EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 9/7/2008

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  ALBANIA   


Switzerland eke out win over Albania - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland - Albania 91:79

Swiss National Team got to a winning start of their Eurobasket in Division B campaign. They held off Albania in Lugano to jump on top of Group B.
The teams entered the game bravely and traded baskets throughout the opening frame. They kept it close before Warner Nattiel (184-G-82) and Derek Stockalper (196-G/F-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO) fired from downtown to give the hosts a 27:22 lead. However 11 points early in the second period allowed Albania to draw things level at 35. Endrit Hysenagolli (-88) and Shima capped the first half with back-to-back baskets to seal Albania's lead at 48:44 at halftime. Vladimir Buscaglia (197-G-80, college: American) opened the second half with 5 straight points to ignite a 13:2 rally from the hosts as they retained the lead. Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) and Thomas Studer (198-F-84) gave Switzerland a 71:60 advantage with a quarter to go in the game. Vildan Mitku (200-F-83) nailed 5 points early in the fourth term to keep Albania in the race. But treys from Vladimir Buscaglia and Dusan Mladjan gave the hosts some breathing space and they never allowed Albania to come close enough for a strike. Dusan Mladjan topscored with 30 points for Switzerland. Vladimir Buscaglia added 19 points for the winners. Vildan Mitku answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Albania. Endrit Hysenagolli notched 19 points and 13 boards in defeat.
Switzerland will next face Cyprus, while Albania will have a bye round on Wednesday.

Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 30, Vladimir Buscaglia 19, Patrick Zwahlen (195-G/F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) 9
Albania: Vildan Mitku 22, Endrit Hysenagolli 19+13 boards

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  AUSTRIA   


Austria starts with a win - by Stefan Heinrich
The Austrian National Team started with a win in the Qualification. In Group A they won against the former Division A nation Denmark on the road with 73:64. After a close halt the Austrian where pushed by Deteri Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) and Thomas Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Octagon) (195-G-87, agency: Octagon) The lead was already at 14 points but some unnecessary turnovers let Denmark come closer, but no closer than 8 points.

Denmark - Austria 64:73
Denmark: Nicolai Iversen (204-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) 19, Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola J7.4ppg, C) 15
Austria: Deteri Mayes 22, Thomas Schreiner 16, Hutter 10, Ochsenhofer 9, Jandl 7, Dockner 4, Mayer 3, Speiser 2

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  BELGIUM   


Turkey remained the undefeated team - by Eurobasket News
Belgium-Turkey 63:78

Turkey became the only undefeated team in Group C of the EuroBasket 2009 qualification. The team had a road victory over Belgium 63:78 to top the group with 2-0. Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) paced all the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) netted 20, while Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) posted 12. Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) collected 19 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Van Rossom added 11.
The beginning of the game was strange as after Turkey scored first points it took more than 4 minutes for the teams to score again. Driesen tied the margin for 2:2 with 5 minutes to go! The teams improved the scoring skills and Ender Arslan gave Turkey 15:13 after the first. Belgium played even in the second quarter, but Turkey pushed the tempo only in the end of it. Again Ender Arslan sent the teams to the lockers for 28:36.
Driesen gave Belgium 43:42 lead in the third period and the first for his team in the game. Turkey bounced back and again Ender Arslan scored last in the period for 49:54. With 24:14 the favorites finished the last stanza taking another win from the group.
In another game of the group Ukrainian National team shocked France in Kiev beating them 78:77. The second round of European Champion qualifiers tied both teams at 1-1. The key factor for the hosts was terrific long-range shooting display as Ukraine made 10/19 three-pointers.


Belgium: Christophe Beghin 19+10 rebs, Van Rossom 11
Turkey: Ersan Ilyasova 21+9 rebs, Ender Arslan 20, Hidayet Turkoglu 12

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  BOSNIA   


Bosnia ties all the knots in Group D - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina-Israel 77:71

Bosnia and Herzegovina ties all the knots in Group D after a home win over Israel. Tuzla and 5000 spectators saw 77:71 win of the local team. A 19:14 in the last period was a key to the initial win in the group. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Ivan Opacak (202-G/F-80, agency: World Sport Agency) led the winners with 13 points each. Ermin Jazvin (210-C-80) followed them with 9 for 1-1 record. Amit Tamir (210-C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: California) top-scored in defeat with 13 points and Yaniv Green (206-F-80, agency: ZAG Advocates) added 11.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was unstoppable in the very beginning scoring basket after basket. Kenan Bajramovic led his team to 14:5 after 6 minutes played. Limonad closed the opening period at 22;15 for the hosts. Israel tried to come as close as they could in the second, but the hosts did not allow them to do so. Casspis luckily was the last for 41:33 at the halftime score.
Israel came fresher from the lockers and produced an excellent period. After 47:38 Israeli team mounted in a 13-0 run for 47:50. The Bosnians took the lead against the Israelis for good at 58:57 with 13 seconds remaining in the third quarter after Bremer made one of two at the free throw line.
The hosts would go on to score the first eight points of the fourth quarter, with Teletovic's lay-up capping the 9-0 run to make it 66:57. Eliyahu cut the deficit to 72:69 but Ermin Jazvin posted last two for 77:71 win.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Kenan Bajramovic 13, Ivan Opacak 13, Ermin Jazvin 9
Israel: Amit Tamir 13, Yaniv Green 11

Bosnia-Hercegovina with a crucial victory against Israel - by Nedzad Kladusak
After the shocking defeat against Czech Republic, Bosnia-Hercegovina had to win against Israel since a home defeat would have been the end of hopes to qualify for the EC 2009. Knowing that the team needs support 5000 fans came to Tuzla and if the Mejdan would have the capacity , even 10000 tickets could have been sold.
The team of Mensur Bajramovic hade some changes in his starting five.Instead of Jazvin the young Tuzla-native Kikanovic played on the center-position. The team started very well and established after only 8 minutes a fourteen-point lead (22-8). However after Gordic picked up his second PF, Mensur Bajramovic replaced him by J.R.Bremer. The bosnian team had visible porblems to run its offense and the israeli team cut the lead to up to two points. Particularly the israeli bigmen controlled the boards and scored easily. Bajramovic reacted immediately bringing Jazvin who slowed the israeli inside offense down. The bosnian team reestablished a double-digit margin and things seemed to be ok. However in the second part oth the third quarter the bosnian considerable problems with the organisation of its offenses. Three unforced TO by JR Bremer have been easily converted and Israel managed to take the lead. Bosnia has been trailing by up to 2-3 points. However the bosnian team had the psychological strength to withstand the enormous pressure and get back to 10 points in the final quarter. However some mistakes in the last minutes of the match enabled the Israelis to almost tie the result. But a three-ball of Kenan Bajramovic and a crucial offensive board by Ermin Jazvin finally secured a crucial victory.
The match has not been a good one. It has not been won through brilliant basketball but by a great hustle and team spirit something that has been missed so much in the years before.
The next opponent will be Great-Britain that easily defeated Czech Republic.

BIH 77: Opacak 13 (4rebs), Bajramovic 13(3rebs), Jazvin 9 (9rebs),Bremer 8 (3TO), Kikanovic 7 (2rebs),Teletovic 7 (5rebs),Ikonic 6, Djedovic 6,Milosevic 5, Gordic 3 (3ass)

ISR 71 tamir 13,Green 11, Elyahu 10,Halperin 7,Tapiro 6, Casspi 6,Limonad 5, Naor 5,Watson 4, Pnini 2, Kozikaro 2

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  BULGARIA   


Fodors three with a buzzer brought the second win for Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Hungary Bulgaria 87:86

Hungary and Bulgaria showed an outstanding performance in Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Hungary, playing at home grabbed 87:86 victory as Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) made a three with a buzzer. Marton Fodor ended up with 17 points for the winner, while Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) top-scored with 19. Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) finished the night with 21 points in defeat and Deyan Ivanov (205-C/F-86) posted 16. Bulgaria, who began with three straight wins, fell to 3-2 but are still in second place behind Serbia. Hungary improved to 2-3 and is third in the group.
Hungary scored the first 5 points in the game as Salgotarjan city was gladly surprised by that. The hosts won the opening tip and had 13:4 in the middle of the first. Marton Fodor closed the opening quarter at 20:19 for his team. In the second quarter the squads played more offensively and produced 27:24 in it. Istvan Nemeths three saw 47:43 for the Hungarian squad at the halftime. Hungary then endured a nightmare start to the third quarter when Bulgaria reeled off 12 straight points for a 55:47 advantage. Hungary fought back to trail 72:70 at the end of the third quarter, only for Bulgaria to keep their noses in front for most of the fourth. Bader tied the score at 84:84 with 2.45 to go. Deyan Ivanov made a lay-up for 84:86 with 1.16 remaining. The teams had tough defense and could not score until the last second. Marton Fodors three with a buzzer brought the second win for the hosts in their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign.

Hungary: Istvan Nemeth 19, Marton Fodor 17, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 13
Bulgaria: Dimitar Angelov 21, Deyan Ivanov 16

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  COLOMBIA   


Federation Cup day 1 - Results - by Victor Garcia

Indervalle defeated Patriotas in Cali, with a good debut of the american forward George Baker who lead the scorers with 31 points, Patriotas arrive to Cali with just 7 players and 3 players more joined the team in Cali.
Indervalles Guillermo Moreno shows his confidence in the group and looks happy with the prerformance of his players.

Indervalle 100 George Baker 31 pts, Alvaro Teheran 17 pts
Patriotas Proactiva 86

Islanders had a very good debut, defeating the champion Bucaros in the Pink Coliseum, Bucaros coach Carlos Parra finished dispointed with the referees, but the team of San Andres played a good first game, and won the most interesting game of the opening night

Islanders Sopesa 88
Bucaros Freskaleche 79 Cruz Salcedo 20 Pts


Ovnis Cundinamarca defeated Norte de Santander in Tenjo, a very important result for the team that made its debut in Tenjo, Norte had a 14 points lead, but in the second half the team looked tired

Ovni Alcaldia de Tenjo 79
Norte de Santander 74

In Bogota Arrieros was the only visitor that won, Norbey Aragn and Humberto Soler took the team on his shoulders and got the victory, Emiro Romero and Vincent Camper effort was not enough for the Piratas.

Piratas 77- Emiro Romero 20 Pts
Arrieros 79 - Norbey Aragn 33 Pts



Federation Cup 2008, Day 2 results - by Victor Garcia

Arrieros took the second victory at Piratas home, 83 - 78, Jermaine Walker just arrive and lead the team to his second straight victory, Walkers poniter from the middle of the court and the foul get the victory to Arrieros
In Piratas again Vincent Camper with 24 points, Emiro Romero and John Perez were the main players, but Marcus Skinner just score 2 points

Piratas 78
Arrieros 83

In San Andrs Ricardo Sanz lead the Bucaros to the revenge scoring 8 three pointers, in a very close game, Islanders felt the lack of a solid player in the paint.

Islanders 98
Bucaros 100



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  CYPRUS   


Cyprus upset Romania in Timisoara - by Eurobasket News
Romania - Cyprus 70:71

Aristides Koronides (188-G-82) drained a go-ahead three-pointer with just over two minutes left in regualtion to propel Cyprus past Romania at the start of EuroBasket in Division B tournament in Group B. Aristides Koronides finished the game with 19 points to deliver a surprising result of the first day of the action. The hosts jumped to a 9:3 lead early in the game and seemed to cruise further on. But Cyprus went on a 14:4 rally to surge ahead late in the period. Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) capped the first term with two free throws but Romania still trailed 15:17. Anastasidias and Andreas Pilavas (194-G-83) kept Cyprus ahead early in the secodn frame however a 10:3 run from the hosts allowed them to build a 36:29 advantage late in the quarter. Romania kept their opponents at distance in the thid frame however Aristides Koronides and Michalis Kounounis (194-F-81, agency: Interperformances) denied the deficit at the end and the teams entered the fourth frame with Romania leading by just a single point 53:52. Five treys from Aristides Koronides literally shocked the hosts and Cyprus surged ahead once again 71:69 with 2 minutes left in the game. Bogdan Popescu (201-F-78, agency: Stanley International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) had a chance to tie the scoreline but converted just one free throw and Cyprus celebrated an impressive and quite unexpected win at the end. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) and Alexis Liatsos (200-F-80, college: Ohio) knocked down 11 points each for the winners. Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83, agency: Court Side) and Bogdan Popescu responded with 15 points apiece for Romania. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) nailed 13 points in defeat. Cyprus outrebounded their opponents 36:30 and sank 44% of field goals.
Cyprus will now take on Switzerland at home. Romania will visit Belarus on Wednesday.

Romania: Levente Szijarto 15, Bogdan Popescu 15, Catalin Burlacu 13
Cyprus: Aristides Koronides 19, Panagiotis Trisokkas 11, Alexis Liatsos 11

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


Reinking too good from behind the arc - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain- Czech Republic 87:68

Great Britain celebrated the initial win in EuroBasket qualifying Group D play. The team tied at 1-1 after the victory over Czech Republic 87:68. Nate Reinking (183-G-73, college: Kent St.) led the winners with 22 points drilling four of seven shots from behind the arc. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) followed him with 21, while Mensah-Bonsu collected 13 points and 16 rebounds. Jiri Welsch (198-F-80) top-scored in defeat with 17 points, while Jiri Hubalek (209-C-82, agency: Interperformances) and Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) added 10 apiece.
O2 Arena in London realized the importance of the game and the local team had a great support from the fans. After 6:4 the hosts created 13-0 run for 19:4 lead. Sullivan made it 24:10 at the end of the first quarter. The tempo of the game had slowed down in the second period and remained Brits in front 37:23 at half-time.
Midgley brought his team to 53:33 and then Sullivans lay-up showed 55:35. Jiri Welsch closed the third period as Great Britain was leading over Czech Republic 55:37. With no chances for the win the guests started to play better and even paid less attention to defense. The last period became more offensive as the teams nailed 64 points together. Great Britain enjoyed 87:68 win over Czech Republic and tied them in the group.


Great Britain: Nate Reinking 22, Luol Deng 21, Mensah-Bonsu 13+16 rebs
Czech Republic: Jiri Welsch 17, Jiri Hubalek 10, Petr Benda 10

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  DENMARK   


Denmark loses the opener of Division B - by Eurobasket News
Denmark - Austria 64:73

Danish National Team started with a loss in the European Championship Division B. Group A opener saw Austria winning in the road game 64:73. After a close halt the Austrian where pushed by Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) and Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Octagon). The lead was already at 14 points but some unnecessary turnovers let Denmark come closer, but no closer than 8 points. Deteri Mayes led the winners with 22 points, while Thomas Schreiner added 16. Hutter posted 10 and Hannes Ochsenhofer (186-G-85) nailed 9 in a win. Nicolai Iversen (204-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) ended up with 19 points, while Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola J7.4ppg, C) posted 15.
Jandl scored from the arc to give the visitors 3:0 advantage. With 11:10 on the board Denmark produced 8-0 run and closed the opening quarter at 19:13. Even though Austria won the second 20:15 Denmark remained on top at the halftime. Hannes Ochsenhofer sent the teams to the lockers for 34:33 hosts lead.
It was Hannes Ochsenhofer again to tie the score at 47:47 in the middle of the third. Schreiners jump-shot closed the period at 49:56 for the visitors. After that Austria never looked behind. They won the last stanza 17:15 that gave them 73:64 total win.

Denmark: Nicolai Iversen 19, Chanan Colman 15
Austria: Deteri Mayes 22, Thomas Schreiner 16, Hutter 10, Hannes Ochsenhofer 9

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  DOMINICAN REPUBLIC   


Dominicans Abroad: Solano and Dilone win at the start of LNBP - by Jordan Olivo
Mexico: Bravos de Piedras Negras-Eagle Pass defeated Tecos de la Universidad Autnoma de Guadalajara (UAG) 88 - 77 in the start of LNBP in Piedras Negras, Coah.
Bravos de Piedras Negras, directed by the Dominican coach Jos Adriano Jose Dilone 'Joselito', they dominated the first half easily 50 for 32 to the Tecos of Guadalajara.
Dominican Julio Solano (202-F/C-76) scored 12 points, 7 rebounds and 1 steal in 32 minutes that was in court. Solano threw of 5-10 since the field (50%) and of 4-2 of free throws (50%).

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  ESTONIA   


Biedrins-Janicenoks too much for Estonia - by Janar Filippov
Latvian NT almost blew up their 11-point lead with 3 minutes to go but survived and beat Estonia 81:88 to stay alone in the top of Group B in EuroBasket qualification tournament. Latvia led 68:79 with 3:18 left but three three-point attacks by Tarmo Kikerpill (197-F-77) (one three-pointer and 2x three free throws) brought the hosts within a single point - 80:81 - with half a minute left. Luckily for the guests, a veteran Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) grabbed an offensive rebound with 14 seconds left and made it 80:83 from a tip-tin. Estonians delayed their three-point attempt a bit too long and Latvians managed to send Tanel Sokk (183-G-85) onto the free throw line with only 4 seconds left. Sokk missed the second throw but none of the hosts were trying to get an offensive rebounds. Uvis Helmanis caught the ball almost without jumping and was fouled again to make a decisive free throws and clinching an important victory.

Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) and Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) led all scorers with 25 points apiece. Biedrins also had 9 rebounds. Both were terrific from the court, scoring 9/11 and 10/14 FG, respectively. Helmanis scored 14.
Latvians made 25/41 for 2 as Estonians made only 10/25. On the other hand, the hosts were hot from a long range, making 13/29 and free throw line - 22/25.
Gert Kullamae led Estonians for the second game with 16 points. Kikerpill added 14, 12 of them in last 6 minutes. Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) scored 13 + 8 rebounds and Kristjan Makke (205-F/C-81, college: W.Illinois) surprised with 12 points, all of them in first half. Tanel Sokk scored 11 points.

Two baskets from Biedrins took Latvia ahead 6:10 in 1st but the hosts answered with a 14:2 run and won the quarter 20:14. Kristjan Kangur and Kristjan Makke had 7 and 4 points, respectively. Makke who spent the whole game in the bench against Portugal three days ago, was a surprise for the guests as he scored 4 more baskets in 2nd quarter and held the hosts in contest despite Janicenoks and Biedrins getting more and more dominant. No matter how hard Estonians tried, Latvia won the first half 38:39 and outscored the hosts 2:14 in five minutes, starting the 3rd quarter. 13 points (40:53) was the biggest margin today. In next 5 minutes, the hosts nailed 4 three-pointers and cut the deficit to five points - 58:63 going into last 10 minutes. Starting the last quarter, Gert Kullamae nailed his 4th triple to make it 61:63 but Latvia made 0:8 run in next three minutes. Then Kikerpill came in and made 12 points in next 5 minutes almost breaking the Latvians but the guests still had the final word.

Latvia-another game, another thriller, another win - by Eurobasket News
Estonia-Latvia 81:88

Another game, another thriller for Latvia and another win. Tonight the team stole the victory from Tallinn beating Estonia 81:88. Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) and Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) contributed 50 points for two with 25 each. Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) followed them with 14 points for 2-0 record. Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, while Tarmo Kikerpill (197-F-77) netted 14 and Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) had 13.
Latvia won the opening tip but could not hold it until the end of the first period. Estonia scored some important baskets and won the quarter 20:14. Latvia bounced back in the second period and went on a lead at the half time. Andris Biedrins made two free throws for 39:38 advantage.
The third period was a preparation for the last stanza. The guests won the third 24:20 to lead 63:58. Latvia led 79:68 when Estonia staged a terrific fight-back. Tarmo Kikerpill made six free throws in a row for 76:79. Uvis Helmanis made two free throws for an 81:76 advantage, but then Tarmo Kikerpill closed to 80:81. After that Latvia rearranged and could lead to 88:81 win.

Estonia: Gert Kullamae 16, Tarmo Kikerpill 14, Kristjan Kangur 13
Latvia: Kristaps Janicenoks 25, Andris Biedrins 25, Uvis Helmanis 14

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  EUROBASKET SUMMER LEAGUE   


Griffin - another ESL player signs pro contract - by Eurobasket
Barreteros de Zacatecazs (LNBP) agreed terms with 25-year old American swingman Justin Griffin (193-G/F-83, college: Hawaii-Hilo). Griffin played this summer at Team Budapest in Eurobasket Summer League in New York, where his stats were 8ppg and 2rpg. Griffin has also Mexican nationality. It will be his come back to Mexico where he played last season at Union de Zacatecazs (LNBP). He played also in Germany for one season just after graduating from Hawaii-Hilo.

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS   


Division B. Results from Day 1 - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Denmark - Austria 64:73

Danish National Team started with a loss in the European Championship Division B. Group A opener saw Austria winning in the road game 64:73. After a close halt the Austrian where pushed by Deteri Mayes (189-G-74, agency: Court Side, college: Murray St.) and Thomas Schreiner (195-G-87, agency: Octagon). The lead was already at 14 points but some unnecessary turnovers let Denmark come closer, but no closer than 8 points. Deteri Mayes led the winners with 22 points, while Thomas Schreiner added 16. Hutter posted 10 and Hannes Ochsenhofer (186-G-85) nailed 9 in a win. Nicolai Iversen (204-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: San Jose City JC) ended up with 19 points, while Chanan Colman (192-G-84, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Chipola J7.4ppg, C) posted 15.
Jandl scored from the arc to give the visitors 3:0 advantage. With 11:10 on the board Denmark produced 8-0 run and closed the opening quarter at 19:13. Even though Austria won the second 20:15 Denmark remained on top at the halftime. Hannes Ochsenhofer sent the teams to the lockers for 34:33 hosts lead.
It was Hannes Ochsenhofer again to tie the score at 47:47 in the middle of the third. Schreiners jump-shot closed the period at 49:56 for the visitors. After that Austria never looked behind. They won the last stanza 17:15 that gave them 73:64 total win.

Denmark: Nicolai Iversen 19, Chanan Colman 15
Austria: Deteri Mayes 22, Thomas Schreiner 16, Hutter 10, Hannes Ochsenhofer 9


Netherlands - Montenegro 63:70
Montenegrin National team celebrated a narrow victory over Netherlands in the EuroBasket Division B opener in La Almere yesterday. Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) secured 14 points and Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75) came up with 13 for Montenegro. Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points, while Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) had 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Kees Akerboom (199-F-83, agency: Court Side) anwered with 15 points for Netherlands. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) delivered 12 points in defeat.
Montenegro marked their ambitions early in the game. They outscored the hosts 23:18 in the starting period. The home team looked solid but still could not find the way in front in the second quarter. Montenegro maintained safe distance and piled up a 7-point lead at the interval. However Netherlands refused to fold. They limited the visitors to just 10 points in the third period and jumped to a 51:49 advantage with one quarter to go. But that was the brightest moment for Netherlands as Montenegro quickly regained the lead in the fourth quarter and dominated throughout the stanza. They ran away in the dying minutes to secure the initial win in Group A. The hosts outrebounded their opponents 45:40 but sank just 33% from the field. Netherlands will take on Austria in the second round of action. Montenegro will host Austria in a week.

Netherlands: Kees Akerboom 15, Rogier Jansen 12
Montenegro: Predrag Drobnjak 14, Vlado Scepanovic 13, Goran Jeretin 12


Group B
Switzerland - Albania 91:79
Swiss National Team got to a winning start of their Eurobasket in Division B campaign. They held off Albania in Lugano to jump on top of Group B.
The teams entered the game bravely and traded baskets throughout the opening frame. They kept it close before Warner Nattiel (184-G-82) and Derek Stockalper (196-G/F-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO) fired from downtown to give the hosts a 27:22 lead. However 11 points early in the second period allowed Albania to draw things level at 35. Endrit Hysenagolli (-88) and Shima capped the first half with back-to-back baskets to seal Albania's lead at 48:44 at halftime. Vladimir Buscaglia (197-G-80, college: American) opened the second half with 5 straight points to ignite a 13:2 rally from the hosts as they retained the lead. Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) and Thomas Studer (198-F-84) gave Switzerland a 71:60 advantage with a quarter to go in the game. Vildan Mitku (200-F-83) nailed 5 points early in the fourth term to keep Albania in the race. But treys from Vladimir Buscaglia and Dusan Mladjan gave the hosts some breathing space and they never allowed Albania to come close enough for a strike. Dusan Mladjan topscored with 30 points for Switzerland. Vladimir Buscaglia added 19 points for the winners. Vildan Mitku answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Albania. Endrit Hysenagolli notched 19 points and 13 boards in defeat.
Switzerland will next face Cyprus, while Albania will have a bye round on Wednesday.

Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 30, Vladimir Buscaglia 19, Patrick Zwahlen (195-G/F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) 9
Albania: Vildan Mitku 22, Endrit Hysenagolli 19+13 boards

Romania - Cyprus 70:71
Aristides Koronides (188-G-82) drained a go-ahead three-pointer with just over two minutes left in regualtion to propel Cyprus past Romania at the start of EuroBasket in Division B tournament in Group B. Aristides Koronides finished the game with 19 points to deliver a surprising result of the first day of the action. The hosts jumped to a 9:3 lead early in the game and seemed to cruise further on. But Cyprus went on a 14:4 rally to surge ahead late in the period. Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) capped the first term with two free throws but Romania still trailed 15:17. Anastasidias and Andreas Pilavas (194-G-83) kept Cyprus ahead early in the secodn frame however a 10:3 run from the hosts allowed them to build a 36:29 advantage late in the quarter. Romania kept their opponents at distance in the thid frame however Aristides Koronides and Michalis Kounounis (194-F-81, agency: Interperformances) denied the deficit at the end and the teams entered the fourth frame with Romania leading by just a single point 53:52. Five treys from Aristides Koronides literally shocked the hosts and Cyprus surged ahead once again 71:69 with 2 minutes left in the game. Bogdan Popescu (201-F-78, agency: Stanley International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) had a chance to tie the scoreline but converted just one free throw and Cyprus celebrated an impressive and quite unexpected win at the end. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) and Alexis Liatsos (200-F-80, college: Ohio) knocked down 11 points each for the winners. Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83, agency: Court Side) and Bogdan Popescu responded with 15 points apiece for Romania. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) nailed 13 points in defeat. Cyprus outrebounded their opponents 36:30 and sank 44% of field goals.
Cyprus will now take on Switzerland at home. Romania will visit Belarus on Wednesday.

Romania: Levente Szijarto 15, Bogdan Popescu 15, Catalin Burlacu 13
Cyprus: Aristides Koronides 19, Panagiotis Trisokkas 11, Alexis Liatsos 11


Group C
Sweden - Ireland 82:63
Joakim Blom (211-C-76, agency: Court Side) scored 19 points to pace balanced Swedish team to an overwhelming win over visiting Ireland at the start of the EuroBasket in Division B tournament. Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners as they climbed on top of Group C. The teams started the game evenly but 8 points from Mikael Lindqvist (193-G-83, agency: Court Side) gave the hosts a 15:8 lead midway through the opening stanza. Inan capped the frame with a three-pointer and Sweden led 18:11 after ten minutes of play. Ireland however opened the second frame with a 7:0 rally and tied the scoreline. Sweden found their first basket with almost 5 minutes gone in the quarter however managed to secure the lead at halftime 29:28. Sweden rushed ahead early in the third frame as they poured in 10 points in a row. Chris Bracey (198-F-80, college: W.Texas A&M) cut the deficit to 5 points late in the quarter but Sweden persisted and secured a 6-point margin before the fourth term. Kjellbom and Nystrom widened the damage and Sweden maintained the distance throughout the fourth quarter. They did not allow their opponets to get closer than 9 points in the reminder of the contest.
Mikael Lindqvist contributed 13 points for the winners. Chris Bracey answered with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Irish team. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) added 17 points in defeat.
Sweden will next take on Slovak Republic on Wednesday. Ireland will host Georgia the same day.

Sweden: Joakim Blom 19, Jonas Jerebko 16+10 boards, Mikael Lindqvist 13
Ireland: Chris Bracey 18, Donnie McGrath 17

Luxembourg -Georgia 65:98
Georgian National Team scored a comprehensive win over Luxembourg in yesterdays EuroBasket in Division B opener in Group C. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) knocked down 24 points to pace Georgia to their initial victory. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) added 20 points and 12 boards for the winning side. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) was the only player to score in double figures for Luxembourg as he finished with 13 points. The teams traded baskets at the beginning of the game before Georgia went on a run. They completed the first period with a 14:2 rally and accumulated an 11-point advantage. The hosts defense never looked solid in the second period as Georgia easily found the keys and stretched the margin to 19 points at halftime. Abdiu and Ferreira nailed 3 trebles early in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 16 points. However Georgia remained alert and entered the fourth stanza up by unassailable 25 points. Luxembourg never recovered in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end of the game. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) and Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points for the winners. Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) and Peter Rajniak (196-G-81, college: Cal.Baptist) notched 8 points in the loss. Georgia outrebounded the home team 42:19 and limited Luxembourg to just 38% from the field.
Luxembourg will look for their first win when they play against Ireland next Saturday. Georgia visit Dublin as soon as next Wednesday.

Luxembourg: Martin Rajniak 13, Tom Schumacher 8, Peter Rajniak 8
Georgia: Tyrone Ellis 24, Viktor Sanikidze 20+12 boards, Zaza Pachulia 11, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 11


Standings Div.A (Men)
Standings
Group A
1. Serbia4-1
2. Bulgaria3-2
3. Finland2-2
4. Hungary2-3
5. Italy1-4
Group B
1. Latvia2-0
2. FYR Macedo.1-1
3. Estonia1-1
4. Portugal0-2
Group C
1. Turkey2-0
2. Ukraine1-1
3. France1-1
4. Belgium0-2
Group D
1. Bosnia1-1
2. Czech Repu.1-1
3. U.Kingdom1-1
4. Israel1-1


Division A recent results and stats - by Eurobasket News

GROUP A

Serbia-Italy 72:52

Serbia won another game of EuroBasket 2009 qualification and it was the second over Italians. More than 14000 saw 72:52 victory of the favorites of Group A. Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) led the winners with 13 points. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12 and Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) posted 9.
Serbia proved the superiority from the very beginning taking 11:0 advantage. Italy managed to claw the deficit back to 13:9, Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) pouring in six of those points for the Italians. A Milos Vujanic lay-up made it 21:11 for Serbia at the end of the first quarter. Italy played more even in the second quarter but could not come closer. Dusko Savanovic made it 31:17 and then he again posted for 34:21. Giuseppe Poeta sent the teams to the lockers for 38:27, hosts lead.
Serbia decided to finish the game in the third period providing 20:11 in it. Milos Vujanic saw his team having 24 points deficit, but Mancinelli and Crosariol reduced to 58:38. In the last period the teams were just killing time. Serbia and Italy scored 14 points each that gave 72:52 as a total.
In another game of the group Hungary and Bulgaria showed an outstanding performance of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Hungary, playing at home grabbed 87:86 victory as Marton Fodor made a three with a buzzer.


Serbia: Milos Vujanic 13, Dusko Savanovic 12, Novica Velickovic 9
Italy: Giuseppe Poeta 14, Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83) 8



Hungary -Bulgaria 87:86

Hungary and Bulgaria showed an outstanding performance in Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Hungary, playing at home grabbed 87:86 victory as Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) made a three with a buzzer. Marton Fodor ended up with 17 points for the winner, while Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) top-scored with 19. Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) finished the night with 21 points in defeat and Deyan Ivanov (205-C/F-86) posted 16. Bulgaria, who began with three straight wins, fell to 3-2 but are still in second place behind Serbia. Hungary improved to 2-3 and is third in the group.
Hungary scored the first 5 points in the game as Salgotarjan city was gladly surprised by that. The hosts won the opening tip and had 13:4 in the middle of the first. Marton Fodor closed the opening quarter at 20:19 for his team. In the second quarter the squads played more offensively and produced 27:24 in it. Istvan Nemeths three saw 47:43 for the Hungarian squad at the halftime. Hungary then endured a nightmare start to the third quarter when Bulgaria reeled off 12 straight points for a 55:47 advantage. Hungary fought back to trail 72:70 at the end of the third quarter, only for Bulgaria to keep their noses in front for most of the fourth. Bader tied the score at 84:84 with 2.45 to go. Deyan Ivanov made a lay-up for 84:86 with 1.16 remaining. The teams had tough defense and could not score until the last second. Marton Fodors three with a buzzer brought the second win for the hosts in their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign.

Hungary: Istvan Nemeth 19, Marton Fodor 17, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 13
Bulgaria: Dimitar Angelov 21, Deyan Ivanov 16

GROUP B
Estonia-Latvia 81:88
Another game, another thriller for Latvia and another win. Tonight the team stole the victory from Tallinn beating Estonia 81:88. Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) and Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) contributed 50 points for two with 25 each. Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) followed them with 14 points for 2-0 record. Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, while Tarmo Kikerpill (197-F-77) netted 14 and Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) had 13.
Latvia won the opening tip but could not hold it until the end of the first period. Estonia scored some important baskets and won the quarter 20:14. Latvia bounced back in the second period and went on a lead at the half time. Andris Biedrins made two free throws for 39:38 advantage.
The third period was a preparation for the last stanza. The guests won the third 24:20 to lead 63:58. Latvia led 79:68 when Estonia staged a terrific fight-back. Tarmo Kikerpill made six free throws in a row for 76:79. Uvis Helmanis made two free throws for an 81:76 advantage, but then Tarmo Kikerpill closed to 80:81. After that Latvia rearranged and could lead to 88:81 win.

Estonia: Gert Kullamae 16, Tarmo Kikerpill 14, Kristjan Kangur 13
Latvia: Kristaps Janicenoks 25, Andris Biedrins 25, Uvis Helmanis 14

FYR Macedonia- Portugal 85:48
FYR Macedonia celebrated the first win in European Championship qualifier beating Portugal at home. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory with an easy start of the local team. Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 23 points. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) nailed 13, while Pero Blazevski (200-C-72, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Pero AntiK (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) had 10 each. Elvis Evora (205-C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza) top-scored in defeat with 15 points and Paulo Cunha (199-G/F-80) added 9.
FYR Macedonia spurt a 6-0 run to grab the control of the opening quarter. They had no difficulties scoring basket after basket and had 18 points advantage at the end of it. Vrbica Stefanov closed the first period at 22:4 for the hosts. By half-time, the lead was 44:24 and any hopes Lopez had of his team making the encounter interesting in the second half died in the third quarter. Vrbica Stefanov made the score 46:24 and then Pero Blazevski scored for 59:33. The hosts won the third period as well and had 71:38 at the end of it. The last period looked to be more defensive as the teams mostly were killing the time. FYR Macedonia won it anyway 14:10 that gave them 85:48 as a total. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory as FYR Macedonia improved to 1-1 record.

FYR Macedonia: Vrbica Stefanov 23, Riste Stefanov 13, Pero Blazevski 10, Pero AntiK 10
Portugal: Elvis Evora 15, Paulo Cunha 9

GROUP C
Ukraine-France 78:77
Ukrainian National team shocked France in Kiev beating them 78:77. The second round of European Champion qualifiers tied both teams at 1-1. The key factor for the hosts was terrific long-range shooting display as Ukraine made 10/19 three-pointers. Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) led the winners with 18 points. Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) netted 15 and Oleksandr Kolchenko (198-F/G-88) scored 12. Tony Parker (183-G-80) shined with 30 points and 4 rebounds, while Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) added 19.
Kravtsov opened the scoring account for the hosts as 2500 fans started to support Ukraine. France did not mind playing abroad and won the opening tip 25:19 as Tony Parker nailed from the arc. Onufriyev tied the score for his team at 31:31 and Oleksandr Kolchenko brought the 37:35 lead. After 20:15 Frnace still had 40:39 advantage at the halftime.
In the third period France replied with the same 20:15 and had 60:54 when Soliman made a jump-shot.
Oleksandr Kolchenko struck to tie the game at 66:66, and after Tony Parker buried a jumper, Andriy Agafonov drilled a three to put the Ukrainians on top for the first time in the final period with three minutes to go. Serhiy Lishchuk followed with a trey to make it 75:73 with one minute on the board. With 3 seconds to go Tony Parker went to the free throw line with 78:75. He made both of them but could only close to 78:77 as Ukraine Train gains the speed.

Ukraine: Serhiy Lishchuk 18, Rostyslav Kryvych 15, Oleksandr Kolchenko 12
France: Tony Parker 30+4 rebs, Ronny Turiaf 19

Belgium-Turkey 63:78
Turkey became the only undefeated team in Group C of the EuroBasket 2009 qualification. The team had a road victory over Belgium 63:78 to top the group with 2-0. Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) paced all the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) netted 20, while Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) posted 12. Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) collected 19 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Van Rossom added 11.
The beginning of the game was strange as after Turkey scored first points it took more than 4 minutes for the teams to score again. Driesen tied the margin for 2:2 with 5 minutes to go! The teams improved the scoring skills and Ender Arslan gave Turkey 15:13 after the first. Belgium played even in the second quarter, but Turkey pushed the tempo only in the end of it. Again Ender Arslan sent the teams to the lockers for 28:36.
Driesen gave Belgium 43:42 lead in the third period and the first for his team in the game. Turkey bounced back and again Ender Arslan scored last in the period for 49:54. With 24:14 the favorites finished the last stanza taking another win from the group.
In another game of the group Ukrainian National team shocked France in Kiev beating them 78:77. The second round of European Champion qualifiers tied both teams at 1-1. The key factor for the hosts was terrific long-range shooting display as Ukraine made 10/19 three-pointers.


Belgium: Christophe Beghin 19+10 rebs, Van Rossom 11
Turkey: Ersan Ilyasova 21+9 rebs, Ender Arslan 20, Hidayet Turkoglu 12

GROUP D
Bosnia and Herzegovina-Israel 77:71
Bosnia and Herzegovina ties all the knots in Group D after a home win over Israel. Tuzla and 5000 spectators saw 77:71 win of the local team. A 19:14 in the last period was a key to the initial win in the group. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Ivan Opacak (202-G/F-80, agency: World Sport Agency) led the winners with 13 points each. Ermin Jazvin (210-C-80) followed them with 9 for 1-1 record. Amit Tamir (210-C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: California) top-scored in defeat with 13 points and Yaniv Green (206-F-80, agency: ZAG Advocates) added 11.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was unstoppable in the very beginning scoring basket after basket. Kenan Bajramovic led his team to 14:5 after 6 minutes played. Limonad closed the opening period at 22;15 for the hosts. Israel tried to come as close as they could in the second, but the hosts did not allow them to do so. Casspis luckily was the last for 41:33 at the halftime score.
Israel came fresher from the lockers and produced an excellent period. After 47:38 Israeli team mounted in a 13-0 run for 47:50. The Bosnians took the lead against the Israelis for good at 58:57 with 13 seconds remaining in the third quarter after Bremer made one of two at the free throw line.
The hosts would go on to score the first eight points of the fourth quarter, with Teletovic's lay-up capping the 9-0 run to make it 66:57. Eliyahu cut the deficit to 72:69 but Ermin Jazvin posted last two for 77:71 win.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Kenan Bajramovic 13, Ivan Opacak 13, Ermin Jazvin 9
Israel: Amit Tamir 13, Yaniv Green 11

Great Britain- Czech Republic 87:68
Great Britain celebrated the initial win in EuroBasket qualifying Group D play. The team tied at 1-1 after the victory over Czech Republic 87:68. Nate Reinking (183-G-73, college: Kent St.) led the winners with 22 points drilling four of seven shots from behind the arc. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) followed him with 21, while Mensah-Bonsu collected 13 points and 16 rebounds. Jiri Welsch (198-F-80) top-scored in defeat with 17 points, while Jiri Hubalek (209-C-82, agency: Interperformances) and Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) added 10 apiece.
O2 Arena in London realized the importance of the game and the local team had a great support from the fans. After 6:4 the hosts created 13-0 run for 19:4 lead. Sullivan made it 24:10 at the end of the first quarter. The tempo of the game had slowed down in the second period and remained Brits in front 37:23 at half-time.
Midgley brought his team to 53:33 and then Sullivans lay-up showed 55:35. Jiri Welsch closed the third period as Great Britain was leading over Czech Republic 55:37. With no chances for the win the guests started to play better and even paid less attention to defense. The last period became more offensive as the teams nailed 64 points together. Great Britain enjoyed 87:68 win over Czech Republic and tied them in the group.


Great Britain: Nate Reinking 22, Luol Deng 21, Mensah-Bonsu 13+16 rebs
Czech Republic: Jiri Welsch 17, Jiri Hubalek 10, Petr Benda 10


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  FINLAND   


1.DIV.: Vilpas has three American players - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Watch out! Vilpas (Salo) will be tough this coming 2008-09 season. Team's German Head Coach Philip Dejworek has found three decent American players and Vilpas will look forward to challenge all the top teams on the second highest level. G Aubrey Conerly (183-G-83, college: Jacksonville) has been joined by SF Quennell Green (198-G/F-84) and F Amani Daanish (201-F-83). Green comes from SE Louisiana U. (has played also in Mexico) and Daanish from Indiana State U. (11,0 ppg - 6,6 rpg '05). After graduation Daanish has played in Iran and had a few try outs (Spain, Israel).

KORISLIIGA: Laroche stays - Clayton goes - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Try out period of time is full. It's time to make decisions. UU-Korihait (Uusikaupunki) has made them. According with Korihait internet pages Team is happy and satisfied with F Alain Laroche (198-F-83, agency: Court Side, college: N.Florida), but F Jeremy Clayton (201-F-86) from Appalachian State U. has not convinced the Team board and Head Coach Jyri Lehtonen . Clayton can go. There is still room for two foreigner players on Korihait roster. The Finnish Cup goes on September 30 and the regular season will start on October 3.

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  FRANCE   


Ukraine Train too fast for Parker - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-France 78:77

Ukrainian National team shocked France in Kiev beating them 78:77. The second round of European Champion qualifiers tied both teams at 1-1. The key factor for the hosts was terrific long-range shooting display as Ukraine made 10/19 three-pointers. Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) led the winners with 18 points. Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) netted 15 and Oleksandr Kolchenko (198-F/G-88) scored 12. Tony Parker (183-G-80) shined with 30 points and 4 rebounds, while Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) added 19.
Kravtsov opened the scoring account for the hosts as 2500 fans started to support Ukraine. France did not mind playing abroad and won the opening tip 25:19 as Tony Parker nailed from the arc. Onufriyev tied the score for his team at 31:31 and Oleksandr Kolchenko brought the 37:35 lead. After 20:15 Frnace still had 40:39 advantage at the halftime.
In the third period France replied with the same 20:15 and had 60:54 when Soliman made a jump-shot.
Oleksandr Kolchenko struck to tie the game at 66:66, and after Tony Parker buried a jumper, Andriy Agafonov drilled a three to put the Ukrainians on top for the first time in the final period with three minutes to go. Serhiy Lishchuk followed with a trey to make it 75:73 with one minute on the board. With 3 seconds to go Tony Parker went to the free throw line with 78:75. He made both of them but could only close to 78:77 as Ukraine Train gains the speed.

Ukraine: Serhiy Lishchuk 18, Rostyslav Kryvych 15, Oleksandr Kolchenko 12
France: Tony Parker 30+4 rebs, Ronny Turiaf 19

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


Georgia thump Luxembourg in opener - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg -Georgia 65:98

Georgian National Team scored a comprehensive win over Luxembourg in yesterdays EuroBasket in Division B opener in Group C. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) knocked down 24 points to pace Georgia to their initial victory. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) added 20 points and 12 boards for the winning side. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) was the only player to score in double figures for Luxembourg as he finished with 13 points. The teams traded baskets at the beginning of the game before Georgia went on a run. They completed the first period with a 14:2 rally and accumulated an 11-point advantage. The hosts defense never looked solid in the second period as Georgia easily found the keys and stretched the margin to 19 points at halftime. Abdiu and Ferreira nailed 3 trebles early in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 16 points. However Georgia remained alert and entered the fourth stanza up by unassailable 25 points. Luxembourg never recovered in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end of the game. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) and Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points for the winners. Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) and Peter Rajniak (196-G-81, college: Cal.Baptist) notched 8 points in the loss. Georgia outrebounded the home team 42:19 and limited Luxembourg to just 38% from the field.
Luxembourg will look for their first win when they play against Ireland next Saturday. Georgia visit Dublin as soon as next Wednesday.

Luxembourg: Martin Rajniak 13, Tom Schumacher 8, Peter Rajniak 8
Georgia: Tyrone Ellis 24, Viktor Sanikidze 20+12 boards, Zaza Pachulia 11, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 11

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


Market News - by Moritz Korff
As FC Bayern Muenchen (2. Bundesliga Pro A) announced on its website, Gabriel Moore (185-G-85) and Mirko Virijevic (201-F-81, college: Freed-Hardeman) have parted with the Bavarian side. Moore headed to Rhoendorf, as reported on Eurobasket Friday, while Virijevic is going to suit up for TG Renesas Landshut (2. Bundesliga Pro B) in the future, where he is expected to get more playing time than in Muenchen. The former Icelandic international contributed 17.1 points per contest in this past season and won the Regionalliga South-East championship-title with FCB

Kai-Uwe Kranz (189-G-79) has joined the Schwenningen Panthers (Regionalliga South-West) for the 2008-09 campaign. The 28-year-old Shooting Guard played for the Kirchheim Knights in the past four years and helped to move the team from Regionalliga into Pro A within this time. During 2007-08 he averaged 11.3 points in 29 games for the Knights. Meanwhile, Jerome Stancil (198-F-85, agency: 540 Sports, college: Bryant) has left the Panthers. The German-American Forward failed to live up to the expectations of the club-officials.

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  GUATEMALA   


Metro League other results - by Gianni Pascucci
Elite Sport destroyed Milionarios 94-33 in the last round of Liga Metropolitana 2008 - Clausura, led by Alejandro Carrillo (191-F-88), who scored 37 pts, and Hector Vandeveire (-G/F), who added 18 pts with 75% in 3 pointers. This large result confirms that the teams in Liga Metro are probably too much, and that there is too much difference between the best ones and the all the others, even if in this Clausura stage one of the top clubs, Leones, decided to not participate, leaving its players to go move to other teams. The table is again topped by Elite Sport, with a 5-0 record, followed by Le Mans, SAT-Markvision and RL.

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


Preview Dutch FEB 2008-09 Season - by Sanders Jackson

It is nearing that time again for the balls to begin bouncing in the 2008-09 Dutch FEB season. Looking back on the 2007-08 season, in a clash of two perennial Dutch basketball powers, the team of MyGuide Amsterdam managed to detrone Eiffel Towers in a seven-game series. This season (at least on papers) it appears that both (newly named) Eclipse Jet MyGuide Amsterdam and Eiffel Towers both have the goods and artillery to make it a repeat FEB finals matchup in the spring of 2009. Both EJMG Amsterdam and Eiffel Towers made upgrading with their foreign players positions while strengtening and maintaining their national talent base, which will be essential in both the rigors of international play and domestic. However, there are other teams in the FEB that may pose a challenge to the EJMC/Eiffel gridlock. Hanzevast Capitals under former Dutch national team and Eiffel Towers head coach Marco van den Berg has Hanzevast appearing in the right direction, with West-Brabant Giants also on the up and up, and always dangerous Matrixx Magixx with head coach Michael Schuur in charge. The rest of the FEB league has also the same opportunity to prove themselves. But the lines will be drawn by either EJMG Amsterdam and/or Eiffel Towers. Who will emerge this season as the 2008-09 FEB champion? Only time will tell.

Coming up: preview over Eclipse Jet MyGuide Amsterdam

European Championship Play: Orange Comes Up Short At Home Vs. Montenegro - by Sanders Jackson

In Almere on Saturday night for European Championship qualification pool play, Montenegro spoiled the coaching debut of Holland national team coach Gadi Kedar with its first ever win by the score of 70-63. Montenegro, making its first ever international appearance (previously being Serbia-Montenegro), took control of the game in the 4th quarter thanks to 3 three-pointers by Goran Jeretin to give them the cushion needed to win. Orange were led by Kees Akerboom (199-F-83, agency: Court Side) with 15 pts. Orange travels next to face Austria on Wednesday.

Montenegro record first win in EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Montenegro 63:70

Montenegrin National team celebrated a narrow victory over Netherlands in the EuroBasket Division B opener in La Almere yesterday. Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) secured 14 points and Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75) came up with 13 for Montenegro. Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points, while Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) had 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Kees Akerboom (199-F-83, agency: Court Side) anwered with 15 points for Netherlands. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) delivered 12 points in defeat.
Montenegro marked their ambitions early in the game. They outscored the hosts 23:18 in the starting period. The home team looked solid but still could not find the way in front in the second quarter. Montenegro maintained safe distance and piled up a 7-point lead at the interval. However Netherlands refused to fold. They limited the visitors to just 10 points in the third period and jumped to a 51:49 advantage with one quarter to go. But that was the brightest moment for Netherlands as Montenegro quickly regained the lead in the fourth quarter and dominated throughout the stanza. They ran away in the dying minutes to secure the initial win in Group A. The hosts outrebounded their opponents 45:40 but sank just 33% from the field. Netherlands will take on Austria in the second round of action. Montenegro will host Austria in a week.

Netherlands: Kees Akerboom 15, Rogier Jansen 12
Montenegro: Predrag Drobnjak 14, Vlado Scepanovic 13, Goran Jeretin 12

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  HUNGARY   


Fodors three with a buzzer brought the second win for Hungary - by Eurobasket News
Hungary Bulgaria 87:86

Hungary and Bulgaria showed an outstanding performance in Group A of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Hungary, playing at home grabbed 87:86 victory as Marton Fodor (191-G-81, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) made a three with a buzzer. Marton Fodor ended up with 17 points for the winner, while Istvan Nemeth (190-G-79, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) top-scored with 19. Dimitar Angelov (202-G/F-79, agency: Interperformances) finished the night with 21 points in defeat and Deyan Ivanov (205-C/F-86) posted 16. Bulgaria, who began with three straight wins, fell to 3-2 but are still in second place behind Serbia. Hungary improved to 2-3 and is third in the group.
Hungary scored the first 5 points in the game as Salgotarjan city was gladly surprised by that. The hosts won the opening tip and had 13:4 in the middle of the first. Marton Fodor closed the opening quarter at 20:19 for his team. In the second quarter the squads played more offensively and produced 27:24 in it. Istvan Nemeths three saw 47:43 for the Hungarian squad at the halftime. Hungary then endured a nightmare start to the third quarter when Bulgaria reeled off 12 straight points for a 55:47 advantage. Hungary fought back to trail 72:70 at the end of the third quarter, only for Bulgaria to keep their noses in front for most of the fourth. Bader tied the score at 84:84 with 2.45 to go. Deyan Ivanov made a lay-up for 84:86 with 1.16 remaining. The teams had tough defense and could not score until the last second. Marton Fodors three with a buzzer brought the second win for the hosts in their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign.

Hungary: Istvan Nemeth 19, Marton Fodor 17, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 13
Bulgaria: Dimitar Angelov 21, Deyan Ivanov 16

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


Sweden breeze past Ireland at home - by Eurobasket News
Sweden - Ireland 82:63

Joakim Blom (211-C-76, agency: Court Side) scored 19 points to pace balanced Swedish team to an overwhelming win over visiting Ireland at the start of the EuroBasket in Division B tournament. Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners as they climbed on top of Group C. The teams started the game evenly but 8 points from Mikael Lindqvist (193-G-83, agency: Court Side) gave the hosts a 15:8 lead midway through the opening stanza. Inan capped the frame with a three-pointer and Sweden led 18:11 after ten minutes of play. Ireland however opened the second frame with a 7:0 rally and tied the scoreline. Sweden found their first basket with almost 5 minutes gone in the quarter however managed to secure the lead at halftime 29:28. Sweden rushed ahead early in the third frame as they poured in 10 points in a row. Chris Bracey (198-F-80, college: W.Texas A&M) cut the deficit to 5 points late in the quarter but Sweden persisted and secured a 6-point margin before the fourth term. Kjellbom and Nystrom widened the damage and Sweden maintained the distance throughout the fourth quarter. They did not allow their opponets to get closer than 9 points in the reminder of the contest.
Mikael Lindqvist contributed 13 points for the winners. Chris Bracey answered with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Irish team. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) added 17 points in defeat.
Sweden will next take on Slovak Republic on Wednesday. Ireland will host Georgia the same day.

Sweden: Joakim Blom 19, Jonas Jerebko 16+10 boards, Mikael Lindqvist 13
Ireland: Chris Bracey 18, Donnie McGrath 17

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


Bosnia ties all the knots in Group D - by Eurobasket News
Bosnia and Herzegovina-Israel 77:71

Bosnia and Herzegovina ties all the knots in Group D after a home win over Israel. Tuzla and 5000 spectators saw 77:71 win of the local team. A 19:14 in the last period was a key to the initial win in the group. Kenan Bajramovic (206-F-81, agency: Beo Basket) and Ivan Opacak (202-G/F-80, agency: World Sport Agency) led the winners with 13 points each. Ermin Jazvin (210-C-80) followed them with 9 for 1-1 record. Amit Tamir (210-C-79, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: California) top-scored in defeat with 13 points and Yaniv Green (206-F-80, agency: ZAG Advocates) added 11.
Bosnia and Herzegovina was unstoppable in the very beginning scoring basket after basket. Kenan Bajramovic led his team to 14:5 after 6 minutes played. Limonad closed the opening period at 22;15 for the hosts. Israel tried to come as close as they could in the second, but the hosts did not allow them to do so. Casspis luckily was the last for 41:33 at the halftime score.
Israel came fresher from the lockers and produced an excellent period. After 47:38 Israeli team mounted in a 13-0 run for 47:50. The Bosnians took the lead against the Israelis for good at 58:57 with 13 seconds remaining in the third quarter after Bremer made one of two at the free throw line.
The hosts would go on to score the first eight points of the fourth quarter, with Teletovic's lay-up capping the 9-0 run to make it 66:57. Eliyahu cut the deficit to 72:69 but Ermin Jazvin posted last two for 77:71 win.

Bosnia and Herzegovina: Kenan Bajramovic 13, Ivan Opacak 13, Ermin Jazvin 9
Israel: Amit Tamir 13, Yaniv Green 11

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


Italy is falling down, Serbia benefits - by Eurobasket News

Serbia-Italy 72:52

Serbia won another game of EuroBasket 2009 qualification and it was the second over Italians. More than 14000 saw 72:52 victory of the favorites of Group A. Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) led the winners with 13 points. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12 and Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) posted 9.
Serbia proved the superiority from the very beginning taking 11:0 advantage. Italy managed to claw the deficit back to 13:9, Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) pouring in six of those points for the Italians. A Milos Vujanic lay-up made it 21:11 for Serbia at the end of the first quarter. Italy played more even in the second quarter but could not come closer. Dusko Savanovic made it 31:17 and then he again posted for 34:21. Giuseppe Poeta sent the teams to the lockers for 38:27, hosts lead.
Serbia decided to finish the game in the third period providing 20:11 in it. Milos Vujanic saw his team having 24 points deficit, but Mancinelli and Crosariol reduced to 58:38. In the last period the teams were just killing time. Serbia and Italy scored 14 points each that gave 72:52 as a total.
In another game of the group Hungary and Bulgaria showed an outstanding performance of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Hungary, playing at home grabbed 87:86 victory as Marton Fodor made a three with a buzzer.


Serbia: Milos Vujanic 13, Dusko Savanovic 12, Novica Velickovic 9
Italy: Giuseppe Poeta 14, Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83) 8



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


Latvia-another game, another thriller, another win - by Eurobasket News
Estonia-Latvia 81:88

Another game, another thriller for Latvia and another win. Tonight the team stole the victory from Tallinn beating Estonia 81:88. Kristaps Janicenoks (196-F-83) and Andris Biedrins (213-C-86) contributed 50 points for two with 25 each. Uvis Helmanis (204-F-72, agency: Stanley International) followed them with 14 points for 2-0 record. Gert Kullamae (198-G/F-71) ended up with 16 points in the losing effort, while Tarmo Kikerpill (197-F-77) netted 14 and Kristjan Kangur (202-F-82) had 13.
Latvia won the opening tip but could not hold it until the end of the first period. Estonia scored some important baskets and won the quarter 20:14. Latvia bounced back in the second period and went on a lead at the half time. Andris Biedrins made two free throws for 39:38 advantage.
The third period was a preparation for the last stanza. The guests won the third 24:20 to lead 63:58. Latvia led 79:68 when Estonia staged a terrific fight-back. Tarmo Kikerpill made six free throws in a row for 76:79. Uvis Helmanis made two free throws for an 81:76 advantage, but then Tarmo Kikerpill closed to 80:81. After that Latvia rearranged and could lead to 88:81 win.

Estonia: Gert Kullamae 16, Tarmo Kikerpill 14, Kristjan Kangur 13
Latvia: Kristaps Janicenoks 25, Andris Biedrins 25, Uvis Helmanis 14

BK Ventspils starts the Mazovia Cup Tournament - by Eurobasket News
SPEC Polonia Warsaw - BK Ventspils 74:70 (16:19, 23:10, 20:21, 15:20)

Latvian Ventspils started the campaign in the International tournament in Poland. The team was invited to compete with Polonia, Anwil and Dolphins. In Day 1 Latvian team struggled hard but had admit the loss from the hosts 70:74. SPEC Polonia Warsaw used 23:10 in the second period to seal the win in the opener. Michael Ansley (200-F-67, college: Alabama) led the winners with 18 points and Kamil Laczynski (177-G-89) added 11. Tommy Adams (191-G-80, agency: Passing Lane, college: Hampton) posted 9, while Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz (202-G/F-79) and Harrington had 8 each. Tyrone Brazelton (180-G, college: West Plains JC) top-scored in the losing effort with 21 points. Tsiakos netted 17 and Adomas Jurevicius (184-G-82) scored 14.
BK Ventspils went on an early lead and did not pay too much attention playing away from home. Latvian side won the first period 19:16 and looked forward for the second. In that quarter however SPEC Polonia Warsaw played a very decent basketball and used 23:10 in the quarter. Both teams went to the lockers for 39:29 for the home side.
BK Ventspils reduced a bit in the third period after 21:20 win in the quarter. The most interesting moments were however in the last period when Latvian side could even win the game. They produced 20:15 in the last stanza but cut only to 70:74.
In another game of the day Anwil Wloclawek beat Norrkoping Dolphins 89:52.

SPEC Polonia: Michael Ansley 18, Kamil Laczynski 11, Tommy Adams 9, Przemyslaw Frasunkiewicz 8, Harrington 8, Radke 7, Bacik 5, Johnson 4, Przybylski 4
Ventspils: Tyrone Brazelton 21, Tsiakos 17, Adomas Jurevicius 14

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


Georgia thump Luxembourg in opener - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg -Georgia 65:98

Georgian National Team scored a comprehensive win over Luxembourg in yesterdays EuroBasket in Division B opener in Group C. Tyrone Ellis (193-G-77, college: S.Nazarene) knocked down 24 points to pace Georgia to their initial victory. Viktor Sanikidze (203-F-86, agency: Life Sports) added 20 points and 12 boards for the winning side. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: CSU Bakersfield) was the only player to score in double figures for Luxembourg as he finished with 13 points. The teams traded baskets at the beginning of the game before Georgia went on a run. They completed the first period with a 14:2 rally and accumulated an 11-point advantage. The hosts defense never looked solid in the second period as Georgia easily found the keys and stretched the margin to 19 points at halftime. Abdiu and Ferreira nailed 3 trebles early in the third quarter and cut the deficit to 16 points. However Georgia remained alert and entered the fourth stanza up by unassailable 25 points. Luxembourg never recovered in the fourth quarter and had to surrender at the end of the game. Zaza Pachulia (212-C-84) and Nikoloz Tskitishvili (212-C/F-83, agency: Interperformances) added 11 points for the winners. Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) and Peter Rajniak (196-G-81, college: Cal.Baptist) notched 8 points in the loss. Georgia outrebounded the home team 42:19 and limited Luxembourg to just 38% from the field.
Luxembourg will look for their first win when they play against Ireland next Saturday. Georgia visit Dublin as soon as next Wednesday.

Luxembourg: Martin Rajniak 13, Tom Schumacher 8, Peter Rajniak 8
Georgia: Tyrone Ellis 24, Viktor Sanikidze 20+12 boards, Zaza Pachulia 11, Nikoloz Tskitishvili 11

*****************************************************
  MEXICO   


Champs Open the Season Winning - by Carlos Chapa
The reigning champions of the LNBP Halcones UV Xalapa took the inicial game of the 2008-2009 with a tight game against the Barreteros de Zacatecazs.
The actions started with the visitors: Xalapa, taking control of the game, their biggest lead was 12, mostly because of the poor shooting from Barreteros (5-11).

But the game got close with an 11-3 run in the first two minutes of the 2nd frame by the locals, the half ended 36-37 with 9 points by Ramiro Loera (196-F-81, college: Cameron).

In the 3rd it appeared that Zacatecas would escape with the lead after an explosive start, but Halcones narrowed the gap and took a 3 point lead.

The game was tied at the end of the last period, but an arguable decision gave JaJa Richards his last foul, and Victor Avila (209-C-77, college: Oklahoma) sinked both free-throws, however Avila fouled James Reaves (203-F-82, college: Niagara) and also made his foul shots in crunch time to send the game into overtime.
The locals quickly grabbed a 10 point lead, but history repeated and Xalapa closed better, after being down by one, LeRoy Hickerson (196-G-82, college: Cumberlands) stole the inbounds and scored the easy bucket to give Xalapa the 83-82 win.
Abdul Mills (191-G-79, college: Nebraska-Omaha) led the game with 21 points.

More results:
Lobos de la UAC Saltillo vs Lobos Grises de la UAD Durango (66-98)
Algodoneros de La Comarca - Torreon vs Chihuahua Dorados (90-81)
Bravos Piedras Negras - Eagle Pass vs Tecos de la UAGuadalajara (88-77)
Venados de Nuevo Laredo vs Potros ITSON (104-106)
Panteras de Aguascalientes vs Halcones UV Veracruz (70-67)
Estrellas Indebasquet de Distrito Federa vs Loros de Colima (74-82)
Santos Reales de San Luis Potosi vs Lechugueros de Leon (87-72)
Pioneros de Cancun vs Angeles de Puebla (82-85)
Bucaneros de Campheche vs Halcones UV Cordoba (77-75)
Correcaminos UAT Victoria vs Soles de Mexicali (75-95)

Griffin - another ESL player signs pro contract - by Eurobasket
Barreteros de Zacatecazs (LNBP) agreed terms with 25-year old American swingman Justin Griffin (193-G/F-83, college: Hawaii-Hilo). Griffin played this summer at Team Budapest in Eurobasket Summer League in New York, where his stats were 8ppg and 2rpg. Griffin has also Mexican nationality. It will be his come back to Mexico where he played last season at Union de Zacatecazs (LNBP). He played also in Germany for one season just after graduating from Hawaii-Hilo.

Standings - LNBP
LNBP Standings
Northern Division
 1. Bravos 0-0 
 2. Dorados 0-0 
 3. Algodoneros 0-0 
 4. Corr.Victoria 0-0 
 5. Venados 0-0 
 6. Fuerza R. 0-0 
 7. Tecos UAG 0-0 
 8. Lobos UAC 0-0 
 9. Galgos T. 0-0 
 10. Lobos Grises 0-0 
 11. Soles 0-0 
 12. Potros 0-0 
Southern Division
 1. Estrellas 0-0 
 2. Pioneros 0-0 
 3. Halc. Cordoba 0-0 
 4. Angeles 0-0 
 5. Loros C. 0-0 
 6. Halc. Xalpa 0-0 
 7. Panteras 0-0 
 8. Santos 0-0 
 9. Barreteros 0-0 
 10. Halc. Rojos 0-0 
 11. Bucaneros 0-0 
 12. Lechugueros 0-0 


Tecos de la UAGuadalajara sign Antonio Garcia - by Eurobasket
Tecos de la UAGuadalajara (LNBP) strengthened their roster with addition of 32-year old Panamanian power forward Antonio Garcia (203-F/C-76, college: Ky Wesleyan). Garcia supposed to play at Quilmes Mar del Plata (Argentina), but it seems he ended in Mexico instead. Garcia is one of the best known Panamanian players with long interantional experience.

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  MONTENEGRO   


In city of Budva will be only one basketball club - by Dragan Scepanovic
Managements of Basketball Clubs BUDVA new member of MNT1A division and MOGREN finalist of MNT1A division in season 2007-2008 agreed terms for fusion of two clubs. In news conference in city of Budva representative of two clubs announced that in Budva will be one strong basketball club Mogren which will be member of MNT1A opportunity division. New President of BC Mogren are Mr. Pinjatic Djoko , two Vice-President are Mr. Ivanovic Ivan and Mr. Medin Djordje, Director of BC Mogren is Mr. Rajkovic Milos, Sport Director is Mr. Bozovic Zeljko.Head Coach for season 2008-2009 are Mr. Krivokapic Veselin, and assistant will be Mr. Susic Milosav.

BC Ulcinj in financial problems - by Dragan Scepanovic
Basketball Club Ulcinj announced that Team Manager Pavle Pepdjonovic , Sport Director Miso Causevic and Head Coach Ranko Carapic resigned because of financial problem in club.In same way BC Ulcinj announced that all basketball player of club are free to go in other basketball clubs.First basketball player ho change club was Vladimir Osmajic (204-F-80) ho sinhged 1 year contract with Basketball Club Teodo from Tivat.
Management of Basketball Club Teodo from Tivat announced that they start negotiation with DELFI SMG Agency about transfers for basketball players Marko Calic (197-F-86) and Zeljko Jovanovic (192-G/F-86).

Montenegro record first win in EuroBasket Division B - by Eurobasket News
Netherlands - Montenegro 63:70

Montenegrin National team celebrated a narrow victory over Netherlands in the EuroBasket Division B opener in La Almere yesterday. Predrag Drobnjak (212-F/C-75) secured 14 points and Vlado Scepanovic (198-G-75) came up with 13 for Montenegro. Goran Jeretin (192-G-79, agency: Beo Basket) added 12 points, while Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) had 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Kees Akerboom (199-F-83, agency: Court Side) anwered with 15 points for Netherlands. Rogier Jansen (188-G-84, agency: Court Side) delivered 12 points in defeat.
Montenegro marked their ambitions early in the game. They outscored the hosts 23:18 in the starting period. The home team looked solid but still could not find the way in front in the second quarter. Montenegro maintained safe distance and piled up a 7-point lead at the interval. However Netherlands refused to fold. They limited the visitors to just 10 points in the third period and jumped to a 51:49 advantage with one quarter to go. But that was the brightest moment for Netherlands as Montenegro quickly regained the lead in the fourth quarter and dominated throughout the stanza. They ran away in the dying minutes to secure the initial win in Group A. The hosts outrebounded their opponents 45:40 but sank just 33% from the field. Netherlands will take on Austria in the second round of action. Montenegro will host Austria in a week.

Netherlands: Kees Akerboom 15, Rogier Jansen 12
Montenegro: Predrag Drobnjak 14, Vlado Scepanovic 13, Goran Jeretin 12

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  ROMANIA   


Cyprus upset Romania in Timisoara - by Eurobasket News
Romania - Cyprus 70:71

Aristides Koronides (188-G-82) drained a go-ahead three-pointer with just over two minutes left in regualtion to propel Cyprus past Romania at the start of EuroBasket in Division B tournament in Group B. Aristides Koronides finished the game with 19 points to deliver a surprising result of the first day of the action. The hosts jumped to a 9:3 lead early in the game and seemed to cruise further on. But Cyprus went on a 14:4 rally to surge ahead late in the period. Virgil Stanescu (207-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances, college: S.Alabama) capped the first term with two free throws but Romania still trailed 15:17. Anastasidias and Andreas Pilavas (194-G-83) kept Cyprus ahead early in the secodn frame however a 10:3 run from the hosts allowed them to build a 36:29 advantage late in the quarter. Romania kept their opponents at distance in the thid frame however Aristides Koronides and Michalis Kounounis (194-F-81, agency: Interperformances) denied the deficit at the end and the teams entered the fourth frame with Romania leading by just a single point 53:52. Five treys from Aristides Koronides literally shocked the hosts and Cyprus surged ahead once again 71:69 with 2 minutes left in the game. Bogdan Popescu (201-F-78, agency: Stanley International, college: Alaska-Fairb.) had a chance to tie the scoreline but converted just one free throw and Cyprus celebrated an impressive and quite unexpected win at the end. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) and Alexis Liatsos (200-F-80, college: Ohio) knocked down 11 points each for the winners. Levente Szijarto (192-G/F-83, agency: Court Side) and Bogdan Popescu responded with 15 points apiece for Romania. Catalin Burlacu (210-C-77, agency: Court Side) nailed 13 points in defeat. Cyprus outrebounded their opponents 36:30 and sank 44% of field goals.
Cyprus will now take on Switzerland at home. Romania will visit Belarus on Wednesday.

Romania: Levente Szijarto 15, Bogdan Popescu 15, Catalin Burlacu 13
Cyprus: Aristides Koronides 19, Panagiotis Trisokkas 11, Alexis Liatsos 11

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


Italy is falling down, Serbia benefits - by Eurobasket News

Serbia-Italy 72:52

Serbia won another game of EuroBasket 2009 qualification and it was the second over Italians. More than 14000 saw 72:52 victory of the favorites of Group A. Milos Vujanic (192-G-80) led the winners with 13 points. Dusko Savanovic (204-F/C-83, agency: Beo Basket) netted 12 and Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) posted 9.
Serbia proved the superiority from the very beginning taking 11:0 advantage. Italy managed to claw the deficit back to 13:9, Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) pouring in six of those points for the Italians. A Milos Vujanic lay-up made it 21:11 for Serbia at the end of the first quarter. Italy played more even in the second quarter but could not come closer. Dusko Savanovic made it 31:17 and then he again posted for 34:21. Giuseppe Poeta sent the teams to the lockers for 38:27, hosts lead.
Serbia decided to finish the game in the third period providing 20:11 in it. Milos Vujanic saw his team having 24 points deficit, but Mancinelli and Crosariol reduced to 58:38. In the last period the teams were just killing time. Serbia and Italy scored 14 points each that gave 72:52 as a total.
In another game of the group Hungary and Bulgaria showed an outstanding performance of their EuroBasket 2009 qualifying campaign. Hungary, playing at home grabbed 87:86 victory as Marton Fodor made a three with a buzzer.


Serbia: Milos Vujanic 13, Dusko Savanovic 12, Novica Velickovic 9
Italy: Giuseppe Poeta 14, Jacopo Giachetti (191-G-83) 8



Dejan Tomasevic in PAOK - by Zoran Popovic
Dejan Tomasevic (208-F/C-73, agency: Beo Basket), former center of Panathinaikos Athens and Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenego National team, is new player of PAOK Marfin Thessaloniki. Tomasevic played for Panathinaikos Athens last three seasona and wih Greek champion won three National cups, three Greek championships and one time was Euroleague champion. Last season problems with back injury stoped him to show games from the previous seasons. However, Tomasevic came back in April 2008 and finisned season with average 3,7 points and 3,0 rebounds on 9 play-off games.
Dejan Tomasevic played for Borac Cacak 1990-1991, Crvena Zvezda 1991-1995, Partizan 1995-1999, Buducnost 1999-2001. TAU 2001-2002, Pamesa 2002-2005 and Panathinaikos Athens 2005-2008. Tomasevic was Yugoslavia Champion with Crvena Zvezda 1992-1993,1993-1994, with Partizan 1995-1996 and 1996-1997, Buducnost 1999-2000 and 2000-2001. Long list of trophy continue with Spanish National championship 2001-2002 and ULEB Cup with Pamesa Valencia 2002-2003.
Tomasevic was member of Yugoslavia and Serbia and Montenegro National team from 1994-2005 and won three gold medals on European championships 1995,1997,2001, two times World champion 1998, 2002, silver medal on Olimpic games 1996 and bronze medal on European championship 1999.

Young Joao Soares signed for Partizan - by Zoran Popovic
Managament of BC Partizan Igokea Beograd signed contract with new young player, Joao Soares (197-F-90) from Portugal. Soares started career in Basquete club Ovar 2006-2007 and last season played for Ovarense Aerosoles. On two games in ULEB Cup Soares average scored 3,5 points and on 10 games in Portuguese league scored average 3,0 points and 1,2 rebounds. Soares with Ovarense won Portugal Cup and National championship. Joao Soares was member of Portugal National team U-18 this year.

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


CB Murcia will not sign Diarra - by Francisco Martinez
Mamoutou Diarra (200-F-80) has not passed the try-out he was called for two weeks ago. The club has consider he is not the piece that they need. THe GM of the club, Paco Guillem, had a few words for the player: 'Mamoutou Diarra is a great player, he has showed us his quality, but he does not fit the profile we need. We thank him for his professionalism and his excelent predisposition he showed at every moment'.

Pre-Season Round Up Sat 06 Sept as Badalona Win Tournament - by Paul Nilsen
DKV Joventut are the champions of the Reus pre-season Tournament after an impressive 90-80 victory over Real Madrid writes www.acb-basket.com. A stellar performance from big man Hernandez-Sonseca against his former club paved the way for Penya delight as the centre claimed a game high 24 points for MVP. Supported by the effervescent Demond Mallet who weighed in with 18 points of his own, it is a result that left rookie head coach Sito Alonso very content.

Consolation for Real was that despite missing some big names, the players who were present for this tournament looked to be playing pretty well with the much maligned Papadopoulos back on song collecting 13 points while new boy Quinton Hosley top scored with 15.

Zaragoza to defeat them 77-72. The Tarjona had Rafa Martinez in blistering form and having looked perhaps slightly nervous in his first appearance he showed why he now has a big contract in Valencia nailing 24 points while former NBA man Shammond Williams claimed 14. The difference in quality meant that Zaragoza had to really fight and they did that well with a similarly monumental performance from big man Larry Lewis who showed why he will be pivotal in the fight for surivial when the action gets underway for rel. He top scored with 19 points and again former Granca star Roberto Guerra showed what a great acquisition he could be by shooting 15 points.

ViveMenorca are still searching for a first pre-season wil as their preparations continue to look worrying for fans, even if they do have injury problems. Their latest reverse came at Lleida where they went down 83-80 thanks mainly to six three-pointers by Alberto Miguel who claimed 21 points for the home team to delight 2,000 partizan fans. At least the game saw talisman and captain Mario Stojic score 16 for Menorca while Bud Eley got a game under his belt after being down with an injury recently.


Perhaps the biggest thriller of the night came when Estudiantes edged out Cajasol by 86-84 with a super performance from young prospect Javier Beiran who shot the lights out with six triples to end up with 28 points. His display just pipped that of 21 point Ignerski for Cajasol in a spectacular perimeter shootout. Both clubs met halfway between the capital and Seville for this fixture in Puertollano and the crowd were treated to a great game. After a tight first quarter ending 18 -18, Estu took control at the half with a 31-22 second quarter but then Cajasol took back control in the third to move back into the lead before Estu had the final say. Vonteego Cummings and Carlos Suarez were missing for the Madrid club while Cajasol were without Bennett, Savanovic and Ellis.

Finally veteran Lou Roe inspired Bruesa to a comprehensive 56-80 win at Basque minnows HMV Consmetal with the San Sebastian club superior throughout the game as you would expect. Roe scored 20 points while fellow veteran Denis Marconato reached double figures and 10 points.

*****************************************************
  SWEDEN   


Norrkoping Dolphins participates in Poland - by Eurobasket News
Anwil Wloclawek - Norrkoping Dolphins 89:52 (21:16, 27:16, 24:6, 17:14)

Swedish Norrkoping Dolphins went to Poland to participate in Mazovia Cup Tournament in Warsaw. The team was invited to compete with Polonia, Anwil and BK Ventspils. In the first game of the day the team lost to Anwil Wloclawek 52:89. Polish side looked much better throughout the game and won all the periods. Ian Boylan (198-G/F-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Cal.St. Northridge) and Miller led the winners with 14 points apiece. Stipe Modric (207-F-79) and Henderson nailed 13 each, while Marko Brkic (206-F-82, agency: Beo Basket) and Gabinski added 10. Joe McNaull (208-C-72, agency: SportsTalent, college: Long Beach St.) ended up with 15 points in defeat, while Fred Drains (195-F-71, college: Kean) nailed 12 and Gervin had 8.
Anwil Wloclawek opened the game offensively and took 21:16 lead after the first 10 minutes of the game. They increased their lead to 16 points finishing the first half. A 27:16 in it brought them 48:32 advantage.
Norrkoping Dolphins did not come back fresh from the lockers and scored only 6 points in the third period. The Swedish side tried hard but could play better only in the last period. In that quarter they lost 14:17 but looked better in comparison with the third.
In another game of the day SPEC Polonia Warsaw used 23:10 in the second period to seal the 74:70 win in the opener over BK Ventspils.

Anwil: Ian Boylan 14, Miller 14, Stipe Modric 13, Henderson 13, Marko Brkic 10, Gabinski 10, Woloszyn 8, Koszarek 5, Janik 2
Norrkoping: Joe McNaull 15, Fred Drains 12, Gervin 8, Bergstrm 7, Cipriano 4, Saks 3, Riipinen 3

Sweden breeze past Ireland at home - by Eurobasket News
Sweden - Ireland 82:63

Joakim Blom (211-C-76, agency: Court Side) scored 19 points to pace balanced Swedish team to an overwhelming win over visiting Ireland at the start of the EuroBasket in Division B tournament. Jonas Jerebko (206-F-87) tallied 16 points and 10 rebounds for the winners as they climbed on top of Group C. The teams started the game evenly but 8 points from Mikael Lindqvist (193-G-83, agency: Court Side) gave the hosts a 15:8 lead midway through the opening stanza. Inan capped the frame with a three-pointer and Sweden led 18:11 after ten minutes of play. Ireland however opened the second frame with a 7:0 rally and tied the scoreline. Sweden found their first basket with almost 5 minutes gone in the quarter however managed to secure the lead at halftime 29:28. Sweden rushed ahead early in the third frame as they poured in 10 points in a row. Chris Bracey (198-F-80, college: W.Texas A&M) cut the deficit to 5 points late in the quarter but Sweden persisted and secured a 6-point margin before the fourth term. Kjellbom and Nystrom widened the damage and Sweden maintained the distance throughout the fourth quarter. They did not allow their opponets to get closer than 9 points in the reminder of the contest.
Mikael Lindqvist contributed 13 points for the winners. Chris Bracey answered with 18 points and 6 rebounds for Irish team. Donnie McGrath (193-G-84, college: Providence) added 17 points in defeat.
Sweden will next take on Slovak Republic on Wednesday. Ireland will host Georgia the same day.

Sweden: Joakim Blom 19, Jonas Jerebko 16+10 boards, Mikael Lindqvist 13
Ireland: Chris Bracey 18, Donnie McGrath 17

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  SWITZERLAND   


Switzerland eke out win over Albania - by Eurobasket News
Switzerland - Albania 91:79

Swiss National Team got to a winning start of their Eurobasket in Division B campaign. They held off Albania in Lugano to jump on top of Group B.
The teams entered the game bravely and traded baskets throughout the opening frame. They kept it close before Warner Nattiel (184-G-82) and Derek Stockalper (196-G/F-84, college: Cal Poly - SLO) fired from downtown to give the hosts a 27:22 lead. However 11 points early in the second period allowed Albania to draw things level at 35. Endrit Hysenagolli (-88) and Shima capped the first half with back-to-back baskets to seal Albania's lead at 48:44 at halftime. Vladimir Buscaglia (197-G-80, college: American) opened the second half with 5 straight points to ignite a 13:2 rally from the hosts as they retained the lead. Dusan Mladjan (199-G-86, agency: Interperformances) and Thomas Studer (198-F-84) gave Switzerland a 71:60 advantage with a quarter to go in the game. Vildan Mitku (200-F-83) nailed 5 points early in the fourth term to keep Albania in the race. But treys from Vladimir Buscaglia and Dusan Mladjan gave the hosts some breathing space and they never allowed Albania to come close enough for a strike. Dusan Mladjan topscored with 30 points for Switzerland. Vladimir Buscaglia added 19 points for the winners. Vildan Mitku answered with 22 points and 8 rebounds for Albania. Endrit Hysenagolli notched 19 points and 13 boards in defeat.
Switzerland will next face Cyprus, while Albania will have a bye round on Wednesday.

Switzerland: Dusan Mladjan 30, Vladimir Buscaglia 19, Patrick Zwahlen (195-G/F-82, college: Cleveland St. CC) 9
Albania: Vildan Mitku 22, Endrit Hysenagolli 19+13 boards

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  TUNISIA   


National Team - by Carlos Pereira
The national team is in preparation for a tournament in Turkey du 22 to 25 Septembre.
After de tournament in Portugal, this are tournoi have the national team of Tunisia, Jordan, Qatar, two team from Russia and two other from Turkey.

De 17 players are:
Lahmar(CA), Ezzahi(CA),
Mohamed Hdidane(SN), Bechir Hdidane(SN), Rezig(SN), Kanoui(SN),
Laghnej(JSK), Maoua(JSK),
Ghayaza(ESR),
Bra(ESS), Mouhli(ESS), Mjri(ESS)
Maghrebi(USMo),Manna(USMo)
Ben Zekri(EZS),
Dhifallah(Egypt)
Kechrid.

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


Turkey remained the undefeated team - by Eurobasket News
Belgium-Turkey 63:78

Turkey became the only undefeated team in Group C of the EuroBasket 2009 qualification. The team had a road victory over Belgium 63:78 to top the group with 2-0. Ersan Ilyasova (207-F-87) paced all the winners with 21 points and 9 rebounds. Ender Arslan (190-G-83) netted 20, while Hidayet Turkoglu (206-F-79) posted 12. Christophe Beghin (207-F-80, agency: Court Side) collected 19 points and 10 rebounds in defeat, while Van Rossom added 11.
The beginning of the game was strange as after Turkey scored first points it took more than 4 minutes for the teams to score again. Driesen tied the margin for 2:2 with 5 minutes to go! The teams improved the scoring skills and Ender Arslan gave Turkey 15:13 after the first. Belgium played even in the second quarter, but Turkey pushed the tempo only in the end of it. Again Ender Arslan sent the teams to the lockers for 28:36.
Driesen gave Belgium 43:42 lead in the third period and the first for his team in the game. Turkey bounced back and again Ender Arslan scored last in the period for 49:54. With 24:14 the favorites finished the last stanza taking another win from the group.
In another game of the group Ukrainian National team shocked France in Kiev beating them 78:77. The second round of European Champion qualifiers tied both teams at 1-1. The key factor for the hosts was terrific long-range shooting display as Ukraine made 10/19 three-pointers.


Belgium: Christophe Beghin 19+10 rebs, Van Rossom 11
Turkey: Ersan Ilyasova 21+9 rebs, Ender Arslan 20, Hidayet Turkoglu 12

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  UBL   


UBL OWNERS MEETING SAT. 9/13/2008 - by Ozzie Denson

The UBL will have its Owners Meeting this coming Saturday 9/13/08. It you are interested in Owning an UBL Team please call Mr. Ozzie V.Denson 972-781-8120
Please visit our site at www.ublhoops.com or www.ublwranglers.com. The meeting will start at 9:00 am at the Motel 6 conference room in Addison Texas. The address
to Motel 6 is 4325 Beltline Rd Addison Texas 75001. Make your reservation by calling 972-386-4577. I will see you there.
Coach Ozzie Denson CEO (UBL)
United Basketball League
www.ublhoops.com
www.ublwranglers.com

TEAM UBL



UBL TRYOUTS STARTS OCTOBER 1, 2008 - by Ozzie Denson
The United Basket Basketball will starts having teams Tryouts Oct 1, 2008. If you are interested in playing professional basketball , The UBL is waiting for you. Please contact Coach Ozzie Denson or the UBL Teams Owners . This year the UBL will take basketball to a higher level. Call coach Denson at 972-781-8120 or email at ozzie@ublwranglers. Please visit our site at www.ublhoops.com or www.ublwrangles.com



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


Ukraine Train too fast for Parker - by Eurobasket News
Ukraine-France 78:77

Ukrainian National team shocked France in Kiev beating them 78:77. The second round of European Champion qualifiers tied both teams at 1-1. The key factor for the hosts was terrific long-range shooting display as Ukraine made 10/19 three-pointers. Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) led the winners with 18 points. Rostyslav Kryvych (198-F/G-78) netted 15 and Oleksandr Kolchenko (198-F/G-88) scored 12. Tony Parker (183-G-80) shined with 30 points and 4 rebounds, while Ronny Turiaf (208-C/F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: Gonzaga) added 19.
Kravtsov opened the scoring account for the hosts as 2500 fans started to support Ukraine. France did not mind playing abroad and won the opening tip 25:19 as Tony Parker nailed from the arc. Onufriyev tied the score for his team at 31:31 and Oleksandr Kolchenko brought the 37:35 lead. After 20:15 Frnace still had 40:39 advantage at the halftime.
In the third period France replied with the same 20:15 and had 60:54 when Soliman made a jump-shot.
Oleksandr Kolchenko struck to tie the game at 66:66, and after Tony Parker buried a jumper, Andriy Agafonov drilled a three to put the Ukrainians on top for the first time in the final period with three minutes to go. Serhiy Lishchuk followed with a trey to make it 75:73 with one minute on the board. With 3 seconds to go Tony Parker went to the free throw line with 78:75. He made both of them but could only close to 78:77 as Ukraine Train gains the speed.

Ukraine: Serhiy Lishchuk 18, Rostyslav Kryvych 15, Oleksandr Kolchenko 12
France: Tony Parker 30+4 rebs, Ronny Turiaf 19

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  UNITED KINGDOM   


Reinking too good from behind the arc - by Eurobasket News
Great Britain- Czech Republic 87:68

Great Britain celebrated the initial win in EuroBasket qualifying Group D play. The team tied at 1-1 after the victory over Czech Republic 87:68. Nate Reinking (183-G-73, college: Kent St.) led the winners with 22 points drilling four of seven shots from behind the arc. Luol Deng (201-F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: Duke) followed him with 21, while Mensah-Bonsu collected 13 points and 16 rebounds. Jiri Welsch (198-F-80) top-scored in defeat with 17 points, while Jiri Hubalek (209-C-82, agency: Interperformances) and Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) added 10 apiece.
O2 Arena in London realized the importance of the game and the local team had a great support from the fans. After 6:4 the hosts created 13-0 run for 19:4 lead. Sullivan made it 24:10 at the end of the first quarter. The tempo of the game had slowed down in the second period and remained Brits in front 37:23 at half-time.
Midgley brought his team to 53:33 and then Sullivans lay-up showed 55:35. Jiri Welsch closed the third period as Great Britain was leading over Czech Republic 55:37. With no chances for the win the guests started to play better and even paid less attention to defense. The last period became more offensive as the teams nailed 64 points together. Great Britain enjoyed 87:68 win over Czech Republic and tied them in the group.


Great Britain: Nate Reinking 22, Luol Deng 21, Mensah-Bonsu 13+16 rebs
Czech Republic: Jiri Welsch 17, Jiri Hubalek 10, Petr Benda 10

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  URUGUAY   


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


JR Morris scored a 43 points record - by Hector Lopez
JR Morris (196-G-82, college: Seton Hall) scored 43 points, a record for the LUB 2008, leading Welcome to win its first game of the season, over Hebraica Macabi 111-96, after three defeats. Brad Kanis (218-C-84) helped his teammate with 14 points and 8 rebounds. For Hebraica Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) netted 25 and grabbed 15 rebounds, while Corey Smith (196-G/F, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Vanderbilt) added 21 points and 9 rebounds. The results for the 4th round were: (incluidign import players)
Malvin 79 - Jarrett Stephens (200-F/C-77, agency: Duran International, college: Penn St.) 14 and 7, Anthony Washington (206-F/C-83, agency: Duran International, college: Portland St.) 8 and 3
Sayago 75 - Brandon Hassell (209-F-86, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Penn St.) 11 and 13, Charles Burgess (188-G) 7 and 3
- - -
Bohemios 71 - Anthony Rice (193-G-83, college: Memphis) 13 points and Albert Burditt (203-F-72, college: Texas) 17 and 8
UnioN Atletica 67 - Tarrie Monroe (202-F-77, agency: R.H.Consultancy, college: Lewis) 24 and 9, Jemino Sobers (201-F-84, college: Cent.Conn.St.) 11, 6 and 2 blocks
- - -
Atenas 94 - Darryl Dora (206-F-85, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Texas Tech) 20 and 9, Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) 6 and 3
Olimppia 83 - Reque Newsome (203-C-82, college: S.Indiana) 6 and 3, Eric Freeman (205-C-79, college: Ky Wesleyan) 18 and 9
- - -
Defensor Sporting 96 - Brian Woodward (191-G-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Rhode Island) 31 and 12, Chris Jackson (208-C-81, college: N.Mexico St.) 19 and 11
Tabare - Clarence Matthews (201-F-82, agency: 22ft, college: Tennessee St.) 28 and 17, Ryan Blankson 14 and 13
- - -
Paysandu 92 - Austin Montgomery (196-G, college: Bowling Green) 20 and 1, Jeffrey Ferguson (210-F/C-81, agency: CGL Sports, college: Wayne St., MI) 17 and 6
Bigua 88 - Charles Thomas 22 and 12
- - -
Trouville 96 - Levi Stukes (188-G-84) 30 Jemere Hendrix (203-F-83, college: Tennessee) 6
Cordon 85 - 'Pop' Thornton (201-F-74, college: W.Kentucky) 21 Sam Carey (203-C, agency: Passing Lane) 6

*****************************************************
  VENEZUELA   


Venezuelans had awesome debut in Mexico's LNBP - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Seven of nine Venezuelan players in Mexico's Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP) debuted with good numbers for their respective teams, led by forward Hernan Salcedo (198-F-80), of Angeles de Puebla, who won the Most Valuable Player award in Venezuela's LPB.

Salcedo netted 24 points, with 5 assists, 2 steals and 3 rebounds in a victory of Puebla over Pioneros de Quintana Roo, 85-82. His new teammate Juan Jose Bravo (200-C-80), who was also his teammate in Gaiteros del Zulia, played for the first time in an international league and did so in a great way, as he scored 10 points, grabbed 11 rebounds and gave 2 assists in 30 minutes. Two former players of Venezuela's LPB were in Quintana Roo's roster. They were Jason Edwin (196-G/F-81) and Taliek Brown (186-G-82).

Meanwhile, Alejandro Barrios (205-F-79) and Luis Bethelmi (200-C-86) scored 17 and 16 points, but Lobos UAC de Saltillo could not take better advantage of their production and lost against Lobos Grises de Durango, 97-68.

Roque Osorio (206-C-76) and Johnathan Polanco (190-G-82) had the same luck, as Venados de Nuevo Laredo lost in extra time against Potros de Ciudad Obregon, 106-104. Osorio scored 18 points and was the best player for Venados, while Polanco helped offensively, though he was not among those who scored over 10 points.

Pedro Brito (202-F/C-82), of Panteras de Aguascalientes, had a modest contribution of 4 points and 6 rebounds in his team's victory, 70-67, over Halcones Rojos de Veracruz. The other two Venezuelans in this league are Tomas Aguilera (198-F-77) and Jose Vargas (196-G/F-82), of Fuerza Regia de Monterrey, whom are scheduled to play on Sunday for the first time against Soles de Mexicali.

Roque as Rock - by Wolfgang Lucena
The Venezuelan center Roque Osorio (206-C-76, college: Fairleigh Dickinson) couldn't avoid with his 21 points and 8 rebounds that Potros of Obregon City defeated in over time his Venados de Nuevo Laredo, 106-104.
Roque showed to the more than fifteen hundreds fanatics on his home court that he is ready to take care of Venados de Nuevo Laredo. Roque Osorio was helped by the also Venezuelan Johnathan Polanco (190-G-82) with 11 points, 7 assist, 4 rebounds and 2 steals; followed by Michael Gale (193-G-82, college: Centenary) and Keith Gayden (202-F-83, college: Duquesne).



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Women News

*****************************************************
  BARBADOS - Women  


Cavs draw first blood - by Justin Marville


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


Belgium edges Bulgaria in Liege - by Eurobasket News
Belgium-Bulgaria 87:60

Belgium overcame Bulgaria in the game for the second win in Group D of European Championship qualifiers. A 25:10 in the last stanza were too much for the visitors that lost 87:60. Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85) and Evelien Callens (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management) led the way with 17 points apiece. Van Malderen followed them with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Tanya Chirov (180-F-81) finished the night with 14 points in defeat, while Albena Branzova (192-F/C-71) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Belgians improved to 2-2 in Group D while dropping the Bulgarians to 1-3.
Bulgaria was mostly in front in the opening tip until 11:12 when Albena Branzova made the second free throw. Belgium bounced back immediately and had 25:18 entering the second period as Carpreaux closed first with a lay-up. Slavova tied the game for the visitors at 30:30. A Kathy Wambe lay-up then sparked a 10-0 run that put Belgium in front for good this time. The hosts went to the changing rooms leading 41:31 and they went in front by as many as 13 in the third quarter. Leemans however closed the third at 62:50 for the hosts. De Mondt's three made it plus 15 ad then her three pointers again saw Belgians with plus 21. A 25:10 in the period brought the second win for the hosts and the third upset for the visitors.

Belgium: Stephanie Dubuc 17, Evelien Callens 17, Van Malderen 13
Bulgaria: Tanya Chirov 14, Albena Branzova 12+10 rebs

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  BOSNIA - Women  


Italy defeats Bosnia and Herzegovina in Schio - by Eurobasket News
Italy- Bosnia and Herzegovina 75:49

Italy easily overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday at home. The EuroBasket Women qualifying saw the hosts taking 75:49 victory to improve to 4-3 record. Kathrin Ress (193-F-85, college: Boston Coll.) led the winners with 19 points and 4 rebounds. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) netted 14, while Eva Giauro (204-C-86) scored 8. Biljana Savic (190-C-83) finished the night with 14 points and Aida Pilav (187-C-87) posted 10. Bosnia and Herzegovina fell at 1-5 but has a chance to leave the last position in the group.
Biljana Savic and Bejtic scored for 4:0 as Bosnia and Herzegovina won the opening tip of the game. Trailing in the whole period Italy was managed to grab the lead at the end of the first quarter, 14:13. In the second quarter Italy looked too good and opened it with 8-0 run. Kathrin Ress made it 41:21 as the teams went to the lockers.
It was difficult for the visitors to change something in the game. The margin balanced between 15-20 points throughout the whole quarter. Deura made a lay-up for 61:44 at the end of the third period. In the last quarter Italy played more defensively and allowed the guests to score only 5 points. Kathrin Ress set up the final, 75:49 score as Italians are third in the group with 4-3 record.

Italy: Kathrin Ress 19, Simona Ballardini 14, Eva Giauro 8
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Biljana Savic 14, Aida Pilav 10

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


Belgium edges Bulgaria in Liege - by Eurobasket News
Belgium-Bulgaria 87:60

Belgium overcame Bulgaria in the game for the second win in Group D of European Championship qualifiers. A 25:10 in the last stanza were too much for the visitors that lost 87:60. Stephanie Dubuc (175-F/G-85) and Evelien Callens (188-F/C-84, agency: LBM Management) led the way with 17 points apiece. Van Malderen followed them with 13 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists. Tanya Chirov (180-F-81) finished the night with 14 points in defeat, while Albena Branzova (192-F/C-71) collected 12 points and 10 rebounds. The Belgians improved to 2-2 in Group D while dropping the Bulgarians to 1-3.
Bulgaria was mostly in front in the opening tip until 11:12 when Albena Branzova made the second free throw. Belgium bounced back immediately and had 25:18 entering the second period as Carpreaux closed first with a lay-up. Slavova tied the game for the visitors at 30:30. A Kathy Wambe lay-up then sparked a 10-0 run that put Belgium in front for good this time. The hosts went to the changing rooms leading 41:31 and they went in front by as many as 13 in the third quarter. Leemans however closed the third at 62:50 for the hosts. De Mondt's three made it plus 15 ad then her three pointers again saw Belgians with plus 21. A 25:10 in the period brought the second win for the hosts and the third upset for the visitors.

Belgium: Stephanie Dubuc 17, Evelien Callens 17, Van Malderen 13
Bulgaria: Tanya Chirov 14, Albena Branzova 12+10 rebs

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Standings Div.A (Women)
Standings
Group A
1. Israel5-1
2. Lithuania5-2
3. Ukraine4-3
4. U.Kingdom1-5
5. Germany1-5
Group B
1. Poland5-1
2. Turkey5-1
3. Italy4-3
4. Bosnia1-5
5. Finland1-6
Group C
1. France6-1
2. Slovakia4-3
3. Hungary3-3
4. Croatia2-4
5. Romania1-5
Group D
1. Greece3-1
2. Serbia2-2
3. Belgium2-2
4. Bulgaria1-3


*****************************************************
  FINLAND - Women  


Turkey ties Poland after a victory over Finland - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Finland 76:42

Turkey National team improved to 5-1 in Group B of European Championship and tied Poland there. Turkey destroyed Finland 76:42 with great offensive and defensive styles. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) led the winners with 11 points and 4 rebounds, while Sariye Gokce (176-F-79) and Naile Ivegin (186-F/C-85) added 10 each. Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) top-scored in defeat with 14 points, while Tiina Sten (185-G/F-85) scored 10.
Naile Ivegin got the scoring started for Turkey with a jump hook that finished a long offense. Tiina Sten then sparked Finland with a floating layup but Yigit added a driving basket for a 4:2. Turkey was too good in the opening quarter taking 23:6 at the end of it. Karsli made it 35:9 and it became clear at that time that Finland would not catch up. Horasan scored for 42:16 as the teams left the court for the break.
Both teams struggled to score after the break, as Turkey kept trying to collect steals by covering the passing lines. Finland even struggled to get shots now but Esmeral Tuncluer stepped into the void with a jump hook. Turkey was not slowing the game tempo to maximize its options. The team produced 21:16 to finish the third period at 63:32. In the end of the game the teams just were killing the time and as a result the score in the last period was 13:10. Sario made a lay-up for the visitors to set up 76:42 score.

Turkey: Esmeral Tuncluer 11, Sariye Gokce 10, Naile Ivegin 10
Finland: Niina Laaksonen 14, Tiina Sten 10

SM-SARJA: Three in a row for PeKa and Freeman? - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Take Shanika Freeman (183-F/C-83, college: Jacksonville St.) on the roster and win the Championship! PeKa (Kotka) has done so twice and been Finnish Champion 2007 and 2008. Freeman will start soon her third season in Finland and is again on PeKa's roster. There is a new Head Coach anyway, as Seppo Kurki quit coaching
and Larry Pounds took the job for himself. There are also two new American players, as Sherida Triggs (185-F-85, college: ODU) and Carithia Rivers (173-G-82, college: N.Carolina St.) have appeared at PeKa's practices. Triggs played last season in Germany (SV Halle,13,0 ppg - 9,4 rpg) and Rivers last time in Poland (Leszno, 8,5 ppg)

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


France clinches a place in next year's EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News
France-Hungary 68:64 OT

France deserved a place in next year's EuroBasket after winning Group C of the qualifier. The favorites needed overtime to outscore Hungary that looked also great in the game. Bourges and 2000 spectators saw 68:64 win of the local team that improved to 6-1 in the group. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) and Emmeline Ndongue (192-F-83) led the winners with 12 points apiece. Yacoubou-Dehoui collected 11 points and 11 boards in the winning effort. Nora Bujdoso (188-F-85) top-scored in defeat with 17 points, while Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Hungary slumped to 3-3 and they finish with games against Romania and Croatia.
Hungary needed a win more than France as they struggle for the second position. That is why the opening tip of the game belonged to them. Englert made it 8:10 with less than 5 minutes in the first period. Only at that time France woke up and finished the first at 16:12 as Nora Bujdoso made a jump-shot. France increased to 34:24 at the halftime when Fegyverneky was the last to score at the half.
Hungary began to catch up with the opponent in the second half and had 17:15 in the third for 49:41. Yacoubou-Dehoui refused the guests to reduce and made it 56:46 with 6.22 to go. Hungary mounted in 10-0 run at that time and tied at 56:56. Miyem's free throw sent the teams to the overtime as the score was 58:58 in the end of the regulation time. After Anna Vajda scored for 64:64, France posted 4 more points to seal the 6th win in the group.

France: Celine Dumerc 12+10 rebs, Emmeline Ndongue 12, Yacoubou-Dehoui 11+11 rebs
Hungary: Nora Bujdoso 17, Anna Vajda 13+14 rebs

*****************************************************
  FYR MACEDONIA - Women  


FYR Macedonia demolishes Portugal in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia- Portugal 85:48

FYR Macedonia celebrated the first win in European Championship qualifier beating Portugal at home. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory with an easy start of the local team. Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 23 points. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) nailed 13, while Pero Blazevski (200-C-72, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Pero AntiK (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) had 10 each. Elvis Evora (205-C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza) top-scored in defeat with 15 points and Paulo Cunha (199-G/F-80) added 9.
FYR Macedonia spurt a 6-0 run to grab the control of the opening quarter. They had no difficulties scoring basket after basket and had 18 points advantage at the end of it. Vrbica Stefanov closed the first period at 22:4 for the hosts. By half-time, the lead was 44:24 and any hopes Lopez had of his team making the encounter interesting in the second half died in the third quarter. Vrbica Stefanov made the score 46:24 and then Pero Blazevski scored for 59:33. The hosts won the third period as well and had 71:38 at the end of it. The last period looked to be more defensive as the teams mostly were killing the time. FYR Macedonia won it anyway 14:10 that gave them 85:48 as a total. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory as FYR Macedonia improved to 1-1 record.

FYR Macedonia: Vrbica Stefanov 23, Riste Stefanov 13, Pero Blazevski 10, Pero AntiK 10
Portugal: Elvis Evora 15, Paulo Cunha 9

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


Germany celebrates the initial win - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Ukraine 74:65

Germany celebrated the first win in EuroBasket Women Qualifying Group A. It took them six games to taste the initial victory last night in Berlin. A great first half propelled them over Ukraine 74:65. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) led the winners with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) nailed 14 and Cornelia Janzon (192-F/C-81) had 10. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 22 points, while Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) added 12.
Although Olexandra Gorbunova opened the scoring account for both teams, Germany used a 7-0 to take the 7:2 lead. Germany set the tone early by outscoring Ukraine 22:13 in the opening quarter. The hosts played better in the second and with another 19:13 had 15-point advantage. Kozachenko closed the half at 41:26 as the teams went to the lockers.
Ukraina tried to stay within 10 points, but had difficulties in the third period. After Zherzherunova scored for 44:34, Bavendam made 57:39 with 3 minutes in the third. Zherzherunova brought 60:46 at the end of the third period. A Anne Breitreiner lay-up then stretched the advantage to 65:46 with 7 minutes remaining in the game. At that time Ukraine had no power to compete, even though the team had to win that game. The guests reduced a bit and finished the game with 74:65 for the Germans.


Germany: Anne Breitreiner 23+7 rebs, Dorothea Richter 14, Cornelia Janzon 10
Ukraine: Olexandra Gorbunova 22, Olena Ogorodnikova 12

Mercedez Walker from Halle to Denmark - by Moritz Korff
Mercedez Walker (191-C-85) has found a new home in Denmark. The 22-year-old inked a contract with Dameliga-club Horsens BC, where former German junior-international Maike Mocikat (159-G-85, college: S.New Hampshire) played in this past season. Walker, a Fairleigh Dickinson graduate, had a short stint at DBBL's SV Halle earlier this pre-season, but was not the kind of player coach Peter Kortmann was looking for. She averaged 4.4 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2 blocked shots for the Knights in her final season of college basketball.

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  GREECE - Women  


Serbia hands Greece the first loss - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Serbia 61:64

Serbia handed Greece the first loss and made it away from home in Glyfada. An outstanding game from both teams remained interesting until the last minutes. Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) led the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds for 64:61 victory. Marija Eric (164-G-83) netted 13 and Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) posted 10. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) top-scored in the losing effort with 21 points and Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) added 17. Greece still lead Group D with a 3-1 record while Belgium and Serbia are both 2-2.
Serbia was in front of the opening quarter for the majority of time but Greece mounted in a 8-0 run for 14:11 lead. Papamichail increased the hosts lead to 10 points at 25:15. Serbia managed to catch up with the opponent and the teams left the court for the break at 28:26. Trailing 2 points at half-time, the visitors outscored Greece 20-12 over the next ten minutes to take the lead for good. Dimitra Kalentzou was the last to score at the end of the third period for 40:46. Honestly Serbia deserved the win more than the hosts and they proved it leading the last period for the whole time. Ines Kresovic made it 52:61 with only 37 seconds left. Greece however did not give up and everything they could do was to stay closer at 61:64.

Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 21, Dimitra Kalentzou 17
Serbia: Ines Kresovic 19+5 rebs, Marija Eric 13, Jelena Milovanovic 10

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  HUNGARY - Women  


France clinches a place in next year's EuroBasket - by Eurobasket News
France-Hungary 68:64 OT

France deserved a place in next year's EuroBasket after winning Group C of the qualifier. The favorites needed overtime to outscore Hungary that looked also great in the game. Bourges and 2000 spectators saw 68:64 win of the local team that improved to 6-1 in the group. Celine Dumerc (169-G-82) and Emmeline Ndongue (192-F-83) led the winners with 12 points apiece. Yacoubou-Dehoui collected 11 points and 11 boards in the winning effort. Nora Bujdoso (188-F-85) top-scored in defeat with 17 points, while Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) had 13 points and 14 rebounds. Hungary slumped to 3-3 and they finish with games against Romania and Croatia.
Hungary needed a win more than France as they struggle for the second position. That is why the opening tip of the game belonged to them. Englert made it 8:10 with less than 5 minutes in the first period. Only at that time France woke up and finished the first at 16:12 as Nora Bujdoso made a jump-shot. France increased to 34:24 at the halftime when Fegyverneky was the last to score at the half.
Hungary began to catch up with the opponent in the second half and had 17:15 in the third for 49:41. Yacoubou-Dehoui refused the guests to reduce and made it 56:46 with 6.22 to go. Hungary mounted in 10-0 run at that time and tied at 56:56. Miyem's free throw sent the teams to the overtime as the score was 58:58 in the end of the regulation time. After Anna Vajda scored for 64:64, France posted 4 more points to seal the 6th win in the group.

France: Celine Dumerc 12+10 rebs, Emmeline Ndongue 12, Yacoubou-Dehoui 11+11 rebs
Hungary: Nora Bujdoso 17, Anna Vajda 13+14 rebs

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  ICELAND - Women  


Ireland stay in race for Division A spot - by Eurobasket News
Ireland - Iceland 68:59

Irish National Team secured a tough win over visiting Iceland to remain to hopeful about their chances in the Division A spot hunt. They improved to 3-1 record in Group A, while the loss dropped Iceland to 1-3.
The teams entered the game cautiously with neither side rushing the things. However 5 points from Niamh Dwyer (176-G-82, college: Monmouth) allowed the hosts to pile up a 24:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The visitors however kept it close as their main weapon started to work. Three-pointers from Petrunella Skuladottir and Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir (178-F-85) drew things level at 28. Soon a 6:1 run from Iceland put them in charge 38:34. They secured a 40:37 advantage at halftime. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir (170-G-87) opened the third frame with a treble to open a 6-point lead for Iceland. However the home team found the way to recover and Michelle Aspell (168-G) and Moran closed the period with 5 straight points to propel Ireland to a 55:52 advantage. Michelle Fahy (-82) and Clancy ignited an 8:0 rally from Ireland midway through the fourth quarter and the hosts cleared off to a 10-point distance. Iceland failed to come any closer and lost the game. Moran finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds for Ireland. Michelle Aspell and Michelle Fahy added 12 points apiece for the winners. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir answered with 15 points for Iceland. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-G-88) delivered 12 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Ireland: Sarah Moran 17, Michelle Aspell 12, Michelle Fahy 12
Iceland: Palina Gunnlaugsdottir 15, Helena Sverrisdottir 12

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  IRELAND - Women  


Ireland stay in race for Division A spot - by Eurobasket News
Ireland - Iceland 68:59

Irish National Team secured a tough win over visiting Iceland to remain to hopeful about their chances in the Division A spot hunt. They improved to 3-1 record in Group A, while the loss dropped Iceland to 1-3.
The teams entered the game cautiously with neither side rushing the things. However 5 points from Niamh Dwyer (176-G-82, college: Monmouth) allowed the hosts to pile up a 24:18 lead after ten minutes of action. The visitors however kept it close as their main weapon started to work. Three-pointers from Petrunella Skuladottir and Kristrun Sigurjonsdottir (178-F-85) drew things level at 28. Soon a 6:1 run from Iceland put them in charge 38:34. They secured a 40:37 advantage at halftime. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir (170-G-87) opened the third frame with a treble to open a 6-point lead for Iceland. However the home team found the way to recover and Michelle Aspell (168-G) and Moran closed the period with 5 straight points to propel Ireland to a 55:52 advantage. Michelle Fahy (-82) and Clancy ignited an 8:0 rally from Ireland midway through the fourth quarter and the hosts cleared off to a 10-point distance. Iceland failed to come any closer and lost the game. Moran finished with 17 points and 8 rebounds for Ireland. Michelle Aspell and Michelle Fahy added 12 points apiece for the winners. Palina Gunnlaugsdottir answered with 15 points for Iceland. Helena Sverrisdottir (185-G-88) delivered 12 points and 9 rebounds in defeat.

Ireland: Sarah Moran 17, Michelle Aspell 12, Michelle Fahy 12
Iceland: Palina Gunnlaugsdottir 15, Helena Sverrisdottir 12

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  ITALY - Women  


Italy defeats Bosnia and Herzegovina in Schio - by Eurobasket News
Italy- Bosnia and Herzegovina 75:49

Italy easily overcame Bosnia and Herzegovina on Saturday at home. The EuroBasket Women qualifying saw the hosts taking 75:49 victory to improve to 4-3 record. Kathrin Ress (193-F-85, college: Boston Coll.) led the winners with 19 points and 4 rebounds. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) netted 14, while Eva Giauro (204-C-86) scored 8. Biljana Savic (190-C-83) finished the night with 14 points and Aida Pilav (187-C-87) posted 10. Bosnia and Herzegovina fell at 1-5 but has a chance to leave the last position in the group.
Biljana Savic and Bejtic scored for 4:0 as Bosnia and Herzegovina won the opening tip of the game. Trailing in the whole period Italy was managed to grab the lead at the end of the first quarter, 14:13. In the second quarter Italy looked too good and opened it with 8-0 run. Kathrin Ress made it 41:21 as the teams went to the lockers.
It was difficult for the visitors to change something in the game. The margin balanced between 15-20 points throughout the whole quarter. Deura made a lay-up for 61:44 at the end of the third period. In the last quarter Italy played more defensively and allowed the guests to score only 5 points. Kathrin Ress set up the final, 75:49 score as Italians are third in the group with 4-3 record.

Italy: Kathrin Ress 19, Simona Ballardini 14, Eva Giauro 8
Bosnia and Herzegovina: Biljana Savic 14, Aida Pilav 10

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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Valuzyte paces Baltic team over the Brits - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania-Great Britain 76:68

Lithuania moves to the top of the group after a home win over Great Britain in Group A of EuroBasket Women qualifying on Saturday. Trailing 19:22 after the opening quarter the Baltic side burst a 20:6 run in the third period. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) led the winners with 24 points and 4 rebounds. Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) netted 18, while Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) and Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) added 12 apiece. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) collected 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87) posted 17.
Egle Stakneviciene scored first 4 points in the game to give her team an opening success. Johannah Leedham tied the game at 15:15 and then Handy finished 9-0 run of her team in the end of the period. Jones closed the quarter at 22:19 for the Brits. Unbelievable second quarter kept the teams together 6 times! The score was also even after the first half, 40:40. The game was knotted at 42:42 early in the third quarter when two Sandra Valuzyte free throws started a 13-0 run for the Lithuanians. It was a part of 20-6 win in the third period. Sandra Valuzyte was the last to score in the third for 60:46. In the last stanza Great Britain could only reduce to 6 points with 1 minute to go. Again Sandra Valuzyte made the final, 76:68 win.


Lithuania: Sandra Valuzyte 24+4 rebs, Egle Stakneviciene 18, Rima Valentiene 12, Gintare Petronyte 12
Great Britain: Kim Butler 18+10 rebs, Johannah Leedham 17

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  PORTUGAL - Women  


FYR Macedonia demolishes Portugal in Skopje - by Eurobasket News
FYR Macedonia- Portugal 85:48

FYR Macedonia celebrated the first win in European Championship qualifier beating Portugal at home. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory with an easy start of the local team. Vrbica Stefanov (188-G-73, agency: Interperformances) led the winners with 23 points. Riste Stefanov (198-G-83, agency: Interperformances) nailed 13, while Pero Blazevski (200-C-72, agency: Global Sports Plaza) and Pero AntiK (210-F-82, agency: Interperformances) had 10 each. Elvis Evora (205-C-78, agency: Global Sports Plaza) top-scored in defeat with 15 points and Paulo Cunha (199-G/F-80) added 9.
FYR Macedonia spurt a 6-0 run to grab the control of the opening quarter. They had no difficulties scoring basket after basket and had 18 points advantage at the end of it. Vrbica Stefanov closed the first period at 22:4 for the hosts. By half-time, the lead was 44:24 and any hopes Lopez had of his team making the encounter interesting in the second half died in the third quarter. Vrbica Stefanov made the score 46:24 and then Pero Blazevski scored for 59:33. The hosts won the third period as well and had 71:38 at the end of it. The last period looked to be more defensive as the teams mostly were killing the time. FYR Macedonia won it anyway 14:10 that gave them 85:48 as a total. Skopje enjoyed 85:48 victory as FYR Macedonia improved to 1-1 record.

FYR Macedonia: Vrbica Stefanov 23, Riste Stefanov 13, Pero Blazevski 10, Pero AntiK 10
Portugal: Elvis Evora 15, Paulo Cunha 9

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  ROMANIA - Women  


Zirkova buries Romania in Arad - by Eurobasket News
Romania-Slovak Republic 67:83

After Slovak Republic created an upset for the favorite of Group C beating France at home, they were the favorites against Romania. Arad saw another loss of the local team with 67:83 to Slovak Republic. The latter managed to win all the quarters to improve to 4-3 record. Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) was unstoppable with 30 points and 5 rebounds. Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) nailed 13, while Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) collected 6 points and 7 rebounds. Romania fell at 1-5 and remains on the bottom.
The Romanians held a 12:9 advantage almost four minutes into the contest after two free throws from center Bianca Vescan (186-C-78). The hosts tried hard but lost the opening period 21:23. Ruzickova finished the guests 7-0 run for 33:22. Lucia Laskova's three was the last at the first half as Slovak Republic had 42:34.
In the third quarter the visitors led 10-15 points throughout the period. Ardeleanu brought the hosts back to 44:54 but then Anna Jurcenkova led to 46:62. Bianca Vescan made it 48:62 as the teams finished thirty minutes of the game. In the last period Romania could not closer than to 12 points. Moreover Anna Jurcenkova nailed another two for plus 20 with less than 7 minutes to go. Orosz set up the final, 67:83 score as Slovak Republic remains second in the group.

Romania: Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) 19+12 rebs, Bianca Vescan 15
Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova 30+5 rebs, Anna Jurcenkova 13, Lucia Laskova 6+7 rebs

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  SERBIA - Women  


Serbia hands Greece the first loss - by Eurobasket News
Greece-Serbia 61:64

Serbia handed Greece the first loss and made it away from home in Glyfada. An outstanding game from both teams remained interesting until the last minutes. Ines Kresovic (182-G-84) led the winners with 19 points and 5 rebounds for 64:61 victory. Marija Eric (164-G-83) netted 13 and Jelena Milovanovic (191-F/C-89) posted 10. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) top-scored in the losing effort with 21 points and Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) added 17. Greece still lead Group D with a 3-1 record while Belgium and Serbia are both 2-2.
Serbia was in front of the opening quarter for the majority of time but Greece mounted in a 8-0 run for 14:11 lead. Papamichail increased the hosts lead to 10 points at 25:15. Serbia managed to catch up with the opponent and the teams left the court for the break at 28:26. Trailing 2 points at half-time, the visitors outscored Greece 20-12 over the next ten minutes to take the lead for good. Dimitra Kalentzou was the last to score at the end of the third period for 40:46. Honestly Serbia deserved the win more than the hosts and they proved it leading the last period for the whole time. Ines Kresovic made it 52:61 with only 37 seconds left. Greece however did not give up and everything they could do was to stay closer at 61:64.

Greece: Evanthia Maltsi 21, Dimitra Kalentzou 17
Serbia: Ines Kresovic 19+5 rebs, Marija Eric 13, Jelena Milovanovic 10

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Zirkova buries Romania in Arad - by Eurobasket News
Romania-Slovak Republic 67:83

After Slovak Republic created an upset for the favorite of Group C beating France at home, they were the favorites against Romania. Arad saw another loss of the local team with 67:83 to Slovak Republic. The latter managed to win all the quarters to improve to 4-3 record. Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) was unstoppable with 30 points and 5 rebounds. Anna Jurcenkova (195-C-85) nailed 13, while Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) collected 6 points and 7 rebounds. Romania fell at 1-5 and remains on the bottom.
The Romanians held a 12:9 advantage almost four minutes into the contest after two free throws from center Bianca Vescan (186-C-78). The hosts tried hard but lost the opening period 21:23. Ruzickova finished the guests 7-0 run for 33:22. Lucia Laskova's three was the last at the first half as Slovak Republic had 42:34.
In the third quarter the visitors led 10-15 points throughout the period. Ardeleanu brought the hosts back to 44:54 but then Anna Jurcenkova led to 46:62. Bianca Vescan made it 48:62 as the teams finished thirty minutes of the game. In the last period Romania could not closer than to 12 points. Moreover Anna Jurcenkova nailed another two for plus 20 with less than 7 minutes to go. Orosz set up the final, 67:83 score as Slovak Republic remains second in the group.

Romania: Maria Pascalau (194-C-82) 19+12 rebs, Bianca Vescan 15
Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova 30+5 rebs, Anna Jurcenkova 13, Lucia Laskova 6+7 rebs

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  TURKEY - Women  


Turkey ties Poland after a victory over Finland - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Finland 76:42

Turkey National team improved to 5-1 in Group B of European Championship and tied Poland there. Turkey destroyed Finland 76:42 with great offensive and defensive styles. Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) led the winners with 11 points and 4 rebounds, while Sariye Gokce (176-F-79) and Naile Ivegin (186-F/C-85) added 10 each. Niina Laaksonen (185-F/C-85) top-scored in defeat with 14 points, while Tiina Sten (185-G/F-85) scored 10.
Naile Ivegin got the scoring started for Turkey with a jump hook that finished a long offense. Tiina Sten then sparked Finland with a floating layup but Yigit added a driving basket for a 4:2. Turkey was too good in the opening quarter taking 23:6 at the end of it. Karsli made it 35:9 and it became clear at that time that Finland would not catch up. Horasan scored for 42:16 as the teams left the court for the break.
Both teams struggled to score after the break, as Turkey kept trying to collect steals by covering the passing lines. Finland even struggled to get shots now but Esmeral Tuncluer stepped into the void with a jump hook. Turkey was not slowing the game tempo to maximize its options. The team produced 21:16 to finish the third period at 63:32. In the end of the game the teams just were killing the time and as a result the score in the last period was 13:10. Sario made a lay-up for the visitors to set up 76:42 score.

Turkey: Esmeral Tuncluer 11, Sariye Gokce 10, Naile Ivegin 10
Finland: Niina Laaksonen 14, Tiina Sten 10

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  UKRAINE - Women  


Germany celebrates the initial win - by Eurobasket News
Germany-Ukraine 74:65

Germany celebrated the first win in EuroBasket Women Qualifying Group A. It took them six games to taste the initial victory last night in Berlin. A great first half propelled them over Ukraine 74:65. Anne Breitreiner (183-G/F-84) led the winners with 23 points and 7 rebounds. Dorothea Richter (176-G-83) nailed 14 and Cornelia Janzon (192-F/C-81) had 10. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) top-scored for the Ukrainian side with 22 points, while Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) added 12.
Although Olexandra Gorbunova opened the scoring account for both teams, Germany used a 7-0 to take the 7:2 lead. Germany set the tone early by outscoring Ukraine 22:13 in the opening quarter. The hosts played better in the second and with another 19:13 had 15-point advantage. Kozachenko closed the half at 41:26 as the teams went to the lockers.
Ukraina tried to stay within 10 points, but had difficulties in the third period. After Zherzherunova scored for 44:34, Bavendam made 57:39 with 3 minutes in the third. Zherzherunova brought 60:46 at the end of the third period. A Anne Breitreiner lay-up then stretched the advantage to 65:46 with 7 minutes remaining in the game. At that time Ukraine had no power to compete, even though the team had to win that game. The guests reduced a bit and finished the game with 74:65 for the Germans.


Germany: Anne Breitreiner 23+7 rebs, Dorothea Richter 14, Cornelia Janzon 10
Ukraine: Olexandra Gorbunova 22, Olena Ogorodnikova 12

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  UNITED KINGDOM - Women  


Valuzyte paces Baltic team over the Brits - by Eurobasket News
Lithuania-Great Britain 76:68

Lithuania moves to the top of the group after a home win over Great Britain in Group A of EuroBasket Women qualifying on Saturday. Trailing 19:22 after the opening quarter the Baltic side burst a 20:6 run in the third period. Sandra Valuzyte (176-G-82) led the winners with 24 points and 4 rebounds. Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) netted 18, while Rima Valentiene (170-G-78) and Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) added 12 apiece. Kim Butler (186-F-82, college: Oregon St.) collected 18 points and 10 rebounds in defeat and Johannah Leedham (180-G/F-87) posted 17.
Egle Stakneviciene scored first 4 points in the game to give her team an opening success. Johannah Leedham tied the game at 15:15 and then Handy finished 9-0 run of her team in the end of the period. Jones closed the quarter at 22:19 for the Brits. Unbelievable second quarter kept the teams together 6 times! The score was also even after the first half, 40:40. The game was knotted at 42:42 early in the third quarter when two Sandra Valuzyte free throws started a 13-0 run for the Lithuanians. It was a part of 20-6 win in the third period. Sandra Valuzyte was the last to score in the third for 60:46. In the last stanza Great Britain could only reduce to 6 points with 1 minute to go. Again Sandra Valuzyte made the final, 76:68 win.


Lithuania: Sandra Valuzyte 24+4 rebs, Egle Stakneviciene 18, Rima Valentiene 12, Gintare Petronyte 12
Great Britain: Kim Butler 18+10 rebs, Johannah Leedham 17