Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/5/2009

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Men News

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ABA

Knoxville Thunderbolts Lose to WV Blazers 127-113 - by Eurobasket
BECKLEY, WV The Knoxville Thunderbolts lost to the West Virginia Blazers Sunday afternoon in Beckley, West Virginia, 127-113. The Thunderbolts have beaten the Blazers easily in past games, but arrived with only a handful of players for the out of town game.

Despite the poor showing, the Thunderbolts started with an early lead, fell behind in the third quarter, came back to within five points in the fourth quarter, but were ultimately out of gas and lost the game.

As part of the American Basketball Association, the Thunderbolts are a minor league team, meaning that the players are paid, but often hold down other jobs locally as well. This makes having a full team during away games particularly challenging, but todays showing was the worst ever with just six players.

You can be assured were going to be reviewing the players and their priorities, to determine potential changes, said team co-owner and general manager Chris Glisson.

Scott Williams led the Thunderbolts in scoring with 32 points, and Kevin McDonald, who fouled out by half time, led in rebounds with 10. Josh Baby Glisson, one of the youngest players in the ABA at 18, scored a career high 8 points.

Cedric Brown (6'7''-F/C-82, college: Bluefield) was the leading WV Blazers scorer with 29 points.

Orlando Woolridge Statement - by Eurobasket

Orlando Woolridge
Professional Coach/ Trainer/ Scout
February 2, 2009

This statement is in direct response to inaccurate and derogatory statements made publicly via e-mail about me by the owner of The Arizona Rhinos, Kisha Spellman-White. Friday morning, January 30, 2009 I contacted the commissioner of the ABA, Joe Newman, to inform him of my immediate resignation as head coach of the Arizona Rhinos. I informed him that my reason for resigning was based on unfair labor practices as follows:

1) My contract not being honored. This includes wages, housing and transportation.
2) Players contracts not being honored.
3) Contracts with practice and playing facilities not being honored.
4) The unprofessional manner in which business was being conducted in the business community, media and elsewhere.

Being involved in professional basketball for over 25 years, including the NBA, WNBA, U.S.A (Olympic) Basketball and the media (Fox Sports Network and others), I have acquired a clear knowledge of basketball team operations and professional conduct. I no longer wanted my name associated with a team organization that was operating in a manner that counters the basic principles of professionalism.
Kisha Spellman-White also inaccurately stated that I was responsible for acquiring two undesirable players on the team. The fact of the matter is that all players on the Rhinos team are players that she has selected exclusively. It was also inaccurately stated that I was responsible for a $4,000 hotel bill. The fact of this matter is that the hotel was chosen by Kisha Spellman-White for housing for the entire team as well as herself during training camp and the beginning of the season.
The next conversation I had with the commissioner of the ABA, Joe Newman, had reference to the possibility of bringing a new franchise to Prescott Valley. I was contacted by a prominent and well respected business man here in Prescott about the possibility of establishing an ABA team that would be operated in a professional manner and games being played at the Tims-Toyota Center. The basis of the conversation with the local businessman was in response to the January 24, 2009 article in The Daily Courier that stated, and I quote, The Rhinos first announced that their future games would be suspended, and then followed up with a statement saying games will resume, but in Phoenix rather than Prescott Valley.
My personal experience here in Prescott Valley and Prescott is an experience that I cherish. I have met people in the business community and the private sector that I have developed great relationships. I look forward to doing many positive things in the future in this community along with my NBA friends both current NBA players and NBA legends.

My only regret is that this community should have been represented in the professional manner that it deserves. It is my mission plan that this community that has been so open and welcoming to me and my players be represented in the professional manner that represents the entrepreneurial spirit that this community has been based upon.

Written by Orlando Woolridge

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ALGERIA

Results from 6th round 2th phase - by Carlos Pereira
A small surprise of this round was the win of CRB Dar-El-Beda away at ASPTT ALger home, by 87-83.

Results and Standing

A (to the title)

GS Ptrolier - TRB Blida 93- 58
ASPTT Alger - CRB Dar-El- Beida 83-87
AB Skikda - WB An-Benian 69-79
WA Boufarik - NA Hussein- Dey 64-58

STANDING Pts G

1. GS Ptrolier 12 6
2. CRB Dar-El-Beda 10 6
- WA Boufarik 10 6
- ASPTT Alger 10 6
5. WB An-Benian 09 6
6. TRB Blida 08 6
7. NA Hussein-Dey 07 6
8. AB Skikda 06 6

B (to the first division)

USMM Hadjout - CRB Tmouchent 89-69
NB Staouli - CRM Birkhadem 67-64 (game stoped)
JSB Msila - AU Annaba 81-76
O Batna - NRM Harrach 71-55

STANDING Pts G

1. O Batna 11 6
2. CRB Tmouchent 10 6
3. NB Staouli 09 5
- USMM Hadjout 09 6
5. CRM Birkhadem 08 5
6. NRM Harrach 07 5
- JSB Msila 07 6
8. AU Annaba 05 5

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ARGENTINA

Last transactions - by Facundo Iatzky

Juan Pablo Sanchez (190-G/F-83) moved from Lanus to Boca Juniors. He will replace Marcos Casini (Italy). Juan Pablo made his debut yesterday in the victory of Boca over Independiente.
Diego Gerbaudo (182-G-89), former Real Madrid player, moved to La Union Formosa (TNA). Diego was playing in Quimsa.
Gimnasia La plata (TNA) released Matt Mchugh and signed Jared Johnson (201-F-80, college: Manhattan).
Quimsa signed brasilian Wanderson Trigueiro (203-F/C-81) who replaces Nakiea Miller.

Fernando Cavagna (200-G/F-78) moves from Libertad to Ben hur

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AUSTRALIA

James Harvey is 'NBL Player of the Week' for Round 20 - by Eurobasket News
The red-hot shooting form of Gold Coast Blaze guard James Harvey (196-G/F-79) has earned him the National Basketball Leagues Player of the Week for Round 20.

Harvey scored a career-high and franchise record 42 points, as well as adding six rebounds as the Blaze notched just their sixth win of the season with a high-scoring 139-119 victory over the Sydney Spirit at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Saturday night.

The Blaze captain made 12-of-20 shots from the field, including a scorching 8-of-13 from beyond the three-point arc. He also shot an amazing 82% (10-of-12) from the free-throw line for the game.

Harvey becomes the second Gold Coast player to win the NBLs weekly honour, joining teammate Justin Bowen who took out the award in Round 12.

The 42-point haul was the highest by any NBL player this season and surpassed the 41-point effort of New Zealands Kirk Penney on 18 September 2008 against Wollongong. It also beat Harveys previous career-high of 39, which he notched against New Zealand on 2 October 2005.

Other contenders for the Player of the Week included Shane Heal (Gold Coast), Kavossy Franklin (Wollongong), Phill Jones (New Zealand), Adam Ballinger (Adelaide), John Rillie (Townsville), Matt Knight (Sydney), David Barlow (Melbourne), Chris Anstey (Melbourne), Martin Cattalini (Cairns), Cameron Tovey (Townsville), Mark Worthington (South), Anthony Petrie (Wollongong), Luke Whitehead (Gold Coast), Luke Schenscher (Adelaide), Russell Hinder (Townsville), Shawn Redhage (Perth) and Glen Saville (Wollongong).

NBL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Round 1 Kirk Penney (New Zealand)
Round 2 Corey Williams (Townsville)
Round 3 Mark Worthington (South)
Round 4 Darnell Mee (Cairns)
Round 5 - Joe Ingles (South)
Round 6 Luke Schenscher (Adelaide)
Round 7 Sam Mackinnon (Melbourne)
Round 8 Kirk Penney (New Zealand)
Round 9 Rick Rickert (New Zealand)
Round 10 - Julius Hodge (Adelaide)
Round 11 Matthew Knight (Sydney)
Round 12 Justin Bowen (Gold Coast)
Round 13 Ian Crosswhite (Cairns)
Round 14 Tony Ronaldson (New Zealand)
Round 15 Julius Hodge (Adelaide)
Round 16 Isiah Victor (Perth)
Round 17 Luke Schenscher (Adelaide)
Round 18 Ebi Ere (Melbourne)
Round 19 Adam Ballinger (Adelaide)
Round 20 James Harvey (Gold Coast)

Courtesy of the NBL (www.nbl.com.au)

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Alex LOUGHTON
  Wildcats
  (205-F/C-83)
  Avg: 14.3

1. Penney, Breakers	25.9
2. Ere, Tigers	22.9
3. Whitehead, Blaze	21.7
4. Ballinger, 36ers	19.6
5. Franklin, Hawks	19.6
6. Harvey, Blaze	19.2
7. Knight, Spirit	18.8
8. Redhage, Wildcats	18.6
9. Tragardh, Hawks	18.6
10. Worthington, Dra.	18.0

Rebounds Per Game

Ben KNIGHT
  Wildcats
  (203-F-76)
  Avg: 5.9

1. Whitehead, Blaze	13.8
2. Schenscher, 36ers	10.1
3. Anstey, Tigers	10.1
4. Ellis, Crocodiles	9.6
5. Saville, Hawks	9.1
6. Redhage, Wildcats	8.4
7. Ballinger, 36ers	8.1
8. Rickert, Breakers	8.0
9. Crosswhite, Taipa.	8.0
10. Gruber, Spir.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Kirk PENNEY
  Breakers
  (194-G-80)
  Avg: 3

1. Crosswell, Tigers	5.3
2. Heal, Blaze	5.0
3. Bruce, 36ers	4.6
4. Maher, 36ers	4.6
5. Henare, Breakers	4.6
6. Williams, Crocodiles	4.4
7. Saville, Hawks	4.4
8. Franklin, Hawks	4.3
9. Dann, Spirit	4.0
10. Hinson, Wildca.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Aaron BRUCE
  36ers
  (191-G-84)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Saville, Hawks	2.5
2. Bowen, Blaze	2.0
3. Bruton, Breakers	2.0
4. Ellis, Crocodiles	1.9
5. Anstey, Tigers	1.8
6. Crosswell, Tigers	1.8
7. Barlow, Tigers	1.8
8. Williams, Taipans	1.7
9. Crawford, Wildcats	1.6
10. Mee, Taipa.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Shawn REDHAGE
  Wildcats
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Anstey, Tigers	2.1
2. Mee, Taipans	1.7
3. Saville, Hawks	1.3
4. Bowen, Blaze	1.2
5. Hinder, Crocodiles	1.0
6. Smith, Taipans	1.0
7. Horvath, Dragons	1.0
8. Crosswhite, Taipa.	1.0
9. Victor, Wildcats	1.0
10. Behrendorff, Bre.	0.9

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Melbourne SD	20-7
2. Melbourne T.	19-8
3. N.Zealand B.	16-10
4. Townsville C.	16-12
5. Perth W.	15-13
6. Adelaide 36ers	14-14
7. Cairns T.	11-16
8. Sydney S.	11-17
9. Wollongong	9-18
10. Gold Coast B.	6-22

South Dragons and Taipans open Round 21 with victories - by Eurobasket News
The Melbourne South Dragons had an easy job against the Adelaide 36ers on the road 97-77. With this victory the Dragons jumped on 20-7 record, what is more than enough for top of NBL. The other team from Melbourne (Tigers) is on the second place with 19-8. Joe Ingles (203-G/F-87, agency: Priority Sports) and Adam Gibson (188-G-86) led the scorers in the winning squad with 18 points each. Mark Worthington (202-F-83, college: Metro St.) was behind them with 13 pts. On the other side, Paora Winitana (195-G-76) netted 14 pts in loss. Rod Grizzard (203-G-80, college: Alabama) and Jacob Holmes (198-G-83) contributed with 10 each. Their Adelaide 36ers dropped on 14-14. The Dragons have a big week ahead of them, with a match-up on the road against the Crocs on Friday, while the 36ers will host the Breakers on Saturday night.
Martin Cattalini (202-F-73) paced the Cairns Taipans to 89-81 victory in Sydney against the Spirit nailing 28 points. Aaron Grabau (196-G-78) helped with 18 and Dwayne Vale (193-F-85) added 12 pts for the winners. The Spirit got 21 points from Matthew Knight (203-F/C-85, college: Loyola Marymount). David Gruber (198-F/C-81, college: N.Iowa) and Blagoj Janev (203-F-84, college: New Hampshire) scored 14 apiece. Both teams will be back in action on Saturday night with the Taipans (11-16) to host the Gold Coast Blaze. The Spirit (11-16) will travel to Perth to take on the Wildcats.

Round 21:

Feb. 8: Dragons ---- Tigers
Feb. 7: 36ers ---- Breakers
Feb. 7: Wildcats ---- Spirit
Feb. 7: Taipans ---- Blaze
Feb. 6: Hawks ---- Breakers
Feb. 6: Crocodiles ---- Dragons
Feb. 4: Dragons 97-77 36ers
Feb. 4: Spirit 81-89 Taipans

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BALKAN LEAGUE

Young Stefan Stojacic leads Mega HL to quarterfinals of Balkan league - by Dragan Jankovski
Mega Hypo Leasing celebrated in extremely important game against the Romanian Dinamo Bucharest 82-74. It was postponed match of Balkan League - Round 8. After this victory Mega HL moved up on the second place in Group B booking a spot for the quarterfinals. The team from Belgrade now has 4-3.

First quarter was totally leveled, 20-20. Young Serbian prospect Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) was of fire making his third triple at the beginning of the second quarter for 26-24. Stojacic had 11 points until that moment. Dinamo was good enough to stay within minus 3 until the half time (40-37). Third quarter was the crucial one for Mega HL. The Serbians scored 25 points in 10 minutes, while Dinamo had 19. Until the end Dinamo threatened few times coming on minus 5. However, the young players of Mega HL had strong willingness to take this one and to secure a spot for the next stage.

Stefan Stojacic led the scorers in with 19 points. Aleksandar Mitrovic (201-G-90) followed him with 13 pts. Veteran Stojadin Markovic (200-F-69) posted 19 points in Dinamo, while Macedonian Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 14 points. Mega HL will play one more game until the end of the regular season, against Rabotnicki on February 19th.

Standings

BIBL Standings

Group A
1. Swiss.Lions		5-1
2. Feni Indistrija		4-2
3. Radnicki 034		3-4
4. ChernoMore		2-4
5. CSU Brasov		2-5
Group B
1. Rilski S-list		5-2
2. Mega HL		4-3
3. F.Rabotnicki		3-2
4. Levski		3-3
5. Dinamo B.		1-6

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BALTIC LEAGUE

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Kenny GRANT
  Norrkoping
  (188-G-82)
  Avg: 14.6

1. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	20.6
2. Bankevics, Valmiera	19.8
3. Clark, Valmiera	19.7
4. Varnelis, Alytus A.	18.9
5. Vares, Valga Welg	18.8
6. Beard, TU/Rock	18.1
7. Alexander, Ba.	17.7
8. Vasylius, Neptunas	17.6
9. Kazevicius, Alytus A.	17.3
10. Runkauskas, Sudu.	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Kristjan KANGUR
  Kalev/Cramo
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Beard, TU/Rock	9.7
2. Anderson, Valga W.	9.5
3. Alexander, Ba.	8.5
4. Vasylius, Neptunas	8.5
5. Varnelis, Alytus A.	8.2
6. Dimsa, Aisciai	7.9
7. Butkevicius, Kaunas T.	7.9
8. McNaull, Norrkoping	7.4
9. Cipriano, Norrkoping	7.4
10. Jankunas, Zalgir.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Ronald CLARK
  Valmiera
  (196-G-81)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Tsintsadze, TU/Rock	5.7
2. Grant, Norrkoping	4.9
3. Gabrans, ASK/.	4.6
4. Sirsnins, Valmiera	4.5
5. Hill, Techasas	4.4
6. Runkauskas, Suduva	4.3
7. Viskontas, Nevezis	4.3
8. Eidson, Lietuvos	4.2
9. Cooper, VEF Riga	4.1
10. Kazevicius, Alytus.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Marius RUNKAUSKAS
  Suduva
  (189-G-86)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Linehan, Kalev/Cr.	3.2
2. Bolds, Techasas	2.6
3. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	2.2
4. Skele, Ba.	2.1
5. Fox, Kalev/Cramo	2.1
6. Slesers, Keiza.	2.1
7. Gabrans, ASK/.	2.1
8. Mazutis, ASK Riga	2.1
9. Pilk, TTU K.	2.0
10. Strelnieks, Kei.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Klavs ANSONS
  Liepaja
  (202-C-83)
  Avg: 0.8

1. Silinskis, Nevezis	1.9
2. Kjellbom, Norrkoping	1.8
3. Woods, Zalgiris	1.5
4. Anderson, Valga W.	1.4
5. Lyde, Kalev/Cramo	1.4
6. Berzins, Ba.	1.3
7. Toome, TTU K.	1.3
8. Talts, TU/Rock	1.2
9. Elliott, Valmiera	1.2
10. Selakovs, VEF Ri.	1.1

Standings - Men

BBL Standings

Group 1
1. Lietuvos		13-2
2. Zalgiris		9-4
3. Kalev/Cramo		9-5
4. ASK Riga		9-5
5. TU/Rock		7-8
6. Siauliai		6-8
7. Barons/LMT		6-9
8. Valmiera		5-8
9. Ventspils		5-9
10. Nevezis		2-13
Group C
1. Aisciai		1-0
2. VEF Riga		1-0
3. Sakalai		1-0
4. Norrkoping		1-1
5. Neptunas		0-1
6. Kaunas Tr.		0-2
Group D
1. Liepaja		1-0
2. Tallinna Kalev		1-0
3. Zemgale		0-0
4. Keizarmezs		0-0
5. Alytus Alita		0-1
6. TTU KK		0-1

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BELGIUM

Div. II Regular Season - Rounds 20 and 21 - by Bertrand Larsimont

Round 20

De West Hoek Zwevezele vs. Essor Charleroi 90-68
Zwevezele: Heinle 20; Verdickt 16; Bourdeaux 14; Dobbelaere 12; Bobb 11; Lhote 8; Tandt 5; Deconinck 4.
Charleroi: Mampuya 20; Vermeulen 16; Sperolini 8; Leclercqs 8; Bearzotti 5; Pellisier 4; Kitieu 3; Frippiat 2; Gevaert 2.

Bent Schoenen Waregem vs. Jaga Radiators Hasselt 80-91
Bart Cleymans, injured, did not play for the hosts.
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 28-25, 48-45, 68-73 and 80-91.
Waregem: F. Van Vooren 11; J. Steinbach 12; S. Robeyst 21; Bogaert 6; W. De Wilde 21; Raes 8.
Hasselt: Souveryns 27; Hendrix 7; Van Poelgeest 19; Vanhove 12; Clemente 2; Baert 24.

BBC Boom vs. Kangoeroes Willebroek 70-92
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 19-24, 30-46, 53-71 and 70-92.
Boom: Haerbos 5; Druwez 6; Van Wert 17; Lambreghts 4; Salden 13; Leten 4; Moris 11; Van Hoecke 10.
Kangoeroes: Gorremans 10; Follens 7; Roelandts 18; Deloose 2; Casteels 14; Kalonji 2; D'Haens 8; Petrauskas 13; Van de Keere 4; De Wachter 14.

Royal Alsec Nivelles vs. Sint Jan Antwerp: postponed

BC Ninane vs. Jako Pitzemburg Mechelen 102-69
Ninane: Darmont 9; Hubert 4; Tihon 13; Offermann 12; Delsaute 16; Hawley 7; Kalut 17; Lebecque 12; Vanbergen 13.
Pitzemburg: Veldeman 10; Maris 17; Van Breedam 9; Swaeb 3; Vangelder 12; Billet 6; Pottiez 7; Corthals 1; Van Den Brande 4.

Falco Ghent vs. BCO Carnieres 72-65
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 19-13, 39-27, 52-42 and 72-65.
Falco: Brysse 5; De Backer 2; De Schepper 22; Seghers 2; Van Haevermaet 8; Selhorst 6; Bwatu 8; Van De Vondel 17; D'Hondt 2.
Carnieres: Romyns 3; Thelen 9; Ballau 2; Poppe 6; Jonniaux 28; Goethals 9; De Campos 2; Cordaro 6.

Bye: Basket Bree and CEP Fleurus

Round 21

Sint-Jan Antwerp vs. BC Ninane 80-68
Sint-Jan: Van Rillaer 4; Goethaert 2; W. Lemaire 9; W. Van Schil 18; L. Tielens 14; T. Van De Vondel 22; V. Verbeeck 4; J. Ceyssens 9.
Ninane: --

Jako Pitzemburg Mechelen vs. CEP Fleurus 54-71
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 20-16, 32-30, 40-48 and 54-71.
Pitzemburg: Maris 10; Van Breedam 2; Swaeb 21; Billet 2; Van Gelder 13; Van Den Brande 2; Pottiez 4.
Fleurus: Vanesse 13; J. Pirlot 24; Pourtoit 7; Jadin 9; Rozewicz 3; Penninck 12; Semijejero 3.

Jaga Radiators Hasselt vs. BBC Boom 92-89
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 25-28, 45-45, 67-72 and 92-89.
Hasselt: Jacobs 2; D. Souveryns 32; Hendrix 17; R. Van Poelgeest 5; Vanhove 12; Reynders 3; Clemente 6; H. Baert 15.
Boom: Haerbos 19; Druwez 2; Van Wert 10; Lambreghts 22; Leten 8; Moris 18; Van Hoecke 2; Vermeiren 8.

Essor Charleroi vs. Bent Schoenen Waregem 60-66
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 15-10, 28-28, 42-44 and 60-66.
Charleroi: Leclercqs 13; Sperolini 12; Stache 11; Mampuya 9; Vermeulen 7; Bearzotti 3; Gevaert 3; Pellisier 2.
Waregem: S. Robeyst 19; W. De Wilde 12; F. Van Vooren 8; Bogaert 7; B. Cleymans 7; J. Steinbach 6; S. De Leersnijder 3; Raes 2.

Kangoeroes Willebroek vs. De West Hoek Zwevezele 77-71
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 16-16, 37-35, 60-58 and 77-71.
Willebroek: M. Gorremans 12; K. Roelandts 22; J. Casteels 5; C. Kanlonji 7; D. D'Haens 2; R. Petrauskas 12; T. Van de Keere 16; P. De Wachter 2.
Zwevezele: --

Basket Bree vs. Falco Ghent 96-67
Quarter by quarter score evolution: 21-12, 47-31, 76-47 and 96-67.
Bree: Hodge 13; Reed 11; Norvell 14; Orsulic 11; Meeks 12; McCollum 13; Moss 12; Vucica 6; Van Camp 4.
Falco: Loontiens 2; Dhondt 6; Huyghe 6; Vanderkimpen 9; Bwatu 2; Van Haevermaet 11; De Schepper 12; J. Van De Vondel 7; Selhorst 6; Brysse 6.

Bye: Royal Alsec Nivelles and BCO Carnieres

Dexia and Liege lose in EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Two Belgian teams lost the latest games in EuroChallenge last night.
BC Triumph produced 33-12 in the last period to beat Dexia Mons-Hainaut 76:73 in Moscow. Trailing 55:70, the Russian outfit outscored opponents 21-3 over the last four minutes of the game to improve to 2-0 in Group L and leave Dexia 1-1. Egor Vyaltsev (190-G-85) finished the night with 16 points and Fedor Dmitriev (205-F-84) posted 13. Kelvin Torbert (193-G-83, agency: Octagon, college: Michigan St.) ended up with 20 points for the guests.
In another game of the group Eiffel Towers Den Bosch celebrated the initial win in the EuroChallenge Top 16 thrashing Telekom Baskets 83:63 in Holland. Five members of the Dutch team hit double figures in points, led by Kees Akerboom's 16. Frazier Winsome finished the night with 21 points in the losing effort.
Cholet had a road win over Belgacom Liege on Tuesday. Braswell Kevin paced all the winners with 16 points and Wiggins Alan netted 15. Randal Falker that pulled down 18 rebounds last week against Bonn and at Liege,had 12 to go with his eight points. Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) shined for the hosts with 27 points and 7 rebounds.
In another game of the group EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam and CSK-VVS Samara struggled for the first win in Group L as the Dutch team grabbed 74:70 win in Samara. Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette) had 23 points and nine rebounds for the Dutch team and Van Paassen Peter netted 16. Perry Marque produced 23 points for the home side. Amsterdam improved to 1-1, while CSK-VVS Samara dropped to 0-2.

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BRAZIL

Vivo/Franca and Flamengo share the lead - by Eurobasket News
Vivo/Franca posted the third straight win at the start of the newly created NBB league. Vivo/Franca defeated Lupo/Araraguara 87:82 on the road in the third round. Lupo led by ten points 25:15 after the starting frame and maintained the lead in the second period. The advantage grew to as many as 11 points at halftime. However Lupo/Araraguara had a good answer in store. They outscored the home team 21:7 in the third frame to pile up a 3-point cushion before the final stanza. The seesaw action in the dying minutes led to a 73:73 tie at the end of regulation. Vivo/Franca scored 14 points in the overtime and sneaked to the third straight win in the tournament. William Drudi (204-C/F-81) came up with 25 points and 12 boards for Vivo/Franca. Felipe Luiz Ribeiro and Rogerio Klafke (201-F-71, agency: Interperformances) had 19 points each for the winners. Julio Toledo (195-F-85) notched 27 points for Lupo/Araraguara. Arnaldinho Filho (187-G-78) managed 15 points in the loss.
One of the league favorites Flamengo also recorded the third consecutive victory. They rallied past Pitagoras/Minas 102:85 away from home. The hosts won a high-flying first frame 36:31 before Flamengo took over. They won three remaining quarters and celebrated a comfortable success at the end. Rafael Paulo Araujo (211-C-80, college: BYU) secured 28 points and 7 rebounds for Flamengo. Marcelinho Machado (200-F/G-75, agency: Interperformances) added 18 points and 14 rebounds in the victory. Joseph Shipp (197-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: California) and Murilo da Rosa (207-C-83, agency: Arik Krayn Services) answered with 20 points each in the losing effort.
Sao Jose/Vinac held off Winner/Limeira 83:73 at home court. The Paulista League champions led by 4 points at halftime before wasting all of their lead after the major break and losing the battle. Paulao Castro (212-C-79) topscored with 22 points for Sao Jose/Vinac. Thiagao Pereira (188-F-82) had 18 points for the winning team. Eric Tatu Romualdo (185-G-83) responded with 14 points for Winner/Limeira in defeat.

Standings - BNL

NBB Standings

1. Flamengo	3-0
2. Vivo/Franca	3-0
3. Universo/BRB	2-0
4. CISER/Araldite	2-1
5. Winner/Limeira	2-1
6. CETAF	2-1
7. S.Jose/Vinac	2-1
8. Conti/Assis	1-1
9. Pinheiros	1-2
10. Paulistano	1-2
11. Saldanha	1-2
12. Pitagoras/Minas	1-2
13. GRSA/Bauru	0-2
14. Univates/Bira	0-3
15. Lupo/Araraq.	0-3

Stats Leaders - BNL

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CAPE VERDE

Rodrigo Mascarenhas launches R.I. Sport - by Pedro Gomes
R.I. Sport, created by Cape Verdean basketball player Rodrigo Mascarenhas (197-F-80), will promote in May, in Cape Verde, an international basketball tournament with the participation of teams from Europe, the United States of America (USA), Africa and Cape Verde.
Rodrigo Mascarenhas told the Cape Verde news agency, inforpress, during the official launch, in Mindelo, of R.I. sport 2009 calendar, with pictures of active Cape Verdean athletes.
The names of the teams from Europe and the U.S. have not yet been announced, but it is known that a team that will come from Africa will be from Angola.
Parallel to the tournament, Rodrigo Mascarenhas underlined that that the opportunity will also be seized to organize a basketball 'clinic' of basketball in which specialists will be present to provide training in refereeing, sports medicine, and coaching.
'These are areas in which our sport shows necessity, hence our goal,' clarifies the president of R. I. Sport, a company that will devote in the organization of sporting events, such as bringing 'major international tournaments' to Cape Verde, in different sports, to work on introducing other sports, such as volleyball and athletics, and in future, to represent players and brands.
'I want to help in the development of sport in Cape Verde, and above all, help people believe that sport is a means to a better future, and also make the country well known in the world,' explains Rodrigo Mascarenhas.
Recently, the international Cape Verdean became won the Africa Club championship, for the second time, with 1 de Agosto from Angola, a country where he has already won everything he had to win at the club level, indication that his future could be a return to Europe. According to Rodrigo if a good proposal were presented in a very competitive European championship, it is likely that he will return Europe.

Calendar 2009 Criolo Champions is the first initiative of R. I. Sport, and the proceeds of the sale will be donated to the Cape Verde Institute of Children and Adolescents (ICCA), a way in which Rodrigo Mascarenhas found to help children and adolescents at risk in Cape Verde.
on the Calendar, the images of 12 to Cape Verdean sportsmen, namely, himself Rodrigo Mascarenhas, Mario Correia, Betinho Gomes - basketball, Rolando and Dady - Football, Nuno Delgado (Judo), Josh Angulo (Windsurf) , Wania Monteiro (Gymnastics), Fredson Gomes (Taekwondo), Jason Mascarenhas (Body board) Valdir Reis (Volleyball) and Viviane Lima (Karate).

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

CBA

CBA shortens season - by Eurobasket News
The East Kentucky Miners today announced that the CBA's board of directors voted yesterday to shorten the 2008-2009 regular-season due to a very difficult and recessionary economy. The regular-season will end Tuesday, Feb. 3, and the CBA Championship series will begin in Albany, NY on Thursday, Feb. 5. It will be a best-of-three series between the Lawton-Ft. Sill Cavalry and the Albany Patroons, who will finish the regular season with the CBA's top two records. The Miners will finish this season in third-place, with a record of 10-7, having lost only once on their home court.

'Coming into this season, the other team owners and I knew this year was going to be a difficult one due to the economy,' stated Miners Co-owner and President Demetrius Ford. 'But we didn't expect things to be this difficult. Professional sports franchises are heavily dependent on corporate sponsorships and season ticket sales in order to operate efficiently. When you combine a recessionary economy, record home foreclosures and corporate layoffs, you have the perfect storm of fear. And this kind of fear quickly drops sponsorships and nonessential investments to the bottom of a potential sponsors list of priorities. At the close of our first season here in Pikeville, we secured enough corporate sponsorship commitments to easily cover our 2008-2009 operating budget. But as this season drew near, and the economy continued to weaken, those commitments all but disappeared. Not just in our home market, but in every CBA city. I believe every team in this league made a valiant effort to make it through such tough times, but from a business point of view, I think the decision to shorten the season was the right one. This way, teams can preserve capital for next season, the league can strengthen itself by bringing in more teams for 2009-2010, and the CBA can come back much stronger in its 63rd year of operation in a friendlier economy.'

The Miners co-owner expressed his gratitude to fans, sponsors, staff and others.

'Words cannot express how terrible I feel for our fans, season ticket holders, sponsors, players and staff,' said Ford. 'Our players went to war for us on the court, and they were great ambassadors in the community. Coach K and I will do all we can to help place these players in other leagues around the world so they can continue to pursue their dreams. To our fans and sponsors, God willing, I promise to do everything in my power to bring the Miners back to you next season. I know what the Miners and professional basketball mean to Pike and the surrounding counties, and I know what this franchise can do to help boost the local economy and how important our success is to the success of the Expo Center.'

Finally, Ford concluded, 'I want to thank everyone who bought a ticket to a Miners game, especially our season ticket holders. I want to thank the Board and management of the Expo Center for all they've done for us. I want to thank my staff and those who volunteered their time to help produce the best form of entertainment these mountains have ever had. I want to thank the Diamond Girls for all their hard work and dedication both when entertaining our fans in the arena and out in the community. And I want to extend a very special and heartfelt thank you to every one of our sponsors, who not only supported us this season, but were willing to step up when others were too afraid to.'

'The CBA Commissioner and the owners of the league made the right choice in shortening the length of the season,' said East Kentucky Miners Coach Kevin Keathley. 'In these tough financial times, it has affected all of us. This will provide all teams a chance to adjust to the economic climate. I would have loved to have played the remaining 11 games of our schedule, but this made the most sense and I will begin preparing for next season.'

The Miners coach reflected on the abbreviated season in which his team showed much promise.

'This season was one of the more competitive seasons I've experienced as a basketball coach,' Keathley commented. 'The franchises in the CBA did a good job of putting an excellent product on the floor and I hope our fans feel the same as I do. We came very close to reaching the CBA finals, and our players should be commended for such a valiant effort. Two first class organizations will square off for the championship and I wish both teams the best of luck.

'For us, we aren't going anywhere. We will begin getting ready for the 2009-2010 season tomorrow. I will begin looking at potential draft picks from this year's college senior class.

'We will continue to go out in the community this offseason and be active in several important causes. I want to thank the fans and the sponsors who helped make this season a success in my view. And I promise you, we will bring the most exciting brand of basketball in the state of Kentucky next season, just like we have the past two years.'

Representatives from the Miners organization will be in contact shortly with season ticket holders and sponsors with further information. Direct all immediate questions to dford@triseg.com.

Courtesy of The East Kentucky Miners

Standings

CBA Standings

1. Albany P.	14-7
2. Lawton Ft.Sill	11-2
3. E.Kentucky	11-7
4. Minot S.	6-9

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CHINA

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings

1. Xinjiang	27-4
2. Guandong	26-5
3. Jiangsu	25-6
4. Shaanxi	20-11
5. DongGuan	18-13
6. Fujian	17-14
7. Beijing	16-15
8. Zhejiang G.	16-15
9. Shandong	16-15
10. Zhejiang C.	15-16
11. Liaoning	15-16
12. Shanxi Zh.	15-16
13. Jilin	15-16
14. Bayi	14-17
15. TianJin R.	8-23
16. Qingdao DS	8-23
17. Yunnan	4-27
18. Shanghai	4-27

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Biao QIU
  DongGuan
  (200-F-83)
  Avg: 21.6

1. White, Zhejiang G.	34.7
2. Muoneke, Yunnan	34.6
3. Wells, Shanxi Zh.	34.3
4. Rodgers, Jilin	33.1
5. Jones, Beijing	32.7
6. Harris, DongGuan	31.4
7. Snyder, Zhejiang C.	31.3
8. Benson, Shaanxi	31.2
9. Tuck, Shandong	30.2
10. Harvey, Jiang.	29.9

Rebounds Per Game

Juan MENDEZ
  Xinjiang
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Oyedeji, Shanxi Zh.	19.5
2. Benson, Shaanxi	18.8
3. Harvey, Jiangsu	15.5
4. Harris, DongGuan	14.9
5. Thompson, Shandong	14.5
6. Jones, Beijing	14.2
7. Watkins, TianJ.	13.9
8. Watkins, Jiangsu	13.9
9. Porter, Fujian	13.1
10. Lauderdale, Sha.	12.9

Assists Per Game

Bo WANG
  Jilin
  (202-F-82)
  Avg: 3

1. Lu, Fujian	8.9
2. Hu, Jiangsu	7.4
3. Benson, Shaanxi	6.1
4. Tuck, Shandong	5.9
5. Allen, Xinjiang	5.8
6. White, Zhejiang G.	5.6
7. Li, Qingdao DS	5.5
8. Mengke, Xinjiang	5.1
9. Zhang, Liaoning	4.9
10. Smith, Shanxi.	4.7

Steals Per Game

Peng ZHOU
  Guandong
  (207-F-89)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Lu, Fujian	4.9
2. Williams, Qingd.	4.6
3. Wells, Shanxi Zh.	3.8
4. Allen, Xinjiang	3.6
5. Li, Qingdao DS	3.4
6. Robinson, Shaanxi	3.2
7. Hu, Jiangsu	3.2
8. Tuck, Shandong	2.8
9. Porter, Fujian	2.4
10. Wang, Ba.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Kai ZHANG
  DongGuan
  (211-C-82)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Closs, Yunnan	4.5
2. Lauderdale, Shand.	3.7
3. Harrison, Beijing	2.5
4. Steyn, Qingdao DS	2.2
5. Watkins, Jiangsu	2.1
6. Mo, Bayi	2.0
7. Benson, Shaanxi	2.0
8. Thompson, Shandong	1.9
9. McCaskill, Qingd.	1.9
10. Samake, Jil.	1.8

Guangdong Slaughters Bayi 112-63 - by Arthur Volbert
Guangdong thoroughly smashed Bayi 112-63, including a 33-7 margin in the fourth quarter when Bayi simply gave up. Guangdong improved its record to 26-5, one game behind league-leading Xinjiang. Du Feng (206-C/F-81) led the way for Guangdong with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Zhou Peng and Jason Dixon each scored 15. Dixon added 16 rebounds. Wang Shipeng scored 13 and Zhu Fangyu scored 10. Wang Zheng, Smush Parker and Liu Xiaoyu each scored 8. Bayi shot a horrendous 14-43 from two-point range, compared to 35-66 for Guangdong. Bayi was outrebounded 55-33. Wang Lei scored 13, Mo Ke and Xu Zhonghao each scored 12 and Zhang Bo scored 10. Bayi's record dropped to 14-17.

Xinjiang, using its starting lineup for almost the entire game, defeated Tianjin 91-81. It brought its record to 27-4. Juan Mendez had 27 points and 13 rebounds. Mengke Bateer had 17 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Myron Allen had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Mulati had 4 points and 5 rebounds. Theron Smith had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for Tianjin. Darryl Watkins had 17 points and 18 rebounds. Xu Guijun scored 14 and Wang Bin had 12.

Donnell Harvey had 41 points and 20 rebounds as Jiangsu defeated Fujian 114-109. Jiangsu's record is now 25-6. Zhang Cheng scored 30 points and Jameel Watkins had 28 points and 18 rebounds. Han Shuo scored 11. Point guard Hu Xuefeng had 9 rebounds, 13 assists and 5 steals though he hit only 1 of 13 shots. New import Mario Austin led Fujian with 30 points and 11 rebounds. Chris Porter had 28 points and 15 rebounds. Lu Xiaoming had 16 points and 10 assists. Gong Songlin had 16 points and 5 assists. Yang Chao scored 11.

Zhejiang defeated Shanxi Zhongyu 105-98. # 34 led the way with 36 points and 21 rebounds in 46 minutes. The box scores are saying that this is Samuel Hoskin, whereas Sunday they were saying it was Hiram Fuller. Zhang Dayu played 32 minutes and scored 8 points. Both he and Fuller are centers, so maybe it is Hoskin again. Stranger things have happened in China. Kirk Snyder scored 25 points for Zhejiang and Luo Zhi had 20. Ding Jinhui had 16 points and 9 rebounds. Tim Pickett, replacing Bonzi Wells, had 37 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Zhongyu. Olumide Oyedeji had 28 points, 24 rebounds and 5 assists. Sun Chunlei scored 14.

Awvee Storey had 36 points and 10 rebounds as Liaoning edged Qingdao 106-104. Zhang Qingpeng had 25 points, 6 assists and 11 turnovers. Li Xiaoxu had 17 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Alexander had 12 points and 7 rebounds. Chris Williams had 38 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists and 8 steals for Qingdao. Frans Steyn had 20 points and 13 rebounds. Li Guang had 16 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 9 steals and 4 turnovers. Lu Keming scored 15.

Mack Tuck had 23 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists to lead Shandong to a 96-88 victory over Jilin. 209 cm Wu Ke, listed as born in 1990, scored 20 points on 8 of 12 shooting but only had 2 rebounds. Sun Jie scored 18. Garnett Thompson had 16 points and 21 rebounds. Leon Rogers had 25 points and 12 rebounds for Jilin. Soumaila Samake had 21 points and 14 rebounds for Jilin. Wang Bo scored 14.

Beijing squeaked by Shaanxi 110-108. David Harrison had 34 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. Dontae Jones had 20 points, 17 rebounds and 4 assists. Chen Lei scored 27 points. Zhang Yunsong scored 14 and Ji Zhe had 11. Lee Benson had 27 points, 22 rebounds and 13 assists for Shaanxi. Brandon Robinson had 31 points and 11 rebounds. Zhang Wei scored 26 and Chen Zhaosheng added 16.

Shanghai defeated Yunnan 120-99. DaJuan Tate had 31 points and 9 rebounds. Peng Fei had 24 points and 6 rebounds. Liu Wei scored 18 points and dished out 10 assists. Luo Xudong scored 15, Cai Liang scored 12 and Wu Yang scored 10. Corsley Edwards led Yunnan with 47 points and 18 rebounds. Liu Xiqui had 24 points and 6 assists. Zhang Yi scored 12. Li Lin had 8 points and 8 rebounds.

CBA Round: 31 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
TianJin R. - Xinjiang 81-91
Xinjiang improived to 27-4 record as they defeated Tianjin 91:81. Mendez Juan (202-F-81, college: Niagara) had 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Mengke Bateer collected 17 points, 14 rebounds and 4 assists. Theron Smith had 20 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for Tianjin.

Jilin - Shandong 88-96
Shandong produced a 96:88 victory over Jilin as Mack Tuck had 23 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists to lead all the winners. Leon Rogers ended up with 25 points and 12 rebounds for Jilin.

Beijing - Shaanxi 110-108
Beijing overcame Shaanxi 110:108 as the latter used 6 players in the game. Harrison David (213-C-82, college: Colorado) top-scored with 34 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. Lee Benson had an outstanding triple-double with 27 points, 22 rebounds and 13 assists for Shaanxi. Brandon Robinson had 31 points and 11 rebounds.

Guandong - Bayi 112-63
Guangdong improved to 26-5 after an easy win over Bayi 112:63. Du Feng (206-C/F-81) led the way for Guangdong with 26 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Wang Lei scored 13, Mo Ke and Xu Zhonghao each scored 12 in the losing effort.

Shanghai - Yunnan 120-99
Shanghai outscored Yunnan 120:99 behind DaJuan Tate's 31 points and 9 rebounds. Peng Fei collected 24 points and 6 rebounds, while Liu Wei scored 18 points and dished out 10 assists. Corsley Edwards led Yunnan with 47 points and 18 rebounds.

DongGuan - Zhejiang G. 116-122
Zhejiang Guangsha had a road victory over Dongguan 122:116 in the first game of Regular Season Round 31. White Rodney (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) was unstoppable for the winners with 44 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists. Qiu Biao produced 35 points for the Leopards.

Jiangsu - Fujian 114-109
Jiangsu overcame Fujian 114:109 as Donnell Harvey had 41 points and 20 rebounds for the winners. Zhang Cheng scored 30 points and Jameel Watkins collected 28 points and 18 rebounds. Mario Austin led Fujian with 30 points and 11 rebounds.

Zhejiang C. - Shanxi Zh. 105-98
Zhejiang outscored Shanxi Zhongyu 105:98. Hoskin Sam top-scored for the winners with 36 points and 21 rebounds. Kirk Snyder scored 25 points for Zhejiang and Luo Zhi had 20. Tim Pickett had 37 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists for Zhongyu.

Qingdao DS - Liaoning 104-106
Liaoning stun Qingdao 106:104 as Awvee Storey led the winners with 36 points and 10 rebounds. Chris Williams produced 38 points, 12 rebounds and 8 steals for Qingdao.

Imports Replacement - by Robert Wang
CBA started on Feb. 1st after the Chinese New Year holiday. Today is the second game after holiday but some new faces showed up in the game. Here is the imports replacement info.:
Zhe Jiang Wan Ma team signed their new player Hiram Fuller taking the place of Sam Hoskin; Shan Xi team released the contract with former NBA star Bonzi Wells and signed the new guard Pickett Tim; Fu Jian SBS signed the contract with former NBA power forward Mario Austin and released Matt Freije. Mario scored 51 points last game. Another news came from Dong Guan team saying that team would release the big guy Jamal Thompson and the new guy Cory Underwood is in the tryout time now.

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CROATIA

Benetton rally past Zadar in Croatia - by Eurobasket News
Zadar - Benetton 76:84

Benetton notched the second straight win in Group J of the EuroCup Last 16 stage. Yesterday the Italian powerhouse handled Zadar on the road to stay on top of the pool. Zadar slipped at 0-2 record and drastically decreased the chances of making it to the next round of the tournament. The hosts were not rescued by impressive performance from Gecevksi as he scored 24 points. Benetton answered with solid game from Gary Neal (193-G-84, college: Towson) as the guard knocked down 23 points and grabbed 4 rebounds. Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) contributed 17 points for Benetton.
Neal drained two early triples to set the tone. Judson Wallace (205-F/C-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Princeton) soon came up with 5 straight points and then Sandro Nicevic made it 18:6 for the visitors. Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) seemed to fight alone in the field as he delivered for Zadar but it was not enough. Benetton eased to a 28:20 advantage after ten minutes of action. Gary Neal and Lorbek widened the damage at the start of the second frame as Benetton led already by 15 points. Finally Zadar showed some signs of life as Tomislav Ruzic (208-F/C-79) and Hrvoje Peric (203-F-85) scored in a 6:0 run from the home team. Zadar clipped the deficit trailing 39:51 at the interval.
Todor Gecevski and Juby Johnson made it 44:51 early in the third quarter. The things started to look brighter for the hosts and they reacted. Damir Rancic (197-G-83) and Hrvoje Peric ignited an 11:2 rally from Zadar as they Croatian team drew things level at 62. Neal fired from downtown to ensure Benettons lead heading into the final term. Gary Neal and Damir Rancic exchanged the triples in the starting minutes of the fourth stanza before Jere Macura (203-F/C-80, college: Notre Dame) put the hosts up by one 69:68. Sandro Nicevic stepped up for the Italian team as he chipped in 5 points in a 7:0 run that restored a safe lead for the visiting team. Lorbek hit from beyond the arc and Rancik added a jumper as Benetton soon ran away to a 9-point distance. Zadar ran out of steam at the point and failed to answer this time losing the battle.

Zadar: Todor Gecevski 24, Hrvoje Peric 13
Benetton: Gary Neal 23, Sandro Nicevic 17, Bobby Dixon (178-G-83, agency: Beo Basket, college: Troy) 12

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CYPRUS

Division A Round: 14 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News

Keravnos - Etha 92-78
Keravnos registered comfortable 92-78 victory against Etha remaining on top of D1 alone with 11-2 record. Jason Straight (188-G-83, agency: Edge Sports, college: Wyoming) top-scored for the winners with 20 points. Panagiotis Trisokkas followed netting 17 pts and pulling down 12 rebounds. On the other side, Marko Car came up with 21, Scott Merritt added 19 and Davorin Dalipagic had 17 points in Etha (4-7).

Apollon - AEL 80-66
The tired team of Proteas EKA AEL didn't make it to add another victory against the exciting team of Pizza Express Primetel Apollon Limassol. Apollon beat AEL with 80-66. * More comments for this game already posted in the previous news by the local correspondent Chris Mammides

Omonia - AEK 65-64

Omonia grabbed thriller win against AEK improving on 3-9, what is still not enough for any better than the last place. Marlon Smith and Brandon Jenkins scored 16 points each for the hosts. Marcus Sikes had 15 and Vladimir Zaric added 13 pts. Niko Traykov shined in loss delivering 23 points. AEK fell on 5-8.

Achilleas - APOEL 68-57
The box-score will be available soon. Achilleas 6-7, APOEL 5-7.

A1 Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Milan DOZET
  AEL
  (203-G/F-79)
  Avg: 13.3

1. Mijovic, Omonia	21.3
2. Sims, Apollon	18.4
3. Bradford, Achillea.	18.3
4. Zujovic, Achilleas K.	18.0
5. Cooper, AP.	18.0
6. Anderson, AEK	17.2
7. Car, Etha	17.0
8. Grgat, Achilleas K.	16.9
9. Greer, Keravnos	16.9
10. Shaw, Apoll.	16.8

Rebounds Per Game

Vladimir ZARIC
  Omonia
  (197-G/F-72)
  Avg: 4.8

1. Trisokkas, Keravnos	10.0
2. Radunovic, AP.	9.0
3. Garcia, AP.	8.1
4. Collins, Etha	8.0
5. Merritt, Etha	7.3
6. Brown, Apollon	7.0
7. Wilson, ENAD	6.9
8. Van de Hare, AEK	6.9
9. Grgat, Achilleas K.	6.7
10. Blanchard, A.	6.6

Assists Per Game

Giorgos NEOPHYTOU
  Omonia
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 1.7

1. Foreman, ENAD	6.0
2. Cooper, AP.	4.9
3. Mitchell, AEL	4.3
4. Barlow, Etha	4.3
5. Anderson, AEK	3.9
6. Kounounis, AEL	3.7
7. Smith, Omonia	3.6
8. Bradford, Achillea.	3.4
9. Woolridge, Kerav.	3.2
10. Mujezinovic, A.	3.0

Steals Per Game

Cory BRADFORD
  Achilleas K.
  (191-G-78)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Kounounis, AEL	3.7
2. Jenkins, Omonia	2.5
3. Sikes, Omonia	2.3
4. Taylor, AEL	2.2
5. Zaric, Omonia	1.8
6. Shaw, Apollon	1.8
7. Barlow, Etha	1.7
8. Hart, Keravnos	1.7
9. Foreman, ENAD	1.7
10. Smith, Omon.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Demarshay JOHNSON
  ENAD
  (206-F-82)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Davis, AEK	2.3
2. Wiley, AEK	2.0
3. Whitehead, ENAD	1.5
4. Sikes, Omonia	1.3
5. Van de Hare, AEK	1.1
6. Mijovic, Omonia	1.0
7. Brown, Apollon	1.0
8. Radojevic, AEL	1.0
9. Liozas, Omonia	1.0
10. Buckman, Keravn.	0.8

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CZECH REPUBLIC

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Ondrej SOSKA
  Opava
  (208-C-78)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Hampton, Liberec	20.0
2. Arnold, Ostrava	18.6
3. Pruitt, Prostejov	17.0
4. Hatcher, Decin	16.7
5. Benes, Podebrady	16.6
6. Sarovic, Geofin	16.3
7. Sanders, Pardubice	16.0
8. Steffel, Pardubice	15.6
9. Walker, Geofin	15.0
10. Hamm, USK Pra.	14.6

Rebounds Per Game

Martin MAREK
  Liberec
  (206-F/C-80)
  Avg: 5

1. Pruitt, Prostejov	10.2
2. Rogers, Kolin	8.7
3. Steffel, Pardubice	8.2
4. Walker, Geofin	8.1
5. Arnold, Ostrava	8.0
6. Platt, USK Praha	7.6
7. Sarovic, Geofin	7.4
8. Bohacik, Ostrava	6.4
9. Ofoegbu, Decin	6.3
10. Payne, Pardubi.	6.0

Assists Per Game

Marek BALIK
  Decin
  (195-G-83)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Ubilla, Geofin	6.9
2. Sanders, Pardubice	5.0
3. Carnecky, Opava	4.9
4. Hatcher, Decin	4.9
5. Ames, Prostejov	4.7
6. Skibniewski, Prost.	4.0
7. Toth, Liberec	4.0
8. Lepinaitis, Kolin	3.8
9. Kotas, USK Praha	3.7
10. Czudek, Opa.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Justin GRAY
  Nymburk
  (188-G-84)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Ames, Prostejov	2.5
2. Kotas, USK Praha	2.2
3. Pumprla, Opava	2.1
4. Ubilla, Geofin	2.0
5. Hampton, Liberec	2.0
6. Lee, Nymburk	2.0
7. Soliver, Podebrady	1.9
8. Sanders, Pardubice	1.9
9. Beechum, Prostejov	1.9
10. Benes, Podebra.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Jakub HOUSKA
  Decin
  (206-C-82)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Rogers, Kolin	2.6
2. Williams, Decin	2.0
3. Meno, Liberec	1.8
4. Hamm, USK Praha	1.3
5. Walker, Geofin	1.3
6. Benda, Nymburk	1.3
7. Payne, Pardubice	1.2
8. Marek, Liberec	0.9
9. Pelikan, Geofin	0.9
10. Diakite, Prostej.	0.8

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Nymburk	22-1
2. Geofin	18-6
3. Decin	15-9
4. Prostejov	12-11
5. Liberec	11-13
6. Pardubice	10-14
7. USK Praha	10-14
8. Ostrava	9-14
9. Opava	8-15
10. Podebrady	8-16
11. Kolin	7-17

NBL Round: 26 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Opava - Kolin 88-92
David Machac scored 14 points in the final 7 minutes of the game and Kolin escaped with a narrow win against Opava on the road. The hero of the game accounted for 18 points in the win. Jan Pavlik added 18 points, 5 boards and 4 assists for Kolin as they climbed at 7-17 record. Pavel Purmpla responded with 20 points for Opava.

Prostejov - Pardubice 74-71
Hurl Beechum and Robert Skibniewski nailed three free throw at the death to win the game for Prostejov against Pardubice. Ian Hanavan led the winners with 21 points and 16 rebounds. Robert Skibniewski added 15 points for Prostejov. Lavell Payne notched 21 points and 11 rebounds for Pardubice in the losing effort.

Liberec - Geofin 93-73
Liberec surprised one of the league leaders Geofin at home court today. Maurice Hampton came up with a pivotal performance scoring 30 points and pulling down 6 rebounds to lead the way for Liberec. Boris Meno added 13 points and 17 rebounds, while Jiri Cernosek netted 15 points for the winners. Geofin were not rescued by 16 points and 14 rebounds from Robert Sarovic.

USK Praha - Decin 85-79
Roderick Platt inspired USK Praha to the win over visiting Decin today. He tallied 22 points and 14 rebounds as the hosts celebrated the 10th win in the season. Roman Marko added 17 points for the winners. Tarvis Williams responded with 19 points for Decin. Pavel Houska finished with 18 points and 9 rebounds in the loss.

Ostrava - Podebrady 91-86
Ostrava came from behind in the fourth term to defeat Podebrady at home. The hosts trailed by one heading into the fourth period but managed to surge ahead and posted the 9th win in the championship. Marcus Arnold pitched in 25 points and 9 boards. Petr Bohacik secured 20 points in the win. Ricky Soliver knocked down 21 points for Podebrady in the loss.

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

D-LEAGUE

Trey Johnson Receives Call-Up from Cleveland Cavaliers - by Surujh Roopnarine
Scoring dynamo Trey Johnson (6'5''-G-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Jackson St.) has been signed to a 10-day contract by the Cleveland Cavaliers, making him the seventh D-League call-up this season. Johnson fills the roster spot vacated when former Anaheim Arsenal forward Jawad Williams (6'9''-F-83, college: N.Carolina) was not retained after playing out a series of 10-day contracts. Williams appeared in seven games with Cleveland, totaling four points in eight minutes of action.
Johnson, the starting two-guard for the Bakersfield Jam, averaged 20.1 points, 3.6 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 39.2 minutes per game for the Jam. He also led the D-League by making 46 percent (36-of-78) of his 3-point attempts. Johnson, a former high school teammate of Cavs guard Mo Williams, went scoreless in two minutes of action during last nights 101-83 victory over the Toronto Raptors.

D-League: Round 59 - by Surujh Roopnarine
Fort Wayne Mad Ants (98) at Dakota Wizards (106)
Dakotas starting five combined for 88 of the teams 106 points as the Dakota Wizards (15-13) upended the visiting Fort Wayne Mad Ants (11-14) 106-98 last night in Bismarck. Blake Ahearn (6'2''-G-84, agency: SportsTalent, college: Missouri St.) was the high man for Dakota with a game-high 29 points on 10-17 shooting. Ron Howard (6'5''-G/F-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Valparaiso) led Fort Wayne with 27 points in the losing effort.
MAD ANTS: Ron Howard (27pt), Taj McCullough (20pt+6rb), Chris Hunter (17pt+17rb), Sean Sonderleiter (12pt+5rb)
WIZARDS: Blake Ahearn (29pt+6as+5to), Will Frisby (26pt+11rb+5as), Richard Hendrix (6pt+15rb+5bs), Renaldo Major (18pt+5rb)

Utah Flash (100) at Bakersfield Jam (95)
The Utah Flash withstood a furious fourth quarter comeback from the host Bakersfield Jam and escaped with a 100-95 road victory. Utah (15-10) controlled the tempo and had the game in control for three plus quarters, but Bakersfield (15-11), playing its first game without Trey Johnson, who was signed by the Cleveland Cavaliers, outscored Utah 28-14 in the fourth but could not seal the comeback. Playing with only eight players (Derrick Byers did not play as well), the Jam did not have enough to pull out the victory. Dontell Jefferson (6'5''-G-83, college: Arkansas) scored a team high 26 points for Utah as all five starters scored in double-figures for Utah. Nick Lewis (6'10''-F/C-83, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: San Diego) (27) and Terrance Thomas (6'6''-F-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Baylor) (22) accounted for more than 50% of Bakersfields scoring.
FLASH: Dontell Jefferson (26pt+7rb+7as+6to), Andre Ingram (17pt+5rb), James Lang (15pt+8rb), Ronald Dupree (11pt+7rb+5as)
JAM: Nick Lewis (27pt+8rb), Terrance Thomas (22pt+17rb+6as+7to), Jeff Trepagnier (15pt+5rb), Justin Reed (13pt)

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Iowa E.	16-7
2. Dakota W.	16-13
3. Sioux Falls S.	14-12
4. Erie BH	13-16
5. Ft.Wayne MA	10-15
Southwest Division
1. Austin T.	18-7
2. Colorado 14ers	17-7
3. Albuquerque T.	12-12
4. Rio Grande VV	10-18
5. Tulsa 66ers	6-19
West Division
1. Idaho S.	19-9
2. Utah F.	15-10
3. Bakersfield J.	15-11
4. Reno B.	10-16
5. Anaheim A.	9-17
6. LA D-Fenders	7-19

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Walker RUSSELL
  Ft.Wayne
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 17.5

1. Conroy, Albuquerque	25.8
2. White, Anaheim	25.5
3. Sims, Iowa	22.2
4. Ahearn, Dakota	22.1
5. Crawford, Los A.	21.3
6. Daniels, Erie	21.2
7. Hairston, Austin	21.1
8. Williams, Austin	20.6
9. Martin, Iowa	20.1
10. Johnson, Bakers.	20.1

Rebounds Per Game

Damone BROWN
  Reno
  (204-F-79)
  Avg: 7.5

1. Sims, Iowa	11.1
2. Hendrix, Dakota	11.1
3. Davidson, Idaho	10.8
4. Gaines, Austin	10.3
5. Daniels, Erie	10.2
6. Hunter, Ft.Wayne	9.8
7. Monds, Albuquerque	9.6
8. Brown, Austin	9.5
9. Allred, Idaho	9.2
10. Jeffers, Io.	8.9

Assists Per Game

Carl ELLIOTT
  Ft.Wayne
  (193-G-83)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne	11.8
2. Gill, Colorado	8.5
3. Cleaves, Bakersfield	8.0
4. Conroy, Albuquerque	7.8
5. Parker, Rio Grande	7.5
6. Stinson, Iowa	7.1
7. Jordan, Rio Grande	6.2
8. Clinkscales, Erie	5.9
9. Ahearn, Dakota	5.7
10. Karl, Ida.	5.5

Steals Per Game

Trey GILDER
  Colorado
  (206-F-85)
  Avg: 1.5

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. Mitchell, Los Angeles	2.0
10. Baker, Dako.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Damone BROWN
  Reno
  (204-F-79)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Samb, Colorado	4.1
2. Williams, Colorado	3.9
3. Hill, Tulsa	2.3
4. Giles, Los Angeles	2.2
5. Sims, Iowa	2.2
6. Felix, Anaheim	2.0
7. Hendrix, Dakota	2.0
8. Looby, Rio Grande	2.0
9. Petway, Idaho	2.0
10. Alexander, Sioux.	2.0

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

EGYPT

Round 18: Zamalek on the top & Gezira keeps falling - by Sherif Soliman
18th round was held last night , Zamalek kept flaying on the top alone after beating Itthad 90-87,it was a very tide game and Itthad kept resisting till the last second but as usual Zamalek used Wael badr experience to finish the game.However, Gezira got their 4th defeat in 5 games when the Jeish players had a great win last night 77-74 and booked their posision for the finals, Also Sporting had very hard win over Shorta to keep their chanses to reach the finals. Ahly had an easy win over Shams 77-55. Brandon Morris (186-G-83, college: Wisc.-Green Bay)

National Team to africa - by Mohamed Hafez

The egyptian national team will fly within days to africa to play game in the qualifing tournement in the african championship the new head coach of the national team had choosen 15 players till now with his assitant coach Emad mahmoud , the egyptaian league will stop till the return of the national team

On another hand zamalek is still lonely on the top of the league after having a difficult win on itthad at cairo itthad suffered through the last game the absence of more than one of his stars beacuse of injuiry , saturday the next round of league will have more than strong game most of them gezira and itthad at alexandria

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

EUROCUP

Dynamo Moscow signed Brian Chase - by Philip Mulryne
Dynamo Moscow won two in a row in Eurocup and finally they have a reinforcement after the departures of Jannero Pargo and Price. Le Mans Sarthe Basket, who were unable to progress to top 16 in Euroleague agreed to sell Brian Chase (178-G-81, college: Virginia Tech) to Russian outfit. Washington born American, joined Le Mans Sarthe Basket from Besiktas this summer and had 12.7 points and 3.2 assists per game. Dynamo Moscow currently sits in 3rd place in their domestic league.

Last 16 Week 2 MVP: Len Matela, Spirou Basket - by Eurobasket
One of the trademark teams in Europe's second competition, Spirou Basket of Belgium, is not only one of six unbeaten teams so far in the Eurocup Last 16, but home to the Week 2 MVP. Big man Len Matela (206-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Bowling Green) led Spirou to a good-as-gold 82-94 road win against Artland Dragons of Germany on Tuesday with a performance index rating of 34, the best of a week when four players from two games posted the top four individual ratings. Matela had 19 points in a near-perfect shooting performance, as he made 4 of 5 two-pointers, his only three-point try and 8 of 8 free throws. He added 7 rebounds, 4 steals, 4 assists and 6 blocks as Spirou upped its record to 2-0 for sole possession of first place in Group L. Matela was followed by Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) of Khimki, who shined despite his team's home loss against Dynamo. McCarty had 27 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals for a 31 index rating. In the same game, Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU) led Dynamo with 24 points on 8-for-12 two-pointers and 5-for-5 free throws. Hansen added 4 rebounds, 2 steals and 6 fouls drawn for a 27 index rating. Darren Fenn (208-C-80, agency: LimeLight, college: Canisius) of Artland, with a 26 index, and Vladimir Veremeenko (208-F-84) of Unics, Todor Gecevski (209-C-77, agency: Interperformances) of Zadar, Justin Hamilton (191-G-80, college: Florida) of Spirou and Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) of Azovmash, each with a 24 index, completed the top individual performances for the week.

Individual highs: Rok Stipcevic (188-G-86) of Zadar, 8 assists

McCarty was the Week 2 top scorer with 27 points against Dynamo Moscow. Hansen is the Last 16 top scorer with 23 points per game. Damir Markota (209-C/F-85) of iurbentia Bilbao Basket and Judson Wallace (205-F/C-82, agency: Elfus-Siegel Management (ESM), college: Princeton) of Benetton Basket Tamoil led all rebounders by pulling down 12 apiece this week. Both players (10.5 rpg.) also tie atop the Last 16 overall standings. Rok Stipcevic of Zadar dished 8 assists, more than anyone this week, during his team's home loss against Benetton. Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) of Crvena Zvezda is the Last 16 assists leader at 5 per game. Gecevski collected 5 steals to lead the weekly standings. He is also ranks first in steals (3 spg.) in the Last 16. Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) of Dynamo, Matt Nielsen (208-F/C-78) of Pamesa Valencia and Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) of Maroussi each had 3 blocks this week. Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) of Azovmash (2.5 bpg.) leads the Last 16 blocks table. Wallace - 11 points, 12 rebounds - and Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) of Khimki - 15 points, 10 rebounds - were the only players to register double-doubles this week.

Courtesy of Eurocup

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Sandro NICEVIC
  Benetton
  (210-C-76)
  Avg: 14

1. Monroe, Roanne	20.6
2. El-Amin, Azovmash	19.0
3. Sundov, ASK Riga	18.8
4. Alexander, Ba.	18.3
5. Thompson, Le Havre	17.4
6. Labovic, FMP	17.2
7. Chatman, Besiktas	16.8
8. Fenn, Art.Dragons	16.5
9. Johnson, Charleroi	16.4
10. McCarty, Khim.	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Chuck EIDSON
  Lietuvos
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Milojevic, Galatasa.	11.5
2. Alexander, Ba.	9.2
3. Sundov, ASK Riga	8.8
4. Slaughter, Le Havre	8.7
5. Veremeenko, Unics	8.7
6. Ivanov, Zadar	8.4
7. Mozgov, Khimky	8.4
8. Merriex, Le Havre	8.3
9. Wallace, Benetton	7.8
10. Roberts, Crvena.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Milton PALACIO
  Khimky
  (190-G-78)
  Avg: 3.4

1. Atkins, Oostende	6.5
2. Fisher, Gmunden	5.8
3. El-Amin, Azovmash	5.0
4. Stipcevic, Zadar	4.8
5. Chatman, Besiktas	4.7
6. Williams, Pamesa V.	4.6
7. Thompson, Le Havre	4.5
8. Eidson, Lietuvos	4.4
9. Price, Dynamo M.	4.3
10. Jeanneau,.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Len MATELA
  Charleroi
  (206-C-80)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Chatman, Besiktas	3.0
2. Katz, Bnei Hasharon	2.6
3. Mancinelli, Fortitudo	2.5
4. Baxter, Besiktas	2.3
5. Pellin, Roanne	2.3
6. Douglas, Pamesa V.	2.3
7. Markovic, Hemofarm	2.3
8. Lee, Nymburk	2.2
9. Fisher, Kalise G.C.	2.1
10. Kirksay, Uni.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

James AUGUSTINE
  Kalise G.C.
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 0.8

1. Townes, PGE Turow	3.5
2. Turek, PGE Turow	1.8
3. James, Bnei H.	1.8
4. Slaughter, Le Havre	1.8
5. Haryasz, Oostende	1.8
6. Lishchuk, Azovmash	1.6
7. Huffman, Gmunden	1.5
8. Van Den Spie., Azovm.	1.5
9. Veremeenko, Unics	1.3
10. Ohlbrecht, Brose.	1.3

Standings

Eurocup Standings

Group I
1. C.C. Marousi		2-0
2. Dynamo M.		2-0
3. Panellinios		0-2
4. Khimky		0-2
Group J
1. Benetton		2-0
2. Unics		1-1
3. T.Telekom		1-1
4. Zadar		0-2
Group K
1. Pamesa V.		2-0
2. Crvena Zvez.		1-1
3. Hemofarm		1-1
4. Azovmash		0-2
Group L
1. Charleroi		2-0
2. Lietuvos		1-1
3. Iurbentia B.		1-1
4. Art.Dragons		0-2

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

EUROLEAGUE

Tony Parker joins ASVEL - by Maxime Weber

Tony Parker (183-G-80), who currently plays for the Spurs, has officially confirmed that he has become a stakeholder in SASP ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne.

In addition to becoming a stakeholder, Tony Parker will assume the position of ASVEL Vice-President Basketball Operations with immediate effect an in conjunction with Pierre Grall, the
club's Executive Director.
Tony Parker: 'After looking at a number of options, the ASVEL project really stood out. I have known what the club's management are looking to achieve through the project since I came to Lyon with
the Spurs for the NBA Europe Live event in 2006. Ultimately, the reason I chose to be involved with ASVEL was to enseure that, with the support of the current management team, it can become one of the very best clubs in Europe.'

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

FINLAND

KORISLIIGA: KTP defeated Pyrinto 92-86 - by Rauno Hurmalainen

Korisliiga, Round 28: KTP (Kotka) defeated tonight Pyrinto (Tampere) 92-86 (50-44). Pyrinto has two newcomers (Kenny Lowe (191-G-80, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Purdue) and Kenneth Henderson (203-F-82, college: Texas Arlington)) from USA, but hosting KTP won at FT line with 35 FTs (27 made) vs Pyrinto's 20 FTs (17 made). Pyrinto got 27 fouls (two players fouled out during the game). There were only 17 fouls called against KTP. Steve Smith (200-F-81, agency: CAA Sports, college: Iona) led KTP with 26 pts and 11 rbs. Young Finnish G Sami Ikavalko (186-G-89) was tough again: 15 pts. Kenny Lowe was Pyrinto's leading scorer with 26 pts. Kenneth Henderson added 18 pts. In Lappeenranta YMCA LPR had a very slow start (first half 31-41), but visitor Team Componenta from Karkkila got tired and YMCA LPR won the second half 38-16 and the contest 69-57. The Player of January Demetrius Brown (197-F-83, college: San Jose St.) led hosts with 21 pts. Frank Richards (188-G-82, college: Kansas St.) was back in action and netted 20 pts for Team Componenta.

KTP - Pyrinto 92-86 (50-44) (Steve Smith 26/11, Sami Ikavalko 15, Damon Williams 14/11 - Kenny Lowe 26, Kenneth Henderson 18, Chris Hester 13).

YMCA Lappeenranta - Team Componenta 69-57 (31-41) (Demetrius Brown 21, HL Coleman 16, Pasi Riihela 10/12 - Frank Richards 20, Damion Dantzler 14/15, Turo Lehtonen 11).

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. Kouvot	19-8
2. Kataja	18-9
3. KTP	18-9
4. Lahti	18-9
5. Honka	16-13
6. Korihait	15-12
7. LrNMKY	13-14
8. ToPo	13-16
9. Componenta	10-17
10. Pyrinto	9-18
11. FoKoPo	9-18
12. Tarmo	6-21

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Durell VINSON
  KTP
  (201-F-85)
  Avg: 14.2

1. Wood, Kataja	21.3
2. Blair, Kataja	20.3
3. Brown, LrNM.	19.5
4. Coleman, LrNM.	19.5
5. Blassingame, LrNM.	19.5
6. Richards, Compo.	18.4
7. Smith, KTP	18.4
8. Scott, Honka	17.8
9. Williams, KTP	17.4
10. Hester, Pyrin.	17.3

Rebounds Per Game

Vincent HUNTER
  Zlatorog
  (208-F-84)
  Avg: 6.6

1. Richardson, Tarmo	13.9
2. Wood, Kataja	12.8
3. Williams, KTP	10.3
4. Cunningham, FoKoPo	10.2
5. Jones, Componenta	9.8
6. Coleman, LrNM.	9.7
7. Nikkila, Pyrinto	9.2
8. Waters, Componenta	9.1
9. Smith, KTP	8.5
10. Thomas, FoKo.	8.4

Assists Per Game

Monte CUMMINGS
  Honka
  (193-G-76)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Blassingame, LrNM.	6.5
2. Williams, KTP	4.4
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. Kataja, Kouvot	3.3
9. Barnes, Tarmo	3.3
10. Wood, Kata.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Kimmo MUURINEN
  Honka
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Scott, Honka	2.8
2. Blair, Kataja	2.6
3. Williams, KTP	2.5
4. Wood, Kataja	2.1
5. Smith, KTP	1.8
6. Jones, Componenta	1.8
7. Cummings, Honka	1.8
8. Jalonen, FoKoPo	1.8
9. Richards, Compo.	1.8
10. Awuah Addae, K.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

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

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

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

FRANCE

Standings - ProB

ProB Standings

1. Paris-Levall.	15-3
2. Bourg	14-4
3. Poitiers	13-5
4. Clermont	12-6
5. Charleville	11-7
6. Limoges	11-7
7. Saint-Etienne	10-8
8. Antibes	9-9
9. Nanterre	9-9
10. Le Portel	8-10
11. Nantes	8-10
12. Evreux	8-10
13. Brest	7-11
14. Maurienne	7-11
15. St.Vallier	7-11
16. Boulazac	6-12
17. St.Quentin	5-13
18. Quimper	2-16

SLUC Nancy signed Stephen Brun - by Maxime Weber
SLUC Nancy signed Stephen Brun (202-F-80) for the rest of the season. Lamayn Wilson is injured (hand) for two months so Jean Luc Monschau needed a new power forward. He find one with the same profile. Shooter and wing. Stephen Brun arrived yesterday night and will have his first practice this afternoon (Wednesday). He should play against Besancon Saturday.
Brun played with KK Split during the first part of season. He cumuled 7ppg, 3,5rpg in 21mpg in Adriatic League.

Tony Parker joins ASVEL - by Maxime Weber

Tony Parker (183-G-80), who currently plays for the Spurs, has officially confirmed that he has become a stakeholder in SASP ASVEL Lyon-Villeurbanne.

Lille keeps the top after 20 rounds in NM1 - by Eurobasket News
Lille once again proved its high ambitions to reach the Pro B 09/10. This time the leading team on N1 trashed Centre Federal BB 87-43. It means that Lille jumped on 17-3 record, having two wins more that the second ranked Bordeaux and Challans. Frederic N'Kembe (192-G-75) top-scored for the winners with 23 points. Olivier Gouez (218-C-84) had 14 and Akim Defoe (197-F/C-78) added 13 pts. On the other side, CFBB got 25 points from Mehdi Fournier (196-G-92).
Above mentioned Bordeaux faced with disappointing road defeat against Reims 84-58. Julien Bestron (204-C-86) shined for the hosts with 17 points and 5 rebounds. Karim Atamna (194-F-80) also was on high level registering double-double, 15 points and 10 rebounds. Robert Strickland (200-F-82, college: Charleston Univ.) scored 16 points for the guests. In the next round Bordeaux will host Roche-la-Mol.
Challans outsmarted St. Chamond 73-69 moving up with 15-5 score. Marc Judith (192-G-87) came up with 15, while Benjamin Boutry (197-F-80) netted one point less in victory. Georges-Henri Massenya (198-F-73) posted 14 pts in loss. Challans next rival will be Denek.

NM1 - Results of Round 20:

Jan. 31: Challans 73-69 St Chamond
Jan. 31: Boulogne 87-66 Denek
Jan. 31: Prisse Macon 77-78 Chalons
Jan. 31: Roche-la-Mol. 74-76 Angers
Jan. 31: Juvisy 86-90 Lievin
Jan. 31: Reims 84-58 Bordeaux
Jan. 31: Longwy 87-76 Get Vosges
Jan. 31: Fos Ouest 84-76 Blois
Jan. 31: Lille 87-43 CFBB

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

GERMANY

Oldenburg upset the favorite Virtus in Italy - by Eurobasket News
EWE Baskets Oldenburg upset the favorite Virtus Bologna in Italy 82:81 in a wonderful drama. Je'Kel Foster (191-G-83, agency: Court Side, college: Ohio St.) buried a three-pointer at the final buzzer to shock Virtus. He finished with 18 points while Jasmin Perkovic (203-F-80, agency: Court Side) had 19 to lead the Germans. Keith Langford (193-G/F-83, college: Kansas) led the home side with 20 points.
In another game of the group Cholet had a road win over Belgacom Liege on Tuesday. Braswell Kevin paced all the winners with 16 points and Wiggins Alan netted 15. Randal Falker that pulled down 18 rebounds last week against Bonn and at Liege had 12 to go with his eight points. Hill Christopher shined for the hosts with 27 points and 7 rebounds.

Eiffel Towers Den Bosch celebrated the initial win in the EuroChallenge Top 16 thrashing Telekom Baskets 83:63 in Holland. Five members of the Dutch team hit double figures in points, led by Kees Akerboom (200-F-83, agency: Court Side) 's 16. Winsome Frazier (193-G/F-82, agency: Interperformances, college: Mississippi St.) finished the night with 21 points in the losing effort.
BC Kyiv smashed Galatasaray Cafe Crown 95:62 in the capital of the country in EuroChallenge Top 16 action. Clay Tucker top-scored with 15 points while Drozdov finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds and Stanojevic poured in 13 with a team-high 10 boards. Besok Huseyin collected 15 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort. BC Kyiv improved to 2-0 record and Galatasaray Cafe Crown fell at 0-2.

Adam Emmenecker(Deutsche Bank Skyliners) Interview Part 1 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

23 year old Adam Emmenecker (185-G-85, college: Drake) is a 185cm Guard from Saginaw, Michigan. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School and continued to Drake University in Iowa. He didnt get too much playing time in his first few years, but made the most of his extended playing time in his last year averaging in 33 games 8.6ppg, 4.6rpg, 6.5apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 45.9%, FT: 83.3%. He is a BBL rookie playing his first season for The Deutsche Bank Skyliners averaging 1,8ppg, 2,0rpg and 1,5apg. He has the back up role behind captain Pascal Roller, but made his break through leading his team to the BBL Top 4 in Hamburg with a win in Braunschweig taking control of the game in the fourth quarter and ending with 13 points. In Part 1, Adam talks about the Braunschweig success and his relationship to Pascal Roller.

Congratulations Adam on reaching the BBL Top 4 in Hamburg. What did Murat Didin tell you after the Braunschweig game about your performance?

He didnt really say anything in particular. He always says be ready because you might have to step up and contribute. I had a good game and made my shots

This was the first time in four years that The Deutsche Bank Skyliners reached the BBL Top. 4. Did you feel how urgent it was too win this game?

Well I tend to feel that with every game. But You did feel it more since many fans came for the game and the Braunschweig fans were very involved in the game. For me every game is the same, but there seems to be more pressure in some games than in others.

In the last quarter, you had your own Basketball clinic. Were you surprised that your teammates didnt get a big sofa and watch you eating popcorn?

Well I think some guys were kicking back on the bench and enjoying the game. But I have to say that my shots were created from my teammates and it was not a one man show.

Why do you think it took so long for your breakthrough?

Well I think that I had a few games where I played well, but Braunschweig was one of those games where I had many open shots and I could create more also.

How much has your self confidence risin since the win in Braunschweig?

The self confidence of a player is always there through good and bad games. I try not to get too excited after I play well. I just try to keep a level head, understand my role and help the team win

For a BBL basketball rookie, you seem to be well spoken and used to giving interviews

Last season, we had a lot of succes at Drake and I was giving 4-6 interviews a day for 4-6 months. So I feel very comfortable in front of a camera and microphone.

In the last weeks, your playing time has really gone up. Captain Pascal Roller is getting less time than usual. How is your relationship to captain Pascal Roller?

Our relationship is great. He has been like a mentor for me the whole season. He has taught me so much on and off the court. He is the face of the team and go to guy. My role is to support him.

What do you respect the most from Pascal Roller?

I really admire him for being so successful for such a long time. He has been playing ten years, but he always has a smile on his face and makes the game fun

Was it not strange that in the do or die game in Braunschweig that you played so much and the whole fourth quarter as your mentor was sitting?

You could see just how much of a leader he was in this game. I was playing well so coach Didin stayed with me. Pascal cheered for me and was happy that the team won. It shows how much a leader he is when he values winning over personal things.

Ilian Evtimov says when Pascal talks, people listen. What is the most important thing that Pascal Roller has told you?

I am not really sure what the most important thing was what he said, but he simply leads by example. He has so much fun out there. Not only pros can learn from his character but also kids.

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GREECE

Bracey Wright is returning to Aris - by Simon Varvakis
Bracey Wright (191-G-84, college: Indiana) is returning to Aris Thessaloniki in order to replace the injured Sean Marshall (198-G/F-85, college: Boston Coll.). Sean Marshall injured his bicep in yesterday morning's practice session and the first estimate of his injury says that he will have to stay out of action for about 6 weeks. Therefore the administration of Aris Thessaloniki decided to replace him so that the team doesn't lose a lot of firepower with Marshall sidelined.

Tonight the deal was closed and Bracey Wright agreed to return to Aris that he played for last year after his release from DKV Juventut. The team and the player didn't part on great terms and the administration seized the opportunity to bag a quality player. He averaged 14 pts 2.6 reb 2.6 ass in 14 games in DKV Juventut. Bracey Wright is arriving tomorrow to Thessaloniki to go through medical examinations before signing his contracts and he is expected to make his reappearance with yellow and black jersey this Saturday.

Marousi upset Panellinios for the second straight win in EuroCup Last 16 - by Eurobasket News
Panellinios - Marousi 59:71

Greek Marousi made another confident step towards the EuroCup Final Eight as they posted the second straight win in Group I yesterday. Marousi held on to a road win against their Greek rivals Panellinios. Konstantinos Charalampidis (189-G-76) came up with 17 points for Marousi in the win. Jarod Stevenson (200-F-75, college: Richmond) added 13 points for the winners. Panellinios on the other hand lost the second straight game and had their chances of reaching the next stage reduced. Anthony Grundy (189-G-79, agency: Strategic Sports, college: N.Carolina St.) was the topscorer for the hosts with 18 points. Jurica Golemac (209-F-77) knocked down 12 points in the loss.
Marousi were the first to strike as they tipped off the game with 9 straight points. Golemac and Grundy however cut the margin with 7 straight points soon after. Marousi did not allow the hosts to take the lead and completed the opening term leading by 5 points 23:18. Radenovic nailed 6 points for Panellinios at the start of the second term to put the home team in front finally. The teams kept it close further on in the period but Panellinios managed to secure a narrow 39:37 lead at halftime.
Marousi stressed defense in the third frame as they kept the hosts scoreless for almost 6 minutes building a 49:42 lead. Anthony Grundy and Jurica Golemac scored late in the frame to revive the intrigue as Panellinios trailed by 2 points at the final intermission. Stevenson and Andreas Glyniadakis (215-C-81) notched key buckets at the beginning of the fourth period to widen the margin. Panellinios had no answer for this. Konstantinos Charalampidis nailed two trebles late in the game and Marousi drove to an important victory at the end.

Panellinios: Anthony Grundy 18, Jurica Golemac 12
Marousi: Konstantinos Charalampidis 17, Jarod Stevenson 13, William Amar Keys (188-G-77, college: N.Mexico St.) 11

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HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Amsterdam	21-3
2. Hanzev.Cpt	15-8
3. Eiff.Towers	15-9
4. M.Magix	14-10
5. West-Brabant	13-11
6. Rotterdam	12-11
7. Landstede	11-14
8. Upstairs Weert	8-15
9. ZZ Leiden	8-15
10. Aris Friesland	8-16
11. Den Helder	5-18

Standings - Promotie Divisie

Prom.Divisie Standings

1. MyGuide 2	16-1
2. MSV	15-2
3. Initial H5	12-4
4. Gorinchem	10-7
5. Landstede 2	9-8
6. Leiden 2	8-8
7. BV Rooi	8-9
8. Akrides	8-9
9. EBBC	7-10
10. Punch	6-11
11. Groene	6-11
12. Red Giants	5-12
13. Cangeroes	4-13
14. Pigeons	3-14

PromotieDivisie Scores Week 17: movers and shakers!!! - by Terry Cooper
Week 17 consisited of teams continuing making moves towards the playoffs while other teams are shaking up the standings that play a key factor in making the cut and seeding. EJ/MG2 stays in first place with a 72-60 win over Landstede2 while VBC Akrides got back in to the winning side of things with a 75-67 win over Pigeons. The Red Giants have defeated their second top 4 team this season winning convincinly over Initial High Five 73-57 while Cangeroes won on the road over De Groene Uilen 68-58. BV Rooi defeated Punch 86-75 while Z&Z Leiden won over EBBC2 85-76 at home. Sunday afternoon in Oosterblik sporthal, part 2 of GOBA and MSV Log in was a battle til the end. GOBA has 3 former eredivisie players (de Vries, Cusell, van Velzen) that dominated for their team giving them a comfortable 47-34 halftime lead. MSV fought back strong and in the final minutes of the game with GOBA up by 3 points a clutch 3ptr by Zeeger van Leeuwen tied the score 72-72. A foul commited by van Leeuwen sent Adrian Cusell to the line as he sunk 2 free throws to give GOBA a 77-75 lead but a quick basket by Michael Leon sent the game in overtime. In the extra time, 3pt baskets by Leon and Roodheuvel catapulted a 93-84 win for the Sports team of the year in Holland, MSV Log in. Peter Vader (205-C-80) led all scores with 21 while Michael Leon had 16, de Vries (180-G-84) 13, Roodheuvel (180-G-88, agency: R.H.Consultancy) 12 en van Leeuwen (194-F-76) 10. GOBA was led by Ardan Cusell (199-F-80) with 20, Ronald Van Velzen (209-C-72, college: McKendree) 19, Vangelis Zafiriadis (196-G/F-86) 14 and Jerome de Vries (196-G-76) 13. Next week will probably consist of more moving and shaking as teams will have to fight for everything until the end of the season. Stay Tuned!!! PROMOTIEDIVISIE STATS NOW!!!

Week 17 Scores:

EJ/MG2 - Landstede2 72 - 60
VBC Akrides - Pigeons 75 - 67
High Five - Red Giants 57 - 73
Goba - MSV Log.in 84 - 93 OT (77-77)
De Groene Uilen - Cangeroes 58 - 68
BV Rooi - Punch 86 - 75
Z&Z2 - EBBC2 85 - 76

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Anthony RICHARDSON
  Eiff.Towers
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Bauscher, Aris F.	23.5
2. Pope, West-Brabant	20.3
3. Walker, Rotterdam	19.8
4. Bostain, Landstede	18.5
5. Wilson, M.Magix	17.3
6. Smith, Upstairs.	16.9
7. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	16.8
8. Ross, Upstairs.	16.7
9. Blue, West-Brabant	16.7
10. Chiotti, ZZ Leid.	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

Peter VAN PAASSEN
  Amsterdam
  (210-C/F-78)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Jackson, Upstairs.	12.5
2. Johnson, West-Bra.	10.8
3. Chiotti, ZZ Leiden	9.0
4. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	8.6
5. Brempong, Hanze.	8.5
6. Briggs, Rotterdam	8.4
7. Dialls, Den Helder	8.0
8. Spencer, Aris F.	7.9
9. Krstanovic, Hanze.	7.5
10. Strickland, Den.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Tamien TRENT
  Amsterdam
  (183-G-82)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Bauscher, Aris F.	5.7
2. Thomas, Hanzev.Cpt	5.2
3. Richardson, Rotte.	4.9
4. Nash, ZZ Leiden	4.7
5. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	4.6
6. Blackwood, Aris F.	4.4
7. Pope, West-Brabant	4.3
8. Bostain, Landstede	4.0
9. Jansen, Hanzev.Cpt	3.9
10. Downey, Eiff.T.	3.9

Steals Per Game

JS NASH
  ZZ Leiden
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Richardson, Rotte.	3.4
2. Thomas, Hanzev.Cpt	3.1
3. Sears, M.Magix	2.9
4. Bauscher, Aris F.	2.5
5. Greene, Amsterdam	2.5
6. Smith, Upstairs.	2.4
7. Bostain, Landstede	2.3
8. Nelson, M.Magix	2.2
9. Punch, Landstede	2.2
10. Tolbert, M.Mag.	2.2

Blocks Per Game

Jordan COLLINS
  West-Brabant
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Steenberge, Aris F.	1.8
2. Khazzouh, Hanze.	1.6
3. Brempong, Hanze.	1.5
4. Iti, Rotterdam	1.3
5. Gladness, M.Magix	1.3
6. Richardson, Eiff.Tow.	1.2
7. Briggs, Rotterdam	1.1
8. Nelson, M.Magix	1.0
9. Blue, West-Brabant	1.0
10. Patten, Upstai.	0.9

An outstanding Tuesday in EuroChallenge - by Eurobasket News
Two Dutch titans celebrated the victories in EuroChallenge last night.
Eiffel Towers Den Bosch celebrated the initial win in the EuroChallenge Top 16 thrashing Telekom Baskets 83:63 in Holland. Five members of the Dutch team hit double figures in points, led by Kees Akerboom's 16. Frazier Winsome finished the night with 21 points in the losing effort.
In another game of the group Cholet had a road win over Belgacom Liege on Tuesday. Kevin Braswell (188-G-79, agency: Priority Sports, college: Georgetown) paced all the winners with 16 points and Alan Wiggins (206-F-84, college: USF) netted 15. Randal Falker (201-F-85, college: S.Illinois) that pulled down 18 rebounds last week against Bonn and at Liege had 12 to go with his eight points. Christopher Hill (191-G-83, college: Michigan St.) shined for the hosts with 27 points and 7 rebounds.
EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam and CSK-VVS Samara struggled for the first win in Group L as the Dutch team grabbed 74:70 win in Samara. Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette) had 23 points and nine rebounds for the Dutch team and Van Paassen Peter netted 16. Marque Perry (186-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis) produced 23 points for the home side. Amsterdam improved to 1-1, while CSK-VVS Samara dropped to 0-2.
In another game of the group BC Triumph produced 33-12 in the last period to beat Dexia Mons-Hainaut 76:73 in Moscow. Trailing 55:70, the Russian outfit outscored opponents 21-3 over the last four minutes of the game to improve to 2-0 in Group L and leave Dexia 1-1. Vyaltsev Egor finished the night with 16 points and Dmitriev Fedor posted 13. Torbert Kelvin ended up with 20 points for the guests.

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ISRAEL

National League Round: 16 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Elitzur Yavne - Macc.Ashdod 85-89
Elitzur Yavne sent Maccabi Ashdod to 11-5 record after the home loss 85:89. Maccabi Ashdod was led by Brewington Dwight who had 24 points. Williams Armond finished the night with 27 points and 7 rebounds in the losing effort.

Hap.Beeri - Benyamina 81-60
Hapoel Beeri stun Benyamina 81:60 behind 19 points and 5 rebounds from Baruch Shay. Nave Yonatan scored 16 and Jackson Cedric produced 15. Williams Kenny collected 14 points and 12 rebounds for the visiting side.

Hap.Tivon - Bar.Netanya 71-98
Netanya jumped to 15-1 record after a road 71:98 victory over Tivon. Gueta Eliran and Levi Lior led the winners with 19 points apiece. Weinstein Shawn poured in 14 and Kremer Doron scored 12. Haris Andre ended up with 22 points for the home side.

Ironi N-Ziona - Lev Hashar. 91-78
Six players scored in double figures for Ironi N-Ziona as the team overcame Lev Hasharon 91:78. Wolfer Ztafrir top-scored for them with 19 points and Bank Dan followed him with 18. Simhon Amit chipped in 16 points in the losing effort.

Natzrath Elite - Megido/Yok. 79-107
Megido celebrated the 6th victory of the season beating Natzrath Elite 107:79. Drayton E.J. stepped up with 25 points and 10 rebounds, while Eliyahu Avi netted 24. Brandy Stanley collected 28 points and 12 boards in defeat.

Hod Hasharon - Kohav Yair 81-88
Hod Hasharon lost to Kohav Yair 81:88 as Hirsh Gilad top-scored for the winners with 24 points and 8 rebounds. Moran Yoni followed him with 18, while Tzubrevitch netted 16. Hamilton Blake finished the night with 23 points in the losing effort.

Hap.Afula - Elitzur Ramla 78-68
Hapoel Afula outscored Elitzur Ramla 78:68 in Regular Season Round 16. Carr Dennis top-scored for the winners with 25 points and 15 rebounds, while Pereg Adi added 19. Peterson Damon and Bet Yoshef Yiftah scored 18 points each in defeat.

Standings - BSL

National League Standings

1. Bar.Netanya	15-1
2. Macc.Ashdod	11-5
3. Hap.Afula	9-7
4. Hod Hasharon	9-7
5. Hap.Tivon	8-7
6. Ironi N-Ziona	8-8
7. Elitzur Ramla	8-8
8. Kohav Yair	8-8
9. Lev Hashar.	8-8
10. Natzrath Elite	7-9
11. Elitzur Yavne	6-8
12. Megido/Yok.	6-10
13. Hap.Beeri	4-11
14. Benyamina	3-13

Stats Leaders - National League

Points Per Game

Barak PELEG
  Hap.Afula
  (194-G-72)
  Avg: 14.9

1. Jackson, Hap.Beeri	27.4
2. Williams, Megido/Y.	25.2
3. Uter, Lev Hashar.	24.8
4. Brewington, Macc.Ash.	24.6
5. Haris, Hap.Tivon	23.6
6. Morgan, Kohav Yair	23.5
7. Williams, Elitzur .	20.2
8. Peterson, Elitzur .	19.9
9. Assaf, Macc.Ashdod	19.7
10. Brandy, Natzra.	19.5

Rebounds Per Game

Tomer SHTAINHAUER
  Hap.Tivon
  (207-C-66)
  Avg: 5.6

1. Uter, Lev Hashar.	14.4
2. Brandy, Natzrath.	11.5
3. Rokni, Macc.Ashdod	11.3
4. Jackson, Hap.Beeri	9.9
5. Carr, Hap.Afula	9.5
6. Brewington, Macc.Ash.	9.4
7. Moscovitz, Hod H.	9.3
8. Williams, Elitzur .	9.3
9. Gueta, Bar.Netanya	9.2
10. Williams, Megido.	9.2

Assists Per Game

Omer SHMIDT
  Benyamina
  (182-G-87)
  Avg: 3.2

1. Huli, Bar.Netanya	7.5
2. Nenikashvili, Hap.A.	6.9
3. Assaf, Macc.Ashdod	6.6
4. Kantor, Elitzur .	6.5
5. Nenikashvili, Natzra.	5.8
6. Tavor, Natzrath.	5.7
7. Eliyahu, Megido/Y.	5.7
8. Williams, Benyamina	4.8
9. Stein, Elitzur Yavne	4.3
10. Hirsh, Kohav Ya.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Stanley BRANDY
  Natzrath Elite
  (200-F-67)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Eliyahu, Megido/Y.	2.8
2. Peleg, Hap.Afula	2.3
3. Lahat, Ironi N.	2.2
4. Shahar, Elitzur .	2.1
5. Williams, Elitzur .	2.1
6. Yasu, Hap.Tivon	1.9
7. Assaf, Macc.Ashdod	1.9
8. Uter, Lev Hashar.	1.9
9. Bochman, Elitzur .	1.8
10. Carr, Hap.Afu.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Cedric JACKSON
  Hap.Beeri
  (201-F/C-84)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Uter, Lev Hashar.	2.6
2. Williams, Benyamina	1.7
3. Peterson, Elitzur .	1.6
4. Williams, Megido/Y.	1.3
5. Soll, Ironi N-Ziona	1.3
6. Carr, Hap.Afula	1.1
7. Williams, Elitzur .	0.8
8. Segev, Hap.Afula	0.8
9. Brewington, Macc.Ash.	0.7
10. Haris, Hap.Tiv.	0.7

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

ITALY

JAMAICA

Cedarville resumes winning ways with victory over Wilberforce - by Leonard Whyte
Wilberforce, OH (02-04-2009) - NAIA Division II No. 4 Cedarville University, after dropping two straight contests and losing their No.1-ranking, resumed winning ways last night when they lead all the way and held off Wilberforce University 70-63 in an American Mideast Conference (AMC) encounter at Wilberforce. After a rare four-point play by Wilberforce cut the deficit to 61-60 with just 3:15 to play, Cedarville replied with a three-point play by forward Ricardo Alliman to widen the lead back to 64-60 and provided some much needed breathing room. Alliman finished with seven points and nine rebounds, while center Daniel Rose came off the bench to add 11 points, and forward Christopher Walker just missed a double-double with 12 points and eight rebounds. For Wilberforce, another Jamaican, forward Orville Perkins, added six points and four rebounds. Cedarville won its 23 game of the season against three losses and improved to 8-1 in the AMC.

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JORDAN

Suggested players for the NT - by Mohammed Malas
After seeing the first 3 rounds of the Jordanian Premier League (JPL) Elite Group, I can share the suggestion of many spectatos and specialists in the country the initial roster which diserve to be called-up for the NT camp next april under the coaching of Mario Leonel Palma and his assistants Mario Gomes and Ruslan Soobzokov .

One of the 1st 3 places in the next Asian Championship (Tianjin 6-16 August) is the target for the coaching staff who will try to have the chemistry needed in order to appear in the best image for the Jordanian Basketball..

- The Suggested players are:

# From ASU Sports Club:
Zeid Abbas (203-F-83)
Islam Abbas (201-C-80)
Ahmed Hamarsheh (202-F-86)
Eyad Abdeen (202-F-79)
Nidal Shareef (190-G-82)

# From Al Riyadi Amman:
Wesam Sous (181-G-83)
Malek Khashan (185-G-85)
Issa Kamel (192-F-83)

# From Zain:
Moussa Al Awadi (190-G/F-85)
Mohammad Hamdan (201-F-84)
Sam Daghlas (197-G-79, college: Midwestern St.)
Enver Soobzokov (193-G/F-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.)
Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon)
Jamal Ma'aytah (213-C-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Greensboro)
Khaldon Abo Rukayeah (198-F-83)
Francis Ireifej (186-G-82, college: Point Loma)

# From Orthodox:
Louay Obeidi (198-F/G-90)
Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side)
Ibrahim Bassam (204-C-87)
Mahmoud Abdeen (186-G-87)

Adding the mentioned above, Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) must have other chance to appear again with the national team to join the other players abroad who they're Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-G/F-87) 'University Of Minesotta (NCAA)' and Imad Qahwash (188-G-87) 'Central Arkansas (NCAA)'.

* I would like to thank the 'Jordan Basketball National Team' section in Facebook for taking the articles from Asia-Basket and putting them without mentioning the source!!

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

LATVIA

LBL Round: 23 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Valmiera - Keizarmezs 87-54
Ronald Clark and Ivan Elliott came up with 12 points each to lead Valmiera to the 12th win in the season. An Ainars Bagatskis team held off Keizarmezs in the round opener. Ingus Bankevics and Agnis Cavars added 11 points apiece for the winners. Janis Lasmanis responded with 17 points for Kiezarmezs.

Liepaja - ASK/Buki 83-82
Liepaja sneaked past ASK/Buki at home court. Raimonds Vaikulis produced 22 points to lead the hosts. Arturs Stalbergs added 20 points, 6 boards and 4 assists in the 10th win for Liepaja. Salvis Metra had 24 points, 7 boards and 5 assists for ASK/Buki in defeat.

ASK/Buki - Valmiera 82-91
Valmiera fired down ASK/Buki on the road to grab the 12th win in the LBL season. Ronald Clark notched 18 points and 12 boards for Valmiera. Janis Poznaks managed 18 points for the winners. Andrejs Jansons answered with 32 points and 10 rebounds for ASK/Buki in defeat.

Zemgale - VEF Riga 69-84
VEF Riga outlasted Zemgale away from home as Evgeniy Kolesnikov nailed 26 points. Jurijs Aleksejevs came up with 18 points and 9 rebounds for the visitors. Martins Berkis ensured 16 points for Zemgale in the losing case.

LBL D2 Round: 25 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Jurmala - Livani 75-88
Livani climbed on top of the ladder with a hard-fought road win over Jurmala. Maris Baranovskis scored 20 points and grabbed 8 rebounds to lead Livani. Raimonds Feldmanis added 19 points for the visitors. Atis Ozols managed 13 points and 7 rebounds for Jurmala.

Ventsp.Aug. - Keizarm.U21 71-62
Ventspils Augustskola celebrated a difficult win over Keizarmezs U21. Mikus Sokolovs chipped in 17 points and grabbed 9 rebounds for the hosts. Kristaps Kanbergs delivered 16 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals as the winners improved at 8-8 record. Krists Piternieks responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds for Keizarmezs in defeat.

Cesis - Liep.Papirs 103-63
Cesis coasted to an overwhelming win over Liepajas Papirs. Davis Rozitis had 18 points, 11 boards, 4 assists and 3 blocks for the winners. Martins Tiss added 16 points for Cesis as they claimed 6th win. Artis Ate responded with 16 points, 5 boards and 5 assists for Liepajas Papirs in the loss.

LBL standings

LBL Standings

1. RNS-D/Livani	12-3
2. Saldus	12-3
3. ASK/Juniors	11-4
4. Zemgale/Juniors	11-6
5. Jurmala	10-5
6. Valmiera-2	9-6
7. Ventspils au.	8-8
8. Ridzene/Barons	7-8
9. Keizarmezs-2	6-10
10. SK Cesis	5-10
11. Kandava	3-12
12. Liepajas Papirs	3-12
13. BA Riga	2-12

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Edgars JEROMANOVS
  VEF Riga
  (186-G-86)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	18.6
2. Skele, Ba.	16.9
3. Clark, Valmiera	16.5
4. Alexander, Ba.	16.5
5. Jansons, ASK/.	16.1
6. Brunins, ASK/.	15.9
7. Bankevics, Valmiera	15.1
8. Berzins, Ba.	14.9
9. Gustas, Ba.	14.8
10. Zakis, Ventspi.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

Mareks JUREVICUS
  Ventspils
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Clark, Valmiera	8.4
2. Tsiakos, Ventspils	8.0
3. Elliott, Valmiera	7.9
4. Selakovs, VEF Riga	6.7
5. Alexander, Ba.	6.4
6. Jansons, ASK/.	6.4
7. Berzins, Ba.	6.3
8. Veselovs, Ventspils	6.0
9. Raiskums, Zemgale	5.9
10. Brunins, AS.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Gundars RAUZA
  ASK/Buki
  (192-F-79)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Gabrans, ASK/.	5.9
2. Cooper, VEF Riga	4.4
3. Skele, Ba.	4.4
4. Aleksic, ASK Riga	4.0
5. Jeromanovs, VEF R.	3.9
6. Brazelton, Ventspils	3.8
7. Bergmanis, Zemgale	3.8
8. Brewer, ASK Riga	3.5
9. Gustas, Ba.	3.3
10. Strelnieks, Ventspi.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Akselis VAIROGS
  Ventspils
  (195-F-85)
  Avg: 1

1. Skele, Ba.	2.5
2. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	2.3
3. Aleksic, ASK Riga	2.0
4. Mazutis, ASK Riga	2.0
5. Gabrans, ASK/.	1.9
6. Gailitis, VEF Riga	1.8
7. Vilums, Liepaja	1.8
8. Kanbergs, Ventspils	1.7
9. Rauza, ASK/.	1.6
10. Vaikulis,.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Raitis GRAFS
  ASK Riga
  (208-C-81)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.7
2. Elliott, Valmiera	1.4
3. Berzins, Ba.	1.2
4. Cukinas, Ba.	1.0
5. Aleksejevs, VEF R.	0.9
6. Veselovs, Ventspils	0.9
7. Selakovs, VEF Riga	0.9
8. Zorin, Liepaja	0.7
9. Aleksic, ASK Riga	0.6
10. Alexander,.	0.6

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

LEBANON

Standings - Division A

Div.A Standings

1. Al Riyadi	9-1
2. Moutahed	8-2
3. Sagesse	7-3
4. Champville	6-3
5. Blue Stars	6-3
6. Tebnine	3-6
7. Anibal	3-7
8. Antranik	3-7
9. Kahraba	2-8
10. Feytroun	1-8

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LIBERIA

Rockers, Dream Team, Oilers, Flames in basketball war - by Numennie Williams
The Liberia Basketball Federation national league will continue this afternoon at the Sports Commission on Broad Street. The 2009 national league commenced on Wednesday, February 4, 2009. In the opening match Georgia Blazers fell to Dixville Dragon 56-58 points in a highly contested battle
In the opening match today, Island Calves will hustle Star 1 in a Third division while St. Paul Crushers will lock horns with FUBBA in a second division chase. On Friday, Heats will rub shoulders with Deviers and game two which will be in the female category, Destiny Queens faces Rockers Angel Shooters and Monrovia Rockers will engage Flames in the first division.
Dixville Dragons will host Island Calves in the opening match on Saturday in the Third division and game two will bring Don Bosco Legend against Cardinal in the Second division and in the First Division, Dream Team II will play Monrovia Rockers.
The big match of the week end will come on between former champion LPRC Oilers and Dream Team I. The match is expected to be a tough one as both teams will be parading players who switched from both teams. Before that encounter, Desert Ladies will hustle K-Deltas in a female chase and Uhuru Prince will knock sneakers with Supreme Brothers in the second division.

Marcus Wolo (-85)

Spanish clubs donate to Monrovia Rockers - by Numennie Williams
Two Spanish basketball clubs have donated sporting materials to the Monrovia Rockers basketball club. Making the donation on last Tuesday Alfie Cires who presented the materials on behalf of the two clubs said the donation was made by Juventud de Circulo ad Abu Burgos basketball clubs to the Monrovia Rockers as part of its basketball development program and said he hes happy with the organization of the Monrovia Rockers basketball club. The items donated include; 25 track suits, two sets of jerseys and three leather basketballs.
Receiving the items, the President of the Monrovia Rockers basketball club Abraham Johnson thanked Alfie Cires for making the donation possible and extended his thanks and appreciation to the Spanish clubs.

He said the donation came at a time the club is in need of uniforms for the national league. He praises Alifie Cires for been very instrumental in getting the materials. Also speaking, players of the club both male and female thanked the Spanish club for the materials and said the uniforms have motivated them for the league.

Shocking transfers in LBF league - by Numennie Williams
Shocking transfers is said to be taking place in the Liberia Basketball Federation with some high profile players switching from club to club. The most shocking one is two time Most Valuable player Mark Smith transfer from Champion NPA Pythons to Uhuru Kings. His transfer is yet to be believed by many basketball lovers especially fans of Pythons. Speaking to this paper, the former MVP said some time is good to change your environment and feels it time to make that decision.
Another shocking transfer is the signing of the Bings brothers from LPRC Oilers to Uhuru Kings. John and Jethro Bings moved recently for an undisclosed fee. Jethro is currently facing suspension that may not allow him to play in the league. Uhuru Kings also has also snatched three points specialist Varney Tulay from Dream Team.
Six players from LPRC Oilers basketball club are said to be heading to Dream Team. The players include; William Kennedy, Otis Nyanneh, James Kiawu, Lance Kummeh, Charles Cummings, Reuben Marshall and Michael Wolo. According the Team manager of Oilers Eddie Harris some of the players were dropped while others felt it was time to Part Company with Oilers. Randolph Wreh, Quince Boe have left Dream Team for Oilers.

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

LITHUANIA

MEXICO

Ayon signs long-term contract with Fuenlabrada - by Kristian Santiago
Mexican national team-player Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.) signed a four-year contract with Spanish ACB team Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid.
According to the team's website, it's an investment for the future and the player is probably not joining the team during the current season.
Ayon is currently playing in the LNBP play-offs with his team Halcones UV Xalapa and pretty soon also in the FIBA Americas Final Four for club teams hosted by his current team. He could be heading to Spain once the Mexican basketball season is over.

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

NAIA

#8 Fresno Pacific Sunbirds Bounce Back; Beat Biola 68-55 - by Stephan Ditgens

La Mirada, Calif. #8 ranked Fresno Pacific (18-4, 11-1 GSAC) defeated a tough Biola (RV) team on the road 68-55 Tuesday night. The Sunbirds were able to rebound after their record 14 game winning streak was snapped following a loss at #14 Cal Baptist over the weekend which dropped them two spots in this week's Top 25 Coaches' Poll.

Junior guard James Lewis Jr. had another big night scoring 20 points and snatching seven rebounds to lead the Sunbirds. Lewis was 8-17 from the field and 4-4 from the free-throw line. Sophomore forward Jordan Wild also scored in double figures with 15 points, and was 5-7 from the field, 2-2 from three point distance, and 3-5 from the free-throw line.

The Sunbirds were in control for most of the basketball game and ended the first half of play with a 39-29 lead. Fresno Pacific never trailed throughout the entirety of the second half, and went on to beat the Eagles by 13. FPU was 24-55 (44%) from the field, 8-18 (45%) from three point distance, and 12-16 (67%) from the free throw line.

'This was a huge win for us,' commended FPU assistant coach Chris Wright. 'We knew that we had to come in here and play very well to win. Fortunately, we were able to do that and get back on track.'

The Sunbirds will host Point Loma Nazarene (RV) this Saturday, February 7th at FPU's Special Event Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:30PM.

Written by Erik Farfan
www.fresno.edu

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

NBA

Jameer Nelson needs surgery, likely to miss rest of the season - by Eurobasket News
Orlando Magic all-star point guard Jameer Nelson (6'0''-G-82, college: St.Joseph's) faces shoulder surgery at some point this year while his contending team faces the likelihood of playing without him for the rest of the season.

Magic General Manager Otis Smith said on Tuesday that the club and Nelson are still evaluating whether Nelson possibly could return to play in 'two to six weeks' if he rehabilitated the injury through physical therapy, thus delaying season-ending surgery until the offseason.

'Either way,' Smith said, 'he's going to have to have it repaired.'

Either way, it's a devastating blow to a 36-11 Magic team whose championship hopes were largely elevated by Nelson's performance this season.

Veteran Anthony Johnson, 34, will start for Nelson tonight at Amway Arena against the L.A. Clippers, with small forward Hedo Turkoglu and shooting guard Courtney Lee pitching in at the point until Smith acquires more help.

An MRI on Tuesday revealed that Nelson tore the right labrum after dislocating his shoulder in Monday night's loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

If he decided to have surgery now, Nelson said the recovery process would be at least four months.

While Nelson told the Sentinel he would take some time to weigh his options, Smith didn't sound as if he'd rubber-stamp a rehab process that might get Nelson back on the court sooner.

Putting off surgery until the end of the season the postseason, in Orlando's case would mean Nelson would need the entire summer just to get ready for 2009-10.

'If you rehab it and play, the likelihood that it comes back out again is pretty significant. So, then you start dealing with other issues from there,' Smith said. 'Our concern is always for the player's future. When you have as much invested in him as we have, you have to think about long term.

'What's the long-term implications if this thing pops out again?'

Smith also noted that Nelson is susceptible to injury as it is, saying, 'Jameer is not a non-contact basketball player by any stretch of the imagination. He's a pretty physical basketball player so it's something we are going to have to look at.'

Nelson's agent, Steve Mountain, said that Nelson would be getting several other opinions and that 'we're in no rush. The timing is awful. Everybody wants what's best for Jameer.'

Nelson, who will be unable to play in his first all-star game (Feb. 15 in Phoenix), said, 'I'm going to take a couple days to think about it. Anytime they're talking about surgery. ... I know if you don't have it, you run the risk that it pops out again and when that happens, it can't be good.

'I'm going to try to be smart about it. As a competitor, I still have the thought I definitely want to play. I really don't know what to do: rehab it or go have surgery.'

He said if he possibly could respond to a rehab program quickly. But if he elects to have surgery, he will have it as soon as possible 'sooner the better,' he said.

Smith began late Monday night looking for an experienced point guard either through free agency or a trade. 'I don't think there is anything that's off the table yet,' he said.

'We lost a point guard, a position at which we were already short-handed. It's a matter of trying to make the best deal that's available for us.'

Nelson was in fairly good spirits. Asked about his reaction when he was told the labrum was torn, he said, 'My heart didn't sink. I'm not really a tough guy or anything, but I've been through a lot in my life. It isn't the end of the world. I guess everything happens for a reason.

'It comes with the territory, man. You know what's tough? People are saying to me, 'Now you can't go to the all-star game.' Hey, that's the least of my worries. I want to be healthy for my team. This is the wrong time to get hurt. I understand things happen it's a contact sport.'

Courtesy of http://www.orlandosentinel.com

NBA Round: 97 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Raptors - Cavaliers 83-101
LeBron James nailed 33 points and grabbed 7 rebounds last night leading his Cavs to 38th victory of the season (38-9). Daniel Gibson scored 18, Maurice Williams 16 (plus 9 as), while Wally Szczerbiak added 15 points. Chris Bosh shined in defeat scoring 29 points. Raptors 19-31.

Timberwolves - Pacers 116-111
The Wolves grabbed road victory at the Conseco Fieldhouse jumping on 17-30 record. The team of Randy Wittman had 7 players with 10 or more points, but the best one was Randy Foye with 19. Sebastian Telfair and Ryan Gomes netted 16 pts apiece. Danny Granger drained 28 for the Pacers (19-30).

Celtics - 76ers 100-99
Ray Allen (6'6''-G-75, college: Connecticut) received a nice pass from Paul Pierce and drained a baseline triple with 0.5 seconds to go giving the Celtics their 12th straight victory. Paul Pierce came up with 29 points, 7 boards and 6 assists for 37 minutes. The match winner Ray Allen scored 23 and Rajon Rondo helped with 20 pts and 8 assists. Andre Iguodala replied with 22 pts, 6 rebs and 6 as. Celtics 41-9, 76ers 23-24.

Bucks - Nets 85-99
Richard Jefferson shined for the Bucks last night delivering 27 points and pulling down 6 rebounds. Ramon Session also was on high level adding 19 pts. On the other side, the hosts got double-double from Brook Lopez, 22 points and 12 rebounds. Bucks 24-28, Nets 22-27.

Bulls - Rockets 100-107
The Chinese superstar Yao Ming was totally unstoppable collecting 28 points and 8 rebounds, including just 3 missed shots from the field, also with 10/10 from the FT line. Aaron Brooks scored 18 and Luis Scola netted 13 pts, plus impressive 18 boards. Luol Deng poured in 28 points for the Bulls. Rockets 30-19, Bulls 21-28.

Spurs - Nuggets 96-104
Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) shined for the Nuggets nailing 35 points and missing only one board for double-double. Nene Hilario followed him with 17 pts and 11 rebs. Roger Mason this time was the best player in the San Antinio Suns with 26 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Nuggets 32-16, Spurs 33-15.

Guard Dwyane Wade committed to Miami Heat - by Eurobasket News
Days after suggesting the possibility of becoming a teammate of LeBron James after the two become free agents in 2010, Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (6'4''-G-82, college: Marquette) shot down at least one potential destination for the star-studded tandem: New York.

Wade said Tuesday that he remains committed to the Heat for now and could see himself spending the rest of his career in Miami. But Wade also said he would explore all of his options should he elect to opt out of his contract and become a free agent in 2010, the same summer several of the NBA's top players have options.

James, the Cleveland Cavaliers forward, is expected to be the most sought-after free agent in 2010 as part of a class that also includes Wade, Toronto's Chris Bosh and Phoenix's Amare Stoudemire.

''Is it a possibility me and LeBron will play together? It's always a possibility,'' Wade said after the Heat's practice Tuesday at AmericanAirlines Arena. ''We're both free agents. Is it a possibility I'm going to New York? That's not a possibility in my mind.''

That's the strongest stance yet Wade has taken on his potential free agency in 2010. His comments came on the heels of a New York Post story published Friday in which Wade was quoted as saying he and James could end up as teammates.

But Wade took exception to some of the comments attributed to him in the story and said Friday that he never implied that the two would play in New York. The Knicks are among several teams that are clearing significant salary cap space to make a run at James and another top-tier free agent. The Heat also is among those teams angling to sign two players to maximum-level deals.

Wade said he takes the questions about his future in stride. But he also said his comments sometimes are taken completely out of context.

''Everybody puts their quotes where they want to put them [but], you know what you say,'' Wade said. ''I understand how things get twisted. I just laugh at it and keep going.''

Courtesy of http://www.miamiherald.com

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Ben GORDON
  Bulls
  (188-G-83)
  Avg: 20

1. Wade, Heat	28.5
2. James, Cavaliers	28.0
3. Bryant, Lakers	27.4
4. Nowitzki, Mavericks	25.8
5. Granger, Pacers	25.5
6. Durant, Thunder	25.1
7. Bosh, Raptors	23.0
8. Jefferson, Timberwo.	23.0
9. Roy, Trail Blazers	22.2
10. Paul, Horne.	21.5

Rebounds Per Game

Dirk NOWITZKI
  Mavericks
  (211-F-78)
  Avg: 8.3

1. Howard, Magic	13.9
2. Camby, Clippers	13.1
3. Biedrins, Warriors	11.8
4. Lee, Knicks	11.7
5. Murphy, Pacers	11.4
6. Jefferson, Timberwo.	10.7
7. Okafor, Bobcats	10.5
8. Duncan, Spurs	10.4
9. Bogut, Bucks	10.3
10. Yao, Rocke.	9.5

Assists Per Game

Jameer NELSON
  Magic
  (182-G-82)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Paul, Hornets	10.9
2. Williams, Jazz	10.2
3. Nash, Suns	9.6
4. Calderon, Raptors	8.6
5. Kidd, Mavericks	8.3
6. Rondo, Celtics	8.1
7. Duhon, Knicks	8.0
8. Davis, Clippers	7.9
9. Wade, Heat	7.1
10. James, Cavalie.	6.9

Steals Per Game

Raymond FELTON
  Bobcats
  (194-G-84)
  Avg: 1.5

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

Blocks Per Game

Ben WALLACE
  Cavaliers
  (206-C-74)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Howard, Magic	3.1
2. Camby, Clippers	2.5
3. Turiaf, Warriors	2.2
4. Andersen, Nuggets	2.1
5. Lopez, Nets	1.9
6. Dalembert, 76ers	1.8
7. Duncan, Spurs	1.8
8. Thomas, Bulls	1.8
9. Bynum, Lakers	1.8
10. Perkins, Celti.	1.8

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Celtics	41-9
2. 76ers	23-24
3. Nets	22-27
4. Knicks	21-26
5. Raptors	19-31
Central Div.
1. Cavaliers	38-9
2. Pistons	25-21
3. Bucks	24-28
4. Bulls	21-28
5. Pacers	19-30
Southeast Div.
1. Magic	36-11
2. Hawks	27-20
3. Heat	26-21
4. Bobcats	19-29
5. Wizards	10-38
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Nuggets	32-16
2. Trail Blazers	30-17
3. Jazz	27-22
4. Timberwolves	17-30
5. Thunder	11-37
Pacific Div.
1. Lakers	38-9
2. Suns	26-20
3. Warriors	15-34
4. Kings	11-39
5. Clippers	10-38
Southwest Div.
1. Spurs	33-15
2. Rockets	30-19
3. Hornets	28-17
4. Mavericks	28-19
5. Grizzlies	12-35

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NCAA2

MIAA Report - by Sanjey Noriega
MIAA Men's Basketball Report No. 9

Tournament berths within reach for No. 12 Mules, No. 6 Bearcats

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The conference's top two teams in the men's basketball standings are closing in on their spots for the MIAA Basketball Championship, which starts March 5 at Kansas City's Municipal Auditorium.

The league-leading and 12th-ranked Cent.Missouri St. Mules (17-3, 10-3 MIAA) need to defeat Emporia St. (14-6, 8-5 MIAA) on the road Wednesday (Feb. 4) and have Pittsburg St. (9-11, 4-9 MIAA) and NW Missouri St. (9-11, 4-9 MIAA) lose their midweek affairs to secure the first spot among the eight teams in the field.

UCM brings a five-game win streak into action at ESU, and has a 71-54 home win over the Hornets back on Dec. 13.

No. 6 SW Baptist (16-3, 9-3 MIAA) hosts PSU on Tuesday (Feb. 3). The Bearcats need to beat the Gorillas and get a victory at Truman St. (6-14, 1-12 MIAA) Saturday (Feb. 7), along with a loss by Northwest either to Nebraska-Omaha (13-6, 7-5 MIAA) Wednesday or PSU Saturday to start making plans for KC.

SBU won at Pittsburg Dec. 13, 82-76, and defeated the Truman St. Bulldogs at home, 70-57, on New Year's Eve. Northwest lost a 63-61 decision to the Gorillas in their first meeting, also on Dec. 31, and fell to the Mavs in Omaha, 73-64, before Christmas.

Like UCM, Ft.Hays State (14-5, 7-5 MIAA) brings a five-game winning streak into the week. The Tigers play at Missouri Western (9-11, 6-7 MIAA) Wednesday before hosting Washburn (12-8, 8-5 MIAA) Saturday.

FHSU lost to both the Griffons (72-57 at home) and Ichabods (82-66 at WU) during its 1-3 start to MIAA play.

Missouri So. (16-7, 6-7 MIAA) is idle until trekking north to MWSU Saturday. The Lions won the first meeting with the Griffons, 81-58, in the first game after having their 12-game winning streak to start the season snapped by SBU.

MIAA HAS THREE IN REGION'S TOP EIGHT: The first NCAA Division II South Central Region ranking was released last Wednesday (Jan. 28), and the MIAA had five teams ranked, including three in the top eight.

The Lone Star Conference's Central Oklahoma squad held the top spot with SW Baptist second and Cent.Missouri St. third.

The LSC's Angelo (Texas) State was fourth, followed by a pair of Heartland Conference schools -- St. Edward's (Texas) and Incarnate Word (Texas).

Emporia St. came in seventh with West Texas A&M of the LSC eighth. Nebraska-Omaha and Ft.Hays State rounded out the list.

The South Central Region consists of the MIAA, LSC and Heartland . Each conference has an automatic berth to the regional tournament -- the other five teams to advance to the eight-team bracket will be determined by their regional ranking.

The next ranking will be released Wednesday (Feb. 4).

MAVERICK GUARDS FILLED IT UP IN JANUARY: Nebraska-Omaha senior G Michael Jenkins (6'3''-G-86) and sophomore G Mitch Albers (6'4''-G-88) finished 1-2 in MIAA scoring during the month of January.

Jenkins ended up at the top of the list with a 19.1 scoring average in eight games, just a shade better than Albers' average of 18.8 and the 18.6 ppg of Washburn senior G DeAndre Eggins.

Another Maverick also benefitted from all of that scoring, as junior G Andrew Bridger led the MIAA in the month with 5.38 assists per game.

Pittsburg St. junior F T.J. Stukes led the conference with 8.6 rebounds per game in January.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Team-by-Team Notes

Cent.Missouri St.: The meeting with ESU will be the 100th in the series for the Mules, who have a 61-38 lead head-to-head with the Hornets... Senior G De'Andre Byrd needs 10 more steals to pass James Collins (2000-04 -- 101) for 10th on UCM's career list... Junior G Alex Moosman is fourth in D-II assist-to-turnover ratio (3.65).

Emporia St.: Junior G Tim Niles scored a career-high 23 points as the Hornets snapped a three-game slide with a win over Truman St.... Junior G Lamar Wilbern scored 20 points in the loss to Northwest, reaching that mark for the first time since scoring a career-high 27 in the 4OT game at PSU Jan. 10.

Ft.Hays State: Senior G Tyrone Evans jumped from seventh to third in Division II with 3.7 three-pointers made per game after scoring nine in his last two games, including six at UNO... The 80 points vs. the Mavericks is a season-high against MIAA foes... FHSU committed just nine turnovers vs. UNO, two off its season low.

Missouri So.: Freshman G/F Jason Adams (6'5''-G/F) scored 21 points in the loss to SBU, most since setting his career-high with 27 vs. Evangel (Mo.) Nov. 29... Junior F Mariun Price had 16 points and a season-best five assists vs. SBU... The Lions were held to a season-low 22 rebounds in the loss at UCM... MSSU shot 55.6 percent from the field vs. SBU.

Missouri Western: Junior F Marcus Jones (6'6''-F) doubled his season scoring total when he had 17 points in the loss at WU... Sophomore F Dominique Thuston was 5-of-6 from three-point range and scored 25 points in the win over ESU... Against the Hornets, the Griffons made more than 50 percent from the field for the first time since the season opener.

Nebraska-Omaha: The Mavericks were held to season lows in scoring (61) and field goal shooting (35.1 percent) in the loss to Ft.Hays State... UNO has allowed 80 or more points to five of its last six opponents (going 2-3 in those games)... Junior G Andrew Bridger has averaged 6.2 assists in his last six games.

NW Missouri St.: Senior F Hunter Henry (6'9''-F-86) had his string of double-figure scoring games snapped at 15 when he had eight vs. WU... Henry needs 23 points to become the sixth Bearcat to reach 1,500 career points... Sophomore F Elijah Allen notched his first double-double of his career with 24 points and 12 rebounds vs. WU.

Pittsburg St.: Junior F T.J. Stukes logged his fifth double-double of the season with 12 points and 10 rebounds in the loss to UCM... PSU scored a season-low 60 points in the win at Truman St., and was just 1-of-13 from three-point range... The Gorillas have made just four of their last 30 tried from the three-point arc.

SW Baptist: The Bearcats, third in Division II scoring (91.2 ppg), reached triple-figures for the first time in seven games vs. MSSU, after surpassing 100 six times in their first 12 games... Senior G/F Nick Kovacevich (6'5''-G-85, college: San Jose St.) scored 18 points and had five assists vs. the Lions after missing three games due to an injury.

Truman St.: Sophomore G Brandon Griffin scored 16 points in the loss at ESU, his best outing since scoring 19 vs. Central Christian-Bible (Mo.) Nov. 20... Freshman C Vesko Filchev scored a career-high 18 points vs. Pittsburg St.... The Bulldogs are 34-of-55 (61.8 percent) from the free throw line over the last three games.

Washburn: Senior G DeAndre Eggins has scored in double figures for 14 straight games after back-to-back 14-point efforts... Senior F Darnell Kimble (6'8''-F-86) had 22 points on a perfect 7-of-7 from the field in the win over Western... The Ichabods are 5-0 in midweek MIAA games... Sophomore F Logan Stutz had a season-high 14 points vs. MWSU.

GNAC Players Of The Week - by Sanjey Noriega

From gnacsports.com

GNAC PLAYERS-OF-THE-WEEK: Ira Graham (6'2''-G), Western
Washington (G, 6-2, Sr., Fontana, CA) and Brandon Foote (6'3''-F),
Central Washington (G, 6-3, Sr., Bellingham, WA
Whatcom CC) each led their teams to two victories as the
Vikings and Wildcats moved into a virtual tie for first place in
the GNAC. Graham scored 37 points, including 28 in a 81-73
overtime win over Northwest Nazarene. Graham stole the
ball and scored the tying basket in the final minute of
regulation against NNU, then put the Vikings ahead in the
overtime with a three-pointer. In the two contests, Graham
made 16 of 28 shots and also had nine assists and eight
rebounds. . .Foote made his first start of the season and had
career highs for points (27), rebounds (12) and assists (7) in a
91-83 win at Seattle Pacific. In two contests, he netted 34
points connecting on 11 of 18 shots and all 11 of his foul
shots.
HONORABLE MENTION: Kenny Barker, Alaska
Anchorage (G, 6-3, Sr., San Diego, CA Clairemont) scored
55 points, including a GNAC season-high 38 in Saturdays
90-85 win against Alaska Fairbanks. Barker made 17 of 31
shots, eight of 17 from the three-point arc. He also had 13
rebounds, seven assists and four steals. . .Mario Burns,
Montana State Billings (G, 6-0, Jr., Las Vegas, NV) had 18

and 6 assists in a victory over Alaska-Anchorage.

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

NEW ZEALAND

Coach Vucinic's streak stops - by Eurobasket News
Tall Blacks coach Nenad Vucinic and his Estonian club BC Kalev/Cramo suffered two crucial losses last week, which could hurt their title chances in two competitions.

Kalev fell 80-62 to leaders TU/Rock for the second time this season in the Estonian KML on Tuesday, remaining third at 8-3 but leaving an uphill battle for the domestic crown with 14 games left in the regular season.

Kalev also had their seven-game winning streak in the Baltic Basketball League (BBL) halted on Friday, falling 72-69 to Latvias ASK Riga on the road. The loss put them back to third at 8-5, with ASK Riga taking over second spot.

For a second straight week in Switzerland, former Tall Blacks forward Brendon Polyblank produced a season-high but could not stop his Lausanne Basket club falling in round 16 of the LNA.

Polyblank had 30 points (12/19 FG, 1/4 3pt, 3/3 FT), five rebounds, two assists and two steals in 39 minutes against his former club BBC Monthey on Saturday, as Lausanne fell below .500 at 7-8 with a 97-80 road loss.

In Spain, Tall Blacks centre Craig Bradshaw had 14 points (5/12 FG, 0/1 3pt, 4/4 FT), nine rebounds and a steal in 25 minutes in Grupo Begar Leons 66-61 home loss to Gandia Basquet on Saturday in round 18 of the LEB Gold, Spains second division. Leon sit ninth at 9-9.

Harbour Heat forward BJ Anthony scored 11 points (5/7 FG, 0/1 FT) to go with five boards, two blocks and an assist in 32 minutes as his Herzoge Wolfenbuttel club improved to 12-5 in the Bundesliga division two pro B with an 89-86 road win over USC Freiburg on Saturday.

In the Romanian Divizia A, Emerging Tall Black Leon Henry went scoreless (0/1 FG, 0/1 3pt) in six minutes of court-time for former TBs coach Tab Baldwins U Mobitelco Cluj-Napoca in a 72-70 road win over CS Dinamo Bucuresti, lifting the Red Caps to fifth at 11-5.

In Australia, Tall Blacks captain Pero Cameron almost produced his first career triple-double in a 96-90 road loss to the Perth Wildcats on Saturday.

PC finished with 10 points (3/7 FG, 2/6 3pt, 2/2 FT), nine rebounds, seven assists and a block in 35 minutes, his best numbers of a tough season with the Gold Coast Blaze, while team-mate Casey Frank had two points (0/1 FG, 2/4 FT) and four rebounds in 20 minutes for the 5-22 Blaze.

Cameron also had nine points (4/12 FG, 0/5 3pt, 1/2 FT), four rebounds and two assists in 29 minutes and Frank six points (2/5 FG, 2/3 FT), three boards, three assists and a steal in 13 minutes in the Gold Coasts 110-88 road loss to Tall Blacks guard Paora Winitana and the Adelaide 36ers on Wednesday.

Winitana had three points (1/3 FG, 1/2 3pt, 0/2 FT), an assist and steal in eight minutes for the Sixers, who still hold the last playoff spot at 13-13.

Former Tall Black Tony Rampton, Wellington Saints guard Luke Martin and the Sydney Spirit remain the most likely to break into the top-six but a 89-83 road loss to the Cairns Taipans on Saturday hurt those chances.

Rampton had seven points (3/10 FG, 1/2 FT) and four rebounds in 18 minutes and Martin three points (1/5 FG, 0/2 3pt, 1/2 FT), five boards, two assists and a steal in 18 minutes for the Spirit.

Mika Vukona, the Tall Blacks starting small forward, had four points (2/5 FG), six rebounds and an assist in 23 minutes as his South Dragons fell 92-86 to the Melbourne Tigers in a table-topping clash on Australia Day. Tall Blacks centre Nick Horvath missed the game, which saw the Tigers pull within a half-game of the Drags in the chase for the regular season title.

Tall Blacks point guard Lindsay Tait scored five points (2/5 FG, 0/1 3pt, 1/2 FT) with two rebounds, a steal and block in 23 minutes as his Wollongong Hawks fell 97-95 to the Townsville Crocodiles at home on Saturday to reduce their playoffs aspirations to mathematical.

Tall Blacks back-up centre Alex Pledger produced a season-high last week with 25 points (10/13 FG, 5/5 FT), four boards, three blocks and steal in 23 minutes in Belmont Abbeys 92-76 NCCA division two road loss to Barton University.

Pledger also had six points (3/5 FG), five rebounds, four blocks and two assists in 20 minutes in an 80-76 home win over Limestone on Thursday, and three points (1/4 FG, 1/4 FT), two rebounds and two assists in 18 minutes in a 98-92 road win over Queens of Charlotte on Saturday. The Crusaders sit 10-5 overall and 7-2 in the Carolinas-Virginia conference.

Former Tall Black Jeremiah Trueman managed 16 points (7/9 FG, 2/2 FT), three boards and two assists in 21 minutes in Alaska-Anchorages 66-62 road loss to St Martins U in D2 play on Saturday, following on from six points (2/5 FG, 2/2 FT), five rebounds, an assist and block in 29 minutes in a 75-54 road win over Western Oregon on Thursday. The Seawolves remain even at 9-9, with a 3-2 record in conference.

In NCAA-D1, Harbour junior Rory Fannon went scoreless in two games for Utah Valley (9-8) last week, grabbing three boards in 15 minutes in a 98-71 road loss to North Dakota State on Tuesday, and a rebound and block in five minutes in a 55-39 home win over Savannah State on Saturday.

In NCAA-D3, Tim Bennetts and James Lissaman saw their Rose-Hulman Tech squad, where they are assistant coaches, split their games last week, sitting at 7-11 overall but just 2-7 in the Heartland conference.

Emerging Tall Blacks guard Zane Meehl went for eight points (2/4 FG, 2/3 3pt, 2/2 FT), two assists, a rebound and steal in 18 minutes as Azusa Pacific rolled Hope International 94-68 in NAIA action on Tuesday.

Meehl then managed two points (1/4 FG), two boards, two assists and a steal in 17 minutes in the Cougars 75-51 road win over San Diego Christian on Thursday, lifting them to 13-6, now 6-3 in the Golden State conference.

Ryan Beesley, with defending NAIA division two national champions Oregon Tech, scored five points (2/4 FG, 0/1 3pt, 1/1 FT) in 12 minutes as a starter in the Hustlin Owls 84-65 home win over The Evergreen State on Friday. He followed it with two points (0/2 FG, 0/2 3pt, 2/2 FT) and an assist in 16 minutes in a 59-56 win over Northwest on Saturday, the Owls moving to 19-3 overall and 9-3 in the Cascade conference.

Canterbury product Ben Constable scored a point (1/2 FT) in two minutes in Northwood Universitys 84-71 home win over Edward Waters College on Wednesday, getting two points (0/1 FG, 2/3 FT), four rebounds and a block in six minutes in an 81-57 home win over Webber International on Saturday, raising the Seahawks to 18-2 for the season and 5-1 in The Sunshine Conference.

In Tennessee, Emerging Tall Black Mada Abdelhamid returned to the Cumberland U line-up, going scoreless in two minutes game time in a 76-75 road win over Trevecca Nazarene on Saturday.

Junior Tall Black Dion Prewster continued to average solid numbers for 12-8 San Jacinto College in Texas, averaging 8.8 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 blocks after 20 games, the latest a 92-79 home win over Paris Community College on Saturday.

Fellow JTB Richie Edwards helped in Lakeland High School varsity team to a pair of road wins in Florida last week, defeating Durant 68-58 on Thursday and Plant City 56-45 on Friday.

Courtesy of http://www.basketball.org.nz

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PBL

Panthers Sign Center Walter Waters - by Eurobasket
Birmingham, Mich The Detroit Panthers is pleased to announce that their search for a great defensive player has resulted in the signing of Walt Waters (6'11''-C-84, agency: Tank Sports, college: Macomb CC).

'He comes to the team with a true knowledge of the game and skills that will make him a force to be reckoned with, stated Bill Jones, Detroit Panthers head coach and asst. general manager. Walters professional career spans from the Harlem Globetrotters to the CBA, European, and the ABA leagues'

As with signing new players sometimes waivers have to be made. The Panthers put rookies, Micah Kirstein (6'4''-G-84) and Jasen Hunt (6'5''-F-82) on waivers.

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ROMANIA

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Arthur DAVIS
  Targoviste
  (193-G-77)
  Avg: 13.9

1. Matthews, CSU A.	21.1
2. Tomic, Craiova	20.2
3. Gibson, U.Mobite.	19.5
4. Lawrence, Pitesti	18.3
5. Broadus, CSU Brasov	18.2
6. Darby, Rovinari	17.2
7. Dzambic, Timisoara	16.8
8. Cepulis, Ploiesti	16.3
9. Popescu, Rovinari	16.2
10. Paul, Dinamo.	15.8

Rebounds Per Game

Michael HARRISON
  CSU Atlassib
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 6.1

1. Dragusin, CSU B.	11.2
2. Carutasu, Ploiesti	9.5
3. Wingate, Tirgu M.	9.5
4. Green, Rovinari	8.8
5. Pavlovski, Dinamo B.	8.5
6. Holmes, Craiova	8.1
7. Lazar, Oradea	7.8
8. Osby, U.Mobitel.CN	7.7
9. Jucan, Gaz Metan	7.6
10. Matthews, CSU.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Mate STRETEA
  Oradea
  (186-G-90)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Cooley, Tirgu M.	7.0
2. Blidaru, Otopeni	4.8
3. Radmanovac, Gaz M.	4.5
4. Dzambic, Timisoara	4.3
5. Cuic, U.Mobitel.CN	4.2
6. Osmokrovic, Ploiesti	4.1
7. Marjanovic, Gaz M.	4.0
8. Gibson, U.Mobite.	4.0
9. Lawrence, Pitesti	3.7
10. Fometescu, Dinamo.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Horia HORA
  Oradea
  (190-G-88)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Johnson, CSU A.	3.3
2. Gibson, U.Mobite.	3.0
3. Fometescu, Dinamo B.	2.9
4. Matthews, CSU A.	2.8
5. Cooley, Tirgu M.	2.7
6. Velickovic, Timisoara	2.5
7. Mitchell, Craiova	2.3
8. Reaves, Dinamo B.	2.1
9. Jucan, Gaz Metan	2.0
10. McKenna, Tirgu.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Alin SIPOS
  Rapid B.
  (--89)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Tibarna, Otopeni	2.3
2. Dragusin, CSU B.	2.3
3. Pantelic, Pitesti	1.8
4. Lazar, Oradea	1.7
5. Wingate, Tirgu M.	1.4
6. Pavlovski, Dinamo B.	1.4
7. Bubanja, Gaz Metan	1.2
8. Gibson, Craiova	1.2
9. Osby, U.Mobitel.CN	1.2
10. McKenna, Tirgu.	1.1

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RUSSIA

Dynamo edge Khimky in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Khimky - Dynamo 69:77

Dynamo Moscow made a huge step towards EuroCup Final Eight as they defeated their archrivals Khimky on the road yesterday. The win allowed Dynamo to stay on top of Group I with 2-0 record. Khimky in the meantime slipped at 0-2 record and appeared on the brink of missing the next stage of the competition.
The hosts looked comfortable in the starting moments as they went on a 9:0 run for a 14:6 lead early on. Dynamo got closer by the end of the quarter but Khimky maintained the lead and ensured a 16:12 advantage with ten minutes gone in the game. Sergey Monya (204-F-83) and Bostjan Nachbar (207-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances) were the main figures in the second period as they ignited a furious comeback effort from Dynamo. The visitors rallied with 12 straight points to surge in front 28:22. Palacio and Teemu Rannikko (189-G-80) stopped the bleeding with back-to-back trebles for Khimky as they tied the game at 30. Teemu Rannikko added another long bomb and Jorge Garbajosa (205-C/F-77, agency: Interperformances) sealed the first half outcome at 37:33 for Khimky.
Travis Hansen (198-G/F-78, college: BYU), Sergey Monya and Sergey Bykov (190-G-83) all scored for Dynamo early in the third frame as the Moscow team regained the lead. Dynamo stayed ahead and finished the third quarter with a 52:45 cushion. Khimky however tried desperately to save the game. Kelly McCarty (201-F-75, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: S.Mississippi) and Teemu Rannikko fueled a 10:0 run from the home team as they got as close as one point 65:66 late in regulation. Bostjan Nachbar was the one to give the ball at the moment and he never let his teammates down. He drained a three-pointer and then Sergey Monya added two more points to seal the win for Dynamo in this one.
Travis Hansen produced 24 points to lead Dynamo Moscow. Bostjan Nachbar added 13 points for the winners. Kelly McCarty came up with 27 points for Khimky. Jorge Garbajosa nailed 15 points and grabbed 10 boards in the loss.

Khimky: Kelly McCarty 27, Jorge Garbajosa 15+10 boards
Dynamo: Travis Hansen 24, Bostjan Nachbar 13, Sergey Monya 11

Unics prevail against Turk Telekom in Kazan - by Eurobasket News
Unics - Turk Telekom 72:57

Unics rebounded after the starting loss in Group J to defeat Turk Telekom before the home fans at the Kazan Basket-Hall. The hosts used strong first and fourth periods to upset the Turkish team. Unics opened the game in a confident manner as Vladimir Veremeenko (208-F-84) and Samoylenko led the hosts to a 13:5 lead. Lyday and Sokolov soon marked a 22:10 advantage for the home team as they controlled the moment. Kennedy Winston (198-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Alabama) and Pars trimmed the distance as Turk Telekom trailed 14:25 at the first intermission. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) stepped up for Unics to stretch the margin to 14 points at the beginning of the second frame. The Kazan outfit maintained the distance but Turk Telekom succeeded in a late rally to cut the deficit. Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) fueled a 7:0 run that made it 31:39 at halftime.
Wright, Kennedy Winston and Kristoffer Lang (211-F/C-79, agency: SportsTalent, college: N.Carolina) shaved the gap to 6 points in the third frame as Turk Telekom started to find the rhythm. Kennedy Winston closed the frame with a basket to make it a 45:50 game after 30 minutes of action. Kristoffer Lang dragged the visitors within 4 before Samoylenko and Zhukanenko had 5 points for the home team to chill off Turk Telekom. Loncar and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) scored to balloon the advantage to 10 points and Unics never looked back again.
Kresimir Loncar finished with game-high 20 points for Unics. Vladimir Veremeenko contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Kennedy Winston answered with 13 points for Turk Telekom as they slipped at 1-1 record. Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) had 9 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.

Unics: Kresimir Loncar 20, Vladimir Veremeenko 14, Marko Popovic 8
Turk Telekom: Kennedy Winston 13, Erwin Dudley 9

It could be better... - by Eurobasket News
Three Russian teams played their second games in EuroChallenge and had only one victory out of three. The game between Lokomotiv-Rostov and Spanish Cajasol in Group K is postponed for February 13th.
BC Triumph produced 33-12 in the last period to beat Dexia Mons-Hainaut 76:73 in Moscow. Trailing 55:70, the Russian outfit outscored opponents 21-3 over the last four minutes of the game to improve to 2-0 in Group L and leave Dexia 1-1. Egor Vyaltsev (190-G-85) finished the night with 16 points and Fedor Dmitriev (205-F-84) posted 13. Torbert Kelvin ended up with 20 points for the guests.
EclipseJet MyGuide Amsterdam and CSK-VVS Samara struggled for the first win in Group L as the Dutch team grabbed 74:70 win in Samara. Orien Greene (193-G-82, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: La-Lafayette) had 23 points and nine rebounds for the Dutch team and Van Paassen Peter netted 16. Marque Perry (186-G-81, agency: N.E.T., college: St.Louis) produced 23 points for the home side. Amsterdam improved to 1-1, while CSK-VVS Samara dropped to 0-2.
Proteas EKA AEL overwhelmed Russian Ural Great in Cyprus in Group K of EuroChallenge Top 16 games. Mitchell Darrel top-scored for the winners with 25 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds, while Taylor Quincy nailed 23. Darius Washington (188-G-85, college: Memphis) ended up with 26 points in the losing effort. Proteas EKA AELis on top with 2-0 and Ural Great is 1-1.

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SERBIA

Crvena Zvezda wins in Ukraine, Vule Avdalovic again fateful for Serbian teams in EuroCup - by Dragan Jankovski
Both Serbian teams have one win and one defeat after two rounds in EuroCup Last 16. Pamesa Valencia is on top of Group K with 2-0, while Azovmash is winless.

Crvena Zvezda succeeded to forget the home loss vs Pamesa in the first round beating Azovmash in Mariupol 74-62. After 34-29 in the first half for the hosts, Zvezda took control on this game. Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) and his teammates were unstoppable at the offensive end scoring 28 points in third period. On the other side, they managed to stop Azovmash on 15. At the middle of the last quarter the Ukrainians came on 59-56, but Marinovic and the captain Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86, agency: Beo Basket) made two baskets resolving question about the winner. Marko Marinovic shined in victory with 16 points, 4 rebounds and 7 assists. Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) also was pretty good collecting 13 points and 4 rebounds. Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) stopped on 10 points. Azovmash got 17 points and 6 rebounds from Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut).

Ex point guard of Partizan Belgrade and S&M NT, Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket), once again was fateful for Serbian teams. In the first round he was totally the best Pamesa's player in Pionir against Crvena Zvezda, and this time he did the same to Hemofarm. Pamesa celebrated 65-60 and Avdalovic scored 19 points, with 3 rebounds and 3 assists. The team from Vrsac was pretty close until 35th minute and mini run led by Avdalovic, after what it was 60-52. Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) netted 15 points for Hemofarm and grabbed 5 rebounds. Marton Bader (212-F/C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) added 14 points without any missed shot.

After these two games it is clear that Crvena Zvezda and Hemofarm will be direct rivals for the next stage. Pamesa made a great thing celebrating in Belgrade last week, what will be maybe the crucial win for top of Group K.

Young Stefan Stojacic leads Mega HL to quarterfinals of Balkan league - by Dragan Jankovski
Mega Hypo Leasing celebrated in extremely important game against the Romanian Dinamo Bucharest 82-74. It was postponed match of Balkan League - Round 8. After this victory Mega HL moved up on the second place in Group B booking a spot for the quarterfinals. The team from Belgrade now has 4-3.

First quarter was totally leveled, 20-20. Young Serbian prospect Stefan Stojacic (195-G-89) was of fire making his third triple at the beginning of the second quarter for 26-24. Stojacic had 11 points until that moment. Dinamo was good enough to stay within minus 3 until the half time (40-37). Third quarter was the crucial one for Mega HL. The Serbians scored 25 points in 10 minutes, while Dinamo had 19. Until the end Dinamo threatened few times coming on minus 5. However, the young players of Mega HL had strong willingness to take this one and to secure a spot for the next stage.

Stefan Stojacic led the scorers in with 19 points. Aleksandar Mitrovic (201-G-90) followed him with 13 pts. Veteran Stojadin Markovic (200-F-69) posted 19 points in Dinamo, while Macedonian Kiril Pavlovski (210-C-85, agency: Global Sports Plaza) had 14 points. Mega HL will play one more game until the end of the regular season, against Rabotnicki on February 19th.

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SLOVENIA

Helios earns close win (Round 19) - by Zeljko Zule
Trailing one with 15 seconds to play, Zlatorog had time for a game-winning shot, but Dario Krejic, Vincent Hunter and Ali Berdiel missed open shots.
Helios-Zlatorog 61-60: Aliaksei Lashkevich (203-F-78, agency: VTBM/SRBM) scored 12 points including crucial pair of free throws in the closing seconds as Helios defeated Zlatorog. Alwin Snow posted 13 points while Nicholas Jacobson missed all six shots from the field and both free throws. Zlatorog outrebounded Helios 37-26 but commited 20 turnovers. Dario Krejic had game-high 21 points but he missed three of his four free throws in last quarter.
Krka-Alpos Sentjur 91-75: Krka trailed 48-49 before Jure Balazic and Ricky Shields combined to run off eight straight points. Krka had all starters in double figures. Jure Balazic scored 18 points, Stanko Sebic 16 and Davor Marcelic, Marko Rakocevic and Bojan Krivec finished with 11 points. Sentjur commited 17 turnovers and shot just 11-of-19 from the free throw line. Armin Avdibegovic posted 21 points and Luka Lapornik 16.

Standings - 1A

Liga Standings

1. Krka	15-2
2. Helios	13-4
3. Zlatorog	13-5
4. Slovan	12-5
5. Polzela	8-8
6. Luka Koper	8-9
7. Zagorje	7-9
8. Elektra	7-10
9. TCG Mercator	6-11
10. Postojna	5-12
11. Nova Gorica	4-13
12. Alpos S.	4-14
Will join on later stage:
1. Olimpija	-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Zoran DRAGIC
  Slovan
  (195-G-89)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Goodrich, Zagorje	23.5
2. King, Polzela	22.1
3. Ivanovic, Elektra	15.8
4. Delic, Slovan	15.7
5. Cup, Elektra	14.5
6. Lekic, Slovan	14.4
7. Jovanovic, Epic Misel	14.1
8. Marcetic, Nova G.	14.0
9. Julevic, TCG M.	13.6
10. Brown, Alpos.	13.4

Rebounds Per Game

Miha MARKIC
  Luka Koper
  (200-F-88)
  Avg: 4.5

1. King, Polzela	14.8
2. Johnson, Zagorje	12.0
3. Paris, Zagorje	9.4
4. Brown, Alpos S.	7.9
5. Cup, Elektra	6.9
6. Pavic, Krka	6.7
7. Pasalic, Nova Gorica	6.7
8. Laskevic, Helios	6.1
9. Soldo, Epic Misel	5.9
10. Klepo, Slov.	5.5

Assists Per Game

Dejan DELIC
  Slovan
  (199-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Vujasinovic, Polzela	6.1
2. Cmer, Luka Koper	4.4
3. Goodrich, Zagorje	4.1
4. Jovanovic, Epic Misel	3.6
5. Mocnik, Helios	3.4
6. Krivec, Krka	3.4
7. Ivanovic, Elektra	3.4
8. Perko, Nova Gorica	3.3
9. Nachbar, Luka Koper	3.1
10. Lapornik, Alpos.	3.1

Steals Per Game

Uros ZADNIK
  Slovan
  (187-G-90)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Dragic, Slovan	2.4
2. Goodrich, Zagorje	2.4
3. Dunovic, Alpos S.	2.0
4. Snow, Helios	2.0
5. Krejic, TCG M.	1.9
6. Johnson, Zagorje	1.8
7. Hundley, Polzela	1.8
8. Horvat, Elektra	1.8
9. Lapornik, Alpos S.	1.8
10. Novak, Elekt.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Domen ZERAK
  Helios
  (203-C-79)
  Avg: 0.4

1. King, Polzela	3.3
2. Todorovic, Helios	1.4
3. Johnson, Zagorje	1.2
4. Klepo, Slovan	1.1
5. Bajramlic, Zagorje	1.1
6. Brown, Alpos S.	1.1
7. Soda, Nova Gorica	1.0
8. Cikic, Nova Gorica	0.9
9. Sjekloca, Elektra	0.9
10. Sadibasic, Alpos.	0.8

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SPAIN

Lietuvos Rytas stop Bilbao in Vilnius - by Eurobasket News
Lietuvos Rytas - Bilbao 73:71

Lietuvos Rytas gained the first win in the EuroCup Last 16 stage as they held off Bilbao at the Siemens Arena in Vilnius. The Lithuanian team thus improved at 1-1 record and caught up with Bilbao in Group L table. The loss was the first one for the Spaniards in tournament after they won seven straight games. And this was a close one.
Both teams struggled early on as they could not connect for a point in two starting minutes. Finally Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85) opened the scoring but Bilbao soon answered and surged ahead. Salvador Guardia (205-F-74) and Janis Blums (190-G-82) fired from downtown to give the visitors a 14:9 lead late in the period. Bilbao continued to stay in front and took a 21:19 lead into the first intermission. The teams traded baskets throughout the major part of the second period before Lietuvos Rytas exploded with 14:0 run. Arturas Jomantas and Chuck Eidson (201-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) ensured the surge that gave the hosts a 39:31 advantage late in the second period. Marko Banic (204-F-84) sealed the outcome at 33:39 after twenty minutes of action.
Zavackas and Arturas Jomantas stretched the margin to 10 points at the beginning of the second half. But Bilbao never panicked. Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85) and Luke Recker (198-G/F-78, college: Iowa) fueled an 8:0 run from the visitors as they clipped the margin to one point 48:49. Luke Recker added another bucket, while Marko Banic capped the third stanza with a jumper to regain the advantage for Bilbao at 55:52. The lead changed hands for numerous times throughout the fourth term and things were knotted up at 71 with under a minute left. Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina) accounted for two points with 5 seconds left in regulation to put Lietuvos Rytas in charge. Javier Salgado (180-G-80) tried to save the game for Bilbao but his desperate three-pointer missed the mark.
Chuck Eidson provided 19 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists to lead Lietuvos Rytas. Arturas Jomantas added 12 points and 6 boards for the winners. Marko Banic topped Bilbao with 18 points. Luke Recker contributed 11 points in defeat.

Lietuvos Rytas: Chuck Eidson 19, Arturas Jomantas 12, Milko Bjelica (207-C-84) 8
Bilbao: Marko Banic 18, Luke Recker 11

Quino Colom returns to CAI Zaragoza - by Chema
After Alberto Angulo took the charge of head coach past week, one of his requests was the return of Joaquim Colom (187-G-88). The spanish guard was loaned to Plus Pujol Lleida (LEB Gold) where he averaged 10,8 points and 3,4 assists. Formed between Andorra and Lleida, he has played for Spanish National Team U-18, U-19 and U-20. Now he will has the chance to develop himself and his game on ACB, sharing position with Lucas Victoriano (190-G-77, agency: Interperformances) and Taurean Green (183-G-85, college: Florida) and trying to help his team to get the permanence on ACB (the team has only won one game of the last eleven). This arrival envolves Ivan Garcia (204-F/C-86) who is going to be loan to LOBE Huesca (LEB Silver) for the rest of the season and Lleida Basquet that has to look for a bosman guard in the market.

Ayon signs long-term contract with Fuenlabrada - by Kristian Santiago
Mexican national team-player Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.) signed a four-year contract with Spanish ACB team Alta Gestion Fuenlabrada Madrid.
According to the team's website, it's an investment for the future and the player is probably not joining the team during the current season.
Ayon is currently playing in the LNBP play-offs with his team Halcones UV Xalapa and pretty soon also in the FIBA Americas Final Four for club teams hosted by his current team. He could be heading to Spain once the Mexican basketball season is over.

Pamesa overhaul Hemofarm in EuroCup - by Eurobasket News
Pamesa - Hemofarm 65:60

Pamesa left it late but finally secured a tough win over Hemofarm in Valencia yesterday. The victory propelled the Spanish team at 2-0 record in Group K of the EuroCup Last 16. Hemofarm slipped at 1-1 record and would look to bounce back against their Serbian rivals Crvena Zvezda in the third round. Pamesa will travel to Ukraine to take on winless Azovmash next.
Milan Macvan (205-F/C-89) was an early hero in the game as he led Hemofarm to a 15:12 lead after ten minutes of action. Milan Macvan continued to score and Jaksimovic added a basket of his own to put the visitors ahead by 7 points midway through the second period. Pamesa trimmed the gap to 4 points just for Milan Macvan to make it 31:25 for the Serbian side at halftime.
The attack worked well for both teams as they traded baskets at the start of the third period. Pamesa finally broke free as Vule Avdalovic (189-G-81, agency: Beo Basket) came up with 5 points and Florent Pietrus (202-F-81, agency: Octagon) added two more for a 45:44 hosts lead with one quarter to go. Vule Avdalovic contributed 5 more quick points early in the fourth quarter as Pamesa began rolling away. Marton Bader (212-F/C-80, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) tried to keep the intrigue alive as his three-points narrowed the margin back to 3 points. However Florent Pietrus, Shammond Williams (187-G-75, college: N.Carolina) and Vule Avdalovic all nailed free throws to seal the deal in this one.
Vule Avdalovic topscored with 19 points for Pamesa. Shammond Williams contributed 16 points for the winners. Milan Macvan had 15 points for Hemofarm. Marton Bader managed 14 points in the loss.

Pamesa: Vule Avdalovic 19, Shammond Williams 16, Rafael Martinez (191-G-82) 11
Hemofarm: Milan Macvan 15, Marton Bader 14

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SWEDEN

Standings - Basketligan

Basketligan Standings

1. Norrkoping	18-5
2. Solna	18-5
3. Uppsala	16-7
4. Plannja	12-9
5. 08	12-10
6. Sodertalje	12-11
7. Jamtland	9-13
8. Helsingborg	8-13
9. Sundsvall	8-14
10. Boras	6-17
11. Gothia Basket	4-19

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SWITZERLAND

Interview with Ricardo Fischer - by Kevin
1. Kevin - Being only 17 years old, what is it like to compete against older men?
Ricardo Fischer (183-G-91) - I like to play against older players. It is always a challenge for me as I always have to put in more effort and focus and this really improves my game, while at the same time I am also gaining experience. I am a young player and this is very good for my future.

2. Kevin - I read that you are an excellent shooter and passer. What other skills do you think you need to improve on most to excell in the LNA?
Ricardo Fischer - Principally my defense and also becoming a better ball handler and my quickness.

3. Kevin - In 2007, you played for Hebraica de Sao Paulo's junior team and received MVP honours. What experience did you gain most playing for them?
Ricardo Fischer - I was always lucky to get on preatty good teams that were well coached. Therefore, I always learned new things and this allowed me to play in categories one or two years above my age. All of these factors contributed to my improvement and to finally get to Europe.

4. Kevin - Who is your favourite player in the NBA and why?
Ricardo Fischer - The NBA player I prefer most is Chris Paul. He is an excellent point guard. Despite being very good individually, he also plays well with his team. He is able to make his team play better.

5. Kevin - What are your individual and team goals for the rest of the season?
Ricardo Fischer - My main goal is based on always training hard and to improve my overall basketball game daily, and of course to help my team make it to the finals of the championship.

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SYRIA

Jimmy Williams - by Mariano Galindo
Jimmy Williams (196-G-86, agency: Team Quest Inc., college: Alders.-Broad.) are going to fly tonight to Syria to play for Hurriya. Eurobasket has talked with him before his flight.

1- Can you describe yourself as a player

I am a very hard nose player im a nice size guard im six five 200. I have the ablity to post smaller guards also im good comin off screens. I have a great mid range game. also a great long range shooter i take pride in my shooting i shoot everyday untill i make five hundred shots. also im a good ball handler at six five i can play the point guard position, I have good court vision love to get players invovled. One of the my best parts of my game is on the defenceive end im very long on denfence, very good on ball defender and great at playing the top of the zone for example 131 zone. Also good one on one player good at taking my man off the dribble.

2-You were all-time leading scorer in North Lawndale High School, Chicago. How was this chapter of your life?

It was a motivated chapter all threw high school i wasnt respected till my senior I earned my respect as one of the best players in the state of Illinois. by my senior year I was ranked as one of the top fifty players in the state. Also I made all city and second team all state. leaving my school as the all-time leading scorer is one of the best high lights of my career that came from hard work and motivation.

3- You played in NCAA II and NJCAA...

Yes I have had a tough path to get where im at today I started off at a JUCO independence community, I averaged 10.0 pts and 3 ast and made the all freshman team, and the next year I went to John a. logan and averaged 16 ppg, 2 apg, 6 rpg and i made all conference first team and all region first team. After that I signed with Alderson Brouddous College my Junior I averaged 10ppg 5rpg, my senior I averaged 15.0 ppg rgp8.5 apg 3.0, also I made all conference, two time player of the week, all wviac tournment team, ncaa tournment east region first team. Overall I had a great college career and enjoyed the experience.

4-Three colleges in three years. What is the reason for this changes?

Out of high school I went to independence Junior college in Kansas and my coach left and went to john a. Iogan college in Carbondale Illinois and so I lefted and went with him. after that I signed to play at aAderson Brouddaus College.

5-Your first professional team was Galgos, from Mexico, but you left them in December. Why?

I just didnt like the situation Iwas in thats all it didnt go as I planned but I played really well there and there were some other teams in the LNBP that was trying to bring me in as well.

6- What do you think you can offer to Syrian basketball?

I will bring toughness, leadership,rebounding, and scoring and most importanly defence.
I have always been known to be a leader on and off the court. I want my teamates to push me and I will push them as well im a positive leader always lifting my teamates up. Also I am a very tough player I get up for big games and like to play against big names. Love to play threw contact and play physical. From the guard spot im a good rebounder im the type of guard that like to go out and get seven or more boards a night. I am also a threat on offence great at gettin to the line also I have a great mid rang and three point game. I am a flat out scorer. One thing i want the coachs to know is that even if I am having a bad night I will give it my all every night.

7- Are you ready to play wherever?

Yes I am ready to play wherever for low money. My goal right now is to build my resume and become a better pro. I look to get better everyday, I am willin to play any where I just need the chance and opportuinity. I am a very young player and if I continue to work hard the sky is the limit.

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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

UTT jam Jazz to level series 1-1 - by Albert-Lee Young

Kensley Sandy scored a game high 21 points as UTT beat Sando Petro Jazz 83-78 to level their best of 3 semi finals Big Four series in the Stag Super 10 Basketball League on Monday night at the Jean Pierre Complex.

Following a humiliating defeat in game 1, UTT was in a must win situation and in deed by the end of the first quarter the intention was clear. Although Jazz ran up an early 11-4 lead in just under 6 mins, it was short lived as UTT finally executed their face pace game. Inspired by Sandy, who relentlessly drove to the basket to register six consecutive points, UTT stepped up their pressure defense to cut Jazz lead to 15-12.

In the second quarter Kevin Garcia helped kept Jazz rhythm alive with some amazing scoring moves and key rebounds at both end of the court. With Sandy sitting out most of the quarter due to foul trouble, UTT got added support from centre Shawn Lawrence who was introduced into the starting line by coach Layton. By the end of the half UTT built on their tempo to lead, 33-25.

But it was all inevitable over the course of the third period. The fans got what they expected since the first game...entertainment! Just under the half way mark Jazz Michael Pantin scored a power dunk on an assist from Garcia to the delight of their fans despite trailing 47-37. Less than a minute after Shawn Lawrence responded with an alley hoop dunk as UTT increase the lead, 50-43. Then with 1:45 remaining Captain Kern (George) hit three consecutive 3-pointers from the same spot that ignite ecstasy in the gym and Louie Davis added to the thrill by hitting a three for Jazz. The session ended with an alley hoop dunk by Miguel Sansavior as UTT held on 62-53.

By min 7:46 in the final period UTT gained a 12points lead, 70-58. But Jazz was still in the contest as Garcia and Curland Dottin kept penetrating through the UTT defense for uncontested lay-ups. With1:58 left Jazz reduced the deficit 79-74 but Sandy, who was scoreless in game1, kept UTT alive with two foul shots and an assist for another Lawrence dunk as UTT close out the game 83-78.

For UTT Sandy got valuable support from Shawn Lawrence with 19pts; Kern George scored 17pts; Kiewan Bacquain had 12pts & 9rebs; and Miguel Sansavoir added 6pts & 9rebs. Kevin Garcia led Jazz with 18pts & 16 rebs; Curland Dottin had 18pts; Louie Davis 13pts; and Michael Pantin tallied 11 points before fouling out with 5:20 left in the final quarter.

After the game captain Kern George, who missed the entire regular season due to injury, said......the Cinderella story has just began. The decisive game 3 is Thursday night from 7:30pm at Pleasantville Indoor Complex.

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TURKEY

Unics prevail against Turk Telekom in Kazan - by Eurobasket News
Unics - Turk Telekom 72:57

Unics rebounded after the starting loss in Group J to defeat Turk Telekom before the home fans at the Kazan Basket-Hall. The hosts used strong first and fourth periods to upset the Turkish team. Unics opened the game in a confident manner as Vladimir Veremeenko (208-F-84) and Samoylenko led the hosts to a 13:5 lead. Lyday and Sokolov soon marked a 22:10 advantage for the home team as they controlled the moment. Kennedy Winston (198-F-84, agency: Priority Sports, college: Alabama) and Pars trimmed the distance as Turk Telekom trailed 14:25 at the first intermission. Kresimir Loncar (210-F-83) stepped up for Unics to stretch the margin to 14 points at the beginning of the second frame. The Kazan outfit maintained the distance but Turk Telekom succeeded in a late rally to cut the deficit. Roderick Blakney (181-G-76, college: S.Carolina St.) fueled a 7:0 run that made it 31:39 at halftime.
Wright, Kennedy Winston and Kristoffer Lang (211-F/C-79, agency: SportsTalent, college: N.Carolina) shaved the gap to 6 points in the third frame as Turk Telekom started to find the rhythm. Kennedy Winston closed the frame with a basket to make it a 45:50 game after 30 minutes of action. Kristoffer Lang dragged the visitors within 4 before Samoylenko and Zhukanenko had 5 points for the home team to chill off Turk Telekom. Loncar and Marko Popovic (185-G-82, college: S.Idaho JC) scored to balloon the advantage to 10 points and Unics never looked back again.
Kresimir Loncar finished with game-high 20 points for Unics. Vladimir Veremeenko contributed 14 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. Kennedy Winston answered with 13 points for Turk Telekom as they slipped at 1-1 record. Erwin Dudley (204-F/C-81, agency: Interperformances, college: Alabama) had 9 points and 6 rebounds in defeat.

Unics: Kresimir Loncar 20, Vladimir Veremeenko 14, Marko Popovic 8
Turk Telekom: Kennedy Winston 13, Erwin Dudley 9

Galatasaray Cafe Crown loses in the capital of Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
BC Kyiv smashed Galatasaray Cafe Crown 95:62 in the capital of the country in EuroChallenge Top 16 action. Clay Tucker top-scored with 15 points while Drozdov finished with 14 points and 9 rebounds and Stanojevic poured in 13 with a team-high 10 boards. Huseyin Besok (212-C-75, agency: Interperformances) collected 15 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort. BC Kyiv improved to 2-0 record and Galatasaray Cafe Crown fell at 0-2.
Before that Virtus La Fortezza had a road victory in Istanbul in Group J of EuroChallenge Top 16 clash. Galatasaray Cafe Crown controlled the game in the first half but trailed 91:104. Petteri Koponen (193-G-88) and Ford Sharrod paced all the winners with 17 points each. Guilherme Giovannoni (202-F-80, agency: Interperformances) netted 16 and Boykins Earl had 14. Huseyin Besok produced 27 points for the home side, whilst Graves Antonio nailed 25.
In order to advance to Top 16 Galatasaray Cafe Crown demolished Khimik 94:51 to secure their passage from EuroChallenge Group F. Gurovic top-scored with 28 points and Kocaoglu Polat poured in 15 in a win. Kelly Wykeen was the only one in double figures for the guests with 10 points. Galatasaray have clinched at least second place with a 4-2 record while Khimik slump to 2-4.

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UKRAINE

Azovmash lose to Crvena Zvezda in Mariupol - by Eurobasket News
Azovmash - Crvena Zvezda 62:74

Crvena Zvezda used a stunning 17:0 rally at the start of the third frame to turn a 5-point halftime deficit into a decisive lead and then held on to win in Ukraine yesterday. It was the first success for a Svetislav Pesic team in the Last 16 round of EuroCup. They therefore improved at 1-1 record in Group K, while dropping Azovmash at 0-2. The things never looked that dull for the Ukrainian champions early in the game. Oleksandr Skutyelnik (192-G-77) fired twice from beyond the arc to set the hosts in front 8:3. Crvena Zvezda however leveled things up late in the opening period using an 8:0 run. Khalid El-Amin (178-G-79, agency: Beo Basket, college: Connecticut) knocked down two free throws to cap the starting frame at 19:17. Serhiy Lishchuk (210-C/F-82) and Khalid El-Amin notched 5 points for Azovmash at the start of the second period as they cleared off to a 7-point distance. The home team maintained the distance throughout the period and Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) sealed the outcome at 34:29 at halftime.
But things changed drastically for Azovmash in the third quarter. The visitors switched on a full-court pressure and forced the home team into numerous turnovers. It resulted in Crvena Zvezda scoring 17 straight points and piling up a 46:34 advantage midway through the third period. The visitors enjoyed a 57:49 lead at three-quarter time and continued to roll from now on. Marko Marinovic (183-G-83) and Dragicevic fired from downtown in the key moments of the final stanza and Crvena Zvezda kept the hosts at bay.
Marko Marinovic secured 16 points for Crvena Zvezda in the win. Marko Keselj (205-F-88, agency: Beo Basket) added 13 points for the visiting team. Khalid El-Amin dropped 17 points, grabbed 6 rebounds and made 3 steals for Azovmash. Simonas Serapinas knocked down 12 points in the losing effort.

Azovmash: Khalid El-Amin 17, Simonas Serapinas 12
Crvena Zvezda: Marko Marinovic 16, Marko Keselj 13, Nemanja Bjelica (209-F/C-88, agency: Interperformances) 10

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URUGUAY

The LUB regular season was finished - by Hector Lopez
Malvin reached the position 3 for the Uruguayan League playoff after beating Olimpia 72-62, in the last rounf for the regular season. The best of three quarter finals series will begin on Monday 9 and all the games will be played on a neutral court, the Cilindro Municipal. The quarter finals were played as follows: 1 Bigua s. 8 Tabare, 2 Defensor Sporting vs. 7 Trouville, 3 Malvin vs. 6 Hebraica, 4Atenas vs. 5 Olimpia. The results for the last round (incluiding numbers for import players were:
Malvin 72 - Darrell Harris (208-C-84, college: Rhode Island) 9 points 13 rebounds, Ja Ja Richards (207-C-75, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Loyola, IL) 9 and 12
Olimpia 62 -- Nashid Beard (208-F-83, college: Lamar) 6 and 7
- - -
Atenas 102 - Darius Rice (208-F-82, college: Miami, FL) 26 and 4, Hatila Passos (212-C-86, college: N.Mexico St.) 13 and 11
Tabare 77 - Clarence Matthews (201-F-82, agency: 22ft, college: Tennessee St.) 19 and 10
- - -
Hebraica 83 - Angelo Reyes (205-F/C-81) 2 and 3 (He played 9 minutes)
Bohemios 76
---
The games Bigua-Defensor Sporting and Paysandu-Trouville were cancelled.

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VENEZUELA

Standings - LPB

LPB Standings

1. Panteras	0-0
2. Cocodrilos	0-0
3. Guaiqueries	0-0
4. Marinos	0-0
5. Gatos	0-0
6. Trotamundos	0-0
7. Gaiteros	0-0
8. Guaros	0-0
9. Gigantes	0-0
10. Deportivo V.	0-0

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ZIMBABWE

Standings

HBA Standings

1. JBC	14-0
2. Leopards	14-2
3. Raiderz	14-3
4. Sigauke	12-2
5. Cavaliers	12-5
6. Stormers	10-6
7. Jammers	8-8
8. Pistons	6-11
9. Nuggets	5-10
10. NABA Pross	5-11
11. Gentelmen	4-11
12. Golden Spurs	4-12
13. South Central	2-15
14. U.Z. Stars	2-15

Season updates - by Roderick Takawira
In the featured game of the week Sigauke cruised past Kingdom Cavaliers 64-48 in a top-match of the weekend. The score does not reflect the game as Cavaliers only got blown away in the 4th quarter after staying with the more rated Sigauke team. Top dog was Sigaukes Taurayi Chitsinde who silently dropped 21 points on Cavaliers assisted by big man Baldwin Mazango who weighed in with 18 points. Guards Benjamin Jani (11 points), Sadrick Karambakuhwa (7 points) and Tawanda Yanga Chitsinde (7 points) did all the damage up top as they penetrated and dished to Tau Chitsinde and Mazango. Cavaliers would have been better served had their star players been man enough to show for the game as they once again had excuse for being unavailable. But the youngsters who were left to carry the can battled for every inch of ground Sigauke took from them. Cavaliers were only 19-24 down at the half and stayed in the game up till the 4th quarter where Sigauke 26-17 run sealed the game. Led by Prince Edward star player Agrippa Masvisvi who scored 15 points the Cavalier brat pack was a joy to watch. Sigauke turned on the Cameo defence on cavaliers in the first quarter and only the shrewd mentors Tafara Makayi and Andrew Chitauro steered them out of stormy waters. The Cavalier coaches switched to a quick switching of the ball to counter the Gauke trap that held Pistons to 23 points and Gentlemens Association to 19 points. But the writing was on the wall when Cavaliers experienced point guard Sam Parirayi fouled out early in the 3rd quarter. With this performance Cavaliers have served notice on the rest of the league that come game time Cavaliers will be there!

In other games played over the weekend South Central won a game. They beat Golden Spurs 75-36 on Sunday with Centrals talisman Blessing The Slabster Chidimu showing some of the old magic as he punished from beyond the ark, just like the old Cavaliers days. But on Saturday, true to form South C was punished 41-77 by Raiderz. Raiderz went on to beat Jammers 66-43 on Sunday to wrap up a good weekend. JBC beat Stormers 81-39 to stay top of the log with a game in hand. Pross met with mixed fortunes as they beat UZ Stars 61-49 on Saturday but fell to Cavaliers 43-48 on Sunday. UZ Stars have much to worry about as both them and South Central could find themselves in playoffs if they remain bottom of the league. The Nuggets-Stormers game that had been billed to be a top draw fizzled as Stormers were much too strong for Nuggets beating them 82-58.

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Women News

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ADRIATIC LEAGUE - Women

Ragusa crushes the reigning champion in Round 14 - by Eurobasket News
Three games of Round 14 were played last week-end. The top ranked Jolly JBS faced with the first defeat in Adriatic league this season. Ragusa was the one who made it at home 83-71. Anica Tesic (180-F-81) was totally the best player in the winning squad delivering 34 points. She added 7 more rebounds beside that. Emina Demirovic (186-C-85) also shined for the hosts collecting 10 points and 10 boards. With this victory Ragusa joined Gospic CO with 6-6 record. On the other side, Jolly JBS remains on top but no more with the prefect score, 12-1.
Medvescak outsmarted the Slovenian representative Merkur Celje 89-88. Dea Klein-Sumanovac (182-G/F-81) stepped up for the hosts with 27 points and 7 rebounds. Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) this time stopped on 16, while Iva Badnjak had 14 points. The new player in Merkur, Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86), contributed with 28 points and 7 boards in loss. Nikya Hughes (191-F/C-85) had 24 pts and 5 rebs. Medvescak improved on 6-7, while Merkur fell on 5-7.
In third game Mladi Krajisnik surprised the second ranked Jedinstvo 78-74 thanks to Aida Pilav (187-C-87) and her 24 points. Milica Deura (178-G-90) helped with 17, including 5 of 6 from behind the arc. Tamara Ruzic (181-G-79, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Charleston So.) netted 23 points for the Montenegrin squad. It is the first win for Mladi Krajisnik 1-10. Jedinstvo now has 9-4.

Standings

Adriatic L. Standings

1. Sibenik		12-1
2. Jedinstvo		9-4
3. Gospic		6-6
4. Ragusa		6-6
5. Medvescak		6-7
6. Vojvodina		5-6
7. Merkur Celje		5-7
8. Buducnost		4-7
9. M.Kraj. BL		1-10

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BOSNIA - Women

Mladi Krajisnik celebrates the first win in Adriatic league - by Eurobasket News
Adriatic league, Round 14: Mladi Krajisnik - Jedinstvo 78-74

Mladi Krajisnik finally made it in the regional championship. After 10 consecutive defeats, the team from Banja Luka had reason for a joy, especially as its rival was the second ranked Jedinstvo. It seems that the Montenegrin players underestimated Mladi Krajsinik, which resulted with the 4th loss and 9-4 record. Despite that, Jedinstvo remains on the second place and most probably it can't go up nor down until the end of the regular season. Aida Pilav (187-C-87) was a key player for the winners nailing 24 points. Milica Deura (178-G-90) also was on high level scoring 17, while Monika Veselovsky (183-F-77) had 14 pts. Tamara Ruzic (181-G-79, agency: Global Sports Plaza, college: Charleston So.) was better than the others in loss netting 23 pts. Natasa Popovic (184-F-84) had 17 and Biljana Pavicevic delivered 14 pts.
Before this game, the reigning champion Jolly JBS failed against Ragusa on the road. It just means that Jedinstvo had a chance to come closer, but they missed an opportunity to do that. In the next round Jedinstvo will take on the above mentioned Jolly JBS on the road. Mladi Krajisnik goes to Montenegro to meet Buducnost. The team from Podgorica currently has not so brilliant 4-7 in Adriatic league. Its result against Vojvodina in the last round in not announced yet.

Mladi Krajisnik: Aida Pilav 24, Milica Deura 17, Monika Veselovsky 14
Jedinstvo: Tamara Ruzic 23, Natasa Popovic 17, Biljana Pavicevic 14

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CROATIA - Women

Latest signings - by Eurobasket News
Merkur Celje got huge reinforcement for the rest of the season. The team signed contract with Croatian National Team player Ivona Matic (188-F/C-86). The 22-year old power forward / center moved to Merkur from another Adriatic league participant - Ragusa. Matic was member of Ragusa since 2005. Three times they reached the semifinals of the Croatian A1 league. Last year her team participated at the Adriatic league Final 4, but was not able to get through it. In 2007 Matic was named Eurobasket.com All-Croatian A1 Most Improved Player of the Year'. In 2008 she got a call to join Croatian senior NT. Matic appeared 5 times on the EuroBasket 2009 qualifications averaging 4.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg and 1.2 spg.

Meanwhile, Monika Veselovsky (183-F-77) moved from Jolly JBS Sibenik to Bosnian Mladi Krajisnik. The team from Banja Luka desperately wanted to sign Veselovsky, especially after poor 0-10 in Adriatic league. It seems the team made a good move as it grabbed the first victory this week-end against the second ranked Jedinstvo. Except of Jolly JBS, Veselovsky used to play for Spanish Hondarribia, Polish Gdynia, Israeli Maccabi and Montenegrin Buducnost. In 2007 Veselovsky was a member of Serbian NT on the EC in Italy.

Medvescak grabs thriller win against Merkur Celje - by Eurobasket News
Adriatic league, Round 14: Medvescak - Merkur Celje 89-88

Very exciting game was played in Zagreb on Saturday, where the host squad Medvescak outsmarted Merkur Celje 89-88. With this victory Medvescak kept its hopes for the Final 4 alive. The team from Celje complained after that game that the referees Peic, Holjevac and Katic weren't on good level. Anyway, with this loss Merkur's chances to reach the Final 4 have drastically decreased. Dea Klein-Sumanovac (182-G/F-81) was the most important player for Medvescak as she collected 27 points and 7 rebounds. Mirna Mazic (188-F-85, college: Richmond) followed with 16 and Iva Badanjak (191-C-85) added 14 points. Ana Semren (190-C-88) helped with 13 pts. Nikya Hughes (191-F/C-85) shined in loss nailing 34 points and grabbing 5 boards. Iva Ciglar (170-G-85) this time stopped on 14 pts and 7 rebounds.
After this defeat Merkur fell on 5-7. At the same time Medvescak moved up on 6-7. The bad news for Merkur is that Ragusa managed to beat the reigning champion Jolly JBS and to jump on 6-6. The next round is scheduled for February 7, when Merkur will host Ragusa. Medvescak is free.

Medvescak: Dea Klein-Sumanovac 27+7 boards, Mirna Mazic 16, Iva Badanjak 14, Ana Semren 13
Merkur: Nikya Hughes 24+5 boards, Iva Ciglar 14+7 boards

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ESTONIA - Women

Standings - Women

Meistriliiga Standings

1. BC Star	11-0
2. Tall.Living	10-3
3. Tallinna Kalev	3-8
4. Tartu	3-8
5. Audentes	2-10

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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. Wauters, CSKA	17.8
7. Vajda, MiZo Pecs	17.6
8. Langhorne, TEO V.	17.1
9. Jinks, Sibenik	17.0
10. Valdemoro, Ros.	17.0

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. Snow, Halcon A.	8.8
7. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	8.8
8. Kublina, TTT Riga	8.7
9. Gardin, Sibenik	8.5
10. Wauters, CS.	8.5

Assists Per Game

Sylvie GRUSZCZYNSKI
  Montpellier
  (171-G-86)
  Avg: 3

1. Ivanyi, MiZo Pecs	8.0
2. Bird, Spartak V MR	5.8
3. Cohen, M.Broker	5.3
4. Marchanka, Lotos P.	4.9
5. Pondexter, UMMC	4.6
6. Dumerc, Bourges	4.5
7. Taurasi, Spartak .	4.2
8. Skerovic, Wisla C.	3.6
9. Jinks, Sibenik	3.5
10. Aguilar, Ros.	3.5

Steals Per Game

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

1. Horakova, Gambr.	3.0
2. Hornbuckle, Besik.	2.9
3. Valdemoro, Ros C.	2.7
4. Maltsi, USK Praha	2.7
5. Beard, Lotos P.	2.5
6. Fernandez, Wisla C.	2.5
7. Skerovic, Wisla C.	2.4
8. Vesela, Ros Casares	2.4
9. Doron, Besiktas	2.4
10. Gardin, Siben.	2.4

Blocks Per Game

Sonja KIRETA
  USK Praha
  (198-C-76)
  Avg: 0.8

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	2.7
2. Harper, Besiktas	1.5
3. Hayden-J., Umana R.	1.5
4. De Souza, Ros C.	1.2
5. Sutton-Brown, Fenerb.	1.2
6. Kublina, TTT Riga	1.2
7. Fowles, Spartak .	1.2
8. Ndongue, Bourges	1.2
9. Tamane, Nadezhda.	1.2
10. Terglav-T., Siben.	1.1

Euroleague Round: 3 (1/8 Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Halcon A.Per. - CSKA 83-74
Halcon Avenida survived a nail-biting marathon to outlast CSKA in double-overtime thriller. The hosts were rescued twice as first Anke De Mondt drained a triple late in regulation to send the game into overtime and then Michelle Snow fired from downtown to force the second extra term. Finally Halcon notched 17 points in the second extra frame and celebrated an outstading victory to claim the quarterfinal birth. Michelle Snow led the way with 23 points and 14 rebounds. Ann Wauters had 21 points and 8 boards for CSKA in a painful defeat.

MKB Eurol. - Wisla Can-Pak 79-70
MKB Euroleasing were well in control of their own Euroleague fate as they posted a comfortable win over Wisla in the third decisive game of the eighth-final playoff series. Amber Holt and Dora Horti notched 16 points each to lead the way for the Hungarian team. Jelena Milovanovic added 15 points for the winners. Candice Dupree responded with game-high 24 points and 12 boards for Wisla as they went packing after this one.

Fenerbahce - Lotos PKO BP 79-76
Fenerbahce eked out a dramatic overtime win over Lotos to advance to the Euroleague quarterfinal. Tuncluer first sent the game into the extra period draining a three-pointer with 15 seconds left in regulation. Katie Smith came up for the Turkish champions in the dying seconds of the overtime pouring in four free throws and bringing the hosts to a thrilling victory. Tammy Sutton-Brown stepped up with 28 points and 11 boards for Fenerbahce. Nevriye Yilmaz had 17 points and 9 boards for the winners. Tamika Catchings responded with 26 points and 8 rebounds for Lotos. Alana Beard netted 22 points in defeat.

Bourges - Gambrinus 67-62
A trademark defensive effort from Bourges proved too much for Gambrinus as they lost the decisive battle in the eighth-final series in France. Celine Dumerc stepped up with 23 points for Bourges. Katarina Manic delivered 17 points off the bench as the French team entered the quarterfinal stage. Zuzana Zirkova replied with 19 points and 6 boards for Gambrinus in the loss.

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LATVIA - Women

Standings - LSBL

LSBL Standings

1. TTT Riga	20-0
2. Cesis	16-2
3. TTT Jun.	14-5
4. Turiba/K.	8-11
5. RTU-Merks	8-11
6. Liepajas met.	7-11
7. SK Riga	3-18
8. DU/Swedbank	1-19

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LITHUANIA - Women

Standings - LMKL

LMKL Standings

1. TEO Vilnius	18-0
2. Arvi	16-3
3. Lemminkain.	13-6
4. Laisve	11-8
5. Aistes-Atletas	8-10
6. Ruta Siauliai	5-14
7. Egle Panev.	3-16
8. Alytus	1-18

TEO beat Arvi to remain undefeated - by Eurobasket News
TEO accounted for Arvi in Round 20 to keep the perfect record in LMKL. The teams met in Marijampole and the hosts were eager to trim the distance to the league leaders. Arvi played flawlessly in the opening term piling up a 5-point lead into the first intermission. TEO however picked up the tempo in the second term. They put a block on Arvis offensive efforts and raced ahead. Led by all-around performance from Crystal Langhorne (188-F/C-86, college: Maryland) TEO edged in front 32:25 at halftime.
Arvi came up resistant in the third period as they outscored the visitors 13:11 and entered the fourth quarter trailing by 5 points. But TEO kept the home team at bay and secured a tough 61:56 victory at the end. Crystal Langhorne stepped up with 17 points and 11 rebounds for TEO. Ausra Bimbaite (179-G-82) had 11 points and 7 boards for the winners. Lizanne Murphy (185-F-84, college: Hofstra) answered with 20 points and 12 boards for Arvi. Alla Murauskaya (185-F-85) and Vaida Pacauskiene (176-G-79) delivered 10 points each in the losing case.
Lemminkainen overpowered Alytus 87:47 at home court to improve at 13-6 record. Lemminkainen scorched 55 points in the first half and cleared off to an unassailable 38-point distance at the interval. The hosts cruised to the win in the second half. Marina Solopova (180-G/F-90) scored 17 points for Lemminkainen. Egle Zygelyte (166-G-84) contributed 15 points and dished out 6 assists for the home team. Ieva Preskienyte (193-C-93) dropped 17 points and grabbed 9 boards for Alytus in defeat.

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MONTENEGRO - Women

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NCAA1 - Women

No. 2 Oklahoma denies Pat Summitt 1,000th victory - by Eurobasket News
Pat Summitt walked off the court still stuck on 999 wins. Courtney Paris (6'4''-C-87) bounded away with tears of joy despite her remarkable double-double streak coming to an end.
Paris had gotten a double-double in an NCAA-record 112 straight games before coming up just short against No. 15 Tennessee. Whitney Hand matched her career high with 20 points to help second-ranked Oklahoma beat the Lady Vols 80-70 on Monday night for the Sooners' 15th straight victory.

Summitt will be stuck on 999 until at least Thursday night, when the Lady Vols host Georgia.

'I'm not concerned about a number for me,' Summitt said. 'I'm concerned about this basketball team investing in our system and not picking and choosing when they want to play hard.'

Paris finished with nine points and 12 rebounds marking the first time in more than 1,000 days she had failed to reach double figures in both categories. This was the first game in her college career that Paris didn't score at least 10 points.

She got a standing ovation when she fouled out with 38.2 seconds left. She walked to the bench with both arms raised and wiped away tears as she waved to a standing crowd before taking a seat on the Sooners' bench.

'I'm sorry if I cry because I'm a crybaby. I came here and I wanted to win a national championship,' Paris said, wiping away tears. 'In the midst of it, I've gotten this streak, I've had scoring records, I've did all these other things.

'And tonight, I wish I would have played better but I realized we have all the tools we need to do what I really wanted to do. It's just overwhelming.'

It was the end of an unbelievable run that started in December of her freshman year and only the fourth time in Paris' 121 career games that she didn't reach at least 10 points and 10 rebounds. By comparison, the longest streak in men's basketball was 40 in a row by North Carolina's Billy Cunningham back in the 1960s.

'It had to end sometime, and if it ends tonight, it does. It's still the most remarkable streak in the history of college basketball,' Sooners coach Sherri Coale said.

Paris' teammates had plenty of fight to get the win anyway and, just as notably, prevent Summitt from getting it. It was Oklahoma's first win in four tries against the vaunted Lady Vols.

In the 35th year of her storied stay at Tennessee, Summitt was trying to become the first major college coach to reach 1,000 victories. And there were times early when it looked like she'd get there. But she was left glaring in silence at her team after calling timeout following Whitney Hand's steal and fast-break layup that closed an 11-2 Sooners run that put Oklahoma ahead 57-46 with 13:10 to play. When she finally broke her silence, her instructions came in brief bursts.

By then, her Lady Vols had already blown a 15-point lead and were threatening to get run out of the game entirely.

'We are a long way from being a 40-minute team,' Summitt said.

She could only stem the tide for so long.

A few minutes later, Hand nailed her fourth three-pointer of the game during a run of nine straight points for the Sooners. Danielle Robinson's fast-break layup pushed the lead to 72-54 and forced Summitt to burn her final timeout with 5:53 left. And it was too late to do enough damage after that.

Hand ended up matching her career-best with 20 points, Ashley Paris (6'3''-F-87) Courtney's twin sister scored 19, and Robinson had 17 points and 12 assists. The Sooners shot 53% and forced 24 turnovers, 14 in the second half, on their way to a 15th straight win.

Shekinna Stricklen scored 19 to lead the Lady Vols (16-5). Glory Johnson added 12 and Vicki Baugh 11. Baugh had to be helped off of the court in the closing minutes and Summitt said she didn't expect to know her injury status until the team got back to Tennessee.

The crowd started chanting 'Courtney! Courtney!' as Oklahoma (19-2) tried to pound the ball in to Paris to extend her streak. But she turned it over twice under the basket and also missed a reverse layup in the final 2 minutes, and then had to leave early.

She still was able to celebrate, though, bouncing off the court after a postgame interview.

Stricklen scored 10 points during an early 16-0 surge by Tennessee, prompting Summitt to clap her hands and shout encouragement to Stricklen after her second three-pointer during the stretch. But soon enough, her trademark scowl was back and her arms were folded right over left just as they had been most of the game, and even when the Lady Vols lineup was being introduced before the game.

Coale gambled by putting Courtney Paris back in with two fouls, and it paid off perfectly. She set a screen to clear Nyeshia Stevenson for a three-pointer from the left corner, and Oklahoma wiped out its 15-point deficit with a 19-0 run completed by Ashley Paris' two free throws that put Oklahoma up 37-33.

Afterward, Ashley Paris cried, too, that her sister's streak was over. She shed 30 pounds in the offseason and said she's trying her best just to get four double-doubles in a row and 'we share the same DNA.'

'I know how hard it is to do that, and I'm so proud. And I'm proud to have it on my last name,' Ashley Paris said. 'It's tough, it's hard, and it's just unbelievable what she has done.'

Courtesy of The USA today (http://www.usatoday.com)

No. 1 Connecticut outplays Rutgers 75-56 - by Eurobasket News
For the past few seasons Rutgers has been the one Big East opponent to give Connecticut fits.

Now the Scarlet Knights are just another blowout win for the top-ranked Huskies.

Maya Moore scored 24 points and Kalana Greene added a season-high 17 to help Connecticut beat Rutgers 75-56 on Tuesday night.

'I said going into the game it's going to be played like a Big East final no matter what their record is and our record is,' Connecticut coach Geno Auriemma said.

Connecticut (22-0, 8-0 Big East) has run over its opponents winning by an average of 33 points. The Huskies have blown out No. 2 Oklahoma, dismantled then-No. 2 North Carolina, and routed No. 5 Louisville. No team has come within single digits of UConn.

UConn is 22-0 for the first time since 2002-03 when the Huskies won their first 31 games before losing to Villanova in the Big East tournament. Connecticut was 21-0 last season before falling to Rutgers on Feb. 5. It was the Huskies' lone blemish before falling to Stanford in the Final Four.

Epiphanny Prince scored 19 points and Khadijah Rushdan added a career-high 18 to lead Rutgers (12-8, 4-5), which has five conference losses for the first time since 2003-04.

'We're not that good right now,' Rutgers coach C. Vivian Stringer said. 'We need to work hard. For us to be able to compete we have to pay attention to the little things.'

Rutgers has been the one team in the Big East to cause Connecticut problems over the last few seasons, splitting the last 10 meetings. UConn has won 56 consecutive conference games against opponents other than Rutgers.

The Scarlet Knights won the conference's regular-season title in 2006, the tournament championship in 2007, and split with UConn in the two regular-season games last season.

Rutgers was beating Connecticut by 14 points in the NCAA regional finals last year before falling apart.

This season the Scarlet Knights have struggled for consistency. They fell out of the Top 25 last week for the first time in two years. Four days after easily handling then-No. 17 Notre Dame, Rutgers lost to lowly South Florida.

Rutgers gave UConn all it could handle until the Huskies opened the second half with a 14-4 run to take control.

'It was back and forth there for a minute and then we just kind of took it away,' said Moore, who added 10 rebounds for her 11th double-double of the season. 'You've got to be patient. You can't get anxious or frustrated. Get stops and rebounds and then go to the other end.'

Tiffany Hayes hit two 3-pointers, the second of which bounced high off the rim before dropping in, to extend the lead to 44-30. Renee Montgomery (5'7''-G-86) capped the spurt with a jumper in the lane that made it 48-32.

'The first five minutes of the second half set the tone for the entire second half,' Montgomery said. 'We got a lot of quick buckets, our defense got a lot steals, that just set the tone for the rest of the half.'

Rutgers could get no closer than 14 points the rest of the game as the lead ballooned to as many as 20.

Montgomery finished with 15 points and Hayes added 13 for the Huskies, who have won 30 consecutive regular-season games.

UConn took an 11-point lead midway through the first half and was poised for another early blowout as Montgomery scored seven points in a row -- the last two on a floater down the lane that made it 22-11.

But the Scarlet Knights stormed right back behind center Kia Vaughn. She scored eight points as Rutgers went on an 11-0 run to tie the game at 22. Vaughn hadn't started the last three games as Stringer was disappointed with her inconsistent play all season.

She played an inspired first half coming off the bench, igniting the burst with a sweeping drive from the foul line and capped it with a layup.

'Kia stepped up big time,' Prince said. 'She started hitting her shots and I think that's going to be good for our confidence level.'

Connecticut was held scoreless for nearly five minutes until Montgomery hit a baseline jumper to end the drought.

UConn took a 34-28 halftime lead. It matched the Huskies' lowest first half total of the season.

'We kind of struggled in the first half after we got a little bit of a lead,' Auriemma said. 'They aren't easy to play against.'

Connecticut leads the series 23-6, including 14-1 at home.

Courtesy of The CBSS (http://www.cbssports.com)

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NCAA2 - Women

No. 16 Central Oklahoma escapes Texas - by Eurobasket News
Mallory Markus hit one of two free throws with 17.8 seconds left to give Central Oklahoma a 71-70 lead and the No. 16-ranked Bronchos held on for a tough Lone Star Conference North Division triumph over Texas Womans Monday, February 2.

Markus was fouled rebounding a TWU miss and the senior made the second charity toss to break a 70-70 deadlock.

The Pioneers had a chance at the end, but Jessica Durr missed an eight-foot jumper with four seconds remaining and time expired during a wild scramble for the rebound as UCO survived the upset bid.

It was the sixth straight win for the Bronchos, who improved to 16-3 overall and 6-0 in the LSC North. TWU fell to 10-9 and 1-5 with its fifth consecutive loss.

It wasnt pretty, but we pulled one out, said UCO coach Guy Hardaker, whose team hosts second-place Northeastern State Wednesday. We played pretty well for stretches, particularly in the first half, but we made a ton of mistakes and were fortunate to get out of here with a win.

The Bronchos overcame a 66-61 deficit down the stretch as TWU missed eight of its last nine shots of the contest. Traci Murphree made two free throws and pulled down two crucial rebounds in an 8-0 run that gave UCO a 69-66 lead after a Cristina Yarbrough layup with 2:10 left to play.

The Pioneers got two free throws at 2:06 to make it 69-68 and then Ashley Beckley made one of two foul shots for a 70-68 UCO lead at 1:26. TWU tied it on Durrs layup with 1:05 remaining and it stayed that way until Markus game-winner.

Yarbrough led the Bronchos with 17 points and seven assists as one of four players in double figures. Markus finished with 12 points and five assists, while Lizzie Brenner had 10 points, eight rebounds and four blocks and Krista Beaty 10 points and five boards.

The Bronchos couldnt get untracked to start the second half, missing nine of their first 10 shots and turning the ball over nine times as TWU turned a 43-37 deficit into a 52-49 lead

Brenner broke a long drought with a layup at the 10:15 mark to make it 52-51, but TWU back with a 6-0 run to seize its biggest lead at 57-51 with 9:32 to play. Beckleys inside bucket and a Beaty steal and driving layup pulled UCO within 59-57 at 8:40, with the Pioneers going ahead 64-59 with 6:56 remaining and it was 66-61 at 5:55.

UCO shot a sizzling 65 percent (17-of-26) in the opening half, but was plagued by 14 turnovers in taking a six-point lead (43-37) into the break.

The game was tied at 9-all before Beaty put the Bronchos in front with a layup and UCO surged to a 27-15 advantage at the 8:12 mark on a Yarbrough layup following a Courtney Allen steal.

It was still a 12-point cushion at 32-20 following Markus conventional three-point play with 5:31 remaining and UCO was up 11 (39-28) after Rose Andersons 3-pointer from the top of the key at 2:30, but the Pioneers closed the half with a 9-4 run to get within six.

Courtesy of Central Oklahoma

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SLOVENIA - Women

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SWEDEN - Women

Solna Vikings keep the top in Damligan - by Eurobasket News
Solna Vikings - Sundsvall Saints 79-66

The Solna Vikings succeeded to forget road loss against the Lulea BBK outplaying the Sundsvall Saints at home 79-66. It was the last game of Round 17 meaning that the Vikings again jumped on top of Damligan with 15-2 record. Above mentioned Lulea BBK remains on the second place with 14-2. This time Jannie Nasstrom (173-G-78) was a key player for Solna nailing 19 points. Jurgita Kausaite (178-G/F-70, college: Emporia St.) and Katarina Andersson helped the winners netting 13 points each. Barbora Fabianova (182-F-82, agency: LBM Management, college: Youngstown St.), as well as Michaela Livijn (184-C-81), added 10 pts. The Saints got 22 points from Anna Hoglund (178-G-82). Vera Janjic (178-G-82, agency: Global Sports Plaza) stopped on 15.
Solna was a better team from the beginning. Jannie Nasstrom and her teammates ended the first ten minutes with 27-21 lead. The Saints slightly improved after that, but not enough for any better than 43-36 at the half time. Third stanza was the crucial one. The Vikings intensified defense and at the same time were very productive at the offensive end. Everything results with unreachable plus 15 with 10 minutes left and no chance for the guests until the end. In the next round Solna Vikings will take on 08 Stockholm on the road. It will be very important game for both teams. The Saints will host Brahe.

Solna Vikings: Jannie Nasstrom 19, Jurgita Kausaite 13, Katarina Andersson 13, Barbora Fabianova 10, Michaela Livijn 10
Sundsvall Saints: Anna Hoglund 22, Vera Janjic 15

Standings - Damligan

Damligan Standings

1. Solna Vikings	15-2
2. Lulea BBK	14-2
3. 08	14-3
4. Telge Energi	13-2
5. Visby	9-8
6. Norrkoping	8-8
7. Sundsvall	7-10
8. Marbo Basket	7-10
9. Jamtland	6-9
10. Brahe	3-13
11. Umea	1-15
12. Eskinstuna	1-16

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WBCBL - Women

NEW TORONTO TEAM TO BEGIN PLAY THIS SPRING - by Willie McCray
Toronto, Ontario

Slan Sports Management is pleased to announce the founding of the Toronto Stealth, a team comprised of eastern Canadas top young female basketball players. This is the first Canadian expansion team of the Womens Blue Chip Basketball League (WBCBL), a semi-professional basketball league based out of Texas. The Stealths first home game will be played at Ryerson University on May 16, 2009 at 7pm.

In partnership with Ryerson University and The Bishop Strachan School in Toronto, the Stealth aim to develop and showcase Canadas top young female athletes to further their post-graduate basketball careers.

Ryerson University is happy to be the new home of the Toronto Stealth, said Ivan Joseph, Director of Athletics at Ryerson University. We are proud of our basketball tradition here on campus and we look forward to hosting this exciting and growing professional league at the Kerr Hall Gymnasium.

We are pleased to support an organization that promotes excellence in womens sport, says Kim Gordon, Head of The Bishop Strachan School, where practices will be held. If we can be one of the venues that showcases the talent and ambition of these outstanding young female athletes, were honoured.

The WBCBL has operated since 2005 and will feature over 40 teams for the 2009 season. Teams play a 10 game regular season schedule over an eleven-week period, competing with teams in their region. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

While the teams in the league attract players from the NCAA, NWBL, and WNBA as well as players from international leagues, the Toronto Stealth will draw players primarily from Canadian universities and college teams.

In addition, the WBCBL has built a networking relationship with professional international basketball scouts and agents to broaden the possibility of higher-level professional positions being offered. The league has already been the stepping-stone for numerous players on European teams, and constantly fields requests from scouts.

The Toronto Stealth will play their home games on Saturday evenings at Ryerson University in downtown Toronto and will make their home debut May 16, 2009. The WBCBL schedule will be announced mid-February.

For more information about the Toronto Stealth, please contact:

Matt Slan
Slan Sports Management
office: 416-219-4946
email: matt@slansportsmanagement.com
website: www.slansportsmanagement.com

Savannah Signs 5 Players - by Willie McCray
Savannah, GA

The Savannah Lady Warriors held their second round of tryouts on Saturday for the upcoming WBCBL 2009 Season.

The Lady Warriors picked up 5 strong players:

Tamara Bowie (61 Guard/Forward - Ball State University) Former WNBA with the Washington Mystics, also played professionally in Israel, Greece and Tel-Aviv..... Latoya Mack (56 Point Guard - Anderson College) from Beaufort, SC was the 2005 AAAA State Player of the Year...... Chassidy Jones (59 Guard/Forward - Northwestern State University) from Lafayette, LA. Jones played professionally in Ireland and Romania......Toni Jones (59 Combo Guard - Golden Beacon College) from Lewis, Delaware, Gator Player of the Year......Shayla Smith (57 Point Guard - University of Central Florida) from Camden County, GA

Head Coach Curtis Foster states, This has been one of our best tryouts yet.

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WNBA - Women

Sparks center Lisa Leslie to retire after 2009 season! - by Eurobasket News
Sparks center Lisa Leslie (6'5''-C-72, college: USC) is expected to announce that she will retire after this season at a news conference scheduled for Wednesday morning, according to sources.

Leslie, 36, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and three-time WNBA most valuable player, has spent virtually her entire personal and professional life in Los Angeles. She began her career at Morningside High in Inglewood, where she famously scored 101 points in one half during a 1990 game. Later that year, Leslie moved on to USC, where she was a three-time All-American and National Player of the Year in 1994.

In 1997, Leslie became the cornerstone of the Los Angeles Sparks and the WNBA. She led the Sparks to WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002.

The next year, she became the first woman to dunk a basketball in a WNBA.

In 2007, she took the season off to give birth to her first child, but returned to the court the following year and teamed with Candace Parker to lead the Sparks to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to San Antonio.

The WNBA season begins in June.

Courtesy of http://www.dailynews.com

Atlanta Dream releases leading scorer Betty Lennox - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Dream waived guard Betty Lennox (5'8''-G-76, college: Louisiana Tech), its leading scorer from a year ago, Tuesday.

With the new WNBA restrictions capping rosters at 11, and the Dream acquiring Chamique Holdsclaw, who announced she was coming out of retirement, they needed some flexibility under the salary cap. Lennox had been among Atlantas highest paid players a year ago.

The Dream are expected to announce another high profile free agent signing in the coming weeks.

We really appreciate what Betty contributed to this franchise in our inaugural season and we wish her the best, Dream General Manager and Head Coach Marynell Meadors said in a statement. We hate to see her go, but really we needed to address our experience and strength at the small forward and center positions.

Lennox, a nine-year veteran, was acquired from Seattle in the expansion draft last year. She averaged 17.5 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game, starting 33 of 34 games for the Dream. The Dream finished its inaugural season 4-30.

Courtesy of http://www.ajc.com

Chen Nan- China's Newest Star - by Alex Yam
Chen Nan #15 (China Olympic Team) #15 (BaYi Stationery)
Born: Sep 12, 19Born: Jan 08, 1983

Height: 6-5 / 1.96

Weight: 180 lbs / 82 kg

CBA Team : BaYi Stationery

Hometown: QingDao, Shang Dong

Years Pro: 7 (WCBA Rookie at age 18; China National Team at age 16)

Chen Nan plays for BaYi Stationery in the WCBA.She has great size at 6'5 with a decent frame for her position, One of the best players in FIBA, even if shes still young. A huge talent with outstanding physical gifts and versatile skills.

Extremely efficient player who can score with her back to the basket, put the ball on the floor from the high post, play pick and roll, or step out and knock down a mid-range jump-shot.

She is at her best facing the basket and using her athleticism and ball-handling skills to put the ball on the floor, spin off her defender and use either hand to finish creatively in the post.

Defensively shes adequate at the WNBA level, but capable of being much more than that in the International game thanks to her excellent size, fluidity and length.

A solid shot-blocker back in the Stateswith either hand mind you--dont be surprised at all to see her become more of a force here as Chinas starting center.,She averaging 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds(1st)and 1.4 blocks(1st) in the Beijing Olympic games.

This would be a huge addition for a current WNBA team both on the marketing and team aspects, to incorporate a Chinese born player on and off the court. Given the hype that both Yao and Yi have generated in their respective cities, Chen Nan should have several teams knocking on her door.

Honors and Experiences

China NationalTeam 1999- present

4 time WCBA Champion 2002、2003、2004、2008

3 time Asian Champion 2004、2005、2006

Haerbin Team (WCBA) 2001- present

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ZIMBABWE - Women

Cavs-Real Returners...greatest game ever played in the HBA... - by Roderick Takawira
Now everybody knows that when I have to swallow and say I was wrong it normally rains!

On Sunday at 1:30pm when the Kingdom Cavaliers vs Real Returners game was over I should have said Im sorry I was wrong to both Cavaliers women and Real Returners.

I was wrong that the Wonder Women Cavaliers cannot be talked about in the same breadth as basketball..
I was wrong that the Golden Girls Returners cannot be talked about in the same breadth as running basketball.

On Sunday my faith in womens basketball was restored as I watched the Wonder Women of Cavaliers battle the Golden Girls, Real Returners! And what an epic battle this turned out to be. From first whistle Cavaliers served intent that they were not just pretty faces but a team that came to win. But who would have thought Real Returners were going to be running come 39th minute of the game. But I guess I was not wise if I forgot that Returners Chipo Matsika, Jean Mkanda, Beauty Masenda and Chido Gutu were all ex-Zimbabwe National Team players of some repute. Susan Kamukai was in that dreaded Trackers team that ruled Zimbabwean womens basketball for ages. Even the injured Returners players Nobuhle Magava and Anna Mguni all ex-national team players and ex-Highlanders and Varsity Leopards. But Sue proved to be the joker in the pack as she top scored with 15 points and most of them from fastbreaks. Yes I said itfastbreak from Real Returners. Nuff said about the Returners. Lets talk about the best looking women in the leagueCavaliers. Five (5) 3 pointers in the last quarter as they refused to lie down dead. Eastern Lakers boss William Chimuchere was not there to see one of his own Victoria Muzamhindo throw 2 of those 3s. Coach Simba Moondog Nyamariwata (ex-GHS winning-most coach), your very own Sikhangezile Mutibiwa joined Vicky with her own two (2) 3-pointers. Then guess who hit the other 3 for Cavaliers, Chengetai Makawa. I bet her mom Carole never had any sleep being told 20 different version of how she calmly took and sank that 3. Every time Returners made a run, Cavaliers came down and threw a bomb. Eventually it was left to Returners Beauty Masenda to dribble the ball away with 6 seconds left after Mutibiwa had just thrown a 3 to bring Cavaliers within a point. When that game ended I saw Returners jump for joy but I saw too Cavaliers cry in pain. I knew I was wrong. I have a big mouth and all those ladies had just shut me up!
In the womens league Glen Norah Pistons came a cropper as the double defeats by Varsity Leopards and Stanbic Mavericks left them licking their wounds. Coach Forward Mandizadza will have to regroup the troops for the coming games as it should become easier.

HBA Standing 2008-09 Women

MBA Standings

1. Varsity L.	11-0
2. JBC	11-0
3. Mavericks	11-2
4. Raiderz	9-3
5. Returners	7-7
6. Pistons	6-7
7. Kingdom C.	5-8
8. Spurs	3-9
9. Spartans	2-8
10. Stormers	2-9
11. UZ Stars	1-11