EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 5/24/2009

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  ARGENTINA   


Quimsa signs Tintorelli - by Facundo Iatzky
This year the market is starting to move earlier than ever. Quimsa is the first team to sign an important player. They have agreed in terms with Damian Tintorelli (202-C-81, agency: Players Group), who played last season in Regatas Corrientes. Quimsa looks to improve their poor last season where they were one of the candidates and then finished in the 11th place. By now the team is Jonathan Treise, Julio Mazzaro, Damian Tintorelli and Carlos Romano as coach. Their next objective is resign Gabriel Mikulas who is thinking of returning to play in Europe or stay in Argentina.

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  AUSTRIA   


Stats leaders in the Semi-Finals - by Stefan Heinrich
Points per game: Shelton Colwell (202-F-80, agency: Hart Sports Mngm, college: Missouri St.) 24.0
Rebounds per game: Shelton Colwell 10.5
Assists per game: Anthony Fisher (191-G-83) 6.0
Steals per game: Peter Hutter (197-F/G-80, agency: Interperformances) & Shelton Colwell 2.5
Blocks per game: Shelton Colwell 1.5
Minutes per game: Davor Lamesic (205-F-83, agency: Interperformances) 35.6
Turnover per game: Dragan Zekovic (210-F-87, agency: Interperformances) 3.5
Fouls per game: Dzmitry Paliashchuk (196-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances) & Elijah Palmer (201-F-81, agency: Court Side, college: Duquesne) 4.5
FG Percentage: Tilo Klette (205-C/F-77) 61.5 %
3P Percentage: Bruce Fields (197-F-80, agency: Rasmussen Services, college: Gardner-Webb) 59.1 %
FT Percentage: Slobodan Ocokoljic (204-F-80, college: Weber St.) 86.7 %
Efficiency: Shelton Colwell 30.0

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  BARBADOS   


Cavs end Pine's unbeaten run - by Justin Marville
PINELANDS WINNING STREAK is no more!
Former league champs Station Hill Cavaliers brought the resounding 6-0 mark to a screeching halt with a brilliant all-round team effort, whipping the previously unbeaten Pine 84-57 in Thursdays feature game in the Barbados Amateur Basketball Associations Premier League at the YMCA.
The daunting scoreline failed to even tell the entire story while Pinelands were busy producing season lows in points (57), rebounds (27) and assists (8) to look anything other than the holders of the leagues best record.
And it all started and ended with the pedestrian performance of floor leader Kirk Patrick.
Just days after erupting for a season-high 27 points at the same venue, the diminutive combo guard was a shadow of his customary explosive self, clearly struggling against the stifling man-to-man defence of the opposing Corey Williams.
When the fleet-footed national point guard wasnt denying Patrick the ball, Williams was expertly keeping him out of the lane to disrupt the Pines efficient uptempo offence.
The Cavs floor general didnt even have to worry about the other end of the floor, with veteran big men Andrew Alleyne and Kelvin Patterson running the show down low while getting timely outside jumpers from Jason Smith.
A 12-4 start to the contest quickly became 22-8 first quarter Station Hill advantage as it became distinctly clear that prolific Pinelands forward Gary Miller was the lone player to suit up for the Pine.
Even as Williams sat for much of the ensuing period, Patrick still couldnt get going, nor his dependable back court mate Francois Badenock, who went a woeful zero from five in the first half.
The deficit ballooned to 18 points (38-20) at the half and threatened reach the 30 as Patterson, Alleyne and Junior Moore tormented their hapless front court counterparts in a lopsided third quarter showing.
Miller remained a man out to sea during the onslaught, watching the rampant Station Hill build a lead as big as the 28-point advantage (57-29) they held late in the third after Badenocks unfortunate eye injury.
A 16-8 Pinelands run over the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter provided some solace for the former league leaders when reserve forwards Terrance Thompson and Corey Nurse got out in transition for uncontested lay-ups.
But they were eventually greeted by a cluster of Andre Jean-Pierre baskets that restored the Cavs healthy lead.
Patterson led Station Hill with 14 points, with Moore adding a double-double of 12 points and 12 boards. Alleyne (12), Kevin Sealy (12), Jean-Pierre (11) and Smith (10) all scored in double digits. Miller finished with a game-high 28 points, 13 rebounds and four blocks.
In the nights first game, British American Insurance Jackson ended the upset bid of Cougars by notching their second win of the season in an 88-80 victory.
A 15-2 start to the contest gave the Hothersal Turning men (0-6) hopes of ending their winless streak, but they never had an answer for Peter Alleyne in a decisive third quarter stretch.
Alleyne scored 11 of his 16 points in the third, while Javid Beckles finished with 31 points for Jackson (2-5). Antonio Yearwood was Cougars top-scorer with 25 points.

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  BELGIUM   


Antwerp and Aalstar advance to Semifinals - by Eurobasket News
Antwerp - Liege 52-51
Antwerp escaped with 52-51 thriller win against Liege advancing to play-off semifinals. Bryan Hopkins (183-G-83, agency: Octagon, college: SMU) was a key player for the hosts collecting 21 points and 6 rebounds. Liege got 11 points and impressive 23 rebounds from Will Thomas. Antwerp will meet Charleroi in the Semis. The first game is scheduled for May 26.

Aalstar - Leuven 65-58
2-1 for Aalstar, who will take on Dexia Mons-Hainaut in the Semis (May 26). Matt Lojeski (198-G-85, college: Hawaii) once again top-scored in the winning squad with 21 points. Mo Charlo followed with 11. DeMario Anderson and Sani Ibrahim combined 27 points in loss.

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  BELIZE   


Belize Bank Bulldogs start with a win in DBA Tournament!!! - by David Magana
Last night's U19 match-up featured the highly anticipated C&M Rebuilders featuring two of Dangriga'a rising stars in Jamir Flores and Edgar Mitchell going up against Southside Running Rebels who suffered a crushing defeat, [49-20] to pre-season favorite Hopkins, in the season opener. The Rebels, however, made a critical roster change after the first game, activating Leroy Louriano (173-G-91) for last night's game. Loriano went to work immediately dropping 26 points and adding 9 rebounds for the game leaving the Rebuilders squad searching for answers. The Rebels enjoyed a 12 point halftime lead, the stunned Rebuilders looked to team leader Jamir Flores who came alive to score 12 of his 20 points in the sceond half. Osbourne Rogers chipped in 10 of his 12 in the second half as well, but was not enough to mount a successful rally, as the ultimately fell 57-50.

Other notable performances included;
Edgar Mitchell, Rebuilders - 9pts, 5rebs
Brandon Williams, Rebels - 9pts, 2rebs

Similar to Thursday night's U19 game, the senior match featured the much talked about BelizeBank Benguche squad, which enlisted to services of Belize Bank Bulldogs Darwin Leslie (191-F/G-81) 'puppy', Leon Williams (203-C) 'biggs' and Earl Johnson (188-F) 'Bolo' . Sibling team relations aside, the trio did not disappoint as their combined efforts netted 40pts, 18rebs. The BWEL Flames did not seemed phased by the city imports and led for more than 16 minutes in the first half, powered by their lengthy frontline of Eden Serano (191-F), Mervin Castillo (-C) 'Bae' and Roger Pandy. This game would prove to be a tale of two halves. After being down seven at the half, the Benguche squad decided to push back with a full court press defense which they employed for most of the second half. The Flames buckled under the pressure as Benguche out-scored them 53-21 in the second half to seal the victory.

Notable performances include;

Adonis Martinez who hit key tree pointers in the second half for BelizeBank Benguche (11pts),
Eden Serano, BWEL Flames, 12pts, 14rebs

Inter-Office Basketball Games held on 20 May!!! - by David Magana
Please find below the results of the Inter-Office Basketball Games held on 20 May:

Game 1:
Medical & Johnston International - 73 General Post Office - 45
Top Scorers
Medical - Joshua Jones 19 pts / 2 rebounds / 3 assist / 2 steals
Clifton Gentle 12 pts / 9 rebounds / 3 assist / 3 steals
Post Office - Kevin Flowers 'Beeno' 16 pts / 3 rebounds / 2 assist / 2 steals
Kevin Arnold 6 pts / 3 rebounds / 3 assist / 1 block / 3 steals

Game 2:
Belize Water Services Limited - 62 SSB / BNTU - 50
Top Scorers
BWSL - Andrew 'Blacka' Gordon 16 pts / 8 rebounds / 1 assist / 1 steal
Jerome 'Penny' Ellis 12 pts / 3 rebounds / 3 assist / 1 steal
SSB/BNTU - Kevin 'Goofy' Lorenzo 21 pts / 3 steals
David Jones 16 pts / 8 rebounds / 1 assist / 4 steals
With this win, BWSL becomes the 1st team to official secure a playoff spot.

Game 3:
Alamilla's Furniture / FCIB - 49 Central Bank - 41
Top Scorers
Alamilla's - John Rudon 15 pts / 8 rebounds / 1 assist / 3 steals
Brandon Rogers 8 pts / 10 rebounds / 1 steal
Central Bank - Christopher McGann 9 pts / 7 rebounds / 1 assist / 2 blocks / 1 steal
Leonard Linares 9 pts / 4 rebounds / 1 steal

NEXT GAMES:

Friday 22 May, 7:00 pm at Civic Center
Game 1 - Belize Telemedia Limited vs Home Protector Insurance
Game 2 - Tuff e Nuff Tours vs Aero Dispatch Services
Game 3 - Port of Belize vs Belize City Council

Sunday 24 May, 10:00 am at Civic Center
Game 1 - Grace Kennedy Belize vs Belize Telemedia Limited
Game 2 - Atlantic Bank vs Central Bank
Game 3 - Guardian / Housing Dept vs Youth for the Future
Game 4 - Cellular Plus / Customs vs Port of Belize
Game 5 - Belize Electricity Limited vs Alamilla's Furniture / FCIB

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  BOSNIA   


Bosnian Play-Off Semifinal - Siroki win - by Elvir Halilovic
Siroki Eronet - Igokea Partizan 81:65
(22:16, 25:19, 18:10, 16:20)
Siroki Brijeg - SD Pecara; Att.: 4.000; Ref.: Obradovic, Jovanic, Duskaj
SIROKI ERONET: Josipovic 24, Milekovic, Naletilc, Siriscevic 4, Spralja 4, Puljko 7, Ruzic 8, Misic, Thomas 15, Vrbanc, Mason 15, Grgat 4
Coach: Hrvoje Vlasic
IGOKEA PARTIZAN: Castle 14, Vuksanovic 9, McCaskill 12, Djurica 4, Djerasimovic 9, Taylor 9, Micic, Bilanovic, Misanovic 2, Kovacevic 6, Topalovic
Coach: Darko Russo

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  BRAZIL   


Brazilian NT announced - by Eurobasket
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Brazilian national team head coach Moncho Monsalve announced the list of NT candidates, who will be called for NT preparations.

Called players:
Duda Machado (195-G-82) of Flamengo Petrobras Rio de Janeiro
Fulvio de Assis (187-G-81) of CB Granada (ESP)
Raul Togni (184-G-92) of Pitagoras/Minas Tenis Clube
Vitor Benite (190-F/G-90) of E.C. Pinheiros Sao Paolo
Andre Stefanelli (196-F/G-84) of Paulistano/Amil
Betinho Nardi Duarte (195-G/F-88) of Winner/Limeira
Jonathan Tavernari (197-G/F-87) of Brigham Young University (USA)
Jhonatan Luz dos Santos (196-F/G-87) of AB Merida Patrimonio de la Humanidad (ESP)
Alexandre Nascimento (202-F-83) of E.C. Pinheiros Sao Paolo
Guilherme Teichmann (204-F/C-83) of Winner/Limeira
Jefferson Antonio (207-F/C-83) of Flamengo Petrobras Rio de Janeiro
Marcus Vinicius Urban (203-F-86) of Plus Pujol Lleida (ESP)
Jordan Burger (203-F-91) of Ecija Cajasol Sevilla (ESP)
Lucas Cipolini (206-F/C-86) of BYU-Hawaii (USA)
Murilo da Rosa (210-C/F-83) of Pitagoras/Minas Tenis Clube
Rafael Mineiro (207-C/F-88) of Paulistano/Amil
Bruno Fiorotto (208-C-84) of Winner/Limeira
Hatila Passos (211-C-86) of Marinos de Anzoategui (VEN)
Paulo Prestes (209-C-88) of Unicaja Malaga (ESP)
Baby Araujo (211-C-80) of Flamengo Petrobras Rio de Janeiro


Brazilian NT Schedule 2009:
28 of June Presentation in Sao Paulo
29 of June until July 8 First phase of training (So Paulo / SP)
July 10-12 Lisbon International Tournament (Portugal) Teams: Angola, Brazil, Finland and Portugal
July 14-19 Lusofonia Games (Lisbon / Portugal)
July 27 to August 2 Seconf phase of training (So Paulo / SP)
3-4 of August - Super 4 (Argentina) National teams: Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Uruguay
7-8 of August- Eletrobrs International Tournament (Rio de Janeiro / RJ) Teams: Argentina, Australia, Brazil and Uruguay
11-15 of August - Third phase of training (So Paulo / SP)
18-20 of August - Tuto Marchand Cup (San Juan/Puerto Rico) teams: Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Puerto Rico
August 26 to September 6 - 2009 FIBA Americas Championship



NBB Round: 4 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Vivo/Franca - Universo/BRB 74-73
Vivo/Franca held off Universo/BRB at home court to force the decisive fifth game in the quarterfinal series. William Drudi (206-C/F-81) came up with 20 points and 9 rebounds for Vivo/Franca. Helinho Garcia added 18 points in the winning effort. Alex Garcia answered with 16 points and 10 boards in defeat.

Winner/Limeira - Joinville 89-95
Joinville reached the NBB semis after dealing with Winner/Limeira in the fourth game of the series. Andre Luiz Manteiguinha (192-G-81) provided 21 points and 6 assists for the visitors. Antwine Williams added 19 points for Joinville. Shamell Stallworth had 22 points and 6 rebounds for Winner/Limeira in defeat.

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  CHILE   


Standings - DIMAYOR
DIMAYOR Standings
 1. Prov.Llanq. 7-2 
 2. Liceo Mixto 7-2 
 3. U.Concepc. 7-3 
 4. Dep.Espanol 6-3 
 5. U.Catolica 6-4 
 6. Prov.Osorno 5-4 
 7. Dep.Valdivia 5-5 
 8. Sagrados 4-6 
 9. U.Los Lagos 3-6 
 10. Boston Coll. 3-6 
 11. Everton 2-7 
 12. Dep.Castro 1-8 


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  CROATIA   


Zadar and Cibona will meet in the Finals - by Eurobasket News
KK Zagreb - Zadar 74-78
Zadar outsmarted Zagreb on the road 78-74 advancing to Big Final with perfect 2-0. Damir Rancic (197-G-83) led the scorers in victory with 21 points. Marko Car (188-G/F-85) was behind him with 17, while Tomislav Ruzic added 15 points and 10 rebounds. Krunoslav Simon and Damir Mulaomerovic combined 42 points for the hosts.

KK Split - Cibona 82-83
Cibona escaped with 83-82 win in Spit for 2-0 in the Semis. Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.) once again was a key player in Cibona collecting 21 points and 8 rebounds. Luksa Andric (210-C/F-85) nailed 17, Davor Kus 15 and Marin Rozic helped with 14 pts. Mario Delas and Sinisa Stemberger had 20 and 18 pts respectively in defeat.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC   


NBL Round: 2 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Nymburk - Geofin 109-70
Nymburk dismantled Geofin to earn the second win in the NBL finals. Arthur Lee (185-G-77, agency: Avi Zilberman, college: Stanford) poured in 25 points to pace the home team. Goran Jagodnik added 20 points for the defending champions. Kenny Walker tallied 18 points and 9 boards for Geofin in the loss.

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  EUROCUP   


Player of the Year in EuroCup leaves Lietuvos Rytas - by Eurobasket News
Import Player of the Year in Lithuania, Defensive Player of the Year in Lithuania, Player of the Year in EuroCup, Guard of the Year in EuroCup Chuck Eidson (201-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) leaves Lietuvos Rytas and will join Israeli Maccabi T-A.
The season in Lithuania was outstanding for the American Chuck Eidson. The player grabbed all possible cups and trophies and will head now to another country. Lietuvos Rytas triumphed in EuroCup Final and got 2009-10 Euroleague ticket. Lithuanian powerhouse overcame Russian BC Khimki Moscow 80:74 to lift up the trophy of EuroCup. Chuck Eidson nailed 14 in the Final and became the MVP of the tournament. Chuck Eidson triumphed in Baltic League tournament 2008/2009 as the winners overcame the rivals Zalgiris 97:74. Another trophy came from home as the favorites overcame Zalgiris 4-1 in the Final series to complete the fantastic year with three trophies. Game 5 was expected to be the last for the triumphant and they grabbed 82:70 victory. Chuck Eidson ended up with 14 points, whilst Milko Bjelica and Justinas Sinica scored 9. Dainius Salenga top-scored in the losing effort with 23 points. Paulius Jankunas nailed 15, Jonas Maciulis had 14 and Mantas Kalnietis posted 9.
Chuck Eidson will join now Maccabi T-A that clinched the Championship title in Israel with 85:72 win over Maccabi Haifa. The team already agreed with Wisniewski and Alan Anderson for the next season as well. It will definitely be a great addition to the team that expects the higher positions in European arena.

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  EUROLEAGUE   


Panathinaikos signs Nick Calathes from Lake Howell High School/University of Florida - by Serafim Karaiskakis
UF star Nick Calathes (198-G-89) will bypass NBA to play in Greece. Gators point guard agrees to terms with elite Euroleague champion Panathinaikos and University of Florida standout point guard Nick Calathes is going pro, but not to the NBA. Calathes, the state's two-time 'Mr. Basketball' from Lake Howell, agreed to terms on Friday to play for powerful Panathinaikos, the reigning Euroleague Basketball champion club based in Greece, according to sources close to the former Gators playmaker. Neither Calathes nor his family would comment on the development, pending announcements from Panathinaikos and UF. Gators Coach Coach Billy Donovan apparently was informed of his player's decision Friday night, with at least one source saying a contract was signed. The deal, sources said, will pay Calathes around $1.1 million per year, in addition to providing him with a home, car and tax credits, making for a total package commensurate to what the NBA rookie salary scale provides a late-lottery selection. Golden's State forward Anthony Randolph, the final lottery pick of 2008 at No. 14, made $1.424 million as a rookie. With his Greek heritage and dual citizenship, Calathes figures to be a popular figure in Athens. In addition to joining arguably the world's most elite overseas franchise, there should be endorsement opportunities aplenty, and the built-in honor to represent his country in international competition. Last summer, he played for the Greek National Team during the FIBA Europe Under-20 championships. The move also will put Calathes closer to his older brother, Pat, the former St. Joseph's standout who plays for Maroussi, another Greek team in the Euroleague. Panathinaikos (also known as PAO) has won 29 Greek national championships, five Euroleague titles and in 2007 became the first Greek club to play exhibition games against NBA teams. The list of past players to suit up for Panathinaikos includes Dominque Wilkins, Byron Scott, Antonio Davis, Tony Delk and John Salley. Calathes, who averaged 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and led the Southeastern Conference with 6.2 assists per game as a sophomore last season, applied for early entry into the NBA draft, but held off from hiring a agent in the event he changed his mind and opted to return school. Draft analysts projected the 6-foot-5, 185-pounder to go late in the first round, though Dallas, picking 22nd, was believed to be very interested after hosting the first-team All- SEC selection for a workout last week. NBA teams still may select Calathes in the June 25 draft and would retain his future rights. The contract with Panathinaikos is believed to have a buyout option, as well. Calathes, 20, is the latest to join the trend of American players taking their games overseas. Josh Childress, the former first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks, last year signed a three-year, $32.5 million deal with Olympiakos, the team currently battling Panathinaikos in the Greek national championship series. Jennaro Pargo, a six-year NBA veteran, also signed with Olympiakos last year. Brandon Jennings, the Compton, Calif., national high school player of the year in 2008, bypassed playing in college for a $2 million contract from Pallacanestro Virtus Roma in the Italian League, while another California superstar Jeremy Tyler announced in April he plans to forgo his senior year of high school to play in Europe.

by Chris Harry | Sentinel Staff Writer

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  FINLAND   


KORISLIIGA: Maurice Horton likes it in Finland - by Rauno Hurmalainen
Korisliiga newcomer Karhu (Kauhajoki) has re-signed and extended the contract with American G Maurice Horton (183-G-84, college: Mount Olive). Horton has twice (2006-07, 2008-09) helped Kauhajoki from 1.Division up to Top League (Korisliiga) and next season he will get a chance to play on top level in Finland. Horton averaged last season 15,8 ppg - 6,8 rpg - 3,5 apg and 2,8 spg. Kauhajoki signed also Finnish SG Aleksi Huuskonen (187-G-88), who got so tiny minutes (8,5 mpg) when on Pyrinto (Tampere) roster last season. Huuskonen averaged 3,1 ppg and 1,4 rpg. Karhu is still negotiating with a couple real 'big fish'. More news coming soon.
Kataja (Joensuu) lost the Head Coach (Ray Ailus) and also G-F Anssi Kinnaslampi (191-G-82). Kinnaslampi made a very hard and big decision as he says his basketball career is over. Kinnaslampi has suffered of several injuries and even six operations on his right knee didn't help the situation. Practising and playing with pains has been hard and difficult. Kinnaslampi averaged last season 9,1 ppg - 2,0 rpg in 25,1 mpg and 49 games. Kinnaslampi started his career in KTP (Kotka). After Kotka followed Kouvot (Kouvola), then KTP again and the last three seasons on Kataja roster.

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  FRANCE   


Quarterfinals (Round 1): Limoges cruises past Clermont on the road - by Eurobasket News
Paris-Levall. - St-Etienne 91-63
Powerful Paris-Levallois continued with impressive performance in Pro B, this time beating Saint-Etienne 91-63 for 1-0 lead in the quarterfinals. Joachim Ekanga-Ehawa (188-G-77) came up with 17 points and 9 rebounds, Adolphe Michel Jean-Baptiste had 15 points and 14 rebs, while Prosper Karangwa added 12 pts and 6 assists for the winners. Visitors got 18 pts from Georges Phillips. Game 2 - May 30.

Poitiers - Nantes 66-47
Nice 66-47 home win by Poitiers for 1-0. The hosts had only one player with double-digits in scoring and it was Kenny Younger (203-F-77, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Houston) - 14 pts. Beside that, he also pulled down 9 rebounds. Cedric Ferchaud replied with 13 points and 6 boards in the loosing squad. Game No.2 - May 29.

Bourg - Charleville 92-63
Bourg destroyed Charleville in the first game of the play-off quarterfinals. Justin Ingram (187-G-85, college: Toledo) shined with 19 points and 6 rebounds, Terrance Johnson had 15 pts and Pele Paelay helped with 14 pts, 6 rebs and 5 assists. In the loosing side, Chris Davis had 15 points. Game 2 - May 30.

Clermont - Limoges 75-82
Limoges did a great job last night outplaying Clermont on the road 82-75 for 1-0. In the next game (May 30) Limoges will have home court advantage and nice chance for 2-0. Darnell Hinson (186-G-80, college: Northeastern St.) top-scored with 20, Aurelien Salmon had 19 pts and 7 rebounds, Alhaji Mohammed 18 pts and Steffon Bradford added 17 points, 5 rebs and 6 as. Jean-Felix Moupegnou delivered 23 points in defeat (5 triples).

Nancy destroyed Roanne in the opener - by Umberto Scogni
Sluc Nancy Basket Pro make the start of the French play-off's with a very promising win for his supporters against Chorale de Roanne Basket : 97-79. And this win; they now got the lead in the series : 1-0. Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh) was the man of the match; without any doubt; with his near triple-double performance , 18 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Also; Cyril Julian (205-F/C-75, agency: Octagon), the 34 year old ex-Nt player showed he has still some big moves in his portfolio. He made 12 points with 6-7 field goals; and added 4 rebounds. For Chorale de Roanne Basket, Uchenna Nsomwu only player who resisted Sluc Nancy Basket Pro, with 19 points and 9 rebs.

Quarterfinals: No surprises in Round 1 - by Eurobasket News
ASVEL - Strasbourg 91-68
The regular season champ blasted Strasbourg with huge 91-68 in the first game of the play-off quarterfinals. The hosts had couple of players in a game mood: Chevon Troutman (202-F-81, agency: Octagon, college: Pittsburgh) scored 16, Amara Sy and Ali Traore delivered 13 each, Benjamin Dewar added two less and Nebojsa Bogavac posted 10 points. In Strasbourg, Brion Rush collected 20 pts and 6 boards. Game No.2 - May 29.

Orleans - Chalon 68-64
1-0 for Orleans mostly owing to Cedrick Banks (190-G-81, college: Ill.-Chicago), who nailed 15 points coming off the bench. Anthony Dobbins was second scorer of the team with 12, while Terence Dials helped with 11 points. Zack Wright responded with 13 points, 6 boards and 6 assists in the loosing squad. Game 2 is scheduled for May 30 at the Chalon's home court.

Le Mans - Gravelines 76-73
Dewarick Spencer (193-G-82, agency: Higher Vision Sports, college: Arkansas St.) stepped up for Le Mans last night collecting 21 points and 7 rebounds. Alain Koffi and Bobby Dixon combined 36 points and 16 rebounds. Yannick Bokolo netted 16 points in defeat. Gravelines will be the host in Game 2 (May 29).

Nancy - Roanne 97-79
Sluc Nancy Basket Pro make the start of the French play-off's with a very promising win for his supporters against Chorale de Roanne Basket 97-79. With this win they now got the lead in the series 1-0. Ricardo Greer (197-F/G-78, college: Pittsburgh) was the man of the match, without any doubt, with his near triple-double performance 18 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Also, Cyril Julian, the 34 year old ex-NT player, showed he has still some big moves in his portfolio. He made 12 points with 6-7 field goals and added 4 rebounds. For Chorale de Roanne Basket, Nsomwu was only player who resisted Sluc Nancy Basket Pro with 19 points and 9 rebs. (by Umberto Scogni)

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Fersped Rabotnicki takes break from Feni Industri for 1-0 lead in Playoff Finals - by Eurobasket News
Feni Industri - Rabotnicki Fersped 63-66

Rabotnicki managed to beat Feni Industri at Kavadarci taking 1-0 lead in Macedonian Playoff Finals. Now they have taken the home advantage hoping to keep it throughout the rest of the series. The game started well for the visiting team as they opened the game with 2-7 run. Still the reigning champion was also ready to play and they quickly countered with 13-1 of their own to take the lead. Until the end of the first quarter Industri managed to keep 7-point lead as the score stood at 20-13. Rabotnicki again opened the second frame with the 5-0 run, which cut the Feni's lead to 2 pts. For the rest of the quarter teams exchanged baskets with Feni managing to keep the slim lead. With four minutes remaining until the HT the score was tied at 26 apiece and from there points were exchanged again. After 20 minutes of the game the score was still tied at 32. Third quarter provided the audience with two more runs, first by Rabotnicki who went on 11-1 run to obtain 37-45 lead. However Feni quickly countered with a run of its own and at the end of third quarter the score was 47-46. So it seemed that the stage was set for the thriller finish which proved correct since with 3 minutes left in the game the score was 57-56. From that point on the teams continued to exchange in leading but it was the visiting squad who had better concentration from the free throw line and was able to come away with 3 point win on the night. For Rabotnicki Dime Tasovski (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances) and Vladimir Filipovic (195-G-85) led the way with 13 and 12 points respectively while Toni Simic (210-C-76, agency: Interperformances) added 9 points. For Feni, Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) finished with 13, Ivan Bosnjak (197-G-82) scored 11 and added 9 boards while Marjan Gjurov (201-F-80) and Goran Samardziev (188-G-81) finished with 8 points apiece. Game two of the series will be played on May 24th.

Feni Industri: Donald Cole 13, Ivan Bosnjak 11 + 9 boards, Marjan Gjurov 8, Goran Samardziev 8
Rabotnicki Fersped: Dime Tasovski 13, Vladimir Filipovic 12, Toni Simic 9 + 9 boards

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


Marco Buljevic(EWE Baskets Oldenburg) Thoughts to Game two loss Against Deutsche Bank Skyliners and Upcoming Game Three May 24th - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber

22 year old Croatian-German Marco Buljevic (197-G-87, agency: Court Side) is a 196 guard playing his first season with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg. He started his Basketball career 2003-2004 in the German Oberliga SG Urspringschule. In the 2004-2005 season, he split his time between TSG Ehingen (2. Bundesliga): 7 games: 1.7ppg, 1.0rpg and SGUrspringschule/Schelklingen (Oberliga): 13 games: 19.2 ppg. In the 2005-2006 season, he played at Ehingen averaging in 28 games: 10.9ppg, 2.2rpg, 1.5apg, 2FGP: 49.2%, 3FGP: 45.9%, FT: 72.3%. He was the best three point shooter in the second league. In the 2006-2007 season, he signed with the Giessen 46ers averaging in twenty games 4,4 ppg and also played at TV Lich averaging in 7 games: 7.3ppg, 1.9rpg, 2FGP: 50%, 3FGP: 25.9%, FT: 80.0%. Last season, he averaged in 21 games for the Giessen 46ers 2.4ppg. He was part of the German U-16-18 and -20 teams and played at the U-18 European Championships in Belgrade in 2005 averaging in seven games 5.0ppg, 1.0rpg.This season he is averaging only 3,3 minutes per game with the EWE Baskets Oldenburg and can benefit from the top class teammates that he can practice against each day. He spoke to Eurobasket about the game two loss and upcoming game three in Oldenburg Sunday.


What an exciting game two playoff game day. Frankfurt wins by two, Paderborn beats Alba Berlin by three points and Bonn win sin Ulm by two points. With close results like this, how attractive does it really make the BBL?



Of course the games are attractive when they are close like that. with the best 8 teams left it is not a big surprise though.



The EWE Baskets Oldenburg lost a tight battle 79-77. Nobody deserved to lose this game. How much does a loss like this hurt and how quickly will the team be able to forget this loss and focus on game three?



The loss is already forgotten. Playing a series with a good team like Frankfurt, you can't expect to sweep them out of your way. We are just focusing on winning three games.



How does Predrag Krunic build up his team after a heart breaking 79-77 loss in game two?



there's no need to build players up. We played a good game, but they made big plays down the stretch. We are already preparing for game three on Sunday so there's not even time to think about the loss.



You guys played very well in the fourth quarter had a few four point leads. Why was Oldenburg not able to shut the door on The Deutsche Bank Skyliners in the fourth quarter?



We played extremely well at that time of the game on offense and defense. I think Frankfurt was a little shocked about our comeback from down 16 to up 4.



Did the deep team, experience, strong offensive players and unpredictabilty of Murat Didin in the last 3,4 seconds hurt Oldenburg simply because Frankfurt had so many options in the last seconds to try to win the game.



It doesn't matter who you play, you never know for sure what's going to happen. I expected Pascal Roller to take the last shot, but they made a perfect play.



Each team knows pretty much what to expect form the other team, but are there any curve balls that either team might be able to throw at each other in game three. What surprises can we await for game three?




of course there are possibilities how coaches can come up with new stuff every game. Frankfurt varies their defenses a lot during the game. We have been able to adjust very good so far and make the right decisions on offense.



Are the chances for The Deutsche Bank Skylines greater to win game three than game one? Does Frankfurt have the momentum now and how will Oldenburg want to fight it?



In the playoffs it is very tough to predict games. Anything can happen. We play extremely well at home and our fans will give us a great push. I have a good feeling about game three.



Oldenburg has the home court advantage, but do you think that you will have a bit more
added pressure to win game three or is pressure something Oldenburg can shut away with out problems?



I don't think there's too much added pressure. Of course you make life way easier if you win your home games, but no matter what happens Sunday, yesterday's game showed us that we can definitely steal a game in Frankfurt.


The Deutsche Bank Skyliners improved many things from the first game, but played weak defense in the third quarter. What will be key to stopping a hungry Frankfurt team in game three?



We are as hungry as they are. That's not the problem. We have to improve our rebounding.Their players crash the offensive board very hard.



Will this series be decided in the paint with Lorenzo Gordon/Ruben Boumtje Boumtje or will it be decided on the wings with Rickey Paulding and Keith Simmons and point guard position with Pascal Roller and Jason Gardner?



Those are all good matchups but it will be decided between Oldenburg and Frankfurt. Neither team depends on just one player.


The Paderborn Baskets beat Alba Berlin at home to tie the series 1-1. Can Paderborn achieve an upset in this series?



Alba Berlin has a better team so I expect them to win the series, but you never know. Paderborn plays with a lot of heart. We will see.



What was the last DVD that you saw?




Goodfellas





*****************************************************
  GHANA   


Ghana's U16 Boys National Team Starts Camp Training - by Isaac Kwapong
The Ghana Basketball Association on Saturday 23rd of May will start its U16 Boys camping for the upcoming U16 Zone3 FIBA Africa qualification tournament in Benin from the 24th to 28th of June 2009. The team will be trained and coached by Mr. Lawal .P Brimah, Ghana's most senior coaches. He is currently the senior coach of the CEPS BRAVES who have for the past 10years dorminated club basketball. The team will be made up of young basketball prospects across the country, most of them will be participating in their first national team game. The team will be training at the lebanon house in Accra, the home of the Greater Accra Basketball League.
Preparation of the Ghana National Teams have not been of the best due to lack of assistance from stakeholders in the country. The GBBA hope to put together a young team who can uphold the name of Ghana in this first ever U16 FIBA AFRICA event. Unfortunately the girls team will not be competing in this years qualification due to lack of financial support. This tournament in Benin will be Ghana's first national team game for 2009.

*****************************************************
  GREECE   


Panathinaikos signs Nick Calathes from Lake Howell High School/University of Florida - by Serafim Karaiskakis
UF star Nick Calathes (198-G-89) will bypass NBA to play in Greece. Gators point guard agrees to terms with elite Euroleague champion Panathinaikos and University of Florida standout point guard Nick Calathes is going pro, but not to the NBA. Calathes, the state's two-time 'Mr. Basketball' from Lake Howell, agreed to terms on Friday to play for powerful Panathinaikos, the reigning Euroleague Basketball champion club based in Greece, according to sources close to the former Gators playmaker. Neither Calathes nor his family would comment on the development, pending announcements from Panathinaikos and UF. Gators Coach Coach Billy Donovan apparently was informed of his player's decision Friday night, with at least one source saying a contract was signed. The deal, sources said, will pay Calathes around $1.1 million per year, in addition to providing him with a home, car and tax credits, making for a total package commensurate to what the NBA rookie salary scale provides a late-lottery selection. Golden's State forward Anthony Randolph, the final lottery pick of 2008 at No. 14, made $1.424 million as a rookie. With his Greek heritage and dual citizenship, Calathes figures to be a popular figure in Athens. In addition to joining arguably the world's most elite overseas franchise, there should be endorsement opportunities aplenty, and the built-in honor to represent his country in international competition. Last summer, he played for the Greek National Team during the FIBA Europe Under-20 championships. The move also will put Calathes closer to his older brother, Pat, the former St. Joseph's standout who plays for Maroussi, another Greek team in the Euroleague. Panathinaikos (also known as PAO) has won 29 Greek national championships, five Euroleague titles and in 2007 became the first Greek club to play exhibition games against NBA teams. The list of past players to suit up for Panathinaikos includes Dominque Wilkins, Byron Scott, Antonio Davis, Tony Delk and John Salley. Calathes, who averaged 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and led the Southeastern Conference with 6.2 assists per game as a sophomore last season, applied for early entry into the NBA draft, but held off from hiring a agent in the event he changed his mind and opted to return school. Draft analysts projected the 6-foot-5, 185-pounder to go late in the first round, though Dallas, picking 22nd, was believed to be very interested after hosting the first-team All- SEC selection for a workout last week. NBA teams still may select Calathes in the June 25 draft and would retain his future rights. The contract with Panathinaikos is believed to have a buyout option, as well. Calathes, 20, is the latest to join the trend of American players taking their games overseas. Josh Childress, the former first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks, last year signed a three-year, $32.5 million deal with Olympiakos, the team currently battling Panathinaikos in the Greek national championship series. Jennaro Pargo, a six-year NBA veteran, also signed with Olympiakos last year. Brandon Jennings, the Compton, Calif., national high school player of the year in 2008, bypassed playing in college for a $2 million contract from Pallacanestro Virtus Roma in the Italian League, while another California superstar Jeremy Tyler announced in April he plans to forgo his senior year of high school to play in Europe.

by Chris Harry | Sentinel Staff Writer

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


Jeroen Slor joins ZZ Leiden - by Fred Roggen
Jeroen Slor (204-F-85, agency: R.H.Consultancy), the Rookie of the Year of the Dutch league (FEB Eredivisie) in season 2007-08, play next season for ZZ Leiden, were he signed a contract for one year. The 24-year-old forward comes from Rotterdam Challengers, where he last year did not played by overload in the knees. Jeroen Slor is fully recovered and medically fully in order, thus Rob van Hooven, the technical manager of ZZ Leiden.

PromotieDivisie Championship Live on NENS Radio and CyberSportsUSA - by Terry Cooper

The 2008-09 PromotieDivisie Championship game MSV Log.in vs GOBA can be followed on NENS radio and seen live on CyberSportsusa for those that want to keep tabs on the game. Game time is at 4pm in TopSportCentrum in Almere.

The link is: http://www.cybersportsusa.com/webgames/webgame.asp?File=../livegames/game/MSVGOB052420091600.asp

Who will be the PromotieDivisie Champion of 2008-09? Stay tuned and support your team!

MSV Log.in Noordwijk - GOBA Gorinchem Sunday @4pm



*****************************************************
  IBL   


Standings
IBL Standings
Eastern
 1. Holland B. 10-2 
 2. Kankakee S. 7-6 
 3. G.Rapids F. 6-4 
 4. Japan T. 0-11 
Independent
 1. S.Illinois T. 0-0 
 2. Red Rock R. 0-0 
 3. Arizona F. 0-0 
 4. Nevada P. 0-1 
 5. Chicago S. 0-1 
 6. Olympia R. 0-1 
 7. Yamhill H. 0-2 
Northern
 1. Bellingham S. 9-3 
 2. Snohomish C. 5-4 
 3. USA All-Stars 4-16 
 4. Vancouver T. 3-7 
Southern
 1. Vancouver V. 7-2 
 2. Oregon Wave 3-1 
 3. C.Oregon H. 3-2 
 4. Shanxi Zh. 0-0 
Western
 1. L.Angeles L. 6-1 
 2. Seattle M. 5-4 
 3. Tacoma T. 4-0 
 4. Edmonton E. 4-3 


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


Maccabi T-A agreed with three foreigners - by Eurobasket News
Maccabi T-A agreed with three foreigners for the next season who will definitely make the team even stronger in the International arena. Israeli team will have Chuck Eidson (201-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina), Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.) and Andrew Wisniewski (191-G-81, college: Centenary) in 2009/2010 roster.
Andrew Wisniewski is currently in Spartak SP in Russia. The latter is still alive in the Series for the third place against Unics. Unics won the third game 72:67 to take 2-1 lead as the hosts produced 19-14 in the last period. Andrew Wisniewski ended up with 7 points and 3 rebounds.
Alan Anderson nailed 22 points for KK Cibona VIP Zagreb in Croatia over KK Split. The team took 1-0 lead in the Semifinal series.
Import Player of the Year in Lithuania, Defensive Player of the Year in Lithuania, Player of the Year in EuroCup, Guard of the Year in EuroCup Chuck Eidson leaves Lietuvos Rytas and will join Israeli Maccabi T-A.
The season in Lithuania was outstanding for the American Chuck Eidson. The player grabbed all possible cups and trophies and will head now to another country. Lietuvos Rytas triumphed in EuroCup Final and got 2009-10 Euroleague ticket. Lithuanian powerhouse overcame Russian BC Khimki Moscow 80:74 to lift up the trophy of EuroCup. Chuck Eidson nailed 14 in the Final and became the MVP of the tournament. Chuck Eidson triumphed in Baltic League tournament 2008/2009 as the winners overcame the rivals Zalgiris 97:74. Another trophy came from home as the favorites overcame Zalgiris 4-1 in the Final series to complete the fantastic year with three trophies. Game 5 was expected to be the last for the triumphant and they grabbed 82:70 victory. Chuck Eidson ended up with 14 points, whilst Milko Bjelica and Justinas Sinica scored 9. Dainius Salenga top-scored in the losing effort with 23 points. Paulius Jankunas nailed 15, Jonas Maciulis had 14 and Mantas Kalnietis posted 9.

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


SerieA Round: 3 (Quarter-Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Montepaschi - Scavolini 93-69
Montepaschi paved their way into the semifinal stage as they swept Scavolini in three games. Romain Sato (194-G-81, college: Xavier) nailed 19 points to secure the third win in the series. Morris Finley added 15 points in the victory. Michael Hicks responded with 21 points in the losing effort.

Benetton - La Fortezza 91-73
Benetton grabbed a 2-1 lead against La Fortezza posting the second straight home win. Sandro Nicevic (210-C-76, agency: Beo Basket) tallied 18 points and 11 boards for the Treviso outfit. Jon Stefansson and Gary Neal provided 14 points each in the win. Keith Langford topscored with 16 points for the visitors.

Banca Tercas - Armani MI 85-77
Banca Tercas clipped the deficit against Armani Jeans claiming a comfortable home win. Giuseppe Poeta (190-G-85) nailed 25 points for Banca Tercas. Brandon Brown added 15 points and 8 rebounds in the winning effort. Maurice Taylor and Jobey Thomas had 14 points apiece for Armani Jeans.

Lottomatica - Angelico BI 99-84
Luigi Datome (202-G/F-87) and Andre Hutson knocked down 17 points apiece to lift Lottomatica Roma over Angelico Biella. Rodrigo De La Fuente added 13 points for the winners. Jonas Jerebko replied with 16 points and 5 steals in the losing case.

*****************************************************
  JORDAN   


Jordan National Team 2009 - by Mohammed Malas
Below you will find the initial roster for Jordan National Team for the upcoming events...

- Players:
Sam Daghlas (198-G-79, college: Midwestern St.) of Zain
Francis Ireifej (185-G-82, college: Point Loma) of Zain
Wesam Sous (181-G-83) of Al Riyadi Amman
Imad Qahwash (188-G-87) of Cent.Arkansas (US-NCAA1)
Fadel Najjar (192-G-85) of Zain
Enver Soobzokov (193-G/F-78, college: Cal.St.-San Bernar.) of Zain
Rasheim Wright (193-G-81, college: District of Col.) of Zain
Moussa Al Awadi (190-G/F-85) of Zain
Jamal Abu-Shamala (196-G/F-87) of Minnesota (US-NCAA1)
Mohammad Hamdan (201-F-84) of Zain
Zaid Abbas (203-F-83) of ASU Sports Club
Islam Abbas (201-C-80) of ASU Sports Club
Zaid Al Khas (205-C-76, college: Gannon) of Zain
Jamal Ma'aytah (213-C-81, agency: Passing Lane, college: Greensboro) of Zain
Ayman Idais (205-C-78, agency: Court Side) of Zain

- Coaching Staff:
Head Coach: Mario Leonel Palma (Portugal)
Assistant: Mario Gomes (Portugal)
Assistant: Yousef Abu Baker
Assistant: Ruslan Soobzokov

* The newly graduated small forward Jamal Abu-Shamala will join the team right after China's camp on the 7th of June.

You can find more information in BasketballFollowers.com.

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


LBL Round: 5 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Ventspils - Barons/LMT 93-89
Mareks Jurevicus (198-G/F-85) tallied 23 points, 4 boards and 4 assists to lead Ventspils to the third win in the LBL finals. Akselis Vairogs provided 19 points in the victory. Martins Skirmants responded with 22 points for Barons/LMT in defeat.

*****************************************************
  LITHUANIA   


Lithuanian National and reserve teams announced - by Evaldas Ceilytkas

Last week was announced Lithuanian national and reserve teams:

National team:

Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) (210-C-79)
Robertas Javtokas (211-C-80, agency: Interperformances, college: Arizona)
Ksistof Lavrinovic
Marijonas Petravicius (208-F/C-79, college: S.Carolina)
Paulius Jankunas (203-F-84, agency: Interperformances)
Linas Kleiza (203-F-85, agency: Interperformances, college: Missouri)
Simas Jasaitis (202-F/G-82)
Arturas Jomantas (200-G/F-85)
Jonas Maciulis (198-G/F-85, agency: Interperformances)
Mindaugas Lukauskis (198-G-79)
Sarunas Jasikevicius (192-G-76, college: Maryland)
Rimantas Kaukenas (193-G-77, college: Seton Hall)
Arvydas Macijauskas (192-G-80)
Tomas Delininkaitis (192-G-82, agency: Interperformances)

Reserve team:

Martynas Andriuskevicius (219-C/F-86, agency: Interperformances)
Michailis Anisimovas (214-C-84)
Mindaugas Katelynas (205-F-83, college: Chattanooga)
Justas Sinica (203-F-85)
Povilas Butkevicius (202-F-87)
Tautvydas Barstys (198-F-86)
Steponas Babrauskas (196-G/F-84)
Renaldas Seibutis (196-G-85)

Mantas Kalnietis (195-G-86, agency: Interperformances)
Martynas Gecevicius (193-G-88)
Giedrius Gustas (190-G-80, agency: Interperformances)
Andrius Mazutis (180-G-81)



Player of the Year in EuroCup leaves Lietuvos Rytas - by Eurobasket News
Import Player of the Year in Lithuania, Defensive Player of the Year in Lithuania, Player of the Year in EuroCup, Guard of the Year in EuroCup Chuck Eidson (201-F-80, agency: Court Side, college: S.Carolina) leaves Lietuvos Rytas and will join Israeli Maccabi T-A.
The season in Lithuania was outstanding for the American Chuck Eidson. The player grabbed all possible cups and trophies and will head now to another country. Lietuvos Rytas triumphed in EuroCup Final and got 2009-10 Euroleague ticket. Lithuanian powerhouse overcame Russian BC Khimki Moscow 80:74 to lift up the trophy of EuroCup. Chuck Eidson nailed 14 in the Final and became the MVP of the tournament. Chuck Eidson triumphed in Baltic League tournament 2008/2009 as the winners overcame the rivals Zalgiris 97:74. Another trophy came from home as the favorites overcame Zalgiris 4-1 in the Final series to complete the fantastic year with three trophies. Game 5 was expected to be the last for the triumphant and they grabbed 82:70 victory. Chuck Eidson ended up with 14 points, whilst Milko Bjelica and Justinas Sinica scored 9. Dainius Salenga top-scored in the losing effort with 23 points. Paulius Jankunas nailed 15, Jonas Maciulis had 14 and Mantas Kalnietis posted 9.
Chuck Eidson will join now Maccabi T-A that clinched the Championship title in Israel with 85:72 win over Maccabi Haifa. The team already agreed with Wisniewski and Alan Anderson for the next season as well. It will definitely be a great addition to the team that expects the higher positions in European arena.

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


Luxembourg National Team post two victories - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg National team is to play a number of friendly games as part of preparation for the upcoming XIII Games of the Small States of Europe. The tournament will be staged on Cyprus from June 2. Now Luxembourg played two friendly games in Mersch. First they narrowly defeated Albania 74:73. Smith nailed 22 points to pace the hosts. Nelson Delgado (185-G-80) added 19 points for the winners.
The teams met again yesterday and Luxembourg celebrated another victory. This time the hosts earned an 80:76 success as Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, college: CSU Bakersfield) secured 28 points. Nelson Delgado added 23 points in the win.
Luxembourg and Albania are scheduled to clash for the third time in the series.

*****************************************************
  NBA   


Panathinaikos signs Nick Calathes from Lake Howell High School/University of Florida - by Serafim Karaiskakis
UF star Nick Calathes (6'6''-G-89) (198-G-89) will bypass NBA to play in Greece. Gators point guard agrees to terms with elite Euroleague champion Panathinaikos and University of Florida standout point guard Nick Calathes is going pro, but not to the NBA. Calathes, the state's two-time 'Mr. Basketball' from Lake Howell, agreed to terms on Friday to play for powerful Panathinaikos, the reigning Euroleague Basketball champion club based in Greece, according to sources close to the former Gators playmaker. Neither Calathes nor his family would comment on the development, pending announcements from Panathinaikos and UF. Gators Coach Coach Billy Donovan apparently was informed of his player's decision Friday night, with at least one source saying a contract was signed. The deal, sources said, will pay Calathes around $1.1 million per year, in addition to providing him with a home, car and tax credits, making for a total package commensurate to what the NBA rookie salary scale provides a late-lottery selection. Golden's State forward Anthony Randolph, the final lottery pick of 2008 at No. 14, made $1.424 million as a rookie. With his Greek heritage and dual citizenship, Calathes figures to be a popular figure in Athens. In addition to joining arguably the world's most elite overseas franchise, there should be endorsement opportunities aplenty, and the built-in honor to represent his country in international competition. Last summer, he played for the Greek National Team during the FIBA Europe Under-20 championships. The move also will put Calathes closer to his older brother, Pat, the former St. Joseph's standout who plays for Maroussi, another Greek team in the Euroleague. Panathinaikos (also known as PAO) has won 29 Greek national championships, five Euroleague titles and in 2007 became the first Greek club to play exhibition games against NBA teams. The list of past players to suit up for Panathinaikos includes Dominque Wilkins, Byron Scott, Antonio Davis, Tony Delk and John Salley. Calathes, who averaged 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and led the Southeastern Conference with 6.2 assists per game as a sophomore last season, applied for early entry into the NBA draft, but held off from hiring a agent in the event he changed his mind and opted to return school. Draft analysts projected the 6-foot-5, 185-pounder to go late in the first round, though Dallas, picking 22nd, was believed to be very interested after hosting the first-team All- SEC selection for a workout last week. NBA teams still may select Calathes in the June 25 draft and would retain his future rights. The contract with Panathinaikos is believed to have a buyout option, as well. Calathes, 20, is the latest to join the trend of American players taking their games overseas. Josh Childress, the former first-round pick of the Atlanta Hawks, last year signed a three-year, $32.5 million deal with Olympiakos, the team currently battling Panathinaikos in the Greek national championship series. Jennaro Pargo, a six-year NBA veteran, also signed with Olympiakos last year. Brandon Jennings, the Compton, Calif., national high school player of the year in 2008, bypassed playing in college for a $2 million contract from Pallacanestro Virtus Roma in the Italian League, while another California superstar Jeremy Tyler announced in April he plans to forgo his senior year of high school to play in Europe.

by Chris Harry | Sentinel Staff Writer

Lakers beat Nuggets 103-97 in Game 3, Bryant scores 41 - by Eurobasket News
Kobe Bryant's (6'6''-G-78) 3-pointer wasnt nearly as dramatic as LeBron James but equally effective.

Bryant's big shot over J.R. Smith (6'6''-G-85) gave Los Angeles a one-point lead with just over a minute left Saturday night and sparked the Lakers to a 103-97 victory over the downtrodden Denver Nuggets for a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Bryant, who scored 41 points, went 5-of-6 on free throws to ice it after his 3-pointer gave Los Angeles a 96-95 lead.

Carmelo Anthony (6'8''-F-84, college: Syracuse) scored 21 points but just three after halftime for Denver, which lost at home for the first time since March 9. He was 4-for-13 in his worst performance of the postseason.

Before Saturday night, the Nuggets had been dominant at home in the playoffs. They ran away with all six games at Pepsi Center against the New Orleans Hornets and Dallas Mavericks by an average of 17.5 points.

But as Bryant said, Its the Western Conference finals. It should be close.

The Nuggets, who led most of the game but were done in by poor decisions and a failure to keep their composure, fell behind by four points when Trevor Ariza (6'8''-F-85, agency: David Lee services, college: UCLA) stole Kenyon Martins inbounds pass, was fouled by Anthony and sank two foul shots for a 99-95 lead with 36 seconds left.

Chauncey Billups (6'3''-G-76, college: Colorado) two free throws made it 99-97, but Bryant sank two more free throws with 22 seconds remaining, Billups missed a 3-pointer and Bryant capped his big night with two more foul shots with 12 seconds left.

Several hours before the game, Bryant was admiring James buzzer-beater that gave Cleveland a 96-95 win over Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals, saying big-time players make big-time shots.

He showed that.

The Nuggets had won 16 in a row at home, and now Los Angeles has grabbed back the home-court advantage.

Game 4 is Monday night, when the Lakers and Nuggets will have the Pepsi Center to themselves after World Wrestling Entertainment moved Monday Night Raw to the Staples Center in Los Angeles because of the double booking that WWE chairman Vince McMahon milked for all it was worth.

That doesnt mean the crowd in Denver wont see some elbows, forearms and more trash talking like they did Saturday night, when there were five technicals called, including one on Smith for taunting Sasha Vujacic after swishing a 3-pointer at the third-quarter buzzer.

The Nuggets took a 79-71 lead on Smiths bucket. Vujacic, who had just hit a 3-pointer of his own, his first points of the game, nearly stole Billups pass, but Smith snared it, spun and swished the 3-pointer as the backboard lit up in red and he fell to the floor with the crowd going crazy.

Caught up in the moment, Smith jumped up jawing at Vujacic and was Td up.

Denver coach George Karl told ABC at the break that he didnt like the way the Nuggets had played the third quarter, saying they had lost composure with fouls and technicals and werent playing smart.

Before the fourth quarter started, Bryant swished the technical free throw, and the comeback had begun.

Arizas 3-pointer gave the Lakers an 81-80 lead with 7 minutes remaining.

After Billups four-point play a 3-pointer while getting bumped by Bryant gave Denver a 89-86 lead, Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) hit back-to-back jumpers over Nene to put the Lakers back on top, and Bryants bucket made it 92-91 with three minutes left.

The Lakers were just 9-of-17 on free throws in the first half and Denver hit 17 of 20, but the Nuggets couldnt break free for one of their patented spurts, twice missing three shots on one trip downcourt when a bucket would have given them some cushion.

Notes: Lakers C Andrew Bynum has been saying he wants to play more minutes and his coach said he can if he plays better defense. ... Bryant grabbed his right hamstring after Martin rejected his shot early in the third quarter, but he stayed in the game and quickly showed he was quite all right by hitting an uncontested 3-pointer.

Courtesy of www.chron.com

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  NCAA3   


Brooklyn's Men's Basketball Team Honored By Borough President - by Joan Manuel Sanchez
The Brooklyn borough president, Marty Markowitz, honored the Brooklyn College Men's Basketball Team on Tuesday, April 14th for their accomplishment of winning the CUNYAC Championship.

Markowitz, a Brooklyn College graduate, addressed the team at Borough Hall while telling stories of how the school was in the 1960's and how he grew up watching the Brooklyn Dodgers. He congratulated each member of the team and presented them with certificates to reward their accomplishment.

Head Coach Steve Podias was excited by the day's events, saying, 'It is a great honor to be recognized by the President of the borough, who also happens to be a Brooklyn College graduate. We are proud of our school and the borough we represent and therefore this day was very special for our team.'

Washington U. Promotes Caleb Lawson to Full-Time Assistant - by Joan Manuel Sanchez
Washington University in St. Louis has promoted Caleb Lawson to full-time assistant men's basketball coach, as announced today by athletic director John Schael. Lawson replaces Tim Whittle, who took the head men's basketball coaching position at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minn.

'I am extremely excited that Coach Edwards has given me the opportunity to continue to work with the Washington University men's basketball program,' said Lawson. 'The long standing tradition of success along with the recent National Championship seasons is something that any assistant coach would be thrilled to be a part of. I am looking forward to assisting coach Edwards in continued success this season and in years to come.'

Lawson just finished his second stint as a part-time assistant coach after spending the 2007-08 season as a graduate assistant coach at Division I Austin Peay State University. Lawson was also an assistant coach at Washington U. during the 2006-07 season. In his two seasons on the Danforth Campus, the Bears have compiled a 54-7 (.885) record with two trips to the Final Four, including the 2009 NCAA Division III National Championship.

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  NEW ZEALAND   


Nelson gain the seventh straight win - by Eurobasket News
The Nelson Giants extended their unbeaten run to seven games today. They defeated the Century City Saints 79:70 at the Trafalgar Centre tonight to improve at 11-2 record in the NBL ladder. The Saints at the same time were stopped at a six consecutive wins mark and slipped at 9-3 record in the table.
The lead changed hands for several time throughout the opening frame but the Saints persisted and surged ahead late in the period. Luke Martin fired from downtown to give the visitors a 19:13 advantage after ten minutes. The Saints maintained the lead early in the second quarter as Lindsay Tait came up with some important buckets. However it did not take long before the Giants were back in this one. Darryl Jones (193-G/F-85) and Tony Rampton (213-C-76, college: Iowa St.) connected from afar to narrow the margin to only 2 points at halftime. The Century City Saints regained control and tried to keep the hosts at bay in the third stanza. The Giants managed to stay close as they entered the final term down by just 3 points. The Saints ballooned the gap to 8 points at the start of the final period but Nelson struck back. Tony Rampton and Phill Jones (196-G-74) helped the home side to tie the score at 64. Jared Lloyd (194-G-82, college: Hope International) followed with a dunk that put Nelson up for good. The Giants went almost perfect from the stripe in the dying seconds to seal the winning outcome.
Jared Lloyd knocked down 24 points to pace the hosts. Phill Jones added 21 points, while Darryl Jones and Tony Rampton had 13 points each in the victory. Lindsay Tait answered with 19 points for the Saints. Mike Efevberha (196-G-84, college: Cal.St. Northridge) finished with 12 points in defeat.

Standings Men
NBL Standings
 1. Nelson 11-2 
 2. Waikato 10-1 
 3. Wellington 9-3 
 4. Cougars 9-4 
 5. Harbour Heat 7-5 
 6. Bay Hawks 4-7 
 7. Manawatu 3-10 
 8. Auckland 2-10 
 9. Taranaki 0-13 


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  PHILIPPINES   


Standings - PBA Fiesta Conference
PBA Standings
 1. San Miguel 11-3 
 2. Rain or Shine 8-6 
 3. Ginebra 8-6 
 4. Burger King 8-6 
 5. Sta Lucia 7-7 
 6. Talk N Text 7-7 
 7. Purefoods 7-7 
 8. Coca-Cola 6-8 
 9. Alaska 6-8 
 10. Barako Bull 2-12 


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  PUERTO RICO   


Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Quebradillas 12-4 
 2. Santurce 11-4 
 3. Bayamon 11-6 
 4. Arecibo 9-5 
 5. Carolina 9-6 
 6. San German 8-7 
 7. Mayaguez 7-8 
 8. Caguas 5-10 
 9. Ponce 4-10 
 10. Humacao 3-11 
 11. Guaynabo 3-11 


BSN, last games (6) - Quebradillas takes the first place from Santruce - by Eurobasket News
Carolina - Arecibo 77-105
Arecibo destroyed Carolina last night jumping to 9-5 record in BSN (4th place). Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) stepped up for the winners with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Danilo Pinncok followed with 21 pts and 7 boards, while David Cortes added two points less. Alejandro Carmona (194-G/F-83, agency: Next Level) responded with double-double in Carolina (9-6), 19 points and 10 boards.

Quebradillas - San German 77-70
In the second game last night Quebradillas was too strong for San German registering the 12th win of the season. That is currently enough for top of BSN standings (12-4). Shawn Redhage (202-F-81, agency: Warren Sports International, college: Arizona St.) was a key player in victory collecting 22 points and 5 rebounds. San German (8-7) got 18 pts and 9 boards from Jesse Pellot-Rosa.

Caguas - Carolina 79-85
Alejandro Carmona top-scored in victory with 27 points. Ekenechukwu Ibekwe also was on high level registering double-double, 23 points and 10 rebounds. Alvin Cruz was third scorer in Carolina with 16 points (8 as). In Caguas, Matt Freije (206-F-81, agency: Priority Sports, college: Vanderbilt) had 20 pts and 8 rebounds.

Humacao - Bayamon 89-98
Bayamon outplayed Humacao 98-89 despite 30 points by DerMarr Johnson. Glen McGowan (206-F-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Pepperdine) shined for Bayamon collecting 24 points and 9 rebounds. Christian Dalmau had 22 pts, 7 boards and 7 as, while Franklin Western added 18 pts.

Bayamon - Caguas 81-88
Caguas jumped to 5-10, while Bayamon fell to 11-6 record after this game. Matt Freije and Rafael Perez combined 49 points in the winning squad. Glen McGowan was on fire on the other side scoring 25 pts (also had 9 rebounds).

Ponce - Santurce 87-79
Ponce registered 4th win of the season crushing the (until that time) top-ranked Santruce 87-79. Lee Nailon (204-F-75, college: TCU) and Darian Townes drained 22 points each for Ponce. Josh Davis had one point less, but in defeat.

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  RUSSIA   


Standings - Superleague B
B Superleague Standings
 1. Avtodor 47-6 
 2. Magnitogorsk 40-13 
 3. Revda 37-18 
 4. Lok.Novos. 36-17 
 5. N.Novgorod 32-21 
 6. Chelabinsk 32-21 
 7. Saransk 30-24 
 8. Krasnodar 28-25 
 9. Rjazan 26-28 
 10. Irkutsk 23-30 
 11. Zaretchny 22-33 
 12. Naltchik 19-34 
 13. Severstal 15-40 
 14. Ural Ekater. 10-47 
 15. Kursk 8-48 


Unics takes 2-1 lead in the series for the 3rd place - by Eurobasket News
Unics produced 72:67 over Spartak SP to take 2-1 lead in the series for the 3rd place. The hosts pushed the tempo for good in the last period to celebrate the important victory.
In the first game of the series Spartak celebrated 85:79 victory, however Unics tied it after 75:81 in Game 2. Game 3 started with the domination of the squad from Kazan, that produced 17-8 in the opening quarter. Basket-Hall in Kazan saw 20-23 in the second frame, that remained hosts in front, 37:31 at the halftime.
The picture changed definitely in the third period when Savrasenko, Vasili Zavoruev (196-G-87) and Yegor Meshcharakou (205-F-76, agency: Octagon, college: George Washington) pulled their team on top. Spartak responded with 22-16 to tie the game at 43:43.
Two thousand fans desired more last night and needed the last push of the local team. Dmitry Sokolov (212-C-85, agency: Agency No 10) and his Unics started to play much better in the last stanza and reached the victory. A 19-14 gave them 72:67 as total to grab 2-1 lead in the series.
Dmitry Sokolov top-scored for the winners with 17 points, while Popovic added 14. Vladimir Veremeenko (208-F-84) ended up with 11 points, whilst Zamanskiy had 6. Savrasenko led the way for the guests with 13 points, Vasili Zavoruev and Yegor Meshcharakou each scored 12.
Game 4 is scheduled for tonight, May 23rd.

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  SERBIA   


Partizan grabs eighth consecutive title in Serbia! - by Eurobasket News
Partizan - Crvena Zvez. 73-61
Another impressive season for Partizan! After trophies in Serbian National Cup and Adriatic league, Partizan managed to beat Crvena Zvezda 3-2 in the play-off Finals in Serbia celebrating the 8th consecutive title. Aleksandar Rasic (195-G-84, agency: Beo Basket) was on fire for the new/old champion draining 17 points. Stephane Lasme (203-F-82, college: Massachusetts) had 12, while Jan Vesely (211-F-90) delivered one point less. Novica Velickovic (205-F-86) followed with 9. On the other side, Crvena Zvezda got 15 points from Marko Marinovic (183-G-83). Tadija Dragicevic (205-F-86) also was good scoring 11 pts. As a reminder, Partizan opened the Finals with 2-0, after what Crvena Zvezda celebrated twice. Beside the above mentioned three trophies, Partizan also reached Euroleague quarterfinals this season.

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  TAIWAN   


Dacin one win away from first SBL title - by Chris Wang
Dacin Tigers is thiiiiiiis close to an improbable finish after winning three in a row to turn a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 series lead in the SBL Finals. Dacin routed TB 81-63 Saturday and is on the verge of winning its first SBL title in team history if it wins again tonight.

The controversial team, which was owned by CTBA President Wang Jen-da and has been accused by opponents time and again receiving officiating favors, has a shot of being the first title team to win four straight following two losses and achieve the improbably comeback.

Guard Wang Chih-chun made four threes as Dacin ignited a 19-3 run in the third quarter and routed TB 81-63 for a 3-2 series lead Saturday night. After a sluggish start, Dacin took the lead at the half after a 11-0 run in the second quarter and took control in the second half.

TB's Lin Chih-chieh injured his left ankle in Game 4 but insisted on playing. Lin entered the game as a substitute and inspired his teammates and the crowd. However, it was just not enough to stop Dacin's three-point attack and maybe ended up hurting the team. Dacin made 10 threes in the game.

Wang Chih-chun paced Dacin with 16 points and 7 rebounds while Lin Yi-hui and Chen Tse-wei each had 14 points. Import Byron Allen collected 8 points and 12 rebounds.

Yang Ching-min led TB with 13 points. Chen Shih-nian had 12. Lin Chih-chieh had only 5 points on 2-of-8 shooting.

On Friday, Dacin rained 10 three-pointers on Taiwan Beer for a 89-75 victory to tie the series at 2-2. Lin Chih-chieh hurt his ankle less than 2 minutes into the game and never came back.

Regular season MVP Chang Chih-feng scored 26 points and had four steals. Chang, who received his MVP trophy before tipoff from Premier Liu Chao-hsiuan, and seldom-used sub Yen Chia-wei made four threes in the final quarter to open up the game.

Allen had another double-double of 14 points and 13 boards for Dacin.

Taiwan Beer was led by Yang Cihng-min's 23 points. Ho Shou-cheng had 17 points and 7 rebounds and Yang Yu-min had 15.

Up until now, this has been a Finals of Threes as the team which makes more long-range bombs wins. Dacin made 10 threes in Game 3, 4 and 5 and won them all. Taiwan Beer shot 12-for-20 and 12-for-24 from downtown in Game 1 and 2 and quickly took a 2-0 lead.

Frankly speaking, I think Taiwanese basketball has been going in the wrong direction by shooting more and more threes. It's true that Taiwan always faces taller and physically stronger opponents in international competition, but you just don't live and die by three-pointers.

Take Dacin forward Tien Lei, who has been extremely quiet in the Finals, for example. Tien never learned how to play inside and expressed clearly that he didn't like to do so. As far as I'm concerned, it's one of the reasons why Tien has become less a threat. It's always easier to defend a 6-7 three-point shooter than a versatile inside-outside 6-7 wingman.

Tien still grabs more than a fair share of rebounds because of his height and jumping ability. But I think he can be two times better by developing his inside game.

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  TURKEY   


Galatasaray joins Efes Pilsen, Fenerbahce and Turk Telekom in the Semis - by Eurobasket News
Besiktas - Galatasaray 102-115
Galatasaray grabbed impressive 115-102 win against Besiktas ending the Quarterfinals with 3-1. It means that Galata will meet the regular season champion Efes Pilsen in the Semis with the home court disadvantage. Big guy Huseyin Besok (212-C-75, agency: Interperformances) stepped up for the guests with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Rashid Atkins (182-G-75, agency: Interperformances, college: St.Joseph's) had 22 pts and 7 rebs, while Anthony Tolliver (206-C-85, college: Creighton) added 21 pts and 12 boards. K'Zell Wesson (201-F/C-77, college: La Salle) responded with 29 points and 8 rebounds for the hosts.

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  URUGUAY   


Metro League News - by Sergio Dans
Last night the 11 team s members of the Metro League, met at the Club Welcome, and concluded that on June 5 would be the appropriate time to continue the dispute over it.
The most fundamental is the willingness of teams to continue with the Metro League, but not before discussing some aspects.
In that sense, will meet Monday with President of Uruguayan federation Dr. Ney Castillo to announce his position and also clarify some concerns as being the subject of future police operations in the sports venues.
Another aspect that was defined is that the established system of dispute at the beginning of the season will not be changed.
Remember that Metro League was suspended after 2 youngs fans were killed near a basketball stadium the last 8 of May. In that moment Montevideo Basket Ball Club was the leadership with 6 games win and John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) is the top scorer with 27 ppg.

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  USBA   


USBA Announcement By the Front Office - by USBA Media

To: USBA Personnel

From: Duane Allen Jenkins- President /C.E.O United States Basketball Association

Effective immediately, the United States Basketball Association now announces its inaugural 2010 basketball season. The league is alive and well and our future looks extremely bright. We have had a multitude of challenges that placed us in a position to reassess continuing the 2009 season. We now have three divisions with 18 teams in 10 southern states and the District of Columbia. (www.usbaball.com/teams).

I will be addressing all remaining questions in the weeks to come. In order to provide our cities with a quality product, we will maintain the utmost appearance of integrity.

I believe we have been ostracized by the actions of other teams and leagues. Savannah, Nashville, Jacksonville, Charleston, West Virginia, Augusta, Birmingham and Atlanta have had other teams and leagues that have left negative impressions on the cities, subsequently the press corps used this as an excuse to fail to effectively cover our teams, with the exception of Montgomery, Alabama. These incidents range from the president and chief operations officer of the ABA, whose team is based in Atlanta, being arrested and jailed for stealing $200,000.00 from his partners in an attempt to defraud the NBADL, to the owner of the ABA team in Charleston, West Virginia being arrested, tried and convicted of selling two pounds of marijuana to under cover police. A PBL team in Augusta was accused of a multitude of offenses, they were constantly in the newspaper concerning alleged negative behavior. The owner of an ABA team in Nashville being accused of swindling an investor out of $59,000.00. These three incidents are a matter of court record and were committed within the last 6 months. There are a multitude of additional incidents that involve this type of behavior in a number of our team cities. I must allow the distance of time, to shield the USBA from these incidents and the perpetrators that were accused of committed the offenses. The USBA does not have any association with any other team or league. It is unfortunate that we have to undertake these drastic measures to cancel the 2009 season.

We also are going to introduce our marketing production in each of our cities, starting August 15, 2009. Each city will have Pocket Money Direct Mail Advertising Guide in each team town. Pocket Money was created to be our primary source of advertising. We are now hiring salespeople for each city. Each team will have a Vice President/Sales and Advertising in place in by July 5, 2009. We will begin sales and production on August 15, 2009. The VP of Sales will assist the team in marketing, media relations and community relations. Pocket Money will be mailed quarterly to single-family homes in each team city beginning January 2010. The 2010 Season Ticket Extravaganza will begin on October 1, 2009. We have retained Lincoln Mercury, Trek Bicycle and the rest of our sponsors and vendors. We have applications for membership in all local Chamber of Commerce in each of our team cities. All memberships will be in effect prior to October 1, 2009.

Mr. Kenneth Green, Mr. David Bell and Mr.Simmie Lavender were consulted in regards to my decision. All of our venues have given me permission to re-apply to use their facilities in 2010 with the exception of Montgomery (we, will not be using a High School gymnasium). We will begin the 2010 basketball season on Wednesday April 7, 2010. Each team will play a thirty game schedule. The All Star Game has been reinstated. We will be following the original format.

I will be speaking to each of you as to your future involvement with the United States Basketball Association. We will compensate all USBA Independent Contractors for their efforts during the 2009 pre-season. I will address this subject with each person individually. All players who paid the $75.00 fee for tryouts are due a refund. I need all applicable forms from all coaches to process payment to these young men.
If you have any questions or comments, Please feel free to relay them to Duane Allen Jenkins at (770) 729-0306 or e-mail duanejenkins@usbaball.com or Kenneth Green, Vice President/Basketball Operations. You can reach Mr. Green at kennethgreen@usbaball.com or at (404) 547-6907.
In the Highest Regards, I Am,
Very Truly Yours,
Duane Allen Jenkins
President/CEO
United States Basketball Association, Inc. (A Georgia Corporation)



USBA Inaugural Basketball Season Opening Date April 7, 2010 - by USBA Media

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The United States Basketball Association is pleased to announce their inaugural season opening on April 7, 2010. The league will take an aggressive posture by activating 18 teams housed in 3 divisions. Permanente home gymnasiums of each individual team are in the process of being completed. 'Come Hades or high water, we will tip off in 2010, we have agreements in place to use gymnasium for 12 of our teams already, the colleges and universities that we planned to occupy this year, understood the challenges we faced in 2009 and they graciously permitted the league to renew their commitment to play at their facilities', said USBA president and C.E.O Duane Allen Jenkins. 'We anticipate having all locations set by early fall'.

The 2010 regular season will begin on April 7, 2010 and end on July 3, 2010. The Mid Season All Star Classic Game is slated for May 22nd and May 23rd, 2010. The USBA Championship game is scheduled for July 11, 2010. The All Star game and the Championship game will be held in Atlanta, Georgia.

The league will continue its partnership with churches, civic groups and charitable organizations in each individual team city. A special invitation has been extended to the Boys and Girls Clubs as well as Big Brothers and Big Sisters. The league is also extending a very special invitation to children in foster care each city. The league has authorized each team conduct educational contest between clubs to select children to be official ball girls and boys. 'We'll issue complimentary tickets to games and we'll pay the ball kids $25.00 apiece per game', said Jenkins.

The leagues three divisions, the Atlantic, the Appalachian and the Southern will consist of six teams in each division. 'With the economy stabilizing, its full steam ahead', said USBA vice president of basketball operations, Kenneth Green.'This is a prime opportunity for us to get this party started. We plan get to know our fans and supporters in each city. We want our fans to be able to have access to the coaches players', said Green

The league will make season ticket packages available. The availability of the 2010 USBA Season Ticket Extravaganza is October 1, 2009. This season ticket promotion is a special event for the fans and is sponsored by the advertisers and sponsors of the USBA. The league has set aside 1200 single season tickets for this promotion. 'This collaborated effort includes the USBA, the USBA Youth Outreach, Inc and many of the leagues partners, sponsors and advertisers', said Jenkins.

The league has set the price of $105.00 per season ticket and comes with admission to all fifteen home games and fifteen free single game tickets; this includes admittance to all home playoff games. As a bonus, fans receive priority seating, complimentary concessions, a free game day program and a 24-inch x 36-inch full color poster with the basketball team and dance team. (The total number of admittance per season ticket is 25, which breaks down to $3.50 per admittance). 'We designed the USBA basketball games to be family friendly, our promotions, our entertainment and our price will fit right into anyones budget', said Jenkins

According to the league, each season ticket holder will be automatically included in a raffle sponsored by the USBA Youth Outreach, Inc. 'We're very excited about this promotion. Not only do fans get a chance to see high quality basketball at affordable prices, but also there is the chance to win a new car, a trip to see an NBA game and to go on a Disney World vacation'.

The prize list is as follows:

* Grand Prize: 2010 Lincoln Mercury Grand Marquis LS
(one automobile and a $40.00 Quik Trip, BP or RaceTrac weekly gas card for one year, will be given away in each USBA team city, 18 total league wide),

* 2nd Prize: Disney World Family Vacation
(Family of four, rt airfare on Delta Airlines, transfers to and from the airport, daily Disney World Park passes, meals and lodging at a Disney World theme park hotel included, two given away in each USBA team city, 36 total league wide),

* 3rd prize: The NBA Extravaganza
( Trip for two to an NBA game, round trip airfare on Delta Airlines, overnight stay at Marriott Hotel, one day car rental from Enterprise, dinner for two at Outback Steak House and breakfast for two at International House of Pancakes, two given away in each USBA team city, 36 total league wide.)

* 4th Prize: The Trek Bicycle Explosion
(Six mens, six womens, six boys and six girls ten speed bicycles, 24 given away at each USBA team city, 432 total league wide)

* 5th Prize: The Outback Steak House Family Feast
(A $60.00 gift card, 25 given away in each USBA team city, 450 total league wide)

* 6th Prize: Russell Athletic Team Polo Shirts
(25 shirts will be given away in each USBA team city, 450 total league wide)

All drawings for this promotion will be held at halftime of the teams home season opener. 'As far as we know, this is the biggest and most extravagant season ticket promotion in the history of minor league sports'. says Jenkins. 'Fans can visit our website at www.usbaball.com for rules and disclaimers about the raffle and the United States Basketball Association. 'We plan to begin our first season with a bang'. 'All of our games will be geared toward top notched basketball competition, family fun and entertainment surrounded in a faith based environment, our goal is to offer each community a great experience' proclaimed, Mr. Jenkins. For more information, call the USBA league office at (770) 729-0306 or go to www.usbaball.com.


2010 USBA Season Ticket Extravaganza Rules and Disclaimer:
Purchase of a season ticket to any 2010 USBA team necessary to be included in the raffle drawing. The USBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is the sponsor of this promotion. This promotion is open to all residents of Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, Florida, Virginia and North Carolina, West Virginia, Kentucky, Mississippi and the District of Colunbia, who purchase a season ticket during this promotion. Promotion ends April 5, 2010 at midnight Eastern Daylight Time. USBA employees, family member of USBA employees, team members, Season Ticket Extravaganza sponsors, their employees and their families are ineligible to participate in this promotion. Participants must be at least 18 years old to participate in this promotion. One entry in raffle per season ticket purchased. No other restrictions apply. No substitution of prizes. Prizes are not refundable or transferable. Prize winners are responsible for all taxes and /or gratuity associated with prizes won in this promotion. Odds of winning any prize in this promotion will be determined in direct relation of the number of season tickets sold during this promotion. (Example: 1200 season tickets sold per USBA team season, Grand Prize winning odds are 1200 to 1, 2nd prize winning odds are 600 to 1, 3rd Prize winning odds are 600 to 1, 4th Prize winning odds are 50 to 1, each, 5th prize winning odds are 48 to 1, 6th Prize winning odds are 48 to 1. The USBA has set aside 1200 season tickets per USBA team city to be sold, a total 12,000 league wide. Odds of winning a prize in this promotion are derived on a per city basis only. If the same individual purchases two season tickets for the 2010 basketball season and before April 5, 2010 the odds will increase to give the ticket holder double the chance of winning a prize. This promotion is a USBA Youth Outreach sponsored event. The USBA Youth Outreach, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) not for Profit Company. Single ticket purchases are not included in this promotion. 2nd and 3rd Prizewinners must make travel reservation through the USBA. Travel blackout periods may effect certain travel dates. All NBA games must be east of the Mississippi River and in the Continental United States. Grand prizewinners have a choice of color. There is no time limit for any of the travel prizes, gift card or any other prize in this promotion. Promotion is void where prohibited by law.



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  WCBL   


Smith joins the Breakers - by Gianni Pascucci
The Santa Barbara Breakers announce the signing of former Lompoc High School and University of Washington standout Joel Smith (6'4''-G-84). Smith, who finished up his collegiate career at Chaminade University in Hawaii, will be a Breakers uniform for tonight game against the Ventura County Jets. Breakers' Coach Curt Pickering had this to say about Smith and the great athleticism and leaping ability that he bestows, ' We will throw Joel into the mix and have the opportunity to see where and how his skills fit in with our team. I have no doubts that he will contribute immediately. Plus, I have always said that coaches son's have an edge when it comes to the game. They have been around it their whole life and the game is instinctive.'



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Women News

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  BELARUS - Women  


Turkey wins over Belarus to take the top position - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Belarus 63:51

The National team of Turkey overcame Belarus 63:51 in Day 2 of Victory Cup. Both teams were the the winners in the first day and the victory gave Turkey the top position in the tournament.
The home side opened the game with four consecutive points and Nilay Yigit and Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80)'s baskets led to 10:1 advantage. Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) struggled a lot in the opening quarter and reduced with her team to 14:11. Nevin Nevlin (196-F/C-85, college: Stanford) closed the first period for 19:13 home side lead. With 15-13 in the second period Turkey improved to 34:26 margin at the halftime.
Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) brought the hosts 37:26, while Sviatlana Volyana and Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) kept 10 points loss at 32:42. With 14-11 Turkey however won the third period to extend the deficit to 11 points. Naile Ivegin was the last to score in the fourth period for 63:51 victory. Bahar Caglar led the winners with 13 points and Nevin Nevlin collected 10 points and 8 rebounds. Nevriye Yilmaz and Naile Ivegin (186-F/C-85) both posted 8, while Saziye Ivegin poured in 6. Yelena Leuchanka responded with 14 points in defeat and Tatyana Troina delivered 11.
In another game Spanish National team celebrated the first win at Victory Cup international tournament in Istanbul. Earlier today they defeated Poland 68:64 to improve at 1-1 record. Poland suffered the second straight defeat after losing to Turkey in the opener.
Poland will face Belarus, while Spain play against Turkey tomorrow.

Turkey: Saziye Ivegin 6, Nihan Anaz 2, Birsel Vardarli 4, Nilag Yigit 2, Tugba Palazoglu 2, Esmeral Tuncluer, Sariye Gokce 4, Nevriye Yilmaz 8, Naile Ivegin 8, Yasemin Horasan 4, Nevin Nevlin 10+8 rebs, Bahar Caglar 13
Belarus: Volha Padabed, Katsiaryna Snytsina 5, Sviatlana Volyana 5, Natalia Anufyienka 5, Anastasia Verameyenka 2, Yelena Leuchanka 14, Natalia Marchanka 3, Tatyana Troina 11, Marina Kress 6, Tatsiana Likhtarovich, Yeliya Dureika.

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  LUXEMBOURG - Women  


Luxembourg defeat Albania and Switzerland in Mersch - by Eurobasket News
Luxembourg National Team is getting fit for the upcoming Games of the Small States of Europe now. The competition is set to start on June 2 and Luxembourg players gathered in Mersch to play some friendly games.
First Luxembourg faced Albania and raced to a 73:44 victory. Lisy Hetting (173-G-90) came up with 19 points to lead the charge. Nadia Mossong (182-F-86) and Lynn Schreiner (158-G-91) added 11 points apiece in the win.
Next Luxembourg were opposed by Switzerland and earned a 56:50 victory. Nadia Mossong was pivotal with 15 points. Lynn Schreiner had 11 points for the hosts.
Luxembourg is scheduled to meet Albania and Switzerland in two more outings in Mersch.

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  POLAND - Women  


Turkey wins the opener of the tournament at home - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Poland 87:71

Turkey won over Poland 87:71 in the opener of Victory Cup. The home side produced an outstanding second period to claim the win over the opponents.
Both teams started well in the game and remained even in the first period. Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) and Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) baskets closed the opening quarter at 27:27. In the second frame however the court was dominated only by one team, Turkey. Led by Esmeral Tuncluer, Nihan Anaz ve Bahar Caglar the home side took 53:40 advantage. Saziye Ivegin sent he teams to the lockers for 55:40 after 28-13 in the second quarter.
The tempo slowed down a bit in the third period, however Turkey remained to control the game. After 17-10 in the third quarter the hosts had 72:50 lead entering the last stanza. Tomialowicz Oliwia and Jeziorna Justyna pulled Poland to 74:59, but that was all they could do in the game. With 25-21 in the last period, Turkey grabbed the initial win of the tournament. Esmeral Tuncluer top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Naile Ivegin added 11. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) and Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) both scored 10, whilst Saziye Ivegin poured in 9. Agnieszka Bibrzycka ended up with 14 points in the losing effort.
In another game Belarus and Spain clashed in the friendly tournament in Turkey. Spanish team regained the lead in the final stanza 52:51 but could not hold on. Katsiaryna Snytsina unleashed a trey that put Belarus back in the drivers seat at 59:58. Spain on the other hand missed some crucial freebies to give away the victory.

Turkey: Saziye Ivegin 9, Nihan Anaz 7, Birsel Vardarli 6, Nilay Yigit, Tugba Palazoglu 3, Esmeral Tuncluer 14, Sariye Gokce 2, Nevriye Yilmaz 10, Naile Ivegin 11, Yasemin Horasan 10, Nevin Nevlin 6, Bahar Caglar 9
Poland: Dzewinska Aleksandra 4, Zurowska Justyna 4, Daria Meloszynska 7, Paulina Pawlak 5, Agnieszka Bibrzycka 14, Joanna Walich, Agnieszka Skobel 6, Tomialowicz Oliwia 4, Ewalina Kobryn 12, Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) 9, Izabela Piekarska, Jezioma Justyna 6

Spain hold off Poland at Victory Cup - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Poland 68:64

Spanish National team celebrated the first win at Victory Cup international tournament in Istanbul. Earlier today they defeated Poland to improve at 1-1 record. Poland suffered the second straight defeat after losing to Turkey in the opener.
Poland got to an aggressive start as Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82, agency: Data Plus Group) and Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) gave them a 13:5 lead. Spain answered with an 8:0 run to clip the margin to just one point. Spain later denied the deficit as the teams were tied at 18 after ten minutes. Spanish team improved their defense in the second frame and it worked out well. Poland scored only 12 points in the second frame as Spain cleared off to an 8-point distance at halftime.
Spain cruised to a 10-point lead early in the second half but Poland answered right back. Meloszynska, Agnieszka Bibrzycka and Ewelina Kobryn fueled a 12:0 rally as Poland gained a 49:48 advantage with ten minutes to go in the game. Domingues and Anna Cruz (175-G-86) tipped off the fourth term with 7 straight points as Spain regained the lead. Poland replied with 5 points in a row to get within one point. But Anna Cruz and Alba Torrens (191-F-89) looked calm late in the game sealing the winning outcome for Spain.
Alba Torrens provided 15 points to pace the winning effort. Anna Cruz added 10 points in the victory. Ewelina Kobryn answered with 13 points for Poland. Agnieszka Bibrzycka added 12 points in defeat.
Poland will face Belarus, while Spain play against Turkey tomorrow.

Spain: Alba Torrens 15, Anna Cruz 10, Anna Montanana 8, Laia Palau (178-G/F-79) 8
Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 13, Agnieszka Bibrzycka 12

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  ROMANIA - Women  


Stats Leaders - Women
Divizia A Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
1. Diaconu, Govora 24.2
2. Hughes, Oradea 20.6
3. Coker, Targoviste 19.3
4. Graham, Satu M. 18.4
5. Ciocan, Craiova 18.2
Rebounds Per Game
1. Kajdacsi, Sf. Ghe. 9.9
2. Ciocan, Craiova 9.7
3. Kine Kane, Arad 9.4
4. Coker, Targoviste 9.1
5. Givens, Targoviste 8.8
Assists Per Game
1. Zoll, Sf. Gheorghe 7.4
2. Ciocan, Craiova 5.8
3. Dragusin, Cluj-N. 5.0
4. Parau, Targoviste 4.5
5. Boriga, Targoviste 4.2
Steals Per Game
1. Diaconu, Govora 3.1
2. Dragusin, Cluj-N. 3.0
3. Zoll, Sf. Gheorghe 2.9
4. Givens, Targoviste 2.8
5. Graham, Satu M. 2.7
Blocks Per Game
1. Toma, Targoviste 2.0
2. Coker, Targoviste 1.1
3. Baluta, Sp. Stud. 1.0
4. Chirila, Craiova 0.9
5. Hutanu, Cluj-N. 0.8
2FGP
1. Givens, Targov. 67.8
2. Kajdacsi, Sf. Ghe 59.6
3. Bue, Alexandria 58.1
4. Vass, Sf. Ghe. 57.8
5. C. Pop, Satu M. 56.9
3FGP
1. Krstajic, Govora 47.0
2. Duffy, Sf. Ghe. 46.1
3. Nitulescu, Iasi 45.4
4. Tarta, Arad 43.1
5. Diaconu, Govora 43.0
Free Throws
1. Diaconu, Govora 5.4
2. Graham, Satu M. 4.4
3. C. Pop, Satu Mare 4.4
4. Ciocan, Craiova 4.2
5. Panasiuk, Rapid 4.0
Ranking
1. Givens, Targov. 24.9
2. Ciocan, Craiova 24.4
3. Coker, Targoviste 22.3
4. Diaconu, Govora 20.6
5. Zoll, Sf. Gheorghe 18.0


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  SPAIN - Women  


Spain hold off Poland at Victory Cup - by Eurobasket News
Spain - Poland 68:64

Spanish National team celebrated the first win at Victory Cup international tournament in Istanbul. Earlier today they defeated Poland to improve at 1-1 record. Poland suffered the second straight defeat after losing to Turkey in the opener.
Poland got to an aggressive start as Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82, agency: Data Plus Group) and Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) gave them a 13:5 lead. Spain answered with an 8:0 run to clip the margin to just one point. Spain later denied the deficit as the teams were tied at 18 after ten minutes. Spanish team improved their defense in the second frame and it worked out well. Poland scored only 12 points in the second frame as Spain cleared off to an 8-point distance at halftime.
Spain cruised to a 10-point lead early in the second half but Poland answered right back. Meloszynska, Agnieszka Bibrzycka and Ewelina Kobryn fueled a 12:0 rally as Poland gained a 49:48 advantage with ten minutes to go in the game. Domingues and Anna Cruz (175-G-86) tipped off the fourth term with 7 straight points as Spain regained the lead. Poland replied with 5 points in a row to get within one point. But Anna Cruz and Alba Torrens (191-F-89) looked calm late in the game sealing the winning outcome for Spain.
Alba Torrens provided 15 points to pace the winning effort. Anna Cruz added 10 points in the victory. Ewelina Kobryn answered with 13 points for Poland. Agnieszka Bibrzycka added 12 points in defeat.
Poland will face Belarus, while Spain play against Turkey tomorrow.

Spain: Alba Torrens 15, Anna Cruz 10, Anna Montanana 8, Laia Palau (178-G/F-79) 8
Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 13, Agnieszka Bibrzycka 12

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  TURKEY - Women  


Turkey wins the opener of the tournament at home - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Poland 87:71

Turkey won over Poland 87:71 in the opener of Victory Cup. The home side produced an outstanding second period to claim the win over the opponents.
Both teams started well in the game and remained even in the first period. Agnieszka Bibrzycka (184-F/G-82, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Abil.Christian) and Esmeral Tuncluer (175-G-80) baskets closed the opening quarter at 27:27. In the second frame however the court was dominated only by one team, Turkey. Led by Esmeral Tuncluer, Nihan Anaz ve Bahar Caglar the home side took 53:40 advantage. Saziye Ivegin sent he teams to the lockers for 55:40 after 28-13 in the second quarter.
The tempo slowed down a bit in the third period, however Turkey remained to control the game. After 17-10 in the third quarter the hosts had 72:50 lead entering the last stanza. Tomialowicz Oliwia and Jeziorna Justyna pulled Poland to 74:59, but that was all they could do in the game. With 25-21 in the last period, Turkey grabbed the initial win of the tournament. Esmeral Tuncluer top-scored for the winners with 14 points, while Naile Ivegin added 11. Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80) and Yasemin Horasan (190-F/C-83) both scored 10, whilst Saziye Ivegin poured in 9. Agnieszka Bibrzycka ended up with 14 points in the losing effort.
In another game Belarus and Spain clashed in the friendly tournament in Turkey. Spanish team regained the lead in the final stanza 52:51 but could not hold on. Katsiaryna Snytsina unleashed a trey that put Belarus back in the drivers seat at 59:58. Spain on the other hand missed some crucial freebies to give away the victory.

Turkey: Saziye Ivegin 9, Nihan Anaz 7, Birsel Vardarli 6, Nilay Yigit, Tugba Palazoglu 3, Esmeral Tuncluer 14, Sariye Gokce 2, Nevriye Yilmaz 10, Naile Ivegin 11, Yasemin Horasan 10, Nevin Nevlin 6, Bahar Caglar 9
Poland: Dzewinska Aleksandra 4, Zurowska Justyna 4, Daria Meloszynska 7, Paulina Pawlak 5, Agnieszka Bibrzycka 14, Joanna Walich, Agnieszka Skobel 6, Tomialowicz Oliwia 4, Ewalina Kobryn 12, Magdalena Leciejewska (191-C-86) 9, Izabela Piekarska, Jezioma Justyna 6

Turkey wins over Belarus to take the top position - by Eurobasket News
Turkey-Belarus 63:51

The National team of Turkey overcame Belarus 63:51 in Day 2 of Victory Cup. Both teams were the the winners in the first day and the victory gave Turkey the top position in the tournament.
The home side opened the game with four consecutive points and Nilay Yigit and Nevriye Yilmaz (195-C-80)'s baskets led to 10:1 advantage. Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) struggled a lot in the opening quarter and reduced with her team to 14:11. Nevin Nevlin (196-F/C-85, college: Stanford) closed the first period for 19:13 home side lead. With 15-13 in the second period Turkey improved to 34:26 margin at the halftime.
Bahar Caglar (188-F-88) brought the hosts 37:26, while Sviatlana Volyana and Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) kept 10 points loss at 32:42. With 14-11 Turkey however won the third period to extend the deficit to 11 points. Naile Ivegin was the last to score in the fourth period for 63:51 victory. Bahar Caglar led the winners with 13 points and Nevin Nevlin collected 10 points and 8 rebounds. Nevriye Yilmaz and Naile Ivegin (186-F/C-85) both posted 8, while Saziye Ivegin poured in 6. Yelena Leuchanka responded with 14 points in defeat and Tatyana Troina delivered 11.
In another game Spanish National team celebrated the first win at Victory Cup international tournament in Istanbul. Earlier today they defeated Poland 68:64 to improve at 1-1 record. Poland suffered the second straight defeat after losing to Turkey in the opener.
Poland will face Belarus, while Spain play against Turkey tomorrow.

Turkey: Saziye Ivegin 6, Nihan Anaz 2, Birsel Vardarli 4, Nilag Yigit 2, Tugba Palazoglu 2, Esmeral Tuncluer, Sariye Gokce 4, Nevriye Yilmaz 8, Naile Ivegin 8, Yasemin Horasan 4, Nevin Nevlin 10+8 rebs, Bahar Caglar 13
Belarus: Volha Padabed, Katsiaryna Snytsina 5, Sviatlana Volyana 5, Natalia Anufyienka 5, Anastasia Verameyenka 2, Yelena Leuchanka 14, Natalia Marchanka 3, Tatyana Troina 11, Marina Kress 6, Tatsiana Likhtarovich, Yeliya Dureika.