EUROBASKET NEWS REPORT - 6/8/2009

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Men News

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  ABA   


Last team news - by Gianni Pascucci

After announcing team tryouts at the Larry Johnson Center in Dallas, Texas on Saturday June 13th, the Dallas Generals of the American Basketball Association announced the addition to the staff of former NBA D-League, LNBP, CIBACOPA, and ABA Coach Chris Terrell , who will be in Dallas assisting with the evaluation process. More information is available by visiting the team website at www.dallasgenerals.com or by email at carlton@dallasgenerals.com
The ABA announced that a new expansion team which begins play in December will be owned by the Chemung County YMCA in Elmira, New York. The team will be managed by Richard T. Micelotta, Executive Director of the Chemung County YMCA, and will be coached by Tracy Long, who graduated from Andrew Jackson High School in New York before joining the United States Navy where he played basketball, football and boxed. For more information, visit www.chemungymca.org and email ymcaexecutive@stny.rr.com



Others ABA tryout announced - by Gianni Pascucci

The Youngstown Swish announces their first open tryout to be held on July 11, 2009. The tryout will take place at the Mayor Ralph A.Infante Wellness Center in Niles, Ohio. Directions can be found at http://thecityofniles.com/wellnesscenter.htm The tryout will be split into three sessions so all participants may receive a fair and equal look from coaches and staff. For more information, please call 330 774 5845 or email dave@youngstownswish.com or visit www.youngstownswish.com
The Lake Michigan Admirals, an ABA expansion team that begins play in December, today announced that it will hold its first tryouts at the St. Joseph High School Fieldhouse, located at 2521 Stadium Drive, St. Joseph, Michigan on June 27th at 930am-130pm. Players must be 18 years or older. Photo I.D. will be required. The tryouts will be open to all press/media and a limited number of spectators will be allowed. For more information on early registration, contact GM Shawn Patterson at gm@lakemichiganadmirals.com or call 269 823 4694 or visit www.lakemichiganadmirals.com



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  ALGERIA   


GSP and ASPTT a good start - by Carlos Pereira
The GSP and the ASPTT Algiers have managed a good start in the tournament final play-off of national championship basketball, the first part of which took place Thursday and Friday in Dar-El-Beida. This tournament, organized by the CRB Dar-El-Beida, was marked by a huge surprise . ASPTT Algiers beat the organizer team, CRBDB, and overcome all predictions.

RESULTS
1 Round
WA Boufarik TRB Blida 62-52 (overtime)
GS Ptroliers WB An- Benian 76-63
ASPTT Alger CRB Dar El- Beida 70-67
2 Round
GS Ptroliers TRB Blida 76-47
ASPTT Alger WA Boufarik 97-83
CRB Dar-El-Beda WB An-Bnian 95-84

STANDING
1- GS Ptroliers 4 pts
-. ASPTT Alger 4 pts
3. CRB Dar-El-Beida 3 pts
-. WA Boufarik 3 pts
5. WB An-Benian 2 points
-. TRB Blida 2 pts

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  AUSTRIA   


Aaron Mitchell and BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld part ways - by Stefan Prager
'As reported, Head Coach Aaron Mitchell did not resign for BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld Panthers!

Head Coach Aaron Mitchell simply has parted ways after two years from BSC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld.  Coach Mitchell simply felt that is time to move on to a new and bigger challenge. Mitchell said that this new challenge will possibly be outside of Austria. Mitchell started his job in Fuerstenfeld as an assistant coach for Peter Stahl and succeeded him after 11 games in the 2007/2008 season. He won a championship in a dramatic series against Oberwart in 2008 and the cup title in 2009. The two titles were the first in franchise history.

Wels grabs the first championship title ever! - by Eurobasket News
Wels - Gmunden 82-80

Wels celebrated in thriller 82-80 grabbing the first championship title in Austria ever. After defeat in Game 1, Wels managed to beat the regular season champion 3 consecutive times ending the series with 3-1. Fields top-scored for the new champions with 18 points. Thomas also demonstrated pretty decent performance adding two points less. Archibald had 11, Lamesic 10 and Moore added 9 points. In Gmunden, Mayes responded with 25 points. Colwell had 16, while Schoninger scored 13. Hutter and Palmer contributed with 12 pts each.
After opening ten minutes it seemed this will be an easy win for the hosts. They made plus 9 quickly, 32-23. However, Mayes pushed the visitors to much better performance in the second quarter, what results with 45-46 turn at the half time. Third stanza was totally leveled. Actually Wels ended it with 26-25 for 71-71 tie. In the last minutes the host were more concentrate, what was enough for the first championship title ever in the club s history. The Eurobasket box-score will be available soon.

Wels: Fields 18, Thomas 16, Archibald 11, Lamesic 10, Moore 9
Gmunden: Mayes 25, Colwell 16, Schoninger 13, Hutter 12, Palmer 12

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  BOSNIA   


Hukic and Nesovic win the title with Olimpija Ljubljana - by Eurobasket News
Jasmin Hukic (204-G/F-79, agency: Beo Basket) and Aleksej Nesovic (189-G-85) added another trophy to their collection after helping Olimpjia Ljubljana to win the Slovenian Championship. Olipija has managed to defend their title after defeating Helios 69-58 and has swept the Playoff Finals series 3-0. This is 15th title for team from Ljubljana who maintains its dominance in Slovenian League. In Game 3, Hukic contributed with 12 points and he received help from Damjan Rudez (206-F-86), who added 10, as well as Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86), who finished the contest with 9 points and 8 boards. Throughout the season, Hukic was an integral part of the team contributing 10.8 points per game while shooting 47.8% from the field.
Jasmin Hukic started his career with Sloboda Dita leading them to 2 Bosnia and Hertzegovina Supercups in 1999 and 2001 as well as 2 Bosnian Cups also in 1999 and 2001. After 5 seasons with the club he signed with Olimpija in 2001. In his first term with the ream, he helped them win Adriatic League in 2002, as well as 2 Slovenian Cups in 2002 and 2003. Good games by Hukic did not go unnoticed so he was signed by Hapoel Tel-Aviv which he helped reach Playoff Semifinals. Year later he moved to Hemofarm and was an integral part of the team that won Adriatic League in 2005. Hukic has also had stints in Russia and Poland with Ural Great Perm and Prokom Trefl Sopot where he again managed to add to his trophy collection. With Ural he was EuroCup Challenge Champion in 2006 while with Prokom he has won the League in 2007. In 2008 he returned to Olimpija and has led them to trophies again. In his second term at the club, Hukic helped Olimpija win 2 titles in the row as well as 2 more Cups.

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  CHILE   


Dimayor: Apertura tournament playoffs game 3 & 4 - by Daniel Valencia
The second round playoffs bracket is ready after the weekend's action. In the north group, Liceo Mixto won the series against Everton 3-0 and now will face Universidad Catolica, that qualified as the best loser. In the other series, Espanol, that defeated Sagrados 3-0 will face Boston College, that also won the series against Catolica 3-0. In the south group, Llanquihue, that won the series against Castro 3-0, is going to play against Osorno, the best loser of the south group, while Valdivia and Universidad de Concepcion will fight for one spot in the Top 4. These are the complete results of game 3 and 4 of the playoffs first round.

Game 3

North Group

Everton 52 - Liceo Mixto 69
Eve: George Holt 14 pts.
Lic: Fernando Gutman 19 pts.

Liceo won the series 3-0

Sagrados Corazones 62 - Espanol de Talca 66
Sag: Carlos Gallardo 13 pts.
Esp: Francisco Aranda 16 pts.

Espanol won the series 3-0

Boston College 100 - Universidad Catolica 76
Bos: Jefferson Agba 28 pts.
Uc: Felipe Contreras 25 pts.

Boston won the series 3-0

South Group

Deportes Castro 61 - Provincial Llanquihue 83
Cas: Carlos Grandon 14 pts.
Llan: Leonel Mendez 29 pts.

Llanquihue won the series 3-0

Universidad de Los Lagos 69 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 59
Ula: Alexander Blackwell 19 pts.
Ucon: Nelson Mendez 12 pts.

Provincial Osorno 72 - Deportivo Valdivia 73
Oso: 'Pop' Thornton 22 pts.
Val: Jonathan Heard 23 pts.

Game 4

South Group

Universidad de Los Lagos 63 - CD Universidad de Concepcion 64
Ula: Alexander Blackwell 26 pts.
Ucon: Evandro Arteaga 27 pts.

CD Universidad de Concepcion won the series 3-1

Provincial Osorno 74 - Deportivo Valdivia 76 OT
Oso: Erick Carrasco 16 pts.
Val: Jonathan Heard 33 pts.

Valdivia won the series 3-1

Dimayor: Apertura tournament second round series - by Daniel Valencia
The series are set for the second round of the playoffs, with eight teams looking for four spots in the Top 4. Liceo in the north group and Llanquihue in the south group are the favorites to reach a place in the Top 4, with the other two series expected to reach at least four games.

North Group

Liceo Mixto vs Universidad Catolica

Espanol de Talca vs Boston College

South Group

Provincial Llanquihue vs Provincial Osorno

Deportivo Valdivia vs CD Universidad de Concepcion

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  COSTA RICA   


Barva and Liceo win in Semifinal - by Gianni Pascucci
As it was easy to expect, Ferretera Brenes Barva and Coopenae Liceo de Costa Rica took two easy wins in Game 1 of Apertura Semifinals. Led by Isaac St.Rose (190-G-84, college: John Brown), who scored 19 pts and grabbed 6 rebs, and by Amir Alvarado (198-G/F-84, college: Marshalltown CC), who added 18 pts and 5 rebs, Barva prevailed over Goicoechea 95-56 on the road. With 25 points, Clifford Smith (193-G, college: Barry) was the last to surrender in Goicoechea. Liceo de Costa Rica defeated Escazu 86-71, led by import player Neil Fryer (193-F, college: E.Oregon) with 21 pts. Michael Jackson (-F) was the best in Escazu with 18.

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  CROATIA   


Anderson leaves Cibona - by Tomislav Maric

After taking the Croatian Championship Alan Anderson (198-G/F-82, college: Michigan St.) is leaving KK Cibona VIP Zagreb.Despite KK Cibona VIP Zagreb offering the American Swingman a three years contract and making him the highest payed player in KK Cibona VIP Zagreb History,Anderson decided to take the offer of Israeli Champions - Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv which is bigger than KK Cibona VIP Zagreb's one.
Anderson declared that he will try to get a contract in one of the NBA teams and already booked his place at one of the NBA Summer Leagues(playing with the Bucks).if the player won't get the contract he will wear the yellow jersey of Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv.in the last couple of days Anderson got an offer from Spanish team - Unicaja Malaga but the player already agreed his terms with the Israeli powerhouse.
Anderson had a great half season with KK Cibona VIP Zagreb after replacing Rawle Marshall (201-G-82, college: Oakland) in January scoring 15.3ppg and grabbing 4.8rpg in the Euroleague.18.4ppg 5.6rpg in the Adriatic league and was declared as one of the best Foreigners in KK Cibona VIP Zagreb's history.





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  EL SALVADOR   


UTEC defeats Denver - by Jaime Arevalo
In Game 1 of the Semifinals, the team representing Universidad Tecnologica (UTEC) clearly defeated Centro Educativo Denver, 95-80, thanks, above all, to import players Ernesto Oglivie (199-F-88) and Alejandro Cajar (190-G/F-78), who scored 27 and 26 points, respectively. Despite a good start of Denver, ahead 26-19 at the end of the first qtr, UTEC came back, keeping the lead during the third quarter, and enlarging the difference till +15 at the buzzer. Tony Jimmerson (196-F-81, agency: ProSportsCareers, college: N.Mexico Highlands) and Hank Rivers (203-F-81, college: Stephen F. Austin) were the best in Denver, with 22 points each. Game 2 will be played on Tuesday 9.

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  FYR MACEDONIA   


Fersped Rabotnicki is the new champion of FYR Macedonia, Tasovski scores 37! - by Eurobasket News
Fersped Rabotnicki - Industri 76-66

Fersped Rabotnicki made it in Game 6 of the Big Macedonian Finals. After fantastic 70-60 win in Kavadarci in the previous game, Rabotnicki managed to crush the defending champion again (this time in Skopje) and to finish the Finals with 4-2. Dime Tasovski (201-F-80, agency: Interperformances) was hero of the night. He was totally unstoppable finishing the game with impressive 37 points and 6 rebounds. Dime Tasovski played 35 minutes shooting 10/12 for FG2, 3/7 for 3-pts and 8/14 from the line. Bojan Trajkovski (206-C/F-88) also had very important role in this victory registering double-double, 11 points and 13 rebounds. Toni Simic (210-C-76, agency: Interperformances) added 7 pts and 9 boards. On the other side, Zlatko Gocevski (206-C-82, agency: Interperformances) was in a game mood. He ended the last meeting of the season with 22 points and 11 rebounds. Bosko Jovovic (205-F/C-83) had 13, while Donald Cole (204-C-81, agency: Edge Sports, college: Sam Houston St.) and Dimitar Mirakovski (180-G-81, agency: Interperformances) contributed with 11 pts each.
All quarters, except of the third, belonged to Rabotnicki. After 20 minutes of the game the hosts created 42-35 lead. However, visitors improved later coming to minus 4 before the last period. Dime Tasovski then continued with his magnificent performance leading Rabotnicki to nice 18-12 and championship title in Macedonia. As a Reminder, Feni Industri grabbed it last season.

Fersped Rabotnicki: Dime Tasovski 37+6 boards, Bojan Trajkovski 11+13 boards, Toni Simic 7+9 boards
Feni Industri: Zlatko Gocevski 22+11 boards, Bosko Jovovic 13+4 boards, Donald Cole 11+4 boards, Dimitar Mirakovski 11

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  GERMANY   


Goettingen: Jacobsen and Little stay one more season - by Moritz Korff
Ben Jacobson (188-G-83, agency: Octagon, college: N.Iowa) and John Little (180-G-84, college: N.Iowa) have agreed with 1. Bundesliga outfit MEG Goettingen on contracts for the 2009-10 season. Jacobson will go into his third year with the Violets, while Little is going to play his second season in Goettingen. Jacobson had 34 appearances on the MEG team during 2008-09, posting 10.7 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest. He scored a season-high 23 points against Noerdlingen in April. Little saw action in 37 games and contributed 3.9 points a contest to a successful season with the Violets.

The EWE baskets Reach First BBL Final Dismantling The Brose Baskets Bamberg In OT 88-85 - by Miles Schmidt-Scheuber
It was do or die for The Brose Baskets Bamberg in game three of the BBl Semifinals against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg and they nearly produced a miracle by coming back to force overtime, but lost 88-85 in overtime. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg reached their first BBL final and now await the winner of the other Semifinal pairing where Bonn leads 2-1 in games against eight time BBL champion Alba Berlin.The team is so happy and excited to have made it this far, responded Oldenburg guard Rickey Paulding. The team of Chris Flemming may have been sparked by a fan sign Superheros Never Surrender as they fought their way back from trailing 73-65 into overtime. They might have reached a second overtime had German talent Karsten Tadda not missed one of two free throws with four seconds remaining, but Chris Fleming can have little negativity to say about Tadda who was highly responsible of leading Bamberg into the overtime with five points and a steal in the last minutes. He may have had a few too many nerves as he had to shoot against the Oldenburg sea of yellow fans. The Brose Baskets Bamberg had a tough season, but came together in the last months reached the playoffs beating the always tough MEG Goettingen and losing to one of the top teams in the BBL with Oldenburg. This was no easy series for us. We had to fight hard in each game, with the biggest battle being in game three, commented Rickey Paulding.

The Brose Baskets Bamberg were down 0-2 in games and couldnt play game three against The EWE Baskets Oldenburg like if they were out on a comfortable Sunday night stroll along the Ems river. Bamberg quickly found their rhythm and showed that they were on a mission to return home for another home game in game four. Both teams started shooting well from outside, while Oldenburg was also trying to establish the inside play with Boumtje Boumtje who was giving Bamberg big man Elton Brown problems. In the down stretch of the first quarter, German National player Demond Greene nailed a three pointer and American Beckham Wyrick made a lay in giving Bamberg the 22-16 lead. Serb Predrag Suput gave Bamberg the 24-18 lead with a shot perfect for the 2008-2009 BBL season You tube highlight reel as he got the ball in the zone, made a few head fakes and made an off balanced left handed hook shot while falling to his left, which would of reminded one much of the Larry Bird incredible shots had Suput had a blond wig on. The Brose Baskets Bamberg led 24-19 after one quarter and The EWE Baskets Oldenburg showed some unseen 2009 playoff uncertainty in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, The Brose Baskets Bamberg would keep the lead and The EWE Baskets Oldenburg would up their game from outside and inside. Bamberg held the slim lead 26-25 even though Oldenburg was being more flexible finding many ways to score inside as Milan Majstorovic made a slam dunk after a nice feed in mid air behind the hoop from Marko Scekic and Scekic making a lay in and using the Bamberg weakness of not being able to secure the defensive rebound. After a Brown lay in over a Boumtje Boumtje and a Foster lay in, it was Predrag Suput who spun past Paulding from the wing and made a lay in from the wing giving Bambegr the 30-27 lead. Jason Gardner who thus far had been rather quiet silenced Bamberg with a clutch three pointer knotting the game at 30. Bambegr did not suffer any collapses, but kept motoring home points as Elton Brown again got easy points inside as Boumtje Boumtje was holding back on defense not wanting to get his second foul. Oldenburg responded with a 5-0 run as Foster made a lay in and Rickey Paulding sunk a three pointer giving Oldenburg the 35-32 lead. The second quarter scoring ended with a Rivera mid distance jumper and Paulding making a tough basket in the lane with heavy contact as he fell to his right. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg had a 37-34 lead and were slowly finding their form. Bamberg had had problems breaking the Oldenbugr zone defense. The agme was close as were the stats at halftime. Oldenburg was shooting 50% and Bamberg 48% from two point land. Oldenburg was shooting 38% and Bamberg 36% from the parking lot. Oldenburg had the slight 19-18 rebound edge and they had eight turnovers while Bamberg had seven.

The Ewe Baskets Oldenburg had the better start out of halftime as Je kel Foster made a big three pointer giving Oldenburg the 40-34 lead. However instead of giving up a big run as Paderborn did to Alba Berlin in game five, Bamberg responded like a naughty little kid, who will keep firing his water pistol at you way after the joke was understood as they went on a 6-0 run to tie the score at 40. Greene made two free throws, Brown had a step on Boumtje Boumtje and made an easy hoop and Suput made an easy lay up inside. Now the game became very tight with 9 lead changes until the end of the third quarter and the only thing missing from the EWE arena was famous American suspense novelist Dean Koontz doning a Oldenburg/Bamberg scarf and barking the signals from the sideline to how this thriller should continue. Foster nailed a three pointer and Majstorovic a two handed dunk, but Bamberg stayed on the Oldenburg heels as Brown made another easy lay in as Boumtje Boumtje was lax on defense and then a fade away jumper.

Filiberto Riviera made a nice penetration move inside to give Bamberg the lead back 46-45. Both teams wanted the win as they didnt allow the other any way of running away. The lead changes now changed with every basket as Majstorovic made a dunk off a nice feed from Boumtje Boumtje, Rivera struck back with a three pointer and Gardner nailed a three pointer with Greene breathing down his neck. Oldenburg led 50-49, but lady luck belongs to sports too as Elton Brown made a shot that felt like the ball was on the rim for ten seconds deciding wheather to fall in or not. Bamberg led again 51-50, before Boumtje Boumtje made two free throws and Oldenburg led again 52-51. Predrag Suput retaliated with a big June rainbow giving Bamberg the 54-52 lead. Oldenburg closed out the third quarter with a 4-0 run with two Scekic free throws and a Gardner penetration to the hoop lay in. After three quarters, Oldenburg was shooting 55% and Bamberg 52% from the two point range. Oldenburg was shooting 40% and Bamberg 38% from three point land. Oldenburg held the rebound edge at 26-23, but had 15 turnovers and Bamberg only ten.

American Elton Brown started off the fourth quarter missing both free throws, which may have been like a hidden bad omen for Bamberg as missed free throws would continue down the stretch. Oldenburg then started off on a 6-0 run to start the fourth quarter as Majstorovic surely had other ideas then making a three point bank shot, but it went in, which was followed by an ice cold three pointer by Paulding that left Greene in the dust searcing for the license plate. However, Bamberg knowing that this could be their last quarter fought back with a 6-1 run to cut the Oldenburg lead to 64-61 as Suput made six points all in the zone. Suput was all over the court risking a fifth foul with a block on Miladen Pekovic. However Suput would not be as lucky on the next play as he anticipated a pass in the high post to Boumtje Boumtje came over and got his fifth foul. Maybe not the best choice by Suput, but he is a gamer and very much ahd worked for him until that fifth foul in the game. After two Gardner free throws, Oldenburg had the 70-61 lead and one foot in the BBL final. Suput, and Greene had fouled out and what could possibly go wrong now for Oldenburg?

After Goldsberry made a lay in and Eric Taylor two free throws, Bamberg trailed 73-65. But many Bamberg fans that had made the 600 + kilometer trip to Oldenburg didnt want their season to end yet and neither did Bamberg. Greene made a three pointer to cut the Oldenburg lead to 73-68. With under two minutes to go, Bamberg had chances, but ex Skyliner Robert Garret missed some crucial three pointers. Now it seemed like Oldenburg would win the game easily as the usual game ending free throw bla bla would silently end the game. After Gardner made a free throw, Oldenburg led 77-70 with a bout 40 seconds to go. 21 yearold German talent Karsten Tadda took the Bamberg command and nailed a three pointer and then with a quick heads ip play made a steal made a layup. Within 15 seconds he had made five points and cut the Oldenburg lead to 77-75 with 25 seconds to play. Je kel Foster missed 2 of 4 important free throws down the stretch allowing Bamberg to stay in the game. With Oldenburg leading 79-77, Bamberg had one last chance and Riviera penetrated to the hoop and drew the foul making both and sending the game into overtime at 79-79.They kept batteling back. We let down our guard a bit in the end making acreless mistakes and letting them into the overtime, stressed Rickey Paulding.

In the overtime period, The EWE Baskets Oldenburg had had enough with the Bamberg comebacks and winning the period 9-6. The Brose Baskets Bamberg did a good job playing without Suput, Goldsberry, Greene and Brown and showcasing small ball. Bamberg coach Chris Fleming also gave little used Jared Newson a chance and did a fine job with 2 points and three rebounds. Oldenburg showed their routine and kept their nerves never giving up the lead in the extra time. Scekic scored inside as Gardner set him up nicely for the 84-82 lead. Newson followed up a Riviera miss grabbing the offensive rebound and lay the ball in bringing Bamberg back to 84-82. Traces of the history of the dangerous Bamberg defense came backa s Garret made a steal and went coast to coast tying the game at 84. But for who could a game ending last shot or clutch shot be scripted better for than Rickey Paulding who gave Oldenburg the 86-84 lead. I knew that I could take the shot even though I had had some other similar shots earlier in the game that ahd led to turnovers. I had in mind to shoot the ball, added Rickey Paulding.

However as bitter as Basketball can be at times, the free throw line would go and haunt the Brose Baskets Bamberg even if it wasnt Elton Brown who had shot 1/6 from the free throw line. It was BBL rookie Karsten Tadda who had helped bring Bamberg back in the last minute, who missed one of two free throws as Oldenburg kept the lead 86-85 with 4,7 seconds remaining. Pekovic made two free throws and Bamberg had one last try with four seconds. Riviera took the ball and let go a last second half court shot but it sailed wide left as he wanted a foul called against Oldenburg, but didnt get it. As The Deutsche Bank Skyliners had witnessed in the quarterfinals and so many other teams in the regular season, The EWE Baskets Oldenburg have been able to make crunch time their time just as legendary 49er quarterback Joe Montana had made the fourth quarter his special time for success. We worked so hard on our conditioning in the pre season and it has paid off all season long. I think we have learned a lot from situations earlier in the season and are now able to win games easier and not make mistakes in crucial situations, stated Rickey Paulding. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg won 88-85 in overtime and can breath a big sigh of relief that they dont need to return to Bamberg for Game four.I have no preference who we play in the final. They are both very good teams, warned Rickey Paulding. The EWE Baskets Oldenburg now have a week to get ready for the 2009 BBL finals that start June 14th, while The Brose Baskets Bamberg go home for summer vacation.


EWE Baskets advanced to the Finals, ALBA remains alive - by Eurobasket News
ALBA - Telekom B. 65-39
ALBA smashed Telekom 65:39 in Game 3 to reduce at 1-2 record. Julius Jenkins (187-G-81, agency: Pro One Sports, college: Georgia Southern) and Jacobsen Casey top-scored with only 10 points each, but it was enough for the win. Bowman Brandon finished the night with 11 points in the losing case.

EWE Baskets - Brose Baskets 88-85
EWE Baskets swept the Semifinal series over Brose Baskets as they celebrated 88:85 victory in Game 3. Predrag Suput (200-F-77, agency: Beo Basket) led his team to the Finals with 20 points and 5 rebounds. Brown Elton nailed 15 and Rivera Filiberto scored 12. Foster Je'Kel ended up ith 20 points in the losing effort.

Bundesliga Semifinals Sunday June 7, 2009: Oldenburg Survives Bamberg comeback in Great Game! - by Michael Taylor
Sunday June 7,2009
Ewe Arena Oldenburg Germany

Ewe Baskets Oldenburg 88 brose Baskets Bamberg 85 OT (Oldenburg wins series 3-0)
Ewe Baskets Oldenburg edged brose Baskets Bamberg 88-85 in an exciting overtime Game 3 Sunday night at Ewe Arena in Oldenburg. Taking their 3rd straight game over Bamberg, Head coach Predrag Krunic and his Thunderbirds advance to the 2009 Bundesliga Finals with a 3-0 series sweep. But Sunday's win was not easy as Bamberg battled with everything they had. Head coach Chris Fleming had his team ready and Bamberg raced to an early lead up 24-19 after 1Q. Oldenburg responded in Q2 taking a 37-34 lead into halftime. The game remained close in the 2nd half as Bamberg trimmed the deficit to 56-54 heading into the 4th. With Oldenburg leading 66-61, Predrag Suput picked up his 5th foul with 4:20 to play. Je'Kel Foster scored on a crafty drive lengthening the Oldenburg lead to 68-61 at the 4min mark. Moments later Bundesliga MVP Jason Gardner sank 2FT and Oldenburg was up 70-61. Bamberg's John Goldsberry finished a baseline layup on the next possession pulling his team within 70-63. But a Ruben Boumtje Boumtje putback basket and block on the defensive end put Oldenburg in a strong position leading 72-63 with 2min left. Out of a timeout, Je'kel Foster added one point to the margin giving the Thunderbirds a 73-63 double digit advantage in the closing minutes. But on Foster's 2nd FT miss, Boumtje Boumtje fouled Bamberg's Eric Taylor and the veteran big man cooly sank 2FT at the other end bringing Bamberg back within 8, 73-65 at the 1:30mark. Following a Rickey Paulding turnover, great Bamberg ball movement found Demond Greene open in the right corner where he buried a big 3. Bamberg trailed by 5, 73-68 with 117 to play. Eric Taylor fouled Boumtje Boumtje at the other end but the Oldenburg big man made one of two giving the hosts a 74-68 lead at the 1min mark. After Robert Garrett missed for Bamberg, they immediately fouled Boumtje Boumtje on the rebound sending him to the line once again. And again, the Oldenburg big man made one of two foul shots giving the Thunderbirds a 75-68 lead. Garrett came up empty once again and this time Jason Gardner made one of two free throws adding one point to the Oldenburg advantage. With 31sec to play, Bamberg's Eric Taylor drew a foul on an offensive rebound and proceeded to sink two more FT. Oldenburg was up 76-70. Demond Greene fouled out giving his 5th to stop the clock sending Gardner back to the line. Once again, Gardner converted one of two. Quickly, Bamberg advanced the ball up the right sideline where Karsten Tadda drilled a right wing three pulling the guests to 77-73 with 25sec to play. Out of an Oldenburg timeout, Tadda struck again stealing the midcourt sideline inbound pass and racing to the basket for another bucket. Suddenly Bamberg was down two 77-75 with time remaining. John Goldsberry gave up his 5th foul sending Oldenburg's Je'Kel Foster to the foul line with 21sec to go. Foster sank one of two and Oldenburg held a 78-75 lead. Bamberg answered with two Filberto Rivera FT after a strong drive to the hoop drew a foul with 12sec. Trailing 78-77, Bamberg fouled Foster who was again one of two from the foul line. Down 79-77, with the games final possession, Bamberg's Rivera once again sliced down the lane where Oldenburg's Mladin Pekovic fouled him. Cooly, Rivera nailed both foul shots evening the score at 79. When Jason Gardner's halfcourt heave was offline, Bamberg had fought back and forced overtime with a tremendous comeback. In the extra basketball, everything was just as hardfought. Jason Gardner cracked the scoring column first by sinking two FT. Oldenburg led 81-79 with 345 remaining. Playing without 3 starters who were fouled out, the Bamberg bench kept up their excellent effort. Like the 2Q, Oldenburg turned to their zone defense. But Rivera continued to attack and drew a foul on another strong drive. It was Boumtje Boumtje's 5th. Filberto made one of two FT and Oldenburg led 81-80. The next points came on a big bucket where Oldenburg's Marco Scekic finished an AND1 3pt play off a pick and roll from Gardner. Oldenburg led 84-80 with 2min to go. Moments later, Bamberg's Jared Newson scored on a put back to trim the deficit to 84-82 with 1min. Making another big play, Karsten Tadda poked loose a steal and Bamberg's Robert Garrett raced to the rim for the game-tying basket. Even at 84 with 30sec, Oldenburg gave the ball to Rickey Paulding who drove the lane and made a tough midlane pullup lifting Oldenburg to an 86-84 lead. Bamberg called time with 25.5sec to play. Out of the timeout, Bamberg worked for the tying basket and Karsten Tadda was fouled on a drive from the right wing. Tadda missed the first but made the second and Bamberg trailed 86-85 with 4.7sec. Oldenburg used a timeout and set their strategy. On the midcourt sideline inbound play, Garrett immediately fouled Oldenburg's Mladin Pekovic who stepped to the line and buried the 2 clutch FT. Up 88-85, Bamberg had time for one shot. Filberto Rivera took the inbound pass and raced up the right sideline but his long three was off line and Oldenburg survived the Bamberg comeback to sweep the series 3-0 and advance to their first Bundesliga Final series in team history. All 5 starters reached double figures for Oldenburg as Je'Kel Foster topscored with 20pt 4reb, Milan Majstorovic added 17pt 5reb, Jason Gardner had 16pt 3reb 3ast, Ruben Boumtje Boumtje posted a 14pt 10reb double double and Rickey Paudling finished with 12pt 6reb 4ast in the win. Oldenburg shot 45% from the floor making 10 of 26 threes (38%) and 24-35 FT (68%) while outrebounding Bamberg 45-38. The Thunderbirds suffered 22 turnovers. On the other end, Bamberg shot 41% from the floor hitting 8 of 28 threes (28%) and 15 of 22 FT (68%) in the hardfought loss. Bamberg was led by Predrag Suput's 20pt 5reb before fouling out while Elton Brown added 15pt 5reb, Filberto Rivera had 12pt 7reb and Demond Greene finished with 11pt making 3 of 6 threes. Advancing to the Bundesliga Finals, Ewe Baskets Oldenburg await the winner of ALBA Berlin-Telekom Baskets Bonn who tip off Game 4 of their Bundesliga Semifinals series Tuesday night at Telekom Dome 9pm German time in Bonn.

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


Arik Shivek: "In Spite Of All Problems, We Became Champions" - by Fred Roggen
I had an opportunity to sit down with Arik Shibak (agency: Avi Zilberman ), the sympathetic Head coach of EclipseJet MG Amsterdam. They had a very tough and rough season with financial problems, departures of players and a very hectic playoffs final against Eiffel Towers Den Bosch. Despite of all these problems, they rightly won the Dutch Championship. I talked with Arik about the season, his team and his coachingcareer.

Talk about the season, review it, now that it's all wrapped up. How did everything go?

We started with very good preseason program, and during the friendly games we already felt that it goes well. Then the national team players joined us and we started the season in a very good way.
After a while we started our European games we lost to FMP Belgrade and then we play great challenge cup season with winning big games in Russia, Israel and Belgium and reaching the quarter finals there we lost AEL Cyprus. At that time we had some deep in our level. After playing long time high level its normal. We lost victor Thomas and
Peter van Paassen got injured. Unfortunately we lost the cup on that time but we did very well bringing the team back to track in the national competition. Eight games to the end of the season we secured our first place and we started to prepare for the playoffs. Then the playoff started and we lost another player and on the finals we lost Orien Green for tested positive. Actually we lost 3 Americans but the team overcome that situation and we became champions in spite of all these problems. I am very proud of my players, my staff and all the people around the team, that we together achieved our main goal which was-championship.

We can talk about the financial problems, the departures of Thomas and Trent, a positive tested Green or the soap around the playoffs final through the press, the management of the teams and the Dutch basketball association but I think its done for you or not?

It's done.

Talk about one or two guys that stand out as being underrated contributors to your team's success?

Actually its every one that stayed till the end. Its true that Peter, Stefan, CC, Avis and Teddi played most of the minutes
but the rest Robert,Sergio, Dario, jessi and the young guys contribute to that success .

This has been a rough season for you and the team. What positives can you take from this season to forward from here?

Mostly mental strength, determination, and winning attitude of all the players, coaches and all the people around us that supported us on the difficult moments. Roel Pieper, Ruud Frese, Bert Krabbendam and Piet Meijer tried and still trying to do their best under the conditions and in spite of the problems they supported us and tried to find solutions and to give us the best conditions to win.

Was it ever tough to just keep going forward? Have you and your team had some mental fatigue?

We had some tough moments but as soon we felt that our owners are and will do their best to find solutions, it gave us the energy to keep on fighting for the championship. Their efforts were our gas to keep that car going.

How influential do you consider your coaching style to be on the team's mentality?

I think thats a good question but its better to ask my assistants, my players or my gm, its hard to talk about my self.

Amsterdam has a reputation of never giving up since you arrived in Amsterdam. How is it possible to motivate your players and keep the intensity in each and every game?

a. that is my personal mentality ,so probably it influence the players
b. I try to transmit my players and my environment that we have to do our best to win-practices/games-be competitive all the time
c. Top of today is our standard for tomorrow
d. I put a lot of energy to push the players to do their best every minute on the court
e. And its a tradition that the club build before I came, when coach Ton Boot coach the team - I am trying to keep this mentality.

We always talk about motivating players, but what motivates a coach who has already won so much titles?

My layer said that it makes me so special, that I coach in august like I coach in may. To be honest I love coaching, winning titles give you energy. To be part of a successful organization its a great feeling, making so many people happy (our fans). In the minute that I'll feel that I dont have the drive any more I'll retire.

A lot of people, are surprised at the level of the team's success this year. What about you?

I am not surprised, we evaluate the season before and we tried to make our team better and I am happy we did. These result, its a consequences of team work (owners /gm/coaches/medical staff/and above all players) hard work and consistency. This that every one wants to bit you force you to become better and better, and thats what we tried to do on all the aspects.

Did the team meet the expectations that you and the rest of the coaching staff had?

We did well in Europe and the national league, we expected to win the cup but we lost in the finals. Individually we are very satisfy from the progress of some of our young players - Krabbendan, Jessi, Sergio and I'll put Stefan too as a young player. But as I said before we expect that as a standard for next season because we want to make the next step.

We know about defense wins championships. If you look at the teams that have kind of won this thing in recent years, they've been teams that could throw a knock-out punch on offense. What do you think about that balance?

Mainly it's about the philosophy of the coach and the mentality of the players. Personally I think that defense gives you stability in a long season. I love to translate my defense to easy baskets on offence-fast breaks and transition game.

During a game, it often looks like coaches are really 'working on' referees. Can you give us some insight as to what is being said and if it's true that coaches 'work' the officials?

I dont think coaches work on referees. Personally I am emotional coach so some times you react. I learned that you can react and do anything to a ref as long you make it with respect. Sometimes its small talks between you and him so no one will hear in a mutual respect and as two grown up people. As a coach I can accept mistakes. I can't accept inconsistent calls. I cant accept that the ref call emotionally and not professionally and above all I can not accept that a ref is waiting for you. They are stronger then us, they dont have to show us who is stronger. I accept mutual respect (not like happened with swip on the second game of the final playoff technical foul that I did not deserve 2 min to go call that changed the game-It is hard to forgive and its harder that no one tells him nothing - next game he was the ref in the 3rd game)

Please tell us a little bit about your coaching and training background?

Education
1974 1976 Electronic Practical Engineer.
1979 1981 Coaches school Wingate Institue.

Professional Experience
2008-2009 Head coach Amsterdam reaching quarter final challenge cup ,coach of the year, winning holland championship.

2007-2008 Head coach My Guide Amsterdam winning holland championship. coach of the Year-(eurobasket)

2006-2007 - Head coach Antwerp Giant winning belgium cup and reaching final four

2005-2006 Head coach Antwerp Giants 6th place.

2004-2005 - Head coach Demon Astronauts final 16 eurocup,championship holland

2003-2004 - Head coach Demon Astronauts-amsterdam,won the dutch cup .coach of the year.

2002-2003 - 1st division team head coach - Hapoel Tel-Aviv. Qualified to second round in Europe
champion league, quarter final in the israeli cup, left the team on February.

2001-2002 - 2nd division team head coach Hapoel Tel-Aviv qualified to the 1st division .

2000-2001 - 1st division team head coach- Maccabi Ramat Gan QUARTER FINAL IN
CORACH CUP.

Describe your coaching strategies with respect to practice and competition.

Work hard on practice
Work on your strong points-make them better
Improve your weak points
Make your defense best as you can
Make your offence simple and effective-improve the automatism on offense
Make your technique so good so tactic will be easy to teach
Improve constantly your conditioning
Improve your individual skills it will help the team play smoother

Obviously a key element of coaching is learning from your mistakes. How different of a coach are you now compared to when you started?

More experienced, more knowledge, more calm, a better manager, knows better how to dill and solve crises.

You have had so much coaching experience through your career, how has the game changed over the years? Is it for the better or the worse?

Mainly the speed of the game changed which makes the game more interesting. Athleticism of the players makes the defenses better and offences more spectacular . More fast break and transitions less set offenses which makes the scores mostly higher.

Did you always know you could succeed at this level, or was it something you had to prove to yourself?

Hard work pays, but I am a coach that started with kids juniors then seniors, and then national teams again young under 20 and seniors so actually I build my confidence and my carrier from the bottom.-no short cuts. On any level I tried to do the best and then you feel confident and ready for the next level

What are your predictions for next season?

Hard to say now. we have a few options but we have to be patient, as soon the owners of the team will make their decisions about few subjects, we will start building the team and put new goals

Finally what message do you have for the Dutch fans?

Dutch basketball is developing and they are part of it. The league is better, the national team is doing good, there are more and more fans. Keep your sportive way of encouraging your teams. Hope that TV will be more involve.

Arik thanks for the time to do this interview.

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  IBL   


Slam survive scare, defeat Oregon 132-121 - by Eurobasket News
The Bellingham Slam used a triple-double from Tyler Amaya (6'7''-F-82, college: W.Washington) as they held off the Oregon Waves, 132-121, in International Basketball League action at Whatcom Pavilion on Friday.

The Waves led for most of the first half and portions of the third quarter before succumbing to Bellingham's depth in the fourth quarter. A buzzer-beating three-pointer by Jake Linton gave the Slam a narrow 68-63 lead at halftime.

It appeared the two teams would be tied going into the fourth quarter, before Calin Schell scored four points in the third's final two seconds to give the Slam 98-94 lead.

The Waves stayed within striking distance for much of the final quarter, before Bellingham was able to push their lead to ten, at 122-112, with three minutes left on a shot by Jacob Stevenson. An Ira Graham three-pointer with just over a minute left put the Slam up by 11 and erased any hope of a final-minute Oregon comeback.

Ryan Diggs (6'2''-G-83, college: W.Washington) led the Slam in scoring for the second straight game, this time putting up 26 points. Stevenson and Graham added 22 and 21 points, respectively, while Amaya's triple-double consisted of 18 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists.

Oregon, which dressed just eight players for the game, got a combined 80 points from its top three players - 30 from Robert Day (6'6''-F-82, agency: 011 Sports, college: W.Oregon), 22 from Jeremiah Dominguez, and 20 from Brad Kanis.

The Slam return to action on June 12 against the Seattle Mountaineers. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. at Whatcom Pavilion.

For more information, contact the Slam at (360) 734-SLAM or visit their website at www.bellinghamslam.com.

Courtesy of The Bellingham Slam

Explosion talented forward Richard Ford looks to play his final game tonight for the Explosion - by Eurobasket News
In Minor League sports there are two type of players: One plays in the Minor Leagues for many years, and the other moves up quickly from team to team. Richard Ford (6'8''-F-85, college: So.Polytechnic St.) is that second type of player, he very much wanted to finish up the season with the Explosion but it was best for him and his family to move forward with this offer to play at a higher level.

Ford leaves the Explosion as the all time Explosion rebound leader with 161 rebounds in a season, and will most likely finish the season in the top ten for the IBL for scoring and rebounds. Ford is currently fourth in the current IBL season in rebounds at 13.3 per game while in scoring he is ranked seventh at 25.3 points per game. 'Ford was a great person both on and off the court and was a true community leader.' said Sean Keck general manager of the Explosion.

Richard Ford received top honors last weekend with 35 points and 15 rebounds enough to close the deal overseas. 'Ford is a great asset, and his talent was recognized, with an offer to accept immediately, We wish him the best and look forward to watching his career grow.' commented head coach Chris Weakley.

TEP has two great features to help take the worry out of coming to an Explosion home game.

The First Feature of TEP allows for someone that has tickets (these could have been purchased, a prize giveaway or reward) that would like to purchase more ticket next to these tickets to exchange in the original tickets. The exchanged tickets will join the newly purchased seats so that all seats are together. This allows for everyone in your group to enjoy the game with no worries.

The Second Feature of the program allows someone to exchange in unused tickets to previous games for tickets to any of their remaining regular season home games at the Monroe Sports Arena.

'We understand that sometimes things come up that prevent fans from making it out to our games, or you want to bring additional guests but worry about if seats will be available, we want to make sure both of these issues never become a concern for our guests this season,' Courtyard Media Foundation President Nathan Mumm said.

Courtesy of The Explosion

Standings
IBL Standings
Eastern
 1. Holland B. 12-2 
 2. Kankakee S. 10-7 
 3. G.Rapids F. 7-6 
 4. Japan T. 0-18 
Independent
 1. Red Rock R. 1-2 
 2. Yamhill H. 1-4 
 3. Arizona F. 0-1 
 4. Nevada P. 0-1 
 5. Chicago S. 0-1 
 6. Olympia R. 0-2 
 7. S.Illinois T. 0-3 
Northern
 1. Bellingham S. 13-3 
 2. Snohomish C. 7-6 
 3. Vancouver T. 5-11 
 4. USA All-Stars 4-16 
Southern
 1. Vancouver V. 11-3 
 2. Oregon Wave 8-6 
 3. C.Oregon H. 4-5 
 4. Shanxi Zh. 0-0 
Western
 1. Edmonton E. 10-3 
 2. Seattle M. 9-6 
 3. L.Angeles L. 8-3 
 4. Tacoma T. 7-4 


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  ITALY   


Lega2 Round: 4 (Finals) - by Eurobasket News
Banco Sard. - Vanoli SO 68-75
Vanoli SO won Legadue Play-offs Finals as the team beat Banco Sardegna 75:68 in Game 4. Troy Bell (186-G-80, college: Boston Coll.) top-scored for the winners with 24 points and Mbemba Rudy netted 13. Whiting Trent finished the night with 20 points in the losing effort.

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  JORDAN   


Jordan participate in Torneo friendly tournament - by Murad Masri


Italian basketball federation (fib) announce officially that Jordan will one of the teams that Italy will face in (Torneo friendly tournament) that will be held during (18-20) of June in Biella.
Jordanian national team who is preparing for the Asian Championships that will be host by china this summer, will get the chance to face one of the strongest teams in Europe like Greece and Croatia and also Italy.
first game for Jordan will be against Italy on (18th) of June and will be at (21:30) local time, then Jordan will face Greece next day, then will face Croatia, and the games will be broadcast by (RaisportPi) channel like the Italian basketball federation announced on its website (www.fip.it).
Jordan will not be the only teams that Italy will face this summer during its preparations for the (euro 2009) as it will play against Libya on the (26th) of June.

Biella not Roma

some said that Jordan will be play in Roma friendly tournament while as we said before the correct thing that is Jordan will play in (Torneo friendly tournament) and the games will be host by town called Biella.
Biella is a town and comune in the northern Italian region of Piemonte, It is located about 80 km northeast of Turin and about 80 km west-northwest of Milan.

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  LUXEMBOURG   


Luxembourg defeats Iceland claiming Silver in Cyprus!!! - by Alex Meyers

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Luxembourg 74 - Iceland 66

Luxembourg claimed the silver medal in basketball in Cyprus with an 8 point victory over Iceland, knocking their opponent out of a chance for a medal. With a great start, Luxembourg found itself up by 9 at the end of the 1st period. Iceland took complete control of the game in the second quarter holding Luxembourg to only 8 points while scoring 15 to go into the half 33-31 for Luxembourg. In the final 2 periods, Luxembourg held its ground and snuck past Iceland to claim silver in the Games. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, college: CSU Bakersfield) again paced Luxembourg with 27 points. Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) had 19 points and 13 rebounds. Jairo Delgado (192-F-85), who was a steady performer during all his minutes at the games finished with 13 points and 4 assists. Samy Picard (195-F-88) took 9 rebounds. No player for Iceland reached double figures in scoring.

Luxembourg: 27 field goals, 4 three pointers, 16 for 22 free throws, 43 rebounds, 23 fouls, 9 assists, 10 steals and 15 turnovers
Schumacher 6, J. DelGado 13, Picard 7, Smith 19, Rajniak 27, also N. DelGado 0 Hoffmann 2 and Scholtes 0
Iceland: 22 field goals, 8 three ponters, 14 for 22 free throws, 37 rebounds, 21 fouls, 10 assists, 6 steals and 18 turnovers
M. Gunnarsson 3, Ermolinskji 8, F. Olafsson 4, L. Gunnarsson 9, Porvaldsson 7, P. Olafsson 8,

Score by quarters: 1st Q 25-16, Halftime 33-31, 3rd Q 53-49, Final 74-66


Host Cyprus took Gold as expected and Andorra the Bronze. It was the seventh time for Cyprus to win the gold. Other years Cyprus won in basketball were 1985, 1995, 1997, 2001, 2003 and 2005. The XIII Games of the Small States of Europe 2009 have come to an end. Cyprus handed over the Games Flag to Liechtenstein - the nation that will host the XIV GSSE in 2011, which may also see a debut from Montenegro. Cyprus won the overall games with 59 golds, 47 silvers and 33 bronze medals for a total of 139 points. Iceland came in second overall with 32 golds, 24 silvers and 25 bronze medals for 81 points. Luxembourg placed third claiming 26 gold medals, 17 silvers and 19 bronze medals for a total of 62 points.



XIII Games of the Small States of Europe Cyprus 2009. Cyprus soundly defeats Luxembourg in first game. - by Alex Meyers

June 2, 2009

Cyprus 80 Luxembourg 57

Nicosia, Cyprus

Basketball tipped off in the XIII Games of the Small States of Europe in Cyprus Tuesday with Luxembourg, Iceland, Malta, Cyprus, San Marino and Andorra in the Men's tournament.

History has proclaimed a few clear favorites to win in the basketball section of the games. Traditionally, Iceland has more basketball quality than any other country, despite the fact that the Mens National team of Cyprus has won 6 gold, 4 silver and 3 bronze medals. Logi Gunnarsson, a guard playing for Gijon in Spain, is considered Iceland's best player, with 10 points per game in European competitions. Malta also has its star, center Marco Matijevic, with Serbian roots.

First day action pitted Luxembourg against the host of the games, Cyprus. Luxembourg took it hard on the chin in their opening game. Down by 8 points at the end of the first quarter, Luxembourg regrouped and had a better second period pulling to within 6 points just before the half. Luxembourg struggled inside and lost the war on the boards 43-28. Cyprus attacked the hoop more aggrerssively leading to several Luxembourg fouls and consequestly Cyprus was able to take full advantage at the free throw line where they out-scored their opponent 15-2. Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) and Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, college: CSU Bakersfield) scored 12 points each for Luxembourg. Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) was held to just 5 points but had 5 rebounds and 5 assists in 36 minutes of play. Luxembourg took more shots from 2 point range than Cyprus but the home squad connected on 61% with 19/31 compared to Luxembourg's 14/38 for only 36%. Panagiotis Trisokkas (206-C-80, agency: Globalsports/Globalevents) led Cyprus with 17 points followed by Aristides Koronides and Michalis Kounounis (194-F-81, agency: Interperformances) with 13 each. Georgios Anastasiadis also added 10.

Cyprus: 28 field goals, 9 three pointers, 15 for 22 free throws, 43 rebounds, 17 fouls, 17 assists, 5 steals and 15 turnovers
Trisokkas 17, Koronides 13, Palalas 6, Garcia 9, Liatsos 9, also Kounnas 13, Anastasiadis 10, Pantouris 2, Kaskiris 0, Neophytou 0, Teocharides 0 and Yiannas 1
Luxembourg: 23 field goals, 9 three pointers, 2 for 4 free throws, 28 rebounds, 23 fouls, 14 assists, 9 steals and 14 turnovers
M. Rajniak 12, N. Delgado 4, Smith 5, Scholtes 3, Schumacher 12, also Hoffmann 0, Giver 3, Picard 9, J. Delgado 3, Wiseler 6, Koster 0

Unsportsmanlike foul: 39' , Teocharides(Cyp)

Score by Quarters: 21-13, Halftime 36-30, 3rd Q 58-42, Final 80-57

300 Spectators


In the other games yesterday Andora defeated San Marino 47-79 and Iceland blew out Malta 93-43. In today's action, the Luxembourg squad will take on
San Marino at 4:15pm Cyprus time. Andora will face Iceland and San Marino has to play Cyprus.



Luxembourg wins against San Marino!! - by Alex Meyers

June 3, 2009

Luxembourg 94 San Marino 61

After losing their first game to Cyprus, Luxembourg bounced back to take San Marino by 33. Larrie Smith (195-F-75, college: Tennessee Tech) led the way for Luxembourg with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals. Pit Hoffmann (200-F/C-85) scored 10 points. Luxembourg played as a team on both ends of the floor. 7 other players scored between 7 and 9 points each for the team victory. Luxembourg picked up the tempo scoring many easy fast breaks which came from their 14 steals. Luxembourg dominated the glass out-rebounding San Marino 47-32. Martin Rajniak (205-F-78, college: CSU Bakersfield), Frank Wiseler (183-G-89) and Tom Schumacher (188-G/F-87) each dished for 4 assists. For San Marino, Stefano Rossini (183-G-74) scored 20 points and Andrea Raschi (200-G/F-79) added 12. At on point during the middle of the fourth period, Luxembourg led by as many as 35 points.

Luxembourg: 31 field goals, 5 three pointers, 27 for 49 free throws, 47 rebounds, 25 fouls 14 steals and 13 turnovers
Smith 23, Scholtes 9 N. Del Gado 7, Schumacher 8, Rajniak 8, also Hoffmann 10, Picard 9, J. Del Gado 8, Wiseler, Giver 5 and Koster 7
Frank Muller did not play.
San Marino: 15 field goals , 10 three pointers, 21 for 27 free throws, 32 rebounds, 32 fouls, 9 steals and 22 turovers
Rossini 20, Raschi 12, Tentoni 4, Zanotti 4, Dall Olmo 2, Righi 3, Casadei 0, Berardi 6, Liberti 2, Ercolani 2 and Briganti 0

Unsportsmanlike foul: 11' Rajniak(Lux); Fouled out: 31' Rossini(SM) and 34' Dall Olmo(SM)

Score by quarters: 1st Q 24-13, Halftime 49-31, 3rd Q 71-41, Final 94-61
200 Spectators



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


Lakers hang on for 101-96 win in Game 2 - by Eurobasket News
Stopped cold by a pick near the free-throw line, Kobe Bryant (6'6''-G-78) watched as Orlando's Courtney Lee (6'5''-G/F-85, agency: Arik Krayn Services, college: W.Kentucky) headed toward the basket and a shot at history.

Bryant was frozen. Suddenly, the Los Angeles Lakers march to a 15th NBA titleand his dream of a fourthwould be much tougher.

Lees last-second shot went up, and went out.

Lucky.

The Lakers remain in control of the NBA finalsjust barely.

Lee missed a potential game-winning alley-oop as regulation ended, giving Los Angeles another shot it didnt waste. Pau Gasol (7'0''-F/C-80) scored seven points in overtime and Bryant finished with 29 as the Lakers, so dominant in the series opener, survived with a 101-96 win over the Magic in Game 2 on Sunday night.

I was obviously relieved when he missed that shot, Gasol said. It could have been a heartbreaker and right now we could be in a totally different situation.

If Orlando doesnt come back and win this series, Lees miss may go down as one of the biggest gaffes in finals history. He had a chance to give the Magic its first finals win.

We missed it. I dont know what else to say, Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said. We executed well, Hedo (Hidayet Turkoglu (6'9''-F-79)) made a great pass. Im not trying to be a pain Hedo made a great pass and he just missed it.

Orlando may not get a better shot to beat the Lakers.

Alley-oops.

We blew a lot of assignments tonighta lot of assignmentsand we still managed to get a win, Bryant said.

When it was finally over, Bryant, Derek Fisher (6'1''-G-74, agency: Priority Sports, college: UALR) and the Lakers jogged to the locker room, smiling and high-fiving fans along the way.

Hidayet Turkoglu, who threw the perfect lob pass on Lees ill-fated shot, trudged through the tunnel dejected, a towel hanging from his head.

Gasol added 24 and 10 rebounds and Lamar Odom(notes) 19 points for the Lakers, who won Game 1 by 25 but needed 53 minutes to put away the Magic.

Rashard Lewis (6'10''-F-79) scored 3418 in the second quarter aloneand Dwight Howard (6'10''-F-85) had 17 points and 16 rebounds for Orlando.

Game 3 is Tuesday night at Orlandos Amway Arena, which will be hosting a finals game for the first time since June 9, 1995.

With the score tied at 88-88 in regulation, Lee missed the first of two late-game shots when he drove the lane and misfired on a contested layup with 10.5 seconds remaining.

The Lakers called time with 9.1 seconds to play, and after Odom caught the inbounds pass, he quickly gave it to Bryant, who drove into a crowd. Bryant attempted an off-balance 12-footer, but his shot was blocked from behind by Hidayet Turkoglu with 1.8 seconds left.

The horn sounded, the clock expired to zeros and Jack Nicholson and the star-studded Staples Center crowd braced for overtime.

But the officials huddled at the scorers table and decided to put 0.6 seconds back on the clock because Hidayet Turkoglu grabbed the ball and called timeout.

Hidayet Turkoglu couldnt find anyone open on the inbounds and was forced to call another timeout. On the Magics second attempt, Lee got free on a perfectly executed play and caught Hidayet Turkoglus long lob pass as he neared the left side of the basket. But with 7-foot Gasol closing in on him, Lees shot caromed off the backboard and front of the rim.

Howard dunked in the miss as Lee put his hands behind his head in disbelief and began a long walk back to the bench as his teammates tried to console him.

So close. So far.

I caught it and just tried to make a play, Lee said. We didnt lose the game just because I missed the layup. We could have won the game.

Howard, who had seven of Orlandos 20 turnovers, didnt want to put too much emphasis on Lees miss.

We had our chances to win, he said. We turned the ball over too much. That got them the win.

Bryant, who got caught paying more attention to Orlandos outside shooters than Lee, knew how fortunate the Lakers were to hang on.

It was just a brilliant play, Bryant said. It was just a very, very smart play that he (Van Gundy) drew up. He knew my eye was more on the shooters coming up and just a hell of a play by a hell of a coach.

Fourteen years to the day, the Magic have more finals misery.

On June 7, 1995, Orlando had a chance to put Houston away in Game 1, but Magic guard Nick Anderson missed four late free throws in a 120-118 loss to the Rockets, who went on to sweep the series.

The Magic will head home thinking about what might have been. They could be tied 1-1, and with the next three games scheduled in front of their frenzied fans, they could have denied Bryant and the Lakers their first title since 2002.

Now, in a season of comebacks, theyll need their biggest one.

Bryant, who scored 40 in the opener, finished with eight assists and seven turnovers.

Lewis transformed into Orlandos version of Bryant in the second quarter, scoring 18 of the Magics 20 points to keep them close. The 6-foot-10 forwards size and exceptional range make him an impossible cover for the Lakers.

With Howard unable to get open and Orlandos other shooters still searching for their touch, Lewis carried the load. He made four consecutive 3-pointers to end the half and the Magic, despite shooting just 32 percent, were within 38-35 at the break.

If not for Lewis, Orlando would have been in big trouble because Howard looked hopeless.

For a long stretch, Superman was more like The Invisible Man.

At times, it seemed as if there were six or seven Lakers on the floor as they swarmed Howard, who made just 1 of 4 shots and had four turnovers.

I was frustrated tonight and in the first game, Howard said. But being the leader on my team, my teammates cannot see me frustrated. Ive got to play through all the different situations and learn from them.

Notes

Celebrities in the house included actors Jack Nicholson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Warren Beatty, and Denzel Washington, who visited with former NBA stars Gary Payton(notes), Chris Webber(notes) and Steve Smith. We could compete with his team, Washington cracked to the aging trio. For about a quarter. The Lakers are 12-12 in Game 2s since moving from Minneapolis to Los Angeles. With his Game 1 performance, Bryant became just the fourth player to have at least 40 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in a finals game. Jerry West (1969), Michael Jordan (1993) and Shaquille ONeal(notes) (2002) are the others.

Courtesy of Yahoo (www.yahoo.com)

Blazers will exercise options for Blake, Outlaw - by Eurobasket News
With weeks remaining before the NBA draft and start of free agency, the Trail Blazers already have made their first significant decision of the offseason.
General manager Kevin Pritchard told The Oregonian on Friday that the Blazers have decided to exercise team options on starting point guard Steve Blake (6'3''-G-80, college: Maryland) and sixth man Travis Outlaw (6'9''-F-84), two key components of last season's playoff team.

'We'll keep them,' Pritchard said. 'I can't see a scenario where we don't. They've been terrific for us this year. They were major parts of 54 wins. We'll pick them up.'

By picking up the options, which the Blazers officially will need to do by June 30, the franchise will take on roughly $8 million in salary for next season and bring back two players who are coming off career seasons.

Blake, who started all 69 games he played, averaged a career-high 11.0 points, made a career-best 140 three-pointers and averaged 5.0 assists last season. Outlaw, who finished fifth in the NBA's sixth-man of the year voting, averaged 12.8 points and 4.1 rebounds and made a career-high 89 three pointers.

Despite their success, the players are also two of the most controversial among Blazers fans. Point guard is widely viewed as an area the team needs to upgrade if it hopes to get over the championship hump -- the team has drafted players at that position in two of the past three drafts, including last year when the Blazers traded up to acquire Jerryd Bayless.

And Outlaw became a playoff scapegoat for fans because of a discouraging postseason in which he shot just 31.8 percent from the field and 25 percent from three-point range while enduring a drop in scoring, assists and rebounds.

By exercising the options, which was expected, Pritchard leaves himself four open roster spots heading into the thick of the offseason and plenty of salary cap space to lure free agents or use in trying to make trades. Although the NBA salary cap has not been locked for next season, the Blazers expect to have approximately $7 million in cap room to play with this offseason.

Courtesy of www.oregonlive.com

Toronto Raptors hire Marc Iavaroni and Alex English as assistant coaches - by Eurobasket News
The Toronto Raptors announced Friday they have hired Marc Iavaroni and Alex English as assistant coaches. The pair has a combined 42 years of experience coaching and playing in the NBA. They will support Jay Triano, who signed a three-year contract as head coach May 11. Per team policy, financial terms were not announced.

I am very excited to continue working with Alex and to add Marc to the staff, said Triano. They share our philosophy on the direction of the team, yet possess different skill sets that will be valuable to me.

Iavaroni brings 11 seasons of NBA coaching knowledge to Toronto. He served the past two seasons as the head coach of the Memphis Grizzlies and prior to that was an assistant in Phoenix, Miami and Cleveland. He spent five seasons (2002-07) with the Suns, during which time they made four trips to the NBA Playoffs, including two appearances in the Western Conference Finals. In Miami (1999-2002), Iavaroni worked under Hall of Fame coach Pat Riley. He was also the director of player development for the Heat. With the Cavaliers, he served under longtime NBA coach Mike Fratello.

Iavaroni played seven seasons in the NBA with Philadelphia, San Antonio and Utah. He was a starter as a rookie on the 76ers 1983 World Championship team, voted one of the 10 best teams of all-time by the media as part of the leagues 50th anniversary celebration in 1996. Iavaronis teams qualified for the playoffs every season of his playing career.

Triano has worked in the past with Iavaroni at the annual Eurocamp in Italy.

English returns for his sixth campaign with the Raptors and his eighth on an NBA coaching staff. He joined the Raptors after spending the 2003-04 season as an assistant coach with Philadelphia. He served as director of player personnel and assistant coach with the Atlanta Hawks during the 2002-03 campaign. English began his post-playing coaching career in 2001-02 as the head coach of the National Basketball Development Leagues North Charleston (S.C.) Lowgaters. In his lone season at the helm, he guided his team to a 36-20 record and a berth in the finals of the first NBDL Championship.

English was elected into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1997 and finished his 16-year playing career with 25,613 points, which ranks 12th all-time in league history. He was an eight-time NBA All-Star and was selected to the all-league second team three times (1982, 1983 and 1986). A second-round selection by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1976 (23rd overall), English played two seasons in Milwaukee, two with the Indiana Pacers, and 11 with the Denver Nuggets before finishing his career in 1990-91 with the Dallas Mavericks.

Courtesy of www.insidehoops.com

Chris Denker of NetScouts Baskeball Talks NBA Draft - by Carl Berman
This is the first part of a series of articles that Chris Denker of NetScouts Basketball is publishing with RaptorsRepublic.com a Toronto Raptors blog site.
I've had the pleasure of trading some tweets/emails with Chris Denker, Managing Partner at NetScouts Basketball. Chris has a wealth of experience in the basketball industry accumulating over 22 years as a coach, scout, advance scout, video editor, clinician, consultant, writer, and administrator. Chris Denker is a 14 year veteran of NCAA Division I basketball coaching. He was a highly successful Head Coach of the Santa Clara University and Colorado State University women's teams. In five seasons as Head Coach he amassed 96 wins and his teams reached post-season tournaments in four of those five seasons including one NIT Final Four. He was part of 5 WCC championships in 9 seasons with Santa Clara.
Up until the draft, we are going to talk to Chris about college hoops, top prospects, international players, who the Raptors should be targeting, and why NetScouts Basketball should be retained by Colangelo to shore up our scouting.
Q. What do you look for in a player that other scouts may not?
A. I can't speak for other scouts but one thing I look for is results. What did they get done? A guy may look good in a uniform and run and jump well but never gets a rebound and is a low percentage shooter. I would prefer the guy who has shown he'll produce for you. The best explanation of this is the NFL Combine and NBA Pre-Draft Camp where guys are tested on their physical abilities. Look at mock drafts before these events and then after and notice how some guy who jumped out of the gym is now a lottery pick but before he wasn't a lock 1st round pick simply because he is an exciting athlete.
Last year Kevin Love and Michael Beasley were VERY similar in their measurable scores such as 3/4 court sprint, cone drill, etc. Prior to that event everyone thought Love was too slow and not athletic enough to play. Another example is a guy like Josh Howard who slid to the 29th pick of the draft after being the 2003 ACC Player of the Year! I guess 28 teams decided to ignore what he did night in and night out in the ACC, he's only 6'6 (but has very long arms) and not overly strong or quick so he slid down the draft board. He's since become an All-Star and played on a good Dallas team who regularly makes the playoffs.
In this years draft there are several guys who fit this label such as Ty Hansbrough, Dajuan Blair, and Sam Young (6'6''-F-85). I'll be curious to see where they go.
Q. What is the toughest position to scout for?
A. I think the Center position is the toughest because automatically we all love that size. Get the 7'0 franchise center for your organization! Well, not many big men have panned out lately. Although he's coming off injury and just completed his official Rookie season, Greg Oden is a great example for this question. He has not performed to the ability it appeared he had coming out of Ohio State and a lot of people are starting to question just how good he'll end up being. So he is replaced by Kosta Koufas at Ohio State, a skilled big man who also comes out early and is selected by the Jazz. He spends his entire year either on the bench or in the NBA Developmental League. Now the third young big man from Ohio State, BJ Mullins, is coming out early and being projected as a late lottery to mid-first round pick. This guy didn't even start at Ohio State and his numbers pale in comparison to the other two.
Perhaps someone will take him, develop him and he becomes the best of the 3 but I think that is what makes evaluating the Big Men the toughest for scouts.
Q. The Raptors need a 2/3 that can defend and score from the perimeter, who should they be targeting?
A. If the Raptors are looking for a 2/3 that can defend and score from the perimeter, they can go a couple ways. Do they want an Combo-Guard/Shooter type who can also play some point or do they want more size in a Small Forward/Wing type guy who might be able to slide over to the two spot as well? Or will they simply take the Best Available Player on the board? Once they make those decisions I think its important to look at the option of trading up to get their guy or going 2 for 1 and trading down. If the position is deep or the guy you want may be available later and you can get another value pick or player for the 9th, trade it! The Spurs & Blazers have made a killing doing this type of thing over the past few years.
Specifically they will be looking at:
* James Harden, 6'5 218 SG, Arizona State (Lefty, scorer, would probably need to trade up)
* DeMar DeRozen, 6'7 200 SF/SG, USC (only 19 years old, up and down year at USC)
* Chase Budinger, 6'7 218 SF/SG, Arizona (Shooter, good athlete)
* Sam Young (6'6''-F-85), 6'6 215 SF, Pitt (Tough, proven All-Big East performer)
* Gerald Henderson, 6'5 215 SG, Duke (Great Leaper, father was NBA Player)
* Terrance Williams, 6'6 220 SG, Louisville (Multi-Skilled, Best Passer of group)
* Tyreke Evans, 6'5 195 SG, Memphis (only 19 years old, streak shooter)
If they did want to consider a Combo Guard type of player they would also look at:
* Stephen Curry, 6'3 185 Guard, Davidson (Best Shooter in the draft?)
* Jrue Holiday, 6'4 195 SG/PG, UCLA (18 years old, athletic defender, shaky season at UCLA)
If it were me, with the depth available, they may consider trading down and still coming away with Young, Henderson, or Williams and another player or pick.
Q. Are you suggesting that the drop off from a DeMar DeRozan to a Sam Young (6'6''-F-85) (or one of the other guys) isn't that steep? Is it a matter of that player needing to be in a certain situation to shine, or their ability/skill level that makes you say that?
A. Yes, it depends on how they have guys ranked and who they feel can help them, and if two guys are very close. But the consensus is that one is going very high, drop and take the other and get a second rd. pick or a vet player in the exchange. As an example, I for one, really like Sam Young (6'6''-F-85) and think DeRozan (although highly athletic) is a few years away. If I'm a team like the Raptors who went from playoffs to out, I must feel like I'm only a player or two away from challenging again, and can I wait on a young guy to develop? Take for example Courtney Lee of the Magic, he is a guy who played college ball, learned and developed, then found a role with a good team like Orlando shooting open 3s when teams double Howard and playing tough defense. Sam Young (6'6''-F-85), Terrance Williams, and Gerald Henderson could fill a similar role whereas I think DeRozan needs physical strength and maturity but could eventually be better than all of them. The question is, do the Raptors want to wait for that to happen?
Q. Lakers or Magic?
A. I'm not in the prediction business but I think you have to consider the Lakers the favorite with Kobe and they have home court.
Gasol & Bynum will be key to the LA attack as Howard has had occasional foul issues. If LA can get good defensive play from their role guys like Walton, Ariza, & Vujacic, and Lamar Odom they could wear down the Magic.
I like the Magic, I like how they play and think Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu have been terrific so from a fan perspective that is who I'll be rooting for.
Smart pick? Lakers in 6.
Chris is active on Twitter, and one of the folks I enjoy following, you can catch him at @chrisdenker and @netscouts.We're active too, check us out: @raptorsrepublic @altraps @arsenalist @rapsfan. The full article can be viewed at www.raptorsrepublic.com or at www.netscoutsbasketball.com. NetScouts Basketball is the top site for current collegiate scouting reports. They connect players and teams for professional playing opportunities. Information on NetScouts Basketball can be obtained at www.netscoutsbasketball.com or by writing info@netscoutsbasketball.com.

New Orleans Hornets assistant coach Kenny Gattison departs - by Eurobasket News
New Orleans Hornets assistant coach Kenny Gattison is leaving the franchise after six years.

His contract expires at the end of this month. The team says the Hornets and Gattison agreed he could pursue other opportunities.

Coach Byron Scott calls Gattison an integral part of the team's success. The coach said during pre-draft workouts Friday he does not have a replacement lined up.

Gattison joined the Hornets under previous coach Tim Floyd in 2003. He was was retained when Scott became the coach the next year.

Courtesy of www.winnipegfreepress.com

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  NICARAGUA   


First win for Delfines - by Gianni Pascucci
After being clearly defeated by Panteras UNICIT, the team from Bluefields won its first ACB game, 87-76 over Jaguares UAM. Windell Sloan (-F/C) scored 28 points to lead the offense at the winning side, Rupert Walters (-F) added 24, Walter Roberts (188-F-85) led Jaguares with 17 pts. The same night, Tiburones Bancentro defeated UNICIT 78-66, thanks to 16 points from Noel McKenzie (188-G-78) and 13 from Troy Watson (197-F/C-82). The night after, Delfines felt again, this time 105-97 to Tigres, that had 20 pts from Elijah Allen (193-F-73) and 15 from Richard Hawking (183-G-82). Tiburones is again at the top undefeated. The table is:
1. Tiburones 4-0
2. Jaguares 3-1
3. Panteras 2-2
4. Tigres 1-3
5. Derlfines 1-5

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  NIGERIA   


NBBF board for inauguration - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The newly constituted board of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF will be inaugurated on Tuesday in the nation capital, Abuja.

According to information obtain from the National Sports Commission; NSC the NBBF board will be inaugurated alongside other sporting associations that were reconstituted last month for them to start to function.

The 11-member board of the new NBBF has with Tijjani Umar as president must settle down to the business at hand immediately because there are lots of task ahead of them, from the local league to Nigeria participation in all FIBA Africa Championship starting with qualification of the nations U16 (boys and girls) cadet team slated for Cotonou, Benin Republic later this month to the big championship that will involve senior men and women team.

Federation president, Umar is optimistic that the federation will ensure Nigeria takes part in all the competitions on the FIBA Africa calendar this year.

Umar told our correspondent that coaches for the U16 men and women teams, Adamu Kuta and Adewumi Aderemi are already working towards ensuring that the country put up a good team that will qualify for the final round of the championships billed Maputo, Mozambique from July 16 to 25 (Boys) and Dakar, Senegal from August 22-30 for Girls.

The biggest task ahead the new board will be to ensure Nigeria qualification for the 2010 FIBA World Championships billed for Turkey and Czech Republic respectively by putting up a good fight in Libya and Madagascar respectively.

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  NORWAY   


Still BLNO up north - by Kaare Vangen
The national federation held its annual meeting this weekend and accepted the application from Harstad Basketballklubb to take the spot for Harstad Vikings in BLNO. The audience in Harstad will thus still be able to support a local team in the Norwegian elite. BLNO will after this consist of the following clubs: Harstad, Tromso Storm, Ulriken Eagles, Gimle, Froya, Asker, Baerum, Fjellhamar and Ammerud. The decision made will probably spark some strong reactions pro and con since Harstad Vikings filed for bankruptcy just after the season finished and many of the same persons are involved in the new club.

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  PUERTO RICO   


Captains make it 8 in a row - by Luis Ramirez
The Arecibo Captains beat the Caguas Criollos 104-90 for their 8th victory in a row. The Captains took the 1st quarter 29-22. The Criollos who are out of the first 8 qualifying slots at the moment, gave the Captains a run for their money in the 2nd as they took the lead in the 1st half 48-46. The Captains came right back in the 3rd quarter and blew past the Criollos to take a commanding 14 point lead going to the 4th quarter. The captains breezed thru the 4th for the victory. Angel Figueroa (196-G/F-81, agency: Paris Global Sports, college: Dowling) reached the 5,000 point mark in this game. For Arecibo, David Cortes scored 19 points followed by Jeff Aubry with 18 points and 12 rebounds. For Caguas, Matt Freije scored 27 points followed by Rafael Perez and Jonathan Oliver with 18 points each.
Over at Ponce, the Lions beat the Carolina Giants 72-63. The Lions held on to a 1 point lead at the end of the 1st quarter 15-14, but the Giants were able to take over the lead to end the 1st half 32-28. The 3rd quarter also saw the Giants in the lead 55-48. The Lions had to play most of the game without their two imports as both suffered injuries during the game, but the Lions bench came thru for them as they were able to get an excellent game from Carlos Collazo on defense to shut down the Giants. The Lions reclaimed the lead with 7 minutes left in the game and never looked back. For Ponce, Gabriel Colon scored 15 points followed by Ricardo Melendez with 12 points. For Carolina, Alejandro Carmona scored 25 points and captured 11 rebounds followed by Lee Benson with 13 points and 11 rebounds.

Standings - BSN
BSN Standings
 1. Quebradillas 15-5 
 2. Arecibo 14-5 
 3. Santurce 14-6 
 4. Bayamon 13-7 
 5. Carolina 13-8 
 6. Mayaguez 11-9 
 7. San German 9-10 
 8. Ponce 7-13 
 9. Caguas 5-14 
 10. Guaynabo 4-14 
 11. Humacao 3-17 


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  QATAR   


Surprising decision - Davison quits as Qatar head coach! - by Mohammed Malas
In a surprising decision to everyone, The American head coach of Qatar National Team Kent Davison decided to stop his career with the team and leave back to the US due to some personal issues, Former national team player Ali Fakhro will take over the team for the long FIBA Summer 2009 journey up to the FIBA Asia Championship in Tianjin, China next August.

Davison led Qatar to win the last FIBA Gulf Championship in Oman as he began to make a new team with a mixture betwen experience and youth's dynamic from around one year ago.

The new head coach Fakhro who worked with several forgein head coaches during the last few years began trainings yesterday with 14 called up players as he asked for 3 more and they're: Marzooq Abu-Sabbar A adding to the brothers Saleem Abdullah Mohammed (202-C-82) and Saleem Abdullah Malek (195-F-85).

- The 14 called up players are:
Daoud Musa (193-G-82) of Qatar SC
Yaseen Ismail (204-F-80) of Al Rayyan
Saad Abdulrahman Ali (193-F-85) of As Sadd
Erfan Ali Saeed (200-F-83) of Al Rayyan
Omar Abdgader Salem (205-C-83) of Qatar SC
Ali Turki (201-F-82) of Al Jaysh Army SC
Hammam Ismail (200-C/F-83) of Al Wakra
Khalid Abdi (198-F-87) of As Sadd
Hashem Zaidan (211-C-80) of Al Ahli
Suleyman Abu Faisal (177-G-82) of Al Arabi
Bader Tawfeeq
Ali Al Kawari
Mohammad Abdalla Ali
Naif Al Naimi

Head Coach: Ali Fakhro
Assistant: Mohammad Orabi
Assistant: Khaled Haroon
Assistant: Saeed Mubarak

* Mansour El Hadary (178-G-90) and Ahmad Bakr are injured and they may join the team in the near future.

- Qatar National Team preperations plan:
A camp in France (June 13 - 29)
1st Qatar Invitational Tournament (July 1 - 5, Participating teams: Iran, Lebanon, Egypt and Qatar)
2nd Qatar Invitational Tournament (July 6 - 9, Participating teams: Jordan, Tunisia, Egypt and Qatar)
William Jones Cup in Taiwan (July 18 - 27)
FIBA Asia Championship in Tianjin, China (August 6 - 16)

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  RUSSIA   


Messina's future to become clear on Monday,Blatt main candidate for CSKA job - by Vladimir Lobanov
Ettore Messina future as CSKA Moscow head coach will be clear on Monday.the Italian coach will have discussion with Real Madrid chifs in Madrid on Sunday as they are offering him a three years contract offer around 2 million Euros per year.
Madrid has finished the season on saturday night after going 2-1 down to TAU in the ACB semi-finals series.if Ettore Messina won't accept Real offer he may return to his fifth season as CSKA Moscow head coach.
The main candidate for replacing Ettore Messina is Russian National head coach - David Blatt .The Israeli is the favorite of CSKA Board for the job.Blatt contract at Dynamo Moscow has been cancelled due to the club financial problems.Blatt already coached at Dynamo St.Petersburg at the 2004-2005 season and is tought to be the best options for the job.
in the Market news - Dynamo Moscow's Center Darjus Lavrinovic (212-C-79) is set to leave the club and is close to agreeing terms with Maccabi Electra Tel-Aviv.the Lithuanian has another year in his contract but Dynamo can't pay his salary for next year.

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  SLOVENIA   


U-20 NT candidates for EC - by Zeljko Zule
Slovenian U-20 NT head coach Radomir Mijanovic has invited 16 players candidates for a training camp in Rogla. Following the completion of the camp and the games, Mijanovic will announce the roster for a 2009 U-20 European Championship in Greece.
Players: Brane Lekic (206-F/C-90) of Elektra Esotech, Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) of Geoplin Slovan, Uros Zadnik (187-G-90) of Geoplin Slovan, Danijel Vujasinovic (180-G-89) of Hopsi Polzela, Maj Kovacevic (190-G-90) of Krka, Nejc Koracin (190-G-90) of Krka, Dino Muric (198-F/C-90) of Parklji, Zeljko Jotic (-89) of Rogaska, Marko Vranjkovic (202-F/C-90) of Primorac-Branik, Sandi Skrbinsek (205-C-90) of Primorac-Branik, Jakob Virk (201-F/C-89) of TCG Mercator, Jaka Blazic (-90) of Triglav, Blaz Mahkovic (193-F-90) of Triglav, Dejan Radojevic (213-C/F-89) of Union Olimpija, Ziga Percel (188-G-89) of Zagorje, Luka Dimec (207-F/C-90) of Zlatorog.
Coach: Radomir Mijanovic. Assistants: Matjaz Cujez , Zoran Romih .

Eurobasket.com All-Slovenian League Awards 2008-09 - by Eurobasket
#s#
OzboltOzbolt
Ozbolt
JacobsonJacobson
Jacobson
GolubovicGolubovic
Golubovic
PetrovPetrov
Petrov
LashkevichLashkevich
Lashkevich
#e#6

Player of the Year: Saso Ozbolt (188-G-81) of Union Olimpija
Guard of the Year: Saso Ozbolt of Union Olimpija
Forward of the Year: Nicholas Jacobson (195-G-80) of Helios
Center of the Year: Vladimir Golubovic (212-C-86) of Union Olimpija
Newcomer of the Year: Danijel Vujasinovic (180-G-89) of Hopsi Polzela.
Most Improved Player of the Year: Zoran Dragic (195-G-89) of Geoplin Slovan.
Bosman Player of the Year: Vladimir Golubovic of Union Olimpija
Import Player of the Year: Vladimir Golubovic of Union Olimpija
Domestic Player of the Year: Saso Ozbolt of Union Olimpija
Defensive Player of the Year: Saso Ozbolt of Union Olimpija
Coach of the Year: Jurij Zdovc of Union Olimpija

1st Team
Simon Petrov (190-G-76) of Krka
Saso Ozbolt of Union Olimpija
Nicholas Jacobson of Helios
Aliaksei Lashkevich (203-F-78) of Helios
Vladimir Golubovic of Union Olimpija

2nd Team
Miha Cmer (182-G-77) of Luka Koper
Nejc Strnad (190-G-83) of Zlatorog
Dejan Delic (199-G-83) of Geoplin Slovan
Marko Maravic (201-F-79) of Union Olimpija
Shawn King (208-C) of Hopsi Polzela

Honorable Mention
Jure Mocnik (183-G-85) of Helios
Alvin Snow (187-G-81) of Helios
Jure Balazic (204-F-80) of Krka
Balsa Radunovic (206-F-80) of Elektra Esotech
Dejan Cup (202-F/C-83) of Elektra Esotech
Marko Lekic (211-C-85) of Geoplin Slovan
Nemanja Jelesijevic (208-C/F-79) of Hopsi
Drazen Bubnic (207-F-86) of Luka Koper

All-Domestic Players Team
Simon Petrov of Krka
Saso Ozbolt of Union Olimpija
Jure Balazic of Krka
Marko Maravic of Union Olimpija
Drazen Bubnic of Luka Koper

All-Imports Team
Junior Harrington (193-G-80) of Union Olimpija
Alvin Snow of Helios
Nicholas Jacobson of Helios
Aliaksei Lashkevich of Helios
Vladimir Golubovic of Union Olimpija

All-Bosmans Team
Vladimir Anzulovic (186-G-78) of Hopsi
Dejan Delic of Geoplin Slovan
Balsa Radunovic of Elektra Esotech
Aliaksei Lashkevich of Helios
Vladimir Golubovic of Union Olimpija

All-Defensive Team
Vjekoslav Petrovic (193-G/F-81) of Helios
Saso Ozbolt of Union Olimpija
Ante Masic (200-G/F-85) of Zlatorog
Marko Maravic of Union Olimpija
Aliaksei Lashkevich (203-F-78) of Helios

All-Newcomers Team
Danijel Vujasinovic of Hopsi Polzela
Uros Zadnik (187-G-90) of Geoplin Slovan
Mirko Mulalic (195-F-88) of TCG Mercator
Edo Muric (202-F-91) of TCG Mercator
Jan Petrovcic (194-F-90) of CPG Nova Gorica

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  SPAIN   


Regal Barca and Tau Ceramica in ACB Finals! - by Eurobasket News
Tau - Real Madrid 89-80
The defending champion managed to beat Real Madrid in Game 3 reaching the big ACB Final. Bosnian Mirza Teletovic (203-F-85, agency: Beo Basket) this time led the scorers in victory with 22 points. He needed only one board for double-double. Igor Rakocevic (191-G-78) was second scorer of the team with 20, while Tiago Splitter (211-C/F-85, agency: Interperformances) added 18 points, plus 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Pete Mickeal (198-F-78, college: Cincinnati) stopped on 10 pts. In Real, Alex Mumbru (201-F-79) shined with 17 points. Sergio Llull (178-G-87) finished the game with 2 pts less. As a reminder, Tau was regular season champion with impressive 28-4 record.

Regal Barca - Unicaja 86-78 OT1
Regal Barca advanced to ACB Finals after 86-78 overtime win at the Palau Blaugrana. The bet was huge as this match was decisive. Unicaja was close to meet Tau at the last stage, but that didn't happen, mostly owing to Juan Carlos Navarro (192-G-80) and David Andersen (212-C-80), which drained 18 and 17 points respectively. Adnersen also grabbed 8 rebounds beside that. Gianluca Basile (192-G-75) helped with 14 pts (4 triples). For the guests, Carlos Cabezas (186-G-80) delivered 15 points. Robert Jr. Archibald (211-C/F-80, agency: Priority Sports, college: Illinois) had 14 and Boniface Ndong (213-C-77) contributed with 11 pts and 8 boards.

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  SWITZERLAND   


Fribourg Olympic keeps nucleus intact!! - by Alexander Davis
Word out of Frbourg Olympic is that coach Damien Leyrolles and center Oliver Vogt, both signed 3 year deals. And Tresor Quidome and Vladimir Buscalgia signed 2 year deals with the club. With Dave Esterkamp coming back from microfracure surgery, it seems Fribourg Olympic is trying to get back to their winning ways! A bit of a shocker though was that Valentine Wegmann signed with Birstal Starwings, also there are rumors that guard Tony Brown, and Brendan Polyblank, both formely of Lausuanne, will sign with Birstal as well!! This finally may be the chance Brown needs to show that he is a winner in Switzerland, and get some respect among coaches and players in the league.

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  URUGUAY   


Montevideo is leading the Metro League - by Hector Lopez
Gonzalo Meira (192-F-88) scored 32 points and Marques Lewis (203-F-83, college: UAB) added 22 and 17 rebounds, when Montevideo won its seven straigth game for the Metro League, beating Larre Borges 100-84. The League was restarted after one month without basketball games after two young people were killed during a quarrel outside a baskteball stadium. For Larre Borges Renzo Lazzaroni netted 19 points. Jeff Fahnbulleh (200-C/F-85) netted 20 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for Verdirrojo, but his team was defeated 83-79 by Larraaga with Sebastian Vazquez scoring 28 points. John Huggins (188-G-82, college: Amer.Internat.) scored 17 points for Olivol Mundial beating Capitol 87-79.

Standings - Metropolitan League
Metropolitan Standings
 1. Montevideo 7-0 
 2. Yale 5-2 
 3. Welcome 5-2 
 4. Nacional 4-3 
 5. Olivol Mundial 4-3 
 6. Capitol 3-4 
 7. Larranaga 3-4 
 8. Urunday Univ. 3-4 
 9. Verdirrojo 3-4 
 10. 25 de Agosto 3-4 
 11. Larre Borges 2-5 
 12. Goes 0-7 


Stats Leaders - LUB
Metro Stats Leaders
Points Per Game
Huggins (OLI) 26.3
Lewis (MON) 24.8
Bailey (WEL) 23.5
Rebounds Per Game
Lewis (MON) 16.8
Fahnbulleh (VER) 15.7
Wilkerson (YAL) 11.8
Assists Per Game
Vidal (NAC) 6.8
Cambon (MON) 6.2
Silveira (25A) 6.1


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  USBA   


USBA Teams With Communications Giant For 2010 Season - by USBA Media

The United States Basketball Association (USBA) and its parent company the Alden Group LLC are in the process of negotiating a multi-year agreement with Clear Channel Communication, Inc., to radio broadcast all mens basketball games beginning with the 2010 season.

'A partnership with Clear Channel Radio will substantially strengthen the promotion of our mens basketball program within our teams markets and it will provide our association a step up in minor league basketball,' said USBA president Duane Jenkins.

If an agreement can be reached, Clear Channel affiliates will broadcast all of the USBAs regular season and postseason games, including a 30-minute pregame show and a 15-minute post game show. The stations will also be the radio home of the Coaches Corner, a live weekly radio program with the head coach of each team hosting a informal sports forum, designed to introduce players and coaches to their communities.

'We are very excited to partner with Clear Channel, whose stations boasts the rare combination of championship heritage with excellent programming that has risen to new heights and will help our exciting young league. We are committed to bringing our listeners the best in sports as our fan base is very knowledgeable and very passionate about the game of basketball,' said Jenkins.

In addition to broadcasts, the partnership will fully integrate mens basketball into programming and promotion of each station including: on-air/on-line imaging, on-site events, enhanced coverage of games and, and multi-media advertising to promote its association. Production initiatives will include live coverage of mens basketball events, with the opportunity to promote and highlight USBA teams ticketing and marketing initiatives.

Under the proposal, Clear Channel and its affiliates would provide enhanced streaming and pod casting of programming that could be simulcast on www.usbaball.com, at no additional cost to USBA's sponsors or advertisers, thus making free content available to our fans league wide. Additional components of the partnership would include weekly USBA updates to occur during daily programming, and the airing of each teams basketball coachs show.

'Increasing visibility for our entire league and our basketball games, is a significant step up in our growth,' said Jenkins. 'We are pleased to be expanding our radio broadcast reach for our mens basketball program. With this new affiliation, we can greatly benefit our sponsors, advertisers and fans throughout our southern footprint.'

No agreements have been signed to date. Negotiations are progressing and still ongoing.

Contact: media@usbaball.com or Office: (770) 729-0306




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  WBA   


Da Costa making his mark in Memphis... - by David Archer
Coach Da Costa & the Memphis Tornadoes

Memphis, June 7, 2009 - The Memphis Tornadoes announced the hiring of International Coach Joao da Costa at the start of the 2009 summer season. Coach Da Costa comes to the WBA to coach the Memphis Tornadoes and build a Minor League Professional Team in Memphis.

Da Costas basketball career started as a professional player in Europe. His coaching philosophy was developed in the Unites States; he lives in Seattle, Washington. He has bridge relationships with NBA Coaches such as Eric Mussellman (Sacramento Kings) Bob Hill (San Antonio Spurs), NCAA coaches, Roy Williams, Bobby Knight and Mike Krzyzewski just to name a few. He coaches in USA and overseas. Da Costa teaches camps and clinics around the world during the off season.

Da Costa has the ability to blend the teaching of fundamentals that is fun, and exciting as well as challenging players with creative and unique drills. Da Costas best attributes are that he can recognize talent and mold players to prepare them for successful professional careers.

Da Costa has captured his unique blend of coaching in the five basketball books he has authored. (Im Helping You, Coach! Improve Your Defense, Coach! I Get It, Coach! Let Me Play, Coach! And Learn Defense) In them he focuses on helping Coaches motivate, teach and develop their players and build better teams. His books are full of unique drills designed to improve individual fundamental skill as well as motivate and improve team spirit.

For more information about Coach Da Costa, his books, and camps & clinics please visit www.jcbasketballhoops.com.

Standings
WBA Standings
 1. Buford M. 5-0 
 2. Tupelo 3-1 
 3. Cartersville W. 3-1 
 4. Decatur CK 2-2 
 5. Rome Rage 0-4 
 6. Memphis B. 0-5 
Expansion Teams
 1. Macon B. 0-0 
 2. Marietta S. 0-0 
 3. Palm Coast 0-0 
 4. S.Crescent L. 0-0 


Cartersville steamrolls BC Howren, 142-108 - by David Archer
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts: Joe Myers, PR Director, Cartersville Warriors (770-298-1335)
David Archer 770-606-3764

Cartersville, GA - The Cartersville Warriors stepped out of World Basketball Association play Saturday night and used an 82-point outburst in the second half to blow out Southeast Exposure Basketball League (SEBL) member BC Howren, 142-108, in a non-conference game at J.H. Morgan Gymnasium.

We played well in spurts tonight, said Cartersville head coach Cory Baldwin, whose team is 4-0 overall and 3-0 in the WBA this season. We didnt come out ready to play and when we got a 10-point lead, we subbed and our bench guys laid an egg. But we still were able to take a lead into halftime and we got things going in the third quarter. The good part about the third quarter was that a lot of the guys who sparked that run were the same ones who didnt play well in the first half.

Cartersville raced out to an 18-5 lead in the first four minutes of the game, but BC Howren strung together a 7-2 run in the middle part of the frame to stay within 30-23 after the opening 10-minute period. A pair of free throws by BC Howrens Ronnie Donaldson tied the game at 33 with 7:20 to go in the first half, but the Warriors took off on a 27-6 run to open up a 60-39 lead with 1:15 remaining before halftime.

BC Howren didnt go quietly, though, scoring the final five points of the quarter to go into the locker room down, 60-44. Larry Cox (6'11''-C-85) led Cartersville with 16 points and six rebounds, Chucky Frierson (6'6''-G/F-83) of Cartersville Baseline Warriors had 14, four rebounds and three assists and Kenny Saunders (6'6''-F-82) added 10 with three rebounds and three assists. Donaldson paced BC Howren with 13 points and four rebounds.

BC Howren went on an 8-0 run to start the third quarter to make it 60-52 with 9:01 left in the period, but Cartersville outscored BC Howren 42-19 the rest of the frame to take a 102-71 lead into the final 10 minutes. The Warriors cruised in the fourth quarter, scoring 40 more points to build some momentum going into Sundays 4 p.m. home game against the defending WBA champion Decatur Court Kings.

Decatur is the defending champs and they have the crown until somebody else takes it, said Baldwin. This is game we circled on the schedule and hopefully we can build on what we did in the third quarter tonight.

Frierson was the top scorer for Cartersville with 29 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. Six other Warriors reached double figures, with Chris Morgan (19 points, six assists on 5-of-10 3-point shooting), Cox (16 points, nine rebounds), David Graham (15 points, seven rebounds, four assists), Nathan Charles (14 points, eight rebounds), Jeremy Law (11 points, five assists) and Saunders (10 points) all pitching in on the offensive end.

Mike Howren scored a game-high 34 for BC Howren, sinking eight of his 16 3-point shots and 13 of his 26 shots from the field overall. Donaldson finished with 23 points, six rebounds and two assists, Dexter Shaw had 17, Darrell Wilkins finished with 14 points, six assists, five rebounds and two steals and Chris Jones threw in 13 points and six rebounds in the loss.

Following Sundays showdown with the Decatur Court Kings at the J.H. Morgan Gymnasium, Cartersville is back in action June 12 at Decatur before hosting the Tupelo Rock-N-Rollers June 13 and the Atlanta Speedboys June 14 in another non-conference game.



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Women News

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  BELARUS - Women  


Belarus account for Israel - by Eurobasket News
Belarus - Israel 81:76

Belarus posted a come-from-behind victory over Israel in EuroBasket opener for both teams. Israel had the upper hand throughout the major part of the encounter but failed to capitalize losing just at the end.
Katia Levitsky (194-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) and Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) helped Israel to stay in front at the opening stages of the game. Back-to-back trebles from Shay Doron and Liron Cohen (174-G-82) gave Israeli team a 13:7 advantage midway through the first stanza. They maintained the advantage and were up by 4 points at the first intermission 21:17. Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) and Nataliya Trafimava (186-F-79) drew things level at 25 early in the second quarter but Dori and Katia Levitsky quickly restored a 6-point lead for Israeli team. Liad Suez Karni capped the first half with a lay-up that marked a 38:30 lead for Israel.
Liad Suez Karni continued to threaten Belarus defense as he three-pointer propelled Israel to a 10-point buffer at 44:34. But Belarus reacted with an 11:0 surge that spurred Israeli confidence. Leuchanka crowned the third quarter with a jumper as Belarus entered the fourth period ahead by 4 points 52:48. The teams traded basket at the beginning of the final term before Liron Cohen leveled things up at 57. Yuliya Dureika (181-G-86) and Padabed provided Belarus with a 5-point advantage midway through the final stanza. A trey from Nataliya Trafimava gave Belarus a 7-point lead with just over 3 minutes remaining. Shay Doron and Liron Cohen narrowed the margin to 3 points with 25 seconds left to go but Anufryienka and Tatyana Troina proved deadly from the stripe to silence Israel.
Tatyana Troina recorded 16 points in the winning case. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-F/C-87) added 13 points, while Nataliya Trafimava had 11 points and 6 rebounds for Belarus. Shay Doron fired game-high 26 points for Israel. Katia Levitsky finished with 19 points and 12 boards in defeat.

Belarus: Tatyana Troina 16, Anastasiya Veremeenko 13, Nataliya Trafimava 11
Israel: Shay Doron 26, Katia Levitsky 19+12 boards

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  BRAZIL - Women  


Brasil looks Good in Atlanta Dreams WNBA season opener - by Mel Devonne

Atlanta, Ga-Brasilian Erika De Souza (197-C-82) had 16 points and 17 big rebounds to help the

Atlanta Dream win their season opener over the Indiana Fever in double over time 87-86 at Phillips Area in Atlanta.

She played big in the first win of the season hitting a key bucket in the second over time.

Erika's 6'5' frame makes her a force in the much improved Atlanta Dream front line
of Michelle Snow (196-C-80, agency: LBM Management, college: Tennessee) and Chamique Holsdclaw.

Brasilian Izzy Castro had 4 points in 17 minutes of play.

The Dream were led by 23 points from Holdsclaw, who is back playing in the WNBA after retiring a year ago.

Atlanta Dream didnt get their fist win last season until Mid July, so they will be much improved this season with additions
Holdsclaw, Nikki Teasley, Michelle Snow, and first round pick Angel McCoughrty.



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  BULGARIA - Women  


U20 Rilski Sportist team wins second consecutive title - by Eurobasket News
Rilski Sportist has yet again demonstrated dominance in younger categories as their female U20 Team won the title for second straight year. This is just a confirmation of good work Rilski has been doing in developing players, as several of these youngsters are expected to become contributors in the Senior Team for years to come. In the finals, U20 Rilski managed to beat Slavija 85-57 and continued dominance in U20 category. Slavija's players were only able to be even opponent in the first quarter, after which they seemed to run out of gas. Rilski managed to impose their game and slowly increase their lead, which in the end turned into rout of the opponent. Rilski showed dominance on the boards as they outrebounded their opponents 39-29. Another key in the victory was 2-point shooting, where Rilski players realized 65.85% of their 2 point shots compared to 35.14% shot by Slavija players.
For the champions, four out of starting five players finished with double digits. Hristina Ivanova (184-F-89) led all scorers with 23 points, while Stefka Miteva (190-C-89) recorded double-double of 20 points and 17 rebounds. Usagelova added 16 while Koceva finished the contest with 13 points. For the losing team, Nikolova had 19 points and Tanceva scored 15. Only other player worth mentioning was Bozkova who had 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Rislski Sportist Senior team finished 4th in the regular part of the season. In the Playoff Quarterfinals they were eliminated by Montana in 2 straight games. Also their U19 Team has made it to the finals of Group B where they will be matched against Tigar Jambol in the first game in the Finals Tournament.

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  CHINA - Women  


China U18 comes back from Reze - by Eurobasket News
Youth international basketball tournament opened and closed the doors for 8 teams including the home side, France in Reze. The tournament for the young players was scheduled from 4 until 7 June 2009.
The defending champions Lithuania will not be around to defend their crown but Australia are coming back. Group A consists of France, China, Czech Republic and Sweden. In Group B Australia who finished second last year will play with Belgium, Russia and Turkey.
China started with a win over Czech Republic 80:75 to celebrate the victory in the opener. Later Sweden rolled over China 78:72 mostly due to the third period. The European side opened the game with 19:15 after the opening quarter, however did not keep the score at the end of the half. China responded with 24-17 in the second period to take 3-point lead at the halftime. The third frame belonged to Swedish side that produced 24-10 in it to control the game. China climbed back and tied the game at 65:65, but lost at the end anyway. Even though Asian team had 23-18 in the last period, Sweden won 78:72. Frida Fogdemark (185-F-91) led the winners with 20 points, while Farhiya Adbi netted 19. Cleopatra Forsman-Goga (180-G-91) notched 18, whilst Sally Kabengano had 13 and Binta Drammeh added 6.
In the last game of the group France won against China 86:39 behind 22 points coming from Allison Verneray.

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  CZECH REPUBLIC - Women  


Czech Republic U18 tried hard in Youth international basketball tournament - by Eurobasket News
Youth international basketball tournament just closed the doors for 8 teams including the home side, France in Reze. The tournament for the young players was scheduled from 4 until 7 June 2009.
The defending champions Lithuania were not around to defend their crown but Australia are coming back. Group A consisted of France, China, Czech Republic and Sweden. In Group B Australia who finished second last year played with Belgium, Russia and Turkey.
China started with a win over Czech Republic 80:75 to celebrate the victory in the opener. Czech Republic lost the second game to France 51:64.
Later Sweden rolled over Czech Republic team 82:68. The latter was more confident in the first quarter and took 23-17 advantage. Sweden responded with 23-16 in the second period to be the leader in the court at the halftime. A 26-19 in the third quarter lifted them up to 8 points entering the last period and they were managed to add another 16-10 in the last stanza. Farhiya Abdi top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Cleo Forsman posted 14. Frida Fogdemark (185-F-91) delivered 11, while Binta Drammeh netted 9. Mia Hakim had 8, Kajsa Lundahl (179-F-91) and Sally Kabengano 7 each, whilst Sandra Ngoie poured in 5.

Spain overcame a slow start to beat Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic-Spain 59:66

Spanish National team overcame the low start and won over Czech Republic in Group A of Eurobasket 2009. The finalist of the previous championship trailed 9 points after the opening quarter, however grabbed 66:59 win in the opener.
Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) put Czech Republic in front as her team played much better in the opening quarter. It was her again for 8:6 lead and then Bednarova made a jump shot for 17:12. Palau only managed to reduce score for the Spanish side that trailed 14:23 at the end of the first 10 minutes of the game. Spain looked however better after the short rest and even trailing 20:27 Torrens made a jump shot for 24:27 to ask the opponent's coach for the timeout. Spain produced 18-9 in the second frame to tie the game at the end of the first half as Anna Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) made a three for her team.
Czech Republic remained in front for another 5 minutes of the third period, but Czech Republic scored for 42:40 to bury the Czechs hopes for the win. Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) made three at the end of the third period fro 47:51, while Cruz delivered for the Spanish outfit for 58:51. It was not all, Czechs returned for 56:58 with Katerina Elhotova's far shot. Peckova kept 58:60 margin, but Spain pushed the tempo at the end for good. Mostly due to the free throw shots Spain saved the lead and Laura Nicholls (189-C-89) set up the final, 66:59 score.
Anna Montanana top-scored for the winners with 13 points as Spain is 1-0 in the group. Cruz nailed 12, while Laura Nicholls collected 11 points and 11 rebounds. Petra Kulichova finished the night with 13 points in the losing effort. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) and Katerina Elhotova followed her with 9 points apiece in defeat.


Czech Republic: Petra Kulichova 13, Eva Viteckova 9, Katerina Elhotova 9
Spain: Anna Montanana 13, Cruz 12, Laura Nicholls 11+11 rebs

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  EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS - Women  


Day 1 results and stats - by Eurobasket News

Group A

Slovak Republic - Ukraine 77:55

EuroBasket 2009 tipped off in Liepaja today. Slovak Republic coasted to an impressive starting win as they toppled Ukraine in Pool A action.
Alyoshkina and Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) gave Ukraine an early 7:4 lead. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) came up with a jumper as Ukraine cleared off to a 9:4 lead with just under 3 minutes gone in the encounter. However Slovak Republic immediately responded with 7:0 run to surge in front. Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) and Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) capped the opening frame with 7 points to give Slovakia a 26:16 advantage. Vynuchalova and Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) tipped off the second frame with 4 points in a row as Slovakia started to get away. Soon Lucia Laskova and Zuzana Zirkova stretched the gap to as many as 15 points. Slovakia crowned the first half with 13 straight points to go into the locker rooms ahead by 26 points. Zherzherunova and Olena Ogorodnikova sparked Ukraines hopes with four consecutive points at the start of the third stanza. Zuzana Zirkova and Hrickova managed the effort with buckets of their own. But Ukraine persisted as Olena Ogorodnikova and Olexandra Gorbunova dragged them within 22 points. Malashenko knocked down two free throws to ignite a 7:0 run from Ukraine as they got as close as 17 points. But Zuzana Zirkova and Martina Luptakova (184-F-77) had the last laugh in the third term as Slovakia enjoyed a 64:43 advantage with ten minutes to go. Slovakia wisely kept their opponents at bay throughout the fourth term.
Zuzana Zirkova finished with 16 points to pace Slovak Republic. Ivana Jalcova and Martina Luptakova added 12 points apiece for the winners. Olena Ogorodnikova fired 16 points for Ukraine. Olexandra Gorbunova accounted for 11 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
Ukraine will face Spain, while Slovakia will play against Czech Republic tomorrow.

Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova 16, Ivana Jalcova 12, Martina Luptakova 12
Ukraine: Olena Ogorodnikova 16, Olexandra Gorbunova 11

Czech Republic-Spain 59:66
Spanish National team overcame the low start and won over Czech Republic in Group A of Eurobasket 2009. The finalist of the previous championship trailed 9 points after the opening quarter, however grabbed 66:59 win in the opener.
Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) put Czech Republic in front as her team played much better in the opening quarter. It was her again for 8:6 lead and then Bednarova made a jump shot for 17:12. Palau only managed to reduce score for the Spanish side that trailed 14:23 at the end of the first 10 minutes of the game. Spain looked however better after the short rest and even trailing 20:27 Torrens made a jump shot for 24:27 to ask the opponent's coach for the timeout. Spain produced 18-9 in the second frame to tie the game at the end of the first half as Anna Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) made a three for her team.
Czech Republic remained in front for another 5 minutes of the third period, but Czech Republic scored for 42:40 to bury the Czechs hopes for the win. Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) made three at the end of the third period fro 47:51, while Cruz delivered for the Spanish outfit for 58:51. It was not all, Czechs returned for 56:58 with Katerina Elhotova's far shot. Peckova kept 58:60 margin, but Spain pushed the tempo at the end for good. Mostly due to the free throw shots Spain saved the lead and Laura Nicholls (189-C-89) set up the final, 66:59 score.
Anna Montanana top-scored for the winners with 13 points as Spain is 1-0 in the group. Cruz nailed 12, while Laura Nicholls collected 11 points and 11 rebounds. Petra Kulichova finished the night with 13 points in the losing effort. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) and Katerina Elhotova followed her with 9 points apiece in defeat.


Czech Republic: Petra Kulichova 13, Eva Viteckova 9, Katerina Elhotova 9
Spain: Anna Montanana 13, Cruz 12, Laura Nicholls 11+11 rebs

Group B
Greece - Hungary 59:43
Greek National Team earned the first win at the EuroBasket 2009 as they held off Hungary in the Group B opener. Greece grabbed the lead early in the clash and never loosened the grip en route to a comfortable success. Hungary enjoyed a narrow lead after Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) got things going in the game. Greece responded with an 11:0 run to take the lead for good in this one. Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) knocked down two treys in the starting frame as Greece ensured a 16:4 lead after ten minutes. Greece opened the second frame with a 10:3 rally to consolidate their advantage. They looked too good for Hungary throughout the period and recorded a 34:12 halftime lead after Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) fired a three-pointer late in the second quarter.
The Hungarian offense finally started to work after the major break. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84), Zsofia Fegyverneky and Bujdoso set things rolling fueling an 11:2 run. Hungary took over at the moment and cut the deficit to only 12 points after three quarters of action. However Dimitra Kalentzou came up with a timely treble midway through the final frame and Stella Kaltsidou followed with a layup as Greece restored an 18-point advantage. Hungary Zsofia Fegyverneky and Honti dragged Hungary within 14 with just over three minutes to go but it was as close as they could get. Greece never panicked and ensured the winning outcome at the end.
Stella Kaltsidou and Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) finished with 19 points apiece to lead Greece. Dimitra Kalentzou added 9 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Zsofia Fegyverneky replied with 11 points in the loss. Anna Vajda banked 9 points and 8 rebounds for Hungary.
Greece are scheduled to take on Poland, while Hungary will be tested by hosting Latvia tomorrow.

Greece: Stella Kaltsidou 19, Evanthia Maltsi 19, Dimitra Kalentzou 9
Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 11, Anna Vajda 9


Latvia -Poland 86:52
Latvia demolished Poland in the last game of the day in Liepaja. The hosts of Eurobasket won all the quarters to summarize 86:52 victory.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) put the Baltic side on an early lead as Latvia grabbed 12-1 advantage. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82, agency: Data Plus Group) reduced the game first to 12:3 and then for 14:6, however Jansone scored for 18:6. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota also closed the opening quarter at 24:12. The tempo continued in the second period with Latvia dominating the court. Jansone made a lay-up for 36:14, but Poland responded with 7-0 run. Bibrzycka made a three for 36:21 and then Tare brought plus 20 for 42:22.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota was again first to score in the second half and at the start of it it became clear that the host would taste the first victory. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) later made a jump shot to give her team 54:31 with 3 minutes in the third period. Aija Putnina (191-F-88) surprised the guests at the end of the period for 62:37. Niedola was the one to shine more in the last period for the Latvian side. The young but already experienced player made 4/4 from the field and proved that would help the team anytime in the tournament. Ewelina Kobryn scored at 77:46 with less than 4 minutes to go as the teams mostly were killing the time. Niedola made a jump shot at the end for 86:52 home victory.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota top-scored for the winners with 20 points as Latvia is 1-0 in the group. Gunta Basko nailed 18, while Aija Putnina scored 11. Ewelina Kobryn finished the night with 15 points and Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Texas) ended up with 7.

Latvia: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 20, Gunta Basko 18, Aija Putnina 11
Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 15, Daria Mieloszynska 7


Group C
Lithuania - Serbia 71:49
Lithuanian National Team celebrated the first win at the EuroBasket 2009 in Latvia. They overcame Serbia in Pool C opener in Valmiera. Lithuania led from start to finish in this one and deservedly posted the initial win at the tournament.
The Baltic team grabbed the initiative early as Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) shone bright. She reigned both defensively and offensively keeping Lithuanian team in charge. They shot down Serbia early grabbing a 16:10 advantage after ten minutes. The tempo increased in the second frame and Lithuania widened the margin. They built a 38:25 advantage at the interval fully controlling the game. Serbia conceded a 13:6 rally early in the third stanza to appear trailing by 20 points 31:51. Serbia finally showed some signs of character as they closed the third term on a 7:1 rally to enter the final quarter down by 14 points. Serbia had little chance of saving the game in the fourth quarter as Lithuania drove to a comfortable victory at the end.

Gintare Petronyte led the winners with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) ended up with 19. Valuzyte posted 11 and Staugaitiene delivered 9. Ana Perovic (197-C-78) finished the night with 11 points in the losing effort and Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) posted 8.
Lithuania will take on Turkey, while Serbia face Russia in tomorrows action.

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 20 points and 8 rebounds, Egle Stakneviciene 19

Serbia: Ana Perovic 11 points, Sonja Petrovic 8.



Russia-Turkey 74:61
Russian National Team started the Eurobasket 2009 in Latvia against Turkey. An offensive start and the powerful defense in the rest of the game brought the defending champions 74:61 victory.
First three minutes of the game were nervous for both teams and only Irina Osipova (197-C-81)'s shot made it 3:2 for Russia. In the rest of the period Russia scored very many points to finish the quarter at 29:16. Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) was the last to close the period from a free throw line. Turkey had so many difficulties to score in the second period. After 6 minutes of silence Yigit scored for 32:18 and later Turkey posted only 8 points in the frame. Palazoglu sent the teams to the lockers for 40:24.
The second half was almost even for both teams, however Turkey reduced the gap a bit. But at first Russia tasted 20-points lead as Shchegoleva netted for 48:28. Caglar cut it to minus 15 at 52:37. In the last quarter there was no such a battle as the teams were killing the time. Russia made their task to keep the score and lead for good, while Turkey tried to catch up but could not. After some baskets Turkey reduced to 12 points as Vardarli made a three. Gulsah Gumusay (180-F-89) set up the final, 74:61 score in the first game for both team in Eurobasket 2009.
Svetlana Abrosimova led the winners with 16 points for 1-0 in the group. Olga Arteshina (190-F-82) followed her with 14, while Irina Osipova nailed 11. Gulsah Gumusay ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and Nevin Nevlin (196-F/C-85, college: Stanford) scored 10.

Russia: Svetlana Abrosimova 16, Olga Arteshina 14, Irina Osipova 11
Turkey: Gulsah Gumusay 11, Nevin Nevlin 10

Group D
Belarus - Israel 81:76
Belarus posted a come-from-behind victory over Israel in EuroBasket opener for both teams. Israel had the upper hand throughout the major part of the encounter but failed to capitalize losing just at the end.
Katia Levitsky (194-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) and Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) helped Israel to stay in front at the opening stages of the game. Back-to-back trebles from Shay Doron and Liron Cohen (174-G-82) gave Israeli team a 13:7 advantage midway through the first stanza. They maintained the advantage and were up by 4 points at the first intermission 21:17. Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) and Nataliya Trafimava (186-F-79) drew things level at 25 early in the second quarter but Dori and Katia Levitsky quickly restored a 6-point lead for Israeli team. Liad Suez Karni capped the first half with a lay-up that marked a 38:30 lead for Israel.
Liad Suez Karni continued to threaten Belarus defense as he three-pointer propelled Israel to a 10-point buffer at 44:34. But Belarus reacted with an 11:0 surge that spurred Israeli confidence. Leuchanka crowned the third quarter with a jumper as Belarus entered the fourth period ahead by 4 points 52:48. The teams traded basket at the beginning of the final term before Liron Cohen leveled things up at 57. Yuliya Dureika (181-G-86) and Padabed provided Belarus with a 5-point advantage midway through the final stanza. A trey from Nataliya Trafimava gave Belarus a 7-point lead with just over 3 minutes remaining. Shay Doron and Liron Cohen narrowed the margin to 3 points with 25 seconds left to go but Anufryienka and Tatyana Troina proved deadly from the stripe to silence Israel.
Tatyana Troina recorded 16 points in the winning case. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-F/C-87) added 13 points, while Nataliya Trafimava had 11 points and 6 rebounds for Belarus. Shay Doron fired game-high 26 points for Israel. Katia Levitsky finished with 19 points and 12 boards in defeat.

Belarus: Tatyana Troina 16, Anastasiya Veremeenko 13, Nataliya Trafimava 11
Israel: Shay Doron 26, Katia Levitsky 19+12 boards


Italy-France 61:76
French National squad won the opener of Eurobasket 2009 as they rolled over Italy in Valmiera. Sandrine Gruda (191-F/C-87), being a top-scorer in the game led her team for 76:61 victory.
It was Gomis who opened the game for the winners and Sandrine Gruda to extend the lead for 7:4. Laura Macchi (187-F-79) tied the game for the Italian side and Pastore gave her team 9:7 lead. Even though Modica scored for 14:13, French side managed to win the opening quarter as Lepron hit the buzzer for 15:14. Italians were far from giving up and Modica 's three gave her team 22:19. Alexander also remained in front with Italy, but Emmeline Ndongue (191-F/C-83) sent the teams to the lockers for 34:33.
Laura Macchi, Masciadri and Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) scored each for 40:38 achievement as Italy did not slow down in the game. France however created a 6-0 run and never looked behind after. France added another 8-0 run at the end of the third period to have 13 points advantage. Emmanuelle Hermouet (184-F-80) made a three for 57:44 as France won the frame 23-11. Sandrine Gruda increased her number of points due to the last period as France scored 17 points in it. Italy produced 19 but it was not enough for the total success.
Sandrine Gruda led all the winners with 23 points for the French side to jump to 1-0 record. Emmanuelle Hermouet nailed 10, while Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (195-C-86) and Emmeline Ndongue chipped in 8 each. Laura Macchi was responsible for 16 points in defeat and Simona Ballardini scored 10.

Italy: Laura Macchi 16, Simona Ballardini 10
France: Sandrine Gruda 23, Emmanuelle Hermouet 10, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 8, Emmeline Ndongue 8


Standings Div.A (Women)
Standings
Group A (Liepaja)
1. Spain1-0
2. Slovakia1-0
3. Ukraine0-1
4. Czech Repu.0-1
Group B (Liepaja)
1. Greece1-0
2. Latvia1-0
3. Poland0-1
4. Hungary0-1
Group C (Valmiera)
1. Lithuania1-0
2. Russia1-0
3. Serbia0-1
4. Turkey0-1
Group D (Valmiera)
1. Belarus1-0
2. France1-0
3. Israel0-1
4. Italy0-1


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  FRANCE - Women  


Gruda paces France over Italy in Group D - by Eurobasket News
Italy-France 61:76

French National squad won the opener of Eurobasket 2009 as they rolled over Italy in Valmiera. Sandrine Gruda (191-F/C-87), being a top-scorer in the game led her team for 76:61 victory.
It was Gomis who opened the game for the winners and Sandrine Gruda to extend the lead for 7:4. Laura Macchi (187-F-79) tied the game for the Italian side and Pastore gave her team 9:7 lead. Even though Modica scored for 14:13, French side managed to win the opening quarter as Lepron hit the buzzer for 15:14. Italians were far from giving up and Modica 's three gave her team 22:19. Alexander also remained in front with Italy, but Emmeline Ndongue (191-F/C-83) sent the teams to the lockers for 34:33.
Laura Macchi, Masciadri and Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) scored each for 40:38 achievement as Italy did not slow down in the game. France however created a 6-0 run and never looked behind after. France added another 8-0 run at the end of the third period to have 13 points advantage. Emmanuelle Hermouet (184-F-80) made a three for 57:44 as France won the frame 23-11. Sandrine Gruda increased her number of points due to the last period as France scored 17 points in it. Italy produced 19 but it was not enough for the total success.
Sandrine Gruda led all the winners with 23 points for the French side to jump to 1-0 record. Emmanuelle Hermouet nailed 10, while Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (195-C-86) and Emmeline Ndongue chipped in 8 each. Laura Macchi was responsible for 16 points in defeat and Simona Ballardini scored 10.

Italy: Laura Macchi 16, Simona Ballardini 10
France: Sandrine Gruda 23, Emmanuelle Hermouet 10, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 8, Emmeline Ndongue 8

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  GREECE - Women  


Greece topple Hungary in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News
Greece - Hungary 59:43

Greek National Team earned the first win at the EuroBasket 2009 as they held off Hungary in the Group B opener. Greece grabbed the lead early in the clash and never loosened the grip en route to a comfortable success. Hungary enjoyed a narrow lead after Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) got things going in the game. Greece responded with an 11:0 run to take the lead for good in this one. Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) knocked down two treys in the starting frame as Greece ensured a 16:4 lead after ten minutes. Greece opened the second frame with a 10:3 rally to consolidate their advantage. They looked too good for Hungary throughout the period and recorded a 34:12 halftime lead after Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) fired a three-pointer late in the second quarter.
The Hungarian offense finally started to work after the major break. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84), Zsofia Fegyverneky and Bujdoso set things rolling fueling an 11:2 run. Hungary took over at the moment and cut the deficit to only 12 points after three quarters of action. However Dimitra Kalentzou came up with a timely treble midway through the final frame and Stella Kaltsidou followed with a layup as Greece restored an 18-point advantage. Hungary Zsofia Fegyverneky and Honti dragged Hungary within 14 with just over three minutes to go but it was as close as they could get. Greece never panicked and ensured the winning outcome at the end.
Stella Kaltsidou and Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) finished with 19 points apiece to lead Greece. Dimitra Kalentzou added 9 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Zsofia Fegyverneky replied with 11 points in the loss. Anna Vajda banked 9 points and 8 rebounds for Hungary.
Greece are scheduled to take on Poland, while Hungary will be tested by hosting Latvia tomorrow.

Greece: Stella Kaltsidou 19, Evanthia Maltsi 19, Dimitra Kalentzou 9
Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 11, Anna Vajda 9

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  HUNGARY - Women  


Greece topple Hungary in Liepaja - by Eurobasket News
Greece - Hungary 59:43

Greek National Team earned the first win at the EuroBasket 2009 as they held off Hungary in the Group B opener. Greece grabbed the lead early in the clash and never loosened the grip en route to a comfortable success. Hungary enjoyed a narrow lead after Zsofia Fegyverneky (178-G-84) got things going in the game. Greece responded with an 11:0 run to take the lead for good in this one. Dimitra Kalentzou (174-G-78) knocked down two treys in the starting frame as Greece ensured a 16:4 lead after ten minutes. Greece opened the second frame with a 10:3 rally to consolidate their advantage. They looked too good for Hungary throughout the period and recorded a 34:12 halftime lead after Stella Kaltsidou (187-C/F-83) fired a three-pointer late in the second quarter.
The Hungarian offense finally started to work after the major break. Anna Vajda (191-F/C-84), Zsofia Fegyverneky and Bujdoso set things rolling fueling an 11:2 run. Hungary took over at the moment and cut the deficit to only 12 points after three quarters of action. However Dimitra Kalentzou came up with a timely treble midway through the final frame and Stella Kaltsidou followed with a layup as Greece restored an 18-point advantage. Hungary Zsofia Fegyverneky and Honti dragged Hungary within 14 with just over three minutes to go but it was as close as they could get. Greece never panicked and ensured the winning outcome at the end.
Stella Kaltsidou and Evanthia Maltsi (180-F-78) finished with 19 points apiece to lead Greece. Dimitra Kalentzou added 9 points, 6 boards and 4 assists for the winners. Zsofia Fegyverneky replied with 11 points in the loss. Anna Vajda banked 9 points and 8 rebounds for Hungary.
Greece are scheduled to take on Poland, while Hungary will be tested by hosting Latvia tomorrow.

Greece: Stella Kaltsidou 19, Evanthia Maltsi 19, Dimitra Kalentzou 9
Hungary: Zsofia Fegyverneky 11, Anna Vajda 9

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  ISRAEL - Women  


ISRAELI NATIONAL TEAM - by Gil Goshen

Belarus vs. Israel 81:76


Although it was outstanding performance of the Israeli team
who led by Liron Cohen 17 points and 4 ast, S. Doron 26 points and K. Levitzky
19 points 12 rbs, the Israeli national team lost the first game
vs. Belarus who led by T. Troina 16 points, A. Veramenka 13 points and Y. Dmreika 10 points..
The Israeli team will play tomorrow vs. Italy - very crucial game for both teams.

Belarus account for Israel - by Eurobasket News
Belarus - Israel 81:76

Belarus posted a come-from-behind victory over Israel in EuroBasket opener for both teams. Israel had the upper hand throughout the major part of the encounter but failed to capitalize losing just at the end.
Katia Levitsky (194-C-85, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Villanova) and Shay Doron (175-G-85, college: Maryland) helped Israel to stay in front at the opening stages of the game. Back-to-back trebles from Shay Doron and Liron Cohen (174-G-82) gave Israeli team a 13:7 advantage midway through the first stanza. They maintained the advantage and were up by 4 points at the first intermission 21:17. Tatyana Troina (188-F/C-81, college: S.Carolina) and Nataliya Trafimava (186-F-79) drew things level at 25 early in the second quarter but Dori and Katia Levitsky quickly restored a 6-point lead for Israeli team. Liad Suez Karni capped the first half with a lay-up that marked a 38:30 lead for Israel.
Liad Suez Karni continued to threaten Belarus defense as he three-pointer propelled Israel to a 10-point buffer at 44:34. But Belarus reacted with an 11:0 surge that spurred Israeli confidence. Leuchanka crowned the third quarter with a jumper as Belarus entered the fourth period ahead by 4 points 52:48. The teams traded basket at the beginning of the final term before Liron Cohen leveled things up at 57. Yuliya Dureika (181-G-86) and Padabed provided Belarus with a 5-point advantage midway through the final stanza. A trey from Nataliya Trafimava gave Belarus a 7-point lead with just over 3 minutes remaining. Shay Doron and Liron Cohen narrowed the margin to 3 points with 25 seconds left to go but Anufryienka and Tatyana Troina proved deadly from the stripe to silence Israel.
Tatyana Troina recorded 16 points in the winning case. Anastasiya Veremeenko (192-F/C-87) added 13 points, while Nataliya Trafimava had 11 points and 6 rebounds for Belarus. Shay Doron fired game-high 26 points for Israel. Katia Levitsky finished with 19 points and 12 boards in defeat.

Belarus: Tatyana Troina 16, Anastasiya Veremeenko 13, Nataliya Trafimava 11
Israel: Shay Doron 26, Katia Levitsky 19+12 boards

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  ITALY - Women  


Gruda paces France over Italy in Group D - by Eurobasket News
Italy-France 61:76

French National squad won the opener of Eurobasket 2009 as they rolled over Italy in Valmiera. Sandrine Gruda (191-F/C-87), being a top-scorer in the game led her team for 76:61 victory.
It was Gomis who opened the game for the winners and Sandrine Gruda to extend the lead for 7:4. Laura Macchi (187-F-79) tied the game for the Italian side and Pastore gave her team 9:7 lead. Even though Modica scored for 14:13, French side managed to win the opening quarter as Lepron hit the buzzer for 15:14. Italians were far from giving up and Modica 's three gave her team 22:19. Alexander also remained in front with Italy, but Emmeline Ndongue (191-F/C-83) sent the teams to the lockers for 34:33.
Laura Macchi, Masciadri and Simona Ballardini (183-F-81) scored each for 40:38 achievement as Italy did not slow down in the game. France however created a 6-0 run and never looked behind after. France added another 8-0 run at the end of the third period to have 13 points advantage. Emmanuelle Hermouet (184-F-80) made a three for 57:44 as France won the frame 23-11. Sandrine Gruda increased her number of points due to the last period as France scored 17 points in it. Italy produced 19 but it was not enough for the total success.
Sandrine Gruda led all the winners with 23 points for the French side to jump to 1-0 record. Emmanuelle Hermouet nailed 10, while Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui (195-C-86) and Emmeline Ndongue chipped in 8 each. Laura Macchi was responsible for 16 points in defeat and Simona Ballardini scored 10.

Italy: Laura Macchi 16, Simona Ballardini 10
France: Sandrine Gruda 23, Emmanuelle Hermouet 10, Isabelle Yacoubou-Dehoui 8, Emmeline Ndongue 8

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  LATVIA - Women  


Latvia demolishes Poland - by Eurobasket News
Latvia -Poland 86:52

Latvia demolished Poland in the last game of the day in Liepaja. The hosts of Eurobasket won all the quarters to summarize 86:52 victory.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) put the Baltic side on an early lead as Latvia grabbed 12-1 advantage. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82, agency: Data Plus Group) reduced the game first to 12:3 and then for 14:6, however Jansone scored for 18:6. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota also closed the opening quarter at 24:12. The tempo continued in the second period with Latvia dominating the court. Jansone made a lay-up for 36:14, but Poland responded with 7-0 run. Bibrzycka made a three for 36:21 and then Tare brought plus 20 for 42:22.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota was again first to score in the second half and at the start of it it became clear that the host would taste the first victory. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) later made a jump shot to give her team 54:31 with 3 minutes in the third period. Aija Putnina (191-F-88) surprised the guests at the end of the period for 62:37. Niedola was the one to shine more in the last period for the Latvian side. The young but already experienced player made 4/4 from the field and proved that would help the team anytime in the tournament. Ewelina Kobryn scored at 77:46 with less than 4 minutes to go as the teams mostly were killing the time. Niedola made a jump shot at the end for 86:52 home victory.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota top-scored for the winners with 20 points as Latvia is 1-0 in the group. Gunta Basko nailed 18, while Aija Putnina scored 11. Ewelina Kobryn finished the night with 15 points and Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Texas) ended up with 7.

Latvia: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 20, Gunta Basko 18, Aija Putnina 11
Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 15, Daria Mieloszynska 7

Latvia U18 celebrate second win over Belarus - by Eurobasket News
Latvian U18 National Team ensured the second straight victory over Belarusian opponents. This time Latvia looked even more convincing as they registered a 72:46 success. Belarus tried to surprise Latvia with zone defense early but the hosts were ready for the challenge. They took over and ran away to a comfortable distance. But a substantial number of turnovers did not allow Latvia to clear off. Belarus trailed by just 5 points at the first intermission. Latvia stayed calm and gradually extended the margin to 10 points. The scoreboard read 41:31 at halftime break. The hosts closed their opponents defensively and easily widened the gap. Latvian youngsters piled up a 22-point lead with ten minutes remaining. Belarus never recovered and suffered another defeat at the end.
Ance Celmina (188-F/C-91) produced 16 points to pace Latvia. Linda Pagrode (172-G-92) added 14 points and 6 boards, while Anna Sonka (179-F-91) had 11 points in the victory.
Latvia will take part at the U18 European Championship starting on July 2.

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  LITHUANIA - Women  


Lithuania take down Serbia in EuroBasket opener - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Serbia 71:49

Lithuanian National Team celebrated the first win at the EuroBasket 2009 in Latvia. They overcame Serbia in Pool C opener in Valmiera. Lithuania led from start to finish in this one and deservedly posted the initial win at the tournament.
The Baltic team grabbed the initiative early as Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) shone bright. She reigned both defensively and offensively keeping Lithuanian team in charge. They shot down Serbia early grabbing a 16:10 advantage after ten minutes. The tempo increased in the second frame and Lithuania widened the margin. They built a 38:25 advantage at the interval fully controlling the game. Serbia conceded a 13:6 rally early in the third stanza to appear trailing by 20 points 31:51. Serbia finally showed some signs of character as they closed the third term on a 7:1 rally to enter the final quarter down by 14 points. Serbia had little chance of saving the game in the fourth quarter as Lithuania drove to a comfortable victory at the end.

Gintare Petronyte led the winners with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) ended up with 19. Valuzyte posted 11 and Staugaitiene delivered 9. Ana Perovic (197-C-78) finished the night with 11 points in the losing effort and Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) posted 8.
Lithuania will take on Turkey, while Serbia face Russia in tomorrows action.

'

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 20 points and 8 rebounds, Egle Stakneviciene 19

Serbia: Ana Perovic 11 points, Sonja Petrovic 8.




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  NIGERIA - Women  


Our best yet to come, says First Deepwater Coach...As team cancel break, for Zenith league - by Olusegun Ikuesan
Head coach of First Deepwater basketball club, Lateef Erinfolami has rated the performance of his players in the just concluded 3-Day Classics put together by his club to serve as pre-season tournament ahead the 2009 Zenith Bank Women Premier League schedule to dunk-off on June 25 in Kaduna.

Coach Latua as he is fondly called told our correspondent that the tournament came at the right time as the coaching crew is afforded the opportunity to access the level of preparedness of the players for the challenges ahead.

The former Nigeria international says his players lived up to expectation and deserved to be applauded but believed their output will get better by every game played.

The former head coach of Delta Force basketball club of Asaba described the performance of the players in the three games played during the Classics as electrifying.

He says fans are yet to see the best of his team, promising to correct the lapses noticed during the Classics ahead the first phase of the Zenith Bank Women league starting in Kaduna on June 25.

The coach said the team proposed break has been cancelled due to the announcement last Wednesday of the commencement of the season by the Nigeria Basketball Federation.

Gains of First Deepwater Classics - by Olusegun Ikuesan
The 3-Day basketball classics put together by First Deepwater basketball club of Lagos and sponsored by it parent company, First Deepwater Discovery Limited from June 1 through June 3 has been applauded as a proper preparatory tournament ahead the Zenith Bank Women Premier league.

Coach Ganiu Otenigbagbe who was the tournament leading Match Commissioner says both the First Deepwater team and company has done Nigeria basketball lots of good with its various competition on its stable.

The former Director of Sports of the Lagos State Sports Council told our correspondent that he was thrilled by the turn-out of fans at the sports hall of the national stadium, Lagos to catch a glimpse of action in the 3-Day classics.

Coach Otenigbagbe, however, urged other clubs in the country to borrow a leaf from the good work of First Deepwater by sponsoring one or two tournaments annually.

If a young team as First Deepwater basketball club can put this type of wonderful tournament which in my assessment I think the tournament came at the right especially when the Nigeria Basketball Federation just role out its programme for the Zenith Bank Women Premier League.

I want to use this occasion to call on other clubs to emulate the good work of First Deepwater basketball club by sponsoring one tournament in a year because this is the only way our teams and players can get better when they play more matches, Coach Otenigbagbe concluded.

Coach OBrien Adoki, the Secretary General of Nigeria Basketball Referee Association and technical director of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Association thanked First Deepwater for having the foresight of staging such a wonderful tournament.

Adoki who is also a senior lecturer at the nation foremost sports institute, National Institute for Sports, N.I.S says though First Bank basketball club won the classics by 66-63 points but applauded the performance of First Deepwater for putting a big fight against the Nigeria perennial champion.
He urged the management of the club not to relent in their bid to help reposition Nigeria basketball through its various activities.

John Abimbola Faniran, former member of the Lagos State Basketball Association was full of words of encouragement for the management of First Deepwater basketball club for single-handedly sponsoring and organizing the 3-Day classics which he described as a good tournament.

The Ivy League coordinator says the classics came at a time when there is palpable silence in the nation basketball.

Faniran says Nigeria basketball will be better for it if teams and players could play as many games as possible and join force with other stakeholders to appeal to other clubs in the country to take a cue from the large hearted effort of First Deepwater basketball club especially when the club is very new.

If a new team can do this then other clubs in the country have no excuse not to have one or two tournament on their calendar for the over all benefit of the nation basketball because the more game a player plays the better he or she will become same thing for the coaches and every other person that is involve with the game.

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  POLAND - Women  


Latvia demolishes Poland - by Eurobasket News
Latvia -Poland 86:52

Latvia demolished Poland in the last game of the day in Liepaja. The hosts of Eurobasket won all the quarters to summarize 86:52 victory.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (177-G-83) put the Baltic side on an early lead as Latvia grabbed 12-1 advantage. Ewelina Kobryn (193-C-82, agency: Data Plus Group) reduced the game first to 12:3 and then for 14:6, however Jansone scored for 18:6. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota also closed the opening quarter at 24:12. The tempo continued in the second period with Latvia dominating the court. Jansone made a lay-up for 36:14, but Poland responded with 7-0 run. Bibrzycka made a three for 36:21 and then Tare brought plus 20 for 42:22.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota was again first to score in the second half and at the start of it it became clear that the host would taste the first victory. Gunta Basko (181-F-80, college: Siena) later made a jump shot to give her team 54:31 with 3 minutes in the third period. Aija Putnina (191-F-88) surprised the guests at the end of the period for 62:37. Niedola was the one to shine more in the last period for the Latvian side. The young but already experienced player made 4/4 from the field and proved that would help the team anytime in the tournament. Ewelina Kobryn scored at 77:46 with less than 4 minutes to go as the teams mostly were killing the time. Niedola made a jump shot at the end for 86:52 home victory.
Anete Jekabsone-Zogota top-scored for the winners with 20 points as Latvia is 1-0 in the group. Gunta Basko nailed 18, while Aija Putnina scored 11. Ewelina Kobryn finished the night with 15 points and Daria Mieloszynska (188-F-83, agency: Data Plus Group, college: Texas) ended up with 7.

Latvia: Anete Jekabsone-Zogota 20, Gunta Basko 18, Aija Putnina 11
Poland: Ewelina Kobryn 15, Daria Mieloszynska 7

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  RUSSIA - Women  


The defending champions start in style - by Eurobasket News
Russia-Turkey 74:61

Russian National Team started the Eurobasket 2009 in Latvia against Turkey. An offensive start and the powerful defense in the rest of the game brought the defending champions 74:61 victory.
First three minutes of the game were nervous for both teams and only Irina Osipova (197-C-81)'s shot made it 3:2 for Russia. In the rest of the period Russia scored very many points to finish the quarter at 29:16. Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) was the last to close the period from a free throw line. Turkey had so many difficulties to score in the second period. After 6 minutes of silence Yigit scored for 32:18 and later Turkey posted only 8 points in the frame. Palazoglu sent the teams to the lockers for 40:24.
The second half was almost even for both teams, however Turkey reduced the gap a bit. But at first Russia tasted 20-points lead as Shchegoleva netted for 48:28. Caglar cut it to minus 15 at 52:37. In the last quarter there was no such a battle as the teams were killing the time. Russia made their task to keep the score and lead for good, while Turkey tried to catch up but could not. After some baskets Turkey reduced to 12 points as Vardarli made a three. Gulsah Gumusay (180-F-89) set up the final, 74:61 score in the first game for both team in Eurobasket 2009.
Svetlana Abrosimova led the winners with 16 points for 1-0 in the group. Olga Arteshina (190-F-82) followed her with 14, while Irina Osipova nailed 11. Gulsah Gumusay ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and Nevin Nevlin (196-F/C-85, college: Stanford) scored 10.

Russia: Svetlana Abrosimova 16, Olga Arteshina 14, Irina Osipova 11
Turkey: Gulsah Gumusay 11, Nevin Nevlin 10

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  SERBIA - Women  


22 points more on Lithuania's account - by Zoran Bogdanovic
Lithuania-Serbia 71:49 (16:10, 22:15, 14:13, 19:11)
Opening game against Lithuania wasnt successful for young Serbian players like the first match-up of these two nations in the Preliminary Round of the 2005 EuroBasket Women (win for Serbia & Montenegro 77-74 ) .
Advantage for Lithuania was growing from quarter to quarter. The biggest advantage was 29 points for Lithuania NT in 38th minute of the game. The player of the game was Gintare Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89).

Lithuania take down Serbia in EuroBasket opener - by Eurobasket News

Lithuania - Serbia 71:49

Lithuanian National Team celebrated the first win at the EuroBasket 2009 in Latvia. They overcame Serbia in Pool C opener in Valmiera. Lithuania led from start to finish in this one and deservedly posted the initial win at the tournament.
The Baltic team grabbed the initiative early as Gintare Petronyte (195-C-89) shone bright. She reigned both defensively and offensively keeping Lithuanian team in charge. They shot down Serbia early grabbing a 16:10 advantage after ten minutes. The tempo increased in the second frame and Lithuania widened the margin. They built a 38:25 advantage at the interval fully controlling the game. Serbia conceded a 13:6 rally early in the third stanza to appear trailing by 20 points 31:51. Serbia finally showed some signs of character as they closed the third term on a 7:1 rally to enter the final quarter down by 14 points. Serbia had little chance of saving the game in the fourth quarter as Lithuania drove to a comfortable victory at the end.

Gintare Petronyte led the winners with 20 points and 8 rebounds, while Egle Stakneviciene (190-C/F-85) ended up with 19. Valuzyte posted 11 and Staugaitiene delivered 9. Ana Perovic (197-C-78) finished the night with 11 points in the losing effort and Sonja Petrovic (189-F-89) posted 8.
Lithuania will take on Turkey, while Serbia face Russia in tomorrows action.

'

Lithuania: Gintare Petronyte 20 points and 8 rebounds, Egle Stakneviciene 19

Serbia: Ana Perovic 11 points, Sonja Petrovic 8.




Igor Skocovski stays in Slovakia - by Dragana Vukovic
Managenment of ZBK Whirpool Poprad announced that they extended the contract with coach Igor Skocovski .Last season he led team to the fifth place in League.Management were satisfied with his work so they decided to keep him for the next season.As a prize for a good work in Slovakia he got an ivitation to be an assistant coach in U18 National Team.Slovakian U18 National Team will take part on European Championship in Sweden this summer.

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  SLOVAKIA - Women  


Slovak Republic open EuroBasket with rout of Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic - Ukraine 77:55

EuroBasket 2009 tipped off in Liepaja today. Slovak Republic coasted to an impressive starting win as they toppled Ukraine in Pool A action.
Alyoshkina and Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) gave Ukraine an early 7:4 lead. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) came up with a jumper as Ukraine cleared off to a 9:4 lead with just under 3 minutes gone in the encounter. However Slovak Republic immediately responded with 7:0 run to surge in front. Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) and Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) capped the opening frame with 7 points to give Slovakia a 26:16 advantage. Vynuchalova and Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) tipped off the second frame with 4 points in a row as Slovakia started to get away. Soon Lucia Laskova and Zuzana Zirkova stretched the gap to as many as 15 points. Slovakia crowned the first half with 13 straight points to go into the locker rooms ahead by 26 points. Zherzherunova and Olena Ogorodnikova sparked Ukraines hopes with four consecutive points at the start of the third stanza. Zuzana Zirkova and Hrickova managed the effort with buckets of their own. But Ukraine persisted as Olena Ogorodnikova and Olexandra Gorbunova dragged them within 22 points. Malashenko knocked down two free throws to ignite a 7:0 run from Ukraine as they got as close as 17 points. But Zuzana Zirkova and Martina Luptakova (184-F-77) had the last laugh in the third term as Slovakia enjoyed a 64:43 advantage with ten minutes to go. Slovakia wisely kept their opponents at bay throughout the fourth term.
Zuzana Zirkova finished with 16 points to pace Slovak Republic. Ivana Jalcova and Martina Luptakova added 12 points apiece for the winners. Olena Ogorodnikova fired 16 points for Ukraine. Olexandra Gorbunova accounted for 11 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
Ukraine will face Spain, while Slovakia will play against Czech Republic tomorrow.

Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova 16, Ivana Jalcova 12, Martina Luptakova 12
Ukraine: Olena Ogorodnikova 16, Olexandra Gorbunova 11

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  SPAIN - Women  


Spain overcame a slow start to beat Czech Republic - by Eurobasket News
Czech Republic-Spain 59:66

Spanish National team overcame the low start and won over Czech Republic in Group A of Eurobasket 2009. The finalist of the previous championship trailed 9 points after the opening quarter, however grabbed 66:59 win in the opener.
Petra Kulichova (198-C-84) put Czech Republic in front as her team played much better in the opening quarter. It was her again for 8:6 lead and then Bednarova made a jump shot for 17:12. Palau only managed to reduce score for the Spanish side that trailed 14:23 at the end of the first 10 minutes of the game. Spain looked however better after the short rest and even trailing 20:27 Torrens made a jump shot for 24:27 to ask the opponent's coach for the timeout. Spain produced 18-9 in the second frame to tie the game at the end of the first half as Anna Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) made a three for her team.
Czech Republic remained in front for another 5 minutes of the third period, but Czech Republic scored for 42:40 to bury the Czechs hopes for the win. Katerina Elhotova (179-G-89) made three at the end of the third period fro 47:51, while Cruz delivered for the Spanish outfit for 58:51. It was not all, Czechs returned for 56:58 with Katerina Elhotova's far shot. Peckova kept 58:60 margin, but Spain pushed the tempo at the end for good. Mostly due to the free throw shots Spain saved the lead and Laura Nicholls (189-C-89) set up the final, 66:59 score.
Anna Montanana top-scored for the winners with 13 points as Spain is 1-0 in the group. Cruz nailed 12, while Laura Nicholls collected 11 points and 11 rebounds. Petra Kulichova finished the night with 13 points in the losing effort. Eva Viteckova (190-F-82) and Katerina Elhotova followed her with 9 points apiece in defeat.


Czech Republic: Petra Kulichova 13, Eva Viteckova 9, Katerina Elhotova 9
Spain: Anna Montanana 13, Cruz 12, Laura Nicholls 11+11 rebs

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  SWEDEN - Women  


Sweden U18 finishes the campaign in Reze - by Eurobasket News
After the first loss from the French side, Sweden U18 won the last three game s of the tournament. The youngsters showed their experience and good basketball achievement.
Sweden rolled over China 78:72 mostly due to the third period. The European side opened the game with 19:15 after the opening quarter, however did not keep the score at the end of the half. China responded with 24-17 in the second period to take 3-point lead at the halftime. The third frame belonged to Swedish side that produced 24-10 in it to control the game. China climbed back and tied the agme at 65:65, but lost at the end anyway. Even though Asian team had 23-18 in the last period, Sweden won 78:72. Frida Fogdemark (185-F-91) led the winners with 20 points, while Farhiya Adbi netted 19. Cleopatra Forsman-Goga (180-G-91) notched 18, whilst Sally Kabengano had 13 and Binta Drammeh (179-F-92) added 6.
Later Sweden rolled over Czech Republic team 82:68. The latter was more confident in the first quarter and took 23-17 advantage. Sweden responded with 23-16 in the second period to be the leader in the court at the halftime. A 26-19 in the third quarter lifted them up to 8 points entering the last period and they were managed to add another 16-10 in the last stanza. Farhiya Abdi (185-F/C-92) top-scored for the winners with 21 points and Cleopatra Forsman-Goga posted 14. Frida Fogdemark delivered 11, while Binta Drammeh netted 9. Mia Hakim (162-G-92) had 8, Kajsa Lundahl (179-F-91) and Sally Kabengano 7 each, whilst Sandra Ngoie poured in 5.
In their last game of the tournament played on June 7th Sweden beat Russia 69:54. As in the previous game Sweden lost the beginning of the game, but managed to win the matchup. Russia produced 16-14 in the opening frame, however lost the second 13-17. Sweden was too good in the second half and won at first the third period 20-11 and then the last 18-14. Farhiya Abdi and Cleopatra Forsman-Goga were responsible for 20 points to lead the winners. Frida Fogdemark produced 12 and Hayet Neffati scored 5. Ida Aasa and Sandra Ngoie notched 3 apiece, while Mia Hakim, Kajsa Lundahl and Binta Drammeh added 2 each.

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  TURKEY - Women  


The defending champions start in style - by Eurobasket News
Russia-Turkey 74:61

Russian National Team started the Eurobasket 2009 in Latvia against Turkey. An offensive start and the powerful defense in the rest of the game brought the defending champions 74:61 victory.
First three minutes of the game were nervous for both teams and only Irina Osipova (197-C-81)'s shot made it 3:2 for Russia. In the rest of the period Russia scored very many points to finish the quarter at 29:16. Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) was the last to close the period from a free throw line. Turkey had so many difficulties to score in the second period. After 6 minutes of silence Yigit scored for 32:18 and later Turkey posted only 8 points in the frame. Palazoglu sent the teams to the lockers for 40:24.
The second half was almost even for both teams, however Turkey reduced the gap a bit. But at first Russia tasted 20-points lead as Shchegoleva netted for 48:28. Caglar cut it to minus 15 at 52:37. In the last quarter there was no such a battle as the teams were killing the time. Russia made their task to keep the score and lead for good, while Turkey tried to catch up but could not. After some baskets Turkey reduced to 12 points as Vardarli made a three. Gulsah Gumusay (180-F-89) set up the final, 74:61 score in the first game for both team in Eurobasket 2009.
Svetlana Abrosimova led the winners with 16 points for 1-0 in the group. Olga Arteshina (190-F-82) followed her with 14, while Irina Osipova nailed 11. Gulsah Gumusay ended up with 11 points in the losing effort and Nevin Nevlin (196-F/C-85, college: Stanford) scored 10.

Russia: Svetlana Abrosimova 16, Olga Arteshina 14, Irina Osipova 11
Turkey: Gulsah Gumusay 11, Nevin Nevlin 10

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  UKRAINE - Women  


Slovak Republic open EuroBasket with rout of Ukraine - by Eurobasket News
Slovak Republic - Ukraine 77:55

EuroBasket 2009 tipped off in Liepaja today. Slovak Republic coasted to an impressive starting win as they toppled Ukraine in Pool A action.
Alyoshkina and Olena Ogorodnikova (186-F-81) gave Ukraine an early 7:4 lead. Olexandra Gorbunova (186-F-86) came up with a jumper as Ukraine cleared off to a 9:4 lead with just under 3 minutes gone in the encounter. However Slovak Republic immediately responded with 7:0 run to surge in front. Lucia Laskova (187-F-80, agency: LBM Management) and Ivana Jalcova (182-G-83) capped the opening frame with 7 points to give Slovakia a 26:16 advantage. Vynuchalova and Zuzana Zirkova (175-F/G-80) tipped off the second frame with 4 points in a row as Slovakia started to get away. Soon Lucia Laskova and Zuzana Zirkova stretched the gap to as many as 15 points. Slovakia crowned the first half with 13 straight points to go into the locker rooms ahead by 26 points. Zherzherunova and Olena Ogorodnikova sparked Ukraines hopes with four consecutive points at the start of the third stanza. Zuzana Zirkova and Hrickova managed the effort with buckets of their own. But Ukraine persisted as Olena Ogorodnikova and Olexandra Gorbunova dragged them within 22 points. Malashenko knocked down two free throws to ignite a 7:0 run from Ukraine as they got as close as 17 points. But Zuzana Zirkova and Martina Luptakova (184-F-77) had the last laugh in the third term as Slovakia enjoyed a 64:43 advantage with ten minutes to go. Slovakia wisely kept their opponents at bay throughout the fourth term.
Zuzana Zirkova finished with 16 points to pace Slovak Republic. Ivana Jalcova and Martina Luptakova added 12 points apiece for the winners. Olena Ogorodnikova fired 16 points for Ukraine. Olexandra Gorbunova accounted for 11 points and 8 rebounds in defeat.
Ukraine will face Spain, while Slovakia will play against Czech Republic tomorrow.

Slovak Republic: Zuzana Zirkova 16, Ivana Jalcova 12, Martina Luptakova 12
Ukraine: Olena Ogorodnikova 16, Olexandra Gorbunova 11

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  WNBA - Women  


Dream waive guard Latta - by Eurobasket News
The Atlanta Dream waived guard Ivory Latta (5'6''-G-84, agency: 540 Sports, college: N.Carolina) on Wednesday. Latta, a 5-foot-6 guard, started 31 of 34 games for the Dream in their inaugural season last year. She averaged 11.4 points, 2.1 rebounds and 3.6 assists a game.

The third-year player from North Carolina led the Dream in assists and finished second in scoring during a 4-30 campaign.

Ivory has been a great ambassador for the Dream, and our fans should be assured that this was not an easy decision for our staff to make, Dream general manager and coach Marynell Meadors said in a statement. With our numerous offseason additions and the new 11-player roster limit, we had to make some tough decisions based on what our team needs.

The Dream finalized their 11-player roster by Friday.

Courtesy of www.ajc.com