Korisliiga, Round 23: Only one (TV)game tonight. Tarmo (Porvoo) hosting and YMCA Lahti as the visitor. Home team lazy defending and visitors shooting so well especially behind the arc. Already during the first quarter YMCA Lahti made six treys (60%) and never gave away the lead: 65-79 (25-46). Quarters: 14-26, 11-20,

24-21, 16-12. Teemu Laine (190-G-77) (YMCA Lahti) was the game MVP with 22 pts (treys 4/4). Ville Vesala (188-G-83) and Ray Nixon (203-F-84, agency: Court Side, college: Wisconsin) added both 13 pts. Ilkka Vuori (181-G-86) still in double digits with 11 pts and seven assists. Magen McNeil (198-F-83, college: Arcadia) led Tarmo with 17 pts and 10 rbs. Victor Morris (185-G-85, college: Cleveland St.) added 14 pts.

Tarmo - YMCA Lahti 65-79 (25-46) (Magen McNeil 17/10, Victor Morris 14, DeWayne Richardson 10/10, Harri Hohteri 10 - Teemu Laine 22, Ville Vesala 13, Ray Nixon 13, Ilkka Vuori 11/7a).

The weekend was almost a perfect three for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners as they calmly took apart ENBW Ludwigsburg 71-56 on Friday, American Keith Simmons (196-G-85, college: Holy Cross) narrowly defeated Cologne 99er Robert Hollywood Globetrotter Turner in the BBL Allstar slamdunk contest Saturday, but the BBL South was unable to win the Allstar game as Skyliner captain Pascal Roller (180-G-76) missed a shot with a few seconds remaining allowing BBL North to win 98-97. At least Frankkfurt didnt leave Allstar day completely empty handed. 'I dunked after Robert Turner (206-C-82, college: Pepperdine) and Jared Newson (196-G/F-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Tennessee-Martin) and was able to set my game plan. It helped that they tried many difficult dunks that didnt all work. My 360 degree windmill led me to winning', said American Keith Simmons.

The American Skyliner players associate the end of January with the worlds biggest sporting event, The Superbowl in American Football which is a do or die game in which heros and unlucky losers are shaped. The Deutsche Bank Skyliners will have their own type of Superbowl as they seek an entrance card to the BBL cup Top 4 with a road victory against The New York Phantoms Braunschweig on Tuesday January 20th. 'The cup is the only competition where you cant catch up like in the playoffs. We have to win this game. It is like aSuperbowl game for us. We have to win three games and the first step will be in Braunschweig', commented Ilian Evtimov (201-F-83, agency: Interperformances, college: N.Carolina St.). This is the most important game since last seasons one point loss to The Telekom Baskets Bonn in the fifth game of the BBL semi finals, but Frankfurt is trying to take it as a normal game, but with the knowledge of the signifigance of the game. Frankfurt have a four year dryspell of not having reached the Top 4. The last three years resulted in very bitter losses against Bamberg, Berlin and Bremerhaven. They dont want a fourth B with Braunschweig sending them back home to Hessen with a loss.

'I dont think there will be too much pressure on us. It has been a while since we had a big game like this, but I think we will have an advantage, because they have a quiet arena and not going against a crowd will definitely help us', stressed American forward Derrick Allen (203-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Mississippi). A danger for Frankfurt may be that Braunschweig may find that extra motivation, energy and luck for a good performance, simply because they have never taken part in the TOP 4 tournament. They will be fired up and that is something that Murat Didin surely will be aware of. For coach Murat Didin , Sunday was spent celebrating his sons 11th birthday, but at night he had a normal practice session in preparation for the cup fight. 'Even though they are in 8th place, they are a dangerous team. They lost to Alba Berlin by one point, and it is a game that they should of won. They have showed that they are capable of beating any team. This will be a serious and difficult game for us', warned Murat Didin .

The New York City Phantoms Braunschweig are a team that hasnt given The Deutsche Bank Skyliners really any problems in the last three seasons. In this time, Frankfurt has won six of seven games and all four games at home. The Deutsche bank Skyliners have won the last three games in the Ballsporthalle, but the last win in 2008 was very close. Frankfurt prevailed 81-75 in overtime and Braunschweig were extremely unlucky as they gave away the lead and lost in overtime and lost American Jonathan Levy (193-G-82, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) to an injury. 'That was a tough game for us. We couldnt control William Franklin (183-G-85, college: Bradley). We will have to do a better job on him on Tuesday', commented Derrick Allen. Franklin scored 21 points and dished out five assists in the loss. Frankfurt has won the last two games in the Volkswagonhalle 69-59 two seasons ago as American Jimmy McKinney (192-G-83, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Missouri) shined scoring 18 points. Last season, Frankfurt prevailed 77-65 as Ilian Evtimov rocked the place with 24 points and nine rebounds.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have a 1-0 record on the road in 2009 in BBL play and will have no fears playing in the dark and mysterious home of the Phantoms. 'The road win in Ludwigsburg was huge. It is always tough to play there with the crowd, but we didnt let them take our momentum. Our hard defense was key for the win', said Derrick Allen. Braunschweig have a 6-3 record at home and are coming off a big win against the Telekom Baskets Bonn. Coach Didin knows that even if there might not always be a sixth man in the arena making the place as loud as a trainstation, he knows that coach Emir Mutapcic is always capable of finding something with the opponent and giving suitable advice to his players. 'He is a very calm and knowledgeable coach. He likes to give his team energy and speed. You always have to pay good attention to his team and NEVER underestimate them', stressed Murat Didin .

Frankfurt played a very inspired game without Lorenzo Gordon (201-F-83, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Oklahoma City) in Ludwigsburg, but having his continous absence is not on the agenda of the coaching staff.' Lorenzo is feeling well. If he cant play on Tuesday, then I am sure that he will be able to play next weekend against Bonn', commented 2009 American BBL Allstar dunk winner Keith Simmons. The Skyliner centers Greg Jenkins (206-F/C-82, college: Iona) and Anthony King (206-F/C, agency: Interperformances, college: Miami, FL) did a solid job filling in for Lorenzo Gordon in Ludwigsburg, but Didin knows that a escalation in their play is still needed. 'That was almost a perfect effort on defense against Ludwigsburg. Keith, captain, Titus, Konrad and Adam did a fine job. We got important good selective offense from Evtimov and Allen. The centers gave good support, but they will have to make an extra step at Braunschweig', added Murat Didin . If Lorenzo Gordon can play on Tuesday still seems to be a mystery. 'I am sure Lorenzo will want to play, but we will see on Tuesday before game time if he will play', expressed Murat Didin .

The New York Phantoms Braunschweig are led by American William Franklin, who averages 12,8 points, 2,5 rebounds and 4,0 assists per game. He is a great point guard with a good assist /turnover ratio. He played together with American Jeremy Crouch (196-G-85, college: Bradley) at Bradley and reached the NCAA sweet 16 in 2006. American Dustin Salisbery (196-G-84, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Temple) is averaging 11,4 points 3,4 rebounds and 1,9 assists per game. He played at Temple University and was invited in 2007 to play at the prestigious Portsmouth Invitational(Top American College players) together with ex BBL players Caleb Green (203-F-85, college: ORU) and Anthony Tolliver (206-C-85, college: Creighton)(San Antonio Spurs). American Andrew Drevo (202-F/C-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Nebraska) is averaging 10,9 points and 6,1 rebounds per game. He is an all around fine player who can bang underneath and step outside and hit the jumper. He has experience having played in Sweden and France. American Jonathan Levy is averaging 9,2 points, 3,5 rebounds and 1,4 assists per game. He is a deadly shooting guard, who last played for Mike Taylor at Ulm. He was the MVP at the Austrian All Star game 2005. American Kyle Visser (211-C-85, agency: Octagon, college: Wake Forest) is averaging 9,1 points and 5,7 rebounds per game. He is still very young with a lot of potential. He played at Wake Forest reaching the Sweet 16 in 2004.

American Jason Cain (208-F-85, college: Virginia) is an important role player from the bench and is averaging 7,1 points, 4,8 rebounds and per game. This is his second season in the BBL after getting his Basketball know how at The University of Virginia. German Nils Mittmann (201-F/C-79, agency: Agency No 10) is averaging 3,5 points and 1,9 rebounds. The ex Ludwigsburg player doesnt get many minutes, but when he is on the court, he gives 180% and can always score or make a big defensive play. American Jeremy Crouch is averaging 3,9 points and 1,7 rebounds per game. He has been a disappointment thus far, but he is a BBL rookie with a high Basketball IQ and makes his team mates better. Michael Flowers (188-G-86, agency: CAA Sports, college: Wisconsin) is averaging 2.6 points per game and also is still seeking his rhythm. He is from Chicago and also a BBL rookie having played at The University of Wisconsin.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners have the upper hand in all important statistical categories. Frankfurt has the deeper bench and need to keep taking advantage of this. Of course, Murat Didin is always getting better and better by using the whole bench and it has shown in many games this season. Braunschweig has many strong individual players, but you will hear Didin never talking about trying to stop a single player. 'A single player may be able to change a part of a game, but never a whole game', expressed Murat Didin . However Derrick Allen has thoughts about how he will want to defend 2009 BBL Allstar Andrew Drevo. 'He is a very good inside/out player and can rebound. I have to make him work for his post positions and I cant let him get open looks. He likes the pick and pop as well', stressed Derrick Allen. Braunschweig average only 10,6 assists per game. The team only has three players with Franklin, Salisbery and Levy who average more than one assist. Franklin is the only real dangerous player who shows time in and time out that he is a real threat to create. Although Salisbery did show some playmaking skills making seven assists against Oldenburg. This will not be an easy game for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners, but a game they should be able to win if they can use their strengthes on offense and play the ruthless type of defense that they showed in Ludwigsburg.' We have to continue to play strong defense and shut down Franklin, Drevo and Visser. We also have to control their wing players like Salisbery', stated Derrick Allen. ' If we can control the tempo on the road, then we have god chances of winning', added Ilian Evtimov.The New York Phantoms Braunschweig welcome The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on Tuesday January 20th at 19:00

Ironi Nahariya decided to sign Jason Williams (197-G/F-83, college: UTEP). Williams came to Nahariya from Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv who put him on the transfer list, Williams playing time decreased on Maccabi, and he is the fourth player who leaves Maccabi this season. Before that, Williams played on Bnei Hasharon, Williams averaged at the Israeli league this season 4.3 ppg,3.4rpg, and 1.3apg in 13.9 mpg, at the Euroleague: 6 games, 3.3ppg, 2.2rpg, and 0.7apg in 17.2mpg.

And Tony Washam (198-F/G-82, college: St.Vincent) released from the team according his request.

January 8, 2009

Etzella 66 - Sparta 83

In DBBL action this coming weekend, Sparta will travel to Heffingen on Saturday and Etzella will go to Mersch to play Black Star on Friday.

Etzella: 21 field goals, 5 for 23 three pointers, 19 for 36 free throws, 36 rebounds, 20 fouls and 17 turnovers.
N. DelGado 9, Giver 9, Kennedy 21, J. Delgado 11, E. Ferreiera 4, also Albaladejo 3, Benseghir, Garganese 4, Ittenbach 2 and Kerger 3
Sparta: 31 field goals, 6 three pointers, 15 for 21 free throws, 34 rebounds, 24 fouls and 20 turnovers
Smith 31, Hublart 13, Wulff 7, Hoffmann 9, Palumbo 8, also Engel 9, De Marchi 6 and Evans

Score by quarters: 1st Q 15-15. Halftime 27-28, 3rd Q 44-47, Final 66-83

January 10, 2009

Racing 79 - Contern 83

Luxembourg, Luxembourg

With a commanding 19 point lead going into the 4th quarter, Contern thought it was over and let Racing back into the game. The visitors however survived the scare and took home the 4 point victory. Contern's coach Amelow was ejected from the match in the middle of the 2nd period making it more difficult without their head coach on the sidelines. Assistant Coach Patrick Schiltz took the helm and Contern's players stepped it up going on a huge enough run in the third quarter to set Racing back into a hole they could not climb back out of. Racing fought and scraped, defended and scored totally dominating Contern in the final stanza winning it 31-16. Contern's Ken Diederich was in good mid-season form, scoring 26 points and dished for 3 assits. Brandon Gary (202-F-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Hutchinson JC) had a huge double-double with 19 points and 17 rebounds. Eric Jeitz added 17 points and Yves Braun 10. Racing's Vincent Weynandt had the game of his life notching a game high 31 points while grabbing 8 rebounds. Contern's Corey Largent (201-F-80, college: W.Carolina) nearly achieved a triple double with 19 points, 11 rebounds and 8 assists before fouling out in the final minute of the match. Racing's Eric Grand also scored 15 points. Despite the outcome scorewise, Contern was mostly in control of the entire match with reaching a maximum lead of 22 points early in the fourth period. Racing lost the game at the free throw line where they hit only 10 of 21 for 48% compared to Contern's 26 for 30 for 87%. But, Coach Ostojic had to be somewhat pleased with his team's fourth quarter efforts as they showed pride and desire and fought for the win until the end.

Racing: 28 field goals, 13 three pointers, 10 for 21 free throws, 39 rebounds, 26 fouls and 17 turnovers
Weynandt 31, Schroeder 5, Largent 19, Pires 4, Haas 2, also Garcia-Bourne, Grand 15, Schmit 3, Klose and Groos
Contern: 25 field goals, 7 three pointers, 26 for 30 free throws, 31 rebounds, 20 fouls and 13 turnovers

Fouled out: Becker (C) 39'; Largent (R) 40' Ejected: Coach Amelow(c) 16'
Score by quarters: 1st Q 10-23, Halftime 28-38, 3rd Q 48-67, Final 79-83
150 Spectators

Amicale 98 - Residence 73

Steinsel, Luxembourg

Christopher Jones led all scorers with 26 points as Amicale added another feather in their cap with a crowd pleasing home victory against nearest neighbor Residence of Walferdange. Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) also scored high with 25 points followed by Olivier Haan with 19 and Christian Schartz with 10. Amicale played without Sam Ney, Raul Birenbaum and Michael Cortese. Residence's Matt Hall (198-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Harding) had 21(6 in 2nd half) and Pitt Koster's had 21 each, Yannick Julien scored 19 and Thierry Abdiu 11. Amicale got off to an awesome start coming out of the blocks with a 13-2 run. The game was over at that point as Amicale dominated throughout going up by as many as 29 points late in the game.

Amicale: 30 field goals, 10 three pointers, 28 for 36 free throws and 21 fouls
DePree 25, Jones 26, Schartz 10, Scholtes 8, Rausch 6, also Haan 19, Kartheiser 4, Gillardin and Steinmetz
Rsidence: 28 field goals, 3 three pointers, 14 for 19 free throws and 25 fouls
Koster 21, F. Mangen, Hall 21, Leschek, Hemmen 2, also Bichel, Kayser, Abdiu 11, Ludwig, Julien 19 and S. Mangen 2

Fouled out: Scholtes(A) 35'; Hall(R) 37'; Disqualification foul: Koster(R) 38'; Technical fouls: Coach Brand(R) 14', F. Mangen(R) 38'
1st Q 29-16, Halftime 49-36, 3rd Q 69-55, Final 98-73
285 Spectators

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Basket Esch(+10) 75 - T71 93

Esch, Luxembourg
For 2 1/2 periods, Basket Esch of National 2 gave T71 a run for their money heading into the fourth quarter down by only 7.
T71 took control in the second half and ran away with the 1/4 final victory. Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Drexel) of T71 lit it up once again,
finishing with a game high 38 points. Martin Rajniak scored 20 and point guard Gilles Ruffato played better than normal
scoring 19 for the winners from Dudelange. Coach Brad Melton of Basket Esch had his team ready as they did their best to
make it difficult for T71 to advance. Esch's Christophe Donnersbach led in scoring with 22 followed by Stefan Svitek (203-F/C-77)(12
rebounds) with 20 points. Joe Biever chipped in 14 points. Despite committing too many(15) costly turnovers, Basket Esch
managed to out-rebound T71 31-22.

Basket Esch: 28 field goals, 4 three pointers, 15 for 17 free throws, 31 rebounds, 18 fouls and 15 turnovers
Svitek 20, C. Donnersbach 22, J. Biever 14, Hoffmann 6, Ruppert 5, also P. Biever 2, T. Donnersbach 2, Gantrel 2 and
Rodenbourg 2
T71: 33 field goals, 8 three pointers, 19 of 22 free throws, 22 rebounds, 18 fouls and 7 turnovers
Whitworth 38, Ruffato 19, Rajniak 22, Klein 3 Kostur 4, also Abreu 2, Bemtgen, Kieffer 5 and Siebenbour 2

Score by quarters: 1st Q 20-26, Halftime 42-46, 3rd Q 59-66, Final 85-93

Elsewhere...

In Larochette, Amicale Steinsel advanced as well to the 1/2 Finals of the Cup of Luxembourg with a convincing 104-64 road win against National 3's Arantia(+20).

In Walferdange, Contern advanced 68-107 to the 1/2 Finals with a huge road victory over Residence.

The half final matchups will be drawn in Dudelange on Saturday, January 10th during halftime of the game T71- Etzella. The semifinals will be played at the Coque on the 7th & 8th of February.

Alpos Sentjur released Aldin Kadic (208-C-86) who averaged 14,5 minutes, 2,4 points (2P 12-38, 3P 1-3, FT 7-15), 3,6 rebounds, 0,2 assists, 0,4 steals and 0,6 blocks in 14 games of UPC League.

MFC.2 Branik (B1) inked their former member Mica Gavric (195-G-91) ex Rogla.
Muharem Vugdalic was named coach of Terme Olimia (D2).

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Maracaibo city deserves it...Coach, make it happened.