Eurobasket Daily News Report:

EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 2/8/2009

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Men News

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ARGENTINA

LigaA Round: 19 (Regular Season, second phase) - by Eurobasket News
Estudiantes - Boca Jrs 90-91
Boca Juniors surprised Estudiantes on the road jumping on 10-10 record in the second phase (39.5 pts in total). On the other side, Estu fell on 10-9 staying on the sixth place with 40 pts. Juan Espil (193-G-68, agency: Interperformances) was a key player for the winners draining 35 points, including 9 triples. Derrick Aalston also shined collecting 23 points and 10 boards. Edward Nelson and Juan Manuel RIvero scored 18 pts each in loss.

Sionista - Gimn.CR 81-90
Road win for Gimnasia CR thanks to Gary Buchanan (191-G-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: Villanova), who came up with 27 points and 8 rebounds. German Sciutto helped with 20 pts and 5 boards. The hosts got 17 pts and 5 rebs from Chuck Robinson.

Libertad - Quimsa 79-92
The fourth ranked Libertad faced with the home loss against Quimsa 79-92. Gabriel Mikulas scored 18, Jonathan Treise 18 and Julio Mazzaro added 17 pts in victory. Esteban Batista replied with double-double for the hosts, 17 points and 10 boards.

Penarol - Ben Hur 89-71
No.3 Penarol didn't have to work very hard in order to beat the last ranked Ben Hur 89-71. Roman Gonzalez (211-C-78, agency: HM Sports Agency) led the scorers in victory with 19 points. He also had 8 rebounds beside that. Ben Hur got 18 pts from Tiago De Souza.

Independ.N. - Quilmes MP 98-83
Independiente remains on the second place in Liga A after home win vs Quilmes MP. As usual, Cedric Moodie (187-G-78, college: Indianapolis) stepped up for the hosts with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Jefferson Agba had 19 and Agustin Carabajal stopped on 16 pts. Jazwin Cowan and Pablo Gil combined 40 pts in defeat.

Regatas C. - El Nacional 76-73
Luis Cequeira and Sebastian Acosta netted 16 pts each, while Ramzee Stanton contributed in victory with 11 pts. Ralphy Holmes registered 21 points and 6 boards for El Nacional. Regatas now has 7-11 score in the second phase.

Cicl.Olimpico - Atenas 82-79
Powerful Atenas improved on 12-7 after nice road win against Ciclista Olimpico. Atenas remains on top of Liga A with 44.5 pts. Leonardo Gutierrez (200-F-78) scored 18, Juan Locatelli 11, while Andre Laws and Djibril Kante had 10 points apiece. Diego Cavaco stepped up for the hosts with 20 points and 7 rebounds.

Lanus - Obras 81-86
9-10 for Obras and 6-13 for Lanus in the second phase. Erron Maxey (198-F-78, college: Providence) was the best player in the winning squad netting 20 points. Jon Smith registered double-double in defeat, 19 points and 13 rebounds.

Liga A round 19 highlights - by Facundo Iatzky
game of the round: Bb Estudiantes 90- Boca Jrs 91
Little by little, Boca jrs is recovering their good level. they got one of the most important victories of the league winning in a difficult stadium. Juan Espil (193-G-68, agency: Interperformances) was outstanding.

Player of the round:
Juan Espil 35 pts 9/14 3p 4 as

Best 5:
Juan Espil
Gary Buchanan (191-G-80, agency: CAA Sports, college: Villanova)
Diego Cavaco (202-F-79)
Jon Smith (203-F-82, college: Bowie St.)
Derrick Alston (208-C/F-72, agency: Priority Sports, college: Duquesne)

second team:
Cedric Moodie
Jazwin Cowan
Edgard Nelson
Roman Gonzalez
Djibril Kante

points:
Juan Espil 35
Gary Buchanan 27
Derrick Alston 23
Jazwin Cowan 21
Ralph Holmes 21

Rebounds:
Federico Kammerichs (203-F-80) 13
Jon Smith 13
Derrick Alston 10
Esteban Batista 10
Jazwin Cowan 9

Assists:
Pedro Franco (187-G-81) 9
Pablo Sebastian Rodriguez 8
Juan Pablo Figueroa 7
Juan Pablo Cantero 6
Agustin Carabajal 6

Standings - LigaA

LigaA Standings

1. Atenas	43-6
2. Independ.N.	40-5
3. Gimn.CR	39-5
4. Libertad	39-6
5. Penarol	38-0
6. Estudiantes	38-1
7. Cicl.Olimpico	38-5
8. Obras	36-0
9. Boca Jrs	36-5
10. Quilmes MP	36-6
11. Sionista	36-6
12. Regatas C.	35-0
13. El Nacional	35-6
14. Lanus	33-1
15. Quimsa	33-5
16. Ben Hur	29-6

Stats Leaders - LigaA

Points Per Game

Federico MARIN
  Independ.N.
  (199-G/F-82)
  Avg: 13.6

1. Nelson, Estudiantes	20.8
2. Moodie, Independ.	20.4
3. Jackson, Penarol	18.3
4. Mazzaro, Quimsa	18.3
5. Robinson, Sionista	17.8
6. Taylor, Lanus	17.5
7. Assie, Independ.N.	17.2
8. Glover, Cicl.Olimpico	16.3
9. Gomez, El Nacional	16.2
10. Osborne, Libert.	15.9

Rebounds Per Game

Roberto LOPEZ
  Regatas C.
  (199-F/C-76)
  Avg: 6

1. Kammerichs, Regat.	10.7
2. Williams, Cicl.Oli.	8.8
3. Assie, Independ.N.	8.7
4. Nelson, Estudiantes	7.9
5. Levy, Estudiantes	7.7
6. Cowan, Quilmes MP	7.2
7. Taylor, Lanus	7.2
8. Gomez, El Nacional	7.2
9. Borrell, Obras	7.0
10. Mikulas, Quim.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Diego ALBA
  Gimn.CR
  (186-G-81)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Salles, Quilmes MP	4.8
2. Rodriguez, Penarol	4.3
3. Treise, Quimsa	4.0
4. Franco, Estudiantes	3.8
5. Cantero, Sionista	3.7
6. Jones, Cicl.Olimpico	3.2
7. Titarelli, Obras	3.2
8. La Bella, Estudiantes	3.1
9. Olmedo, Lanus	3.0
10. Montecchia, Reg.	2.8

Steals Per Game

Raymundo LEGARIA
  Boca Jrs
  (178-G-80)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Johnson, Boca Jrs	6.7
2. Assie, Independ.N.	2.6
3. Marin, Independ.N.	2.4
4. Moodie, Independ.	2.3
5. Casini, Boca Jrs	2.0
6. Aguirre, Boca Jrs	2.0
7. Treise, Quimsa	1.9
8. Sciutto, Gimn.CR	1.8
9. Bortz, Boca Jrs	1.8
10. Glover, Cicl.Olimpi.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Djibril KANTE
  Atenas
  (201-C-80)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Smith, Quimsa	1.9
2. Bortz, Boca Jrs	1.9
3. Miller, Quimsa	1.9
4. Allen, Quimsa	1.8
5. Moore, El Nacional	1.6
6. Smith, Lanus	1.4
7. Kammerichs, Regat.	1.3
8. Williams, Cicl.Oli.	1.0
9. Assie, Independ.N.	1.0
10. Gonzalez, Penar.	0.9

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AUSTRALIA

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Martin CATTALINI
  Taipans
  (202-F-73)
  Avg: 14.3

1. Penney, Breakers	25.9
2. Ere, Tigers	22.9
3. Whitehead, Blaze	21.7
4. Franklin, Hawks	19.6
5. Harvey, Blaze	19.2
6. Knight, Spirit	18.8
7. Tragardh, Hawks	18.6
8. Redhage, Wildcats	18.6
9. Ballinger, 36ers	18.1
10. Ellis, Crocodil.	17.4

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Whitehead, Blaze	13.8
2. Anstey, Tigers	10.1
3. Schenscher, 36ers	9.9
4. Ellis, Crocodiles	9.6
5. Saville, Hawks	9.1
6. Redhage, Wildcats	8.4
7. Rickert, Breakers	8.0
8. Crosswhite, Taipa.	8.0
9. Ballinger, 36ers	7.9
10. Gruber, Spir.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Brad DAVIDSON
  36ers
  (182-G-74)
  Avg: 3

1. Crosswell, Tigers	5.3
2. Heal, Blaze	5.0
3. Henare, Breakers	4.6
4. Bruce, 36ers	4.5
5. Williams, Crocodiles	4.4
6. Saville, Hawks	4.4
7. Franklin, Hawks	4.3
8. Dann, Spirit	4.0
9. Maher, 36ers	4.0
10. Hinson, Wildca.	4.0

Steals Per Game

Adam GIBSON
  Dragons
  (188-G-86)
  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

Peter CRAWFORD
  Wildcats
  (193-G-79)
  Avg: 0.6

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

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

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

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BELIZE

Tiger Sharks Win Game One!!! - by David Magana
In a very exciting ball game this past Thursday night at the UB Gym, the Tiger Sharks defeated the UB Black Jaguars 72-63. The University dominated the first half of the game, to a point that they had the Tiger Sharks down by fifteen points. Nevertheless, the Tiger Sharks are no strangers to finals and were able to use the most of their experience and talented players to make the comeback and beat the young boys. The Tiger Sharks out-rebounded the Jaguars and were more effective on their shooting attempts. The Black Jaguars committed many innocent mistakes and in the last two quarters gave up points. With the loss, the Black Jaguars have their back against the wall and with a most win situation if they still want to win the title. Game two of the series will be played this Saturday at 8.00 p.m., UB Gym, this game promises to be even better than the first one. So, Garden City fans if you dont have a date tonight you know where the action will be.

For the winning team, Kurt Burgess (-F/C) and Keith Acosta (193-G/F-76, college: Tex.A&M-Comm.) had double doubles, 22 pts, 17 rebs, 2 blocks while Acosta 21 pts, 12 rebs and 2 blocks. In a losing effort, Stephen Williams (188-G-83) ended with 15 pts, 7 rebs, 1 block, while Travis Lennon (193-G/F-89) 13 pts.

BECOL Basketbball 2009 Tournament kicks off - by David Magana
BECOL Basketbbaall 2009 Tournament kicked off Tyesturday 6th February at the Falcon Field in San Ignacio Town
Open Ceremonies commenced at 7 pm. Two Games were Scheduled for the night.
Game 1: (U-21) Sacred Heart College vs Hard Time Hustlers
Game 2: (Seniors) Unitedville Invaders vs Creepers

Saturday 7th February sees 3 games for the night. First Game starts at 6:30 pm
Game 1: (U-18) Sacred Heart College vs Mount Carmel High School
Game 2: (U-20) Westside from Benque vs Hydro
Game 3: (35 and over) Belmopan Bandits vs Belize Bank Veterans

All teams are required to Show up for the Opening Ceremonies

Elvis (Tigre) Usher
President (SSBA - San Ignacio/Santa Elena Basketball Association)

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BOSNIA

Standings - D2 Leagues

D2 Leagues Standings

A1 League
1. Brcko	5-0
2. Celik	5-0
3. Triland	4-1
4. Vogosca	3-2
5. Play Off	3-2
6. Bihac	2-3
7. Kakanj	2-3
8. Student T.	2-3
9. Limometal	2-3
10. Trica	1-4
11. Lukavac	1-4
12. Velpak	0-5
D1 Srpska Liga
1. Sutjeska	13-1
2. Bratunac	10-4
3. Gacko	10-4
4. Radnik B.	9-4
5. Prijedor	9-5
6. Varda	6-7
7. Glasinac	6-7
8. Wolf Security	5-8
9. Rudar	5-9
10. Bijeljina	3-10
11. Mladost 76	3-11
12. Radivoje Kor.	2-11
Herceg-Bosne
1. Livno	0-0
2. Tomislav	0-0
3. Ljubuski	0-0
4. Rama	0-0
5. Odzak	0-0
6. Brotnjo Citluk	0-0
7. Siroki II	0-0
8. Zrinjski II	0-0
9. Busovaca	0-0
10. Capljina	0-0

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BRAZIL

Universo/BRB win Liga Americas Final Four opener - by Eurobasket News
Universo/BRB - Pitagoras/Minas 90:80

Universo/BRB got to a winning start of the Liga Americas Final Four. Yesterday they defeated their rivals Minas in Xalapa in the first round of the contest. Four teams are scheduled to play in round-robin format to decide on the tournaments winner.
Universo/BRB were aggressive out of the blocks as they ran away to a 9-point distance early in the game. Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) and Arthur Luiz Belchior (200-G/F-82) secured a 20:12 advantage for Universo after the opening term. However Minas came back to life in the second period as their long-range artillery started to fire up. They knocked down six straight points at the beginning of the quarter to cut the distance and looked consistent throughout the frame to trail by just 2 points at the interval.
Valtinho Silva and Marcio Cipriano (201-C-79) hit backt-to-back trebles at the start of the second half as Universo cleared off again. But Minas would not go away and soon they tied the score at 47. Luiz Felipe Campos (191-G-80, college: BYU) drained a three-pointer as Minas surged ahead. They completed the third frame ahead by a single point 62:61. Minas stretched the margin to 4 points early in the final stanza before Universo/BRB took over for good. Alexandre Garcia (191-G-80, agency: Interperformances), Luiz Arthur Belchior and Diego Pinheiro (196-F/G-80) pushed Universo/BRB back in charge and they never gave up the lead.
Valtinho Silva scored 22 points to lead Universo/BRB. Diego Pinheiro added 16 points, while Arthur Luiz Belchior secured 15 points in the win. Joseph Shipp (197-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: California) pitched in 18 points for Minas. Luiz Felipe Campos banked 14 points in defeat.

Universo/BRB: Valtinho Silva 22, Diego Pinheiro 16, Arthur Luiz Belchior 15
Pitagoras/Minas: Joseph Shipp 18, Luiz Felipe Campos 14

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BULGARIA

CSKA: Game over, "criminals"! - by Vladi Lazarova

One of the most successful sports clubs in Bulgarian history CSKA, is already a history for Bulgarian Men's basketball. At least for this season. The game for 'The Reds' is over. Nobody knows for how long. They will not continue in the 2nd half of the National basketball league. Yeterday the team didnt appear on the court against Vidin in their 1st Round game for the National Cup. An hour before the game, the president of CSKA Georgious Joanni Sterianopoulos announced he decided to stop his First team from all official competitions the championship and the National Cup of Bulgaria.
The 'Red' boss brought a premeditated record note with his written reasons for that kind of shocking reaction in the office of Bulgarian basketball federation. All of them fit perfectly for a bad scenario of a cheap thriller production with third-rate actors. But none of them had basketball matter. And more: none of them were really authentic...
Sterianopoulos and his right hand in CSKA Branislav Prelevic blamed Bulgarian country for every single possible crime on the planet: from death threats for both of them, scary attempts of abduction and kidnapping by daylight to one of their secretaries, bringing her under protest in a Bank in Sofia. Sterianopoulos told the press, that in this moment the girl had in her purse his credit card! Another crazy story from his mouth was again with his female secretary in the main role. The Greek businessman from Interlogic company claimed that the same woman was attacked in front of the doors of 'Hristo Botev' hall in the Bulgarian capital, when she was bringing in her bag all the salaries for the players. And who knows why, but no matter it was by daylight again, nobody saw that criminal deed
Strange, because in Greek embassy and in Serbian embassy nobody even heard since yesterday, that Mr Sterianopoulos and Mr Prelevic are in danger. Because none of them called to ask for protection. Not just in their National embassies in Sofia, but even in any police station in the city. And the poor girl - their secretary, who was attacked not once, but twice She didnt show her face, or her nose anywhere in the police
And in fact the truth is so simple and a little bit different.
Mr Georgious Sterianopoulos lost two civil trials in the last 6 months and he is very close to lose another one. He was sued to pay five salaries (January-May 2008) to the former guard of CSKA Ludmil Hadjisotirov (189-G-80, agency: AMI, college: Maine). He was sued to pay four salaries (February-May 2008) to the former captain of 'The Reds' Georgi Davidov (201-C-76) as well. Both players won their cases and Bulgarian supreme court recognized their ex-boss for guilty. In Bulgarian federation there is an official order from an excecutory officer of Bulgarian court. The deposit of 50 000 Bulgarian leva (25 000 euro) of the club for participation in NBL is blocked. And if Sterianopoulos wants CSKA to continue to play, he must show a bank document that he has another 50 000 leva to prove with them that his club is financially stable.
But it is clear CSKA is struggling. Yesterday Sergey Tsvetkov (196-G-88) and Zhivko Stoyanov (197-F-87) dissolved their contracts and signed in different clubs, because they were staying without salaries since November 2008. Two coaches Ivaylo Jelev and Ivan Ganchev left too and with them - all Bulgarian youngsters. They declared that they don't want to play for this president and this sports director anymore. The coaches admitted they worked without money in the last three months and in terrible conditions. They made a huge pressconference at the end of the last week, where they made shocking disclosures.
The ugliest was for the gym.

The president of CSKA signed a contract with Bulgarian National agency for sports (DAMS) to manage and refit 'Bulgarian army' basketball hall, next to the football stadium of CSKA. Sterianopoulos and Prelevic left there more than 80 kids in seven teams, plus the players of their Men's team to practice in a disgusting atmosphere. Without working locker rooms, without electricity, hot water and without working closets and toilets.

The stink of excrements there was stopping the breath far away from the the doors, the stink was hitting you in the face since the moment you step on the inside stairs to the gym...
The kids, who have 35 leva tax each month for playing in CSKA, have been forced to run outside and hide in the bushes to piss... The pictures from this former CSKA hall, turned now in a dirty closet, where once upon a time the team became a champion, went around all newspapers and sports agencies in the country. And the reaction of DAMS didnt late. They started immediately a procedure to take away the gym from Sterianopoulos and Prelevic hands and give it to Bulgarian basketball federation.
Very soon Mr Sterianopoulos will lose another case, he was put in the court by Rosen Barchovski the former head coach of 'The Reds', who was kicked from the team in the middle of November last year, in the same scenario like players Georgi Davidov and Ludmil Hadjisotirov and his assistant coach Toni Detchev.
Yesterday Sterianopoulos declared that he will keep the team, but the team will not play official games, just friendlies abroad. The boss promised he will pay on time salaries to the players and will take care of CSKA young teams. He claimed he has great plans to refit Bulgarian army basketball gym and will invest more than a half million Bulgarian leva there
But before that, Mr Sterianopoulos must pay more than 25 000 euro penalty to Bulgarian basketball federation for restraining his Mens team from the league and the Cup tournament.
And another strange concurrence from today: the official site of the club, where the president and his Serbian director vomited all their crazy stories in the last year and a half stopped working from this afternoon. Maybe somebody started to erased his traces...
But after all they did here to us, if this is their flight, better for us, better for these 80 kids, for Bulgarian basketball name, which is so dirty now, thanks to well known and unknown criminals and thanks to our spare laws.

Game over, Sterianopoulos!
Game over, Prelevic!

And one last word: Why dont you try to do the same in PAOK? To leave their kids without a closet and to push them to play ball in a stinky hole, like Bulgarian army, which you both turned into a bog...

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CHILE

Chileans abroad: Briones is the conference semifinals with Halcones - by Daniel Valencia
Halcones de Cordoba advanced to the conference semifinals after sweeping the series against Bucaneros de Campeche 3-0.

In game 1 (95-87) Patricio Briones (213-C-72, agency: DR. Carlos Sifuentes, college: Dade CC) played 19 minutes and scored 7 points (3/7 fg and 1/2 3pt), with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. In game 2 (121-119) Briones played 17 minutes, scoring 4 points (2/5 fg 0/1 3 pt), grabbing 7 rebound, with 2 assists and 1 block. In game 3 (78-72) the chilean center played 25 minutes, with 6 points (2/8 fg 0/2 3pt 2/2 ft), 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block.

In the conference semifinals Halcones de Cordoba is waiting for the winner of the series between Panteras and Barreteros.

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CHINA

CBA Round: 32 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
TianJin R. - Shaanxi 90-87
Xu Guijun (202-F-80) brought 35 points for Tianjin that edged Shaanxi 90:87. Darryl Watkins collected 21 points and 16 rebounds, while Liu Hao scored 16. Lee Benson had 34 points, 22 rebounds, and 7 assists for Shaanxi.

Shandong - Shanxi Zh. 106-103
Shandong defeated Shanxi Zhongyu 106:103 as Thompson Garnett (207-F/C-80, agency: Strategic Sports, college: Providence) top-scored with 31 points and 13 rebounds and Mack Tuck had 29 points and 14 assists. Tim Pickett had 33 points and 7 rebounds for Zhongyu and Olumide Oyedeji collected 27 points and 22 rebounds.

Xinjiang - Shanghai 117-89
Xinjiang is now 28-4 after a 117:89 easy win over Shanghai. Mendez Juan (202-F-81, college: Niagara) top-scored with 28 points and 11 rebounds. Tate DaJuan (196-G/F-81, college: Mountain St.) led Shanghai with 20 points and 4 rebounds.

Fujian - Guandong 97-104
Guangdong produced a 104:97 win over Fujian to follow Xinjang at 27-5 record. Parker Smush (193-G-81, college: Fordham) top-scored with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals, while Jason Dixon had 24 points and 16 rebounds. Chris Porter ended up with 36 points and 16 rebounds for Fujian.

DongGuan - Bayi 89-80
Dongguan had 89:80 triumph over Bayi as Qiu Biao scored 25 points and a newcomer Underwood Cory (208-F/C-80, agency: David Lee services, college: SUNO) collected 23 points and 12 rebounds. Mo Ke had 24 points and 6 rebounds for Bayi.

Zhejiang G. - Liaoning 105-94
McCoy Jelani (208-F/C-77, college: UCLA) collected 37 points and 16 rebounds, while White Rodney (206-F-80, college: Charlotte) had 36 points and 6 rebounds as Zhejiang Guangsha overcame Liaoning 105:94. Awvee Storey struggled with 39 points and 12 rebounds for Liaoning.

Jiangsu - Yunnan 136-108
Jiangsu smashed Yunnan 136:108 to improve to 26-6 record. Hu Xuefeng (185-G-80) paced all the winnners with 34 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists and 5 steals. Corsley Edwards had 41 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks for Yunnan.

Beijing - Zhejiang C. 106-97
Beijing outscored Zhejiang 106:97. Jones Dontae (202-F-75, college: Mississippi St.) had massive 45 points and 21 rebounds and David Harrison added 31 points and 20 rebounds. Kirk Snyder responded with 36 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for Zhejiang.

Jilin - Qingdao DS 109-94
Jilin edged Qingdao 109:94 behind Leon Roger s 's 38 points and 11 rebounds. Xie Zhongjie had 19 points and 6 rebounds while Liu Mingtao scored 18 points for Qingdao.

Standings - CBA

CBA Standings

1. Xinjiang	28-4
2. Guandong	27-5
3. Jiangsu	26-6
4. Shaanxi	20-12
5. DongGuan	19-13
6. Fujian	17-15
7. Beijing	17-15
8. Shandong	17-15
9. Zhejiang G.	17-15
10. Jilin	16-16
11. Zhejiang C.	15-17
12. Liaoning	15-17
13. Shanxi Zh.	15-17
14. Bayi	14-18
15. TianJin R.	9-23
16. Qingdao DS	8-24
17. Yunnan	4-28
18. Shanghai	4-28

Stats Leaders - CBA

Points Per Game

Biao QIU
  DongGuan
  (200-F-83)
  Avg: 21.7

1. White, Zhejiang G.	34.8
2. Muoneke, Yunnan	34.6
3. Wells, Shanxi Zh.	34.3
4. Rodgers, Jilin	33.3
5. Jones, Beijing	33.1
6. Snyder, Zhejiang C.	31.4
7. Harris, DongGuan	31.4
8. Benson, Shaanxi	31.3
9. Tuck, Shandong	30.1
10. Harvey, Jiang.	29.8

Rebounds Per Game

Brandon ROBINSON
  Shaanxi
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 9.9

1. Oyedeji, Shanxi Zh.	19.6
2. Benson, Shaanxi	18.9
3. Harvey, Jiangsu	15.5
4. Harris, DongGuan	14.9
5. Thompson, Shandong	14.4
6. Jones, Beijing	14.4
7. Watkins, TianJ.	14.0
8. Watkins, Jiangsu	13.8
9. Porter, Fujian	13.2
10. Lauderdale, Sha.	12.9

Assists Per Game

Yong DAI
  Shaanxi
  (186-G-80)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Lu, Fujian	8.9
2. Hu, Jiangsu	7.6
3. Tuck, Shandong	6.2
4. Benson, Shaanxi	6.1
5. Allen, Xinjiang	5.8
6. Li, Qingdao DS	5.5
7. White, Zhejiang G.	5.4
8. Mengke, Xinjiang	5.2
9. Zhang, Liaoning	4.9
10. Smith, Shanxi.	4.7

Steals Per Game

Fangyu ZHU
  Guandong
  (201-F-83)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Lu, Fujian	5.0
2. Williams, Qingd.	4.7
3. Wells, Shanxi Zh.	3.8
4. Allen, Xinjiang	3.6
5. Li, Qingdao DS	3.3
6. Robinson, Shaanxi	3.2
7. Hu, Jiangsu	3.2
8. Tuck, Shandong	2.8
9. Porter, Fujian	2.4
10. Jones, Beiji.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Rodney WHITE
  Zhejiang G.
  (206-F-80)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Closs, Yunnan	4.5
2. Lauderdale, Shand.	3.7
3. Harrison, Beijing	2.4
4. Steyn, Qingdao DS	2.2
5. Thompson, Shandong	2.1
6. Watkins, Jiangsu	2.1
7. Mo, Bayi	2.0
8. Benson, Shaanxi	2.0
9. Edwards, Yunnan	2.0
10. McCaskill, Qin.	1.9

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

CYPRUS

AEL IS BACK! - by Nasios Orinos
The game was a 'one team's show' with AEL proving its dominance once more.

During the first half, and by playing simple basketball, AEL managed to outscore Omonoia with 42-27, with Moujezinovic and Blanchart killing their opponents under the basket. Randojevic did not have to do much, besides adding 9 points, and pulling a few rebounds, to deliver a presence.

AEL's dominance continued in the second half. Dragan Raca had the opportunity to use all his players and to try different drills.

It should be noted that AEL still continues its European games. The team has been pretty much giving two games per week, and wining most them, since October. This has clearly affected the players, especially the front line ones. It was a good move from Dragan's side to give them some rest.

Periods: 17-14, 42-27, 66-45, 91-64

AEL: Liatsos 10 (2), Mitchel 10 (1), Dozet 14 (2), Taylor 7 (1), Soubotic 2, Palalas 9, Blanchart 14, Kampanellis 3 (1), Moujezinovic 13 (3), Loizides, Randogevic 9 (1)
Omonoia: Smith 12, Pavlou 5 (1), Zaric 15 (2), Jenkins 23 (1), Georgiades, Rietti 2, Zagorov, Saiks 7 (1)

Apoel - Keravnos 77-63 - by Chris Mammides
Apoel beat the Strovolos team quite easy with 14 points differene and gave a new taste in the Cyprus league!
Martin Zeno (196-G-85, college: Texas Tech) scored 15 points, Garcia added another 14, and a host of others made significant contributions to help APOEL on a 77-63 victory over Keravnos.
APOEL was great at offense and a lion at defense and simply delivered its best game so far, being able to succeed a great victory on Keravnos. It did not at any way remind a team that looks 6th on the board and seems to be back.

APOEL had returned to the first games scene and fought back ending Keravnoss winning streak. APOELs players had something to prove to themselves and they did it on Friday night. They beat back the demons, the ghosts and the first games result (beaten by one in overtime) and they proved to themselves and the fans that they can.

Regarding the game, it was close at the first quarter with Keravnos advancing to a 9-point lead (18-9). APOEL has committed a come-back and got its first lead 24-23 managing to close the half by 36-35. APOEL slowly - slowly managed to advance to a 20-point lead (66-46) and win the game by 77-63.

Anastasiadis was great in both edges, offensively and defensively, proving once more why he considers being the best Cypriot player in the league and its quite pity why he stay in the local league as we all know that he could play in the Greek A1! Giorgos is a natural born leader and all the teams that were lucky enough to have him in their rosters were able to realize that.

Periods: 19-21, 36-35, 60-44, 77-63

APOEL: Van Dorbe 4, Brokenboro 7, Kantic 5(1), Makanta 12(2), Martin Zeno 15(1), Giorgos Anastasiadis (194-G/F-77) 9 (2), Couper 11(2), Garcia 14

Keravnos: Giannas, Hart 11(1), Pilavas 3, Jason Straight (188-G-83, college: Wyoming) 13, Kracic 4, Trisokkas 14, Damianovic 2, Greer 12(3), Skelin 4

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

CZECH REPUBLIC

NBL Round: 27 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Podebrady - Opava 101-72
Podebrady eased past Opava for the 9th win in the championship. Denis Mujagic (193-G-69) led well-balanced offensive effort with 17 points. Pavel Benes secured 15 points in the win. Tomas Hruby responded with 27 points for Opava.

Decin - Ostrava 87-90
Petr Bohacik knocked down two free throws in the dying seconds to seal the road win for Ostrava against Decin. Marcus Arnold (207-F/C-84, college: Illinois) poured in 24 points and grabbed 12 boards for Ostrava. Mike Mitchell had 20 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds for the winning side. William Hatcher replied with 25 points for Decin in defeat.

Geofin - USK Praha 97-59
Geofin pounded USK Praha to bounce back from two straight losses in the NBL. Zbynek Pospisil (205-C-81) knocked down 23 points and grabbed 9 boards to lead the second best team in the league at the moment. Corey Muirhead and Emanuel Ubilla added 16 points each in the win. Roderick Platt responded with 12 points for USK Praha.

Nymburk - Pardubice 76-58
Nymburk gained the 23rd victory as they held off Pardubice at home court. Petr Benda (203-F/C-82, agency: Court Side) finished with 18 points and 6 boards for the defending champs. Blake Schilb secured 11 points and 9 rebounds for the winning team. Lavell Payne replied with 18 points and 9 boards in the loss.

Kolin - Prostejov 67-75
Prostejov won the second in a row as they upset Kolin away from home. Jason Miller (208-F/C-80, college: Oklahoma St.) exploded with 24 points and 9 boards for the visitors. Colin Falls had 19 points as Prostejov improved at 13-11. Rashaan Ames delivered 22 points for Kolin in defeat.

Standings - NBL

NBL Standings

1. Nymburk	23-1
2. Geofin	19-6
3. Decin	15-10
4. Prostejov	13-11
5. Liberec	11-13
6. Ostrava	10-14
7. Pardubice	10-15
8. USK Praha	10-15
9. Podebrady	9-16
10. Opava	8-16
11. Kolin	7-18

Stats Leaders - NBL

Points Per Game

Jiri CERNOSEK
  Liberec
  (200-F/G-81)
  Avg: 12.8

1. Hampton, Liberec	20.4
2. Arnold, Ostrava	19.1
3. Pruitt, Prostejov	16.4
4. Hatcher, Decin	16.4
5. Benes, Podebrady	16.4
6. Sarovic, Geofin	16.3
7. Steffel, Pardubice	15.6
8. Sanders, Pardubice	15.0
9. Platt, USK Praha	14.8
10. Soliver, Podebra.	14.7

Rebounds Per Game

Jonas BROWN
  Kolin
  (191-G-85)
  Avg: 4.5

1. Pruitt, Prostejov	9.9
2. Rogers, Kolin	8.4
3. Arnold, Ostrava	8.3
4. Steffel, Pardubice	8.2
5. Walker, Geofin	8.0
6. Sarovic, Geofin	7.7
7. Platt, USK Praha	7.6
8. Payne, Pardubice	6.4
9. Bohacik, Ostrava	6.3
10. Castleberry, Pod.	6.0

Assists Per Game

Hurl BEECHUM
  Prostejov
  (196-F-73)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Ubilla, Geofin	6.8
2. Carnecky, Opava	5.0
3. Sanders, Pardubice	4.9
4. Ames, Prostejov	4.7
5. Mitchell, Ostrava	4.6
6. Hatcher, Decin	4.6
7. Toth, Liberec	4.2
8. Skibniewski, Prost.	4.1
9. Kotas, USK Praha	3.7
10. Lepinaitis, Kol.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Goran JAGODNIK
  Nymburk
  (202-F-74)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Ames, Prostejov	2.5
2. Soliver, Podebrady	2.3
3. Kotas, USK Praha	2.1
4. Pumprla, Opava	2.0
5. Ubilla, Geofin	2.0
6. Lee, Nymburk	2.0
7. Beechum, Prostejov	1.9
8. Sanders, Pardubice	1.9
9. Hampton, Liberec	1.9
10. Benes, Podebra.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Robert SAROVIC
  Geofin
  (205-F-78)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Rogers, Kolin	2.6
2. Meno, Liberec	1.6
3. Benda, Nymburk	1.3
4. Hamm, USK Praha	1.3
5. Walker, Geofin	1.3
6. Payne, Pardubice	1.2
7. Pelikan, Geofin	1.0
8. Miller, Prostejov	1.0
9. Marek, Liberec	0.9
10. Diakite, Prostej.	0.8

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

DENMARK

Standings - 1st Division

1st Division Standings

1. Aalborg	14-0
2. Herlev	12-2
3. Vaerlose	9-5
4. Aarhus BF	9-5
5. Skjold	9-5
6. Hobas	8-6
7. Falcon	7-7
8. Lemvig	6-8
9. Jonstrup	3-11
10. Odense	3-11
11. Virum	2-12
12. ALBA	2-12

Results from round 14 in Danish 1. division - by Thomas Quaade
After an exciting round the results were:

Aalborg BK - Vaerlose 86-78
Lemvig - Virum 79-73
Odense - Herlev 58-71
Jonstrup - Aarhus BF 69-76
Stevnsgade - Alba 83-61
Falcon - Hobas 75-99

Next round is already this weekend - we will continue to post from the 1. division althrough the season.

Next round has an exciting match between Herlev - Aalborg BK - between no. 2 and no. 1 in the 1. division.

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

D-LEAGUE

D-League Round: 62 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Ft.Wayne - Sioux Falls 95-89
The Mad Ants cruised past the SkyForce on the road moving up on 11-15 record. Carl Elliott (6'4''-G-83, agency: SportsTalent, college: George Washington) came up with 22, Chris Hunter had 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Walker Russell added 16 pts, plus 9 assists. David Bailey responded with 20 points in loss. His team fell on 14-14.

Reno - Albuquerque 118-128
The Albuquerque Thunderbirds outgunned the BigHorns mostly owing to Will Conroy (6'2''-G-82, college: Washington), who nailed 34 points and handed out 12 assists. David Noe had 23 pts and 9 boards, David Monds 21 pts and 12 rebs, while Jasper Johnson collected 21 pts and 11 rebs. The guests got 23 points from Damone Brown. Thunderbirds 13-12, BigHorns 11-17.

Los Angeles - Utah 105-113
Dontell Jefferson (6'5''-G-83, college: Arkansas) was a key player last night for the Flash registering 25 points and 7 assists. Andre Ingram was behind him with 17 pts ad 7 boards. On the other side, Dwayne Mitchell and Joe Crawford combined 56 pts. Flash 16-10, D-Fenders 7-20.

Standings

D-League Standings

Central Division
1. Dakota W.	17-13
2. Iowa E.	16-7
3. Sioux Falls S.	14-14
4. Erie BH	14-16
5. Ft.Wayne MA	11-15
Southwest Division
1. Colorado 14ers	18-7
2. Austin T.	18-8
3. Albuquerque T.	13-12
4. Rio Grande VV	10-18
5. Tulsa 66ers	6-20
West Division
1. Idaho S.	19-10
2. Utah F.	16-10
3. Bakersfield J.	16-11
4. Reno B.	11-17
5. Anaheim A.	9-18
6. LA D-Fenders	7-20

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Renaldo MAJOR
  Dakota
  (201-F-82)
  Avg: 17.3

1. Conroy, Albuquerque	26.1
2. White, Anaheim	25.6
3. Ahearn, Dakota	22.8
4. Sims, Iowa	22.2
5. Crawford, Los A.	21.6
6. Daniels, Erie	21.4
7. Hairston, Austin	21.1
8. Williams, Austin	21.0
9. Johnson, Bakersfi.	20.1
10. Martin, Io.	20.1

Rebounds Per Game

Terrance THOMAS
  Bakersfield
  (198-F-80)
  Avg: 7.8

1. Hendrix, Dakota	11.5
2. Sims, Iowa	11.1
3. Davidson, Idaho	10.8
4. Gaines, Austin	10.3
5. Hunter, Ft.Wayne	10.2
6. Daniels, Erie	10.2
7. Monds, Albuquerque	9.7
8. Brown, Austin	9.5
9. Allred, Idaho	9.0
10. Jeffers, Io.	8.9

Assists Per Game

M. Daryl DORSEY
  Reno
  (185-G-81)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Russell, Ft.Wayne	11.5
2. Gill, Colorado	8.6
3. Cleaves, Bakersfield	8.0
4. Conroy, Albuquerque	8.0
5. Parker, Rio Grande	7.5
6. Stinson, Iowa	7.1
7. Jordan, Rio Grande	6.2
8. Ahearn, Dakota	5.9
9. Clinkscales, Erie	5.9
10. Karl, Ida.	5.5

Steals Per Game

Coby KARL
  DKV Joventut
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Coleman, Colorado	2.8
2. Elliott, Sioux Falls	2.6
3. Russell, Ft.Wayne	2.6
4. Noel, Albuquerque	2.5
5. Major, Dakota	2.4
6. Jordan, Rio Grande	2.4
7. Parker, Rio Grande	2.3
8. Conroy, Albuquerque	2.1
9. Williams, Austin	2.0
10. Johnson, Aust.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Rod BENSON
  Dakota
  (208-F/C-84)
  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. Hendrix, Dakota	2.1
7. Felix, Anaheim	2.0
8. Looby, Rio Grande	2.0
9. Petway, Idaho	2.0
10. Alexander, Sioux.	2.0

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

FINLAND

Standings - Korisliiga

Korisliiga Standings

1. KTP	19-9
2. Kouvot	19-9
3. Kataja	19-9
4. Lahti	18-10
5. Honka	16-13
6. Korihait	15-12
7. LrNMKY	14-14
8. ToPo	13-16
9. Componenta	11-18
10. FoKoPo	10-18
11. Pyrinto	9-19
12. Tarmo	6-22

Stats Leaders - Korisliiga

Points Per Game

Sami LEHTORANTA
  Kataja
  (205-C/F-79)
  Avg: 14.2

1. Wood, Kataja	21.3
2. Blair, Kataja	20.3
3. Brown, LrNM.	19.5
4. Blassingame, LrNM.	19.5
5. Coleman, LrNM.	19.4
6. Richards, Compo.	18.7
7. Smith, KTP	18.7
8. Scott, Honka	17.3
9. Williams, KTP	17.3
10. Hunter, FoKo.	17.1

Rebounds Per Game

Demetrius BROWN
  LrNMKY
  (197-F-83)
  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	9.7
6. Coleman, LrNM.	9.6
7. Waters, Componenta	9.1
8. Nikkila, Pyrinto	9.0
9. Smith, KTP	8.6
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.	4.1
6. Vuori, Namika Lahti	3.6
7. Sarcevic, Korihait	3.5
8. Barnes, Tarmo	3.3
9. Kataja, Kouvot	3.0
10. Wood, Kata.	2.9

Steals Per Game

Demetrius BROWN
  LrNMKY
  (197-F-83)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Scott, Honka	2.8
2. Blair, Kataja	2.6
3. Williams, KTP	2.4
4. Wood, Kataja	2.1
5. Richards, Compo.	2.0
6. Hester, Pyrinto	1.9
7. Jones, Componenta	1.9
8. Jalonen, FoKoPo	1.8
9. Cummings, Honka	1.8
10. LeMelle, Kouv.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Williams, KTP	1.9
2. Nikkila, Pyrinto	1.7
3. Epps, ToPo	1.5
4. Messy, Tarmo	1.4
5. Hunter, FoKoPo	1.4
6. Spencer, ToPo	1.2
7. Perkins, Honka	1.1
8. Wood, Kataja	1.1
9. Muurinen, Honka	1.0
10. Lehtoranta, Kata.	1.0

KORISLIIGA: Team Componenta upset Kouvot - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga, Round 28: The # 1 Team Kouvot (Kouvola) visiting Karkkila and Team Componenta (# 9), Jukka Kataja (197-F-82) got himself on injured list (ankle) in the beginning of the game, and Team Componenta's newcomer Dainmon Gonner (198-F-80, college: SE Missouri St.) leading his new team to clear victory 95-70 (55-34)! Home team's three American players combining 69 pts and rest of the team 26 pts. Team Componenta also winning the rebounds 39-26 and shooting a lot better. Gonner led TC with 26 pts. In Lahti local YMCA lost second time this season at home. The winning team was FoKoPo (Forssa) and the game MVPs Jarno Nissinen (195-F-77) (17) and Ray Cunningham (199-F-79, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Murray St.) (16/16). In Joensuu anemic Tarmo (Porvoo) had no chances and Kataja crushed the visitors 106-59. Sami Lehtoranta (205-C/F-79, agency: ANYPEX) led Kataja with 19 pts.

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

FRANCE

Standings - ProA

ProB Standings

1. Paris-Levall.	15-3
2. Bourg	14-4
3. Poitiers	13-5
4. Clermont	13-6
5. Charleville	11-7
6. Limoges	11-7
7. Saint-Etienne	11-8
8. Antibes	9-9
9. Nanterre	9-9
10. Le Portel	8-10
11. Nantes	8-11
12. Evreux	8-11
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

Stats Leaders - ProA

Points Per Game

Tommy GUNN
  Besancon
  (191-G-81)
  Avg: 13.4

1. Nichols, Hyeres-T.	23.4
2. Rush, Strasbourg	22.1
3. Gray, Roanne	19.5
4. Banks, Orleans	18.3
5. Thompson, Le Havre	16.9
6. Boddicker, Chalon	16.4
7. Skinn, Gravelines	16.1
8. Sy, AS.	15.9
9. Chatfield, Dijon	15.7
10. Monroe, Roan.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Victor SAMNICK
  Nancy
  (203-F-79)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Merriex, Le Havre	10.0
2. Masingue, Hyeres-T.	9.0
3. Issa, Vichy	9.0
4. Vaty, Pau	8.3
5. Koffi, Le Mans	7.6
6. Boddicker, Chalon	7.4
7. Gray, Roanne	7.3
8. Greer, Nancy	7.1
9. Troutman, AS.	7.1
10. Falker, Chol.	7.1

Assists Per Game

Brion RUSH
  Strasbourg
  (186-G-84)
  Avg: 3.3

1. Reid, Vichy	7.5
2. Wright, Chalon	6.6
3. Thompson, Le Havre	6.5
4. Sciarra, Orleans	5.6
5. Draper, Hyeres-T.	5.1
6. Jeanneau, AS.	5.1
7. Greer, Nancy	4.9
8. Pellin, Roanne	4.8
9. Chatfield, Dijon	4.6
10. Houston, Rou.	4.6

Steals Per Game

David MELODY
  Vichy
  (184-G-77)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Wright, Chalon	3.3
2. Dobbins, Orleans	2.5
3. Krupalija, Dijon	2.4
4. Rush, Strasbourg	2.2
5. Banks, Orleans	2.0
6. Causeur, Le Havre	2.0
7. Greene, Orleans	1.9
8. Grier, Cholet	1.8
9. Curti, Orleans	1.7
10. Diabate, Dij.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Rashaun FREEMAN
  Gravelines
  (205-C/F-84)
  Avg: 0.9

1. Rush, Strasbourg	1.4
2. Wright, Chalon	1.4
3. Houston, Rouen	1.3
4. Bojic, Le Havre	1.2
5. Grier, Cholet	1.2
6. Greer, Nancy	1.2
7. Mendy, Pau	1.1
8. MBaye, Dijon	1.1
9. Gray, Roanne	1.1
10. Krupalija, Dij.	1.0

Stats Leaders - ProB

Points Per Game

Chris DAVIS
  Charleville
  (196-G/F-80)
  Avg: 14.8

1. Craven, Clermont	20.2
2. Olivero, Le Portel	19.2
3. Fein, St.Quentin	18.8
4. Carter, St-Etienne	17.9
5. Ingram, Bourg	17.7
6. Bing, Clermont	17.4
7. Barnette, St.Vallier	17.4
8. Mohammed, Limoges	17.0
9. Gay, Brest	16.6
10. Wright, Poitie.	16.2

Rebounds Per Game

Gabriel KENNEDY
  Antibes
  (205-F/C-81)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Humbert, St.Qu.	9.5
2. Bing, Clermont	9.1
3. Melicie, St.Vallier	8.8
4. Emerson, Limoges	8.1
5. Sullivan, Maurienne	8.1
6. Mathis, Evreux	8.0
7. Almonte, Nanterre	7.9
8. McCord, Antibes	7.9
9. Lalugba, Bourg	7.7
10. Vounang, Charlevil.	7.7

Assists Per Game

Ivan ALMONTE
  Nanterre
  (198-F-81)
  Avg: 2.9

1. Williams, St-Etienne	5.7
2. Taylor, Boulazac	5.5
3. Gomez, Poitiers	5.5
4. Dunn, Maurienne	5.1
5. Ingram, Bourg	5.1
6. Ball, Paris-Levall.	4.9
7. Craven, Clermont	4.5
8. Mollinari, Antibes	4.2
9. McCord, Antibes	4.2
10. Dobie, Nanter.	4.2

Steals Per Game

Jose OLIVERO
  Le Portel
  (186-G-85)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Craven, Clermont	2.8
2. Barnette, St.Vallier	2.7
3. Sullivan, Maurienne	2.4
4. Dunn, Maurienne	2.3
5. Traore, Boulazac	2.2
6. Block, Quimper	2.1
7. Boire, Le Portel	2.1
8. Ball, Paris-Levall.	2.0
9. Ingram, Bourg	1.9
10. Mouillard, Limog.	1.8

Blocks Per Game

Nate CARTER
  St-Etienne
  (199-F/C-83)
  Avg: 0.8

1. Lukovski, Limoges	2.0
2. Tucker, St.Quentin	1.4
3. Hollins, Nantes	1.3
4. Kennedy, Antibes	1.3
5. Dunn, Maurienne	1.3
6. Darnauzan, St.Vallier	1.1
7. Mohammed, Limoges	1.1
8. Craven, Clermont	1.1
9. Mathis, Evreux	1.1
10. Fein, St.Quent.	1.1

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

GEORGIA

Georgians abroad - by Eurobasket News
Manuchar Markoishvili (195-G-86) and his BC Kyiv posted the sixteenth win in the Superleague overcoming Pulsar in Rivne. The league leaders needed overtime to handle pesky Pulsar. Jovo Stanojevic had 28 points and 9 boards for the visitors. Clay Tucker knocked down 15 points for BC Kyiv. Manuchar Markoishvili showed 100% from the field and ended up with 7 points and 5 rebounds. Dmitri Dyatlovsky and Roman Gumenyuk netted 17 points each for Pulsar in defeat.
Also 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. Manuchar Markoishvili produced 14 points for the winners. 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.
Janar Talts scored 22 points and pulled down 8 rebounds to pace TU/Rock to an 80:62 win over Kalev/Cramo in the KML classic rivalry in Estonia. The win allowed Tartu to maintain their perfect record as it reads 8 wins in a row now. Kalev/Cramo slipped at 8-3 record in the third spot in the standings. Talts and TU/Rock Georgian duo of Giorgi Tsintsadze (192-G-86) and Viktor Sanikidze were the story in the opening term. They helped the hosts accumulate a 23:15 advantage at the first intermission. However the scoring went dry in the second frame and Kalev/Cramo capitalized. They outscored their opponents by 6 points to narrow the distance at halftime. The teams kept it close in the third frame as the shots dropped for both sides. Tanoka Beard electrified the crowd with his dominance inside and TU/Rock headed into the fourth term ahead by 4 points. However the intrigue was long gone before the final minutes. The hosts jumped to a quick start in the fourth term and soon opened up a double-digit lead. Kalev/Cramo kept mum throughout the rest of the contest allowing TU/Rock to an easy win at the end. Giorgi Tsintsadze nailed 16 points for TU/Rock. Tanoka Beard added 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Gregor Arbet had 17 points for Kalev/Cramo. Kristjan Kangur finished with 13 points in the loss.

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

GERMANY

Jared Reiner(Eisbaeren Bremerhaven) Chat - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
Jared Reiner (211-C-82, agency: Priority Sports, college: Iowa) is a 211cm center from South Dakota. He played college Basketball for Iowa averaging in 13 games: 10.5ppg, 7.2rpg, 1.5apg in his senior year. He made the jump to the NBA and play ed 46 games in total for The Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks. He was never able to play a full NBA season due to injuries. Last season he played at Polaris World Murcia in Spain averaging in 17 games: 5.5ppg, 4.4rpg, 2FGP: 53.0%, FT: 44.0%, before moving to the Brose Baskets Bamberg where he averaged in 20 games: 9.4ppg, Reb-5(6.8rpg), 2FGP: 52.1%, FT: 53.9%: This season he was one of the last cuts for the Philadelphia 76ers and signed with the Eisbaren Bremerhaven. He gave Eurobasket a short interview a few weeks ago and now talks about the current success of the Eisbaeren, their two game winning streak, the new coach, a preview to the next game against The Deutsche Bank Skyliners and his thoughts to the Superbowl

Jared, you guys are riding a two game winning streak. The atmosphere must be very good now in the team!

Yes the atmosphere is great! We are taking it day by day and just continue to work hard in practice each day!

You guys had a big win in Dusseldorf. You guys seemed to contain the shooting, but how difficult was this win?

This was a tough win. We were controlling the game, but they came back in the fourth quarter with their shooting, but we pulled it together as a team and won

What was it like playing against their big man Logan Kosmalski who grabbed 11 rebounds?

Logan is a great player. He did a great job under the boards and just played really hard.

You had a double double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, but I guess you werent too happy with the six turnovers?

I had a tough time especially as a big guy I got some offensive fouls which turned into turnovers. I just have to continue to work hard in practice and correct these mistakes.

Against Dusseldorf, the team showed that other guys can step up like Eric Osmandson, Mike Gansey or Arturas Valeika. . Have you guys understood now that with continued support from all players that wins can be produced on a regular basis.

I think so. All those guys stepped up and Greg Callahan also has been a big help. We have a lot of players that can score in double figures. If we continue to pas the ball and play as a team then we will be ok.

How well have you goten adjusted to Bremerhaven. Your living on the water just like a few years ago when you were playing for the Chicago Bulls living on Lake Michigan.

Both are different cities but me and my wife Jennefer have goten used to the German culture again. We like the German lifestyle and like to go out and eat in restaurants.

The team still has chances to stay in the BBL. What does the team need to do to attain this goal?

We have to continue to work hard in practice and just go from day to day and play as a team

What kind of a job is new coach Algirdas Milonas doing and what has been different since Sarunas Sakalauskas left?

I was only here for a short time as Sakalauskas was coach. Then I went home for Christmas break and when I returned he left. Milonas is doing a great job just letting us play in practice and working on our condition so we can finish games strong

You face the Deutsche Bank Skyliners on Sunday Feb 8th. What player do you especially respect?

I respect all the players. They are a great team and have been playing great Basketball. We will watch a lot of videos and see exactly where we can beat them.

The Deutsche Bank Skyliners are a very strong rebounding team, but I guess you wil be able to stick with them.

We have a big front court with myself, Elegar, Nicholson and Callahan. It will be an interesting game.

What will be the key for the victory for Bremerhaven?

We simply have to do what coach tells us too. We have to play as a team and play unselfish.

Do you you still keep up with your ex NBA teams?

Yes I follow my ex teams

Did you watch the Superbowl and did you have a favorite?

I watched parts of the game. It had been a long day with the bus ride to and from Dusseldorf. I fell asleep during the game. My favourite team are the Denver Broncos, but they didnt make it.

Thank you Jared for the short chat and good luck the rest of the season

Standings - 1. Bundesliga

1.Bundesliga Standings

1. Goettingen	14-4
2. Oldenburg	14-4
3. ALBA	13-4
4. Bonn	13-6
5. Frankfurt	13-6
6. Ulm	13-7
7. Bamberg	10-9
8. Paderborn	9-10
9. Ludwigsb.	9-10
10. Trier	9-11
11. Braunschweig	9-11
12. Noerdlingen	8-11
13. Art.Dragons	8-11
14. Duesseldorf	8-12
15. Tuebingen	7-12
16. Koeln 99ers	6-13
17. Giessen	5-14
18. Bremerhaven	3-16

Stats Leaders - 1.Bundesliga

Points Per Game

Jeremy HUNT
  Koeln 99ers
  (196-G-83)
  Avg: 12.9

1. Westley, Noerdlingen	17.3
2. Hess, Art.Dragons	15.7
3. Bailey, Goettingen	15.6
4. Bowman, Telekom B.	15.5
5. Jeanty, Noerdlingen	15.3
6. Gardner, EWE B.	15.1
7. Fenn, Art.Dragons	14.6
8. Rowland, Telek.	14.5
9. Paulding, EWE B.	14.0
10. Esterkamp, Pad.Ba.	14.0

Rebounds Per Game

Julian TERRELL
  Koeln 99ers
  (206-F-84)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Ensminger, Pad.Bask.	10.6
2. Slaughter, Bremerha.	10.0
3. Gibbs, ratiopharm	9.9
4. McGhee, Noerdlin.	7.8
5. Katic, Walter Tigers	7.4
6. Fenn, Art.Dragons	7.3
7. Gordon, Dt.	7.3
8. Westley, Noerdlingen	7.1
9. Drevo, NY Phantoms	6.3
10. Kosmalski, Duesse.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Danny GIBSON
  Noerdlingen
  (180-G-84)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Joyce, ratiopharm	4.5
2. Jenkins, ALBA	4.4
3. Gardner, EWE B.	4.4
4. Franklin, NY Phant.	4.2
5. Rowland, Telek.	4.1
6. Gordon, Koeln 99ers	4.1
7. Watson, Bremerha.	4.1
8. Anderson, Walter T.	4.0
9. Rivera, Brose B.	3.8
10. Schaffartzik, LT.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Andrew DREVO
  NY Phantoms
  (202-F/C-81)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Trice, Goettingen	3.1
2. Gordon, Koeln 99ers	2.7
3. Slaughter, Bremerha.	2.6
4. McGhee, Noerdlin.	1.8
5. Lee, Goettingen	1.8
6. Foster, EWE B.	1.7
7. Franklin, NY Phant.	1.7
8. Yarbrough, Telek.	1.7
9. Paulding, EWE B.	1.4
10. Peete, Duesseldo.	1.4

Blocks Per Game

Tibor PLEISS
  Koeln 99ers
  (214-F/C-89)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Johnson, Telek.	2.9
2. Reiner, Bremerha.	1.6
3. Slaughter, Bremerha.	1.3
4. Gadri-N., Bremerha.	1.1
5. Dennis, Noerdlingen	1.0
6. Ohlbrecht, Brose B.	0.9
7. Sesay, ALBA	0.9
8. Grunheid, Koeln	0.8
9. Boumtje Boum., EWE B.	0.8
10. Majstorovic, EWE.	0.8

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

HOLLAND

Standings - Eredivisie

Eredivisie Standings

1. Amsterdam	21-3
2. Eiff.Towers	16-9
3. Hanzev.Cpt	15-9
4. M.Magix	15-10
5. West-Brabant	14-11
6. Rotterdam	12-12
7. Landstede	11-14
8. ZZ Leiden	9-15
9. Upstairs Weert	8-15
10. Aris Friesland	8-17
11. Den Helder	5-19

Eredivisie Round: 27 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Den Helder - West-Brabant 90-96
West-Brabant Giants grabbed 96-90 road win against Den Helder imprving on 14-11 record in Eredivisie. Patrick Pope (183-G-81, college: St.Augustine) top-scored for the winners with 23 points. Tim Blue and Arvin Slagter had 18 each, while Aaron Johnson helped with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The hosts got 19 points fro Matt Witt.
Rotterdam - Eiff.Towers 55-75
The second ranked Eiffel Towers celebrated in Rotterdam mostly owing ton Larry Abney (206-F/C-77, college: Fresno St.), who collected 18 points and 10 rebounds. David Jackson followed him with 13 pts. On the other side, Bobby Walker and Chaz Twan Briggs netted 11 points apiece. Eiffel Towers 16-9, Rotterdam 12-12.

Hanzev.Cpt - ZZ Leiden 63-89
ZZ Leiden shocked Hanzevast Capitals in Groningen registering impressive 26-point victory. Bubba Walther (193-G-85, agency: Sports Plus International, college: Akron) led the scorers in ZZ Leiden with 20 points. Seamus Boxley, as well as David Chiotti, drained 18 points each. Julian Khazzouh scored 12 points for Marco van den Berg's team. ZZ Leiden 9-15, Groningen 15-9.

Upstairs Weert - Landstede 61-64
11-14 for Landstede and 8-15 for Upstairs Weert after this game. Gerad Punch (193-G/F-84, college: Furman) shined in victory with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Robby Bostain also was on high level delivering 15 points, also collecting 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Nick Stapleton scored 13 for the hosts.

Aris Friesland - M.Magix 83-88
The team from Nijmegen was victorious in Leeuwarden jumping on 15-10 score. Gerrit Brigitha (204-F/C-82, college: Cent.Michigan) scored 19, Darnell Wilson 18, Eric Nelson 13 pts (plus 12 rebs) and the same number of points also had Ryan Sears. Matt Bauscher answered with 25 points and 7 assists in defeat.

Stats Leaders - Eredivisie

Points Per Game

Teddy GIPSON
  Amsterdam
  (193-G/F-80)
  Avg: 13.1

1. Bauscher, Aris F.	23.6
2. Pope, West-Brabant	20.4
3. Walker, Rotterdam	19.4
4. Bostain, Landstede	18.3
5. Wilson, M.Magix	17.3
6. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	16.8
7. Smith, Upstairs.	16.7
8. Blue, West-Brabant	16.7
9. Chiotti, ZZ Leiden	16.5
10. Punch, Landste.	16.4

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Jackson, Upstairs.	12.3
2. Johnson, West-Bra.	10.8
3. Chiotti, ZZ Leiden	8.9
4. Beasley, Eiff.Tow.	8.6
5. Briggs, Rotterdam	8.4
6. Brempong, Hanze.	8.3
7. Spencer, Aris F.	8.0
8. Dialls, Den Helder	7.8
9. Krstanovic, Hanze.	7.5
10. Strickland, Den.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Seamus BOXLEY
  ZZ Leiden
  (201-C-82)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Bauscher, Aris F.	5.7
2. Thomas, Hanzev.Cpt	5.0
3. Richardson, Rotte.	4.8
4. Oliver, Eiff.Towers	4.7
5. Nash, ZZ Leiden	4.7
6. Blackwood, Aris F.	4.4
7. Pope, West-Brabant	4.3
8. Bostain, Landstede	4.1
9. Jansen, Hanzev.Cpt	3.9
10. Witt, Den Held.	3.8

Steals Per Game

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

1. Richardson, Rotte.	3.3
2. Thomas, Hanzev.Cpt	3.0
3. Sears, M.Magix	2.8
4. Bauscher, Aris F.	2.5
5. Greene, Amsterdam	2.5
6. Smith, Upstairs.	2.4
7. Punch, Landstede	2.3
8. Nelson, M.Magix	2.3
9. Bostain, Landstede	2.2
10. Tolbert, M.Mag.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

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

1. Steenberge, Aris F.	1.7
2. Brempong, Hanze.	1.5
3. Khazzouh, Hanze.	1.3
4. Gladness, M.Magix	1.3
5. Iti, Rotterdam	1.2
6. Briggs, Rotterdam	1.1
7. Richardson, Eiff.Tow.	1.1
8. Nelson, M.Magix	1.0
9. Blue, West-Brabant	1.0
10. Patten, Upstai.	0.9

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

HUNGARY

Hungarian Cup, 1/8 Finals - by Tamas Deri
Marso Vagep-NYKK - Szolnoki Olaj KK 80-78
(12-23, 25-15, 21-21, 22-19)
Nyiregyhaza, Referees: Bodnr, Gyorffy, Franyo
Marso-Vagep NYKK: Branko Savic (181-G-79) 18/6, Booker 4, Vujacic, Erno Sitku (208-C-72, agency: Laszlo Vinko Services) 16/3, Helbich 5, Janos Siska (185-G-76) 17/15, Farkas 16, Wehner 4/3, Coach: Zoran Kmezic
Szolnoki Olaj KK: Ross 11, Ken Tutt (185-G-84, agency: Strategic Sports, college: ORU) 23/3, Varadi 9/6, Jurkunas 8/6, Ousmane Barro (208-F-84, college: Marquette) 14, Szabo 7, Harazin 6, Coach: Por Peter

Albacomp - Univer-Kecskemet 92-85
(24-28, 29-14, 15-21, 24-22)
Szekesfehervar, Att.: 2000, Referees: Palla, Bognar, Toth
Albacomp: Simon 12, Doyne 12, Rashad Bell (201-F-82, college: Boston U.) 18, Morrison 5, Velibor Radovic (202-F/G-72, agency: Beo Basket) 24, Antal, Hanga 11/3, Gobi 10, Coach: Peresztegi Nagy Akos
Univer: Horvath 12/6, Danielson 14/6, Molnar 2, Szab 8, DeAndre Haynes (187-G-84, college: Kent St.) 24/3, Horti 4, Toth 1, Klaiber 12/3, Harrison 8/3, Coach: Zsoldos Andras

EnterNet NTE-Hegyvidek - Kaposvari KK 62-82
(19-28, 21-16, 13-17, 9-21)
Budapest, SportMAX2, Att.: 200, Referees: Hartyani, Gorka, Jakab
EnterNet-NTE Hegyvidek: Krasznai 2, Johnson 12/3, Hajmasy 11/9, Lazar, Rafael Keresztes (211-C/F-79) 20, Fulop, Kovacs R., Simon N. 11/3, Rujak 2, Will, Beak 4
Kaposvari KK: Marciulionis 4/3, Vojvoda 5/3, Larry Welton (196-F, college: Aurora) 27/9, Hoffmann 4, Orosz 12, Kiss K. 6/3, Gergely David (206-F-83) 24/12, Takacs G., Kovacs D.

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

IBL

EDMONTON CHILL BECOME EDMONTON ENERGEY - by John Gary
courtesy oursportscentral.com The Edmonton Chill are no more. A group of 11 Edmonton businessmen came together and bought the defunct IBL franchise and renamed it the Edmonton Energey. Paul Sir remains as coach and general manager of the franchise. The president of the team is David Donwain. The club will play its first game on March 8.The club is looking forward to the new season with great optimism.

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

ICELAND

Division 1 results - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
Results from few division 1 games.

Thor 82. Armann 85. Richard Fields 27 + 14 board. Mark Woodhouse 20 for Thor. Niels Dungal 23 Saemundur Oddson 22 for Armann.
Armann 66. Valur 106. Saemundur Oddson 14 for Armann. Alexander Dungal 19. Gudmundur Kristjansson & Thorgrimur Bjornson 16 for Valur.
KFI 82 Hamar 73. First loss for Hamar in the league. Craig Schoen (178-G-83, college: Georgetown, KY) 27. Pance Illievski 18 for KFI. Jason Pryor 29 for Hamar.
Haukar 75 UMFH 78. Kristinn Jonasson 18 George Byrd 17 + 21 rebs for Haukar. Caleb Holmes 27 for UMFH.
Laugdaelir 64 Haukar 79. Vidar Hafsteinsson 24 Petur Sigurdson 20 for Laugdaelir. Oskar Magnusson 16 for Haukar.
Fjolnir 134. UMFH 49. Arnthor Gudmundsson 32. Magnus Palsson 25 Aegir Steinarsson 20 for Fjolnir.Caleb Holmes 10 for UMFH.
Valur 81 KFI 89. Craig Schoen 46 for KFI

Iceland Express league. - by Siggi Hjorleifsson
IR 88 Breidablik 93. After bad loss in last game Breidablik step up and won in away game.Eirikur Onundarson 23. Hreggvidur Magnusson 18 Sveinbjorn Claessen 17 for IR. Nemanja Sovic 23. Runar Ingi Erlingsson 18 for Breidablik.
KR 77 FSU 55. KR has now won 27 games in a row. This was a easy win where all 12 KR players played many minutes. Top scorers for KR. Jason Dourisseau & Jakob Sigurdarson 13. Saevar Sigurmundsson 15 for FSU.
Thor 79 Grindavik 97 Daniel Bandy (178-G-84, agency: Icebasket. College: Coll.of the Ozarks) with good game for Thor 25 pts Gudmundur Jonsson 20 for Thor. Pall Vilbergsson 33 Nick Bradford 26 for Grindavik.
Keflavik 73 Snaefell 81. Important win for Snaefell who now move up to third place. Hordur Vilhjalmsson 17 + 12 assist Jon Hafsteinsson 16 + 15 rebs. Lusious Wagner 18 + 10 assist for Snaefell.
Skallagrimur 74 Stjarnan 102. Landon Quick 19 Igor Beljanski 17 + 12 rebs Sveinn Davidsson 16 for Skallagrimur. Justin Shouse 24 Kjartan Kjartansson 17 for Stjarnan

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

INDIA

Baby amongst Indian Basketball referees - by Anil Kumar
Two years ago, when he realised that he was not dribbling anywhere near the big league, basketballer Zanim Mohammed Hashim tried his hand at refereeing.

It did not take long for the youngster, who played for Kerala at the Schools National a few years ago, to make his mark in officiating. The other day, the 20-year-old from Thalassery became the countrys youngest international referee, after passing the world body FIBAs exam, conducted by its Sports Director Lubomir Kotleba, in Jaipur.

He broke the record of Keralas Jens Varghese who was 25 when he became an international referee a few years ago. Delhis womens international Sheeba Magon was among the four who were successful in the exam.

I was always very keen to know the rules, very interested in officiating, said Zanim now in Aluva to officiate at the Carmel Trophy all-India tournament. Zanim comes from a basketball family. His father V.C. Hashim, a former junior State player, is the secretary of the Kerala Basketball Association and his elder brother Rizan was a district player.

Still, Zanim was left a bit red-faced when he officiated in one of his first State junior championships two years ago. Whenever there was any dispute, the players used to call me by my name, said the second year BBA student of Thalasserys Brennen College who officiated at the Senior National in Surat recently.

The young man has not given up his Olympics dream. I want to officiate in an Olympic final one day. Thats my new goal, he said.

Courtesy The Hindu

Jeppiar Engg & Ivanios in Carmel Trophy final - by Anil Kumar
Jeppiar Engineering College women from Chennai and Mar Ivanios men (Thiruvanthapuram) entered the final of the Carmel Trophy all-India inter-collegiate basketball tournament at the Carmel Stadium here at Aluva on Saturday night.

The scores:

Women: Jeppiar, Chennai 56 (Victoria P. Mathew 20, P. Jhana 13, Meby Mary Mathew 10) bt Teresian, Mysore 31 (Deepika 11).

Men: Mar Ivanios, Thiruvanthapuram 78 (Albin Baby 25, Jijo Thankachan 19, Ajeeth Sugunan 18) bt Fr. Agnel, Mumbai 61 (Kaustush A. Sheete 26, Adarsh Kumar Saxena 17, Suraj Sujathan 10).

Courest The Hindu

The Asean Basketball league announced - by Anil Kumar
The first fully professional basketball league in South-East Asia will begin in September.

The Asean Basketball League (ABL), which was launched at a leading hotel here yesterday, will be fully-owned and funded by individuals.

The idea was mooted by the South-East Asian Basketball Association (Seaba) and it had been in the works for the last two years.

Seaba president Eric Thohir said that it was only in the last six months that they were able to put the whole project together.

The AirAsia chairman, Datuk Seri Tony Fernandes, has been appointed the chairman of the ABL and he will oversee the running of the championship, which will be held between September and February. The initial plan is to have about eight teams in the inaugural championship and the format of competition in the league will have home-and-away matches. There will also be a knockout stage, culminating with the final.

Fernandes: We are looking for people with the financial ability to last the pace.
Fernandes said that the bid was open to anybody who wanted to own the team franchise.

We have prepared an elaborate paper on the franchise and we are looking for people with the financial ability to last the pace, he said.

We will fully monitor the setting up of the club that must be run like a corporate office and also ensure that the rules are followed to the letter. Foreign players will be allowed but limited to two non-Asean and two Asean players. The other eight players in the team must be locals.

The target is to have a fully local side in the years to come. This is a viable project and we firmly believe that with proper planning and marketing, spectators will watch the matches.

Fernandes added that he had several backers ready for the project but added that they needed to set up the clubs first over the next few months.

Initially, each country can have only one team in the fray. Seaba will made the final decision on who gets to own the clubs based on their bidding papers.

Seaba secretary general Datuk Yeoh Choo Hock said that the rules of franchise was stringent and the selection would be strict.

This is a long-term project and we want teams who can stay the distance and have the ability to improve the game in their own country. The objective is to raise the standard of the sport in our region, he said.

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

ITALY

Standings - SerieA

SerieA Standings

1. Montepaschi	17-0
2. Lottomatica	12-5
3. Banca Tercas	11-6
4. La Fortezza	10-7
5. Benetton	10-8
6. NGC Cantu	9-8
7. Air AV	9-8
8. Premiata	8-9
9. Armani MI	8-9
10. Scavolini	7-10
11. Angelico BI	7-10
12. Solsonica	6-11
13. Eldo Caserta	6-11
14. Fortitudo	6-11
15. Carife FE	6-12
16. Snaidero	5-12

Stats Leaders - SerieA

Points Per Game

Brandon HUNTER
  Premiata
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 14.4

1. Anderson, Snaidero	19.0
2. Hicks, Scavolini	18.4
3. Smith, Angelico BI	17.9
4. Carroll, Banca T.	16.9
5. Neal, Benetton	16.8
6. Minard, Premiata	16.8
7. Diaz, Eldo Caserta	16.5
8. Kaukenas, Montepas.	15.8
9. Warren, Air AV	15.7
10. Poeta, Banca Terc.	15.7

Rebounds Per Game

Andrea MICHELORI
  Eldo Caserta
  (202-F/C-78)
  Avg: 5.8

1. Hunter, Premiata	10.4
2. Pasco, Solsonica	9.7
3. Ford, La Fortezza	9.0
4. Romero, Snaidero	7.8
5. Wallace, Benetton	7.4
6. Slay, Eldo Caserta	7.2
7. Hall, Armani MI	7.1
8. Stonerook, Montepas.	6.7
9. Ebi, Carife FE	6.6
10. Pinkney, NGC Can.	6.6

Assists Per Game

David HAWKINS
  Armani MI
  (193-G-82)
  Avg: 2.2

1. McIntyre, Montepas.	5.6
2. Jackson, Snaidero	5.4
3. Poeta, Banca Tercas	4.4
4. Spinelli, Angelico.	4.4
5. Smith, Angelico BI	4.4
6. Dixon, Benetton	3.8
7. Stanic, Scavolini	3.7
8. Best, Air AV	3.7
9. Forte, Snaidero	3.6
10. Becirovic, Lottom.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Pervis PASCO
  Solsonica
  (206-F/C-81)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Curry, Scavolini	3.5
2. Boykins, La Forte.	3.5
3. Slay, Eldo Caserta	3.3
4. Poeta, Banca Tercas	3.3
5. Hicks, Scavolini	3.2
6. Gordon, Fortitudo	3.1
7. Dixon, Benetton	3.1
8. Stanic, Scavolini	3.1
9. Collins, Carife FE	3.0
10. Toure, NGC Can.	3.0

Blocks Per Game

Pape SOW
  Armani MI
  (208-F-81)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Ford, La Fortezza	1.8
2. Akindele, Scavolini	1.8
3. Eze, Montepaschi	1.6
4. Ebi, Carife FE	1.6
5. Crosariol, Air AV	1.5
6. Pasco, Solsonica	1.2
7. Achara, Fortitudo	0.9
8. Nicevic, Benetton	0.9
9. Gist, Angelico BI	0.9
10. Langford, La For.	0.8

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

JORDAN

Standings - Premier League

Premier Standings

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

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

LATVIA

LBL standings

LBL Standings

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

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Alexey ZORIN
  Liepaja
  (208-C-82)
  Avg: 11.3

1. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	19.0
2. Jansons, ASK/.	17.2
3. Skele, Ba.	16.9
4. Clark, Valmiera	16.6
5. Alexander, Ba.	16.5
6. Brunins, ASK/.	16.3
7. Bankevics, Valmiera	15.1
8. Berzins, Ba.	14.9
9. Zakis, Ventspils	14.8
10. Gustas,.	14.8

Rebounds Per Game

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

1. Clark, Valmiera	8.6
2. Tsiakos, Ventspils	8.0
3. Elliott, Valmiera	8.0
4. Selakovs, VEF Riga	6.9
5. Jansons, ASK/.	6.6
6. Alexander, Ba.	6.4
7. Berzins, Ba.	6.3
8. Veselovs, Ventspils	6.0
9. Raiskums, Zemgale	5.9
10. Aleksejevs, VEF.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Demetrius ALEXANDER
  BC Donetsk
  (204-F/C-75)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Gabrans, ASK/.	5.9
2. Sirsnins, Valmiera	5.1
3. Skele, Ba.	4.4
4. Cooper, VEF Riga	4.3
5. Aleksic, ASK Riga	4.0
6. Bergmanis, Zemgale	3.8
7. Jeromanovs, VEF R.	3.8
8. Brazelton, Ventspils	3.8
9. Brewer, ASK Riga	3.5
10. Vilums, Liepa.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Sandis AMOLINS
  Valmiera
  (190-G/F-81)
  Avg: 1.1

1. Skele, Ba.	2.5
2. Kolesnikov, VEF R.	2.2
3. Aleksic, ASK Riga	2.0
4. Mazutis, ASK Riga	2.0
5. Gabrans, ASK/.	1.9
6. Vilums, Liepaja	1.8
7. Kanbergs, Ventspils	1.7
8. Gailitis, VEF Riga	1.7
9. Jeromanovs, VEF R.	1.5
10. Rauza, AS.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Ronald CLARK
  Valmiera
  (196-G-81)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Rozitis, Zemgale	1.7
2. Elliott, Valmiera	1.3
3. Berzins, Ba.	1.2
4. Cukinas, Ba.	1.0
5. Veselovs, Ventspils	0.9
6. Aleksejevs, VEF R.	0.8
7. Selakovs, VEF Riga	0.8
8. Zorin, Liepaja	0.7
9. Berzins, Ventspils	0.6
10. Aleksic, ASK Ri.	0.6

LBL D2 Round: 26 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Liep.Papirs - Valmiera U21 60-70
Valmiera U21 outlasted Liepajas Papirs on the road as Einars Tukiss (193-G/F-88) topscored with 20 points. Aigars Strelis contributed 13 points and 14 rebounds in the win. Arturs Freimanis notched 24 points for the hosts in defeat.

Zemgale/Jun. - BA Riga 77-54
Zemgale earned the 12th win in the season as they thumped BA Riga at home court. Jekabs Rozitis (206-F/C-86) secured 16 points and 11 boards for Zemgale/Juniors. Gatis Meiksans and Kalvis Krumins added 13 points each in the win. Rolands Freimanis responded with 20 points and 16 boards for BA Riga.

Cesis - Kandava 82-73
Cesis held off Kandava to register the 6th win in the LBL second division. Davis Rozitis came up with 17 points, 14 boards and 4 blocks to lead the charge. Ivo Puce contributed 16 points for the winners. Girts Celms answered with 19 points for Kandava. Antons Vilcins added 18 points in the loss.

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

LIGA AMERICAS

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Erron MAXEY
  Obras
  (198-F-78)
  Avg: 16.7

1. Garcia, Un.	24.0
2. Machado, Flamengo	24.0
3. Leith, Liceo	23.7
4. Farley, Libertad	23.3
5. McFadgon, Dep.C.	22.3
6. Garcia Moral., Bigua	21.7
7. Figueroa, Arecibo	21.7
8. Pedroza, Soles	20.7
9. da Rosa, Pitago.	20.3
10. Fleming, Pioner.	20.3

Rebounds Per Game

Gabriel MIKULAS
  Quimsa
  (201-F-80)
  Avg: 6.7

1. Braggs, Pioneros	10.0
2. Agba, U.Concepc.	10.0
3. Aubry, Arecibo	9.7
4. Paniagua, Merengue.	9.7
5. Johnson, Penarol	9.3
6. Wolkowyski, Bigua	9.3
7. Young, Bigua	9.0
8. Hardwick, U.Con.	9.0
9. Lopez, Regatas C.	9.0
10. Leith, Lic.	8.7

Assists Per Game

Fernando MALARA
  Penarol
  (194-F-80)
  Avg: 3

1. Sucatzky, Pitago.	11.7
2. Mills, Halc. Xalpa	6.7
3. Hickerson, Halc. X.	5.7
4. Hernandez, U.Con.	5.0
5. Chavarria, Liceo	5.0
6. Campos, Pitagora.	4.7
7. Treise, Quimsa	4.7
8. Cruz, Arecibo	4.7
9. Sandoval, Merengue.	4.0
10. Braggs, Pioner.	3.7

Steals Per Game

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

1. Garcia Moral., Bigua	2.7
2. Sucatzky, Pitago.	2.3
3. Hickerson, Halc. X.	2.3
4. Braggs, Pioneros	2.3
5. Montecchia, Regat.	2.3
6. Sandoval, Merengue.	2.3
7. Antonio, Flamengo	2.0
8. Jennings, Liceo	2.0
9. Alston, Libertad	2.0
10. Martinez, Mereng.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Angel ROSA
  Arecibo
  (206-F/C-84)
  Avg: 0.7

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

Liga-Americas Round: 1 (Semi-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Universo/BRB - Pitagoras/Minas 90-80
Universo/BRB opened the Liga Americas Final Four victoriously as they defeated their Brazilian rivals Minas in Xalapa. Valtinho Silva (187-G-77, agency: Interperformances) stepped up with 22 points as Universo/BRB ran away for good in the fourth period. Diego Pinheiro contributed 16 points for the winners. Joseph Shipp answered with 18 points for Minas, while Evandro Sosa finished with 14 in the losing effort.

Halc. Xalapa - Bigua 100-91
Halcones Xalapa extended their winning streak to four games in the Liga Americas as they held off Bigua in the second semifinal of the day. Abdul Mills (191-G-79, college: Nebraska-Omaha) and Sam Bowie (198-F/G-75, college: SE Louisiana) scored 21 points each to lead the winning charge. Gustavo Ayon knocked down 15 points, collected 6 boards and distributed 4 assists for the Mexican powerhouse. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) responded with game-high 29 points for Bigua in defeat.

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LITHUANIA

LKL Round: 15 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Neptunas - Techasas 90-80
On February 4th Neptunas beat Techasas 90:80 on the start of the Regular Season Round 15. Martynas Mazeika (190-G-85, agency: LimeLight) paced all the winners with 27 points, while Vasylius Valdas had 21 points and 10 boards. Stasaitis Audrius netted 19 for the guests and Staskunas Paulius produced 18.

Kaunas Tr. - Aisciai 98-83
Motiejunas Donatas nailed 27 points as Kaunas overcame Aisciai 98:83. Tomas Rinkevicius (178-G-78) chipped in 13 and Dimsa Egidijus posted 12 points. Jasikevicius Vytenis struggled with 30 points in the losing effort.

Suduva - Sakalai 76-109
Suduva was beaten by Sakalai 76:109 that is now 6-8. Arnas Labuckas (205-F/C-87) was responsible for 22 points to lead all the winners. Siksnius Arvydas scored 17 and Strazdauskas Nerijus had 14 points and 10 boards. Runkauskas Marius produced 20 points in defeat.

Aisciai - Lietuvos 86-89
Aisciai was one step from the real sensation as the team lost only 3 points to Lietuvos 86:89. Donatas Zavackas (203-F-80, college: Pittsburgh) and Petravicius Marijonas top-scored for the winners with 22 points each and Bjelica Milko added 16. Tomas Rinkevicius and Motiejunas Donatas responded with 14 points apiece.

Sakalai - Nevezis 64-86
Sakalai lost to Nevezis 64:86 on February 7th. Benas Veikalas (192-G-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Metro St.) led the winners with 18 points, while Silinskis Darius and Dabkus Valdas posted 16 each. Sarakauskas Vytautas ended up with 16 points in the losing effort.

Neptunas - Kaunas Tr. 109-72
Neptunas improved to 7-7 record after the win over Kaunas Triobet 109:72. Marius Kasiulevicius (198-F/G-82, college: Trinity Valley JC) top-scored for the winners with 25 points and Martynas Mazeika posted 21. Lipkevicius Vytenis and Vene Siim-Sander brought 17 points apiece in defeat.

Stats Leaders - LKL

Points Per Game

Paulius JANKUNAS
  Zalgiris
  (203-F-84)
  Avg: 12.4

1. Motiejunas, Aisciai	21.1
2. Varnelis, Alytus A.	20.3
3. Mazeika, Neptunas	19.5
4. Runkauskas, Suduva	18.9
5. Hill, Techasas	15.7
6. Milaknis, Kaunas Tr.	15.0
7. Bolds, Techasas	14.8
8. Dabkus, Nevezis	14.8
9. Vasylius, Neptunas	14.4
10. Veikalas, Nevez.	14.3

Rebounds Per Game

Grigori SHUKHOVTSOV
  Sakalai
  (211-C-83)
  Avg: 5.2

1. Butkevicius, Kaunas T.	8.9
2. Vasylius, Neptunas	7.4
3. Motiejunas, Aisciai	7.2
4. Klimavicius, Zalgiris	7.1
5. Jankunas, Zalgiris	6.9
6. Kuzminskas, Siauliai	6.9
7. Dimsa, Aisciai	6.7
8. Ramanauskas, Kaunas T.	6.6
9. Janisius, Alytus A.	6.4
10. Varnelis, Alytus.	6.0

Assists Per Game

Jonas MACIULIS
  Zalgiris
  (198-G/F-85)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Viskontas, Nevezis	6.1
2. Rinkevicius, Aisciai	4.3
3. Runkauskas, Suduva	4.2
4. Vasiliauskas, Kaunas T.	3.9
5. Hill, Techasas	3.6
6. Mazeika, Neptunas	3.6
7. Samenas, Sakalai	3.6
8. Stasaitis, Techasas	3.5
9. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	3.4
10. Dainys, Neptun.	3.4

Steals Per Game

Adas JUSKEVICIUS
  Kaunas Tr.
  (194-G/F-89)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Lukauskis, Lietuvos	2.3
2. Bolds, Techasas	2.1
3. Hill, Techasas	1.9
4. Mazeika, Neptunas	1.9
5. Eidson, Lietuvos	1.9
6. Runkauskas, Suduva	1.9
7. Salenga, Zalgiris	1.8
8. Kadziulis, Siauliai	1.7
9. Kalnietis, Zalgiris	1.7
10. Vileita, Siauli.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Aleksei ANDRIANOV
  Techasas
  (210-C-80)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Silinskis, Nevezis	2.8
2. Woods, Zalgiris	1.8
3. Leonavicius, Nevezis	1.5
4. Zukauskas, Zalgiris	1.4
5. Kuzminskas, Siauliai	1.3
6. Dimsa, Aisciai	1.3
7. Volkus, Siauliai	1.1
8. Butkevicius, Kaunas T.	1.0
9. Masiulis, Aisciai	1.0
10. Motiejunas, Aisci.	0.9

Standings - LKL

LKL Standings

1. Zalgiris	12-0
2. Lietuvos	11-1
3. Siauliai	8-2
4. Nevezis	8-4
5. Neptunas	7-7
6. Sakalai	6-8
7. Kaunas Tr.	5-9
8. Aisciai	4-8
9. Techasas	3-9
10. Suduva	2-10
11. Alita	2-10

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LUXEMBOURG

Etzella blasts Contern by 27 in home romp!!! Black Star is out!!! Etzella makes top 6 for DBBL playoffs!! - by Alex Meyers

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Etzella 106 - Contern 79

Ettelbruck, Luxembourg
After a fairly close 1st half, Etzella put on the clamps and cranked it up a few notches on the attack, routing the visitors from Contern in the second half to improve to 10-7. Now Etzella has some breathing room. With this weekend being the 1/2 Final of thge Cup, the newly brought back former coach Rick Brooks has some extra time to prepare for the final qualification round matchup against Musel Pikes on Sunday, February 15th in Remich. Now that Etzella is in the top six, they have a chance to redeem themselves for a season, thus far below par compared to the last several seasons in a row. Etzella's so called ''big three'' were just that against Contern. Nelson DelGado (185-G-80) was back to form notching 31 points. Tim Giver (185-G-80) had one of his better games as of late with 25 points and 4 assists. Marcus Kennedy (193-F-84, college: Montevallo) trailed with a double-double inking 24 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists before fouling out. It was a big win for Etzella knocking off a very hot Contern team which hadn't lost since the 13th of December by only 5 points at the hands of T71 Dudelange. Contern's Brandon Gary (202-F-83, agency: Passing Lane, college: Hutchinson JC) led his team with 31 points 4 assists and a blocked shot but took only 8 rebounds. The only other player for Contern in double figures with 15, was Ken Diederich (185-G-77). Contern will finish in 2nd or 3rd place in qualification as they face Residence at home on Saturday, February 14th.

Etzella: 37 field goals, 12 three pointers, 20 for 24 free throws, 33 rebounds, 18 fouls and 6 turnovers
N.DelGado 31, J. DelGado 16, Kennedy 24, Giver 25, E. Ferreira 4, also Albaladejo 2, Benseghir, Garganese 2, Wilson, Kerger and S. Ferreira
Contern: 28 field goals, 7 three pointers, 16 for 21 free throws, 25 rebounds, 16 fouls and 9 turnovers
Becker 8, Jeitz 9, Diederich 15, Gary 31, Fasbender 3, also Torres Dos Santos 6, Majerus, Gindt, and Bissener 2

Fouled out: Becker (C), Kennedy(E)
Score by quarters: 1st Q 28-26. Halftime 50-45, 3rd Q 78-61, Final 106-79

325 Spectators

Amicale wins a close one to remain on top of DBBL!!! - by Alex Meyers
January 31, 2009

Amicale 64 - Musel Pikes 51

Steinsel, Luxembourg
Amicale improved their w/l record to 13-4 by stopping Musel Pikes with a solid defensive effort last saturday night in Steinsel. In the final period, Amicale allowed only
6 points for the visitors. Travis DePree (201-F/C, college: Albion) scored only 8 points but played well tearing down 13 defensive boards, dishing for 5 assists, took 4 steals and blocked 3 shots making his presence felt. Olivier Haan (182-G-81) had a great match notching 22 points. Christian Schartz (184-G-86) added 18. Chris Braier (195-F-84, college: Lawrence) (4 asssits)had a quiet double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds for Musel Pikes. Laurent Schwartz was held to only 1 point. Guy Schmit scored 19 and Samy Picard (195-F-88) 17 for the visitors. Amicale bench out-scored Musel Pikes' 29 to 4, which was the biggest key for Amicale's victory. In the last game day of DBBL qualification, Coach John Griffin will take his Amicale team to will play at Heffingen on Saturday, February 14 and Musel Pikes and their coach Frank Baum will host Etzella on Sunday, Febraury 15th.

Amicale: 23 field goals, 12 three pointers, 6 for 10 free throws, 26 rebounds, 16 fouls and 12 turnovers
Rausch 3, Jones 7, Schartz 18, De Pree 8, Scholtes 1, also Ney, Kartheiser 5, Haan 22, and Birenbaum
Musel Pikes: 22 field goals, 3 three pointers, 6 for 12 free throws, 29 rebounds, 10 fouls and 11 turnovers
G. Schmit 19, Braier 10, Schwartz 1, Kox, Picard 17, also Schmitz 4, C. Schmit and Dentzer

Technical Foul 32' G. Schmit(MP)
Score by quarters: 1st Q 13-17, Halftime 38-29, 3rd Q 53-45, Final 64-51
390 Spectators

Sparta falls to Racing!!! - by Alex Meyers
January 31, 2009

Racing 82 - Sparta 76

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
A poor 2nd Quarter cost Sparta a loss at the hands of Toni Ostojic and his Racing squad. Racing, who is now 4-13(9th in DBBL) rejoiced with the home win against the second placed Sparta. Corey Largent (201-F-80, college: W.Carolina) was the game's scoring leader with 39 points. Vincent Weynandt added 16 points, 5 steals and 8 rebounds. Enrique Garcia-Bourne scored only 7 points but grabbed 10 rebounds and blocked 3 shots. The injured Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) scored only 7 second half points but grabbed 10 defensive boards. Julien Hublart and Christian Wulff kept Sparta in the game with their scoring. Hublart had 21 and Wulff 16(5 assists). The game was uglied by five technical fouls called against Sparta players, its bench and its coach Philippe Giberti . Because of Sparta's fouls and technical fouls Racing was able to take a total of 34 trips to the charity stripe where they made 22 compared to Sparta's 9 for 14. Veteran guard Tom Wagner is back for Sparta, but played only 6 minutes. Sparta must face T71 at home and Racing will close out the qualification with a trip to Mersch to deal with Black Star. Both games are on Saturday the 14th of February.

Racing: 26 field goals, 8 three pointers, 22 for 34 free throws, 37 rebounds, 16 fouls and 18 turnovers
Sparta:27 field goals, 13 three pointers, 9 for 14 free throws, 35 rebounds, 23 fouls and 19 turnovers
Evans, Engel 9. De Marchi 8, Smith 7, Hublart 21, also Hoffmann 4, Wulff 16, Wagner 3, Klein and Nittler 2

Technical Fouls: 18' Hoffmann(S), 30' Wulff(S), 35' Coach Giberti(S), 35' Bench(S) and 39' Bench(S); Fouled out: 32' Garcia-Bourne(R)
Score by quarters: 1st Q 21-19, Halftime 42-30, 3rd Q 64-50, Final 82-76
155 Spectators

Whitworth scores 50 as T71 dumps young Heffingen to 1-13!!! - by Alex Meyers
January 31, 2009

Heffingen 89 - T71 97

Heffingen, Luxembourg
T71 put the game away in the first half in Heffingen, then cruised to an 8 point road win to improve to 11-6. Heffingen showed once again a promising future fighting
their way back into the game. T71 showed one weakness coughing up 24 turnovers to allow Heffingen a chance to get back into the game instead of putting them away. Heffingen played well in the second half and they simply ran out of time dropping to 1-16 on the season with Amicale coming up at home for their last game of DBBL qualification. Tim Whitworth (198-G/F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Drexel) dropped 50 points to take the lead as Luxembourg's top scorer with a 32.3 point per game average. Here are his impressive stats:(11/16 2pfg, 5/6 3pfg and 18/22 free throws) Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, college: CSU Bakersfield) scored 20 points and Gilles Ruffato 10. Heffingen's Willie Irick (198-F-84, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Oklahoma City) had a double-double again with 31 points and 11 rebounds. Joel Thesen scored 24 points and Chris Zender 10(10 rebounds). T71 will face the struggling Sparta squad in their last game of the 2nd round in Bertrange on Saturday the 14th of February.

Heffingen: 34 field goals, 4 three pointers, 17 for 23 free throws, 26 rebounds, 25 fouls and 16 turnovers
Thesen 24, Irick 31, Scholtus 8, D. Weyrich 9, Hetto 3, also Zender 10, C. Weyrich 2 and Schmit 2
T71: 35 field goals, 9 three pointers, 18 for22 free throws, 30 rebounds, 20 fouls and 24 turnovers
Whitworth 50, Rajnialk 20, Ruffato 10, Abreu 6, Laures 2, also Hoffmann, Bemtgen, Steinmetz 3, Kostur 2 and Klein 4

Fouled out: 40' Scholtus (H) and C. Weyrich(H); Technical fouls: 8' and 17' C. Weyrich(H)
Score by quarters: 1st Q 18-33, Halftime 41-61, 3rd Q 66-75, Final 89-97
150 Spectators

Black Star drops to play-down group with 2 point loss to Residence! - by Alex Meyers

Saturday, January 31, 2009

Residence 73 - Black Star 71

Walferdange, Luxembourg
Residence improved to 6-11 with a 73-71 home victory over Black Star(7-10). Playing a spoiler role, Residence prevented Black Star from making the top 6 for the DBBL playoffs for the first time in several years. Billy McDaniel (201-F/C-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: Ark.-Monticello) led all scorers with 34 points and Patrick Arbaut (185-G-87) added 19 for Black Star. Jannik Tuffel (195-G/F-82, college: Sacred Heart) was held scoreless in the second half finishing with only 4 for the game. For Residence, Matt Hall (198-F-84, agency: Scorers 1st Sportmanagement, college: Harding) had 27, Pitt Koster 18 and Marco Leschek (204-C-76) 14. Residence captain Frank Mangen added 8 points hitting a huge driving layup with just seconds to go. Black Star, then quickly got the ball downcourt and into the hands of Billy McDaniel under the basket. He missed the post move claiming he was fouled by Matt Hall as the buzzer sounded and the game was over.

In the final round 18 of qualification, Residence will play in Contern and Black Star will host Racing. Both games are to be held on Saturday, February 14th.

Residence: 28 field goals, 8 three pointers, 9 for 12 free throws, 15 fouls
F.Mangen 8, Hall 27, Hemmen 2, Julien 2, Leschek 14 also Abdiu, Koster 18 and Kayser 2
Black Star: 27 field goals, 7 three pointers, 10 for 19 free throws
Pat. Arbaut 19, McDaniel 34, Tuffel 4, Di Bartholomeo 2, Becker 4, also Y. Arbaut 3, Muepu 3, Hoffmann 2

Technical foul: 19' Bench(R); Unsportsmanlike foul: 39' McDaniel(BS)
Score by quarters: 1st Q 11-15, Halftime 24-31, 3rd Q 50-47, Final 73-71
150 Spectators

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

MEXICO

Halcones Xalapa edge Bigua in Liga Americas Final Four - by Eurobasket News
Halcones Xalapa - Bigua 100:91

Sam Bowie (198-F/G-75, college: SE Louisiana) and Abdul Mills (191-G-79, college: Nebraska-Omaha) teamed up to pace Halcones Xalapa to yet another win in the Liga Americas. Yesterday the Mexican team hosted Bigua from Uruguay at the start of the tournaments Final Four stage. Bowie and Mills scored 21 points each and Xalapa celebrated the opening win. The teams play in round-robin system and Halcones Xalapa is scheduled to take on Minas today. Bigua will look for the initial win against Universo/BRB.
Abdul Mills orchestrated the game in the starting period scoring 7 points. Halcones used his heroics to pile up a 21:18 lead. However Bigua tuned in soon and started to look much better in the second period. A couple of treys allowed them to surge ahead as they grabbed a 38:36 advantage into the major break. But things changed drastically in the court in the third period. The hosts went on a decisive 21:5 run to clear off for good in this one. They entered the fourth stanza enjoying a 12-point cushion. Bigua cut the distance a bit in a high-flying fourth quarter but never seriously threaten the gap. Gustavo Ayon (209-F/C-85, college: San Jose St.) delivered 15 points and 6 boards for the winners. Leandro Garcia Morales (186-G-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Texas A&M) responded with game-high 29 points for Bigua. Ruben Wolkowyski (207-C-73) had 18 points and 13 boards in the loss.

Halcones Xalapa: Sam Bowie 21, Abdul Mills 21, Gustavo Ayon 15
Bigua: Leandro Garcia Morales 29, Ruben Wolkowyski 18+13 boards

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

MOROCCO

Day 11 Results - by Nour Amri
IRT Tanger - WAC Casablanca: 76-68
The reigning champion didn't have any troubles to beat WAC and to stay on top of the D1 League with impressive 11-1 record. Mustapha Khalfi once again top-scored in IRT with 23 points. Papis Diouf was the only player with double-double in the winning squad, 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Frouga Fettah and Michel Lasme combined 42 points in defeat (21 each). Dahi Arnaud had a nice game with 16 points and 11 rebounds but was not enough to stop IRTs furia.

FUS Rabat - MAS Fes: 58-62
FUS slipped at home another time this season. Thierno Diagne (15 pts) and Ismail Ndaye (12pts) were the only inspired players in FUS squad. Matar Mbaye and Hjira Mohamed paced MAS to this road win netting both of them 15 points. Bassim Houari also shined with a double-double delivering 12 pts and grabbing 14 boards.

KAS Kenitra - ASS Sale: 52-70
ASS outplayed KAC and secured another 2 points to stay in second position of D1 standings. Zakaria Mesbahi led the visitors collecting 22 points while Basic Yugoslav was on a good level scoring 15 points, grabbing 4 rebounds and dishing 4 assists.

RCA Casablanca - CMC Casablanca: 79-87
RCA grabbed a nice victory against CMC in derby game of Round 11. Najah (17 points, 9 rebounds) and Amrallah (15 points) helped their team to stay in the 6th position, securing the play off for the moment.

IRAN Nador - ASE Essaouira: 65-57
IRAN was too strong for ASE mostly owing to Adnan El Msadia and his 21 points. Bangourla Morlaye (17 points) and his ASEs teammates could not stop IRANs players at home proving that Nador became a very challenging and difficult venue for all D1 teams.

Day 12 Results - by Nour Amri
WAC Casablanca - IRAN Nador :
Very important home win for WAC who seems to recover after a very bad season starts. With 4-8, WAC took advantage from KACs defeat to start going away from the automatic relegation places. Arnaud Dahi stepped up for the host with 26 points and 5 rebounds. Hicham Ouchen drained 22 points and collected 6 rebounds for the visitors.

CMC Casablanca - KAC Kenitra : 74-68
A very bad afternoon for KAC players who did not know how to react to CMCs zone defense. Without putting a lot of effort, CMC won her second game of the season, but with no sign of any improvement in their game.

ASE Essaouira - RCA Casablanca : 75-79
RCA created the surprise showing a wonderful teams fighting spirit. New coach veteran Mohamed Azhari forced his players to perform a high level of concentration in their defense and to develop a nice running game.

MAS Fes - IRT Tanger : 90-99
No surprise in Fes where IRT players made the difference in the last quarter. After the game, MAS management announced a change in the coaching position.

ASS Sale - FUS Rabat : 72-69
The derby game of the week went for ASS after a very intense game where coach Yatribis players could not impose their rhythm and lacked to shine. Never the less, Sow Abdulaye scored 17 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, and Zakaria Mesbahi had 22 points despite his several mistakes and turnovers. Ndaye Ismael was the only inspired FUS player with 16 points and 6 boards.

Standings - Men

D1 Standings

1. IRT	11-1
2. ASS	10-2
3. MAS	8-4
4. RCA	5-7
5. FUS	5-7
6. WAC	4-8
7. KAC	2-10
8. CMC	2-10
9. MET	0-0
10. TSC	0-0

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NBA

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

David WEST
  Hornets
  (203-F-80)
  Avg: 19.9

1. Wade, Heat	28.5
2. James, Cavaliers	28.5
3. Bryant, Lakers	27.5
4. Granger, Pacers	25.5
5. Nowitzki, Mavericks	25.4
6. Durant, Thunder	25.3
7. Jefferson, Timberwo.	22.9
8. Bosh, Raptors	22.7
9. Roy, Trail Blazers	22.5
10. Harris, Ne.	21.5

Rebounds Per Game

Mehmet OKUR
  Jazz
  (210-C/F-79)
  Avg: 8.4

1. Howard, Magic	14.0
2. Camby, Clippers	12.9
3. Lee, Knicks	11.8
4. Biedrins, Warriors	11.8
5. Murphy, Pacers	11.4
6. Okafor, Bobcats	10.7
7. Jefferson, Timberwo.	10.7
8. Duncan, Spurs	10.4
9. Bogut, Bucks	10.3
10. Bosh, Rapto.	9.5

Assists Per Game

Michael BIBBY
  Hawks
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 5.4

1. Paul, Hornets	10.9
2. Williams, Jazz	10.1
3. Nash, Suns	9.5
4. Calderon, Raptors	8.5
5. Kidd, Mavericks	8.3
6. Rondo, Celtics	8.2
7. Duhon, Knicks	7.9
8. Davis, Clippers	7.8
9. Wade, Heat	7.2
10. James, Cavalie.	7.0

Steals Per Game

Russell WESTBROOK
  Thunder
  (191-G-88)
  Avg: 1.4

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. Iguodala, 76ers	1.8
9. Davis, Clippers	1.7
10. Artest, Rocke.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Danny GRANGER
  Pacers
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Howard, Magic	3.0
2. Camby, Clippers	2.4
3. Turiaf, Warriors	2.2
4. Andersen, Nuggets	2.1
5. Lopez, Nets	1.9
6. O'Neal, Raptors	1.9
7. Perkins, Celtics	1.8
8. Duncan, Spurs	1.8
9. Bynum, Lakers	1.8
10. Dalembert, 76e.	1.8

Standings

NBA Standings

Eastern Conference
Atlantic Div.
1. Celtics	42-10
2. 76ers	24-24
3. Nets	23-27
4. Knicks	21-28
5. Raptors	19-33
Central Div.
1. Cavaliers	39-9
2. Pistons	26-21
3. Bucks	24-28
4. Bulls	22-28
5. Pacers	20-31
Southeast Div.
1. Magic	37-12
2. Hawks	29-20
3. Heat	26-22
4. Bobcats	19-30
5. Wizards	10-40
Western Conference
Northwest Div.
1. Nuggets	34-16
2. Trail Blazers	30-19
3. Jazz	29-22
4. Timberwolves	17-31
5. Thunder	12-38
Pacific Div.
1. Lakers	40-9
2. Suns	27-21
3. Warriors	16-35
4. Clippers	11-39
5. Kings	11-40
Southwest Div.
1. Spurs	33-15
2. Rockets	30-20
3. Hornets	29-18
4. Mavericks	29-20
5. Grizzlies	13-36

NBA Round: 100 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Hawks - Bobcats 102-97
Marvin Williams (6'9''-F-86, college: N.Carolina) shined last night delivering 29 points and grabbing 7 rebounds for this Atlanta Hawks. Maurice Evans scored 17 and Michael Bibby stopped on 15 pts. The hosts got 17 points from Raja Bell. Emeka Okafor had 15 pts, plus impressive 19 rebounds. Hawks 29-20, Bobcats 19-30.

Magic - Pacers 102-107
The Indiana Pacers grabbed home victory against the Magic improving on 20-31 record. Danny Granger (6'8''-F-83, agency: Priority Sports, college: N.Mexico) drained 33, TJ Ford 21 and Tory Murphy added 20 pts. Dwight Howard scored 21 points and pulled down 20 rebounds in loss. Magic 37-12.

Celtics - Knicks 110-100
The reigning champion celebrated at MSG jumping on 42-10. Paul Pierce (6'7''-F-77, college: Kansas) and Ray Allen combined 48 points for the Celtics. Kevin Garnett helped with double-double, 15 points and 11 rebounds. Al Harrington again top-scored for the Knicks (21-28) with 27 pts.

Clippers - Grizzlies 126-105
Zach Randolph (6'9''-C-81, college: Michigan St.) stepped up for the Clippers collecting 35 points and 10 rebounds. Ricky Davis also was on fire with 24, while Eric Gordon netted one point less. Memphis got 26 pts and 5 boards from Rudy Gay. Clippers 11-39, Grizzlies (13-36).

Raptors - Hornets 92-101
Serbian scoring machine Predrag Stojakovic (6'10''-F-77) once again was hot draining 28 points, including 7 of 11 from behind the arc. David West registered double-double, 17 points and 10 boards. On the other side, Jermaine O'Neal came up with 24 points and 6 boards in defeat. Hornets 29-18, Raptors 19-33.

Nuggets - Wizards 124-103
Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) led the Nuggets last night scoring 23 points, grabbing 8 boards and dishing out 6 assists in just 26 minutes. Danhtay Jones followed with 18 pts and 6 rebs. Washington's best player was Antawn Jamison with 26 pts, 8 rebs and 5 as.

Jazz - Kings 111-107
29-22 for the Jazz and 11-40 for the Kings after this game. Deron Williams (6'3''-G-84, college: Illinois) led the scorers in victory with 34 points. Mehmet Okur had 28, plus 11 rebounds. Kevin martin replied with 27 pts and 5 rebs.

Warriors - Suns 105-115
Expected home win by the Phoenix Suns for 27-21 record. Grant Hill scored 27 and Jason Richardson added 25 points for the hosts. Corey Magette and Stephen Jackson combined 49 points in defeat. Warriors 16-35.

Trail Blazers - Thunder 93-102
The Thunder grabbed another home victory, this time against the Portland Trail Blazers 102-93. Kevin Durant (6'9''-G/F-88, college: Texas) scored 31, Nick Collison 21 pts (plus 13 rebs), while Jeff Green had 20 and 9 boards. Brandon Roy had 32 pts, 9 rebs and 6 as for the loosing side. Thunder 12-38, Trail Blazers 30-19.

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

NCAA1

Huskers rally past Horns - by Kevin Cochran
The Nebraska men's basketball team made a furious rally from a 12-point second-half deficit to defeat the No. 16 Texas Longhorns 58-55 Saturday at the Bob Devaney Sports Center.

Ade Dagunduro scored 17 points and grabbed a career-high nine rebounds against one of the tallest lineups in the Big 12. He sparked the Huskers to their third straight conference win and first over a ranked opponent this season.

With the victory, NU improved to 15-7 and 5-4 in the Big 12. Texas continued a three-game losing skid, its first in league play since 2004-05, and dropped to 15-7 and 4-4. Nebraska will end the day in fourth place in the Big 12 Conference with seven games remaining.

Trailing 34-22 with 17:21 to play and Texas firing on all cylinders, Nebraska slowly began chipping away at the Longhorn lead. The Huskers reeled off eight straight points in a span of 3:35 to pull within 34-30. Texas pushed its lead back to double digits at 42-32 with an A.J. Abrams 3-pointer with 10:57 to play.

While Texas looked to have taken control of the game at that point, NU refused to give up.

Five straight Husker free throws cut the Longhorn lead in half, and after a Damion James 3-pointer, Nebraska connected on four more free throws to make the Longhorn lead just 45-41 with 8:29 left.

Husker redshirt freshman Toney McCray then made a layup and sophomore Cookie Miller hit a 3-pointer with 6:21 left to give NU its first lead since the 2:35 mark of the first half. Dagunduro then hit a jumper to put NU up 48-45 and cap an 11-0 Husker run.

But the Huskers werent done facing adversity. Texas reclaimed the lead at 50-48 with 2:57 to play on a put-back dunk by Gary Johnson. The Cornhuskers Sek Henry then hit his only field goal of the game, a long-range 3-pointer as the shot clock expired to send the crowd into a frenzy and put NU up by a point.

The teams traded jumpers and it looked to go down to the wire but Dagunduro gave NU a little breathing room with a huge shot. He hit his only 3-point attempt of the game with 51 seconds left to give NU a four-point advantage. It was only his second 3-pointer in league play and first attempt outside the arc in three games.

A.J. Abrams answered with a 3-pointer of his own with 38 seconds to play to pull UT back within one. Dagunduro hit one-of-two free throws to make it 57-55 with 30 seconds left and NU then came up with a key stop before Sek Henry was fouled on the rebound. Henry hit one free throw to make it 58-55, and Justin Mason missed a 3-point attempt as time expired, giving NU its third straight victory.

Texas came into the game averaging 11.6 turnovers per game, but the Huskers forced five Longhorn turnovers before the first media timeout of the game but was unable convert any of them into points. The Longhorns finished the game with 16 turnovers, marking the third straight game they have turned the ball over 15 or more times.

After hitting just 2-of-12 from the field to start the game, the Huskers connected on five of their next seven shots to turn a 7-3 deficit into an eight-point lead at 18-10, keyed by a Dagunduro old-fashioned three-point play, a Ryan Anderson 3-pointer and another 3-pointer by Paul Velander. NU finished the game at 38.0 percent on 19-of-50 shooting, while the Longhorns hit 38.8 percent on 19-of-49 from the field.

NU hit just two of its final nine shots in the first half, and the Longhorns closed the final 7:22 of the half on a 19-4 run. During the run, Damion James scored all seven of his first-half points. Dexter Pittman also scored seven points in the first half, and the two big men combined for 14 of Texas 24 first-half rebounds, which beat Nebraskas entire team total by one in the first half.

Texas continued its run with five points to open the first 2:39 of the second half and take a 34-22 lead, setting the stage for the dramatic Nebraska comeback.

Texas held a 30-19 edge in the rebounding department at one point in the second half, but the undersized Huskers dug deep and closed the game with 11 rebounds down the stretch, while the Longhorns grabbed just four. In addition to Dagunduros career-best nine boards, Toney McCray and Steve Harley each grabbed five as NU was outrebounded just 34-30. McCray also scored eight key points, matching his best output in Big 12 play.

Abrams led Texas with 16 points. James finished with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while Johnson added 12 points.

Courtesy: Huskers.com

Devils wether Canes in OT - by Kevin Cochran
Gerald Henderson (6'4''-G/F-87) scored the go-ahead basket with 3:16 left in overtime, and No. 4 Duke rallied from a 16-point second-half deficit to beat Miami 78-75 on Saturday.

Henderson had 18 of his 19 points after halftime for the Blue Devils (20-3, 7-2 Atlantic Coast Conference), who struggled the entire way before controlling the extra period to bounce back from a blowout loss at Clemson.

Jon Scheyer (6'5''-G-87) led Duke with 22 points, while Kyle Singler (6'8''-F-88) shook off a terrible shooting day to come up with a key overtime basket that helped the Blue Devils stay in front late.

Duke trailed by 13 at halftime and 38-22 early in the second half before rallying.

Jack McClinton (6'1''-G-85) scored 34 points to lead Miami, FL (15-8, 4-6), including a 3-pointer to force overtime with 14.8 seconds left. Duke had a chance for the win in regulation, but Scheyer missed a 3 in the final seconds.

Once in overtime, Henderson scored over Dwayne Collins (6'8''-F) inside for a 70-68 lead, then Singler who finished 5-for-23 from the field drove in for a score two possessions later to push the margin to four. Then, Henderson added a tough stepback jumper over Collins to make it 74-68 with 51.9 seconds to play.

The Hurricanes, meanwhile, missed their first five shots before McClinton buried a 3 with 31.1 seconds left that cut the lead to three. Miami, FL got no closer, with Greg Paulus (6'1''-G-86) burying two free throws with 10.2 seconds left to seal the win.

Paulus, making his first start at the point in nearly two months, finished with 18 points, while Singler had 17. Duke also got a boost from reserve David McClure (6'6''-F), who had 13 rebounds including six on the offensive glass after halftime.

The Blue Devils were coming off a 74-47 loss at No. 10 Clemson on Wednesday night, their worst defeat since a 30-point loss to UNLV in the 1990 NCAA championship game. And considering their next game is at Cameron Indoor Stadium against No. 3 North Carolina on Wednesday night, Duke needed this win to find its rhythm again.

Duke won despite shooting 33 percent from the floor 19 percent in the first half and going 12-for-39 from 3-point range against the Hurricanes' determined zone defense.

The Hurricanes were coming off a notable performance of their own, though theirs was worth remembering. Miami, FL turned a three-point halftime lead against seventh-ranked Wake Forest into a 79-52 win to end a three-game losing streak.

They nearly followed up with another impressive victory, but ended up with their third overtime loss in the past five games.

Courtesy:goduke.com

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

NIGERIA

If I do one tenth of what Hakeem did, Ill be a happy man - Kuso - by Olusegun Ikuesan
When USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo recently offered the opinion to FIBA.com that Africa would have one or two very, very good teams in the next decade, he may as well have named Nigeria because they have a very deep talent pool. Virtual unknown Abdullahi Kuso is evidence of that.

Kuso, who turns 25 on February 17, is in his first professional season in Ukraine with BC Sumykhimprom after a solid collegiate career at Gonzaga.

Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, the 2.07m Kusa is blossoming into a wonderful powerful forward.

He averaged 13.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 10 EuroChallenge games. Kuso could hardly have made a more impressive Ukraine Superleague debut, in fact, with Sumy against Mykolaiv.

Kuso had 14 pts and 20 rebounds!

He is averaging 13.6 points and 8.6 rebounds after 16 games in the Superleague.

Kuso gave this interview to FIBA.com after a 15-point, 12-rebound performance in Sumykhimproms recent Cup of Ukraine defeat against Pulsar, an 85-69 second-leg loss that prevented Sumy from reaching the Final Four.

Q? Abdullahi, your team needed an eight-point win to make it to the Final Four and you were up by 10 midway through the third quarter. What happened at that point?

A: As you can see our lineup is depleted. We only played with seven men and one of our key players was in foul trouble early and we really got stretched the whole game. Pulsar had the home crowd behind them and they played a really good game.

Q? But you had the necessary lead, which you only needed to hold on to. What prevented Sumy from doing this?

A: Man, I think we ran out of steam a little bit. And they executed, especially down the stretch. They are a good team, especially at home.

Q? Did you expect the Superleague experience to be what it is so far?

A: As you know, this is my first season playing as a professional. I just came in with an open mind just to see how itll go, but its very tough and competitive. And I like the fact the number eight team will play as hard as the number one team every day, so you cant give a half-hearted effort. You have to bring it in every day in order to win. I really like that about the Superleague.

Q? You came into this league and made a statement with a 14-point 20-rebound performance in your first game

A: Oh yeah!!! It was a home game and we didnt want to start off with a loss. It was Mykolaiv and they were up, I think, eight in the fourth quarter and we had to pull it out. At the end our coach told me I had 20 rebounds. I didnt even know that. I was just trying so hard not to lose that game.

Q? Rebounding seems so easy for you. How do you know where the ball is going to drop?

A: I think I have a nose for the ball. But my teammates usually box out and this allows the highest jumper to go and get it, so its a team effort.

Q? The 20-rebound game set you atop the rebounding competition and you had been up there until Milutin Aleksic joined the league and slightly (8.7 rebounds per contest but just seven games so far) overcame you. What does being up there mean to you?

A: It will mean a lot if I do win the rebounding title, but at the end of the day I want to make a mark. I hope our team wins a lot more games and we do well in the playoffs because nobody remembers the guy that leads the team in rebounds. They remember who won the championship, so thats kind of what I want to do.

Q? What is the limit for you?

A: I dont know. I just started! I am just having fun. Hopefully someday playing in the Euroleague is what I want to do, but you know, one step at a time.

Q? You were on the Nigeria national team in 2007. How was that experience?

A: Oh, it was the All-African games. They just picked a bunch of guys that played college basketball in the US for the team and I was fortunate to be one of them. It wasnt the senior national team, but hopefully this summer Ill get a chance to work out with them. I am in touch with the Federation. They are following me here.

Q? There have been a number of big-name players to come out of Nigeria and make it to the NBA, Hakeem Olajuwon being one of them. Do you draw inspiration from them?

A: Well, I look up to Olajuwon. If I do one tenth of what he did in his basketball career, Ill be a happy man at the end of the day. I mean, I watch his clips on YouTube every day hes really my idol. I look up to him a lot.

Q? What exactly then are you trying to learn from him?

A: I played center most of my life in basketball. Olajuwon was a little bigger, he was seven feet tall. Eventually I want to become a power forward, so I look at his composure, his ability to step out and shoot the ball, guard the paint. There are just so many things about him that I admire, so it would be great to get close to that.

Q? Who is it most difficult to play against here in Ukraine and who is it most difficult to guard.

A: The most difficult guy to play? Ill have to say the big guy from Kyiv Jovo Stanojevic. Hes so heavy and has really soft hands. And the most difficult to guard would be the Khimik big man [Ukraine international Andrei] Agafonov. Hes not the most athletic guy, but hes very smart. Hes just been giving me trouble every time I played him.

Q? What is the highlight of the season so far?

A: I wish wed beat Kyiv at home [they suffered a 61:60 loss, with Kyiv scoring a three with one second left], that would have been the highlight. You know, the season is halfway done and maybe if I meet you again at the end of the season Ill tell you that.

Courtesy FIBA

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

PALESTINE

PSL Opening Game today AlRa'i AlSaleh vs. Orthodoxi Ramallah - by Tamara Awartani
The Mens Superleague 'The late George Rishmawi' tournament sponsored by Jawwal will start today at 5pm on the Catholic Action Court, Bethlehem.
Mr. Khader Diab, president of the federation will announce the launching of the tournament, followed by a game betweein AlRa'i AlSaleh vs. Orthodoxi Ramallah, thanks to the federation and for Mr. Moahmmed Ziadeh, manager of the tournaments for arranging a successful one.

The game will be an interesting one to watch. Orthodoxi Ramallah have a great team lead by Ahmad Deeb, Ramzi AlMassou and Mohammed Khalili but missing a great player, Michael Khayyat! They have two American imports, who will add up to the level of the game, Bryan Sigafooz and Justin Williams. As for AlRa'i AlSaleh lead by Fares Sweiti, havent played in the last two tournaments AlShuhada in Sarriyeh and Al'Ahd & Wafa' in Bethlehem, but might surprise the Orthodoxi with the level of their game, they have been preparing themselves for this tournament and got a great American import, Derrick Courtney (198-G/F-84), who will definatly make a difference in the team.

There are currently ten imports in the league who will surely add up and raise the level of basketball in Palestine:
Dante Hunter (191-G-83, college: Calumet) playing for Sarriyet Ramallah.
Derrick Courtney playing for AlRa'i AlSaleh.
Elvir Karic (202-F-82) playing for AlBireh.
Bradley Hippolyte (191-F) playing for Orthodoxi Beit Jala.
Justice Graham (195-G-79, college: Glenville St.) playing for Catholic Action.
Justin Williams playing for Orthodoxi Ramallah.
Bryan Sigafoz playing for Orthodoxi Ramallah.
Michael Lee Cherubin playing for De La Salle Jerusalem.
Joudy playing for Ahli Jerusalem.
Mathias Shrinder playing for Ibdaa Dheisheh.

Good luck for everyone, the league will surely be competative and exciting to watch.

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

POLAND

DBE Round: 25 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Polpharma - Atlas Stal 91-96
Atlas Stal came up with one of the most surprising results of the round as they upset Polpharma on the road. Krzysztof Szubarga (182-G-84, agency: AB Agency) fired 19 points for the visitors. Nikola Jovanovic had 17 points in the 9th win for Atlas Stal. Erick Barkley pitched in 21 points for Polpharma as they fell at 14-6 record.

SKK Kotwica - En.Czarni 62-64
Energa Czarni came from behind in the second half to upset Kotwica on the road. Demetric Bennett (193-G-85) finished with 15 points for Energa Czarni in the win. Pawel Kikowski managed 17 points for Kotwice in defeat.

Polonia - Bank BPS 85-82
Polonia eked out the 13th win in the season as they held off Bank BPS at home court. Michael Ansley (200-F-67, college: Alabama) shone bright as he drained impressive 37 points for the hosts. Greg Harrington added 14 points for the winners. Michael Kuebler delivered 22 points for Bank BPS in the loss.

AZS Koszalin - ISS Sportino 97-69
Koszalin also secured the 13th victory in the championship as they rallied past ISS Sportino. Dante Swanson (178-G-81, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Tulsa) delivered 22 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the the home team. Javier Mojica added 13 points for AZS Koszalin. Tony Lee topscored with 15 points, 5 boards and 5 assists for Sportino Inowroclaw as they fell at 8-13 record.

Stats Leaders - 1Liga

Points Per Game

Jakub ZALUCKI
  AseccoProkom
  (193-G-89)
  Avg: 12.3

1. Dloniak, Znicz Basket	21.9
2. Pacocha, Big Star	19.3
3. Misiewicz, Zubry	17.0
4. Salamonik, MOSiR K.	16.4
5. Pluta, MOSiR K.	16.2
6. Wiekiera, Zastal Z.	16.2
7. Berisha, Polonia 2011	16.1
8. Donigiewicz, AZS A.	15.8
9. Kulig, Big Star	15.5
10. Wisniewski, Zastal.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Ireneusz CHROMICZ
  Sokol L.
  (200-G/F-77)
  Avg: 6

1. Hrycaniuk, Prokom I.	11.1
2. Wojdyla, Sudety JG	9.2
3. Mis, Siarka T.	8.1
4. Bartosz, Polonia .	8.0
5. Pisarczyk, Sokol L.	7.8
6. Wiekiera, Zastal Z.	7.6
7. Dluski, LKS Lodz	7.6
8. Misiewicz, Zubry	7.3
9. Kulig, Big Star	7.3
10. Chodkiewicz, Zastal.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Mateusz BARTOSZ
  Polonia 2011
  (205-F-87)
  Avg: 2.2

1. Kalinowski, MOSiR K.	5.8
2. Pacocha, Big Star	4.9
3. Baran, Siarka T.	4.6
4. Swietonski, Prokom I.	4.4
5. Basinski, MMKS D.	4.3
6. Snieg, Polonia 2011	4.0
7. Krupa, Siarka T.	4.0
8. Kalinowski, Zastal Z.	3.5
9. Pustelnik, Big Star	3.3
10. Trepka, LKS Lo.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Mateusz BARTOSZ
  Polonia 2011
  (205-F-87)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Malecki, Resovia	3.9
2. Krupa, Siarka T.	3.7
3. Pacocha, Big Star	3.3
4. Berisha, Polonia 2011	3.3
5. Trepka, LKS Lodz	3.3
6. Snieg, Polonia 2011	3.2
7. Baran, Siarka T.	3.1
8. Wisniewski, Zastal Z.	3.0
9. Babiarz, Resovia	3.0
10. Mroczek-T., Sokol.	2.9

Blocks Per Game

Tomasz BZDYRA
  Big Star
  (196-F/C-83)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Pisarczyk, Sokol L.	2.5
2. Milewski, MMKS D.	1.7
3. Lisewski, Stal SW	1.6
4. Czech, Sudety JG	1.6
5. Lapeta, Prokom II	1.5
6. Kulikowski, Zubry	1.4
7. Karwowski, Polonia .	1.3
8. Mis, Siarka T.	1.3
9. Olejnik, AZS Kalisz	1.2
10. Woloszyn, Stal	1.1

Standings - DBE

1Liga Standings

1. MOSiR Kr.	18-5
2. Big Star	18-6
3. Polonia 2011	18-6
4. Siarka T.	15-9
5. Zastal ZG	14-9
6. LKS Lodz	14-9
7. Stal SW	12-11
8. MMKS DG	12-11
9. Zubry	12-12
10. Sokol L.	11-12
11. Sudety JG	10-14
12. AZS Kalisz	9-15
13. Znicz Basket	8-15
14. AZS AWF K-ce	7-16
15. Prokom II	7-17
16. Resovia	2-21

DBE Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Krzysztof SZUBARGA
  Atlas Stal
  (182-G-84)
  Avg: 12.6

1. Logan, AseccoPr.	18.6
2. Adams, Polonia	17.4
3. Mojica, AZS K.	17.0
4. Straight, En.Czarni	16.5
5. Wojcik, PBG Basket	16.1
6. Hicks, Polpharma	16.1
7. Reese, AZS Koszalin	15.9
8. Reynolds, Sokol Znicz	15.4
9. Harrington, Polonia	15.4
10. Weeden, Bank B.	15.1

Rebounds Per Game

Mariusz BACIK
  Polonia
  (207-G/F-72)
  Avg: 5.3

1. Landry, ISS S.	10.4
2. Barro, Victoria.	10.1
3. Johnson, Polonia	8.3
4. Burke, AseccoPr.	7.9
5. Reynolds, Sokol Znicz	7.8
6. Naymick, SKK K.	7.5
7. Dylewicz, AseccoPr.	7.4
8. McLean, PBG B.	7.3
9. Howell, En.Czarni	7.1
10. Okafor, Atlas St.	7.0

Assists Per Game

Pawel KIKOWSKI
  SKK Kotwica
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Hamilton, SKK K.	5.8
2. Koszarek, Anwil	5.6
3. Eldridge, Polpharma	4.9
4. Straight, En.Czarni	4.9
5. Harrington, Polonia	4.6
6. Milicic, AZS K.	4.3
7. Szubarga, Atlas S.	4.0
8. Garner, Bank BPS	4.0
9. Greene, Victoria.	3.9
10. Logan, Asecco.	3.8

Steals Per Game

Daniel EWING
  AseccoProkom
  (191-G-83)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Hamilton, SKK K.	3.8
2. Lee, ISS Sportino	3.3
3. Straight, En.Czarni	3.2
4. Harrington, Polonia	3.1
5. Eldridge, Polpharma	2.7
6. Greene, Victoria.	2.7
7. Koszarek, Anwil	2.7
8. Reynolds, Sokol Znicz	2.5
9. Nesovic, AseccoPr.	2.4
10. Davis, PBG Bask.	2.3

Blocks Per Game

Adam LAPETA
  AseccoProkom
  (217-C-87)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Townes, PGE Turow	2.0
2. Naymick, SKK K.	1.9
3. Dixon, Bank BPS	1.6
4. Barro, Victoria.	1.5
5. Turek, PGE Turow	1.4
6. Reynolds, Sokol Znicz	1.3
7. Coleman, Polpharma	1.1
8. Kowalczuk, Polph.	0.9
9. Barrett, SKK K.	0.8
10. Gomez, ISS.	0.8

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

ROMANIA

Standings

Div.A Standings

1. Ploiesti	15-2
2. Timisoara	14-4
3. CSU Atlassib	13-4
4. CSU Brasov	13-5
5. U.Mobitel. CN	12-5
6. Otopeni	10-6
7. Rovinari	10-7
8. Pitesti	9-9
9. Gaz Metan	8-9
10. Mures	8-10
11. Craiova	7-11
12. Dinamo B.	6-11
13. Targoviste	5-12
14. Oradea	1-17
15. Rapid B.	0-18

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Nenad MARKOVIC
  Timisoara
  (199-F-80)
  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. Darby, Rovinari	17.2
6. Dzambic, Timisoara	16.8
7. Broadus, CSU Brasov	16.6
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.	11.6
2. Wingate, Tirgu M.	9.5
3. Carutasu, Ploiesti	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. Gibson, U.Mobite.	4.0
8. Marjanovic, Gaz M.	4.0
9. Lawrence, Pitesti	3.7
10. Fometescu, Dinamo.	3.6

Steals Per Game

Catalin VLAICU
  Rapid B.
  (204-C-86)
  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. Holmes, Craiova	2.0
10. Jucan, Gaz Met.	2.0

Blocks Per Game

Sasa MIJAJLOVIC
  CSU Brasov
  (211-C-80)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Dragusin, CSU B.	2.5
2. Tibarna, Otopeni	2.3
3. Pantelic, Pitesti	1.8
4. Lazar, Oradea	1.7
5. Pavlovski, Dinamo B.	1.4
6. Wingate, Tirgu M.	1.4
7. Gibson, Craiova	1.2
8. Bubanja, Gaz Metan	1.2
9. Osby, U.Mobitel.CN	1.2
10. McKenna, Tirgu.	1.1

Div.A Round: 19 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
Timisoara - Oradea 85-79
Timisoara overcame Oradea 85:79 as Dan Paltinisanu (208-C-79, agency: Court Side) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Velickovic Uros nailed 19. Mandic Andelko produced 22 points in defeat, whilst Martinovic Milos added 17.

U.Mobitel.CN - CSU Atlassib 109-102
For quarters were not enough bewteen Mobitelco CN and CSU Atlassib as the home side triumphed with 109:102 win. Matthew Gibson (196-G-84) top-scored for the winners with 28 points, while Krstanovic Zoran collected 21 points and 14 rebounds. Johnson Brandon was one rebound from his triple-double as he finished with 27 points, 10 assists and 9 rebounds. Matthews Bryant poured in 26 points and made 14 rebounds.

Dinamo B. - CSU Brasov 73-85
Dinamo was beaten by CSU Brasov 73:85 as LeRoy Dawson (188-G-81, college: S.Nazarene) paced the winners with 18 points and Broadus Rashaun netted 12. Reaves Chris ended up with 18 points in the losing effort.

Gaz Metan - Tirgu Mures 72-61
Vladimir Radmanovac (190-G-82) netted 18 points for his Gaz Metan that beat Tirgu Mures 72:61. Dumitrescu Tudor followed him with 16 points and Jucan Tudor together with Washington Andrew posted 11 each. Cooley JuJuan brought the guests 16 points.

Pitesti - Craiova 70-71
Pitesti lost the drama to Craiova 70:71 in Regular Season Round 19. Green Jermaine paced all the winners with 19 points, while Tomic Branislav brought his team 18. Lawrence David and Elliott Reggie posted 15 points each in the losing effort.

Rapid B. - Ploiesti 70-102
Ploiesti improved to 15-2 record on top after a road win over Rapid 70:102. Dumitru Carutasu (204-C-76) was unstoppable with 28 points and massive 25 rebounds. Cepulis Arvydas followed him with 25 points and Hargrove Darius netted 17. Bulancea Marius scored 28 points for the hosts.

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

SERBIA

Metalac outplays Napredak in Round 20 opener - by Dragan Jankovski
Metalac was too strong for Napredak Rubin 79-67 registering very important victory in order to reach the Superleague. With this win Metalac joined Napredak on third place with 12-8. Both teams have two wins more than Ergonom and Radnicki 034 Group, which will meet today. Possible candidate for third place is also Mega Hypo Leasing, who has 9-10. Stefan Bircevic (209-F/C-89) led Metalac yesterday collecting 14 points and 11 rebounds. Stefan Atanackovic (196-G-84, agency: 011 Sports) scored 13 and Predrag Markovic (198-G/F-80) had 12 points. Experienced Dragan Markovic (202-F-74, agency: Beo Basket) again was the best in Napredak with 20 points. Nenad Sulovic (202-F/C-85) had 19 points and 8 rebounds. Except of the last quarter, which was equalized 17-17, all other belonged to Metalac. After first ten minutes it was 18-16 and ten minutes later 16-11. Third quarter was the high scoring one as Metalac netted 28 points, while Napredak had 23.

Five more games of Round 20 will be played today. As it is mentioned above, Radnicki 034 Group will host Ergonom. Tamis will meet Vizura, while Masinac will take on Swisslions Takovo. Novi Sad waits Borac and Zdravlje - Sloga. In the last game of Round 20, which is scheduled for tomorrow, Mega Hypo Leasing will play against Radnicki Invest Inzenjering.

Standings - A Liga

A Standings

1. Swiss.Lions	17-2
2. Borac	14-5
3. Napredak	12-8
4. Metalac	12-8
5. Ergonom	10-9
6. Radnicki 034	10-9
7. Radnicki I.	9-10
8. Mega HL	9-10
9. Vizura	8-11
10. Novi Sad	8-11
11. Masinac	7-12
12. Tamis	7-12
13. Sloga	6-13
14. Zdravlje	5-14
Will join on later stage:
1. Crvena Zvez.	-
2. Partizan	-
3. Vojvodina	-
4. FMP	-
5. Hemofarm	-

Stats Leaders - 1A

Points Per Game

Stefan FEKETE
  Radnicki I.
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 13.7

1. Bolic, Radnicki I.	22.1
2. Bogavac, Ergonom	21.3
3. Stojacic, Mega HL	19.8
4. Mirkovic, Masinac	19.5
5. Kljajevic, Radnicki.	18.9
6. Martinic, Novi Sad	17.9
7. Markovic, Napredak	17.9
8. Stefanovic, Sloga	17.9
9. Mladenovic, Ergon.	17.5
10. Majstorovic, Erg.	16.5

Rebounds Per Game

Stefan FEKETE
  Radnicki I.
  (188-G-86)
  Avg: 4.3

1. Mirkovic, Masinac	9.0
2. Draskovic, Radnicki.	7.5
3. Dokic, Tamis	6.8
4. Bogavac, Ergonom	6.8
5. Dramicanin, Borac	6.4
6. Mihajlovic, Tamis	6.3
7. Kljajevic, Radnicki.	6.2
8. Zigeranovic, Borac	6.1
9. Nikolic, Mega HL	6.0
10. Pobric, Novi S.	5.9

Assists Per Game

Miljan RAKIC
  Bosna S.
  (193-G-86)
  Avg: 2.1

1. Jovicic, Tamis	6.7
2. Duvnjak, Radnicki.	4.5
3. Stefanovic, Sloga	4.3
4. Stefanovic, Borac	4.1
5. Vukotic, Sloga	4.1
6. Teodosic, Metalac	4.1
7. Maric, Ergonom	3.7
8. Pejovic, Napredak	3.4
9. Tomasevic, Masinac	3.4
10. Radulovic, Masin.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Dejan GAJIC
  Napredak
  (194-G-86)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Martinic, Novi Sad	2.7
2. Bolic, Radnicki I.	2.2
3. Jovanovic, Zdravlje	1.9
4. Mirkovic, Masinac	1.9
5. Bogavac, Ergonom	1.8
6. Dramicanin, Borac	1.7
7. Sinovec, Vizura	1.6
8. Fekete, Radnicki I.	1.6
9. Ocokoljic, Swiss.Li.	1.6
10. Milasinovic, Masin.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Milos MARJANOVIC
  Swiss.Lions
  (207-C-81)
  Avg: 0.5

1. Draskovic, Radnicki.	1.4
2. Zigeranovic, Borac	1.2
3. Bircevic, Metalac	1.1
4. Mladenovic, Ergon.	1.1
5. Buric, Vizura	1.0
6. Nikolic, Mega HL	0.9
7. Tanaskovic, Metal.	0.9
8. Janjusevic, Zdrav.	0.8
9. Arsic, Masinac	0.7
10. Janjusevic, Novi.	0.7

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

SLOVENIA

TCG Mercator overcomes a 22-point deficit (Round 18) - by Zeljko Zule
TCG Mercator snapped a 7-game road losing streak with a 70-69 victory over CPG Nova Gorica. Hopsi put together a 20-2 run spanning the final two minutes of the third and the first three minutes of the last period as defeated Epic Misel 82-67. Gilbert Goodrich scored 41 points to help Zagorje beat Elektra 88-86.
UPC League - Round 18: CPG Nova Gorica-TCG Mercator 69-70: Not only was Mercator down 15 to started the fourth period, it was down by 25-47 in the third quarter! Igor Jokic had 23 points and 9 rebounds. Simon Finzgar (196-G/F-80, agency: Interperformances), who scored Mercator's last 8 points, made a game-winning layup with 0:12 left. He finished with 16 points and Mensud Julevic added 16 points. Gorica in last quarter shot just 4-of-14 from the field. Dalibor Petrovic posted 22 points and Marko Likar 15 but he missed a potential game-winning jumper with three seconds left.
Epic Misel-Hopsi 67-82: Epic Misel last lead was at a 53-51 before Hopsi went on a 20-2 run. Shawn King tallied 25 points and 16 points for his sixth straight and 13th season double-double. Dejan Hohler scored 18 points, making all four shots from 3-point line. Epic Misel had just two scorers in double figures. Bojan Jovanovic netted 15 points and Boban Tomic 12.
Elektra Esotech-Zagorje 86-88: Elektra, which trailed by 15 points in the third quarter, went ahead 86-85 with 1:51 left. Gilbert Goodrich's jumper put Zagorje ahead 87-86, Dejan Cup missed a layup and Tadej Horvat missed a potential game-winning 3-pointer with 2 seconds left. Nikola Ivanovic had 29 points and 7 assists for Elektra, Ernest Novak scored 15 points and Dejan Cup 13. Zagorje outebounded their opponent 38-24. Gilbert Goodrich posted 41 points on shooting 14-of-23 and David Paris collected 24 points and 16 rebounds.

Union Olimpija returns Marko Maravic - by Matej Bergant
Union Olimpija signed former Slovenian National Team member Marko Maravic (201-F-79, agency: VTBM/SRBM) untill end of 2008/2009 season. Marko Maravic played in Union Olimpija already during the 2003-2004 season. In past year Maravic spent playing in Ukraine for BC Kiev and averaging 11.8ppg, 4.5rpg, 2.4apg, 1.1spg in Ukraine League and 9.1ppg, 4.0rpg, 1.9apg in ULEB Cup. Through his career he played for Slovan, Krka, Union Olimpija, Pepinster, Armani Jeans Milano, Ricoh Manresa, Vive Menorca and in last season for BC Kiev.

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

SPAIN

Stats Leaders-LEB Silver

Points Per Game

Johnny MATHIS
  Alcazar
  (204-F-82)
  Avg: 13.8

1. Bouldin, Matchmind	22.3
2. Echols, Cantabria	19.2
3. Mortellaro, ADT T.	17.4
4. Williams, Matchmind	17.4
5. Llorente, Archena	16.6
6. Harry, Archena	16.2
7. Nelson, Huelva	16.1
8. Turner, Promobys	15.6
9. Stribling, ADT T.	15.6
10. Nunes, Meri.	15.5

Rebounds Per Game

Anthony WILLIAMS
  V.Siglo XXI
  (203-F-83)
  Avg: 6.4

1. Mathis, Alcazar	9.6
2. Thompson, Molina	9.3
3. Turner, Promobys	8.9
4. Williams, Matchmind	8.6
5. Andrews, Guadalaj.	8.6
6. Mortellaro, ADT T.	8.5
7. Echols, Cantabria	8.3
8. Bouldin, Matchmind	8.1
9. Mugica, Archena	7.6
10. Nunes, Meri.	7.5

Assists Per Game

David VINAS
  ADT Tarrag.
  (192-G-82)
  Avg: 2.6

1. Monclova, Alcazar	6.2
2. Camps, Cantabria	5.8
3. Rufian, Huelva	5.3
4. del Tio, Merida	5.0
5. Llorente, Archena	4.7
6. Darbo, Huelva	4.5
7. Baquer, Alaior	3.9
8. Nunez, Guadalajara	3.8
9. Sanchez, Cantabria	3.8
10. Inigo, Guadalaja.	3.7

Steals Per Game

Joan CAMI
  ADT Tarrag.
  (192-G-87)
  Avg: 1.5

1. Turner, Promobys	2.6
2. Llorente, Archena	2.4
3. Monclova, Alcazar	2.3
4. Sanchez, Cantabria	2.1
5. Martinez, Navalcar.	2.1
6. Gelsi, Girona	2.0
7. Rueda, Promobys	1.9
8. Camps, Cantabria	1.9
9. Comas, Girona	1.9
10. Cabeza, Giro.	1.9

Blocks Per Game

Chris OWENS
  Navalcarnero
  (196-F-80)
  Avg: 0.7

1. McLemore, Huelva	2.3
2. Bouldin, Matchmind	1.3
3. Williams, V..	1.3
4. Bain, ADT Tarrag.	1.3
5. Hilliman, Promobys	1.3
6. Farley, Archena	1.2
7. Thomasson, Alaior	1.2
8. Nunes, Merida	1.1
9. Williams, Matchmind	1.1
10. Mathis, Alcaz.	1.0

Stats Leaders - LEB Gold

Points Per Game

Francis KOFFI
  La Palma
  (202-F-81)
  Avg: 13.4

1. Guillen, Los Barrios	18.9
2. Barbour, Tenerife	18.9
3. Garcia, Burgos	18.1
4. Kiefer, Vic	17.8
5. Simien, Caceres	17.3
6. Detrick, La Laguna	17.0
7. Prestes, Cl.Rincon	15.3
8. Terrell, La Palma	15.3
9. Blair, Mallorca	15.2
10. Victor, Melil.	15.2

Rebounds Per Game

Duane VIRGIL
  Illescas
  (205-F/C-74)
  Avg: 6

1. Donaldson, La La.	9.4
2. Prestes, Cl.Rincon	9.1
3. Battle, Valladolid	8.9
4. Simien, Caceres	8.5
5. Hamilton, Tenerife	8.0
6. Guillen, Los Barrios	7.8
7. Cusworth, Leche R.	7.3
8. Blair, Mallorca	7.2
9. Nana, Rosalia	6.8
10. Baez, Le.	6.8

Assists Per Game

Raul MENA
  Burgos
  (177-G-82)
  Avg: 2.5

1. Ciorciari, Melilla	6.6
2. Corrales, Burgos	4.8
3. Sala, La Palma	4.1
4. Bernabe, Leon	3.9
5. Mendiburu, Plus Pujol	3.9
6. Brown, Caceres	3.7
7. Cortaberria, Cl.Ri.	3.6
8. Lopez, Leche Rio	3.6
9. Colom, Plus Pujol	3.4
10. Jimenez, Illesc.	3.3

Steals Per Game

Jason BLAIR
  Mallorca
  (201-F-79)
  Avg: 1.3

1. Blanch, Mallorca	2.3
2. Van Lacke, Valladolid	2.2
3. Bernabe, Leon	2.0
4. Ciorciari, Melilla	1.9
5. Lopez, Leche Rio	1.8
6. Cusworth, Leche R.	1.8
7. Hill, Alicante	1.7
8. Hernandez, Valladolid	1.6
9. Baez, Leon	1.6
10. Gilbert, Le.	1.5

Blocks Per Game

Jan ORFILA
  Mallorca
  (207-C-86)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Battle, Valladolid	2.1
2. Hamilton, Tenerife	1.8
3. Donaldson, La La.	1.5
4. Simien, Caceres	1.4
5. Lewis, Plus Pujol	1.4
6. Southall, Melilla	1.4
7. Cusworth, Leche R.	1.3
8. Nana, Rosalia	1.2
9. Sinanovic, Burgos	1.2
10. Campbell, Los Barri.	1.0

Standings - ACB

LEB Bronze Standings

1. Cantabria	11-5
2. Promobys	11-5
3. Matchmind	11-6
4. Molina	11-6
5. V.Siglo XXI	11-6
6. Huelva	11-6
7. ADT Tarrag.	9-7
8. Archena	9-8
9. Guadalajara	9-8
10. Alcazar	8-8
11. Navalcarnero	7-10
12. Alaior	6-11
13. Girona	6-11
14. Oviedo	5-11
15. Real M. II	4-12
16. Merida	4-13

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

SWITZERLAND

Standings - LNA

LNA Standings

1. Vacallo	17-1
2. Fribourg	13-5
3. Lugano Tigers	10-7
4. Monthey	10-7
5. The Starwings	9-7
6. Nyon	9-8
7. Lausanne	8-9
8. Boncourt	8-9
9. Herens	7-4
10. Geneve	4-13
11. SAM Massa.	3-14
12. MGS	2-16

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

SYRIA

Standings - D1

D1 Standings

1. Jalaa	14-0
2. Jeish	14-1
3. Wehda	11-4
4. Ittihad	8-6
5. Yarmouk	8-6
6. Talee'a	7-7
7. Wathba	7-8
8. Hurriya	6-9
9. Karameh	5-9
10. Nawayeer	4-11
11. Kasyoun	3-11
12. Hutteen	0-15

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

TAIWAN

Standings - SBL

SBL Standings

1. Dacin	4-1
2. Yulon Luxgen	3-1
3. Taiwan Beer	2-2
4. Pure Youth	2-2
5. KKL	2-3
6. Taiw.Mobile	2-3
7. Bank of Taiw.	1-3

Wu's perfect night snaps Dacin's 4-game win streak - by Chris Wang
Veteran backup center Wu Chih Wei (202-C-76) made all five of his shots in 10 minutes and scored 13 points, including seven in the last 3:07, as Yulon snapped Dacin's 4-game winning streak with a 83-71 win.

Luxgen head coach Chang Hsueh-lei had no choice but went to Wu after starting center Tseng Wen-ting fouled out with less than five minutes left in the game. Wu had a three-point play with 1:06 to go to boost Yulon's lead to 11 points and ensured the victory.

Yulon was again without the service of top scorer Chen Hsin-an, who was out with a knee injury. Chen Chih-chung led the team with 17 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and three steals.

Chang had nothing but sweet words for Wu after the game, saying that it was not easy for a sub to step in and make plays with the game on the line. Dacin import Byron Allen, who gave Tseng Wen-ting trouble all night long, was not able to contain Wu in the end.

Su Yi-chieh, SBL rookie of the year three year ago, finally returned to action Friday night after sitting out most of the last two season with injuries in his left elbow and right wrist. The talented point guard had eight points and three steals in 18 minutes.

In the other game, KKL edged Taiwan Mobile 95-94 for its second win of the season.

Chang Chih-fung named January MVP - by Chris Wang
Dacin guard/forward Chang Chih Feng (183-G-81) was named January Most Valuable Player Friday for his consistent performance which helped Dacin to open the season 4-0.

Chang, who averaged 21 points, 6.8 points and three assists in January, said that he felt like this year he was in the best condition in his career. Being injury-free has been a plus, he told the media.

Chang beat out teammate Tien Lei, Yulon center Tseng Wen-ting and Taiwan Beer guard Yang Ching-min for the award.

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

TURKEY

Stats Leaders - D1

Points Per Game

Mire CHATMAN
  Besiktas
  (187-G-78)
  Avg: 14

1. Reese, Aliaga	22.4
2. Crispin, Banvit	21.0
3. Williams, Banvit	19.6
4. McCalebb, Mersin	19.1
5. Mims, Karsiyaka	18.5
6. Gordon, Oyak R.	18.4
7. Ibekwe, Selcuk U.	17.9
8. Davis, Aliaga	17.6
9. Lofton, Mersin	17.5
10. Graves, Galatasar.	17.0

Rebounds Per Game

Joseph JONES
  Oyak Renault
  (206-F/C-86)
  Avg: 6.3

1. Williams, Karsiyaka	11.9
2. Thomas, Erdemir	11.0
3. Traylor, Kepez Bld	9.3
4. Besok, Galatasaray	8.9
5. Ffriend, Mersin	8.5
6. Saunders, Selcuk U.	8.4
7. Benton, Karsiyaka	8.4
8. Williams, Banvit	8.0
9. Gonlum, Efes Pilsen	7.9
10. Douthit, Antal.	7.5

Assists Per Game

Marvis THORNTON
  Efes Pilsen
  (194-G-77)
  Avg: 2.8

1. Koseoglu, Karsiyaka	6.8
2. Acik, T.Telekom	5.7
3. Senturk, Darussaf.	5.4
4. Crispin, Banvit	5.2
5. King, Antalya	5.1
6. Chatman, Besiktas	5.1
7. Preldzic, Fener.Ulker	4.8
8. Reese, Aliaga	4.7
9. Green, Antalya	4.5
10. Gordon, Oyak.	4.4

Steals Per Game

Yunus CANKAYA
  Banvit
  (199-F-85)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Basden, Mersin	3.0
2. McCalebb, Mersin	2.9
3. Koseoglu, Karsiyaka	2.1
4. Martin, Kepez Bld	1.9
5. Senturk, Darussaf.	1.9
6. Chatman, Besiktas	1.9
7. Hammonds, Darussaf.	1.8
8. Ibekwe, Selcuk U.	1.8
9. Thornton, Efes P.	1.8
10. Green, Antal.	1.7

Blocks Per Game

Adnan KULCEBAS
  TED Koleji
  (205-F-81)
  Avg: 0.7

1. Hansen, TED Koleji	2.9
2. Benton, Karsiyaka	2.5
3. Solak, Aliaga	2.4
4. Traylor, Kepez Bld	1.9
5. Stiemsma, Oyak R.	1.9
6. Ibekwe, Selcuk U.	1.8
7. Davis, Aliaga	1.5
8. Ffriend, Mersin	1.4
9. Thomas, Erdemir	1.1
10. Douthit, Antal.	1.1

Standings - TBL

TBL Standings

1. Efes Pilsen	17-1
2. Galatasaray	14-3
3. Fener.Ulker	13-4
4. T.Telekom	12-5
5. Besiktas	10-8
6. Antalya	9-8
7. Banvit	9-8
8. Mersin	8-9
9. Aliaga	8-9
10. Karsiyaka	8-9
11. Darussafaka	8-9
12. Oyak Renault	7-11
13. Selcuk Uni.	6-12
14. Kepez Bld	4-13
15. Erdemir	4-13
16. TED Koleji	1-16

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U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS

UVI men lose basketball season opener in P.R. - by David Edole
The University of Virgin Islands men's basketball team opened their season on a sour note in Puerto Rico on Friday. UVI nearly pulled off the upset, losing 68-60, in LAI play.
Down by just three points midway through the third period, the Univeristy of Virgin Islands Buccaneers watched as costly turnovers cost them their first win over Rio Piedras, 68-60.
The Bucs held a 13-11 lead going into the second, but Rio Piedras outscored them, 16-13, and never looked back. UVI was down by one at the half, 26-27.
Rio Piedras outscored the Bucs, 23-16, in the third and each team scored 18 in the fourth as UVI lost it's season opener.
Nashon Jeffers led the Bucaneers with 18 points, four rebounds and four assists. Alvaro DeLugo scored 10 points and Jerrick Amaro put together a double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. .

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UBL

UBL DRAFT FEBRUARY 21, IN ADDISON TEXAS - by Ozzie Denson

The United Baskerball League (UBL) is having their UBL team draft on 2/21/09 in Addison, Texas. The draft is open to the first 100 players that register. Players can register at www.ublhoops.com or call 940-453-5539. The draft fee is $125.00 which includes the hotel room and transportation to and from Hotel to Gym. Walkup fees is $75.00 and does not include hotel room. All UBL Team Owners and Coaches will be present at the draft which starts at 9:00am. Players please be on time. We are looking for players that can play in the UBL

Please visit www.ublhoops.com

or call

940-453-5539

You can pay on line.

The UBL come get some!!!!!!

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UKRAINE

Superleague Round: 19 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
BC Donetsk - BC Kyiv 80-81
Anthony Tucker returned into BC Donetsk lineup after a serious injury but the hosts could not capitalize losing to BC Kyiv. Clay Tucker (195-G-80, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Wisc.-Milwaukee) nailed 16 points and grabbed 7 boards to lead balanced visitors effort. James Penn delivered 13 points as BC Kyiv climbed at 17-2 record. Haywood Owens responded with 21 points and 8 boards for Donetsk. Anthony Tucker had 20 points in the 7th loss for the home team.

Poltava - Mykolaiv 91-75
Poltava had little troubles en route to the 4th win in the season as they rolled past Mykolaiv at home. Ricky Clemons and Saulius Kazevicius (189-G-76) accounted for 15 points each for Poltava. Maxim Ivshin had 13 points for the winning team. Jarrius Jackson continued to deliver for his new team as he fired 22 points. Sergiy Gladyr contributed 20 points and 8 boards in the loss.

Pulsar - Sumykhimpr. 88-63
Pulsar cruised past hapless Sumykhimprom before the home fans. Pavel Ulyanko (204-F/C-79) notched 27 points to lead Rivne team. Ilya Shemosyuk added 15 points for the winners. The visitors dropped the 7th straight despite 14 points, 6 boards and 5 steals from Brian Green.

Khimik - Azovmash 80-85
Azovmash came up strong in the final period to upset Khimik on the road today. Simonas Serapinas (197-F-82) nailed 25 points for the visitors. Khalid El-Amin added 21 points and 7 assists for the defending champions. Andriy Agafonov secured 25 points for Khimik. Wykeen Kelly delivered 20 points in the loss.

Standings - Superleague

Superleague Standings

1. BC Kyiv	17-2
2. Azovmash	16-3
3. BC Donetsk	11-7
4. Khimik	11-8
5. Mykolaiv	6-13
6. Sumykhimpr.	5-13
7. Pulsar	5-14
8. Poltava	4-15

Stats Leaders - Men

Points Per Game

Dmitri BRIANTSEV
  Pulsar
  (203-F/C-73)
  Avg: 11.4

1. Tucker, BC Donetsk	22.0
2. Owens, BC Donetsk	18.4
3. Aleksic, BC Donetsk	17.8
4. Greene, Sumykhim.	17.1
5. Gladyr, Mykolaiv	16.1
6. Jarutis, Poltava	15.6
7. Ulyanko, Pulsar	14.8
8. Bajramovic, BC Ky.	14.2
9. Thompson, Azovmash	14.1
10. Guinn, Polta.	13.8

Rebounds Per Game

Brent WRIGHT
  BC Kyiv
  (203-F/C-78)
  Avg: 4.6

1. Kuso, Sumykhimpr.	8.5
2. Aleksic, BC Donetsk	7.9
3. Greene, Sumykhim.	7.4
4. Thompson, Azovmash	7.2
5. Guinn, Poltava	7.0
6. Tucker, BC Donetsk	6.9
7. Owens, BC Donetsk	6.3
8. Kieza, Poltava	5.5
9. Van Den Spie., Azovm.	5.4
10. Bader, Khim.	5.2

Assists Per Game

Simonas SERAPINAS
  Azovmash
  (197-F-82)
  Avg: 1.9

1. Rodriguez, BC Do.	6.8
2. El-Amin, Azovmash	5.9
3. Clemons, Poltava	4.1
4. Kelly, Khimik	3.7
5. Jarutis, Azovmash	3.0
6. Jarutis, Poltava	3.0
7. Butskyy, Sumykhim.	2.8
8. Shemosyuk, Pulsar	2.8
9. Rayevskyy, Mykol.	2.7
10. Penn, BC Ky.	2.6

Steals Per Game

Manuchar MARKOISHVILI
  BC Kyiv
  (195-G-86)
  Avg: 1.2

1. Rodriguez, BC Do.	3.1
2. Greene, Sumykhim.	2.7
3. Clemons, Poltava	2.0
4. Aleksic, BC Donetsk	1.8
5. Drozdov, BC Kyiv	1.6
6. El-Amin, Azovmash	1.6
7. Zabirchenko, BC Do.	1.6
8. Thompson, Azovmash	1.6
9. Scales, BC Kyiv	1.6
10. Famutimi, Khim.	1.6

Blocks Per Game

Artur DROZDOV
  BC Kyiv
  (198-G-80)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Rizvic, Azovmash	1.6
2. Blair, Mykolaiv	1.6
3. Gumenyuk, Pulsar	1.3
4. Kuso, Sumykhimpr.	1.1
5. Lishchuk, Azovmash	1.1
6. Djapa, Pulsar	1.0
7. Ulyanko, Pulsar	0.9
8. Van Den Spie., Azovm.	0.9
9. Kravtsov, BC Kyiv	0.8
10. Guinn, Polta.	0.8

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

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Lamizana back to Al Wasl - by Ali Ahmed
Al Wasl basketball team management agreed terms with the Ivorian Center Herve Lamizana (208-F/C-81, college: Rutgers) to play for them this season 2008/2009.

Herve Lamizana is a smooth, graceful athlete and one of the top shot-blockers in the nation...has the ability to score both from the perimeter and on the inside.

Awards/Achievements:
USA College All-African Rookie Team
Africabasket.com NCAA1 All-African 2nd Team -03
All-Big East 3rd Team -04
NIT Tournament Finalist -04
Africabasket.com NCAA1 All-African 1st Team -04
NIT All-Tournament Team -04
Israeli Premier League Semifinals -05
Chinese CBA All-Star Game -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Chinese CBA 2nd Team -08
Asia-Basket.com Chinese CBA All-Imports Team -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Club Championships Best Center -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Asian Club Championships 1st Team -08
Asia-Basket.com Asian Club Championships All-Imports Team -08

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

URUGUAY

USBA

City to field team for new pro basketball league - by USBA Media

A startup professional basketball league lists Montgomery as a site for a team and will have tryouts in March.
The Montgomery Generals will play a 30-game schedule in the United States Basketball Association, which announced tryout plans Tuesday.
Tryouts will be March 7, 14 and 21 and will cost $75 per player. A player can try out on all three dates or for one team on one date and another on the other dates without additional expense. Players must be at least 20 years old. Tryout sites will be announced Feb. 15, according to a league release.

The league is scheduled to have 12 teams, including the Birmingham Crusaders and Atlanta Platinum, located in the Southeast. Montgomery is scheduled to open the season at home April 1 against the Norfolk Blaze. The regular season ends in late June. The Generals will play home games at Alabama State's Acadome, league founder Duane Allen Jenkins said in an e-mail Tuesday. Former Jeff Davis High coach Wilbert Hamilton will be the coach. Hamilton's former JD assistant, James 'Buck' Thomas, will be the director of basketball operations.

For more information, visit www.usababall.com or call the league at 678-615-3067.

The USBA considered Montgomery two years when it was scheduled to start play in 2008. The league eliminated Montgomery from consideration when it couldn't secure an arena and later nixed its plans for 2008. The USBA didn't consider Garrett Coliseum because of a lack of air conditioning and couldn't match available dates with Faulkner, Alabama State or AUM, Jenkins said in August 2007. At that time, Jenkins said the USBA required a $250,000 deposit on teams. The league had also lined up corporate sponsors, including Russell Athletic. The league had a goal of 4,000 season tickets in each city.

'I've already spoken to the governments on state and local levels,' Jenkins said. 'If we run the league correctly and cleanly, they will support us.'

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

VENEZUELA

Venezuelans in Mexico - Game 3 Quarter Finals - by Francisco Vega
Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelans playing in Mexico's LNBP Quarter Finals had different luck. While a few of them are still alive in the chase for the Semifinals, others got eliminated as the fight tightens.

-Amber Marin (208-C-81), of Bucaneros de Campeche, had an off day as his team lost against Halcones de Cordoba, 78-72, and got swept in the series, 3-0. Marin played 18 minutes and finished up with 4 points, 3 rebounds, a steal and a block.
-Edgar Lugo (189-G-82), of Santos Reales de San Luis, came off the bench to help his team into a victory against Halcones Rojos de Veracruz, 90-84, and is now behind in the series, 2-1. Lugo netted 16 points with 3 rebounds, an assist, 2 turnovers and 4 fouls in 25 minutes.
-Pedro Brito (202-F/C-82), of Panteras de Aguascalientes, defeated Barreteros de Zacatecas 83-60 and got ahead in the series, 2-1. Brito played 21 minutes and contributed with 9 points, 3 rebounds and 3 fouls.
-Keving Palacios (203-F/C-84), of Barreteros de Zacatecas, lost against Panteras de Aguascalientes, 83-60, and is now behind in the series, 2-1. Palacios saw action for 23 minutes with 11 points, 5 rebounds and an assist.

Oscar Torres and Hector Romero, defeated again in Italy's Lega A - by Francisco Vega

Barquisimeto, Venezuela.- Venezuelans Oscar Torres (195-F/G-76) and Hector Romero (202-F-80), players of Snaidero Udine in Italy's Lega A, could not lift their team past last place in the standings, as they were defeated by La Fortezza Bologna, 93-86, in Matchday 18 of the regular season calendar.

Torres was a starter and played 29 minutes, finishing up with 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and a steal, but lost three ball posessions and had 5 fouls. Eight of his 10 points came in the first half. He netted four of five two-point shots, missed a couple of three-pointers and went 2 for 2 from the free-throw line.

Romero, battling with an ankle injury, came off the bench and played 30 minutes, supporting his side with 8 points, 9 rebounds and a couple of blocks, lost two balls and fouled three times. He netted three of nine attempts from the two-point stance and scored two of four free throws.

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

Women News

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

AUSTRALIA - Women

AIS and Logan Thunder victorious in Round 17 openers - by Eurobasket News
AIS and Logan Thunder outplayed their rivals on Friday (Round 17).

AIS was better than Dandenong 79-74 registering the second win in WNBL this season. Despite it, AIS remains at the bottom of the standings with poor 2-19. The Perth Lynks is on the position number 9 with two wins more (4-15). Elizabeth Cambage (203-C-91) was a key player for AIS yesterday collecting 27 points and 5 rebounds. Rachel Jarry (185-G-91) followed her with 14 points and 9 rebounds. On the other side, Dandenong got 30 points and 7 boards from Jennifer Benningfield (190-F/C-81, agency: LBM Management, college: Vanderbilt).
The Logan Thunder outsmarted Adelaide 75-70. Sarah Graham (163-G-89) top-scored in victory with 19 points. She also pulled down 6 rebounds beside that. Natalie Purcell (183-G/F-82, college: SE Missouri St.) had 13 and Holly Smith (186-F/C-86) added one point less than her. Angela Marino (166-G-86) netted 15 points in loss. With this victory the Thunder moved up on the seventh place with 7-14 score. As both team entered into this round with the same numbers, the Thunder fell on position number 8. Adelaide will meet Townsville Fire today.

Other games of Round 17:
2/7/2009 Sydney UF - Dandenong R.
2/7/2009 Townsville F. - Adelaide
2/7/2009 Perth L. - Bulleen B.
8/8/2009 Bendigo S. - AIS

Standings - WNBL

WNBL Standings

1. Canberra C.	17-2
2. Bulleen B.	15-4
3. Townsville F.	14-4
4. Adelaide	13-6
5. Bendigo S.	10-8
6. Sydney UF	8-11
7. Logan Thunder	7-14
8. Dandenong R.	6-13
9. Perth L.	4-15
10. AIS	2-19

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

FINLAND - Women

D1 Round: 21 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
PeKa - FoA 106-74
PeKa rolled past Forssan Alku to post the 13th win in the season worth the third position in the table. Rebekah Parker (180-G/F-85) came up with 30 points and 9 boards for PeKa. Dionne Pounds had 22 points in the winning case. Toniqua Frasier responded with 23 points and 9 boards in the losing case.

Espoo Team - S-Hameen. 92-64
Espoo Team overwhelmed S-Hameenmaa at home court to improve at 14-4 record in the ladder. Ashley Haynes (176-G/F-84, college: Austin Peay St.) knocked down 26 points, collected 12 boards and made 6 steals to lead the hosts. Whitney Allen added 16 points and 10 rebounds as Espoo stayed in the second position in the table. Kieraah Marlow answered with 21 points for S-Hameenmaa. Jazz Covington came up with 19 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.

Huima - HoNsU 77-59
Huima gained the 11th season victory as they bruised HoNSu. Kalika France (175-G-85, agency: Merit Sports, college: Purdue) was solid with 22 points and 13 boards. Kenya Robinson notched 15 points and 8 boards for Huima. Vanessa Gidden led HoNSu with 19 points and 15 boards in defeat.

Standings - Women

D1 Standings

1. Catz	17-1
2. Espoo Team	14-4
3. PeKa	13-5
4. Huima	11-7
5. S-Hameen.	8-10
6. FoA	5-13
7. HoNsU	4-14
8. BC Nokia	0-18
Will join on later stage:
1. PuHu	-

Stats Leaders - Women

Points Per Game

Calisha YATES
  BC Nokia
  (180-G/F-84)
  Avg: 13.6

1. Marlow, S-Hameen.	23.7
2. Parker, PuHu	22.3
3. Bailey, Huima	20.0
4. Covington, S-Ham.	19.4
5. Haynes, Espoo Team	18.9
6. Gidden, HoNsU	17.7
7. Frasier, FoA	17.6
8. Pellom, FoA	17.3
9. Freeman, PeKa	17.3
10. Collier, HoN.	16.9

Rebounds Per Game

Raquel COLLIER
  HoNsU
  (178-G/F-86)
  Avg: 6.9

1. Gidden, HoNsU	14.1
2. Covington, S-Ham.	13.6
3. Roukanoja, PuHu	12.2
4. Haynes, Espoo Team	11.8
5. Robinson, Huima	11.7
6. Triggs, PeKa	10.7
7. Yates, BC Nokia	10.5
8. Freeman, PeKa	9.9
9. Solovyeva, Catz	9.8
10. Higy, BC Nok.	8.6

Assists Per Game

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

1. Kesanen, Catz	3.8
2. Pellom, FoA	2.9
3. Haynes, Espoo Team	2.5
4. Rivers, PeKa	2.5
5. DeCoud, HoNsU	2.5
6. Parker, PuHu	2.4
7. Frasier, FoA	2.4
8. Covington, S-Ham.	2.4
9. Jamsen, Huima	2.3
10. Freeman, Pe.	2.2

Steals Per Game

Joi SCOTT
  Catz
  (181-F-84)
  Avg: 1.8

1. Bailey, Huima	4.0
2. DeCoud, HoNsU	3.9
3. Haynes, Espoo Team	3.4
4. Collier, HoNsU	3.2
5. Haynes, Catz	3.1
6. Allen, Espoo Team	2.9
7. Vapamaa, S-Hameen.	2.8
8. Reshetko, Catz	2.8
9. Pellom, FoA	2.8
10. Parker, Pe.	2.6

Blocks Per Game

Erneisha BAILEY
  Huima
  (175-G-86)
  Avg: 0.4

1. Gidden, HoNsU	1.8
2. Roukanoja, PuHu	1.5
3. Solovyeva, Catz	1.3
4. Tuure, Catz	1.0
5. Triggs, PeKa	1.0
6. Allen, Espoo Team	1.0
7. Scott, Catz	0.9
8. Reshetko, Catz	0.8
9. Zwarich, FoA	0.8
10. Sten, Ca.	0.7

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

NCAA2 - Women

All American Sarah Van Horn leads West Virginia Wesleyan to victory with a triple-double! - by Lucius Jones
W.Virg.Wesl. was led to a 66-57 win over Glenville St. by a huge performance from Sarah Van Horn (5'11''-F). Sarah Van Horn, the returning 3rd team All American, ended the game with 16points on 7-14FG and 2-3FT while adding 13rebounds 11 assists 2steals and 4 blocks as well all in 32mins of play. W.Virg.Wesl. also got double figure contributions from Lydia Bridenbaugh who had 13points on 5-10FG and 3-5 3pt shooting and Sierra Holstein (5'9''-G/F) scored 14points on 4-9 3pt shooting and also ended with 4rebounds and 4steals. W.Virg.Wesl. has won 5 games in a row and looks to be poised to close the season out very strongly.

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

POLAND - Women

PLKK Round: 20 (Regular Season) - by Eurobasket News
AZS Gorzow - Utex Row 87-55
ASZ Gorzow overcame Utex Row for the 15th win in the season. Nicky Anosike (192-C-86, college: Tennessee) tallied 21 points and 9 boards for the winners. Anne Breitreiner had 20 points for the hosts. Nataliya Trafimava answered with 16 points and 10 boards for Utex Row.

Wisla Can-Pak - PTK Pabian. 88-41
Wisla grabbed the 15th victory and stayed in the third spot in the ladder. They defeated PTK Pabianice behind 18 points and 8 rebounds from Candice Dupree (188-F/C-84, college: Temple). Ewelina Kobryn had 14 points and 9 boards in the victory. Danielle Page replied with 13 points and 7 caroms for Pabianice.

Lotos PKO BP - Duda Leszno 88-64
Lotos kept their leading position in the PLKK. They overhauled Duda Leszno as Monique Currie (183-G/F-83, college: Duke) dropped 26 points for the winners. Tamika Catchings delivered 24 points in the victory. Aleksandra Drzewinska led Duda Leszno with 15 points in the losing effort.

CCC - Cukierki 74-42
CCC Polkowice grabbed the 12th victory as they outgunned Cukierki at home court. Agata Gajda (174-G-80) nailed 19 points, while Justyna Jeziorna had 12 points for CCC. Ofa Tulikhihifo led the visitors with 18 points.

AZS J.Gora - Inea AZS P. 52-61
Poznan got 20 points from Agnieszka Skobel (181-F-89) and they thumped Jelenia Gora on the road. Okeisha Howard secured 12 points, while Natalia Mrozinska delivered 11 for the victors. Magdalena Skorek topscored with 15 points for Jelenia Gora.

Stats Leaders - PLKK

Points Per Game

Jacqueline MOORE
  Energa Torun
  (189-C-79)
  Avg: 11.6

1. Shields, Duda L.	18.5
2. Coleman, AZS J.	17.5
3. Kobryn, Wisla C.	16.7
4. Zohnova, AZS G.	16.5
5. Sissoko, MUKS P.	15.5
6. Mieloszynska, CCC	14.9
7. Rushing, MUKS P.	14.6
8. Tulikihihifo, Cukie.	14.2
9. Robbins, CCC	14.1
10. Breitreiner, AZS.	13.9

Rebounds Per Game

Patrycja GULAK
  Energa Torun
  (193-C-82)
  Avg: 5.7

1. Sissoko, MUKS P.	13.5
2. Robbins, CCC	10.9
3. Petillon, Cukierki	10.6
4. Beachem, MUKS P.	10.3
5. Kobryn, Wisla C.	9.1
6. Merideth, AZS J.	8.6
7. Carter, CCC	8.6
8. Aleliunaite-J., Inea A.	8.2
9. Atkinson, Utex Row	8.1
10. Moore, Energa.	7.4

Assists Per Game

Emilja PODRUG
  Lotos PKO BP
  (190-C-79)
  Avg: 2.4

1. Gajda, CCC	4.5
2. Marchanka, Lotos P.	3.8
3. Skerovic, Wisla C.	3.6
4. Wlazlak, LKS	3.6
5. Richards, AZS G.	3.4
6. Atkinson, Utex Row	3.3
7. Czubak, AZS Gorzow	3.1
8. Kenig, LKS	3.0
9. Key, Cukierki	2.9
10. Howard, Inea.	2.8

Steals Per Game

Monika SIBORA
  Inea AZS P.
  (167-G-76)
  Avg: 2.7

1. Atkinson, Utex Row	4.4
2. Krysiewicz, Duda L.	3.8
3. Shields, Duda L.	3.5
4. Gajda, CCC	3.5
5. Rushing, MUKS P.	3.4
6. Moore, Energa T.	3.4
7. Ristic, AZS J.	3.3
8. Beachem, MUKS P.	3.3
9. Idczak, Inea A.	3.2
10. Koryzna, L.	3.1

Blocks Per Game

Alana BEARD
  Lotos PKO BP
  (180-G/F-82)
  Avg: 0.6

1. White, Duda Leszno	2.3
2. Aleliunaite-J., Inea A.	2.1
3. Taylor, AZS Gorzow	2.0
4. Palka, Wisla C.	1.8
5. Walich, Inea A.	1.3
6. Moore, Energa T.	1.2
7. Beachem, MUKS P.	1.0
8. Perkins, Utex Row	1.0
9. Robbins, CCC	1.0
10. Atkinson, Utex R.	1.0

Standings - PLKK

PLKK Standings

1. Lotos PKO BP	15-2
2. AZS Gorzow	15-2
3. Wisla Can-Pak	15-3
4. CCC	12-4
5. Inea AZS P.	11-7
6. Energa Torun	11-8
7. Utex Row	10-9
8. Duda Leszno	8-11
9. AZS J.Gora	7-12
10. Cukierki	5-14
11. MUKS Pozn.	4-14
12. LKS	3-16
13. PTK Pabian.	2-16

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RUSSIA - Women

Standings Women D1

A Superleague Standings

1. Spartak V MR	12-1
2. CSKA	11-1
3. UMMC	11-2
4. Dynamo M.	7-5
5. Chevakata	7-6
6. Dynamo K.	5-7
7. Nadezhda O.	5-7
8. Dynamo N.	2-10
9. Spartak SP	2-11
10. Slavyanka	0-12

Stats Leaders

Points Per Game

Tatiana SHCHEGOLEVA
  Spartak V MR
  (195-F/C-82)
  Avg: 11.9

1. Lennox, Nadezhda O.	26.5
2. Taurasi, Spartak .	19.1
3. Jekabsone-Z., Dynamo M.	17.3
4. Christon, Nadezhda.	17.1
5. Snell, Dynamo M.	17.0
6. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	15.2
7. Wauters, CSKA	14.7
8. Fowles, Spartak .	13.9
9. Burse, Dynamo M.	13.9
10. Iakovleva, Spa.	13.7

Rebounds Per Game

Asjha JONES
  UMMC
  (188-F-80)
  Avg: 5.1

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	10.8
2. Zakalyuzhnay., Dynamo M.	8.1
3. Bokareva, Chevakata	8.0
4. Iakovleva, Spart.	8.0
5. Wauters, CSKA	7.6
6. Psareva, Dynamo K.	7.5
7. Fowles, Spartak .	7.5
8. Kiseleva, Slavyanka	7.5
9. Myasoedova, Dynamo N.	7.4
10. Burse, Dynamo.	7.3

Assists Per Game

Tatjana LARIONOVA
  Slavyanka
  (184-F-75)
  Avg: 2.3

1. Berseneva, Dynamo N.	5.7
2. Snell, Dynamo M.	5.2
3. Bird, Spartak V MR	4.7
4. Taurasi, Spartak .	4.4
5. Moore, Chevakata	4.3
6. Volkova, Chevakata	3.9
7. Babusheva, Slavy.	3.9
8. Khammon, CSKA	3.8
9. Bibrzycka, UMMC	3.6
10. Firsova, Spartak	3.4

Steals Per Game

Jannell BURSE
  Dynamo M.
  (197-C-79)
  Avg: 1.6

1. Moore, Chevakata	3.9
2. Makhlina, Spart.	2.3
3. Volkova, Chevakata	2.2
4. Valuzyte, Dynamo K.	2.1
5. McCarville, CS.	2.1
6. Bolsunovskay., Dynamo N.	2.1
7. Fomina, Dynamo K.	2.1
8. Douglas, CSKA	2.1
9. Snell, Dynamo M.	2.1
10. Bokareva, Chevaka.	2.1

Blocks Per Game

Aleksandra KHOKHLOVA
  Slavyanka
  (190-C-86)
  Avg: 0.6

1. Veremeenko, Nadezhda.	2.5
2. Stepanova, CSKA	2.5
3. Myasoedova, Dynamo N.	1.7
4. Kiseleva, Slavyanka	1.6
5. Kuzina, Dynamo M.	1.5
6. Fowles, Spartak .	1.5
7. Baranova, UMMC	1.4
8. Vizbariene, Dynamo K.	1.1
9. Osipova, Spartak .	1.1
10. Prystupa, Dynamo.	0.9

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

SWITZERLAND - Women

Standings - LNF

LNA Standings

1. U.Neuchatel	16-1
2. Sierre	15-2
3. BBC	10-6
4. Nyon	9-8
5. Riva Basket	7-8
6. Fribourg	6-10
7. Helios	2-15
8. Pully	1-16

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

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS - Women

HS basketball: Hamilton flirts with a quadruple double - by David Edole
Antilles girls 72, Gifft Hill 18
Lead by a season-high point total and near quadruple-double by Vicky Hamilton, the Lady Canes were able to blow the Lady Barracudas out of the water, 72-18.

Hamilton scored 30 points, pulled down 20 rebounds, had nine steals and eight rebounds.

Antilles started the game outscoring Gifft Hill, 33-2, in the first half. After going up 17-2 after the first period, the Canes outscored the Barracudas, 16-0, in the second.

Hamilton, with 11 points, and Julia Casazza combined to score all 17 of Antilles' first period points. Che'Les Martin scored four points in the second for the Lady Canes.

The Lady Barracudas offense finally came alive in the third, with 11 points. Antilles, however, scored 18 in the third and opened up a 61-13 lead to start the fourth.

Hamilton scored 10 of her 30 points in the third.

With most of the bench doing the work in the fourth, the Lady Canes were still able to put up their best offensive period with 21 points. Gifft Hill could only manage five points as they fell into a 54-point deficit.

For Gifft Hill, Shaniqua Davis scored six points and Fessale had five points.

For Antilles, Casazza scored 12 points and Martin contributed 10 points.

Carey, Simmons share load in victory - by David Edole
Murrah Dandy Dozen guard Tanecka Carey isn't lighting up the scoreboard like she did before tearing her ACL back in August.

Teammate Brandi Simmons is doing that for her.

But the presence of Carey, in her sixth game back Friday, could be the key to the Lady Mustangs bringing a third straight Class 5A trophy back to Murrah Drive.

Carey's steady play at guard, accompanied by yet another big night from workhorse Simmons, boosted No. 5 Murrah to a 53-43 Senior Night win over No. 9 Warren Central.

'We are 100 percent better with (Carey) back,' Simmons said. 'The team chemistry is back and everybody isn't just depending on me any more. We have other outlets now.'

Simmons finished with 24 points and grabbed 17 rebounds to lead Murrah (17-2), ranked No. 5 in the Super 10 and third in 5A.

'Brandi has been carrying us,' said Murrah coach Anna Jackson, who won her 683rd career game. 'She has worked extremely hard for us this year. I can't say enough about her.'

Carey, who says she feels 'almost 100 percent' after missing the first 13 games, hopes her return can quiet the naysayers who were counting the Lady Mustangs out during her absence.

'That motivated me and made me want to come back and make sure we get back to the Big House,' Carey said.

Carey, who nailed four third-quarter 3-pointers in a win last week over Madison Central, finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists Friday coming off the bench.

'We put the ball in T's (Carey's) hand and whether she shoots it or not, everybody is going to pay attention to her,' Jackson said. 'It takes a lot of pressure off the young girls. She just makes everybody better.'

One of those young players, freshman Chardonae Fuqua, got Murrah going early. Fuqua scored the Lady Mustangs' first four points to help them build a 14-5 first quarter lead.

The Lady Vikes (22-4), No. 9 in the Super 10 and No. 4 in 5A, trailed the entire game, despite getting as close as seven points (40-33) early in the fourth quarter.

Dandy Dozen forward Sha'Kayla Caples, a Louisiana Tech signee, poured in 27 points and had 11 rebounds to go with four blocks. But the Lady Vikes got a rare off night from senior standout Karnina Bunch, who went scoreless.

'Murrah's got a great team and they just outplayed us tonight,' said Warren Central coach Donny Fuller, whose team was without starter Ricille Davis (twisted ankle). 'We just never could get over the hump. With a couple kids out, it really cut into our depth.'

Both teams now turn their attention to their respective division tournaments.

Warren Central, the top seed in Division 4-5A, will play tournament host Provine on Tuesday. Murrah, the top seed in Division 3-5A, travels to Grenada to face Northwest Rankin.

'Coach put the pressure on us and told us that she has never lost on Senior Night,' Simmons said. 'We wanted to come out and make a statement before the playoffs.'