Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 1/31/2009

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Men News

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ABA

ADRIATIC LEAGUE

Zagreb inks Mulaomerovic - by Milan Jovanovic
After the last weeks shocking announcement about Zagreb, the club famous for not hiring foreigners but basing their politics on only Croatians, getting 3 Americans on tryouts - Nslson, Jamel Thomas and Michael Jenkins - finaly none of them is signed, but only famous Croatian guard Damir Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM).
The club management obviously decided to stick to their usual maners, and stating that once Vladovic is healthy, they are just about covered with Damir Mulaomerovic, not needing additional signings.
Damir Mulaomerovic who used to play for some giants such as Real Madrid or Pao, comes from the season in Greek PAOK.

Bosna beats C. Zvezda 80:67 - by Sead Buljina
Finally, Bosna management deserves a credit for something. At least, they've made a couple of good moves that resulted in increased number of victories and spectators. With arrival of center Elvir Ovcina and earlier coach Vlada Vukoicic Bosna ASA BHT have become a respectable team capable of beating any opponent in the Adriatic league. Elvir Ovcina makes all difference in the world for this team. Bosna has a big guy who can control the paint. Tonight Ovcina scored only 8 points, but grabbed 13 rebounds, had 2 assists, played excellent defense contributing to the win over favorite C. Zvezda that prior to this game had lost only 3 games out of 19. Goran Ikonic was player of the game with 22 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. After last several games it's obvious that Bosna is no underdog regardless who they play against. Partizan has barely escaped with a win, but no one can afford to underestimate this Bosna team. Since the winner vs. C.Z. was decided with 6 minutes to go, Aldin Klinac (211-C-90) got a chance to play 1 minute, Muhamed Pasalic 2 and Amar Suljagic 3 minutes. Of course, next games Klinac and Suljagic will again watch from the stands since Kemal Avdic will take one spot on the roster and Seid Hajric another once he recovers from his injury. Anyway, it was a joy to watch strong Bosna team in front of 6.000 spectators - almost sold out 'Mirza Delibasic' Arena. Obviously, fans want victories. That's what Bosna does lately. Problem with young players' development remains. C.Zvezda has ten players on its roster born 1986 and younger. It was impressive to watch Nemanja Bjelica (209-PG-88) playing at point guard position. Unbelievable ball handling skills for such a tall player. He was able to guard much smaller host point guards and bring the ball up the court at ease. It was worth coming to the game if nothing else than to see this mirracle of a player. On the other notes, we've used to see Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88) play much better then tonight, Oliver Stevic (203-PF-85) played only 6 minutes and Milan Milosevic (205-F-85) did not play at all. Worth mentioning is that guests were coached by Svetislav Pesic who, as a Bosna player won Euroleague (Champions Cup back then) and later successfully coached Bosna during 1980s.

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ARGENTINA

TNA1 and TNA2 Round: 4 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News

Group TNA1

Belgrano SN - P.Echague 70-78
Pedro Echague cruised past Belgrano SN on the road improving on 2-2 record in TNA1. Williard Ford (201-F-72, college: Ill.-Chicago) stepped up for the winning squad with 24 points and 10 rebounds. Juan Kelly had 19 and Alejandro Eiguren netted 13 pts. Visitors got the most from Marcus Flimming, 24 points. They are still winless after 4 games.

Ciclista - San Mart.MJ 85-67
Ciclista trashed San Martin MJ mostly owing to Byron Wilson, who nailed 26 points and grabbed 7 rebounds. Hakeem Rollins followed him with 17 pts. Ije Nwankwo scored 16 pts in loss. Ciclista 3-1, San Martin MJ 2-2.

San Mart.C. - Alma Juniors 79-67
San Martin C outplayed Alma Juniors in very important game as both teams had 1-2 record before this round. Alex Carcamo came up with 20 points and 9 rebounds, while Mariano Ceruti helped the winners with 19 pts. Matias Tomatis had 16 and Damian Palacios netted 15 pts in defeat.

Union - La Union 94-84
Union remains the only undefeated team in TNA1 after home victory vs La Union 94-84. The hosts had couple of players in a game mood, but the best one was Cristian Amicucci, who collected 20 points and 7 rebounds. Ariel Zago replied with 21 pts for the loosing side. His La Union fell on 2-2.

Group TNA2

A.Italiana - Firmat SF 67-68
Firmat grabbed thriller win against Asociacion Italiana on the road, thus both teams are now on 2-2 record in TNA2. Martin Ghirardi led the scorers in Firmat with 15 points. The same number also had Kevin Frey, but for the hosts.

Obera TC - C.Entrerriano 89-85
Jose Fabio came up with 19 points and 8 rebounds for the winners, while Rashad West added 3 less than him. Curtis Marshal added 25 pts for the guests. Obera 2-2, C.Entrerriano 2-2.

GimnasiaLP - Argentino 60-71
In derby game of Round 4, Argentino was better than Gimnasia LP as a guest for 4-0 record. The hosts fell on 3-1. Jamahr Warren netted 18, Pablo Espinoza 15 (plus 9 rebs) and Selem Safar delivered 14 points in victory. McHugh Mattis contributed with double-double in loss, 18 pts and 10 boards.

Atl.Echague - A.Espanola 75-72
It was a game between two winless teams after 3 games. Ateltico Echague grabbed it thanks to double-double by Derrick Miller, 26 points and 12 rebounds. Nathaniel Green and Mauro Rotschy combined 34 points in loss.

Standings - LigaA

TNA Standings

TNA1
1. Union	4-0
2. Ciclista	3-1
3. La Union	2-2
4. San Mart.MJ	2-2
5. P.Echague	2-2
6. San Mart.C.	2-2
7. Alma Juniors	1-3
8. Belgrano SN	0-4
TNA2
1. Argentino	4-0
2. GimnasiaLP	3-1
3. C.Entrerriano	2-2
4. Firmat SF	2-2
5. Obera TC	2-2
6. A.Italiana	2-2
7. Atl.Echague	1-3
8. A.Espanola	0-4

Stats Leaders - TNA

Points Per Game

Mauro ROTSCHY
  A.Espanola
  (192-G-77)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Johnson, Belgrano.	21.3
2. Carcamo, San M.	20.7
3. Cutley, Atl.Echague	20.0
4. Ghirardi, Firmat S.	18.6
5. Warren, Argentino	18.3
6. Ford, P.Echague	18.2
7. Tomatis, Alma Juniors	17.8
8. Sucre, Union	17.6
9. Miller, A.Italiana	17.5
10. Ceruti, San.	17.2

Rebounds Per Game

Claudio CHIAPPERO
  San Mart.C.
  (203-C-74)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Carcamo, San M.	10.3
2. Rollins, Ciclista	9.5
3. Cutley, Atl.Echague	9.1
4. Johnson, Belgrano.	8.9
5. Williams, A.Espanola	8.7
6. Robinson, Alma J.	8.2
7. Sucre, Union	8.1
8. Brown, Firmat SF	7.9
9. Whorton, Obera TC	7.8
10. Pardal, C.Entr.	6.9

Assists Per Game

Eduardo GAMBOA
  Obera TC
  (190-G-84)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Cadillac, C.Entrer.	4.7
2. Costa, La Union	3.8
3. Sureda, Argentino	3.6
4. Rivero, Atl.Echague	2.9
5. Belvedere, San M.	2.8
6. Saul, A.Italiana	2.8
7. Palacios, Alma J.	2.7
8. Gornatti, San M.	2.6
9. Perez, GimnasiaLP	2.5
10. Martin, Uni.	2.4

Steals Per Game

Emiliano STENTA
  Firmat SF
  (189-F-79)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Lopez, A.Italiana	2.6
2. Cutley, Atl.Echague	2.6
3. Martin, Union	2.4
4. Eiguren, P.Echague	2.2
5. Pau, La Union	2.1
6. Eseverri, Belgrano.	2.1
7. Ford, P.Echague	2.0
8. Bendel, GimnasiaLP	1.9
9. Ledesma, Atl.Echa.	1.8
10. Schoppler, A.E.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Leonardo PERALTA
  Argentino
  (205-C-85)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Espinoza, Argentino	1.7
2. Nwankwo, San M.	1.6
3. Rollins, Ciclista	1.6
4. Brown, Firmat SF	1.0
5. Brezzo, San M.	1.0
6. Porta, Atl.Echague	0.9
7. Whorton, Obera TC	0.8
8. Carcamo, San M.	0.7
9. Giorgi, Obera TC	0.7
10. Centeno, C.Entr.	0.7

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Nate FOX
  Kalev/Cramo
  (206-F-77)
  Avg: 14.2

1. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	20.6
2. Bankevics, Valmiera	20.1
3. Clark, Valmiera	19.8
4. Varnelis, Alytus A.	18.9
5. Vares, Valga Welg	18.8
6. Beard, TU/Rock	17.8
7. Alexander, Ba.	17.7
8. Vasylius, Neptunas	17.6
9. Kazevicius, Alytus A.	17.3
10. Kjellbom, Norrkopi.	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Alexey ZORIN
  Liepaja
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Beard, TU/Rock	9.6
2. Anderson, Valga W.	9.5
3. Vasylius, Neptunas	8.5
4. Alexander, Ba.	8.5
5. Varnelis, Alytus A.	8.2
6. Dimsa, Aisciai	8.0
7. Butkevicius, Kaunas T.	7.9
8. McNaull, Norrkoping	7.4
9. Clark, Valmiera	7.4
10. Valukonis, Sudu.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Armands SKELE
  Barons/LMT
  (192-G-83)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	5.9
2. Grant, Norrkoping	5.2
3. Sirsnins, Valmiera	4.8
4. Gabrans, ASK/.	4.6
5. Hill, Techasas	4.4
6. Viskontas, Nevezis	4.3
7. Runkauskas, Suduva	4.3
8. Eidson, Lietuvos	4.2
9. Cooper, VEF Riga	4.1
10. Kazevicius, Alytus.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Kenny GRANT
  Norrkoping
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Linehan, Kalev/Cr.	3.3
2. Bolds, Techasas	2.6
3. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	2.2
4. Skele, Ba.	2.2
5. Mazutis, ASK Riga	2.2
6. Gabrans, ASK/.	2.1
7. Slesers, Keiza.	2.1
8. Fox, Kalev/Cramo	2.0
9. Mazeika, Neptunas	1.9
10. Jeromanovs, VEF.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Donatas MOTIEJUNAS
  Aisciai
  (213-C-90)
  Avg: 0.8

1. Silinskis, Nevezis	2.0
2. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.8
3. Woods, Zalgiris	1.5
4. Lyde, Kalev/Cramo	1.4
5. Anderson, Valga W.	1.4
6. Talts, TU/Rock	1.3
7. Berzins, Ba.	1.3
8. Elliott, Valmiera	1.3
9. Hallik, Valga Welg	1.1
10. Zukauskas, Zalgir.	1.1

Standings - Men

BBL Standings

Group 1
1. Lietuvos		12-2
2. ASK Riga		9-4
3. Zalgiris		8-4
4. Kalev/Cramo		8-5
5. TU/Rock		6-8
6. Valmiera		5-7
7. Siauliai		5-7
8. Barons/LMT		5-8
9. Ventspils		5-8
10. Nevezis		2-12
Group C
1. Aisciai		1-0
2. VEF Riga		1-0
3. Norrkoping		1-1
4. Sakalai		0-0
5. Neptunas		0-1
6. Kaunas Tr.		0-1
Group D
1. Liepaja		1-0
2. Keizarmezs		0-0
3. Tallinna Kalev		0-0
4. TTU KK		0-0
5. Zemgale		0-0
6. Alytus Alita		0-1

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BELIZE

Palacio Milton opens the Top 16 - by Eurobasket News
Milton Palacio (190-G-78, college: Colorado St.) and his Russian Khimky were taught a good lesson in Greece as Marousi thumped one of the EuroCup favorites. Khimky struggled offensively throughout the game and as a result suffered the initial loss in Group I of Last 16. Marousi opened the game with authority as they stayed in front. Loukas Mavrokefalides and William Amar Keys gave the hosts an 11:8 lead. Timofey Mozgov and Jorge Garbajosa cut the distance to one point before Marousi sealed it at 15:12 after ten minutes. The situation never changed in the second frame as Marousi maintained their dominance. They rallied to a 28:25 advantage at the main break. Jarod Stevenson tipped off the third quarter with consecutive trebles to deepen the damage. Khimky could not connect for almost four minutes in the frame and saw the home team ran away to an 11-point distance. Khimky trimmed the deficit to 10 points with one quarter to go. Teemu Rannikko stepped up for the Russian outfit in the final quarter. He drained 8 points to drag the visitors within 3 points. However Andreas Glyniadakis accounted for decisive buckets for the hosts as they took off for good.
Andreas Glyniadakis secured 21 points and 9 rebounds for Marousi. Jarod Stevenson added 16 points in the win. Milton Palacio netted 2 points, made 1 rebound and 1 assist. Teemu Rannikko had 12 points for Khimky. Carlos Delfino and Kelly McCarty netted 10 points each in the losing effort.

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BOSNIA

Bosna beats C. Zvezda 80:67 - by Sead Buljina
Finally, Bosna management deserves a credit for something. At least, they've made a couple of good moves that resulted in increased number of victories and spectators. With arrival of center Elvir Ovcina and earlier coach Vlada Vukoicic Bosna ASA BHT have become a respectable team capable of beating any opponent in the Adriatic league. Elvir Ovcina makes all difference in the world for this team. Bosna has a big guy who can control the paint. Tonight Ovcina scored only 8 points, but grabbed 13 rebounds, had 2 assists, played excellent defense contributing to the win over favorite C. Zvezda that prior to this game had lost only 3 games out of 19. Goran Ikonic was player of the game with 22 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and 1 steal. After last several games it's obvious that Bosna is no underdog regardless who they play against. Partizan has barely escaped with a win, but no one can afford to underestimate this Bosna team. Since the winner vs. C.Z. was decided with 6 minutes to go, Aldin Klinac (211-C-90) got a chance to play 1 minute, Muhamed Pasalic 2 and Amar Suljagic 3 minutes. Of course, next games Klinac and Suljagic will again watch from the stands since Kemal Avdic will take one spot on the roster and Seid Hajric another once he recovers from his injury. Anyway, it was a joy to watch strong Bosna team in front of 6.000 spectators - almost sold out 'Mirza Delibasic' Arena. Obviously, fans want victories. That's what Bosna does lately. Problem with young players' development remains. C.Zvezda has ten players on its roster born 1986 and younger. It was impressive to watch Nemanja Bjelica (209-PG-88) playing at point guard position. Unbelievable ball handling skills for such a tall player. He was able to guard much smaller host point guards and bring the ball up the court at ease. It was worth coming to the game if nothing else than to see this mirracle of a player. On the other notes, we've used to see Elmedin Kikanovic (210-C-88) play much better then tonight, Oliver Stevic (203-PF-85) played only 6 minutes and Milan Milosevic (205-F-85) did not play at all. Worth mentioning is that guests were coached by Svetislav Pesic who, as a Bosna player won Euroleague (Champions Cup back then) and later successfully coached Bosna during 1980s.

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BRAZIL

Novo Basquete Brazil takes start - by Eurobasket News
The newly established Brazilian basketball league NBB got under way with the first round games. The expectations grew high before the start as the best teams around the nation hit the road for the trophy. The first round brought many interesting results.
Flamengo opened the competition with a hard-fought win against Pinheiros in Rio De Janeiro. Flamengo jumped to a 30:24 early lead but Pinheiros stayed calm and soon closed the distance. The hosts used a 9:2 rally at the start of the third frame to grab a 62:53 lead. Flamengo recovered in the fourth period as Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) stepped up for the team. The visitors surged ahead and enjoyed an 86:74 advantage midway through the quarter. However Pinheiros were not done just yet. They went on a 15:0 rally ignited by Josuel to edge in front with less than a minute left. Marcelinho Machado followed with a bucket and two free throws to put Flamengo back in charge with 7 seconds remaining. Pinheiros tried to save the game but a desperate buzzer-beater missed the mark. Marcelinho Machado finished with game-high 36 points. Marquinhos Vinicius (203-F-84) answered with 29 points for Pinheiros.
Universo/BRB held off Conti/Assis 88:75 at home court. Alexandre Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances) nailed 19 points, while Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points for the winning side. Ricardo answered with 13 points for Conti/Assis.
Paulistano defeated Minas 82:76 at home court. Thomas Gehrke (203-F/C-82, college: UTEP) pitched in 16 points for the winners. Joseph Shipp (197-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: California) netted 20 points in the loss.

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BULGARIA

Deyan Ivanov collects 23 points and 16 boards - by Eurobasket News
Deyan Ivanov (205-F/C-86) had a great night for his Croatian Zadar in the first game of EuroCup Top 16. Turk Telekom however got the initial win in the Last 16 stage. The Turkish team handled Zadar at the Ataturk Spor Salonu to take the lead in Group J. The hosts coasted in the opening term and piled up a decisive advantage after ten minutes of action. Erwin Dudley shone bright for Turk Telekom in the opening frame to lead his team to a massive 20:9 advantage. Michael Wright stepped up on the stage late in the period scoring 6 consecutive points to seal it at 28:13 at the intermission. Juby Johnson and Deyan Ivanov nailed 5 points in a row to open the second frame. However Turk Telekom matched the effort with a 10:0 rally to enjoy a 20-point cushion. Rok Stipcevic and Todor Gecevski however kept the intrigue alive as they shaved the margin to 10 points at halftime. Rok Stipcevic fired from downtown to get Zadar as close as 7 points early in the third stanza. But Turk Telekom remained calm and raced to a 65:57 advantage at three-quarter time. Zadar went on a final comeback rally late in the game as they exploded with an 11:2 run to cut the deficit to 3 points 75:78. Michael Wright and Serkan Erdogan were cold-blooded at the moment as they answered with back-to-back jumpers and Turk Telekom saved the day. Erwin Dudley secured 16 points and 8 boards for Turk Telekom. Serkan Erdogan nailed 14 points in the win. Deyan Ivanov answered with 23 points and 16 boards for Zadar. Rok Stipcevic contributed 17 points for the visitors.
Ilko Nanev (204-F/C-81, agency: Court Side) nailed 10 points for his Targoviste that had a road 64:87 victory over Rapid as Jamal Ward and Tasic Marjan notched 14 points for the winners. Andrei Dragos scored 13 and Ilko Nanev had 10. Bulancea Marius top-scored not only for his team with 39 points, but became the top-scorer in Regular Season Round 17.

Sheldon comes to Cherno More from the D-League - by Kevin
BC Euroins-Cherno More made a key pick up from the D-League and signed Bryce Sheldon (193-G/F-84, agency: Interperformances). The American guard Sheldon who played for BC Euroins-Cherno More back in the 2007-2008 season averaged 16.2 ppg for them. He made the Bulgarian League All-Star Game too that year. This season for the Anaheim Arsenal of the D-League he played in 6 games and averaged 1.3 ppg. Sheldon who just recently played his first game for BC Euroins-Cherno More played 35 minutes and scored 14 points.

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CANADA

Carleton beat Ottawa in top seeds clash - by Eurobasket News
Carleton handled Ottawa in the battle of the CIS top-ranked squads. The game was played at the Scotiabank Place in Kanata, Ontario in front of more than 10000 spectators. The attendance set a new CIS record.
The top-ranked Carleton started the game sloppily allowing the Gee-Gees to take a 6:0 lead. However soon Stuart Turnbull (188-G-84) set the tone for the Ravens as they surged in front 7:6. Carleton then went on a 12:7 rally to cap the opening frame leading by 6 points 19:13. Ottawa scored the opening five points in the second term before Stuart Turnbull stepped up for the Ravens once again. He regained the lead for his team and Carleton cruised to a 38:30 advantage at halftime.
Stuart Turnbull continued to perform some first-class basketball as he nailed 7 points in the third frame. But Ottawa kept the hosts within reach and trailed by just 5 points at the final intermission. However Stuart Turnbull kept on scoring, while Aaron Doornekamp (198-F-85) was accurate from free throw line to seal the deal for the Ravens in the final seconds 87:72.
Stuart Turnbull knocked down 29 points and grabbed 7 boards to lead the Ravens. Aaron Doornekamp and Kevin McCleery (203-F) contributed 21 points apiece for the winners. Josh Wright (188-G) and Josh Gibson-Bascombe (193-G-86) responded with 18 points each for the Gee-Gees. Dax Dessureault (206-C) produced 13 points in defeat. Carleton posted the 14th straight win and improved at 14-1 record, while Ottawa slipped at 13-2.

CIS Standings

CIS Standings

Atlantic
1. St.Francis X.	10-2
2. Cape Breton	9-3
3. St.Mary's	8-5
4. Dalhousie	7-5
5. UPEI	6-7
6. Acadia	5-9
7. Memorial	3-9
8. New Brunsw.	2-10
CanWest Central
1. Calgary	15-3
2. Alberta	10-8
3. Saskatchewan	7-11
4. Lethbridge	4-14
CanWest Great Plains
1. Brandon	11-8
2. Regina	9-9
3. Winnipeg	5-14
4. Manitoba	4-14
CanWest Pacific
1. UBC	17-2
2. Trinity West.	15-5
3. Victoria	14-5
4. Simon Fraser	11-9
5. UCFV	7-12
6. Thompson R.	2-17
Quebec League
1. Concordia	6-4
2. UQAM	6-5
3. Laval	5-3
4. Bishop's	4-6
5. Mc Gill	4-7
UOA East
1. Carleton	14-1
2. Ottawa	13-2
3. Toronto Univ.	10-5
4. Ryerson	9-6
5. Queens	6-9
6. York	4-11
7. Laurentian	2-13
8. RMC	0-15
UOA West
1. W.Ontario	12-3
2. Mc Master	10-5
3. Windsor	9-6
4. Brock	7-8
5. Waterloo	7-8
6. Guelph	6-9
7. Laurier	5-9
8. Lakehead	5-9

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CBA

Standings

CBA Standings

1. Albany P.	11-6
2. E.Kentucky	10-5
3. Lawton Ft.Sill	9-1
4. Minot S.	6-7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New Spring League Host Free Agent Try-Outs - by Eurobasket
Atlanta, Ga., U.S.A.(Jan 29, 2009)----A brand new spring basketball league has raised it's regal head in the southeast United States. The United States Basketball Association (USBA) announced plans for team tryouts for it's 2009 basketball season.' We're not looking for the next high flying Michael Jordan nor do we require the keen eye of a Larry Bird, however we are looking for young men who know how to play and most importantly who are coachable. We'll look to recruit players who have the right attitude and great personal pride' said USBA Vice President of Basketball Operation Ken Green. Green is from Atlanta and played his college hoops at Pan American University. He was selected in the first round by the Denver Nuggets in the 1981 NBA draft. ' Our teams will be largely comprised of players who are attempting to rise to the D-league or they are trying to secure a position on an International team. With a spring schedule, our tryouts could be overrun with quality players, who want to start or continue their careers' said Mr. Green.

The United States Basketball Association is a men's minor division professional basketball league. The league began operations in July 2007 with twelve teams split into two divisions. The Atlantic houses the Jacksonville Admirals, the Savannah Seahawks, the Richmond Colonials, the Charlotte Blue Wave, the Augusta Raging River and the Charleston Stars, the second division is called the Appalachian, it consist of the Nashville Thunder, the Birmingham Crusaders, the Montgomery Generals, the Chattanooga Royal, the Atlanta Platinum and the West Virginia Capitals. Each team will play a thirty game schedule, fifteen games on the road and fifteen at home. The regular season begins in early April and ends in late June. The Championship playoffs are held in Atlanta, Georgia.

The tryouts will be held in each team city. Try out dates are March 7, 14 and 21, 2009. Each player will get three opportunities to exhibit their stuff. According to the league a players will be permitted to attend each tryout. The Try out will cost $75.00 for all dates. ' You know basketball, one day you score 40 points, grab 19 rebounds and sent 5 shots into the stands, the next day you own a cement factory and you're delivering bricks' chuckled Coach Green. 'For one fee our prospects can attend all three camps or go to three different cities and try out for different teams for one fee. The close proximity of our team locations will make this new approach possible' Green explained. 'I will say this, the players better be in shape, we're expecting a good turnout in all our cities'. Free agent camp locations and time schedule will be posted on February 15, 2009. For more information on the league visit www.usbaball.com. or call the league at (678) 615-3067.

About the United States Basketball Association (USBA)--- The USBA is a mid spring through early summer professional basketball league, League offices are in Atlanta, Georgia. Players can be catapulted to enjoy further opportunities in the National Basketball Association Developmental League as well as exposure to other professional basketball leagues from around the world. The league age requirement is 20 years or older.

Cavs crush Minot - by Eurobasket News
The Lawton- Fort Sill Cavalry dominated the night Thursday at the Great Plains Coliseum. The Cavs took the Minot Skyrockets 101-69.

The Cavs had a 30-16 lead at the end of the first quarter. Cavs Coach Micheal Ray Richardson was able to clear his bench early in the second quarter. Every player on the roster had quality playing time tonight.

Cavs forward, Tim Ellis (6'4''-G-81, college: Kansas St.) put up a game high 19 points and was almost perfect from the free throw line.

'It was a great win, it was good to get the bench into the game and give the starter's a break so we can come out and do it again tomorrow,' Ellis said.

Elvin Mims, Cavs forward, had another great game with his fifth double-double of the season, scoring 12 points and pulling down 11 rebounds.

Five more Cavs scored in double digits tonight, with Brandon Dean putting up 12 points and Darold Crow scoring 11. DeAnthony Bowden, Eddie Smith and Courtney Williams each put up 10 points.

Richardson was pleased with the big win after Sunday's loss to Minot.

'It was a good game, we played good defense,' Richardson said.

The good defense was obvious as the Cavs held Ronnie Fields, the league's number four scorer and the Cavs nemesis from Sunday's game, to 6 points.

The Cavs newest player Albert White, who replaced Tony Key, had 4 points, 4 rebounds and was perfect from the free throw line in his first appearance for the Cavs.

Cavs fans were into the game cheering on the players and jeering the referees even when the Cavs were up by 20 points or more.

The Cavs and Skyrockets face off again Friday and Saturday nights at 7:05 p.m. at the Great Plains Coliseum.

For more information about Cavs basketball call (580) 353-CAVS (2287) or visit www.lfscavs.com.

To receive game day reminders, scores and contest information, text 'CAVS' to 25827.

Courtesy of The Lawton- Fort Sill Cavalry

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CROATIA

Zadar close to sign American Bracey Wright - by Eurobasket News
The reigning Croatian champion has extremely big appetites this season. After leaving of Malik Dixon, Zadar is pretty close to sign contract with Bracey Wright (191-G-84, college: Indiana), who played the entire Euroleague regular season for Joventut Badalona. That surprised everyone, but the news is officially confirmed by the Zadar's Sports Director Giuseppe Giergia.

'We agreed reasonable terms with Bracey Wright's agent. We expect to receive the signed contract from Amsterdam, where he is at this moment. Wright is the best player on the market we can get. In case that everything goes as we planned, Wright will be in Zadar until the end of the week', said Giergia.

Bracey Wright played 8 Euroleague games for Joventut this season averaging 12.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 1 apg. In ACB he had 14 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 2.6 apg in 14 games. After the team from Badalona failed to reach the Top16, they parted ways. Wright arrived to Joventut last summer from Greek Aris. With Aris he had 14.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg in 18 Euroleague games. Very similar digits he registered in A1. On season 06/07 Wright played 19 games for the Minnesota Timberwolves. A season before he was the 4th scorer of NBDL with 21.2 ppg. Bracey Wright came out from Indiana University in 2005.

Zagreb inks Mulaomerovic - by Milan Jovanovic
After the last weeks shocking announcement about Zagreb, the club famous for not hiring foreigners but basing their politics on only Croatians, getting 3 Americans on tryouts - Nslson, Jamel Thomas and Michael Jenkins - finaly none of them is signed, but only famous Croatian guard Damir Damir Mulaomerovic (195-G-74, agency: FCM).
The club management obviously decided to stick to their usual maners, and stating that once Vladovic is healthy, they are just about covered with Damir Mulaomerovic, not needing additional signings.
Damir Mulaomerovic who used to play for some giants such as Real Madrid or Pao, comes from the season in Greek PAOK.

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D-LEAGUE

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.	16-6
2. Dakota W.	15-12
3. Sioux Falls S.	13-12
4. Erie BH	11-16
5. Ft.Wayne MA	9-14
Southwest Division
1. Austin T.	16-7
2. Colorado 14ers	15-7
3. Albuquerque T.	12-12
4. Rio Grande VV	10-16
5. Tulsa 66ers	6-17
West Division
1. Idaho S.	18-8
2. Bakersfield J.	15-9
3. Utah F.	13-9
4. Reno B.	9-15
5. Anaheim A.	9-16
6. LA D-Fenders	6-18

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Trent STRICKLAND
  Rio Grande
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 17.5

1. White, Anaheim	25.8
2. Conroy, Albuquerque	25.8
3. Ahearn, Dakota	22.6
4. Sims, Iowa	22.4
5. Hairston, Austin	21.1
6. Williams, Austin	20.9
7. Crawford, Los A.	20.9
8. Daniels, Erie	20.8
9. Martin, Iowa	20.1
10. Meeking, Re.	20.0

Rebounds Per Game

Curtis STINSON
  Iowa
  (187-G-83)
  Avg: 7.7

1. Sims, Iowa	11.6
2. Hendrix, Dakota	10.9
3. Davidson, Idaho	10.8
4. Gaines, Austin	10.3
5. Daniels, Erie	10.1
6. Hunter, Ft.Wayne	9.8
7. Monds, Albuquerque	9.6
8. Brown, Austin	9.5
9. Allred, Idaho	9.3
10. Jeffers, Io.	8.9

Assists Per Game

Trey JOHNSON
  Bakersfield
  (196-G-84)
  Avg: 4.2

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne	12.0
2. Gill, Colorado	8.3
3. Cleaves, Bakersfield	8.0
4. Conroy, Albuquerque	7.8
5. Parker, Rio Grande	7.5
6. Stinson, Iowa	7.3
7. Jordan, Rio Grande	6.2
8. Clinkscales, Erie	6.1
9. Ahearn, Dakota	5.7
10. Karl, Ida.	5.5

Steals Per Game

Dontell JEFFERSON
  Utah
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Coleman, Colorado	2.8
2. Elliott, Sioux Falls	2.6
3. Russell, Ft.Wayne	2.5
4. Noel, Albuquerque	2.5
5. Jordan, Rio Grande	2.4
6. Parker, Rio Grande	2.3
7. Major, Dakota	2.3
8. Conroy, Albuquerque	2.2
9. Johnson, Austin	2.0
10. Baker, Dako.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Jackie MANUEL
  Erie
  (196-G/F-83)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Samb, Colorado	4.1
2. Williams, Colorado	3.9
3. Hill, Tulsa	2.3
4. Sims, Iowa	2.3
5. Giles, Los Angeles	2.2
6. Petway, Idaho	2.1
7. Felix, Anaheim	2.0
8. Alexander, Sioux F.	2.0
9. Hendrix, Dakota	1.9
10. Townes, Er.	1.8

D-League Round: 56 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Sioux Falls - Iowa 102-108
The Energy grabbed this one mostly owing to Othyus Jeffers (6'5''-F-85, college: Robert Morris), who stepped up with 34 points and 10 rebounds. Patrick Sanders drained 25, while Curtis Stinson and Brian Evans nailed 14 points apiece. Actually, Stinson had 7 rebounds and more 10 assists. Glen McGowan registered double-double for the loosing side, 22 points and 10 rebounds. Energy 16-6, Skyforce 13-12.

Dakota - Albuquerque 106-109
Will Conroy came up with 35 points and 8 assists for the Thunderbirds last night. David Noel had 25, while Jasper Johnson and Keith McLeod netted 17 pts each. Dakota got 24 points from Renaldo Major. Thunderbirds 12-12, Wizards 15-11.

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

EUROCUP

Appeals panel reduces Hasharon fine - by Eurobasket
After appeals filed by both Eurocup teams of a recent disciplinary judge's decision, the appeals panel for the competition has partially adjusted the original sanctions. The appeal of Turk Telekom Ankara was denied completely, meaning that it must pay a fine of 15,000 and play its next home game without fans for not taking 'all necessary preventive measures to avoid disturbances before, during and after the game' on January 6, 2009, when it was to have played Bnei Hasharon in Week 5 of the regular season. The appeal of Bnei Hasharon was partially accepted. The team from Israel remains sanctioned with a 20-0 defeat for refusing to play the game, but the appeals panel cut the team's original fine to 5,000. The decisions may be appealed again before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne within 15 days.

Courtesy of Eurocup

Bracey Wright to Zadar? - by Philip Mulryne
According to KK Zadar GM Giuseppe Giergija,Bracey Wright (191-G-84, college: Indiana) is going to join Eurocup campaign with KK Zadar. After graduating from Indiana University, where he played for Indiana Hoosiers in NCAA- Wright was drafted my Minnoseta Timberwolves. However, he played in D-league then joined Aris. He started this season with last year's ULEB Cup winner Joventut, the team that 've released him recently. Wright played 25 min on average in the Euroleague where he averaged 12 points per game. KK Zadar is now 0-1 in Group J In Eurocup Last 16 Round.
http://www.slobodnadalmacija.hr/Ko%C5%A1arka/tabid/85/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/39984/Default.aspx

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

EUROLEAGUE

Euroleague Round: 1 (Top 16) - by Eurobasket News

Group E

Tau - Prokom 99-77
The reigning Spanish champion opened Euroleague Top 16 in style nailing 99 points against the Polish champ - Asseco Prokom. Tau dominated from the very beginning creating plus 19 after just 10 minutes. The team from Vitoria had couple of players in a game mood. Mirza Teletovic scored the most, 22 points, plus 5 rebounds. Sergi Vidal and Igor Rakocevic drained 20 points each. William McDonald added 11 pts. Asseco Prokom got 19 points from Daniel Ewing. Ronnie Burrell scored 16 and David Logan had one point less.

Armani MI - Olympiakos 76-74
Armani Jeans Milano grabbed tiny home victory against the Reds jumping on 1-0 in Group E, together with Tau Ceramica. David Hawkins and Luca Vitali led the scorers in the winning squad with 15 points each. Jobey Thomas had 14 and Mike Hall netted 13 pts. On the other side, Giorgos Printezis nailed 22 for Olympiakos.

Group F

Real Madrid - Regal Barca 85-83
Real Madrid celebrated in extremely exciting Spanish 'El classico' against the Regal Barca 85-83 in the front of 12.500 fans in Palacio Vistalegre. It means that Real became the first team of Group F who registered victory in Euroleague Top 16 (Wednesday). Louis Bullock and Sergio Llull were the best scorers in Real with 18 points apiece. The big guy Felipe Reyes also shined nailing 15 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) was on high level in Barca collecting 21 points and 5 boards. Fran Vazquez was the last one with double-digits in scoring with 16 pts. Vasquez also had 5 rebs beside that.

Maccabi T-A - ALBA 96-65
Maccabi devastated ALBA in Tel-Aviv by 31 points. The hosts had Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) on fire with 22 points and 8 rebounds for 29 minutes. D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia) followed him with 21 pts and also 8 boards. The team from Berlin got 17 points from Immanuel McElroy and two less from Ansu Sesay. Maccabi 1-0, ALBA 0-1 in Group F.

Group G

Panathinaikos - Partizan 81-63
The Greens smashed Partizan in the second half creating nice 18-point win in Athens. Partizan was on fire from behind the arc during the first 20 minutes making 36-41, but PAO replied with 45-22 until the end. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) was a key player for the Greens as he nailed 26 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Vassilis Spanoulis produced 15 pts. Novica Velickovic had 13, Stephane Lasme 12 and Uros Tripkovic 10 points in loss. PAO 1-0, Partizan 0-1 in Group G.

Lottomatica - Unicaja 75-88
Unicaja continued where it stopped in the regular season. This time the powerful team from Malaga cruised past Lottomatica in Rome 88-75 for 1-0 in Group G. Marcus Haislip top-scored in victory with 22 points, including 6 rebounds beside that. Boniface Ndong added 15 pts and 8 boards, while Thomas Kelati helped with 13 pts. Ibby Jabber scored 12 for the hosts. Rodrigo De La Fuente and Primoz Brezec posted 11 apiece.

Group H

Fener.Ulker - CSKA 48-66
CSKA devastated Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul stopping it on just 48 points in total. The defending Euroleague champion got 14 points from Ramunas Siskauskas and double-double from Terence Morris, 12 points and 10 rebounds. Viktor Khryapa was the last one with double digits in scoring for CSKA - 11 pts. Gordan Giricek drained 13 for Fener.

Cibona - Montepaschi 88-81
Cibona registered nice home victory against the strong Italian champion - Montepaschi Siena. The hosts grabbed this one thanks to well played second half, 50-37. Earl Calloway (191-G-83, college: Indiana) top-scored for the winning squad with 23 points. Davor Kus had 18, while Alan Anderson added 16 points and 5 rebounds. Experienced Nikola Prkacin helped with 13 points and 7 boards. On the other side, Ksistof Lavrinovic and Shaun Stonerook nailed 18 points apiece. Terrell McIntyre, as well as Rimantas Kaukenas, scored 12 pts.

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Marcus BROWN
  Maccabi T-A
  (193-G-74)
  Avg: 13.4

1. Rakocevic, Tau	20.0
2. Logan, Prokom	17.3
3. Becirovic, Lottomat.	16.3
4. Warren, Air AV	16.2
5. Splitter, Tau	15.4
6. Eliyahu, Maccabi .	15.4
7. Calloway, Cibona	15.3
8. Ewing, Prokom	14.7
9. Hawkins, Armani MI	14.6
10. Teletovic, T.	14.4

Rebounds Per Game

Mason ROCCA
  Armani MI
  (204-F-77)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Woods, Zalgiris	9.0
2. Turkcan, Fener.Ul.	8.3
3. Jankunas, Zalgiris	8.0
4. Fischer, Maccabi .	7.8
5. Koffi, Le Mans	7.7
6. Burrell, Prokom	7.5
7. Lavrinovic, Montepas.	7.4
8. Julian, Nancy	7.3
9. Bourousis, Olympiakos	7.2
10. Eliyahu, Maccab.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Raul LOPEZ
  Real Madrid
  (182-G-80)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Papaloukas, Olymp.	5.0
2. Cook, Unicaja	4.9
3. Arroyo, Maccabi .	4.8
4. Mallet, DKV Joven.	4.6
5. McIntyre, Montepas.	4.5
6. Holden, CSKA	4.2
7. Prigioni, Tau	4.2
8. Becirovic, Lottomat.	4.1
9. Navarro, Regal B.	3.8
10. Diamantidis, Pana.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Ricardo GREER
  Nancy
  (197-F/G-78)
  Avg: 1.4

1. Logan, Prokom	2.4
2. Stonerook, Montepas.	2.2
3. Jaaber, Lottomat.	2.2
4. Smith, Efes Pilsen	2.2
5. Green, Fener.Ulker	2.1
6. Prigioni, Tau	2.0
7. McIntyre, Montepas.	2.0
8. Onan, Fener.Ulker	1.9
9. Miles, Panionios	1.9
10. Calloway, Cibo.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Eduardo HERNANDEZ-SONSECA
  DKV Joven.
  (212-C-83)
  Avg: 0.9

1. Woods, Zalgiris	2.4
2. Fischer, Maccabi .	1.9
3. Splitter, Tau	1.8
4. McDonald, Tau	1.7
5. Begic, U.Olimpija	1.7
6. Lasme, Partizan	1.6
7. Ndong, Unicaja	1.6
8. Vazquez, Regal B.	1.5
9. Vranes, Partizan	1.4
10. Archibald, Unica.	1.2

Top 16, Round 1 tri-MVPs: Nikola Pekovic, D'or Fischer, Lior Eliyahu - by Eurobasket News
The Top 16 started with a rare occurrence in the weekly race for the best individual performance rating - tri-MVPs! For just the fourth time all decade, three players tied for the weekly MVP honor, each with a performance index rating of 28, just a point above two more players. Most importantly, Maccabi Electra teammates Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) and D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia),, as well as Panathinaikos big man Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket), all led their teams to huge Week 1 victories. Eliyahu and Fischer teamed up big-time in a 96-65 home win against Alba Berlin in Group F. The 31-point margin was Maccabi's biggest in Euroleague play since November of 2004. Eliyahu worked the baseline for an array of dunks against Alba, finishing with 22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and a block while making 8 of his 11 two-point tries. When Eliyahu wasn't doing so, Fischer ruled inside against Alba to the tune of 21 points, 8 rebounds and 4 blocked shots while making 9 of his 11 two-pointers. Pekovic, meanwhile, paced Panathinaikos to an 81-63 victory over his old team, Partizan Belgrade, at home in Athens. The tireless young center piled up 26 points while hitting 14 of his 15 free throws as Panathinaikos came from behind to avenge elimination in last season's Top 16 at the hands of Partizan - and Pekovic. Right behind those three each with an index rating of 27, were Earl Calloway of Cibona, author of 23 points, 4 assists and 3 steals in a big win over Montepaschi, and Juan Carlos Navarro of Regal FC Barcelona, who had 21 points, 4 assists and 4 steals in a losing effort at Real Madrid.

Individual highs: Carlos Arroyo (188-G-79, agency: Interperformances, college: Florida Intern.), Maccabi Electra, 10 assists

Pekovic was also the Top 16 Week 1 best scorer with 26 points against Partizan. Patrick Burke (208-C-73, college: Auburn) of Asseco Prokom and Semih Erden (211-C-87) of Fenerbahce Ulker each pulled down 11 rebounds, the top total of the week, in their teams respective losses against Tau Ceramica and CSKA Moscow. Carlos Arroyo of Maccabi was the only player to record double-figure assists, dishing 10 against Alba. In fact, no other player recorded more than 5 assists this week. David Logan (184-G-82, college: Indianapolis) of Prokom collected 5 steals to lead the weekly standings in that category. In the same game, Will McDonald (196-F) of Tau had 6 blocks, just one short of tying the Top 16 record of seven, which Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) has held since 2005. Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland) of CSKA Moscow - 12 points, 10 rebounds - and Burke - 12 points, 11 rebounds - were the only players to register double-doubles this week.

Courtesy of Euroleague

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

FINLAND

Jesse Mantyla moves to Tarmo - by Kevin
Porvoon Tarmo has brought in Jesse Mantyla (197-F-89), who most recently played for Jarvenpaan Koripalloseura. The young Finnish player played in 13 games for Jarvenpaan Koripalloseura this season and averaged 5.4 ppg and 1.8 rpg. In Mantyla's first game for his new team Porvoon Tarmo he played 11 minutes and scored 3 points. He now looks to jump start his career with the move.

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Kouvot	19-8
2. Lahti	18-8
3. KTP	17-9
4. Kataja	17-9
5. Honka	15-11
6. Korihait	15-12
7. LrNMKY	12-14
8. ToPo	11-15
9. Componenta	10-16
10. FoKoPo	9-17
11. Pyrinto	8-18
12. Tarmo	6-20

Stats Leaders - Division I

Points Per Game

Quennell GREEN
  Salon Vilpas
  (198-G/F-84)
  Avg: 17.4

1. Surratt, Ura Basket	27.6
2. McNeil, JKS	27.3
3. Heard, LoKoKo	24.8
4. Holmes, BC Nokia	24.7
5. Francis, JKS	23.0
6. Cooper, BC Nokia	22.9
7. Conerly, Salon Vilpas	22.1
8. Davis, LoKoKo	21.7
9. Dlouhy, BC Nokia	21.6
10. Williams, Hon.	21.1

Rebounds Per Game

Toni RAISKI
  Lapua
  (194-F-81)
  Avg: 7.6

1. Piplovic, Lapua	11.5
2. Francis, JKS	11.4
3. McNeil, JKS	11.2
4. Daanish, Salon Vilpas	11.1
5. Morris, Huima	10.8
6. Richardson, PuHu	10.6
7. Collins, Jyvaskyla	10.2
8. Green, Salon Vilpas	10.2
9. Kraznotzhon, HN.	9.8
10. Heard, LoKo.	9.6

Assists Per Game

Tuomas VIERTOLA
  JKS
  (192-F-90)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Surratt, Ura Basket	4.9
2. Davis, LoKoKo	4.7
3. Conerly, Salon Vilpas	4.5
4. Graham, Huima	4.0
5. Carhart, Lapua	3.7
6. Holmes, BC Nokia	3.3
7. Silvonen, HN.	3.2
8. Horton, Kauhajoki	3.1
9. Rokala, Ura Basket	3.0
10. Nikitin, Hon.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Heikki LAATIKAINEN
  Huima
  (177-G-84)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Surratt, Ura Basket	3.3
2. Davis, LoKoKo	3.2
3. Horton, Kauhajoki	3.2
4. Holmes, BC Nokia	3.2
5. McNeil, JKS	2.8
6. Conerly, Salon Vilpas	2.8
7. Little, HN.	2.7
8. Carhart, Lapua	2.6
9. Washington, Kauha.	2.4
10. Williams, Hon.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Lasse HINTSALA
  Kauhajoki
  (193-G-84)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Watson, BC Nokia	2.0
2. King, Jyvaskyla	2.0
3. Washington, Kauha.	1.4
4. Still, Lapua	1.2
5. Daanish, Salon Vilpas	1.1
6. Collins, Jyvaskyla	1.0
7. Thomas, LoKoKo	1.0
8. Francis, JKS	0.9
9. Morris, Huima	0.9
10. Hartford, Hui.	0.9

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

James ALLEN
  ToPo
  (194-G-79)
  Avg: 14.5

1. Wood, Kataja	21.4
2. Blair, Kataja	19.9
3. Coleman, LrNM.	19.7
4. Blassingame, LrNM.	19.5
5. Brown, LrNM.	19.0
6. Smith, KTP	18.5
7. Richards, Compo.	18.4
8. Scott, Honka	18.0
9. Williams, KTP	17.5
10. Hunter, FoKo.	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Pasi RIIHELA
  LrNMKY
  (199-F-75)
  Avg: 6.5

1. Richardson, Tarmo	14.3
2. Wood, Kataja	12.8
3. Cunningham, FoKoPo	10.2
4. Williams, KTP	10.1
5. Jones, Componenta	9.7
6. Nikkila, Pyrinto	9.4
7. Coleman, LrNM.	9.4
8. Waters, Componenta	9.1
9. Smith, KTP	8.5
10. Thomas, FoKo.	8.4

Assists Per Game

Joni HARJULA
  Pyrinto
  (189-G-83)
  Avg: 2

1. Blassingame, LrNM.	6.5
2. Williams, KTP	4.5
3. Blair, Kataja	4.3
4. Colman, LrNM.	4.2
5. Richards, Compo.	4.0
6. Vuori, Namika Lahti	3.6
7. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.5
8. Barnes, Tarmo	3.3
9. Kataja, Kouvot	3.3
10. Jalonen, FoKo.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Durell VINSON
  KTP
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Scott, Honka	2.8
2. Blair, Kataja	2.5
3. Williams, KTP	2.5
4. Wood, Kataja	2.1
5. Cummings, Honka	1.8
6. Jalonen, FoKoPo	1.8
7. Richards, Compo.	1.8
8. Jones, Componenta	1.8
9. Zoller, Korihait	1.8
10. LeMelle, Kouv.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Charles THOMAS
  Siroki Eronet
  (203-F-86)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Nikkila, Pyrinto	1.9
2. Williams, KTP	1.8
3. Epps, ToPo	1.5
4. Messy, Tarmo	1.4
5. Hunter, FoKoPo	1.4
6. Spencer, ToPo	1.2
7. Perkins, Honka	1.1
8. Wood, Kataja	1.1
9. Lehtoranta, Kataja	1.1
10. Muurinen, Hon.	1.0

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

FYR MACEDONIA

Gecevski and Petrovski stats - by Eurobasket News
Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) collected 15 points and 5 rebounds for his Zadar in the opener of EuroCup Top 16. Michael Wright however delivered 23 points to pace Turk Telekom to the initial win in the Last 16 stage. The Turkish team handled Zadar at the Ataturk Spor Salonu to take the lead in Group J. The hosts coasted in the opening term and piled up a decisive advantage after ten minutes of action. Erwin Dudley shone bright for Turk Telekom in the opening frame to lead his team to a massive 20:9 advantage. Michael Wright stepped up on the stage late in the period scoring 6 consecutive points to seal it at 28:13 at the intermission. Juby Johnson and Deyan Ivanov nailed 5 points in a row to open the second frame. However Turk Telekom matched the effort with a 10:0 rally to enjoy a 20-point cushion. Rok Stipcevic and Todor Gecevski however kept the intrigue alive as they shaved the margin to 10 points at halftime. Rok Stipcevic fired from downtown to get Zadar as close as 7 points early in the third stanza. But Turk Telekom remained calm and raced to a 65:57 advantage at three-quarter time. Zadar went on a final comeback rally late in the game as they exploded with an 11:2 run to cut the deficit to 3 points 75:78. Michael Wright and Serkan Erdogan were cold-blooded at the moment as they answered with back-to-back jumpers and Turk Telekom saved the day. Erwin Dudley secured 16 points and 8 boards for Turk Telekom. Serkan Erdogan nailed 14 points in the win. Deyan Ivanov answered with 23 points and 16 boards for Zadar. Rok Stipcevic contributed 17 points for the visitors.
Jane Petrovski (181-G-87, agency: 011 Sports) netted 10 points and had 5 assists in Ukraine but Dnipro grabbed the second straight win as they held off his Gryfony at home court. Patrick Beverly and Devin Green teamed up for another pivotal performance with 26 and 21 points respectively. Darnell Lazare added 12 points and 11 boards for the winners. Predrag Miletic finished with 18 points and 6 steals for Gryfony in the loss. Last night Jane Petrovski top-scored with 21 points for Gryfony in a 79:85 loss to Ferro.

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GERMANY

Maccabi destroys German champion 96-65 in Tel-Aviv - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague, Top 16: Maccabi - ALBA 96-65

Maccabi devastated ALBA in Tel-Aviv by 31 points. The hosts had Lior Eliyahu (205-F-85, agency: ZAG Advocates) on fire with 22 points and 8 rebounds for 29 minutes. D'or Fischer (211-C-81, college: W.Virginia) followed him with 21 pts and also 8 boards. The team from Berlin got 17 points from Immanuel McElroy (193-G-80, college: Cincinnati) and two less from Ansu Sesay (206-C/F-76, college: Mississippi). Maccabi has 1-0, while ALBA started the Top 16 with 0-1 in Group F.
Both teams were pretty good at the offensive end during the first quarter. ALBA surprised Maccabi with quick 2-6 and after that 4-9 lead. However, Lior Eliyahu and D'or Fischer answered with 8-0 run for 12-9 score. Omri Casspi (204-F/G-88, agency: Interperformances) was almost unmistakable in the first stanza leading his Maccabi to 27-20 after 10 minutes. That was all from the German champion in this game. Maccabi totally took control on its opponent making 10-0 run at the middle of the second frame for 37-22. Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) scored the last basket in the first half for ALBA cutting the minus from 19 to 17 points, 49-32. Maccabi continued in the same rhythm after the break. Marcus Brown drained triple and D'or Fischer scored inside for plus 22, 54-32. Later it was 58-35 and 68-42 after 30 minutes. Julius Jenkins, Immanuel McElroy and their teammates succeeded to close the gap on 74-53 in the last stanza, but Lior Eliyahu immediately replied with 8 consecutive points for the hosts. At the very end Maccabi extended it's lead to 31 points. In the next round Maccabi will go to Barcelona. ALBA will host Real Madrid.

Maccabi: Lior Eliyahu 22+8 boards, D'or Fischer 21+8 boards, Omri Casspi 12
ALBA: Immanuel McElroy 17, Ansu Sesay 15, Julius Jenkins 14+5 boards

Robert Hollywood Globetrotter Turner(Cologne 99ers Pregame Thoughts to Cologne-Frankfurt clash January 31st - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

Robert Turner (206-C-82, college: Pepperdine) is a 206cm center from Buena Park California playing his first season with the Cologne 99ers. He played four seasons at Pepperdine University which possibly has the most beautiful campus which overlooks the Pacific ocean in Malibu, California. Even though he is a BBL rookie, he did not come fresh from school, but has travelled the world the last three years touring with the famous Harlem Globetrotters. This season, he is averaging 10,9ppg, 4,4rpg and 1,2apg for the Cologne 99ers. He is seeking double revenge on the Deutsche Bank Skyliners after losing the first game of the season against Frankfurt in the Energydome 83-75 and losing to Skyliner Keith Simmons by one point in the 2009 BBL Allstar dunk contest. Robert took some time talking about the fourth coming game against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners on Saturday January 31.

How important has the signing of Michael Jordan been?

With the Signing of MJ its been great so far. He brings a winning and positive attitude to practice everyday and pushes us hard as well. We are a different team with him and this second half of the season we plan on showing it to the rest of the league.

You guys lost Idbhi and Grunheid and now picked up Bavcic. Is he the answer to getting more stability under the boards?

Bavcic is a key player for us now. He is a double-double guy and causes problems offensively. He is a presence on the glass but as a team our goal is to rebound more and make it easier for ourselves.

You guys are in 16th place with one win more than Giessen. You have won three of the last four games and are playing good Basketball. What have been the reasons for the success and will it continue to stay in the next weeks?

We are playing good basketball now and i think the major reason is because we are tired of losing. We work hard everyday and the results were not what we expected. So now with the new players we have and the change of our attitudes we are going to be a dangerous team this half of the season.

On what deficits does the team still need to work on to continue to improve?

We are focusing more on defense now and rebounding. Those were our major concerns and we keep improving on this everyday.

How excited are you to be playing against the 2009 BBL dunk champ Keith Simmons?

Keith is a good player and I look forward to playing against good players. Brings the competitiveness out me and of course i want another shot at the 'Dunk Champ' lol.

Do you want to seek revenge with a win mainly because he beat you by 1 point?

The dunk contest was a great time, but that is a thing of the past now. I just plan on playing hard and helping my team the best i can and hopefully we can steal a win this weekend.

Who is the key player that Cologne has to shut down?

Frankfurt is a good team with a lot of key players. We want to shut down all of them if we can. I cant really name just one player because they are all dangerous at any given time during the game.

What will be the key for victory for Cologne?

Matching their aggressiveness and playing smart will be the key for us. If we can do that then its going to be a very entertaining game.

How will you want to get past the aggressive presure full court defense from Frankfurt?

Well we want to beat any pressure we get by playing smart and taking care of the ball. If we can do that and get a few easy baskets it will make the game a lot less difficult for us. We will see what happens this weekend!,

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GREECE

A2: Week -15 Round Up - by Chris Mammides
A2: Week -15 Round Up

Near East Dafni 63-77
Quarters: 20-16, 35-39, 50-58, and 63-77.
Near East: Koutroulias 25, Skoutaris 12
Dafni: Giorgos Kerasovitis (190-G-81) 20, Kakiouzis 15

Peristeri Olympiada Patras 66-54
Quarters: 17-13, 33-32, 49-41, and 66-54.
Peristeri: Darrel Lewis (192-G-76, college: Lincoln (MO)) 16, Despos 10
Olympiada Patras: Kosanovic 14 and Tosic 13

Keravnos Aigiou Iraklis 73-79
Quarters: 17-23, 41-37, 51-60, and 73-79.
Keravnos Aigiou: Kefalas 15, Albert 18
Iraklis: Velimir Radinovic (212-C-81, college: Ohio St.) 14

ICBS KAOD 76-80
Quarters: 21-20, 41-42, 50-63, and 76-80.
ICBS: Vasilis Kounas (195-G-84) 20, Sizopoulos 18
KAOD: Zupic 16, Maslarinos and Rodostoglou 12 each

Rethymno Pagrati 61-51
Quarters: 13-10, 24-23, 43-33, 61-51.
Rethymno: Theodoros Panaras (195-F-76) 17, Mantzanas 11
Pagrati: Veskoukis 16, Koukas 10

Xanthi Ermis Lagkada 66-61
Quarters: 14-11, 26-35, 44-47, 66-61.
Xanthi: G. Anagnostopoulos (190-G-81) 23, Jelenic 18
Ermis: Nikoloudis 16, Godopoulos 12

MENT Ilysiakos 66-70
Quarters: 8-19, 22-36, 45-59, 66-70.
MENT: Tzakopoulos 24, Mandic 19
Ilysiakos: Sakis Karidas 19, Grace 14

Apollon Patras Panerythraikos 65-61
Quarters: 18-13, 34-25, 53-46, 65-61.
Apollon Patras: Aristides Koronides (188-G-82) 29, Georgitsis 21
Panerythraikos: Pashalis 11, Doumanis 13

PAO blasts Partizan in the second half - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague, Top 16: Panathinaikos - Partizan 81-63

The Greens blasted Partizan in the second half creating nice 18-point win in Athens. Partizan was on fire from behind the arc during the first 20 minutes making 36-41, but PAO replied with 45-22 until the end. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) was a key player for the Greens as he nailed 26 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) produced 15 pts. Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) had 13, Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) 12 and Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) 10 points in loss. PAO 1-0, Partizan 0-1 in Group G.
The Serbian representative was much better than PAO at the very beginning. Novica Velickovic and his teammates were almost unmistakable for 3-pts grabbing 0-5 and later 4-11 lead. Nikola Pekovic and Vassilis Spanoulis stepped up for PAO after that creating 10-3 run for 14-14. Until the end of the first quarter, Partizan again touched plus 7, but PAO ended it with 6-0 run setting the score on 22-23. Partizan's players were on fire in the second quarter also, while on the other side PAO scored many points from the FT line. It was clear that the Green giant slowly comes in the right track, but despite it Partizan managed to go on the half time with 36-41. Vassilis Spanoulis demonstrated fantastic performance after the breather making couple of jumpers and killing slaloms. Nikola Pekovic was good in the paint and it was 55-52 for PAO after 30 minutes. During the last quarter Partizan faced with real fiasco. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) put amazing pressure on Partizan's guard in defense, while Pekovic had no mercy at the offensive end. PAO nailed 26 points in this period matched with 11 by Partizan. In the next round PAO will meet Unicaja in Malaga. Partizan will host Lottomatica.

Panathinaikos: Nikola Pekovic 26+6 boards, Vassilis Spanoulis 15, Dimitris Diamantidis 8
Partizan: Novica Velickovic 13, Stephane Lasme 12, Uros Tripkovic 10

Thriller win for AJ Milano vs Olympiakos - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague, Top 16: AJ Milano - Olympiakos 76-74

Armani Jeans Milano grabbed tiny home victory against the Reds jumping on 1-0 in Group E, together with Tau Ceramica. David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) and Luca Vitali (201-G-86) led the scorers in the winning squad with 15 points each. Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) had 14 and Mike Hall (203-F-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) netted 13 pts. On the other side, Giorgos Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) nailed 22 for Olympiakos.
It was extremely exciting game until the very end. The first quarter was almost leveled. Actually, David Hawkins drained a triple for 23-20 after 10 minutes. At the half way of the second stanza AJ Milano made impressive 11-0 run for the first double-digit lead in this game. In the finish of the first half the hosts touched plus 12, but Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78, agency: Interperformances) made a lay-up fixing the score on 42-32. AJ Milano continued even better after the break. Mike Hall buried a triple for plus 13. Giorgos Printezis scored for Olympiakos, after what Luca Vitali made a 3-pointer for 48-34. Few minutes later it was 61-45, but Giorgos Printezis and Papaloukas led 8-1 run closing the gap on 62-53. With 9-3 at the beginning of the last stanza the Reds came on 65-64. It was a 1-point game until 21 seconds to go, when Pape Sow made two FTs. Greer scored two for the Reds after that and it was 75-74 for the hosts. Olympiakos decided to commit a foul with 7 seconds left and Thomas made just 1 FT. The guests had a chance, but Greer slipped on the floor for the big joy of AJ Milano's fans. The Italians will meet Asseco Prokom on the road next week, while Olympiakos will host Tau.

AJ Milano: David Hawkins 15, Luca Vitali 15, Jobey Thomas 14, Mike Hall 13+6 boards
Olympiakos: Giorgos Printezis 22, Nikola Vujcic 10+5 as

Latest Transactions - by Kevin
Panellinios Athens has signed Mustafa Shakur (190-G-84, college: Arizona) from Tau Ceramica Vitoria (Spain). Skakur averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.3 rpg with his former team. Last season he played in Poland for Prokom Trefl Sopot and scored 7.6 ppg and won the Polish Cup.
C.C. Marousi has found a new face in town and have signed Petros Noeas (203-F-87). He comes from ESTIA Egaleo and the young forward looks to improve daily with his new squad.

Stats Leaders - A1

A1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1.Smith, Kolossos 18.9
2.Francis, AEL1964 17
3.Vasiliadis, PAOK 16.9 4.Grundy, Panellin 16.3
5. Pekovic, PAO 14.7

Rebounds Per Game

1.Francin, AEL1964 10.6
2.Nelson, Aris 9.1
3.Wesson, PAOK 8.5
4.Bryant, AEK 7
5.Golemac, Panellinios 7

Assists Per Game

1.Apostolidis, AEL 4.1 2.Diamantidis, PAO 4
3.Avery, Trikala2000 3.7
4.Golemac, Panellin. 3.7
5.Papalouka, Olymp. 3.7

Steals Per Game

1.Miles, Panionios 2.1
2.Iliadis, Aris 2
3. Thompson, AEK 1.9
4. Grundy, Panellin. 1.9
5. Thomas, Kavala 1.9

Blocks Per Game

1.Fotsis, PAO 1.6
2.Massie, Trikala 1.6
3.Bryant, AEK 1
4.Francis, AEL1964 0.9
5.Mavrokefalidis, Mar. 0.9

2FGP

1.Schultze,Olympia 90%2.Childress,Olympiakos 80%
3.Gregory, PAOK 75%4.Perperoglou,PAO 72%
5.Pekovic,PAO 72%

3FGP

1.Diarra, PAOK 60%2.Diamantidis,PAO 60%
3.Pelekanos, Olymp 55%
4.Nemeth, AEK 52%
5.Harris, Kolossos 52%

Free Throws

1.Batis, Olympia 90%
2.Kiritsis, PAOK 90%
3.Vasilievic, Kollos 81%
4.Wesson,PAOK 80%
5.Hatzis,AEK 78%
Childress,Olympiakos 100%
4.Zoroski,Panionios 100%
5.Perperoglou,PAO 100%
6.Jasikeviciuc,PAO 100%

Ranking

1.Pekovic, PAO 0.915
2.Ostojic, Panell. 0.798
3.Massie, Trikala 0.786
4.Perperoglu, PAO 0.759
5.Bourousis, Oly. 0.740

Standings - B Division

B Standings

1. Arkadikos	13-2
2. OFI	10-5
3. Ikaros K.	10-5
4. Komotini	10-5
5. Ikaroi Serron	10-5
6. Lavrio	9-6
7. Anagennisi	9-6
8. Amyntas	9-6
9. AIAS Evosmou	7-8
10. Doukas	7-8
11. Apollon K.	7-8
12. Periko-Arhelao	5-8
13. Goumenissa	4-11
14. Sporting	4-11
15. Halkida	3-12
16. P.Faliro	0-15

B Division: Week 15-Round Up - by Chris Mammides

B Division: Week 15-Round Up

Goumenisa P. Faliro 95-48
Quarters: 24-11, 44-25, 69-40, 95-48.
Goumenisa: Giorgos Dalis (192-G-87) 20, Pantsios 16
P.Faliro: Monemvasitis 11

Ikaroi Serron Sporting 65-55
Quarters:19-10, 36-24, 54-38, 65-55.
Ikaroi: Papanoglou 17, Thanasis Topouzis (205-F/C-78, college: S.Illinois) 20
Sporting: Mastrokostopoulos 26

OFI Apollon Kalamarias 76-64
Quarters: 17-12, 40-32, 56-46, 76-64.
OFI: Tsakiridis and Sakis Panagakis (191-G-83) 12 each
Apollon Kalamarias: Nanis 20

Doukas AIAS 79-74 in OT
Quarters: 23-16, 32-32, 52-54, 68-68, 79-74.
Doukas: Papargiropoulos 20, Christos Gavanopoulos (198-G-85) 28
AIAS: Filiousis 26, Triantafillidis 17

Ikaros Kallitheas Arkadikos 74-57
Quarters: 15-14, 36-28, 55-44, 74-57.
Ikaros: Vasilis Emmanouilidis (185-G-77) 22, Tsotsos 13
Arkadikos: Manos 21, Manavopoulos 16

Anagennisi/Floga Lavrio 61-68
Quarters 23-21, 37-31, 51-46, 61-68.
Anagennis/Floga: Zarogiannis 15, Moisiadis 14
Lavrio: Giannakopoulos 32, Nikos Tsolatos (202-F-76) 14

Halkida Amyntas 73-77
Quarters: 24-14, 45-37, 59-57, 73-77.
Halkida: Frousklias 14, Jeremic 13
Amyntas: Leonidas Zoupas (182-G-82) 16, Vogiatzis 16

Pierikos/Arhelaos / Komotini 83-76
Quarters: 29-19, 43-38, 61-53, 83-76
Pierikos/Arhelaos: Chrysanthopoulos 18, Stelios Hatzioannou (190-G-80) 19
Komotini: Stefanidis 14, Ktistou 14.

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HOLLAND

Hanzevast Capitals, Try-Out for Varnie Dennis - by Fred Roggen
American Varnie Dennis (202-F-82, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Cal Poly - SLO) has signed a try-out contract with Hanzevast Capitals, and is the planned replacement for the injured Australian Simon Conn. He will be given a physical today and could undergo further tests before the Capitals decide whether to offer him a contract. The 27-year-old center has both an American and Liberian passport.
Dennis Giants comes from the German Bundesligateam Nrdlingen, where he was released during the season.
He played seven matches this season and averaged 7.3 points and 5.1 rebounds this season.

Landstede Zwolle, Jamie Smalligan Part Ways - by Fred Roggen
Landstede Zwolle announced Thursday that it has released center Jamie Smalligan (212-C-84, college: W.Virginia), who is now free to sign with another team. Jamie Smalligan left immediately Landstede Basketball Zwolle.
The 24-year-old center, who was in his first season in Zwolle, has indicated that he missing the proper motivation. In consultation with the technical staff is decided to release Smalligan.
He averaged 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds in 24.9 minutes over 20 league games this season.

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ICELAND

Friday games - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Three games tonight in Iceland Express league. The big game was Snaefell vs KR. KR not lost so far in the season. Snaefell have strenghtened the team by adding Slobodan Subasic & Louisius Wagnar on the roster. KR leading at halftime 41-38 and 64-53 after 3rd period. Snaefell played hard in last period and got the lead down to five pts but could not get closer.
So another win for KR. Final score. Snaefell 75 KR 80
Jakob Sigurdarson (192-G-82, college: Birmingham Souther) with another good game for KR 27 pts. 6 boards. 5 assist 2 steals. Jon Stefansson 17 pts 5 boards & 4 assist. For Snaefell Louisius Wagner 21 & 8 boards.
Stjarnan keeps on winning now they beat Tindastoll 86-82. Justin Shouse 21 + 10 assist. Jovan Zdravevski 21. Kjartan Kjartansson 17. For Tindastoll Fridrik Hreinsson 22. Darrell Flake 16 + 12 boards. Svavar Birgisson 16.
Njardvik 76 IR 88. Both teams been struggling lately. Njardvik with many very young players. Top scorers for Njardvik. Fridrik Stefansson 17 + 15 rebs. . Hreggvidur Magnusson 19 Eirikur Onundarson 18 Steinar Arason 18 for IR

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IRAN

Superleague Imports List (Updated) - by Mohammed Malas
Thanks to the Interbasket forum member Mohsena2631 ...

New list of imports in Superleague:

Petrochimi:
Tony Madison (USA, G, 197, 1971)
Vincent Jones (USA, C, 210, 1977)

Shahrdari Gorgan:
Robert Brown (USA, F, 195, 1980)
Aaron Molnar (Romania/Canada, C, 211, 1978)

BEEM:
Kameldin Gamma (Croatia/Libya, C, 205, 1980)
Waitari Marsh (USA, G, 195, 1980)

AS Shiraz:
Kevin Sheppard (Virgin Islands, G, 183, 1979)
Zoran Majkic (Serbia, C, 207, 1978)

Zob Ahan:
Mike Jones (USA, G, 196, 1975)
Kevin Johnson (USA, F, 198, 1979)

Shahrekord:
Srdjan Jovanovic (Serbia, G, 194, 1976)
Dusan Stevic (Serbia, C, 209, 1972)

Ararat :
Mike Brownlee (USA, G, 188, 1975)
James Taylor (USA, C, 218, 1987)

Traktorsazi Kordestan:
Vladimir Panic (Serbia, F, 194, 1982)
Ivica Jurkovic (Slovenia, F, 206, 1973)

Langaroud:
Albert Mouring (USA, G, 190, 1979)
Souleymane Camara (Senegal, C, 210, 1979)

Mahram:
Oscar Yebra (Spain, F, 199, 1974)
Priest Lauderdale (Bulgaria/USA, C, 224, 1972)

Saba Mehr:
Jeff Varem (Nigeria, F, 200, 1983)
Jackson Vroman (208-C/F-81, college: Iowa St.)

Azad University:
Ejike Ugboaja (Nigeria, C, 204, 1985)
Nurudeen Adepoju (Nigeria, F, 195, 1986)

Khorasan Razavi:
Rob Anderson (USA, G, 196, 1979)
Kieth Butler (USA, C, 215, 1983)

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. Petrochimi	13-1
2. Saba	12-2
3. Zob Ahan	10-4
4. Mahram	10-4
5. BEEM	9-5
6. a.s Pipe	7-7
7. Gorgan	7-7
8. Kordestan	6-8
9. Ararat	5-9
10. Shahrekord	5-9
11. Azad	4-10
12. Langeroud	3-11
13. Khorasan	0-13

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ISRAEL

Latest transactions in the National League have Sergey Olishenski (192-G-83) signing with Elitzur Maccabi Netanya. The guard most recently played for Baitar Benyamina in 2006-2007 where he averaged 6.1 ppg and 1.5 rpg.
Hapoel Beer-Sheva went out and picked up Haran Shifman (183-G-84, agency: Ronsport). In his first game for his new team he played 26 minutes and scored 11 points and dished out 3 assists.
E.J. Drayton (204-F-82, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Charlotte) who started the year in Finland has agreed to terms with Hapoel Yokneam/Megido. Back in the 2007-2008 season he played in Portugal for Barreirense and had a breakout season. He was awared the Eurobasket.com Portuguese League 1st Team, All Imports Team, and Forward of the Year. He played in 20 games for them and averaged 20.2 ppg and 8.3 rpg.

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ITALY

Thriller win for AJ Milano vs Olympiakos - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague, Top 16: AJ Milano - Olympiakos 76-74

Armani Jeans Milano grabbed tiny home victory against the Reds jumping on 1-0 in Group E, together with Tau Ceramica. David Hawkins (193-G-82, agency: CAA Sports, college: Temple) and Luca Vitali (201-G-86) led the scorers in the winning squad with 15 points each. Jobey Thomas (193-G-80, college: Charlotte) had 14 and Mike Hall (203-F-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) netted 13 pts. On the other side, Giorgos Printezis (206-F-85, agency: FCM) nailed 22 for Olympiakos.
It was extremely exciting game until the very end. The first quarter was almost leveled. Actually, David Hawkins drained a triple for 23-20 after 10 minutes. At the half way of the second stanza AJ Milano made impressive 11-0 run for the first double-digit lead in this game. In the finish of the first half the hosts touched plus 12, but Nikola Vujcic (211-C-78, agency: Interperformances) made a lay-up fixing the score on 42-32. AJ Milano continued even better after the break. Mike Hall buried a triple for plus 13. Giorgos Printezis scored for Olympiakos, after what Luca Vitali made a 3-pointer for 48-34. Few minutes later it was 61-45, but Giorgos Printezis and Papaloukas led 8-1 run closing the gap on 62-53. With 9-3 at the beginning of the last stanza the Reds came on 65-64. It was a 1-point game until 21 seconds to go, when Pape Sow made two FTs. Greer scored two for the Reds after that and it was 75-74 for the hosts. Olympiakos decided to commit a foul with 7 seconds left and Thomas made just 1 FT. The guests had a chance, but Greer slipped on the floor for the big joy of AJ Milano's fans. The Italians will meet Asseco Prokom on the road next week, while Olympiakos will host Tau.

AJ Milano: David Hawkins 15, Luca Vitali 15, Jobey Thomas 14, Mike Hall 13+6 boards
Olympiakos: Giorgos Printezis 22, Nikola Vujcic 10+5 as

Unicaja too strong for Lottomatica in Rome - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague, Top 16: Lottomatica - Unicaja 75-88

Unicaja continued with fantastic performance in Euroleague. This time the powerful team from Malaga cruised past Lottomatica in Rome 88-75 for 1-0 in Group G. Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) top-scored in victory with 22 points, including 6 rebounds beside that. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) added 15 pts and 8 boards, while Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) helped with 13 pts. Ibrahim Jaaber (187-G-84, college: Pennsylvania) scored 12 for the hosts. Rodrigo De La Fuente (200-F-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) and Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) posted 11 pts apiece.
Everything started good for Lottomatica, who made 7-5 and later 12-11 lead. However, the hosts suffered real fiasco after that as Boniface Ndong and his teammates made impressive 15-2 run for 14-26. German Gabriel and Boniface Ndong scored twice close to the basket extending Unicaja's lead to 17-33. Soon after that Thomas Kelati shined for the guests helping them to touch 21 -39. It was kind of signal for Rodrigo De La Fuente, who led Lottomatica to 7-1 run. It was enough for minus 12 at the one moment, but not enough for any better than 34-48 at the half time. Marcus Haislip stepped up for Unicaja after the breather and together with Jimenez and Welsch led it to 45-62. Later, fantastic Marcus Haislip extended lead to 46-66, but thanks to Primoz Brezec Lottomatica came on 56-71 after 30 minutes. The hosts closed the gap on 8 points with 7 minutes to go, and 4 minutes later they came on 73-78. Marcus Haislip once again shined for Unicaja with a dunk and Rodrigues sealed the outcome from the FT line, 73-82. In the second round Unicaja will host Greek Panathinaikos. Lottomatica goes to Belgrade.

Lottomatica: Ibrahim Jaaber 12, Primoz Brezec 11+7 boards, Rodrigo De La Fuente 11
Unicaja: Marcus Haislip 22+6 boards, Boniface Ndong 15+8 boards, Thomas Kelati 13

Legadue, market news - by Antonello Varallo
Banco di Sardegna Sassari signed Alessandro Manca (190-G-80, who began the season with Silver Porto Torres (B dilettanti), Edimes Pavia signed Daniel Cioffi (190-G-81), who last season played 9 games with Pavia with 4.6ppg, Carmatic Pistoia released Arnas Kazlauskas (204-PF-76), after 16 games with an average of 10.7 ppg and a season high of 24 points, Andrea Iannilli (207-C-84) joined Harem Scafati after 9 games played with Sassari scoring 4.8 ppg, Enel Brindisi agreed with Virtus Bologna the loan of Federico Lestini (203-F-83).

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JAPAN

JBL2 Standings

1. Toyota Tsusho	9-0
2. Aisin AW	8-2
3. Toyoda Gosei	7-4
4. Hitachi C.B.	6-4
5. Ishikawa	5-6
6. Kuroda Electric	3-7
7. Kagoshima	3-8
8. Tokyo Big Blue	0-10

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JORDAN

Standings - Premier League

Premier Standings

Elite Group
1. Zain	2-0
2. Orthodox	1-1
3. ASU	1-1
4. Al Riyadi	0-2
Group 5-8
1. Al Aqaba	3-0
2. Hussein Erbid	2-1
3. Arena	1-2
4. College SC	0-3

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LIGA AMERICAS

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Eduardo Duda MACHADO
  Flamengo
  (197-F-82)
  Avg: 14.3

1. Garcia, Un.	24.0
2. Machado, Flamengo	24.0
3. Farley, Libertad	23.3
4. McFadgon, Dep.C.	22.3
5. Figueroa, Arecibo	21.7
6. Garcia Moral., Bigua	21.7
7. Fleming, Pioneros	20.3
8. da Rosa, Pitago.	20.3
9. Wade, Pioneros	19.5
10. Shipp, Pitago.	18.3

Rebounds Per Game

Leon SMITH
  Dep.Castro
  (209-F-80)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Braggs, Pioneros	10.0
2. Agba, U.Concepc.	10.0
3. Aubry, Arecibo	9.7
4. Paniagua, Merengue.	9.7
5. Wolkowyski, Bigua	9.3
6. Johnson, Penarol	9.3
7. Lopez, Regatas C.	9.0
8. Hardwick, U.Con.	9.0
9. Young, Bigua	9.0
10. Tintorelli, Reg.	8.0

Assists Per Game

Alejandro MONTECCHIA
  Regatas C.
  (180-G-72)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Sucatzky, Pitago.	11.7
2. Hernandez, U.Con.	5.0
3. Cruz, Arecibo	4.7
4. Campos, Pitagora.	4.7
5. Sandoval, Merengue.	4.0
6. Braggs, Pioneros	3.7
7. Ginobili, Libertad	3.3
8. Coronado, Merengue.	3.3
9. Machado, Flamengo	3.3
10. Moldu, Libert.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Alexandre GARCIA
  Universo/BRB
  (191-G-80)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Garcia Moral., Bigua	2.7
2. Sandoval, Merengue.	2.3
3. Sucatzky, Pitago.	2.3
4. Montecchia, Regat.	2.3
5. Braggs, Pioneros	2.3
6. Alston, Libertad	2.0
7. Martinez, Merengue.	2.0
8. Antonio, Flamengo	2.0
9. Johnson, Penarol	2.0
10. Lopez, Regatas.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Murilo DA ROSA
  Pitagoras/Minas
  (207-C-83)
  Avg: 0.7

1. Calfani, Bigua	2.0
2. Tavares, Merengue.	1.7
3. Santos, Un.	1.3
4. Young, Bigua	1.3
5. Da Cruz, Pitago.	1.3
6. Martinez, Merengue.	1.0
7. Hardwick, U.Con.	1.0
8. Johnson, Penarol	1.0
9. Araujo, Flamengo	0.7
10. Tintorelli, Reg.	0.7

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

LUXEMBOURG

Scoring Leaders - DBBL

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

1 Hall, Residence 29.5
2 Whitworth, T71 29.3
3 Irick, Heffingen 26.4
4 McDaniel, B.Star 25.8
5 Smith, Sparta 25.8
6 Kennedy, Etzella 25.4
7 N.DelGado,Etzella 22.7
8 Gary, Contern 22.1
9 Archbold, Racing 21.2
10.Rajniak, T71 20.6

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

MEXICO

CIBACOPA First Transactions - by Alejandro Martinez
Expansion franchise CORAS DE TEPIC have announced the signing of its two import players for the upcoming 2009 season. General Manager Antonio Ayala announced the signings of GAntwan Sutton (183-G-82, college: Solano CC) and F/C Dedrick Gage (201-F-79, college: Lynn) for the 2009 season. Both players are not new to Cibacopa, Sutton played briefly for Guaymas and Gage played at Navojoa, both in 2008. In addition Ayala announced the signing of National Player FAngel Chacon (205-C-78) . Chacon has participated in Cibacopa with Mazatlan. All three players are expected to report to camp, set to open Feb 9th.

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

MONTENEGRO

Montenegrin Players abroad - by Eurobasket News
Djuro Ostojic (211-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) had a good game for the Greek side in the opener of EuroCup Top 16. Dynamo Moscow however opened their Last 16 campaign with a tough victory over visiting Panellinios. Dynamo entered the game facing serious problems with the roster as their main star Jannero Pargo left the franchise just before the encounter. But all the woes were overcome and Dynamo secured the initial win in Group I. Panellinios got to a quick start as they raced ahead to a 6-point advantage. But the hosts soon gained the initiative as answered with 10 straight points to surge ahead. The hosts stayed ahead and piled up a 27:17 lead at the first break. Darjus Lavrinovic, Travis Hansen and Bostjan Nachbar maintained the tempo in the second frame. The visitors once managed to get as close as 6 points but Dynamo still ensured a 12-point advantage at the interval.
Panellinios changed the complexion of the game in the third stanza. They went on a 25:10 rally to grab a 58:55 advantage late in the period. The teams traded baskets and things were tied at 63 with one quarter to go. Dynamo scorched a 12:0 rally midway through the fourth stanza to clear off to a 9-point distance. It seemed that the hosts were in control at the moment however Panellinios found the way to spark the intrigue. The Greek team narrowed the margin to just 2 points with under two minutes remaining. Bostjan Nachbar responded with two free throws, while Sergey Bykov hit from beyond the arc to restore a 7-point buffer for Dynamo. Panellinios failed to answer and suffered a sour defeat at the end. Travis Hansen came up with 22 points, 6 assists and 4 boards to lead Dynamo. Bostjan Nachbar added 21 points for the winners. Jurica Golemac provided 18 points for Panellinios. Djuro Ostojic and Anthony Grundy had 12 points each in the loss.

Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) top-scored for his Panathinaikos that blasted Partizan in the second half creating nice 18-point win in Athens. Nikola Pekovic was a key player for the Greens as he nailed 26 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Nikola Pekovic was good in the paint and it was 55:52 for PAO after 30 minutes. During the last quarter Partizan faced with real fiasco. PAO nailed 26 points in this period matched with 11 by Partizan.

Vujadin Subotic (198-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) nailed 6 points for his Proteas EKA AEL stun Cajasol Sevilla on the road in Group K of EuroChallenge. Cypriot club opened the game with 15-7 and closed it with 23-15 victory. It gave them 64:56 as a total and the first points in the EuroChallenge Top 16 play. Mitchell Darrel and Taylor Quincy top-scored for the winners with 13 points apiece. Triguero Juan ended up with 13 points and 9 rebounds in the losing effort.

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

NAIA

Xavier men beat Loyola to stay in GCAC's first-place tie - by Richard
Xavier (LA) men beat Loyola (LA) to stay in GCAC's first-place tie January 29, 2009 NEW ORLEANS -- Shaun Dumas (5'11''-G-85) (5'11''-G-85) scored 23 points for the second straight game, and Xavier (LA) University of Louisiana defeated Loyola (LA) 66-48 at The Barn on Thursday to remain in a tie for first-place in the Gulf Coast Athletic Conference men's basketball standings.
The victory was the fourth in a row for the Gold Rush (14-6 overall, 6-2 GCAC), which shares the conference lead with LSU-Shreveport and Tougaloo. Loyola (LA) (12-7, 5-3) lost its share of the conference lead and lost a GCAC road game for the first time this season.
Dumas, Xavier (LA) 's only double-figure scorer, also had five rebounds, four assists and six steals in 40 minutes. He scored 15 points in the second half to help Xavier (LA) pull away after leading 33-25 at the break.
Ryan Brock, the GCAC scoring leader, had 16 points for Loyola (LA) and finished with less than 20 for the first time in seven games. Sean Bennett scored 11.
Michael Harvey, Kelechi Okoroha and Landon Bussie each scored eight points for Xavier (LA) , and Bussie grabbed nine rebounds.
Xavier (LA) outshot Loyola (LA) 51 to 40 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Wolfpack 35-20.
Xavier (LA) has won 22 straight against GCAC in-city opponents, a streak which began in the 2004-05 season. The Rush will travel to Loyola (LA) next Wednesday.
The crowd of 680 included director-actor Spike Lee, who spoke to the Xavier (LA) team in its locker room after the game.
Courtesy of Xavier (LA)

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

NBA

All-Star Game rosters announced - by Eurobasket

Eastern Conference

Iverson

Wade

James

Garnett

Howard

1 Allen Iverson (6'1''-G-75, college: Georgetown) of Detroit Pistons
3 Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) of Miami Heat
23 LeBron James (6'8''-F-84) of Cleveland Cavaliers
5 Kevin Garnett (6'10''-F-76) of Boston Celtics
12 Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) of Orlando Magic
2 Joe Johnson (6'8''-F-81, college: Arkansas) of Atlanta Hawks
14 Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's) (Orlando)
33 Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, college: N.Mexico) of Indiana Pacers
34 Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) of Boston Celtics
4 Chris Bosh (6'11''-F-84, college: Georgia Tech) of Toronto Raptors
34 Devin Harris (6'3''-G-83, college: Wisconsin) of New Jersey Nets
9 Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) of Orlando Magic

Western Conference

Bryant

Paul

Duncan

Stoudemire

Yao

24 Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) of Los Angeles Lakers
3 Chris Paul (6'0''-G-85, college: Wake Forest) of New Orleans Hornets
21 Tim Duncan (6'10''-F-76, college: Wake Forest) of San Antonio Spurs
1 Amare Stoudemire (6'10''-F-82) of Phoenix Suns
11 Ming Yao (7'5''-C-80) of Houston Rockets
41 Dirk Nowitzki (6'11''-F-78) of Dallas Mavericks
32 Shaquille O'Neal (7'2''-C-72, college: LSU) of Phoenix Suns
7 Brandon Roy (6'6''-G-84, college: Washington) of Portland Trail Blazers
7 Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) of Denver Nuggets
16 Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) of L.A. Lakers
30 David West (6'8''-F-80, college: Xavier) of New Orleans Hornets
9 Tony Parker (6'0''-G-80) of San Antonio Spurs
Head Coach: Phil Jackson of L.A. Lakers

Desmond Mason out for the season - by Eurobasket News
Thunder forward Desmond Mason (6'6''-F-77, college: Oklahoma St.) will miss the remainder of the season after hyperextending his right knee in Wednesday nights game against the Memphis Grizzlies.

Mason was seen at practice Thursday walking on crutches after undergoing an MRI in the morning. He will not join the team on the upcoming two-game road trip at Utah on Friday and Sacramento on Sunday.

We are disappointed to lose Desmond for the remainder of the season, said Thunder general manager Sam Presti. He is a valuable part of our efforts on and off the court. We will support Desmond and work with him throughout the rehabilitation process. Unfortunately, the timing of the injury does not allow Desmond to return this season.

Mason sustained the injury with 4:02 remaining in the third quarter while coming down awkwardly after attempting to block a layup by Grizzlies point guard Kyle Lowry. Mason appeared in 39 games, 19 as a starter, and averaged 7.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 27.3 minutes.

The injury leaves Thunder coach Scott Brooks with a tough decision to make with his starting unit.

Brooks could insert Damien Wilkins into the starting shooting guard spot, which is what he did in his first move as interim coach. That would leave Kevin Durant at small forward and Jeff Green at power forward.

Brooks could also insert Nenad Krstic or Chris Wilcox into the starting lineup. Starting Krstic would move Nick Collison over to his natural power forward position and bump Jeff Green to small forward and Kevin Durant to shooting guard. Inserting Wilcox likely would mean Collison would remain as the starting center and Wilcox would play power forward. That would also move Green to small forward and Durant to shooting guard. Either of these options would be risking tampering with the success Durant has enjoyed over the past two months while playing at small forward.

A third option that shouldnt be overlooked is for Brooks to start Earl Watson at point guard and move Russell Westbrook over to shooting guard. Brooks has gone with that lineup several times this season throughout stretches and would be able to get away with it on many nights because of Westbrooks versatility. Having Chuck Atkins on board now also gives Brooks a quality backup point guard to spell Watson and youd still have Weaver and Wilkins who could split time as reserves at the wing positions.

Whatever Brooks chooses to do, much of the defensive responsibilities are now on Greens shoulders. With Mason and Green, the Thunder had a nice one-two punch of defenders. But Green is going to be challenged more than hes ever been now that Mason isnt available to help him wear down some of the leagues better scorers.

Green talked about stepping up to the challenge today after practice and said hes now accustomed to guarding All-Star caliber players.

Thats going to be tough to do, said Kevin Durant of the Thunder replacing Masons effort. Hes like the heart and soul of this team. I think we just got to help each other out even more now.

Courtesy of http://www.newsok.com

Rookie Challenge Game rosters announced - by Eurobasket
Rookie Team Roster
Michael Beasley (6'9''-F-89, college: Kansas St.) (Heat)
Rudy Fernandez (6'6''-G-85) (Trail Blazers)
Marc Gasol (7'0''-C-85) (Grizzlies)
Eric Gordon (6'4''-G-88, college: Indiana) (Clippers)
Brook Lopez (7'0''-F/C-88, college: Stanford) (Nets)
O.J. Mayo (6'5''-G-87, college: USC) (Grizzlies)
Greg Oden (7'0''-C-88, college: Ohio St.) (Trail Blazers)
Derrick Rose (6'4''-G-88, college: Memphis) (Bulls)
Russell Westbrook (6'3''-G-88, college: UCLA) (Thunder)
Assistant Coach -- Dwyane Wade (college: Marquette)

Sophomore Team Roster
Aaron Brooks (6'0''-G-85, college: Oregon) (Rockets)
Wilson Chandler (6'8''-F-87, college: De Paul) (Knicks)
Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) (Thunder)
Jeff Green (6'9''-F-86, college: Georgetown) (Thunder)
Alfred Horford (6'10''-F/C-86, college: Florida) (Hawks)
Luis Scola (6'9''-F/C-80) (Rockets)
Al Thornton (6'8''-F-83, college: Florida St.) (Clippers)
Rodney Stuckey (6'4''-G-86, college: E.Washington) (Pistons)
Thaddeus Young (6'8''-F-88, college: Georgia Tech) (Sixers)
Assistant Coach -- Dwight Howard

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

David WEST
  Hornets
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 20

1. Wade, Heat	28.5
2. James, Cavaliers	27.8
3. Bryant, Lakers	26.6
4. Granger, Pacers	25.8
5. Nowitzki, Mavericks	25.7
6. Durant, Thunder	24.7
7. Bosh, Raptors	23.2
8. Jefferson, Timberwo.	22.7
9. Roy, Trail Blazers	22.4
10. Harris, Ne.	21.6

Rebounds Per Game

Dirk NOWITZKI
  Mavericks
  (211-F-78)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Howard, Magic	13.9
2. Camby, Clippers	13.6
3. Biedrins, Warriors	12.1
4. Lee, Knicks	11.6
5. Murphy, Pacers	11.4
6. Okafor, Bobcats	10.7
7. Jefferson, Timberwo.	10.5
8. Bogut, Bucks	10.4
9. Duncan, Spurs	10.3
10. Bosh, Rapto.	9.7

Assists Per Game

Michael BIBBY
  Hawks
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 5.5

1. Paul, Hornets	11.1
2. Williams, Jazz	10.2
3. Nash, Suns	9.4
4. Calderon, Raptors	8.6
5. Kidd, Mavericks	8.2
6. Rondo, Celtics	8.0
7. Duhon, Knicks	8.0
8. Davis, Clippers	7.9
9. Wade, Heat	7.2
10. James, Cavalie.	7.0

Steals Per Game

Nate ROBINSON
  Knicks
  (175-G-84)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Paul, Hornets	2.8
2. Kidd, Mavericks	2.2
3. Wade, Heat	2.2
4. Rondo, Celtics	2.1
5. James, Cavaliers	2.0
6. Chalmers, Heat	1.9
7. Wallace, Bobcats	1.9
8. Artest, Rockets	1.8
9. Iguodala, 76ers	1.7
10. Harris, Ne.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Josh SMITH
  Hawks
  (205-F-85)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Howard, Magic	3.2
2. Camby, Clippers	2.5
3. Turiaf, Warriors	2.1
4. Duncan, Spurs	1.9
5. Lopez, Nets	1.9
6. Bynum, Lakers	1.9
7. Andersen, Nuggets	1.9
8. Dalembert, 76ers	1.8
9. Perkins, Celtics	1.8
10. Okafor, Bobca.	1.7

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Celtics	38-9
2. 76ers	22-22
3. Knicks	20-25
4. Nets	20-26
5. Raptors	19-28
Central Div.
1. Cavaliers	35-9
2. Pistons	25-19
3. Bucks	22-27
4. Bulls	19-27
5. Pacers	18-28
Southeast Div.
1. Magic	35-10
2. Hawks	26-19
3. Heat	25-19
4. Bobcats	19-27
5. Wizards	9-36
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Nuggets	30-16
2. Trail Blazers	28-17
3. Jazz	25-21
4. Timberwolves	16-28
5. Thunder	11-35
Pacific Div.
1. Lakers	35-9
2. Suns	25-19
3. Warriors	14-32
4. Clippers	10-35
5. Kings	10-37
Southwest Div.
1. Spurs	31-14
2. Hornets	28-14
3. Rockets	28-19
4. Mavericks	26-19
5. Grizzlies	11-34

NBA Round: 92 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Cavaliers - Magic 88-99
The Orlando Magic was too strong for LeBron James and his Cavs jumping on 35-10 record. At the same time Cleveland dropped on 35-9. Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) nailed 22 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for the winners. Hidayet Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis drained 19 points each. Turkoglu pulled down 11 rebounds beside that. James collected 23 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists in defeat.

Spurs - Suns 114-104
The killing trio Manu Ginobilli - Tony Parker - Tim Duncan drained 76 points last night against the Suns on the road, what was enough for nice 10-point win. Ginobilli had 30 by himself, including 9 rebounds. Parker netted 26 and Duncan had 20, plus 15 boards. On the other side, Amare Stoudemire replied with 28 points and 10 rebs. Spurs 31-14, Suns 25-19.

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

NCAA1

Zags rally past Gaels - by Kevin Cochran

Patrick Mills (6'0''-G-88) and No. 22 Saint Mary's gave No. 20 Gonzaga all it could handle in the first half of Thursday night's widely anticipated showdown between the best teams in the West Coast Conference.

But Mills had to leave the game with a right wrist injury just before halftime, and the Zags rallied for a 69-62 victory that broke the nation's longest winning streak at 15 games and gave them sole possession of first place in the league.

'A win is a win for us,' Gonzaga guard Jeremy Pargo (6'2''-G-86) said. 'You've got to take what you can get. You never wish that anyone would get hurt. I'm hoping the best for him.'

Mills scored 18 points as the Gaels (18-2, 5-1) took a 39-33 halftime lead. With 3 minutes left in the half the sophomore guard sprained the wrist on his shooting hand when he tried to break his fall as went down to the court.

His absence crippled the Gaels' offense as they scored only 23 points and shot just 33 percent in the second half.

'We beat a very, very, very good basketball team tonight,' coach Mark Few said after Gonzaga (15-4, 6-0) won its seventh straight. 'They are not all about Patty.'

Matt Bouldin (6'5''-G-88) scored 17 points and Steven Gray (6'5''-G-89) added 14 as the Zags rallied for the win in front of a packed and frenzied house in the Kennel.

'It was easy to get pumped up for this one,' Gray said.

Gonzaga had averaged winning margins of nearly 30 points in its five previous WCC wins.

Diamon Simpson (6'7''-F-87) was 7-of-7 from the field and had 17 points and 12 rebounds for Saint Mary's, which won the rebound battle 39-30, but committed 15 turnovers and went through a long stretch in the second half without scoring.

Saint Mary's is off to the best start in team history, and coach Randy Bennett had praise for his team.

'I thought we kept competing,' Bennett said. 'We just have to put the ball in the basket. I thought in other areas of the game we played pretty well.'

Bennett said he did not yet know the extent of Mills' injury. He is averaging 18 points per game and has scored in double figures in all 20 games this season.

'His wrist is hurting,' Bennett said.

The Gaels shot 48 percent in the first half, including 6-of-8 from 3-point range by Mills. But they were just 10-of-30 in the second half, including two meaningless 3-pointers at the end.

The Zags outscored the Gaels 13-6 in the opening minutes of the second half to take a 46-45 lead on Bouldin's driving layup.

After Saint Mary's took a 48-46 lead, the Zags ripped off 12 straight points for a 58-48 lead with 7:49 left and that stood up the rest of the game.

Gonzaga jumped to a 14-7 lead, but two 3-pointers by Mills brought the Gaels within 16-13. Simpson's dunk gave Saint Mary's a 20-19 lead. Mills hit three 3-pointers in the next 80 seconds to give Saint Mary's a 29-21 lead.

Mills, a native of Australia who played for its Olympic team in Beijing, matched his full-game average of 18 points in the first half.

'It's ridiculous. He can hit from anywhere,' Gray said.

Pargo added 11 points and Austin Daye (6'11''-F-88) had 10 for the Zags, who committed only two turnovers in the second half.

Courtesy: Gozags.com

Felton out at Georgia - by Kevin Cochran
Georgia men's basketball coach Dennis Felton has been relieved of his duties by UGA Director of Athletics Damon Evans effective immediately.

Evans met with Felton Thursday morning. Associate Head Coach Pete Herrmann will serve as interim head coach the remainder of the season according to Evans.

'I'm disappointed that things have not worked out better,' said Evans. 'I do think it is in the best interest of our mens basketball program that we move in a new direction and while this may be unusual timing, Im convinced it is the right time. I want to extend my best wishes to Dennis and his family and thank him for his service to the University over these five-plus years.'

'We have goals and expectations at Georgia for every sport and that includes competing for championships on a regular basis both on the conference and national levels. We have significant resources, a brand new $30 million basketball practice and office facility that is without equal, there is outstanding high school talent in our state, and the high school and AAU coaches in Georgia are the best in the country.'

'My number one priority is to do what is best for the Georgia and our basketball program and I'm committed to beginning the process that will identify the right person to lead our team,' said Evans. 'I want our students and fans to know that in difficult times, their support is critical for the young men on our team and I hope they will rally around them during this period of transition.'

'I accepted Athletic Director Evans recommendation with regret, but I believe this decision to be in the best, long-term interest of the men's basketball team,' said UGA President Michael F. Adams. 'I also regret the impact this decision has on Coach Felton and his family. Dennis is a good man, and I wish him well in all future endeavors.'

Georgia is currently 9-11 overall this season and 0-5 in the Southeastern Conference. Felton's overall record at UGA is 84-91 with an SEC record of 26-59 in regular season games. The Georgia team made an improbable run through the 2008 SEC tournament by winning four games in three days after finishing 13-16 overall during the regular season and a sixth place finish in the SEC East with a 4-12 record.

The last five Georgia teams have finished 16-14, 8-20, 15-15, 19-14, and 17-17. The 2004 and 2007 teams each earned a spot in the National Invitation Tournament while the 2008 team earned an NCAA bid by virtue of winning the SEC Tournament title.

Felton came to Georgia in the spring of 2003 following a successful five-year run at Western Kentucky that included an overall record of 56-20, three conference championships and three NCAA Tournament appearances. He served as an assistant coach at several schools including Clemson, Providence, St. Joseph's, Tulane, and the University of Delaware.

Herrmann served as head basketball coach at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1986-92 after six years as chief assistant at Navy. He has also held assistant coaching positions at Western Kentucky, Virginia, and Kansas State.

Courtesy: georgiadogs.com

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PANAMA

Douglas opens new stage of EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Ruben Douglas (193-G-79, college: N.Mexico) scored 4 points and made 1 rebound as Pamesa left in late before rallying to a comfortable win against Crvena Zvezda at the start of the EuroCup Last 16 stage. Trailing at halftime Pamesa bounced back in the second half claiming the initial win in Group K. Vule Avdalovic knocked down 17 points to lead the way for Valencia. Matt Nielsen added 16 points for the winners. Andre Owens had 25 points for the hosts in defeat.
Andre Owens orchestrated an impressive start of Crvena Zvezda. A roaring crowd of almost 6000 fans witnessed a 10:0 rally from their favorites. Ruben Douglas's Pamesa however soon put some defensive stops and slowed Crvena Zvezda down. The hosts still enjoyed a 21:16 advantage at the intermission. Vladimir Stimac opened the second frame with 4 straight points for a 25:16 advantage. Crvena Zvezda seemed unstoppable as Vladimir Stimac and Lawrence Roberts extended the margin to as many as 16 points. Matt Nielsen and Kosta Perovic did not allow the intrigue to perish cutting the margin to 10 points at halftime. Crvena Zvezda toiled at both ends of the court to maintain the advantage in the third frame. Pamesa got closer but the home team still enjoyed a 62:58 lead heading into the final period. Miralles stepped up with several buckets for the visitors to lift them in front 64:62 at the start of the fourth stanza. Albert Oliver and Vule Avdalovic added pain to the hosts as Valencia climbed to a 70:64 advantage. Shammond Williams and Kosta Perovic built a 9-point buffer for Pamesa soon after and Valencia eased to the victory in the dying moments.

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

POLAND

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Erick BARKLEY
  Polpharma
  (185-G-78)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Adams, Polonia	17.4
2. Logan, Prokom	16.9
3. Wojcik, PBG Basket	16.8
4. Straight, En.Czarni	16.5
5. Mojica, AZS K.	16.4
6. Weeden, Bank BPS	16.1
7. Hicks, Polpharma	16.1
8. Harrington, Polonia	15.7
9. Mills, Kotwica	15.6
10. Reese, AZS Koszal.	15.6

Rebounds Per Game

Paul MILLER
  Anwil
  (208-C/F-82)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Landry, Sportino I.	10.9
2. Barro, Gornik W.	10.1
3. Johnson, Polonia	8.4
4. Burke, Prokom	8.0
5. Reynolds, Znicz J.	7.8
6. McLean, PBG B.	7.6
7. Tica, Bank BPS	7.5
8. Dixon, Bank BPS	7.5
9. Naymick, Kotwica	7.4
10. Bigus, PBG Bask.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Mantas CESNAUSKIS
  En.Czarni
  (189-G-81)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Hamilton, Kotwica	5.9
2. Koszarek, Anwil	5.6
3. Eldridge, Polpharma	5.1
4. Straight, En.Czarni	4.9
5. Harrington, Polonia	4.7
6. Milicic, AZS K.	4.3
7. Szubarga, Atlas S.	4.3
8. Garner, Bank BPS	4.2
9. Greene, Gornik W.	4.1
10. Lee, Sportino.	3.9

Steals Per Game

Chris GARNER
  Bank BPS
  (178-G-75)
  Avg: 2

1. Hamilton, Kotwica	3.8
2. Lee, Sportino I.	3.5
3. Straight, En.Czarni	3.2
4. Harrington, Polonia	2.9
5. Eldridge, Polpharma	2.6
6. Reynolds, Znicz J.	2.5
7. Nesovic, Prokom	2.4
8. Koszarek, Anwil	2.4
9. Frasunkiewic., Polon.	2.4
10. Mojica, AZS.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Filip DYLEWICZ
  Prokom
  (202-F-80)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Townes, Turow	2.0
2. Naymick, Kotwica	1.8
3. Dixon, Bank BPS	1.6
4. Barro, Gornik W.	1.5
5. Turek, Turow	1.4
6. Reynolds, Znicz J.	1.3
7. Coleman, Polpharma	1.1
8. Frasunkiewic., Polon.	1.0
9. Gomez, Sportino I.	0.9
10. Barrett, Kotwi.	0.9

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PUERTO RICO

Christian Dalmau becomes a Cowboy - by Luis Ramirez
According to local reports, player Christian Dalmau who was recently declared a free agent by the BSN has just signed with the Bayamon Cowboys for the upcoming season. Dalmau had been declared a reserve player by the Ponce Lions but Ponce never provided any solid evidence that Dalmau has any binding agreement to play with the Lions. After some weeks of uncertainty, the BSN declared Dalmau a free agent.

With the arrival of the Quebradillas Pirates this season many wondered if Dalmau would be wooed to play on the team that saw his father Raymond Dalmau play for many years. Quebradillas will be playing in a new sport venue precisely named after Raymond Dalmau. Along with Dalmau the Cowboys also announced that they had signed Eric Rodriguez via a trade with Arecibo for Fifo Vega. It seems that recent injury to regular point guard Rafael Cruz has made the Captains look for a backup playmaker to play along with Carlos Rivera.
Christian Dalmau (194-G-77, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Daytona Beach CC)

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RUSSIA

Standings - Superleague A

A Superleague Standings

1. CSKA	13-0
2. Khimky	11-2
3. Dynamo M.	10-4
4. Unics	8-5
5. Spartak SP	7-6
6. Triumph	6-7
7. Krasnoyarsk	6-8
8. Lok.Rostov	5-7
9. Ural Great	4-9
10. CSK VVS	3-9
11. Univ.Surgut	2-10
12. Spartak-P.	2-10

Stats Leaders - Superleague A

Points Per Game

Andrei KOMAROVSKI
  Univ.Surgut
  (196-G-85)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Chalmers, Univ.Sur.	21.7
2. Perry, CSK V.	17.9
3. Wisniewski, Spart.	16.1
4. Nachbar, Dynamo M.	15.8
5. Hansen, Dynamo M.	15.8
6. Lampe, Khimky	14.1
7. Bailey, Spartak-P.	13.9
8. Surovtsev, Ural G.	13.9
9. Meshcharakou, Sparta.	13.9
10. Washington, Ural.	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Vladimir VEREMEENKO
  Unics
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Khryapa, CSKA	8.5
2. Blair, Spartak SP	8.0
3. Trushkin, Spart.	6.5
4. Plisnic, Ural Great	6.2
5. Kirksay, Unics	6.2
6. Loncar, Unics	6.2
7. Szewczyk, Lok.R.	6.0
8. Meshcharakou, Sparta.	5.9
9. Lampe, Khimky	5.7
10. Nachbar, Dynamo.	5.5

Assists Per Game

Aleksei SUROVTSEV
  Ural Great
  (202-G-84)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Pargo, Dynamo M.	5.4
2. Collins, Lok.Rostov	5.3
3. Ponkrashov, Khimky	4.8
4. Wisniewski, Spart.	4.6
5. Chalmers, Univ.Sur.	4.5
6. Dalmau, Ural Great	4.2
7. Bremer, Triumph	4.2
8. Zisis, CSKA	3.8
9. Holden, CSKA	3.7
10. Komarovski, Univ.S.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Petr SAMOYLENKO
  Unics
  (186-G-77)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Toya, Spartak-P.	2.6
2. Millage, Krasnoyarsk	2.2
3. Surovtsev, Ural G.	2.2
4. House, Lok.Rostov	2.1
5. Lyday, Unics	2.0
6. Ginevicius, Spart.	2.0
7. Biggs, Ural Great	1.9
8. Khryapa, CSKA	1.9
9. Kirksay, Unics	1.9
10. Bremer, Trium.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Aleksey SAVRASENKO
  Spartak SP
  (215-C-79)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Javtokas, Dynamo M.	1.1
2. Likholitov, Ural G.	1.1
3. Pervukhin, Univ.Sur.	1.0
4. Krstic, Triumph	1.0
5. Morris, CSKA	1.0
6. Loncar, Unics	0.9
7. Szewczyk, Lok.R.	0.8
8. Monya, Dynamo M.	0.8
9. Lavrinovic, Dynamo M.	0.8
10. Mozgov, Khim.	0.8

CSKA smashes Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague, Top 16: Fenerbahce Ulker - CSKA 48-66

CSKA devastated Fenerbahce Ulker in Istanbul stopping it on just 48 points in total. The defending Euroleague champion got 14 points from Ramunas Siskauskas (197-G-78) and double-double from Terence Morris (206-F-79, college: Maryland), 12 points and 10 rebounds. Viktor Khryapa (204-F/G-82) was the last one with double digits in scoring for CSKA - 11 pts. Gordan Giricek (197-G-77) drained 13 for Fener.
CSKA opened the game in style setting the score on 2-11 after just few minutes. Very soon Fener answered with mini 5-0 run, but Viktor Khryapa and Ramunas Siskauskas boosted the guests' lead to 8 points after first stanza, 12-20. Gordan Giricek and Semih Erden (211-C-87) were he only ones in a game mood for Fener last night. The hosts needed a way more against the reigning champion, who jumped on impressive 25-38 in the finish of the second quarter. JR Holden drained a triple at the buzzer fixing the score on 25-41 after 20 minutes. Fener finally woke up after the breather. Its players intensified defense stopping CSKA on just 8 points, but they weren't able to score more than 13. Zoran Planinic delivered 5 consecutive points for CSKA at the beginning of the last stanza, including a 7-meter bomb, sealing the outcome, 40-54. Later it was 40-59 and finally 48-66 for CSKA. The 'Russians' will host Cibona in the next round, while Fener goes to Siena.

Fenerbahce Ulker: Gordan Giricek 13, Semih Erden 8+11 boards
CSKA: Ramunas Siskauskas 14, Terence Morris 12+10 boards, Viktor Khryapa 11+6 boards

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SAUDI ARABIA

Remi Yusuf signs with Al Qadisia Club - by Mohammed Malas
Texas A&M Kingsv.'s Guard Remi Yusuf (193-G/F-84, college: Tex.A&M-Kingsv.) with Low Country Sports (LSM) Agency has signed with Qadsia Saudi.

Remi is a big Pt Guard and plays off the ball as well. He is a hard working honest good guy who knows how to win and listens.. He played summer ball with Houston Rockets and had a tryout for the Houston Rockets but do to number at his postion didnt make the cut.

6' 10 Cedric Crawford (208-F-80, college: Belhaven), of Houston Baptist (NAIA) will arrive later this week, both players represented by LSM Agency

Source: Low Country Sports (LSM) Agency

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SERBIA

PAO blasts Partizan in the second half - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague, Top 16: Panathinaikos - Partizan 81-63

The Greens blasted Partizan in the second half creating nice 18-point win in Athens. Partizan was on fire from behind the arc during the first 20 minutes making 36-41, but PAO replied with 45-22 until the end. Nikola Pekovic (210-C-86, agency: Beo Basket) was a key player for the Greens as he nailed 26 points and grabbed 6 rebounds. Vassilis Spanoulis (193-G-82, agency: Beo Basket) produced 15 pts. Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) had 13, Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) 12 and Uros Tripkovic (196-G-86) 10 points in loss. PAO 1-0, Partizan 0-1 in Group G.
The Serbian representative was much better than PAO at the very beginning. Novica Velickovic and his teammates were almost unmistakable for 3-pts grabbing 0-5 and later 4-11 lead. Nikola Pekovic and Vassilis Spanoulis stepped up for PAO after that creating 10-3 run for 14-14. Until the end of the first quarter, Partizan again touched plus 7, but PAO ended it with 6-0 run setting the score on 22-23. Partizan's players were on fire in the second quarter also, while on the other side PAO scored many points from the FT line. It was clear that the Green giant slowly comes in the right track, but despite it Partizan managed to go on the half time with 36-41. Vassilis Spanoulis demonstrated fantastic performance after the breather making couple of jumpers and killing slaloms. Nikola Pekovic was good in the paint and it was 55-52 for PAO after 30 minutes. During the last quarter Partizan faced with real fiasco. Dimitris Diamantidis (196-G-80) put amazing pressure on Partizan's guard in defense, while Pekovic had no mercy at the offensive end. PAO nailed 26 points in this period matched with 11 by Partizan. In the next round PAO will meet Unicaja in Malaga. Partizan will host Lottomatica.

Panathinaikos: Nikola Pekovic 26+6 boards, Vassilis Spanoulis 15, Dimitris Diamantidis 8
Partizan: Novica Velickovic 13, Stephane Lasme 12, Uros Tripkovic 10

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SLOVENIA

Epic Misel cut Jenko and Urbanc - by Zeljko Zule

Epic Misel have cut their numbers by releasing Uros Jenko (190-G-85) and former U-20 NT player Aljaz Urbanc (198-F-84). Jenko averaged 5,0 minutes, 0,8 points (2P 1-2, 3P 0-2, FT 2-2) and 0,4 rebounds in just 5 games and Urbanc averaged 8,2 minutes, 2,0 points (2P 8-17, 3P 0-2, FT 2-8), 1,1 rebounds, 0,3 assists, 0,1 steals and 0,2 blocks in 9 games of UPC League.

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SPAIN

Unicaja too strong for Lottomatica in Rome - by Eurobasket News
Euroleague, Top 16: Lottomatica - Unicaja 75-88

Unicaja continued with fantastic performance in Euroleague. This time the powerful team from Malaga cruised past Lottomatica in Rome 88-75 for 1-0 in Group G. Marcus Haislip (207-F-80, college: Tennessee) top-scored in victory with 22 points, including 6 rebounds beside that. Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) added 15 pts and 8 boards, while Thomas Kelati (195-G/F-82, college: Washington St.) helped with 13 pts. Ibrahim Jaaber (187-G-84, college: Pennsylvania) scored 12 for the hosts. Rodrigo De La Fuente (200-F-76, agency: Interperformances, college: Washington) and Primoz Brezec (216-F/C-79) posted 11 pts apiece.
Everything started good for Lottomatica, who made 7-5 and later 12-11 lead. However, the hosts suffered real fiasco after that as Boniface Ndong and his teammates made impressive 15-2 run for 14-26. German Gabriel and Boniface Ndong scored twice close to the basket extending Unicaja's lead to 17-33. Soon after that Thomas Kelati shined for the guests helping them to touch 21 -39. It was kind of signal for Rodrigo De La Fuente, who led Lottomatica to 7-1 run. It was enough for minus 12 at the one moment, but not enough for any better than 34-48 at the half time. Marcus Haislip stepped up for Unicaja after the breather and together with Jimenez and Welsch led it to 45-62. Later, fantastic Marcus Haislip extended lead to 46-66, but thanks to Primoz Brezec Lottomatica came on 56-71 after 30 minutes. The hosts closed the gap on 8 points with 7 minutes to go, and 4 minutes later they came on 73-78. Marcus Haislip once again shined for Unicaja with a dunk and Rodrigues sealed the outcome from the FT line, 73-82. In the second round Unicaja will host Greek Panathinaikos. Lottomatica goes to Belgrade.

Lottomatica: Ibrahim Jaaber 12, Primoz Brezec 11+7 boards, Rodrigo De La Fuente 11
Unicaja: Marcus Haislip 22+6 boards, Boniface Ndong 15+8 boards, Thomas Kelati 13

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SYRIA

Coach Watkins Steps down at Ittihad Aleppo! - by Mohammed Malas
In a very strange change of events, Coach Laurian Watkins (agency: Pro Management Agency ) of the US steps down from Al Ittihad Aleppo after a tremendous start with the team.

After arriving only days after Christmas, coach Watkins returns to his homeland seeking a more suitable opportunity for his talents. In a recent interview coach Watkins insisted that his club would contend for the title in a tough Syrian conference, With Collections of teams such as Jalaa, Army of Damascu, Al Wahda and a host of mid level teams. When asked about his stay in Aleppo, he responded the fans are great, the citizens around town were so excited about the direction of the team and its progress since his arrival After the second day on Syrian soil coach travelled to Damascus to take on the second place Army Club. In a great effort the team came up short losing in the closing seconds of the game, leading by two points with 5 seconds remaining the stage was set for the US coach to attain his first win on Syrian soul. Ittihad player Amro Hamwi was back doored for the tying basket and followed that horrible effort by fouling the shooter with no time left of the clock, a game that ittihad had in their pocket was not to be as the Army player completed the three point play with no time remainng to take the win for the home team. In the second match Coach Watkins came up gold defeating a midiocur club by a narrow margin of 5. This effort brought on alot of redicue from the management, stating they should have won by a much larger margin. Watkins combatted the arguement stating the team has only been with him less then a week and was implimenting a new offense and defensive strategy. ' Sometimes we have to go backwards before we can go ahead.', Watkins said. This ittihad club have some talent but failed to play together and it will hurt us in close matches where we need to all be on the same page.

In the third match, they were pitted against the top club in Syria, Jalaa. MOst thought they would loose by 20 or more points stated members of the management team. I was suprize to hear that, but accepted it as a challenge, stating that no team that I sit on the bench of will take that kind of beating. Again, ittihad leading in the final seconds failed to block out after a missed free throw and gave up the winning basket to a jalaa player who grabbed a key rebound from the parameter and got he put back. 'It pretty hard to take these kind of loses, that are self inficked in the closing moments of big matches. In the next week of practice we continued to talk about closing out games in the right way, by playing together and being mentally tough and sticking to our game plan. The players responded well as we went on a four game winning streak, which included a big win against the Yamock club of aleppo, which ittihad lost too in a earlier match. In addition to that we took a big win against the jalaa club in the syrian cup that was played without import players. If ever there was a great feat of good coaching this was it. IN a game that took two days to complete because of the rowdy but loyal fans, the second half had to be completed a day later and with no fans. The ittihad club was focused as they took the floor and started off very fast to jump out to a big lead of 9 early in the third quarter. The well discipline Jalaa club stuck around and struck back early in the fourth to pull close and eventually go ahead. Coach WAtkins called a critical time out to remind his club that if we were discipline and trust one another the game would come back to us in the closing moments,and thats just what happen, not only did they close the gap but they went ahead in only 35 seconds after the time out was called and never looked back, winning by five points to advance to the finals of the Syrian Cup in the NOrthern region. While in the locker room of that very emotional game coach Watkins reminded his team that we had not won the NBA championship and we should remain humble, knowing that with hard work and great preparation, this should always be the results, and insisted that we should use this game to grow on and that we have along way to go to be the type of team we are capable of being.

But behind the closed doors, there was more brewing then met the eye of the Syrian fans of Aleppo. In a constant struggle with management to get the type of support needed to be a successful club, coach WAtkins was loosing ground,In most cases it was literally impossible to get a schedule of games, practice times available for the team and most importantly the video of the opponents to prepare his club.As if that was not enough he had gone 15 days without hot water or heat in his home in a very cold Syrian Climate that made it just unbareable. When asked was this the reason for his departure his response was simple, without the clubs support we were sure to fail. I am not a sandlot coach who draw plays up in the dirt, if we are to be contenders we have to think alot bigger. Its very simple, and it was stated by the great John Wooden, ' a team who fails to prepare, is a team that prepares to fail. I could have gone on the whole season this way but it would have been too much for anyone to endure. At some point you have to ask yourself what is their commitment to being successful not just for this season but for many seasons to come. The decision to step away was a tough one for me. I a normally the type of coach who can take on any kind ot challenge and in most cases welcome it. However, this situation was quite unique and did not have the substance to go to battle with, it was in my best interest as a coach and a father to step away and allow someone else that this club may support come in and do whatever they can to make it happen here. Days after the big game of Jalaa our practices bosted only 6 players for the next three days. The players were chanting 'no pay no Play' after the match. It did not take a rocket scientist to understand this type of problem. I thought it would be in the best interest of the team and my family to step down and not stand in the way of their progress nor mine. I wish the ittihad club the very best, I met some really great people there and I hope to come back one day i the capacity of helping a very promising National team.

I want to thank the Aleppo fans for supporting me throughout my stay and let them know they will always be in my heart and mind. I spent my last days with some younger players from the youth teams who came to my home and traded article oc clothing to memories, most of them in tears it was very touching and I will remember them for lifetime. I appreciate the chance to coach, but i am looking for a real opportunity in the sports world and I do not compromise my teachings and beliefs. I wish the best to all development of basketball in Syria.

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TURKEY

UKRAINE

Standings - Superleague

UBL Standings

1. Kryvbasbasket	21-7
2. Cherkasy	18-9
3. BC Odessa	18-10
4. Budivelnyk	17-10
5. Polit.Lviv	17-11
6. Dnipro	16-12
7. Ferro-ZNTU	12-16
8. Hoverla	10-18
9. Azoty	6-22
10. Gryfony	4-24

UBL Round: 31 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Kryvbasbasket - Hoverla 102-81
Kryvbasbasket cleared off of their opponents on top of the standings as they romped past Hoverla at home court. Dubravko Zemlic knocked down 20 points for the hosts. Dmitri Glebov secured 16 points for the winning side. Patrick Sparks netted 24 points for Hoverla in the loss.

BC Odessa - Dnipro 68-77
Dnipro performed a miraculous comeback in the second half to upset Odessa in Round 31 opener. The hosts led by as many as 25 points in the first half but saw the advantage evaporate after the main break. Patrick Beverly orchestrated the win with 21 points and 6 assists for Dnipro. Devin Green, Darnell Lazare and Maxym Korniyenko had 14 points each in the winning effort. Otis Hill answered with 22 points and 6 boards for Odessa in defeat.

Gryfony - Ferro-ZNTU 79-85
Ferr-ZNTU posted the 12th win in the season as they overcame Gryfony in Symferopil. Alexander Rybalko and Jason Fontenet scored 20 points apiece to lead the visitors. Gert Dorbek added 11 points in the win. Jane Petrovski had 21 points fo Gryfony as they fell at 4-24 record.

DniproAzot - Polit.Lviv 65-93
Politekhnika-Halychyna snapped two-game losing streak defeating DniproAzot on the road. Yaroslav Zubrytskiy nailed 17 points and grabbed 9 boards, while Gerrod Henderson added 14 points for the Lviv outfit. Marius Janisius debuted for DniproAzot with 16 points and 11 boards in defeat.

UBL: Kuchinski plays for Hoverla, facts say - by Alexander Muzyka
- It was a wrong information from Belorussian Eurobasket.com page (Jan. 24) about two players went to Belarus, UBL headquarters said. Evgeni Tkachenko (202-F-83) has never been signed for Hoverla - it was showed by official documents. As for Arseni Kuchinsky (202-F-79), he scored 6 points with 3 rebounds this Friday vs Dnipro-Azot. So the facts about his inking by Vitalyur are doubtful.

- Cherkasy Monkeys inked Andrei Korochkin (194-G-82) who was fired from Khimik after EuroChallenge fiasco.

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VENEZUELA

Gaitas with Merengue - by Wolfgang Lucena
With more than 4 years as main point guard of the Dominican Republic National team, as well as 14 times championships over his country's Superior basketball League; Cristian Joel Ramirez agrees with Gaiteros Del Zulia. Cristian Ramirez (191-G-81) will join the Venezuela's musician squad on February 15; San Lazaro, Sameji, Los Buitres and Naco are some of the professional basketball teams that Ramirez has played with. Achieves as Dominican Republic U21 years 2000, 2001, 2004, Dominican Republic Senior National Team 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, World Championships U21 in Japan, 2004 National District Dominican Republic Tournaments MVP, 2006 LIDOBA All-Star games, 2006 LIDOBA Champion and 2007 Dominican Republic Senior National Team; are reason enough to guess that Joel Ramirez could be a great help for Gaiteros del Zulia this XXXVI ' s LPB season.

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Women News

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

BELGIUM - Women

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Dexia	14-1
2. Waregem	11-4
3. Sint Kateline	10-5
4. Monceau	9-6
5. N.Namur	7-9
6. BBC Boom	6-9
7. Point Chaud	5-10
8. Houthalen	3-12
9. Ieper	3-12

Dexia Namur remain on top in D1 - by Eurobasket News
The Belgian D1 defending champions Dexia Namur stayed on top of the ladder after two rounds of action in the championship. They first defeated Spirou Monceau 95:59 at home court to post the 14th win in the season. The hosts raced to a 26:11 lead after ten minutes of action and extended the margin to 19 points at halftime. Spirou Monceau had nothing to come up with after the long break and Dexia celebrated a comfortable win at the end. Pauline Akonga Nsimbo (187-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) nailed 24 points to lead Dexia. Oksana Agabalova (186-F-73) added 17 points, while Romina Ciappina (180-F/G-88) delivered 16 for the winners.
Next Dexia visited Sint Kateline and suffered the initial loss in the season. Sint Kateline looked a major force in this one dominating throughout the whole game. They piled up a 6-point lead after the starting frame and stretched the margin to 10 at halftime. Dexia did not come back to life after the break and found themselves trailing by 17 points heading into the final frame. Dexia won the period 17:12 but it was not enough for the win 66:78. Pauline Akonga Nsimbo had another impressive performance for the league leaders as she drained 28 points. Krystyna Szymanska-Lara (173-G-69) added 12 points and 6 assists in the loss. Sint Kateline improved at 10-5 record in the third spot in the table.

Big win for Hemofarm in the first game of EuroCup 1/8 finals - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/8 Finals: Hemofarm - Dexia 77-56

Hemofarm did a great job yesterday smashing Dexia 77-56. The team from Belgium will need to improve a lot in order to catch up minus 21 in the second game. Experienced Biljana Stankovic (176-G-74) led the hosts collecting 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Tamara Radocaj (168-G-87) was behind her with 13 points, while Hanna Tsikhamirava (175-G-88) stopped on 11 pts. Olesya Malashenko (188-F-91, agency: LBM Management), who came off the bench, was the best in Dexia with 16 points and 9 rebounds. Pauline Akonga Nsimbo (187-F/C-82, agency: LBM Management) added 13 pts and 5 rebs.
Hemofarm entered into this game with strong willingness to take it. It was clear already in the first quarter. The hosts created 6-0, but Dexia closed the gap on 10-8 very soon. After that moment Biljana Stankovic and Tamara Radocaj stepped up for Hemofarm setting up 10-0 run until the end of the first period. Olesya Malashenko and her teammates immediately woke up. They intensified defense stopping Hemofarm on just 6 points for the first 8 minutes in the second stanza. On the other side, they scored 18 for 26-28 turn. Hanna Tsikhamirava and Dara Kovacevic capped 7-0 run for Hemofarm setting the score on 33-30 at the half time. That was all from the Belgium representative in this game. Hemofarm ended third quarter 23-13 and the next one was almost the same, 21-13. The key player was Biljana Stankovic, who except of 21 points, also organized the plays fantastic and demonstrated pretty good performance in defense. The second game between these two teams is scheduled for February 5th.

Hemofarm: Biljana Stankovic 21+6 boards+6 as, Tamara Radocaj 13, Hanna Tsikhamirava 11+4 boards
Dexia: Olesya Malashenko 16+9 boards, Pauline Akonga Nsimbo 13+5 boards

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CANADA - Women

Simon Fraser and Windsor victorious in CIS - by Eurobasket News
The top-ranked Simon Fraser secured the 19th win in the CIS season as they thumped Trinity Western 106:50. The best team in the league at the moment controlled the rhythm and piled up a 24-point lead at halftime. Trinity Western failed to recover after the major break and suffered the 9th loss. The Clan were led by 30 points from outstanding Robyn Buna (180-F-88). Brea McLaughlin (180-G) added 14 points for the winners. Becky Atkinson (188-C-86) responded with 13 points for Trinity Western.
In the meantime the second-ranked Windsor held off Guelph 89:57 to improve at 16-1 record in the table. The teams were tied at 14 midway through the opening stanza before the Lancers went on a 5:0 run to win the period 19:14. Windsor stretched the margin to 9 points at halftime 37:28. The Gryphons decreased their numbers in the second half and as a result lost the battle. Alisa Wulff (185-F-84, college: Michigan St.) stepped up for the Lancers with 21 points. Dranadia Roc (173-G-84) added 19 points, while Iva Peklova (193-F-86) had 14 points in the win. Rachel Hancock (178-F-88) answered with 13 points for Guelph. Kris Yallin (175-G-87) finished with 10 points in defeat.
The third-ranked Saskatchewan most recently dropped the third game in the tournament losing to Alberta 57:60. Ashley Wigg (-G-86) notched 13 points to lead the winners. Jana Spindler (188-C-88) responded with 10 points for Saskatchewan.

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CYPRUS - Women

Duric arrives in AEL - by Kevin
K.V. Imperial AEL Limassol made a key move and picked up Neda Duric (173-G-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Rhode Island) from Baloncesto Feve San Jose Leon (Spain). In 2006 and 2008 she made the Eurobasket.com Israeli League All-Bosmans Team. The Serbian guard just played her first game for her new team and scored 12 points and 4 rebounds in 32 minutes. Good Luck in the Eurocup!

AEL beats Galatasaray in furious finish - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup, 1/8 Finals: AEL - Galatasaray 63-61

AEL outsmarted Galatasaray 63-61, but the Turkish team is in much better position as the next game will be played in Istanbul. Shyra Ely (188-F-83, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) came up with 13 points and 7 boards for the winners. Neda Duric (173-G-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Rhode Island) scored 12, while Milena Vukicevic (188-F/C-80) and Natasha Lacy (178-G-85, college: UTEP) had 10 points each. Seimone Augustus (185-G-84, college: LSU) drained 21 pts for Galata. Sophia Young (186-F-83, college: Baylor) followed her with 14 pts and 8 boards.
Galatasaray reached 5-point lead during the first stanza, but ended it with 19-22. AEL woke up in the next period opening it with nice 7-0 run for 26-22 lead. Both teams exchanged couple of baskets after that. Thanks to Palazoglu's triple and Kres' free throw, Galata tied the score on 35-35 at the half time. After that moment, the Turkish team was the one who controlled rhythm of the game. Seimone Augustus was on high level at the offensive and, while Sophia Young secured a good help to her. After 11-2 run Galata earned 37-46 in 24th minute. AEL closed the gap on 4 pts, but Seimone Augustus made a jumper for 46-52 before the last period. With 1:36 left Milena Vukicevic scored a basket tying the score on 61-61. Shyra Ely made one and after that another free throw closing impressive 12-3 run for the final 63-61. The second game between these two teams is scheduled for February 5th.

AEL: Shyra Ely 13+7 boards, Neda Duric 12, Milena Vukicevic 10, Natasha Lacy 10
Galatasaray: Seimone Augustus 21, Sophia Young 14+8 boards

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EUROCUP - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Daliborka VILIPIC
  Lavezzini PA
  (196-C-75)
  Avg: 15.6

1. Murphy, San Jose	22.7
2. Anderson, Olivais	22.0
3. Houston, Bnot Hash.	21.5
4. Bowie, Aris H.	21.3
5. Akonga Nsimb., Dex.	20.8
6. Hicks, U.Neuchatel	20.3
7. Joens, Rivas Ecopolis	19.7
8. Comfort, Buducnost	19.5
9. Walker, Botas	19.2
10. Kaltsidou, Esperid.	19.1

Rebounds Per Game

Jannell BURSE
  Dynamo M.
  (197-C-79)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Anosike, Ramla	13.3
2. Comfort, Buducnost	13.2
3. Walker, Botas	12.8
4. Kajdacsi, Sf.Gheor.	11.8
5. Akonga Nsimb., Dex.	11.7
6. Davis, Athinaikos	10.3
7. Yacoubou-D., Tarbes	10.2
8. Bue, Zeljeznicar	10.2
9. Roglic, Crvena Zv.	10.1
10. Chones, Ribe.	9.7

Assists Per Game

Monika BORIGA
  Targoviste
  (176-G/F-74)
  Avg: 3.9

1. Alben, Galatasaray	7.3
2. Zoll, Sf.Gheorghe	6.4
3. Gkouzini, Athinaikos	6.4
4. Furesz, Szeged	6.1
5. Carpreaux, Dexia	5.8
6. Kalentzou, Esper.	5.4
7. Charlier, U.Neuchatel	5.4
8. Revuelto, San Jose	4.7
9. Lacy, AEL	4.7
10. Stankovic, Hem.	4.6

Steals Per Game

Ambrosia ANDERSON
  Olivais
  (186-F-84)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Carpreaux, Dexia	4.6
2. Kalentzou, Esper.	3.8
3. Charlier, U.Neuchatel	3.8
4. Luptakova, Challes	3.6
5. Alben, Galatasaray	3.6
6. Chatzinikola., Esperi.	3.0
7. White, Ramla	2.9
8. Kalogirou, Esperides	2.9
9. Zoll, Sf.Gheorghe	2.9
10. Kechagia, Aris.	2.8

Blocks Per Game

Jackie MCFARLAND
  Esperides
  (191-F-85)
  Avg: 0.9

1. Toma, Targoviste	2.2
2. Davis, Esperides	1.7
3. Taylor, AZS Gorzow	1.7
4. Bavendam, Botas	1.6
5. Alyoshkina, Arvi	1.5
6. Andersson, Solna V.	1.5
7. Bokareva, Chevakata	1.4
8. Comfort, Buducnost	1.3
9. Vizbariene, Dynamo K.	1.3
10. Pirsic, EBE.	1.2

Eurocup Round: 1 (1/8 Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Hemofarm - Dexia 77-56
Hemofarm did a great job yesterday smashing Dexia 77-56. The team from Belgium will need to improve a lot in order to catch up minus 21 in the second game. Experienced Biljana Stankovic led the hosts collecting 21 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists. Tamara Radocaj was behind her with 13 points. Olesya Malashenko, who came off the bench, was the best in Dexia with 16 points and 9 rebounds.

Esperides - Dynamo M. 74-75
Dynamo Moscow grabbed 75-74 victory in very exciting game against the Greek Esperides. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) shined dropping 23 points. Belinda Snell had 19 pts, 8 boards and 5 assists, while Jannell Burse helped with 14 points and 7 boards. Marina Mazic scored 18 and Stella Kaltsidou had 16 points in defeat.

AEL - Galatasaray 63-61
AEL outsmarted Galatasaray 63-61, but the Turkish team is in much better position as the next game will be played in Istanbul. Shyra Ely came up with 13 points and 7 boards for the winners. Neda Duric scored 12, while Milena Vukicevic and Natasha Lacy had 10 points each. Seimone Augustus drained 21 pts for Galata. Sophia Young followed her with 14 pts and 8 boards.

Panionios - Dynamo K. 53-64
Dynamo Kursk demonstrated nice performance in the first game of the EuroCup 1/8 finals. The Russian representative celebrated in Athens 64-53 thanks to fantastic 13-1 run in the last 3 minutes. Varvara Psareva was a key player for the wining squad delivering 19 points and pulling down 7 rebounds for 32 minutes. Sandra Valuzyte also shined for Dynamo collecting 16 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Tye'sha Fluker and Aikaterina Deli netted 10 points in loss. Fluker had 8 rebounds beside that.

Taranto - Tarbes 75-66
Taranto was too strong for Tarbes grabbing nice 9-point home victory in the first game of the EuroCup 1/8 finals. Megan Mahoney stepped up for the hosts draining 20 points, with pretty good shot percentage. Suzy Batkovic had 14, while Michelle Greco and Elodie Godin added 11 points each. Tarbes got 22 pts from Tanisha Wright and double-double from Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui, 17 points and 11 boards.

San Jose - EBE Ibiza-PDV 60-56
San Jose celebrated in the Spanish EuroCup derby 60-56. It just means that the second game will be very interesting one. Eshaya Murphy top-scored in victory with 18 points. She also had 6 boards beside that. On the other side, Sanco Lyttle had 13 points and 13 rebounds for Ibiza.

Athinaikos - Ramla 88-73
Athinaikos didn't have to work very hard in order to beat Ramla in Greece by 15 pts. The hosts had couple of players in a game mood, but maybe the best one was Katie Gearlds with 20 points. Polymnia Sarekgou had 17, Vasileia Gkouzini 15, while LaToya Davis helped with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Olena Ogrodnikova shined in loss with 24 pts and 11 rebounds.

Lavezzini PA - Chevakata 63-81
Elena Volkova came up with 21 points for Chevakata pacing it to excellent win in Italy. Anastasia Pimenova followed her with 18 and Nakia Sanfor delivered 12 points. Laura Summerton scored 17 pts for the hosts.

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EUROLEAGUE - Women

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Cathrine KRAAYEVELD
  M.Broker
  (193-F-81)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Carson, TTT Riga	18.8
2. Mosch, Montpellier	18.7
3. Taurasi, Spartak .	18.1
4. Harper, Besiktas	18.0
5. Troina, TTT Riga	18.0
6. Vajda, MiZo Pecs	17.6
7. Wauters, CSKA	17.5
8. Milton-Jones, Ros C.	17.4
9. Valdemoro, Ros C.	17.1
10. Langhorne, TEO.	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Lindsay WHALEN
  USK Praha
  (173-G-82)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Harper, Besiktas	12.0
2. Hayden-J., Umana R.	10.0
3. Langhorne, TEO V.	9.9
4. Fowles, Spartak .	9.4
5. Robert, ESB V.	8.9
6. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	8.8
7. Kublina, TTT Riga	8.7
8. Gardin, Sibenik	8.5
9. Wauters, CSKA	8.5
10. Streimikyte, TEO.	8.3

Assists Per Game

Agnieszka BIBRZYCKA
  UMMC
  (184-F/G-82)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs	8.0
2. Bird, Spartak V MR	5.8
3. Cohen, M.Broker	5.5
4. Marchanka, Lotos P.	4.8
5. Pondexter, UMMC	4.6
6. Dumerc, Bourges	4.6
7. Taurasi, Spartak .	4.2
8. Tuncluer, Fener.	3.7
9. Skerovic, Wisla C.	3.6
10. Jinks, Siben.	3.5

Steals Per Game

Kathy WAMBE
  Union Hainaut
  (173-G-81)
  Avg: 2

1. Hornbuckle, Besik.	2.9
2. Horakova, Gambr.	2.9
3. Valdemoro, Ros C.	2.7
4. Maltsi, USK Praha	2.7
5. Skerovic, Wisla C.	2.5
6. Beard, Lotos P.	2.5
7. Fernandez, Wisla C.	2.4
8. Doron, Besiktas	2.4
9. Gardin, Sibenik	2.4
10. Streimikyte, TEO.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Michelle SNOW
  Halcon A.Per.
  (196-C-80)
  Avg: 0.8

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	2.7
2. Stepanova, CSKA	1.7
3. Harper, Besiktas	1.5
4. Hayden-J., Umana R.	1.5
5. De Souza, Ros C.	1.3
6. Tamane, Nadezhda.	1.2
7. Ndongue, Bourges	1.2
8. Kublina, TTT Riga	1.2
9. Fowles, Spartak .	1.2
10. Drljaca, ESB.	1.1

Eighth-Final Play-Offs Second legs preview - by Eurobasket News
Eighth-Final Play-Offs Second legs will be held tonight in eight cities and it might be the last in Euroleague for some teams. After the first leg, the winners of the games are ready to sweep the series.
UMMC, Spartak Moscow Region and probably Ros Casares feel more comfortable after the first victories against their opponents. It will be however a surprise if Halcon Avenida and MiZo Pecs sweep the series over the favorites CSKA and Venezia, while the first games showed that Hungarian and Spanish sides were in a better form. The defending champions Spartak Moscow Region eased past USK Praha to step closer to the quarter-final stage in Game 1. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) netted 25 points and grabbed 14 rebounds for Spartak. Sylvia Fowles added 27 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) answered with 27 points, while Lindsay Whalen (173-G-82, college: Minnesota) had 20 points and 8 boards for USK Praha as they would have to overcome a 16-point deficit in Czech Republic.
Another favorite and another Russian team UMMC took 1-0 over TEO Vilnius in the Eighth Finals due to an excellent first game in Russia. The favorites of the clash started the game with 10-0 run and produced 23-5 in the third period for the total success. Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, college: Abil.Christian) led the winners with 21 points. Maria Stepanova collected 17 points and 7 rebounds, while Asjha Jones scored 14. Jurgita Streimikyte ended up with 23 points and Aurime Rinkeviciute notched 9 for the guests.
MiZo Pecs was the only team to celebrate the victory away from home and created the real upset in Italy. Dalma Ivanyi (178-G-76, college: Florida Intern.) and Brooke Quennan nailed 4 freebies in the final 10 seconds to propel MiZo Pecs to a narrow road win against Venezia. Nicole Ohlde and Dalma Ivanyi scored 17 points apiece to add positive emotions to MiZo Pecs before the home game. Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) responded with 14 points for Umana Reyer in the loss.
Games 2 are scheduled for tonight.

Euroleague Round: 2 (1/16 Finals) - by Eurobasket News
TEO Vilnius - UMMC 46-69
UMMC Ekaterinburg was the first team to reach the Quarter-Finals of the EuroLeague Women play-offs. The Russian squad overcame TEO Vilnius 69:46 and swept the series. Jones top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Pondexter ended up with 14, whilst Stepanova added 12. Langhorne collected 12 points and 15 boards for the hosts and Streimikyte nailed 11.

USK Praha - Spartak V MR 78-92
Two-time defending champions Spartak Moscow Region advanced to the Quarter-Finals of the EuroLeague Women in Czech Republic. The Russian titans overcame USK Praha 78:92 to reach 2-0. Taurasi Diana exploded with 26 points, 9 rebound and 8 assists. Fowles Sylvia nailed 17 and Miller Kelly added 16. Elhotova Katerina paced the hosts with 17 points.

M.Broker - Ros Casares 48-81
Ros Casares advanced to the Quarter-Finals of the EuroLeague Women play-offs after an easy 81:48 road win over Maxima Broker from Slovakia. Valdemoro Amaya and De Souza Erika led the winners with 16 points apiece, while Montanana Anna added 11. Kraayeveld Cathrine notched 14 points and made 10 boards for the home side.

Lotos PKO BP - Fenerbahce 63-60
Lotos PKO BP extended the series over Fenerbahce after 63:60 home win. Catchings Tamika led the winners with 16 points as the teams are tied at 1-1. Marchanka Natalia produced 13 poinst and Leciejewska Magdalena netted 12. Smith Katie finished the night with 19 points for the guests and Yilmaz Nevriye collected 17 points and 14 boards.

Gambrinus - Bourges 61-59
Gambrinus tied the series over Bourges after the home 61:59 victory in Czech Republic. Maiga Hamchetou top-scored for the winners with 17 points as the score is 1-1 now. Viteckova Eva produced 14 and Kulichova Petra added 12. Dumerc Celine ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.

MiZo Pecs - Umana Reyer 65-57
A real upset came from Hungary as local MiZo Pecs 2010 overcame Umana Reyer 65:57. The Hungarian side swept the series and advanced to the Best 8. With the win in all the quarters the hosts triumphed with the total success. Vajda led the winners with 17 points. Ohlde finished the night with 15 and Mazzante notched 9. Hayden-Johnson chipped in 13 for the guests, whilst Carson netted 12.

CSKA - Halcon A.Per. 95-64
CSKA Moscow thrashes Halcon Avenida to tie the series in EuroLeague Eighth-Finals clash. The capital of Russia saw 95:64 easy win in Game 2 as the series will go on. Wauters led the winners with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Lawson-Wade netted 15, while McCarville nocthed 13. Snow produced 14 in defeat and Willingham scored 13. The deciding game three of the Eighth-Finals clash will be played on Wednesday.

Wisla Can-Pak - MKB Eurol. 52-39
Wisla Can-Pack Krakow produced a great defensive style at home in their EuroLeague Women Eighth-Finals play-off to tie with MKB Euroleasing. The Polish side had a 52:39 and looks forward for Game 3 in Hungary. Fernandez Marta paced all the winners with 14 points and Canty Dominique nailed 10. Macleod Kathleen notched 14 points in defeat and Holt Amber scored 11.

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FINLAND - Women

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Megan GRIFFITH
  Espoo Team
  (168-G-85)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Marlow, S-Hameen.	24.0
2. Parker, PuHu	22.3
3. Bailey, Huima	20.0
4. Covington, S-Ham.	19.9
5. Haynes, Espoo Team	18.7
6. Freeman, PeKa	18.2
7. Frasier, FoA	17.4
8. Pellom, FoA	17.4
9. Collier, HoNsU	17.3
10. Gidden, HoN.	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Ashley PELLOM
  FoA
  (170-G-86)
  Avg: 7

1. Covington, S-Ham.	13.9
2. Gidden, HoNsU	13.4
3. Roukanoja, PuHu	12.2
4. Robinson, Huima	11.8
5. Haynes, Espoo Team	11.5
6. Yates, BC Nokia	10.5
7. Triggs, PeKa	10.4
8. Freeman, PeKa	10.2
9. Solovyeva, Catz	9.9
10. Zwarich, F.	9.1

Assists Per Game

Megan GRIFFITH
  Espoo Team
  (168-G-85)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Kesanen, Catz	3.8
2. Pellom, FoA	3.1
3. Covington, S-Ham.	2.6
4. Frasier, FoA	2.5
5. Rivers, PeKa	2.5
6. Robinson, Huima	2.4
7. DeCoud, HoNsU	2.4
8. Parker, PuHu	2.4
9. Jamsen, Huima	2.4
10. Parker, Pe.	2.3

Steals Per Game

Mari PUUSTINEN
  S-Hameen.
  (179-F/G-78)
  Avg: 1.8

1. DeCoud, HoNsU	4.0
2. Bailey, Huima	4.0
3. Haynes, Espoo Team	3.4
4. Collier, HoNsU	3.2
5. Pellom, FoA	3.1
6. Haynes, Catz	3.1
7. Parker, PeKa	2.8
8. Vapamaa, S-Hameen.	2.8
9. Pounds, PeKa	2.6
10. Allen, Espoo Te.	2.6

Blocks Per Game

Kenya ROBINSON
  Huima
  (182-C-70)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Gidden, HoNsU	1.7
2. Roukanoja, PuHu	1.5
3. Solovyeva, Catz	1.4
4. Triggs, PeKa	1.0
5. Scott, Catz	1.0
6. Tuure, Catz	0.9
7. Sten, Catz	0.8
8. Reshetko, Catz	0.8
9. Zwarich, FoA	0.8
10. Parker, Pu.	0.7

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Catz	15-1
2. Espoo Team	12-3
3. PeKa	11-4
4. Huima	9-6
5. S-Hameen.	7-9
6. FoA	4-11
7. HoNsU	3-12
8. BC Nokia	0-15
Will join on later stage:
1. PuHu	-

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FRANCE - Women

Taranto outplays Tarbes 75-66 in the first 1/8 final game - by Eurobasket News
EuroCup, 1/8 Finals: Taranto - Tarbes 75-66

Taranto was too strong for Tarbes grabbing nice 9-point home victory in the first game of the EuroCup 1/8 finals. Megan Mahoney (183-F-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Kansas St.) stepped up for the hosts draining 20 points, with pretty good shot percentage. Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80) had 14, while Michelle Greco (176-G-80) and Elodie Godin (190-C-85) added 11 points each. Tarbes got 22 pts from Tanisha Wright (180-G-83, agency: LBM Management, college: Penn St.) and double-double from Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (195-C-86), 17 points and 11 boards.
The French representative had much better beginning. After 6 minutes Tanisha Wright and her teammates earned 8-14. Michelle Greco and Megan Mahoney created 7-2 run later closing the gap on 15-16 after 10 minutes. That was not the end of Taranto's run, who continued with 13-4 for 28-20. Tarbes was able to come on minus 8 after that, but Michelle Greco and Elodie Godin lifted Taranto to 40-29 with two jump shots (HT). At the middle of third stanza the hosts even touched 49-33. Tanisha Wright stepped up for Tarbes after that helping it to cut the margin on 58-46 before the last frame. At the beginning of it Taranto again jumped on 15 and later 19-point lead. However, Tanisha Wright and Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui made 13-3 run for 75-66 defeat and a chance in the next game. It will be played on February 5th in France.

Taranto: Megan Mahoney 20, Suzy Batkovic 14, Michelle Greco 11, Elodie Godin 11
Tarbes: Tanisha Wright 22, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 17+11 boards

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GREECE - Women

Marina Mazic arrives in Esperides - by Kevin
Ravenna Esperides / Glyfada has made a move and went out and picked up Marina Mazic (190-C-80) to help them in the Eurocup. She most recently took the court for ZKK Medvescak Zagreb where she played 3 games and averaged 9.7 ppg and 2.7 rpg. In her first game for Ravenna Esperides / Glyfada she played 36 minutes and scored 18 points and grabbed 3 rebounds. In 2007 the Croatian center was awarded the Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 1st team and Center of the Year honours.

Dynamo Moscow outsmarts Esperides in thriller finish - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/8 Finals: Esperides - Dynamo Moscow 74-75

Dynamo Moscow grabbed 75-74 victory in very exciting game against the Greek Esperides. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) shined dropping 23 points. Belinda Snell (181-F-81) had 19 pts, 8 boards and 5 assists, while Jannell Burse (197-C-79, college: Tulane) helped with 14 points and 7 boards. Marina Mazic (190-C-80) scored 18 and Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) had 16 points in defeat.
The opening ten minutes of the game were pretty interesting sending a clear signal what the spectators can expect until the end. Esperides' biggest lead during that time was 18-13, but soon after that Dynamo made a turn, 21-22. Thanks to Stella Kaltsidou's triple the hosts had 2-point lead after the first quarter, 24-22. Kaltsidou continued in the same rhythm creating nice 7-0 run. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota stepped up for Dynamo and quickly helped it to make 14-4 run. However, Marina Mazic joined Kaltsidou setting the score on 40-38 after 20 minutes. Esperides touched plus 8 few times in third stanza, but experienced Dynamo's players managed to stay close, 57-55. Same scenario happened during the last quarter. Esperides had 69-61 with less than 4 minutes to go and it seemed this time Dynamo won't be able to recover. Belinda Snell and Anete Jekabsone-Zogota proved their qualities helping the guests to score 14 points until the end. On the other side Esperides stopped on 5, what was not enough for any better than 74-75 loss. The second game will be played in Moscow on February 5th.

Esperides: Marina Mazic 18, Stella Kaltsidou 16
Dynamo Moscow: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 23, Belinda Snell 19+8 boards+5 as, Jannell Burse 14+7 boards

Athinaikos makes a huge step forward to EuroCup quarterfinals - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/8 Finals: Athinaikos - Ramla 88-73

Athinaikos didn't have to work very hard in order to beat Ramla in Greece by 15 pts. The hosts had couple of players in a game mood, but maybe the best one was Katie Gearlds (186-G/F-84, college: Purdue) with 20 points. Polymnia Sarekgou (185-G-72) had 17, Vasileia Gkouzini (175-G-75) 15, while LaToya Davis (186-F/C-84, college: Texas Tech) helped with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) shined in loss with 24 pts and 11 boards. Matalya Belvin (162-G-82, agency: Ronsport, college: Langston) added 11 pts.
Athinaikos entered into this game strongly making quick 8-2 lead. Olena Ogorodnikova helped the guests to come closer on 22-18, but Katie Gearlds and Volonaki took care for 7-0 run. Ogrodnikova once again stepped up for Ramla and together with Matalya Belvin responded with fantastic 11-0 until the end of the first period, 29-29. Visitors managed to resists until the middle of the second stanza, 36-34. Mostly owing to LaToya Davis, Athinaikos produced 16 points until the half time, while Ramla stopped on 7, 52-41. It seems those few minutes in the second quarter was the crucial ones as Ramla never threatened after that. At the half way of third stanza Athinaikos reached plus 18. Three FTs by Gourevitch at the end of this game helped the visitors to end it with minus 15 insted of minus 18. The second game is scheduled for February 4th.

Athinaikos: Katie Gearlds 20, Polymnia Sarekgou 17, Vasileia Gkouzini 15, LaToya Davis 14+14 boards
Ramla: Olena Ogorodnikova 24+11 boards, Matalya Belvin 11

Fluker has moved to Panionios - by Kevin
Panionios Athens made a great market move and brought in American center Tye'sha Fluker (196-C-84, college: Tennessee) from MBK Ruzomberok. Fluker played in 6 games for MBK Ruzomberok and recorded 30.8 mpg and averaged 12.3 ppg and 7.8 rpg. The dominent center who played her College ball at Tennessee has played her professional ball in the WNBA, France, Turkey, and Slovakia. In her first game for her new team in Athens she played 32 minutes and scored 10 points and took down 8 rebounds.

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HUNGARY - Women

MiZo Pecs says 'Arrivederci' to Umana Reyer - by Eurobasket News
MiZo Pecs 2010 -Umana Reyer 65:57

A real upset came from Hungary as local MiZo Pecs 2010 overcame Umana Reyer 65:57. The Hungarian side swept the series and advanced to the Best 8. With the win in all the quarters the hosts triumphed with the total success. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84) led the winners with 17 points. Nicole Ohlde (193-F/C-82, college: Kansas St.) finished the night with 15 and Kelly Mazzante (183-G-82, college: Penn St.) notched 9. Vanessa Hayden-Johnson (194-C-82, college: Florida) chipped in 13 for the guests, whilst Essence Carson (183-G-86, college: Rutgers) netted 12.
When Dalma Ivanyi and Brooke Quennan nailed 4 freebies in the final 10 seconds to propel MiZo Pecs to a narrow road win against Venezia in Game 1 it became the only road win in the first leg. MiZo Pecs proved once again that the team was stronger than Umana Reyer even in Game 2. Trailing 0-6 from the start Raksanyi's lay-up brought 7:6 and then Somogyi closed the opening quarter at 19:18. Anna Vajda shocked the visitors later for 30:20, while Cirone reduced to 37:32 at the halftime.
Hungarian side held 6-10 points in the third frame and thought of the Best 8 matchup. A defensive 12-1 in the period brought them 49:43 after 30 minutes of the game. Sottana kept the Italians alive for 51:45 with 7 minutes to go, but the guests could not come closer. The Hungarian side swept the series and advanced to the the Quarter-Finals of the EuroLeague Women play-offs.

MiZo Pecs 2010: Anna Vajda 17, Nicole Ohlde 15, Kelly Mazzante 9
Umana Reyer: Vanessa Hayden-Johnson 13, Essence Carson 12

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ISRAEL - Women

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ITALY - Women

Chevakata cruises past Lavezzini in Parma - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/8 Finals: Lavezzini PA - Chevakata 63-81

Chevakata made fantastic result in the first game of the EuroCup 1/8 finals. Elena Volkova (175-G-83) and her teammates grabbed comfortable 18-point win against one of the top ranked teams in Italian Serie A1. Volkova led the scorers in Chevakata with 21 points. Anastasia Pimenova (180-F-81) followed her with 18 and Nakia Sanford (193-F/C-76, college: Kansas) delivered 12 points, plus 9 boards. Laura Summerton (191-C-83) scored 17 pts for the hosts. Natalie Porter (185-F-80) had 15 points and 5 rebs, while Daliborka Vilipic (196-C-75) contributed with 12 points and 9 boards.
Chevakata had furious beginning. In just 3 minutes the Russian team nailed 16 points. Few moments later, actually after triple by Sokolovskaya, Chevakata jumped on huge 7-22. Mostly owing to Nakia Sanford the guests make 7-0 run in the finish of the first frame ending it with impressive 11-29. At the middle of the next period Chevakata reached plus 23, 15-38. However, Laura Summerton and her teammates somehow managed to recover from this shock and to close the gap on 23-40 after 20 minutes. It seemed that Chevakata played the second half as much as it was necessary to keep more than 15-point lead. At the end Anastasia Pimenova drained a triple setting the score on final 63-81. The second game is scheduled for February 5th.

Lavezzini PA: Laura Summerton 17, Natalie Porter 15+5 boards, Daliborka Vilipic 12+9 boards
Chevakata: Elena Volkova 21, Anastasia Pimenova 18, Nakia Sanford 12+9 boards

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LITHUANIA - Women

UMMC reach the Quarter-Finals - by Eurobasket News
TEO Vilnius - UMMC Ekaterinburg 46:69

UMMC Ekaterinburg was the first team to reach the Quarter-Finals of the EuroLeague Women play-offs. The Russian squad overcame TEO Vilnius 69:46 and swept the series. Asjha Jones (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) top-scored for the winners with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Cappie Pondexter (175-G-83, college: Rutgers) ended up with 14, whilst Maria Stepanova (202-C-79) added 12. Crystal Langhorne (188-F/C-86, college: Maryland) collected 12 points and 15 boards for the hosts and Jurgita Streimikyte (191-F-72) nailed 11.
UMMC and TEO Vilnius battle in the opening period and paid lots of attention to defense. As a result the first period was over at 12:12 when Queen made a three-pointer for the home side. TEO realized the importance of the game and had some lead in the second period. Crystal Langhorne made it 20:19 with less than 5 minutes in the first half. Asjha Jones sent the teams to the lockers for 31:25.
Cappie Pondexter brought the guests plus 11, 45:34 in the decisive moment of the game. Asjha Jones opened up a 49:35 advantage with 10 minutes to go. UMMC held the difference in the last period extending the margin from time to time. Cappie Pondexter was the last to change the numbers on the board for 69:46 in the end.

TEO Vilnius: Crystal Langhorne 12+15 rebs, Jurgita Streimikyte 11
UMMC Ekaterinburg: Asjha Jones 15+10 rebs, Cappie Pondexter 14, Maria Stepanova 12

Standings - LMKL

LMKL Standings

1. TEO Vilnius	17-0
2. Arvi	15-2
3. Lemminkain.	11-6
4. Laisve	10-8
5. Aistes-Atletas	8-8
6. Ruta Siauliai	4-13
7. Egle Panev.	2-15
8. Alytus	1-16

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RUSSIA - Women

CSKA Moscow thrashes Halcon Avenida to tie the series - by Eurobasket News
CSKA Moscow -Halcon Avenida 95:64

CSKA Moscow thrashes Halcon Avenida to tie the series in EuroLeague Eighth-Finals clash. The capital of Russia saw 95:64 easy win in Game 2 as the series will go on. Ann Wauters (194-C-80) led the winners with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Edwige Lawson-Wade (167-G-79) netted 15, while Janel McCarville (188-C-82, college: Minnesota) nocthed 13. Michelle Snow (196-C-80, agency: Merit Sports, college: Tennessee) produced 14 in defeat and Le'Coe Willingham (183-C-81, college: Auburn) scored 13. The deciding game three of the Eighth-Finals clash will be played on Wednesday.
On Tuesday Avenida made the first step towards the eighth-finals as they held off ambitious CSKA in Salamanca. It was an upset as CSKA remains the favorite of the clash. In Moscow Ilona Korstin followed with a jumper before Elena Danilochkina scored five straight points, including a three-ball, for a 19:11 lead. Janel McCarville closed the opening quarter at 27:16. Halcon Avenida remained alive in the second period and lost only 18-20 in it. Sapova's three was the last in the half for 47:34.
With 27-16 in the third frame the game was over the the guests. Ann Wauters opened it with a jump-shot for 49:34 and Edwige Lawson-Wade posted for 74:50. In the last period the teams were killing time, but CSKA wanted to prove once again that they are the favorites of the matchup and could be also the strongest team in Europe.

CSKA Moscow: Ann Wauters 18+10 rebs, Edwige Lawson-Wade 15, Janel McCarville 13
Halcon Avenida: Michelle Snow 14, Le'Coe Willingham 13

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SERBIA - Women

Tsikhamirava makes the move to Hemofarm - by Kevin
Hemofarm Stada Vrsac has picked up Hanna Tsikhamirava (175-G-88) from ZKK Kraljevo. The young Belarussian guard played her first game for her new team and scored 11 points in 18 minutes. This past summer she played in the U20 European Championships for Belarus and averaged 28.9 mpg and scored 7.9 ppg and took down 4.4 rpg.

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SPAIN - Women

San Jose beats Ibiza 60-56 thanks to 12-4 run at the end - by Eurobasket News
Eurocup, 1/8 Finals: San Jose - EBE Ibiza-PDV 60-56

San Jose celebrated in the Spanish EuroCup derby 60-56. It just means that the second game will be very interesting one. Eshaya Murphy (180-G-85, college: USC) top-scored in victory with 18 points. She also had 6 boards beside that. Shona Thorburn (178-G-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Utah) was the last one with double-digits in scoring, 10 points. On the other side, Sancho Lyttle (193-C-83, college: Houston) had 13 points and 13 rebounds for Ibiza. Sandra Pirsic (195-C-84) contributed with 10 points and 9 boards.
The teams were totally leveled in the first half. San Jose had plus 3, while Ibiza had plus 2 at the one moment. However, they entered into the second quarter with 15-15. Thanks to Sancho Lyttle, the guests made 6-0 run after that. San Jose was not able to come any closer until 2 minutes to go in the first half when it made mini 4-0 series, closing the gap on 25-27. Third quarter was very similar to the first one. It was 2-point game before Arguello netted 2 FTs for San Jose and set the score on 40-40 after 30 minutes. Ibiza managed to reach 48-52 with less than 4 minutes remaining and it seemed the visitors will take this one. San Jose created furious 12-4 run until the end transferring plus 4 to the second game. It is scheduled for February 5th.

San Jose: Eshaya Murphy 18+6 boards, Shona Thorburn 10
EBE Ibiza-PDV: Sancho Lyttle 13+13 boards, Sandra Pirsic 10+9 boards

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TURKEY - Women