start to the season. The Kaunas outfit toppled Suduva 86:74 away from home. Triobet jumped to a 23:19 lead after the starting period and stretched the margin to 8 points at halftime. Suduva never recovered after the big break and Triobet easily secured their success at the end. Povilas Butkevicius (201-F-87) nailed 18 points and collected 10 boards for Triobet. Vytenis Jasikevicius (187-G-85) added 17 points for the winners. Marius Runkauskas (189-G-86) tallied 17 points and 8 rebounds for Suduva. Marius Valukonis (198-F-88) nailed 16 points in the loss.
Nevezis got to a better start and dominated throughout the game to handle Alytus 89:76 at the end. The hosts built a 24:12 lead after the opening period and breezed to the win at the end. Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Metro St.) knocked down 21 points to lead Nevezis. Aidas Viskontas (185-G-86) dropped 16 points in the winning case. Nerijus Varnelis (200-F-78) answered with 13 points and 9 rebounds for Alytus. Vilius Sumskis (213-C-84, agency: Interperformances) and Zydrunas Urbonas (198-F-76) had 11 points each in defeat.

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  MONTENEGRO   


Buducnost wins tournament in Herceg Novi - by Eurobasket News
Current Montenegrin champion Buducnost Podgorica cruised past Partizan Igokea in the final of tournament in Herceg Novi 94-74. It was unexpectedly easy win for Buducnost, but it is important to be mentioned that Serbian team participated on this tournament without few most important players. Buducnost had pretty good first frame ending it 24-13. Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) and his teammates woke up in the next quarter coming a little bit closer until the half time, 40-34. Game is decided after the breather. As it was in the first one, Buducnost had another wonderful quarter netting impressive 36 points. On the other side Partizan scored 22. It means that Montenegrin champion entered into the last ten minutes with huge plus 20. Actually, Montenegrins managed to keep that lead until the very end. Once again Vladimir Dasic (209-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) was the best one in his team draining 20 points. At the end of the game he was named MVP of the tournament. Vladimir Micov (201-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) scored 16 points while Milos Bojovic (198-G-81) also shined with one point less. Interesting is that Montenegrin center Zarko Rakocevic was better than the others in Partizan with 21 points. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) posted 16 while Strahinja Milosevic (203-G/F-85, agency: Beo Basket) stopped on 11 points.
Head coach of Partizan Igokea Dusko Vujosevic was sent out of the court by the referees in 27th minute because of two technicals.

Third place belongs to Bosnian team Siroki Eronet, who was better than the host ABS Primorje 69-64.

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  NBA   


Warriors Sign Justin Williams - by Bruno Baltazar
The Golden State Warriors have signed free agent center Justin Williams (6'10''-F/C-84, college: Wyoming) to a contract as a training camp invitee.
Williams, 24, has appeared in 49 NBA games over the last two seasons, averaging a combined 3.4 points and 3.3 rebounds in 9.3 minutes per contest with Sacramento (48 games) and Houston (one game). Last season, he began the campaign with the Kings and averaged 1.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 22 games before being waived on February 16. The 6-10, 260-pound center subsequently signed a 10-day contract with Houston and appeared in one game for the Rockets.

Williams, who joined the Warriors prior to todays first practice of training camp, will wear uniform #30.

With the signing, Golden State currently has 18 players under contract.

NETS SIGN EDDIE GILL, BRIAN HAMILTON, JULIUS HODGE AND AWVEE STOREY - by Bruno Baltazar
The New Jersey Nets have signed free agents Eddie Gill (6'0''-G-78, agency: Priority Sports, college: Weber St.), Brian Hamilton (6'6''-F-82, college: La-Lafayette) Julius Hodge (6'7''-G-83, college: N.Carolina St.) and Awvee Storey (6'6''-G/F-77, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arizona St.).

Gill (6-0, 190), is appearing on the Nets training camp roster for the second straight year, as he spent the 2007 preseason with New Jersey, appearing in four games. During the 2007-08 season, he spent 13 games, including one start, with the Nets and averaged 2.9 points in 11.5 minutes. He was waived by New Jersey on 12/12 and then signed with the Seattle SuperSonics on 3/24, appearing in one contest. The five year NBA veteran has averaged 3.1 points and 1.1 assists in 181 career games with New Jersey, Memphis, Portland and Indiana. While playing for the Nets in 2001, he was credited with scoring the eight millionth point in NBA history during a game against the Boston Celtics on 4/15. Gill was selected as the Number One overall pick in the 2007 NBA Development League Draft by the Colorado 14ers. Gill averaged 18.0 points, 5.1 rebounds, 8.5 assists and 2.2 steals in 38.4 minutes with Colorado and was selected to the 2008 D-League All-Star team.


Hamilton (6-6, 200), who went undrafted out of Louisiana-Lafayette in 2005, spent the 2007-08 season with the Utah Flash of the D-League. Appearing in 49 games, including 34 starts, he averaged 10.8 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 31.2 minutes per contest. In 2005-06, Hamilton appeared in 10 games for the Pennsylvania Valley Dogs of the USBL and averaged 15.7 points while shooting .538 from the field.


Hodge (6-7, 210), is a two year pro who was selected 20th overall by Denver in the 2005 NBA Draft. The New York City native has appeared in 23 career games with Denver and Milwaukee, averaging 1.2 points and 0.7 rebounds in 4.2 minutes per game. Hodge is joining the Nets preseason roster after spending the 2007-08 season with four different teams. He signed with Italian Serie A team Cimberio Varese before transferring to fellow Serie A team Legea Scafati halfway through the season. He then signed with the Adelaide 36ers of the Australian NBL before returning to the states to play with the Albuquerque Thunderbirds of the D-League.


Storey (6-6, 225), is a three year pro who spent the 2007-08 season with Milwaukee. The Arizona State alum has appeared in 60 career games, including one start, with New Jersey, Washington and Milwaukee and has averages of 2.4 points and 1.4 rebounds in 6.8 minutes. Storey saw action in 26 games for the Bucks, averaging 3.5 points and 2.1 rebounds in 10.0 minutes per contest. Storey was a member of the Washington Wizards for the 2005-06 season, appearing in 25 games, including one start, and tallying 1.7 points and 0.9 rebounds in 4.6 minutes. Storey debuted in the NBA with the Nets, playing in nine games for New Jersey during the 2004-05 season, averaging 0.9 points in 3.6 minutes per contest.

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  NCAA1   


Roy Booker signs with top league in Cyprus - by Eurobasket News
Former Southeast Missouri State basketball player Roy Booker (6'3''-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: SE Missouri St.) has signed with Etha of Cyprus in the top league of European basketball.

Booker, who led the top division in Holland in scoring last season, recently signed a contract with Etha Engomis, which is located Cyprys capital of Nicosia.

He is expected to give them scoring leadership. The Southeast Missouri State alumnus has a strong reputation as a scorer, after leading Netherlands with 23.7 points per game average in 2007-08. Booker had a season-high 40 point performance last season along with three 30-point games for Leiden. He's a shooter (39% from 3 in Holland), who has deep range, but can create his own shot off the dribble.

Later in the season, his Aris Friesland contract was bought out by Koln in the German first division, where he spent the last couple of months of the season, displaying his versatility by running the point guard position. He's always been a scorer, including his NCAA career, when he averaged 22 points for SEMO.

Booker joins a strong program in Etha, which last season finished the year in the league's semifinals. He is currently in the Etha training camp in Cyprus, Greece and is averaging 23 points per game in exhibition play.

Booker is one of three former Redhawks currently playing in Europe. Reggie Golson is playing in Germany and Michael Rembert is playing in Austria.

Golson is beginning his third season in Europe. A 2005 graduate of Southeast, Golson played in Germany during the 2006-07 season and in France last season. He recently signed with Pederborn in Germany's top division.

Rembert, who played at Southeast last season, has signed with Klosterneuburg in Austria's top division. He played very well at the recent Eurobasket camp in Chicago, where he averaged 15 points and 7 rebounds and received praise as one of the top big men in the camp.

Courtesy of www.gosoutheast.com

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  NICARAGUA   


Tiburones will not compete in new league. - by Gianni Pascucci
Thanks to PinoleroSports.com website, we can say that Tiburones Bancentro won' t participate to the Primer Torneo Nacional de Baloncesto that will reunite the best ACB and Liga Premier clubs. Luis Pavon , owner of the Tiburones club, stated to media that his team is preparing with great intensity the participation to the upcoming 'William Ramrez Tournment' and left his players free to join some other teams for the new league. This is why we should see soon Manuel McKenzie (192-F-83) and Vandell Thomas (176-G-86) to play with Chontales, Noel McKenzie (188-G-78) and Johnny Lampson (198-F/C-80) to strengthen Puerto Cabezas, and Anthony Gayle (185-G-80) to join Vikingos de Valentis Pizza.

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  NORWAY   


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


BLNO Stats Leaders
BLNO Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 N.Skouen, Gimle 40.0
2 W.Sharma, Fjellh. 26.0
3 R.Timus, Tr. 23.5
Rebounds Per Game
1 T.Finger, Tr. 17.5
2 D.Christensen, Tr. 16
3 P.Bullock, Ulriken 8.7
Assists Per Game
1 H.Issalhi, Tr. 7.0
2 W.Dunn, Gimle 7.0
3 J.Rogers, Harstad 5.3


Div1 Stats Leader
1Div Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1 M.Pedersen,ntnui 34.0
2 T.Randolph,Lang.32.0
3 J.Aukland,Sandv. 29.0
Rebounds Per Game
1 J.Aukland, Sandv. 14.0
2 P.Sivertsen, Stav. 13.0
3 H.Mostafa, Stav. 12.0
Assists Per Game
1 E.Hannisdal,ntnui 10.0
2 T.Tomic,Kr.sand 9.0
3 T.Randolph,Langh. 8.0


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  PHILIPPINES   


Red Lions, Heavy Bombers in do-or-die encounter - by Eurobasket News
Never mind dynasty, never mind destiny. For coaches Frankie Lim of San Beda College and Ariel Vanguardia of Jose Rizal University, the odds are about even when they meet Monday in a do-or-die match for the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) mens basketball title at the Araneta Coliseum.

Game time is 3 p.m. with the Heavy Bombers enjoying the momentum after escaping with a 62-60 win over the defending champion Red Lions on September 26.

San Beda, hoping to win three straight titles for the second time, took Game 1 (72-68).

At least, we have beaten San Beda and we have proven we can beat them in a very big and important game. My boys have learned and matured so fast. Even as this is our first taste of the championship after a long while, but who can tell now we dont have championship experience, said Vanguardia, who is turning 36.

The championship trophy is my only birthday wish, added Van-guardia, seeking to end Jose Rizals 36-year title drought.

The Red Lions, winners of 13 titles, won three consecutive titles from 1934 to 1937.

Its about time to go back to the drawing board and review our game plan, said Lim. We need to make several adjustments especially in our defense.

In Game 2, the Red Lions managed only five pointsall from the free throw linein the final 2:55 following the early exit of big men Sam Ekwe and Jay-Arr Taganas.

The 68 Ekwe, a two-time most valuable player awardee, fouled out with still 3:37 remaining, while the 65 Taganas followed suit with 2:41 left in the game.

Meanwhile, NCAA Management Committee Chairman Ding Lozano of host Mapua Institute expressed confidence that the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) will allow its referees to officiate the game. (See related story below)

Talks are still ongoing between the NCAA and the PBL to resolve the problem, said Lozano at press time.

Courtesy of http://www.manilatimes.net

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  PUERTO RICO   


Coach Melendez to coach in Venezuela - by Luis Ramirez
According to local press reports, Coach Flor Melendez , who has coached in the BSN for the last 29 years without interruption will now move on to Venezuela where he will coach Marinos de Anzoategui in the Venezuelan Professional League. Melendez who last year coached the San German Athletics in the BSN was not assured of a return spot on the team next year. He was given permission to talk to other BSN team for a coaching job but apparently most teams are trying to shore up their finances and are trying to keep their operating expenses down, this added to the economic situation most teams face for next year made it very difficult for Melendez to get a shot at another team here on the Island.

Melendez has indicated that it was a hard decision for him to make but he considers that he still has a lot of coaching left in him and was not ready to sit out next season. Thru out the years Melendez has been known for his team being good defensive teams, he is a no nonsense coach and usually his teams are very good defensive teams.

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  QATAR   


Haywood signs for Al Sadd - by Ali Ahmed
As Sadd Sports Club basketball team management agreed terms with the American Guard Curtis Haywood (198-G-75, college: Oklahoma City) to play for them this season 2008/2009.


Curtis can really run and push the ball. Great Vision in the open court. to the open man He is very long and handles very well for his size. He can really shoot the pro 3


Awards/Achievements:
Honorable mention NAIA All-American -98
First team NAIA All-American -99
MVP of the Sooner Athletic Conference -99
Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League Imports Team -03, 04
Eurobasket.com All-Cyprus League 1st Team -04
Syrian League Regular Season Runner-Up -06
Syrian League Champion -06
ABA All-Star Game -07
Arab Club Championships -07 (Finalist)
Asia-Basket.com All-Arab Club Championships Top Scorer -07
Asia-Basket.com All-Arab Club Championships 1st Team -07
Venezuelan LPB Semifinals -07
CBA Champion -08
CBA National Conference Runner-Up -08

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  RUSSIA   


Belov and Kondrashin Cup. Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
St. Petersburg hosts the International Tournament of Belov and Kondrashin Cup. In the first games CSKA and Khimky celebrated the victories to see each other in the Final.
CSKA upset the hosts, Spartak only in overtime. Spartak looked very good and won the opening quarter 14:11. CSKA bounced back in the second and won the first half 31:30 as the teams went to the lockers. The third and the fourth quarters did not bring a winner in the game and the teams were sent to the overtime. CSKA being more experienced in the tough match-ups won the game 68:66. Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland) led the winners with 19 point and 16 rebounds. Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) netted 12 as well as Zoran Planinic (198-G-82) for CSKA. Zakhar Pashutin (195-G-74) ended up with 17 points for the hosts, while Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary) posted 14.
In another game Khimky overcame Cibona 76:60. The Russian squad controlled the majority of the game and advanced to the Final truthfully. Maciej Lampe (210-C-85) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Prcacic ended up with 12 points in the losing effort.

Lokomotiv is second in Ukraine, while Dynamo clinches third in Greece - by Eurobasket News
Three teams instead of four are fighting this year in the Cup of Azovmash in Ukraine. Greek Pannilionis could not come to Ukraine and the administration decided to have the teams play with each other. The hosts Azovmash welcomed BC Donetsk and Russian Lokomotiv Rostov.
In the opener Lokomotiv Rostov overcame Donetsk 92:74. The Russian squad was too good in the first half and won both first quarters. The advantage of the Russian team was 48:27 when the teams went to the lockers. Ukrainian team won the third period 21:18 and then tied the last at 18:18 to reduce a bit in the end. Shevchuk led the winners with 22 points. Vorotnikov nailed 18, while Nikita Morgunov (211-F-75, agency: Interperformances) netted 14. Tucker ended up with 22 points in the losing effort.
Last night Azovmash beat Lokomotiv 91:82 in their opener. It was a great game from both teams especially the start of it, when the teams showed a good percentage in the game. Azovmash won the opening quarter 29:28 and then increased to 6-point lead at the halftime. Ukrainian side won also the third period and then lost only 18:19 in the last. Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) led the winners with 24 points. Van Den Spiegel posted 13 and Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) together with Lishchuk Serhiy had 12 each. House ended up with 15 points in the losing effort. Azovmash triumphed at home with 88:82 win over Donetsk.
Meanwhile Dynamo Moscow finished third in Greece. At first the team lost to Maroussi 85:89 with a disaster in the second half. Jannero Pargo (187-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Arkansas) led the Russian squad with 31 points. In the game for the third place Dynamo overcame Fortitudo 78:75. Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and 8 rebounds, while Nahbar posted 18.

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  SERBIA   


Vojvodina and Cedevita in the final of tournament in Vrsac - by Dragan Jankovski
Vojvodina Srbijagas and Croatian team Cedevita Zagreb will play in the final of international tournament in Vrsac.

In the fist game Vojvodina Srbijagas cruised past Bulgarian CSKA Sophia 97-74. Vojvodina took control on its opponent from the very beginning. The Tulips managed to create 32-13 already after first ten minutes. The rest of the game was just the formality as Vojvodina kept its lead without any extra efforts. Center Goran Bajic (207-C-83) was the best scorer for the Tulips with 18 points. Dejan Borovnjak (208-F-86) was behind him with 17 while Marko Sutalo (194-G-83) and Miroslav Radenkovic (204-F-83) had 14 points each.
Other players in Vojvodina: Popovic 11, Zdravkovic 5, Cavic 5, Buha, Pavkovic, Hajdukovic.
CSKA Sophia got the most from Naydenov, 18 points. Sinadinovic scored 14 while Krum Doychinov (206-C-86) stopped on 12 points.

In game number two, the host Hemofarm STADA suffered defeat against Cedevita Zagreb 97-103. Despite Hemofarm had 29-18 in the first frame, Croatians recovered from that shock very soon. They had nice second and especially last quarter. At the middle of third frame Hemofarm had 59-48 but it was not enough for the win. American Ramel Bradley (188-G-85) shined in Cedevita leading his team to big turn 86-96 with three minutes remaining. Ramel Bradley and Hrvoje Kovacevic (191-G-86) netted 19 points each for the winners. Big guy Frano Colak (205-C-77, agency: Court Side) had two points less.
Other players in Cedevita: Basic, Primorac, Tomeljak 11, Samadan 9, Parezanovic 14, Petrovic 2, Filipovic, Novacic 12.
Bojan Krstovic (194-G-80) had 21 points for the orange team. Slovenian guard Nebojsa Joksimovic (193-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) scored 20 points while center Vladan Vukosavljevic (206-F/C-84, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 18.
Other players in Hemofarm: Savovic 7, Igrutinovic, Bozovic 5, Pavkovic 7, Macvan 9, Petrovic, Borisov 6, Mrajanovic 4.

Partizan lost final match from Buducnost - by Zoran Popovic
In the final match of tournament in Igalo, BC Partizan Igokea Beograd lost from BC Buducnost Podgorica 94:74 (24:13, 16:21, 36:22, 18:18). From the begining of the match Buducnost was more agresive team than BC Partizan Igokea Beograd. In the one period of the second half Buducnost had 20 points advantage and to the end of the match BC Partizan Igokea Beograd couldn`t decrease it. Better then others in BC Partizan Igokea Beograd were former player of Buducnost, Zarko Rakocevic (205-F-84) who scored 21 points and Strahinja Milosevic with 11 points.. For Buducnost excellent role had Dasic with 20 points, Micov and Bojovic per 15, Otasevic 14 points.

Buducnost: Sehovic, Micov 15, Popovic 2, Bojovic 15, Gordic 4, Matovic, Otasevic 14, Simnovic 8, Misanovic 9, Maras 7, Dasic 20, Ljiljic.
BC Partizan Igokea Beograd: Riznic 4, Djurkvic 5, Milosevic 11, Balaban 2, Rasic 16, Soares, Trikic, Lucic, Aleksic 6, Vitkovac 7, Rakocevic 21, Veseli 2.

Mega HL third in Tuzla, FMP beats Split - by Dragan Jankovski
Mega Hypo Leasing finished tournament in Tuzla on third place. Belgrade's team outplayed Croatian Sibenik 96-78 mostly owing to great second quarter and also guards Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) and Dusan Katnic (193-G-89). After totally leveled first quarter 24-24, Mega HL smashed Sibenik during the following ten minutes. Two above mentioned players, together with Uros Nikolic (207-F-87) and American Chris Schlatter (201-G/F-81, college: Washington St.), took care for the points in Mega reaching 28. On the other side Sibenik's players struggled with their shot netting only 16 points. Croatians ended third quarter 21-23 but Mega Hypo Leasing once again put into the fifth gear finishing the last one 23-15. Stefan Stojacic was the top scorer in Mega HL scoring 18 points. Uros Nikolic added 13 points while Dusan Katnic registered double-double, 10 points and 11 assists. Chris Schlatter and Miroslav Markovic (201-F-75, agency: Beo Basket) had 10 points apiece. Petar Males (202-F-72) top-scored in Sibenik with 21 points. Jure Roncevic (194-F/G-84) had 20 points.

In the opening day of memorial tournament 'Mirza Delibasic' in Sarajevo, FMP celebrated against Split 81-77. It was exciting game with few turns. Split was better in the first 30-34 while Panthers shined in the second half 51-43. Dragan Labovic (207-C/F-87) led FMP to win scoring 17 points. Other big guy Miroslav Raduljica (212-C-88, agency: CAA Sports) also was good adding 12 points. Nemanja Protic (182-G-86) and and Mladen Jeremic (196-G-88, agency: CAA Sports) scored 10 points each. Split got the most from Antonio Grant (196-F-77, college: S.Carolina), who posted 17 points. Sinisa Stemberger (195-G-79) had 14 while Eddie Shannon (180-G-76, college: Florida) scored on point less.
In the final FMP will take on the host team Bosna ASA BHT. Split will meet Hungarian Pecs in the battle for third place.

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  SEYCHELLES   


Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup - by Carlos Pereira
HIS years Seychelles Basketball Federation (SBF) Cup will dribble off on Monday October 13 after the draw made earlier this month was released by the National Basketball Technical Committee.

There wont be a repeat of last years mens final between PLS Hawks and Premium Cobras as the two big guns could meet as early as the quarterfinals this time.
Drawn in the top half, defending champions PLS Hawks will start the defence of their title on Tuesday October 21.
In the event of a second round-win against either one of the three second division teams AAP Brothers, Mont Fleuri Dawgz and Pointe Larue Falcons the Hawks will progress to the quarterfinals against former winners Premium Cobras.
In last years best-of-three final, coach Tony Juliettes PLS Hawks scorched Premium Cobras 80-61 in game three to complete a League and Cup double for a third time in seven years. The first two triumphs were in 2001 and 2005 under the leadership of former coach Clifford Joubert.
Premium Cobras won game one 72-68 but were pounded 102-64 in game two.
The other top flight teams in the same half of the draw are Cascade Bullets and Razors.
Mens Division One title contenders Baya are favourites to make the final from the bottom half of the draw, but coach Michel Malbrooks teams first match is against either Cadets or Juniors.
The 10 bottom division teams play against each other in the first round of the competition and four of them will make it to the second round.

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  SINGAPORE   


The Singapore Slingers head to Taiwan - by Eurobasket News
The Singapore Slingers participate in the 2008 Hualien Kwen-Fu Cup International Basketball Tournament in Taiwan at the moment. The competition will last for 5 days in which the team is scheduled to play 6 games. The final game is due on Sunday. The Singapore Slingers opened the campaign with a tough 92:84 win over Taiwan Mobile. Armein Kirkland (203-F/G-84) knocked down 18 points to pace the Slingers. Al Vergara (173-G-79) and Blagoj Janev (203-F-84, college: New Hampshire) added 17 points apiece for the winners.
Next the Slingers took on DMedia Taiwan. Eric Sandrin (206-F/C-78, agency: Tank Sports, college: Seattle Pacific) and Armein Kirkland were sidelined with injuries. The Slingers however managed to secure a 101:89 win at the end. Darren Ng (189-G-83) putting on a leading role. He drained game-high 43 points to lead the Slingers to the second straight victory. Blagoj Janev nailed 26 points for the winners.
The Slingers will next take on the SBL leaders Yulon Dinos. The Dinos triumphed in 2006, while the Dacin Tigers claimed the title last season.

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  SLOVENIA   


Panathinaikos gets the Trophy in Tivoli - by Eurobasket News
Union Olimpija - Panathinaikos 71:83

Panathinaikos became the winner of the International tournament in Slovenia. In the final game the team met the hosts, Olimpia and won the game with a Trophy. Panathinaikos trailed after the first half, but managed to grab 83:71 victory. Drew Nicholas (191-G-81, college: Maryland) led the winners with 16 points. Perperoglu and Antonis Fotsis (210-F-81) posted 11 each, while Michael Batiste (203-F-77, college: Arizona St.) and Spanulis scored 10 apiece. Marko Milic (199-G-77) top-scored for the hosts with 13 points. Wallace and Damjan Rudez (207-F-86) followed him with 12, whilst Begic and Crawford had 9 each.
Union Olimpija being the hosts of the tournament went on a huge 25:10 lead in the opening tip of the game. Thanks to 3500 spectators the hosts remained hot after the end of the first period, 25:15. Panathinaikos however waited for their time in the game and managed to show their rules in the second period. The guests reduced the gap to 28:25 in the middle of the second. Union Olimpija however won the first half 43:36 as the teams went to the lockers.
In the third period Panathinaikos was the only team of the court. The guests made everything they wanted to take the lead and control of the period. Panathinaikos finished the third at 62:55 and then led the game to the celebration.

Union Olimpija: Marko Milic 13, Wallace 12, Damjan Rudez 12, Begic 9, Crawford 9
Panathinaikos: Drew Nicholas 16, Perperoglu 11, Antonis Fotsis 11, Michael Batiste 10, Spanulis 10

Zagorje KD FT finishes 3rd in the international tournament ''KUP ISTRE-KD LIFE'' in Pula, Croatia - by Uros Vujic
Zagorje KD FT finished 3rd on the international basketball tournament ''KUP ISTRE-KD LIFE'' in Pula. The participants of the tournament were KK Kvarner Rijeka and KK Zabok from Croatia, UBSC Graz, Austria and KK Zagorje KD FT from Slovenia.In the semis Zagorje lost to Rijeka 78-90 and Zabok won against Graz 81-67. In the finals Rijeka won 82-77 against Zabok and Zagorje won the 3rd place by wining 68-63 over Graz. Nikola Garma (203-F-85) from KK Zabok was named the MVP of the tournament and Marijan Mance (197-G-78) won the scoring title (43 points).

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  SPAIN   


TAU retain SuperCup After Defeating Hosts CAI Zaragoza - by Paul Nilsen
A stellar 22 point performance from MVP Pablo Prigioni (186-G-77) inspired Tau Ceramica to a thrilling 86-85 Supercup win against valiant hosts CAI Zaragoza writes www.acb-basket.com. It was a great final and while the Argentinian inspired his team to success with a stunning six triples, the main talking point was just how well CAI, newly promoted from LEB have expressed themselves during the tournament.

Thye may well have had home advantage but nevertheless, Coach Curro Segura, while disappointed not to have the first piece of ACB silverware in his hands, will be content that his team can surely pick up some big wins during the season.

On the other hand perhaps it has raised expectations to an unrealistic level but with the likes of veteran Larry Lewis on board, they have a superb chance of doing well. The forward scored 19 points but it wasnt enough as Tau firstly gained control, completely lost it in the final five minutes, only to grasp it back in the dying seconds.

Prigioni wasnt the only Tau star hot from the arc with Bosnian Mirza Teletovic back from Eurobasket duty to put in his usual kind of performance off the bench. The big man nailed four triples from seven attempts including one huge shot from outside down the stretch. Wil McDonald also continued his good from from the semi-finals with 16 points.

Tau were always the better team for the majority of the game, keeping their noses in front and taking a double digit lead into the final quarter at 58-68. However things completely flipped on their head when the home team suddenly clicked into gear defensively and on offence. They embarked on a stunning 19-2 run and at 77-70, the SuperCup holders looked to be out of it.

However a triple from Teletovic and a couple from Prigioni somehow set up a finale that allowed Baskonia to complete a thrilling win from the free-throw line in the dying seconds.

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  SYRIA   


Al Jalaa's trasfer news - by Mohammed Malas
More than in both Syria and the United States are speaking about a possible agreement between Al Jalaa Club and the american center Michael Bradley (208-F/C-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Villanova)...The club is still looking to find a way to convince Vincent Jones (210-C-77, college: Jackson St.) to be back to Syria.

The Villanova University graduate was drafted with Toronto Raptors (Pick # 17 in 1st round) in 2001, His 5 years of experience in the NBA with 3 different teams led him to have a chance to shine in europe following his playing in Germany, Lithuania and Spain.

In a related issue, Hawkins Shawn (198-G/F-82, agency: Passing Lane, college: Long Beach St.) may be the 2nd player of the team as some negotiations are going now between the two sides and its going on the positive side esspecially after the failure of having an agreement with Kasib Powell, The player may arrive soon to syria.

Hawkins was one of the best players in the South Korean league (KBL) last season as he showed a high performance amongst bigger and higer profiles players, He played overseas in Austria in season 2006/2007 before coming back again to the USA.

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  TURKEY   


Fenerbahce overcame Maccabi for the third in Slovenia - by Eurobasket News
Fenerbahce - Maccabi 85 : 67

Turkish Fenerbahce finished third in the International Tournament in Slovenia. In the game for the third place the team overcame Maccabi 85:67. The Turkish side led in the whole game and truthfully became the winner of the match-up. Devin Smith (196-G/F-81, college: Virginia) paced all the winners with 19 points. Rasim Basak (202-F-80, agency: Court Side) and Emir Preldzic (206-F-87, agency: Beo Basket) followed him with 12 points apiece, whilst Turkcan and Giricek netted 10. Williams top-scored in the losing effort with 16 points as Maccabi finished with no wins in Slovenia. Chester Simmons (198-G-82, agency: ZAG Advocates, college: Washington) posted 13 and Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) nailed 9.
After the first losses in the openers both teams desired to win the last game in the tournament. The start of the game was even as the teams stayed close to each other. Fenerbahce managed to win the first quarter 19:17 and increased the lead later in the half. Turkish side had 3:30 as the teams went to the lockers at the halftime. The third quarter was decisive in the game as Fenerbahce outscored Maccabi and had 55:46 after three quarters. They led to 85:67 at the end of the game as the last whistle closed the game for them celebrating the third position.
Panathinaikos became the winner of the International tournament in Slovenia. In the final game the team met the hosts, Olimpia and won the game with a Trophy. Panathinaikos trailed after the first half, but managed to grab 83:71 victory.

Fenerbahce: Green 3, Turkcan 10, Rasim Basak 12, Giricek 10, Mrsic 6, Vidmar 3, Demirel 2, Demir, Savas 8, Devin Smith 19, Cetin, Emir Preldzic 12.
Maccabi: White 2, Sharp, Arroyo 4, Lior Eliyahu 9, Green, Burstein 4, Chester Simmons 13, Williams 16, Casspi 6, Haga, Batista 6, Fischer 7.

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  UKRAINE   


Azovmash Cup 2008 - by Eurobasket News
Three teams instead of four are fighting this year in the Cup of Azovmash in Ukraine. Greek Pannilionis could not come to Ukraine and the administration decided to have the teams play with each other. The hosts Azovmash welcomed BC Donetsk and Russian Lokomotiv Rostov.
In the opener Lokomotiv Rostov overcame Donetsk 92:74. The Russian squad was too good in the first half and won both first quarters. The advantage of the Russian team was 48:27 when the teams went to the lockers. Ukrainian team won the third period 21:18 and then tied the last at 18:18 to reduce a bit in the end. Shevchuk led the winners with 22 points. Vorotnikov nailed 18, while Nikita Morgunov (211-F-75, agency: Interperformances) netted 14. Tucker ended up with 22 points in the losing effort.
Last night Azovmash beat Lokomotiv 91:82 in their opener. It was a great game from both teams especially the start of it, when the teams showed a good percentage in the game. Azovmash won the opening quarter 29:28 and then increased to 6-point lead at the halftime. Ukrainian side won also the third period and then lost only 18:19 in the last. Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) led the winners with 24 points. Van Den Spiegel posted 13 and Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances) together with Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) had 12 each. House ended up with 15 points in the losing effort.
The game between Azovmash and BC Donetsk is scheduled for tonight.

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Saturday 27th September 2008 - by Andy Webb
There were two games in the BBL Championship on Saturday evening which saw the Airwaves Plymouth Raiders and Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders come out on top in their respective games.

The Airwaves Plymouth Raiders travelled to the Worthing Leisure Centre to face up against BBL newcomers Worthing Thunder and came away with a 104-80 victory to put them level with Newcastle Eagles, Marshall MK Lions and the Riders.

A 15-0 burst for the Raiders in the third period took the score out to 68-46, effectively ending the game as a contest, but the home side continued to push their opponents to the end of the game. A combination of Gaylon Moore (200-F-78, college: Union (TN)) and debutant Kwbana Beckles (203-C/F-81, college: Lee) led the scoring for the Raiders with 16 points a-piece, but it was Ryan Patton who led all scorers netting 22 points for the home side.

In the night's other game, Leicester got their campaign off to a flying start with a 73-56 victory over the PAWS London Capital at the John Sanford Centre on Saturday night. After a close opening, the home side opened up the game with a 26-2 tear to end the first quarter 30-8 ahead.

The Capital regained some composure, and closed out the half with a 7-0 burst to close the gap to 44-27 at the half. The rest of the game was played with both teams trading baskets until the end of the game. Roderick Wellington (193-F-78) led all scorers in the game with 17 points for the Riders, while it was Ibrahim Gariba who led the Capital scoring with 14 points.

BBL Championship
Worthing Thunder 80 (21,38,52) (Patton 22, Ivanovskis 17, Perkins 12)
Airwaves Plymouth Raiders 104 (27,48,71) (Moore/Beckles 16, Love 15)

The Airwaves Plymouth Raiders got their BBL Championship campaign off to a winning start thanks to a 104-80 defeat of BBL newcomers, Worthing Thunder at the Worthing Leisure Centre on Saturday evening. Both sides traded baskets in the early going as the teams jousted to establish control at both ends of the court, but it was the visitors who made the first move with a 10-0 burst midway through the opening quarter to take the score out to 20-12. The second quarter started in much the same vein as the first and it was the Raiders who maintained control of the game to go into the locker room at half-time with a 48- 38 lead. The second half began with the visitors exploded out of the blocks, and broke the game open with a 15-0 burst to take the score out to 68-46 midway through the third quarter. In the final stanza, the home side put up a brave display, but they could not close the gap on their visitors as the Raiders ran out comfortable victors. A combination of Gaylon Moore and debutant Kwbana Beckles lead the Raiders scoring with 16 points a-piece, but it was Thunder's Ryan Patton who led all scorers with 22 points for the home side. Raiders coach Gary Stronach commented at the end of the game 'This was a tough game. Worthing put up a lot of resistance.' 'We shot the ball well from the outside, but not as well from inside.' 'It was a tough game, the guys were a little rusty, but good to get the victory to start.'

BBL Championship
Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders 73 (30,44,63) (Wellington 17, Missere 13, Swanson 12)
PAWS London Capital 56 (8,27,40) (Gariba 14, Knight/Mills 9)

Jelson Homes DMU Leicester Riders got their 2008/9 BBL Championship campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 73-56 victory over the PAWS London Capital at the John Sanford Centre on Saturday evening. Both sides traded baskets in the early going, and the visitors led 4-6. The Riders then broke the game open with a 26-2 tear to close out the first quarter leading 30-8. The second quarter was a lot tighter with both sides trading baskets throughout. A 7-0 burst from the Capital to finish the half meant the sides entered the locker rooms with the Riders leading 44-27. The third period saw the Riders responded with a 7-0 run of their own midway through the quarter to take the score out to 58-35. The final period saw the teams playing out the rest of the game trading baskets as the Riders held on for the comfortable victory. Roderick Wellington led all scorers in the game netting 17 points for the Riders, while Ibrahim Gariba led the Capital scoring with 14. At the end of the game, Riders' Coach Rob Paternostro commented on the Riders victory: 'We had a good first quarter, and stayed really strong but the Capital made it into a physical game after that, and we did not respond well.' 'It's a win, and I'm pleased with the win but we need to do a lot better going into next week's game against Cheshire.'

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  URUGUAY   


Standings - LUB
LUB Standings
 1. Atenas 8-2 
 2. Malvin 8-2 
 3. Olimpia 7-3 
 4. Defensor 7-3 
 5. Tabare 7-3 
 6. Hebraica 6-4 
 7. Bigua 5-5 
 8. Sayago 4-5 
 9. Trouville 4-6 
 10. Welcome 3-7 
 11. Un.Atletica 3-7 
 12. Paysandu 3-7 
 13. Bohemios 2-7 
 14. Cordon 2-8 


Stats Leaders - LUB
LUB Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
L Stukes (Tro) 26.5
JR Morris (Wel) 25.6
C. Matthews (Tab) 23.9
I Thornton (Cor) 23.7
E. Taboada (Mal) 23.3
Rebounds Per Game
C. Jackson (Def) 16.6
A. Reyes (Heb) 13.1
R. Blankson (Tab) 12.1
C. Matthews (Tab) 11.8
T. Monroe (Uni) 11
Assists Per Game
G. Barrera (Ate) 9.8
M. Osimani (Big) 6.8
M. Tornara (Oli) 6.8
G. Caneiro (Tab) 6.3
D. Gonzalez (Def) 6.2


Atenas and Malvin are the new leaders - by Hector Lopez
Atenas and Malvin are the two new leaders of the Uruguayan League after the 10th round, with a 8-2 record while Olimpia, Defensor Sporting and Tabare are following them with 7-3.
The results last noght were as follows:
Paysandu 74 - Gyasi Cline-Heard (202-F-79, college: Penn St.) 11 points and 8 rebounds, Austin Montgomery (196-G, college: Bowling Green) 12 ans 10
Olimpia 68 - Greg Dilligard (203-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International) 7 and 8, Reque Newsome (203-C-82, college: S.Indiana) 6 and 4
- - -
Defensor Sporting 93 - Chris Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) 26 and 18, Brian Woodward (191-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Rhode Island) 14 and 2
Sayago 72 - Brandon Hassell (209-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Penn St.) 11 and 10, Charles Burgess (188-G) 12 and 6
- - -
Bigua 78 - Charles Thomas (203-F-86, agency: CGL Sports, college: Arkansas) 14 and 7, Kevin Young (206-C-84, college: Missouri) 13 and 7
Bohemios 67 - Darryl Butterfield (201-F, college: Missouri) 4 and 5, Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 5 and 8
- - -
Trouville 90 - Ollie Bailey (201-F-85, college: Oklahoma City) 24 and 4, Levi Stukes (188-G-84) 11 and 3
Hebraica 85 - Angelo Reyes 10 and 5, Corey Smith (196-G/F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Vanderbilt) 15 and 1



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Women News

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  AUSTRALIA - Women  


Lauren Jackson prepares for free agency - by Eurobasket News
When winter truly begins to move in on Moscow a few months from now, Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) will start thinking about her pending free agency in the WNBA.

Until then, the two-time league MVP would like a mental break.

''There's a lot of things to consider right now. I just need some time to breathe and really figure out what I want to do,'' Jackson said Thursday.

The Seattle Storm star will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in her WNBA career this offseason. She has played her entire career in the United States with the Storm, yet was noncommittal about anything except honoring her contract to play in Russia this winter.

If Jackson had any question about the Storm's desire to bring her back in 2009, coach Brian Agler definitively put that to rest soon before Jackson spoke. Agler even joked about setting up an office in Moscow this winter to help get Jackson back to Seattle.

''I'm going to approach the recruitment of Lauren Jackson how I would approach getting ready for a season,'' Agler said. ''We're going to be aggressive, we're going to be proactive and she is going to have a good feel of how much myself and (CEO) Karen (Bryant) and her teammates, but also how the fans and the organization want her in Seattle and need her in Seattle.''

Jackson will soon return to her native Australia for a few weeks of rest and rehab, still trying to recuperate from right ankle surgery following the Olympics. The surgery kept Jackson a spectator as the Storm lost to the Los Angeles Sparks in the first round of the playoffs earlier this week.

After some time home, Jackson will leave for Russia and spend the winter months making the majority of her income playing for Spartak in Moscow, on a loaded team that includes Seattle teammate Sue Bird and Phoenix star Diana Taurasi. Spartak's first game is scheduled for Oct. 16, and Jackson thinks she'll be able to play a few minutes.

By December, when WNBA teams can begin talking with free agents, Jackson believes she'll have a pretty good idea of her plans: re-sign with Seattle; try out a new WNBA team; or take some time off.

''December, January, I'll have a really good feel of how my body is responding to this latest surgery and how I feel about taking time off or not taking time off and what I want to do,'' Jackson said.

Jackson had surgery following the Olympics after a bone spur broke off from her ankle and lodged in some scar tissue, making it almost impossible to walk. Jackson said Thursday she initially aggravated the ankle during training with the Australia national team, then felt sharp pain in her ankle after landing from a layup during a game.

Jackson needed injections just to walk around, making her performance in helping Australia to the silver medal in Beijing even more impressive. But she realized midway through the Olympics that surgery was the only option.

''I'm very patriotic to my country, and I wouldn't have missed (the Olympics) for anything in the world, so I don't regret what I did for one second,'' Jackson said.

Jackson's surgery, which took place in Sydney on Aug. 28, all but ended the Storm's championship hopes. Jackson's absence was truly noted against Los Angeles in Game 3, when the Storm had no one who could slow down rookie star Candace Parker.

Jackson never played for the Storm after July 12 but averaged 20.2 points in her 22 games this season.

''The very first minute we're able to engage in material discussions with her, we'll be right there,'' Bryant said. ''I think it's really important for us to send as strong a message as we can. No organization is in a better position to demonstrate her value to the organization and our community than Seattle. I think that will pay huge dividends.''

Courtesy of http://www.covers.com

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  BULGARIA - Women  


Lukoil Neftochimik Burgas sign Danyel Crutcher - by Eurobasket
Lukoil Neftochimik Burgas strengthened their roster with addition of 22-year old American forward Danyel Crutcher (188-F-86, college: Illinois, agency: Merit Sports). Crutcher played most recently at University of Illinois (NCAA) in the U.S. It will be his first year in professional basketball. Last year she averaged in 19 games: 10.2ppg, 6.2rpg and 1.4apg. She also helped Illinois to make it to the Big Ten Tournament Final.

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  FRANCE - Women  


Bourges, Villenueve and Clermont victorious at the start - by Eurobasket News
Three more games were played yesterday in the first round of LNF action. Clermont celebrated the road win over Mondeville 76:72. Emma Randall (188-C-85) fired game-high 26 points to pace Clermont to an impressive victory. Claudia Das Neves (175-G-75) added 16 points, while Tomaszweski knocked down 19 points for the winners. Paoline Salagnac (176-G-84) answered with 17 points for Mondeville. Nyree Roberts (192-C/F-76, college: ODU) and Jennifer Digbeu (190-F/C-87) had 13 points apiece in the loss.
Villeneuve looked better in the game against Pays dAix beating them 64:52 at home. The visitors led 28:27 at halftime but Villenueve took over after the long break and secured a comfortable victory at the end. Geraldine Robert (184-F-80) tallied 14 points and 12 boards for Villeneuve. Ljubica Drijaca added 13 points, while Fatimatou Sacko (183-F-85) had 12 for the winners. Hollie Grima (190-C-83, agency: LBM Management) replied with 13 points and 7 boards for Pays dAix. Sene knocked down 11 points in the loss.
Meanwhile Bourges thumped Basket Landes 83:52 at home. The defending champions opened the game with an 8:0 run. They secured a 20:7 lead after the starting period and never looked back afterwards.
Three more games are scheduled for today.

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  GERMANY - Women  


The Start of the DBBL - by Eurobasket News
September 27th was the start of DBBL in Germany. First three games were played on Saturday, while three other on Sunday.

Leipzig was stronger than Gottingen 73:64. The latter however started with 15:13 in the first quarter and did not mind playing away from home. Leipzig woke up later in the second and went to the lockers with 30:24 advantage. The game remained interesting until the end of it and the hosts were happy to garb the first victory. Jetta McIntyre (169-G-84, college: Kansas St.) led the winners with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Annika Danckert (182-F-81) collected 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Caroline Sterner (175-G/F-83) netted 14.In another games of Saturday Oberhausen overcame Marburg 86:77, while Herner lost to Saarlouis 70:85.

Tonight SV Halle Lions beat BC Wolfenbuttel Wildcats 69:63. The teams played a good basketball in the opener and the Lions were glad to take to 1-0 record. Tamara Tatham (185-F-85, college: Massachusetts) led all the winners with 14 points. Nadja Protzig (179-F-89) and Jitka Peterkova (181-F-84) posted 12 each, while Rego scored 9.
Freiburg won over Donau Ries 74:70 with 22:20 in the opening quarter.

DBBL Awards for Pop, Spandauw and Mersch - by Cornelius Damm
During the traditional Season Opening, the start of the new season where all six encounters of game day one are held in Marburg, the league presented its awards for the past season at the traditional gala dinner with all first league teams.

MVP
Diana Adela Pop (168-G-71) the outstanding Romanian PG with incredible court vision and passing ability in combination with a deadly scoring competence was named the leagues MVP, after she led TSV Wasserburg to its fifth consecutive championship this past season. In all five years Pop was the 'motor' and true floor general of Wasserburg.

Coach of the Year
Every year that Rene Spandauw was in charge in Saarlouis the Royals improved bit by bit. This development climaxed so far in 2007/08 as the Royals won their first title in club history beating Wasserburg 84-74 at the DBBL Cup Finale on March 30th 2008 in front of more than 2200 enthusiastic fans in Saarlouis. Spandauw also finished 2007/08 with his team as the regular season runner-up with a record of 17-3 and also as second in the Championship falling short of forcing a crucial fifth and ultimate championship game in the 2008 DBBL Finals by two points 73-75 in game four.

Rookie of the Year
In the past two years Lea Mersch (170-G-87) developed into one of Germanys top players on the PG. Despite her tender age of 21 years she led Oberhausen to a nice third place after the regular season 2007/08, the best in club history. In the Play Offs Oberhausen was overcome by Saarlouis but secured the third place against Freiburg in the petite finale. Her development into a double digit scorer and one of the leagues best assist providers gave her a nomination for Germanys National Team as the teams backup PG behind Doro Richter.


Eurobasket.com congratulates the award winners!

Standings - Women
DBBL Standings
 1. Saarlouis 1-0 
 2. Wasserburg 1-0 
 3. Leipzig 1-0 
 4. Freiburg 1-0 
 5. Halle 1-0 
 6. Marburg 1-0 
 7. Oberhausen 0-1 
 8. Wolfenbuttel 0-1 
 9. Donau-Ries 0-1 
 10. Herner 0-1 
 11. Chemnitz 0-1 
 12. Goettingen 0-1 


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  GREECE - Women  


Aris Holargos in the third round of Greek Cup - by George Manousidis
Aris Holargos got their 2008/9 Greek Cup campaign off to a winning start with a comfortable 75-65 victory over the Apollon Apollon Kalamariass at the Holargos Gymnasium on Sunday evening. The victory was becoming particularly important if you consider that his team fought without Tzegiannaki and Kyriakopoulou who were wounded. The players of Aris Holargos came in the court very efficiency and proceeded by a significant difference from the start. They reached even 22 points (32-10) at the start of the second quarter. With excellent defense and the square of Kechagia, Magklara, Tamara Bowie (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) (186-C/F-81, agency: Merit Sports, college: Ball St.) and Reeves making fires in the attack, the half-time ended with a difference of 19 points for the home (41-22).

In the second part Apollon Apollon Kalamarias got louder and seized the loosening of his team leading Holargos to hit even the five points (56-51) at the beginning of the fourth period. At that point, the players of Aris Holargos found the mental and with consecutive baskets of Tamara Bowie, Reeves and Magklara make again difference at17 points in the final comfortably 75-65.


Mavridis: I am pleased with the effort
Pleased to display the group appeared after the match the coach of the team, Aris Mavridis: I am happy for the first match and managed to win despite the problems with the two main players we had. Played well and now we continue the work, ahead of us having the match Thursday in Bosnia, where we want to present as much as possible ready there .
The captain of Aris Holargos, Aristea Maglara (170-G-82) sayd: It was an important victory because we had two key absences. All the girls made a great effort at the longer duration of the match, played good enough basketball. We want to dedicate this victory to the Sophia Theoni and we were missing and we hope very soon to have with us. Now we go to Bosnia with great psychology to make a good appearance too .

Aris Holargos (Mavridis): Boukouvala, Ouzouni, Tamara Bowie 25 (1), Magklara 16 (1), Papageorgaki, Kechagia 14 (1), Karagiorgos, Reeves 20 (2)
Apollon Kalamarias (Polymenis): Telidou 13 (3), Giannopoulou 2, Kalantidou, Tokmaki 8, Karampatzaki 10, Solverson 14, Bimpiri 10 (2), Tamoutseli 2, Keivi 5.

Greek Cup : Second round results - by George Manousidis

Aris Holargos - Apollon Kalamarias 75-65
Titans - Aias Evosmou 76-80
AE PAP - Panionios Athens 50-51
Amarillida - Mask Cosmopel Kastoria 20-0
Panathlitikos - Panathinaikos Athens 39-97
GS Agia Paraskevis - AS PAOK Thessalonikis 74-33
AO Apollon Karditsas - Paleo Faliro Pireus 27-76
Das Ano Liosia - Athinaikos 60-61
Aris Thivas - FEA Neas Halkidonas 44-52
Paghiakos - Apollon Ptolemaidos 78-89

Aris Thessalonikis - Megas Aleksandros 67-86
AO Sporting Athens - Artemis Volou 62-58 B.
Olympiada Larissas - APS Siemens 62-56
AEO Proteas Voulas - Esperides / Glyfada 36-83

APOLLO KARD.- P. Faliro 27-76
Quarters: 4-14, 12-33, 20-52, 27-76
APOLLO KARD. (Naoum): Bourazana, Giasemi, Naoum, Parasiri 4, Psichogiou 4, Kichritzi 3 (1), Alexopoulou 2, B. Merisioti 7 (1), Spyropoulou, K. Merisoti 7.
P. Faliro (Boumpous): Tsikouta 3 (1), Vlani 2, Achter 13 (1), Volonaki 10, Day 11 (2), Axiopoulou 5 (1), Havale 2, Haritou 6, Zotova 11 (2), Kotsani , Mournt 8, Miller 5.

ANO LIOSIA - ATHINAIKOS 60-61
Quarters: 18-6, 25-29, 43-36, 60-61.
ANO LIOSIA (Kavvouras-Giannoulakis): Smirnaiou 12, Ploumpi 14 (1), Koch 18 (4), Tierney 12, Kontali, Diela 4, Anogiannaki, Pateraki.
ATHINAIKOS (Dikaioulakos): Davis 24, Volonaki 7 (1), Prassas 15 (3), Magaliou 6 (2), Cosmas 4, Gkouzini 2, Soulis 3 (1), Zerva, Daskalopoulou.

Aris Aris Holargos - Apollon Kalamarias 75-65
Quarters: 26-10, 31-22, 46-47, 75-65.
ARIS CHOLARGOS (Mavridis): Boukoyvala, Ouzouni, Bowie 25 (1), Magklara 16 (1), Papageorgaki, Kechagia 14 (1), Karagiorgos, Reeves 20 (2)
KALAMARIA (Polymenis): Telidou 13 (3), Giannopoulou 2, Kalantidou, Tokmaki 8, Karampatzaki 10, Solverson 14, Bimpiri 10 (2), Tamoutseli 2, Keivi 5.

Aris Thivas - FEA Neas Halkidonas 44-52
Quarters: 13-20, 18-32, 30-45, 44-52.
ARIS THIVA (German): Alexandris 10, Tsouri 11, Panagiotou, Boutsikoy, Delitza 7 (1), Solomou 6, Mouzaki 4, Semaniakou 6.
FEA Neas Halkidonas (Despotakis): Tzimou 9, Floros 2, Christodoulou, Sereti 9 (3), Horseman 4 (1), Dimitropoulou 9, Dimopoulou 1, Lampou 8, Squadron 10, Boti.

AGIA PARASKEVI - AS PAOK Thessalonikis 74-33
Quarters: 25-12, 45-22, 59-30, 74-33.
SAINT FRIDAY (Alexopoulos): Kyriakidou, Georgousi 13 (1), Limniati 3, Xanthou 9, Raptopouloy 3 (1), Botsari 6, Trizi 3 (1), Dragonea, Mitouleskoy 14, Boni 4, Sereti, Menelaou 9.
AS PAOK Thessalonikis (Metz): Kaimaxi 7, Papadopoulou, Kyzirropouloy 2, Bichta 8, Tsiara, Kanoula 10 (1), Angelidou, Papadaki 6.

SPORTING - ARTEMIS VOLOY 62-58
Quarters: 15-15, 27-26, 44-40, 62-58.
Sportig (Pitsikalis): Chelioti 12, Dimitra 7, Delakoula 10, Vlachou 23 (2), Kalopita 10, Biniori, Magafas.
ARTEMIS VOLOY (Sekouloski): Georgieva 11 (1), Lymperi 8, Spyropoulou 9 (3), Kostoula 2, Danny 5, Kotsonouri 11 (1), Sarakatsani 6, Thanasouli 4 (1), Dimitrelia 2.

PAGCHIAKOS - APOLLO PTOL. 78-89 OT (70-70)
Quarters: 18-16, 34-34, 52-44, 70-70, OT 78-89.
PAGCHIAKOS (Tolias): Pantazi, Botsari, Chalivelaki, Ouilliams 22 (1), Tsaroucha 4, Mastrogiannidou 9, Tasopouloy 4, Dafkou 10, Chaikali 15 (3), Mars 14.
APOLLO PTOLEMAIDAS (Kyratzis): Papadimitriou 17 (2), Cholopouloy, Spanidou 5 (1), Ervin 20, Stavridou 6, Smith 21 (3), Karadima 13 (3), Misikoglou, Athanasiadou, Plexida, Moschopouloy 7 (1).

TITANES - Aias Evosmou 76-80
Quarters: 16-19, 37-35, 59-58, 76-80
TITANES DRAMA (Gaitanis): Kotselidou 2, Pavlidou, Marino 39 (3), Misopapa 4, Kesesidou 2, Gaitani, Grigoriadou, Aza, Arampatzi 3 (1), Giantsiori, Koutoysi 22, Mylonas 4.
Aias Evosmou (Theocharopoulos): Karagouni, Simitopouloy, Pastourmatzi, Griva 22 (3), Lalou 2, Agathangelidou 10 (1), Psarra 27 (3), Pile 10, Grammatikopoulou 3, Kapetaniou 2, Orliakli 5 (1).

ARIS - M. ALEXANDROS 67-86
Quarters: 16-24, 31-46, 49-67, 67-86.
ARIS (Kotoulis): Ntampi 6 (1), Skoutzoy 4, Basmatzidou 2, Hatzakou 23 (4), Spyridopouloy 15 (1), Flegga 10 (2), K. Tafropouloy 4, Tafropouloy S., Gourioti 3 (1) Augustine, Balla.
MEGAS ALEXANDROS (Papaioannou): Blithikioti, Dimitrakou 4, Kontoyiannis 1, Bousnaki 11, Kalpaki, Chagkigia 13 (1), Makris, Vaughn 37 (3), Koufogianni 20.

PANATHLITIKOS - PANATHINAIKOS 39-97
Quarters: 17-27, 25-46, 32-72, 39-97.
PANATHLITIKOS (Syropoulos): Zechiri 1, Samara 13 (4), Dimitrakopoulou 5, Bantalaki, Teresa, Pavlidou, Michalis 5 (1), Patralexi 2, Kotoula 2, Giareni, Stamatopoulou 10.
PANATHINAIKOS (Keramidas): Spatharou 2, Stamatis 9 (1), Kostaki 13 (1), Tremkatzi 11 (2), Balta 12 (3), Katopodi 8, Nikolaidou 12, Zikyridou 11, Stampourloy 6 (2), Choskins 11 Rasmounsen 2.

AE PAP - PANIONIOS 50-51
Quarters: 10-22, 19-31, 29-43, 50-51.
AE PAP (Poulidis): Nikolopoulou 13 (2), Diasopouloy 4, Gazeta 2, Zourni 13, Gkouma 3 (1), Ventoura 6, Falcons 7, Kontaxaki 2.
PANIONIOS (Tsemperis): Spanos 2, Stavrakakis 4, Deli 5, Kingdom 10, Papamichael 15, Chaliveri 5 (1) Gkontzi 3 (1), Giannakopoulou 5, Panayotopoulos 2.

PROTEAS VOULAS - ESPERIDES 36-83
Quarters: 5-25, 14-42, 33-63, 36-83.
PROTEAS VOULAS (Papapetrou): Tsimtsili 3 (1), Grympadioti, C. Sotiriou, Barmperidou 7 (1), Kasapoglou 7 (1), Astrantini 10 (2), Mikedaki 4, Skarpathaki 2, Theodoratou 2, Vogiarou, Kechagia 1 Chatzoglou.
ESPERIDES (Daglas): Kalentzou 3 (1), Kalogirou 9 (1), Sotiriou 1, Hatzinikolaou 14, Cherry 7 (1), Kaltsidou 6, Loukatoy 6 (2), Boni 13 (1), Paschopouloy 5 (1) Valletta 5, MakFalarnt 16, Chatzigiakoumi.

OLYMPIADA LARISSA - SIEMENS 62-56
Quarters: 11-16, 22-27, 42-42, 62-56.
OLYMPIAD LARISSA (Zerva): Koukoytsaki, Kennedy 20 (3), Solomou, Kyritsaka, Deligianni 9, Tsantaki 12 (1), Sakoulia 2, Question, Kontonasiou, Thodi 2, MakKraklin 17.
SIEMENS (Sdoukos): Davitidou 5 (1), Kyriacos 5, Aftzi 13 (1), Giannopoulou 12 (2), Tarpagkou 6, Kazatzi, Troupkoy, Mouli 15, Skiadopouloy.



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  ITALY - Women  


Memorial Paganelli-Badiali. Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Faenza and Lavezzini Parma won the semifinals of Memorial Paganelli-Badiali. C.A.Faenza outscored Women Basket Livorno 68:60 due to the second half. Katryna Gaither (191-C-75, agency: LBM Management) led the winners with 21 points, while Adriana netted 16. Katryna Gaither (191-C-75, agency: LBM Management) top-scored in defeat with 16 points.
Lavezzini Parma beat Liomatic Umbertide 61:58. Francesca Zara (177-G-76) ended up with 18 points, while Ilaria Zanoni (180-G-86) and Vilipic posted 16 each. Willis nailed 20 points in the losing effort.
Meanwhile Venezia finished with no wins in the International Tournament with three teams participating in Spain. Dynamo won all four games and truthfully celebrated in the Cup. In another game with Dynamo Russian team won 75:71. Dynamo opened the game with 20:15 in the opening tip to take the control of the game. Venezia reduced a bit and climbed to 28:32 at the halftime. The whole second half and the game itself showed the difference 4-6 points for Dynamo. The third period was finished with 53:48 and the last one with 75:71. Snell top-scored for the winners with 23 points showing a great percentage from the field. Burse netted 12 and Jelavic had 10. Giorgia Sottana (177-G-88) and Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) top-scored in the losing effort with 17 points. Gran Canaria finished the home tournament with 2-2 record. After the first two days Spanish team played another game with Umana Reyer Venezia and won 64:60.

C.A.Faenza Women Basket Livorno 68-60 (17-16 , 31-29 , 51-48)
Faenza: Adriana 16 (1/3, 3/5), Erkic 8 (3/8, 0/1), Ramon 5 (2/6, 0/3), Santucci 5 (2/4), Bandini (0/1, 0/1), Katryna Gaither (191-C-75, agency: LBM Management) 21 (4/10, 4/4), Zampella 4 (1/1), Alexander 9 (3/7, 1/1), Chiarini n.e., Morsiani n.e., All.Rossi
Livorno: Franchini 4 (2/2, 0/2), Pastore 8 (3/5), Pavicevic 5 (2/10), Hairston 2 (1/8, 0/1), Buccianti 2 (1/2), Mariani 5 (1/2 da 3), Katryna Gaither 16 (7/12, 0/1), Bagnara 8 (1/4, 1/1), Montagna n.e., Ruzickova 10 (5/8, 0/1), All. Papini

Lavezzini Parma Liomatic Umbertide 61-58 (13-13 , 31-25 , 44-39)
Parma: Narviciute 2 (1/1, 0/1), Stabile 5 (1/4, 0/2), Pieropan (0/1 da 3), Paparazzo 4 (0/2), Ilaria Zanoni 16 (6/12, 0/3), Francesca Zara 18 (6/9, 2/2), Vilipic 16 (6/9), Micovic n.e., Pozzati n.e., Manzini, Vaccari n.e., All.Scanzani
Umbertide: Willis 20 (9/14, 0/1), Cavalaglio n.e., Fiore n.e., Rossi 5 (2/2, 0/2), Callens 13 (5/11, 1/4), Arcangeli (0/2), Gelfusa, Giorgi, Bonaldo 2 (1/2, 0/2), Battisodo 8 (1/2, 1/1), Perovanovic 10 (2/4), All.Serventi

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  PARAGUAY - Women  


Olimpia wins Game 1 - by Gianni Pascucci
As it was easy to forecast, the two best teams of Paraguayan female league, Olimpia and Sol de America, ended at the first and second place, respectively, in Semifinal Round, advancing to the Final Series of the Clausura tournment. Friday night in Asuncion, Olimpia triumphed in the first act of the challenge, 69-65, led by Rocio Riquelme (-86), who scored 19 points, Johana Ghiringhelli (168-G-86), who added 17 pts, and Heidy Closs (-G/F), with 14 pts. The game top scorer, however, was Jazmin Mercado (-G-89), who scored 21 points for Sol de America, while Carolina Caraves (-G/F) added 18 at the losing sides. Game 2 will be played the next weekend

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  POLAND - Women  


Wisla triumph in Polish Supercup - by Eurobasket News
Wisla - Lotos 62:47

Wisla overcame Lotos in the SuperCup to add another trophy to their tally. The Polish top teams clashed yesterday with Wisla pulling away with a hard-fought win at the end. They managed to overcame a first-period deficit to prevail at the end. Chamique Holdsclaw (188-F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) finished with 21 points and 7 rebounds to pace Wisla. Dominique Canty (175-G/F-77, agency: Merit Sports, college: Alabama) scored 13 points, while Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82) notched 10 points in the win. Paulina Pawlak (170-G-84) dropped 12 points for Lotos. Emilja Podrug (190-C-79) and Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) secured 10 points apiece in defeat.
Lotos got to a better start as they jumped ahead early in the game. They led 23:16 at the first intermission but Wisla came back to life in the second period. They held Lotos scoreless for the opening 5 minutes of the second term and later secured a 38:32 advantage at the interval. Lotos however refused to bow and cut the distance to just 4 points midway through the third quarter. Wisla stayed ahead though and did not allow Lotos to bounce back. They tightened up the defense once again in the dying minutes keeping their opponents mum throughout the final minutes and ensuring the winning outcome at the end.
Wisla outrebounded Lotos 34:22 and forced those to 21 turnovers.

Wisla: Chamique Holdsclaw 21, Dominique Canty 13, Ewelina Kobryn 10
Lotos: Paulina Pawlak 12, Emilja Podrug 10, Magdalena Leciejewska 10

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


Olivias play friendly with San Jose - by Eurobasket News
San Jose won the friendly game over Portuguese champion. Olivias tried hard but could not find the match for the Spanish team. San Jose spurted with 13-2 rush and closed the opening period with 25:11. The score was 46:14 at the halftime and it was clear about the winner at that time. San Jose outscored Olivias in the second half as well to get 87:41 victory. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) led the winners with 17 points, whilst Shay Murphy scored 11. Andrade and Aja Parham (183-G/F-84, college: Boston Coll.) posted 11 points in defeat.

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  RUSSIA - Women  


Dynamo celebrated the Cup in Gran Canaria - by Eurobasket News
Dynamo became the winner of the International Tournament with three teams participating in Spain. Dynamo won all four games and truthfully celebrated in the Cup. Eurobasket wrote about the first two wins, so this is the time to tell about the last two.
In another game with Venezia Russian team won 75:71. Dynamo opened the game with 20:15 in the opening tip to take the control of the game. Venezia reduced a bit and climbed to 28:32 at the halftime.
The whole second half and the game itself showed the difference 4-6 points for Dynamo. The third period was finished with 53:48 and the last one with 75:71. Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) top-scored for the winners with 23 points showing a great percentage from the field. Jannell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) netted 12 and Jelavic had 10. Sottana and Ballardini top-scored in the losing effort with 17 points.

In the last game Dynamo overcame Gran Canaria 72:63. The Russian squad proved the excellence in the tournament and the ambitions for the upcoming season. Jannell Burse top-scored for the winners with 13 points and 3 rebounds. Marina Kuzina (195-C-85) ended up with 12 points and 3 rebounds, while Sytnyak posted 11.

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  SERBIA - Women  


Hemofarm wins in Sarajevo, tournament in Kovin (day 1) - by Dragan Jankovski
Hemofarm STADA outsmarted Croatian champion Sibenik in the final of memorial tournament 'Davorin Popovic' in Sarajevo 74-69. As a reminder, in the first game Hemofarm celebrated against the hosts Zeljeznicar Sarajevo. At the same day Sibenik was better than Buducnost 54-39. In the game for third place Zeljeznicar beat Buducnost 82-73. Point guard Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) is named MVP of the tournament.

At the opening day of tournament in Kovin, Partizan outplayed the host team BC Kovin 78-72. Game is decided in the last frame, which Partizan ended 9-18. Radic paced Belgrade's team to win scoring 18 points. Biljana Stjepanovic (189-C-87) had 16 while Bojana Jankovic (185-F-83) scored two points less. BC Kovin got the most from Natasa Djordjevic (178-G-85), 19 points. Mirjana Velisavljevic (187-C-78) had 18 while Bajic scored 16 points.
In the other game Jedinstvo Bjelo Polje took it against Crvena Zvezda 61-57. Despite pretty good third quarter 9-17, Zvezda couldn't celebrate in this one. Jedinstvo played focused at the very end what was enough for the final 4-point win. Ruzic top-scored in Jedinstvo with 18 points. Slavica Jeknic (187-F/G-83) had 15 while Jasmina Bigovic (176-G-79) posted 13 points. The best player in Crvena Zvezda was Vasovic, who scored 12 points. Maksimovic and Prcic had 11 points each.
Final game will be played today at 19h.

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  SEYCHELLES - Women  


HotShots go for hat-trick - by Carlos Pereira
In the womens competition, reigning champions HotShots and last years losing finalists Anse Etoile Stars have been drawn apart. There is a big chance that they will meet again in the best-of-three final.
On paper, Hotshots should have no problem making the final as they have Cadettes and Juniors to take care of in their first two games. Coached by Philip Arrisol, HotShots target is to achieve a hat-trick of SBF Cup wins.
Winners for the first time in 2006, HotShots took the shine off the Stars sweeping the 2007 best-of-three final series by edging coach Michel Malbrooks team 51-49 in game one before winning game two on a 71-44 score.
During the second quarter of game two, HotShots did what probably no other local or foreign team had done before against the Stars keeping them at bay for one whole quarter and forcing them to fire blanks while scoring 23 points of their own.
As for the Stars, who play in the bottom half of the draw, they will have to eliminate RA Sisters in their first match before clashing with the much-improved Mont Fleuri in the semifinals.
The dates of the three finals are November 2, 8 and 9. In the event of one team winning the first two matches, there wont be a need for a third match.
Meanwhile, HotShots and Anse Etoile Stars are to meet this afternoon (at 2pm at the Palais des Sports) in a crucial league match which could well decide the 2008 Womens League champions.
Unbeaten in nine games, HotShots only need to win to crowned champions, while the Stars have to get at least a 12-point difference victory to harbour the hope retaining their crown.

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  SPAIN - Women  


Perfumerias wins Copa de Castilla - by Eurobasket News
Perfumerias won Copa de Castilla as in the Final game the team overcame San Jose 61:55. It was a tough beginning for both teams that stayed together at 15:15 after the opening quarter. San Jose won the first half due to the second period and went to the lockers with 29:27. In the second half the winner played better and achieved 61:55 victory. Petra Stampalija (190-C-80) paced all the winners with 13 points. Mireia Navarrete (185-F-80) and Isa Sanchez followed her with 11 points apiece for the trophy. Mara Revuelto ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.

San Jose won the friendly game over Portuguese champion. Olivias tried hard but could not find the match for the Spanish team. San Jose spurted with 13-2 rush and closed the opening period with 25:11. The score was 46:14 at the halftime and it was clear about the winner at that time. San Jose outscored Olivias in the second half as well to get 87:41 victory. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) led the winners with 17 points, whilst Shay Murphy scored 11. Andrade and Parham posted 11 points in defeat.

Gran Canaria finished the home tournament with 2-2 record. After the first two days Spanish team played another game with Umana Reyer Venezia and won 64:60. In the last game Dynamo overcame Gran Canaria 72:63. The Russian squad proved the excellence in the tournament and the ambitions for the upcoming season. Jannell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) top-scored for the winners with 13 points and 3 rebounds. Kuzina ended up with 12 points and 3 rebounds, while Sytnyak posted 11.

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  WNBA - Women  


Lauren Jackson prepares for free agency - by Eurobasket News
When winter truly begins to move in on Moscow a few months from now, Lauren Jackson (6'5''-F/C-81) will start thinking about her pending free agency in the WNBA.

Until then, the two-time league MVP would like a mental break.

''There's a lot of things to consider right now. I just need some time to breathe and really figure out what I want to do,'' Jackson said Thursday.

The Seattle Storm star will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in her WNBA career this offseason. She has played her entire career in the United States with the Storm, yet was noncommittal about anything except honoring her contract to play in Russia this winter.

If Jackson had any question about the Storm's desire to bring her back in 2009, coach Brian Agler definitively put that to rest soon before Jackson spoke. Agler even joked about setting up an office in Moscow this winter to help get Jackson back to Seattle.

''I'm going to approach the recruitment of Lauren Jackson how I would approach getting ready for a season,'' Agler said. ''We're going to be aggressive, we're going to be proactive and she is going to have a good feel of how much myself and (CEO) Karen (Bryant) and her teammates, but also how the fans and the organization want her in Seattle and need her in Seattle.''

Jackson will soon return to her native Australia for a few weeks of rest and rehab, still trying to recuperate from right ankle surgery following the Olympics. The surgery kept Jackson a spectator as the Storm lost to the Los Angeles Sparks in the first round of the playoffs earlier this week.

After some time home, Jackson will leave for Russia and spend the winter months making the majority of her income playing for Spartak in Moscow, on a loaded team that includes Seattle teammate Sue Bird and Phoenix star Diana Taurasi. Spartak's first game is scheduled for Oct. 16, and Jackson thinks she'll be able to play a few minutes.

By December, when WNBA teams can begin talking with free agents, Jackson believes she'll have a pretty good idea of her plans: re-sign with Seattle; try out a new WNBA team; or take some time off.

''December, January, I'll have a really good feel of how my body is responding to this latest surgery and how I feel about taking time off or not taking time off and what I want to do,'' Jackson said.

Jackson had surgery following the Olympics after a bone spur broke off from her ankle and lodged in some scar tissue, making it almost impossible to walk. Jackson said Thursday she initially aggravated the ankle during training with the Australia national team, then felt sharp pain in her ankle after landing from a layup during a game.

Jackson needed injections just to walk around, making her performance in helping Australia to the silver medal in Beijing even more impressive. But she realized midway through the Olympics that surgery was the only option.

''I'm very patriotic to my country, and I wouldn't have missed (the Olympics) for anything in the world, so I don't regret what I did for one second,'' Jackson said.

Jackson's surgery, which took place in Sydney on Aug. 28, all but ended the Storm's championship hopes. Jackson's absence was truly noted against Los Angeles in Game 3, when the Storm had no one who could slow down rookie star Candace Parker.

Jackson never played for the Storm after July 12 but averaged 20.2 points in her 22 games this season.

''The very first minute we're able to engage in material discussions with her, we'll be right there,'' Bryant said. ''I think it's really important for us to send as strong a message as we can. No organization is in a better position to demonstrate her value to the organization and our community than Seattle. I think that will pay huge dividends.''

Courtesy of http://www.covers.com

Hammon leads Silver Stars into WNBA finals - by Bruno Baltazar
Deanna Nolan (5'11''-G/F-79, college: Georgia) scored nine of her 22 points in the fourth quarter and the Detroit Shock staved off elimination with a 64-55 victory over the New York Liberty in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference finals.
The game was moved from the Palace of Auburn Hills to Eastern Michigan University because of a scheduling conflict. Game 3 is Monday, also in Ypsilanti.
The Shock trailed by seven points going into the fourth, but outscored New York 25-9 in the final 10 minutes to give themselves a chance to advance to their third straight WNBA final.
Detroit star Plenette Pierson (6'2''-F/C-81, college: Texas Tech) played 24 minutes seven days after dislocating her shoulder in Game 2 against Indiana. Wearing a large brace, she scored 10 points and added four rebounds. Katie Smith (5'11''-G-74, college: Ohio St.) added 11 points for Detroit, while Taj McWillaims-Franklin had six points and 11 rebounds.
Shameka Christon (6'1''-G/F-82, college: Arkansas) led the Liberty with 16 points, the only New York player in double figures.

Rebecca Hammon (5'6''-G-77, college: Colorado St.) scored 35 points, making four frees throws in the final 36 seconds, and the San Antonio Silver Stars advanced to their first WNBA finals with a 76-72 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 3 of the Western Conference finals.
The Sparks led 72-67 when Temeka Johnson (5'3''-G-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: LSU) made two free throws with 1:57 left in the game, but Hammon tied it on a 3-pointer with 1:03 left.
Hammon was 10-of-18 from the field, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range, and made all nine foul shots.
Los Angeles lost the ball the next trip down the floor when Delisha Milton-Jones (6'1''-F-74, college: Florida), who joined Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) to lead Los Angeles with 16 points, was called for an offensive foul.
Hammon followed with four free throws on the next two possessions to put away the game.
The best-of-five finals will start Wednesday in San Antonio. The opponent will be determined Monday when Detroit and New York play Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals in Ypsilanti, Mich. The Shock evened the series Sunday with a 64-55 victory.
The Sparks took an eight-point lead with 3:39 remaining in the third quarter when Raffaella Masciadri (6'1''-F-80) scored on a drive and made a free throw after being fouled by Ruth Riley (6'5''-C-79, college: Notre Dame).
But Riley helped San Antonio scored eight straight during the next 2:01 to tie the game. She hit a 3-pointer and then hit a 14-foot jump shot to knot it with 1:38 left.